You Don’t Have to Be Catholic to Go In
Visitors to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan can’t help but be transported, no matter their ideology.
Photo credit: L. Tripoli
At a moment when the universe seems especially volatile, what with climate fluctuations, terrorist strikes, and police v. civilian discord, even adventuresome travelers can be tempted to stay indoors for a season or two. Certainly, sitting by the fireplace and reading a book has its appeal, especially at this time of year, especially in the Northeast. Plan a trip to Paris? Maybe later. Head to the city for a day? Maybe soon.
The Archangel Michael at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City
Photo credit: L. Tripoli
At moments like these, it’s good to remember that major cities have historically survived even more serious strife than they are enduring right now. Take Paris and the French Revolution, or the city’s burning thanks to the1871 Paris Commune, or the German takeover in World War II. Paris endures. New York City has survived high crime, low income, and September 11. New Orleans is back when many thought the city was out after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. San Francisco has survived earthquakes and fires. The District of Columbia endured despite the War of 1812. Our current world will calm down, too. We’ll go out. We’ll travel.
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Whether you’re venturing near or coming from afar to enjoy New York City’s richness, a few moments’ peace—from crowds, from fears, from shopping—can be had at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at Fifth Avenue and 50th Street. You don’t have to be Catholic to go in. Just walk through the front doors and enjoy the loftiness of this cathedral, newly spiffed up just in time for Pope Francis’s recent visit. The stained glass glows, the ceiling delights. Do a loop around all of tributes to saints and then sit for a bit in a pew. Just sit, maybe read, maybe write. Look up, look ahead, just breathe. Then get back out into that New York grit.
—Lori Tripoli
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Headed to Manhattan soon? You might like these posts:
- A Flatiron Fling
- Grand Central Eagle
- Rainy Day Manhattan
- Heightened Awareness
- Beyond the New York Public Library: The Morgan
- Rooftop Bonus, Manhattan