St. Michael's Cathedral and Car Hire Toronto
Visit one of Toronto’s oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals when you travel with your car hire Toronto. St. Michael’s Cathedral is the principle church of Canada’s largest English- speaking Catholic archdiocese of the Toronto Cardinal Archbishop. Located on 200 Church St. in downtown Toronto, at Bond and Shuter Streets, east of Yonge St. St. Michael’s Cathedral offers a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city it is situated in.
A Toronto relic
The original plan for the cathedral drew some apprehension from the Canadian Confederation due to their belief that its location on the northern section of the market garden was too far from the city centre. However, when you visit St. Michael’s Cathedral today, you will find that it is only a few blocks away from Toronto’s City Hall, the financial district and the Eaton Centre.
A church for the people
St. Michael’s Cathedral was built in 1845 by William Thomas. Fr. Michael Power, pastor of La Prairie Quebec was named the first bishop of Toronto on December 17, 1841. With the combination of Bishop Power’s own personal savings and funds from penny collection mainly from Irish immigrants, St. Michael’s Cathedral’s cornerstone was able to be laid on May 8, 1845. Honorable mentions include John Elmsley and his friend Samuel G. Lynn both converts to Catholicism that spearheaded the Cathedral building fund and contributed much time and effort.
Withstanding the test of time
St. Michael’s Cathedral’s is an interpretation of Norman York Minster Cathedral a 14th century English Gothic style building. The cornerstone contains pieces of stone pillar from the old Norman York Minister Cathedral as well as pieces of the oak roof represents this connection. St. Michael’s Cathedral has changed a lot since its original dedication. The brick structure has darkened with age, and a tower and steeple have been added to the original building. In addition, the once clear panes of glass have been replaces with beautiful stained- glass window art. However, despite these changes, the structural integrity of the church remains.
Changes from the inside and out
The interior of St. Michael’s Cathedral also went through many changes beginning in 1980 under Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter and his Cathedral Rector, Monsignor Kenneth Robitaille. A new marble high altar, pulpit, and altar of the Blessed Sacrament, decorated in a Gothic style that matches the Cathedral's architecture, were added to a raised sanctuary. A semi-circular oak reredos was constructed behind the altar and six smaller chairs were placed on either side of the episcopal chair. The wooden Gothic canopy, which used to stand over the archiepiscopal chair, the sanctuary lamp, and other beautiful Gothic decorations were combined to create a splendid shrine for the Blessed Sacrament on the right-hand side of the sanctuary.
The sound of history
When you visit St. Michael’s Cathedral with your car hire Toronto today you will find that the music is provided by the original organ that was installed by Archbishop Joseph Lynch in 1880.
Before you go...
The church is open every day beginning from 7 am Monday to Saturday and 8 am on Sundays. Sunday Service is held at 10:30 am and noon. You will definitely want to check out the renowned St. Michael’s Boys Choir after mass at 5 pm when you travel with your car hire Toronto. Other services are also provided including Reconciliation, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Rosary following mass.
For more information on St. Michael’s Cathedral when you travel with your car hire Toronto visit their official website at http://www.stmichaelscathedral.com/ or call (416) 364 – 0234.