Dear Editor: It was quite encouraging for me to read about the rededication of Our Lady of Solace Shrine Church in Coney Island (Dec. 26-Jan. 2). The early years of my 60-years of matrimony were spent in that parish. I was blessed with the sacraments in that church and both of my sons received the sacrament of Baptism there.

Then, in 1962, I received a call from Father Joseph Hassan to attend an important meeting in the rectory. It was initiated by the pastor, Father Raymond McGirr. I and four other men and women were told of the Church’s intent to use the laity in the celebration of Mass as lectors.

Thus we would be the first readers, who were not clergy, to deliver the Word of the Lord to the parishioners of Our Lady of Solace. I went on to continue to read at St. Pius X in Rosedale.

However, my warmest memories of the old church in Coney Island remain as the CORNERSTONE OF MY FAITH.

JOHN J. SCIBELLI

Rosedale