what’s the truth?

Separation of church & school

Who owns the land and what was it’s intended use?

 

let’s Learn:

HISTORY OF 8902 RIDGE BOULEVARD

Since 1903, the property had been owned by “Visitation Academy, Brooklyn, New York” (formerly “The Female Institute of the Visitation,” which had legally changed its name in 2001). However, in 2004, the deed to the property was transferred to the “Sisters of the Visitation of Brooklyn, N.Y.,”. In order to make the transfer, the Sisters of the Visitation of Brooklyn, NY incorporated in 2001. Prior to the incorporation, the school and the monastery existed and operated as one. After the deed transfer, however, the Sisters then encumbered the school with an exorbitant lease and other monetary obligations.  Interestingly, the deed transfer seems to have occurred around the same time the school began running at a deficit. One can assume the deed transfer was a proactive measure taken by the monastery to protect their interests in the sale of the property should the time come.
Interestingly, the Certificate of Incorporation for the Sisters of the Visitation of Brooklyn, N.Y. lays out their purpose, as is required by New York non-for-profit corporate law. As outlined in these papers, their purpose is not to sell the property to the highest bidder or to engage in activities that are materialistic and counter to Catholic faith. Rather, their purpose was clear:
  • Form a religious community of sisters for the purpose of fulfilling and advancing the religious tenets and practices and doctrines of the roman Catholic faith;
  • Advance the spiritual and religious welfare of the sisters through faithful practice of the “Constitutions of the Visitation Order”;
  • Perform, promote and practice good works and to engage in such activity as will be judged helpful in giving material and spiritual assistance to men, women and children;
  • Provide and maintain a place or places and to take such steps and means as may be necessary to promote the objects set forth; and
  • To acquire title to real and personal property and to receive bequests, legacies and gifts for such purposes.
Why is this important:

In light of the information outlined in the incorporation papers, it makes it even more difficult to understand why none of the options to save the school were explored and, more recently, why all the proposals that would have sustained the Catholic presence of the property were rejected.

Copy of the 2004 Property Transfer from the School to the Sisters.

Save Visitation

Brooklyn Diocese: (718) 965-7300

Sisters of the Visitation: (202) 337-0305

savevisitation@gmail.com

Brooklyn Monastery

8902 Ridge Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11209

All information, views or opinions contained herein are stated upon information and belief and do not represent those of every or all VA parents, students, alumni, etc. or any of their families, nor are representative of the school or monastery.  The authors do not assume liability for any misstatement or omissions. 

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