History Most Precious Blood Parish P R E P A R E D B Y : J I M M C G I N L E Y a n d R O G E R D I A Z 1
WHAT IS THIS? 2
Bishop Thomas Edmund Molloy 1922 Newly ordained Bishop Molloy Population boom Created 88 new Parishes In 1922, newly ordained Bishop Molloy was appointed to head the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Molloy created 88 new parishes to service the spiritual needs of the Catholic families in rapidly growing Astoria. 3
Pastor Edward A. Holran 1922 Our First Pastor Most Precious Blood Pastor Holran came From Garden City Pastor Holran, who came from Garden City, was chosen by Archbishop Molloy to open a new parish. The new parish was named Most Precious Blood Parish Our Parish. 4
Pastor Edward A. Holran No Church No Rectory Only a deed And a rented Dance Hall Picture this... Your are the new Pastor of Most Precious Blood Church, and, you have: No Church No Rectory Only a deed to a piece of property And a rented Dance Hall as your Church. 5
HETTINGER S BROADWAY HALL Most Precious Blood Church 1922 to 1931 This was The Most Precious Blood Church from 1922 to 1931. 6
HETTINGER S BROADWAY HALL Very large, Held many people, Occupied our parking lot Hettinger s Broadway Hall is the building on the left. This is now the location of our parking lot. The good news about our new church, was its size. It was very large, extending from Broadway back to where our Rectory is located. 7
Most Precious Blood Church First Mass: July 1, 1922 First Baptism: July 2, 1922 First wedding: September 10, 1922 The newspaper said that the opening date of the parish was on the Feast Day of the Most Precious Blood; so, our first Mass was celebrated, in Hettinger s Dance Hall, on July 1, 1922, The first Baptism was celebrated on July 2, 1922, And the first recorded wedding on September 10, 1922. 8
Most Precious Blood Rectory Architect: Robert Reiley Built in 1923 Just over $69,000 Pastor Holran retained architect Robert Reiley to design a rectory. The Rectory was build in 1923 at a cost of just over $69,000. 9
Pastor Edward A. Holran 1926 transferred to Epiphany Parish in Williamsburg Died a year later Pastor 1922 to 1926 In 1926, Pastor Holran, our first Pastor, was transferred to Williamsburg s Epiphany Parish and died a year later. Pastor Holran served Most Precious Blood Parish from 1922 to 1926. 10
Pastor Edward F. Brophy 1926 to 1954 Second Pastor Bishop Molloy chose Edward Brophy Ex-Army chaplain Served in the Philippines Building a Church was his top priority 1926 brought us our Second Pastor, the Reverend Edward F. Brophy; chosen by Bishop Molloy. Pastor Brophy was a vigorous, young, ex-army Chaplain who served in the Philippines. The problem was that he had no permanent church. Building a Church for the new parish was to be Pastor Brophy s top priority. 11
A New Church Building This is architect, Henry J. McGill s drawing of the proposed new Church, Most Precious Blood. 12
A New Church Building Fundraising: Buy-A-Brick Women fundraisers Generous Parishioners 1929 Depression Still raised funds Fund raising was heartily taken-up by the dedicated parishioners, who accepted the challenge of their Pastor. A "Buy-a-Brick" campaign was inaugurated with pledges There were no door-to-door collections Women of the parish played a preeminent role in raising funds for the new church Even with the stock market crashed in 1929, and the Great Depression, Pastor Brophy still raised the necessary funds. 13
A New Church Building Worthy of its purpose Corner Stone: November 30, 1930 Third anniversary of Pastor Holran s death Empty lot on 37 th Street Blacksmith shop Time capsule Pastor Brophy asked his architect, Henry J. McGill, to design a church "worthy of its purpose." The laying and Blessing of the cornerstone for the Most Precious Blood Church was on Sunday, November 30, 1930, the third anniversary of Pastor Holran s death. Parishioners and friends gathered at an empty lot on 37th Street--where a Blacksmith shop used to stand And where the new church Most Precious Blood, would be built. A time capsule was encased in the cornerstone; it contained: A list of parishioners Copies of records the first Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage performed in the parish. Also include in the time capsule were: a Crucifix blessed by the Holy Father Pope Pius XI, Religious articles, coins, photographs of Bishop Molloy, Father Holran, Father Brophy, the assistant priests, and copies of the local newspapers and the Tablet. 14
1931 Most Precious Blood Church On December 13, 1931, Most Precious Blood Church was dedicated. 15
Most Precious Blood Church Dedication: December 13 1931 1000 people 200 choir loft 800 lower church The Church held 1,000 people, the Choir loft would hold 200 more people and the lower church an additional 800 people. 16
Pastor Edward F. Brophy Knew his Parish well Quietly gave money to needy Parishioners Established St. Vincent de Paul Society Was outspoken, sincere, loyal and a dedicated Pastor Pastor Brophy knew his parish well. He quietly gave money to those in greatest need. Father Brophy established a St. Vincent de Paul Society and helped to finance the higher education of many parish boys. Pastor Brophy was outspoken, sincere, loyal and a dedicated priest of God. 17
Pastor James J. Comerford Third Pastor 1954 to 1967 Goals: School Convent In 1954, Bishop Molly chose our third Pastor, Reverend James J. Comerford from St. Martins Church on Long Island. Pastor Comerford had been a priest at MPB from 1944 to 1948, under Pastor Brophy. Pastor Comerford s goals were to build a school and a convent. 18
Most Precious Blood School Goal: Raise $500,000 The goal was to raise $500,000, to be added to the money Pastor Brophy had saved. A fund raising committee was started. There were 15 teams of men and women visiting parishioners to raise money. 19
Most Precious Blood School Ground breaking was on Sunday, April 29, 1956 Dedicated on November 24, 1957 The ground breaking ceremony was on Sunday, April 29, 1956. The school was dedicated on November 24, 1957. The school grades were Kindergarten to 6th Grade. The 7th and 8th grades were added later. Our parishioners were very generous. The school property was sold by one of our parishioners to the church at a fraction of its true worth. The school was built for 1,000 students, and has 16 classrooms, a Medical room, three faculty rooms, and, of course, a Principal s Office. It also has an auditorium / gymnasium with seating for 500. There are also 2 society meeting rooms, and a cafeteria with seating for 500 (with a kitchen). 20
Most Precious Blood School Six Principals over 50 years Barbara K. DeMaio, current Principal 50 th Anniversary this November The school has had six principals over the course of 50 years, they are: Sr. Josephina; Sr. Barbara; Sr. Rosemary; Sr. Josephine; Anthony Biscone and our present principal, who also is a member of our Parish Planning Council, Barbara K. DeMaio. Our school s 50 th Anniversary will be celebrated this November. 21
Most Precious Blood Convent Remodeled apartment building $25,000 donated for a Sisters Chapel Sisters of St. Joseph The Convent was originally an apartment building; and was remodel for use as a Convent. Again, Parishioners were very generous. $25,000 was donated for a Sister s Chapel. Our Sisters are from the Congregation of The Sisters of St. Joseph. 22
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Our Lady of Fatima Started sports council Boys and girls won many trophies Pastor Comerford left, for health reasons The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was installed by Pastor Comerford. Pastor Comerford started the Parish Sports Counsel. The boys and girds of MPB won many trophies, and the sports program served as a safety valve for their excess energies. For health reasons, Pastor Comerford left MPB, to live on Long Island. 23
Pastor Kenneth M. Morgan Fourth Pastor 1967 to 1983 Started Apostolates Croatian in 1971 Spanish in 1971 In 1967, Bishop McEntegart chose Reverend Kenneth M. Morgan to be our new Pastor. After 20 years of Chancery work, Pastor Morgan was a Priest again. Pastor Morgan s construction work was to be of a spiritual nature. He had representatives of different faiths at his installation. Pastor Morgan intensified the outreach to our ethnic parishioners. Our parish has always been a melting pot community. In 1971, Pastor Morgan started the Croatian and Spanish Apostolates. 24
Apostolates Ethnic Groups in our Parish Ministered by our Priests, serving the needs of our community, in the community s native language Most Precious Blood, Ministering to the needs of our parishioners Our community has always been a community with a diverse heritage. Many ethnic groups have found comfort and settled in our neighborhood. In order to serve our religious community better, Apostolates are formed; and a priest who speaks the Apostolate s native language is installed to better serve their religious needs. 25
Croatian and Spanish Apostolates Father Niccoli Father Runje These are the initial priests who first ministered to our Croatian and Spanish community. Father Niccoli, who was exiled from Croatia, spent 7 years learning Spanish so that he could say mass in Spanish and care for the needs of the Spanish Community. Father Runje was brought in to assist Father Niccoli and to officially start the Croatian Apostolate. 26
Croatian Community First Croatian Mass was celebrated in 1971 Croatian Cardinal Josip Bozanic Visited Most Precious Blood Celebrated Mass September 2004 The first Croatian Mass at Most Precious Blood was celebrated in 1971. Pictured here is the Croatian Cardinal, Josip Bozanic, on his visit to Most Precious Blood Church in September 2004 when he celebrated Mass with our Parish. 27
Croatian Community Croatian Rose Folk dance group Important part of Croatian cultural celebrations Part of the Croatian cultural heritage is a folk dance group called, Croatian Rose. Pictured here is the folk group at one of our Parish celebrations. 28
Catholic Migration Day: Brooklyn Diocese Croatian Apostolate with Bishop DiMarzio This is a photograph of the Croatian Apostolate celebrating Catholic migration Day with Bishop DiMarzio at the Brooklyn Diocese. 29
Croatian Community Croatian Apostolate celebrating Palm Sunday The Croatian Apostolate is shown here, celebrating Palm Sunday in 2001. Father Robert Zubovic is celebrating Mass. 30
Croatian Community Father Robert Zubovic Served Croatian Community from 1998 to now Father Robert is returning to Croatia Last Mass at Most Precious Blood Church September 30, 2007 Their gain, our loss. After serving the Croatian Community for nine years, our dear Father Robert Zubovic is returning to Croatia. Father Robert s last Mass at Most Precious Blood Church will be on September 30. CROATIA S GAIN IS OUR LOSS. 31
Spanish Community Apostolate: First Mass November 28, 1971 by Father Niccoli Corpus Christi Celebration with Father Frank The Spanish Apostolate celebrated their first Mass on November 28, 1971, with Father Niccoli celebrating the Mass. Shown here is the Spanish Community celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi, with Father Frank addressing the congregation before Mass. 32
Spanish Community December 12 th Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration Patroness of the Americas Our Lady of Guadalupe is near and dear to many people; especially the Spanish Community; shown here, celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe s Feast Day, as Patroness of the Americas on December 12 th. 33
Spanish Community October 12 th Day of the Americas Pastor Voiland and Las Señoras This is our Spanish Community along with Pastor Voiland celebrating the Day of the Americas, October 12 th ; along with Las Señoras. 34
Spanish Community Installation of: Minister Eucharistic Minister Lectors Ushers The installation of their Minister, Eucharistic Minister, Lectors and Ushers was a day of pride for the Spanish Community. 35
Pastor Kenneth M. Morgan 5:30 Mass Parish Liturgical Committee Young at Heart Adult Education Central Air Conditioning Pastor Morgan also started the 5:30 P.M. Mass to accommodate the spiritual needs of Sunday working people. Pastor Morgan also established the Parish Council, to bring laity and religious together for common goals. Some of Pastor Morgan s other accomplishments were the establishing of the Home School Association, Parent Aid in the school Parish Liturgical Committee Young at Heart Group Adult Education (Laity and Religious) And Central air conditioning. 36
Pastor George T. Voiland Fifth Pastor 1983 to 1994 Started Filipino Apostolate Renovated Church in 1989 Home retreats Pre-School In 1983 Our Fifth Pastor, Father Voiland, joined our Parish. Pastor Voiland served from October 17, 1983 to June 30, 1994. First and foremost, Pastor Voiland started the Filipino Apostolate in 1992. Pastor Voiland s other accomplishments were: The renovated of our Church, in 1989; to pretty much how it looks today. Role of Laity was strongly emphasized More lay people became involved in the parish The first Home Retreats were given in the parish Carol Strack was hired as the Director of Adult Formation Pre-School in the convent was started and changed into the Early Childhood Center in September 1992 and is now under Donna Flynn. 37
Filipino Community Apostolate: First mass was June 13, 1992 Father Joe Cadusale Celebrating Mass and installation of Officers The Filipino Apostolate celebrated their first Mass on June 13, 1992. Father Joe is the minister to the Filipino community and has been since its inception. He is pictured here celebrating the installation of the Filipino officers. 38
Filipino Community Filipino Music Ministry The music ministry is very important to many communities, Surely so with the Filipino community, seen here inspiring the parishioners with music, to praise God at Mass. 39
Filipino Community 75 th Anniversary Celebration Most Precious Blood At Ricardo s June 1997 To celebrating Most Precious Blood s 75 th Anniversary, the Filipino Community gathered with Father Joe at Ricardos. 40
Filipino Community Pastor Stafford s 40 th Anniversary of his Priesthood Filipino dancers help celebrate the festive occasion When Pastor Stafford celebrated the 40 th Anniversary of his being ordained a Priest, the Filipino Community helped celebrate the festive occasion. 41
Pastor Raymond W. Stafford Sixth Pastor 1994 to 2005 Ethnic diversity feast ESL classes New doors Christmas Tree Lighting In 1994 Father Raymond Stafford became our sixth Pastor, and served from 1994 to 2005 when he suddenly passed away on March 20, 2005. He was a good Pastor and a good man. Pastor Stafford held a parish feast celebrating ethnic diversity. He installed signs in front of the Church, at the corner of the parking lot on 36th Street and on the Rectory door, announcing that we are The Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church. Pastor Stafford started ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. Installed new doors for the Church. Pastor Stafford was involved in the Broadway-Steinway merchants Association, which flourished. And he started the tradition of lighting our parish Christmas tree. 42
Pastor Marcello Latona Seventh Pastor June 30, 2005 Town Hall Meeting Ethnic Diversity Spiritual Needs School sustains itself Resources addressed Our seventh Pastor is Father Latona, who came to MPB on June 30, 2005 and was official installed on September 18, 2005. Pastor Latona began his Pastorate with a day of prayer that was open to all parishioners. He also started our Town Hall meetings to involve all of the parishioners of MPB. One of Pastor Latona s priorities is to celebrate our ethnic diversity, as one of our strengths. He did this through multi-lingual liturgies and hymns, so all were included. Pastor Latona celebrated an International Day, including liturgy, a feast and entertainment. Pastor Latona is also addressing our spiritual needs. He helped the Spanish Community start a Council; and is working to commission a Croatian and Filipino council. Pastor Latona organized our Parish Pastoral Council which is the host of our Parish Assembly. Laity are being encouraged to become more involved in parish life. Additionally, there are continuing efforts to enhance school enrollment. The school is now able to sustain itself monetarily. The Nursery School is expanding due to the Universal Kindergarten Program with some of the children going onto the grammar school. Pastor Latona is actively addressing our Parish resources; to move us forward. P R E P A R E D B Y : J I M M C G I N L E Y a n d R O G E R D I A Z 43