Workers' Chapel Dedicated at St. Francis of Assisi in Manhattan

Last week, union members, leaders, and elected officials came together for a special dedication Mass for the Workers Chapel at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Manhattan.The dedication service was led by Father Brian Jordan, OFM, St. Francis Pastor and a chaplain for many construction workers’ labor unions. Following the Mass, a program was held featuring Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council; Vincent Alvarez, President, NYC CLC; New York State Attorney General Letitia James; New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

The purpose of the Workers' Chapel—the only one in NYC— is twofold. First, the Workers' Chapel creates and environment where workers from all walks of life can pray, meditate, and reflect in Midtown Manhattan. Second, the dignity of human labor will be highlighted in sermons, seminars, union hall gatherings and speeches offered by those proficient in labor issues. The inspiration for the Workers' Chapel is based on the Franciscan friars in medieval Europe and 20th century Latin America where the Franciscan friars were spiritual directors for carpenters, blacksmiths, garment workers, farmers etc., who organized labor guilds, the foundation for labor unions as we know them today. The Workers' Chapel is open to all people regardless of faith or background. For more information, contact Father Jordan at bjordan@friars.us or 212-736-8500 ext. 232.