St Patrick St Anthony Church

So a Jew walks into a Church…
…and decides to write a Unilocal review about it.
Needless to say, I don’t have much basis of comparison, but the Church of St. Patrick and St. Anthony is quite a sight to behold. Clearly, downtown Hartford has grown up around this and other churches like it. Long before thousands of fans were worshipping the Whalers across the street at the Civic Center (and apparently not hard enough), local Catholics worshipped Jesus here.
I was here for a wedding. Father Tom spoke with incredible poise, and conducted a very nice ceremony. The church itself is impeccably kept. I notice all the reviews so far are 5-​star… does Jesus get mad at four-​star reviews?

Background: This church was apparently established in 1829. I live nearby and can walk to this cathedral on Sundays. It is located in an isolated area in downtown Hartford with a large parking lot nearby which I think is free on Sundays. It has a separate hall for confession so you don’t have wait in the large main room.
Appearance: The exterior and interior were exquisite. Stained glass windows were beautiful and the passion appeared hand carved with great depth and warmth.
Ambiance: The speaker (priest or cantor) sounded distant despite their many speakers (sound system). I liked how they had an organ player every Sunday. I did like how the main room felt and looked grand yet intimate.
Mass: People were friendly. Small amount of churchgoers. Community people stand outside the church and say bye while you leave along with the priest.
Overall: In the grand scheme of cathedrals in the New England area along with New York this cathedral deserves 5 stars not for its grandeur but for what it represents. It represents a time when Hartford was the cultural center of America and I can see this church being the community centerpiece a hundred years ago. I’ll definitely come back when my fiancé makes me go to Mass with her. :-)

The first thing you will notice about the St. Patrick St. Anthony Church is the beautiful architecture. Walk closer, Disciple of the Lord, and you will find a beautiful yet secluded underground gardens. The inside is also very ornate, including a Byzantine like cross and some very gorgeous Stations of the Cross.
Music ministry at SPSA is tantamount, with multiple established choirs involving the spirit of the congregation, and an organist/​pianist who supported a wonderfully instrumental Communion ceremony. I had a very uplifting experience on my Sunday visit to this downtown parish.