Press Releases

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES DECISIONS REACHED IN FOUR INVESTIGATIONS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES DECISIONS REACHED IN FOUR INVESTIGATIONS

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the conclusion of several investigations involving four priests who were recently accused of sexual abuse during the 1970s. Sexual abuse is a heinous, sinful crime and the Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to remaining vigilant against such abuse.

These case determinations were made by the Diocesan Review Board (Review Board), which is comprised of lay independent professionals: former law enforcement officers, lawyers with experience in family law and child abuse, healthcare professionals and mental health professionals. Throughout the process, the guidelines set forth by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People were followed.

 

REV. CHARLES WHITE

A recent claim of alleged sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1970s against 79-year-old retired Father Charles White, has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be a credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor. By “credible” the Diocesan officials believe that the allegations may be true.

As a result of the Review Board’s determination, Father Charles White, who was ordained on May 29, 1965, has been removed from public ministry. That means he is not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministry and cannot live in a parish residence.

BACKGROUND

The allegation was called in to the Independent Reporting Line on March 29, 2018, and forwarded to law enforcement that same day. Father White was informed of the allegation, which was referred for investigation on March 30, 2018.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1974-1978 while Father White was serving at American Martyrs Church in Queens.

While investigating this claim, another allegation made on February 1, 1999, was discovered. In that case, the Review Board determined in a letter dated April 24, 2004, that the claim of sexual abuse of a minor was not credible.

As a result of the accusation reported in 2018, the allegation reported in 1999 was reopened and the Review Board determined it was also a substantiated, credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor.

Due to the Review Board’s findings, Father Charles White will be placed on the list of credibly accused priests, which the Diocese published on their website (https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/sex-abuse-crisis-response/list/) earlier this year.

 

REV. HUGH BYRNE

A recent claim of alleged sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1970s against 86-year-old retired Father Hugh Byrne, has been investigated by the Review Board and found to be a credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor. By “credible” the Diocesan officials believe that the allegations may be true.

As a result of the Review Board’s determination, Father Hugh Byrne, who was ordained on June 2, 1962, has been removed from public ministry. That means he is not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministry and cannot live in a parish residence.

BACKGROUND

The allegation was reported to the Independent Reporting Line on December 20, 2017, and forwarded to law enforcement that same day. Father Byrne was informed of this allegation, which was referred for investigation on December 31, 2017.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1971-1973, when Father Byrne was serving at Holy Ghost Parish in Brooklyn (since renamed Holy Spirit).

As a result of this investigation, another allegation that dated back to 1996 was found. There is no record of a formal investigation for that allegation which was reported to the diocese on June 15, 2006, and was reported to law enforcement on that date as well. The records show after an initial interview, the alleged victim did not pursue the allegation further.

As a result of the 2017 report, the allegation received in 2006 was reopened and investigated concurrently with the allegation made in 2017 and also determined to be credible by the Review Board.

Due to the Review Board’s findings, Father Hugh Byrne will be placed on the list of credibly accused priests, which the Diocese published on their website (https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/sex-abuse-crisis-response/list/) earlier this year.

 

REV. JOSEPH NOLAN

An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1970s against 97-year-old retired Father Joseph Nolan has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be not credible.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1976-1979 while Father Nolan was serving at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in Queens. Father Nolan served at that parish between 1975-1984.

The allegation was received on Dec 20, 2017, in conjunction with the alleged victim’s registration for the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. It was reported to law enforcement that same day. The case was referred for investigation on December 31, 2017.

The Review Board has now presented its findings and has determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim against Father Nolan as credible. Their investigation found no corroboration of what the victim alleged.

Father Joseph Nolan was ordained on May 31, 1947. Prior to this allegation, Father Nolan had another allegation reported to the diocese on December 20, 2017, through an attorney. After many unsuccessful attempts by the attorney to contact the complainant, the attorney dropped that case.

 

REV. WILLIAM WITH

An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1970s against Father William With, pastor at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn since 2004, has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be not credible.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1972-1975 at Our Lady of the Cenacle Roman Catholic Church in Queens. Father With served at that parish between 1972-1976.

The allegation was formally reported to the diocese through the Independent Reporting Line on March 29, 2018. On that same day, it was reported to law enforcement. The Diocese informed Father With of the allegation and an investigation began.

The Diocesan Review Board has now presented its findings and has determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate that the claim against Father With was credible. Their investigation found no corroboration with what the victim alleged.

A letter was read to parishioners at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church this past weekend (August 10-11) informing them of the conclusion of this investigation.

Father William A. With was ordained on May 27, 1972. Prior to this allegation, there has never been any allegation of misconduct in Father With’s 47 years of service in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He has no history of being disciplined due to any complaints.

 

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***MEDIA ALERT***FUNERAL MASS FOR VICTIMS OF QUEENS HOUSE FIRE SET FOR MONDAY

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

FUNERAL MASS FOR VICTIMS OF LAST SUNDAY’S HOUSE FIRE SET FOR MONDAY AT QUEENS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn announced today the details of a Mass of Christian Burial for Queens mother Silvia Umana, her 19-year old son Gilbert Diaz and 7-year-old daughter Guadalupe Perez, who died tragically as a result of a July 21 house fire.

 

The funeral will be held on Monday, July 29, 2019, at 10:15 AM at Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church located at 111-86th Avenue in Richmond Hill, Queens.

 

Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, the Pastor of Holy Child Jesus, will be the main celebrant of the Mass.

 

Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP via email to John Quaglione atjquaglione@desalesmedia.org to confirm their attendance.

VIDEO UPDATE: LIFTERS ANSWERED THE CALL: GIGLIO ROSE TODAY OUTSIDE BROOKLYN CHURCH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Video of the Giglio Feast at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
https://vimeo.com/348064934

For more information on the feast visit: https://www.olmcfeast.com/

CATHOLIC TRADITION IN WILLIAMSBURG TO CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY AT THE OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL FEAST

            The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, which kicked off earlier this week, will keep a more than 100-year tradition alive tomorrow, Sunday, July 14, 2019, with Mass at the Church located at 275 N. 8th Street in Brooklyn beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the first Giglio lift of the feast scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

 

The Giglio is a seven-story tower structure composed of aluminum, paper-mâché, and plastic painted and decorated with Gigli (flowers) and the image of St. Paulinus.

 

A platform at the base of the tower supports a twelve-piece brass band and singer. The entire assemblage—tower and band—is hoisted and carried by 112 dancing and marching men, the lifters. Each lift begins with the official feast song, written in Williamsburg and used since 1959, “O Giglio e Paradiso.”

A separate boat, complete with fitted mast, sail, and rigging, represents the ship that returned St. Paulinus from captivity. Like the Giglio, it has a band and singer and is also carried and danced through the streets. This tradition was transplanted to Brooklyn, New York by the Nolani immigrants from Italy.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant of the Mass on Sunday. Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello is the Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Brooklyn.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

CATHOLIC TRADITION IN WILLIAMSBURG TO CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY AT THE OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL FEAST

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Video of the Giglio Feast at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
https://vimeo.com/348064934

For more information on the feast visit: https://www.olmcfeast.com/

CATHOLIC TRADITION IN WILLIAMSBURG TO CONTINUE THIS SUNDAY AT THE OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL FEAST

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, which kicked off earlier this week, will keep a more than 100-year tradition alive tomorrow, Sunday, July 14, 2019, with Mass at the Church located at 275 N. 8th Street in Brooklyn beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the first Giglio lift of the feast scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

The Giglio is a seven-story tower structure composed of aluminum, paper-mâché, and plastic painted and decorated with Gigli (flowers) and the image of St. Paulinus.

A platform at the base of the tower supports a twelve-piece brass band and singer. The entire assemblage—tower and band—is hoisted and carried by 112 dancing and marching men, the lifters. Each lift begins with the official feast song, written in Williamsburg and used since 1959, “O Giglio e Paradiso.”

A separate boat, complete with fitted mast, sail, and rigging, represents the ship that returned St. Paulinus from captivity. Like the Giglio, it has a band and singer and is also carried and danced through the streets. This tradition was transplanted to Brooklyn, New York by the Nolani immigrants from Italy.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant of the Mass on Sunday. Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello is the Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Brooklyn. Members of the media are invited to attend.

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Big Wins for DeSales Media Group at the Catholic Press Association Awards

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Big Wins for DeSales Media Group at the Catholic Press Association Awards

            DeSales Media Group is announcing the company was honored with 50 awards at last week’s Catholic Press Association Conference, including a Gabriel Award for “Television Station of the Year” for NET-TV (New Evangelization Television).

 

Nuestra Voz was named the “Spanish Publication of the Year” and also earned seven additional first place awards in the categories of “Best Interview,” “Best Coverage-Pro Life Issues,” and “Best In-Depth Analysis.” Of the 20 awards won, the eight first-place awards are a record.

 

The Tablet received two first-place honors for “Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate – Weekly Diocesan Newspaper,” and “Best Single Ad.” It also received four second-place honors including “Best News Writing on a National or International Event” for coverage of the US Bishops visit to the Texas-Mexico border.

 

DeSales Media Group CEO Bill Maier was recognized with an All Member Award for “Advertising Business/Marketing Professional of the Year.” AdrianaRodriguez, DeSales’ Communications Director and Press Secretary, was honored with a first-place communication award for “Best Press Release,” highlighting the Brooklyn Diocesan volunteer efforts in Puerto Rico on a mission relief trip.

 

“DeSales Media continues to be at the forefront of Catholic media production throughout this country. In print, on air, on the internet and social media, we are focused on delivering the “Good News” in the best way possible.  These awards belong to each and every member of the DeSales Media staff who strive day in and day out, to make us truly the best we can be,” said Monsignor Kieran Harrington, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicar for Communications and the President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group.

 

The awards are given annually in recognition of excellence in Catholic media: television, print, marketing, business and, advertising.

 

Currents News can be seen weeknights at 7:00 p.m. on NET-TV (available on Channel 97 on Spectrum, Channel 30 on Optimum, and Channel 48 on Verizon Fios). Nuestra Voz is a Spanish-language Catholic monthly newspaper serving Brooklyn and Queens.  The Tablet is the only weekly Catholic newspaper in New York City, serving Brooklyn and Queens since 1908.

 

A complete list of all honors is attached.

2019 GABRIEL – CPA AWARDS LIST

LIFE CENTER OF NEW YORK TO GIVE PROPER BURIAL TO PRE-BORN BABY FOUND DEAD IN BROOKLYN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

LIFE CENTER OF NEW YORK TO GIVE PROPER BURIAL TO PRE-BORN BABY FOUND DEAD IN BROOKLYN

 

On Saturday, June 29, 2019, the Life Center of New York will properly bury Baby Monica, an infant believed to have been born in the 5th month of her mother’s pregnancy, recently found without life on the streets of Brooklyn. Baby Monica will be driven from Clavin’s Funeral Home at the corner of 78th Street and 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on 60th Street & 5th Avenue for a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

 

The Life Center of New York in Brooklyn learned of this tragedy on the local news and was moved to give this abandoned child a proper funeral and burial. They were immediately in contact with the Medical Examiner’s Office and requested to receive her body. Upon the completion of the investigations and tests, the Life Center was given the child whom they named Baby Monica.

 

The NYC Police Department will provide pallbearers and bagpipers to honor Baby Monica. She will be buried in the Guardian Angel section of Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island, which provides burial space for abandoned babies. Her name will be inscribed on the cemetery stone.

 

The Life Center of New York “wants to show that life is sacred from beginning to end, and is praying that this act will advance the culture of life.  Baby Monica, like all of us, deserves dignity and respect in living and in dying.”

 

Media is invited to attend. To RSVP, e-mail jquaglione@desalesmedia.org.

 

STATEMENT FROM BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE ESCALATING IMMIGRATION CRISIS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

STATEMENT FROM BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON
THE ESCALATING IMMIGRATION CRISIS

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, today issued the following comments regarding the state of affairs related to U.S. immigration policy:

 

“As someone who has worked to address issues surrounding immigration policy for 50 years, I find the current state of affairs to be at one of the lowest points I have ever seen. As a Nation, we are regressing and failing to treat people like human beings with the dignity and respect they each deserve.

 

Reports from the U.S. border of children living in inhumane conditions at detention facilities, without basic life essentials like toothbrushes, soap or access to showers, are appalling. It is not the way to treat anyone, but especially children. They are being traumatized. It is bad enough that many detained children will likely suffer long term consequences from the way in which they were separated from their parents. But add deplorable living conditions to that and it is too much for anyone to bear, especially children.

 

More than three years ago, we saw a drowned Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi wash up ashore in Turkey. This week, we are seeing the image of a dead father, Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his daughter, Valeria, who drowned in the Rio Grande trying to cross the border. A picture is worth a thousand words. We are descending to a place where it is the norm to lack compassion for people seeking a better life. Why would a parent put their family and themselves at risk if they were not desperate? These pictures cry out for the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform; but for that to happen, we need both parties to come to the table and put their partisan politics aside.

 

I call on Congress to come together to agree on a supplemental border funding bill immediately. We must bring an end to the existence of these disgraceful conditions faced by those detained at the U.S. border.

 

Furthermore, in response to threats of mass deportations, these tactics are heartless and provide no real solution. Many people in our communities who are now living in fear of ICE agents have been in the country for a long time and some have American born children. Most work and pay taxes.

 

I call on all Catholics in our diocese and beyond to pray for our fellow citizens of the world. Every single one of us is made in the image of God and no one should ever forget that.”

 

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Passing of Father Michael Carrano

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Passing of Father Michael Carrano

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the passing of Father Michael A. Carrano, Pastor of Our Lady of Hope, in Middle Village, Queens. Father Carrano died on Sunday, June 23, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Father Carrano was ordained a priest in 1970 and served at various parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens during his 39 years of service.

 

In 1992, then Bishop Thomas Daily appointed Father Carrano the Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry.  His most recent assignment, Pastor of Our Lady of Hope, began in 2009. In the wake of the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001, Father Carrano played a major role spiritually for FDNY Engine 205/Ladder 118, who lost eight firefighters in the attack.

 

Father Carrano’s wake will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. inside Our Lady of Hope Church located at 61-27 71st Street in Middle Village. A Vigil Mass will also take place at Our Lady of Hope Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will preside at the funeral Mass on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Church.

 

Bishop DiMarzio to Celebrate Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church In Honor of 150th Anniversary

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Bishop DiMarzio to Celebrate Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church In Honor of 150th Anniversary

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will preside over the closing mass celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, this Sunday, June 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at 333 Hart Street (between Lewis and Stuyvesant Avenues), in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

 

Father Astor L. Rodriguez is the Pastor of St. John the Baptist. The bilingual mass will be celebrated in both English and Spanish.

 

Members of the media are welcome to attend.

CAUSE FOR SAINTHOOD OF BROOKLYN PRIEST, A CHAMPION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY, SENT TO THE VATICAN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

 

CAUSE FOR SAINTHOOD OF BROOKLYN PRIEST, A CHAMPION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY, ON THE WAY TO THE VATICAN

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the findings of the Diocesan investigation regarding the Cause for Canonization of Monsignor Bernard John Quinn have been officially accepted by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

The documentation was presented to Bishop DiMarzio at a private vespers service held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston earlier this week. The collected information will now be sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints in support of the cause of sainthood for Monsignor Bernard Quinn.

 

From an early age, Bernard Quinn became conscious of the great injustices African-Americans suffered and lived his life as a champion for racial equality. Bernard Quinn was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1912, and ten years later, with Diocesan support, he established the first church for African American Catholics in Brooklyn. Monsignor Quinn founded St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Bedford Stuyvesant.

 

In 1928, Monsignor Quinn established the first orphanage for African American children in Wading River on Long Island. Despite the building being set on fire twice, Monsignor Quinn rebuilt it a third time; this time fireproofing it, by using concrete and brick. The building, known at the time as the Little Flower Orphanage, remains the operations base for Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York.

 

“Our investigation took almost ten years to put together and now we can send the documentation we have on the life of Monsignor Quinn to Rome.  He combatted racism and is an inspiration to the priests of this diocese.  He is a hero who turned things around and gave his life for his people, died an early death, and was a great man,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

Mary Clare Quinn, the great-niece of Monsignor Quinn who attended the service, recalled “They always called him the Monsignor but he liked to be called Father. The family was all very proud of the work he was doing at Little Flower, and we all contributed during the winters and summers, going out there to help. They used to burn crosses at our house in Mineola, even after he was gone, but my family stared fear down.”

 

Monsignor Paul Jervis, who published a book in 2005 entitled “Quintessential Priest: The Life of Father Bernard J. Quinn,” and who is the Postulator for the Cause said, “Monsignor Quinn could not separate his sacramental ministry from the social and political realities that denied to people on account of their race, or immigrant status, the opportunities to enjoy the fullness of life as the Lord willed for all humanity.”

 

“St. Peter Claver Catholic Church became a meeting ground where white Catholics encountered blacks and discovered that they all had a common humanity with the same human problems, and were all in need of the intercession of St. Therese and the pastoral intercession of Monsignor Quinn,” concluded Monsignor Jervis.

Photos attached:

Photo #1- Photo of Monsignor Bernard Quinn displayed on the altar at the prayer service at the Immaculate Conception Center.

Photo #2- Monsignor Paul Jervis, the author of “Quintessential Priest: The Life of Father Bernard J. Quinn,” speaks in support of Monsignor Quinn’s cause for sainthood.