A ship sailing the seas. That’s what the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Brendan resembles. Its modern design is a tribute to its namesake Saint Brendan the Navigator. This isn’t just any church. It’s a beacon of faith in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx.
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Brendan has a rich history. It began in 1908. Catholics in Norwood needed a church of their own. Archbishop John Farley established the parish. He named it for the famous Irish saint. Initially masses were held in a small converted building.
Then came the construction of a larger Gothic church. Dedicated in 1909 it served the community for decades. A girls’ school opened in 1911. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill ran the school. It was located in the church basement. Later in 1923 it moved to a new fireproof building. The school closed in 1939.
The original church stood until the mid-1960s. The parish decided to build a new church. The modern design was chosen after Vatican II. The architectural firm Belfatto & Pavarini designed the building. It was completed and dedicated in 1967. The new building’s design references Saint Brendan’s voyages. It resembles the prow of a ship.
In 2015 a significant change happened. The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Brendan merged with Saint Ann’s Church. The combined parish is now known as The Parish of St Brendan and St Ann. The Church of Saint Brendan continues as the parish church. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of its community. It’s a place where history and faith meet. A place where the spirit of Saint Brendan lives on. A place worth visiting.