Pope Francis’ Go-To Italian Gelato Shop ‘Padron’ Serves Argentinan Favorites

By Currents News Staff and Inés San Martín

ROSARIO, Argentina – At a time when supporting your local retailers is a way of helping them weather the COVID-19 storm, one ice cream shop hiding in the shade of St. Peter’s Basilica that has one special faithful customer: Pope Francis.

The ice-cream shop Padron is so well known in the Vatican that when Silvia – the wife of the owner, Sebastian Padron – showed up to the gates of the world’s smallest state with a dozen empanadas – a meat-filled dough that is a classic dish in Pope Francis’s native Argentina – no one asked any questions and delivered them directly to the pontiff.

The empanadas are a recent addition to the ice cream shop’s menu, in an attempt to keep the business running during the winter months. The Padrons left a note with the gift: They wanted the Holy Father to know they’re praying for him, and that they wouldn’t mind if he prayed for them.

The treats were delivered on a Saturday, and on Tuesday, Pope Francis made a phone call to personally thank him for the gesture, and to invite him over for a chat.

“I could hardly believe how personal he was being, how approachable, human,” Padron told Crux over the phone, after the 40-minute conversation his family had with Pope Francis in the Casa Santa Marta, the residence within the Vatican grounds where the Francis has lived since his election.

“The Holy Father wanted to know when we could come, based on the store hours, and the routine of the family, when obviously, whenever he could welcome us, we could go!” Padron said.

Despite the family’s shock, it’s not entirely surprising that the pontiff called them: He’s a big fan of ice cream and he often takes the time to thank people personally for their gifts and gestures of good will.

The Padrons’ have two children: Maite, 6, and Luca Marino, 3. They opened the shop in 2018, and the original plan for this year was to open another store, since business was booming- thanks to the quality of the product, the special customer from Santa Marta and an Argentine player at A.S. Roma, the Italian capital’s most popular soccer team.

Yet the pandemic changed those plans.

Cardinals, bishops and friends of the Holy Father are regular customers of Padron [including this chronicler], and all of them know that Dulce de Leche Granizado is the one flavor that cannot be missing for any order headed for Pope Francis.

For those unfamiliar with it, dulce de leche is a brown caramel-like spread, made from milk, sugar and vanilla extract. It has small variations and is consumed in several Latin American countries, but Argentines like to claim they invented it. The ice cream flavor Pope Francis favors includes tiny shreds of bitter chocolate.

The Padron family arrived in the Casa Santa Marta on Oct. 29 with a basket full of their best products, including a bottle of Argentine Malbec wine, that is also available for customers. Much to the joy of the children, the pontiff too had a bag full of gifts in exchange, including rosaries for each member of the family, and a Franciscan crucifix.

Maite had a drawing for him, which at the end of the encounter, Francis carefully took with him, calling it the “most important thing” among the gifts the family had offered.

“To me, it felt like he was ‘unplugging’ for a few minutes from what it means to be the pope,” Padron said. “We were surprised by how welcome he made all of us feel, much as if we were having a chat with an old friend. I think he needed that too, to be among friends.”

Though there has been much speculation as to why Pope Francis decided to live in the Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace when he was elected in 2013, but he has explained it several times: He likes that first-hand contact with people, of all backgrounds, and the freedom to determine some of his appointments, as the one with Padron, which he wrote down in his agenda himself.

“At one point, the pope acknowledged that being with us was good for him, almost as if it helped him keep grounded, feel like he was among friends, in his neighborhood, in his country,” Padron said. The pontiff has yet to go back to Argentina since his election, but he’s never short of Argentines in Rome, even inviting a missionary from Buenos Aires who lives in Mozambique to visit him for a week.

Pope Francis welcomed the family in a “very large room” on the ground floor of the papal residence and was very punctual, arriving with a smile but no face mask. “He told us that it didn’t ‘seem right’ to use the mask in such a large room, in what was supposed to be a personal setting, when he already has to use it ‘all day’.”

How the Catacombs Beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral Reconnect Faith and History

By Jessica Easthope

Time stands still on Mulberry and Prince Streets.

There’s a hidden secret inside the church. Many don’t know there’s an Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which means they definitely don’t know about what lies beneath.

“The tradition started during the Roman Empire when Catholics couldn’t afford burials so Catholic property owners decided to burrow tunnels under their very own properties, and then this tradition carried out all throughout Europe,” explained Tommy Wilkinson, the Tour Director of Tommy’s New York.

Catacombs, the crypts under the now Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, were first built in 1815. Historical figures lie in coffins hermetically sealed within the walls. The details of their lives and deaths are now sealed in Tommy’s mind.

“In this country they’re very reverend places of burial, you’ll usually find trustees and benefactors, so the early families that literally supported the Church,” Wilkinson said.

The catacombs are where Wilkinson spends his days — walking back and forth, giving tours above and below seven days a week.

“This is really an untapped gem that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share with the world,” said Tommy.

His tours help sustain the church financially.

“Every parish has to stand on its own legs and find ways to support itself, and what’s unique about the basilica here is it has six properties to maintain, all of them double landmarked, and I don’t think we’re truly at risk because of all the special things that make this church historic,” he said, ‘and definitely the tours have become a very important part of sustaining the church.”

Tommy’s keys unlock a lot of doors, each one opens a new opportunity to connect with the lost history of New York City and the Catholic Church.

“There’s also an evangelizing process,” he noted. “People reconnecting with their faith, people wanting to delve more into their Catholicism, people wanting to become parishioners. I don’t know how many weddings and funerals being scheduled here resulted from the tour, but for me it’s a high honor to have been blessed with the opportunity.”

He experienced that same reconnection: he once strayed from the Church, but deep within the catacombs, he found faith again.

“I became a parishioner the very day I signed the contract,” he recalled. “Being a Catholic myself and just recognizing the importance of what I’ve been given here. It was more than just luck. I felt a tremendous burden of responsibility as well and this has re-anchored me in my faith. This means everything to me that I’ve been given the opportunity to build a business around having the keys to the kingdom here.”

Bishops, priests, politicians and even the man who introduced Italian opera to the United States are all buried down in the catacombs, and the best part is you could be buried with them.

“It’s the only active Catholic cemetery here in Manhattan, so imagine you can choose a niche right down here in the catacombs where you’re going to become a part of history and to me that’s fascinating,” said Tommy.

Surrounded by the walls of the final resting place, each person feels something different during the 90 minute experience. But when all the lights go out, history comes alive.

Currents News full broadcast for Mon, 11/23/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

An annual competition where students at Jesuit schools collect food for the hungry while competing for scholarship dollars.

COVID in New York City – will there be more restrictions and looking ahead at a plan to reopen New York City schools.

Prayers answered for one religious order in Brooklyn – cleanup of the Gowanus Canal has begun!

Hispanic Americans are living longer despite their economic challenges – the power of faith and family helping solve the mystery.

The ‘Hispanic Paradox’ Explained: Faith and Family Key to Longevity Advantage for Latinos

By Franca Braatz

You’re listening to the sounds of the Jornada, a Catholic movement made up of young people who come together to celebrate their faith as they navigate their lives.

Their journey may help to solve a mystery known as the “Hispanic Paradox.” Princeton University Professor Noreen Goldman studies it.

‘It represents the fact that Hispanics live longer than whites in the United States,” she explains.

They will live 3.3 years longer than those who are white according to the CDC, and seven years longer than Black Americans, even though they face more socioeconomic challenges and have less access to quality health care.

“Hispanics have better health related behaviors than whites, predominantly they are less likely to smoke than whites, but some have also argued that better diets are part of the differential that we see,” Goldman told Currents News.

Experts are also looking at the power of prayer. An American Heart Journal study found that prayer triggers a relaxation response that can help prevent chronic diseases.

“Another argument is that Hispanics have more extensive social networks, better social support through family, friends, or church than whites,” added Goldman.

That’s no surprise to Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, who leads the Health Justice team at the National Partnership for Women and Families in Washington D.C.

“That social connectivity which churches are very good at promoting is very important for any one, any family in any community to be able to navigate all of the challenges of living in the United States,” she explained.

Father Manuel de Jesus Rodríguez knows those challenges first hand as the new pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows church in Corona, Queens, a predominantly Hispanic parish.

“They are spiritually united with their family because of our faith,” he said. “You might have heard Latinos have a lot of health issues, not too much money, they struggle in many ways but Latinos got something. Latinos got a big heart”

“They’ve got a big, wonderful approach to joy and enjoying life, too.”

Another explanation, Hernández-Cancio argues, may have more to do with immigration than with the Hispanic population specifically.

“When people come to this country, Hispanic or otherwise, they’re coming in generally healthier with better diets. Being an immigrant is a self-selective thing. You have to have a lot of get up and go and energy and health to come to this country to start a new life,” she explained.

Those newly arrived immigrants – especially Hispanics – are using faith and family to help them overcome the challenges of their newcomer status.

‘Latinos in general tend to be much more focused on family no matter what,” says Hernández-Cancio. “You know, hate the sin but love the sinner. Latinos very much tend to be known for supporting their young people, in whatever situations they may be in.”

The community supports young people like the members of the Jornada movement, who choose to strengthen their faith through fellowship and cultural expression.

“It’s that fellowship. It’s that Latino culture in us, family-oriented, that we have. So no matter who comes, we already welcome them with open arms,” noted Juan Rosa, a member of the movement.

“It reels them in,” added member Joey Ortega, “whether it be through music, whether it be through performance art, whether it be through dance.”

“To be able to bond, especially with the faith that we have,” is important, Eliza Bermejo, a member of the Jornada movement explained. “We bond with our religion, we bond with our love for God, and it’s something beautiful.

“It helps us grow as a family, especially because we’re a Latino community,” added Ignacio Valdez,, another member.

The Latino community has been especially hard hit by the ongoing pandemic, and their mortality advantage has suffered because of it. But, there’s hope the effects will be temporary.

“Faith makes us joyful and hopeful,” reminds Fr. Rodríguez. “I think that makes life a little bit better & happier.”

Catholic School Students Collect Tens of Thousands of Pounds of Food for Pantries as Need Increases

By Emily Drooby

Stacking cans might be a small task, but it has a big meaning for some Loyola High School students. By doing it, they’re helping those who can’t afford their Thanksgiving meal, especially after the pandemic wreaked financial havoc for many. Many of these students have seen the increased poverty first hand.

“I’ve seen it on Metro North, which I take. I’ve seen it one the subways, I’ve seen it walking to school, and I think that even encourages us more that we have to help out, do everything we can,” said Loyola senior Regina Potenza.

The Great Ignatian Challenge is an annual competition where nine Jesuit schools from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money by collecting food.

It’s mostly funded by one Jesuit school alumnus, Jim Rowen.

It’s brought in over 200 tons of food in just five years, but this year, the competition is more essential than ever.

The number of New Yorkers who say they have food insecurity fears is up 20 percent since before the pandemic, making food pantries not just a need but a lifeline for many.

These students are helping. Last year’s winner, Loyola, has already sent almost 12,000 pounds of food to City Harvest.

“Our focus is on fresh produce instead of just canned goods, because we find that most donations that go to soup kitchens and food pantries are often canned goods that are non-perishable,” said Loyola senior Christina Landau.

Their challenge, run by an all-women board, is unique since Loyola is the only co-ed school taking up the challenge. This year, they collected most items online instead of in person for maximum social distancing.

The challenge is also going strong just about 70 blocks away, at Xavier High School.

Helping people right in their own backyard, donations going to the Xavier Mission. Their need has increased by 20 percent this year.

Xavier is already thousands past their 15,000-item goal, meaning the mission will be able to give out 200 thanksgiving meals and still be stacked up for winter.

“It feels great, just again the work paid off and it’s worth it for all of the people who need it,” said Xavier sophomore, C.J. Marlin, “It feels good to know that there’s going to be one less person that’s hungry.”

Other schools participating this year are Canisius High School in Buffalo, McQuaid Jesuit in Rochester, Fairfield College Preparatory School in Fairfield, Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, Regis High School in Manhattan, St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City and St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia.

To donate to some of the schools, including Xavier High School, click here.

To donate to Loyola, click here.

Journalism and the 2020 Election: How Did Media Outlets Do When It Came to Fair, Balanced Reporting?

Currents News Staff

If you ask anyone on the Trump legal team, they’ll say this election is far from over. Joe Biden, however, is moving ahead with cabinet picks.

It’s the same difference in the media – depending on who you watch, listen to, or read. The director of the journalism program at St. John’s University, Professor Mike Rizzo, joined Currents News to talk about post-election media coverage.

Gammarelli Tailor Shop in Rome Prepares for Upcoming Council of Cardinals

Currents News Staff

An iconic window display in central Rome is ready for the Nov. 28 consistory. Gammarelli, a clerical clothing shop, has dressed priests, bishops, cardinals and popes since 1798.

The display also attracts the attention of tourists, since during special events such as conclaves and consistories, many come to see the elegant ecclesiastical vestments.

They carry basic clothing items, from socks, shoes and personal care products, to cassocks, birettas, choral robes and even uncommon pieces such as a red cape called “Ferraiolo” or “manteo romano,” and a formal red coat known as “tabarro.”

Also shown are pieces that have changed over time, like golden tassels that in antiquity adorned a sash, now modified by simpler ones in red.

Mitres, zucchettos, cufflinks, gloves and pectoral crosses — all the insignia of the members of the College of Cardinals are found there. Also, for the more curious or collectors, miniature birettas or cardinal caps are also on display.

Currents News full broadcast for Fri, 11/20/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this special edition of Currents News:

Public schools closed and Catholic schools open – are more citywide closures on the way?

Religious freedom lawsuit – will the Supreme Court hear the case filed by the Brooklyn Diocese against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his COVID church restrictions?

Catholics are concerned about COVID vaccines – are they produced with cells from aborted fetuses?

Plus, hunger and the holidays. What Catholics are doing to make sure their neighbors ae fed.

Dredging Starts on the Gowanus Canal, One of America’s Dirtiest Waterways

By Emily Drooby

The Gowanus Canal might look clear from the surface, but it has become known for its high levels of toxins and a pungent, garbage-like smell. It’s also known for what Brooklyn locals call “black mayonnaise,” which is thick sludge created by decades of industrial waste and sewage.

The canal is so dirty that it became a “superfund site” in 2010, a contaminated area that can be cleaned up under federal law.

That’s what’s happening now — the dredging marks the start of the Environmental Protection Agency’s long-awaited action.

It’s a welcome sight for Father Orlando Ruiz, the pastor of Our Lady of Peace, a church just blocks from the canal.

“As Franciscans we are called to always be attentive, to be respectful, to be grateful to God’s gift to us,” explained Father Orlando.

He’s a Franciscan Friar and as one, environmental advocacy has long been crucial for him and his parish community. About five years ago, they started to bless the river yearly.

Bringing Holy Water to the waters poisoned by sins against nature, they saw a difference.

Now they’ll see even more of one as the EPA works to remove dangerous pollutants from the canal like lead, mercury, coal tar and even arsenic.

Locals expect all kinds of other things to come up too.

“As my parishioners would say, there’s not only tires, and wheels from cars or bicycles, there’s other things. The legends and stories of our neighborhood for the Italian population, they used to say that maybe the Gambino family used to throw their guns in there,” explained Father Orlando.

During the dredging project, 72,400 cubic yards of contaminated sediment will be removed.

The price tag is steep: 1.5 billion dollars. Father Orlando says it’s worth it, because protecting the environment is worth it.

“Then seeing it develop to what it is becoming, is enriching. And it’s very exciting to see it flourish from where we were to where we are now,” he told Currents News.

It could take a decade to dredge the entire canal, but much like the water, an end date is still unclear.

Currents News full broadcast for Thurs, 11/19/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

There are two possible COVID vaccines on the horizon and Catholics are concerned about how they’re being produced.

Rudy Giuliani details the Trump campaign’s voter fraud investigation.

From hardware breakdowns to software bugs, how the nation’s election infrastructure could be threatening the integrity of this year’s presidential election.

A very special honor for one church in the Brooklyn Diocese who used technology to connect parishioners with God during the pandemic.