After Two Statues at Our Lady of Mercy Were Destroyed, NYPD Searches for the Vandal Caught on Camera

By Emily Drooby and The Tablet Staff

WINDSOR TERRACE —Police released a video of a woman destroying a statue of the Blessed Mother and one of St. Therese, The Little Flower, that had stood at the church for 84 years.

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in finding an individual responsible for destroying two statues outside Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills during the early morning hours of July 17. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.

The attack took place outside the church at 70-01 Kessel St. at approximately 3:30 a.m. A person can be seen in the video dragging the two statues 180 feet across 70th Avenue and repeatedly slamming them into the ground, causing them to break, police said.

The individual sought by police is described as a female in her mid-20s, with a medium complexion, medium build, and wearing all-black clothing.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT

Saturday was the second time the same two statues were targeted by a vandal, according to the diocese. Earlier in the week, on July 14, the statues were toppled over but not damaged. The diocese said that it’s believed that the same person is responsible for both acts of vandalism.

Father Frank Schwarz, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, said the statues have stood outside the church since the church was built.

“It is heartbreaking, but sadly it is becoming more and more common these days,” Father Schwarz said in a statement. “I pray that this recent rash of attacks against Catholic churches and all houses of worship will end, and religious tolerance may become more a part of our society.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

The statues were smashed to bits by a vandal who dragged them more than 150 feet.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day Procession Returns After Pandemic Pared Down Celebrations

By Jessica Easthope

A float carrying Our Lady of Mount Carmel weaved through the streets of Brooklyn once more. Her following followed closely behind. Those who have a devotion to her can proudly show their love again after the pandemic robbed them of this joyous day last year.

“I’m so thrilled, my whole life is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and being able to honor her in our traditional Southern Italian way is a joy for me,” said Stephen LaRocca.

Of the hundreds who walked the more than two-hour route in the blazing sun, La Rocca’s not just another face in the crowd. He’s been following this same path for 35 years – barefoot. Now he gets to share the promise he made to devote his life to Our Lady with Catholics from all walks of life.

“This is what Brooklyn’s all about, the Haitian community is always united with the Italian community in this devotion, it’s a beautiful thing, she’s given me everything Our Mother so I have to give it back,” La Rocca said.

Traditionally during the procession, people wear scapulars to remind them of their devotion and love for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. And with every one that was passed out – a tradition is passed on.

“She appeared to Saint Simon Stock and made promises to protect people who wear the scapular,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

This time last year the celebrations were drastically pared down – and even though he didn’t know what the future would hold – Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel predicted it would come back bigger and better than ever.

“The crowds we’ve had for the Giglio, the novena, every night of the feast, it’s been just jammed and it’s wonderful to see,” he said.

This year as the band played and people prayed as they walked the streets Monsignor Jamie proudly said his prediction came true.

Catholic News Headlines for Friday, 7/16/21

Pope Francis is putting stricter rules on the Traditional Latin Mass in all areas.

There is a blessed in Brooklyn – a relic from the first millennial servant of God – Carlo Acutis is in the diocese.

Could life in Cuba soon change forever? The people are now in a massive battle for freedom as they protest against the island’s communist government.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sends a plea to Catholics across Brooklyn and Queens: pressure Capitol Hill to keep the Hyde Amendment.

How You Can Join Millions of Catholics on a Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Currents News Staff

Through a virtual pilgrimage beginning on Friday, July 16, you can now travel to Lourdes without leaving your home. Last year, 80 million people participated.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is organizing the virtual pilgrimage for the second year in a row to mark the anniversary of Mary’s final Apparition at Lourdes on July 16.

Its website is hosting activities all day long, from Rosaries prayed in various languages, Masses offered for different countries, Marian prayers, and candlelit processions.

Participants will be able to pray, make offerings, light candles, and send prayer intentions online at anytime.

French President, Emmanuel Macron, will be among those present at the grotto, and will go to the shrine at Lourdes on Friday.

To join the virtual pilgrimage, head to www.lourdes-france.org and www.lourdes-france.org/lourdes-united-2021

The Museum of Family Prayer Wants You to Enter Their Second Annual Mary Garden Contest

The Museum of Family Prayer in Massachusetts is now accepting entries for its second Annual Mary Garden Contest – and they want Brooklyn and Queens to join in.

Joining Currents News to share more about Mary Gardens and the competition itself is Father Jim Phalan, the national director of Family Rosary.

If you would like to join in on the fun and show off your Mary garden, just head on over to MuseumofFamilyPrayer.org and click on “Mary Garden Contest.” The deadline to join is July 26.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday, 7/15/21

Just in time for her birthday! An inside look into the life of the first American saint. The pop-up shrine to Mother Francis Cabrini you won’t want to miss.

And could it be a minor concession in Cuba’s fight for freedom? The government temporarily lifting restrictions on food and medicine.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sending a plea to Catholics across Brooklyn and Queens- pressure Capitol Hill to keep the Hyde Amendment.

Pop-Up Exhibit in New York City Gives Special Insight into Mother Cabrini’s Life

By Emily Drooby

Tucked away at the St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in northern Manhattan, there is a room filled with relics of Mother Cabrini. It’s a pop-up exhibit, perfectly timed for the saint’s birthday that marks 75 years since her canonization.

Inside the treasure trove, you can find a calling card, her clothes, a bed she slept in – all items the saint owned or used often.

Her laundry mark adorns her sheets and even her socks. Marking clothes was how the sisters identified who owned what, since their linens were identical.

Yet, inside one room is the most important relic of all: her body.

Executive Director Julia Attaway says every year thousands come here for a chance to feel closer to the beloved saint.

“With a saint as a Catholic, those are our heroes and we want to be in contact with those who are great in that way because we can learn from them,” Julia said. “We can hopefully imagine that we can become great too.”

Now, visitors can feel even closer and learn even more about the saint who built orphanages, schools, hospitals and served the Italian immigrant community in New York City.

This pop-up gives a glimpse into who she really was, through things like the size of her frock.

“And when you stand near it, you realize she was really tiny, she was really a little thing,” explained Julia. “Her immigration papers when she became a citizen, it says that she was 5 feet tall.”

She added, “I like the fact that she was so little and so strong.”

The space is filled with little gems of knowledge that a person can’t get from a photo.

Sister Antonina Avitabile is a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is part of the congregation that Mother Cabrini founded.

“She was human,” Sister Antonina said. “She ate like we did, she slept like we did, she was a person…if Mother could do so many good things, we can too.”

First Class Relic Belonging to Blessed Carlo Acutis Arrives in Diocese of Brooklyn

By Jessica Easthope

The relic of the first millennial considered for sainthood will travel to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, then will be displayed at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bayside, Queens.

Seven small strands of hair belonging to Blessed Carlo Acutis were presented to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Wednesday, July 14. Thanks to the Queens’ church’s pastor, Msgr. Thomas Machalski, the relic is here to stay. He asked Bishop DiMarzio to request it with one thing in mind: evangelization.

“He used the internet for evangelization and now we have to use what he began and use his example to help change,” said Msgr. Machalski.

Acutis was a tech savvy, normal kid with a life cut tragically short. He died a week after being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15. The miracle that led to the Italian teen’s beatification involves a young Brazilian boy who was healed of a rare disorder after touching another of Acutis’ relics – a piece of clothing.

Acutis is admired for using the internet for good and bringing people closer to Christ through the Eucharist.

“Young people can seek holiness in their lives,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “This kid was a regular kid, wore what everybody else did. He was on the internet, everything young people did he did.”

With Acutis’ relics traveling to all of the schools throughout the diocese, young people will get to tap into their own holiness and realize that sainthood looks a lot like they do.

“We need saints that speak to the young people,” said Msgr. David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools. “And he speaks to young people and the miracle is going to happen in Brooklyn.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 7/14/21

The first millennial, a teenager just like your own son or daughter, beatified by the Catholic church. Carlo Acutis’ relic is now in the Diocese of Brooklyn –– find out where you can see it.

An update on the papal progress report: Pope Francis is ready to head back to the Vatican, but not before a pit stop.

Bishops are fighting against what they call the “most extreme” pro-abortion bill they have ever seen –– see how you can take a stand for life.

One Brooklyn woman has already taken that fight into her own hands by trying to bring hope to women right before they enter an abortion clinic.

Brooklyn Woman Has Devoted Years of her Life to the Pro-Life Movement as a Sidewalk Counselor

By Currents News Staff

It’s a walk Rose has taken for years. With a cross to proclaim her faith and gloves to protect her health, day after day, she stands outside of a Brooklyn abortion clinic.

Rose tells Currents News the key to being able to come back day after day, is to, “Never, never give up on the fact that we can reach these women. But we have to do it with love.”

Rose hasn’t given up, “What am I doing that’s more important, even if it’s just prayer, someone has to be there to pray for these women.”

She started praying years ago, with Monsignor Philip Reilly and the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, a pro-life group that runs in the Diocese of Brooklyn. They’re working where they’re needed most.

New York City is often called the abortion capital of the country. Its where 50,000 of the states 80,000 yearly abortions happen. That’s according to the Susan B. Anthony List, a nonprofit that seeks to end abortion.

Three hours a day, four days a week, Rose stands here, fighting to change that.

It’s a calling that is not without its dangers. She has been threatened.

Rose says, “But then one time one of them says, you’re all alone. Who do you got here, you’re all alone. I said, I have Jesus, Mary and Joseph.”

It’s why Rose asked Currents News not to use her last name, a way to keep her safe.

But despite the dangers – she always comes back – driven by the success stories.

Rose explains, “But she came to the place two or three times, and then on the final visit she said, ‘I can’t do it.’ Praise the Lord, and that gives you encouragement. It doesn’t seem that you’re doing anything, but you never, never, never know.”

Standing quietly on the sidewalk, as women enter the center, she hands out rosaries and pamphlets with information for local pregnancy centers.

One of them – the Life Center of New York in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Their executive director, Fred Trabulsi explains, “Since we are working with Rose in the last six months or more, we have had maybe, four turn arounds, through Rose’s instrumentation.”

Fred says when he looks at her, he sees a possible future saint.