As the work was being carried on, the Joyous news reached Norwich on September 2,1953, that the Diocese of Norwich had been created as a suffragan to the Archdiocese of Hartford, and that St. Patrick's had been made the cathedral for the new diocese.

Pope Pius XII appointed the Most Reverend Bernard J. Flanagan, then Chancellor of the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, as the first Bishop of Norwich. He was installed on December 9,1953. On September 28,1954, the parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. In the historical account of that occasion, it was written: "We hope that today all will be mindful of those heroic laity and priests who, in spite sometimes of prejudiced and even hostile surroundings, kept strong the faith which was given them, and who had the courage, even the effrontery, to build such a church."

Most Reverend Beernard J. Flanagan
First Bishop of Norwich

Monsignor Reilly, in a message to parishioners on that occasion, said, "At a time like this, we cannot help but remember fondly those who have worshipped and labored here before us, and, undoubtedly, our memorial will be translated Into prayers and sacrifices that we may be able, insofar as possible, to have a decisive influence on their eternal happiness."

Bishop Flanagan receives the crozier of office
from Archbishop Henry J. O'Brien in November, 1953

The highlight of the Jubilee observance was a solemn pontifical Mass offered by Archbishop Henry J. O'Brien of Hartford.

Bishop Flanagan served the diocese until 1959 when he was transferred to the Diocese of Worcester. During his six years' tenure In Norwich, Bishop Flanagan opened the first regional Catholic high school in the four counties, provided a home for the elderly, established full time chaplaincies at state mental hospitals In the area, and expanded efforts to meet the spiritual needs of military installations within the diocese.

In a special edition celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the diocese and the hundredth anniversary of the parish, it was reported that, "his friendly, peaceful nature is still remembered both by the faithful and the clergy who remain from service during his tenure."

The second bishop of the new diocese was Most Reverend Vincent J. Hines. A former Army chaplain, Bishop Hines served in the European theater during World War II. He received five battle stars, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Medal from the Bishop of Verdun, France.

Most Reverend Vincent J. Hines
Second Bishop of Norwich

Under his direction, two Catholic high schools were built in Middletown (Xavier and Mercy) and a consolidated high school (St. Bernard's) was established in Montville. He appointed the first nun to head a diocesan school system in Connecticut. He established a Senate of Priests and a Diocesan Sisters Council. He also set up a Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, a Board of Conciliation and Arbitration and a retirement program for priests.

Bishop Hines was consecrated head of
the diocese on St. Patrick's Day, 1960

For health reasons, he retired in 1975. His decision was cited by Pope Paul VI as, "a powerful manifestation of the humble and self sacrificing love of the Savior himself."

As pastor of St. Patrick's Parish, Monsignor Reilly served as Cathedral Rector until his death in 1961. Appointed to succeed him was Monsignor Joseph V. King, who had been pastor at St. John's Parish in Montville. Monsignor King organized the first Parish Council, established an office of religious education, and implemented the decisions of Vatican II. He also held several diocesan administrative assignments.

Monsignor King stepped down from his post voluntarily in 1971, and become pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown.

Monsignor James J. O'Brien, the present rector of the Cathedral of St. Patrick, took office in January of 1972. He had been a pastor of St. John's, Montville, since 1962. Ordained in 1940, Monsignor O'Brien served as a chaplain with the U.S. Air Force in Korea in 1951 and 1952. He then returned to the University of Connecticut as counselor in religion, where he had been posted before his military service.

He is dean of the diocese's Norwich deanery and a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Bernard's High School. When he was invested as a Prelate, Bishop Hines described Monsignor O'Brien as, "sincere and genuine, patient, kind and friendly to everyone ... he is your good pastor."

Monsignor O'Brien played a key role in the renovation program that took place in the cathedral for the parish's hundredth anniversary. In a report about the remodeling program to his parishioners, the pastor said, "It is true that I am the pastor, but the cathedral is the bishop's church." According to Monsignor O'Brien, the work is basically designed to have the cathedral meet liturgical standards in the Church today.

The renovation and repairs program was accomplished by the architectural firm of Quinn and Associates, with the interior work accomplished by The Guild, under the direction of Blaise Drayton.

The exterior has been repainted, and an entrance ramp installed to make access easier for handicapped persons. Interior work included an updated electrical system, a new public address system, two reconciliation rooms, and the remodeling of the sanctuary.

Work in the sanctuary included a marble Main Altar under a canopy which was moved to the front of the area, a new marble baptismal font, and a marble lectern. A chapel was installed at the rear of the sanctuary, designed to accommodate a hundred people. It was used on weekdays during the winter to conserve heat and energy.

In an address to parishioners in which he outlined the extent of the renovations, Monsignor O'Brien said, "...I would like to say this is the last time the Cathedral will be renovated in the lifetime of many of us, including yours truly. We do it all for the honor and glory of God."

Working on the Cathedral Renovation Committee were: James Dutton and John Winters, Trustees of the Cathedral; Mary Baillargeon, President of the Parish Council; Walter Milner, Chairman of the Finance Commission of the Parish Council; Richard O'Neil, Chairman of the Property Commission of the Council; Monsignor King, former pastor; Reverend James Carini and Reverend Dennis Jarry from the Diocese Liturgical Commission.