In the heart of Lower Manhattan stands the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s, a witness to over two centuries of Catholic history in New York. Earlier this month, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, entrusted this historic basilica — affectionately known as Old St. Pat’s — to the care of the Legionaries of Christ.

On August 15, Fr. Daniel Ray, LC, was appointed pastor, with the support of the Legionary community in Rye, NY. His official installation is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. Fr. Daniel was ordained in December 2006 and currently serves as the superior of the Rye community. He is also a chaplain for the Lumen Institute in Manhattan and a board member of RC Education. His homilies at Old St. Pat’s can be found on the Regnum Christi App and at rcnytristate.org.

Fr. Daniel expressed that “it is a true honor that Cardinal Dolan has entrusted us with the care of the basilica.” He also shared his desire to strengthen the Regnum Christi charism within parish life, making the basilica a spiritual home for the mission in Manhattan.

This is the second parish assignment the Legionaries of Christ have received in the Archdiocese of New York. For more than a decade, they have also served at St. Peter and St. Denis Parish in Yonkers, where Fr. Donald Kaufman, LC, is pastor, accompanied by Fr. Helio Cantú, L.C., and Fr. Eric Nielsen, LC.

Fr. Shawn Aaron, LC, Territorial Director of the Legionaries of Christ in North America, stated: “We are deeply grateful to Cardinal Dolan for entrusting us with the pastoral care of Old St. Pat’s (…) We are committed to continuing its legacy, serving this vibrant community with the spirit of Regnum Christi.”

The ministry at Old St. Pat’s is not entirely new for the Legionaries of Christ or for Regnum Christi. Over the years, there has been ongoing collaboration and support in various parish initiatives, including retreats, youth events, and mission outreach. Fr. Daniel himself previously served as parochial vicar, following in the footsteps of Fr. Jason Smith, LC, who also held that role at the basilica.

For the past 15 years, Regnum Christi members and volunteers have launched major street missions from Old St. Pat’s during Advent and Holy Week in the neighborhoods of SoHo and NoLita. These street missionaries distribute rosaries, invite people into the church for confession or Mass, and seek to bring faith into the daily life of the city.

Beyond parish ministry, the mission of the Legionaries and Regnum Christi in New York is broad and far-reaching. It includes spiritual care through chaplaincies, programs for youth and married couples, retreats, and leadership formation through institutions such as the Lumen Institute and Seton Fellows.

A Bit of History

Built in 1815, Old St. Patrick’s was the first diocesan cathedral of New York. Initially, it served the Irish immigrant community, and today it welcomes a diverse parish that includes young professionals as well as Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities.

Photo credit — Taken from Instagram: @fr_danie_ray

Construction of Old St. Patrick’s began on June 8, 1809, and was completed on May 14, 1815, after nearly six years of building. It was designed by Joseph-François Mangin.

According to the Basilica’s website, “Since its opening more than 200 years ago at the corner of Mott and Prince Streets in the Nolita neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, its spiritual mission remains a beacon for Catholic faithful and an American symbol of the triumph of religious freedom. Originally the worship center for a mostly impoverished Irish community, St. Patrick’s expanded over the decades to meet the spiritual and material needs of a diverse community that included Italian, African American, Chinese, and Vietnamese Catholics.”

This article was written based on information from “Legionaries of Christ Assigned the Basilica of Old St. Pat’s in New York City.”

Photo credit — Fr. David: Regnum Christi NY – Tri State.