This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. By using this site, you consent to the placement and use of these cookies. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.
ACCEPT
BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES MASS WITH THOSE FROM CHURCH AFFECTED BY EASTER SUNDAY FIRE
Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated Mass for the faithful of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii this morning at All Saints Roman Catholic Church in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, because of the damage caused by the Easter Sunday fire.
The 10:30 a.m. Mass is one of the regularly scheduled Sunday Masses at Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, which has been moved to All Saints, since fire engulfed the parish center and rectory connected to the church. The two parishes were officially merged as one, All Saints-Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii Parish, in June 2019.
“There is something that nothing can destroy, not fire, sorrow, disappointment. That is the love of Jesus Christ. He is the Victor, He is the Conqueror, He is the one who brings joy out of sorrow, goodness out of evil,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
“What happened 2000 years ago is happening right here. The power of the risen Lord is drawing us together and people have been so wonderful, so courageous, and so consoling to one another,” continued Bishop Brennan.
Before the final blessing, Bishop Brennan spoke to Father Romulo Marin, who was the celebrant of the Easter Sunday Mass that was underway when the fire broke out. Bishop Brennan commended Father Romulo’s response which helped minimize the damage to the church and saved lives.
Bishop Brennan also praised the response of the Fire Department of New York and all the first responders, acknowledging the great respect and love they showed for the Church as they worked to put the fire out.
Bishop Brennan with Father Romulo Marin and Father Vincenzo Cardilicchia celebrating the regularly scheduled Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii Mass at All Saints Church.A large crowd gathered for Mass with Bishop Robert Brennan at All Saints Church, in the wake of the Easter Fire at Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.
BISHOP BRENNAN AT EASTER VIGIL IN BROOKLYN: “CHRIST IS RISEN”
Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, marked the celebration of Easter, the holiest day on the Christian calendar, with an Easter Vigil Mass Saturday evening, March 30, 2024, at The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
Easter celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, as he was crucified for the sins of the world. The Easter Vigil begins in the dark outside the Church. That is where the Paschal candle is lit and that light is shared with all of the worshippers inside the church. The dramatic lighting of the church symbolizes the Risen Lord.
“We see the reality of sin and death all around us in the world. This morning, I was at a funeral for the police officer who was shot and killed in Queens, an act of terrible, terrible violence. And yet we don’t sing Alleluia tonight because we’re making believe that all is well in the world. We are singing Alleluia tonight because all is not well in the world. But Christ has conquered it, because we know that all is not well in our own lives, and that we need His help. And he gives us that help, and that we can believe, with all our hearts, that yes indeed in the waters of baptism we plunge with him into his death and in the living of ordinary life, we experience sorrow and pain and even our own failings and sins. But too, we rise up with him to live forever. We were made for his glory,” said Bishop Brennan in his homily.
At the Mass, Bishop Brennan baptized four people, who are among more than 400 new Catholics baptized at Easter Vigil Masses throughout the diocese.
Later today, Sunday, March 31, 2024, Bishop Brennan will celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at 11:00 A.M. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James located at 250 Cathedral Place in downtown Brooklyn.
Easter Sunday Mass can be seen live on NET TV, the Diocesan cable channel, available on Spectrum channel 97, Optimum channel 30, and Verizon Fios channel 548, or online at netny.tv
POLISH COMMUNITY BRINGS THEIR EASTER FOOD BASKETS TO BE BLESSED
Diocese of Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski presided over the annual blessing of Easter food baskets this morning at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in the Maspeth section of Queens.
“”It was great to see so many children and families on this Holy Saturday morning, giving thanks to God for their many blessings, and bringing their Easter food to church to be blessed. Easter time is a time of Resurrection. It is a time of Salvation. We are so thankful to Christ Jesus our Lord, for His death and Resurrection. He saved us by His love,” said Bishop Witold Mroziewski.
The blessing of the Easter food baskets is one of the most beloved Holy Saturday Polish traditions. The basket contains a sampling of Easter foods including bread, eggs, ham, and sweets. The custom dates back to the 15th Century.
Bishop Witold Mroziewsski blessing Easter baskets at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Maspeth, Queens, on Holy Saturday.Children gather at the altar at Holy Cross Catholic Church after having their Easter baskets blessed on Holy Saturday.Members of the community gathered for the blessing of the Easter Baskets waits for Bishop Witoldf Mroziewski to bless their baskets.Hundreds of people attending the Easter basket blessing at Holy Cross Church on March 30, 2024, including this family.
John Quaglione
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN BROOKLYN
Bishop Robert Brennan marked the start of Holy Week this afternoon, as he led the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph’s Palm Sunday Procession which kicked off in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.
After an opening prayer and blessing, Bishop Brennan led more than 250 people in a public witness of faith with their blessed palms, down Vanderbilt Avenue to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located on Pacific Street.
“In this procession, we walk with Jesus remembering that Jesus always walks with us. Today we gave public witness to our Catholic faith on the streets of Brooklyn, showing the greatness of God to those who walked, drove, biked, and jogged by us as we walked. Thamk you to the New York City Police Department for their logistical and safety involvement, and to DeSales Media for broadcasting it live ON NET-TV for many more to see” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
“As we begin this Holy Week, I encourage Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens to make this week different from other weeks. Let yourself spend more time in prayer, or in church, or perform an act of charity. May you come to better understand how much God loves you, and may you be an example of His love to those you encounter,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where those who greeted Jesus waved palms and set them on the ground along His path. Palms are recognized as a symbol of victory and peace.
Following the procession, Bishop Brennan celebrated the Spanish Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Holy Week concludes on Easter Sunday with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The photos and video are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.
Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, is inviting Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens to confession on Reconciliation Monday, Monday, March 25, 2024
The goal of Reconciliation Monday, held on the Monday of Holy Week, is to encourage Catholics to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. Most parishes will have a priest available to hear confessions from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“Reconciliation Monday is an opportunity to experience the healing power of our Lord. As we seek to grow closer to the Lord, let us ask our all-loving and merciful God to forgive us of our sins. Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter with a clean heart, free of the burden of our sins,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
The faithful are invited to visit any parish in Brooklyn and Queens, however times and availability may change based on the parish. For a complete listing of parishes, please visitdioceseofbrooklyn.org/parishes/locator/
BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN CELEBRATES MASS IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn which includes Queens, led a Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Parish in the Jamaica section of Queens.
The theme of the Mass was “Spiritual Unity Through Cultural Diversity,” but Father Robert Seay, OFM, Pastor Emeritus of Our Lady of Charity in Brooklyn and homilist for the Mass, talked about the difficulties faced by Black Catholics today.
“The frustration that has happened, to especially black people when you listen, is that we are not at the table, that we, the decisions are made, and we are being eaten up by maintenance rather than mission. That’s what I hear. And I hear so many people saying I can’t take it any longer. So, the faith is shattered by a lot right now, but we also can come and celebrate the good times and look towards the future that we will be included in the church,” preached Father Seay.
“That’s exactly what Pope Francis is asking with the Synod – that we listen deeply to one another. And so, it is important for me, as we do some of our planning, to hear the voices of all people, of all races and perspectives in everything we do in the Diocese. One of the lessons I have learned is that we may or may not be able to identify with others, but we need to listen and hear people’s troubles and concerns. And that’s what the Black History Month Mass was about. It’s not just that we listen to one another when there’s something wrong, but that we’re listening to one another in the course of our day to day lives,” said Bishop Brennan.
During his tenure at the Weeksville, Brooklyn Church, Father Seay became known for his work to promote peace, and his leadership led to his membership on the Mayor’s Pastoral Council. He has dedicated his life’s work to educating the youth and improving race relations. Bishop Brennan says Father Seay’s words are important to hear now more than ever.
“The celebration on Sunday was of Black History Month. We remember the history, but we also are writing the history of now. That was a big theme at the National Black Catholic Congress, that we’re writing the history that people will look back on in the future. Coming here to Brooklyn, and Queens, I see great participation and I value the perspectives, the experiences, the hopes and the dreams of all of our people,” continued Bishop Brennan.
This year, the Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns added some new features to the annual Mass. Each black ethnic apostolate was asked to participate, and the national flag of each represented country was flown during the opening procession.
Bishop Brennan is the chairman-elect of the Committee on Cultural Diversity for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Sunday’s Mass was organized by the Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn. The rousing music at the Mass was led by the Sr. Thea Bowman Choir under the direction of Darcel Whitten-Wilamowski.
Photos 4-9 / Courtesy: Michael Davis & Jonathan Sims
Black History Month Mass ProcessionBlack History Month Mass AltarBlack History Month MassBishop Robert Brennan at Black History Month MassLadies of St Peter ClaverSr Thea Bowman ChoirSr Thea Bowman ChoirBishop Robert BrennanDeacon Rachid Murad & Bishop Brennan
BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GABRIEL CHURCH
Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn which includes Queens, celebrated the Spanish Mass earlier today to mark the 100th Anniversary of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Roman Catholic Church located in the East Elmhurst section of Queens.
“St. Gabriel’s has a history of bringing people together to encounter Jesus. In this Church, over the years, many things have changed on the inside and outside. But one thing doesn’t change – we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We inherited a lot over these 100 years, and now it is our turn to make this faith community even stronger,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
The first Mass of St. Gabriel’s was celebrated on July 7, 1923, in Stotzky’s Belvedere Park and the cornerstone of the church was laid on June 29, 1924. St. Gabriel Church opened in the location where it stands today on January 1, 1925. The first Spanish Mass was held in the Lower Church in 1971.
The Mass was followed by a reception in the parish hall.
The Feast Day of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated by the Church annually on February 27. Father Nicholas Apollonio is the Pastor.
The video and photos attached are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.
###
Bishop Brennan preaches at St Gabriel 100th Anniversary
St Gabriel 100th Anniversary MassSt Gabriel 100th Anniversary MassSt Gabriel 100th Anniversary MassSt Gabriel 100th Anniversary MassBishop Brennan and Father Apollonio
The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a blatant act of vandalism which occurred last Friday night, February 9, 2024, at St. Rita’s Church in Long Island City, Queens.
At about 8:45 p.m. the pastor, Father Jose Carlos da Silva, who was in the rectory, heard something smash in the church. Father da Silva saw a man in front of the chapel, who ran away after he called out to him from a window. There was a prayer group meeting inside the church at the time. No one was injured.
A stained-glass window was broken. A construction cone was thrown at a statue of the Blessed Mother which stands in front of the window. There was no damage to that statue.
“It was very disturbing and unsettling to hear breaking glass as a prayer group was gathered in the church. Luckily, no one was injured, and the suspect did not try to come in. I believe the orange construction cone that was thrown was intended to hit the Blessed Mother statue, but the vandal missed. Instead, it hit one of our original stained-glass windows behind it. This is a hate crime against the Catholic Church, and the perpetrator must understand that he has caused pain for the entire parish community of St. Rita’s,” said Father Jose Carlos da Silva, the parish pastor.
The cost of the damage to the 60-year-old-stained glass window is estimated at $10,000. The window was broken on the 11th street side of the church near the rectory entrance. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
The broken window at St. Rita’s which was smashed by a vandal who threw a construction cone.The construction cone found at the side of the church which was thrown and smashed the window.
Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, led a bi-lingual Mass (English and Chinese) Sunday, February 11, 2024, in honor of the Lunar New Year at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, in Flushing, Queens. This is the Year of the Dragon and symbolizes strength, power, good fortune, and success.
At the conclusion of the Mass, an Ancestors Veneration Ritual ceremony took place. It is a New Year’s tradition in which Chinese people give thanks to God and their ancestors. The rituals include nine bows to God, the offering of fruits, flowers and incense, and the exchange of New Year greetings among the faithful.
The celebration of the Lunar New Year featured cultural singing, dancing, and a special martial arts performance.
“We would be lost if we didn’t have you and we didn’t have all the gifts and the richness of the Chinese culture that you bring,” preached Bishop Brennan.
Father Vincentius Do is the Pastor of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church and serves as head of the Chinese Apostolate for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
###
Bishop Brennan celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year at St. Michael’s in Flushing.At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Brennan helped to distribute red envelopes to the faithful in attendance.Bishop Brennan joined in the New Year celebration that followed in the parish hall after Mass.Bishop Robert Brennan and some of the Chinese Catholics who attended the special Lunar New Year Mass and reception.
Bishop Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, celebrated Mass and distributed ashes today at the Noon Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn.
“During the season of Lent, we focus in on spending this extra time with God, whether it be through your own Lenten practices or with this pilgrimage of faith, to allow God to speak to us. ‘Repent and Believe in the Good News,’ are words we hear as we receive our ashes. Believe that you are loved by God, believe that God wants your heart, and believe that the Lord is reaching out to you,” said Bishop Robert Brennan during his homily.
Today also marked the start of the 2024 Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage in Brooklyn and Queens, where the faithful will have the opportunity to visit different churches over the next 40 days. Individual parishes will offer opportunities for Mass, prayer, and reflection during these visits. The complete schedule can be found online at lent.diobrook.org.
Ash Wednesday begins the Christian observance of the season of Lent. As is customary, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made by burning the blessed palms distributed the prior year on Palm Sunday. Lent ends with the celebration of the Sacred Triduum, the three holiest days of the year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday will be celebrated this year on March 31.
Bishop Robert Brennan distributing ashes today at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn.Bishop Robert Brennan on Ash Wednesday, 2024, distributing ashes today at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn.
Vimeo and photos are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.
