Twenty years ago, adapting to the needs of a changing community, the Roman Catholic Church of St. Brendan began having Mass in Spanish in the lower chapel of the church on East 206th Street in Norwood.

 

Two weeks ago, more than 500 congregrants turned out for a special Mass in St. Brendan’s upper church to celebrate the anniversary. Some parishioners wore traditional costumes from their native countries. Bishop Jose Iriondo and the church’s pastor, Rev. George R. Stewart, celebrated the Mass.

 

“For more than 10 years I’ve been attending,” said Norwood resident Fernando Medina, who came with his son, Manuel, 4. “I live in the area and it’s nice that they have a Mass right here in Spanish.”

 

Marcia Collado has been attending for the last two years. “The entire family gets to enjoy it,” she said. “I particularly love the music. I come here because they don’t have this in too many places.” The music is performed by a group called “Semilla de Cristo.”

 

The church hosts Masses in Spanish on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. The church also hosts a CCD religious instruction class in Spanish. For more information, call the program coordinator at (718) 654-6424.