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Diocese of Brooklyn Rallies Support for Venezuela

By Currents News and Alexandra Moyen

ELMHURST — The suffering in Venezuela is “unspeakable,” Bishop Robert Brennan told the Tablet before parishioners gathered for a special Mass at St. Bartholomew Church dedicated to the people of Venezuela following the recent devastating earthquakes.

“We pray for the people in the city, those who have died, those who are injured, their families,” Bishop Brennan said. “We pray for those involved in search and rescue. And now, it’s been a few days, so prayers are urgent.”

Bishop Brennan celebrated the Mass organized by the diocese’s Venezuelan Apostolate, led by Father Ernesto Alonso-Aguila.

“It’s a very sad situation because there are a lot of people suffering because of the loss of their loved ones,” Father Alonso-Aguila told The Tablet. “There is a lot of uncertainty at this point, but there is also a lot of solidarity with people around the world who are helping and want to help.”

The twin earthquakes struck on June 24 near San Felipe, in northern Venezuela, west of Caracas. A 7.2-magnitude quake was followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude quake, which was the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, devastating Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira.

At least 1,700 people have died, 5,000 are injured, and roughly 2,500 structures have been damaged or destroyed as of June 29, according to Venezuelan officials.

Bishop Brennan said the tragedy hits close to home for many parishioners who have family members in Venezuela.

“This is a very good opportunity for us to be together, to pray, to be united in our prayer, and to be on the lookout for ways that we, as a church, and we as a nation, can be of assistance,” he said.

Bishop Brennan has asked all pastors in the diocese to conduct special monetary collections for the victims in Venezuela. The donations will be sent to Catholic Relief Services to provide humanitarian aid and support relief efforts.

Father Alonso-Aguila said volunteers have been collecting nonperishable food, medicine, clothing, and baby supplies that the parish will send to the country. There were two collections during the special Mass, as well.

“It’s very sad. We’re all thinking about them,” Consuelo Roque, a lector at St. Bartholomew, said of those affected by the earthquakes. “We are praying with them, and we’re going to try to help them in the best way possible.”

Grace De La Rosa, another lector, said a friend, a Venezuelan priest now living in Boston, told her his mother lost her apartment in the earthquake.

“It’s very painful for me what happened there,” said De La Rosa, who is from the Dominican Republic. “This is just the beginning. We have to keep praying for them, and hopefully the government is going to help recuperate the country and the people.”

Father Alonso-Aguila closed with an appeal beyond the Catholic community.

“I want to call the people of goodwill, not only Catholics, everyone who wants to help — this is the moment to do it,” he said. “First and foremost, with our prayers, and also with everything that we can give to them, because they really are in need of everything at this point.”

 

Catholic Parishioners Pray as Haitians Face Loss of TPS Protections

By Katie Vasquez

Hundreds of Haitian Americans gathered June 27 alongside Bishop Robert Brennan at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in prayer and solidarity as many expressed fear over the future of hundreds of thousands of Haitians who now face possible deportation following a recent Supreme Court decision.

Haiti received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation in 2010 after a devastating earthquake. The designation has allowed Haitians to live and work legally in the United States for years.

Marie Yolene Jacques said conditions in Haiti remain dangerous because of ongoing gang violence.

“Back home, nothing is clear yet because, you know, we have these gangs,” Jacques said. “They are putting people away, take their house, take their property.”

Myriame Jerome said the prospect of returning to Haiti is heartbreaking.

“It’s very sad because back home it’s not safe,” Jerome said. “Where are they going to go? How are they going to get there? It’s very hurtful, painful to see.”

On June 25, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections provided through the TPS program. The decision affects approximately 350,000 Haitians who have lived and worked in the United States for decades.

Jacques said many TPS recipients have established deep roots in the country.

“They build their lives here, they have children,” she said. “They have the family here, they pay tax and I think it’s not right.”

The policy change could also have significant effects on several industries, including health care.

“We feel the heat, short staff,” Sonja said. “A lot of nurses will be off their position. The home care industry is getting a big hit.”

As many Catholic bishops warn the decision will have serious consequences, parishioners said they remain committed to their faith despite the uncertainty.

“With my Catholic faith, I remain faithful,” Sonja said. “I do remain faithful. But at the same time, realistically speaking, it is a big blow. But we will continue in prayers. Amen.”

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Leader Reflects on Powerful Journey Across the U.S.

By Currents News

The 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage has brought thousands of Catholics together in prayer, procession, and worship across the country.

Assistant Team Lead Zachary Dotson reflects on the stops that left the biggest impact, the growing devotion to the Eucharist, and the moments that made this year’s pilgrimage unforgettable.

Currents News Special: America 250-The Faith Story

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence we’re exploring the vital role religion, and Catholics in particular, have played in the American story.
This special newscast features a look at the ways Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn and across the nation are marking the semiquincentennial. Highlights include:
  • The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage — One Nation Under God
Pilgrims are carrying the Blessed Sacrament across America, stopping at sites that highlight the Catholic Church’s enduring presence in the U.S.. Beginning in St. Augustine, America’s oldest Catholic city and ending in Philadelphia, the pilgrimage is serving as a powerful witness to faith, unity and hope.
  • The Country’s Consecration
For the first time in the nation’s history, the U.S. Bishops have consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during its 250th year. We examine the meaning of this historic act and why the Diocese of Brooklyn joined in this spiritual milestone by entrusting the country’s future to Christ.
  • The Fight for Freedom and Faith in the Diocese of Brooklyn
Long before Brooklyn became one of America’s most vibrant Catholic communities, its shores and neighborhoods were witness to some of the defining moments of the Revolutionary War. Join us in visiting historic sites throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, including the Brooklyn Heights promenade and the Old Stone House in Park Slope. Learn how the struggle for liberty unfolded in the diocese, making its Catholic story part of the broader American journey.

Catholic Schools Night Highlights: Collars Break Streak

By Jessica Meditz and Katie Vasquez

CONEY ISLAND — Divine intervention or not, the Collars finally broke their losing streak. 

Behind a late three-run home run by one of this year’s bobblehead honorees, Father Christopher Bethge, priests and seminarians from across Brooklyn and Queens defeated Catholic school principals and administrators 13-5 after a years-long drought at the diocese’s annual Scholars vs. Collars softball game during Catholic Schools Night at Maimonides Park on June 24. 

“That’s why you’re the bobblehead!” Father Christopher Heanue, a fellow bobblehead honoree, shouted from the dugout as Father Bethge rounded the bases. 

The annual event hosted by DeSales Media Group in partnership with the Diocese of Brooklyn brought together hundreds of students, families, and supporters to celebrate another successful year of Catholic education before the Brooklyn Cyclones took the field against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. 

The evening recognized over 100 eighth-grade valedictorians and salutatorians from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, as well as students honored for their contributions to The Tablet Jr. 

Among those honored was St. Ephrem valedictorian Amir Alkhoury, who said the recognition reflected the hard work he put in throughout elementary school before heading to Xaverian High School this fall. 

“It feels great to be accomplished with your hard work,” Amir said. 

“I’m honored. I always studied really hard because I wanted the title of valedictorian, so it means a lot,” said Mara, who will also attend Xaverian High School. 

“My brother goes there, and I love it,” she continued. “The community and the kids all seem really nice.” 

Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of Diocese of Brooklyn schools, said Catholic Schools Night is a great celebration.  

“We’re here at Maimonides Park, we’re just having fun. It’s hot dogs, it’s outside, it’s Brooklyn and Queens,” he said. “We have all the top scholars in each class come down … their parents can really get excited about it. It’s a special day.” 

St. Ephrem Catholic Academy Principal Michael Phillips, playing in his third Scholars vs. Collars game, said one of his favorite moments each year comes after the game when he congratulates his graduating students before they begin high school. 

“I get to give them a handshake and a hug and tell them goodbye one last time,” Phillips said. “Our valedictorian and salutatorian are both amazing young boys who are going to do amazing things now that they’re going into high school.  

“I’m going to miss them, but I know that they’re going to do amazing things because of the education they got in Catholic school.” 

Father Christopher Heanue, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Jackson Heights, said the event is about far more than the final score. 

Since arriving at the parish last fall, Heanue has championed Catholic education, helping to raise more than $200,000 for scholarships at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. 

RELATED: With Suitcase Yet Unpacked in Queens, New Pastor Father Christopher Heanue Raises $208,000 for St. Joan of Arc School Scholarships

“I’ve been so lucky this year at St. Joan of Arc with being assigned there and doing all the work that we’ve done in the school,” he continued. “I’m really honored to be asked to be on the bobblehead.” 

Bishop Robert Brennan said the celebration reflects the collective effort behind Catholic education throughout Brooklyn and Queens. 

“It’s the hard work the students do, the faculty do, the administration does. We’re celebrating all the families,” Bishop Brennan said. “Coney Island is part of the iconic scene of Brooklyn. We bring our identities as a Catholic family to this Brooklyn icon.”

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 6/25/26   

Priests reclaimed bragging rights over Catholic school educators at the annual Collars vs. Scholars game. It was all part of Catholic Schools Night, honoring the top eighth-grade students from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Thousands of people have already secured tickets to Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s beatification in St. Louis in September.

At the latest stop of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Faithful attended a sacred music concert and learned about the Shroud of Turin during their journey.

The Belle Harbor community honored a devoted crossing guard who retired after 47 years of helping generations of children safely get to school.

Pulse of the Parish: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

By Christine Persichette

Every Sunday morning at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, parishioners are greeted at the doors with a warm welcome.

Inside, young adults serve throughout the 10:30 a.m. Mass. They open the doors for worshippers, serve at the altar, proclaim the readings, and help take up the collection.

Helping coordinate it all from the back of the church is 72-year-old Mary Macchiaroli.

“I think it’s time when we need at a certain age to pass the torch,” Macchiaroli said. “They’re the future of the Church.”

For Macchiaroli, the mission is deeply personal.

A parishioner since she was 6 years old, she received her sacraments at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, was married there, and spent 36 years serving as the parish’s director of religious education.

When she retired in 2025, she could have stepped away from ministry. Instead, she approached the parish’s new pastor, Father Michael Falci, and asked if she could continue serving by leading the parish’s young adult ministry.

His answer was immediate.

“Absolutely, and it’s a big help because she is, as you would say, the pulse of the parish — she’s the heartbeat,” Father Falci said. “She’s the one who knows the goings and comings, the history, because she has that institutional knowledge. That’s so important in a parish — to understand how things were and where we can go.”

Despite the decades separating their ages, Macchiaroli has formed close relationships with the young adults she mentors.

“She’s a wonderful lady,” said Sonny Kwiatkowski. “She helped my family a lot through the struggles, and I made a new best friend right there. She’s a really amazing person.”

His sister, Lara Kwiatkowski, said Macchiaroli takes a genuine interest in the lives of the parish’s young people.

“She’s always asking us about what’s going on in our lives with school,” Lara Kwiatkowski said. “If one of us gets principal’s list, she’ll make sure that it’s posted there, so she really tries to be involved with everything in our lives.”

Macchiaroli said her faith is what motivates her to continue serving.

“My faith is everything in my life,” she said. “I thank God I have what I had, because I wouldn’t get through anything without it. We’ve all gone through deaths, sickness, people you’ve lost, challenges, but my faith is the only thing that keeps me going.”

While she hopes to pass that faith on to the next generation, she said the experience has been equally rewarding for her.

“I think it’s important to mentor the teens and the youth,” Macchiaroli said. “It’s part of my life, and I feel the more you give, the more you get back.”

Week after week, Macchiaroli continues greeting parishioners by name, encouraging young adults, and helping ensure they have a place to serve.

For Father Falci and the parish community, she remains the heartbeat of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 6/24/26

A recent study reveals that only 15% of children raised Catholic continue practicing as adults – it also determined what you should do to successfully pass on the faith to your kids.

June 24 marks the anniversary of a major victory in the pro-life fight: on this day in 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, is now in Maine where faithful are celebrating the feast of St. John the Baptist.