CONEY ISLAND — The Saints Joachim & Anne Nursing and Rehabilitation Center celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated chapel on Dec. 9, a space that “enhances the center’s Catholic identity,” according to Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens.

“Especially now that it’s right there at the entry, people see it as they come in, and it immediately welcomes them,” said Msgr. LoPinto, who celebrated Mass and blessed the chapel. “If they want to go in and say a prayer, or if they want to go get their relatives and come down to pray together — it’s just an ideal situation.”

Before the renovation, the chapel was housed in a multipurpose room that was also used for other events, which limited the time the residents could use it for prayer. Now, Msgr. LoPinto says residents no longer have to worry about such time constraints. 

“[In the chapel] they can be in the presence of the loving God who comes to strengthen them in their journey,” he said. “This is a difficult time for some of the residents living here. They struggle with illness and loneliness at times. 

“They struggle just dealing with the transitional period of their life.”

The event was held on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception in honor of the center’s namesakes, Sts. Joachim and Anne — the parents of the Virgin Mary. In addition to the chapel blessing, the evening included a Mass followed by a tree-lighting ceremony on the front lawn and a dinner with live music. 

Father Dominick Cutrone, who has recently finished a long-term rehabilitation stint and physical therapy at the center, said it’s “like home.” He added that he thinks it’s fantastic the center’s residents now have a designated place for daily prayer. 

Elizabeth Donkor, a resident at the center for three years, enjoyed the homilies from Msgr. LoPinto and Father Cutrone, who concelebrated Mass.

“I think the chapel looks wonderful,” Donkor said.