If you’re planning a religious trip to New York, no time like the present. I believe that faith is a personal matter, something that’s between you and your Maker, so I don’t like to throw religion in anyone’s face. But I’ll make an exception here, because Pope Benedict XVI is visiting New York and Washington between April 15-20. His NYC plans include a speech at the United Nations, a visit to Ground Zero and mass at Yankee Stadium. He’s also scheduled to visit Manhattan’s Jewish Park East Synagogue on April 18th. Also on his list is a stopover at St. Joseph’s Church, a German-speaking Church  on East 87th Street at First Avenue.

I thought this is as good an oppurtunity as any to focus the spotlight on the rich history and heritage of the Catholic Church in NYC. The Big Apple will be decked up and primed for the Papal visit, and in addition to following the Pope’s itenerary, you might want to visit some of the major attractions listed below for a Catholic tour of New York City.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The biggest attraction, with over 5 million annual visitors, is St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This imposing and magnificient structure on Fifth Ave between 50th & 51st, is the HQ of the New York Archdiocese, headed by Bishop Edward Michael Cardinal Egan.  Photo credit - Cambridge 2000 Gallery

Take a gander at the Gothic architecture, the stained glass windows, the marble sculptures, the  magnificient altar, the Kilgen organ and most of all, the very immensity of the Cathedral and the aura of peace and serenity which fills the air in and around the Cathedral, and that too in a city like New York where being a hard-nosed cynic is a prequisite to survival, and you can understand the attraction that St. Patrick’s provokes, in both New York residents and visitors.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine: Located at 701 Fort Washington Avenue, in the Washington Heights neighbourhood, this shrine holds the remains of the first American to be beatified, Francesa Cabrini, or as she is better known, Mother Cabrini, in a crystal coffin. The shrine’s gift shop contains an exhibition of her belongings and her death certificate.

Mother Cabrini was an Italian immigrant who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and upon coming to New York, she established hospitals, orphanages, nurseries and schools. Its a well established tradition for immigrants applying for Green Cards to visit the Cabrini Shrine and ask for her help. Today’s visitor to New York might just ask her for help with safe cab rides and a hassle free departure from the airports without Airport Security flagging you onto a no-fly list.

Other notable points of interest on a Catholic religious tour of NYC might include Fort Tryon Park where the Cloisters contain famed art works, paintings and manuscripts; St. Malachy’s Church at 239 W. 49th Street known for being frequented by the artistes and theatre crews on Broadway and The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue near 84th Street, where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ funeral was held.