Pope Francis: To Love God and Neighbor Are “Two Faces of the Same Coin”

Currents News Staff

During Sunday’s Angelus, despite the rain 20,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s square to see and listen to Pope Francis.

He explained the importance of loving both God and neighbor, stating that “they are the two faces of the same coin.”

“Loving God means to invest one’s energies every day to be His collaborators in serving our neighbor without reserve, in trying to forgive without limits; and in cultivating relationships of communion and fraternity,” said Francis.

Pope Francis also invited Christians to see everyone as their neighbor especially the poor. He warned not to be “preselecting” who to serve as this is not Christian but pagan. “The hungry person needs not only a plate of soup but also a smile, to be heard; and also a prayer, perhaps done together,” he said.

After the Angelus the Pope expressed his sorrow for the seven Christians killed and others injured during a terrorist attack at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. He invited everyone to pray a Hail Mary for the victims and their families.

The Pope also called for an applause for the beatification of Mother Clelia Merloni in Rome. She was the founder of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope Francis thanked God for her evangelical witness and invited people to follow her example of goodness and mercy.

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.