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The Cardinal joined 75 workers at the church site for the event.

The project includes work on the exterior and interior of the Cathedral, the stained glass windows, and construction of a garden outdoors.

Dolan says all workers are doing God's "creative ongoing labor."

"Even thought these fellas kind of in a very dramatic tangible visible way say, 'Wow, sure. Repairing and restoring our beloved St. Patrick's Cathedral. You bet that's part of God's ongoing creative activity but any work and any labor is when done for his honor and glory.' So we're proud of our workers, we salute them we love them and we're with them all the way," Dolan said.

The $175 million restoration project is expected to take five years to finish.

Following Thursday morning's blessing, Dolan was expected to make his way to Tampa, Florida where he will deliver the benediction at the Republican National Convention.

Dolan will offer the closing prayer around 11 p.m. after Mitt Romney speaks.

He is making it clear that his appearance is not an endorsement, saying he's a "pastor not a politician," and just wants to unite people at a time when the nation has become divided.

"So if anybody can serve as a bridge as a source of reconciliation, bringing people together in civility and patriotism, it should be pastors," said Dolan. "So, boy if I could lead the prayer at both conventions I thought, 'Good. that's somewhat a validation of my role as an impartial pastor.'"

Dolan is also slated to give the closing prayer at the Democratic National Convention next week.