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Aid to the Church in Need Director: ‘Nigeria’s Government Has Failed’; Says No One is Safe

Currents News Staff

Since the Catholic Church massacre in Nigeria on Pentecost Sunday, no group has claimed responsibility.

Gunmen stormed into St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Nigeria and opened fire on parishioners during Mass. At least 38 people were killed in the attack, including children. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sent a letter of solidarity to the president of the Nigerian Conference of Bishops.

“In addition to the horrible loss of life, this attack is a disturbing development as it occurred in the far south of Nigeria where such bloodshed heretofore has been largely unknown.

Ed Clancy, Outreach Director from Aid to the Church In Need, joined Currents News to discuss the horrific event and how to help.

If you would like to donate to Aid to the Church In Need’s efforts for the victims, just go to churchinneed.org – right on their homepage they give you the option to either donate or light a virtual candle and give a prayer intention.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 6/8/22

Victims and their families from the Uvalde school shooting are giving video testimony for Congress as the nation grapples with the losses from gun violence.

A supreme threat against Brett Kavanaugh after an armed man was arrested accused of threatening to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

Help for a Nigerian town torn apart by an attack on a Catholic Church.

Charitable groups team up to help the homeless ahead of the World Games in a major city of the south.

Lawmakers Debate Gun Control As Mass Shooting Survivors and Families Give Testimony in Washington

Currents News Staff

Kimberly and Felix Rubio lost their daughter, Lexi, in Uvalde who was murdered – only 15 days ago. Fourth-grader Miah Cerillo survived the slaughter in her Robb Elementary Classroom playing dead by smearing blood on her body.

“Somewhere out there is a mom, who is listening to our testimony, thinking, ‘I can’t even imagine their pain,’ not knowing that our reality will one day be hers,” said Kimberly and Felix Rubio, “unless we act now.”

Miah Cerillo survived the Uvalde shooting.

“I thought he was gonna come back to the room,” Miah said. “So I grabbed the blood and I put it all over me.”

In the middle of this national horror, there was anguish on Capitol Hill as victims desperately pleaded with lawmakers to take action. Zeneta Everhart’s son Zaire survived the Buffalo massacre. She told members of the House that her son will have shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life.

“You are elected because you have been chosen and are trusted to protect us but let me say here, to you, today, I do not feel protected,” said Zeneta.

A pediatrician who responded in Uvalde told Congress that children’s bodies were pulverized and decapitated by the bullets.

“We are lying on the operating table, riddled with bullets like the children of Robb Elementary and so many schools,” said Dr. Roy Guerrero.

Miguel Cerillo followed his daughter’s video testimony saying, although she survived, she will never be the same.

“She is not the same little girl that I used to play with, and run with,” said Miguel. “She was daddy’s little girl.”

AR-15 Enthusiasts Say Firing the Rifle Builds Confidence

Currents News Staff

Anna Thomasson learned how to shoot an AR-15 style rifle back in 2015 after a battle with breast cancer sidelined her from running marathons.

“Being a girl in my family, that was what the boys did,” Anna said. “So I had never learned how to do that before.”

It energized her so much she became an instructor, and along with her husband, Bryan Wertz, is now teaching others how to use it.

“It’s softer shooting than most,” said Bryan. “It doesn’t have a lot of recoil. And it almost feels like shooting, like an air gun as opposed to something that’s really heavy.”

Bryan also likes the AR-15 style because he says they’re easier and safer to handle than handguns, so you don’t need to spend as much time and money on training.

“The thing about easy that matters is that when you defend yourself, it’s more accurate,”

Bryan said. “So if you’re in a home and your family is all there, you’ll be more accurate with that.”

Bryan and Anna use their AR-15 style rifles for target practice, but mainly for their own protection.

St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy Holds First Student Art Showcase Since COVID

Currents News Staff

Some young Picassos had their first showcase since COVID began. The annual art show at St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy in Flushing, Queens returned to the school’s cafeteria.

It featured beautiful displays of paintings and life size and three-dimensional pieces.

You can see the art showed some of your favorite characters from the Little Mermaid, Ratatouille and Alice in Wonderland.

Celebrating Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan’s 60th Birthday

Currents News Staff

Bishop Robert Brennan marked his 60th birthday on June 7. Employees of the Chancery attended Mass celebrated by the bishop, where he told them, “I’m happy to be moving into my sixties with you.”

Afterwards, they gathered to sing happy birthday and presented him with a cake and other sweets. The bishop received dozens of greetings and well wishes on social media to mark this milestone.

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy Throws Dance-A-Thon for Classmate Battling Brain Cancer

The students at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Maspeth busted out their dance moves Monday for their fellow classmate.

Auggie Vinti is 4-years-old and was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer that can affect your breathing, walking, balance and swallowing.

All the funds raised from the Disney dance-a-thon will go to Auggie’s family to support medical expenses.

Little Auggie is currently receiving radiation treatment and he will be re-evaluated in 6 weeks and potentially start a clinical trial after that.

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy Raises More Than $3,000 for Uvalde Students

The Uvalde community is getting a major boost from the Diocese of Brooklyn and an entire school of student activists.

The kids of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy wore orange on national anti-gun violence day, in response to the recent school shooting in Uvalde.

The kids themselves raised more than $1,300, but the schools Chairman of the Board also pledged to donate $10 for every student who took part, bringing their overall total to more than $3,000.

On top of the money, the students in every classroom also prayed for the victims and the Uvalde community.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 6/7/22

Pope Francis’ travel plans to L’Aquila this summer is fueling speculation he’s got one foot out the door.

Talks are underway on Capitol Hill regarding potential gun control reform.

Students at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Maspeth, Queens took part in a Disney dance-a-thon fundraiser.