St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City – Columbus Day Mass and Parade. I arrived late for an 8 a.m. Mass to barricades and security guards at the New York City cathedral. A red carpet dawned the front steps and a gentleman dressed in a business suit and an Italian flag on his lapel informed me that the mass had teen cancelled for the holiday, but a 9:30 a.m. Mass would be celebrated by Cardinal Dolan. “That’s awesome,” I replied. “But you need a ticket,” he regretfully informed me. He suggested if I hang out I could probably get in after all ticket holders have been seated.

I hung out and chatted with another woman who, like me, had taken NJ Transit that morning to visit the cathedral. Eager to get a front row view for the blessing of the newly restored bronze entry doors by Cardinal Dolan, she marked off her spot on the steps.

I went to Starbucks.

Upon my return, the woman flags me down and says, “Ma’am, ma’am, I got you a ticket!”

With a grateful heart I thanked her and entered the grand cathedral, its walls veiled by scaffolding and drop clothes, ticket in hand.

The mass was concelebrated by seven Bishops and numerous priests.

In his homily, Bishop Caggiano of Bridgeport, CT reminded us that, “Courage with humility leads to true greatness.” And that, like Columbus, we must have the courage to do what the Lord is asking us in this hour… to become a people of courage and humility again. He likened our baptism in the church to the vessel which carries us on the journey.