For more than a decade, sheep have become an unusual but cherished fixture in a historic Catholic cemetery in Manhattan’s NoLita neighborhood, offering a living symbol of faith and a practical solution for lawn care. However, this longstanding tradition is set to end after 13 years.

Since 2013, three sheep—most recently named Francesco, Clare, and Therese—have grazed at the north graveyard of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral each fall, patrolling the active burial grounds from September to November. The animals, which come annually from a different regional farm, have been cared for by Thomas Wilkinson, who serves as the church-appointed shepherd and manages the logistics, including the necessary exhibition license for the sheep to be in the city.

“The sheep are seasonal visitors unto our campus here,” said the Rev. Daniel Ray, pastor of the historic parish. This year’s flock came from Jerry's Farm on Long Island, though the church declined to disclose the cost.

The use of sheep has served multiple purposes. Besides maintaining the grass around tombstones, the sheep provide a living metaphor for the Christian tradition of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, helping to engage visitors, especially children. The Rev. Luigi Portarulo noted that the sheep offer an opportunity to explain biblical parables in a tangible way, emphasizing their connection to Christian faith and tradition. The sheep’s names—Francesco for St. Francis of Assisi, Clare for St. Clare of Assisi, and Therese for St. Thérèse of Lisieux—reflect this spiritual symbolism.

This year, the sheep were blessed alongside household pets on October 4, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis's death, the patron saint of animals.

Despite their popularity and the affection of local residents, including nearby neighbors who enjoy their presence as a unique New York City moment, the sheep must be retired from the cemetery. The church reopened the burial grounds for interment more than ten years ago, and nearly 300 people have since been laid to rest there, both underground and aboveground. As visitation has increased, the church has begun renovations, adding pathways, benches, and flowers around the outdoor columbaria, which limits the available space for the sheep to roam.

“This is bittersweet,” said Wilkinson, who has often hoped the sheep could remain through the winter holiday season. He expressed hope that future landscaping projects might find a way to accommodate the animals again, calling the basilica “the church of hope.”

Visitors and parishioners lament the loss of the seasonal flock, which has become part of the church’s identity and a beloved sight during autumn and Catholic observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

As the church moves forward with cemetery improvements, the chapter of the grazing sheep in Manhattan appears to be coming to a close—at least for now—symbolizing the evolution of a sacred space while leaving behind memories of an unlikely pastoral tradition in the heart of the city.