Diocesan Press Releases

Bishop Brennan Blesses Renovations at Brooklyn Church Following August Fire

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Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving this morning at St. Catherine of Genoa, located in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Bishop Brennan blessed the completed church renovations caused by a fire that damaged areas of the church in August.

The repairs included the complete restoration of the sacristy, as well as the repainting the entire church, including the ceiling medallions. Additionally, all doors except the front doors of the church were replaced, as was the sound system, and the windows in the sacristy. New church bells are awaiting installation, and work is near completion on the roof.

“This is a strong and resilient parish that is stronger and more united because of this experience. Today’s Mass was a testament to the faithful of this community who, despite the challenges this accidental fire caused, continue to recognize the goodness of God,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

 

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VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/1039470589

 

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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

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St Joseph packed Mass

Bishop Cisneros homily

Bishop Brennan lights torches

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Procession

CURRENTS NEWS SPECIAL: REOPENING OF NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

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New special offers an inside look at the beloved Paris icon five years after devastating fire

NET-TV will premiere of a special centered on the reopening of Notre Dame-de Paris tonight, Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. on Currents News. After five years of renovations, the Paris landmark has risen from the ashes and reopened its doors to the world.

On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as this iconic cathedral burned. Flames engulfed the spire and most of the roof. While no one was hurt, the inferno caused extensive damage estimated at more than $700 million.

During the past five years, a massive restoration took place to renew this place of faith to its full glory.

This Currents News special includes:

*A complete wrap-up of the reopening ceremonies, including the door-opening rite by the Archbishop of Paris, the awakening of the great organ, and the consecration of the high altar during the inaugural Mass.

*A timeline showing the monumental effort by a team of craftsmen, artists, and many others to rebuild the cathedral within five years, breathing new life into the more than 860-year-old church.

*The exceptional renaissance that followed the flames, as the fire sparked a resurgence of faith from France to the Diocese of Brooklyn.

*An interactive exhibit where you can experience Notre Dame and dive into its history without leaving New York City.

The half-hour Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral special will air on Currents News, NET TV’s daily newscast. NET-TV is a cable network featuring news and information from a Catholic perspective and is available in the New York area on Spectrum, channel 97, Optimum, channel 30, and Verizon FIOS channel 548. Viewers can also watch Currents News online on YouTube or on netny.tv/shows/currentsnews/

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CURRENTS NEWS TO HIGHLIGHT FIRST MILLENNIAL SAINT: New Special Explores the Life, Miracles and Legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2024

CURRENTS NEWS TO HIGHLIGHT FIRST MILLENNIAL SAINT

New Special Explores the Life, Miracles and Legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis

NET-TV is announcing the premiere of a new special on the life and future sainthood of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church’s teenage tech whiz nicknamed “God’s Influencer.” With the Jubilee Year about to begin, Blessed Carlo is expected to be proclaimed the first millennial saint in 2025. The special will air Friday, November 15, 2024 at 7 p.m. on Currents News.

Despite being more than 4,000 miles away from his Italian homeland, the Diocese of Brooklyn has created a special relationship with the “Saint in Sneakers.” Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, a Vatican consultant from the Diocese of Assisi, was one of the first to bring a relic of Blessed Carlo to Brooklyn and Queens. 

“I think Carlo feels very much at home in Brooklyn because he loves to be with people. He loved to be with people from different nationalities. He loved to be with people who had difficulties in their lives. I think Brooklyn is a microcosm of that,” said Monsignor Figueiredo. “Now we have a friend in heaven. The people of [the Diocese of] Brooklyn have a friend in heaven,” he explained. 

In this Currents News special, you’ll learn about:

  • The Diocese of Brooklyn student who received a phone call from Blessed Carlo’s mother
  • The devotion rooms, statues and shrines around Brooklyn and Queens dedicated to the future saint
  • A Eucharistic prayer rally displaying Carlo’s relic attended by hundreds of schoolchildren
  • A New York City-based cartoonist who’s made Blessed Carlo one of her creative muses in a new comic book portraying saints as superheroes

At 15 years old, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia and his parents say he faced death with bravery and faith. Though Blessed Carlo’s life as a ‘normal kid’ is what makes him so relatable to young Catholics, his time spent on the computer was less about video games and more about Christ. He created a website documenting 163 Eucharistic miracles from around the globe, hoping to help people fall more in love with Jesus. The website, miracolieucaristici.org remains active. It could soon earn him the title “Patron Saint of the Internet.” 

The half-hour Blessed Carlo Acutis special will air on Currents News, NET TV’s daily newscast. NET-TV is a cable network featuring news and information with a Catholic point of view and is available in the New York area on Spectrum, channel 97, Cablevision, channel 30, and Verizon FIOS channel 548. Viewers can also watch Currents News on YouTube. 

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ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AGAINST A FORMER BROOKLYN PRIEST FOUND CREDIBLE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2024

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AGAINST A
FORMER BROOKLYN PRIEST FOUND CREDIBLE

Three allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against a former priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Michael Melendez, were recently reported to the diocese. The allegations, dating back to the 1990s, were immediately investigated for the Diocesan Review Board, which determined all allegations to be credible of sexual abuse of a minor. These allegations were made more than 16 years after Melendez chose to leave the priesthood and was laicized in 2008.

Melendez was most recently a religion teacher at St. Francis Preparatory High School in Fresh Meadows Queens, from the years of 2018-2024. He was suspended during the investigation and has been terminated effective immediately following these findings.

Melendez has also been terminated as the Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Grace Church in Howard Beach, a position he has held only since September of this year.

Melendez was ordained a priest in June 1989 and served the following parishes:

June 1989 St Brigid, Bushwick, Brooklyn

June 1994  St Elizabeth, Ozone Park, Queens

June 1998  St Michael’s, Flushing, Queens

Nov 2001    Our Lady of Fatima, Jackson Heights, Queens

In early 2004, Melendez requested and was granted a temporary personal leave, which was eventually made permanent until he was laicized in May 2008.

The credible finding means Michael Melendez will be added to the List of Credibly Accused Priests on the Diocese of Brooklyn website.

The Diocese takes all allegations of sexual misconduct with minors seriously and has instituted significant programs to prevent sexual abuse and protect children. The Diocese abides by the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children which includes a Zero Tolerance policy that states that any clergy member who is determined to be credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor is permanently removed from ministry. The Diocese also conducts initial and ongoing background checks of all employees and volunteers and provides age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults.

Anyone who has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse is encouraged to report it to law enforcement or to the Toll-Free Reporting Line established by the Diocese at 1-888-634-4499. All calls are forwarded to law enforcement officials.

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Michael Melendez (Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn).

Bishop Brennan Leads All Souls Day Mass at Queens Catholic Cemetery

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Diocese of Brooklyn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS ALL SOULS DAY MASS AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CEMETERY

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens, was the main celebrant at an All Souls Day Mass at Mount St. Mary Cemetery in Flushing on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

450 people gathered to remember their deceased loved ones at the Mass organized by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Catholic Cemeteries office.

“If we didn’t believe that we were going to live forever, it would be useless to pray for those who died. But we do believe. The third virtue, hope, is based on the certainty that we will live forever. We believe that our loved ones who have died are living the fullness of life with God and that we shall see one another again. We know from the source because God Himself came to tell us. Our hope is exactly what God desires—it is the God who created us that desires earnestly that we will be with Him forever,” said Bishop Robert Brennan in his Homily.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Brennan blessed and dedicated the new Mary, Our Lady of Peace Mausoleum.

During the summer of 1862, at the height of the Civil War, the first six acres of property were purchased that established Mount St. Mary Cemetery. On July 12, 1863, Bishop John Loughlin consecrated the new cemetery grounds.

Mount St. Mary Cemetery is located at 172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens. All Souls Day Masses also took place at St. John Cemetery in Middle Village, St. Charles/Resurrection Cemeteries in Farmingdale, and Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn. For more information on Catholic Cemeteries Brooklyn and Queens, visit https://www.ccbklyn.org/.

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Photos attached are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

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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

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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BLESSED MOTHER STATUE ATTACKED OUTSIDE QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2024

BLESSED MOTHER STATUE ATTACKED OUTSIDE QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a hateful act of vandalism that took place in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, located at 88-19 Parsons Boulevard in the Jamaica section of Queens.

In the incident, a vandal approached the statue of the Blessed Mother located in front of the rectory at approximately 3:15 a.m. The man picked up a rock from the parish garden and began to repeatedly strike the statue, causing damage to the face, side, and hands of the Blessed Mother statue. The hands, which were in a praying position, were found on the ground near the statue.

“Mary is a source of humility, charity, and love. Because there are people in this world who oppose these virtues, there are some who are bothered by them. It is necessary to pray for this man and for all those who are deceived by the evil one, that they may come to see the love of God. It is then that their anger against what is humble, charitable, and lovable, may come to an end,” said Father Victor M. Bolaños, Pastor of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Parishioners are very saddened and frustrated because it is unclear at this time if the statue can be repaired. The statue was gifted to the parish by Mary Immaculate Hospital at the time of its closing in 2009. In a separate incident last year, the sword of the statue of St. Michael the Archangel was damaged and replaced at the parish.

Police officers from the NYPD’s 103rd Precinct are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Photos of the vandalism to the statue at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish are attached. Video footage is available here: https://vimeo.com/1012986721.

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The Blessed Mother statue outside the rectory of Presentation of the Virgin Mary, which was damaged by a vandal on September 25, 2024.
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The praying hands of the Blessed Mother statue were vandalized and found on the ground next to the statue.
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The NYPD is looking for this man in connection with the vandalism. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers.

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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