The Oldest Catholic church in Long Island, New York, will have a 'special Mass' celebrating its 200th anniversary since its founding.
Bicentennial Anniversary
In an article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, the first and oldest Catholic church in downtown Brooklyn, marked its 200th anniversary and will be holding a 'special Mass' on Aug. 14.
The Mass will reportedly be presided over by Most Rev. Robert Brennan, current bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. James was founded in 1822. As narrated in the report, Bishop John Connoly of New York traveled from Manhattan to Brooklyn to bless the St. James Church during its feast day that was held on July 25, 1822.
As reported, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of Archdiocese of New York, and Bishop John Barres of Diocese of Rockville Centre will also be at the bicentennial Mass of the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.
History of St. James Cathedral Basilica
According to its website, the Cathedral Basilica of St. James was named after the elevation to Minor Papal Basilica during the 160th anniversary in 1982.
Saint James was reportedly known as the first and oldest Catholic church in Long Island, Brooklyn, founded in 1822.
As reported, the church became the Cathedral parish of Brooklyn after the creation of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1853.
It was the third Catholic church built in New York City after St. Peter's on Barclay Street and Old Saint Patrick Cathedral, which were both reportedly located in lower Manhattan.
As reported, the construction of the church was a response to the petition of the people in Brooklyn, which asked to build a parish in the area through a letter by Peter Turner.
The residents seek a place where their children can learn religious education, and want to hear the words of God nearby, as reported.
However, due to the series of fires that affected the Saint James Church, it was reportedly replaced in 1903, spearheaded by Bishop Charles McDonnell.
Furthermore, the St. James parish, acknowledged as the 'Cathedral' of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was proclaimed by Bishop Francis Mugavero, fifth bishop of the diocese, as reported.
Pope Saint John Paul II reportedly spent a visit to the Cathedral and greeted some parishioners during his Apostolic visit to the United States of America in 1979.
About St. James Cathedral Basilica
The St. James Cathedral Basilica is a church in Long Island that reportedly believes in Jesus Christ, which brings good news to people, according to its website.
As reported, the church believes that God sent His only Son to redeem the sins of people, including the sins committed by the first parents, Adam and Eve.
Moreover, the St. James Cathedral Basilica aims to fulfill the mission of the Catholic Church, which is to love God and the people in the community, as reported.
The Catholic community is reportedly a diverse community that is made up of more than 1.2 billion people across the world.
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