NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – As he has done for years, Cardinal Timothy Dolan welcomed thousands to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for midnight mass, marking the beginning of Christmas with a message of hope and light.
“Let there be light as God’s recreation starts with that midnight dazzle,” he said.
The traditional midnight mass was held at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, requiring tickets for attendance.
This nearly 150-year-old tradition dates back to 1879, when the cathedral on Fifth Avenue first opened its doors.
The cardinal spoke about the significance of the day with some humor. “God so loved the world, he did not send us a drone,” Dolan said, adding, “God so loved the world that he sent us His only Son.” His remarks were met with laughter and applause.
Mayor Eric Adams was also present in the crowd.
The cathedral was filled with New Yorkers and tourists from around the world. Many gathered to find peace and reflect on the meaning of the holy day.
“It’s important to reflect and find peace with yourself and peace with others,” one visitor said outside the cathedral.
The cardinal also touched on the struggles in the world, saying, “No wonder we so exuberantly celebrate the birth of Jesus, who would grow up to proclaim himself the light of the world.”
As Christmas kicked off in New York City, Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul shared their holiday greetings with New Yorkers, offering messages of joy and hope for the season.
Adams wrote on X, “Merry Christmas, New York City! We are blessed to call the greatest city in the world home. If you’re celebrating, I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones today and sharing in the joy of the season.”
“My holiday wish is that next year at this time, we can look back at real progress in making life more affordable for New York families," Hochul said in a a statement. "Because while the holiday season comes once a year, the spirit of caring for our neighbors should guide us every day."
“From my family to yours, I want to wish you a very happy holiday season!”