Victory Celebration for St. Brigid's Parish

In a telephone interview with Edwin Torres, chairman of the Committee to Save St. Brigid's, he told us that the Committee will be holding a fundraiser/ celebration at Connolly's, 121 West 45th St. on June 18th, at 7 p.m. sharp. This will be a reprise of 2006's Bards for St. Brigid's, with musicians like Larry Kirwan, and authors like Peter Quinn and Malachy McCourt. The proceeds will be donated to the legal defense fund. "We just want to say thank you to all the people who made this possible and who, by extension, are members of our parish."

Photo credit: Patricia Jameson-Sammartano


From our perspective, we can't wait for the next Mass to be celebrated at the Famine Church of the Lower East Side. This is proof that miracles do exist, and God is indeed hope.

Patricia Jameson-Sammartano
Culture Editor, WGT

http://www.cny.org/archive/ld/ld1052208.htm
http://www.archny.org/news-events/news-press-releases/index.cfm?i=8106

Saint Brigid's Has Been Saved!!!!!

Today's news about St. Brigid's Church on the Lower East Side of Manhattan is truly miraculous. The embattled congregation, which has been working mightily to save the church, has received the news that their church will be purchased by an unnamed benefactor for $20 million dollars. We quote an email from Edwin Torres, the chairperson of the Committee to Save St. Brigid's:

"Dear Members,
The associated press release a press release that an anonymous donor has met with the Cardinal and offered 20 million dollars to the Archdiocese. 10 million to restore St Brigid as a Parish Church, 2 million for an endowment and 8 million for the school. The Cardinal has accepted his unexpected offer. ST. BRIGID CHURCH is Saved!!!! I am lining up interviews with TV stations. The first will be with UNIvision today @ 12:30. in front of the church. Please try and come. I know it is short notice but it would be great if the committee is present. The Lord does hear the prayers of the just. Thank you Lord, and thank you to all members who persevered. God Bless! Please call me. 212-691-5570. Yeah! Yeah ! Yeah!Ed"

Photo credit: Committee to Save St. Brigid's

This Committee is entitled to all the joy -- God is indeed good, and hope prevails. On a more personal note, we have witnessed a true parish congregation, even though without a building. The Committee's concern for one another has been the true hallmark of Catholic Charity.

Patricia Jameson-Sammartano
Culture Editor, WGT

http://www.savestbrigid.com/
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/05/21/2008-05-21_st_brigids_saved_from_wrecking_ball_by_a.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/22/nyregion/22church.html?em&ex=1211688000&en=2c1881e48b07cc4b&ei=5087%0A