August’s Sacred Space Visit: The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The journey continues on Tuesday, August 13, as we visit another sacred space. Join Diane Conroy-LaCivita as she travels to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the mother church of the Diocese of Albany, which is located in the Mansion District of downtown Albany adjacent to the Empire State Plaza.

A young Irish architect, Patrick Charles Keely (1816-1896), who emigrated to New York in 1842 at the age of 26, was tasked with designing and building Albany’s Cathedral. Built during the period of 1848 to 1852, the Catholic Church campaigned throughout the United States and the world to raise funds to build the structure. At the time, the Cathedral cost approximately $250,000 to build ($6.5 million in today’s dollars). On November 21, 1852, Bishop McCloskey, Archbishop John Hughes of New York, and other major church leaders dedicated the Cathedral. In 1976, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Attendees will be provided a guided tour of the restored Cathedral. Please wear comfortable shoes. There will be walking involved.

The CSSC shuttle bus will leave The Beltrone Living Center at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 12 noon. Space is limited. To make a reservation, please call Sharon Herald at 518-459-2857 ext. 302.