By Ivan Pereira
The Brooklyn-Queens Diocese said congregants of a Springfield Gardens church that was severely damaged in a fire last week are remaining strong and vow to pick up the pieces.
Parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene Church, at 218-12 136th Ave., celebrated Sunday mass in the basement of its school next door, St. Martin de Porres, with a special service led by Bishop Frank Caggiano, the diocese said.
Last Thursday night, a two-alarm fire spread from the basement to the roof of the 83-year-old house of worship and destroyed several items, including religious artifacts such as the church’s crucifix, according to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, head of the diocese.
Despite the damage, DiMarzio said he was thankful that no one was inside the building when the fire took place and no firefighters were injured when they put it out.
“We are all deeply saddened by the destruction of St. Mary Magdalene [but] at the same time we know that the church is not simply an edifice but rather the community of believers gathered,” he said in a statement.
The FDNY said faulty electrical wires in the basement caused the blaze. The building has been closed for the time being, according to the church, which has 400 congregants who are mostly residents from the Caribbean.
Some of the items that were destroyed in the fire included the musical instruments for the parish and school. Parish coordinator Sister Maryellen Kane said she was saddened by the loss of the instruments, but like DiMarzio was grateful no one was hurt.
“We may no longer have a church building or instruments to make music, but together our voices will continue to sing of the glory of God,” she said in a statement.
Among the salvaged items from the church was a sketch of the parish’s namesake St. Mary Magdalene. She was one of Christ’s first followers who not only witnessed his crucifixion but also was the first person to see him following his resurrection, according to New Testament scripture.
Firefighters were also able to save the blessed bread and wine that becomes the body and blood of Christ at masses during communion.
DiMarzio praised the FDNY for risking their lives for the holy items.
“It is a testament to New York’s bravest that they are eager to protecting human life but also so respectful of deeply held religious convictions,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
