Currents News for Monday, January 13, 2020

On the newscast: The search tonight for a suspect caught on camera in the act of vandalizing a church and school in Bayside; And prayers tonight for the thousands fleeing after a volcano erupts near Manila in the Philippines; Some lucky Catholic school kids from the diocese getting pointers from an NBA Hall of Famer; And the children’s classic from a Brooklyn author winning a new accolade more than 50 years after it was first published.

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Vandalism Strikes Catholic Church in Queens

By Tim Harfmann

Gang symbols were spray painted on the walls of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bayside, Queens.

Surveillance video captured an individual in a mask early Jan. 12, scrawling “M-S” on the front door of the parish’s Catholic academy, moments after the same vandal sprayed “MS-13” on both sides of the church’s main entrance.

Parishioners like Joseph Ruggiero were outraged.

“I’m beyond upset! I’m absolutely appalled,” he said. “This is an absolute disgrace!”

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident, but Sacred Heart’s pastor, Monsignor Thomas Machalski, doesn’t believe there’s malice against the church.

“I don’t think it was targeted, no, because apparently this has gone on throughout Bayside,” he explained.

At least two Bayside homes and a local pharmacy were also spray painted.

The violent international gang MS-13 is strengthening its presence, particularly in neighboring Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Bayside residents think it could have been a prank.

“I don’t think it was people from that gang,” said Thomas Cronin, another parishioner at the church. “I think it was just somebody who scrawled those things up on the wall.”

“It’s a very quiet, suburban area,” added Ruggiero.

Msgr. Machalski had this message for the vandal: “You need to find more constructive things to do with your energy, because the energy you wasted on something like this could be put to so much better use.”

He also said the parish plans on installing additional surveillance cameras around the church. There is no word yet on how much it will cost to remove the taggings from the building.

Retired Pope, Vatican Cardinal Write Book Defending Priestly Celibacy

By Emily Drooby and Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Since marriage and priesthood both demand the total devotion and self-giving of a man to his vocation, “it does not seem possible to realize both vocations simultaneously,” retired Pope Benedict XVI said in a new book.

“From the Depths of Our Hearts,” a defense of priestly celibacy, has an introduction and conclusion written jointly by the retired pope and by Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, and one chapter written by each of them alone.

The book was to be published in English Feb. 20 by Ignatius Press but the French newspaper Le Figaro released excerpts Jan. 12 from the original French edition.

In a chapter signed by both Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah, they said the book resulted from an exchange of “ideas and our concerns,” particularly related to the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, which heard repeated calls for considering the ordination of married elders to serve far-flung communities and provide greater access to the Eucharist and other sacraments.

Pope Francis’ response to the requests of the Synod is expected early in the year. Observers noted how unusual it was for the retired pope to intervene publicly on an issue the reigning pope is considering.

Cardinal Sarah and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI seemed to recognize how usual the move was, but they wrote, “‘Silere non possum!’ I cannot be silent!”

The two said they offered their reflections “in a spirit of love for the unity of the church.”

In a separate interview with Le Figaro, Cardinal Sarah said, “If this book is a cry, it’s a cry of love for the church, the pope, the priests and all Christians. We want this book to be read as widely as possible. The crisis facing the Church is striking.”

According to the published excerpts, a chapter signed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI noted how today many people assume the gradual adoption of the discipline of priestly celibacy was a result of “contempt for corporeality and sexuality.” The error of that thinking, he said, is demonstrated by the church’s high view of the sacrament of marriage.

And, while acknowledging that celibacy has not always been a requirement for priesthood, he said that married priests were expected to abstain from sexual relations with their wives.

Renouncing marriage “to place oneself totally at the disposition of the Lord became a criterion for priestly ministry,” he said.

The published excerpts do not discuss the continuing practice of ordaining married men in the Eastern Catholic churches nor the exceptions granted by St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI himself to married former ministers of the Anglican Communion and other Christian denominations who become Catholic.

Last January, speaking to reporters flying back from Panama with him, Pope Francis said, “Personally, I believe that celibacy is a gift to the church.”

“I’m not in agreement with allowing optional celibacy,” he said. “A phrase St. Paul VI said comes to mind: ‘I would rather give my life than to change the law on celibacy.’”

However, he did say “there could be some possibility” of ordaining married men in very remote locations where there are Catholic communities that seldom have Mass because there are no priests. But, even for that situation, much study would need to be done.

Responding to journalists’ questions Jan. 13, Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said, “the position of the Holy Father on celibacy is known,” and he quoted the pope’s comments to journalists last January.

But Bruni also included Pope Francis’ statement that “some possibility” could exist for exceptions in remote areas “when there is a pastoral necessity. There, the pastor must think of the faithful.”

In addition, Bruni noted that when Pope Francis addressed members at the end of the Synod in October, he said he was pleased that “we have not fallen prisoner to these selective groups that from the synod only want to see what was decided on one or another intra-ecclesial point” while ignoring all the work the synod did in analyzing the problems, challenges and hopes on the pastoral, cultural, social and ecological levels.

Pope Francis: ‘Baptizing a Child Is an Act of Justice’

By Melissa N. Butz

The Sistine Chapel seemed more like a normal parish on Jan. 12 as Pope Francis baptized 32 children — sons and daughters of Vatican employees.

“Baptizing a child is an act of justice. Why? Because in Baptism we give him or her a treasure. In Baptism, we give them a gift: the Holy Spirit,” Pope Francis said, explained during his homily why baptizing children soon after birth is important.

The Holy Father tried to make the families feel at home and not overwhelmed by the formal ceremony taking place inside the Sistine Chapel.

“Don’t be afraid. Let the children cry and scream,” he said. “If your child cries and complains, maybe it’s because he’s too hot. Take off some of his layers. Or maybe she’s hungry. Feed her here, yes, without worrying. It is a beautiful homily. When a child cries in church, it’s a beautiful homily.”

There were some surprises during the baptisms: two families baptized two children, and a little one showed the pontiff a loving display of affection.

Another less-known scene also took place: Georg Gänswein, Prefect of the Papal Household, handed out the small, white, baptismal vestments to the children.

NBA Hall of Famer Leads Basketball Clinic at Queens Parish

By Tim Harfmann

Saint Kevin Church in Flushing, Queens, wanted young players to learn about basketball from one of the best. So, they brought in Bernard King — an NBA Hall of Famer.

“I was very grateful. It was a very fun experience,” said Amaya Hernandez, a fifth grader.

“You get to meet someone that’s really good at something, and then you get to learn skills and stuff,” said second grader Thomas Sullivan.

The New York Knicks great hosted a clinic for nearly 50 children on January 11.

The six-foot-seven forward spent 14 stellar seasons in the NBA. Now, he’s giving an assist to the next generation of hoop stars.

“It’s very important to have kids understand that they can enjoy themselves playing the game of basketball; but it’s also equally important to have other individuals help young people,” said King, a four-time NBA All-Star.

The Brooklyn native taught the kids the basics of dribbling, using the backboard and the give-and-go.

Hernandez is only in the fifth grade, but has sights on playing professionally.

“It was a little nerve-racking at first, but overall I got used to it,” she said.

Hernandez could reach her goal by following King’s advice both in and out of bounds.

“The lessons you learn in basketball are the lessons that you need in life. Part of that is commitment, conditioning, listen to mentors,” said King, who averaged 22 points-per-game and five rebounds-per-game in his career.

“If you learn from that advice, you’ll get better,” Hernandez added.

Fundamentals for a slam dunk to success.

Sheen Center Showcases Works of Art by Bolivian Youth

By Jessica Easthope

The gallery at the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture filled up quickly with people who stood, awestruck that the art they were looking at was created by children.

Some pieces depicted stunning landscapes, others colorful animals. Some were even pictures of how these young people see themselves.

The paintings weren’t made in an elementary school art class, but in a small building with the mountains of La Paz, Bolivia in the background.

“Every time we gather together and make art together, we’re building community, talking about what’s going on, we’re growing,” explained Robert Aitchison, curator of the exhibit entitled “Arte Fogata.”

An artist himself, in 2015 he started Arte Fogata as a workshop for children living in La Paz and a surrounding town, designed to help them reach their untapped creative potential.

“Creativity can enhance the self-esteem of a child. It’s amazing,” he said. “Kids who come alive when they have a room full of art supplies and they can explore their imagination.”

Curators said one could never guess by looking at the bright colors and cheerful images, just how hard the lives of these children really are.

“They’ve been through a lot of challenging situations, homelessness, abandonment, neglect, abuse so they’re carrying a lot within themselves,” explained Robert.

But despite the darkness these children have experienced, their art reflects the wonder of their imaginations.

“It’s not just a nice activity but it really gives them a sense of hope and purpose and meaning which is really important,” said Father Frank Sabatte, senior curator at the Sheen Center))

the exhibit will be at the gallery at the sheen center until February 1. All of the pieces in the gallery are for sale for $225. The proceeds will go toward funding this summer’s Arte Fogata program.

Currents News for Friday, January 10, 2020

On the newscast: A big change for a Catholic school with a big mission. They’re on the move. The reason why is a familiar New York story; More and more people are joining the March For Life around the country. Expect record numbers this year; As Australia burns, a mass for rain will be celebrated Sunday; And a 6-year old Catholic kid has won the biggest fight of his young life.

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.

U.S.-Iran Tensions Continue With Sanctions, New Details on Ukraine Plane Crash

Currents News Staff

In the back and forth between the U.S. and Iran the U.S. is striking back, this time, with economic sanctions.

“We will continue to apply economic sanctions until Iran stops its terrorist activities and commit that it will never have nuclear weapons,” said Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary.

The sanctions come as a result of the Iranian attack on U.S. and allied troops in Iraq, in retaliation for a U.S. strike that killed Qasem Soleimani.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continues to defend the rationale behind the attack against the Iranian general.

“We had specific information on an imminent threat,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo,” and those threats included attacks on U.S. embassies. period, full stop.”

But some members of Congress are still questioning whether the attack was truly imminent.

Meanwhile, Iranians say sanctions will not bring them to the table.

“Either you want to have a dialogue, or either you want to apply sanctions,” said Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations.

To add to the escalating tensions, new details have emerged on the plane crash in Iran that killed 176 people aboard a Ukrainian plane.

“We do believe that it’s likely that plane was shot down by an Iranian missile. When we get the results of that investigation, I am confident we, and the world will take appropriate actions in response,” said Pompeo.

Iran denies the claims and says they are inviting international partners, including the U.S., into the investigation.

Facing Gentrification, Jesuit High School Prepares for Brooklyn Move

By Emily Drooby

At the end of the school year, Brooklyn Jesuit Prep — a middle school that serves low-income students — is moving from its current location in gentrifying Crown Heights.

The move is their way of adapting to changes happening around them and the rising prices of the New York City housing market.

“Moving to East Flatbush presents opportunities to us in terms of the neighborhood being able to serve a population that we want to be able to serve, that is not a population in a gentrified neighborhood,” explained Father Mario Powell, S.J., the president of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep.

“The gentrification of this neighborhood means that the families that we want to serve, which are families that earn below 24,000 dollars a year, increasingly can’t afford to live in this immediate vicinity,” he said.

To respond to the change, the school will move to vacant floor space at the church of St. Vincent Ferrer in East Flatbush

Gregory Arte, the principal, said it’s closer to the neighborhoods where many of their students live.

“Our kids are coming from farther and farther. Some of our kids make very long trips to get here, so that change in the neighborhood. We want to move closer,” said Arte.

Brooklyn Jesuit Prep caters to students from low-income families as part of the nationwide network of Nativity schools.

“I like how much they support us and especially the teachers, they never stop helping you,” explained Pilar Sims, an eighth-grader and the student body president. “They know you need help. They’ll kinda push it out of you.”

The move will also give the school an opportunity to design the building and classrooms to fit their needs. “To be able to go in and make each individual classroom, not only just have a clean look to it, a uniformed look to it, but a true Brooklyn Jesuit Prep look to each individual classroom,” is something they’re excited about, said Fr. Powell.

The move will happen at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Brooklyn Priest Remembered as ‘Faithful Servant’ Laid to Rest

By Tim Harfmann

Family, friends and parishioners gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to say their final farewells to Father Joseph Gancila, who died Jan. 6. He was 50 years old.

Ordained in 2001, Fr. Gancila was a parish priest who also worked with diocesan officials on combating abuse.

“He was teaching people how to keep themselves safe and their children safe,” explained MaryEllen Quinn, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Brooklyn. “It meant a lot to him.”

Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishops James Massa and Octavio Cisneros presided over the Thursday morning funeral Mass, alongside dozens of priests and deacons.

One of them, Father Christopher Bethge, grew up where Fr. Gancila first began his ministry.

“He made me want to be an altar server,” Fr. Bethge recalled. “Seeing him live out his priesthood every day and to do it with joy, never angry, never saying no, always saying yes to the people need. It was a life I thought was heroic.”

“Any way they asked him to do that, he did joyfully,” Fr. Bethge added, “so any way they ask me, I’m going to try and do the same.”

It’s something Fr. Gancila’s sister, Linda, says was instilled in her brother as a child.

“He was always an altar server, really such a faithful guy and not just in church, but in the way he lives and his ministries,” she said. “I’ve never known a life without him.”

As the casket left the church, it was a standing ovation for a faithful servant.