Catholic Parish Helped Families of Hostages During Texas Synagogue Standoff

By John Lavenburg

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — At one point during the synagogue hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas, on Jan. 15, interfaith leaders stationed at nearby Good Shepherd Catholic Community Church began discussing why bad things happen to good people.

The togetherness that happened in the church that day among leaders of the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, and Catholic communities — who prayed alongside one another and supported each other for almost 12 hours — was a positive takeaway from a tragic situation, according to Good Shepherd pastor Father Michael Higgins.

“We really need to recognize our commonality and stop being so angry and tied up with things that divide us but concentrate more on the thing that unites us: our common belief in God,” Father Higgins told The Tablet on Jan. 17.

The four hostages at Congregation Beth Israel escaped Saturday night after an 11-hour standoff. The armed hostage-taker was 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram, who was killed by law enforcement after the hostages escaped.

The involvement of Father Higgins and the Good Shepherd community began just before noon when law enforcement asked if he could provide a safe space for the family members of the hostages. Father Higgins gave them a private space in the church hall, which is less than a half-mile from the synagogue. From that point forward interfaith leaders came and went throughout the day, parish staff came in to handle the phones, and many people dropped off meals for the families.

“The feeling here was these are our neighbors,” Father Higgins said. “We were just trying to be present with [the families]. Give them the space that they need to support one another and then be here for any personal needs that they have.”

Father Higgins described the experience of “seeing the pain that the families were going through” as one that “really highlights the fragility of life.” Meanwhile, he and the others were on “pins and needles throughout the day encouraging one another” until late in the evening when they got word that everyone was safe.

“It was a very uplifting and supportive environment and when we heard finally that the hostage situation was solved, there was a collective sigh of relief, hugs, prayer, thanking God, patting each other on the back,” Father Higgins said. “It was just a great relief and celebration.”

Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth told The Tablet in a statement that he is “grateful” for the response of Father Higgins and the Good Shepherd community, adding that he joins with “religious leaders of all faiths in expressing relief and happiness at the safe rescue of the hostages.”

One of the hostages was Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel, who Father Higgins described as a “friend of the community.” The Catholic and Jewish communities in Colleyville, he noted, have had a close relationship for many years.

Cytron-Walker posted a message of gratitude to those involved on Facebook on Jan. 16.

“I am thankful and filled with appreciation for All of the vigils and prayers and love and support, All of the law enforcement and first responders who cared for us, All of the security training that helped save us,” Cytron-Walker wrote. “I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for the CBI community, the Jewish community, the Human Community. I am grateful that we made it out. I am grateful to be alive.”

Antisemitism is nothing new in the United States — the Anti-Defamation League tracked 533 incidents of antisemitism in 2021. Speaking with The Tablet, Father Higgins said it’s important for Catholics to recognize and support other religions, especially “our Jewish brothers and sisters.”

“They are our older brothers and sisters in the faith. We are rooted in Judaism,” Father Higgins said. “Catholicism comes from that stock, if you will, so we have a very deep connection to them, and I think it’s important for us to recognize that and to celebrate that as well.”

Pope Francis Sends Aid to Victims in Philippines, Migrants on Belarus Border

By Junno Arocho Esteves

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis is sending thousands of dollars in relief aid to the Philippines after a devastating typhoon struck the Southeast Asian archipelago in December.

In a statement released Jan. 18, the Vatican said that in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Rai, the pope sent “an initial contribution of 100,000 euros ($113,868) for the relief of the population, through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.”

The distribution of the money, the Vatican said, would be coordinated through the apostolic nunciature in the Philippines and “will be sent to the local church and allocated to the dioceses most affected by the disaster to be used in works of assistance.”

“It is intended to be an immediate expression of the Holy Father’s feeling of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement toward the people and territories affected,” the statement said.

The Vatican announced that the pope also will send 100,000 euros to help migrants stranded on the border of Belarus and Poland and to Caritas Poland, which has been working to assist them.

In late December, the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called on both countries to address the crisis along their border, where hundreds of migrants and asylum-seekers, primarily from the Middle East, have been unable to move.

The crisis has resulted in a spat between the two countries, with one accusing the other of manufacturing the crisis. Nevertheless, the United Nations expressed concerns of human rights violations on both sides.

In a video message sent to the Geneva-based International Organization of Migration in November, Pope Francis seemingly referred to the crisis when he denounced the use of migrants “as bargaining chips, as pawns on a chessboard and victims of political rivalries.”

“How can suffering and despair be exploited to advance or defend political agendas? How can political considerations prevail when it is the dignity of the human person that is at stake?” the pope asked.

“The basic lack of human respect at national borders diminishes all of us in our humanity. Beyond the political and legal aspects of irregular situations, we must never lose sight of the human face of migration and the fact that, beyond the geographical divisions of borders, we are part of a single human family,” he said.

What Exactly is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Why Should Catholics Participate?

Currents News Staff

It seems countries all over the world need the power of prayer right now – and that’s a good thing because today kicks off the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The initiative was started by friars in Upstate New York, but now it’s celebrated by Christians in all corners of the globe.

Joining Currents News to talk about how the Diocese of Brooklyn is taking part is Father Michael Lynch, Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious affairs.

To take part in these prayers, just tune into net-tv and you will see them broadcasted throughout the day. You can also head over to usccb.org for more information.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 1/18/22

The city and state are now joining forces to put more cops on subways, along with outreach teams to deal with homelessness.

We’re just days away from the 2022 March for Life in Washington D.C. After last year’s virtual march, this year’s crowd could reach pre-pandemic levels.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity kicked off today with prayers for Lebanon.

NYC Subway Commuters Fear for Their Safety as Mayor Adams Promises Overhaul and Homeless Outreach

By Jessica Easthope

As New York attempts to recover from COVID-19, riders say the subway system is still sick.

“It’s been disturbing, I’ve seen in the past week several people breaking the law, people lighting things on fire,” said commuter, Dustin Coffey.

One commuter says she’s afraid.

“People pushing people, people being nervous and scared, I never was nervous before,” said Rossie Fernandez.

Mayor Eric Adams was elected, vowing to make New York safer. Now he and Governor Kathy Hochul are working their way up, starting with the underground transit system many say is beyond repair.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any real change,”Coffey said. “It would take a ton of money and organization and I don’t see it.”

The city leaders plan: tackle homelessness with the help of trained social workers and add more cops to “reimagine” the NYPD’s coverage of the subways.

“I’d like to see police walking around, more dispersed, not on their cellphones,” said Paul Grobman.

But riders say they’re not imagining the risk to their safety. Mayor Adams now says he feels unsafe but that was only after he was criticized for saying it’s only the “perception of fear” that have people scared to get on the train.

“I haven’t seen him taking the train with me and it’s basically become the world’s largest mobile homeless rescue operation and that’s not right,” Coffey said.

“He sees what’s going on, he’s not blind so he can speak for himself but not for everybody else,” said Fernandez.

Rossie Fernandez says she rides the subway terrified she’ll be next. She came out, Tuesday, to attend a candlelight vigil for Michelle Go, who was pushed by a homeless man in front of a moving subway R train to her death, Saturday.

“It’s hard seeing more homeless than ever inside the train, it’s very dangerous,” she said.

Two years ago, the pandemic brought ridership to a screeching halt and it only reached 56 percent of pre-pandemic levels. But still many agree, one sound that’s being ignored – a cry for help by New York City’s homeless.

“It’s like, in a sense, they’re asking for help, they struggle every day out on the street looking for shelter which is hard to do,” said Randy Panton.

“I hope they get the help they need because it’s like a cry out, but I am worried,” Nicole Mitchell said.

The new plan to improve safety is expected to be rolled out immediately. In the meantime, riders say they’re waiting and hope Mayor Adam’s promises don’t go off the rails.

MLK Jr.’s Family Fights for Voting Rights and Marches in DC for Senate Action

Currents News Staff

On the day celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, his family is calling for action.

“Today my message to you is simple, do not celebrate – legislate!” said Yolanda Renee King, the granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

People from more than 100 national and grassroots organizations joined the King family in a march in Washington D.C. and they’re demanding Congress to pass the voting rights legislation.

“Don’t tell us what you believe in, show us with your votes,” said Martin Luther King III, the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The legislation would give the federal government more oversight in setting voting regulations. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed the King family’s call.

“This bill represents the first real opportunity to secure the freedom to vote since the United States Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act nearly a decade ago,” said Vice President Harris.

They’re hoping to put pressure on Democrats Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema. While both senators support voting rights reform, they oppose changing filibuster rules to get it passed.

“Eliminating the 60 vote threshold will simply guarantee we will lose a critical tool that we need to safeguard our democracy,” said Arizona Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.

No matter the outcome, the heirs to Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy vow to keep fighting.

“We must keep the pressure on and say no more empty words,” said King III.

Bishop Robert Brennan Has Advice for Those Who Are Losing Faith With Pro-Life Movement

Currents News Staff

Thousands will head to Washington D.C. on Friday for the March for Life rally – the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world. The event brings pro-life supporters together to protest the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe Vs. Wade ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states. But the event isn’t just about a protest – it’s about celebrating life: every life – from the moment of conception to natural death.

The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Bishop Robert Brennan has been the March for Life before and this year, he will join others once again in D.C.

Thousands of Pets in Madrid Await Priest’s Blessings on St. Anton Day

Currents News Staff

Thousands of pets waited in line outside a Madrid church to be blessed.

That’s because Monday, Jan. 17 was St. Anton Day in Spain – the patron saint of animals. Madrid’s San Antón Festival aims at raising awareness to adopt abandoned animals.

On this day, every year, pet owners take their pets to the Church of Saint Anton to receive a blessing. All kinds of pets – from dogs and cats to turtles and ferrets – wait patiently in line for the priest’s blessing.

Texas Synagogue Standoff Aftermath: DHS Says Houses of Worship Will Continue to be Targeted

Currents News Staff

For nearly 11 hours inside Congregation Beth Israel in Texas, four people were held hostage by an active shooter. Months before the heist became a reality, synagogue members took active shooter training lessons.

“It absolutely saved our lives,” said synagogue hostage survivor Jeffrey Cohen. “We escaped and we escaped because we kept presence of mind, because we made plans, because we strategically moved people.”

The Anti-Defamation League warns attacks on Jewish people are on the rise. The agency says the majority of the anti-semitic incidents involve harassment and vandalism. But there have also been assaults and at least six times since 2016, they’ve been deadly.

As the FBI continues to investigate what happened in Texas, the bureau’s deputy director and a top official with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warn: “Faith based communities have and will likely continue to be targets of violence by both domestic violent extremists and those inspired by foreign terrorists”

DHS points out online forums linked to domestic violent extremists have referenced Jewish targets tied to conspiracy theories about COVID-19, the outcome of the 2020 election, along with the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and resettlement of Afghans to the U.S.

It’s why they’re urging faith-based communities to look at their security with a critical eye. Homeland Security has plans to work with Congress to increase funding so faith-based communities around the United States can upgrade their security.

Next to Holy Stairs, Private Papal Chapel’s Frescoes Are Restored to Original Colors

Currents News Staff

Although more than 1,200 miles separate Rome from Jerusalem, the Eternal City is full of relics from Christ’s Passion. One of the most famous is the “Scala Santa,” or the “Holy Stairs.” According to tradition, Jesus walked up these 28 steps on his way to be judged by Pontius Pilate, and even stained them with his blood.

In the year 326, Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, had the Holy Stairs brought from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem to the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Many popes prayed at the stairs there, since St. John Lateran was the first seat of the Catholic Church before it was moved St. Peter’s Basilica.

Later, between 1586 and 1589, Pope Sixtus V ordered the construction of a building specifically to house the Holy Stairs. He had the private papal chapel placed on the top floor. It was called the “Sancta Sanctorum” because it housed some of Christianity’s most venerated relics.

Now the Vatican Museums have restored the frescoes that adorn the Chapel of St. Lawrence to their original colors. For centuries, the chapel was one of the oratories where the popes went to pray.

“What makes this chapel important is that it’s a typical example of the counter reformation,” said Father Leonello Leidi, rector of the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. “The frescoed ceiling shows the glory of the Trinity. And the magisterium of the Church is exalted by the Church fathers and enriched by the presence of two Franciscan priests: Duns Scoto and St. Bonaventure.”

The Director of the Vatican Museums says the preservation of the chapel were also led by the Passionists religious order.

“Pope Pius IX, in the middle of the 19th century, put the Passionists in charge of this sanctuary,” said Barbara Jatta. “And they guarded it as if it were a treasure. We can see it in the way they preserved it, how they welcomed generations of pious pilgrims who have gone up the stairs on their knees.”

The frescoes in the Chapel of St. Lawrence have recovered their vibrant colors, thanks to John and Virginia Gildea, an American couple and Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. They want to bring the faith to people all around the world.

“We just want to give back, and this was the perfect opportunity because it covered our faith, it covered our family,” said John. “I can’t tell you the pleasure return we’ve had from that. The peace of mind. Just the concept of exposing others to this that we were fortunate enough to be able to participate in.”

Virginia said they are blessed to be able to help.

“I have tears of joy,” she said. “I was so overwhelmed when we walked up the ramp and saw the plaque, and then saw this plaque inside. It was just overwhelming.”

They’ve made their contribution. Now it’s time for pilgrims and tourists to do their part. All they have to do when they visit the Scala Santa is turn to the right to experience the original splendor of the oratory where history’s popes have placed themselves at the service of God.