Pope Francis is calling for justice as Lebanon marks two years since a devastating port explosion.
A stiff sentence in Russia for American basketball star Brittney Griner — What it could mean for relations between the U.S. and Moscow.
Father Alonzo Cox speaks about the Mass celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Brooklyn.
Currents News Staff
It’s a story of a statue lost for 50 years that has now been found. Back in 1967, 15-year-old Victor Grant tragically drowned during summer camp. He was a devout Catholic and altar boy.
Following his death, the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Agnes Catholic School in Carroll Gardens were there for Victor’s mom, Mrs. Grant who helped find her a job and taught her how to drive.
To show her gratitude, the mother gave the sisters a gift: a statue of Mary. But that statue – soon went missing and for five decades, pastors came and went at St. Agnes Church. Victor’s childhood friend, Bill Gorman kept asking he could search for it – until one day that answer was yes.
Bill Gorman joined Currents News to talk about this life-long search and how the statue was discovered.
To contribute to the new statue:
You can send a check with “Victor Grant Statue” in the memo to the rectory of St. Paul and St. Agnes parish.
234 CONGRESS ST
BROOKLYN, NY 11201
Currents News Staff
Pope Francis offered prayers for the lives lost and altered by the Beirut blast.
“My thoughts go to the families of the victims of that disastrous event and to the beloved Lebanese people,” the pontiff said.
The Holy Father added this very pointed remark.
“I pray for those to be consoled in faith and comforted in justice and truth, which can never be concealed,” he said.
The country has been in a state of political turmoil following the blast in August of 2020. Two years later and the people still don’t have answers. The Judicial probe to charge several officials with criminal neglect over the improper storage of ammonium nitrate is still being blocked.
United Nation Human Rights experts are calling for an investigation. In a statement they said:
“On the second anniversary of the blast, we are disheartened that people in Lebanon still await justice, and we call for an international investigation to be initiated without delay.”
While the fight for information continues, the country still mourns. The incident claimed more than 200 lives and injured thousands more. The blast – the largest non-nuclear explosion in history – took out homes, businesses, schools and churches.
Bishop Gregory Mansour, the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, frequently travels back to Lebanon and says from all the devastation – came a beautiful sight.
“At the time of the explosion, Lebanese Catholic institutions,” Bishop Mansour said, “ mostly Maronite, were already running on fumes…because of the economic downturn and problems with government corruption but they rallied and we outside rallied to help them stay open and serve the poor, and they have, and I don’t know how, it’s really kind of miraculous.”
Currents News Staff
Looking for a good podcast to listen to? How about one from the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn?
Bishop Robert Brennan is one of the hosts of a new podcast out now called “Big City Catholics.”
Here’s a sneak peak of the latest episode on the importance of grandparents with fellow co-host Father Christopher Heanue.
There are currently 7 episodes of the podcasts out now that you can enjoy! To listen to them and to catch new episodes as they come out every Friday, just go to podcast.dioceseofbrooklyn.org or search for “Big City Catholics” on Spotify and Apple podcasts.
Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s homily from Thursday’s Mass on 8/4/22
Currents News Staff
A Kentucky parish is paying it forward using their leftover resources from a previous disaster to now help flood victims in the state.
In December of 2021, the Bluegrass State was one of eight states that was slammed by deadly tornadoes. The twisters killed at least 74 people and left behind mass devastation. But Christ the King Church in Madisonville was miraculously spared and so the parish took it as an opportunity to step up and help those who weren’t as lucky.
Months later, they are coming to the rescue again helping the victims of the latest Kentucky floods.
Father Carl McCarthy joined Currents News to explain how they’re getting involved with the flooding aftermath.
To help people in Kentucky, go to CatholicCharitiesLexington.org and click on “Disaster Services” to donate.
Lawmakers in Kansas have voted against removing the right to an abortion from the state constitution. It’s being called a major victory for the pro-abortion movement.
Following the devastating flooding, Kentucky residents are faced with what’s being described as a war zone.
Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan and Father Christopher Heanue have a special way to keep in touch with you: a weekly podcast.
Currents News Staff
Having seen the devastating effects of a natural disaster, Archbishop Shelton Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky, knows how parishioners can help in such situations.
The archbishop joined Currents News with more on what’s being done in his diocese for those devastated by the flood.
To help people in Kentucky, go to CatholicCharitiesLexington.org and click on “Disaster Services” to donate.
Currents News Staff
The Executive Order signed by President Biden helps cover costs for women who travel from states where abortion is illegal to obtain the procedure. More specifically, the order directs states to write their individual rules so Medicaid will cover some of those costs.
“Congress must codify the protections of Roe as federal law,” President Biden said, “and if Congress fails to act, the people of this country need to elect Senators and Representatives who restore Roe and will protect the right to privacy, freedom and equality.”
During his announcement, Biden also supported the decision that came out of Kansas less than 24 hours before when voters chose to keep the right to an abortion in their state’s constitution. Pro-abortion advocates are celebrating the wins, while pro-life advocates are condemning them. The Kansas Catholic Conference includes strong pro-life advocate, Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Naumann. He released this statement in regards to the decision in the state:
“We are sorry to see that the most vulnerable human being in our society–the unborn child–will not be protected but further treated with indifference and injustice.”
While yesterday, Patrick Kelly, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus called for even more action. Kelly said even with Roe v. Wade overturned, they still need to fight – as many states will just expand protections.
“We are not done,” said Kelly. “The end of Roe is a crucial milestone but we can not mistake it for the end of abortion. We can hope it’s the beginning of the end and as Knights, we must push forward with all of the courage and compassion we can summon.”
Currents News Staff
Catholic Charities Senior Center in Brooklyn got a taste of the islands as they celebrated a festive Hawaiian-themed birthday party over the weekend.
It was a surprise for the seniors at the Pete McGuinness Center as their building transformed into a luau marking all the recent and upcoming birthdays in their community. The party included a delicious lunch, a fantastic DJ and a Hawaiian-inspired art exhibit made by a local artist.
The fun continues with Catholic Charities’ upcoming event: Annual Kids Fun Day! It’s a family fun back-to-school event complete with food and games as well as free supplies and backpacks for children getting ready to start the new school year.
The event is this Friday, Aug. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens.
AUGUST 5, 10:30AM – 1:30PM
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
23-40 ASTORIA BOULEVARD
ASTORIA, QUEENS