In Wake of George Floyd’s Death, Vigils Allow for Healing and Unity

By Jessica Easthope

The death of George Floyd struck a chord within the hearts of millions around the world. Amidst the ongoing protests, dozens of vigils are being held in cities across the U.S. demonstrating the power of prayer.

“There’s a window and we need to take advantage of that so the killings, just like Mr. Floyd’s, those come to an end and they become an anomaly, and they never happen again,” said Kojo Addo, organizer of the Minneapolis vigil.

The vigils celebrated the lives of Floyd along with Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Taylor was killed by police in March after plain-clothes officers entered her apartment on a ‘no-knock’ warrant. On June 5, she would have turned 27.

A common theme throughout the vigils was a moment of silence, lasting eight minutes and 46 seconds, the time ex-police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee was on George Floyd’s neck during his arrest.

“We are George Floyd, we are taking on that moment with him,” said Lekie Dwanyen, who participated in the moment of silence at a vigil in Minneapolis.

DeSaeles Media, Currents News’ parent company also held a vigil this weekend, led by Father John Gribowich.

“This is clearly a burst of hope right now, because we can see the great power of this man’s horrible death and how it’s transforming, essentially, the world,” Fr. John said.

He also said moments of silence are key to understanding the work that needs to be done.

“I think that if we’re able to understand what that time means, it’s a way for us to be in better communion with that individual death of a man and also hopefully allow us to be motivated to be people of action,” he explained.

Unlike protests or marches, vigils allow participants to heal in a unique way by coming together in prayer.

“I think it just brought this emotion and reality to the surface, so it really takes when an injustice is done to one member of the body for the rest of the body to run to healing,” Fr. John said.

George Floyd will be buried next to his mother on Tuesday.

‘Don’t Claim Victory Too Soon’ Warns Pope Francis as Countries Reopen

Currents News Staff

In Italy, data reveals the coronavirus situation is improving. However, in the June 7 Angelus, the Holy Father recommended not claiming victory too soon and to remember the countries where the situation is still critical.

“Pay attention, don’t claim victory before its time, don’t claim victory too soon. Thank God we are coming out of the hardest moments, but continue to comply with the rules, given by authorities,” said Pope Francis. “Unfortunately, in other countries, I can think of some, the virus is still taking the life of many victims.”

Minutes before, he had reflected on the Sunday’s feast – that of the Holy Trinity.

“Today, thinking of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, leads us to remember the love of God. It would be very beautiful if we felt loved. God loves me. This is today’s feeling,” he explained.

The pontiff suggested reflecting on this sentiment over the next few days in light of the upcoming liturgical feasts.

In St. Peter’s Square, the lack of tourists is still noticeable. Italy has opened its airports to countries within the European Union. However, many countries still do not allow travel to the country.

Currents News full broadcast for Sat, 6/06/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

We’re coming off a week of both peaceful protests and violent unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of a police officer. We’ll show you the moments of unity and the moments of conflict.

Then to a hunt for an heirloom. One Catholic family no longer has a precious piece of jewelry. Instead, they think a necklace was stolen from their grandfather as he lay dying of coronavirus.

He spent his life as one of New York’s bravest. Hear why an 88-year old is now one of the city’s smartest. He’s got the grades to prove it.

http://netny.tv

Currents News full broadcast for Fri, 6/05/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

Millions of Americans are back on the job. The big jump in employment surprising the experts.

Catholics and Evangelical Christians could be pulling back on their support for President Trump.

We begin introducing you to the special men who’ll soon be priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

And the doctor is in – with offices and work places reopening, what should people do to stay safe.

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Surprise Report: U.S. Adds 2.5 Million Jobs in May

By Paula Katinas and Currents News Staff

WINDSOR TERRACE — The U.S. economy showed strong signs of rebounding from the near-Depression era downfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic – with the nation’s unemployment rate ticking down to 13.3 percent – the federal government’s monthly jobs report for April showed.

A record 2.5 million jobs were added in May — the biggest gain reported in new jobs since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics started keeping track in 1939, catching many economists by surprise. Most experts had predicted a loss in jobs, with some estimating that number to be up to 8 million.

The monthly jobs figures for May, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on June 5, were a sharp contrast from April when the unemployment rate stood at 14.7 percent and 20.7 million jobs were lost.

President Donald Trump was quick to claim credit for the surprisingly good news in the U.S. labor market.

“Really Big Jobs Report,” the president wrote on Twitter shortly after the numbers were released. “Great going President Trump (kidding but true)!”

The job numbers are an indication that the country is coming out of the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown when the U.S. economy was for all practical purposes shut down, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said in a statement.

“Today’s report shows much higher job creation and lower unemployment than expected, reflecting that the re-opening of the economy in May was … more robust, than projected,” Scalia said.

But the country is not out of the woods just yet, according to Scalia.

“Millions of Americans are still out of work, and the department remains focused on bringing Americans safely back to work and helping states deliver unemployment benefits to those who need them,” Scalia added. ”However, it appears the worst of the coronavirus’s impact on the nation’s job is behind us.”

Construction jobs increased by 464,000 in May, gaining back nearly half of the jobs lost in April across that sector.

The improving economic picture comes at a time when the large parts of the country are starting to reopen.

“These improvements in the labor market reflected a limited resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed in March and April due to the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to contain it,” William W. Beach, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, said in a statement.

As Economy Reopens & Protests Continue, Should We Be Concerned About Virus Spikes? We Ask the Doc

Currents News Staff

As the economy begins to open and protests continue across the country, there are concerns about the coronavirus spreading.

Currents News reporters have been on the ground with the protesters and say there’s no social distancing and some aren’t wearing masks. Should we be concerned about a surge in virus infections?

Keeping with the protests, the CDC says chemicals used by police to control the crowds like pepper spray causes coughing, which could spread the virus.

As the economy begins to reopen, many will be going back to their offices. Even if they practice social distancing, can the virus spread through vents in office buildings?

Many will also be getting back on the subways. The MTA has said it may be hard to social distance yourself from other commuters, so everyone is being asked to wear masks.

To offer his insights and answer some of these questions is Dr. Robert Tiballi, an infectious disease expert with the Catholic Medical Association.

Send Currents News your questions about the coronavirus at [email protected]. And tune in on Fridays – the doctor could have an answer.

Queens Priest Uses Hidden Musical Talent to Reach His Parishioners During the Pandemic

By Emily Drooby

Parishioners of Saint Robert Bellarmine in Bayside, Queens know Father Pil-Koo John Hwang as their beloved parochial vicar, but soon they will learn his hidden talent.

“I assume most people don’t know,” he said, “so this is going to be an opportunity to let them know that your priest can do something.”

He’s a singer and composer. While sitting in his home studio, Fr. Hwang told Currents News he’s composed almost 20 songs.

Music has always been a big part of his life. Before the seminary, he attended music school. Eventually, he taught himself the art of composition.

Now he’s using his talents to give back to his parishioners, throwing a solo concert that will stream on the church’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Throughout the pandemic, the clergy at Saint Robert Bellarmine have been doing their best to be there for their parishioners. They have livestreamed mass and other services. They’ve also taken to the streets to bless upwards of 90 homes.

This concert is another way for them to stay connected to their people.

“I just wanted to let them know that they’re not alone, I’m here for them. Just enjoy,” said Fr. Hwang.

The concert will mostly feature songs by Father Hwang. It will go live at 7:30 p.m. on May 5.

The Road to Priesthood in the Brooklyn Diocese: Deacon Dragan Pusic’s Story

By Jessica Easthope

Deacon Dragan Pusic has waited his entire life to get to this point, and later this month he’ll be ordained a priest.

“To recognize the call it took me long. 42 years to recognize a call for the priesthood,” Deacon Dragan explained. “It’s something that forms slowly in some people, and I’m a kind of late vocation, as you would say.”

Growing up in Croatia, a mostly Catholic country, Deacon Dragan doesn’t know a life without the Church. Commitment to God runs in his family.

“There are several priests in my family and a religious sister who served here in Manhattan lifelong,” he explained.

For for most of his life, the priesthood never entered his mind — he imagined something much different.

“I didn’t wish to be a priest and I planned to marry, have a wife and lots of children,” Deacon Dragan said.

But God had another plan for Deacon Dragan, looking back he believes the seed was planted long before he even realized.

“A missionary priest was coming to our parish from Africa and I was begging my brother to take me to the talk, so from that early moment I was interested in those things, and I didn’t know why,” Deacon Dragan said.

Part of his early involvement in the Church revolved around his first love: music.

“When I was 16 I was in the church band, at that time rock and roll was really popular in the church,” Dragan said.

Deacon Dragan says church gave him an outlet to showcase his talents on the guitar, so he kept coming back.

“Guitar is my love and a refuge in moments of difficulty,” he told Currents News. “Guitar for me, it’s difficult to explain. When you touch the strings, there’s a special feeling.”

Decades after his old church band members went their separate ways, Deacon Dragan still plays, now for the others serving with him at Most Precious Blood Church in Astoria, Queens.

As a priest, Deacon Dragan says he’s hoping to draw young people into the Church by giving them a purpose, just like he had in his church band.

“To help young people today to stay in the Church, you have to give them work to feel useful, like we need them,” he said.

As Deacon Dragan takes his final steps toward a religious life, is he excited? No.

“It’s not that I am not excited, I am just in perfect peace with what I am doing now,” Deacon Dragan said.

Now, God is the song in his heart.

Currents News full broadcast for Thurs, 6/04/20 (Catholic news)

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

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

The Bishop of Brooklyn Nicholas DiMarzio is strongly refuting a second allegation of abuse dating back almost half a century. There are some details about the same lawyer behind both accusations that we want you to know.

Thousands attend a memorial for George Floyd in Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza.

Freedom at long last for a U.S. Navy veteran. His nightmare of captivity in Iran is over.

Children in the DIocese of Brooklyn are still studying for their Sacraments. Covid-19 can’t stop religious education.

Today is the Feast of Christ the Priest. A special moment to pray for priests.

George Floyd’s Brother Speaks on Family’s Close Connection With God During Brooklyn Memorial

By Emily Drooby

On June 4, a crowd of New Yorkers screamed, “I can’t breathe” — George Floyd’s last words.

Thousands filled Cadman Plaza Park in downtown Brooklyn for a memorial which remembered Floyd, who died in Minneapolis last week. Four police officers are facing charges in connection with his killing.

George Floyd’s brother, Terrence, joined Mayor Bill de Blasio, NY Attorney General Letitia James, and many others at the memorial. Terrence was briefly silenced by his emotion as he addressed the crowd.

“But I want to thank God, because at the end of the day my brother’s gone, but the Floyd name still lives on.”

Terrence praised protesters but condemned those who have contributed to the widespread destruction.

“I’m proud of the protests but I’m not proud of the destruction, my brother wasn’t about that. The Floyds are a God-fearing family.”

People from all over New York City gathered to honor Floyd’s memory, including Anthony Williamson, who was leading chants.

“It’s all about justice, we all should be treated fairly, we should never be judged by the color of our skin,” said Anthony.

Some of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn were also there to show their support.

“We’re with them, they’re in our classrooms, they’re in our centers, so the Church needs to be here, we need to be here,” said Brother Damien Novello.

They were filled with inspiration by the words of Pope Francis, who recently condemned racism and prayed for Floyd.

“When we say we are pro-life this is one of those areas that we have to be about,” explained Brother Joseph Bach. “We often forget that so I am very grateful because that is a prolific voice, and it’s one that we needed to hear.”

The memorial ended with a march across the Brooklyn Bridge. Other memorials and memorial services are scheduled this week in states across the country.