Welcome to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral—one of the most beautiful and historic churches in the United States.
 
St. Patrick’s served as the cathedral of the Diocese, and later Archdiocese, of New York for 70 years. It was the home of four bishops and archbishops of the diocese, two of whom are buried here, and was the location where the first cardinal of the New World, John McCloskey, received his red hat. A number of American saints have deep ties to St. Patrick’s: St. John Neumann was ordained a priest in this church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton prayed here and established her first orphanage in New York here, and Venerable Pierre Toussaint contributed to the building of the cathedral and was originally buried on its grounds. In fact, we remain the only active cemetery in Manhattan.
 
Our historic catacombs have become one of the most popular tourist sites in lower Manhattan. In cooperation with Tommy’s New York (click here), we offer professional tours of this unique location. The visitor center also features a gift shop (click here), where you can find religious and historic items to bring some of the basilica home with you.
 
For all of its history, however, St. Patrick’s is not a museum—it is an active and dynamic parish! At our two churches we offer Mass in multiple languages. The basilica schola, combined with our world-famous Henry Erben organ, makes our music program one of the finest around. We have events for families, religious education for children, socials for young adults, ministry to the sick and homebound, book clubs, service projects, discussion groups, bible studies, and so much more. 
 
Our parish includes the Church of the Most Precious Blood just a few blocks away in Little Italy, featuring the National Shrine of San Gennaro. A richly historic church in its own right, Most Precious Blood remains home to many religious celebrations throughout the year, including the annual San Gennaro festival every September.
 
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong parishioner, we hope that you find yourself enriched here—spiritually, historically, and culturally. We strive to build upon the legacy of our forebears who gave so much for this House of God, as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people of New York and those who visit us from around the world.

--Father Brian A. Graebe, S.T.D.