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honor God and also be worthy of the growing Catholic community. The plan was criticized and called“ Hughes’ Folly” because of its location outside of the city as it existed in the 1850s, but Hughes believed that the building would one day be in the center of New York City(“ The Story of New York’ s Greatest Cathedral”). He wanted to“ give an enormous boost to the morale of the Irish community itself— which, however poor, was not too poor to achieve something grand”( Stern). Today, that cathedral stands proudly on Fifth Avenue right in the heart of midtown. Neither Hughes’ critics nor the lack of funding stopped him from realizing this dream.
The impact of Archbishop John Hughes’ can still be felt today. He understood firsthand the hardships faced by Irish Catholics in America which made him an effective shepherd. As Jesus said,“ I know my sheep and my sheep know me "( John 10:14-16). Hughes worked hard to better himself and become a priest, and then he protected his flock by fighting for their education and defending their faith. When he devoted his life to helping his people, his actions embodied when Jesus said,“ I lay down my life for the sheep.” Finally, Hughes’ altruism improved the lives of all Catholics in America by creating social, economic, and religious opportunities for them.“ I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” When Hughes passed away in 1864, over 100,000 people gathered around St. Patrick’ s Cathedral during his funeral(“ Most Rev. John J. Hughes, DD”). We continue to honor him now by appreciating the education and other opportunities available to us because of Archbishop John Hughes, Agent for the Good.
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