By Katie Vasquez
More than 80 teens from the Diocese of Brooklyn are heading to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, including 13 young parishioners from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria. As they pack their bags, they say they’re ready to grow in their faith and represent their parish.
By Currents News
The Diocese of Brooklyn has a pilgrimage planned to Rome that includes attending the canonizations of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis on Sept. 7.
Monsignor Thomas Machalski, the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bayside, Queens joins Currents News to share how the diocese’s special connection to Blessed Carlo Acutis is a driving force behind the pilgrimage planning – and how you can join the trip.
Young people from the Diocese of Brooklyn will soon be on their way to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, where they’ll be able to view the body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
The soon-to-be first millennial saint has a special connection to Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn – we take a special look at his life and legacy.
Parishioners from Brooklyn and Queens will be there on the day that Blessed Carlo Acutis becomes a saint. You’ll meet the priest who’s leading parishioners on that spiritual journey.
After considering an abortion, a Brooklyn mom found strength and support from a pro-life advocate who helped her choose life.
A Missouri priest is reflecting on his miraculous recovery from a devastating car crash and sharing how it shaped his calling to comfort others in similar circumstances.
Before their game at Citi Field, Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated Mass with the Mets, who went on to beat the Cincinnati Reds.
Queens catholic academy students had a chance to meet the Mets – outfielder Jesse Winker made a surprise appearance at their end-of-school-year Mass.
By Katie Vasquez and Jessica Meditz
FLATBUSH — Three years ago, Crystal was struggling with her stroller in a crowded hallway when Francesca Yellico noticed her. It was a busy day at The Bridge to Life, the Queens-based pregnancy help center for mothers and children to come for life-affirming support, where Yellico serves as executive director.
As they spoke, Crystal — a single mother who prefers being identified only by her first name — discovered her car had been towed. That unexpected frustration led to something more vulnerable: Crystal opened up about a past pregnancy, and Yellico listened.
What started as a moment of kindness between strangers quickly blossomed into a close friendship — a bond that would deepen with one life-changing phone call two years later.
“I was in the middle of Times Square with my family, and all of a sudden my phone rings and it’s Crystal. I answered because I knew something was up,” Yellico said. “She just found out she’s pregnant with her fifth child, and she doesn’t know what to do. She’s just totally overwhelmed, afraid, in a bad place, and was really just having a hard time.”
Crystal had thoughts about terminating the pregnancy. But it was during that conversation when Yellico told her, “God must think something pretty special about you, because of all the people in the whole wide world, he chose you to be this baby’s mother.”
On May 21, Crystal gave birth to a baby boy and named him Chosyn. Yellico’s words to Crystal during that phone call are part of what inspired the name.
“I chose the name Chosyn because during the eight-week time when I wasn’t telling anybody [about the pregnancy], God was making it known in my head that [Chosyn] was his decision,” Crystal said. “I can’t go to God and tell him I can’t do things when he’s already shown me what he can do. And then Francesca confirmed, because you chose to be his mother, he chose to be your child…it couldn’t have been more solid.”
After being set on naming the baby Chosyn, Crystal said she felt like it was confirmation from God that she had picked the right name. From seeing the name on a TV show to a one-off baby name idea from her niece, she knew that the name was meant for her son.
Throughout her pregnancy, Crystal continued to receive support from The Bridge to Life, which gave her the necessary items to raise children, as well as emotional support. Yellico even threw Crystal a baby shower.
RELATED: The Bridge to Life Gets A New Service Center; The Tablet Gets A First Look
Crystal and Yellico’s bond continued to grow stronger, and despite already calling one another “sis,” the duo became even more like family.
Months later, during one of their weekly calls, Crystal asked to meet in person for lunch at an Italian restaurant. As the waiter talked about the specials, Crystal asked, ‘Do you have any cannolis?’ ”
“I was like, ‘All right, whatever. She’s pregnant. Maybe she’s craving a cannoli,’ ” Yellico said. “All of a sudden, the waiter comes and he puts this whole tray of cannolis with this box in front of me…I opened the box, and inside is this little onesie that said ‘Zia and Zio [aunt and uncle], even though I’m just a baby cannoli, will you be my Madrina and Padrino [godmother and godfather]?’ ”
“I was in awe that I was chosen to be the godmother of this little baby,” Yellico added.
Crystal also asked Yellico to be in the delivery room when Chosyn was born. She cut his umbilical cord.
“Francesca told me something I already knew I could do. God used her to confirm everything that she saw in me that was already there, that I was trying to convince myself didn’t exist,” Crystal said. “She speaks to me and other women from the knowledge that she has, being a mother herself. She knows that it’s going to be hard, but she knows that it’s possible.”
Now 34, Crystal lives in Flatbush with her five children, and describes the support she’s received from Yellico and The Bridge to Life as “extraordinary.”
“I get so much help with five children, it’s beyond me. It takes a village, and I have a solid one,” she said. “The fact that I can call Francesca, if I’m having a good or bad day, and get some type of encouragement or guidance on what to do, even if she doesn’t know, she’ll listen. Everybody at The Bridge is honestly a joy to be around.”
Crystal said she feels empowered to share her story and also help other women who might be struggling, including another young mother she recently met at the local laundromat, who expressed she was in need of newborn baby items.
“Crystal is an inspiration, and that is contagious — the ripple effect gives others the strength and encouragement to keep going,” Yellico said. “I knew she was going to get through this with flying colors, despite any obstacles. She lives her faith.”
By Katie Vasquez
A single mom’s unexpected pregnancy leads to a life-changing friendship, faith-filled support, and the birth of a baby boy named Chosyn.
By Katie Vasquez and Alexandra Moyen
DOUGLASTON — Victor Paredes has dreamed of being a priest since he was 7 years old, when he first became an altar server. It wasn’t until a few months ago, however, that the 16-year-old began actively discerning the priesthood.
As Victor, one of the many young pilgrims who gathered for a special Jubilee send-off Mass on July 20, prepares for an upcoming pilgrimage to Rome with other young Catholics from the Diocese of Brooklyn, he said he hopes the experience will fortify his commitment.
“I’m hoping that this pilgrimage will make my path more clear,” said Victor, a parishioner of the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Dyker Heights. “Although I’m still having doubts, I’m applying for [seminary] next year, so I’m hoping I’ll have more confidence by the end of this pilgrimage, and my faith will be stronger.”
Victor Paredes prays with his cohort of pilgrims from the Basilica of Regina Pacis before starting their info-session with Father Kuroly. Victor said he hopes the pilgrimage successfully shows him his path as he looks forward to the priesthood. (Photos: Alexandra Moyen)
Father James Kuroly, the diocese’s director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, urged the young pilgrims traveling for the Jubilee of Youth — from July 28 to Aug. 3 — to see their trip to Rome as “more than an invitation,” but as a divine calling.
During their time in Rome, he said, God will have a special message for all of them.
RELATED: Arrivederci! Diocesan Pilgrims Head to Rome for Jubilee of Young People
“I hope that they have an encounter with Christ and the Church,” Father Kuroly said of the 87 young people who he said are participating in the pilgrimage. “An encounter that becomes such a transformative experience that they go back home into their parishes and live the message that our Holy Father will bring to them.”
Bishop Robert Brennan told the young pilgrims he looked forward to joining them on their trip to Rome and asked them to remember to open their hearts to God, deepening their bond with him.
The send-off Mass, held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, was celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan, who offered words of encouragement and blessed the group.
In his homily, Bishop Brennan reminded the group that they are not traveling alone, but are carrying the prayers and hopes of the entire diocese with them.
“Do you have broad shoulders?” Bishop Brennan said, before emphasizing the weight and privilege of their role. “You’re representing Brooklyn and Queens to the whole world, and that’s more than just symbolic.”
The Mass brought together faithful from nine parishes, including St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, St. Pancras Church in Glendale, St. Mary Gate of Heaven Parish in South Ozone Park, St. Brigid Church in Bushwick, the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Bensonhurst, Most Precious Blood-Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Gravesend, Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish in Williamsburg, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria.
Parishioners from St. John Chrysostom Church in the Bronx were also in attendance at the Mass. The church, which is part of the Archdiocese of New York, is sending a group on the pilgrimage with the diocese.
This will be Lezli Bermejo’s second pilgrimage with her parish, St. Brigid. Her first was to Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day in 2023. This trip is especially meaningful, she said, because her pastor, Father Carlos Velásquez, invited her to participate.
Lezli Bermejo is looking forward to her second pilgrimage with her parish and said being chosen by her pastor to be part of her cohort of pilgrims feels like a blessing.
“This time, Father Carlos chose me, and it’s a blessing that I’m able to go, and without even having to ask,” Bermejo, 19, said. “I feel like it was meant to be, like it’s a calling and I am supposed to be there with everyone else who’s going.”
Bermejo, who is a lector and religious education teacher at St. Brigid and also works in the parish’s Confraternity of Christian Doctrine office and rectory, added that she is “very excited to see all these holy places, and especially the new pope.” She said she is also grateful to have received a blessing from Bishop Brennan at the July 20 Mass.
Claire Xue, a parishioner at the Basilica of Regina Pacis, said she feels the weight of the responsibility of her trip to Rome, adding that she is not only carrying her own prayer intentions, but also those of her entire parish community.
“I think this pilgrimage will definitely strengthen my faith because Rome is the holy city, and I hope to meet new people besides the pope, and hopefully, communicate and share our common beliefs,” she said.
As the pilgrims prepare for the trip, Bishop Brennan reminded them not only to bring their passports and itineraries, but also to bring their hearts open to God’s call. This way, they will encounter Christ and “know him as a friend,” he said.
Bishop Brennan acknowledged that the world tries to make people of faith feel like outsiders. However, this pilgrimage, he noted, will reveal that they are far from alone.
RELATED: At Jubilee of Teenagers, Grief Is Mingled With Joyful Hope for Church’s Future
“The world wants you to think that there’s something wrong with you, and just not part of the mainstream. You know what? Maybe we’re not part of the mainstream, but we’re certainly not a small group,” Bishop Brennan said. “When you see millions of other people, not only believe in what you believe, but joyfully celebrate what we believe, that can help us when we’re back home to live that faith authentically, and invite others on the journey.”
More than 80 young Catholics from the Diocese of Brooklyn received a special blessing from Bishop Robert Brennan as they prepare to travel to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth.
A rare relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis made a visit to a Chicago parish – soon he’ll be canonized as the first millennial saint.
To mark the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Pope Leo XIV called astronaut Buzz Aldrin. They spoke about space exploration, faith, and the wonder of God’s creation.
By Currents News and Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Peering at the sunlit skies through a Vatican-owned space telescope and calling the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 spaceflight mission was how Pope Leo XIV celebrated the anniversary of the first crewed moon landing.
Apollo 11 space vehicle taking off from Kennedy Space Center.
U.S. astronaut Michael Collins flew the command module around the moon while Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to land and walk on the lunar surface.
Pope Leo, who would have been 13 years old when the lunar module, the Eagle, touched down, called the 95-year-old Aldrin late July 20, “sharing with him the memory of this historic achievement — a testimony to human ingenuity,” the Vatican press office said.
They reflected together on Psalm 8, the office said, which marvels at the limitless grandeur of God, the smallness of human beings in creation and the amazing dignity and power that God has graciously bestowed upon them.
During the return flight back to Earth, Aldrin, a Presbyterian, had read two verses of Psalm 8 from the King James Bible in a radio communication with NASA’s mission control, saying, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; What is man that thou art mindful of him?”
Pope Leo and Aldrin together “reflected on the mystery of creation, its greatness and its fragility,” the press office said July 20, releasing a photo of the pope and Aldrin with his wife, Anca Faur, taken during their video call.
Aldrin then posted on his X account, @TheRealBuzz: “Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing today, from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.”
“What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind,” the astronaut wrote.
The Vatican press office said Pope Leo blessed the astronaut, his family and his coworkers at the end of the call.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo visited the Vatican Observatory, the headquarters of a team of Jesuit astronomers and scientists, located on the grounds of the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo.
The pope showed great interest in how the observatory’s double astrograph telescope worked to take plate-glass photographs of the night sky, according to video clips released by the Vatican after the visit.
The pope also visited the observatory’s refractor telescope. The pope, who has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the Augustinian-run Villanova University near Philadelphia, asked U.S. Jesuit Father David Brown to position the massive instrument toward a particular spot for a look.
Father Brown, an astronomer specializing in stellar evolution, serves as caretaker of the telescopes in Castel Gandolfo, and he assiduously followed the pope’s request, maneuvering the telescope and the mechanized platform they were standing on.
It was the same telescope that St. Paul VI peered through the night of July 20-21, 1969, looking at the moon before he watched the actual landing and the first moon walk on television at the papal summer villa.
Astronauts on the moon during the first moon landing in 1969. Photo: Getty Images.
Messages from religious leaders were among the artifacts collected to be flown on the lunar lander, and they remain there to this day for posterity. The messages include one personally handwritten by St. Paul alongside the printed text of Psalm 8.
St. Paul also sent a message honoring and blessing the three astronauts after they landed on the moon, calling them “conquerors of the moon, pale lamp of our nights and our dreams.” He then met Armstrong, Collins and Aldrin at the Vatican Oct. 16, 1969.
The observatory traces its origins back to an observational tower erected in the Vatican Gardens by Pope Gregory XIII in 1578 so celestial studies could aid the reform of the Western calendar. Over time, a number of posts for celestial observation were set up along the Vatican walls and elsewhere in Rome.
Pope Leo XIII formally established the Vatican Observatory — placed on a hillside behind the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica — in 1891 as a visible sign of the church’s centuries-old support for science. He also let the Holy See take part in a decades-long international survey of the night sky called the “Carte du Ciel.”
The Jesuits have been entrusted with the Vatican Observatory since 1935, when Pope Pius XI decided to move the observatory from the Tower of the Winds in the Vatican to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Two powerful telescopes were installed there in the 1930s under two separate domes located on the roof of the papal palace.
A separate building in the villa’s gardens houses the historic Carte du Ciel telescope from 1891 and a Schmidt telescope from 1957 that Pope Pius XII purchased with his own money as a gift to the observatory. It also houses an exhibit showcasing historical scientific instruments, artifacts and meteorites from the observatory’s collections.
The Jesuit observatory staff set up a second research center in Tucson, Arizona, in 1981 after Italian skies got too bright for nighttime observation. And in 1993, in collaboration with Steward Observatory, they completed the construction of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham — considered one of the best astronomical sites in the continental United States.
By Katie Vasquez
Before heading to Rome for a life-changing pilgrimage, dozens of young people from the Diocese of Brooklyn received a special blessing from Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan.