The English and the French were both around during the formative years of Newfoundland, and thus both the Anglican and Catholic churches have a strong tradition. The latter certainly was boosted by Irish immigrants as well. Both sides built good-sized cathedrals in St. John's, the capital city. This is the Catholic entry - the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
It took 14 years for the structure to be built, as it was completed in 1855. It was the largest church in North America at that point, and is still the second-largest church in Canada. It was built to line up with the sun on solstices, rather than an east-west orientation. It's on a hill above the downtown area of St. John's.
Our guide said that this was such a magnificent place that New York City became jealous. Thus, St. Patrick's Cathedral was built to take another step in the equivalent of an arms race. When finished, the building in St. John's was the largest Irish cathedral in the world - non-Ireland division.
While the church is magnificent, it might not be the biggest attraction on the block. That distinction might belong to the convent next door. That's where the "veiled virgin" statue is located. It is carved out of marble, and it looks like the woman has a veil on her head even though everything in it is solid. The piece has been under the control of the convent since 1856. It's stunning in person. (No photographs are allowed.)
In order to see the cathedral, visitors must pay a small fee to help with the upkeep. But if you want to see the veiled virgin, you can literally knock on the door and ask politely. A little contribution wouldn't hurt on the way out.
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