Holidays

Thousands Celebrate Christmas at St. Patrick's Cathedral

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea was among those in attendance at Midnight Mass

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What to Know

  • The faithful packed into St. Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate Midnight Mass – an annual event that for a number of people is an important Christmas tradition
  • Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated Midnight Mass at the New York City landmark amid tight security
  • The church service has become a global event as many people from around the world attend the mass that includes multiple bible readings in a myriad of languages

The faithful packed into St. Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate Christmas.

While hundreds attended mass early Wednesday morning, it was not as busy as Midnight Mass – an annual event that for a number of people is an important Christmas tradition.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated Midnight Mass at the New York City landmark amid tight security and thousands of attendees.

Although those in attendance needed a ticket to be present at Midnight Mass, crowds were lining up early afternoon Christmas Eve to experience the Christmastide mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The church service brought out familiar faces – as NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea was in the front row.

The church service has become a global event as many people from around the world attend the mass that includes multiple bible readings in a myriad of languages.

During his homily, Dolan spoke about light and hope even during the darkest of times.

To be a part of midnight mass one has to participate in a lottery – the winners are given free tickets to attend.

However, for the other Christmas masses at St. Patrick’s you don’t need a ticket. The last Christmas Day service will take place at 5 p.m.

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