Diocesan News

Christmas Lighting Brings Canarsie Community Together

(Photos Matthew O’Connor)

The Law Offices of Seddio and Carone in Canarsie hosted its annual lighting of its Christmas display Dec. 2.

Located on the corner of East 93rd Street and Flatlands Ave., the elaborate scene includes Santa’s Workshop, hardworking elves, a 12-foot Ferris wheel, an animatronic tree that sings holiday songs; a giant toy soldier who guards the display; and a life-size creche featuring the Holy Family and live animals.

The chorus from P.S. 115 and choir from Holy Family Church in Flatlands, entertained the crowds at the lighting celebration.

Frank Seddio, former Brooklyn Surrogate Court judge and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, thanked so many people for all the work they put in helping him to get ready for the holiday season. A menorah was also lit in observance of the first night of Hanukkah.

Every year, the event honors a different member of the community. This year, it was Catherine Rosa, a community activist  and business manager of the Canarsie Courier, who died earlier this year.

Notable faces among the crowd included Father Edward Kane, pastor of Holy Family Church; Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, the pastor of St. Bernard Church, Mill Basin; Letitia James, New York’s newly elected attorney general, and Assemblymember Jaime Williams.

Seddio thanked everyone who helped to make this year’s display possible and continue this community tradition. The family of Rosa helped to put the lights on.

“We do this for the community and the children,” Seddio said. “The choirs tonight are our children from the neighborhood and we are so proud of what they can do. This is the beginning of the Christmas season and it is the start of us all being together for another excellent holiday.”

And Santa Claus even stopped by to enjoy the fun and visit with the children.

Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, former pastor of both Mary Queen of Heaven and St. Bernard parishes in Mill Basin, also returned to help his old friends celebrate.

“Tonight, people of all different faiths and backgrounds come out to celebrate the community together. We light the menorah as well as the Christmas lights,” Msgr. Gigantiello said.

“We show our love for one another and know that love will always win. We live, work, and love together and tonight, we celebrate one another each helping to make the world better.”