With the city abuzz with excitement over Pope Francis’ long anticipated visit to NYC on September 24 -25, a number of locals were fortunate enough to participate in the various planned events.
Upon his arrival at JFK Airport, the Pope was greeted by a group of Catholic school children. SHSS parishioner, 5 year old Maria Teresa Heyer, while lifted in her father’s arms had a kiss planted atop her head by the Holy Father.
Kimberly G. Price, Senior Editor of the Star-Revue, and I were thrilled to watch as the Pope disembarked the plane at JFK, met with dignitaries and waved to us as he boarded a helicopter to transport him to Manhattan.
On Thursday evening, Sr. Susana from Visitation Parish attended the prayer service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, along with a visiting Sr. Máire from Ireland who was doubly excited to be in the Pope’s presence and to be at St. Patrick’s.
Monsignor Guy Massie, Pastor of SHSS, attended the Interfaith Prayer Service at the 9/11 Memorial Museum on Friday the 25th. He was most impressed by the Holy Father’s “sign of peace” with all the representatives of other faiths who were present.
Later that day, St. Mary Star of the Sea parishioner, Liz Balsamo and her young grandson, Daniel were among the throngs who lined Central Park waiting for a glimpse of the Pope while he traveled from East Harlem to Madison Square Garden on Friday afternoon; they were not disappointed.
The Pope’s first visit to the city culminated with a Mass attended by 20,000 at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday evening. Doris Palenque and Andrea Raimondi, also parishioners of St. Mary’s, attended the Mass. They had no idea, while waiting on line, why police moved a barricade aside and they, along with approximately 12 other people, were diverted to an closer entry spot on the line. Because of that, they were able to enter the Garden relatively early and garnered seats in the 16th row!
Makes you want to be a better person
Considering that Doris, often assisted by Andrea, tends the altar at St. Mary’s, it was fitting that they were seated so close to the altar at the Papal Mass. Doris commented that being in the Holy Father’s presence, “you just think about his ways and want to change your ways, to be a better person.”
The highlight for Andrea was when Cardinal Dolan gave what she termed as “the most perfect speech,” telling the Holy Father that at every single Mass said in NYC, Catholics pray for him and “here you are.” The entire arena erupted.
For Doris, it was, also after the Cardinal’s address, when a solitary man who had chanted intermittently during the Mass led the Garden in a rousing chant of “Que Viva El Papa” (may the Pope live). Andrea went on to say that “the most human moment” was when Pope Francis asked everyone to pray for him which brought all in the Garden to tears. The feeling of peace and beauty is one both Doris and Andrea said they will keep for their entire lifetimes.
The Delgado family of SHSS, mother Teresa and her children, Michael and Antoinetta, also attended the Mass at MSG as well as Anthony and Colleen Troiano along with their daughters, Lauren and Jacqueline. Michael Delgado, a SHSS sacristan, remarked that there is a big difference in seeing the Pope in person compared to watching him on TV. In person, he has a “very commanding presence.” He also said that “it was a blessing to share the experience with his sister and mother,” who is a particularly faithful woman who attends Mass daily at SHSS.
Anthony Troiano said it was “absolutely amazing” to see the Pope, but most especially moving for him to watch the faces of his children as the Mass took place.
Both the Troiano girls as well as Antoinetta Delgado are altar servers at SHSS.
Visitation Parish’s Father Claudio Antecini and Father Eamon Murray were also at the MSG Mass. They were able to concelebrate with other priests in attendance, and Sr. Laura and Sr. Frauke. Sr. Laura commented afterward that “serving the Lord in Brooklyn is sometimes so hard with all the rushing around of the city and you may wish to escape.” But after hearing the Holy Father, she realized that she is in the place she was meant to be and his message to her was “let’s go on.”
Sr. Laura also noted a marked increase in Mass attendance last week by people who expressly stated that they were there because they had been watching the Pope on TV. And at Mass on Sunday, September 27, Father Claudio preached the words of Pope Francis, elaborating on the Pope’s message that God is in the city by saying, “God is in Red Hook!”
While the events may have been different, the reactions were mostly the same. People were visibly moved by their experiences of seeing the Holy Father. They all spoke of tears, goose bumps, goodwill, and feelings of love, peace and joy regarding their time in the presence of Pope Francis.
Happenings/Announcements
St. Mary Star of Sea officially opened their beautifully renovated Parish Center on Sunday, September 20 with a blessing from newly ordained Bishop James Massa and ribbon-cutting by faithful parishioner of over 85 years, Mr. John (Bob) Burke.
The 67th Annual Feast of Madonna Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) took place on Sunday, September 13 with a neighborhood procession, fireworks and Mass at Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church.
If you are planning a party, including a graduation, wedding, baptism, or Sweet 16 celebration, please consider using the completely restored Mary’s Hall at Visitation Parish. The cost is a donation for the upkeep of the church. Call Sr. Frauke at (917) 515-4225 for more information.
Upcoming Events
Blessing of God’s Creatures in Honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi – Sunday, October 4 at 2 pm, at the Central Monument in Carroll Park. All are invited to bring any and all pets to be blessed. The event is a collaboration of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul and St. Agnes R.C. Parish and Sacred Heart-St. Stephen Parish, with support from Scotto Funeral Home.
Congregation Mount Sinai
250 Cadman Plaza West
Sukkot – Celebrate with a Shabbat Service and dinner on Friday, October 2 at 6:30 pm. For information, call (718) 875-9124 or email info@congregationmountsinai.org
Shemini Atzeret – Sunday, October 4 at 6:30 pm Services with Brooklyn Heights Synagogue: Monday, October 5 at 8 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – Yizkor.
Simchat Torah – Join CMS and the Hebrew school for pizza, dancing with the Torahs, and reading from the Torah on Monday, October 5 at 6 pm.
Anti-Semitism by Jean-Paul Sarte – Book discussion with Dr. Monty Weinstein, on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 pm. Suggested donation $5; RSVP by Monday, October 12.
Isha L’Isha Women’s Group with Rabbi Sara Zacharia on Monday, October 19 at 7:30 pm – A monthly gathering of women to study Jewish tradition and text, to connect with the voices of women from our past and find personal meaning and relevance for today.
Interfaith Scripture Study – Wednesday, October 21, 7-8:30 pm at Plymouth Church, 57 Orange Street; Wednesday, November 4 , 7-8:30 pm at Dawood Mosque, 143 State Street; Wednesday, November 18, 7-8:30 pm at Congregation Mount Sinai. Free of charge.
Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church
Summit & Hicks Streets
Book Club – Next meeting to discuss The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins on Monday, October 19 at 7 pm at Le Petit Cafe, 505 Court Street.
St. Agnes Church
Hoyt & DeGraw Streets
French Mass each Sunday at 11 am
“Mass Mob” will descend on Sunday, October 18 at the 9:15 am Mass. “All are welcome to come and join us in lifting our voices and spirits unto the Lord.”
Sounds on Sackett – A concert series of jazz, pop, and classical performances kicks off its season on Sunday, October 18 at 4 pm with a performance by Karen Merchant, soprano, who will sing selections from the American Songbook, with piano accompaniment by Giacomo Oliva. Admission is $20 for adults (children under 12 are free) and includes a post-performance reception. Season passes for $75 are available before October 15. For more information and a full list of upcoming concerts, call (718) 625-1717.
St. Paul R.C. Church
Court and Congress Streets
Card Party on Saturday, October 3rd from 7-11 pm in the lower church hall. Admission is $15; tickets may be purchased at the rectory office.
St. Paul Episcopal Church
199 Carroll Street
Sunday School will resume on October 4 at 9:45 am at the rectory at St. Andrew’s House. All children, ages 5 and up, are welcome. For more information, please contact Jean Del Colliano at jdelcolliano@yahoo.com
Cerddorian Vocal Ensemble will present Fitful Flame: Music of Love and War, directed by James John, on Friday, November 13 at 8 pm. Advance tickets are $20 ($25 at the door and $15 for students). For information, visit www.cerddorian.org.
Visitation BVM Church
98 Richards Street
The Philip Course, a spiritual weekend retreat for those looking for a new fresh experience of faith in Jesus Christ, October 2-4. For information, call Sr. Laura at 718-624-1572.
Friday October 2 from 7 pm-9:30 pm
Saturday October 3 from 9 am-5 pm
Sunday October 4 from 9 am-5 pm
The Ecumenical Congress, a spiritual weekend retreat with Benjamin Berger and Fr. Giuseppe DeNardi from Israel, October 30-November 1. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. For information, call Sr. Frauke at 917-515-4225.
Jazz Concert on Sunday, November 8 at 4 pm, featuring Alicia Rau, jazz trumpeter and her group from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Suggested admission of $20 (or pay what you can.)
