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Currents News ‘Feel Good Special’ to Air Friday, July 31 at 7 PM

by Currents News

New York’s Catholic station, NET TV, is premiering a half-hour “Feel Good Special,” airing Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST on Currents News.

We’re taking a special look at the people, stories, and milestones that have inspired faith in the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • Giving a child the gift of a Catholic education is the best thing you can do for their future. A student at one Brooklyn Catholic academy shares her school journey – without an environment and teachers that refused to leave her behind, she wouldn’t have the success she does today.
  • It’s been nearly a year since the 2025 Jubilee celebration, but young people from the Diocese of Brooklyn are still talking about their time with Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
  • Members of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns youth leadership ambassador program are spreading the message of Christ around the world: they recently went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic where they supported Haitian immigrants who are working to build a new life.
  • In Queens, one Diocese of Brooklyn’s parishioner’s life was saved by fate – she survived a heart attack thanks to people in the pews, and now she’s sharing her story to advocate for more healthy and safety protocols in churches.
  • One woman’s connection to God and love of nature are inspiring her to sing songs inspired by St. Francis: recording artist Karen Olson joins us in the studio to play her tune, “Pilgrimage Prayer.”

Currents News is produced by NET-TV, an Emmy Award-winning cable network featuring news and information from the Catholic perspective.

It is available in the New York area on Spectrum Channel 97, Optimum Channel 30, and Verizon Fios Channel 548. Viewers can also watch the programming live at www.netny.tv/watchnow and on YouTube.

Pope Benedict XV: The Forgotten Pope Who Tried to End World War I

By Jenna MacDermant

On July 28, 1914, the world was plunged into war. The pope at the time was sick and unable to respond.

By September, a new successor of St. Peter had been named to lead the world’s faithful through a war unlike any seen before.

“Benedict XV is an unknown pope, who was almost forgotten, but Benedict XVI remembered him,” said Father Bernard Ardura, former president of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences. “From what he has explained, he chose the name of St. Benedict because he is the patron saint of Europe, but also because Benedict XV promoted peace.”

In a world fueled by nationalism, Pope Benedict XV made numerous appeals for peace. The theme was central to his first encyclical.

“It’s based on peace, the need for peace and the benefits it brings,” Father Ardura said. “It also highlights the responsibility of cultivating peace and, above all else, of avoiding the triggers that provoke conflict.”

Father Ardura said the encyclical was also a call for justice.

“Justice and peace go hand in hand,” he said. “A so-called ‘unjust’ peace will only bring more war.”

Even though his words fell on deaf ears, Pope Benedict XV continued to promote peace. He was one of the architects of the so-called Christmas truce, which established a ceasefire between German and British forces on Christmas in 1914.

On the night of Dec. 24, hatred and violence were exchanged for carols and decorations.

World War I came to an end with the Treaty of Versailles and eventually gave way to World War II. In light of the violence, the Vatican continued to speak out.

“The Vatican was not silent,” Father Ardura said. “It proposed ways to plan out a path for peace. It included the simultaneous ceasefire and a coordinated disarmament of all parties, but obviously the pope’s recommendations were not followed.”

Despite being a mostly forgotten pontiff, Pope Benedict XV is still remembered in parts of the world.

A monument in Turkey honors his life and remembers his work and mission to promote the common good of all people, regardless of their religion or nationality.

Haitian Immigrants Face Fear and Uncertainty After Losing TPS

By Currents News

Hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants are facing possible deportation after Temporary Protected Status for Haiti was terminated July 27.

The decision has ended legal work authorization and protection from removal for an estimated 300,000 to 350,000 Haitians in the United States, forcing many to choose between returning to a country gripped by violence or remaining in the U.S. without legal protection.

In the Diocese of Brooklyn, Father Hilaire Belizaire says some Haitian parishioners are now afraid to leave their homes or attend church. Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan has assured the community that the Church will continue to stand with them during this uncertain time.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 7/28/26   

Haitians across the Diocese of Brooklyn and around the U.S. are facing fear and uncertainty after the end of Temporary Protected Status leaves hundreds of thousands vulnerable to deportation.

The Diocese of Las Cruces is fighting federal efforts to seize a historic New Mexico pilgrimage site for construction of a border wall.

Pope Leo XIV will attend a special concert featuring Andrea Bocelli and young singers from a program supporting disadvantaged children through music.

On the 112th anniversary of the start of World War I, Currents News remembers Pope Benedict XV and his tireless calls for peace during the devastating conflict.

TONIGHT AT 7: Diocese of Brooklyn Offers Support to Haitians Who Have Lost Temporary Protected Status

by Christine Persichette

It’s an emotional day for some Haitian immigrants in the Diocese of Brooklyn and around the country.

Following a landmark Supreme Court ruling, July 28 marks the first full day that more than 300,000 of them could face deportation after losing Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS allows those whose home countries are in crisis – whether from natural disasters or armed conflict – to legally live and work in the United States until it’s safe for them to return.

The Diocese of Brooklyn and the Haitian Apostolate of Brooklyn and Queens will hold a Mass July 29 for all those impacted by the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants.

Father Hilaire Belizaire, director of the apostolate, will be joining us to share what the churches are doing to help.

Five Teens Caught Subway Surfing in Brooklyn

By Currents News

An NYPD drone captured five teenagers riding on top of a southbound B train in Brooklyn before tracking them as they left the train and ran into a nearby neighborhood.

Police said none of the teens was injured, but all five were arrested. Two were just 12 and 14 years old, and one was allegedly found with six stolen MTA cards.

They now face charges including reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing.

Haitian Immigrants Face Deportation as Temporary Protected Status Ends

By Currents News

Hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants in New York and across the country could face deportation as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is set to expire.

TPS has allowed Haitians to legally live and work in the United States since the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, with the protection repeatedly extended because of worsening political violence in Haiti.

The Trump administration has sought to end the program, and a June 25 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed it to move forward with terminating the status for Haitian immigrants.

Honoring a Hometown Hero: Queens Community Unites After Death of U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad

by Jessica Easthope

OZONE PARK, N.Y. — A steady stream of people stopped by U.S. Army Sgt. Angel Rampersad’s family home, Monday July 27, to offer condolences and bring memorabilia ahead of Monday night’s vigil where crowds are expected to stand with her family to mourn a hometown hero.

One person who has been there since the beginning of this tragic period is Diocese of Brooklyn Deacon Carlos Garcia. Taking on the role of a family spokesperson, Deacon Garcia has helped guide Sgt. Rampersad’s family spiritually through their loss.

“This is what we do as deacons, you know? We’re not always called to be on the altar. And when you get the call just to be present in a situation like this, that you can uplift the family, the ministry of presence – it goes beyond,” Deacon Garcia said.

Sgt. Rampersad was one of four service members believed to be killed in action during an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan on July 17. The John Jay College graduate joined the Army in 2019 and was serving as a signal operations support specialist when she made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ruben Martinez, a neighbor and 4th degree Knight of Columbus, helped get Sgt. Rampersad’s family this flag pole outside their home. It sits at half staff for a soldier who loved ones say was first a daughter, sister and friend — active in her Christian church and always the first to defend others.

“These veterans should be given a beautiful sendoff for all the sacrifices they made for this great nation of ours. That we could play a small part, it’s gratifying,” Martinez said.

Sgt. Rampersad’s remains will be driven from Dover Air Force Base back to Queens on July 29 for her wake and funeral. The public is invited to attend her funeral on Friday, July 31 in Ozone Park and stand along Cross Bay Boulevard as her procession passes.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Monday, July 27, 2026
7:00 p.m.
133-01 96th Street
Ozone Park, New York

PUBLIC FUNERAL SERVICE

Friday, July 31, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Calvary Assembly of God
102-07 Rockaway Boulevard
Ozone Park, New York
COMMUNITY FAREWELL PROCESSION
Following the funeral service, community members are asked to stand along the west side of Cross Bay Boulevard, from Liberty Avenue to North Conduit Avenue. The funeral procession is expected to begin after 11:00 a.m.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 7/27/26   

After Sgt. Angel Rampersad of Queens, died during an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, her neighbors are gathering to remember her with a vigil.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Carroll Gardens has been serving Brooklynites for 175 years — parishioners are celebrating a legacy of service to their community.

Bishop Robert Brennan and the Haitian Apostolate of Brooklyn and Queens will hold a Mass for all those impacted by the end of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants.