Architect’s rendering of the new building; photo of Fr. John Lee

By Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB

N.Y., USA, 29 January 2017 -- Hundreds gathered in the newly constructed Fr. Tae-Seok (John) Lee Hall at the Marian Shrine for a ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing on Sunday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. Howard Phillips, Town of Haverstraw supervisor, joined Fr. Jim McKenna, SDB, director of the Marian Shrine, in cutting the ribbon. They were joined by Jim Monaghan, Town of Stony Point supervisor and Rockland County legislator Douglas Jobson.

Leaders of the Korean American Catholic community, which initiated the effort to construct the new building, were also on hand. Fr. Tim Zak, vice provincial, represented the New Rochelle Province. Salesians, Salesian Cooperators, and members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community were represented. A buffet lunch was served and musical entertainment provided by some very talented members of the Korean community.

The hall will be used for functions of the Korean American Catholic community, but is also available to other branches of the Salesian Family and Marian Shrine special events. The hall is named after Fr. Tae-Seok Lee, who was born in Busan, Korea, in 1962. Fr. Lee joined the Salesians in 1994 and was ordained a priest in 2001. He served a very active ministry, becoming a medical doctor and a missionary in Sudan. He was known for his joyful presence in youth ministry. His name in English was Fr. John Lee, which soon evolved into the nickname “Fr. Jolly.” He died of cancer in 2010, but this dynamic Salesian will be remembered forever through the naming of this banquet hall. (from SUO E-Service, February 2, 2017)

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Howard Phillips, supervisor of the Town of Haverstraw, site of the new hall, and Fr. Jim McKenna, director of the Marian Shrine, used scissors to cut the ribbon inside the entrance to the new Fr. Tae-Seok Lee Hall. To the left of Mr. Phillips is Jim Monaghan, supervisor of the Town of Stony Point. At the right are Fr. Gus Baek, director of the Korean American Catholic community (mike in hand) and Fr. Tim Zak, vice provincial.

View of the interior, facing the stage.