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R E N O VAT I O N

e caught up with workers at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in late April, as they were nishing up a 3-year renovation project at the 134-year-old Norwich church. The restoration and renovation work was possible due in large part to a generous donation of an undisclosed amount from an anonymous donor. The scaffolding inside the church was expected to be taken down at the end of May, and a celebratory Mass for the completed renovation and for the 60th anniversary of the Norwich Diocese is scheduled for July 27.
Photos by John Shishmanian
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Michael Deluco of Plantsville paints a plaster surround on a Station of the Cross to make it look old, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.

Highlights of the renovations

New, marble floor (with inlayed shamrock designs) Restored pews 20 newly-painted murals Upgraded and additional energy-efficient lights Overall cleaning of stained glass windows, new plaster, and paint colors in tune with the original interior design.

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A LOOK INSIDE
1. Saint Patricks stained glass window was cleaned and a crack on his face was repaired. 2. Worshippers use the remaining portion of pews not blocked by sca olding during noon Mass at the cathedral in April. 3. Shamrocks adorn marble oors put in a few years ago. 4. Dave Gough of Wolcott attached hand-painted canvas stencils on the walls at the cathedral. Gold leaf is added later.

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A LOOK INSIDE
5. The center ornate boss on the ceiling at the cathedral. 6. Dave Gough of Wolcott painted the framing around a new mural at St. Patrick's.

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7. The Most Reverend Msgr. Anthony Rosaforte prepares Communion during a noon Mass at the cathedral. 8. Pews were stripped to bring out the di erent oak and mahogany colors. 9. Church columns have been painted and lights have been re nished and made more energy e cient. 10. Completed plaster surrounds with gold leaf and hand-painted canvas stencils frame a Station of the Cross at the cathedral. On the rst page: Dave Gough of Wolcott looks at some of the more than 600 ornate bosses on the cathedral ceiling. Gold leaf was added to an angel on a church column.

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