What Will Become of Dorothy Day’s Former Church?

By Emily Drooby

Martha Hennessy is the granddaughter of could-be Saint, Dorothy Day. Hennessy and members of the Catholic Worker, the organization Day started, and others are fighting to keep Day’s former Lower East Side parish, Church of the Nativity, from becoming luxury housing.

Martha Hennessy explains, “On the one hand we are talking about canonizing her and on the other hand we are talking about turning her tiny little parish into luxury housing.”

Several proposals for the space have been submitted to the Archdiocese of New York. One of them would provide low income housing, while another would create luxury condos.

Some of the Catholic protestors say luxury condos are the opposite of what Dorothy Day advocated for during her life. Hennessy explained, “Condos for the wealthy in the East Village. It’s a theft from the poor and we really have a proposal that’s very viable.”

While the low-income housing proposal would net about 18 million, the condos could bring in a potential 50 million dollars. Money which in a statement to Catholic New Service the communications director for the Archdiocese of New York, Joseph Zwilling, explains, “…the parish needs to receive fair market value for the property so that the parish and the Archdiocese can continue to meet the pastoral, charitable, educational – and housing – needs of the people we serve.”

In 2015, before it was decommissioned, the Church Of The Nativity merged with a neighboring parish. Zwilling further explaining to CNS, the money from the sale would go to that parish, the Most Holy Redeemer.

Despite this controversy, the Archdiocese of New York has an ongoing commitment to providing low-income housing in the city. Zwilling explained, “Mayor (Bill) de Blasio, as have former mayors, has said that the Catholic Church does more to provide affordable housing in New York City than any other faith community, religious, or charitable organization…”

Rebecca Amato, who has gone to the Vatican to speak about how the Church is affected by gentrification, says losing the building to developers would be a blow to the entire community. Saying, “It would just be another nail in the coffin of this neighborhood this is a neighborhood that’s been gentrifying for a long time but it’s really sped up in the last 18 years and really in the last few years.”

The fate of former churches has become an international topic of conversation and was the focal point at a recent Vatican conference.

As far as the former Church Of The Nativity goes, a decision has yet to be finalized.

Bush 41 Laid To Rest

Currents News Staff

The Remarkable Life of George H.W. Bush honored today by friends and family.

“George Herbert Walker Bush is the most gracious, most decent, most humble man that I will ever know and it’s the honor of a lifetime to share his name,” said George P. Bush, grandson of George H.W. Bush.

Former Secretary of State James Baker delivered a touching eulogy for his best friend, recounting the President’s many accomplishments.

“After becoming the youngest naval aviator, he served in increasingly responsible positions on behalf of his country,” said Baker.

And giving insight into the man behind the Presidency, his humor and humility.

“George Bush was a charter member of the Greatest Generation. – He would look at me and said Baker, ‘if you’re so smart, ‘why am I president and you’re not?’ – Be kind to people, he would say. And he was,” said Baker.

The state funeral culminating this afternoon with a journey aboard the Bush 4141, a rare locomotive commissioned in 2005 to honor the President.

The train, once operated by Bush himself, carrying the statesman to his final resting place at Texas A&M University, where he will be interred beside his late wife Barbara, and their daughter Robin.

Pope To Visit United Arab Emirates

Currents News Staff

The Vatican published a press release announcing a papal trip to Abu Dhabi on February 3-5, 2019. Pope Francis plans on participating in the International Interfaith Meeting on “Human Fraternity.”

The visit is in response to an invitation by the Catholic Church and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed, the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He visited the Pope in 2016 at the Vatican.

The theme of the trip has been chosen as “Make me a Channel of your Peace,” after St. Francis of Assisi. The goal is for Pope Francis’ visit to spread “the peace of God within the hearts of all people.”

“The Pope is very much convinced that all people of good will can agree on this and should be working for peace. The Pope also sees peace really as a solution to so many problems of poverty in the world,” said Vatican Spokesperson Greg Burke.

He will continue inter-religious dialogue, like he did during his visit to Egypt in April 2017.

“The Pope has often talked about the culture of encounter and this is really a perfect example of that. It’s dialogue with other religions and specifically in this case with Muslims,” said Burke.

Additionally, the logo represents the colors of both the Vatican’s and United Arab Emirates’ flag. An olive branch, which Pope Francis often gifts to visitors, is in the mouth of the dove. It’s a symbol of the country “as a herald of peace.”

A majority Muslim population, around 10 percent of citizens of the U.A.E are Catholics. In 2007, they entered into full diplomatic relations with the Vatican. Pope Francis will be the first pope to visit this country.

Controversial Creche – Baby Jesus In A Cage

Currents News Staff

“We try to take a picture of the world as it is and put it together with a Christmas message,” said Father Stephen Josoma.

Baby Jesus in a cage, the wise men closed off by a wall. At Saint Susanna’s Parish in Dedham, this creche questions peace on earth.

“We talk about Matthew 25, feeding the hungry and welcoming the stranger,” said Pat Ferrone, parishioner.

Christ representing migrant children being held at the southern border, separated from their parents. The wise men, the caravan of migrants behind the border wall. Here they believe it’s very much the message of Jesus.

“Jesus was about taking care of one another. This is not the way to take care of one another,” said Father Josoma.

The nativity scene is meant to be a symbol of hope and at St. Susanna’s, the hope is that a conversation has begun.

“We’re not trying to scandalize anyone, trying to reflect back a reality that has to be looked at,” said Ferrone.

But, not every parishioner is happy with the controversial creche.

“This is where you come to pray, this is not where you come to be preached at what you should think about politics,” said Helen Watson, resident.

Others argue that mixing church and politics is exactly what Jesus would have done.

“Christ was political, he was hung on a cross for making political statements and bucking authority and that’s exactly why he died,” said Phil Mandeville, parishioner.

Satellite Images Show North Korea Expanding Missile Base

Currents News Staff

New satellite images show North Korea is expanding a key missile base. This despite President Trump’s claims that his negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are working.

It’s nestled deep in North Korea’s mountainous interior, right up against the border with China.

Seen clearly in satellite images obtained from the Middlebury Institute.

A new or expanded base, just seven miles from the well-known Yeongjeo-Dong missile base.

This new, previously unreported construction is evidence of the North’s continuous expansion and upgrading of long-range missile facilities that could be nuclear-ready.

Even as President Trump has long claimed that the denuclearizing of North Korea is on track.

“We’re very happy how it’s going with North Korea. We think it’s going fine. We’re in no rush. We’re in no hurry. The sanctions are on,” said President Trump on November 7th.

The imagery shows a new headquarters, tunneling and bunkers, as well as a massive underground facility.

All of it, rebukes to the President who was told by Kim Jong Un at the Singapore summit this past June he pledged to “work toward complete denuclearization” of the Korean peninsula.

Now, the President, who often touts his close relationship with the young dictator, is calling for a second summit in the new year.

“Kim Jong Un is successfully playing President Trump since they met earlier this year, Kim Jong Un has realized that President Trump is deeply invested in the appearance of success in diplomacy, with North Korea,” said Michael Fuchs.

The president’s National Security Adviser John Bolton argues that a second summit is needed to set Kim straight.

“They have not lived up to the commitments so far. That’s why the president thinks another summit is likely to be productive,” said Bolton.

Meanwhile, with talks at a standstill, U.S. sanctions on the North remain in place. Neither side willing to give ground before concessions from the other.

“I think the biggest concern here is that North Korea continues to do this dance, where they keep the United States involved – maybe have another meeting with President Trump – but not commit to any real constraint on military modernization. So, they continue to build, they continue to develop, they continue to test,” said Marcus Nolan.

Currents News for Wednesday, December 5, 2018

On the newscast: Saying goodbye to 41 – a moving tribute to President George H.W. Bush; Saint Patricks Cathedral in Manhattan memorializes the four Popes that have visited the world famous church; Bishop DiMarzio ties together education and Christmas.

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

Education And Christmas – Bishop Dimarzio Ties Them Together

By Tim Harfmann

Catholic school students sang Christmas hymns to put people in the holiday spirit at Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s annual Christmas luncheon. “This is kind of opening the Christmas season. We always have it in the beginning of December. It’s a beautiful way of starting Advent and looking forward to Christmas,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

It was a festive fundraiser to support the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Catholic Foundation and create new scholarships for Catholic schools. “Catholic Foundation does what it can to support the spiritual welfare of a parish. We give out grants to the parishes. We help with youth ministry and, of course, scholarships,” said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello. He is the vicar for development for the Brooklyn diocese.

Bishop DiMarzio also acknowledged members of the faithful for their contributions to the Church.

Joseph Esposito spent 45 years with the NYPD — reaching the rank of Chief of the Department – and later headed New York City’s Office of Emergency Management. He said faith plays a vital role in his life. “It means so much to me. The Catholic Church, the Catholic education, did so much for my career and my life. If it weren’t for my 12 years of Catholic education, I would not be standing here,” said Esposito.

Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, the CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, was also honored. Through many programs, Catholic Charities helps nearly 100,000 people living in the diocese. “If it’s a way of honoring Catholic Charities and the work we do at Charities, then it’s all worthwhile,” said Monsignor LoPinto.

Sister Tesa Fitzgerald was the third honoree. She’s the executive director of Hour Children, a home in Long Island City, Queens. The organization helps formerly incarcerated women reconnect with their families and society. “It’s a recognition of the mothers and children that I’m really privileged and the good that they have done with their lives, that we’re only there to support them. It’s really the call of the gospel,” said Sister Fitzgerald.

A time for holiday cheer while showing recognition and support for future generations.

Papal Busts Installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

By Emily Drooby

Busts of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis will now greet the millions of people a day who visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

While visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral Joe McClean said, “They look beautiful.”

The bronze busts are a tribute to the four Popes to have visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral and were crafted by local sculptor Carolyn Palmer who said, “Each one has their heart coming through, I tried to portray their hearts coming through.”

Palmer spent hours studying the four Popes to capture their likeness. Explaining, “I start by researching lots and lots of photos and I have videos and I then enlarge the photos on walls and in my studio and I watch them, I watch each person and how they spoke and their sensitivities.”

From their eyes, to their smiles, to the crosses worn around their necks, Palmer says, “Each one, I designed the cross to actually match each pontiff and I did a lot of research on that to see which one they wore the most.”

The busts are located in the vestibules right off of 5^th Avenue and are about eight and a half feet off the ground. Palmer says, “I designed them to be looking down and facing left and right depending on the parishioners coming in or guests coming in an guests leaving.”

The busts took two years to complete, weigh about 250 pounds each, and sit upon marble shelves. Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II greet visitors in the south vestibule, while Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis can be found in the north vestibule. The busts honor the historic visits of the four popes.

This includes Pope Paul VI’S first historic visit to the cathedral in 1965 – which was the first time a sitting pope visited the Western Hemisphere.

Leaders In Danger – Pope Warns Against Being Held “Hostage”

Currents News Staff

The downside about doing a catechesis in the Paul VI Audience Hall is that there are fewer people. The upside is one can be close to the Pope and give him gifts such as this soccer ball… or this plaque given to him by a group of soldiers.

During his catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus, after performing great miracles, did not lose sight of his mission. He did not let himself be carried away by fame and success.

“Leaders are in danger of surrounding themselves with people too much and not putting some distance. Jesus realizes this and does not end up being a ‘hostage’ of the people,” said Francis.

The Pope recalled that after performing great miracles, Christ seeks the solitude of prayer. His way of praying deeply impressed His disciples, who asked Him to teach it to them.

“They saw Jesus praying and they wanted to learn how to do this. ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ The first step to prayer is to be humble. Go to the Father and say, ‘Father…’ Go to the Our Lady: ‘Look at me, I am a sinner, I am weak, I am evil.’ Each one knows what to say, but one always begins with humility. The Lord listens to us. Humble prayer is heard by the Lord,” he said.

The Pope said that this could be a good goal for Advent: to learn to pray. He said praying for many years does not necessarily mean one does it well.

There was no lack of music in the general audience. This time it was the Croatian pilgrims who sang loudly after the Pope’s greeting.

Bush And The Americans With Disabilities Act

Currents News Staff

One of President Bush’s most lasting legacies is the Americans with disabilities act.

The law prohibits discrimination against anyone, based on a disability.

Steve Bartlett was a key author of the law when he represented Texas in Congress.

He joins Currents News to talk about the legislation and the man who championed the cause.