The Vatican Pavilion held Michelangelo's Pietà at the 1964 World's Fair, and what survives of it is a bare paved circle in Flushing Meadows that most joggers pass without a second look. On vigil nights it fills with pilgrims, many from out of state, praying the rosary by candlelight until late. Whatever you believe, it is one of the strangest and most persistent religious scenes in New York, and it costs nothing to stand at the edge of.
What to expect
A crowd on the open paving where the pavilion stood, with candles, folding chairs and the rosary prayed aloud in unison, often for hours. This is devotional rather than a performance, so visitors are welcome but the tone stays quiet and serious. Sound carries a long way across the open park, and the group stays well after dark.
Good to know
- The 7 to Mets–Willets Point is the closest train, then a walk across the park
- Free and open to the public — no ticket, no registration, no membership
- Bring a folding chair if you want to sit; the site is open paving with no seating
- It runs late into the night, so plan the walk back across the park in the dark
- This is a devotion rather than a tour — quiet observers are welcome, but it is not a photo op
- Flat, paved and step-free from the main park paths
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Can non-Catholics attend?
Yes. The vigils are free and open to the public, and visitors regularly stand at the edge without taking part in the prayers.
Why is it held here?
The site is where the Vatican Pavilion stood at the 1964–65 World's Fair. The Our Lady of the Roses vigils have gathered on that ground for decades.
Is there anything to see if I am just passing through?
The pavilion itself is long gone; what remains is open paving in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. On vigil nights the crowd, the candles and the prayer are the whole scene.
More this weekend
