Catholics Remember All Souls at Holy Cross Cemetery Field Mass

By Jessica Easthope

Amalfis Figueroa fights through her tears. Earlier this year her mother-in-law was shockingly diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. By the time she found out it was too late for treatment. She died in July.

“She’s the one who supported me in this country when I came here for the first time, took care of me when I had nobody else here, we had 40 years together, she took care of my 4 children, she bring them to school for me so I could go to work,” Amalfis said.

Amalfis came to the All Souls’ Day field Mass at the chapel of Holy Cross Cemetery, where her mother-in-law is buried, looking for healing and any sign that she’s at peace.

“I feel that she’s passed, she’s okay, she help poor people, sent things back to my country and to the church, she was poor she had nothing but whatever she had she gave it to the people who needed it more,” she said.

The Mass was one of several held in the Diocese of Brooklyn for the faithful departed and was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski.

“I wanted to send them the message that our life is changing but has not ended, our life with God and with the saints of God and all of those who have been called to eternity they are living with us,” said Bishop Witold.

“As the bishop said they may have died but their souls are still with us and that’s what we need to hold onto,” said Daniella Pierre-Kingsley.

Bishop Witold’s message resonated with Marie Exantus and Daniella Pierre-Kingsley, best friends who came to mourn their loved ones, including several friends who died of COVID-19 and are buried at Holy Cross.

“We have them, we have them in our hearts, we have them in our memories, this is enough to keep us going and keep praying so that we are reunited with them again,” said Daniella.

Though grief can evolve, for many it’s forever, but those who attended the All Souls’ Day Mass found comfort in the central belief of our faith is that we will be with our loved ones again.

Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Principal Releases First Book, “Gone But Not Forgotten”

The principal of Bay Ridge Catholic Academy, Gary Williams, recently published his very first book.

To celebrate, Williams hosted a book signing Saturday at the Bookmark Shoppe just down the street from the academy.

His novel, “Gone But Not Forgotten” is the first installment in a historical fiction trilogy that chronicles the entire 20th century from 1914 to the year 2000.

You can find William’s book the Bookmark Shoppe at 8415 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. You can also find it on their website at bookmarkshoppe.com

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 11/1/22

Today is All Saints’ Day and Bishop Robert Brennan spent the morning with parishioners at St. Jude’s Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn.

A former student of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy in Queens Village is helping her first-grade teacher find a kidney.

Pope Francis is heading to Bahrain this week to continue the journey of inter-religious dialogue.

Former Student is Using Social Media to Help Her First Grade Teacher Find a Kidney

Christine Whalen was in Debra’s Molloy’s first ever first grade class at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic academy in Queens Village 42 years ago.

Now Christine is helping her first-grade teacher in a crucial search that could save her life. It’s an unlikely friendship that finds two women spreading awareness in a time of need.

As they search for a life-saving organ, they’re reminded of what brought them together and what friendship is all about.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Celebrates 130 Years

The parish at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brooklyn marked their 130th anniversary Sunday.

Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan joined the congregation for the celebration of a special Mass of thanksgiving.

During his homily Bishop Brennan congratulated the parish on the major milestone.

The bishop reflected on how they have helped the Windsor Terrace community throughout the past 130 years.

Our Lady Help of Christians Celebrates 95 Years With Mass & Alumni Reunion

Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Midwood celebrated 95 years on Sunday.

The parish marked the occasion with a Mass led by Bishop Neil Tiedemann and continued their fellowship over at Garguiluo’s for a special luncheon.

The anniversary also served as a reunion for alumni of the parish’s school, which closed its doors back in 2005.