St. Charles' St. Theresa of Avila Chapel Rededicated

St. Theresa of Avila Chapel rededicated— After months of renovations that preserved the chapel’s beautiful design and incorporated essential updates for the future, the rededication of St. Theresa of Avila Chapel at Good Samaritan University Hospital, St. Charles Campus in Port Jefferson, NY, stands as a significant milestone in its rich heritage. This historic occasion, nearly 84 years after the chapel’s original dedication in November 1942, echoes the legacy begun when His Excellency the Most Reverend Thomas E. Malloy, S.T.D., Bishop of Brooklyn, officiated the Solemn Blessing, assisted by Right Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Reilly, along with deacons and chanters from the Brooklyn Diocese. The church's renovations were made possible through the generosity of Infant Jesus Parish’s 125th Anniversary Capital Campaign.

This past weekend, Daughters of Wisdom and parishioners filled the chapel as they joyfully took part in the Solemn Mass, which blessed the ambo and consecrated the altar with sacred chrism oil. The Bishop of Rockville Center, NY, the Most Reverend John O. Barres, S.T.D., J.C.L., and the Very Reverend Gregory Rannazzisi, V.F., S.T.L., presided, and were joined by priests and deacons from Infant Jesus Parish in Port Jefferson, NY, and the hospital chaplaincy and leadership. The chapel was filled with the magnificent voices of a talented choir directed by Cantor Anna Rosenberg.

Representing the Daughters of Wisdom who founded St. Charles Hospital in 1907, Delegation Leader Sr. Catherine Sheehan, DW, brought the relic of Pope Saint Pius X, also known as the "Pope of the Eucharist," to the altar with Father Gregory Rannazzisi, Pastor of Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson, NY. The Daughters of Wisdom gave the relic of Saint Pope Pius X when the chapel was first consecrated. The relic will remain in the chapel for public veneration.

As we celebrate this momentous rededication, we honor the enduring faith and dedication of all who have contributed to the chapel’s legacy. May St. Theresa of Avila Chapel continue to inspire, reflect, and comfort generations to come.