On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Mark O’Donnell, joyfully celebrated the ninety-fifth anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in New London. This devotion, which began with two Italian families — the Dipollina family and the D’Angelo family — has grown into a cherished tradition.
Over the years, the celebration expanded through the merging of parishes, now bringing together three communities: Saint Joseph Church and Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church in New London, and Saint Paul Church in Waterford.
This year’s celebration was made even more special by the presence of the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, who led the Solemn Mass at Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church. He was joined by Reverend Mark O’Donnell, Pastor; Reverend Joseph Castaldi, retired Pastor; Reverend Victor Chaker, retired Pastor; Reverend Eric Hosmer, Parochial Vicar; and Deacon Jesús Diez Canseco. In recognition of the community’s diversity, the homily was delivered in English, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring that all parishioners felt welcomed and united.
Bishop Reidy began his homily by honoring Mary and journeying through Scripture. He spoke first of the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament, explaining, “…The Ark was a sign of God's presence among the Jewish people…” He described how King David danced joyfully with processions, music, harps, and incense to celebrate the Ark’s presence, and how, centuries later, the prophet Jeremiah hid the Ark to protect it from desecration.
The Bishop noted the Ark’s deep significance for the Jewish people and then pointed to its fulfillment in the Book of Revelation, chapter 12, where the woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” is revealed as Mary, foreshadowing the Ark. He proclaimed:
“…So today, with joy, with music, with incense, and with processions, we celebrate the entrance of Mary, body and soul, into Heaven. She who, through the Immaculate Conception, was preserved from the corruption of original sin at the first moment of her life, was at the end of her earthly life preserved from the corruption of the grave…”
Bishop Reidy concluded by affirming that God honored the mother of His Son, and we, too, honor Our Blessed Mother.
As part of the tradition, the statue of the Virgin Mary was crowned while the “Ave Maria” was sung. This year, the crowner was Isali Rose Simon, the crown bearer was Sydney Simon, the attendant was Aubrey Simon, and the cantor was Anthony Joyce.
Following Mass, parishioners processed with the statue of Our Lady of the Assumption to Saint Joseph Church for the Blessing of the Sick. The faithful then returned to Saint Mary Church for final prayers. The day concluded with a joyful picnic at Saint Paul Church in Waterford, where fellowship and food — catered by the Italian restaurant Tony D’s — brought the celebration to a close.
It was truly a blessed day for the community.
Article and Mass/Procession photos by Paulina Angulo
Picnic photo by Janice DelPaine
To view more photos from the event please visit the Photo Gallery