On Wednesday, August 25, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz welcomed Monsignor John Strynkowski (representing Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio), rector at St. James Cathedral Basilica; Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of Mary Queen of Heaven Church; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis; members of the Catholic community; and elected officials as Brooklyn Borough Hall was lit in blue and white on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa. BP Markowitz announced in June that Borough Hall would be illuminated in the colors of Mother Teresa’s religious order after the owners of the Empire State Building stated a similar honor would not take place at New York City’s tallest building.

“We are proud to honor the life and legacy of Mother Teresa at Borough Hall,” said BP Markowitz. “Borough Hall may not be as tall as the Empire State Building, but it is Brooklyn’s oldest public building—and one of the oldest in New York City—and what better place than our diverse borough to celebrate not only Mother Teresa but people and groups of all faiths—including Brooklyn’s large Catholic community—who have made great contributions to the world. Mother Teresa’s legacy transcends any one religion. Her life is an example for people of all faiths, because we are all children of one Almighty. She showed us the power one individual can have to change the world—and she challenges us all to follow her example.”

In addition to annual lightings for holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Christmas and Hanukkah, Borough Hall has been lit to observe other events and organizations, including the Papal visit, the American Heart Association and March of Dimes, as well as LGBT Gay Pride and celebrations of Haitian, Turkish, Israeli, Asian, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, Polish and Caribbean heritage.