On the second anniversary of the canonization of the “people’s pope,” follow the steps of St. John Paul II in Brooklyn and Queens. He visited the diocese three times, once in 1969 before he became pope. During that visit he celebrated Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Greenpoint, and stayed overnight at the rectory of Holy Cross Church in Maspeth. Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach speaks with two people who interacted with him during that visit, including Fr. Joseph Szpilski. As a young seminarian in Poland, Fr. Szpilski was also taught by St. John Paul II.
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Books for Readers in Need
The Girl Scouts at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy, Greenpoint, are collecting books to send to Malawi, Africa. While students in the impoverished nation are eager to learn, materials are rare. Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach reports that so far, the girls in Greenpoint have more than 200 books to send, and an organization called African Library Project will build an entirely new library using their donation.
Nearly 100 Couples Renew their Vows
Nearly 100 couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries came together to renew their vows with the Diocese of Brooklyn at St. Simon and Jude Church. Michelle Powers was there and filed this report about the secrets to a successful marriage.
Brooklyn Pakistanis Encouraged by Bishop
One month ago, a deadly terror attack in Lahore took the lives of more than 70 Pakistanis. Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio visits the local Pakistani community at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to bring them hope and encouragement. As Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach reports, many feel that not enough has been done to protect persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
Golfers Hit Links to Support Cathedral Prep
Over one hundred golfers attended the annual outing to support Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary, the nation’s only high school seminary. Tim Harfmann reports from the links at Manhasset’s North Hills Country Club.
Presidential Primaries and Bathrooms
Join Monsignor Harrington as he is joined by David Gibson, reporter for Religion News Service and Matthew Sitman, associate editor at Commonweal, with special call-in guest John Catsimatidis to talk about the presidential primaries and other hot-button issues.
Gowanus Canal Blessed for the First Time
It’s notoriously known as one of the dirtiest waterways in the United States, but this Earth Day, the Gowanus Canal received a blessing of Holy Water. Currents correspondent Michelle Powers reports.
Hope and Healing After Abuse
Survivors of clerical sexual abuse hold a special liturgy, called the Mass of Hope and Healing. About 200 lay faithful, religious, priests and bishops gather at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Forest Hills, to pray for those impacted by abuse. The Mass is one of many outreaches provided by the Diocese of Brooklyn to help heal and make amends for the sex abuse scandal that rocked the Church in the early 2000s. Currents Correspondent Katie Breidenbach speaks with survivors and diocesan leaders to learn more.
To report an incident of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, call the confidential diocesan hotline: 1-888-634-4499.
Emotions Raw After Liang Sentencing
After ex-cop Peter Liang received no jail time in his sentencing for the killing of Akai Gurley, a deep divide over the justice of the case erupted in protests. Currents correspondent Konrad Aderer took the temperature of concerned community members.
Ecuadorean Community Draws Support in Corona
At St. Leo’s Parish, the Ecuadorian community gathered for a prayer service and candlelight vigil where elected officials pledged support for victims of the recent devastating earthquake. Assemblymember Francisco Moya, the first Ecuadorian American lawmaker in the U.S., organized the event, joined by State Senator Jose Peralta and U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley. Currents correspondent Konrad Aderer spoke with Moya and other Ecuadorian Americans who were profoundly moved by the outpouring of support.