More than US$1.5 million is being provided by Pakistan’s Sindh provincial government for the renovation of iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The foundation stone of the cathedral in Karachi, the province’s capital, was laid in 1845 and the building is known for the richness of its stone, glass and timber craftsmanship.

The cathedral’s rector, Father Mario Rodrigues, notes that it can accommodate 1,500 people for prayer services and he is proud of its Gothic revival architecture.

Father Rodrigues, heading a July 27 church delegation, talked to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah about the contribution of local Christians to the development of Karachi.

Shah responded that provi-ncial administration heritage experts would be involved in the cathedral’s restoration “to its original glory.”

The funding is to be provided for the work to be done over three years, starting with the interior.

Chief Minister Shah, an alumni of the St Patrick’s high school in Karachi, hailed the Catholic Church’s good works within the province, especially in providing educational and health services.