Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to mark 175 years with Mass, festival, and bean bags

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will commemorate its 175th anniversary July 19 with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Hebda at the Cathedral of St. Paul, followed by an outdoor festival on the cathedral’s grounds.

The event marks the founding of the diocese in 1849 and its ongoing mission in Minnesota, The Catholic Spirit reported.

“This 175th anniversary lines up with the Church’s Jubilee Year and its theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’” said Father Ryan Glaser, parochial vicar at the Cathedral. “We’re called to reach out, to make everyone a disciple of Christ.”

The 5:15 p.m. Mass will be followed by a public gathering on the cathedral grounds, featuring food vendors, children’s games, and a bean bag tournament organized by young adult parishioners. 

Archbishop Hebda, who says people used to call him “Bean Bag Bernard,” shared his enthusiasm in a video promoting the event.

“You may not know this about me,” the archbishop said, “but before I became a bishop, you could sometimes find me at bean bag pitches (or cornhole, as you call it), all over Pittsburgh.” 

Fr. Glaser said that the tournament has already attracted a dozen teams, with additional sign-ups open through the cathedral’s website.

“It’s really encouraging to have the young adults excited and helping organize these events,” Fr. Glaser said. “We’re hoping for some friendly competition.”

Menu options will include tacos, desserts, and Philly cheesesteaks — a nod to Archbishop Hebda’s Pennsylvania roots. The final round of the bean bag tournament is set for twilight on the cathedral steps, with a view of downtown St. Paul.

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