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Pope Francis Urges Human Fraternity Will Lead to Peace in New Encyclical

By Jessica Easthope and Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bringing the Vatican official in charge of translations with him, Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, source of the document’s title and inspiration.

After celebrating Mass at St. Francis’ tomb Oct. 3, the eve of the saint’s feast day, Pope Francis called up Msgr. Paolo Braida and explained to the small congregation that the monsignor is in charge of “translations and the speeches of the pope” in the Vatican Secretariat of State.

“He watches over everything and that’s why I wanted him to be here today,” Pope Francis said. He also brought with him the Spanish official who oversaw the accuracy of the various translations and the official who translated the text from Spanish into Portuguese.

The Holy Father set the text on the altar under the tomb of St. Francis and signed it.

The encyclical was scheduled to be released to the public Oct. 4 just after midday.

Pope Francis arrived late for the Mass in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis after making a brief stop in Assisi at the Basilica of St. Clare, which houses the tomb of the close follower of St. Francis and founder of the Poor Clares.

Pope Francis did not give a homily during the Mass, simply praying silently for several minutes after the reading of the Gospel. The text was that prescribed for the feast of St. Francis, Matthew 11:25-30, which begins, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”

Because of measures designed to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the Mass was described as “private.” Only about two dozen people were in the small crypt chapel; they sat socially distanced, one person in each pew, and wore masks.

Several Franciscan sisters were present, as were the ministers general of the main Franciscan orders of men: Father Michael Perry, minister general of the Franciscans; Father Roberto Genuin, minister general of the Capuchins; and Father Amando Trujillo Cano, minister general of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Currents News full broadcast for Fri, 10/02/20

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

What’s next for President Trump? With four weeks to go until Election Day, questions are swirling about how his campaign will have to adjust to his COVID-19 diagnosis.

Infectious disease specialist Doctor Robert Taballi talks to Currents News about the president’s positive test.

Plus, before his diagnosis, President Trump and his opponent courted the Catholics at this year’s virtual Alfred Smith Memorial Foundation dinner.

How Could President Trump’s COVID Diagnosis Affect the Upcoming Election? Political Expert Weighs In

By Emily Drooby

Friday marks the “October Surprise” that was a surprise to everyone, even President Donald Trump. He and the first Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19, just 32 days away from the election.

Political expert Brian Browne from St. John’s University explains that this could be a big blow to President Trump’s campaign.

“An important part of the Trump brand is public rallies, outdoors, lots of people, and that has now been taken away so this really changes the dynamic,” he explained. “It changes how they’re going to message things.”

The week leading up to his diagnosis, the president was busy on the campaign trail. He has appearances in New Jersey, Minnesota and Ohio where the first presidential debate of 2020 was held.

The White House says he did travel to New Jersey after learning one of his top aides, Hope Hicks, had tested positive for COVID.

“It was deemed safe for the president to go. He socially distanced. It was an outdoor event and it was deemed safe by White House operations,” Explained White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.

Since Trump’s positive test, he has removed himself from the campaign trail and his events have been cancelled or made virtual.

For now, his campaign strategy remains a mystery, as does what will happen to the second debate which is scheduled for October 15.

“I’ve already heard some conversation perhaps it could be moved remotely,” explained Brian, “If we don’t have the ability to judge these candidates on stage like we do during a normal campaign, it’s really a disservice, it’s a shortcoming of the campaign.”

There’s one question on everyone’s mind: What happens if the President is unable to continue on the campaign, especially now that many ballots have already been sent out with his name on them?

“That really would be unprecedented, any votes that have been cast for President Trump would go to the Republican nominee, who in this case would almost certainly be Vice President Mike Pence,” said Brian. “God willing, we don’t come to that point.”

Speaking with Sean Hannity on Fox New, President Trump suggested Hicks might have contracted the virus from meet and greets with the military and law enforcement.

Mike Viola

Sandwich guru Mike Viola joins Msgr. Jamie in the season premiere to make 3 deluxe sandwiches unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Tune in to learn how to make Italian-style grilled ham and cheese, Moroccan roast beef, and more!

Currents News full broadcast for Thurs, 10/01/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

Three Catholic women are taking Bay Ridge by storm raising money to help beat cancer and support those still fighting.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre files for bankruptcy protection because of sexual abuse lawsuits.

Pope Francis is about to take his first trip outside of Rome since the pandemic began – he’s going to Assisi to sign his new encyclical.

Pope Francis to Sign New Encyclical on Human Fraternity in Assisi During First Trip Since Pandemic

By Emily Drooby

This upcoming weekend, Pope Francis is set to make his first visit outside of Rome since the pandemic put Italy on lockdown. It will mark a very important occasion, as he will sign his new encyclical.

The Holy Father is set to celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi. He will sign the encyclical right after.

Brother Joseph Bach of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn explained that the trip, which is scheduled for October 3, holds deep significance.

“He’s going on the day that we celebrate the Transitus, or the passing of St. Francis in our Franciscan family,” Brother Bach told Currents News

Francis is the first Pope to be named after St. Francis.

The encyclical is said to be on human fraternity, recognizing each other as brothers and sisters.

“For Francis, this whole concept of ‘fraternitas’ meant that we were all brothers and sisters. And without distinction we were all equal. So, I think it sends a very important message for the whole and for our Church right now,” explained Brother Bach.

Brother Bach added that it’s a message that’s especially important as the world deals with the fall out of the pandemic.

This will be the Holy Father’s third encyclical, named “Fratelli Tutti’ — words that come from St. Francis. This is also true of Pope Francis’ second encyclical, “Laudato Si.’”

The trip itself will look very different from a normal papal trip: it will be private and not open to the faithful. Pope Francis will return to the Vatican right after.

Millions of Rapid COVID-19 Tests Set To Release in the U.S.

Currents News Staff

One-hundred-and-fifty million rapid COVID-19 tests are now set to be deployed to all 50 states.

Scott Atlas, White House COVID-19 adviser and doctor says the tests won’t require any kind of machine. 

“It’s very rapid,” Scott said. “This is not one of those deep swab things that people are reluctant to use.”

Brett Giroir from the White House Coronavirus Task Force says it will require drops of liquid and shares the process.

“It almost could not be easier,” says Brett. “It starts with six drops of liquid onto a piece of paper … ‘One, two, three, four, five … One, two, three, four, five … into the test, twist it three times. The adhesive is pulled off and you wait 15 minutes and that is the test.” 

President Trump said 50 million tests will be sent to communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

“18 million for nursing homes, 15 million for assisted living facilities, 10 million for home health and hospice care agencies,” Trump says, “and nearly 1 million for historically black colleges and universities and also tribal nation colleges.”

Critics say this is only a small step forward.

“It’s probably not enough,” says Ashish Jha, doctor and dean of Brown University School of Public Health. “We need a lot more.”

“I would rather see 150 million a day not a month,” says William Haseltine, president of ACCESS Health International. “We need to be close to a time where everybody in America can have a rapid test for free from the government to test their family.”

Catholic Business Owners Organize ‘3rd on 3rd’ Fundraiser to Kick Cancer Out of Bay Ridge

By Jessica Easthope

For Jeanine Condon, her battle with cancer feels like a lifetime ago.

“I was 27 at the time and it was hard, I had stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I was in the hospital for a month,” she told Currents News. “I did eight months of chemo, lost my hair and it was a hard time,” Jeanine, a co-owner of Charmed by J L M in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, added.

But she’s never stopped fighting for survivors and those still battling cancer.

“I believe God gives you things you can handle,” Jeanine said.

On Saturday, 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, will be a sea of pink for “3rd on 3rd,” a breast cancer fundraiser with businesses donating proceeds and giving back. Jeanine and her store will be participating.

Chrisie Canny is the event’s organizer. She also has a line of bracelets that help cancer patients in a unique way. Her company is called “Vented” and the bracelets she makes hold essential oils like peppermint and lavender. The scents come through small vents in the front of the bracelets and help cancer patients with the nausea they commonly feel while undergoing treatment.

Her mission is not only to support those affected by cancer but also the local businesses who have struggled during the pandemic.

“What this weekend usually is the 3rd Avenue Festival, it’s a big money weekend,” she explained. “But unfortunately, because of COVID we can’t have that. So this is a way to bring everybody safely and make up for some losses.”

One of the participating businesses is The Green Spa & Wellness Center. Co-owner Maureen Brody just celebrated one year cancer-free. During her cancer journey, Maureen created a product that made her treatment easier and has since helped countless others.

“I created a cream for myself while going through radiation to help prevent burns, and afterwards people came to me and asked if I could give them some for others they knew who were going through it as well,” Maureen said.

Maureen says that since her diagnosis, her faith has only gotten stronger.

“It actually brought me closer to God,” she said. “You need all the support you can get, and it very much strengthened my faith during that time.”

The three women are all about giving back. It’s what keeps their Brooklyn roots rooted in faith.

Currents News full broadcast for Wed, 9/30/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Rome meeting with church leaders over the renewal of an agreement between the Vatican and China.

The first presidential debate devolves into a chaotic shouting match between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Saint Michael’s Church in Flushing welcomes dozens of people of faith into the Catholic Church.