New York City is hands-down a dream city for everyone. City lights, entertainment, and natural beauty make it a perfect tourist destination. Aside from all these, the Big Apple is known for its rich heritage which Catholicism is a massive part of. It is evident through the Catholic Churches including Cathedrals, Monasteries, Shrines, and other spiritual centers lying on this city. In this blog post, we will travel to the most beautiful Catholic Cathedrals in New York City, touring each for your travel reference. So sit back, read, and take notes.
Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park are some of the popular attractions in NYC. Furthermore, it also houses Cathedrals that are just mindblowing.
Here are the must-see Catholic Cathedrals in New York City.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Let’s start our tour with St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Located in midtown Manhattan, it is probably by far the most famous Catholic Church in New York City with millions of visitors per year. It was constructed in 1858 but completed in 1878. With its Gothic Revival architectural style, which is the largest in North America, it has been on the major lists of landmark designations such as the National Register of Historic Places and National Register of Historic Landmark since 1976, and New York City Landmark since 1966.
From afar, this Cathedral really draws attention with its grandeur. Its towers and spires are iconic. The rose window in the facade is stunning. Inside, you’d witness a breathtaking view. With a high ceiling, the highlight is the gray-white Italian marble Altar. It is also filled with resplendent stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Scripture. In addition, the Stations of the Cross and other religious sculptures are just elaborate. No words can describe how majestic this place is.
If you are in New York, this must be on top of your list. Truly, a historic and aesthetically gifted Cathedral!
St. James Cathedral Basilica
Our next holy destination is St. James Cathedral Basilica. Situated in Brooklyn, New York City, it was founded in 1822 and completed in 1903. Under the Diocese of Brooklyn, this Georgian Revival structure attained Basilica status in 1982.
On the outside, it seems like a small Church but on the inside, it is actually huge. Its exterior is unique in comparison to other Churches but still exudes tradition. Inside, you’d admire its simplicity. The interior is clean and uncomplicated. It also prides itself on its artistic stained glass windows that could rival the ones in European Catholic Churches. Be in awe of how the sun shines through them giving colors inside the Cathedral. There are also gorgeous religious artworks such as the Scripture of the Stations of the Cross that are remarkable. The congregation is also welcoming.
They treat the visitors with kindness and warmth. Most importantly, Pope John Paul visited this Cathedral/Basilica in 1979 which makes it even more worthy of your visit.
This is indeed a treasure of New York City.
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral
Another and last on our list is the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral. Situated in Brooklyn, it was founded in 1903 and is the seat of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn. Originally, it was a Church of Pilgrims, a Congregational Christian Church which was completed in 1846.
With its Romanesque Revival structural style, this Cathedral showcases a profound classical look. It has an exterior that is just exquisite. Its doors are telling history, featuring ten (10) medallions related to Normandy. Its interior consists of religious artworks that are marvelous. Inside, a heavenly Altar will welcome you. Behind it is a mural of Our Lady of Harissa standing on top of Lebanese mountains. There are stained glass windows that are colorfully spectacular. Paintings and sculptures are impressive as well. The flooring in the Sanctuary is of marble and onyx. Additionally, it has a pipe organ that is a musical treasure.
Maronite Church is in full communion with the Holy See. So you don’t have to worry if their liturgy is valid. If you like to experience an all-new rite, this is a place to go to!
Conclusion
There you have the Catholic Cathedrals in New York City that you should consider visiting.
New York City is not just famous for its endless energy. It is also a great place to have a Faith Renewal. Visiting these Cathedrals will not just give you jaw-dropping architecture, but they will also offer you a spiritual awakening, helping you to connect with God.
As Catholics, it is also beneficial for our souls to visit religious sites. These will help us grow in advance of our Catholic faith, teaching us lessons in spirituality. And these cathedrals could be a good starting point.
May you have a holy and fruitful journey.
Pray, travel, and enjoy!
