Jul 24, 2005 / 22:00 pm
While some 62 churches closed in the Archdiocese of Boston last year, parishioners of St. Patrick’s in Stoneham completed a $7-million expansion project that includes a new 900-seat church, a parish center and grotto.
Archbishop Sean O'Malley was on hand at St. Patrick’s Saturday to consecrate the new church building, which replaced a smaller church that first opened 117 years ago, reported the Boston Globe.
''Today we are filled with gratitude and admiration for the achievements of this faith community," Archbishop O'Malley reportedly told the packed church. ''As we rededicate this place to God, may we rededicate our lives to God."
The archbishop blessed the baptismal font and a green marble box, containing various relics of saints. The small reliquary was placed at the base of the altar.