Police arrested 69-year-old Nasra Alnadrahi at 10:30 a.m. Sunday on charges of cemetery desecration and criminal mischief connected to incidents at Shrine Church of St. Gerard Majella over the last few weeks.
Diocesan News
Cardinal Dolan, Bishop DiMarzio Urge Closure of Rikers Jails
A proposal to close Rikers Islands’ jails by 2026 and replace them with smaller facilities in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx awaits a City Council vote in October for final approval.
St. Gerard Majella’s Outdoor Prayer Garden Struck Third Time
After reportedly causing more than $10,000 worth of damage during two nighttime visits last week, the suspect returned to St. Gerard Majella, Hollis, on the night of Sept. 17 to try to damage the statue of the Blessed Mother that’s in the parish’s parking lot.
The 38th Great Irish Fair of New York
The 38th Great Irish Fair of New York, presented by the Irish American Building Society, is a family-friendly event celebrating faith, history and culture.
One Mother’s Pro-Life Journey
Kristi Kollar has put her pro-life views into practice. The 19-year-old who now lives in Astoria said she was raped two years ago, and despite being shunned by her church at the time, she kept her baby. Her daughter, Adeline, is now about 14 months old.
Marian Devotion in Queens Village
Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village held a procession to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Velankanni (Our Lady of Good Health), known as “the Lourdes of the East,” a growing Marian devotion in our diocese, on Sept. 8.
Outdoor Shrine at St. Gerard Majella Vandalized Twice
The Shrine Church of St. Gerard Majella, Hollis, was vandalized twice in one week in September, according to pastor Father JosephJude Gannon, who said he believes the same person was responsible for both acts.
Beloved Priest Celebrates 45 Years at Jamaica Parish
You can’t spell “theology,” the study of God, without T-H-E-O, as in Father Theo, the beloved and scholarly retired priest in residence at Immaculate Conception, Jamaica, who celebrated his 45th year at the parish with a Mass of thanksgiving on Sept. 15. Father Theophane Cooley, C.P., 91, who’s originally from Dublin, speaks five languages and has taught philosophy and Latin. But perhaps he’s best known as a kind and caring priest.
Distance No Barrier for Parishioners Who Commute to Carroll Gardens Parish
Michael and Illisse, both 30, make the extra effort because they feel strongly connected to Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen’s. They aren’t the only ones. A number of parishioners, who once lived near the church, still come back to Mass there every Sunday, even after they have moved away. They come from Westchester County, Long Island, Staten Island and other parts of Brooklyn.
Holy Child Jesus Academy Students Remember Fallen Classmate
On Sep. 13, the Holy Child Jesus Academy community gathered for its annual back-to-school barbeque, where they also paid special tribute to members of a local family who perished in a house fire over the summer.