This year the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, falls on Friday, Oct. 4. In honor of the saint, St. Patrick’s Church in Bay Ridge celebrated the annual Blessing of the Animals tradition on Thursday, Oct. 3. With every sprinkle of holy water, people hope for good health and long lives for their pets.
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Students at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Learn of Italy’s Response During WWII at “Museum of Memory”
by Katie Vasquez
It was the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, but a new traveling exhibit is telling a side of World War II that not many people know about.
“It’s a museum showing what the city of Assisi and the Bishop of Assisi did during the holocaust and helping thousands of jews and making sure that they wouldn’t get killed,” said Vincent LeVien, director of external affairs at DeSales Media Group.
The Pave the Way foundation, an organization that looks to build bridges between faiths, helped to start the exhibit on Assisi’s Museum of Memory.
It was brought to the Diocese of Brooklyn by Vincent LeVien, director of external affairs at DeSales Media group, who spoke to principals about bringing it to schools.
Principal Elizabeth Reilly at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic academy was immediately interested.
“Italian culture is celebrated here very much as is our catholic identity,” said Elizabeth Reilly, Principal at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy, “we pride ourselves in this school on teaching religion and having that feeling of community and faith.”
“It gives them a better appreciation for, you know, the efforts and the work of people who are the unsung heroes,” said St Francis of Assisi Pastor, Monsignor Ralph Maresca.
And students were excited to see this untold part of history.
“Even though it is a sad topic, it’s pretty interesting to understand, like what was going on through people’s minds and like why they were doing this and also like how they countered the negatives to this and made it a positive in life,” said 8th grader, Christian Duran.
The kids say the actions of the Catholics in the hill town in central Italy to save the Jewish people, from hiding them in monasteries and convents to making fake ids, make the students feel proud of their faith.
“There were a lot of people that basically dedicated their lives to helping others and that makes me feel like I’m part of a religion that does a lot for other people and is very beneficial to society,” said 7th grader, Arianna Soberal.
These pictures portray the bravery of a people and inspiring the next generation.
DeSales Media Creates “The Pope Video” for October
A prayer from the Pope, brought to you from the Vatican by your very own Currents News team!
The Diocese of Brooklyn, in collaboration with our parent company DeSales Media Group, created the Pope’s October prayer intention video. This month’s theme is “For a Shared Mission.” As you watch, pray that the Church continues to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way.
Let us pray that the Church continue to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of coresponsibility, promoting the participation, communion and mission shared by priests, religious and laity.
Pope Francis – October 2024
We Christians are all responsible for the Church’s mission. Every priest. Everyone.
We priests are not the bosses of the laity, but their pastors. Jesus called us, one and others – not one above others, or one on one side and others on another side, but complementing each other. We are community. That is why we need to walk together, taking the path of synodality.
Sure, you could ask me, What can I do as a bus driver? A farmer? A fisher? What all of us need to do is to witness with our lives. Be co-responsible for the Church’s mission.
The laity, the baptized are in the Church, in their own home, and need to take care of it. So do we priests and consecrated persons. Everyone contributes what they know how to do best. We are co-responsible in mission, we participate and we live in the communion of the Church.
Let us pray that the Church continue to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, communion and mission shared by priests, religious and laity.
Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 10/3/2024
Students at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Astoria are engaging in a unique history lesson today with a traveling “Museum of Memory,” which educates them on Italy’s response to refugees, war, and genocide during World War II, following their attendance at Mass.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, has begun, heralding ten days of reflection and repentance leading to Yom Kippur. Bishop Robert Brennan offered the Jewish community heartfelt prayers for peace and prosperity during this significant time.
The Diocese of Brooklyn is praying for vocations! Since October is the month of the rosary, the Diocese is dedicating this month to praying for and meditating on vocations.
“We are community.” This powerful message from Pope Francis for October resonates deeply with us. It underscores the unity and strength we derive from our shared faith. You can hear more from the Holy Father in a special video from the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, a production by the Diocese of Brooklyn with the support of NET TV’s parent company, DeSales Media Group.
Pope Francis to Pray Rosary for Peace Ahead of One Year of War in Gaza
The Mass for the beginning of the final phase of the Synod started like this, with all the members walking down the central aisle of St. Peter’s Square.
During the homily, Pope Francis told the participants that the Synod demands that they use both heart and mind on the delicacy of topics being discussed. But he pointed out that it is important to not lose humility.
“We cannot allow ourselves to look away from the children, whom Jesus continues to place at the center of our meetings and work tables, to remind us that the only way to be “up to” the task entrusted to us is to lower ourselves, to make ourselves small and to accept ourselves as such, with humility,” said Pope Francis.
And at the end, the Pope made an announcement: he said he would go to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome on October 6 to pray a rosary for peace.
“To invoke from the intercession of the Virgin Mary the gift of peace, next Sunday I will go to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where I will pray the Holy Rosary and address to Our Lady a heartfelt supplication; if possible, I also ask you, members of the Synod, to accompany me on that occasion,” said Pope Francis. “On the following day, October 7, I ask everyone to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world.”
Pope Francis used the opening Synod Mass to bring attention to October 7, the day of fasting and prayer that marks one year since the beginning of the war in Gaza.
Veiling Makes Comeback with Scarves Inspired by Saints Devotions
By Jessica Easthope
Veronica Marrinan uses her grandmother’s sewing machine to put a hem on a scarf in her new collection.
As the co-founder of Litany NYC, her goal is to clothe not just the body but the soul.
“As a Catholic, how does my clothing express my soul,” said Marrinan. “You know, how can I share my personality, the unique way God made me, through what I wear.”
Over her shoulder is assistant designer Rebecca Kreamer. The pair talk through every stitch, making sure the product they send out gets the stamp of approval.
“Fast fashion doesn’t have a lot of modesty wear,” said Kreamer. “And if it is, it’s not very flattering, so Litany offers that modesty look.”
The two women, both graduates of the Fashion Institute of Technology, are on the heels of a cultural revival, filling a void for Catholics who choose to veil during Mass.
Litany’s scarf designs, inspired by saints, devotions, and Gospel stories, are different from the common lace veils women were required to wear before the Second Vatican Council in 1962—the same veil Veronica grew up wearing.
“I’m aware that I’m in my special place of worship,” said Marrinan. “I put my veil on, it helps me remember that.”
Now, as popularity grows, so do sales.
Litany made more money in the last year than they did in the first three years of the business. Sales of this ‘Holy Family’ scarf are up 34 percent from 2023. Sales of the St. Joseph, Spouse of Our Lady scarf are up 81 percent.And sales on this scarf, called Mary, Mother of the Church, are up 100 percent from last year.
Litany says last year, before more people were veiling, that design was purchased 33 times. This year, it’s been purchased 67 times.
“What are people buying, what do they want, and how can we fulfill that need” said Marrinan.
“The empowerment behind it that we’re giving these women—I want to veil,” said Kreamer. “I feel confident, I feel comfortable, and I’m happy to be doing it.”
Litany’s scarves allow Catholics to display their faith in a personal way.
“Knowing a little bit of the design behind it is going to help them believe the truth that they are so beautiful and so beloved by God,” said Marrinan.
The team says though veils are making a comeback, the devotion behind them never went out of style. In Crown Heights, Jessica Easthope, Currents News.
Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 10/2/2024
The global synod’s final phase begins in Rome with Pope Francis and hundreds of delegates.
Chinese officials are removing crosses from churches, replacing religious images with those of President Xi Jinping.
Santa Clara University is offering full scholarships to Cristo Rey graduates, easing college cost worries for students.
A Brooklyn design house is crafting faith-inspired scarves for Catholics who wear veils during Mass.
Catholics Mobilize in North Carolina as Diocese of Charlotte Collects Supplies for Hurricane Relief
Catholics in North Carolina are uniting to support their neighbors affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The torrential rain caused significant damage and tragically claimed dozens of lives.
In response, churches within the Diocese of Charlotte are stepping up to serve as aid distribution points, offering much-needed supplies to those impacted by the storm.
Msgr. Patrick Winslow, Vicar and Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, joins Currents News to talk more about those relief efforts and how others can help.
You can contribute to the relief efforts and support the community in its time of need.
Just go to: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate
Manhattan University Has Hundreds of Relics Stored in Archives
By Katie Vasquez
Deep inside O’Malley Library at Manhattan University in the Bronx sits a treasure trove of sacred objects.
“I would say close to about 600 different relics of a variety of saints,” said Amy Surak, director of archives and special collections.
Surak said the university started collecting the relics as communities and retreat centers shuttered.
“What do you do with them once an institution closes?” Surak said. “We want to safe house these.”
It created a secret prayer spot within the library for people who discovered the relics and wished to be among the saints.
But now, Surak said that’s all going to change, as they prepare to display the relics in a reliquary at the school’s chapel.
“We want to keep them, and we also want to make them available so that people can learn about the history of the Church, the history of saints, and the history of relics,” Surak said.
The collection includes hundreds of physical remains or personal effects of these holy people, like a piece of bone from Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
“She was also known as the ‘Little Flower,'” Surak said. “She was basically otherwise known as a household saint. She lived a very pious life, where small things she did had a profound effect on her spirituality and piety.”
It’s an experience those at this Lasallian university say you have to see to believe.
“The fact that they have these and we have access to them,” Surak said. “You know, no one would think that we have relics of the apostles in the Bronx.”
If you would like to visit the relics, you can make an appointment by emailing archives@manhattan.edu.
Community Donates Books to Fill the Shelves for New Library at Brooklyn Catholic School
By Katie Vasquez
The students at St. Ephrem Catholic Academy couldn’t contain their excitement as the Dyker Heights school opened its new Eagles Readers Library.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, St. Ephrem had a different library, but it was converted into a classroom that was later used for storage.
When Michael Phillips took over as principal last year, he knew that had to change.
“It was a shocker,” Mr. Phillips said. “I want to bring back a library. I want to give them a space where, during the day, kids can come and find a way to escape reality.”
Carol Fell, the school’s Board of Trustees chairperson, was thrilled with the idea.
Reading was an experience she shared with her son, who graduated from the school in 1998.
“We reinforced it at home. But these children, not everybody has parents who are able to reinforce it at home,” Fell said. “And that’s why I feel it’s so important for them to have this exposure in school, not just in the classrooms, but to come into a peaceful and quiet space, pick up a book, and really grow to love reading.”
Ninety-five percent of the hundreds of books on the shelves were donated by families and community members.
“There’s a lot of books, and the books are very fun to read,” said Hughie Gallagher, a 2nd grader at the school.
Although it was hard to part with, 5th grader Ava Plantamura contributed some of her own books from home.
“We were going through the books because we wanted to make some extra space, and we thought that we could donate them, just to, like, you know, have more books.”
On Monday, the space was blessed by St. Ephrem pastor Father Robert Adamo, who also brought a portrait of Saint Jerome, the patron of librarians, to inspire these young Catholic readers.
“The children will also get to learn about this great man, who made a big contribution to the Christian world through the scriptures,” Plantamura said.
The Brooklyn school plans to create a “Saint Corner” so children can learn more about holy men and women. St. Ephrem also wants to invite authors to speak with students.
St. Ephrem says they will gladly accept more book donations! If you would like to help, just call 718-833-1440.