Therapy Dog Helps Families Grieve at Brooklyn Funeral Home

By Tim Harfmann

For Nora Pavone, every day is bring-your-dog-to-work day at Brooklyn’s Marine Park Funeral Home.

“I saw other therapy dogs interacting with people at nursing homes, hospitals, even schools; and I just felt it was missing in the five boroughs in the funeral industry,” said Pavone.

Fiona is a one-and-a-half-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog who’s a big help for families at a tough time.

“A lot of requests had come in,” said Pavone. “I was kind of overwhelmed by the positive feedback that we were getting.”

Pavone trained the caring canine for a year, getting her comfortable around strangers and around caskets.

“We’ll walk her around the lobby and, a lot of times, that’s when the kids will get to see her and hang out with her. [Families] can also request for her to go into the visitation room, and then she would make laps in the room and comfort everyone that is in need,” Pavone said.

Fiona was just 9-weeks-old when she started at the funeral home. Ever since then, she’s been there to lend a paw for grieving families.

“A lot of times people will say, ‘we have a dog at home. this makes it feel more like a home atmosphere,’ which is what we want,” Pavone added. “In the funeral industry, it’s called a funeral home for a reason. It’s supposed to mimic our homes and make us feel as comfortable as when we’re at home.”

Fiona recently received a special honor. She became the one millionth dog to pass the American Kennel Club’s ‘Canine Good Citizen Test.’

“I had no idea until the American Kennel Club actually contacted us after we took the test, and I was completely shocked. It was really exciting.”

There is one thing Pavone said she couldn’t train Fiona to do — read emotions. That comes with instinct.

“She really knows who’s in need of her and just gently going up to them and sitting next to them is so much more help than I could even imagine. Sometimes people just want to hug her, pet her, and it just makes them feel a little bit more comfortable.”

Currents News for Wednesday, August 21, 2019

On the newscast: A new rule would allow immigrant families who cross the border illegally to be held indefinitely; Cardinal George Pell has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing two choirboys in the 1990s. He’s denying those allegations; Pope Francis to the rescue– a hospital boat named for the Holy Father just set sail for the Amazon; And what happened in Ireland 140 years ago today?

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Australian Court Rejects Pell’s Appeal, Upholds Abuse Conviction

By Christopher White and Emily Drooby

Cardinal George Pell’s effort to appeal his conviction for sexual abuse was rejected by an Australian court on Wednesday in a 2-1 decision, delivering a striking blow to one of the global Catholic Church’s most prominent figures.

Pell is the most senior Catholic official to be found guilty of charges related to sexual abuse. He was found guilty in a jury trial that concluded last December and was sentenced to six years in prison last March.

The 78-year-old cardinal, and the country’s highest-ranking Catholic, was on hand for the court appearance. Following the summary of the court’s judgement, Pell was returned to Melbourne Assessment Prison where his legal team must weigh whether or not to make another appeal to Australia’s high court.

On hand for the decision was Pell’s brother David, along with a mix of child abuse victims and Pell supporters.

The appeals court consisted of three judges -Anne Ferguson, Chris Maxwell and Mark Weinberg – with Ferguson in her capacity as president of the appeal’s court delivering the majority opinion, where she was joined by Maxwell.

In June 2017, Pell was charged by Australian police for “historical sexual assault offenses,” for crimes dating back to December 1996 when he was the newly minted archbishop of Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city. He was accused and convicted of having orally raped a 13-year-old choirboy and indecently exposing himself in front of another choirboy inside the sacristy of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Following an initial trial that lasted for four weeks last August and September that resulted in a hung jury, a second trial last November resulted in a unanimous guilty verdict.

During both trials the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of one of the choirboys who is now in his thirties. The other alleged victim died of a heroin overdose in 2014.

In providing a summary of the court’s judgement, Ferguson said they believed the victim’s to be “a very compelling witness, and was clearly not a liar.”

“Throughout his evidence the complainant came across as someone who was telling the truth,” said Ferguson.

Pell did not testify at either trial and has consistently maintained his innocence.

During a two-day hearing in June, Pell’s lawyers argued that the events in the Melbourne sacristy, where Pell is alleged to have abused the two choirboys, were “improbable and even impossible” in an environment where priests, altar servers, and other choirboys would have been present and that he would have been unable to commit the alleged crimes due to the heavy robes he would have been wearing at the time.

In the summary for the appeal verdict, Ferguson said the two majority justices rejected all 13 of Pell’s defense team’s grounds for appeal. The justices specifically addressed the charge that Pell’s robes would have been too heavy, rejecting that argument by stating “the robes were not so heavy or so immovable” as the defense suggested.

In 2017, Pell returned to Australia from Rome to defend himself against the charges, taking a leave of absence from his post at the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Economy, where he was tapped in 2014 by Pope Francis to serve as its prefect.

In that capacity, he also served on Francis’s advisory council of cardinals known as the “C-9.” In December 2018, the Vatican confirmed that Francis had sent Pell, along with two other members of the C-9, letters marking the end of their service to the advisory council.

Pell has been one of the most prominent, and at times polarizing, Catholic figures in the English-speaking Catholic world over the last three decades.

After five years of serving as archbishop of Melbourne, he was appointed the archbishop of Sydney, where in 2003, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II and played host to Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Australia for World Youth Day in 2008.

As he ascended the ranks of the Church’s hierarchy, the former football player turned priest, garnered a reputation for his strong, and sometimes-brusque defense of Catholic teachings on matters of faith and morals.

Earlier this month, Australian authorities announced that they were investigating a letter said to be penned by Pell and circulated online by his allies who have characterized Pell’s conviction as one resulting from a vendetta against him and the Catholic Church. The handwritten letter offers thanks to the “Support Cardinal Pell” group and encourages readers to “always remember that the Catholic Church is one.”

The Department of Justice of Victoria said in a statement that its prisoners are barred from posting on social media or asking others to post on their behalf. The authenticity of the letter has yet to be verified.

In addition to his criminal proceedings, in February 2019, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) commenced its own canonical investigations into Pell. Should he be found guilty, he could face removal from the clerical state. On Wednesday, the Vatican clarified that the CDF investigation was on hold until Pell’s full appeal process is complete.

As the Catholic Church has struggled to turn a page on the global clergy abuse crisis, Australia has been one of the hardest hit countries prompting a Royal Commission inquiry. After a five-year review, the final report, published in 2017, listed 4,756 reported claims of abuse dating between 1950-2015.

Pell remains a member of the Vatican’s College of Cardinals.

Currents News for Tuesday, August 20, 2019

On the newscast: Our top story – an ISIS comeback. There are new fears about what the terrorists are doing in Iraq and Syria; A decision could come down at any moment on Cardinal George Pell’s appeal of his conviction on child sex abuse allegations; Scammers are back, targeting the generosity of parishioners in the Brooklyn Diocese; And a story you won’t want to miss. It’s about a dress for church.

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.

Church Linked to Harriet Tubman Damaged by Lightning

Currents News Staff

On August 18, a lightning strike hit the steeple of Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church in Auburn, New York, a historical church that Harriet Tubman helped to establish.

It was the site of her funeral in 1913, and on that Sunday, Mother Nature came extremely close to burning it down.

Tim Race lives right across the street from the church, and heard a powerful bolt of lightning strike the ground close by. “I heard a very, very loud boom. It shook me in my shoes,” he said.

Race then went out and captured video of smoke pouring out of the steeple.

Fire crews were on the scene quickly, and now a national park team of historical architects are inspecting the church and assessing the damage.

“You can see that there’s significant damage to the spire,” said Andrea Dekoter from the National Park Service.

According to Dekoter, the church opened in the late 1800s. Tubman, a national historic figure, was a member of the congregation for three decades.

“My first thought was a huge amount of concern for the structure itself, and hoping that the damage could be mitigated that it wouldn’t be significant,” Dekoter said.

“Your initial thoughts are horror,” said Stephen Spaulding, a historical architect called in to assess the damage.

“You can’t replace that historical fabric. What was there when Tubman worshipped here, what was there when during her memorial services, is what the parks service is most concerned with,” he explained.

While attempts are being made to dry the inside of the building, a top concern remains: preservation of the original finishings.

The church community is now dealing with this difficult process while in the middle of planning a restoration.

Human Embryos: Abandoned at Fertility Clinics

Currents News Staff

Currently there are no federal regulations in place that detail care for human embryos stored in fertility clinics. Recent news reports have stated that as a result, millions have been abandoned at fertility clinics around the country.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center is an organization dedicated to defending human dignity in healthcare.

John Brehany is their Director of Institutional Relations, and joins us from Philadelphia to discuss the root cause of this problem.

Australia Court to Announce Ruling on Pell’s Appeal of Abuse Convictions

The Tablet Staff

On August 20, the Victoria state Court of Appeal will determine the fate of Cardinal George Pell, one of Catholic Church’s highest ranking members in Australia. Pell has been in a Melbourne prison since March after being convicted on five counts of abusing minors.

Over the course of two days this past June, a three-judge panel from the Appeals Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria heard arguments from Pell’s lawyers and prosecutors regarding the appeal of his conviction. Pell’s lawyers arguing the grounds for the appeal include his guilty verdict despite the lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Pell, who is currently serving a six year prison sentence, has been awaiting the outcome of his appeal in protective custody. He spends 23 hours a day in solitary confinement.

Pell could be released from prison if the Appeals Court overturns the convictions. Alternatively, the Justices could call for a retrial and allow him to be released on bail. The court could also reject his appeal all together.

During the appeals hearing, Pell’s attorneys provided written documentation arguing that 20 witnesses present at a Sunday Mass in 1996 on the day Pell molested two choirboys, indicated that the events did not or could not have occurred in the timeframe in which prosecutors alleged.

According to the Associated Press, Pell’s legal team also provided a video depiction which they say demonstrates that the alleged crimes committed during that Sunday would have been impossible.

At the appeals hearing the prosecution countered that the testimony as to the turn of events from one of the victims was credible. The second person involved in the incident – a choirboy at the time – later died of a heroin overdose in 2014 at the age of 31.

Over the past two weeks, prison authorities have also been investigating an August 1 letter shared online by a Twitter account called “Cardinal George Pell Supporters,” according to Crux.

“Any prisoner found to be contravening prison regulations faces disciplinary action,” a spokeswoman from the prison where Pell is being held told the press. “(The department) will thoroughly investigate this social media activity,” she continued.

Individuals held in prison are forbidden from using social media or the internet and are not allowed to have others post online on their behalf. It has not been determined whether the letter was written by Pell.

Spreading the Message of Purity, One Step at a Time

By Tim Harfmann and Allyson Escobar

MIDLAND BEACH — Warm weather in Staten Island’s Midland Beach didn’t stop participants from running in the Race for the Chaste on Aug. 17. It was the second annual 5K run/walk benefiting The Goretti Group, a local faith fellowship community aimed at spreading the message of purity and authentic love.

“Race for Chaste is a way for us to celebrate the beautiful message of chastity, living a life of purity,” said New York chapter coordinator Deborah Sucich, who also serves as a campus minister at St. Saviour H.S. in Park Slope.

“Our motto is to spread the joy. Glorify God in your body is our theme for this year, taken from 1 Corinthians. We use our bodies for the glory of God, to spread the good news. So we have all our runners out today sharing that joy and the message with the world.”

Geared towards young adults, the Goretti Group movement first began in the West Coast, with chapters in San Diego and the Bay Area who meet monthly for prayer, talks and fellowship. The New York chapter began its Race for the Chaste last year, hoping to raise funds for its events.

The 3.1-mile race took place along the beach and Father Vincent Capodanno Boulevard, named for a local Staten Island priest with a cause for sainthood. Participating groups included the LIFE Runners NY, Correcaminos (Hispanic Running Team), St. Saviour High School, Park Slope, and the Montauk Junior High Track Team (I.S. 223).

With the support of runners, donors and community members, the Goretti Group raised a total of $2,500 to continue programming.

Even Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio made a contribution.

Several clergy, including Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Peter J. Byrne, also took part in the second annual run for an important cause.

The overall message and theme of chastity is “very relevant,” Bishop Byrne, 68, told The Tablet. “[The race] took a lot of work, but [look] at success it is today. We hope that the more people who know about it, it’ll grow, year by year.”

Father Louis Jerome, pastor of St. Charles in Oakwood Heights, Staten Island, participated in the race for the second time.

“I’m not as fast as I used to be, but I feel like I’m setting a good example. I believe it’s a good cause for the chastity and purity in young people, and I’m in support of that.”

Added Sucich, “It’s amazing to have the church leadership here. This is the stuff that should be on the front page of the neziwspapers: that we have so many dedicated religious and clergy who really authentically spread this message through their lives, through their witness, and in great support of the efforts of the young people of the church.”

Runners Denise and Patrick Collins, parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Windsor Terrace, loved the message behind Race for the Chaste, which they said differs the 5K from other runs they’d done before.

As members of their church’s Respect Life ministry, the Collins said they came out from Brooklyn to show support for the Goretti Group, the people behind “real grassroots efforts to change the culture” — efforts they find inspiring.

“We really like the philosophy and the idea that they’re trying to promote about love, family and marriage,” said Denise Collins, “youth respecting themselves and doing the best they can to lead a chaste life.”

Running for chastity

In 2013, Sucich, a native Staten Islander who became a consecrated virgin with the Diocese of Brooklyn in July, wanted to bring the Goretti Group to serve New York’s active Catholic young adult scene.

The non-profit was named after St. Maria Goretti, a young woman who was brutally stabbed by a neighbor after he attempted to rape her at age 11. On July 1902, the day she died of her injuries, Maria forgave her murderer.

Sucich says she was inspired by St. Goretti’s story because of the young saint’s courage and strength to live a life of purity, despite what had happened to her.

It’s a lifestyle Debbie says all young people must strive for.

“We have the strength inside of us, with the grace of God, to live a life of purity, a life of love in our relationships according to God’s plan, and that immense joy and love He wants for us in our lives.”

Frank Morale, a member and youth coordinator at St. Columba in Marine Park, loved that Goretti Group is a core for young adults looking for community and faith formation.

“I think it’s important because we tend to lose sight of the church teachings due to the day-to-day life, culture and society, which has become very secularized.”

Morale said he was excited to see people out there raising money for a unique cause like chastity. “Seeing everybody out there and being a role model, living by good example for on-lookers. It’s a very public place out on the boardwalk. I’m excited to see people of all faiths, become curious about chastity.”

Teen volunteers Lauren Jaworowski and Leanne Holmes, both incoming seniors at St. Saviour H.S., traveled from Brooklyn to Staten Island to support Sucich, their teacher and mentor.

“[Ms. Sucich] invited us to come out and support the cause. And I was like, it’s a great cause, let’s do it,” said Jaworowski. “I think it’s great when a bunch of people can support and understand the cause…and for us being like, 17, it shows that we’re mature enough to understand [the message of chastity].”

Janna and Nicholas Gaudisio are members of the LIFE Runners, the world’s largest pro-life running team, and have been active in Goretti Group after meeting Sucich at a local pregnancy resource center.

Janna says she loves the group’s monthly young adult gatherings, which typically include discussions on chastity and marriage.

“We run for the unborn; our organization promotes life, and we speak and run as a sacrifice for those that don’t have a voice. We’re here to [be] representatives for the dignity of the human person. It’s important they have somebody to stand up for them from conception until natural death, so this is a small thing that we can do,” said Janna. “We love to run, so we’re happy to be out here and do something we love and represent Christ at the same time.”

“It’s a beautiful day, and it’s exciting,” agreed her husband, Nicholas. “Life is good, so we’re just trying to enjoy life, and promote it at the same time.”

The Gaudisio’s niece, Olivia Busiello, a young LIFE Runner, said she loved seeing other kids participating in the race.

“It was nice to see the other kids out and doing the run too. To me, it means that we’re standing up for something that we believe in, and standing up for our religion. We’re running for a purpose and the purpose is life.”

Currents News for Monday, August 19, 2019

On the newscast: The uproar over Mother Cabrini– as a city program snubs the patroness of immigrants. Catholics are reacting strongly; New threats of mass shootings around the country are stopped when people say something; Migrants swimming in the Mediterranean, hoping to reach the Lampedusa after being blocked at sea; And the “Race for the Chaste” that promotes true love.

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.

NYC Tourists Keep it Frugal, Find Community With Religious Hotels

By Emily Drooby

Tucked away on West 23 Street in Manhattan sits the Leo House.

From its reception desk to its key drop, it looks just like an ordinary New York City hotel.

But the hotel’s president, Michael Coneys, can tell you that it’s not.

“We have all the amenities of the Catholic Church combined with a modern guest house,” he explained.

Sister Marilyn Ellickson has walked these halls as an employee for 12 years. The Catholic guest house has a chapel for mass, the rosary is prayed daily, and religious symbols adorn the walls.

From Mother Teresa — who stayed there — to a non-believer, everyone is welcome.

“The mission of the Leo House is hospitality and it carried out because first of all everyone is invited to stay here and we have had guest here from all over the world, every religion.”

In 2018 65.2 million people visited New York, where the average cost of a hotel room is at least $216 per night.

Guesthouses are one of travel’s best kept secrets, offering budget-priced accommodations.

The Menno House in Gramercy Park is one such house. Run by the Christian Mennonites, it has a few guest rooms for $100. Seafarers International House in Union Square — an affiliate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church — offers rooms at close to $100 a night.

And at The Leo House, rates are as low as $189 and include a free breakfast. Due to its non-profit status, guests are not required to pay taxes at the Leo House, which also offers discounted rates under $100 for clergy, those visiting the sick, and service members.

Price was why main reason why Silvia chose to stay at The Leo House

“I was comparing the prices. I’m traveling alone, and I think it’s a very good price,” she explained.

Every year about 40,000 guests from all over the world make The Leo House their home for a little while, enjoying the price, the community, and as their guests say, “seeing Jesus around every corner.”