A year ago, we shared some historical images of Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. At the time we wrote:
With rare exception (including distracting TV monitors throughout the nave, a redundant table-altar in the sanctuary and a modernist Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton side altar) the cathedral has escaped the wreckovation craze following the Second Vatican Council.
We are pleased to share new photos taken by Rorate during the Christmas octave showing the removal of the redundant table-altar in the sanctuary, the removal of the modernist Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton sculpture and even the removal of a bizarre hologram at the Holy Face side altar.
Despite a 1942 main altar, under a baldacchino, that is freestanding, a second altar-table was installed closer to the congregation following the novus ordo, shown here:
Another view of the previous two-altar-situation:
During the recent restoration, the table-altar has been removed:
One hopes the archbishop's throne, currently angled to face the congregation, will be positioned back to its traditional cathedra position facing directly south. If for no other reason, someone is likely to trip on the corner of the platform unless corrected.
Amongst the beautiful side altars on the Epistle side of the cathedral, in the nave, was a modern sculpture by Frederick C. Shrady of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton:
During the recent restoration, the sculpture and its surrounding wall have been removed:
A more traditional depiction of Mother Seton is on the cathedral's bronze, front door.
Amongst the side altars on the Gospel side of the nave is the Holy Face altar. To its left was added a hologram:
His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, is to be congratulated for such significant physical improvements to his cathedral (and we are told he has been personally involved in every decision). He has not been helped by the new pope, who has been angering donors to the cathedral restoration project.
We hope to bring you news on what will replace the removed Mother Seton sculpture (hopefully whatever side altar was previously located there). Now about all of those distracting TVs in the nave and restoring the traditional Latin Mass to the cathedral...
