Bishop DiMarzio blesses Crèche at Grand Army Plaza

December 17, 2015 By Francesca Norsen Tate, Religion Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Bishop DiMarzio sprinkles holy water on creche. Brooklyn Eagle Photos by Francesca N. Tate

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More than 200 clergy, parochial school children and members of the community gathered on Wednesday for the lighting of the Christmas tree and blessing of the crèche (manger/Nativity scene) at Grand Army Plaza, for the first time in over a decade at this site.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is pictured in the first photo sprinkling holy water as he blesses the crèche.

Father Michael Perry, pastor of Our Lady of Refuge Church, Flatbush, is credited with organization of this effort. He stated the urgent need for expressing peace and goodwill in today’s current divided and increasingly secular society. The presence of interfaith leaders was a central part of this ceremony. Members of the Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist communities read prayers from their sacred scriptures. Photographer/actor Hiram Jacob Segarra is pictured in the second photo as he reads from the 2nd chapter of the prophet Isaiah, in the Hebrew Scriptures. State Senator Martin Golden also participated, standing with choristers from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Windsor Terrace-Kensington. Steven Vaughan, the school’s music director, conducted the chorus.