The 220 attendees also paid loving honor to the late Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, who died in March of COVID-19.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio
Diocese Honors Mosaic of Immigrants With Sculpture, Christmas Tree Lighting
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, joined by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, unveiled the sculpture, “Angels Unawares,” at the Soldiers and Sailors Arch in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. The annual lighting of the plaza’s Christmas tree followed the unveiling.
‘Angels Unawares’ Called a Fitting Nativity for Brooklyn’s Immigrant Heritage
A duplicate rendering of “Angels Unawares” is touring the U.S., with a stop in Brooklyn to serve as the Nativity scene for the Diocese of Brooklyn in Grand Army Plaza of Prospect Park. Its unveiling is set for early Tuesday evening, Dec. 8, along with the annual Christmas tree lighting, also in the plaza.
Local Catholic Leaders Advocate Church’s Role in Post-Election Healing
Two weeks after Election Day, President Donald Trump had not eased up on challenging the voting results. Reconciliation of the citizenry seemed elusive. But leaders of the Catholic clergy in Brooklyn and across the nation reminded the Church of its unique role in helping the nation heal.
Diocese of Brooklyn Takes ‘Religious Freedom’ Case to the U.S. Supreme Court
The Diocese of Brooklyn has filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court, asking that the highest court in the land agree to hear its case against Gov. Andrew Cuomo on First Amendment grounds. The diocese charged that imposing strict attendance — in some cases, as little as 10 people at the Mass — violates religious freedom.
New Transitional Deacons Take Next Step Toward Priesthood
The new transitional deacons received weekend assignments in local diocese and continue their studies during the rest of the week until they complete their four-year seminary training and become ordained priests in May.
Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros Retires, Will Remain as Pastor
Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, a native Cuban who came to the U.S. as a teenage refugee in the early 1960s without his parents, became a priest and served the Diocese of Brooklyn for 49 years, officially retired from his post on Oct. 30, after Pope Francis accepted his resignation.
First African American Cardinal Designate Praised by Brooklyn Catholic Clergy
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio joined African American priests in Diocese of Brooklyn to celebrate the naming of Cardinal-designate Wilton Gregory, who currently serves as archbishop of Washington. He will be the first African American cardinal in the United States.
Judge Denies Diocese Request for Preliminary Injunction Against Cuomo
On the evening of Oct. 16, Judge Nicholas Garaufis denied the diocese’s request for a preliminary injunction to halt restrictions imposed on houses of worship by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Statue of Mother Cabrini Unveiled in Battery Park
In a major moment for Catholics and immigrants in New York City, a statue of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was officially unveiled on Columbus Day. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), popularly known as Mother Cabrini, is the patron saint of immigrants.