Divine Mercy Conference Draws 2,000
This article from Catholic New York celebrates Bishop Garmendia’s 1998 Divine Mercy Conference.
Origins of the Hope Line
[1997] IN MANY PARTS of the South Bronx, inner city residents have been left to fend for themselves.
State and local budget restraints continue to cast long, dark shadows in pockets of the city where poverty abounds.
To make matters worse, it has been proven that a number of residents regard certain outreach programs from government agencies as intrusive officialdom, because of misinformation or lack of communication.
Religious, private and voluntary organizations must take the challenge of providing for the needs of those who “slip through the cracks.”
The Resource Center for Community Development is a second home for many. It is a private, nonprofit organization that is committed to fostering the development of services and programs ranging from adult classes in English as a Second Language to teen basketball tournaments.
The Center takes a holistic approach in addressing people’s needs by considering their spiritual, psychological, social, cultural, and economic realities within the framework of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Center gives assistance to anyone regardless of religion, race, age, sex or national origin. It exists to help resolve such problems as housing, immigration, suicide prevention, substance abuse, child welfare and prenatal care.
Also, the Center operates the South Bronx Hope Line, a spinoff program that gives telephone assistance for people who are in need of support of counseling.
The Hope Line, a bilingual service, is sponsored by the Vicariate of the South Bronx. Its services are free. Trained volunteers operate a centralized telephone counseling and information center under the supervision of a professional staff with outside contacts in diverse fields of health and human services that include runaway and abused children, missing persons and employment.
The Hope Line is usually a client’s first contact with the Resource Center. Sometimes, the information is given by phone. Other times the client needs to come in. Either way, the encounter is confidential, supportive and respectful.
Queen of the Clergy Oratory of Divine Mercy
Mary’s Eucharistic Intercessors for Bishops and Priest
Under the Banner of Mary Help of Christians
Most Rev. Francisco Garmendia, D.D.
New York Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus
Most Rev. Se’amus Hegarty
Bishop Emeritus of Derry, N.Ireland
Most Reverend Emilio S. Allué, SDB, DD.
Retired Episcopal Vicar for the Hispanic Apostolate, Boston
Mission Statement
Queen of the Clergy Oratory of Divine Mercy calls generous people to intercessory prayer for bishops and priests and vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In parishes and homes, individuals and families devote time to prayer, penance, spiritual reading, and study according to the circumstances of their lives. Intercessors are encouraged to spend as much time as possible in silent adoration with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Generosity (hospitality) to priests is the special charism of the Intercessors. In imitation of Mary in the Upper Room, they pray and support bishops and priests in a spirit of repentance and merciful love, extending hospitality whenever possible.
Special Weekly practices include:
Thursday Eucharistic Holy Hour in thanksgiving to the Merciful Jesus for the gift of the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Priesthood; all prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day are offered for the sanctification of priests.
Friday Devotion to the Passion of Christ in atonement for our sins and the sins of the world, and in particular for the abuses to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Priesthood;
Saturday Devotion to Our Lady in honor of her Divine Maternity, including First Saturday devotion in reparation to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Formation of Mary’s Eucharistic Intercessors
Preparation:
– Responding to the Call
– Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary (St. Louis DeMontfort)
Commitment:
– Spiritual Formation (Mary, Eucharist, Priesthood)
– Eucharistic Holy Hour on Thursdays
– Spiritual Direction with Priests affiliated with the Oratory
– Yearly Retreat
Spiritual Practices
It may not be impossible for intercessors to fulfill all of the spiritual practices of the oratory due to health, family issues or a shortage of priests in their area. In some parts of the country daily Mass is not celebrated, churches are closed during the week, and priests are not available for weekly confession. In these circumstances intercessors are to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Confession whenever possible and carry out the spiritual practices accrdingly. These include Spiritual Communions throughout the day, the short form of the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, enrollment in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, daily Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Way of the Cross (using a booklet or card, if necessary), spiritual reading, and daily examination of conscience. The intercessor’s prayer book is arranged to make it easy to follow the practices of Mary’s Eucharistic Intercessors.
St. Pio, Spiritual Father of Queen of the Clergy Oratory Movement, pray for us.
St Thomas Aquinas 2011 Rosary Rally Commemorates Life of Bishop Garmendia
St. Thomas Aquinas 2011 Parish Rosary Rally Commemorates Life of Bishop Francisco Garmendia
History of the Hope Line
History of the Hope Line
On March 25, 1990, the Happy Land Social Club fire killed 87 people who were trapped in an unlicensed social club in the Bronx. The tragedy took place across the street from St. Thomas Aquinas Church where Bishop Garmendia served as pastor and Vicar of the South Bronx.
A prayer service was held by John Cardinal O’Connor and Bishop Francisco Garmendia on March 26, 1990 to honor the lives of those who lost their lives.
From this tragedy, the Hope Line began in the basement of St. Thomas Aquinas.
The Hope Line was established in March 1990 by Bishop Francisco Garmendia, and James P. McLaughlin, President of United Parcel Service. It started with a bilingual telephone counseling and referral service. Since 1990, the organization has grown into a full-service community service organization currently providing ESL classes, immigration support, and a food pantry.
Executive Chamber
New York State Governor George Pataki issued an Executive Chamber Proclamation to Celebrate Bishop Garmendia’s 1996 Rosary Rally
Bishop Francisco Garmendia’s Homily on Happy Land
HAPPY-LAND WAS THE NAME.
IT WAS A LAND OF FEASTS, PARTIES, AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE JOYS AND PLEASURES OF THIS WORLD. IT WAS A LAND WHERE THE BONDS AMONG FRIENDS WERE REAFFIRMED. THE FRIENDS CAME FROM OTHER LANDS WHICH WERE SEEMINGLY LESS HAPPY TO THIS COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES IN PURSUIT OF FREEDOM AND, YES, HAPPINESS.
NOW ONLY SMOKE, ASHES, AND SORROW REMAIN OF WHAT WAS AN EXPRESSION OF THE HOPE FOR A LIFE OF WELL-BEING AND PROGRESS IN OUR COUNTRY.
HAPPY-LAND
AN IRRATIONAL PASSION SET ABLAZE THE HOPES OF 87 INNOCENT LIVES EXPOSING THE CONTRADICTIONS, IRRESPONSIBILITY AND NEGLIGENCE OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES AND PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS, WHICH PERMITTED THE UNSAFE OPERATION OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT.
HAPPY-LAND
ITS RUINS REMAIN A PERMANENT INDICTMENT OF THE CONTRADICTIONS IN OUR SOCIETY.
HAPPY-LAND
A LITTLE BOY SPEAKING WITH ME RECENTLY SAID: BISHOP, THAT WAS NOT HAPPY-LAND. IT IS NOW THAT THEY ARE IN THE HAPPY-LAND OF HEAVEN, IN THE COMPANY OF THE LORD.
THIS LAST MONTH WE HAVE FELT THE FLAMES OF INCOMPREHENSION AND DESPERATION/AWAKEN US TO THE REALITIES OF POVERTY, SOCIAL DETERIORATION, HOPELESSNESS, NEGLIGENCE AND IRRESPONSIBILITY. BUT FROM WITHIN THE ASHES OF THIS TRAGIC REALITY WE HAVE SEEN THE RE-KINDLING OF THE HOPE WHICH CHRIST GIVES TO US IN THE PROMISE OF RESURRECTION, AND A LIFE EVER-LASTING.
WE HAVE WITNESSED A COMMUNITY UNITED IN HOPE AND LOVE, COALESCING/ COMING TOGETHER TO EXPRESS THEIR FULL SOLIDARITY WITH THE SUFFERING OF VICTIMS, THEIR RELATIVES, AND FRIENDS.
MAY THE LORD GUIDE US TO TURN THE FLAMES THAT DESTROYED THESE INNOCENT LIVES INTO FLAMES OF HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE.
MAY THIS TRAGEDY IGNITE THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF OUR POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY LEADERS; CONCERNING THE NEED TO TAKE CONCERTED ACTION IN PURSUIT OF PRESERVING THE LIVES OF OUR CITIZENS, PROVIDING SAFER GROUNDS FOR WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES AND THE ENJOYMENT OF OUR YOUTH.
MAY THIS FIRE BURN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY TO ATTEND TO THE REALITIES OF A COMMUNITY WHICH IS ALREADY BEING DESTROYED BY POVERTY, CRIME, DRUG-ABUSE, HOPELESSNESS, AND INDIFFERENCE.
LET US NOT BURY THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE HAPPY-LAND TRAGEDY UNVEILED WITH ITS INNOCENT VICTIMS.
MAY WE FIND IN THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION CONSOLATION FOR OUR ACHING AND GRIEVING HEARTS, AND THE RESOLVE TO PURSUE A COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE, ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS, PROTECTION OF LIVES, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE AND HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO SEEK HAPPINESS AND MEANING IN THEIR LIVES.
SU EXCELENCIA EL CARDENAL O’CONNOR, SR. PRESIDENTE DE LA REPÚBLICA DE HONDURAS, EXCELENTÍSIMO RAFAEL LEONARDO CALLEJAS Y ESCELENTISIMA
Letter to Bishop Garmendia from Bishop McKinney
Letter about the Opening of the Hispanic Charismatic Center to Bishop Francisco Garmendia from Bishop Joseph Crescent McKinney, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Oremos por todas las vidas que se han perdido
JOSU IRIONDO
El Diario la Prensa/31 mar 2011
JOSU IRIONDO Obispo Auxiliar de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York.
Han pasado ya cinco años desde la muerte de mi amigo, el Obispo Francisco Garmendia. El Obispo llegó a Nueva York siendo un sacerdote en 1964. En su primera homilía dijo a sus feligreses: “Sus alegrías serán mis alegrías, y sus penas serán mis penas”. Su generosidad, compromiso y dedicación a los más desafortunados sigue siendo un ejemplo para quienes siguen sus pasos.
Si él estuviera vivo y sano, sé que él hubiese dirigido una de sus procesiones públicas para conmemorar la tragedia ocurrida hace 21 años en el club social Happy Land.
Esa madrugada fatal en 1990, un poco de gasolina y dos cerillos iniciaron el fuego que destruyó adonde 94 personas se divertían y 87 de ellos murieron.
El 26 de marzo de 1990, el arzobispo de Nueva York, el Cardenal John O’Connor, y el Obispo Garmendia, pastor de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Crotona Parkway, dirigieron un servicio de oración frente a los escombros de Happy Land. Allí rezaron por los fallecidos y consolaron la comunidad sobreviviente.
Las 87 muertes fueron parte de una tragedia de las personas de diferentes herencias, incluyendo los hondureños, Garifunans, puertorriqueños y otros neoyorquinos.
Todos tenían familias y amigos que los amaban y quieren y los extrañan mucho.
En el 10mo aniversario de la tragedia de Happy Land, el Obispo Garmendia pidió a la feligresía “Den un gran aplauso para esos ángeles que ahora están entre nosotros”.
Yo invito a todos aquellos que rendieron homenaje en la Plaza Ochenta y Siete este año, que recuerden también las bendiciones psicológicas y concretas impartidas por el Obispo Garmendia durante ese momento difícil y los años siguientes.
El amor y la amabilidad que él demostró son inolvidables.
Su compasión por el valor inapreciable de la vida humana, y sus exhortaciones a ser testigos del llamado de Cristo a ayudar al necesitado sigue vivos aún en nuestros corazones.
El centro social, La Línea de La Esperanza, se inició en el sótano de la rectoría de la iglesia Santo Tomas de Aquino. Afortunadamente, ya existía al momento del incendio de Happy Land.
La Línea de La Esperanza continúa creciendo mientras sirve a las necesidades de muchos a través de los bancos de comida y ropa, orientación para la ciudadanía y programas de alfabetización.
El Centro Católico Carismático Hispano, fundado también por el primer Obispo hispano de Nueva York, se abrió en el 1899. Está junto a la Iglesia San Antonio de Padua y proveyendo renovación espiritual y ministrando a las necesidades de la comunidad hispana.
Exhorto a todos a orar por todas las vidas que se han perdido y por sus familiares y amigos que aún lloran sus pérdidas. Comprometámonos a servir a los que viven junto a nosotros y a atesorar el recuerdo de quienes nos enseñaron a amar a nuestro prójimo.
Bishop’s Words Still Echo
Bishop Josu Iriondo
New York Daily News/March 23, 2011
It has been five years since the passing of my friend Bishop Francisco Garmendia.
The Basque bishop came to New York as a young priest in 1964. He told those at his first homily in New York: “Your joys will be my joys, and your sorrows will be my sorrows.”
His generosity, commitment and dedication to the less fortunate continue to serve as an example to others who follow in his path.
If he were alive and well, I believe Bishop Garmendia would lead one of his public prayerful processions on March 25 to commemorate the tragedy that occurred at the Happy Land Social Club 21 years ago.
On that fatal morning in 1990, a dollar’s worth of gasoline and two matches were used to torch a nightclub where 94 people were partying.
Sixty women and men were widowed, and 106 children were orphaned.
On the morning of March 26, 1990, the late John Cardinal O’Connor, who served as the archbishop of New York, and Bishop Francisco Garmendia, who served as the pastor to St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Crotona Parkway, led a prayer service in front of the remains of the Happy Land club.
They gathered to pray for those who had died, and offer comfort to the community that survived.
The 87 fatalities were part of a human tragedy of people from different heritages, including Hondurans, Garifunans, Puerto Ricans and other New Yorkers.
They all had families and friends who loved them and cherished them and miss them dearly.
On the 10th anniversary of the Happy Land Social Club tragedy, Bishop Garmendia lovingly asked the crowd to “Give great applause for those angels who are here among us.”
I invite those who will pay their respects this year at the Plaza of Eighty-Seven, the memorial across the street from the club site, to also recall the spiritual, psychological and concrete blessings offered by Bishop Garmendia during that difficult period and each year that followed.
The love and kindness he displayed for our South Bronx community is unforgettable – especially his pastoral care for the surviving family members of the Happy Land tragedy.
His compassion for the preciousness of all human life, and his reminders of our mission as witnesses to Christ’s calling to help those in need, are very much alive in our hearts.
The Resource Center for Community Development, a social service agency now known as The Hopeline, was begun in the basement of St. Thomas Aquinas rectory by Bishop Garmendia.
Thankfully, it was in place at the time of the tragic Happy Land Social Club fire.
During that relief effort, Bishop Garmendia let people know, “We are trying to deal with the needs of the people as they arise.
“At the moment, these include helping newly arrived immigrants, the poor and those who do not speak English.”
The Hopeline continues to- grow as it serves the needs of many through its food pantry, clothing bank, citizenship orientation and literacy programs.
The Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Center, also founded by New York’s first Hispanic bishop, began 1899 Daly Ave.
It is now located at St Anthony of Padua – bursting with young new members, and providing spiritual renewal and ministries to the corporal and temporal needs of the Hispanic community.
It is wonderful that on ]une 29, there will be a street naming in memory of Bishop Garmendia.
I look forward to celebrating this occasion and also to commemorating the anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood that same day.
So many of us have been blessed by Bishop Garmendia’s examples of generosity and by his dedication to the evangelization of the South Bronx and the Hispanic community.
I encourage all South Bronx residents to pray for all of the lives we have lost and for the families and friends who continue to grieve those losses.
Let’s recommit ourselves to serving those who live among us, and treasuring the memories of those who taught us how to love our neighbor.
Bishop Josu Iriondo is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York.