Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon Supports Catholic Education

By Tim Harfmann

It was a time for Christmas cheer while providing the next generation with a Catholic education.

Students from Saint Michael Catholic Academy, Flushing, performed the nativity scene as hundreds packed Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s Christmas Luncheon on December 11.

The gathering in Howard Beach, Queens, raised over $350,000 so children can receive a Catholic education in the Brooklyn diocese.

“We have to remember them, and pray for them, and help them to do better,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

“It gets us into the Christmas spirit of giving and to let people know that whatever they do, the gifts that they have are to be shared,” added Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development in the Brooklyn diocese.

Bishop DiMarzio also acknowledged several people for their dedication to Catholic education.

The honorees pointed out how important the scholarships are.

“It gives the children a safe environment of learning; and also we don’t have the public-school pressure of learning, and we help the children to pray and the value of family,” said Veronica Tsang, who serves on the Board of Directors for St Michael Catholic Academy and is a trustee for Futures in Education.

“Vocations are nurtured in Catholic schools. So, the more we can have students in those Catholic schools, then obviously we’re helping with vocations,” said Monsignor John Strynkowski, former rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington.

“Without the scholarships helping our families stay in Catholic education, we would not be able to provide the consistency of keeping our enrollment relatively stable,” said Thomas Chadzutko, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The over 700 people in attendance agreed, the bishop’s Christmas luncheon is a great way to promote the future of catholic education.

Vatican Launches Stamps Recognizing Pope Francis’ 50th Anniversary as Priest

By Melissa Butz

The golden anniversary is a milestone for anyone, regardless of vocation. This year, the 50 year landmark is for Pope Francis, remembering the day he was ordained a priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec. 13, 1969.

“We are celebrating 50 years of priesthood for Pope Francis. In these stamps we draw him as a young man, when he made his decision as a young seminarian, and a young priest. Then, we move to him today when he’s arrived at the apex of what a priest can do in this earthly life, become St. Peter’s successor,” Mauro Olivieri said of the Philatelic and Numismatic Office.

The artist who made these stamps a reality is Spanish, Raul Berzosa. He made these paintings with various representations of aspects of Pope Francis’ life and his closest devotions during his priesthood.

“Pope Francis, or at the time, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has in the background the church of San Jose where he strongly heard the call the Lord’s call. The other image on this stamp, is the Our Lady the Undoer of Knots,” said Olivieri.

This Blessed Mother is the one to whom Pope Francis is most devoted. She acts as the intermediary who unties the knots and frees one from difficulties in life.

“On the other stamp we have the pope today, smiling, as we often see him during his public appearances. Behind him, there is Jesus of Divine Mercy and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Jesus of Divine Mercy is a reference to his pontificate, since mercy has been a main part Francis’ pontificate,” said Olivieri.

These painted works have been made into stamps, each with a different price amount. The young Bergoglio is 1.10 euros while the current Pope Francis is 1.15 euros.

These stamps will be presented to Pope Francis at the General Audience on Dec. 11. The artist’s work has been presented to the pope as a stamp on other occasions, like for the Holy Father’s 80th birthday in 2016.

Currents News for Tuesday, December 10, 2019

On the newscast: A frightening scene in Jersey City – a police shootout – multiple people killed including one officer; An attack on guards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington; Democrats reveal two articles of impeachment against President Trump; And a flame from the grotto in Bethlehem where Christ was born lands in America and is now making its way across the country.

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.

Attack at Washington Basilica Leaves Two Security Guards Injured

By Rhina Guidos

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Washington authorities apprehended a suspect in an incident involving an attack Dec. 10 against two security guards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Marian shrine in the United States, at the height of its busiest season.

Authorities believe the incident involves a domestic dispute but did not give details or identify those involved. Officials said the incident was not targeting the shrine.

In a Dec. 10 statement, the shrine’s director of communications, Jacquelyn Hayes, said both guards were injured in the 9:15 a.m. incident, and at a news conference later in the day, the shrine’s rector, Msgr. Walter Rossi, said the suspect allegedly used his car to hit a female security guard “with whom he was acquainted,” trying to run her over. He did not explain their relationship.

The second guard then confronted the assailant, he said. The second guard was later stabbed multiple times while inside the crypt area in the lower part of the basilica.

“A member of our family has been struck … but we are in solidarity,” said Hayes, trying to hold in her emotions during the late afternoon news conference.

Msgr. Rossi said there’s “no ongoing threat to the shrine, our staff or our visitors related to this incident.”

Shrine staff said they would not be releasing the names nor the medical condition of the victims out of respect for their privacy. Msgr. Rossi said he had visited them in the hospital, spoken to their doctors and assured them of prayers by the shrine staff.

“This incident has been quite upsetting for everyone here at the national shrine,” he said during the news conference.

Visitors were streaming in, many dropping off flowers for one its most popular chapels, the one dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day is Dec. 12. Celebrations for the feast of the Immaculate Conception also had taken place over the weekend and included a visit by U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Callista Gingrich, who was there Dec. 9.

Msgr. Rossi said guards at the shrine are not armed, but “we’re in process of looking into the policy.”
Hayes said the stabbing appeared to have taken place in Memorial Hall, in the lower part of the building.

The incident didn’t deter Massgoers later in the day, she said, and instead, some arrived to pray, to be in solidarity, “rather than to avoid the shrine.”

“No visitors or guests were harmed in the incident,” she said.

Local news organizations said the suspect fled after stabbing the second guard. Hours later, authorities arrested the suspect, who was barricaded inside a house a few miles from the shrine in the District of Columbia.

Part of the lower part of the basilica, where the incident took place, was closed in the hours after the incident, but the regular noontime Mass continued in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Great Upper Church.

Several Reported Dead in Jersey City Shootout

Currents News Staff

A police officer is dead tonight after a wild shootout on the streets of Jersey City. Several more people are wounded and officials say multiple others have been killed.

SWAT teams and emergency personnel were called in from throughout the region for the active shooter situation.

At the time of our newscast, all schools in the area remained on lockdown. The school closest to the gunfire, Sacred Heart Catholic, is located right across the street.

Currents News will stay on top of this story and have comprehensive coverage on tomorrow’s show.

Democrats Announce Articles of Impeachment

Currents News Staff

Dec. 10 marked a dramatic day on Capitol Hill.

After hours of testimony in public and behind closed doors, Democrats have announced two articles of impeachment in their case against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

This marks the fourth time in U.S. history Congress has made such a move.

“The first order of business for members of Congress is the solemn act to take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” explained Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

She, along with House Committee chairmen, announced the two articles of impeachment against President Trump.

“We must be clear: no one, not even the president, is above the law,” said Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler.

The two articles of impeachment are related to the president’s dealings with the Ukraine and the investigation into Trump’s actions.

The Democratic majority in the House makes it all but certain that he will become just the third U.S. president to be impeached.

Democrats debated, but opted not to pursue a third article of impeachment on obstruction of justice related to the Mueller report.

Instead they argued the Ukraine matter illustrates a pattern of behavior on the part of the president.

“To do nothing would make ourselves complicit in the president’s abuse of his high office, the public trust and our national security,” explained Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of the House Intelligence Committee.

After the announcement, President Trump tweeted, “Witch hunt!”

Republicans have been sharply critical of the speed of the proceedings, repeatedly attacking Democrats’ moves less than one year before an election at a public hearing on Monday.

“At the end of the day, all this is about is about a clock and a calendar,” explained Republican Representative and House Judiciary Ranking Member Doug Collins.

The House Judiciary Committee will meet later this week to consider the articles in the lead-up to a full floor vote.

Pope Visits Exhibit with Nativity Scenes from Around the World

By Melissa Butz

Pope Francis visited the exhibit “100 presepi,” an international show that has been bringing the most special nativity scenes to the Eternal City for decades.

This year, again, it is set-up very close to the Vatican and the pope wanted to see for himself the creativity and variety in sharing the story from 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem.

There he found nativity scenes made with new materials and others that were more traditional and conventional.

Pope Francis walked through the exhibit greeting the visitors and artists from around the world who have recreated the birth of the Savior.

Once the tour was completed, he said a short prayer and blessed the nativity scenes.

The entertainment during the visit were these young Hungarians who sang some traditional Christmas carols for Pope Francis.

Diocesan Migration Day Mass Celebrates Diversity in Brooklyn and Queens

By Tim Harfmann

The diocesan Migration Day Mass was a joyous display of Christian unity for families with roots all over the world.

“Even though we come from different places, we still worship one God,” said Ifeyinwa Ezissi, a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Queens.

For the December 7 service, Ezissi and her kids dressed in the traditional garb of her homeland – Nigeria.

She remembered arriving to the U.S. 10 years ago and what happened the next day at her Queens church.

“I came on a Saturday and my first outing was on a Sunday to go to Church, and oh my god, all of them already knew my name.”

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio presided at the migration liturgy, offered at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph. He pointed out that Christ Himself was a migrant.

“We recognize that migration is part in parcel of our history as Christians, and many Christians for many reasons migrate,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

Catholic Migration Services organized this special service. They are hard at work year-round, supporting the diversity of the diocese.

“You really see the universality of the Church and the universality of our diocese, which is really the Diocese of Immigrants,” said Father Patrick Keating, the CEO of Catholic Migration Services.

Driving that point home, prayers during the liturgy were spoken in more than a dozen languages.

For the hundreds of Catholics at the Mass, the overwhelming sentiment was gratitude: thankful for being together as one Church.

Currents News for Friday, December 6, 2019

On the newscast: The Brooklyn Diocese lights its Christmas tree in Grand Army Plaza. The red lights and bows to honor the memory of “persecuted” Christians worldwide; President Trump’s personal attorney — Rudy Giuliani – is in Ukraine meeting with officials — in an effort to dig up political dirt; Uniting Christians of all denominations at an Advent celebration in New York; And a Navy chaplain reflects on his childhood in Pearl Harbor.

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.

Diocese Lights Christmas Tree in Grand Army Plaza for Christian Persecution

By Jessica Easthope and Allyson Escobar

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — The theme this Christmastime in the Diocese of Brooklyn is the color red.

That was evident when Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the faithful gathered under the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza on Dec. 5 for the annual lighting of a Christmas tree and blessing of a life-size nativity crèche.

The Christmas tree, decked out in 17,000 red lights and 2,500 ribbons, was lit red, symbolizing the thousands of Christians who are persecuted worldwide every year.

“It’s a wonderful night that we bless the Christmas tree and the crèche here at Grand Army Plaza, inviting the world that this is what Christmas is about — that it’s first a holy day, not just a holiday,” Bishop DiMarzio said.

“The Holy Father told us that perhaps more Christians have been martyred in this century than in the first centuries of the church, when they were persecuted during the Roman Empire,” the bishop said.

“It’s true that so many have given their lives and suffered in many ways … not just the religious, but [laypersons] who are persecuted for their faith to all over the world. We have to recognize that faith is God’s gift to humankind, and to let people express their faith in the way they want,” he said.

“The beautiful thing about Christmas is the Incarnation where God becomes a man. And in our world today, where people feel very intensely alone, this tree lit red is a reminder that God is with us; whether it’s here in Brooklyn, or in the Middle East where there is terrible suffering,” said Msgr. Kieran Harrington, vicar for communications for the diocese and president and chairman of DeSales Media Group, The Tablet’s parent company.

According to a report on religious persecution by nonprofit Aid to the Church in Need, Christians have suffered increased violence and oppression because of a rise in religious nationalism, and are at great risk living and practicing their faith in war-torn areas and countries like northern Nigeria, North Korea, China and the Middle East.

Open Doors USA’s 2019 World Watch List reported that 1,845 churches and other Christian places of worship were attacked, 3,105 believers were detained without trial and 4,305 Christians were killed for their faith during the one-year period that ended on Oct. 31, 2018.

“We enter a time of year when we say the name of Christ more than any other time. We do so in the word Christmas. For 300 million people around the world, saying that name, believing in that Man or professing to be a Christian will put them in jeopardy of persecution or death,” said Edward Clancy, Director of Outreach for Aid to the Church in Need.

“To put it in perspective, there are 2,500 red ribbons on the tree at Grand Army Plaza. More than that number of Christians will die for their faith in the upcoming year. We have so much to be thankful for here, but we should also be prayerfully supportive of those who do not have the freedoms that we enjoy.”

In Brooklyn and Queens, Catholics have hung red ribbons and lights on their own trees, homes and parishes to bring awareness to the issue of persecuted Christians.

Father Charles P. Keeney, the director of the Propagation of the Faith (Missions Office) for the Brooklyn Diocese, said that Catholics should never take the freedom to practice their faith for granted.

“The birth of Jesus took place in Bethlehem, in the Middle East, where there has been centuries of fighting over religion, and many Christians in particular have lost their lives,” Father Keeney said.

“Here in Brooklyn, we’re a city of immigrants from all over the world, and … we’re able to put up Christmas trees, to celebrate in both secular and religious spaces, whereas a lot of Catholic brothers and sisters around the world cannot safely just go to Mass. So anything we can do to [raise awareness] a little bit more is a good thing,” he said.

Bishop DiMarzio highlighted the importance of having a public nativity scene in a prominent place like the Grand Army Plaza. He cited Pope Francis’ document on Advent and the pope visit on Dec. 1 to Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi built the first crèche in 1223.

“The life-size [nativity] is a reminder of how Jesus was born, that he took on the poverty of human flesh; he who was God became man for us, and we are all brothers and sisters related to one another in Christ,” Bishop DiMarzio said.

The festive evening was emceed by Kelly Wright, a former reporter for Fox News, and included a spoken word performance, Christmas caroling and songs performed by the gospel choir from St. Saviour H.S., Park Slope.

“The way we dedicate this tree and bless this crèche at the crossroads of Brooklyn — to bring awareness and to unite in faith with those who keep the light of Christ shining in the darkest corners of the world,” Wright said. “Our faith lights in darkness.”

As the Christmas tree and plaza was lit in a dazzling red, candles were passed around, and families watched in awe as the St. Saviour choir sang “Silent Night.”

The ceremony was sponsored by the Diocese of Brooklyn, DeSales Media Group and Aid to the Church in Need.