Merry Christmas from the Big Apple

 BY KITTY L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 12.25.2022

View of the NYC skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσιν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἐμμανουήλ, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον μεθ' ἡμῶν ὁ θεός.

Ecce virgo in utero habebit, et pariet filium: et vocabunt nomen ejus Emmanuel, quod est interpretatum Nobiscum Deus.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel, which means, God with us.

We celebrated part of Christmas in a place that needs no introduction.  A big thanks to our Big-Apple-sherpa and NYC native, Ed, who gave us a grand tour by having us run around all the major sights and scenes of the city in a couple hours.   Although we saw many well-known and famous destinations, I will say there were a few big moments that really brought out the spirit of Christmas during our quick run through the Big Apple.

 

Being ever-so thoughtful, Ed first took us to the historic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.  Among the dark and reflective modern buildings that line Fifth Avenue, Saint Patrick’s stuck out like a radiant jewel with its white marble exterior and ornate façade.  Its towering spires, which once made the cathedral the tallest structure in NYC, still awe visitors who view this country’s first and largest major Gothic Revival cathedral. 

 

Interestingly, the old cathedral that was in Lower Manhattan experienced a surge in attendance almost 200 years ago, prompting the construction of this newer cathedral in Midtown Manhattan.  In fact, Saint Patrick’s takes up an entire city block, which is impressive for a church.  To put it into perspective, other nearby landmarks that occupy a full city block include Yankee Stadium, Penn Station, and Trump Tower.

Entrance under an ornate Gothic façade. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

 

To date, I have never seen a church in the US with so much foot traffic, so much interest, and during mass at that!  The sheer volume of people entering and leaving under the gothic vaults was indeed reflective of the city.  Within the nave, there were many in quiet attendance, undisturbed by all the visitors streaming in through the aisles on the sides. 

 

Although I am more used to a Vetus Ordo mass where all things stand still, I found the respect and silence from the inordinate number of visitors to be extremely impressive.  It’s hard to believe that this very cathedral has been the target of acts of terror, including a bomb threat that failed to disrupt mass despite there being an actual detonation in the past.

 

While we were there, we got to spend a good amount of time reflecting, praying, and lighting candles for those in our thoughts.

That brings us to a few thoughts from this year’s homily:

"Dear brother, dear sister, tonight God is drawing near to you, because you are important to him. From the manger, as food for your life, he tells you: “If you feel consumed by events, if you are devoured by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, if you hunger for justice, I, your God, am with you. I know what you are experiencing, for I experienced it myself in that manger. I know your weaknesses, your failings and your history. I was born in order to tell you that I am, and always will be, close to you”. The Christmas manger, the first message of the divine Child, tells us that God is with us, he loves us and he seeks us. So take heart! Do not allow yourself to be overcome by fear, resignation or discouragement. God was born in a manger so that you could be reborn in the very place where you thought you had hit rock bottom. There is no evil, there is no sin, from which Jesus does not want to save you. And he can. Christmas means that God is close to us: let confidence be reborn!"

from the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, 2022 (Pope Francis)

Amazing nativity in Saint Patrick's. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Having spent some time in the church, we were ready to pick up the pace again.  Through Time’s Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Trump Tower, the New York State Supreme Court, the subway, the Brooklyn Bridge – it was all a spectacular blur.  However, there was yet another moment that reminded me of the times.

 

Ed took us to a very special place which I’ve always wanted to see in person.  I had no idea it would have such an impact on me.  Like many on 9/11, Ed had witnessed the events on that day unfold before his very eyes.  The terror, the sorrow, and the chaos – so much was lost that day.  As we made our way to the new World Trade Center, the One World Trade Center, we were met with a small chapel.  According to Ed, although everything so close to the Twin Towers was destroyed by the debris and explosions, this tiny chapel miraculously survived. Saint Paul’s Chapel, which is also American’s oldest church in Manhattan, served as both a makeshift sanctuary memorial before the official memorial was built. 

Saint Paul's Chapel, the little chapel that stood, with One WTC behind it. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

 Although we couldn’t step inside, it was interesting to see how all of it was intact.  Apparently, a large  Sycamore absorbed most of the damage from flying debris, and not even a single stained-glass window was damaged. 

 

What was even more impressive was the 9/11 Memorial itself.  Two large reflecting pools gathered the names of the fallen at the bases of where the Twin Towers once stood.  A solemn and heavy air blanketed all the individuals who flocked around the pools. 

Reflecting at the 9/11 Memorial Pools. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

In a day and age where narcissism is often rewarded, leading to such unfortunate incidents as insensitive selfies at places where thousands were lost, it was impressive that nothing of the sort happened here.  Instead, I witnessed kindness of others, placing flags and flowers on the names of those related and those unknown.  I saw those with reverent gazes towards the engraved names, carefully walking the perimeters of the memorial, as if not to wake any from their slumber.  From the masses of people there, I saw tears, I heard silence, I felt a sense of unity.  Truly a gift to see this Christmas.

 

Just as Saint Patrick’s was a target of terrorism long ago, yet mass continued, this was the site of one of the most horrendous acts of terror in our lifetimes, yet healing continues, growth continues.  Looking up, I could see the One World Trade Center, and its reflection in 3 World Trade Center.  I couldn’t help but think that the new WTC, too, was a memorial in its own way, as if seeing its own reflection was another way to remember the fact that two towers stood here as a symbol of America, of what those who lost their lives during and after the event stood for, and of how their hopes and dreams carry on to the future.  Indeed, the legacy of the fallen lives on.

One WTC reflected onto 3 WTC. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

As the sky darkened, the city’s lights brightened, and we spent our last moments in NYC running through Chinatown, having the world’s best cannoli in Little Italy, seeing the newer developments over a former train track, the High Line, and of course, rushing past the famous Macy’s and Time’s Square one last time.  What a different vibe that begs for another visit.  However, our greatest moment this Christmas happened at the end of our marathon through the city...

 

Perhaps the greatest gift of Christmas we received in the New York was seeing our friend, Ed, who from worlds away took the time, energy, and passion for his city to return and give us a memorable tour like no other.  Though he ran us ragged, the gift of his friendship and kindness will stick with us long after the soreness subsides!

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even Chance. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI