Unrest In Venezuela As Opposition Attempts To Oust Current President

Currents News Staff

Gun shots, protests and chaos ensued as attempts to oust Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appear to be reaching a climax. The country’s opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, has made a play for the support of the nation’s military.

Guaidó declared the “start of the end” for president Nicolas Maduro. He is calling it ‘Operation Freedom. He asked the country’s military to join and told his supporters to take to the streets.

Guaidó has aligned himself with newly-freed Maduro opponent Leopoldo Lopez. Lopez, who was under house arrest, has been signaling that the opposition has now received support from parts of the Venezuelan military.

Maduro is not backing down. He’s taken to Twitter to say that he’s met with regional defense bodies, which have expressed “total loyalty.”

Meanwhile in Washington, President Trump tweeted that “the United States stands with the people of Venezuela and their freedom.” This comes as his administration voices support for Guaidó.

“This is an act of bravery by Guaidó, and others really for the freedom of the Venezuelan people,” said National Security Advisor John Bolton. He says all options are on the table, but right now the focus is on a peaceful transition of power from Maduro to Guaidó.

“The sooner Maduro is gone, the sooner is the possibility of justice and real economic growth for the Venezuelan people,” he continued.

Biden’s Voting History: Progressive Enough To Win Primary?

Currents News Staff

Joe Biden, as measured by most polls, is the current front-runner of the Democratic Party’s presidential candidates. If this trends continues, he could receive the party’s nomination and go up against President Trump in the 2020 election.

Biden is a Catholic, but a controversial one, differing with fundamental Church teachings on abortion.

Brian Browne, the Assistant Vice President for Government Relations at St. John’s University, joins us in the studio to discuss Biden’s bid for the presidency.

World’s Smallest Army Protects The Pope At All Costs

Currents News Staff

Every sixth of May there is a solemn air in the St. Damasus courtyard in the Vatican. It is the day when the new recruits of one of the oldest armies in the world swear to protect the Roman Pontiff at the cost of their lives, if necessary.

Vice-Corporal Officer Didier Grandjean opens the doors to the Swiss Guard´s headquarters, the world’s smallest army. He started serving there in 2011.

“I saw a flier in 2006, advertising the 500th anniversary of the Swiss Guard. From there I always wanted to join this military corps,” said Grandjean

Grandjean took us to the armory and showed us that today this force is made up of just over 100 soldiers.

They take turns guarding some of the Vatican’s entrances. They are present at the big events held in the square, and at night they guard the pope’s apartment.

One of the last times they had to perform their duties was in December 2009, when a woman lunged at Benedict XVI.

“There are other tense moments. For example, people come saying they want to see the pope and do not understand that it is necessary to follow a procedure. There are several types of tourists. Pilgrims come with a lot of respect. They want to see the pope, visit the basilica. Then there are the tourists who don’t know what we do, who we are,” said Grandjean.

Just as Grandjean joined the Swiss Guard through a promotional campaign, this small army is in constant need of new recruits. That’s why they have launched a spectacular video showing their work.

To be part of this corps, you need to be a Catholic man, have Swiss citizenship, be under 30, be at least 5 feet 8 inches tall and have an “impeccable” reputation. In addition, they ask candidates to have gone through the Swiss army before.

These men lead a fully-fledged military life. It’s a combination of discipline and religious training. The fame of this army increased after the bitter sacrifice made by 147 Swiss soldiers who died defending Pope Clement VII during the looting of Rome in 1527.

Heart Donor’s Family Meets Recipient At Baseball Game

Currents News Staff

A remarkable, chance encounter at a baseball game had everyone in tears.

The Saint Louis Cardinals held their transplant awareness day game on Sunday at Busch Stadium. The event gave the family of a heart donor a very special memory.

Donovan Bulger’s family was there to honor him. He was just 21 when he died in 2016. Donovan’s donated organs helped save the lives of several people.

It turns out the recipient of his heart was also at the game.

John Sueme was in heart failure for five years before he received Donovan’s heart three years ago.

When they met the next thing that happened was a “a hug fest and a cry fest”, according to Bulgar’s sister.

One by one Bulger’s family members listened to Sueme’s heartbeat.

They say they are already planning their next outing together.

Currents News for Monday, April 29, 2019

On the newscast: The victim of another attack on a house of worship is being laid to rest as the suspected shooter is charged with murder; Former Vice President Joe Biden kicks off his bid for the Presidency with a rally in the all-important swing state of Pennsylvania; Catholics in Sri Lanka are still living in fear, but undaunted in their faith; And Bishop DiMarzio honors some of the Diocese’s faithful for their dedication to the Church.

Today’s top news from the Catholic perspective anchored by Liz Faublas. Currents News airs Monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET on NET-TV (netny.tv)

Rabbi Injured in California Synagogue Shooting Has Brooklyn Ties

By Emily Drooby

Victims of a horrific attack at a Poway, California synagogue, honored with a vigil.

Lori Kaye was one of those honored. The 60-year-old lost her life while shielding Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein from the gunfire.

The Rabbi was close with Kaye and her family, “I see Lori laying on the floor unconscious. And her dear husband, Dr. Howard Kaye, who’s like a brother to me, is trying to resuscitate her and he faints, and he’s laying there on the floor next to hisher wife. And then the daughter Hannah comes out screaming, ‘daddy and mommy what’s going on?’ It’s just the most heart-wrenching sight.”

Rabbi Goldstein was born and raised in Brooklyn. He now lives and works in California, but maintains deeps roots in the New York borough.

The violent attack happened on the last day of Passover, one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar.

About 100 worshipers were at Congregation Chabad in Poway when police say 19-year-old John Earnest opened fire on the synagogue. The suspect killed Kaye and injured three others, including Rabbi Goldstein, Almog Peretz and his niece Noya Dahan.

8-year-old Dahan described the horrifying incident, “My uncle, he was holding my hand and he was like grabbing me and stuff. and the person who was shooting, he was aiming at him. So it hit him and went like that, it hit me too.”

All three injured have been released from the hospital.

The suspect, John Earnest, has been booked on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder.

The president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is responding to the attack saying, “I, along with my brother bishops, am greatly saddened and deeply concerned over the news that another house of worship has been subjected to violence. Our country should be better than this. Our prayers today are for the victims of this shooting, and for the Jewish community of Poway, California.”

The White House also condemned the attack. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said, “It’s a horrific and heinous moment. It’s something that should never happen in our country.”

This latest attack comes exactly six months after a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. That attack claimed the lives of 11 people. It’s believed to be the deadliest on the Jewish community in US history.

Sri Lankans Celebrate First Mass Since Easter Sunday Bombings

By Tim Harfmann

Hymns of praise echoed in Sri Lanka one week after bombs exploded on Easter Sunday. The faith was shaken — but not lost. Parishioners, cloaked in white, gathered inside Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith’s residence in Colombo on Sunday, April 29^th. Other worshipers were forced to watch the Mass on television from their homes.

The archbishop canceled Sunday services in Catholic Churches over safety concerns and complained about the lack of security around churches. Other Catholic leaders called for peace. “Be calm. Don’t fight with each other,” said one Sri Lankan priest.

Fear is not only keeping people out of houses of worship, but also off the streets. The Sri Lankan people are still facing the unknown, yet they’re moving forward in the healing process.

The country’s president, prime minister and opposition leader — all non-Christians — attended the Mass and lit candles for the victims. Officials said the link to ISIS is clearer now than ever before. Over 250 people died in the terror-targeted blasts last week.

Here at home, Brooklyn’s Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio condemned the attacks; “This was planned by, clearly, terrorists in the name of Islam, which is a hijacking of the religion of peace. But it’s unfortunate that this kind of terrorism is happening.”

The bishop stressed the importance of Pope Francis’ papal journey to the UAE in February. The Holy Father signed a historic document with interfaith leaders entitled, “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.” “It had 10 points,” said Bishop DiMarzio; “But two of the things that really affect us, in this particular case, is that houses of worship must be protected and not be targeted for any kind of terrorism; and that people should be able to live together in peace.”

As calls of peace continued, Sri Lankans remained resilient. Their hearts are full even as their houses of worship remain empty.

Biden Faces “Uphill Climb” In Pursuit Of The Catholic Vote

Currents News Staff

With Joe Biden officially kicking off his campaign, many are taking a closer look at his policies.

The former Vice President is Catholic, but his political views have often differed from the Church’s position on a variety of issues.

Bill Donohue, president of the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization, The Catholic League, joins us in the studio to discuss what we know about Biden’s 2020 campaign.

Faith In God Gave Cavers Trapped Underground Strength To Survive

Currents News Staff

After two days underground, a group of men who were trapped in a cave have been rescued.

The cave was located on private property and the men were exploring without permission, making it difficult for emergency services in Virginia to locate them.

“There were very restricted passageways so it was very tough to access,” said one rescue worker.

Weather conditions below ground, hypothermia, and dehydration also made it hard for the cavers to call for help.

“The Lord was watching over us,” said one caver of how they survived despite the dangers.

By the grace of God, one of the men was able to scale the cave and call 911.

“They were in good spirits,” said the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

All six men were successfully pulled out of the cave and sent to the hospital for treatment.

Synagogue Shooting: Suspect Booked As Family Plans Funeral For Victim

Currents News Staff

One of Judaism’s holiest days of the year was shattered by violence. Now a California community is forced to say goodbye to the victim of Saturday’s synagogue shooting.

A vigil was held Sunday evening in Poway, California to remember Lori Kaye, who was fatally shot during Passover celebrations Saturday. Her funeral is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

“It’s really hard for us that we lose this type of person in our community. I hope that community will stay strong and pick up the pieces,” said Israel Dahan, the father of a survivor.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein spoke to Kaye moments before shots were fired.

“This building that we built is supposed to be full of love. This building that we built was supposed to be to be able to share highness, a love for each other,” said Goldstein.

President Trump called Goldstein on Sunday. The rabbi says they talked for 10 to 15 minutes, with the President offering condolences on behalf of the country.

“He spoke to me like a friend, like a colleague. He spoke to me like he felt for me for my anguish and pain,” added Goldstein.

The rabbi and two others were injured Saturday, including eight-year-old Noya Dahan.

“The world isn’t supposed to be like this. It’s supposed to be peaceful and quiet and not like wars and bad stuff,” said Dahan.

The shooting suspect, 19-year-old John Earnest, was booked Sunday on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder in the first degree.

The San Diego authorities say there is no sign that Earnest was involved with an organized group.

Police have not confirmed a motive for Saturday’s rampage, but prior to the shooting an anti-Semitic open letter written by a person claiming to be Earnest was posted on an online message board.