[NYer]

I’m thinking that the Archdiocese should hang on to the properties. The people will come back. But it will be a slow process.

No! This is Manhattan. These churches were erected by immigrants from western Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Manhattan is populated by peoples from every culture and diverse religious belief imaginable. The descendants of those immigrants moved to the suburbs (Queens, Bronx, LI, Staten Island) and their descendants have now moved south to VA, NC, GA, FL, LA, TX, etc. They have taken their faith with them, resulting in the construction of new churches in those communities. They will not be returning to NYC.

[NYFreeper]

The descendants of those immigrants moved to the suburbs (Queens, Bronx, LI, Staten Island) and their descendants have now moved south to VA, NC, GA, FL, LA, TX, etc. They have taken their faith with them, resulting in the construction of new churches in those communities. They will not be returning to NYC.

Very good point. I, myself fall into this category. My hometown church in Westchester county is in a similar situation.

[workerbee]

They will not be returning to NYC.

Esp. with Smilin' Tim at the helm.