Secure Your Place In Old Cathedral History
Limited Availability in Our Cemetery and Catacombs

For over 200 years, the grounds of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral have been used as the final resting place for the faithful departed. The Basilica’s historic cemetery and underground catacombs have been a silent witness to the many struggles and accomplishments of prominent New York Catholics. It is where bishops rest beside noteworthy New Yorkers who have played important roles in New York, American, and Catholic history. Due to the lack of space, this practice was suspended. 

In September 2012, the Basilica proudly revived the tradition of interring the deceased on Basilica property. We now offer you the unique and limited opportunity to reserve a place of eternal rest in Manhattan’s only Catholic cemetery.

Our Mission

The Basilica affirms the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead by providing a sacred place of interment for cremated remains with pastoral care to family and friends. Your Basilica The cornerstone of New York City’s first cathedral was set in place on June 8, 1809. For most of thenineteenth century, it served as the center of religious and social activity for the rapidly growingCatholic Church in America. After the Archbishop’s cathedra (chair) was moved to Fifth Avenue at 51st Street, the old cathedral continued to serve an ever-changing population of people. Today it finds itself in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the City. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the church to the status of Basilica in recognition of its noble past and as a center of worship, evangelization and education. Columbaria In Our Historic Cemetery Each columbarium in our cemetery contains niches, which can accommodate one or two urns. In keeping with the teachings of the Catholic church, each urn containing the cremated remains will be reverently placed inside a niche, memorialized with a granite stone on which each individuals name will be meticulously engraved, and tended to by Basilica staff.

Our cemetery is an historic and solemn refuge for the faithful departed and comforting sanctuary forthe bereaved. Over the next 18 months, in addition to a complete renovation we will be adding additional columbaria in both the north and south cemeteries.

A treasured brick wall, designated a NYC Landmark in 1968, surrounds the entire cemetery providing serenity and solitude. The hallowed grounds of the cemetery are accessible by a private gate. A meandering stone pathway leads visitors to columbaria in a setting lined with graceful trees providing shade. Many of the surrounding headstones, combined with the catacombs beneath the nave of the church,date from the early 1800′s.

Ministry of Care

The Basilica staff is here for you when we need us. We never lose sight of our mission to provide care, comfort and consolation to all the bereaved.

Niche For The Unborn

As Catholics, we believe that life begins at conception and if it ends prior to birth, the Basilica has reserved niches for the inurnment of unborn children. Please call us for more information.

For information, please contact Frank Alfieri, Director of Cemetery and Columbaria, at frank [at] oldcathedral.org or 212.226.8075 Ext. 1008.

---