Pope
prays vespers at NY’s St Patrick’s Cathedral
(Vatican
Radio) Pope Francis Thursday presided over vespers with
priests and religious at New York’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, his first main
event upon arriving at the “Big Apple” from Washington, DC.
Vatican
Radio's Seàn-Patrick Lovett is travelling with the Pope on this 10th Apostolic
Visit abroad to Cuba and to the United States.
He
sent us this report from New York City.
Obviously
I am biased because Patrick happens to be my patron saint. But after following
the Pope to two churches, both named after the great evangelizer of Ireland,
and both on the same day, made me feel that perhaps Patrick was trying to tell
me something.
Both
St Patrick's Church in Washington DC and St Patrick's Cathedral in New York
City boast gorgeous marble statues of their namesake, complete with shamrocks,
pastoral staffs, and the occasional serpent. No, it's not the Devil. It's a
reminder that Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland (I thought you knew
that). Both churches are built in the Neo-Gothic style (although the former is
obviously minute in comparison to the latter). But there, I'm afraid, the
similarities end.
In
Washington, St Patrick's is home to Catholic Charities that feeds and ministers
to over 120,000 women, men and children in the city each year. Many of these
are immigrants. Several are families facing grave economic difficulties. The
parish runs soup kitchens, educational and housing programs, provides a shelter
for the homeless - and much more besides.
If
you've ever been to New York City you'll be familiar with one of its most
recognizable landmarks: St Patrick's Cathedral, squeezed in between steel and
glass skyscrapers (and right next door to Saks Fifth Avenue - the world's most
sophisticated department store). Newly restored, its soaring vaulted ceilings
and glittering stained glass windows, have welcomed Presidents, princes, and
three Popes.
Fondly
referred to as "America's parish church", and rightly considered one
of the greatest artistic and architectural gems in the country (St Patrick's is
modeled on the Cathedral of Cologne, in Germany) - it can't help communicating
opulence and influence as well. Looking around the packed interior before Pope
Francis arrived on Thursday evening was like reading a Who's Who of
New York Catholic society.
So
when Pope Francis started speaking I listened especially attentively just in
case St Patrick started dropping hints. And, true to form, the message came
through loud and clear. A few simple words: "gratitude and hard
work". It doesn't matter who you are or what you have, never stop being
thankful for both - and never tire of putting your talents at the service of
others.
But
there was another surprise in store. And this time it wasn't for me. Just when
everyone thought his discourse was over, Pope Francis addressed the woman
religious of the United States: "What would the Church be without
you?", he asked. "Women of strength, fighters...in the front
lines...I love you very much". This surprise vindication of the nuns of
the United States was met with a standing ovation - and some very damp eyes.
Mine included.
With
Pope Francis in New York City - I'm Seán-Patrick Lovett
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