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

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

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

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

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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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

 

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, was the main celebrant at a Mass in remembrance of the 23rd Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, dedicated to members of the New York City Fire Department, earlier today at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.

 

“We saw how firefighters went into the crumbling towers, knowing that it was not only dangerous, but that certainly some would end up giving their lives. Yet all went in courageously to shine the light in the darkness. To save all of us, to save those in the building. Just to do what they could. The light shatters the darkness,” said Bishop Brennan.

 

Prior to the Mass, members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn led a procession from Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. The firefighters carried 25 flags, one American flag, and 24 FDNY flags to represent the 23 members of Battalion 57 who died that day, and a Battalion member’s brother who also lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Bishop Brennan joined the procession on the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

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.

 

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1008601965

Photos attached are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

 

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Brooklyn Bishop Brennan Statement on President Trump Assassination Attempt

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

VANDALISM AT A QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH RULED A HATE CRIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2024

DISTURBING ATTACK ON STATUE AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a hateful act of vandalism that took place yesterday, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, located in the Flushing section of Queens.

At 5:30 a.m. yesterday, video shows a vandal park his NYC Taxi SUV vehicle across the street from the church. He then walked directly towards the Holy Family statue and proceeded to decapitate the Child Jesus. The white marble head of the Child Jesus was found on the ground near the statue. The damage is estimated at $20,000 and the parish is looking to repair the statue.

The statue has been part of the parish for more than 42 years. The statues of Mary and Joseph, which stand with the Child Jesus, were unsuccessfully targeted and not damaged.

“The Holy Family is the foundation of our faith community, and this statue holds special meaning to so many in our parish. This is a very unsettling incident, and those who attended Mass yesterday were shocked and horrified to find out this happened. We must pray for an increase in religious tolerance throughout our city,” said Father Sean Suckiel, the parish Pastor.

Police officers from the 107th Precinct responded and classified the incident as a hate crime. Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Photos of the vandalism to the statue at Holy Family Church are attached.

Video footage can be found here: https://vimeo.com/973479443

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HolyFamilyChurchStatueweb
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, this statue of the Holy Family was damaged by a vandal. The NYPD has ruled it a hate crime.
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The vandal damaged the Holy Family statue, decapitating Child Jesus, at Holy Family Parish in Flushing.

 

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD INCLUDING FIRST AMERICAN-BORN VIETNAMESE PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD INCLUDING FIRST AMERICAN-BORN VIETNAMESE PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE

            The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain four men as priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. The four ordinands are:


Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira
Caetano Moura de Oliveira, 31, was born in the city of Jundiaí, about 60 miles from São Paulo, Brazil. He was raised in a devout Catholic family, who would pray as a family on Sundays at home before attending Mass. However, he also describes his youth as full of rock and roll concerts and mosh pits.  In 2012 on a youth pilgrimage in Brasilia, Brazil, Deacon de Oliveira heard the call of Jesus Christ to follow Him and become a priest.

Deacon de Oliveira attended the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey and completed his studies at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Deacon Luis Marquez
Luis Marquez, 38, was born in Medellin, Colombia, and immigrated with his family to the United States in 2002, settling in New Jersey. Luis would go on to earn a degree in foreign languages and became a Spanish teacher in Englewood, New Jersey, prior to answering the call to the priesthood. His father, also named Luis, had considered the priesthood as a young man, and strongly encouraged him to become a priest.  He attended Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. He is excited to serve in the Diocese of Brooklyn where he will be surrounded by different cultures, languages, and communities.

Deacon Randy Thanh Nguyen
Randy Thanh Nguyen, 38, was born in Minnesota to Vietnamese parents, who brought their family to Elmhurst, Queens. Deacon Randy made his sacraments of first Holy Communion and Confirmation at his home parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens. Deacon Nguyen is a graduate of Hunter College and speaks three languages: Vietnamese, Spanish and English. He completed his theological studies at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Deacon Randy pursued a medical degree for a short time prior to pursuing his vocation to the priesthood.

Deacon Tobechkwu Jude Offiah
Tobechkwu Jude Offiah, 37, was born in Lagos, the former capital city of Nigeria. Faith was always important in his family, and as an incentive to attend Mass, his mom always treated him and his siblings to ice cream after Mass. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nigeria. Soon after, he first entered the seminary in the Diocese of Akwa in 2011 but would later follow his family to the United States in 2016.  In 2019, Deacon Offiah entered St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in New York, and he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2022.

 

The Ordination Mass will be broadcast live on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97; Optimum channel 30; and on FiOS Channel 548. The Mass will also be live-streamed at netny.tv/watch-now.

Members of the media are welcome and asked to confirm their attendance.

The attached photos of the four ordinands are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira

Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira

Deacon Luis Marquez

Deacon Luis Alfredo Marquez

Deacon Randy Thanh Nguyen

Deacon Randy Nguyen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Deacon Tobechkwu Jude Offiah

Deacon Tobechukwu Offiah

AUTHOR SPEAKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT USING THEIR VOICE IN A POSITIVE WAY – “WE ARE MISSING INFORMED SPEECH”

The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) today hosted international bestselling and award-winning novelist Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment” at several Catholic academies in Queens including St. Elizabeth, Divine Mercy, and Our Lady of the Snows.

The book “The Assignment” is based on an actual 2017 event involving two teenagers in Oswego, New York. The students refused a controversial assignment to participate in debating the pros and cons of Hitler’s Final Solution.

Ms. Wiemer led the seventh and eighth-grade students in an important lesson on speaking up against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and injustice. She discussed how her novel helps connect the history of the Holocaust with society today. Ms. Wiemer also talked about the impact of popular culture and social media on all forms of hatred.

Ms. Wiemer’s tour throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn included visits to 10 Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens. Each student received a copy of the book.

Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media, which provides technology and communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond. CTN is collaborating with The New York Education Initiative with the support of The Jewish Education Project.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/946741224

Photos attached are from St. Elizabeth and Divine Mercy Catholic Academy.

 

IMG 5510
Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment,” talking with students at St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy.
TheAssignmentAuthorwithBook
Students join Principal Jeanne Shannon and author Liza Wiemer for a photo with the award winning book “The Assignment.”
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Students from the 7th and 8th Grade at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Academy pose for a group photo with Liza Wiemer.
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Students at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy also were visited by author Liza Wiemer to discuss respect and tolerance.
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Author Liza Wiemer shows a graphic to the students of how two people made a global difference, and they can be a part of the change they want to see in the world.

AUTHOR TO HOST WORKSHOP ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO STAND AGAINST HATRED AND INJUSTICE

The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) will host international bestselling and award-winning novelist Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment” tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy located at 94-01 85th Street in the Ozone Park section of Queens.

“The Assignment” is based on an actual event involving two teenagers who refused to participate in a controversial assignment; debating the pros and cons of Hitler’s Final Solution. Each student will receive a copy of the book.

Ms. Wiemer will present a workshop for seventh and eighth-grade students on speaking up against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and injustice. Ms. Wiemer will discuss behind-the-scenes information, research, and how her novel helps connect the history of the Holocaust to society today. She will also share how popular culture and social media impact all forms of hatred.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to reply to this email to confirm their attendance.

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Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media, which provides technology and communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond.

CTN is collaborating with The New York Education Initiative with the support of The Jewish Education Project. Ms. Wiemer’s tour throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn includes visits to 10 Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens.

The cover of Liza Wiemer's book "The Assignment."
The cover of Liza Wiemer’s book “The Assignment.”