Sacred Space ...

I recently was in NYC on business, and took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as attend Mass and receive Communion at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

I just wanted to observe that it seems St. Patrick’s has become exceedingly secular as a tourist destination; indeed, it seemed the “touristy” behavior did not subside, even as I and others awaited to be heard in the confessional, and even while Holy Mass was in progress.

Also of concern was my observation of the lax dress code – obscene shorts on females; tattered clothes on males. Truth be told, I recalled, when I visited Sicily in 1982, I was compelled to cover up my bare legs with what could best be described as a sarong when entering a cathedral there.

In short, I am concerned that “sacred space” is being traded for commercialism. While St. Patrick’s Cathedral is abjectly spectacular, and worthy of adoration as a fine example of Gothic architecture, there must also be time set aside for quiet worship, uninterrupted by the chatter of inappropriate secular observation and study. I will be contacting the Archdiocese of NY in the near future to express my concerns.

God bless you.