The Big Apple

Concepta and Sal were going into the city today for meetings and they asked me if I would like to come along. I wasn't really doing much so I said 'yes' straight away. They were going to 58th Street so I decided that I would just explore that area, rather than going too far as their meetings weren't going to last that long.

I noticed that St. Bart's church was pretty close (and Concepta recommended it) so I decided to go there first. I noticed a cross of St. George flying outside so I knew then that it was an Episcopalian church. It was in Romanesque style outside with Byzantine inside. It was quite nice, though it was very dark inside so I couldn't see the mosaics very well.

Next I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was only about a block or two away. I got the guide and went around the church. I expected more Irish saints (only St. Brigid and St. Patrick made an appearance) as far as I could see. But I couldn't see the high stained glass windows or information about them (so maybe St. Finbarr was hiding all the way up there). It is a very impressive church and really gives you an idea of the massive Irish immigration to New York. It's nice that the cathedral of one of the largest and most important cities in the world is dedicated to an Irish saint.

After touring the cathedral,I decided to stay for the 12 noon Mass. There were a lot of people attending, including a number of business men on their lunch break. It's great to see people from so many different walks of life coming together for Mass. I don't anywhere else that you could find poor African Americans, Spanish-speaking Mexicans, Philipino immigrants, elderly Irish Americans and a variety of businessmen together. In NY you can really see the universality of the Church.

After Mass, I just wandered around for a bit before I had to meet up with Sal and Concepta. It was interesting to just wander around random streets. I came across the central synagogue, which looked impressive. It said that it was open but I find any open doors so didn't get inside. Afterwards I had a refreshing 99c ($1.09 with tax) cup of iced tea from Dunken' Donuts. Afterwards I went with Sal to Brookyln before heading back to Long Island. One thing I know for sure after the trip is that I really don't want to drive in NYC.