by Ed Wilkinson
When Bishop Frank Caggiano visited Epiphany Church on the south side of Williamsburg, it was to dedicate three renovated parish halls. But the celebration also included a Confirmation, blessing of a marriage and another blessing for a recently retired cop.
Bishop Caggiano, who serves as vicar general of the diocese, was paying his first visit to Epiphany, a worship site of SS. Peter and Paul parish.
After celebrating the 10 a.m. Mass in Spanish, Bishop Caggiano blessed the three-story building behind the church, that once served as the parish school, and later the rectory and youth center.
The basement was dedicated as Sister Jean and Sister Miriam Hall, named for two Sisters of St. Joseph who each served 40 years together at Epiphany. It will serve as a soup kitchen and as well a meeting place for parish societies and C.C.D. classes.
Sister Jean Philip Brady, C.S.J., and Sister Miriam Morgan, C.S.J., were present and were greeted by parishioners who were thrilled to see them. Sister Jean had served as the last principal of Epiphany School, which closed in the 1970s, and Sister Miriam was a first-grade and nursery-school teacher there. After the school closing, the two women continued to reside and serve the parish in various ministries. Newly retired, they live nearby in Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Williamsburg.
“Everything you have done here remains as a sign of faith,” said Father Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez, S.D.B., administrator, as he thanked the nuns.
Pointing out that “the work of love has gone on here for many years,” Bishop Caggiano thanked the two sisters “who have lived this commitment each day of their consecrated lives.”
On the second floor of the center is St. Joseph’s Hall, which once served as classroom space and clergy residence. A new chapel has been built in the space, and it will serve as the worship space when fraternal organizations in the parish and members of the Neo-Catechumenal Way gather.
The main floor was dedicated as Three Kings Hall and will be used for multiple purposes, including hosting meetings of self-help groups.
During the liturgy, Bishop Caggiano administered the sacrament of Confirmation to Angel Maria Pena. He also blessed Mr. and Mrs. Juan Maria Herrera, who were celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary, and Jose Valentin, who was marking his retirement.
