BUSHWICK — Parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii went back to church on Sunday, April 7, one week after billowing black smoke and fierce flames interrupted Easter Mass and displaced congregants indefinitely. 

Still, they had a familiar place nearby to worship — their sister congregation, All Saints Church, in East Williamsburg. The two parishes officially merged in June 2019 under the leadership of the current pastor, Father Vincenzo Cardilicchia. 

He confirmed after Mass on Sunday that the severely damaged sacristy, parish center, and rectory must be demolished. Therefore, it was unclear if the church could be used again.

Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii routinely held a 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, which has been relocated to All Saints for now. The Mass on April 7 was celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan, while Father Cardilicchia concelebrated.

A major worry is the church records — including records of sacraments —  that were stored in the rectory.

Father Cardilicchia said he is very concerned about the fate of the parish records that go back to 1902. The search for them will resume when it’s safe to re-enter the building. Meanwhile, the chalices have been recovered. Some were easily cleaned, he said, but others needed repairs. 

After the Mass, parishioner Lisa Torres said the congregants were sad that they can’t re-enter their “safe place” any time soon.

She noted the church has always been a magnet drawing teens and young adults who might otherwise have been lured into street crime. 

But the main sanctuary had only smoke and water damage, and no one died in the five-alarm fire. 

“We’re 100% grateful that part of the church was spared,” she said. “We take that as a sign from God.”

Father Cardilicchia said a fire marshals’ investigation continued, so what caused the blaze remained unknown as of April 9. 

Torres, meanwhile, said the parish is responding to the calamity with faith and hope.

“We have a place to worship that is not far from us,” she said. “And we have the same priests.

“We’re good.”

The opposite was true a week earlier when her mother, Mariluz Cruz, the church secretary, went with Father Romulo Marin to the sacristy to fight the flames. 

Father Romulo Marin, the parochial vicar, was celebrating Easter Mass when the thick, acrid smoke appeared from behind the altar. 

As people evacuated, Father Marin grabbed a fire extinguisher to fight the flames, but they were too intense. He received a slight burn to his hand.

Torres’ mother also had minor burns.

Once Torres’ family was safely outside, she frantically searched for her mother.  They reunited a short time later. 

“I broke down right away and she hugged me,” Torres said. “It still makes me cry.”

Father Marin retreated as the roof collapsed, but he shut the door leading to the sanctuary area, which blocked the fire. 

During Sunday’s Mass Bishop Brennan told Father Marin that his presence of mind and decisive action prevented more damage and saved lives.

Three firefighters were also hurt battling the blaze. Bishop Brennan commended them, plus all first responders, including police and paramedics, who serve and protect New York City. 

The congregation responded with enthusiastic applause.

Sunday was also the feast day commemorating devotion to the Divine Mercy, and the famous Divine Mercy image of Jesus was displayed prominently before the congregation.

During his homily, Bishop Brennan said the blessings seen in the wake of the fire are examples of God’s mercy.

He described how the Scripture readings for the second Sunday of Easter give a glimpse into the early Christian community in the Book of Acts. They pursued mutual care and unity through the power of Jesus’ resurrection which mirrors how people are ministering to each other after the fire, he said. 

“We have seen the Acts of the Apostles in living color,” Bishop Brennan said. “What happened 2,000 years ago is happening here. And the people have been so wonderful, so courageous, and consoling to one another.” 

Mely Tolentino, a 14-year member of the parish, agreed.

“We do feel that God has a purpose to this,” she said. “I think He is sending us a message that each day we have to be more united. The toughest circumstances show how we should be more together to fight those circumstances.”

With all the activity moved to All Saints, few people were at Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii on Sunday aside from workers who were covering broken windows. Access to the interior of the church complex was not allowed Sunday because of clean-up efforts, including ongoing asbestos abatement, Father Cardilicchia said.

But outside, Marie Vazquez gasped at the charred rubble of her childhood parish. 

Vazquez, who moved to Queens as an adult, happily recalled the 1960s when she received first Communion and confirmation at the historic church on Seigel Street. 

“For me, this church has always been legendary,” she said, dabbing at tears. “People were baptized here who are now in their 60s and 70s.” 

She motioned to where the roof had been, and worried that baptismal records were buried in the charred, jagged mess.  

“Oh, my Lord,” she said, pointing at open air visible through shattered windows. “I can see the sky.” 

Father Cardilicchia noted, however, that the fire has only strengthened the parish’s resolve to be a beacon to Bushwick, which has become increasingly secular in recent years. 

“We don’t want to blow the trumpet of retreat,” Father Cardilicchia said. “In other words, we are very grateful and hopeful that the Lord will do something even greater. 

“In my experience, it has always been like this: Every time there is a fire, something bigger and greater comes up, not only in terms of the building, but also for the community.”