March 14, 2024
Members of the St. John’s University community attending the weekly student Mass on Sunday, March 10, had the opportunity to listen to an inspiring homily delivered by Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan ’84C, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY.
Bishop Brennan celebrated the 5:30 p.m. student Mass on the fourth Sunday of Lent at St. Thomas More Church on the University’s Queens, NY, campus. Reflecting on the Gospel reading from John 3:14-21, in which Nicodemus lacked the courage to follow Jesus completely, the Bishop reminded the faithful that “it is not that we have no reason to fear, or that anxiety is irrational. It is real. It is not that we do not have sufferings, but we do not have to face them alone.”
A frequent visitor to his alma mater, Bishop Brennan grew up in Lindenhurst, NY. He served as Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY, from 2012 to 2019, before becoming Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, OH. In 2021, he returned to the area to lead the Diocese of Brooklyn, which serves 1.5 million Catholics from the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. St. John’s is the largest college or university within the diocese’s borders.
Bishop Brennan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. During his homily, he passionately spoke to current students about the importance of facing obstacles and persevering through faith.
“Your goal is not to just carry on,” Bishop Brennan said. “It is to lead. Isn’t that what your St. John’s experience is all about? You are not here just to carry on; you are better than that.”
Briana Tola, from Whitestone, NY, a first-year student in The School of Education pursuing a degree in Adolescent Education, was inspired by Bishop Brennan’s words of affirmation. “It encourages a life lived in service to others, in pursuit of justice, and in the creation of a more compassionate world,” said Briana, secretary of the campus Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The fact that Bishop Brennan is a proud graduate made the message of his homily even more relevant, Briana said. “Bishop Brennan’s relationship with St. John’s is proof of a close kinship with principles like faith, leadership, and service,” she said. “His journey embodies the values we uphold at St. John’s, including a dedication to spiritual development and community assistance.”
Sunday’s Mass coincided with the 96th Academy Awards ceremony, which recognizes achievements in filmmaking. Aware of that, Bishop Brennan mentioned that he recently went to the theater to see Cabrini, a film by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger. He joked that it was the first time he had been to the movies since watching Toy Story 4 in 2019.
The newly released production focuses on the story of 19th-century Italian immigrant Frances Cabrini and her work on behalf of orphaned children in New York City. At one point in the film, Mother Cabrini, facing a health crisis, told her fellow Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that she would have to leave them for a while.
Mother Cabrini, who in 1946 became the first American citizen to be canonized, famously implored her sisters to be brave, stick together, and lead others. “Face your fears, not just to carry on, but to lead and demonstrate that you can do all things in Him who strengthens us,” Mother Cabrini says in the film.
Bishop Brennan said he hoped this message resonates with St. John’s students. In a world beset by social unrest and political conflict, he said he hoped they embrace their faith in Jesus and use their valuable St. John’s experiences to become better leaders.
Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership, described the experience as wonderfully faith-filled and community-oriented. Bishop Brennan joined the St. John’s community in a simple supper after Mass.
Sr. Evanick said: “As the Bishop sat with us all during a meal and reflection, his words spoke to all of the students present. ‘It is always great to come back home to St. John’s,’ he said. ‘Each time I come here I feel more and more at home.’”
St. John’s community members can watch a video of Bishop Brennan’s Mass and homily.