Diocese of Brooklyn that includes Queens, presided over a Mass of Rededication at St. Edmund the Martyr Church in Breezy Point, 13 months after the church was engulfed in flames.
Last year, on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, an electrical fire in the back of the church caused extensive dam age to the house of worship, which had been decorated to celebrate Easter the following day. More than 100 firefighters from the FDNY and local volunteer fire departments responded, and their efforts are credited with saving the church structure, allowing for its rebuilding.
“For sure, we were overwhelmed with sadness, sorrow, grief, and con fusion last year on Holy Saturday. To all of the firefighters, thank you for saving our church. Over the last year, we have rebuilt the walls, the windows, and this beautiful church, recognizing that our strength comes from the Lord,” Bishop Robert Brennan said. “Thanks be to God for the rebuilding of St. Edmund Church.”
Bishop Brennan blessed the walls of the church, and the people gathered at the beginning of the Mass, filling the church. The Rite of Dedication included the Litany of Saints, the prayer of dedication, the anointing of the altar and walls of the church with Sacred Chrism, the incensing of the altar and church, and the lighting of the altar candles in celebration of the Eucharist.
Joining Bishop Brenna was Father Michael L. Gelfant, the pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish, which includes St. Edmund, parochial vicar Rev. Stephen A. Saffron, assistant Msgr. Ronald A. Newland, and former Blessed Trinity pastor Fr. Michael Falce, who is now pastor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Ridgewood.
Photo from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
