Pope prays vespers at NY’s St Patrick’s Cathedral

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis Thursday presided over vespers with priests and religious at New York’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, his first main event upon arriving at the “Big Apple” from Washington, DC.

Vatican Radio's Seàn-Patrick Lovett is travelling with the Pope on this 10th Apostolic Visit abroad to Cuba and to the United States. 

He sent us this report from New York City.

Obviously I am biased because Patrick happens to be my patron saint. But after following the Pope to two churches, both named after the great evangelizer of Ireland, and both on the same day, made me feel that perhaps Patrick was trying to tell me something.

Both St Patrick's Church in Washington DC and St Patrick's Cathedral in New York City boast gorgeous marble statues of their namesake, complete with shamrocks, pastoral staffs, and the occasional serpent. No, it's not the Devil. It's a reminder that Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland (I thought you knew that). Both churches are built in the Neo-Gothic style (although the former is obviously minute in comparison to the latter). But there, I'm afraid, the similarities end.

In Washington, St Patrick's is home to Catholic Charities that feeds and ministers to over 120,000 women, men and children in the city each year. Many of these are immigrants. Several are families facing grave economic difficulties. The parish runs soup kitchens, educational and housing programs, provides a shelter for the homeless - and much more besides.

If you've ever been to New York City you'll be familiar with one of its most recognizable landmarks: St Patrick's Cathedral, squeezed in between steel and glass skyscrapers (and right next door to Saks Fifth Avenue - the world's most sophisticated department store). Newly restored, its soaring vaulted ceilings and glittering stained glass windows, have welcomed Presidents, princes, and three Popes.

Fondly referred to as "America's parish church", and rightly considered one of the greatest artistic and architectural gems in the country (St Patrick's is modeled on the Cathedral of Cologne, in Germany) - it can't help communicating opulence and influence as well. Looking around the packed interior before Pope Francis arrived on Thursday evening was like reading a Who's Who of New York Catholic society.

So when Pope Francis started speaking I listened especially attentively just in case St Patrick started dropping hints. And, true to form, the message came through loud and clear. A few simple words: "gratitude and hard work". It doesn't matter who you are or what you have, never stop being thankful for both - and never tire of putting your talents at the service of others.

But there was another surprise in store. And this time it wasn't for me. Just when everyone thought his discourse was over, Pope Francis addressed the woman religious of the United States: "What would the Church be without you?", he asked. "Women of strength, fighters...in the front lines...I love you very much". This surprise vindication of the nuns of the United States was met with a standing ovation - and some very damp eyes. Mine included.

With Pope Francis in New York City - I'm Seán-Patrick Lovett