Press Releases

TWO RETIRED NYPD VETERANS AMONG NEWEST MEMBERS OF DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD

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The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Robert Boyce, a retired 35-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, who most recently served as Chief of Detectives, as the new Chair of the Diocesan Review Board. Boyce held numerous positions within the NYPD throughout his career and has experience in a magnitude of criminal investigations, including sex and cyber crimes. His appointment became effective last month.

“I am grateful Chief Boyce has answered this call to serve in such a critical position which aligns with his life’s work of seeing justice served.  I have every confidence in his ability to manage the investigations based on complaints or lawsuits brought against Diocesan personnel.  The Diocesan Review Board will be well served by the leadership and integrity of Chief Robert Boyce,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Boyce replaces Joseph Esposito, a 45-year veteran of the NYPD, who served as Chair of the Diocesan Review Board since 2013. Esposito also previously served as the Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management from 2014 through 2018 and was recently named the Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement for the NYC Department of Buildings.

“I am grateful for the voluntary service and dedication of Chief Esposito to the Diocese of Brooklyn. For nearly a decade, Joe was a consummate professional who strived to achieve the true mission of the Diocesan Review Board. As we turn the page on the leadership of this Board, Joe Esposito’s impact will continue to play a role in its operation,” continued Bishop Brennan. 

The DRB is comprised of lay independent professionals: former law enforcement officers, lawyers with experience in family law and child abuse, and mental health professionals. The work of the board, mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, is primarily responsible for:

• Advising the Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his determination of the accused clergy member’s suitability for ministry

• Reviewing diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors

• Offering advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively, upon request

Bishop Brennan has also announced the appointment of Joseph Fox to the Diocesan Review Board. Fox served over 37 years with the NYPD, 21 as a Chief. He retired after serving six years as Chief of Transit, leading a team of 2,600 men and women who patrolled the New York City subway system. Chief Fox holds a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. He is currently a practicing life coach and trains executive leaders.

Gena Diacomanolis, who earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University’s School of Law, has also been named to the Diocesan Review Board. Since 2006 she has been involved in investigations of criminal child abuse cases and the assistance of victims of family violence. She previously served on the Advisory Council of the New York State Office of Victim Services as well as a Board Member of the New York State Children’s Alliance.

Father James Rodriguez, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima in the Rockaways, has also been appointed to the Diocesan Review Board as the clergy representative. He holds a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University. Fr. Rodriguez replaces Monsignor John Maloney, who retired earlier this year.

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NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL BISHOPS PURSUE NEW PATH IN PRIESTLY FORMATION

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Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, and Bishop John O. Barres of Rockville Centre today announced the launching of new programs at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, to enhance seminary training beginning next fall as part of their implementation of a new model of priestly formation in the United States.

That model, released earlier this year in the sixth edition of the Program for Priestly Formation, aligns with the 2016 document of the Holy See, Ratio Fundamentalis Institutiones Sacerdotalis, where priestly formation seeks to form “missionary disciples who are ‘in love’ with the Master…” To this end, candidates for the priesthood will journey through four stages accompanied by a community of formators: Propaedeutic, Discipleship, Configuration, and Vocational Synthesis.

“Demands on the priesthood today require a deep friendship with Jesus and a team of mentors willing to journey with the priests of tomorrow, particularly during these years of formation,” said Cardinal Dolan.

St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers (Dunwoodie) will be the new site for the recently created Propaedeutic Year for intensive human and spiritual formation as well as for the study of graduate-level philosophy. The Propaedeutic Stage will seek to give priesthood candidates a firm foundation in prayer, discernment, and personal growth. The Dunwoodie campus will provide a dedicated space in a reflective atmosphere and allow for the engagement of an experienced faculty.

For what is now called the Discipleship Stage, seminarians pursuing their Master’s in Catholic philosophy will be moving from the Immaculate Conception Center of the Diocese of Brooklyn in Douglaston to the Yonkers campus. Undergraduate seminarians will study philosophy and complete this stage of formation at one of the pre-existing programs out of state.

The Configuration Stage, with the study of theology, will continue at Dunwoodie. The Vocational Synthesis Stage will take place upon the completion of the study of theology and ordination to the Diaconate. During this stage, a transitional deacon will serve in a parish in his respective diocese under the direction of a mentor priest. 

Since 2011, the three Diocesan Bishops have worked together in the formation of priests, deacons, and lay leaders for service in the church. This collaboration, known as the St. Charles Borromeo Partnership, has allowed for sharing personnel and governance at each level of priestly formation and theological education.

 “Our priority in the implementation of the new Program for Priestly Formation is to assure a high quality of formation for candidates for the priesthood in the twenty-first century,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“This new paradigm of priestly formation centered at St. Joseph’s Seminary will help cultivate shepherds who will embrace the creative approaches needed today to bring people to the Heart of Christ,” said Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

The Cathedral Seminary House of Formation at the Douglaston facility will no longer host seminarians but the Center will continue to offer graduate-level theology courses for candidates for the Permanent Diaconate and lay faithful at the Douglaston campus and serve other offices and programs for the Diocese of Brooklyn, including the Bishop Mugavero Residence for senior priests.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST ANNUAL MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING

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***MEDIA ADVISORY***

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST ANNUAL MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING

            The Diocese of Brooklyn will host the annual Mass of Hope & Healing tomorrow, Thursday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. at Resurrection-Ascension Roman Catholic Church, located at 85-25 61st Road in Rego Park, Queens.  The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the Main Celebrant and Homilist at the Mass.

This sixth Mass of Hope & Healing is an opportunity to come together as a Diocese and pray for Victim-Survivors of sexual abuse and all those impacted by sexual abuse. This will mark Bishop Brennan’s first Mass of Hope and Healing and the first since 2019, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Mass will be broadcast live on the Diocesan cable channel NET-TV available on Verizon Fios Channel 548, Spectrum Channel 97, or Channel 30 on Optimum. The Mass can also be watched online at https://netny.tv/.

Members of the media are welcomed and are encouraged to respond via e-mail to confirm their attendance.

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Rosary Recited in Five Languages in the Diocese of Brooklyn to Mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

Rosary Recited in Five Languages in the Diocese of Brooklyn

to Mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

 

In celebration of today’s Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, DeSales Media, the communications arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is debuting the 2022 Rosary Rally. However, this is no ordinary recitation. The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, prayed the Rosary with school children from the Diocese in five languages: English, Spanish, Creole, Polish, and Mandarin.

Filmed at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, New York, students across several grade levels gathered to pray the Rosary in their native languages. Students from Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy prayed the Rosary in English; Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy students prayed in Spanish; Students from Saints Joachim & Anne School recited the Rosary in Creole; St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy (Queens) students prayed in Polish, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy students prayed in Mandarin.

“It was moving to see the students in the large round sanctuary, who created a living, multicultural rosary. It showed the international flavor of our schools as the students prayed in the language of their heritage with confidence,” said Bishop Robert Brennan. 

“What struck me is the Catholic identity of who we are is in our prayer. It’s in the extra things that we do. The Rosary has such power, literal power to transform, heal, and help. These kids knew that, and they were comfortable with it, and it bolstered my faith watching them,” said the new Superintendent of Schools, Deacon Kevin McCormack.

Bishop Brennan reminds the faithful what he told the students “pray what you can, not what you can’t.” The Rosary is a powerful tool, whether you pray the entire thing, one decade, or none of it. “When you can’t pray, when you are so lost, when words can’t come to you, just hold the Rosary in your hand, treat it like a lifeline, hold it, and let yourself be held by God. That in itself is a prayer.”

The Rosary Rally is scheduled to air on the Diocesan cable network NET TV beginning today at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548, and Optimum channel 30.

 

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PHOTOS AND VIDEO – must courtesy DeSales Media

Diocese of Brooklyn Rosary Rally2022 – YouTube 

Human Rosary wide shot Students pray rosary 1 Students pray rosary 2 Students pray rosary 3 Students pray rosary 4 Closeup student holds rosary Boy holding rosary Bishop Brennan talks about rosary Bishop Brennan rosary medium shot

BROOKLYN’S BISHOP LAUNCHES A NEW PODCAST: BIG CITY CATHOLICS

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BROOKLYN’S BISHOP LAUNCHES A NEW PODCAST
BIG CITY CATHOLICS

         A big city Catholic since he was a boy, Brooklyn’s new Bishop Robert Brennan now hosts a new weekly podcast titled ” Big City Catholics,” where he talks to the faithful through this modern and popular form of communication.

Raised on Long Island to a father who was a New York City police officer, he often spent time in Brooklyn and Queens, never thinking one day he would be the Bishop of Brooklyn. Now back home in New York, following a brief tenure as Bishop of Columbus, Bishop Brennan’s podcast shares stories of his travels throughout the diocese and the pastoral joys of his episcopal ministry in the “big city.” Co-host Father Christopher Heanue joins Bishop Brennan as they explore questions of faith that impact the everyday lives of parents, friends, and professionals living in the big city with all its challenges.

“For more than two thousand years, the Catholic Church has shared the message of Jesus Christ in every corner of the world and by all means possible. But we know there are people who either haven’t heard or truly do not understand the love and compassion God has for each of us. I pray that this podcast will both reaffirm the faith of listeners and engage those who have stood on the sidelines. May our new audience come to understand and know the power of God,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“For me, it is an honor to be asked to participate with Bishop Brennan in this great endeavor. In every role we have, Christ has a special purpose in mind for us, and so we explore what it is that Jesus Christ is calling us to do today,” said Father Christopher Heanue, Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St Joseph.

The latest podcast features Monsignor James P. Shea, author of the ground-breaking book, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. Monsignor Shea has been the sixth president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, since 2009.

Big City Catholics is available on popular podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or on the Diocese of Brooklyn website, podcast.dioceseofbrooklyn.org.

Attached photos: Courtesy: DeSales Media

Bishop Brennan podcast room

Bishop Brennan recording in the podcast room

Bishop Brennan headphones
Bishop Brennan with headphones
Bishop Brennan Brooklyn Bridge
Bishop Brennan – Brooklyn Bridge

Bishop Brennan Worlds Fair grounds 1966

4-year-old Robert Brennan at Unisphere 1966 World’s Fair grounds (B&W)

Bishop Brennan Unisphere
Bishop Brennan – Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

 

Bishop Brennan Unisphere BW
Bishop Brennan – Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (B&W)

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ABOUT BISHOP BRENNAN:

On November 30, 2021, Bishop Robert Brennan was installed as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, serving the people of Brooklyn and Queens. Born in the Bronx and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Bishop Brennan attended St. John’s University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science. He then studied for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York.

Bishop Brennan was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989.  He was later ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre on July 25, 2012. On January 31, 2019, Pope Francis announced his selection of Bishop Brennan as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. He was installed as the Bishop of Columbus on March 29, 2019.

On a national level, Bishop Brennan serves on the Pro-Life committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

ABOUT FATHER HEANUE:

Father Christopher Ryan Heanue is the Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

He was ordained a priest by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio on June 27, 2015. Father Heanue was raised in Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians parish in the Woodside section of Queens, also known as St. Mary’s Winfield.

He is a graduate of Cathedral Prep, spent one year at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and completed his studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in business from St. John’s University and was awarded a Master of Divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Father Heanue was awarded a Master’s in Business Administration from St. John’s University in May 2021.

In January 2018, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio named him the leader of the Irish Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Diocese Announces Former NYPD Detective Appointed to Key Roles in the Office of Child Protection

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Former NYPD Detective Appointed
to Key Roles in the Office of Child Protection

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Elizabeth Harris, a retired New York City Police Department Detective, to fill two critical roles in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Protection of Children and Young People – Victim Assistance Coordinator and 1722 Supervisor.

“Detective Harris brings a unique breadth of experience that will further enhance our efforts to protect the faithful with the strong safe environment protocols we already have in place. I am grateful she is now sharing her expertise with the Diocese to assist us in this most important mission,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Harris served in the NYPD for 21 years, 12 of which she worked in the Manhattan Child Abuse Squad, investigating a high volume of allegations of child sexual abuse. She specialized in interviewing sex assault victims. Before that, Harris spent four years in the NYPD’s sex offender monitoring unit. Since retiring from the NYPD, Harris worked at The Safe Center of Long Island as the Director of Forensic Services, where she worked with victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The Office of Victim Assistance provides pastoral care and assistance to those who have presented themselves to be victims of clergy sexual abuse and is committed to helping them begin the healing process. The 1722 Supervisor is responsible for the monitoring of priests who have been removed from ministry.

Harris received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, majoring in Sociology and Child and Family Studies.

“I am thrilled to bring my experience to the Diocese of Brooklyn and join their mission to advocate for victims of sexual abuse.  It is impressive to witness the level of commitment by Bishop Brennan and the diocese in their work to eradicate any further abuse of children.  I am so proud to be a part of this movement,” said Elizabeth Harris.

The above-referenced appointments recently took effect.

The photo attached is courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Elizabeth Harris Headshot

DIOCESAN CLASSROOMS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS WELCOME ENHANCED DIGITAL RESOURCES PROVIDED BY THE CATHOLIC TELEMEDIA NETWORK AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION

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The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) and Discovery Education —the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place—are teaming up to send teachers and students in schools across the Diocese of Brooklyn back to the classroom with award-winning digital resources. These new resources connect the Diocese’s schools and academies to the world outside the classroom, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive academic education that will help students reach their full human potential and contribute to the common good of our nation and the world.

CTN has been serving the educational and spiritual needs of the children in the diocesan schools and academies of Brooklyn and Queens since 1966. CTN’s initiatives fall into three main categories. First, to provide digital content for Catholic school classrooms in Brooklyn and Queens. Second, to offer professional development for teachers and instructional coaches. Third, to bring technology in the form of personal computing devices/tablets, LTE broadband connectivity, and network infrastructure to schools. In addition, CTN services assist teachers in meeting national technology standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Next Generation Standards, enabling students to collaborate with the world around them.

Through this partnership, which is underwritten in part by the generosity of Stanley Black & Decker, 68 diocesan schools will receive access to Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform.

Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any learning environment.

Discovery Education’s team continues adding, contextualizing, and organizing exciting new content, and timely and relevant resources to the platform each month in response to current events and the ever-evolving needs of educators. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.

The K-12 learning platform is designed to work within the school systems’ existing infrastructure and workflows, and provides safe, secure, simple access methods for educators and students. Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.

“Discovery Education’s resources are unparalleled, and CTN is excited to have this opportunity to support the educators and students of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s schools and academies,” said Gina Krainchich, Director of CTN. “We look forward to seeing the creative ways educators across Brooklyn and Queens will use these digital resources to develop challenging lessons that reflect the New York State Learning Standards in a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment while preparing students for high school and beyond.”

“The Diocese of Brooklyn is at the forefront of creating dynamic digital learning environments supportive of a Catholic education,” said Shayla Rexrode, M.Ed Director of Partner Success at Discovery Education. “We are excited to partner with CTN and the innovative and dedicated team using these services across this school system.”

“These exciting new digital tools from CTN and Discovery Education support the Diocese of Brooklyn’s effort to challenge students to grow through digital learning experiences that thoughtfully integrate technology into instruction,” said Joseph Paniccia, Principal of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy. “These resources will play a critical role in growing each child’s love of learning and deepening their opportunities to see our Catholic faith in action within our local school communities.”

Diocese of Brooklyn educators using Discovery Education’s services also enjoy access to the Discovery Education Community. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional support, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Catholic Telemedia Network
The Catholic Telemedia Network, created over 50 years ago as a member of the Catholic Television Network, is committed to providing curriculum-based instructional media resources that support the educators of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, which also includes Queens. CTN services include a library of on-demand instructional media, online coursework, and T-Mobile Cellular internet service. As technology in the classroom changes and becomes ever more integral, CTN continually upgrades services, committed to providing relevant, engaging resources valued by both teacher and student. The Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media Group, Inc., which provides communications and technology services to the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond. Learn more at www.ctnbq.org.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN NAMES IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CENTER’S NEW DIRECTOR

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The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced that Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo has been appointed as the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center located in Douglaston, New York. Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo replaces Deacon Stanley Galazin whose retirement took effect on August 31, 2022, after serving 19 years in this role.

“I am grateful to God for guiding me to this new position working with the Diocese of Brooklyn. I appreciate Deacon Stanley’s guidance, confidence, and support during the transition, as I assume responsibility for the operations of this building which is central to the Catholic faith in Brooklyn and Queens. I look forward to advancing the mission of the Immaculate Conception Center while supporting the day-to-day work that happens here,” said Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo.

“Knowing this position would allow me to assist the retired priests, who were instrumental in my faith and to many in the Diocese, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I also am ready to assist the seminarians as they discern their vocation and calling,” continued Deacon Mastrangelo.

Andrew Mastrangelo graduated from St. John’s University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and completed the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Diaconate Formation Program in May 2015.

Deacon Andrew is a Permanent Deacon at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in the Howard Beach section of Queens. Deacon Mastrangelo most recently served as the Business Manager for Most Precious Blood-St. Simon and Jude in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, while working at the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens Office of Mission ministering to those in need and the homebound during the recent pandemic. He officially took over as the Director of the Immaculate Conception Center on September 6, 2022.

A resident of Howard Beach, Deacon Mastrangelo is married to his wife Linda for 38 years and together, they are the proud parents of three children and they have two grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf in his free time.

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Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo
Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo has been named the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center by the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Video Update: Bishop Brennan Joins FDNY Procession Over Brooklyn Bridge To Co-Cathedral of St Joseph for 9/11 Memorial Mass

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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN PROCESSES WITH FDNY OVER BROOKLYN BRIDGE,

LEADS BROOKLYN FDNY MASS THIS SEPTEMBER 11TH

            The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, joined members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn for a procession over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Bishop Brennan met the marchers, who were coming from Lower Manhattan, as they entered Brooklyn. The marchers carried 25 flags; 24 FDNY flags represented the 23 members of Battalion 57 who were lost at the World Trade Center and a Battalion member’s brother who also died that day, and one American flag.

The procession ended at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn, where the 11 a.m. Mass commemorated the 21st Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. At the start of the Mass, the names of the fallen firefighters from Battalion 57 were read aloud.

In his homily, Bishop Brennan preached “That day saw the worst of humanity in those attacks, but you know what, it saw also the greatness of humanity, in the men and women who responded so courageously, and so generously, many of your companions, many of your coworkers, collaborators, colleagues, and many who were in these places before you. We saw the goodness and the bravery, the courage of people.”

         Bishop Brennan continued, “Today as you marched, as you came in here with those flags standing for those firefighters, your companies, from our companies from here, the fire companies who serve us, I saw the icon, stark icon of the horrors of September 11th, 2001. But as I look beyond and I see all of you here in this church gathered in prayer, I see an icon not only of September 11th, but I see an icon of September 12th, of September 13th.  I see an icon of 2002, 2003, 2021, 2022. I see the icon of people who, even in spite of some of those most horrendous things we have witnessed, still stand up and offer themselves in service to their neighbor with courage and generosity; I see you as icons of that courage and generosity; I see you as icons of those who never ever give up.”

Battalion 57 consists of several fire stations and multiple fire companies, including 4 Battalion Chiefs, Engine Companies 217, 219, 230, and 235, as well as Ladder Companies 102 and 105.

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VIMEO: Courtesy of DeSales Media – vimeo.com/748540054

:00 Procession on Brooklyn Bridge and throughout Brooklyn streets

2:10 Procession arriving at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph

2:35 Reading of the names of firefighters lost on 9/11

3:17 Bishop Brennan Quote 1

4:08 Bishop Brennan Quote 2

5:41 God Bless America Recessional

VIDEO UPDATE: BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

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VIDEO UPDATE: BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS THE CELEBRATION OF A SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, led a special Mass in honor of the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver tonight at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

A native of Spain, St. Peter Claver left his homeland in 1610 to head to be a missionary in the New World colonies. St. Peter Claver then began a 40 year-ministry caring for African Americans arriving on slave ships in Cartagena, Colombia by providing them medical care and food.  It is estimated that he baptized 300,000 slaves.

In his homily, Bishop Brennan focused on the importance for all of us to recognize the human dignity of all people as St. Peter Claver showed us. “People treated fellow human beings like commodities, and it wasn’t just the acts of kindness that St. Peter Claver performed, but he looked into the eyes of those suffering and who were being mistreated.  What did he do?  He looked into their eyes and saw Jesus,” said Bishop Brennan.

Bishop Brennan continued, “We ask the Lord to awaken within us that sense of the human dignity of every single person around us. And we ask the Lord, please God, let others see you in me, so that when they look at me, may they experience something of your love and help me where I fall short so that I can be more effective as a witness and sign of your love and compassion”.

The Mass also commemorated the 101st anniversary of the founding of Saint Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Bedford Stuyvesant, the first African American Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Church was founded by Monsignor Bernard J. Quinn, currently under consideration for sainthood for his efforts to establish racial equality.

Father Alonzo Cox, Coordinator for Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn, concelebrated the Mass. The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Peter Claver, who work to promote civic and social justice, award scholarships, and nurture youth and family relationships, were in attendance.

The VIMEO link can be found here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/748233878

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