Most Precious Blood Parish Astoria

04/11/2026

Good morning all. It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend Rosa Mannuzza.

Rosie had been cooking for the Priests and staff at Most Precious Blood, Astoria for over 30 years. The stories she would tell us, while she fed us her eggplant, her chicken cutlets, basically her great Italian cooking, made us laugh.

She worked with so many MPB students in her kitchen over the years, she would say, "People stop me in the street and say 'Hi Rose' and she greeted them with a smile and an energetic 'Hi! How ya doin?' and I couldnt remember their names but I never forgot their faces." Thats how much she cared about everyone, even so many faces, she never forgot who you were after so many years. How many people did she feed in all those years working in the church? All the 'kids' that worked night shift knew that if you worked with Rosie that night not to eat, because she would always feed you!

Rosie was always proud of her family.She never, ever once stopped talking about her family. Her two sons, their wives, her grandsons, their wives and then the birth of her great grandchild all made her happy. She loved going to visit her family, here in the states or in Italy. Whenever anyone came to visit her, she always brought them to meet us. We were her extended family, we were a huge family for her.

We all have wonderful stories to tell about Rosie that we hold dear to our hearts, and we will never forget her. She was a very strong woman. She never really let anything get her down, even walking. If you were early enough, you would catch her in the morning, walking out there to get her paper every single day. Her and her son Sebastian were fixtures at the 8am mass on Sundays. Sebastian was never far behind caring for his Mom.

We will miss you Rosie, but you will always be forever in our hearts.

Wake: Farenga Funeral Home
Address: 38-08 Ditmars Blvd
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 4pm - 8pm

Funeral Services: Most Precious Blood
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 10am

04/03/2026

03/19/2026

01/31/2026

GOD BE WITH YE! ADIOS! DOVIĐENJA!

To our English-speaking community:
Thank you for your openness, faithfulness, and trust. You welcomed a priest with an accent and a story — and made him feel at home.

To our Hispanic community:
Gracias por su fe viva, su alegría, su devoción y su amor por la Virgen. You taught me how faith sings, walks, and endures.

To our Croatian community:
Hvala vam od srca. You carried faith, memory, and sacrifice across generations. You reminded me where I come from and why faith matters.

To our Filipino community:
Maraming salamat. Your reverence, devotion to the Eucharist, and strong family faith enriched this parish beyond words.

Most Precious Blood, worthy of Glory and Honor.

Yours in Christ
Fr. Saša Ilijić

01/31/2026

PARISH CENTENNIAL GARDEN 1/31/2026

My dear parish family of Most Precious Blood,

We gather here today not to celebrate the Jubilee itself — for that joyful moment already took place in 2022, when our parish marked 100 years of existence, from 1922 to 2022 —
but to remember it, to give it visible form, and to allow its meaning to live on.
Together with Fr. Vedran, we felt that such a historic moment should not remain only in our memories. We wanted to create something tangible, something that would speak even when we are no longer here — a sign that future generations could see and say: this parish remembered its roots.
That is why today we unveil this commemorative plaque and dedicate this Centennial Garden, created in remembrance of the jubilee that took place in 2022.
This garden is entrusted to the care of our Blessed Mother Mary of Fatima, Queen of the Rosary. Under her maternal protection, we place this parish, our families, our future, and all who will come here seeking peace, prayer, and hope.
I am greatful to Mr. Davor Floricic (Pro Design Inc) and Mr. Ivan Veckovic (MV Iron Works) for the donation and realization of the project.

We give thanks especially for the pastoral service of Fr. William Krlis, Fr. Vedran Kirinčić,
and for my own time of service among you,
during which we together witnessed the renewal of this sacred place — not only in stone and structure, but in faith, community, and life.
All of this was possible only because of your love, generosity, and commitment as parishioners.

Today, as we remember the past with gratitude, we also look forward with trust. We warmly welcome in our prayer our new administrator, Father Christopher O’Connor, as he now takes this parish into his pastoral care.
May the Lord grant him wisdom, strength, and a heart shaped after the Good Shepherd, and may this parish support him with prayer, unity, and love.

Yours in Christ, fr. Saša Ilijić,
Administrator emeritus😆

01/31/2026

Invitation – Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque

Join us this Saturday 1/31/2026 for the Unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque and Dedication of the Centennial Garden, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Most Precious Blood Parish (1922–2022).

This garden was created as a place of prayer, peace, and remembrance — honoring the generations of faithful parishioners whose devotion, sacrifice, and love built and sustained our parish throughout the past century. I am greatful to Mr. Davor Floricic (Pro Design Inc) and Mr. Ivan Veckovic (MV Iron Works) for the realization of the project.

Holy Mass: 8:30 a.m.
Garden Dedication: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Parish Garden

Fr. Saša Ilijić
Administrator

01/22/2026

Dear Parish Family, last Sunday, I shared with you hopeful news — that the Government of the United States has issued a new regulation by which priests who serve on R-1 visa, are no longer required to remain outside of the country for more than one year. Under this new law, it is possible to apply for a new visa within a much shorter period of time. Thank you for the warmth, love, and joy you shared with me through your applause. It meant more to me than words can express.

When I announced this, I said how we were still waiting for guidance and direction from the Diocese of Brooklyn, regarding the next steps and the proper course of action. After speaking with the Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Brooklyn, it has now been made clear to me that the moment has come for me to conclude my service here at Most Precious Blood Parish, as Administrator.

I am grateful to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio for welcoming me into Diocese of Brooklyn and to Bishop Robert Brennan for appointing me as the administrator of our Parish.
From February 1st, an incardinated priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Fr. Christopher O’Connor will be presented at each Mass as a temporary administrator and from June he will be appointed as pastor of our parish.

This is not the outcome many of us hoped for — and yet, I truly believe that MIRACLES DO HAPPEN, even when they do not come in the way or at the moment we expect. Sometimes the miracle is not that circumstances change, but that God gives us the grace to accept His will with peace, trust, and hope. Sometimes the miracle is that love remains, faith remains, and the Church continues — stronger than any one person, stronger than any moment of uncertainty.

I leave with a heart full of gratitude. These years at Most Precious Blood have been a true blessing in my life. I have encountered Christ here so many times — in your families, in your joys and sorrows, in the sacraments we celebrated together, and especially in the confessional, where I witnessed faith, repentance, courage, and deep trust in God. Though my path now leads elsewhere, I firmly believe that God has a beautiful plan for this parish. The Lord who has guided this community for generations will continue to guide it forward. I will be returning to my diocese of Krk and continue to serve the Church, where my Bishop has been more than generous in sending priests to the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Please welcome Fr. O’Connor with openness and prayer. Support him as you have supported me. Love your parish, remain united, and never lose hope. Because miracles do happen — sometimes quietly, sometimes slowly — but always in God’s time. With gratitude, faith, and blessing, yours in Christ, Fr. Saša Ilijić

PS - Although they predict a snowstorm, I will be at each mass this Sunday, January 25th to say Goodbye. Hope to see you there!

Fr. Saša Ilijić

12/02/2025

Immaculate Conception Mass schedule at MPB

12/02/2025

Thank you Tablet!

12/01/2025

WELCOME HOME, ST. JOSEPH!

Today is a day of grace for our parish community. With deep joy we gather to welcome back the statue of Saint Joseph, returning to his rightful place here at Most Precious Blood Parish. In a world that often forgets silence, fidelity, and steady love, Saint Joseph stands before us as a reminder of God’s quiet strength and tender presence.
This statue is not simply a work of art carved by human hands. It is a sign of memory and a sign of hope. For many years Saint Joseph watched over this parish—its families, workers, immigrants, children. He has accompanied this community through joy and hardship, growth and transition, and through generations of faith.
And today, as he returns, we recognize that he never truly left us; he only waited for the moment to be revealed again among us.
How fitting it is that this unveiling will be done by five generations of “Josephs”—a living testimony to the power of faith handed down through families. These five generations symbolize every generation of believers who have prayed here, who have built this parish and our School, who have served, loved, and hoped in God’s goodness.
And speaking of those who have served with love: We cannot celebrate Saint Joseph today without remembering the Sisters of St. Joseph, who for so many years gave their hearts, their hands, and their vocation to this community. Their presence shaped the life of this parish—through teaching, prayer, guidance, and through the simple daily acts of service that mirrored the hidden holiness of Saint Joseph himself.

11/29/2025

Join us tonight for the Lighting of the 1st Advent Candle.

11/28/2025

WELCOME BACK THE STATUE OF SAINT JOSEPH.
Join us this Sunday, November 30th at 12 PM for the Blessing and Dedication of this important historical Statue for now and Years to come. Saint Joseph, pray for us!