Monday, January 20, 2025

Did Anyone Ever Imagine a Day When St. Mary's Might Not Be There?

 

The above is a question that I would answer with a resounding "NO!"  Many working class worshippers "did without" to some extent to build and maintain this church over the 175 years of its distinguished life. 

This is a quote from former pastor Monsignor Hugh Corrigan's book, “The Parish of StMary's of the Immaculate Conception, Yonkers, 1848-2016:"

"A church building as beautiful and as large as St. Mary's is a source of great pride but it brings with it a heavy financial burden. Our parishioners have been willing to accept this responsibility. They know that their church is centrally located and its presence is vital for the future of downtown Yonkers. They want to share their sacred place with the thousands of people, Catholic or not, who pass by every day on their way to work, school, hospital, nursing home, mental health facilities, Cacace Justice Center, Police Headquarters and even prison. They know that hearing the bells of St.Mary's is a great comfort to many, especially the residents of St. Joseph's Nursing home and perhaps even of City Hall. The tall graceful tower, when damaged by lightning strikes, hurricanes, blizzards,and fierce winds off the Hudson River, must be repaired as soon as possible. It has always been a sign of hope in difficult and uncertain times and a source of faith in good times."

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