STS. PETER AND PAUL RESTORATION PROJECT

Message from Project Director
Bobbi Reynolds

Dear Friends:

The St. Thomas Catholic Diocese and the local St. Thomas community are united by a single mission—to restore an integral part of our culture and history, The Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. This artistic gem was consecrated as a parish church in 1848 and serves as the seat of the territory’s Roman Catholic Diocese. It has weathered many storms but is in dire need of renovation and repair.

The ceiling and walls are covered with murals painted in 1899 by two Belgian artists, members of the Redemptorist religious community. Words and photographs cannot begin to describe the ornate beauty of these painstakingly handcrafted scenes of the Old and New Testament. One must see this firsthand to drink in and appreciate the serene beauty. The Cathedral bears semblance to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Major damage has occurred as a result of past hurricanes and these magnificent paintings are no longer intact. Overall, the building has suffered general deterioration. It is imperative we act as quickly as possible. The Cathedral is surrounded by the Rectory, two convents, the school and the Chancery office—all in need of renovation or repair in this devastated area. Nearby, the Catholic charities, homeless shelter and soup kitchen support many in need here.

We have great concern as we enter into another hurricane season when even daily rains present challenges. Repairs needed are to make the Cathedral structure water tight, addressing the problem of groundwater as well as a new roof and repair of the deteriorating supportive marble columns. Engineers have told us it is only a matter of time before the columns or ceiling gives way after previous hurricane damage and erosion. Literally, the sky is falling.

On behalf of Bishop Herbert Bevard, Monsignor Jerome Feudjio, our entire community and the Diocese of St. Thomas here in the Virgin Islands, I respectfully ask your support in helping to “save our treasure.” Please reach out to your friends, families and colleagues to ask for their donations and support. Don’t hesitate to call me personally if you would like to know more about how you can help to make a difference in this worthy cause. Should your travels bring you to St. Thomas, we would love to meet you personally and have you join us on a personal tour of the beautiful Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. May God bless you and your families.

Your thoughtful gift is tax deductible. Please make check payable to:

Sts. Peter & Paul Restoration Account

Please send your check to:

Attention: Bobbi Reynolds
Director of Cathedral Restoration Procurement
Sts. Peter and Paul Restoration Project
Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 301825
St. Thomas, VI 00803

Respectfully yours in Christ,

Bobbi Reynolds
Director of Cathedral Restoration Procurement
Phone 340.774.3166 Ext. 213
Email cathedralrestoration@vipowernet.net