Irish American Bishop Robert Brennan says he is "appalled" that pop star Sabrina Carpenter's new music video for "Feather" was filmed at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Bishop Brennan “is appalled at what was filmed at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn," the Diocese of Brooklyn said to Catholic News Agency (CNA) in a statement on November 2.
“The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on Church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script,” the statement said.
According to CNA, the parish reportedly told the diocese that the production company “failed to accurately represent the video content."
In her music video for "Feather," Carpenter dons a black veil and gold cross necklace as she dances on the altar of the Brooklyn church that's adorned by pastel-colored coffins.
The video, released on October 31, has racked up more than five million views on YouTube.
Ahead of the release of her music video, Carpenter shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the filming, including from the the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church:
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The diocese later told CNA that Bishop Brennan "has restored the sanctity of this church and repaired the harm" through the offering of a special Mass on November 4.
Additionally, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced that Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who allowed the filming of Carpenter's music video for "Feather" at the church, no longer has administrative oversight over the parish and that his tenure as vicar for development for the diocese has concluded as of November 3.
Bishop Brennan has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the temporary administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish.
The diocese told CNA that “a review of the documents presented to the parish in advance of the production, while failing to depict the entirety of the scenes, clearly portray inappropriate behavior unsuitable for a church sanctuary.”
Bishop Brennan's maternal grandfather came from Co Sligo. He told Current News, who described him as the "latest in a long line of Irishmen to lead the Diocese of Brooklyn," that he still has relatives in Dromore West.
"Part of being Irish involves our Catholic faith," Bishop Brennan said ahead of St. Patrick's Day 2022. "It all kind of blended together. I enjoy the Irish music and the different celebrations but it all centers around who we are as a Catholic people."
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