Saint Patrick

Our History: From Irish Famine Parish to Dominican Priory

Until 1850, all Catholics in Columbus attended Holy Cross Church near German Village, the Mother Church of Catholicism in the city. By 1850, the German- and English-speaking congregations had outgrown the building, and Holy Cross voted to release the English-speaking (largely Irish) Catholics to form a new parish. In February 1851, Archbishop John Baptist Purcell of Cincinnati approved creation of St. Patrick's and appointed Rev. John Furlong as its first pastor. The new parish took its name from Ireland's patron saint, and the site selected was at what was then called 'Irish Broadway' — the corner of Grant Avenue and Naghten Street. Rev. James Meagher negotiated the purchase of the lot for $1,000 from Robert E. Neill; a Norman Gothic design with two towers 'patterned after the ancient castles of Ireland' was chosen. Archbishop Purcell laid the cornerstone on September 5, 1852 and solemnly dedicated the new church on September 25, 1853. St. Patrick's was the first Catholic church in Columbus to have a bell (c. 1855) and quickly added side altars and a pipe organ. A school building followed in 1854 (Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for girls, Brothers of the Holy Cross for boys) and a rectory in 1857. The parish outgrew the church during the Civil War, and pastor Rev. Edward Fitzgerald purchased land on Broad Street for what would become St. Joseph's Cathedral. Fitzgerald was consecrated Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas by Pope Pius IX in 1867.

Pro-Cathedral of the New Diocese of Columbus (1867–1872)

In February 1867, the Right Reverend Sylvester Rosecrans arrived in Columbus announcing himself simply as 'Pastor of St. Patrick's' — though in fact he was the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Columbus. St. Patrick's served as the pro-cathedral until Christmas Day 1872, when St. Joseph Cathedral was consecrated and Rosecrans moved to the Cathedral rectory. The parish continued to grow under subsequent diocesan pastors, adding large brick buttresses c. 1877 to shore up weakening walls and replacing the original wood-shingle roof with slate in the 1880s. In 1882, the first lifelike images of saints were painted directly on the walls and ceiling. In 1885, Bishop John Watterson invited the Dominican Order to take over administration of the parish — a relationship that continues today.

• 1855 – brick structure of the church complete
• 1877 – large brick buttresses added to strengthen walls
• 1880s – wood-shingle roof replaced with slate
• 1882 – first lifelike images of saints painted on walls and ceiling
• 1885 – Bishop John Watterson invites the Dominican Order (Province of Saint Joseph) to take over administration

The Dominican Century (1885–Present)

Under Dominican leadership the parish grew. The first church organ was installed in the early 1890s. In September 1905, Bishop James Hartley — himself a 'son of the parish' — invited the friars to establish Aquinas High School (later renamed from the original St. Patrick High School). In 1909 Bishop Hartley donated the main altar in thanksgiving for his own vocation, and in 1920 the magnificent Belgian stained-glass windows were installed. In 1935 the Great Fire destroyed the roof and organ but spared the walls and stained glass; the church was rebuilt within a year and the Shrine and Guild of Blessed Margaret (of Castello) was established by Fr. James McKenna, O.P. The post-war decades saw Catholic families migrate to the suburbs; the elementary school closed in 1959 and Aquinas High School closed in 1965 (the building now belongs to Columbus State Community College). After a difficult 1970s and '80s as an aging inner-city parish, faithful Catholics were drawn back in the 1990s by orthodox Dominican preaching. The parish completed a parish center and church refurbishment in September 2003, on the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of its founding. In January 2016 the parish hosted the Dominican Province of St. Joseph's launch of the Order's 800th Jubilee Year, with Mass broadcast on EWTN and a gala at the Ohio Statehouse; that month also saw the church's first live-stream broadcast. In March 2016 Fr. Peter Totleben, O.P. was ordained in the church — the first ordination there since the 19th century. In September 2017 the Dominican community was elevated to Priory status, guaranteeing at least six friars in residence. The 83-year-old slate roof was replaced in 2018 (with lightning protection), and the restored Muller II/22 pipe organ was dedicated in November 2019.

• 1905 – Aquinas High School founded by Dominicans
• 1909 – Bishop Hartley donates the main altar
• 1920 – Belgian stained-glass windows installed
• May 28, 1935 – Great Fire destroys roof and organ; walls and stained glass saved
• 1935–36 – Stations of the Cross, confessionals and new organ installed; Shrine & Guild of Blessed Margaret established by Fr. James McKenna, O.P.
• 1959 – Elementary school closes
• 1965 – Aquinas High School closes
• Sept. 2003 – Parish center and renovated church dedicated on the Sesquicentennial
• Jan. 2016 – 800th Jubilee Mass broadcast on EWTN
• Mar. 2016 – Fr. Peter Totleben, O.P. ordained in the church
• Sept. 2017 – Dominican community elevated to Priory status
• Summer 2018 – Slate roof replaced (with lightning protection)
• Nov. 2019 – Muller II/22 pipe organ dedicated
• Dec. 2024 – Major relics of St. Thomas Aquinas venerated (3,000+ visitors)

The Great Fire of 1935

On May 28, 1935, during routine roof repairs, a workman's blowtorch ignited dry straw in a hidden bird's nest in the rain spouting. Despite the windy, nasty weather, the Columbus Fire Department responded quickly and efficiently; their heroic efforts saved the walls of the church and the magnificent Belgian stained-glass windows. The 19th-century pipe organ was completely ruined, and damage was estimated at $115,000 (roughly $2 million in today's dollars). During the 1935–36 rebuilding the present Stations of the Cross, the confessionals on the north and south walls, and a new organ were installed. The Shrine of Blessed Margaret of Castello was installed in the space formerly occupied by the old confessional, and Masses were held in the adjacent school during the work. An 'adventurous climb' high into the North Tower still reveals the charred remains of some of the original 19th-century rafters — a permanent reminder of the fire.

Architecture: Norman Gothic with Belgian Stained Glass

The church was built in the Norman Gothic style, with two towers 'patterned after the ancient castles of Ireland.' Brick construction was complete by 1855; large buttresses were added to the exterior walls c. 1877 to brace weakening walls. The interior originally featured intricate geometric patterns, painted images of the saints directly on walls and ceiling (from 1882), and traditional Catholic paintings. After World War II, interior décor was finely detailed and very ornate; by the 1970s the interior was refurbished again with a pastel blue and muted white scheme to enhance the historic features. The 1920s Belgian stained-glass windows — depicting, from east to west, St. Dominic receiving the Rosary from the Virgin Mary (north apse) and St. Patrick explaining the Trinity (south apse), and in the nave the Last Supper, Presentation, Annunciation, Resurrection, Sacred Heart appearing to St. Margaret Mary, Death of St. Joseph, Marriage at Cana, Anointing of Jesus, St. Patrick baptizing the High King of Ireland, Jesus on the crucifix speaking to St. Thomas Aquinas, and Saints Vincent de Paul and Anthony of Padua — survived the 1935 fire. The Muller II/22 pipe organ (2,000+ pipes) was dedicated in November 2019 after full restoration.

• Norman Gothic exterior with twin towers
• Brick construction, completed 1855
• Large brick buttresses (c. 1877)
• Slate roof (1880s; replaced 2018 with lightning protection)
• Belgian stained-glass windows (c. 1920)
• Main altar donated 1909 by Bishop James Hartley
• Two side altars donated by the Harding family
• Confessionals recessed into the north and south walls (1935–36)
• Sculpted Stations of the Cross (1935–36)
• Pew heads bearing the Irish shamrock
• Muller II/22 pipe organ (2,000+ pipes), dedicated November 2019
• Cross of Sorrow — made from 1935 fire timbers

The Diocesan Shrine of St. Margaret of Castello, O.P.

Saint Margaret of Castello (1287–1320) was born near Florence to a wealthy noble family; hunchbacked, blind, lame and a dwarf, she was abandoned by her parents at a Franciscan shrine when no miracle cured her. She eventually became a Dominican tertiary in Castello and lived an exemplary life of prayer, penance and charity. Her incorrupt body lies beneath the main altar of St. Dominic's Church in Castello, Italy. A special devotion to her at St. Patrick's has existed since the early 1930s. After the Great Fire of 1935, Fr. James McKenna, O.P. established the Blessed Margaret Guild and Shrine; in the 1970s the shrine was expanded into a separate chapel in the rear of the church. The Shrine contains a life-size wooden statue of 'Little Margaret' carved from one piece of wood, a tapestry of her life, the 'Cross of Sorrow' made from the timbers of the 1935 fire, and a first-class relic of her heart in a gold monstrance, venerated every Wednesday after the 11:45 a.m. Mass. On October 31, 2021, Bishop Robert J. Brennan celebrated Mass and elevated the Shrine to a Diocesan Shrine. It is one of only three shrines to St. Margaret in the United States (the others are in Dominican churches in Louisville and Philadelphia). Saint Margaret was canonized on April 24, 2021.

• Devotion at St. Patrick's since early 1930s
• Shrine & Guild of Blessed Margaret established by Fr. James McKenna, O.P. (1935–36)
• Expanded into separate chapel in the 1970s
• First-class relic of her heart, venerated each Wednesday after 11:45 a.m. Mass
• Annual nine-day novena leading up to her feast day (April 13)
• Canonized April 24, 2021
• Elevated to Diocesan Shrine by Bishop Robert J. Brennan on October 31, 2021

Dominican Heritage and Identity

St. Patrick's has been administered by the Dominican friars of the Province of Saint Joseph since 1885. The parish embraces the Dominican motto 'contemplare et contemplata aliis tradere' (to contemplate, and to hand on the fruits of contemplation to others). The Dominican Order, founded by St. Dominic in 1216, brings eight centuries of tradition to the parish: monastic community life, daily community prayer, ongoing study, sharing possessions in common, wearing the religious habit, and — uniquely — a mission of preaching for the salvation of souls, especially in cities and universities. Saints of the Order are honored throughout the parish art and architecture: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Dominic, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis Xavier, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Anthony of Padua, and the parish's 'beloved little sister,' St. Margaret of Castello. The parish hosts the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic — dedicated laity who live their Christian vocation according to the Dominican charism. In September 2017 the community was elevated to a Priory, ensuring at least six friars in residence at all times.

• Province of Saint Joseph (Dominican) since 1885
• Elevated to Priory status September 2017 (at least 6 friars in residence)
• Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic active
• Dominican saints depicted in stained glass and statuary
• Major relics of St. Thomas Aquinas venerated December 2024 (3,000+ visitors)

Faith Formation: OCIA, CCD and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

St. Patrick's offers a robust catechetical program for all ages. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) meets on Wednesdays from September through May, led by Dominican friars, with a retreat and preparatory liturgies throughout the year; it emphasizes personal conversion, formation in the Church's tradition of liturgy and prayer, parish sponsors, and integration into parish life. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) atrium serves young children at Levels I and II on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) classes are held on Sundays from 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for children preparing for First Communion (2nd grade) or Confirmation (4th grade) and continuing through high school. Adult Catechesis offers regular lecture series on theological topics presented by a Dominican friar or guest speaker.

• OCIA — Wednesdays, September–May (Fr. Cornelius Avaritt, O.P.)
• CGS Levels I & II — Fridays 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Sr. Marta Gawron, O.P.)
• CCD — Sundays 10:15–11:30 a.m. (through high school)
• Adult Catechesis — lecture series (Fr. Cornelius Avaritt, O.P.)

St. Patrick's Youth Ministry

St. Patrick's Youth Ministry serves both junior-high and high-school students and aims to foster their prayer and sacramental lives, equip them to defend their faith, develop strong character, and integrate them into a positive Catholic community. Youth from other parishes are welcome. The flagship high-school program alternates two nights: 'Word to the Wise' (talks by Fr. Michael Donahue, O.P. on topics like prayer, virtue, vocation, and tough topics) and the 'Dead Theologians Society' (DTS — studying the lives of the saints). Each evening follows a similar structure: social time (7:00–7:30), presentation (7:30–8:00), Eucharistic Adoration with two priests hearing confessions (8:00–8:40), and a final social (8:40–9:15). 'Rogue Men' gathers men at a local restaurant for dinner, fellowship and a Dominican friar talk several times a year. The 'Melchizedek Project' is a monthly discernment group for high-school boys, with prayer, fellowship and discussion over readings about priesthood and religious life.

• Word to the Wise (high school)
• Dead Theologians Society / DTS (high school)
• Rogue Men (men's dinner & fellowship)
• Melchizedek Project (boys' discernment)
• Junior high program
• Eucharistic Adoration and Confession at every youth night

Music and Liturgy

Music at St. Patrick's is directed by Mrs. Kathleen Tully and is centered around the parish's celebrated Muller II/22 pipe organ, dedicated in November 2019 after full restoration. The organ has over 2,000 pipes and is used for daily and Sunday Masses, weddings, funerals, and special liturgies. The parish's Belgian stained glass (c. 1920) and the historic sanctuary — including Bishop Hartley's main altar (1909) and the Harding family side altars — provide an exceptional setting for the sacred liturgy. The 12:00 p.m. Sunday Mass is celebrated ad orientem for those who prefer the traditional orientation. The parish live-streams Mass for the homebound (viewing does not fulfill the Sunday obligation).

• Muller II/22 pipe organ (2,000+ pipes), dedicated Nov. 2019
• Director of Music: Mrs. Kathleen Tully
• Sunday 12:00 p.m. Mass ad orientem
• Live-stream of Mass for the homebound

Getting Involved: Ministries and Community Life

Beyond worship and formation, St. Patrick's offers many ways for parishioners to connect, serve, and grow together. The parish keeps its members informed through Flocknotes (email and text updates) and welcomes newcomers with a monthly tour of the historic church and parish center after the noon Mass on the first Sunday. The St. Patrick's Fellowship builds community through social activities. The Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic gather laity under the Dominican charism for prayer, study, asceticism, and apostolic work. The parish also reaches out to college students at Columbus State Community College, Columbus College of Art and Design, and other downtown campuses. The Shrine of St. Margaret of Castello welcomes pilgrims from across the country.

• Flocknotes parish email/text updates
• Newcomers' tour first Sunday after noon Mass
• St. Patrick's Fellowship
• Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic
• Catholic campus outreach (Columbus State, CCAD)
• St. Margaret Shrine pilgrimage ministry

Giving and Legacy

The parish maintains two distinct legal entities for stewardship and bequests: the 'St. Patrick Parish Vocations-Youth Endowment Fund' and the 'Dominican Fathers, Priory of St. Patrick.' A gift to one does not benefit the other. Parishioners are encouraged to remember both in their wills.

• St. Patrick Parish Vocations-Youth Endowment Fund
• Dominican Fathers, Priory of St. Patrick
• Will/planned giving options for both