Catholic Rower Kristine O’Brien to Race at Tokyo Olympics

There’s a quiet fierceness to Kristine O’Brien – the water is still, but her heart races.

“You’re basically in a full out sprint from the beginning of the race, so it’s intense but it’s really awesome when you’re in a rhythm with seven other women and there’s nothing like it,” O’Brien said of her rowing event the Women’s 8.
Her aim in the boat – go fast, but when she walks out as part of Team U.S.A. at the Tokyo Olympics, she’ll want to slow down and live in that moment as long as she can.

“Being named to the Olympic team was like the dream come true, I’ve trained a long time for this and it’s finally happening,” O’Brien said.

Growing up in Massapequa Park, Long Island, Kristine learned to row at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, since then her rowing career has had setbacks and successes – gold medals, championship titles, serious injuries and being cut from the 2016 Rio Olympics team. But through it all her Catholic faith has empowered her to stay the course.

“I came to the realization that I had more in the tank and I had faith through all of that and thank God for everything, without my faith I wouldn’t have gotten to this point,” she said.

Now she’ll be competing in the Women’s 8 with the best in the world in her first Olympic run. But long before she ever stepped foot in a boat, Kristine was part of a different team.

“My mom worked five plus jobs to provide for us and to give us a good life so while she worked my grandma took care of us and it was kind of a team effort,” said Kristine.

She and her twin sister came to the United States at two-years-old from Ireland. She doesn’t have an accent, but what she does have is a strong sense of family and faith thanks to her Irish roots and her grandmother, Nancy, who stays close to her heart.

“She would just be so proud, I pray to my grandma a lot because I know she’ll take care of me and is watching over me,” Kristine said.

Right before Kristine steps into the boat in Tokyo she’ll do what she always does – say a Hail Mary. She’s worked tirelessly toward her goals, but the rest is in God’s hands.

Pope Francis’ Busy Program For Trip to Hungary And Slovakia

Pope Francis’ visit to Hungary and Slovakia in September will be quite a feat considering he is still convalescing from recent surgery.

The Pope will leave on Sunday, Sept. 12 and return to Rome on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
He’ll have to get an early start on Sept. 12. His plane is scheduled to depart from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport at 6 a.m., and land in Budapest at 7:45.

In the next six hours, the Pope will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President János Áder.. He will meet with Hungary’s bishops, representatives of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, and with a number of Jewish communities.

He will conclude his stay in the country with the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress.

His plane for the Slovakian capital departs that day at 2:40 p.m.

In less than an hour he will arrive at his destination. But his day doesn’t end there. In Bratislava, he will have an ecumenical meeting at the nunciature, where he will give his first speech in the country. Then he will have a private meeting with the Jesuits who live there.

On Tuesday he will travel to the city of Košice, where he will celebrate the Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. After the liturgy, he will meet with the Roma community, which has long suffered from marginalization. Before returning to Bratislava, he will also meet with young people in Košice.

On Wednesday, the final day of his trip, Pope Francis will visit the National Shrine in Šaštín and join Slovakian Catholics for their annual pilgrimage. The shrine houses the image of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, the country’s patroness. Not even during Soviet totalitarianism did pilgrims stop visiting the shrine.

Pope Francis will join bishops for prayer there before celebrating Mass. His flight back to Rome will depart at 1:45 p.m., and arrive at 3:30, p.m.

Although the trip will be only four days, the Pope will attend nearly 20 total events: liturgical celebrations and meetings with different groups.

Diocese of Paterson Pushes Sainthood for Brother Marinus Leonard Larue

Brother Marinus Leonard Larue has been described as one man with two lives.

From saving 14-thousand Korean refugees during the Korean War as a U.S. Merchant Marine Captain, to becoming a Benedictine Monk, his canonization cause has been advanced by his Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.

Joining us now is the Bishop of Paterson, Kevin Sweeney, to discuss. If you’d like more information on the cause or are interested in joining the guild, send an email to [email protected].

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 7/21/21

A Catholic high school is getting a million-dollar donation – one of their former students is paying it forward.

Father Henry Torres is paving the way for future Brooklyn priests, becoming the youngest in the diocese to be in charge of a church.

Pope Francis is praying for the victims of a deadly blast in Baghdad. Dozens are dead or wounded as the terror group ISIS claims responsibility.

Germany is now rebuilding as the country recovers from unprecedented flooding – a Catholic group on the ground details the long recovery process.

Father Henry Torres Becomes Youngest Church Current Administrator in the Diocese of Brooklyn

By Emily Drooby

Running a parish is a big responsibility, one Father Henry Torres is taking on. He’s the new administrator of Mary of Nazareth Parish in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Father Torres said, “I didn’t think I was going to get called this soon.”

The call, makes him the youngest administrator in the Diocese of Brooklyn right now.

Torres explained, “These are big shoes to fill. These are exciting times, nervous times, but most importantly a time to learn.”

At 30-years-old, Torres is the second youngest in the Diocese ever.

Last year, the Vatican released data showing a priest shortage. However, here in the U.S., Bishops are reporting steady enrollment when it comes to seminarians. Father Torres’ appointment is another good sign.

“It’s a tremendous sign of hope and encouragement that we have young men who are willing to enter into this responsibility and take it on for the greater good for the people of God,” explained Monsignor Sean Ogle.

He’s the Vicar for clergy in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He says there’s a lot of support for young pastors.

“Youth has its advantages and experience and age have their advantages too, and I think what every organization wants is a health mixture of the two,” said Monsignor Ogle.

Father Torres will be learning how to run, not one but two churches. It’s not an easy task, but he’s never shied away from a challenge.

One major trial, two kidney transplants that ultimately put him on a fitness journey, losing 50 pounds.

Using that experience to get the kids from his former church, excited about fitness too.

A strong connection with the younger generation that’s what long time parishioner Claudia Cruz is excited about.

Claudia said, “that’s a good thing because he can influence teens to one day hear the word of God and become a priest.”

That is a big part of his new role. He’ll also build up the church community, renovate, and overhaul the parish’s web presence.

A lot of work, but Father Torres, is ready.

Cathedral Prep High School Alum Donates $1M

By Jessica Easthope

Richie Diaz owes everything to Cathedral Prep High School.

“I had great experiences, I made great friends, had great mentors all of whom on some level reflected Christ and really were my faith,” he said.

Diaz and Steve Somers have that in common, and both men are giving back in their own ways. Richie, now the principal of Cathedral Prep and Steve, a businessman who’s made sure he’s given back to the school over the years – his most recent gift – a donation of one-million-dollars.

“It was an honor to be able to go to Cathedral, I got more out of that than what I gave, I always do, it’s so much better to give than to receive and that’s been the greatest gift in my life,” Somers said.

He made the announcement at a golf outing last month honoring his former baseball coach, Jim Dilj. Though he’s been generous in the past helping the school build a new science lab – a seven-figure-donation was quite the shock.

“There was a moment of disbelief where we the administration looked at each other quizzically like did we just hear that correctly,” said Philip Franco, the assistant principal of academics and admissions at Cathedral Prep.

Now the million dollar question – what’s that million dollars going to be used for? The students wanted their say.

“We had our jokesters who said let’s buy a movie studio or free lunch every day, but they did have some constructive ideas too, increasing technology, after school offerings,” Franco said.

There definitely won’t be a movie studio, but the plan isn’t mapped out yet; however, both Steve and the administration agree allowing students who can’t afford Cathedral to get the same Catholic education they did – would be life changing.

“Their first question is are there academic scholarships, are there scholarships for financial concerns and now this is one way we can again say ‘yes,’ said Franco.
“My father got a second job for me to go to high school at Cathedral and I know how much of a challenge it is today,” Somers said.

There’s no doubt the donation was generous, but Steve says what Cathedral gave him in four years – you can’t put a price on.

Former CYO Sports Director Named in Two Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits

By Erin DeGregorio, Paula Katinas and Emily Drooby

WINDSOR TERRACE — The former executive director of The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in the Diocese of Brooklyn is accused in two civil lawsuits of sexually abusing underage boys when he was a CYO basketball coach at St. Joseph’s Church in Astoria in the 1990s.

The lawsuits, filed in New York State Supreme Court in Queens in May, were made public on July 14.

In response to the lawsuits, The Diocese of Brooklyn released a statement saying the diocese’s Independent Reporting Line received an allegation of inappropriate behavior by Robert Caldera on Oct. 14, 2020, and quickly acted on it.

“This was the first allegation ever made against Caldera to the diocese. As is the policy of the Diocese of Brooklyn for all employees, Caldera had undergone comprehensive and periodic background checks. Immediately, on October 15, 2020, Caldera was placed on suspension from his position and restricted from all areas at CYO and any other parish, school, or diocesan property,” the statement reads.

On Oct. 19, 2020, a second allegation involving Caldera was called into the reporting line.

“The diocese has provided outreach to both claimants and has been in contact and cooperated fully with the NYPD Special Victims Unit,” according to the statement.

On April 14, 2021, the diocese terminated Caldera, according to the diocese.

“The protection of children is the most important priority for the Diocese of Brooklyn, and our policies ensure that we inform authorities when we receive allegations of inappropriate behavior. The Diocese of Brooklyn has fully complied with law enforcement authorities and will continue to do so in this matter. The diocese cannot provide any specific details and the status of the investigation into the allegations as they are part of an ongoing investigation that involves law enforcement,” the statement read.

The plaintiffs are identified in court documents only by their initials, J.K. and M.T., due to the sensitive nature of the accusations.

In addition to Caldera, the defendants named in the lawsuits are the Diocese of Brooklyn, St. Joseph Church, Catholic Charities Community Services, and the Archdiocese of New York.

The lawsuit filed by M.T. also lists St. Joseph Catholic Academy as a defendant. M.T. was a student at St. Joseph’s School and played basketball for CYO, court documents said. Caldera was employed as a basketball coach for the CYO and for St. Joseph’s School. St. Joseph’s School is the former name of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy.

The plaintiffs claim Caldera repeatedly abused them and are seeking monetary damages, both compensatory and punitive, although the amounts are not specified.

The lawsuits were filed under the New York Child Victims Act, a law that extended the time for people who were victims of child sex abuse years ago to file suit against sue abusers.

The Child Victims Act, passed in 2019, raised the statute of limitations for civil cases brought by people who say they were sexually abused as children up until they reach the age of 55. Victims over the age of 55 are allowed a one-year grace period to file their claims.

The law also includes what is called a “look-back window” — a one-year period for adult victims who had previously been prohibited by the statute of limitations, to file suit. In 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order extending the deadline to file lawsuits to Aug. 14, 2021, and cited the pandemic for the extra time allowance.

Caldera grew up playing CYO basketball and baseball at St. Joseph’s, where he attended elementary school. He later served as the parish’s athletic director for baseball and basketball before taking over as its parish athletic representative (PAR) and overseeing the entire sports program there.

Caldera was St. Joseph’s PAR for 17 years before accepting the job as CYO director in 2013. He also previously coached and taught in schools throughout the diocese — including teaching physical education, junior high school social studies, English, and religion at St. Gabriel in East Elmhurst; teaching English and coaching freshman basketball and baseball at St. John’s Prep in Astoria; and teaching at Our Lady of Sorrows in Corona.

The Tablet’s calls to Caldera for comment went unanswered.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 7/20/21

Attaboy Conaboy! A Catholic man’s heroic deed is recognized by two bishops. The good samaritan saved a woman’s life when she was attacked in the subway.

Could it be the beginning of the end for dreamers? A federal judge calls for a DACA stop.

The final frontier – the world’s richest man blasts off to it.

St. Michael’s Parishioner Sean Conaboy Honored for Stopping Union Square Subway Attack

By Jessica Easthope

Sean Conaboy doesn’t consider himself a hero, he says his act of bravery wasn’t an act at all – it was instinct.

“I’ve come to the conclusion there was no alternative and I’m glad I didn’t stop to think – because if I had it would have been too late to act,” he said.

Now that instinct is being recognized by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop Kevin Sweeney of Paterson, the priest Conaboy heard preach for years at his home parish, St. Michael’s in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

“As St Francis said we should all preach and only when necessary use words and Sean gave an incredible homily by responding to the need of someone who was being hurt,” said Bishop Sweeney.

Conaboy was presented with a medal, Tuesday, to honor the way he put God’s words into action. Back in May a man with a knife stabbed a woman on a subway platform. Conaboy didn’t just step in – he tackled him and stopped the attacker from going back for more, even though he tried.

“It simply comes from compassion to help another person who at that point is defenseless,” Conaboy said.

The entire incident lasted just 60 seconds. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio says he showed all New Yorkers can be Good Samaritans.

“We can be kind of gruff sometimes as New Yorkers but deep down when people are in need we come to the rescue, I’ve seen the good side we can’t just look at the façade,” Bishop DiMarzio said.

Conaboy’s spent his career behind the camera as news photographer, so the attention he’s garnered from his selfless act is foreign. But he is using his new found platform to offer those on the platform some advice.

“Had I been engrossed in my headphones or phone and responded to a scream it would have been too late, I think people need to be a bit more alert in their daily comings and goings,” said Conaboy.

Thankfully the victim, Kelli Daley has made a full recovery. Reflecting on the attack, Conaboy says moments to put faith into action happen every day – all you have to do is look up.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday, 7/19/21

The hunt is on for a woman seen smashing statues. Once wasn’t enough – the suspect came back to Our Lady of Mercy twice in two days.

What can churches do to stop the sprees? Do we have to conceal our faith? Hear from the pastors with plans.

And Cuba’s rallying cry heard around the world started as a hip-hop song. The co-creators have been arrested or are missing.