From Church to Cathedral
1957 - 2007
Celebrating 50 Years as a Cathedral

Decree from Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate declaring Bishop Kellenberg's right to assume canonical possession of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, May 25, 1957. 

Before entering the Cathedral, to assume canonical possession of the new Diocese of Rockville Centre, Bishop Kellenberg first visited Msgr. Quealy in the rectory.  The 92 year old pastor of St. Agnes had viewed the new Bishop's arrival from a second floor window in the rectory.  Bishop Kellenberg requested Msgr. Quealy's blessing and in return bestowed his own episcopal blessing upon Msgr. Quealy.  After meeting with Msgr. Quealy, Bishop Kellenberg presented a Papal Bull to Msgr. Edward P. Hoar, administrator of the Diocese of Brooklyn.  At that time the Diocese of Brooklyn was awaiting its own new bishop, Bryan J. McEntegart who had been named to replace Bishop Thomas Molloy, who had died in 1956. Bishop McEntegart was installed as Bishop of Brooklyn in June of 1957.

Having taken possession of the new diocese Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus escort Bishop Kellenberg, seen here on the steps of the rectory, to the Cathedral for a brief prayer.

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