ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It's been years in the making, but the rectory of St. Lucy's Church is open again after a fire left it in shambles.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin was among those present to celebrate the reopening of the Newark church's rectory on July 12. The occasion marked a major turning point in a five-year quest to repair the damage done in a major fire.
The two-alarm blaze – which took place in 2021 – took the combined force of dozens of firefighters to combat. Two priests who reside at the rectory were relocated, authorities said.
>> Related: Church Rectory Evacuated In Newark After Serious Fire [VIDEO]
Now, half a decade later, the space is finally being reopened.
During last month's blessing ceremony, Tobin sprinkled holy water throughout the rectory while accompanied by parish leaders and staff from the Archdiocese of Newark's Office of Property Management Administration, which helped oversee the parish's recovery.
The archbishop also offered a special prayer in the new Father Gaetano Ruggiero Conference Room, named in honor of St. Lucy's pastor from 1934 to 1966.
The Rev. Chris Aleti, administrator of St. Lucy Parish, expressed gratitude for the completion of the restoration after several years of work.
While the fire was devastating, Aleti said it also strengthened the parish community by bringing people together in support of rebuilding the rectory.
"When there is a need, people always come together," he said.
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