FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2023

 

NEARLY 110-YEAR-OLD STATUE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER DAMAGED BY VANDAL AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing an attack on a statue of the Blessed Mother at St. Andrew Avellino parish located at 35-60 158^th Street in the Flushing section of Queens, citing the parish’s determination to repair and return the statue of Mary to the Rosary Garden.

At some point late Monday night into Tuesday morning, the right hand of the statue of Mary was broken off the statue, and an attempt to remove the left hand was also made. The statue is nearly 110-years-old and has been part of the parish since 1914.

“The people of the parish of St. Andrew Avellino are saddened that events such as this are happening within our community and our city. We pray the individual who attacked our beloved statue of Mary in the Rosary Garden has a conversion of heart. The parish will get through this experience, and we are determined to put the Blessed Mother back in her rightful place,” said Father Gregory McIlhenney, the parish pastor.

The parish hosts a Rosary Rally on the first Saturday of every month at the Rosary Garden in front of the Blessed Mother statue. The Rosary Rally will go on as planned this Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 9 AM.  All are invited to join in prayer.

The New York City Police Department’s 109^th Precinct is investigating the incident. No parish video surveillance is available as the cameras were damaged in the recent storm. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Photos of the vandalized statue of the Blessed Mother at St. Andrew Avellino are attached, courtesy of St. Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2023

BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES CHURCH’S MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated a special Mass this morning marking the 125^th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi-St. Blaise Catholic Church, located in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens section of Brooklyn.

“We celebrate in this anniversary, these 125 years, the goodness, the greatness of God, who has shown Himself amazingly in this part of Brooklyn. We come here just like the generations before us praying for peace, praying for justice, and praying for respect for the dignity of every single person create in God’s own image,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“We are living one of those milestones in the history of St. Francis of Assisi–St. Blaise Parish. We will go into the future together, meeting the new challenges, giving to God everything we have and everything we are, and discovering that He has given to us,” continued Bishop Brennan.

In his Homily, Bishop Brennan also reflected on the parish’s special relationship with the former pastor, Monsignor Paul Jervis, who passed away on September 5, 2023.  Monsignor Jervis was the Diocesan Postulator of the Cause of the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God, Monsignor Bernard John Quinn.

Monsignor Quinn, a Brooklyn priest, established the first Black Catholic Church in Brooklyn consecrated to St. Peter Claver and fought against the evils of racial discrimination. He worked tirelessly to defend the rights and equality of all.

The first parish Mass was celebrated on January 16, 1898, in a house on Maple Street. The current Church building was dedicated on April 25, 1915. The parish of St. Blaise merged with St. Francis of Assisi in the spring of 1980.

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VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/876929841

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2023

BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES MASS MARKING THE 120^TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY IN BROOKLYN

Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated a special Mass marking the 120^th Anniversary of Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic Church, located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, this morning, Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

“We look today to our parish anniversary, to our celebration right here. We look at the growth and development of this community of faith, this people of faith. We remember the roots as an Italian parish, founded by an oppressed people which has grown and now represents this beautiful area of Brooklyn. The vineyard of the Lord is right here in Bedford-Stuyvesant comprised of the beautiful people in this community,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“This is the place where we can lay our fears at the foot of the Cross. Think about these 120 years of Our Lady of Charity, think of the different generations that have come here, through two world wars to pray for loved ones serving abroad. Through all kinds of racial strife and struggle, and the fight for Civil Rights, people came to this neighborhood church to turn to God for hope beyond all hope,” continued Bishop Brennan.

Our Lady of Charity first celebrated Mass in 1903 to accommodate the influx of Italian immigrants who settled in the community. Mass was originally celebrated in a converted animal stable. The parish was officially designated in 1908, and the present Church opened in 1914.

The NYPD’s 77^th Precinct was outside after Mass as part of “National Faith & Blue Weekend” which strives to build safer communities by developing relationships between law enforcement officers and local residents by means of faith-based organizations.

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VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/872360054

The photos attached and the video is courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated Mass tonight, Monday, September 11, 2023, with the Blessed Trinity Parish community at the 9/11 Memorial located at Rockaway Point Boulevard and Beach 218^th Street in the Breezy Point section of Queens.

The Mass was dedicated to those killed in the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the first responders, and those who have died from related diseases since.

“Tonight, I celebrated Mass with the parish of Blessed Trinity in Breezy Point. We prayed for the innocent people killed by hatred, and our first responders who knew they had to respond, a choice that would impact themselves and their families. In their honor, let us pledge to build up one another with love, never forgetting the sacrifices our first responders make every day, and those sick with Ground Zero related illness,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“Trusting in God, let us pray for the souls of the faithfully departed, whose shoulders we stand on, and the heroes living amongst us today,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The memorial is comprised of 29 glass etchings of each of the community members lost on September 11, 2001, and a cross-shaped piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Following the Mass, the names of the Breezy Point residents who died on 9/11/2001 were read aloud. Roses were placed at the memorial in remembrance of each victim, and a bell was rung after each name was read aloud.

The Breezy Point Catholic Club Pipes and Drums performed God Bless America to conclude the Mass and ceremony.

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Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, joined Bishop Robert Brennan, Monsignor Cuong M. Pham, and the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, today in celebration of the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Last Sunday, Pope Francis named Pierre as one of the new 21 cardinals of the Catholic Church. Today’s event was planned in advance of the announcement.

Cardinal-designate Pierre led a solemn Mass this afternoon which included the Consecration and Distribution of the Holy Scapulars. Bishop Brennan blessed the Scapulars. The Mass was celebrated in English, Italian, and Vietnamese and featured the parish’s Spanish Choir, English Choir, and the St. Teresa Vietnamese Choir.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Scapular is a brown cloth necklace featuring prayer. The faithful wear the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, entrusting themselves to the protection of Mary, the Mother of God.

Calling Mary, the first and the greatest evangelizer, Cardinal-designate Pierre in his Homily stated, “All of us are called to be like Her, to announce the Good News of God’s presence in our life in a very simple way, as we meet people, day after day, in the family, in our encounters, in our friendships, in our schools and even in politics.”

“What we did today, before Mass, is a physical sign of what we are called to do, and what you do every single day. To take what we believe, and what we profess here in this church, and bring it out into the streets. In so many ways, you live your faith so powerfully, bringing that joy of the Gospel to others. So, thank you for what you did today, but what you did today is so important because of what you do every single day” said Bishop Robert Brennan in his closing remarks.

“We thank you and we were blessed by your presence here. We are especially privileged to have you here this week; it really means a lot to us. You honor us by your presence and as you always do, you bring to us the love and solicitude of our Holy Father,” said Bishop Robert Brennan in addressing his Excellency, Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre.

Prior to the Mass, a large procession of parishioners walked around the church block and recited the Rosary. The Mass was followed by a dinner in the parish hall which featured international music, dancing, and food.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is located at 23-25 Newtown Avenue in Astoria. Monsignor Cuong M. Pham is the Pastor.

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Video and photos are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/845798698

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2023

The world-famous Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast will kick off on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, with an opening night Mass and procession, led by Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn. Then 12 days of faith, family, food, and summer fun will fill the streets of Williamsburg, a tradition that dates back to 1887. 

“Summer doesn’t begin in Williamsburg until the opening of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The highlight of the Parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is our feast! It is the pulse and showcase of our parish family,” said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Williamsburg.

Highlights of the 12-day festival include:

• An opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Church located at 275 N. 8^th Street in Brooklyn at 7:00 p.m.
• The children’s Giglio and Family Night on Thursday, July 6, 2023, and Tuesday, July 11, both starting at 6:30 p.m.
• The Dancing of the Giglio and Boat Parade on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
• The Night Dancing of the Giglio on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
• Five Masses to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sunday, July 16, 2023, with a Vigil Mass set for Saturday, July 15 at 11 p.m.
• Capo Parade and Dancing of the Giglio on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

“While this Feast celebrates a cherished Italian American tradition, it truly doesn’t matter your age or origin, there is something for everyone at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast. We look forward to seeing many new and old friends joining us for a special time complete with great food, entertainment, games, and of course the dancing of our world-famous Giglio” said John Notaro, the General Chairman of the OLMC Feast.

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

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

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POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF BROOKLYN DIOCESE
AUXILIARY BISHOP NEIL TIEDEMANN

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann, C.P., Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The resignation was publicized earlier today in Washington, D.C., by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See when to accept the resignation.

“I am grateful for Bishop Tiedemann’s many years of dedicated service here in Brooklyn and Queens. Bishop Tiedemann has had extraordinary experience beyond the boundaries of our Diocese and therefore was able to enrich us with his knowledge, passion, and dedication to the Church and its people,” said the Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“Throughout my priesthood, I have been blessed, and I am so grateful. I thank Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan for their kindness, support, and encouragement. Of my 48 years as a priest, I have spent 21 here in the Brooklyn Diocese. I am thankful to my brother priests for their friendship. Most importantly, I have been blessed by the wonderful people of our diocese. They make you the priest that you are because they encourage and strengthen you. They teach you so much about life and actually become the face of God in your life,” said the Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann.

Bishop Tiedemann, born on March 5, 1948, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was raised in St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Franklin Square, Long Island. He attended the Passionists’ Holy Cross High School Seminary in Dunkirk, New York, and Holy Family Seminary in West Hartford, Connecticut. In 1970, Tiedemann received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from LaSalle University. In 1975 he earned two master’s degrees in Theology and Divinity from St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens. As a seminarian, Tiedemann was involved in outreach efforts with Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens near St. Barbara Parish in Bushwick.

Bishop Tiedemann entered The Passionists, officially the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, in 1970 and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 22, 1974. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1975, in the Brooklyn Diocese by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero. The bishop’s first assignment was as a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jamaica, Queens, from 1975-1982, where he continued his outreach work with Catholic Charities.

Bishop Tiedemann went on to serve at the largely Hispanic parishes of St. Joseph & Michael in Union City, New Jersey, and Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, Massachusetts. He also ministered in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, between 1987 and 1994, where he helped found an AIDS hospice called Casa Pasionista.

One of the joys of Tiedemann’s priesthood has been the opportunity to serve between 1998 and 2005 at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the parish where his grandparents were married. While he served there, he oversaw the 150th-anniversary celebration of the parish.

In 2006, Tiedemann was elected to the Provincial Council of the Passionist Congregation. Two years later, Pope Benedict XVI named him the third Bishop of Mandeville, Jamaica.

After eight years of serving on the island of Jamaica, Tiedemann returned home to Brooklyn. He was installed as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Brooklyn in August 2016. In 2020, he was named Episcopal Vicar of Brooklyn. Tiedemann currently serves as pastor of St. Matthias Parish in Ridgewood, Queens, and serves as the Director of the Diocese of Brooklyn Ministry to Caribbean and Black Catholics.

The Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann will now serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn, effective immediately.

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Photo Courtesy: DeSales Media

USCCB Press Release: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-auxiliary-bishop-neil-tiedemann-cp