Archbishop Dolan Takes New York

Introducing Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

It was a big week for "the Apple;" opening home games for both the Mets and the Yankees in their pristine new stadiums, while a former Milwaukee Brewer's fan made a little quiet history himself...he became the 10th Archbishop of New York.

In the event he is not familiar to you, there he is, beaming, arms joyful and outstretched, eager and ready to embrace his new flock. He took the helm as the shepherd of the diocese of New York's 2.5 million Catholics during an elaborate Mass of Installation Wednesday at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The ever ebullient Archbishop claims he is a meat and potatoes man; Jovial, charismatic, with a quick smile and easy going manner, he has been out and about his first days on the job serving meals at a local soup kitchen and conversing with women at a prison facility. Spurred on by an infectious enthusiasm, it is obvious he is a hand's on people person.

Many of the more than 4 million Catholics within the five boroughs, (that figure includes Brooklyn and Queens, as they are not part of the New York Archdiocese) and over 65 million nationwide may have a chance to visit Manhattan at some point and might like to see and perhaps meet our new Archbishop. He calls St. Patrick's Cathedral home and you can see him every Sunday as he presides at the 10:15 Mass.

Just as St. Peter's represents Catholicism to the world, St. Patrick's is the home Church of all American Catholics. The Neo Gothic Cathedral by James Renwick Jr. is not just one of Fifth Avenues most visited historic landmarks, it is an active parish serving those who live and work in midtown with a full schedule of daily Masses.

So, when you stop in to stroll the arched naves and snap pictures of the extraordinary interior, brilliant stain glass windows and sculptures that appear ready to share their stories; stay for a midday Mass or pause to sit quietly a moment surrounded by breathtaking stain glass in the secluded Lady Chapel. Walk to the back of the Cathedral (the apse) just behind the high altar facing Madison Avenue to find this tiny exquisite Chapel.

Daily Mass Schedule: Monday - Friday 7, 7:30, 8, 12, 12:30, 1 and 5:30. Saturday 8 AM, 12 Noon and 5:30. Sunday 7, 8, 9, 10:15, 12, 1, 4 (Spanish) and 5:30.

All are welcome.

Warm wishes to our new Archbishop.

Jacqueline Cable
Postcards from New York

P.S. On the baseball front, the Amazin's have one up on the Yankees. They already laid claims to Archbishop Dolan (perhaps hoping for divine intervention) they presented him with his own jersey... Dolan 10.

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Address to Remember: St. Patrick, Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, New York, NY 10022, 212-753-2261, http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/

Directions: From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 51st St., walk west 3 blocks to 5th Ave.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy visit http://www.postcardsfromnewyork.com/ and enter your email address. Or, forward this to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Home Page at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo courtesy of Catholic New York

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Easter Sunday in New York

Sculpture on facade of St. Bartholomew Church

Dear Postcard from New York Reader,

The restraints of Lent now over, this weekend Christians celebrate the high point of the Liturgical year. Easter services, with baptisms and candle lighting ceremonies, are traditionally the most beautiful. Richly embellished by full choirs and exquisite organ music, they are even more special when celebrated in one of the city’s extraordinary architectural wonders.

So, if you are on vacation or accustomed to attending a particular church, make the occasion one to remember. Choose from high vaulted cathedrals to jeweled chapels. Here's a schedule of some particularly beautiful services.

St. Bartholomew Church, Park Avenue at 51st Street, 212-757-7013, http://www.stbarts.org./
Holy Saturday - The Vigil of Easter 7 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 8, 9, 11, & 1 PM

St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street, 212-757-7013, http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/
Holy Saturday - The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter 5:30 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 8 and 11 AM, 3 PM Evensong

St. Patrick, Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, 212-753-2261, http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass 8 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 7, 8, 8:45, 12, 1, 4 (Spanish), 5:30. 10:15 Mass Cardinal Egan celebrant (reserved seating only by ticket.)

Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street, 212-870-6700, http://www.theriversidechurchny.org
Easter Sunday - Services 11 AM and 1 PM

Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 West 138th Street, 212-862-7474, http://www.abyssinian.org/
Easter Sunday - Services 9 and 11 AM

Calvary Baptist Church, 123 West 57th Street, 212-975-0170, http://www.cbcnyc.org/
Easter Sunday - Services 9 and 11 AM

St. George, 30 East 7th Street 212-674-1615, http://www.brama.com/stgeorge/
Holy Saturday April 18th - Compline 9 PM, Mass 10 PM
Easter Sunday April 19th - Services 8:30, 10, 12 Noon

Have a Wonderful Easter.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

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Photo by Joseph Knight

Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Begin Easter Triduum with Gregorian Chant: Tenebrae

Candles of Tenebrae

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

It last only an hour, the prayers and readings of Tenebrae sung in Gregorian chant, but memories of the hour will linger with you for months, perhaps longer.

Tapered candles aflame with flickering lights in six foot candle holders prominently displayed on the high altar or presented in an impressive free standing candelabra (a hearse) at the altar entrance, immediately captures ones attention. Intermittently, between the chanting of psalms, Old and New Testament readings and writings of the Fathers in Latin by soloists and a choir of young men, one by one candles will be extinguished and the lights of the Church turned off.

When the last candle is snuffed out, a loud crashing noise meant to symbolize the earthquake that followed upon Christ’s death, shatters the quiet attention of the congregation. The Church is in complete darkness as the assembly bundles up and departs in silence. It is rare to hear any voices, not even muffled whispers as people solemnly exit.

Tenebrae, a prelude to celebrate the Lord’s Passion (Sacred Triduum--Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/the Vigil of Easter), signals the “light of the world” leaving the world. It is a medieval service celebrated on the eve or mornings of these three days. Tonight is the eve of Holy Thursday. Tomorrow the door of the tabernacle will visibly be left wide open after the Eucharist is removed.

In recent years, the resurgence of the Latin Mass has stimulated interest and participation in near extinct practices like the Liturgy of the Hours and Tenebrae. There are now several places where you can experience the timeless beauty of Gregorian Chant, (some of the oldest music that exists) just as it was sung by cloistered monks in the 7th and 8th century.

St. Agnes Church, Tenebrae will be sung on Wednesday April 8th at 6 PM completely in Gregorian Chant.

The Church of the Holy Innocents, Tenebrae will be sung on Wednesday April 8th at 6:15 PM, before the service, Tenebrae is explained. Parts will be recited and chanted in English.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Tenebrae will be sung on Good Friday April 10th at 9 AM in English.

St. Jean Baptiste Church, Tenebrae will be sung on Holy Saturday April 11th at 9 AM in English.

Have a Happy Easter!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York



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Addresses and Directions to Remember:

St. Agnes Church, 143 East 43rd St., New York, NY 10017, 212-370-5791. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, walk one block east to Lexington Ave, then one block north to 43rd. St.

The Church of the Holy Innocents, 128 West 37th St., New York, NY 10018, 212-279-5861. From Times Square MTA N, R, Q, W to 34th St., walk west to Broadway, then north to 37th St.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue and 50th St, New York, NY 10022, 212-753-2261, http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 51st St., walk west 3 blocks to 5th Ave.

St. Jean Baptiste Church, 184 East 76th St., New York, NY, 212-288-5082. MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 77th St., walk one block south on Lexington to 76th St.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy of Postcards, click here. Or, forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Home Page at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Jewish Experience


© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

A Special Way to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Bagpipers on Fifth Avenue

----A Postcards from New York Encore----


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Next Tuesday the sounds of bagpipes will usher in one of the city's most festive Holiday celebrations. Wear something green and claim Irish heritage for a day.

Mayor Bloomberg and Cardinal Egan will kick things off as thousands line Fifth Avenue, from 42nd to 86th Street, to watch the parade. Long before it ends, every bar and pub in the city will be packed with lines of people trailing out the door as the Guinness flows freely.

Amidst the spirited revelry, gaiety and leprechaun hats, it’s easy to forget the reason for celebration, the Patron Saint of Ireland’s feast day. Look closely at the cumbersome pipes carried proudly by men in colorful kilts, the tartans of their clans; Those pipes have witnessed three thousand years of Celtic History. their shrill haunting music mirror not only the lush beauty of the land from which they come, but the lilting rhythm and cadence of the Gaelic language.

Make this St. Patrick’s Day a special memory. Unless you visit the far reaches of the Irish Isles or Scotland’s Outer Hebridian Islands, you will not get to hear this live. Experience the rare beauty of the Celtic language first hand at a Mass sung in Gaelic at St. Agnes Church steps from where the parade begins. The tiny Church, tucked away on 43rd Street off Lexington Avenue, is a beautiful setting for the 9:30 AM Service. Get there early, this promises to be a standing room only affair.


A few words on Ireland’s Patron Saint.


Born on the West Coast of Britain, present-day Wales, around 385, as a boy, Patrick narrowly escaped death when Celtic pirates raided his village. Abducted, taken to Ireland, then sold into slavery, he spent several years of privation and hardship among pagans whose language he struggled to learn in order to survive. As a young man, he risked his life to escape his captors, negotiated passage on a ship sailing to Gaul (France) and eventually found his way back to his family. Years later, in 432, he returned to Ireland as a priest determined to bring Christianity to the people who had enslaved him. His feast day and the soaring Cathedral built to honor his memory celebrate his success at turning a bad experience into something wonderful.


Happy Saint Patty’s Day.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York


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Address to remember: St. Agnes Church, 141 East 43re Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 212 682-5722.

St. Agnes also offers Latin Mass in Gregorian Chant every Sunday at 11 AM.

Directions: From Times Square MTA 7 or S (Shuttle) to Grand Central Station, walk one block west to Lexington Ave, one block north to 43rd St. Bus: M42, M104 to Lexington Ave.

If you like today's issue, why not become a subscriber to Postcards from New York? To start receiving your own copy visit www.postcardsfromnewyork.com and enter your email address. Or, forward this to a friend so they can sign-up to receive Postcards from New York too.

You can choose to receive Postcards From New York as an e-mail or RSS feed. Click on the small orange button on the right side of the webpage to activate the RSS. Then you will receive new "Postcards" on your email homepage, or enter your email address on the Home Page at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com to receive "Postcards" via email. Be sure to check your email in-box for a confirmation email, then just click where indicated to activate your subscription.

Photo courtesy of nymag.com

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

For Whom the Bells Peal

George Washington - in the shadow of Trinity's Bell Tower

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Congratulations to our 44th President on his Inauguration!

To celebrate the start of a new presidency, among the diverse sounds of the city today, pause a moment to listen for the Bells ringing an Inaugural peal (5000 changes) at Trinity Church. It should be glorious! Trinity's Bell Tower contains 12 bells, the most of any church in the country.

Founded in 1697 with a charter from King William III of England, the Gothic Revival Church at Wall Street stands steps away from Federal Hall, where our first President took the oath of office 220 years ago in 1789.

The Master Ringer reports, that the bells, pulled by human hands (in the tradition of great European Cathedrals), will peal for more than 3 hours!

So, if you cannot be in Washinton DC, tear yourself away from the TV, listen for the bells of Trinity, or better yet, take a train downtown to Wall Street and stand before the bronze statue of George Washington on this historic day.

Thank you Mary Radcliffe for sharing this story with us.

Jacqueline Cable

For Postcards from New York

Address to Remember: Trinity Church, Broadway and Wall Street, New York, NY 10006, 212-602-0800, http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/.

Directions: From Times Square MTA 2 or 3 to Wall St., walk west to Church.

Photo by Joseph Knight


© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Introducing "New York Get There 1-2-3"

Gets you around the Big Apple like a local

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Finally it’s done! Sorry to everyone who didn't receive a Christmas or Holiday Card. Now, you know what we have been hard at work on; Postcard’s first book “New York Get There 1-2-3,” a compact, 72 page quick-guide to help visitors and residents truly get around the Apple as easily as 1,2,3.

How the Little Book came to be

Many of you early on, let me know how much you appreciated the directions (Ellen, you were the first) provided at the conclusion of each Postcards story. You mentioned that they were convenient to download and handy to give to friends and relatives who were planning a visit, because all the vital details were in one place. Gail told me, she downloads stories and gives them to clients and associates of her firm, who may just be in the city briefly for business.

As a veteran New Yorker, I never give a thought to getting around; if I have a question about where I am going, a quick look at a Subway map and I’m off. Once you brought “Directions” to my attention, I began to notice how often in the course of a day, I would be approached by dazed tourists with guidebooks in hand. Pause and look, and you will see no end of groups (of all ages), clustered around big open maps, trying to figure out how to get to a landmark or famous sight.

Then, when I was in Barnes and Noble or Borders, I began to spend more and more time in the travel sections. Hundreds of Guidebooks! I bet there are more books on New York than London or Paris, or any other famous city. Many of the familiar names (Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Eyewitness, Michelin) are filled with great information, useful details and lots of pictures, but they are primarily for tourists. Some are so beautiful you can droll for hours; of course, I added several to my wish list.

However, anyone who lives here or commutes is always on the go, short on time; we just want information—no frills. The Orbitz Guide came to mind. During my corporate years, I spent a great deal of time on planes. When business meetings were delayed, cancelled, extended or ran over into the next day, flight changes were a frequent occurrence. I would never be without the frequent flier's must have travel companion—"The Orbitz Guide".

The idea for "New York Get There 1-2-3" took shape; a little book, updated once a year, small enough to fit in the slimmest purse or jacket pocket. It would be:

Compact- 4” X 6 1/2” easy to carry, and okay to cover with notes, mark ups, checks, highlights and underlined entries for quick reference.

Comprehensive- with over 400 locations, addresses, and websites for major hospitals, medical centers, universities, houses of worship, as well as landmarks, historic sites and museums.

Time and money saver- brief directions by bus, subway and train, hours of operation, costs for adults, seniors, students and kids, free and pay as you wish days--all in one place.

"Get There" is ideal for students, visitors, business people in town for the day or a convention, commuters who want to get more from their lunch hour break, and long time residents who have never been to Sung Harbor, Louis Armstrong’s Home or played golf in Van Cortlandt Park.

"New York Get There 1-2-3," is no frills, just the vital information you want at your fingertips. Its debut is a timely and appropriate Thank you to all our subscribers, as we approach Postcard's second Birthday (March 7).

Claim yours while supplies last and before “Get There” is released to the public. It is *FREE* (one per subscriber) only pay postage and handling for this $9.95 value. Click here to read more about “New York Get There 1-2-3" and order your copy TODAY!

Don’t forget to visit the new Postcard's website at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com. (Created by talented designer and webmaster, Benjamin De Mers.)

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

P.S. Please send us an email if you find locations you think should be included, if there is consensus, we will add it to the 2010 “Get There.”

Photo by Joseph Knight

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Merry Christmas!

Central mosaic on facade of St. George Ukrainian Church

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Merry Christmas to our Orthodox Readers!

The twelfth day of Christmas, the Epiphany, when the three wise men from the East presented their gifts to Christ, is the day Christmas is celebrated in Eastern Rite Churches.

"Now I feel I've celebrated Christmas," a fellow Roman Catholic whispered to me as we left the impressive Byzantine domed church of St. George in the East Village early Christmas morning. In a reflective mood, after the incense, the music, the beautiful sung service, I could only nod in silent agreement and smile.

Invited by a NYU classmate a few years ago to join him for Christmas Vigil at St. George, I hesitated a moment before accepting his invitation, as the unpleasant memory of the extremely long (3 hours!) Orthodox wedding Liturgy of several Greek and Russian college friends crossed my mind. If you saw the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," you know what I mean.

Well, just like Toula by the movie's end, comes to appreciate her Greek heritage, I am now ashamed when I recall my reaction that day, as I now look forward with eager anticipation to the 3 hour Liturgy each year at Easter and Christmas.

Fourth century Constantinople, not Rome, was the Capital of the Roman Empire; The Orthodox Liturgy by St. Basil the Great (330-379) dates back to those early days. It predates the Latin Mass, as it is now celebrated, by several centuries. Abridged by St. John Chrysostom (347-407), it is solemn, rich with prayers and ritual, elaborate, ornate and opulent, designed to humble and enthrall a Roman Emperor and his attending court.

The service begins with Compline (the last prayer of the night in the Liturgy of the Hours), followed by an entirely sung Liturgy, where everyone sings--Deacons as well as Priests, not just the choir.

In an ethnically diverse city like New York, the pleasant chance to peek into the world of another culture, like this area of the East Village known as "Little Ukraine," is always present; one can easily experience life in any number of different countries without leaving town.

For a beautiful liturgical celebration of history, tradition and ceremony, consider attending an Orthodox Liturgy this Easter (April 19, 2009) or next Christmas. (Have no fear of the language, missals have English translations.)

Happy New Year to All!

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York


Address to Remember: St. George Ukrainian Church, 30 East 7th St., New York, NY 10003, 212-674-1615, www.brama.com/stgeorge/.

Directions: From Times Square MTA N, R, W to 8th St/NYU, walk east to Astor Pl, south to 7th St.


Photo by Vasyl Lopukh


© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

A Parson's Garden on Hudson Street

A garden bench waits for you

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,


Beautiful weekend weather, like we have had recently, begs to be enjoyed outdoors. Say you've got just the book to while away an afternoon, but can't think of just the right place to do it; comfort is a must, somewhere a bit unfamiliar so there is little chance you'll run into neighbors who want to chat and most definitely a place far away from any noisy playgrounds.

The rustic garden, adjacent to St. Luke-in-the-Fields in the West Village on the corner of Hudson Street across from Grove Street, may be just the spot you're looking for.

Enter the garden through rose-red brick pillars on the north side close to St. Luke's School set far back from the street. Wind your way behind the church just beyond a brick wall and open gothic arches, to find comfortable wooden benches in a garden of trees, shrubs and a profusion of wildflowers.

Then follow a path over well-worn slate and brick walkways through thick clusters of colorful blooms of bright yellow and orange, pastel blues and purple, vibrant red, lilac, peach and white.

Where one finds flowers, you can expect a buzz of insect activity and the twitter of numerous birds along with pleasant drifts of fragrance. Just to play it safe, carry along some insect repellant.

As it was truly difficult to select a photograph for this story, join me on a walk through the garden here, click on A Parson's Garden St. Luke-in-the-Fields and select view as a slideshow.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York


Address to Remember: St. Luke-in-the-Fields Church, 487 Hudson Street @ Grove Street, New York, NY, 10014, 212-924-0562, www.

Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 Downtown to Christopher Street, walk west on Christopher toward the river to Hudson Street turn left to St. Luke-in-the-Fields Church.


Photo by Joseph Knight


© Copyright 2007-8 The Cable Group

Music for Late Afternoon

Stained glass, candlelight, and angelic voices

----New York for Kids Part 5 ----

If you plan to take a young child, you may want to sit in the rear of the Cathedral. Then, if he/she becomes restless, you can quietly slip away.

*********************************************


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Walk into St. Thomas Church at 53rd and Fifth Avenue any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon around 5:30 PM, and Sunday at 4 PM, and you will be pleasantly surprised to find a centuries old English choral tradition very much alive and flourishing.

The vaulted stone Cathedral is the perfect acoustic backdrop for the extraordinary music you will shortly hear; the songs are sung by a world famous choir of boys and young men, crisp and handsomely attired in cassocks, gowns and robes. When the choristers begin to sing the traditional hymns accompanied by organ and orchestra, you will know you have stumbled upon something very special. Sit back and breathe in the music.

Evensong, a short 45 minute service of glorious music, is a painless way to introduce youngsters to classical masterpieces performed by talented young boys close to their own age (ages 8-13).

These boys attend Saint Thomas Choir School, one of only four such schools still in existence in the world. They perform year-round at Saint Thomas as well as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and for audiences around the world.

The Choir School is committed to training and educating gifted young musicians; so if your son has a passion for music and a beautiful voice, encourage him to audition and apply. Visit the School's website at http://www.choirschool.org/.

Whether you have children or not, this is a wonderful uplifting way to end a hectic work day or just find a moment's reprieve from the city's relentless pace.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to Remember: Saint Thomas Church, One West 53rd Street, New York, NY, 212-757-7013. http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/. A wide selection of choral music is available on CD, click here to listen and order.

Directions: From Times Square walk one block to Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), take uptown MTA B, D, F, V to 50th Street and Rockefeller Center. Walk a few short blocks to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street.

Photo courtesy of the Westiminster Choir

©Copyright 2008 The Cable Group

A Special Way to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Bagpipers on Fifth Avenue
----Please Note----

Since St. Patrick's Day falls during Holy Week this year the official liturgical Mass will be held this Friday March 14. However, St. Agnes will celebrate Mass in Gaelic on March 17 at 9:30 AM.

*******************************************


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

On Monday, the sounds of bagpipes will usher in one of the city's most festive Holiday celebrations. Wear something green and claim Irish heritage for a day.

Mayor Bloomberg and Cardinal Egan will kick things off as thousands line Fifth Avenue from 42nd to 86th Street to watch the parade. Long before it ends, every bar and pub in the city will be packed with lines of people trailing out the door as the Guinness flows freely.

Amidst the spirited revelry, gaiety and leprechaun hats, it’s easy to forget the reason for celebration, the Patron Saint of Ireland’s feast day. Look closely at the cumbersome pipes carried proudly by men in colorful kilts, the tartans of their clans. Those pipes have witnessed three thousand years of Celtic History. Their shrill haunting music mirror not only the lush beauty of the land from which they come but the lilting rhythm and cadence of the Gaelic language.

Make this St. Patrick’s Day a special memory. Unless you visit the far reaches of the Irish Isles or Scotland’s Outer Hebridian Islands, you will not get to hear this live. Experience the rare beauty of the Celtic language first hand at a Mass sung in Gaelic at St. Agnes Church steps from where the parade begins. The tiny Church, tucked away on 43rd Street off Lexington Avenue, is a beautiful setting for the Service. Get there early, this promises to be a standing room only affair.

A few words on Ireland’s Patron Saint.

Born on the West Coast of Britain, present-day Wales, around 385, as a boy, Patrick narrowly escaped death when Celtic pirates raided his village. Abducted, taken to Ireland, then sold into slavery, he spent several years of privation and hardship among pagans whose language he struggled to learn in order to survive. As a young man, he risked his life to escape his captors, negotiated passage on a ship sailing to Gaul (France) and eventually found his way back to his family. Years later, in 432, he returned to Ireland as a priest determined to bring Christianity to the people who had enslaved him. His feast day and the soaring gothic Cathedral built to honor his memory celebrate his success at turning a bad experience into something wonderful.

Happy Saint Patty’s Day.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: St. Agnes Church, 141 East 43rd Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 212 682-5722.

St. Agnes also offers Latin Mass in Gregorian Chant every Sunday at 11 AM.

Directions: From Times Square MTA S (Shuttle) to Grand Central Station, walk one block.
Bus M42 or M104 to 42nd Street and 3rd Avenue, walk one block.


Photo courtesy of nymag.com


© Copyright 2008 The Cable Group

Easter Sunday in New York

Sculpture on facade of St. Bartholomew Church

Dear Postcard from New York Reader,

The restraints of Lent now over, this weekend Christians celebrate the high point of the Liturgical year. Easter services, with baptisms and candle lighting ceremonies, are traditionally the most beautiful. Richly embellished by full choirs and exquisite organ music, they are even more special when celebrated in one of the city’s extraordinary architectural wonders.

So, if you are on vacation or accustomed to attending a particular church, make the occasion one to remember. Choose from high vaulted cathedrals to jeweled chapels. Here's a schedule of some particularly beautiful services.

St. Bartholomew Church, Park Avenue at 51st Street, 212-757-7013, http://www.stbarts.org./
Holy Saturday - The Vigil of Easter 7 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 8, 9, 11, & 1 PM

St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street, 212-757-7013, http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/
Holy Saturday - The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter 5:30 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 8 and 11 AM, 3 PM Evensong

St. Patrick, Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, 212-753-2261, http://www.stpatricks-cathedral.org/
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil Mass 8 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 7, 8, 8:45, 12, 1, 4 (Spanish), 5:30. 10:15 Mass Cardinal Egan celebrant (reserved seating only by ticket.)

Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street, 212-870-6700,
Easter Sunday - Services 11 AM and 1 PM http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/

Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 West 138th Street, 212-862-7474, http://www2.blogger.com/www.abyssinian.org
Easter Sunday - Services 9 and 11 AM

Calvary Baptist Church, 123 West 57th Street, 212-975-0170, http://www.calverybaptistnyc.org/
Easter Sunday - Services 9 and 11 AM

St. George, 30 East 7th Street 212-674-1615, http://www2.blogger.com/www.stamforddio.org
Holy Saturday - Vespers 10:30 - 8 PM, Mass 10 PM
Easter Sunday - Services 8:30, 10, 12 Noon

Have a Wonderful Easter.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Photo by Joseph Knight

Copyright 2007 The Cable Group

St. Patrick's Day - A Special Way to Celebrate

Bagpipers on Fifth Avenue

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

The sounds of bagpipes usher in one of the city's most festive Holiday celebrations. Wear something green and claim Irish heritage for a day.

Mayor Bloomberg and Cardinal Egan will kick things off as thousands line Fifth Avenue from 42nd to 86th Street to watch the parade. Long before it ends, every bar and pub in the city will be packed with lines of people trailing out the door as the Guinness flows freely.

Amidst the spirited revelry, gaiety and leprechaun hats, it’s easy to forget the reason for celebration, the Patron Saint of Ireland’s feast day. Look closely at the cumbersome pipes carried proudly by men in colorful kilts, the tartans of their clans. Those pipes have witnessed three thousand years of Celtic History. Their shrill haunting music mirror not only the lush beauty of the land from which they come but the lilting rhythm and cadence of the Gaelic language.

Make this St. Patrick’s Day a special memory. Unless you visit the far reaches of the Irish Isles or Scotland’s Outer Hebridian Islands, you will not get to hear this live. Experience the rare beauty of the Celtic language first hand at a Mass sung in Gaelic at St. Agnes Church steps from where the parade begins. The tiny Church, tucked away on 43rd Street off Lexington Avenue, is a beautiful setting for the 10 AM Service. Get there early, this promises to be a standing room only affair.

A few words on Ireland’s Patron Saint.

Born on the West Coast of Britain, present-day Wales, around 385, as a boy, Patrick narrowly escaped death when Celtic pirates raided his village. Abducted, taken to Ireland, then sold into slavery, he spent several years of privation and hardship among pagans whose language he struggled to learn in order to survive. As a young man, he risked his life to escape his captors, negotiated passage on a ship sailing to Gaul (France) and eventually found his way back to his family. Years later, in 432, he returned to Ireland as a priest determined to bring Christianity to the people who had enslaved him. His feast day and the soaring Cathedral built to honor his memory celebrate his success at turning a bad experience into something wonderful.

Happy Saint Patty’s Day.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: St. Agnes Church, 141 East 43re Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017, 212 682-5722.

St. Agnes also offers Latin Mass in Gregorian Chant every Sunday at 11 AM.

Directions: From Times Square MTA S (Shuttle) to Grand Central Station, walk one block.
Bus M101, M102, M103 to 42nd St.

Photo courtesy of nymag.com

© Copyright 2007 The Cable Group