On Saturday, July 20 the Committee to Save Mount Manresa had its 6th Rally, which included the release of 50 doves in honor of the victims of the September 11 tragedy of 2001.
The rally highlighted the importance of Mount Manresa in times of crisis in America. During the period after 9/11 first responders and rescue workers were housed at Mount Manresa, and families of victims of the tragedy found peace and received counseling at Mount Manresa. Elissa Montani’s Global Relief Fund also used Mount Manresa as a place of recovery for victims of war, natural disaster and illness. Most recently, Mount Manresa was a home for victims of Super Storm Sandy before the retreat house closed in 2013.
State Senator Diane Savino and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who are also residents of Rosebank, were in attendance and took time to discuss the pending sale of Mount Manresa and the issues to the community. They confirmed that it is not a “done deal” and that the sale had not yet gone through. Topics discussed included landmarking, zoning and protecting the environment and preserving green spaces. Senator Savino promised to attend the committee meeting on August 8.
Mike Post, candidate for mayor of New York City also was at the rally, as promised at the committee’s meeting earlier in the week.
On Sunday, the Committee Members spoke to a large crowd at the Feast of Mount Carmel, and announced the Saturday rallies to the supportive crowd. Joe Billotti of Rosebank spoke about how the community must support Councilwoman Debi Rose, who has been supporting the Save Manresa efforts since the beginning of our fight.
UPCOMING RALLIES
The next rally will be on July 27 at 10am on Narrows Road North in of the stone Manresa sign (approximate address 99 Narrows Road North).
On Thursday, August 15, the Committee will have a Video Presentation and Panel discussion on Mount Manresa at the Colonnade Diner (2001 Hylan Blvd) The program will include an overview of Manresa’s place in Staten Island and American history, Mount Manresa’s environmental importance to Staten Island and the impact it has on the quality of life and health of our community. Tom Matteo, author of Images of America, Mount Manresa will be signing books at this event.
Photos by Erina Cooke
