Hidden treasure was found in the basement of Saint Bernadette’s Shrine Church in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Hidden for decades, the historic image of Our Lady of Pompeii has been recently restored pro bono by Cente Art Studio of NYC (307 W 38th Street-www.centerart.com).
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Grotto outside of Saint Bernadette's Shrine Church
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A look at the outside of Saint Bernadette and statuary.
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An italian bakery down the block from Saint Bernadette
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A home around the block from Saint Bernadette
Dyker Heights, a long-time Italian enclave, is home to thousands of Italians and Italian Americans and has steadily been the destination for decades of Italian immigrants. Over the years, waves of Italians with different devotions have walked in and out of the parish of Saint Bernadette. Somewhere along the line, almost eighty years ago, the painting was left to be discovered at a later time.
Found by devoted parishioners, the painting has been restored and will be processed into Saint Bernadette this Sunday, October 6th for 11am mass. Attendees are welcomed to wave white handkerchiefs as the painting is processed into the church in hopes of an interecession by the Blessed Mother for each of the devoted taking part.
This is wonderful! Devotions are such an important part of our Catholic Faith.