The Churches of New York LXXV: Losses 10

Holy Rosary.

Today Holy Rosary parish presents a desolate appearance indeed behind the grand, fortress-like facade. For many years only the basement has been open for religions services. The decoration consists mainly  of statues  brought down from the main church. The parish has been targeted for closure; its last mass is scheduled for July 26. Naturally the congregation disagreed withe this decision – but what could be done? Nowadays Holy Rosary is a poor congregation without significant financial connections outside the parish or media allies.

One recent Saturday afternoon a solitary lady was tidying up the basement church. She did not know why she was doing this – the church was closing in week, after all. Yet, she had resolved that when the doors are finally shut, they will find the church clean.

(Above and Below) These heavily repainted statues of indifferent quality undoubtedly date to the decades when Holy Rosary was virtually an Italian ethnic parish.

(Above) A reproduction of the oldest Christian image of the Philippines.