Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York

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New York City is full of incredible, breathtaking landmarks. For a lover of New York like myself, walking down the streets of the amazing city can be an incredibly spiritual experience.  Especially when surrounded by such great architecture. One of the most recognizable and historical architectural landscapes in the city, visited by thousands of people everyday, is the beautiful Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Now, I’m not a religious person, but if you have followed my blog for some time now, than you know I have a fascination with cathedrals, because the beauty of them do touch me spiritually. When living in Italy, all I every wanted to do was visit the smaller churches and cathedrals of Milan and of the mountain side town of Brescia. And it’s because regardless of your religious (or none) beliefs, these places hold the power of history and the will of faith in their walls.

Such is the case with Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the inspiration and dream of Archbishop John Hughes who in 1858 chose a then remote, wilderness-like site for the building of the cathedral. He called upon believers to help, and though many thought him insane for choosing what was at the time a remote location, others, mostly the Irish, poor immigrants came out in the thousands to lay down the bricks and stones that would result into this amazing building.

Now, more than 150 years later, St. Patrick Cathedral, currently undergoing some maintenance, stands tall and proud. A piece of old world history in an area surrounded by new world attractions, such as high rises, boutiques, and other stores.

My kids love cathedrals because they sense them to be magical some how. And, as is the case every time I walk into a cathedral, my little one’s became silent and wide-eyed. Even at this age they are taken by the amazing display of grandeur.

There were people there praying, finding refuge from the brisk weather and rain, others lighting a candle and saying a small prayer for loved ones, and others just taking in the site. No matter what they were there for, the doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral were open for them.

It took the love and support of a New York City community to build this amazing building, it takes the love and support still to maintain it, from the help of The Friends of Saint Patrick’s, memorial gifts, The Legacy Society, The Cathedral Preservation Fund, special events, spiritual enrollments and general support.

The music masses at St. Patrick’s Cathedral are truly spectacular, especially the Christmas mass. It’s difficult to find a seat then, so if you’d like to check it out, i suggest you get there early. Otherwise, check out their schedule for other dates and services.

Even if you are just walking through 5th Avenue for a stroll, or some shopping, I would invite you to stop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral and take a look. No matter what your stance on religion and spirituality, there’s no denying that this is truly a New York City wonder.

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