Shrine and Parish Church of The Holy Innocents

We didn't know that this beautiful and traditional Catholic Church existed in the midst of the busy city. Walked in to a Latin mass, just solemn. Confession and exposition of Blessed Sacrament were present. It was really hot inside the church, but it isn't about being comfortable while Christ is giving an ultimate sacrifice. Definitely a very traditional church, praying all churches are like it.

I used to like coming here a few years ago but the people they have working as staff have always been uptight and rude. I happen to walk in for a quick prayer after 5pm Saturday. Mind you I didn’t see any opening/closing times posted other than Mass times. The man tells me “I’m closing, you need to go” in the most uncharitable and borderline angry tone as if I were doing it as a prank or on purpose. I have received much nicer attitudes from people working in stores when accidentally walking in about closing time. The good thing is there are other parishes in the area where staff is kinder and aware they’re located in the center of Midtown Manhattan. Not returning to this church again.

A beautiful parish tucked into a busy street. So easy to pray here and be surrounded by holy people and Saintly Statuary. The Roman Catholic Shrine & Parish Church of The Holy Innocents is located in the Fashion Center, mid-town Manhattan. Founded in 1866, the mission of the church is to be a spiritual oasis in one of busiest business districts in the world - Times/Herald Square. The celebration of four daily Masses, including one daily Mass in the Tridentine Latin Rite, confession, and public devotions, enable visitors time for personal and communal prayer. Fr. James L. P. Miara is the Pastor of Holy Innocents.

Decades ago, I worked in the garment industry. Monday to Friday lunch I would go to this church. I did my First Nine Fridays for nine months. Devotion of Reparation to The Sacred Heart of our Lord. A Monsignor blessed my Blessed Mother's Miraculous Medal which is around my neck. When he retired, I sent a card to him, and he wrote back. I have it in my memory box. Years later I did the Blessed Mother. First Saturday for five months.

The Church is very beautiful, the prayers there are great but as a devoted Catholic , I am extremely disappointed in the way the 2 sacristans/helpers of the 1st Friday mass behave towards black people! Yes I said it: they are racists toward black in the way they look and talk to you!!! Especially the one with grey hair and glasses who acts has if he owns the place and knows people relationship with God!!! He is racist, rude and disrespectful while addressing a black person!! As a local guide I am very unhappy to put this kind of review but one has to speak the truth. The other one who is Spanish too with long black hair acts as if he is there to conciliate but at the end he is a passive disrespectful person. I saw non-black having some kind of behavior and none of them said anything about it but once a black person does it, he will humiliate them by the way he approaches and addresses them in front of every body. Those are the kind of people making other go away from our Catholic Church which is a shame. Serving the Lord doesn't give you any right in judging the way others worship. I wish I could meet the pastor so he would train them on being better church helper instead of what they do. May God be with them.