A federal judge on Friday declared a homeless man — who allegedly desecrated a crucifix at St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst and is accused of trying to light fire to a Brooklyn synagogue — mentally unfit to stand trial.
St. Athanasius – Bensonhurst Brooklyn
Only In Print: St. A’s Students Surprise Msgr. Cassato With Celebration Tribute
Msgr. David Cassato has been known to his friends as both. Some jokingly call him “King Dave,” while others playfully refer to him as “The Pope of Bensonhurst.”
Msgr. Cassato Gathers With 1,000 Friends to Mark 50 Yrs. In Priesthood
Fifty years to the day of his ordination, Msgr. David Cassato was feted by his parishioners, fellow clergy members and friends at a gala on Friday, May 27 that marked not only his golden anniversary but his retirement.
St. Athanasius Food Pantry Seeks ‘Kind-Hearted’ Help to Stay Open
St. Athanasius Parish in Bensonhurst needs donations of cash and non-perishable food stuffs to stock its pandemic-era food pantry. The donations will help the pantry stay in operation until permanent funding sources are secured, parish officials said.
St. Athanasius Dedicates New Crucifix After Vandal’s Destruction
Mary Guadagni was heartbroken last spring when she learned that the crucifix outside St. Athanasius Church had been vandalized. But on Sunday, a new crucifix was dedicated – signaling a fresh start for the parish.
NYPD Chaplain Urges Support For City’s Crimefighters
Police officers need the public’s support and backup from elected officials, a top NYPD chaplain said in the wake of the shooting deaths of officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora.
NYC Marathon 50th Anniversary Special to Local Runners
Two Catholic runners are set to run this year’s NYC Marathon.
UPDATE: St. Athanasius Hate Crime Suspect Also Faces Federal Arson Charges
A suspect was arrested in the case of vandalism at St. Athanasius Church last week. The suspect, identified by police as Ali Alaheri, 29, of 184 East 3rd St. in Brooklyn, has been charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime.
Only in Print: Council Passes Bill to Double Fines for Vandalizing Houses of Worship
The City Council has voted unanimously to pass legislation to double the fines for vandalizing houses of worship, as the city continues to grapple with disturbing incidents at religious institutions.
Police Release Photo of Person of Interest in Vandalism Outside St. Athanasius Church
Police are hunting for a vandal who scaled a fence outside St. Athanasius Church early Friday and knocked a crucifix to the ground, doing “serious damage” in what is being investigated as an anti-Catholic hate crime.
