It was standing room only when the Spanish-speaking community of Bensonhurst celebrated Palm Sunday at St. Athanasius Church. Pictured is Father Gabriel Toro, coordinator of the neighborhood’s Hispanic apostolate, preaching from the pulpit prior to the outdoors procession. 

Photo © Torres Photo Studio

by Ed Wilkinson

More than 1,600 people packed Regina Pacis Basilica on Dec. 8 as Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant of a Mass of thanksgiving for the elevation of the status of the church to the rank of a Minor Basilica.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio celebrated a Solemn Mass Dec. 8 to mark the dedication of the Basilica of Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst, the third church in the diocese to be so designated.

During the liturgy, the proclamation of the Decree granting the title of “Minor Basilica” to Regina Pacis was read by Msgr. Anthony Hernandez, chancellor of the diocese, and it was then presented to Bishop DiMarzio, who held it up for the standing room congregation to see.

Bishop DiMarzio was informed by Pope Benedict XVI of the decision to designate Regina Pacis Church as a minor basilica on Nov. 19.

Bishop DiMarzio also blessed the Tintinnabulum and Papal Ombrellino, two symbols of the church’s designation which will remain in the sanctuary of the basilica.

Designation as a basilica officially links the church in a special way to the pope. Should he ever visit there, the bells on the Tintinnbulum would ring, and he would be greeted at the entrance by the Ombrellino. Both items were purchased in Rome.

“It is with great joy that we received the news Regina Pacis is recognized with this honor,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

Msgr. Ronald Marino, pastor of St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis parish, said that the dedication weekend became known as Basilica Weekend around the parish. Auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano visited on Dec. 7 and celebrated Mass. On the Sunday after the dedication, Auxiliary Bishops Paul Sanchez and Raymond Chappetto celebrated Mass respectively in Spanish and English.

On Sunday, parishioners were treated to pancake breakfasts to celebrate the honor bestowed on their church. The Spanish apostolate was joined by a mariachi band.

Of the approximately 19,000 Catholic churches in the U.S., now only 75 have been chosen as basilicas.

“The designation of Minor Basilica is a huge honor bestowed upon our church building because of its beauty, historic and cultural importance, and its continued ability to attract people to Christ through their prayer and admiration,” said Msgr. Marino.

“It is obviously a tribute to the many Italian immigrants and their families who generously helped to build it in 1949 to 1951. The people here are very excited about this. They haven’t seen anything like this in quite a while.”

Msgr. Marino says that he plans to make the basilica a place of pilgrimage.

“Regina Hall has already been turned into a meeting room and a welcome center,” he explains. “Groups can hold meetings and conferences there. Already two parishes from New Jersey have expressed interest in coming here.”

At the dedication Mass, greetings from the Italian government were conveyed by Deputy Consul General Laura Aghilarre.

Special guests included members of the families of the late Ignazio Larussa, who painted the magnificent ceiling in the church, and the late Giuseppe DiAngelis, who made the special jewels that adorned the icon of Regina Pacis above the main altar.

The jewels normally are displayed only on Mother’s Day, but Msgr. Marino says that they additionally will be seen each year on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

“The symbols of the Tintinnabulum and the Ombrellino are the way we make the pope more present in our liturgies,” says Msgr. Marino. “It means the pope is always present here.”

Plenary indulgences are gained by those who visit the basilica with the usual conditions of going to confession, receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Bishop DiMarzio prepares the gifts during the Offertory at the Mass of dedication for Regina Pacis Basilica.

Msgr. Ronald Marino, pastor of St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis.

The engraving on the outside of the church designating the new basilica.

The outdoor procession begins the Mass on Dec. 8.

The Prayers of the Faithful are offered.

Women of the parish gather to celebrate their church’s honor.

Additional Photos

In Bensonhurst, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. St. Athanasius parish lit up its creche on Bay Pkwy. and Christmas tree in front of the rectory following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 8. In attendance were Hollywood actors Quintin Aaron, seen below with Santa Claus and a young parishioner; Danny Aiello, who sang a duet of Christmas carols with Msgr. David Cassato, pastor; as well as a Dixieland Band, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Sister Thomasine Stagnitta, C.S.J., principal of Bishop Kearney, left, poses with 2013 National Merit Scholar semi-finalist Billie Wei, a senior at Kearney.

Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, senior Billie Wei has been named a semi-finalist in the 2013 National Merit Scholar Program.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hong Wei, she resides in Bensonhurst and previously attended Christa McAuliffe Intermediate School, Bensonhurst.

Last fall, Wei displayed her exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies by scoring well on the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

In the spring, 8,300 Merit Scholarships will be awarded. Good luck Billie!

Class Rings for Rockaway Eighth Graders

Spring is just around the bend and that means graduation is on the horizon. A sure sign of that can be seen on the hands of eighth graders at St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach. Students received their class rings in a special ceremony during First Friday Mass, Feb. 3. (Photo courtesy Courtney Cruz)

Fifty years ago, Catholics in Mill Basin were given a new place to worship and express their faith. On March 30, join St. Bernard parish at its 50th Jubilee Dinner Dance, March 30, 7 p.m. at El Caribe Country Club. Tickets are $100. For tickets, call 718-763-5533.

During the past 35 years, the Federation of Italian American Organizations (F.I.A.O.), a community-based service organization, has provided services to improve the quality of life of Brooklyn individuals and families with particular focus on the needy — immigrants, senior citizens and youth. F.I.A.O. will hold its 35th annual anniversary gala on Sunday, March 25 at El Caribe Country Club, Mill basin. Cocktails at 2 p.m.; ceremony at 3 p.m.; and dinner at 4 p.m. This year’s honorees are Carmine and Carmella Del Priore of Priority landscaping and Nursery Inc.; Bruno F. Codispoti, Esq. of Codispoti and Associates P.C.; and John Sparacio of Sandler O’Neill and Partners L.P. For tickets or journal ads, call 718-259-2828.

Save the date! The Mount Carmel Theatre Company will present Duets, a one-night-only concert celebrating some of the greatest duets in Broadway’s history, April 16, 8 p.m. on the lower stage at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, Williamsburg. Adam Mace, a graduate of Cathedral Prep Seminary, Elmhurst, will direct the production. Tickets are $10. For tickets, call 646-580-2167 or e-mail mctheatrecompany@gmail.com.

“How God became King: Why We’ve All Misunderstood the Gospels” is the topic of the 19th annual Msgr. George Denzer Lecture, scheduled for March 25 at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington. The speaker will be N.T. Wright, a professor of New Testament and early Christianity, University of St. Andrews, Scotland. To register, call 631-423-0483 ext. 112. A free-will offering will be accepted.

Are you ready to live your Cursillo? The next diocesan Women’s Cursillo Weekend is scheduled for March 22-23 at Jesus of Nazareth Retreat Center, East Flatbush. To sign up, call Dorothy Baudry, 917-929-2442.

Astoria residents are in for a treat —  an early visit from Peter Rabbit, who will hop over to Immaculate Conception School, March 31, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Children are welcome to share in a buffet breakfast, arts and crafts session and pictures with the cotton-tailed guest. Admission: $9 adult to age 14; $5, ages 13 to three; and free for children under two. Advance tickets only. For tickets, contact Dewey Hopkins, 347-215-0154 or ahop537123@aol.com.

You’re invited to join parishioners from St. Adalbert, Elmhurst, on a trip to coastal Maine, June 1-4. Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum, Mt. Battie, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Cost: $475 per person, double occupancy, includes three-night accommodations, three breakfasts and dinners, and a lunch stop in Olde Mistick Village, Conn. For reservations, contact Linda Gatti, 917-887-8325.

Join St. Francis Xavier, Park Slope, for the parish’s 125th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance, April 21, 7 p.m. at The Grand Prospect Hall. Tickets are on sale through March 30. For tickets, e-mail sfx125@nyc.rr.com.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the religious and lay women who have served this diocese since its founding in 1853. These women have — and continue to — contribute to the diocese’s proud heritage through their incalculable contributions to various ministries and peoples.

From Williamsburg to Israel 

In celebration of the 125th anniversary year of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Williamsburg, a group of pilgrims visited Mount Carmel in Israel. Pilgrims are pictured with Msgr. Joseph Calise, pastor, at Muhraqa, the site of the sacrifice of the prophet Elijah. After six days in Israel, the pilgrimage continued for four days in Rome where the parish received a special welcome from Pope Benedict XVI at his weekly papal audience. (Photo courtesy Msgr. Joseph Calise)

Ready To Serve Bensonhurst Community

Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst, celebrated the installation of four new extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion on the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 8. Sister Anna O’Brien, M.F.I.C., pastoral ministry director, far left, and Father Vincentius Do, parochial vicar, third from right, congratulate the new ministers, from left, Salvatore Friscia, Mary Gambale, Kathleen Dunn and Linda Merone.

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 Tablet Talk Pick of the Week: 

Art enthusiasts, you don’t want to miss From Here to Haiti’s Art Show Fundraiser, this Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. in Whitestone. View and bid on the works of over 30 Haitian and international artists, including Patricia Brintle, parishioner at St. Luke’s, Whitestone. Proceeds benefit the people of Haiti (www.fromheretohaiti.org) by repairing Catholic and Christian churches and structures. For show details and directions, call 718-746-3012 or 646-209-2891, or e-mail fromheretohaiti@gmail.com.

Save the date: The Fourth Annual Dinner Dance sponsored by the Kathie and Chris Lawler Endowment Fund for Senior Priests of the Brooklyn Diocese will be Feb. 3, 6-10 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. This event honors Msgr. Vincent Keane and will be held in memory of Msgr. Thomas Donovan. Tickets are $75 per person; $700 table of 10. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing for a great cause. For reservations, call Tom, 718-839-5413.

Here’s some uplifting news for the new year: The elevator fund at Our Lady of the Snows, N. Floral Park, recently received a boost from the parish’s Ladies Craft Group, which donated $600 toward the campaign!

All are welcome to attend a Faith and Film Festival at St. Matthias Church, Ridgewood, on Sunday, Jan. 15, 6:15 p.m. This month’s featured film is A Christmas Carol starring Alistair Simms. Discussion will follow. Light refreshments will be served. For details, call 718-821-6447.

If you’ve ever thought about pursuing your master’s degree in theology or pastoral studies, consider enrolling at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington. Registration closes on Jan. 25 and the spring semester begins Jan. 30. For more information, call 631-423-0483 ext. 112 or 147, or visit the website, www.icseminary.edu.

The Passionists are inviting men between the ages of 18 and 40 to learn more about their way of life during a Come and See weekend, Jan. 20-22. There is no charge. For information or to register, contact Father Chris Cleary, C.P., at 718-739-6502 or Ccleary@cpprov.org.

The Social Justice Committee of St. Boniface Oratory Church, Downtown Brooklyn, will host “Prisoner as Person,” a presentation and panel discussion on Jan. 20, 7 p.m. at 111 Willoughby St. Event will feature experts regarding incarceration and the experience of societal re-entry. Speakers include the Hon. Alex M. Calabrese of the Red Hook Community Justice Center; Sister Marion Defeis, former Chaplain for Women at Riker’s Island and founding member of Providence House; and Rev. Stephen Chinlund, former N.Y.S. Commissioner of Corrections, and founder of The Network. For more details, visit www.oratory-church.org or call 718-875-2096.

This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to St. Mark’s Church, Sheepshead Bay, for bringing the joy and cheer of Christmas to their neighbors at Sheepshead Bay Nursing Home. Just before Christmas, Kathy Cash and her third-grade faith formation class visited residents to sing carols, spread cheer and deliver 90 cards made by the first- through seventh-grade faith formation classes. Students also distributed 30 handmade blankets from St. Mark’s Golden Age Society, equally well known as The Good Ladys. Ronnie and Linda Brigando, both extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at St. Mark’s, also distributed communion to residents. The visit was coordinated by Maureen Genoversa of St. Mark’s Homebound Ministry and parishioners Tom and Geraldine Kubat.

by Antonina Zielinska

People of Italian heritage celebrated the life of Christopher Columbus over the holiday weekend, but Italian Catholics in the diocese did not forget their religious traditions and their love for Mary. They joined Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to praise of Our Lady of Pompeii in a procession from St. Mary Morther of Jesus church, Bath Beach, to St. Athanasius church, Bensonhurst.

The Italian Apostolate is continuing the tradition of honoring the patroness of the Rosary with a procession and solemn Mass.

Bishop DiMarzio said this was an important event because it is a tradition that is celebrated in all of Italy. He said he is pleased to see the tradition of his cultural heritage continued in this diocese.

“It’s good to see everyone together, representing different parishes, to form one community,” he said.

Deacon Vincent M. La Gamba says that religious community is the reason he spends so much time and effort organizing these events.

“We want to show how proud we are of our faith to other communities by showing how proud we are of our religious traditions,” he said.

Representatives from 16 parishes joined the bishop for the 1.3-mile procession along Bay Parkway.  They walked with a larger than life statue of Our Lady of Pompeii provided by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, Williamsburg.  The statue is a representation of the original painting which depicts the Holy Mother with her Infant Son, handing out rosaries to St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Genoa. During the procession the participants recited the glorious mysteries of the Rosary and sang hymns of praise.

The worshipers passed houses decorated with Italian flags and people who made the Sign of the Cross at the sight of the statue of Mary and waved to the bishop.

The onlookers also waved at the Red Mike Festival Band and at the women of the Italian folklore group from SS. Simon and Jude parish, Gravesend, who were dressed in traditional garments.  The women of the folklore group attended Columbus Day celebrations and wanted to honor their country by upholding their native religious traditions as well. They also hope their displays of faith will inspire others.

“We are trying to bring our faith to other communities,” said Rossella Failla.

Teodolinda Mellace brought her granddaughters, who were also dressed in folk wear. “I try to teach them their roots,” she said.

Ten-year-old Sophia Mellace, said she enjoys the processions which she attended since she was two years old and was excited to have the opportunity of sitting on the float.

Bishop DiMarzio invited Dino Sorrentino, Italian Deputy Consul General, to the procession. He accepted because it afforded him the opportunity to meet with Italians in New York.

Following the procession, Bishop DiMarzio celebrated Mass in Italian at St. Athanasius church. Teodolinda said she enjoyed the bishop’s homily, which developed the message of being prepared for heaven as Jesus described in Matthew’s Gospel story of the “king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” (Mt 22: 1-14) She said that maintaining religious traditions and publicly demonstrating faith is one of the ways she is preparing for the eternal feast.

The bishop concluded the Mass with the Suplica, the Appeal to Our Lady of Pompeii. The prayer is recited by Italians throughout the world in the month of October in honor of the patroness of the rosary.

Next year’s celebration will take place at St. Luke Church, Whitestone, on Oct. 7.

After the celebration in honor of the mother of Jesus, the priests and deacons of the Italian Apostolate observed the 30th anniversary of their apostolate and the 150th anniversary of the reunification of Italy with a festive dinner.

On the Columbus Day weekend, the diocesan Italian Apostolate honored Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii with a street procession and liturgy celebrated by Bishop DiMarzio at St. Athanasius Church.

Bishop DiMarzio gathered with Italian priests and deacons of the diocese to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Italian Apostolate in Brooklyn and Queens.

Deacon Vincent La Gamba, coordinator of the Italian Apostolate who organized the event, stands with the deputy counsel general to Italy.

Ozone Park

Peace was the theme for the Sept. 9 opening Mass of the new school year at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Ozone Park. Father Paul Palmiotto, pastor, celebrated the Mass. He told students that peace begins with them and they can spread it to the world. The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was remembered during the Prayers of the Faithful. Students processed outside to Nativity B.V.M. Church’s 9/11 memorial towers, where flowers were placed, prayers offered and “God Bless America” was sung. Each class presented a dove inscribed with prayers and wishes for peace. These “peace doves” were carried into church and then placed on the school fence facing the memorial.

Bensonhurst

At St. Athanasius Church, Bensonhurst, Msgr. David Cassato, pastor and a chaplain to the NYC Police Dept., and the priests of the parish celebrated a Mass for the victims of the tragic events of 9/11. Following the liturgy, the pastor asked all members of the congregation extend their hands in blessing upon all first responders who attended. A candlelight procession was conducted to the parish’s 9/11 memorial outside the church where flowers were placed and prayers were recited. In his homily, Msgr. Cassato reminded participants that “We never, never, never forget but we move on. Nothing can deter us from living our lives in justice, decency and peace. Today, many people in this city are suffering. Let us pray for the rebuilding of strength to go on and follow the way of Jesus.”

Bay Ridge

At Our Lady of Angels parish, Bay Ridge, a man and his dog stopped by for a silent prayer at the 9/11 memorial in the parish’s Flower Pot Yard. The memorial is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that is bent in the shape of a cross.

Woodside

“The Flight of the Sparrow: A Remembrance” was performed before an audience of 300 in St. Sebastian Church, Woodside, on Sept. 11. The play is set in 2011 and consists of a series of monologues given by peoples whose lives were changed by the events of 9/11 with musical interludes performed by the choirs of St. Sebastian. The writer and director of “The Sparrow” is Mary Frances Grace, director of music ministries at St. Sebastian parish.

Father James Cunningham, administrator of Holy Name parish, Park Slope, placed floral displays and led prayers at the parish memorial outside the church in memory of the victims of 9/11. Parish buildings were draped with American flags.