MASS AT ST. PATRICK'S

I had been to St. Patrick's Cathedral a few times in the past, but never had I been to a service there. St. Patrick's is huge, second only to the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Built between 1858 and 1878, construction of this neo-gothic cathedral was actually halted for a time due to the Civil War.

There are many ways to describe this place of worship, but above all, despite the many faiths represented in the Five Boroughs, St. Patrick's Cathedral is best known as "New York's Church".

This morning the place was at maximum capacity. Many of the people were in the dress uniform of their civil service position, and many more had dressed up for the occasion, complete with sashes and other regalia indicating their Italian heritage.

In his message this morning, the Archbishop of New York, Edward Cardinal Egan, included enlightening words about the numerous contributions to the world made by Italian-Americans. From Supreme Court Justices to architects to Antonio Meucci - the true inventor of the telephone - the list was long and distinguished.

I enjoyed the experience and will always be able to say that I've attended a mass at St. Patrick's.
Next on the agenda: parade!