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Will Summer’s Heat Help Stop Coronavirus Cases? Experts Are Doubtful.

By Emily Drooby

Coronavirus infection rates are spiking in some of the hottest states in the country, even though early indicators suggested that heat and humidity would slow the virus. But in recent weeks, the opposite has happened. Experts are now predicting the weather won’t have any substantial impact. 

“It’s not that weather is actually going to affect the virus itself…even if the virus was weakened in the heat and humidity of the outdoor environment, most of the transmission is expected to be indoors,” explained William Nieter, a climate scientist at Saint John’s University. 

Sunlight can reduce the transmission of COVID-19, according to experts like William, but not enough to curtail the growing numbers. Factors like population density and social distancing have a much larger effect on how the virus spreads, as do masks.

“Common sense,” he urged. “You don’t want to enter into close proximity with people, with anybody, without your mask. 

But lax adherence to the rules could be one of the reasons for the surge in cases. Even so, the death rate is going down or holding steady in many states because of more testing, an uptick in younger people getting infected – who have better odds at survival – and aggressive treatment strategies that are saving lives.

“In addition to the remdesiver and the dexamethasone, we have sera from recovered patients that although is not effective late in the disease, it’s actually beneficial early,” explained infectious disease expert Dr. Robert Tiballi.

He also says the virus may even be weakening, but that we can’t let our guard down, because the next few weeks will be telling.

“It’s usually in the later phase after 2 to 3 weeks that patients actually enter the most dangerous phase where they could lose their life,” he explained, “so actually, we’re kinda coming up on that now.”

And though nobody knows for sure, transmission-curbing behaviors could be reducing the amount of people exposed to the virus while they are out in public, potentially driving down mortality rates.

Local Restaurant Struggles to Keep Up With New York City’s Ever-Changing Rules During Reopening

By Jessica Easthope

Maria Pranzo is the manager of Gino’s on 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The Italian restaurant has been open for 56 years. It’s her family’s business.

“It’s always been an uncertain business, but now it’s more uncertain than ever,” she explained. “Every day it’s like you’re running a new business.”

Maria helps run the restaurant with her brother, Anthony. But since the pandemic it’s been a far cry from what it used to be. On average, before COVID-19, the restaurant served more than 600 people a day.

“Now how many? Maybe if we do 150 a day it’s a lot, we’re at like a fifth of our business,” said Maria.

Like many other restaurants across the city, Gino’s built an outdoor dining space in front of the restaurant in compliance with the city’s guidelines, or so they thought.

“On Sunday somebody came and said we needed to have an 18 inch railing between the street and the seating,” Maria said of their outdoor deck.

They hoped the space would be a blessing, but with the city’s ever-changing regulations, it’s been more like a curse.

“For them to change the guidelines after the game started it’s just not fair, we got it done but a lot of places won’t get it done and they’ll face fines and have their privileges revoked,” Maria said.

The United Nations estimates businesses like Gino’s, with less than 250 workers, make up two-thirds of employment worldwide. Maria says she’s desperate to get her employees back to work.

“We were prepared to bring back more people when we were going to do the 50 percent indoor, and then I had to say, ‘Sorry, you can’t come back,’” she told Currents NEws.

Maria and her family’s faith has kept hope alive. She says despite their struggles, she feels God is on her side.

“Yesterday it was supposed to rain all night and I prayed, ‘Please dear God, let it hold out.’ And the rain did hold out,” she said. “I just feel like I do rely on my faith.”

For now, Gino’s is in complete compliance with city guidelines. Maria says she’s hoping the rules don’t change anymore, and businesses can get back to serving the community.

America’s First Black Catholic Priest Honored in Illinois

Currents News Staff

Catholics recently gathered in Quincy, Illinois to remember the man recognized as the first Black Catholic priest.

It came on the anniversary of Father Augustus Tolton’s death. He died at age 43 on July 9, 1897 from what’s believed to be heat stroke.

Father Tolton spent part of his childhood in Quincy. He attended seminary in Rome because no American seminary would accept a Black man.

He spent several years serving in Quincy before transferring to Chicago. On July 9, a mile-long procession began at the statue of Father Tolton – and ended at the cemetery where he’s buried.

“He wasn’t afraid of the persecutions or racisms or the other things that were happening in his time,” said Father Peter Chineke, parochial vicar at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Ill. “He knew where he was heading, he knew where his hope lies – in Heaven.”

Wayne Wienkie also attended the procession.

“The fact that he had been a slave, and became a Catholic priest,” said Wayne. “And was the first Black African priest in the United States.”

Cardinal Dolan Blesses Ashes of Mexican Nationals Who Died of COVID-19

By Currents News Staff and Rhina Guidos

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Inside New York’s iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, some 250 Mexican nationals were hailed as anonymous heroes July 11, after dying of COVID-19, which they likely contracted as they kept the city moving when it was experiencing the peak of the pandemic earlier this year.

Their cremated remains were blessed at the cathedral and, via an arrangement with the Mexican government, were sent to Mexico later that day to be received by family.

“When the pandemic (in the New York City area) was at its peak, they never ceased working,” said Jorge Islas Lopez, consul general of Mexico in New York, speaking of the deceased to the press after the service.

Though anonymous, some of the immigrants had worked to keep New York’s hospitals clean as medical staff struggled to save lives, Islas said, while others kept the food supply or necessary construction moving.

“Today, we lovingly take them to Mexico, their earthly home, and we pray so that they will live forever in their true celestial home,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York said during the service in Spanish.

He blessed their ashes covered in white on the main altar as mariachis played traditional Mexican songs in the background.

While speaking to the press, Cardinal Dolan explained he was hoping to have brought some comfort to the migrants’ families so they would know that their loved ones had received God’s blessing.

“These families suffered because they were unable to be with their loved ones at the time of death,” he said.

But some friends and family were present for the service at St. Patrick’s, wiping tears and holding pictures of their loved ones in the pews. Others watched the blessing of the ashes via Facebook Live, where the service was livestreamed by the Mexican Consulate in New York, and they left messages in the comments section.

“Goodbye, my brother. I am not at the Holy Mass but you are in my heart. I love you always,” wrote Clemencia Bravo.

“May your soul rest in peace, Teresa Romero,” wrote Jafed Fer Dax. “We love and miss you in your beloved Huamantla.”

“Uncle Alfredo, may God keep you in his glory,” wrote Jonathan Lopez.”We will always remember and miss you.”

“Many of them died alone because they did not have family here,” said Islas, the consul general, addressing the press. “That’s why it’s important that they return with the utmost dignity and decorum, an utmost respect that the faithful should be given.”

After the blessing, the cremated remains were loaded on a Mexican army plane that took off from New York’s La Guardia Airport to Mexico City, where the Mexican government had arranged to send the cremated remains to different localities throughout the country.

In a news release, the Archdiocese of New York said the consul general had helped organized the service for those who had not been able to have a funeral Mass and burial at the height of the pandemic in the city.

“The Catholic Church shows care and reverence for the earthly remains of those who have died by insuring a proper, dignified repose of earthly remains,” the statement said. “This is so important that it is considered to be one of the Corporal Works.”

Burying the dead is one of the seven corporal works of mercy, part of the teachings of Jesus practiced by Christians as a model for how to treat others. Others include feeding the hungry and giving alms to the poor.

Blessed Mother Statue Vandalized in Queens, Police Investigating Incident

By Jessica Easthope

Only faint remnants of graffiti are left on a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that sits outside the entrance of Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst, Queens. On July 10, under the cover of darkness, it was vandalized.

“At about 3 o’clock in the morning we saw someone approach the statue and just simply spray painted it as if it was an ordinary thing for them to do and then they walked away,” said Father James Kuroly, who serves as the Rector-President of the school.

When Fr. Kuroly came out, Friday, he saw the word “idol” in thick, black spray paint down the front of the sacred statue.

“The idea of writing ‘idol’ is a kind of accusation against what we believe in, we do not believe that the statue is an idol, but rather an instrument that is used to bring us closer to the Blessed Mother, which in reality brings us closer to Her Son,” Fr. Kuroly explained of Catholicism.

The incident is being investigated by the NYPD as criminal mischief, police are searching for an individual who was completely covered in clothes and wearing a hat. They have not been able to determine if it’s a man or woman, regardless, Fr. Kuroly believes hate motivated the suspect.

“We saw this, really, as a hate crime immediately,” said Fr. Kuroly.

The statue is more than 100-years-old. Father Kuroly says it means so much to the young men of Cathedral Prep, past and present as well as the community it watches over.

“If you just look outside the window there is always someone in front of the statue seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother, bringing flowers to her and looking to her as the model of discipleship,” said Fr. Kuroly.

Patricia Perez stops by the statue every single day. She says she’s heartbroken over the act of vandalism.

“We all have our own religion and she’s amazing and for me. It was horrible what they did to her, very painful,” Patricia said.

In light of the vandalism, Fr. Kuroly is holding a rededication ceremony for the statue on Thursday, July 16, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Currents News full broadcast for Mon, 7/13/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

The Blessed Virgin, vandalized. Attacks on two statues in two states. The word “idol” graffitied in Queens.

Fire destroying a church in California where statues of Saint Serra were previously targeted. Could it be arson?

Flag burning and name calling in Brooklyn as pro-police demonstrators face off with Black Lives Matter.

Three men are one step closer to the priesthood. Coronavirus can’t stop their journey to God.

Historic Los Angeles Church Founded By Saint Junípero Serra Mission Destroyed in Fire

By Emily Drooby

It was a grim scene when the roof of the 249-year-old San Gabriel Church collapsed. The view inside was even worse. Debris littered the pews – much of it burnt beyond recognition. It took 50 firefighters almost three hours to get the blaze under control.

Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles toured the extensive damage.

He also presided over the Sunday mass at the mission’s nearby Chapel of the Annunciation, which was untouched by the flames.

“We are sad for what we have lost, but this fire changes nothing” Archbishop Gomez said. “Mission San Gabriel will always be the spiritual heart of the Church in Los Angeles, the place from which the Gospel still goes forth.”

Noone was injured in the blaze. The church had not reopened after closing its doors during the pandemic. Instead, it was undergoing renovations ahead of its upcoming 250-year anniversary. Because of this, many historic paintings and artifacts had been removed and firefighters were also able to save others.

“We were able to keep the artifacts intact, the museum is in tact,” said Mayor Denise Menchaca, of San Gabriel.

Still, the loss is very difficult for the local Catholic community.

“Such a historical place, a lot of memories for me personally, but I’m sure a lot of memories for the whole community,” said John Guitierrez, a parishioner at the church.

“It’s so sad,” added fellow parishioner Sara Guitierrez. “It’s tragic for this city, it’s our jewel.”

The mission was established back in 1771 by Saint Junípero Serra  – a Franciscan priest who founded across California – and led the church’s missionary efforts with Native Americans on the west coast.

He’s also come under fire, with several statues of him being toppled as critics accused him of oppressing Native American culture.

The investigation is still ongoing, right too early to say what caused the fire.

“t was heartbreaking, I won’t lie,” explained parishioner Terri Huerta, “but I have cried out my tears. We have to just be thankful that the building is just still up.”

Band of Religious Sisters Evangelize Through Music During Pandemic

Currents News Staff

In 2014, seven nuns from the Servants of the Plan of God formed a band called “Siervas,” and have been using their musical talents as a tool for service and evangelization.

Representing the countries of Chile, Japan, Peru, China and Costa Rica, the sisters won’t let the coronavirus pandemic put a damper on their spirits or their instruments. They’ve spread their message of faith, joy and hope, despite social distancing. During the quarantine period, they recorded different “coronavirus versions” of some of their most popular songs.

“Well, we’ve been composing new songs during this time,” said Sister Paula Soto, who plays the drums. “We’re also working on a new musical project. We’re waiting for God to provide everything so we can return to giving concerts. We especially can’t wait to share with people, which is what really makes us happy.”

Three Immigrants Ordained as Transitional Deacons in the Diocese of Brooklyn

By Emily Drooby and Paula Katinas

The Diocese of Brooklyn, which has a large immigrant population, now has three new transitional deacons who themselves are immigrants and can speak to the experience of newcomers to the U.S.

Transitional deacons are men who are on their way toward becoming priests.

The three men took a big step toward fulfilling their dreams of becoming priests when they were ordained as transitional deacons at a Rite of Ordination Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights on July 11.

The new transitional deacons are Robinson Olivares, 47, a native of the Dominican Republic; Elvin Torres, 35, also of the Dominican Republic; and Joseph Hung Sy Tran, 38, who was born and raised in Vietnam. The celebration was an important milestone for the three men on their faith journeys to the priesthood. They are expected to be ordained into the priesthood next year.

Auxiliary Bishop James Massa celebrated the Mass, which drew a sizable crowd at the co-cathedral that still fell within New York State’s 25 percent capacity restriction in religious gatherings.

“You’ve traveled a long way on your journey to get to this moment,” Bishop Massa told the new transitional deacons. The bishop also spoke of how fitting it was that the Diocese of Brooklyn, which he called a “Diocese of Immigrants,” has many foreign-born members of the clergy.

Bishop Massa announced at the Mass that Deacon Olivares would be assigned to serve at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Bayside. Deacon Torres will be serving at St. Ephrem Church, Dyker Heights and Deacon Jung Sy Tran will be working at St. Agatha Church, Sunset Park.

Despite changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the Mass was filled with traditional elements and deeply moving moments.

Bishop Massa urged the new deacons to use their personal experiences in their ministry and to also incorporate contemporary culture “in delivering a message to the faithful.”

He also encouraged them to “use the precious time leading up to the priesthood” to open themselves up to God’s healing power.

“Offer up your deepest fears, your most embarrassing faults,” Bishop Massa said, adding that they could “serve as a witness to God’s saving power in your own lives.”

In a highlight of the Mass, the new deacons lay on the altar as the Litany of the Saints was recited in song. The men also received their vestments.

Prior to the Mass, the new deacons appeared relaxed but excited about the day ahead as they stood outside the rectory of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on Pacific Street and watched as the early arrivals filed into the cathedral.

Deacon Olivares worked as a computer support technician for 20 years before entering the Saint Pope John XIII Seminary. “I had a regular life. I had a girlfriend. But I always felt deep in my heart that something was missing,” he told The Tablet. His life changed at a religious retreat he attended. He recalled experiencing “a loving encounter with the Lord” at the retreat. A short time later, he realized that he was being called to the priesthood.

Deacon Torres heard the calling at a young age.

“I’ve wanted to be a priest since I was seven or eight years old. I knew I remember going to Mass with my family as a little boy and seeing the priest at the altar. I loved the reverence he had and I remember the special feeling I had when I saw that,” Deacon Torres said.

Years later, he earned a degree in philosophy and was a teacher “but something was missing,” he said. He realized that he wanted a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Deacon Hung Sy Tran is one of 10 children: “I’m sixth!” he told The Tablet.

There is a sizable Catholic community in Vietnam, despite the fact that it is a Communist country, according to Hung Sy Tran, who said he and his siblings spent much of their time volunteering for charity organizations sponsored by the Catholic church.

“I’ve always had a strong sense of the power of God in my life,” he said. “I have always wanted to serve God and to serve the people of God.”

In an interview prior to the Mass, Bishop Massa said he admired the courage the new immigrant deacons. “They’ve left so much behind,” he said.

When asked if he had advice for them, the bishop focused on the basics. “They have to be men of prayer. Their teaching has to come from their experience,” he said.