1966 | St. Brendan’s Church

Looking like a ship that’s come to rest in the Norwood neighborhood of The Bronx, New York City, the Church of St. Brendan was built to resemble the prow of a ship. The architectural firm of Belfatto & Pavarini applied Modernist design to give the building the dynamic shape of a ship’s bow.

Named for Brendan of Clonfert (c. AD 484 – c. 577), St. Brendan is the patron saint of sailors. He was an early Irish monastic saint and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He’s also referred to as Brendan the Navigator, known for his voyage to find the “Isle of the Blessed.”

The Jonynas & Shepherd Art Studio Inc., designed all stained glass windows, interior finishes, altars, metalware, sculpture, and a large interior wall relief behind the altar. The stained glass in particular captures the colors, vastness, and symbolism of the sea and the intent roaming spirit of the church’s namesake.

“Brendan loved the sea with a passion mostly because it was common for the Irish Monks of the 6th Century to explore the coves and caves implanting faith and establishing Monasteries. Once he told a confrere, ‘I think I will give prayer a rest and go down to the sea.’ — and he did for seven years. Some say he reached Iceland. One historian believes that the story of the Brendan Quest for the ‘Promised Land’ was one of the moving causes that led Columbus to the discovery of the New World.”

From Saint Brendan’s Church Dedication Booklet: May 21, 1967

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