During my Manhattan lunch hour, I find peace, tranquility and serenity in churches just blocks from my office.  The three churches featured here were all originally built in the 1800s and stood as detached country churches.  The first two churches have monasteries attached to them, span the entire block, have inside courtyard garden sanctuaries with fountains and have functioning soup kitchens that were established during the depression.  All of the churches have masses everyday in the morning and during lunch hour.

St Francis of Assisi Church and Friary - National Shrine of St. Anthony, built in 1844, Front view, at 32nd St, Inside Court Yard, Rear view at 33rd St, St Francis.  This church is located right next door to where all the camera stores once stood on 33rd St.  
See www.stfrancisnyc.org

The Church of Saint John The Baptist (Capuchin Franciscans), Front view, at 31st St, Rear view, at 32nd St, facing Madison Square Garden.
See www.padrepioshrine.com

The Church of The Holy Innocents, at 37th St and Broadway, established in 1866 Front view, Door Handle Detail.  
See www.innocents.com