The nation mourns Jimmy Carter as thousands gather to say their goodbyes as the president lies in state at the U.S Capitol.In Southern California, four life-threatening wildfires fueled by 100-mile-per-hour winds have spread rapidly through L.A. County. At least two people are dead, tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate, and parishes and schools in the area have closed.
The general audience ended joyfully with a surprise performance by “Circ-Africa,” a circus troupe with members from several African Nations.
Archives
How Jimmy Carter Helped Eradicate Guinea Worm Disease Without a Vaccine
President Jimmy Carter’s decades-long humanitarian effort against Guinea worm disease has nearly eradicated the parasitic illness that once plagued millions worldwide. The disease, caused by drinking unfiltered water contaminated with microscopic parasites, leads to severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, and painful skin blisters as the worms emerge from the body. In the 1980s, Carter took the lead in combating the disease, which affected 3.5 million people at the time, by promoting education, water filtration, and public health initiatives through the Carter Center. By 2022, cases had dropped to just 13, and in 2024, only a single case was reported.
This monumental achievement is significant because it marks the near eradication of a disease without the use of a vaccine. Carter’s commitment to transparency and data-driven solutions played a vital role in the effort, ensuring that progress could continue beyond his leadership. Despite the challenges, his work not only alleviated suffering but also brought global attention to the importance of clean water and disease prevention. If Guinea worm disease is fully eradicated, it would stand as a testament to Carter’s legacy and a remarkable milestone in public health.
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy Students Commended for their Bravery
By Jessica Easthope
Janet Miranda thanks God she’s alive, but second she’s thanking her heroes. Christian Fiorillo and Colin Winn, eighth graders at St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose.
Back on October 29, the boys were walking behind Janet when she tripped and fell face-first onto the sidewalk. She broke her nose in several places, tore her shoulder and hurt her knee.
“The sidewalk was raised maybe an inch, but I was bleeding profusely, and I didn’t see any people around on the street, which is kind of terrifying. And I don’t know where these two kids come up behind me. They just took over,” she said.
Christian and Colin swiftly called 9-1-1 and Janet’s daughter and raced around the street to Jason’s Deli to get napkins to help stop the bleeding.
“Instinct kicked in and we were going to help,” said Colin.
“And they stayed with me the whole time,” Janet said. “They really were amazing.”
On Tuesday, the two students were given a New York State Assembly citation for their bravery and kindness.
“It feels nice, but it feels more nice knowing that we did the right thing,” said Christian.
After her fall, Janet, who sent her daughter and granddaughters to St. Gregory the Great sent principal Joseph Paniccia an email.
“From what we hear in the area we were like okay two boys, what happened and it was this lovely email,” he said.
“In a Catholic school they are not only learning, the basics. They’re learning a moral code,” said Janet.
“I put the skills that I’ve gained from being here, and I just I took it into real life situation,” said Colin.
“Do the right thing. Even if you don’t know how,” Christian said.
Janet is hoping with some more physical therapy she’ll be as good as new. As for her heroes Christian and Colin, they say what matters most is she’s okay, but they might frame their new citations anyway.
Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 1/7/2025
Two St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy students are being honored in Queens, New York, after they jumped into action to help a woman who was severely hurt in a fall.
The Jubilee Year has just begun and more than half a million pilgrims have already visited the Vatican.
President Joe Biden attends an interfaith prayer service organized by the Archdiocese of New Orleans following the New Year’s Day attack.
Jan. 8 marks the final day to enter The Tablet’s “Keep Christ in Christmas” art contest – make sure to send in your submissions.
Catholic News Headlines for Monday 1/6/2025
January 6 marks the feast of the Epiphany, and in the Diocese of Brooklyn it’s a chance to receive a blessing at the beginning of a new year.
Days after the terror attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, Archbishop Gregory Aymond visits a hospital to bless the hands of the doctors and nurses who are caring for the injured.
There’s a new shepherd of the nation’s capital: Pope Francis has named Cardinal Robert McElroy as Washington D.C.’s new archbishop.
The Vatican is increasing its security presence for the Jubilee Year.
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy Students Learn Epiphany Blessing For New Year
by Katie Vasquez
Blackboards and chalk are not uncommon in schools, but mini boards are staying outside the classroom at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy. The signs are a way to bring good tidings into the new year.
Students at the Forest Hills school are beginning their first days of classes in 2025 in prayer while their Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor John McGuirl blesses chalked plaques for Our Lady of Mercy’s classrooms.
The mini blackboards are the school’s take on a centuries-old Epiphany tradition, where Catholics mark their homes with sacred signs and symbols to ask God for his blessing on their home, those who live in it, and those who visit.
Many of the students say they follow this custom at home, but doing it at school feels extra special.
“It made me feel like Jesus is here and he’s with me,” Phoenix Berkin-Albers, a 2nd grader at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy, tells Currents News.
“The idea of it is that people that come into this building, this academy, are searching out Christ, trying to find out about Christ, trying to get close to him. And that’s what the Wise Men were essentially doing,” said Monsignor John McGuirl of Our Lady of Mercy Church.
“I definitely feel proud of doing it and definitely probably more blessed and just inspired to continue my religious faith,” says AnnMarie Dry, a 7th grader at the school.
The boards will stay up until next year, ensuring Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy stays a sacred space for all.
Our Lady of Sorrows Youth Celebrate Three Kings Day in Corona, Queens
By Currents News
Students at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Corona, Queens, dressed up to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany with a special musical performance that featured the famous biblical characters in Christ’s birth.
Some Christmas classics like Santa, Frosty, and elves also joined in on the festivities. The event also spread some holiday cheer as Christmas gifts were given out to the children in attendance there.
Karen Olson’s Pilgrimage Prayer: A Musical Journey of Faith, Peace, and Inspiration
By Jessica Easthope
In her home studio in northwestern New Jersey, Karen Olson has found peace.
It’s not because of the quiet of her office or the nature she’s surrounded by—it’s her connection to God.
“I aspire to be living as a prayer,” said Olson. “It’s not just praying before I eat and at night. It’s kind of when I breathe. I really, really feel very connected to God. It’s my biggest intention.”
Karen’s illustrious career as a violist spans decades. Divine Echoes is her ninth album, and on it is a track based on the Prayer to St. Francis—words she’s related to since childhood.
“We spent our summers at this gorgeous lake in northern Minnesota,” said Olson. “Lake Vermilion. And so I really connected with nature. For me, Saint Francis represents God and nature and spirituality. And then we’re instruments of peace. And we’re instruments, because I really believe in the vibrations and the power of music. So it really brought together all the things that I love.”
The song is called Pilgrimage Prayer. Karen says her hope was to bring a new voice to the prayer and to share that voice with as many as possible.
“We’re on this journey to find more and more peace and happiness and love in our lives,” said Olson. “And to share it. And the music is a perfect medium and way to help us on that journey. And my prayer is that this reaches more people and it touches them.”
Karen’s own pilgrimage has led her to stages around the world, using her God-given talents to touch audiences and reaffirm her own faith. This album, and specifically Pilgrimage Prayer, has shaped a mission to evangelize.
“It’s really changed my life,” said Olson. “Transformational is the word I like. My favorite line: ‘That you’ll be born to eternal life.’ I wanted people to hear that line that maybe would never hear it any other way.”
The prayer, written anonymously in the voice of St. Francis, calls upon God: “Make me an instrument of your peace.”
“So here we all are,” said Olson. “You listening? Me creating. We are all creators of this prayer because we can make it. We can make it a part of our lives.”
All Karen wants is for the song to reach others. She’s given Pilgrimage Prayer to the world, and as the prayer says: “For it is in giving that one receives.”
With Vigil on Bourbon Street, New Orleans Mourns Victims of New Year’s Day Attack
By Currents News
In New Orleans, Louisiana, people came together in prayer to honor those lost during a truck attack on New Year’s Day.
It was a celebration of life on the city’s famous Bourbon Street as mourners wept and danced for the 14 killed in that very spot. The people of New Orleans erected a makeshift memorial of crosses and pictures that also included candles, flowers, and teddy bears.
Many believe music and dancing is the best way to honor the victims who were on Bourbon Street to celebrate the New Year.
Catholic News Headlines for Friday 1/3/2025
For the first time since the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, the famed Louisiana tourist attraction is back open.
Pope Francis has a message for all Christian world leaders: practice forgiveness.
Whether you’re going on a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee or on a journey in life, one artist has the soundtrack to guide you.