Author: Adriana Rodriguez

Announcement of Death – Reverend Daniel S. Murphy

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Daniel S. Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Murphy was born on October 27, 1944 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1970 and died Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Daniel S. Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Murphy was born on October 27, 1944 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1970 and died Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Father Murphy served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), Holy Child Jesus (Richmond Hill), and Saint Andrew the Apostle (Brooklyn). He served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn), Resurrection-Ascension (Rego Park), Saint Brigid (Brooklyn), and Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Far Rockaway). Father Murphy served as Chaplain of Saint Saviour High School, Stella Maris High School, and team Chaplain for the New York Mets.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Joseph P. Clavin Sons, Inc.
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 745-1445

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Thursday, December 19, 2024
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Thursday, December 19, 2024
7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS:

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Friday, December 20, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:

Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Murphy was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.
Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.
If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Kathleen Bernegger, 10 Sabina Drive, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS THOUSANDS IN CELEBRATING OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

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THOUSANDS MARK THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
WITH FESTIVE MASS AND TORCH PROCESSION THROUGH CITY STREETS

The Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, with two Masses attended by more than three thousand pilgrims. Following each Mass, Bishop Robert Brennan blessed and lit the torches that led pilgrims on a procession throughout Queens and Brooklyn back to their home parishes. More than 50 Catholic Churches took part in the yearly ritual to honor the patron saint of Mexico.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the title given to the Virgin Mary after she appeared to an indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531. According to tradition, she left an image of herself imprinted on his cloak as a sign of her divine presence. Her apparition is seen as a symbol of faith, unity, and protection, particularly for indigenous peoples in Mexico and Latin America.

During the morning Mass for the faithful of Queens parishes, retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros encouraged the packed church of pilgrims to find the significance in the rituals they are taking part in this day and listen to God’s call as they process and sing on the streets.

Bishop Robert Brennan told the Brooklyn faithful during the afternoon Mass that Mary loved Juan Diego, Mary loved the Mexican people and Mary loves us today. And, in her maternal love, she wants us to know the love of God; the Virgin of Guadalupe asks us to make Christ the center and the summit of our Christian lives.

The group of pilgrims represents, in its vast majority, the Mexican Catholic population of Brooklyn and Queens. An estimated 175,000 Mexicans live in Brooklyn and Queens. This event was organized by Father Baltazar Sanchez Alonzo, Director of the Mexican Apostolate.

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VIDEO COURTESY – Diocese of Brooklyn
https://vimeo.com/1038715541?share=copy

:00 Traditional Mexican dancers
:21 Procession of parishes into the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, priests and bishops
1:00 Mariachi singers
1:20 Offertory gifts and communion
1:38 Lighting of the torches
2:02 Procession on the streets

OLGuadalupe altar

St Joseph packed Mass

Bishop Cisneros homily

Bishop Brennan lights torches

Procession 2

Procession

Announcement of Death – Reverend Albert Bellantonio

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Albert Bellantonio, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Bellantonio was born on January 10, 1942 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 31, 1969 and died Monday, November 25, 2024.

Father Bellantonio served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of Solace (Brooklyn), Administrator of the Parish of Saint Rita (Brooklyn), and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Most Precious Blood (Brooklyn), Saint Bernadette (Brooklyn) and Saint Jerome (Brooklyn). Father Bellantonio also ministered at the Parishes of Saint Dominic (Brooklyn) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Brooklyn) while in residence at Bishop Mugavero Residence (Douglaston).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Friday, December 6, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Friday, December 6, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Saint Charles Cemetery
Farmingdale, New York

Father Bellantonio was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Mildred Maturando, 1640 Sherboune Road, Valley Stream, New York 11580.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

 

Rededication of Chappetto Square Honors WWII Veteran, 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Commemorating Heroism: Rededication of Chappetto Square Honors
WWII Veteran, 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto

On September 26th, 2024, a heartfelt ceremony marked the rededication of Chappetto Square in Astoria, Queens, paying tribute to the life and legacy of 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto, a World War II hero who sacrificed his life 80 years ago, September 26, 1944, during the invasion of Angaur in the Pacific. The event, led by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto, drew family members, veterans, local community leaders, and those seeking to honor the memory of not only Lt. Chappetto but also the countless veterans whose bravery and service have shaped our nation’s history.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all of you who have come here today to Peter Chappetto Memorial Square to pay tribute to my uncle,” said Bishop Chappetto in his opening remarks. “In paying tribute to Peter, we also join in honoring all veterans for their courage and sacrifice in service to our country.”

Born in Astoria in 1912, Peter Chappetto grew up just blocks away from the square that now bears his name. Described as a naturally gifted athlete, Peter excelled in both basketball and baseball at Bryant High School. Though he had the talent to pursue professional sports, his path led him to enlist in the army during the outbreak of World War II. By the fall of 1944, Lt. Chappetto was deployed to the Pacific and tragically lost his life just 17 days after reaching his island base.

In recounting Lt. Chappetto’s final moments, Bishop Chappetto shared, “He met his death leading his platoon in a night engagement during the invasion of Angaur. Hit by shell fragments, Peter directed his men to safety, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and a Presidential Citation.”

During the ceremony, it was noted that Lt. Chappetto was buried at sea, a custom at the time for soldiers who perished far from home. His family, unable to visit a traditional grave, helped establish the park in 1949 as a lasting tribute to his memory. The park has since served as a place of reflection and remembrance for the community and the Chappetto family, who continue to honor their beloved uncle’s legacy.

Peter Chappetto’s story is one of both heroism and the enduring power of family and community. Dr. Erik Carlson, a historian specializing in World War II battlefield commemoration, reflected on the broader significance of Lt. Chappetto’s sacrifice. “Peter Chappetto died a hero, holding off a Japanese counterattack and ensuring the safety of his platoon. It is important for the public to know the sacrifices made by Americans during World War II, to appreciate how families like the Chappetto family have preserved these legacies.”

Chappetto Memorial Park is located at the corner of Hoyt Avenue North and 23rd Streets in Astoria. The rededication of Chappetto Square also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the park’s original dedication in 1949. In his closing remarks, Bishop Chappetto emphasized the importance of continuing to share Peter’s story: “We have inherited a legacy and a memory that we are proud to preserve and share.”

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Photo 1 of 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto / Courtesy: The Tablet

2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto

Rededication Ceremony Photos
Placing Wrreath Chappetto SquareWreath Chappetto SquareChappetto Square plaque Chappetto Square Monument wide   Rededication Chappetto Square 2 Rededication Chappetto Square 1

Bishop Chappetto show Purple Heart & Silver Star awarded posthumously to 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto

Bishop Chappetto shows PurpleHeart:SilverStar awarded posthumously to 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto

Historian Professor Dr. Erik Carlson
Dr. Erik Carlson

Announcement of Death – Reverend George R. Cowan

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Office of The Chancellor Letter Head Logo

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend George R. Cowan, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Cowan was born on July 29, 1938 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 29, 1965 and died Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Father Cowan served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Mel (Flushing), and Saint Rose of Lima (Brooklyn). He served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Miracles (Brooklyn), Nativity of our Blessed Lord (Brooklyn), Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights), and Saints Peter and Paul (Brooklyn). He was in residence at the Parishes of Holy Innocents (Brooklyn), Immaculate Heart of Mary (Brooklyn), and Saint Laurence (Brooklyn). Father Cowan served as Chaplain of Saint Agnes Academy High School, Nazareth Regional High School, and Saint Brendan’s High School.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Monday, October 14, 2024
2:00 PM – 7:30 PM

American Martyrs R.C. Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11364 Tel: (718) 464-4582
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
American Martyrs R.C. Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11364 Tel: (718) 464-4582
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Calvary Cemetery
Woodside, New York

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Peggy Truncellito, 54 Sunset Boulevard, Massapequa, New York 11758.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

STATEMENT OF CARDINAL DOLAN AND BISHOP BRENNAN

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STATEMENT OF CARDINAL DOLAN AND BISHOP BRENNAN

The following statement is issued on behalf of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens

These should be days of rejoicing as the Jewish community celebrates the beginning of a new year, but we know that there is a somber atmosphere as we mark the one-year anniversary of the evil, heinous terrorist attack against Israel last year on October 7th.  Our hearts continue to break for those whose lives were lost that terrible day, and for the innocent hostages still held in captivity in Gaza.

In the year that has followed, we know that many more innocent people have been caught in the grips of war, and we mourn every life lost, of Israelis and Palestinians, of Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others.  As Pope Francis so eloquently reminds us, religion can never be used to legitimize violence—never!  As Christians, and together with people of all faiths, we employ that most powerful tool that we have, prayer, to pray for peace in that land called “holy.”

But the worry of these days is not confined to the Middle East.  Right here in New York and around the globe, we note with great anxiety the troubling rise in anti-Semitism.  Allow us to say unambiguously to our Jewish friends here in New York and around the world that you are not alone.  Too often in the past, we Catholics have failed to stand with you against hatred and anti-Semitism.  Shame on us for those times!  We join now with religious leaders from all faiths pledging that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism in any form.

May the God of peace and justice bring true and lasting peace to Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, the Holy Land, and the entire Middle East.

October 4, 2024
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

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Announcement of Death – Reverend Raymond F. Schmidt

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Screen Shot 2023 10 03 at 3.34.10 PM

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Raymond F. Schmidt, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Schmidt was born on September 24, 1934 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960 and died Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Father Schmidt served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Saint Mary (Long Island City). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Sacred Heart (Bayside), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Astoria), Saint Mark (Brooklyn), Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (Richmond Hill) and Saint Rita (Long Island City). He was in residence at the Bishop Mugavero Residence in Douglaston, New York. Father Schmidt served as Lieutenant, Colonel, and Chaplain of the U.S. Army.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

Friday, September 27, 2024
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, September 28, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Schmidt was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Ms. Patricia Schmidt, 440 Lewis Road, New Britain, Connecticut 06053; and to his nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schmidt, 27 Lee Avenue, Rockville Center, New York 11570.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

MEDIA ADVISORY – WORLD WAR II HERO TO BE REMEMBERED: BISHOP CHAPPETTO TO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIS UNCLE KILLED IN ACTION 80 YEARS AGO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

WORLD WAR II HERO TO BE REMEMBERED: BISHOP CHAPPETTO TO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIS UNCLE
KILLED IN ACTION 80 YEARS AGO

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto of the Diocese of Brooklyn will participate in a memorial service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the death of his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Peter Chappetto, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Chappetto Memorial Park located at the corner of Hoyt Avenue North and 23rd Streets in the Astoria section of Queens. This ceremony will mark the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the park.

Peter Chappetto was born in Astoria in 1912, was a star athlete during high school and would later enlist in the United States Army in 1941. During the Battle of Angaur fought on the Palau Islands, 2nd Lieutenant Chappetto was seriously wounded, but still gave orders to his men to get them to safety. He would later die that same day, September 26, 1944, and was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and a presidential citation.

Following the memorial service, there will be a presentation by Dr. Erik D. Carlson, an Associate Professor of History at Florida Gulf Coast University. Professor Carlson is a World War II historian. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the lower church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located at 23-25 Newtown Avenue in Astoria.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

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Brooklyn Bishop Brennan Statement on President Trump Assassination Attempt

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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, has issued the following video statement following the assassination attempt against former President Trump:

“I’m at Our Lady of Solace Church in Coney Island for regular Sunday Mass on this July Sunday morning. But how appropriate that I’m here in the Church of Our Lady of Solace.

We call on Our Lady of Solace in this moment when our Nation is in shock at the assassination attempt against former President Trump while he was on the campaign trail. Thank God he is okay, although we mourn the loss of a citizen who was present at the rally, and we pray for those who were injured in that shooting.

What a terrible, terrible act of violence. We have to condemn violence in every form, violence that afflicts our Nation in so many ways. At the same time, we have to condemn the divisions and the rhetoric that raises the level of hatred.

Indeed, we are people of differing viewpoints, and our democratic process is such a gift that we can debate things openly and then place our votes.

Let’s pray for this Nation during this campaign season. Let’s pray for those who govern our Nation. Let’s pray for all peoples of the United States that we will draw together in unity for the common good, seeking always the common good, respect for all life, respect for life at every moment along the way.

And that we will be a Nation that seeks and asks God’s blessings. Our Lady of Solace, pray for us.”

 

VIDEO STATEMENT: vimeo.com/Statement on Pres Trump
COURTESY: DeSales Media

Announcement of Death – Reverend Ralph J. Caputo

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Office of The Chancellor Letter Head Logo

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Ralph J. Caputo, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Caputo was born on June 29, 1949 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 3, 1975 and died Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Father Caputo served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn), Saint Bernard (Brooklyn), and Queen of Peace (Kew Gardens). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Queen of Angels (Sunnyside) and Saint Vincent de Paul (Brooklyn). Father Caputo was in residence at the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Monday, June 17, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Monday, June 17, 2024
7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Caputo was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his brother, Mr. Gerald Caputo, 6806 Madeline Court, Brooklyn, New York 11220.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs