8. The Crypt and America’s (Possible) First Black Saint

Entrance to the crypt of St. Patrick Cathedral crypt

A pair of copper doors, just below the altar, lead to St. Patrick’s crypt. The crypt, which is rarely opened to the public, is small and has a “black, speckled floor, light gray marble and fluorescent lighting… [and a] gold prie-dieu, or kneeling prayer desk.” The crypt is home to many of New York City’s former Archbishops and Cardinals, including most recently John Cardinal O’Connor and Edward Cardinal Egan. Additionally, Pierre Toussaint, a former slave and philanthropist, is buried in the crypt. Toussaint was originally buried at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. When Pope John Paul II declared him to be Venerable, a step towards possible canonization, Toussaint was reinterred at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.