Election Day Preview

Currents News Staff

Midterm elections don’t usually capture voters’ attention the way a presidential election does. But voters tell us this one feels different because certain issues are at a tipping point, like immigration.

“Yes, sir we have barbed wire going up because you know what? We’re not letting these people invade our country,” said President Donald Trump.

Health care is another of those tipping points. “The healthcare of millions of people are on the ballot. making sure working families get a fair shake is on the ballot,” said former President Barack Obama.

By Halloween the number of early and absentee votes had already surpassed the number of total early and absentees in any previous midterm election.

Celebrities like Orpah Winfrey have gotten on the campaign trail. “We have this incredible opportunity to make history. We have our inalienable right to vote, because the one place where we are all equal is at the polls,” said Winfrey.

Election day could produce a record number of women, African Americans, Latinos, LGBTQ and veteran elected officials in 2019.

Series Finale

Tune in for our last show as Monsignor Harrington welcomes back many surprise guests. It has been a pleasure to bring you In the Arena over the last several years, and we hope you join us one last time for a discussion of current events from a Catholic perspective, as well as a look back at some of our favorite memories!

La Lectio Divina

Para concluir esta temporada sobre la Biblia, el Padre Tomás y Jorge Domínguez nos hablan de la Lectio Divina. ¿Qué es la Lectio Divina, para que nos sirve? Conoce la historia de la Lectio Divina desde la época de su formación entre los monjes. Aprendamos sobre este método de oración y cómo nos puede ayudar a acércanos a Dios.

Seminarians Take Next Step to Priesthood

By Katie Engesser

Thirteen seminarians are taking a big step in their lives. They’re being ordained transitional deacons and in about six months, if all goes well, they will become priests.

“This is something that I’ve been dreaming of all my lifetime,” said Deacon Johnpaul Obiaeri from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Laying prostrate on the floor of St Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, they pray to the saints for guidance in their new roles. The thirteen men include eight from the New York Archdiocese and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, two from South Korea’s Diocese of Daejeon and three from the Diocese of Brooklyn. They all come from different backgrounds but each has been waiting for this Saturday.

“Watching for so many years friends that are now priests and watching them do it and now to do the same thing… That definitely hit me,” said Deacon Michael Falce about laying prostrate during ordination.

Deacon Sangbin Lee from the Diocese of Daejeon said “I never imagined coming to the United States or spending my life in other countries but it’s very great.”

Bishop John Barres, head of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, said “It’s a very powerful day. It’s a culmination and of beginning.”

Bishop Barres presided over the liturgy. By laying on his hands, he invokes the Holy Spirit on the young men. This allows them to celebrate sacraments such as baptisms and marriages.

“Really, I’m just looking forward to being part of the community,” Deacon Edwin Ortiz from the Diocese of Brooklyn said.

The deacons get started right away. After mass each deacon is given a letter, telling them where they will be serving before priesthood. The men of the Brooklyn Diocese see their new assignments as great opportunities.

“I was very blessed to be with the parish of Mary Queen of Heaven, which is where I’ll be going as a deacon,” Deacon Michael explained, “I was there last summer. The people were great.”

Deacon Johnpaul said, “I am going to Sacred Heart and St Stephen’s in Carroll Gardens. I’ve not really been to the parish and it’s probably a good thing that I am going to experience a new environment. “

“I’m going to St Fidelis in College Point and Monsignor Herron is the pastor,” Deacon Edwin said, “which is pretty funny since he was the pastor of my home parish when I was a little kid.”

Bishop Barres says the deacons will do more than just serve. They will help build the future church in a time of testing for Catholics, coping with the clerical sex abuse crisis.

“These young men are stepping up at a really challenging time of church history,” The head of the Rockville Centre Diocese explained, “the fact that they’re following the power of the Holy Spirit is such a great moment for our church and such a sign of hope. “

NYPD Searches for Suspect After Anti-Semitic Vandalism

By Tim Harfmann

The NYPD is looking for the man in a surveillance photo. They believe he’s connected with anti-Semitic graffiti inside the Union Temple of Brooklyn. It is located on Eastern Parkway, near Grand Army Plaza, in Prospect Heights.

The suspect is described as 20-years-old, five-foot-eight, 140 pounds with black hair and last seen wearing a red suit jacket. An NYPD spokesperson said the hateful messages, written in black marker, included swastikas, “Hitler,” and the message “kill all Jews.”

“It’s totally shocking and horrible,” said Stacey Reed. She worships at the Union Temple of Brooklyn.

The hateful messages were discovered the November 1st, before a political event regarding the midterm elections on November 6th. The gathering was cancelled as a precaution. The temple’s Jewish school was closed. Synagogue officials didn’t want to talk about the vandalism.

Walker Reese is a Brooklyn resident and hosting loved ones from out of town. They were shocked as they walked passed the temple and heard the news. “It’s disgusting. Just the amount of hate going on. This is not what New York is about. This is a multicultural community. We all need to come together,” said Reese. “I see no reason somebody would target a specific religious group,” said Frank Ramsdell.

This latest hate crime is part of a string of attacks against Jews. Less than a week ago, 11 Jewish men and women were killed at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Earlier this week, swastikas were written on a brownstone in Brooklyn. The NYPD said hate crimes against the Jewish community are up compared to this time last year.

Residents said during this tragic time, there must be unity. “One of my favorite things about the city is that there are people from all walks of life. And to see things like this going on, it’s not fair. It really needs to stop,” said Reese. “Hands across the water. We all have to join together and act out. Speak up against this kind of behavior,” said Reed.

Anyone with information about the suspect or crime is asked to call the crime stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. You can also text the police at “crimes,” then enter TIP-5-7-7. All calls and messages are kept confidential.

Currents News for Friday, November 2, 2018

On the newscast: A historic Brooklyn synagogue was the target of vandals; President Trump vows to change asylum laws; The All Souls Day field masses honor loved ones from Brooklyn and afar; The Holy Father visits the ‘Garden of Angels.’

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)

Netanyahu Visits Oman For First Time In Over 20 Years

Currents News Staff

The biggest sign of warming relations between Israel and the Arab states is Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Oman where he met the Omani Sultan. But that is certainly not the only sign of tectonic shifts here in the Middle East.

On Friday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Oman for the first time in more than 20 years. Afterwards, Oman’s foreign minister said Israel should be treated like a state.

Netanyahu called the trip historic.

“This visit comes against the background of diplomatic efforts that I have been promoting in recent years vis-a-vis the Arab countries. There will be more,” said Netanyahu.

The warming relations are driven by a mutual struggle against Iran.

Netanyahu has been perhaps the most vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal, lauding President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the accord. Netanyahu has quietly had the backing of the gulf Arab states.

President Trump Plans to Revamp U.S. Asylum System

Currents News Staff

President Donald Trump announced Thursday his plans to revamp U.S. asylum system, but did not give specifics on what he would change.

“My administration is finalizing a plan to end the rampant abuse of our asylum system. It’s abused,” Trump said.

Trump says he’ll issue an executive order sometime next week, which will also include ending what he calls the “catch and release” immigration program.

“We’re going to catch. We’re not going to release. They’re going to stay with us until the deportation hearing or asylum hearing takes place.”

Trump went on to address the thousands of Central American migrants making their way to the us border, saying it is like an “invasion.”

“These illegal caravans will not be allowed into the United States. They should turn back now cause they are wasting their time.”

Defense officials have emphasized that U.S. troops already at the border or who are headed to the border are there to support civil authorities only.

But Trump did not rule out military force at the U.S. – Mexico border when he was asked what if someone in the caravan throws rocks or stones at troops.

“I tell em consider it a rifle. When they throw rocks like they did at the Mexico military and police. I say consider it a rifle.”

Building The Benedict Option: Leah Libreseco on Walk In Faith

Part memoir, part handbook on Christian hospitality, writer and Catholic convert, Leah Libresco’s new book, Building The Benedict Option, explains how to start a community of people who long for a deeper communal desire and fellowship than gathering at a parish can offer. Leah talks with host Craig Syracusa about a myriad of topics ranging from her conversion and how it came to be to why she has an open invitation for people to come to her home for group discussions.

Bones Found at Vatican Property Reopen Questions on 1983 Mysteries

By Elise Harris

ROME (Crux) – Late Tuesday night, Oct. 30, the Vatican announced that fragments of human bones were found during the recent remodeling of a building attached to the Vatican’s embassy to Italy, though there are still no details about the age of the remains or the person to whom they belonged.

Rome’s Chief Prosecutor, Giuseppe Pighatone, has tasked the Scientific Police and a mobile team of Rome’s police headquarters to study the remains in order to determine their age, sex and the date of the person’s death. As soon as the bones were found, a Vatican statement said, the Vatican’s Gendarmerie corps informed Italian authorities as well as those within the Holy See, and an investigation has been launched.

Details are slim on what bones were found, however, according to Italian agency ANSA, the bones consist of a skull and teeth.

In some quarters there is already speculation that the remains could belong to a young Italian woman named Emanuela Orlandi, who disappeared in 1983 at the age of 15, and whose father at the time worked for the Institute for the Works of Religion, better known as “the Vatican bank.”

Orlandi’s body was never found, and numerous hypotheses and conspiracy theories have circulated since her disappearance concerning the circumstances and motives of what might have happened.

Mirella Gregori is another young Italian woman who also disappeared in 1983, just over a month ahead of when Orlandi went missing. Police are likely to make DNA comparisons to determine whether the bones belong to either of the young women.