How Pope John Paul I’s Latest Miracle Leads Him One Step Closer to Sainthood

By Currents News Staff and Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Pope John Paul I, clearing the way for his beatification.

The Italian pope served only 33 days as pontiff; he died in the papal apartments Sept. 28, 1978, at the age of 65, shocking the world and a church that had just mourned the death of St. Paul VI.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ decision along with a number of other sainthood decrees Oct. 13.

In the sainthood cause of Pope John Paul I, the approved miracle involved a young girl in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who developed a severe case of acute encephalitis and uncontrollable and life-threatening brain seizures, and eventually entered septic shock.

After doctors told family members her death was “imminent,” the local priest encouraged the family, nurses and others to pray to the late pope for his intercession, according to the website of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. A panel of experts studying the cause determined there was no scientific explanation for her complete recovery in 2011 and that it could be attributed to the late pope’s intercession.

The Vatican did not immediately announce a date for the beatification ceremony.

Although his was one of the shortest papacies in history, Pope John Paul left a lasting impression on the church that fondly remembers him as “the smiling pope.”

His papal motto, “Humilitas” (“Humility”) not only emphasized a Christian virtue but also reflected his down-to-earth personality and humble beginnings.

Born Albino Luciani in the small Italian mountain town of Canale D’Agordo Oct. 17, 1912, the future pope and his two brothers and one sister lived in poverty and sometimes went to bed hungry.

Despite his weak health and poverty, his father encouraged him to enter the minor seminary. He did so but would return to his hometown in the summers and often was seen working in the fields in his black cassock.

He was ordained a priest in 1935 and was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto in December 1958 by St. John XXIII. More than 10 years later, he was named patriarch of Venice by St. Paul VI and was created a cardinal in 1973.

During his time as patriarch of Venice, then-Cardinal Luciani was known for his dedication to the poor and the disabled, once calling on priests in his diocese to sell gold and silver objects for a center for people with disabilities. Leading by example, he started the fund drive by putting up for auction a pectoral cross and gold chain — given to him by St. John XXIII — that had once belonged to Pope Pius XII.

His surprise election, after St. Paul VI’s death, did not sway him from continuing his humble manner of living, such as rejecting the use of the traditional papal tiara and calling his first Mass as pope the “inauguration” of his papal ministry rather than a coronation.

“Let us try to improve the church by becoming better ourselves,” he said Sept. 13, 1978. “Each of us and the whole church could recite the prayer I am accustomed to reciting: ‘Lord, take me as I am, with my defects, with my shortcomings, but make me become as you want me to be.'”

Among the other decrees signed Oct. 13, the pope recognized the martyrdom of Argentine Father Pedro Ortiz de Zárate and Italian Jesuit Father Giovanni Antonio Solinas, who were killed Oct. 27, 1683, in Abra de Zenta, Argentina.

They were evangelizing the mountainous area of northern Argentina with 10 laypeople, including local Indigenous people. The two priests were tortured and killed by members of two local Indigenous communities. The recognition of their martyrdom clears the way for their beatification, while the approval of a miracle would be needed for their canonization.

The other decrees approved by Pope Francis recognized:

— A miracle attributed to the intercession of Sister Ana Julia Duque Hencker, the Colombian founder of the Sisters of the Annunciation, who died in 1993. A date for her beatification was not announced.

— The heroic virtues of Spanish Father Diego Hernández González, who survived forced labor during the persecution of the Spanish Civil War and went on to dedicate his life to the sick and to establish a school to teach young women to read and write. He was born in 1915 and died in 1976.

— The heroic virtues of Italian Franciscan Father Giuseppe Spoletini, who was particularly dedicated to showing God’s mercy when administering the sacrament of reconciliation. He helped hide people being sought by German Nazis and Italian fascists during the Second World War in Italy. He was born in 1870 and died in 1951.

— The heroic virtues of French Sister Magdeleine Hutin, who was inspired by the life and writings of Blessed Charles de Foucauld and founded the Little Sisters of Jesus in Algeria. She was born in 1898 and died in 1989.

— The heroic virtues of Italian Sister Elisabetta Martinez, founder of the congregation of the Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca. She was born in 1905 and died in 1991.

The Taliban Takeover Effect: Women’s Educational Dreams Are ‘Crushed’ and ‘Buried’

Currents News Staff

A handful of women stand quietly but defiantly. They’re protesting the Taliban’s defacto ban on girls going to school after fifth grade. It’s a small act of great courage, but then, heavily armed Taliban fighters start to pour in.

For a moment, it seems they may have come to protect the women, but the illusion is quickly shattered when a senior Taliban rips a phone out of one woman’s hands. His men shove journalists back.

A machine gun burst sends a clear message: the protest is over. Previous protests have met a similar fate. On the streets of Khair Khanna neighborhood, the consequences of one recent demonstration can still be seen.

At almost every beauty salon, images of women’s faces have been defaced as if to erase them from public life completely. The women inside this salon are too scared to appear on camera but say the Taliban did it and then told them to put on a burqa and sit in their homes.

But this city is full of brave women who refuse to do that. Arzo Khaliqyar is an activist and mother of five who says she was forced to become a taxi driver when her husband was murdered last year. He left behind his car, but little else.

“Since the Taliban regime has come to power, it has become very difficult,” Arzo said.

While the Taliban have not officially banned women from driving, she says she has received threats.

“In some places where I see Taliban checkpoints, I am forced to go through a street or change my route,” Arzo added. “But I accepted this risk for the sake of my children.”

On the other side of town, English teacher Atifa Watanyar is working hard to give her students a better future. The past year has not been easy. In May, a horrific bombing targeted the Sayyid al Shuhada School where she teaches, taking more than 80 innocent lives. Incredibly, the school reopened. But weeks later, the Taliban swept to power and announced that for the time being – from sixth through 12th grade – only boys should come to school.

She says while she’s afraid of the Taliban, she still teaches.

“Yes, what should we do, what should we do?” asked Atifa. “It’s just the thing that we can do for our children, for our daughters, for our girls.”

Sixteen-year-old Sanam wanted to be a dentist, but now she’s not allowed to attend school.

“I feel all my dreams are crushed and buried,” said Sanam. “For I won’t be allowed to go to school and study. All my motivation is completely gone. The Taliban are the people who are the cause of the situation I am in right now. My spirit is gone, my dreams are buried.”

In a joint statement, G20 leaders said safe passage should be given to all Afghans who wish to leave. In the U.S., the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has partnered with 45 Catholic Charity agencies to provide resettlement services to Afghan refugees.

Students Across New York City Sign Up for the TACHS Exam for Admission to Catholic High Schools

By Jessica Easthope

What is the TACHS exam? Is it the standardized test for all students seeking admission into a Catholic high school? Or does it level the playing field for kids and educators? Is it a great opportunity to possibly land a scholarship? The answer is D – all of the above.

“You’re going to be challenged academically but you’re going to be challenged in an entirely different way you probably didn’t think about before,” said Allison McGinnis, principal of St. Edmund Preparatory High School in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.

Next month, students will be bubbling in the choices that will determine their futures. But the answers to the reading, vocabulary and math test aren’t the only decisions New York City’s eighth graders will have to make: the test for admission into Catholic high schools requires students rank their top three schools. Students taking the test in Brooklyn and Queens have a choice of 15.

“You want to find something that’s going to be a good fit for you, for your family, give you good opportunities and that’s why it’s important to not exclude the Catholic high schools from your search,” said Edward Bolan the principal of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Everything you need to know about the exam can be found online. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn all offer advanced placement classes, STEM programs and a range of extracurricular activities to prepare students for college.

“In the relationships with your teachers, in your faith in action opportunities and in getting involved in the extracurricular the magic happens outside of the four walls of a classroom,” McGinnis said.

In New York City, the graduation rate at Catholic high schools is 99 percent, compared to 41 percent in public schools.

“At the end of the day, college prep is what it’s about,” Edward said. “Our students not only finish high school on time but they’re more likely to finish college as well.”

During the month of October, all schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn are having in-person open houses. Students take the TACHS test remotely on Nov.6.

If you’d like to give your future high school student a quality Catholic education, be sure to sign up for the TACHS Test online at TACHSINFO.COM or call 866-61-T-A-C-H-S.

The deadline for online or phone registration is Oct. 24, at 5 p.m.

Currents News Update for Wednesday, 10/13/21

Analysts say the supply chain troubles we’re experiencing are going to stick around for a while.

Starting in early November, the U.S. will ease travel restrictions for vaccinated, nonessential visitors from Canada and Mexico.

If you’re planning to send your child to Catholic high school, it’s time to sign them up for the “TACHS” test.

Supply Chain Stress: “Dark Clouds Ahead” Just Before Christmas

Currents News Staff

Get set to start hoarding again – if you’re not already. Analysts warn the supply chain troubles we’re experiencing are going to stick around for a while.

From the grocery store, to the gas station – the supply chain crisis is jacking up prices and slowing down economic recovery.

But now, the federal government is looking for ways to alleviate the stress.

“It means not only higher prices but it will take you longer to get deliveries,” said Megan Greene, Global Economist; Senior Fellow, Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School.

Economists blame COVID.

Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics said, “It all goes back to the pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted all markets.”

“We’re seeing as we reopen the economy and demand surged, firms haven’t been able to keep up,” Greene added.

But supply and demand are only part of the issue.

“It’s partly because of factory shutdowns in China driven by Delta variant outbreaks or, now emissions targets requiring factories to shut down. On the US side, the issue is much more with labor, so a shortage of longshore workers and truckers to actually get stuff off shipping containers and into stores, onto shelves,” said Greene.

Dozens of cargo ships are idling at two of the biggest ports in the U.S.

“There are more ships than there are parking spots. We are effectively operating a cell phone waiting lot in the Pacific Ocean,” said Cmdr. Stephen Bor, US Coast Guard.

Now, President Joe Biden is seeking solutions – meeting with port leaders and their workers’ union along with some large private sector companies wednesday.

And he’s set to announce that a key port – Los Angeles – will begin working “24/7.”

But because there’s no global effort to ensure the smooth operation of the worldwide transportation network, analysts warn of a bumpy road for at least the next few months – just as the holidays are kicking off.

“We’ve got a cold winter dead ahead, and it’s going to be financially painful for people,” said Zandi.

Currents News Update for Tuesday, 10/12/21

The Holy Father called on world leaders to reach an agreement on fighting climate change.

A federal judge is siding with health care workers in New York State, ruling that the state must continue to allow the workers to seek religious exemptions from a vaccine mandate.

U.S. bishops are applauding the news that the refugee cap will increase to 125,000 for the coming fiscal year.

Pope Francis Addresses Climate Change Ahead of United Nations COP26

By Jessica Easthope

Every year, environmental factors take the lives of around 13 million people and at least 85 percent of the global population has experienced weather events made worse by climate change. The Catholic Church is at the forefront of promoting carbon neutrality and the fight against global warming.

“That challenge is complex and demanding, but humanity has the means to affect this change, which calls for genuine conversion and a steadfast determination to meet it,” Pope Francis said. “This is especially incumbent upon those called to positions of great responsibility in the various sectors of society.”

Carbon neutrality or net zero refers to the balance between the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses put into the atmosphere and the amount taken out. Pope Francis and world leaders say achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050 is essential to prevent an increase in global temperature. The pontiff said to get there – leaders need to show solidarity.

“We find ourselves facing a significant educational challenge, since all change requires an educational process aimed at developing a new universal solidarity and a more welcoming society,” Pope Francis said.

In his second encyclical, “Laudato Si’”, Pope Francis encourages not only world leaders but Catholics and people everywhere to take swift action on climate change. The 26th U.N. climate change conference or COP26 is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12. Leaders from around the world plan to attend including President Biden.

Diocese of Brooklyn Schools Collaborate on Fine Arts After School Program

By Jessica Easthope

A high school and elementary school in the Diocese of Brooklyn are collaborating to bring a fine arts program to students for free.

When the bell rings each day, teachers from St. John’s Preparatory School in Astoria, Queens put on a different hat – as elementary school teachers.

They head to Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy for a fine arts after school program offering science, arts, dance, music and language classes every day of the week.

The weekly Italian class has students from kindergarten to fifth grade all learning the romance language with the help of Simona Rodano, known to the kids as the Italian fairy and the coordinator of the program. The kids learn songs, do in-class work, exercises and experience the program which is funded by the Diocese of Brooklyn.

“They are the future and bringing the arts and these kind of enrichment programs is tremendously important, especially at this time,” said Simon.

“It’s fun because she’s a fairy,” said second grader Sara Zuardi. “I like talking Italian, especially because I’m going in a week.”

“This is a feather in our cap in the community,” said Principal Brother Joseph Rocco. “We are now better off than some of the schools in the public sector which cannot offer these programs.”

At the end of the year Italian students will perform a play to show off their new skills. Out of Immaculate Conception’s 140 students, more than 100 have signed up for after school programs.

Currents News Update for Monday, 10/11/21

It’s Columbus Day and before the parade marched up Fifth Avenue, there was a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

Students in Queens are learning to speak Italian thanks to a new fine arts program.

The synod on synodality kicked off this weekend and could change the way decisions are made within the Church.

Columbus Day Parade Returns to NYC as Biden Becomes First President to Mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day

By Emily Drooby

On Columbus Day, Oct. 11, Mass was celebrated inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and outside, Italian-American pride was being celebrated on Fifth Ave.

“It’s a special day,” explained Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “It’s Columbus Day, a day where we remember the exploits of a great explorer and also our Italian heritage at the same time because we are very proud of him. He’s somebody that Italian-Americans can be proud of. He certainly was an Italian.”

Bishop DiMarzio and Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the Archdiocese of New York greeted the participants and parade-goers. It’s a long-standing tradition with this year being the 77^th annual parade. The tradition was a welcome sight after it was forced to go virtual last year due to COVID-19.

Italian-Americans and people from all cultures came together to celebrate the day.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan told Currents News, “I mean, he’s the one who brought the faith to the new world. And if the faith can’t bring us together, what can? The faith in the one true God.”

Columbus Day has been at the center of controversy for years. Many refuse to celebrate it and condemn Columbus for crimes against Native Americans. President Joe Biden also proclaimed it was also Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year, a popular replacement holiday for Columbus Day.

Still politicians like Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio also walked the parade route. As Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello explains, the day isn’t just about Columbus, it’s also Italian-American Heritage Month.

“Really, the contributions that Italian-Americans have made to this country,” he said, “and that’s what we celebrate today.”

Many others at the parade also defended the explorer. Amato Berardi of the Parliament of the Republic of Italy said that it’s not right what they’re doing against Columbus.

“Columbus was a history man, was a discoverer,” Amato said, “and we are very proud to celebrate Christopher Columbus, not only today, but for many years to come.”