NY1
April 4, 2010
http://www.ny1.com/5-manhattan-news-content/top_stories/116366/easter-celebrations-take-over-fifth-ave
[with video]
NEW YORK -- Catholics from across the city and beyond gathered Sunday at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown to mark the holiest day of the Christian calendar.
A total of seven services took place at the Fifth Avenue landmark throughout the morning and afternoon.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan presided over the 10:15 a.m. service for which advance tickets were necessary.
"It is the significance of redemption and the resurrection of Christ. That's what we celebrate and that we can all be redeemed," said one worshipper.
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"It's a time to reflect and generally thank God for everything we have and so for me as a Catholic -- not even kind of a good Catholic -- I have to go to church today," said another.
The mass also attracted protesters, drawing attention once again to the sex abuse scandal that continues to beleaguer the Catholic church.
Dolan did not address the scandal during his sermon, but did so after the mass.
"We bishops have been saying a long time we could have handled things a lot better, so we've been for a long time, owning up to it, expressing contrition, regret a desire to do better," said the archbishop.
Some worshipers who spoke with NY1 outside the cathedral expressed concern over the latest scandal.
"We sort of try not to think about it on the holidays, but it is a disturbing issue that I wish would get resolved," said one worshiper.
"I am conflicted about the Catholic church these days because of all the pedophile information and all that but I think the faithful still hold onto their faith," said another.
At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI remained silent on the sex abuse coverup accusations while addressing tens of thousands of worshippers who gathered in St. Peter's Square.
A senior cardinal, however, came to the defense of the Holy Father during the mass saying the Pope showed "unfailing" leadership and courage.
He also called accusations that the Pope helped cover up crimes against children in parishes, schools and orphanages "petty gossip."
On a lighter note, it was all things spring outside St. Patrick's Cathedral as dozens took part in the annual Easter Day Parade.
From garden variety bonnets to mechanically inclined haberdashery, Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street was filled with headwear that can only be described as works of art.
While the event is a city staple, it does not feature floats -- unless, that is, you consider the feats of architecture bobbing above the crowd.
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