Monsignor Nicola Marinacci, of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, died on the evening of Sept. 13. He would have been 104 years old on Dec. 4.
Marinacci was pastor of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral from 1970 to 1985.
“The monsignor saved thousands of children in his lifetime, both in Italy during World War II and, since 1949, on the tough streets of Little Italy,” a message from the cathedral said.
A viewing was held Tues., Sept. 16 at the Mary Manning Walsh Home, on the Upper East Side. The following day, a wake and Vigil Mass were held at the Little Italy cathedral.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan led the Funeral Mass on Thurs., Sept. 18, at the Mulberry St. basilica.
There will be a Facebook page — “Monsignor Nicola Marinacci.”