Relic of the Most Precious Blood of Christ Arrives at the Vatican

By Currents News

The Jubilee of 2025 is bringing with it events that at other times would have been impossible, making this Holy Year one for the history books.

For the first time, the Most Precious Blood of Christ has arrived from the city of Mantua to the Eternal City.

The San Salvatore in Lauro Sanctuary is the church where the Most Precious Blood of Christ will be held until it’s returned to the Church of Saint Andrew in the Lombardy region of Italy.

Emperor Charlemagne, in the year 700, invited Pope Leo III, who certified the relic as genuine. Since then, thousands upon thousands of pilgrims have venerated it

On Nov. 28, another unique event will take place: the Most Precious Blood of Christ will be carried in procession to St. Peter’s in the Vatican and pass through the Holy Door.

This relic is officially on pilgrimage to Rome for the first time in its millennial history.

It is an occasion that also moves many people who have responded to a great call of love and devotion to Lord Jesus.

Additionally, the relic on display is accompanied by two others: a thorn from the crown of Jesus and a small piece of the wood on which He was crucified

Cardinal Rolandas Macrikas, Archpriest of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, will celebrate a Mass on Nov. 22.

Diocese of Brooklyn Youth Embrace Pope Leo’s Message of Hope at National Catholic Youth Conference

By Christine Persichette and John Lavenburg

When Pope Leo XIV appeared on a big screen to greet about 16,000 young Catholics at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 21, Amaris Gutierrez was seated near the front among 40 others who planned the digital encounter with the Holy Father.

“It showed me how the youth have a voice,” Amaris, a 15-year-old from St. Mary of Nazareth Parish in Fort Greene, said of the encounter coming to fruition. “It made you see the power of the youth and how much you can get done if you work together.”

Grace Verna, a 17-year-old ambassador from the Vicariate of Black Catholics Concerns Youth Leadership Ambassador Program (VBCC), said the dialogue with Pope Leo made her “realize how connected we are even though Catholicism is so big.”

Amaris and Grace were two of 13 young Catholics from the Diocese of Brooklyn who traveled to this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), held in Indianapolis from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22. The group included seven young Catholics from St. Mary of Nazareth and six from the VBCC.

The delegation was led by Father Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Flatlands, and Father Henry Torres, pastor of Mary of Nazareth. The trip was made possible by a grant from the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens.

The three-day conference included Mass and Eucharistic adoration, speakers, music and worship, and interactive exhibits — games, crafts, obstacle courses, meetups, and more — for young Catholics to explore.

Bishop Robert Brennan, who attended with the diocesan contingent, said the conference sent a strong message.

“These kinds of moments are very important for young people to encourage each other in their faith,” Bishop Brennan said. “And quite honestly, they inspire us all and give us a sense of hope.”

Of the dialogue with Pope Leo, Bishop Brennan, who was seated among other U.S. bishops, noted that it was an insight into his personality and his humanity — an opportunity to see a different side of him.

“We were looking at a very large screen. It was almost as if he were there, and it was up close so you could see him smiling; you could see him laughing. You could see his reaction to what was said,” Bishop Brennan recalled. “It really was a genuine exchange, and it was evident that he himself enjoyed it, and that’s nice to see.”

The digital dialogue with Pope Leo began on a light-hearted note, with the moderator asking the Holy Father what his starting entry is for Wordle (the New York Times puzzle game) each morning. Only time will tell how his answer will alter the strategy of the millions of players worldwide.

“I use a different word for Wordle every day,” he revealed. “So there’s no set starting word.”

From there, the five young Catholics took over, asking Pope Leo questions which focused on prayer, technology, and their role in the future of the Church. The Holy Father reminded them that everyone sins, and that God always forgives when asked for mercy, explained that “authentic trust” is essential in relationships, and emphasized that technology “can never replace real, in-person relationships.”

He also advised a measured approach to artificial intelligence.

“Be prudent. Be wise. Be careful that your use of AI does not limit your true human growth,” Pope Leo said. “Use it in such a way that if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to think, how to create, how to act on your own, how to form authentic friendships.”

The Holy Father also told the young Catholics that they’re not only the future of the Church but also its present, saying, “Your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now, and the Church needs you.”

“I see great hope and promise in you, and I trust that the Lord is at work in your lives,” Pope Leo said in closing. “May he continue to bless you, continue to guide you, and strengthen you as you seek to serve him in the Church and every person he places in your path.”

Daniel Mendoza, a 14-year-old member of the diocese’s delegation from St. Mary of Nazareth, said he believes the Holy Father’s message on AI can “really change young people,” and help them remember that “we can’t let it control us and we have to control” it.

Emmanuel Okurenjoku said he plans to apply Pope Leo’s advice to his daily life, specifically, his message on being persistent in prayer despite distractions.

“That stuck with me. That’s good advice,” said Emmanuel, a 16-year-old VBCC ambassador who attended the conference. “It was very frank for me to hear that from him. I think it’s something that I’m actually going to apply in my life.”

Even beyond the Pope Leo dialogue, Emmanuel, as did other young Catholics The Tablet spoke with, encouraged more young people to attend the conference in the future.

“There is so much to see here. All of the people from all around the country and even outside of the country,” he said. “You cannot walk a few feet without seeing someone from Kansas or from Hawaii or from South Carolina. Everybody has such different experiences.

Yet, we’re all here for the same purpose, for the same religion and the same event.”

Bishop Brennan echoed Pope Leo’s sentiment that the young people attending the conference, and the energy they brought, “is a great sign for all of us.” He also noted the impact they’ll all have back home.

“Take this one experience as an example. Each of those young people … who are going back this weekend will have an impact on a number of other young people,” Bishop Brennan said. “They share that experience, that hope, that joy, and enthusiasm.”

“So that impact is far more reaching than just on those who attended.”

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 11/20/2025

Pope Leo XIV is standing with the bishops in the United States as they share a message of solidarity with migrants. Meantime New York state bishops are encouraging others to follow in the footsteps of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patroness of immigrants.

The canonization cause of an American mother of seven is moving forward: Ruth Pakaluk, an atheist turned Catholic pro-life activist, is on her way towards sainthood.

In honor of Black Catholic History Month we introduce you to a New York City mom who wrote a children’s book about the Caribbean to help her son feel more connected to his roots.

A Mom’s Love, an Island’s Legacy: New York Parishioner’s Book Shares Caribbean Roots

By Christine Persichette and Jessica Meditz

SPRINGFIELD GARDENS — For Queens parishioner Karllen Lawrence, home will always be the Caribbean.

She grew up on the volcanic island of Dominica, a predominantly Catholic country known for its lush mountains, hot springs, and vibrant music scene. When she moved to Queens in 2005 after marrying her husband, Garth, she knew she wanted to keep culture alive for her future family.

Nearly two decades later, she accomplished that by writing and publishing a children’s book in 2021 called “Caribbean ABCs” — a colorful introduction to Caribbean life, food, geography, and spirit.

She says the inspiration came from her son, Brett, now a 13-year-old student at Holy Name of Mary Catholic School in Valley Stream, Long Island.

“I knew my son was going to be born here in America,” Lawrence said. “But I still wanted him to know his heritage and to feel connected to where we come from.”

When Brett was born, she began outlining the book, jotting down ideas for each letter of the alphabet. But as life moved forward, the project sat unfinished until the pandemic.

In 2020, while quarantining in Dominica, she finally had time to bring her idea to life.

“I was in isolation and said, ‘You know what? Let me give this another look,’ ” she said. “I started writing again, reaching out to friends for ideas — what could ‘A’ be, what could ‘B’ be? It all came together in this magical way.”

Through bright, playful illustrations, “Caribbean ABCs” takes children on an alphabet journey across the islands — from “B” for Boiling Lake, a nod to Dominica’s volcanic beauty, to “R” for Reggae, the soundtrack of Caribbean pride. The book’s illustrations were created by a young artist, Manuel Olmos, the son of one of Lawrence’s friends.

Since its release in 2021, “Caribbean ABCs” has been available for purchase on Amazon and in several bookstores across the Caribbean, including Dominica, where Lawrence says local families embraced it.

Brett says he was surprised to learn the book was inspired by him.

“At first I thought she got the idea from me because I draw comic books,” he said. “Then she told me she’d been thinking about it since I was born.”

Brett spent months in Dominica during the pandemic while attending school online, saying that the quality family time there had a lasting impact on his understanding of his roots.

“I feel proud that my parents are from Dominica,” Brett said. “It’s nice knowing I come from more than one place.”

Lawrence, a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Springfield Gardens, says her faith is central to everything she does.

“I grew up Catholic, and I can’t separate my faith from my life experience,” she said. “It’s part of who I am. It’s the foundation of our family.”

She takes Brett to church regularly and prioritized enrolling him in a Catholic school, citing the rigorous education, teacher care, and faith-filled environment.

Lawrence expanded her circle of faith by hosting rosary prayer sessions on Zoom, which are well-attended by friends of all faiths.

“We do happy hour, but we also do rosary,” she said with a laugh. “I always say, prayer is for everyone.”

When asked what’s next in her publishing journey, Lawrence said she’s eager to work on another book about the Caribbean — likely for adults.

“My son is very creative; he’s already talking about drawing for it. I think I should explore that with him,” she said.

As a mother and writer, Lawrence said her greatest hope is that Brett and other young readers grow up knowing the richness of their roots.

“Yes, the Caribbean is known for beaches and tourism, but it’s so much more than that,” she said. “It’s about our food, our music, our stories, and even the challenges we face, like natural disasters. I want every child who reads it to learn something new about who we are.”

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 11/18/25

Retired Brooklyn pastor Father Michael Perry is continuing his ministry by personally shipping supplies to war-torn Ukraine, honoring his Ukrainian heritage.

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV shared lunch with 1,300 people in need to mark World Day of the Poor, continuing a tradition begun by Pope Francis.

Americans may struggle to get Thanksgiving staples on the table this year as SNAP delays continue after the shutdown and rising prices make groceries harder to afford.

Plans for an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field are moving forward after a key legal agreement, but some Queens Catholics worry the project will harm their community.

Government Shutdown Aftermath and Rising Costs Cast Shadow Over Thanksgiving Preparations

By Jenna MacDermant

As Americans gear up for Thanksgiving, securing a turkey for the table has become more challenging than ever, compounded by the recent federal government shutdown and escalating food prices.

In a heartwarming tradition, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens distributed hundreds of turkeys and chickens ahead of the holiday, providing a vital lifeline to those in need across the diocese.

Clergy emphasized the importance of these free birds, with Deacon Jean noting, “Any help that we can provide the communities in any sense. We’re going to have as many as we can, but the more we have and the more people we could help.”

Yet, this year, the path to a traditional Thanksgiving meal extends far beyond the kitchen. The 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which ended on November 12, 2025, strained food pantries like St. John’s Bread & Life, already grappling with a nearly $1 million shortfall in government funding.

Sister Marie Sorenson, SC, Associate Executive Director at St. John’s Bread & Life, described the situation as “a crisis that we’re in, and I think we’re not seeing the end of it yet.”

The shutdown’s ripple effects hit hard, particularly through the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids nearly 42 million Americans. Benefits expired for millions in November, leaving federal workers unpaid and food insecurity soaring.

Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary of The Washington Post highlighted the ongoing struggle: “For many families, they’re still struggling to put food on their table and keep their roof over their heads.”

Grocery prices have compounded the crisis, rising nearly 3% (2.7%) from last September, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report.

Staples essential to Thanksgiving dinners—potatoes, meats, fresh vegetables, and bakery products—have all seen increases. Tariffs further inflated costs for imported goods like wine, with one store reporting 5-12% hikes this year.

Amid the challenges, a glimmer of relief emerged on Friday when President Donald Trump signed an executive order retroactively lowering tariffs on key agricultural imports, including beef, tomatoes, coffee, bananas, and other products.

The move aims to ease the burden on consumers facing these elevated prices.As families navigate these obstacles, organizations like Catholic Charities continue to step in, ensuring that the spirit of Thanksgiving endures despite the hardships.

Retired Brooklyn Priest Ships Necessities to War-Torn Ukraine

By Katie Vasquez

Father Michael Perry has prepared to ship many boxes of goods to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in 2021.

“They have nothing. Nothing. Everything is destroyed. Everything,” Father Michael Perry, the pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Refuge Church in Brooklyn.

So far the former pastor has sent activities for children, tents, blankets, a wood burning stove, toiletries and other items to help those torn apart by the war.

“I’ve been sending packages and packages of wool and knitting stuff, which is really good because a lot of the older people, especially the older ladies, they can’t go through the rubble, but they can knit,” explained Father Perry.

It’s a personal mission for Father Perry as all of his grandparents immigrated from Ukraine.

It’s also why he decided to wear the blue and yellow colors of the country’s flag until the war ends.

“I’m 100% Ukrainian and also 100% American. I love this country more than I love Ukraine. But the people in the Ukraine are my people, and they’re suffering terribly,” said Father Perry.

This effort doesn’t come cheap, and the retired priest has dipped into his own fixed income to fund all the items.

“I just took out another month of my retirement to pay for this shipment,” said Father Perry.

He hopes his prayers will help all those suffering.

“It’s going to help people maintain their dignity,” said Father Perry, “they’re destroying their cities, and their towns. Never destroy our dignity. Never.”

It will take about six weeks for the boxes to reach Ukraine.

St. Clare Catholic Academy Teacher Launches Fashion Club Igniting Creativity and Confidence

By Jessica Easthope

Details matter inside the fashion room at St. Clare Catholic Academy in Rosedale, that’s how Taneeya Alexander designed it.

“I want you to push it, I don’t want you to play it safe, go further. How can you make this outfit top last week’s outfit or last year’s outfit?” said Alexander, teacher at St. Clare Catholic Academy.

For Alexander, pushing boundaries is what gives fashion its soul. She’s been doing it since she was a student, walking the hallways of St. Clare’s in uniform shoes — this time, they’re pink platforms.

“Wearing uniforms, we would have to find ways to be creative, whether it be our bags, whether it be our accessories, we just wanted to find a way to stand out. So it was kind of just a way to be creative and to express myself,” Alexander recalled.

She’s back where her fashion journey started — as a teacher and mentor. It’s the second semester of the after-school club that’s part of Alexander’s nonprofit, the Fashion Design Youth Sorority. Students are swiftly taught the basics of sewing, given a machine, and challenged to make a garment.

“This class is teaching me precision, it’s teaching me how to make stuff for myself, how to be independent. Oh, you like my outfit? Well guess what? I made it,” shared Catleya Carnakie-Brown, an eighth grader at St. Clare Catholic Academy.

At St. Clare, Alexander is mirroring Black excellence — her class is about cutting patterns, not corners.

“I want them to try their best, there’s no shortcuts in life so there shouldn’t be any shortcuts in this class as well, you know? They would try to be like, “I messed up” and I’m like, it’s okay to start again. That’s what life is about, just starting again,” Alexander explained.

This semester, the club’s latest projects are taking shape: original garments to be modeled in a Christmas runway show and when the school debuts The Wizard of Oz, every costume will be made in the fashion room by young hands. When these students look to Alexander as a role model, they’re admiring a flair that has nothing to do with clothes. They see in her — their own potential.

“Starting fashion I was really confused,” said eighth grader McKenzie Courtois. “But Ms. Taneeya, she made sure that I was doing what I was really supposed to do and now I thrive at it. I feel really confident when I look at that mirror, like, wow, I actually did this because in when I was younger, I wouldn’t have believed that I could do this at all.”

As she guides these young artists, Alexander knows there’s a divine design for her too.

“I just feel like God has a bigger plan for me. And this is all leading up to that, this is where I’m supposed to be,” she reflected.

And she hopes her students stitch clothes as bold and beautiful as their dreams.

Diocese of Brooklyn’s Annual Catholic Youth Day Celebration Reaches Record-High Number

By Currents News and Alexandra Moyen

MIDDLE VILLAGE — During the Catholic Youth Day celebration at Christ the King High School, Kimberly Juarez noted that everyone was an active participant in each program, including Holy Hour.

“There was not one person who didn’t kneel, and everybody respected each other and the space,” said Juarez, who was participating in the diocese’s youth day for the first time. “It was beautiful.”

Juarez was joined on Nov. 15 by the youth group of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Jamaica, which she leads. It was one of 62 youth groups and parishes that attended the annual celebration.

This year, the diocese welcomed a record 1,853 young Catholics — a number Father James Kuroly, director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the diocese, attributed to the dedication of youth ministers.

“We know that our young people are thirsting for Christ, but they’re also thirsting for companionship on that journey of faith,” Father Kuroly said. “So I knew that it would build up from last year because they get excited by seeing others like them on this journey of faith.”

The theme for this year’s Youth Day was “I Am,” a reference to a gospel passage in the Book of Matthew, where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”

Father Kuroly said the goal of the day was to invite young adults to turn that question inward and ask themselves, “Who am I?”

“We’re trying to give our young people an understanding of who they are — that they are a beloved son and daughter of God, that they have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, that they are temples of the Holy Spirit,” Father Kuroly said.

To accommodate the large number of guests who couldn’t fit in the school’s auditorium, parts of the day were livestreamed in the gym. As the day progressed, the young adults were divided into groups for talks led by Catholic motivational speakers Mari Pablo and Brian Greenfield, who were invited by the diocese.

Jon Paolo Marasigan, a sacristan and youth minister at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Parish in Ozone Park, said it was “absolutely beautiful” seeing how engaged the youth were throughout the day.

Speaking with The Tablet after celebrating Mass in the auditorium, Bishop Robert Brennan expressed excitement at the record turnout.

“It’s a testimony to the Office of Youth Ministry and the quality of what they’re offering. It’s also a testimony to the youth ministers and the pastors in the parishes who have strong programs there,” Bishop Brennan said.

“Then finally, of course, it’s the testimony of the kids themselves,” he added. “The kids sometimes are the best missionaries. They have a good experience, and they tell other people about it, and then they bring their friends.”

Hundreds Gather for Annual Ultreya Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph

By Currents News

More than 55 parishes came together at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph for the Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual Ultreya Mass, celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros. Rooted in the Cursillo movement, “Ultreya” means “onward” — a call to keep growing in faith and mission.