Father Bill says goodbye

Monsignor Bill Breslawski was greeted outside church by dozens of well-wishers.

Courtesy Perfect Photo

Parishoners hosted a gala in the Our Lady of Peace school to honor Father Bill Breslawski after he celebrated his last Mass at the Lynbrook church.

Courtesy Steve Grogan

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Parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook packed the pews last Sunday for Monsignor Bill Breslawski’s last Mass as pastor.

Breslawski has led Our Lady of Peace since Bishop William Murphy appointed him pastor in November 2002, after Peter Troy shot and killed the Rev. Lawrence Penzes and parishioner Eileen Tosner on March 12, 2002.

Breslawski will become the pastor of the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Rocky Point, in keeping with a Diocese of Rockville Centre policy that relocates pastors after they serve two six-year terms in one parish. The transfer of pastors was to become effective on Wednesday.

During his nearly 12 years as pastor of OLP, Breslawski has, by all accounts, connected with a community of churchgoers that was still affected by the shootings. His homily on Sunday had parishioners laughing and crying.

“We now have a relationship that never ends because you and I are a part of each other,” he said. “Deep inside, we are a part of each other. And all of you are certainly a part of me, and I thank you for that. I am a better person and better priest because of you.”

Breslawski said later that when other people visit the parish, they often tell him that the community has built a palpable relationship with God. “They say, ‘There’s something pretty special going on there. We can feel the spirit of Jesus here at Our Lady of Peace,’” he said. “That’s thanks to you, by the way you’ve made our Lord come to live over and over again.”

The homily was followed by a standing ovation. Then, as Breslawski shook the hands of attendees outside on the steps of the church, there was more applause when the Lynbrook Fire Department presented him with an honorary badge.

A reception at the Our Lady of Peace School gymnasium followed the service, and parishioners and community members thanked Breslawski personally. Mayor Bill Hendrick presented him with a key to the village, telling him he would always be welcome in Lynbrook. Police Chief Joseph Neve gave Breslawski an honorary captain’s badge and police identification, while State Assemblyman Brian Curran thanked him for attending to Curran’s mother during her final days.