St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral – now under the Legion of Christ

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral interior at a recent concert(photo taken 4/24/2025).

We read that the “Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral” has now been “entrusted to the care” of the Legion of Christ:

“Legionaries of Christ assigned the Basilica of Old St. Pat’s in New York City,” legionariesofchrist.org (8/30/2025)

So one of the most historic churches of New York City is given to the Legion of Christ. This, after some 20 years of efforts to raise the profile of this church as an archdiocesan showpiece – spending so much on the restoration of the interior, the “crypt,” the organ, and the churchyard. This project, of course, was also accompanied by the sale of the historic orphanage/school (now luxury appartments); the marketing of the churchyard as a unique burial “opportunity” and the expulsion of St. Michael’s Russian Catholic chapel from the former diocesan chancery. The old cathedral did in recent years attract events of more than local appeal: the Society of St Hugh of Cluny sponsored several of them and reported on others. And it also allegedly became a draw for “the sexiest congregation in New York.” Yet, at the end of the day, the archdiocese was unable to staff even this monument and had to turn to the Legion of Christ. Certainly, that is a major coup for that organization!

For what we wrote about St Patrick’s and its surrounding buildings (prior to recent restoration) see:

“An Old Cathedral and a New Basilica,” The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny (11/28/2013)

For vespers sponsored by this Society:

“Vespers at St. Patrick’s old Cathedral New York,” The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny (5/5/2014)

For a detailed description of the old school and its fate:

“Old St. Patrick’s Convent and Girls” School – 32-36 Prince Street ,” Daytonian in Manhattan ( 2/6/2025)

(Above) In 2013 this window could still be seen in the old school. In 1817 the diocese of New York (as it was then) had requested Mother Seton’s help in staffing the school (originally an orphanage)of St. Patrick’s.

(Above) Solemn Vespers (traditional) in Old St. Patrick’s, April 2014.

ADDENDUM: I have been informed that the name of the relgious organization is the “Legionaries” not the “Legion” of Christ. However, I find that the designation “Legion of Christ” remains in wide use.