Latest news with #BishopBrennan
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Catholics gather for special Mass in Brooklyn following Pope Leo XIV election
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A wave of history and hope swept through Downtown Brooklyn as hundreds of faithful filled the Cathedral Basilica of St. James on Sunday morning. The occasion: a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan, just days after the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church. More Local News Hymns echoed through the cathedral's historic walls, setting a reverent tone for the service. Bishop Brennan, presiding over the congregation, reflected on the significance of this unprecedented moment for the global Catholic community. Preaching from the Book of Revelation 7, Bishop Brennan reminded worshippers of God's enduring promise: 'A part of that promise is that God will shepherd them, take them by the hand, lead them, wipe the tears from their eyes. Pope Leo used that same image in his first message to the world.' The Mass, held on Good Shepherd Sunday, was especially poignant as prayers were offered for Pope Leo XIV as he began his papacy. Bishop Brennan praised the new pope's missionary spirit and his American roots: 'I was thrilled to hear that he has roots in the United States, but more importantly, he's a missionary,' says Brennan. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the first U.S.-born pontiff in the Church's history. His election has been met with excitement and optimism both in the United States and around the world. Many parishioners at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James expressed hope for the future of the Church under Pope Leo XIV. Luiza Nunes, a church member, shared, 'Every single day it's about our acts, and we're not saints, but it's a part of our choices every day. From what I read so far, I think he will do great for the community as well and continue to do the service that Pope Francis was doing.' More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Candida Perez added, 'He's one of the first popes being American, and we expect him to do the right thing.' Bishop Brennan's homily echoed this spirit of unity and faith, emphasizing the new pope's message: 'He's got that message of unity, but on the reliance on God.' The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue its celebrations with a special Mass of Thanksgiving to honor the installation of Pope Leo XIV. The installation ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 19th. Click here for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Faithful gather in Queens to pray for cardinals at papal conclave
Special Mass held in Queens as papal conclave starts at the Vatican Special Mass held in Queens as papal conclave starts at the Vatican Special Mass held in Queens as papal conclave starts at the Vatican The first papal conclave in more than a decade is taking place at the Vatican. No new pope was elected Wednesday by the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Many Catholics in New York City and beyond joined in prayer Wednesday to seek divine guidance for the cardinals at the conclave. A special Mass was held in Douglaston, Queens. At the same time the procession of cardinals was entering the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis at the Vatican, bishops and priests of the Brooklyn Diocese, which includes Queens, gathered at the Immaculate Conception Center to hold a hold a solemn Mass for the sacred events unfolding at the Vatican. "So that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the minds of the cardinal electors and help agree on the pope," Most Rev. Robert Brennan, the Bishop of Brooklyn, said. "And to make a choice of exceptional importance." The conclave in Rome the most cosmopolitan in history, and includes cardinals from 70 nations. The Brooklyn Diocese is probably the most diverse on the planet, where Mass is celebrated in 26 languages. "It really is very, very emotional" There's unity in the faith in the hope for a new pontiff who uplifts and inspires. "I'm just praying that the Lord gives us a new and faithful pope who's going to lead the church into even better days ahead," J.P. Marasigan said. "It's monumental. It really is very, very emotional. It's monumental. It's faith-affirming," Jennie Rizzo said. Brennan says affirming the faith is at the heart of what the new pope must do. "The Holy Father needs to be a prophetic voice, he's the voice of Christ in the world," Brennan said. Much of the world is watching, praying, and waiting.
