Just in time for Christmas, St. Catherine of Genoa church in East Flatbush is open again following a fire in August.
Bishop Robert Brennan blessed the church’s renovation at the morning Mass of Thanksgiving on Dec. 15.
“This is a strong and resilient parish that is stronger and more united because of this experience,” Brennan said in a statement. “Today’s Mass was a testament to the faithful of this community who, despite the challenges this accidental fire caused, continue to recognize the goodness of God.”
On the day of the fire, a visiting priest smelled smoke and quickly alerted the fire department, said John Quaglione, deputy press secretary for the Brooklyn Diocese. The fire department concluded the fire was sparked accidentally, mostly likely from metal welding from ongoing construction, he added. No injuries were reported.
The fire damaged the church’s ceiling, sound system, sacristy — where priests typically prepare for service, — front doors, windows, and bells. The entire church, including the ceiling medallions, has since been repainted, and the sacristy restored.
Complete repairs to the church’s front doors, new bells, and roof will take a little more time. Despite those pending repairs, St. Catherine of Genoa is ready for Christmas services. The church will hold carols and lessons on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m., followed by a midnight mass.
Reverend Raphael Munday Kukana says he is looking forward to renewed services at the church. Since the fire, Kukana said the number of parishioners has declined since church services were moved to the smaller capacity church hall.
Kukana said one of the most challenging aspects of the church’s closure has been for families who had to go to neighboring churches to hold their loved ones’ funerals. He hopes the reopening will provide more comfort to families that have made St. Catherine of Genoa their Church.
“For the new year, I really hope that the renovation of the church stands as the renewal of the faith of the parishioners,” Kukana said.
