DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The ordination of Transitional Deacon Paul Zwolak on June 6 will be the first time in 13 years that holy orders are conferred at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, according to Father Joseph Gibino, the cathedral basilica’s current rector.
This historic, sacred building, and the seat of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was once the exclusive space for priestly ordinations.
However, that changed in 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI approved St. Joseph Parish in Prospect Heights as the diocese’s new co-cathedral, after which a move was requested by then-Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to accommodate larger congregations.
Still, the original cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn, with renovations nearing completion, has never lost the affection of clergy who became priests there. And for that reason, there is immense excitement over the upcoming ordination.
Father Gibino said it can hold about 650 people, or about half of what the co-cathedral handles. Still, he noted, Bishop Robert Brennan saw that this year’s singular ordination provided a unique opportunity.
“If you have 10 men being ordained, then you really do have to limit the number who could participate,” Father Gibino said. “The number fluctuates. There will be four next year. “But, with discussions revolved around one person being ordained, St. James just jumps out as the place to have it.”
While Bishop Brennan was ordained in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, he fully appreciates the historic significance of St. James, according to Father Gibino.
St. James Parish was founded in 1822 and became a cathedral in 1853 along with the creation of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The first building was damaged by fire, so it was replaced in 1903 with the current building. St. Pope John Paul II elevated it to a cathedral basilica in 1982.
“The cathedral basilica really is the first church on Long Island,” Father Gibino added.
“I think it was very clear in [Bishop Brennan’s] mind, and in his heart, to bring back the ordination there for that spiritual continuity with the priests of the diocese. It’s just a wonderful historical tie in.”
Father Gibino noted that the June 6 ordination will be “the first big event in the newly renovated St. James.”
The renovations are intended to make the space more inviting, he added.
“We’re working with Anthony George of D’Ambrosio Ecclesiastical Art Studios, which has been a real blessing,” Father Gibino said.
“He is so talented, and his workers are phenomenal.”
Father Gibino described how items in the sanctuary are being rearranged, except for the altar and the bishop’s chair.
Other renovations include new paint throughout the interior, plus work on the stained-glass windows to let in more light.
“When you look up at the ceiling,” Father Gibino said, “you’ll notice two crowns — one for Kings County, one for Queens County — which are on bishop’s coat of arms.”