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Into the Deep: Pray for Peace and Unity During 2020 Election, Says Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio

Currents News Staff

In New York, you can no longer request an absentee ballot. That deadline has passed, which means you either have to vote early or get out there on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Joining Currents News is Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Ed Wilkinson, Editor Emeritus of The Tablet Newspaper, for the latest edition of Into the Deep. The bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn has some words of advice when it comes to casting your ballot.

Bishop DiMarzio mentioned that the Diocese of Brooklyn will be joining Catholics around the country as they pray for this election. The novena, spearheaded by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is meant to help Catholics form their consciences. The closing prayer will take place the day after Election Day.

That’s when the U.S. bishops plan to pray that whoever wins be guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

Suspect Identified Following Terror Attack That Killed Three in Notre Dame Basilica in Nice

By Emily Drooby and Paula Katinas

WINDSOR TERRACE — Three people were killed by a knife-wielding attacker in a basilica in Nice, France on the morning of Oct. 29 in what the mayor of that city called a terrorist attack.

Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, said in a video posted on Twitter: “I confirm that everything suggests a terrorist attack in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice.”

The attack took place at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice at around 9 a.m. local time.

One of the victims, an elderly woman, was nearly beheaded by the attacker.

The suspect was identified later that same day by French authorities as Brahim Aoussaoul, a 21-year-old Tunisian man who came to France in early October. He allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before and after he stabbed the victims.

The suspect was shot by police and was then taken into custody.

In addition to the elderly woman, two other victims died in the attack. The body of a man identified as the sacristan was found inside of the basilica and a woman who was stabbed by the attacker ran into a local cafe, where she was pronounced dead.

Father Paul Anel, administrator of the Parish of St. Paul & St. Agnes, Cobble Hill, is French, and as soon as he heard about the attack, he called relatives and friends in his home country to check in with them.

“The spirits are very low,” he told The Tablet. The attack was “quite a blow for the country.”

The basilica is “a public place, a place of worship,” Father Anel said while adding that it is horrific that a knife-wielding attacker struck there.

The best response to the violence, he said, is to “carry our country in our prayers” and that “there is no better way to do this than to celebrate the Eucharist.”

Father Anel, who celebrates a Mass in French every Sunday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, said he will ask his parishioners to remember the victims in their prayers.

While France has grown more and more secular in recent decades, religion is still important there, according to Father Anel, who recalled the public outpouring of sorrow in the wake of the fire that ripped through Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019.

“The whole country was struck in the heart,” he said.

The attack at Basilica de Notre Dame of Nice took place just days after Samuel Paty, a middle-school teacher in Paris, was beheaded by a terrorist incident on Oct. 16. Paty had shown his class controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad that had been published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. On Jan. 7, 2015, two gunmen stormed the newspaper’s office in Paris and opened fire, killing 12 people and injuring 11 others.

“It looks like for at least one of the victims, inside the church, it was the same method as for the poor professor of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine a few days ago, that is absolute horror,” Estrosi said in the video.

Charlie Hebdo recently sparked a new controversy when it published a cartoon that many Muslims charged was offensive. It depicted Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and a woman wearing a hijab.

Bishop André Marceau of Nice said that all churches in that city would remain closed and under police protection for the time being.

“[Pope Francis] is praying for the victims and their loved ones, for the violence to cease, for people to look at each other again as brothers and sisters and not as enemies, so that the beloved French people, united, can respond to evil with good,” Matteo Brunihe, a spokesman for the Holy See, said in a statement.

“It is a time of pain, in a time of confusion. Terrorism and violence can never be accepted. Today’s attack sowed death in a place of love and consolation, as the house of the Lord,” the statement continued.

Bishops across France requested churches in that country toll their bells at 3 p.m. local time in memory of the victims.

“The murders perpetrated this morning in Nice in the Basilica of Notre-Dame plunge the French bishops’ conference into immense sadness,” a joint statement from the bishops read. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, the injured, their families, and loved ones. It is because they were in the basilica that these people were attacked, murdered. They were a symbol to be slaughtered.”

Currents News full broadcast for Thurs, 10/29/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

A knife attack in France leaves three Catholics dead, murdered while they were praying.

Protests in Philadelphia – unrest continues around the city and explosives are found in an abandoned van.

An email scam is going around Queens – that’s not your pastor asking for donations.

Philadelphia Catholics Pray for Peace Following Civil Unrest Involving Police Shooting of Walter Wallace Jr.

Currents News Staff

After riots in Philadelphia in response to a police involved shooting, the city has imposed a curfew. The city council also approved a ban on the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray on protesters.

Meanwhile, Catholics in the community are turning to prayer. A parish in Philadelphia is taking to YouTube to recite the rosary and pray for peace and an end to systemic racism.

But overnight, a van loaded up with explosives was discovered in Philadelphia. The bomb squad is investigating after officers found propane tanks, torches and what looks like dynamite sticks inside the van.

This discovery occurred just days after the police-involved shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. on Monday afternoon, Oct. 26. Wallace, who was holding a knife during the incident, had a history of mental illness.

What started as peaceful protests on the city streets turned into violence and looting. Philly’s Mayor Jim Kenney says it won’t be tolerated.

“It is clear many of these folks are in no way honoring the memory of Walter Wallace Jr.,” Jim says, “rather they are taking advantage of those who want to peacefully protest Walter’s tragic death.”

Knights of Columbus Founder Fr. Michael McGivney Honored With Train Ahead of Beatification

By Jessica Easthope

Frank Kotnik can still remember getting his first ever Lionel train set.

“I was led downstairs into the basement and I was only table height and I saw these trains with the lights and smoking with the light going around and around,” said Frank, a fourth degree Knight of Columbus at the Monsignor Sherman Council in Glendale, Queens.

Decades later, trains are still a big part of his life. For the last few years Frank has worked with Lionel to design trains for the Knights of Columbus’ “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign. This year, he’s at the controls again. The 2020 Christmas train is done and Frank is working on a new train designed to carry the organization’s founder Father Michael McGivney all the way to sainthood.

“Now that Father McGivney will be beatified, our team is putting together a Fr McGivney Lionel boxcar,” Frank said.

Father McGivney’s beatification Mass will take place at the end of October in Connecticut. By then, the Knights are hoping to have hundreds of Father McGivney trains to sell, with the proceeds going to persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

“We’ve generated more than $9,000 for charity, so once we finalize the Father McGivney train we’ll work closely with the Supreme Knight and see what we can do to get it sold nationwide,” said Ken Engesser, the treasurer of Monsignor Sherman Council.

Like most Knights, Frank has a special connection to Father McGivney and his legacy: he’s the inspiration behind Frank’s desire to give back.

“It’s more of the giving aspect, here we are to serve, our motto is ‘In Service to One in Service to All,’ it gives you a great sense and a good feeling to help others in need,” said Frank.

The Knights say Father McGivney’s beatification is an honor for all of them. They’re hoping he’s going full steam ahead toward sainthood, and another miracle will be just around the bend.

Happy 134th Birthday Statue of Liberty! How To Virtually Celebrate Lady Liberty

Currents News Staff

It’s a big day for the Statue of Liberty. 

On Oct. 28, in 1886, Lady Liberty was dedicated as a gift to the U.S. from France and has since become a global icon and one of the most visited places in the world.

But because of the pandemic, the national monument is only partly open right now.

President and CEO of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation’s Steven Briganti joined Currents News to explain how we can celebrate Lady Liberty’s day even from home.If you would like to learn more about the Statue of Liberty and have access to educational resources and virtual tours, head on over to statueofliberty.org

Currents News full broadcast for Wed, 10/28/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

Countdown to Election Day – with millions of ballots already cast, do you know what your options are? What if you change your mind? We’re breaking down the twists and turns in this year’s election.

The controversial allegations surrounding Joe Biden’s son Hunter and what his former business partner is saying about his business dealings overseas.

Philadelphia erupts in violence over a fatal, police shooting – the violence spreading to the streets of Brooklyn.

Celebrating Lady Liberty on the anniversary of her dedication. We’ll tell you how you can be part of the festivities, virtually.

A Look at Voting Options for Americans Across the Country as Election Day Nears

Currents News Staff

Early voters are seeing long lines. From Indianapolis, Indiana to Madison, Wisconsin and Brooklyn, New York, voters in masks are trying to keep their distance from each other and wait to cast their ballots.  While every state is different, early voting in New York continues through November 1. 

“People are excited to vote for a variety of reasons, motivated by the candidates and motivated by just the need to do it,” said voter Cassie Cloyd. 

Voter Angie Goss wants to “make sure it’s done. With everything questionable and people gathering, we want to make sure we voted.”

It’s easy to social distance in Eau Claire, Wisconsin when you vote in a drive-through.

“It’d be great if we could do this at all the elections,” said voter Ronald Stron. “I think we would prefer to do it this way rather than to have to stand in line.”

In Philadelphia machines are counting mail in ballots ahead of the election. The post office says right now it’s too late to mail in your ballot, because it may not arrive by Election Day, but most states also allow you to drop it off at a polling place or election office. 

If for some reason, you change your mind and want to change your vote, you might be able to before Election Day in some states, according to New York State’s Board of Elections website– 

Even if you request or cast and return an absentee ballot, you may still go to the polls and vote in person. The Election Law recognizes that plans change. The Board of Elections is required to check the poll book before canvassing any absentee ballot. If the voter comes to the poll site, on Election Day or during early voting and votes in person, the absentee ballot is set aside and not counted.

Three Sources Claim Joe Biden was Involved in Son Hunter Biden’s Illegal Foreign Dealings

By Jessica Easthope

“Joe Biden at a public debate referencing Russian disinformation when he knows he sat face to face with me and I’ve traveled around the world with his son and his brother to say that and associate that with my name is absolutely disgusting to me,” said Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of Hunter Biden during an interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

In the interview Bobulinski detailed Joe Biden’s possible involvement in his son’s foreign dealings.

“I’m only here because not only have they not gone on record, they’ve denied it and they’ve tarred my family name,” Bobulinski said.

Bobulinski says he was forced to go public after claims the Biden family was involved in illegal activity with Ukraine and China were dismissed by Joe Biden. The former Vice President called them part of a Russian disinformation campaign that targeted President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.

“The intelligence community warned the president that Giuliani was being fed disinformation from the Russians,” said Joe Biden.

In September, Giuliani claimed to have the contents of Hunter Biden’s laptop. Then Bobulinski and another of Hunter Biden’s former business partners Bevan Cooney came forward with their own allegations, claiming to texts and emails linking, not only Hunter Biden, but his father, Joe and uncle, Jim Biden to questionable business. He broke his silence in a televised press conference last week.

“On numerous occasions It was made clear to me that Joe Biden’s involvement was not to be mentioned in writing but only face to face, I was advised by Gilliar and Walker that Hunter and Jim Biden were paranoid about keeping Joe Biden’s involvement a secret,” Bobulinski said during the press conference.

Bevan Cooney is currently in federal prison for securities fraud so now the spotlight is on Tony Bobulinski. Though evidence connecting Joe Biden to any dodgy dealings is minimal, in the texts and emails Hunter Biden often makes reference to his father, Bobulinski says he calls him the “big guy” and “my chairman.”

“On May 13, 2017 I received an email concerning allocation of equity which said ’10 held by H for the big guy?’ In that email there’s no question ‘H’ stands for Hunter, ‘big guy’ for his father, Joe Biden,” Bobulinski said.

Former Vice President Joe Biden has unequivocally denied the allegations.

“I have not taken a penny from any foreign source in my life,” Biden said during the first presidential debate on September 29.

In the Fox News interview Bobulinski spoke about a recorded conversation with Biden family representative Rob Walker, who urged him not to come forward.

“If he doesn’t come out on record I’m providing the facts,” Bobulinski said in the recording. “Tony, you’re just gonna bury all of us man,” Walker said.

Former Vice President Biden is insisting the allegations are nothing more than a smear campaign.

Persecuted Christians Share Their Story at International Event ‘Stand Together’ in Rome

Currents News Staff

At the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Stand Together hosted this event to continue to give voice to persecuted Christians. The theme of the event was Christian persecution and vulnerability in times of COVID-19.

Among those present was Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He offered hopeful encouragement, saying that initiatives like this one continue to make a difference for victims of religious persecution.

“We must never lose the hope that, through God’s grace and our efforts that cooperate with that grace, the mind and heart can change,” said Cardinal Parolin. “St. Paul’s life and conversion are a wonderful example of how even those who were ardent persecutors of the faith became one of its principal defenders and preachers.”

The first guest speaker was Blessing Okoeyedon, a Nigerian human trafficking survivor. She explained that ethno-religious conflicts increase women’s risk of being trafficked, by leaving them to fend for themselves when their husbands are killed and their homes destroyed.

“I’ve understood that each of us, women victims of trafficking, always has a similar story,” said Blessing, “a story full of deceit, betrayal of trust and exploitation by organized criminals with the goal of making profit at the expense of others.”

Father Mussie Zerai, an Eritrean priest, shared his experience from 25 years working with refugees forced to flee their homes because of persecution. He said in Eritrea, religious freedom is limited, although the authoritarian government says otherwise because it allows Christians to pray in churches.

“However, if you want to talk about justice, or if you start to work with the poor, to talk about the rights of the poor, of young people–you’re not allowed to do that,” said Father Zerai.

Father Steven Azabo an Iraqi priest from the Nineveh plains, spoke about the plight of Christians in his parish, who have faced a serious wave of violence since 2003, suffering kidnapping, torture and death. He remembers very well when in 2014 ISIS invaded Mosul, forcing many people to flee to villages in the Nineveh plains.

“From the beginning, their houses were marked with an Arabic letter “N,” for Nazarene,” said Father Azabo. “In other words, the “N” for Nazarene to indicate Christians. Underneath that they wrote in Arabic, ‘Property of the Islamic State.'”