Hard History of NYC Hospitals at Center of Coronavirus Crisis

By Emily Drooby

Elmhurst Hospital in Queens is being called the center of the coronavirus crisis in New York city.

In just one day they lost 13 people to the deadly disease, and many more are still lining up outside this hospital just waiting to be tested.

Reports from inside say they’re overwhelmed.

But, for some long-time Queens residents and politicians this doesn’t come as a shock. Over 10 years ago, there were way more hospital beds in this area of the borough.

In 2008, Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills, Queens closed its doors because of financial trouble.

They were followed in 2009 by St John’s Hospital in Elmhurst and their affiliate, Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica.

New York State assembly member Michael Dendekker remembers that time well.

“It was devastating to the community,” he explained. “I remember being up at a rally on St. John’s Queens Boulevard because we knew that we needed those beds.”

The hospitals were in dire financial troubles and there was no help to save them. Assembly member Dendekker says 400 beds disappeared when St. John’s closed and over 200 beds after Parkway shut its doors.

He’s been worried about medical care in this area of Queens for a long time, and how the government is not stepping up to help out.

“It’s very frustrating and what I would like to see is more investment by the federal government and the state government into new facilities or the rehab of some of the facilities that closed and have not been put to good use,” he said.

The assembly member says he and others talked with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently about relieving the pressure on Elmhurst Hospital and he hopes something happens soon.

Ask the Doctor: Safety Measures and Precautions During the Coronavirus Crisis

Currents News Staff

Current News is committed to telling viewers everything you need to know about the coronavirus crisis.

Each Friday starting March 27, Currents News will bring you the best medical advice, so that you can better cope with the disease.

Joining via Skype is Doctor Robert Tiballi, an infectious disease expert with the Catholic Medical Association, to discuss best practices to mitigate risks of infection or spreading the virus.

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

What Is the Urbi et Orbi Blessing?

Currents News Staff

Pope Francis has decided to deliver the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing this Friday, March 27, in light of the ongoing pandemic keeping the world indoors, and Catholics away from physically receiving the sacraments.

“The ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing is known as the papal blessing. The newly elected pontiff imparts it from the benediction loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is given to the city of Rome and the Catholic world spread throughout the globe. The same blessing is given on the day of the Nativity of the Lord and on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection,” said Dr. Johannes Grohe of
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

The blessing dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Over the years, it was extended to the entire Catholic population.

“The formula of the words, ‘Urbs et Orbis,’ is first seen in the title of the Lateran basilica: ‘omnium Urbis et orbis ecclesiarum Mater et Caput.’ These words mark the first cathedral church, built in Rome during the time of Emperor Constantine,” said Grohe.

On this particular occasion, the blessing is considered extraordinary because it is given outside one of the three traditional moments.

“Even this March 27, as indicated by the Vatican press office, everyone who unites spiritually to this moment of prayer, through media platforms, will be granted a plenary indulgence, in accordance with the conditions indicated in the recent decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary,” said Grohe.

To obtain the indulgence, it is important to have a sincere intention of going to confession and receiving the Eucharist as soon as possible.

Living With Someone Who Tested Positive for COVID-19

Currents News Staff

One of the biggest problems of the coronavirus pandemic is living under quarantine when a member of the family is infected.

That’s happening right now to the Jesuit family in Washington, D.C., where one of the priests in the community has the virus.

Well-known Jesuit writer Father Thomas Reese lives there, and he’s now under a self-imposed quarantine.

Still, he’s able to join Currents News over Skype to share how his community has responded to the circumstances, their take on social distancing and how to deal with the spiritual aspect of this crisis.

Currents News full broadcast for Thurs, 3/26/20

On the newscast: Parishes in Brooklyn and Queens are facing a big crunch because of the coronavirus crisis. Donations are way down but you can help them survive; A record-breaking relief deal to help millions of Americans could soon be on the President’s desk; Living in isolation during the pandemic. We’ll hear from a Jesuit who’s doing just that; And our best friends are getting adopted at a remarkable rate during these tough times.

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

Governor Cuomo on COVID-19 Relief Package: ‘I’m Disappointed’

Currents News Staff

“When this is over, I promise you I’m going to give them a piece of my mind,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, venting after the Senate passed a two trillion dollar relief package.

The Governor said out of the two trillion, the state of New York which is the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis only gets five billion dollars, with just 1.3 billion of that going to the city.

Cuomo says that money can only be put towards COVID-19 expenses, not lost revenue. New York, right now, is looking at a budget shortfall between eight and 15 billion dollars.

“I’m disappointed. I said I’m disappointed. I find it irresponsible, I find it reckless,” Cuomo said.

Senators, including New York’s Chuck Schumer on the other hand, were celebrating this act of bipartisanship.

“It’s a historic day because it matches a historic crisis,” said Schumer.

The aim of the far-reaching deal is to boost a damaged U.S. economy. The bill includes 250 billion dollars for direct payments to individuals and families, 250 billion in unemployment benefits, 350 billion in small business loans and 500 billion dollars for distressed companies.

“The Senate has pivoted from one of the most contentious, partisan periods in the nation’s history to passing this rescue package,” said Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader.

Even President Donald Trump was pleased, tweeting “96-0 in the United States Senate. Congratulations America!”

The legislation now goes to the House for a vote tomorrow. It’s expected it will pass, and President Trump says he will sign it into law.

Youth Movement Brings Christ’s Healing to Homes With Online Challenge

By Tim Harfmann

Scrolling through social media, you might notice the latest campaign: #JornadaHealsChallenge

Organized by the Jordana movement, it asks people to share scriptures, hymns, prayers and other talents, then tag three people, challenging them to post online within 24 hours.

Jenni Gil started the challenge to strengthen faith during the virus crisis.

“I felt like this would be some type of way to bring some joy, some love, some light into people’s house,” she explained.

In less than a week, over a hundred people started participating.

“It truly is just the work of God to see how it’s spreading and how so many people are enjoying,” she added.

Videos are getting creative. One person posted a project, writing negative emotions on plastic cups and using a bucket, representing Christ, to knock them down.

Jornada’s spiritual director, Father James Kuroly, says the videos are what the group’s vocation is all about.

“We wanted to have something where the mission of the Jornada movement continues, which is evangelization, youth evangelizing youth.”

Jornada’s president, Daniel Estrada, says it’s important to shed light during this dark time.

“All you see is about the virus, which is important, but I think sometimes we need a break from it and we need an opportunity to reflect, and we need an opportunity to realize how powerful our God is,” he said.

And, you don’t have to be a Jornada member to join the challenge.

With Masses Suspended, Church Collections Move Online

By Emily Drooby

With churches in the Diocese of Brooklyn closed, the collections basket isn’t being passed around.

But the bills aren’t stopping.

“Gas bills and electric bills and phone bills…without Sunday collections, which is the main source of our income, it’s almost just impossible,” explained Monsignor John Maloney, pastor of Saint Anselm Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

On a normal weekend, the church gathers an average of about $5,500 in the collection baskets, and an additional $2,500 through an online platform called FaithDirect.

Concerned for his church, parishioner and diocesan employee John Quaglione set up a GoFundMe page for St. Anselm. It has raised over $1,400, money that will help to keep the church and its many programs afloat now and in the future.

“It came to me as I was watching Mass that the collections are going to be depleted tremendously because there are no people inside of the church,” Quaglione explained.

“The food pantry, the blood drives, the Catholic education programs, all of that must go on when this is over.”

Churches all over are implementing ways to donate online. Saint Mary’s Church in Queens is sending out links to online fundraising platform GiveCentral if you text their parish number.

Other churches are putting links to the online platform FaithDirect right on their website, like Saint Patrick’s in Bay Ridge.

“I’m not asking anyone for money but I am grateful” said Father Gerard Sauer, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church. “I am grateful to every person who has switched to online giving. I’m grateful to every person who has slipped their envelopes through the door this week. I’m grateful to every single envelope that has showed up in the mail.”

Fr. Sauer is grateful for his parishioners help, because like at St. Anselm the bills are still coming, including for their employees’ medical insurance.

Our Lady of Angels parish in Bay Ridge generally sees mostly in-person donations, but even they’re making a change.

“We are going to try to encourage more people to give or donate electronically,” explained pastor Monsignor Kevin Noone.

The church is considering setting up a Venmo account — an app that easily allows for the transferring of money.

If you want help, check out your parish’s website and learn if they have electronic giving.

Masses

Vatican Faces Confirmed Coronavirus Cases

Currents News Staff

St. Peter’s Square is empty.

The Holy Father’s Angelus and General Audiences are being live-streamed, museums remain closed, but that hasn’t stopped the coronavirus from slipping into the Vatican.

Two days ago, the Vatican announced that the four known cases of infection within its borders involved employees, already recovering.

Now a new case has arisen.

A high-ranking official of the Secretariat of State’s Italian department has tested positive for the virus and is now in a hospital.

The situation is particularly delicate, as the official lived at Casa Santa Marta, also the Holy Father’s residence. He was probably in direct contact with other people in important roles.

It is much less likely that he’d had close contact with Pope Francis.

The pontiff has been tested and does not have the virus.

The Italian newspaper, “Il Messaggero,” explained the measures Pope Francis is taking to avoid contagion:

– He has lunch and dinner alone in his room.

– He keeps a safe distance from people during the few meetings he has.

– He uses hand sanitizer.

In any case, as of March 25, no measure can be considered too drastic within Casa Santa Marta.