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ISIS Leader Killed in U.S. Counterterrorism Mission in Northwest Syria

Currents News Staff

US Special Forces conducted a “successful” counterterrorism mission in northwest Syria Wednesday evening, the Pentagon said, but offered few other details. There were no US casualties.

The Syrian Civil Defense, the White Helmets, said that 13 people were killed, including 6 children, after clashes following a US Special Forces raid in the northwest village of Atmeh, in Syria’s Idlib province.

President Biden, Vice President Harris and members of the President’s national security team can be seen in a photo observing the counterterrorism operation. The mission is responsible for removing from the battlefield, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of ISIS.

One Atmeh resident, who refused to share his name for safety reasons, said that he heard multiple helicopters flying after midnight followed by the sound of explosions.

“I saw from a distance that there were machine guns shooting back from the ground towards the helicopters,” the resident said.

The resident also said he heard a loudspeaker asking people to evacuate the area. The resident said he believes the operation ended at 4:00 am local time after the helicopters and explosions stopped.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 2/2/22

A sea of blue once again on Fifth Avenue, as officers from New York City and around the country line the streets outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the funeral of Officer Wilbert Mora.

Funeral for Detective Wilbert Mora Held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

By Jessica Easthope and Bill Miller

MIDTOWN — Wilbert Mora, a New York City police officer gunned down with his partner in a Harlem ambush Jan. 21, was eulogized Wednesday, Feb. 2 for his colossal size and heart to match.

Mora’s funeral was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Cardinal Timothy Dolan as the celebrant. The Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was attended by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and thousands of NYPD members.

From his older brother, Wilson, to Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Mora was described as a “gentle giant” and a much-loved “teddy bear.” They also told of how the 27-year-old policeman courageously faced danger and ultimately died in the line of duty, protecting the citizens of the city he loved.

“Everyone says you’re a big teddy bear of a man,” Wilson Mora said while eulogizing his brother. “But you were like that, even when you were little. Mom showered us with love, and you absorbed it like a sponge. So as an adult, I saw your love for your friends and for people come out in ways that others can’t.

“I just want you to know that I was always proud of you,” he said. “You chose a life of service to your community and to our adopted country. Your fellow officers were not only coworkers, they were friends and family. And now they’re my family.”

Mora was a boy when he came to the U.S. with his family from the Dominican Republic. He grew to be 6 feet tall and weighed around 250 pounds.

NYPD Inspector Amir Yakatally, commanding officer of Mora’s 32nd Precinct, said he was funny, outgoing, and a “gentle giant,” but “all business” when he had to be.

Mora, and Rivera, 22, were mortally wounded on Jan. 21 while answering a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance call in Harlem. Rivera died of his injuries that night; Mora died four days later.

A third officer, Sumit Sulan, shot the suspect, Lashawn McNeil, 47, as he tried to flee the scene. McNeil died on Jan. 24. In his remarks, Mayor Adams, a former police captain, praised Officer Sulan for preventing more tragedy that fateful night.

Police Commissioner Sewell said she learned about Mora, the man, from his NYPD commanders and colleagues. She recounted his career, starting with his entry into the Police Academy in 2018. She said he was “the perfect candidate” to join the department.

“Wilbert and his family came to this country for an opportunity, safety, and security,”  Sewell said. “No one had to tell him to become a police officer. It was all he ever wanted to do. It was the most loved, significant, and inextricable part of his life.

“I’m told the only close second was his PlayStation 5. But the threatening forces he faced on the screen were nothing like the malevolence that would take Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera from our lives.”

Sewell announced at the funeral that she had promoted officer Mora to Detective First Grade, as she did for Rivera at his funeral.

“Wilbert,” she said, “served this department bravely, honorably, as a colossal symbol of promise, not for the size of his frame, but for the goodness in his heart.”

It is a heart that literally lives on; Mora’s parents decided to donate it, along with his liver, kidneys, and pancreas to save the lives of five strangers. Patrick Lynch, president of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, praised the family members for that decision. He told of watching them at the hospital just before Mora died.

“I wonder,” Lynch told the family, “where does a person like this get the strength to put on that uniform, put that shield on their chest, and get behind the wheel of that radio car and answer that next call? And then I met you.

“Because you made a courageous decision to save others’ lives,” Lynch added. “You made a decision to give the best of your son — the gold standard of life, the gold standard of his soul, his heart, his organs.”

Thousands of officers from the NYPD, across the country, and around the world, lined the streets outside St. Patrick’s and for more than 10 blocks along 5th Avenue to honor Mora. They all snapped to attention and saluted him as his casket was carried from the cathedral to a hearse.

Rivera’s wife paid tribute to Mora by showing up at the funeral mass and also posted  on social media.

“Although I never met you, thank you for always being eager to work with my angel, regardless of him being a rookie,” Dominique Luzuriaga wrote in an Instagram post. “Take care of us.”

During Rivera’s funeral last week, Luzuriaga criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his pledge to not prosecute certain crimes. She said all New Yorkers are less safe, a remark that drew a standing ovation.

No specific criticisms were made during Mora’s funeral, although Mayor Adams renewed his pledge to end the wave of gun violence that has gripped the city in recent years.

“Every day that I walk the streets of New York, the people of this city remind me to support our police and let them know we appreciate them,” the mayor said. “But our city is going to do more than thank you. We are going to give you the resources to fight this senseless violence.

“It is New Yorkers against the killers and we will not lose. We will protect our city.”

Vented in Brooklyn Owner Overcomes Cancer Diagnosis with Community and Faith

By Jessica Easthope

Chrisie Canny creates jewelry that helps people overcome obstacles. Her aromatherapy bracelets can be for the overworked, busy moms or anyone who needs to just chill out.

“We put inspiring words on our bracelets and just having that little inspiration on your wrist and know that you got it and can do anything once you believe in yourself,” she said.

But her company, Vented in Brooklyn, was founded with a much bigger obstacle in mind – chemotherapy for people battling cancer.

“It’s all in honor of my dad who I lost to cancer 18 years ago, I’ve seen so many people affected by cancer and I just wanted to bring a little joy to their lives,” said Chrisie.

For every bracelet purchased, one is donated to another patient. Recently Chrisie appeared on America’s Big Deal, millions watched her sell $12,000 worth of jewelry in just 30 minutes on a national stage.

“It was a big adrenaline rush, a second before I was like I am doing this and I’m gunna rock it, it as a really great experience,” Chrisie said.

But the highest of highs was met with the lowest of lows. Just days after the best day of her professional career came one of the worst days of her personal life. Chrisie was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly the fight she’s helped thousands through became her own.

“It’s actually stage .5 cancer, but going back and forth all these years, I have dense breasts and MRIs and I did not want to have a lumpectomy and go through radiation,” Chrisie said of her diagnosis.

Now the Catholic mom of two has decided to undergo surgery, a double mastectomy giving her the greatest chance of overcoming.

Once she recovers Chrisie will get back to work, ever evolving her business that at its core helps others.

“This is something as women we have to be outspoken about we have to give each other knowledge. The one thing that has gotten me through this is my faith, God puts you on a path for a reason and with this journey I believe I’m here to help other women,” she said.

Her jewelry reminds others they’re strong, brave, warriors – what started as words of encouragement have become affirmations.

U.S. Prepares For Massive Ice Storm With More Than 100 Million People Facing Fierce Winter Weather

Currents News Staff

Major cities are preparing for another massive winter storm. In Ohio, crews are still digging out from the last round.

“Hopefully, it’ll make it before everything starts freezing by getting the snow out of the way,” said Dave Perrine of the Ohio Stormwater Division. 

Forecasters predict up to 15 to 20 inches of snow walloping parts of the Midwest. But the main threat with this system? Ice.

“People can navigate on roads that are hard-packed because they still have traction, but with the ice, it’s hard to get traction,” said Steve Trzcinski from the Ohio Superintendent of Street Department.

The mayor of Indianapolis is prompting a warning saying residents have to take action Wednesday evening at the latest.

“Drivers should stay off the roads if at all possible,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said.

With impacts expected to linger into the weekend, several governors have declared states of emergency. Further south, Gov. Greg Abbott is assuring Texans that the state’s power grid is better prepared than last year when an ice storm led to widespread power outages and left thousands freezing for weeks. 

Bullet’s Bravery: Hero Dog Saves Store Clerk During Gun Battle

Currents News Staff

A hero dog! Employees at a Philadelphia corner store say they’re lucky to be alive after two armed robbers raided their shop. It was all caught on camera. The hero of this story is a dog aptly named Bullet.

Security video shows the moments two would-be robbers rushed into Big A, a corner store on Torresdale Avenue in the city’s Wissinoming section early Tuesday morning.

“Two people come with a big gun and small gun,” said Big A Manager Sammy Aloubehi. “They come straight up all the way here with the gun at the girl’s head, my head … they say like don’t move.”

The store manager says one suspect points a gun at his clerk. You can see her sitting on the couch. Then as a dog jumps all over the suspect before, the clerk takes out a gun and fires. The suspect is seen running away before the second suspect shoots at the clerk several times.

“It happened right here,” Sammy said. “He came straight out with the gun … the girl she was here … the bullet is right here, it’s almost at her head.This was gonna kill somebody for no reason.”

Police say the 32-year-old clerk was struck four times. She’s now getting treated at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.

“She’s fine right now … she’s better,” Sammy said.

The store manager also believes the would-be robbery may have turned deadly if not for his dog named Bullet. You can see Bullet jump all over the suspect getting in his way just as the clerk fires.

“If he didn’t move the guy, and cover him, he would shoot the girl before she shoot him,” Sammy said. “He did help.He saved my life and her life.”

No arrests have been made yet but police did recover a weapon left behind by one of the suspects.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 2/1/22

Another somber day in New York City as the NYPD says goodbye to another hero — the wake for Officer Wilbert Mora.

Father John O’Connor from St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose, Queens has been removed from ministry.

Mayor Eric Adams reiterates the need for NYPD safety officers in city schools after a middle schooler in Manhattan was busted with a backpack full of weapons last week.

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Flushing, Queens is celebrating the Lunar New Year.

A Hero’s Farewell: Wake For NYPD Officer Mora at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Currents News Staff

With heavy hearts, they carried him on their shoulders as Officer Wilbert Mora starts his final journey home. New York’s finest will be at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the second time in a week.

Just like Detective Jason Rivera’s wake, thousands are expected to turn out to pay their respects to his partner who died just days after him. Mora’s family is giving a thumbs up to officers lined up outside.

Mora, who entered the police academy in 2018, is remembered for always smiling.

But the mood at the 32nd precinct has been a somber one since Jan. 21 when the 27 year old and his 22-year-old partner were ambushed while responding to a domestic disturbance in Harlem.

Mora’s colleagues at the 32 describe him as a big teddy bear: kind, a goofball and life of the party who was always joking after roll call. 

He was a man who took care of his elderly parents and a hero even in death. Mora was an organ donor who will live on through the five people he saved with his heart, liver, two kidneys and pancreas.

Bishop Robert Brennan talked about the family’s decision to donate mora’s organs. 

“They made decisions knowing who he was,” Bishop Brennan said. “How he lived his life and how he served in the New York City police department, his goodness, his generosity… and so they made it possible for him to continue that even in his last days… even when you thought he had already given it all.”

Detective Rivera’s widow honored Officer Mora with an Instagram post saying “although I never met you, thank you for always being eager to work with my angel, regardless of him being a rookie. Take care of us.”

The funeral Mass for Officer Wilbert Mora will be at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Wednesday Morning at 10 a.m.

Be sure to tune in to Current News online, Facebook and Twitter, Wednesday for live coverage of Officer Mora’s funeral.

 

Queens Pastor Removed From Ministry

By Jessica Easthope and Paula Katinas

WINDSOR TERRACE — Father John O’Connor, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Church in Bellerose and director of the Liturgy Office for the Diocese of Brooklyn, has been removed from ministry by Bishop Robert Brennan after the Diocesan Review Board (DRB) found evidence of sexual misconduct, officials announced Monday.

The DRB was independently investigating claims contained in a Child Victims Act (CVA) lawsuit filed in August 2020 when they uncovered new evidence relating to an accusation of inappropriate internet contact with minors leveled against him in March 2000. At that time, he was serving as a priest at St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst.

As a result of the new evidence discovered regarding the claim in 2000, the DRB — which is made up of laypeople with expertise in family law, law enforcement, and mental health issues — recommended to Bishop Brennan that Father O’Connor be permanently removed from ministry. That means he is prohibited from celebrating Mass publicly, performing public ministerial duties, and living in an ecclesiastical residence. In addition, his name will be added to a list on the diocese’s website of priests who have been credibly accused of wrongdoing.

Father John O’Connor, who was ordained in 1993, served at the following parishes over the years: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Athanasius, St. Clare’s, Incarnation, and St. Gregory the Great. He was named director of the Liturgy Office in 2014.

Officials from the diocese, including Msgr. Sean Ogle, vicar for clergy and consecrated life, visited St. Gregory the Great on Sunday to inform parishioners of his removal. 

“The overall sentiment was one of great sadness,” Msgr. Ogle said. “Several parishioners said the only thing we can do is pray for everyone involved.”

In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Brennan announced that Msgr. Edward Ryan, who Father John O’Connor succeeded as pastor at St. Gregory in 2020, will serve as the temporary administrator of the parish after the removal of Father O’Connor. 

“I am aware this news is disturbing and even devastating to many,” Bishop Brennan said. “I encourage us all to stay vigilant in our commitment to protecting our children and youth.”

In March 2000, when the allegations against Father John O’Connor first came to light, the diocese placed him on leave so that he could seek treatment. He remained on leave and received treatment from May 2000 to August 2001. He was allowed to return to ministry and continued to receive treatment through 2005.

After the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children in 2002, the Diocese of Brooklyn instituted a zero-tolerance policy that mandates the permanent removal of any clergy member who is determined to be credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.

“Before the establishment of the charter … we did not have a Diocesan Review Board so we did not have full investigations for situations like this one,” said Diocese of Brooklyn Press Secretary Adriana Rodriguez. “Now, we have a clearer understanding of all the various ways sexual misconduct can occur, we have former law enforcement officers doing our investigations, and an independent review board, so any kind of complaint like this would be investigated.”

The diocese conducts ongoing background checks of all its employees and volunteers and provides age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults. 

The Office of Victim Assistance Ministry provides supportive services to victims, including counseling and referrals for therapy. The diocese also holds an annual Mass of Hope and Healing for survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

The diocese also operates a toll-free reporting line for accusers to report allegations. The number is 1-888-634-4499.

All reports that come into the line are forwarded to law enforcement authorities.

The claims from the August 2020 CVA lawsuit against Father John O’Connor are still under investigation. The CVA, which was enacted in 2019 and expired in 2021, temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for alleged victims of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in New York.

“The CVA lawsuits are sparking many investigations,” Rodriguez added, “and if other situations like this are found, they will be handled just like this one.”