Diana von Glahn takes you on a whirlwind tour of New York City's renowned St. Patrick's Cathedral, discussing what it took to get the cathedral built, and what it means to Catholics around the world.

Monsignor Thomas J. Shelley, professor of history at Fordham University, discusses the impact that New York's first Archbishop, John Hughes, had on the city, and how he helped make this landmark a cathedral of suitable magnificence.

Question: "What makes this Cathedral special to you?"

Diana von Glahn: St. Patrick's Cathedral holds a very special place in my heart because of the time I spent there when I lived in New York City. I worked in a building a few blocks away and would often come here for daily mass or adoration. I love the chapels to the many different saints because they speak to who the people are in the Catholic community at St. Patricks. For instance, St. Anthony is said to be the most visited chapel here because of the large Italian community. But it's also interesting to know the history of how the Cathedral was build and has changed over the years and how some of these chapels have been replaced by others.

David von Glahn: St. Pat's is an oasis of calm and faith in the heart of New York City. Even though it is surely the most visited church in Manhattan, you can still find a quiet chapel to pray and and come closer to God. Our favorite place in the Cathedral is behind the Sanctuary, the chapel devoted to the Blessed Sancrament. It's such a peaceful place, especially since it's in the middle of hectic midtown Manhattan.

• St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, NY
• Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ
• St. John Neumann Shrine in Philadelpha, PA
• National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, in Emmitsburg, Maryland
• and many, many others!

The Faithful Traveler™ aired on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) in 2011. Consult EWTN's channel finder and schedule for reruns.