Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.
Some of the top stories on this newscast:
A beloved and successful pre-k program in Brooklyn hangs in the balance as the school waits to hear back about their city contract.
President Biden is pushing through piles of executive orders – but not without some pushback from both sides of the aisle.
One family’s emotional journey that delayed, but did not deter, their adoption plans.
By Emily Drooby
Nourishing kids’ minds and their imagination is one reason why parents love the pre-k3 and pre-k4 programs at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
But now, the program is in limbo.
Donna DeLuca, the director of the school’s pre-k for all program said, “I still don’t know what to tell parents, and it’s just an awful situation.”
Their pre-k3 is private, but since 2016 their pre-k4 has been funded through the city. 105 of those pre-k for all programs have been cancelled for the 2021 school year.
St. Stanislaus Kostka was originally one of them, but they’ve appealed. Now, they’re still waiting to hear back about their appeal to see if their contract will be cut and they’re running out of time.
They haven’t announced the window yet, but it [registration] usually opens around the first week of February,” Donna explained.
School officials are confused, because they’ve been at maximum capacity for the past six years with a 30 person wait list. They have high scores, and great reviews from parents. Last year, they were even asked to expand.
The free program is also crucial as it serves Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Long Island City, all areas where rents have skyrocketed.
“Parents rely on it. It saves them a ton of money, and I think it’s kind of unfair to pull out the rug from all of these parents during a pandemic where they really can’t get into schools, schools are closed right now,” Donna added.
Now, they’re just looking for a response either way.
“Whether it’s positive or negative, just give us an answer so that we know,” said Frank Carbone, president of the school. “We can plan and help ease the tension and help ease some of the pressures that our families are experiencing right now, which is important to us.”
They’ve been asking for help, setting up a petition and urging their community to email the Department of Education, but still have heard nothing.
Currents News reached out to the Department of Education — they say the appeals process is ongoing and that the school should hear back in the next few weeks.
The school is planning on exploring the option of taking the program private if they lose their appeal.
Currents News Staff
After Lisa Martin spent 59 days on a ventilator, 40 days in an induced coma and suffered a frontal lobe stroke, the Georgia-based mother of four is now home. The family was about to let her go, but says God had other plans.
Lisa joined Currents News to share her incredible story and how her faith has been helping her during recovery.
By Currents News Staff and Elise Ann Allen
ROME (Crux) – Despite renewed security concerns after a series of recent terrorist attacks, one of Iraq’s top prelates has said preparations for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit are still underway, calling it a sign of hope that peace is possible in the war-torn nation.
On Jan. 21 two suicide bombs rocked a crowded second-hand clothing market in the Iraqi capital, leaving at least 32 people dead and 110 wounded. The attacks were the first of their kind in nearly two years.
Two days later, Jan. 23, the Iraqi Defense Ministry reported that three rockets had struck near Baghdad International Airport, two landing just outside the airport, and one on a home in the city’s Al-Jihad neighborhood.
Though no casualties were reported during the rocket strike, the incident sparked increased fear that such acts of violence and terrorism would increase, casting further doubt on the upcoming papal visit to Iraq, which was already dubious given the continued spread of the coronavirus pandemic and a delay in the rollout of vaccines.
In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, said plans for March 5-8 visit are still going forward, and that the Church is “preparing everything together with the government.”
“For everyone it is an extraordinary event,” Cardinal Sako said. “The pope will come to say: enough, enough war, enough violence, seek peace and fraternity and the protection of human dignity.”
“In my opinion, he will bring two things: Comfort and hope, which until now have been denied to us,” Cardinal Sako said, noting that the visit will have strong “spiritual connotations” and will be “a very important event for us Christians, but everyone in Iraq is waiting for this encounter, even Muslims, other religious realities and government leaders.”
Cardinal Sako said he believes there was a “political motive” behind the attacks, which he said were meant to send “a message to the government and also to the new American president.”
Among Iraqi citizens, “There is great concern and also sadness,” he said, noting that the people who died in last week’s suicide bombings “were poor people, truly poor.”
Despite the recent flare up of violent attacks, Cardinal Sako said people in Iraq still hold out hope for peace, even after decades of war and terrorism.
To achieve peace “takes time,” he said, “but before time it takes goodwill on the part of the politicians. If this is not there, there will be no peace. The militias must also obey the Iraqi government and the government must force the withdrawal of weapons. Everything must stay in the hands of the government and not political parties.”
Even if Christians weren’t the specific targets of this most recent spat of violence in Iraq, Cardinal Sako said they are still suffering and fearful along with the rest of the population.
“We are part of Iraq, we don’t live alone, we are with everyone else. Their pain is ours, therefore we are brothers and sisters of a great family that is called Iraq,” he said.
Cardinal Sako recently invited Christians in Iraq to join in a 3-day “Resurrection of Nineveh” event consisting of prayer and fasting for peace in Iraq.
With the initiative, Christians “want to say that we are all children of God, the God of all humanity,” Cardinal Sako said, noting that the decision to center the event in Nineveh has a “double meaning” – namely, to affirm that God does not discriminate in his love, and to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Today we are living with a lot of fear of the coronavirus. Therefore, we must pray and ask for God’s help to be saved and so that this pandemic ends for the whole world,” he said, adding, “We think not just of ourselves in Iraq, but all men throughout the world.”
Currents News Staff and John Lavenburg, National Correspondent
NEW YORK — The U.S. bishops’ conference pro-life chairman has called President Joe Biden’s intent to codify Roe v. Wade in federal law “deeply disturbing and tragic,” in response to a statement made by the second-ever Catholic president on Jan. 22.
The statement from the White House — signed by both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — was made Friday for the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the case, which made abortion legal.
“It is deeply disturbing and tragic that any President would praise and commit to codifying a Supreme Court ruling that denies unborn children their most basic human and civil right, the right to life under the euphemistic disguise of a health service,” Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas said in a statement.
The statement from Biden and Harris not only reiterates the administration’s pledge to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land, but made a commitment to appointing judges that “respect foundational precedents like Roe.”
“In the past four years, reproductive health, including the right to choose, has been under relentless and extreme attack,” the statement reads. “We are deeply committed to making sure everyone has access to care — including reproductive health care — regardless of income, race, zip code, health insurance status, or immigration status.
“We are also committed to ensuring that we work to eliminate maternal and infant health disparities, increase access to contraception, and support families economically so that all parents can raise their families with dignity,” the statement continued.
Archbishop Naumann emphasized the church teaching on the issue remains unchangeable, and urged the president to reject abortion and promote life-affirming aid to women and communities in need.
“Public officials are responsible for not only their personal beliefs, but also the effects of their public actions,” Archbishop Naumann said. “Roe’s elevation of abortion to the status of a protected right and its elimination of state restrictions paved the way for the violent deaths of more than 62 million innocent unborn children and for countless women who experience the heartache of loss, abandonment, and violence.”
Bishops throughout the day took to social media to reaffirm their commitment to life. It was also day two of a novena for life sponsored by the USCCB.
“Let us ask that his mercy be upon us, that he gives us the strength to follow him in building a culture where every human life is sacred, where we can see the light of God in the eyes of every child,” Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB tweeted Friday.
Others spoke directly against Roe v. Wade. Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland in Oregon called Friday “a day of great sadness” in a Facebook post.
“It was a terrible and flawed decision that opened the floodgates for legal abortion in the USA,” Archbishop Sample wrote. “Let us pray that our public officials who favor and promote abortion rights are converted in heart, mind and soul so that they will instead seek to protect the most vulnerable among us — the pre-born baby in the womb.”
Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth called Friday “a shameful anniversary,” responding to an earlier tweet from the president, where he reiterated his dedication to codifying the 1973 decision and access to health care for all.
“To equate access to abortion, the direct killing of an unborn child, with universal access to needed healthcare is morally incoherent and incompatible with authentic Catholic doctrine,” Bishop Olson said in a tweet.
Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.
Some of the top stories on this newscast:
There’s been an arrest in the Diocese of Brooklyn. A deacon accused of sexual misconduct with a minor – everything you need to know.
Defending the rights of the unborn – a top U.S. bishop is here to talk about the future of the pro-life movement.
A single article of impeachment is heading to the Senate as the looming trial of the former president could soon be underway.
Volunteers from a Queens parish aren’t forgetting about a population that’s been greatly affected by the pandemic. The outreach hits close to home for one of their own, who is now living his life’s mission.
By Melissa Corsi
Tenor Andrea Bocelli will be heard a lot more around Florence, because the new headquarters of his foundation are in the heart of the city at Palazzo San Firenze.
A ribbon celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and its new home in the Tuscan capital. The organization’s aim is to continue education and build community among youth.
The vocational center, called ABF GlobaLAB, virtually opened on the International Day of Education to foster growth in the arts.
“If human intelligence is not valued, if it’s not put in a useful position for the whole of humanity, it is a terrible shame,” Andrea told Currents News. It’s the reason why he’s using his voice to encourage youth to create and dialogue.
The space took one year to renovate, changing multiple times, after its original use as St. Philip Neri’s Oratories in the 16th century.
Five hundred years later, Andrea’s wife Veronica Berti, vice chairman of the organization, said this location was “meant to be.”
“And we are waiting for a lot of young people to live inside and to bring their experience to us, so that we can coordinate and empower the talent that every student can bring,” she added.
If we want to hope for a better world, we must work to build it, with the knowledge that good is absolutely stronger than evil, and in the end it will win,” said Andrea.
They say their position in life gives them the privilege to help and support others and bring a bit of joy to the world.
A small portion of the work the foundation has been able to do in the past 10 years is raise 36 million euros, provide drinking water to 400,000 people who did not have access previously and build nine schools, both in Italy and Haiti. They say this is only the beginning.
By Emily Drooby and The Tablet Staff
WINDSOR TERRACE — A deacon at St. Sebastian Church in Woodside, Queens was arrested on Jan. 20 as part of a police sting operation on allegations that he attempted to have sex with a minor.
The Diocese of Brooklyn became aware that Rogelio Vega, 50, was arrested on Jan. 22 and immediately suspended the deacon. The parish administrator, Father Patrick West, addressed the parish at Mass this weekend by reading a letter from Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.
“In keeping with our Diocesan Policy and the 2002 Bishops Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Youth, [Vega] has been immediately removed from all diaconal ministry,” Bishop DiMarzio wrote.
In a statement, the Diocese of Brooklyn said, “We are horrified by the arrest and charges against Rogelio Vega.”
“The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to a Zero Tolerance Policy, as nothing is more important than the protection of children,” the statement continued.
Father Henry Torres of St. Sebastian Church said they’re doing everything possible to help their parishioners through this.
He told Currents News, “We are feeling devastated, the parishioners are confused and also sad at the same time, but we are offering all the support we can offer. They can come speak to us, vent, they need to know we are doing all we can to support our children.”
The Queens District Attorney said Vega started communicating with a 14-year-old boy last July on a dating app. What Vega didn’t know was the “teen” was an undercover agent. The prosecutor said Vega exchanged pornographic pictures with the minor, and then planned to meet in person. When Vega showed up, the undercover agent was there to arrest him.
Vega was ordained a deacon on May 28, 2011. He had been a deacon at St. Sebastian since December, 2015. Previously, he was assigned to Most Holy Trinity-St. Mary, Williamsburg. The diocese said that prior to his arrest last Wednesday, there had never been any previous complaints against him.
If convicted, Vega faces up to seven years behind bars. He was released on a $50,000 bond, and his next appearance is set for Jan. 25.
The Diocese of Brooklyn has several protocols and systems in place to combat sexual abuse within the church and to protect victims, including a no-tolerance policy.
Bishop DiMarzio said the Office of Victim Assistance will be making virtual and telephone meetings available to different groups within the St. Sebastian parish to address concerns and offer pastoral care.
“Often, just having a place to speak about such matters are the beginning steps to addressing the strong impact such news can have,” he wrote. “Once again, I encourage each of us in our resolve to protect our children and youth from all forms of abuse.”
In 2004, Bishop DiMarzio established a telephone hotline for anyone to report allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy. The diocese’s confidential reporting line connects directly to law enforcement authorities. Victims are encouraged to report a crime no matter when the alleged abuse occurred. The number is 888-634-4499.
Click here to read the full letter from Bishop DiMarzio.
By Jessica Easthope
Every month for the last nine years, Carlos Apestegui packs up his truck in Queens and delivers meals to day laborers.
“They are coming from South America most of the time and of course Mexico, they have no job, no permanent, steady job, stand on the corners outside on the street so a contractor can approach them and pick them up,” Carlos said.
The Hispanic community in New York City has been hit hard by not only COVID-19 but the virus’ effects on the economy. According to a study by the Center for an Urban Future, more than half of New York City’s undocumented immigrants are now out of work.
That’s why Carlos’ work with day laborers, often New York City’s lowest earners, is so needed – especially on days when the cold is biting.
Carlos is a parishioner at Queen of Angels Church in Sunnyside, Queens and he works there too, but before his permanent job at the church, Carlos knew what it was like it wait on line, outside for work.
“We’re Christian so we should help these guys and also remember I was part of them so I know how they feel,” he said.
The pain of not knowing how he would support his family as a day laborer has stayed with him. Giving out these meals means visiting his old life and old friends who are still struggling.
“That’s a big problem now because not many people want strange people working in their houses because they are working in houses,” Carlos said.
On Saturday, Carlos came with two other volunteers and Father Nestor Martinez. As a Colombian, Father Nestor’s passion is working with the immigrant community in Queens. But as a new priest, ordained during the pandemic, interacting with them has been hard.
“In church we say we are the Body of Christ and especially right now when we have a lot of suffering to be with those who have less we can really show the face of Christ to them and let them know they’re not alone that we are suffering with them,” said Father Nestor.
This outreach allows him to live out his mission.
“This is the real ministry, the real pastoral we have to be with the people, when we are with them we can feel where the church really is, the church is not the building, the church is outside,” said Father Nestor.
In addition to the hot coffee and food the workers are given, Father Nestor handed out rosary beads, hoping they know God is with them as they wait.
By Erin DeGregorio and Currents News Staff
PROSPECT HEIGHTS — The nationwide “9 Days for Life” Novena, sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has officially begun in the Diocese of Brooklyn. This year, the Novena is taking place from Jan. 21 to 29, providing parishioners with daily reflections and opportunities for prayers and actions to promote the respect of all human life.
“Every year, Diocese of Brooklyn parishioners attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. to pray for an end to the tragedy of abortion. This year, due to the pandemic, the March for Life is virtual, so attendance was not possible,” said Father Joseph Gibino, vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis. “But, here in our Diocese, we can pray in communion for the protection of all human life, either at one of our Masses or through this year’s special Novena.”
On Jan. 21, the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph held the opening Mass for Life with strict health and safety guidelines put in place. Deacon John Cantirino from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Windsor Terrace, who annually walks in the March for Life, attended the Mass to keep his tradition alive in a similar fashion. He believes the “9 Days for Life” Novena highlights Catholics’ commitment to proclaim the sanctity of life.
“It’s an issue that’s close to the heart of many Catholics, and really nothing’s going to stop them from constantly raising the issue of how sacred life is in all its forms, from beginning to natural death,” Deacon Cantirino said.
“These Masses you see across the country are a way of Catholics showing their solidarity in the teachings of the Church, and also showing a solidarity that they have with each other, with other non-Christians and non-Catholics.”
Bishop James Massa, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary and College, traveled from Yonkers to celebrate the Mass. He noted that, although the March for Life usually draws thousands of people who give witness to life, this year’s change in presentation does not take away from the purpose.
“Our passion for the defense of life is no less vehement, no less committed,” Bishop Massa said. “We can be together through the power of prayer, uniting ourselves through the Mass, and through keeping the 9-day novena. That’s going to be our witness this year.”
Fred Trabulsi, executive director of the Life Center of New York in Bay Ridge, and his wife Damaris, who are parishioners of St. Patrick Parish in Bay Ridge, made sure they would be present for the novena’s kick-off.
“As we work in the pro-life field, we wanted to come and show support for Bishop [Nicholas DiMarzio] and pro-life in general — that life is sacred — and we really want to keep that up front,” Fred said.
Damaris, in the same vein, added: “The reason it’s important for us to be here is because we are recharging our batteries to go back out in the field and continue to help women choose life.”
According to the Trabulsis, the Life Center of New York was able to help save two babies during 2020 and two babies so far this year.
The annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children is being observed today, Jan. 22 — the day the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade case and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton.
The Novena’s closing Mass with Bishop DiMarzio will take place on Jan. 29 at 7:30 pm at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. It will be available to watch live on NET TV online, Verizon Fios channel 548, Optimum channel 30, and Spectrum channel 97. For those who wish to attend the closing Mass in person, visit https://bit.ly/35QZoFG for more information.
For other information about the Novena, including how to participate, visit 9daysforlife.com or usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/join-9-days-life.