Queens Crossing Guard Returns to Work 9 Months After Being Hit by a Car

by Katie Vasquez

As kids head to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy, Liliana D’Onofrio, or Lilly, as they call her, is there to guide them.

“My day is always very bright if I can see her. She’s really very good,” said Evangeline Roca, a parent at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy.

D’Onofrio’s a staple in Middle Village where she lives and has worked as a crossing guard since 2008.

“I watch them grow up and then they come back and visit me when they’re in high school,” D’Onofrio said. “When they’re in college, they come back and say, ‘Lilly, remember me?’ I just love it, love it, love it.”

She’s missed most of this school year, as she spent nine months recovering after a serious accident.

“I missed her,” said Gianna Grecula, a student at Our Lady of Hope Academy, “because she was gone for a while.”

“I start to cry when I start to think about it because I’m grateful. I’m very, very grateful to be here,” said D’Onofrio.

Police say that on Sept. 26, D’Onofrio was helping students cross the street at dismissal time when 51-year-old Sinead Welsh hit D’Onofrio with her car.

Welsh was charged with reckless endangerment and DWI, police said.

D’Onofrio was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but she woke up with no memory of the accident.

“I didn’t remember that I was hit by the car until my husband explained it to me,” D’Onofrio said.

It was a relief to students and parents when she returned to work on June 10, especially to those who had witnessed the accident.

“We were like, very surprised that she’s back, especially from the freak incident that happened,” said Aidan Moylan, a student at Our Lady of Hope Academy.

“It has been very sad. She’s our welcoming morning every day, right?,” said Amanda Quintana, a parent at Our Lady of Hope Academy. “So we missed her very much. and we were praying for her to get well.”

Now the Our Lady of Hope parishioner wants to make up for lost time, and work through the summer.

“I just like the community. I love the people. Everybody’s friendly. I enjoy it,” D’Onofrio said. “I work with wonderful people and I love the kids. I just adore the children.”

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 6/17/2024

A beloved crossing guard at a Queens Catholic elementary school is back on duty. Lilly D’Onofrio, who helps students at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy safely cross the street, returned after a year-long absence due to a car accident. She received a warm welcome from the school community.

Exciting news from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage! The pilgrims, currently following the Seton Route, are making their way through Pennsylvania. With the next month promising a journey through West Virginia and Ohio, the anticipation for their arrival in Indiana for the National Eucharistic Congress is building.

We’ll take you to St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst for their kindergarten graduation ceremony. Twenty students, including one with a unique journey, received their diplomas. Stay tuned as Fox 5 Morning Anchor Bianca Peters shares her story of repeating kindergarten and walking proudly across the stage.

While many celebrated Father’s Day this past Sunday, there was a special celebration in the Diocese of Brooklyn. It was Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio’s 80th birthday yesterday, and hundreds took to social media to send him their best wishes.

Queens Crossing Guard Returns to Work After Serious Accident

As kids head to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy, Liliana D’Onofrio, is there to guide them. She has returned to her spot after a serious accident that took her out of commission. Currents News’ Katie Vazquez will have the report at 7pm EST.

Special Edition: School Year in Review

A Catholic school in Queens is not just thriving — it’s booming! St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy in Elmhurst saw a remarkable 20 percent jump in enrollment this year, a testament to the growing recognition of the benefits of diocesan schools by more parents in New York City.

While a recent report revealed that some of New York City’s elite specialized public high schools lack diversity, the Diocese of Brooklyn schools are shining examples of inclusivity and support.

Schools throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn are diverse and excel in helping students with academic challenges. Over the past few years, the diocese has made significant strides in special education, offering various services and accommodations that allow every student to thrive.

And it’s not every day you hear about new Catholics converting as children, but that’s the inspiring story of a brother and sister at St. Mel’s Catholic Academy in Flushing. Their journey to get closer to Christ is a testament to the robust community and faith found in our schools.

Currents News Celebrates Catholic School Achievements in “School Year in Review” Special

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – Currents News is set to feature an hour-long special titled “School Year in Review,” celebrating the achievements and milestones of students and educators across Brooklyn and Queens.

Scheduled to air on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m., the special will be hosted by Currents News anchor Christine Persichette. This event marks a special kickoff to Summer 2024, reflecting on memorable moments both inside and outside the classroom.

Among the featured stories is the inspiring journey of a Brooklyn family who chose a Catholic school due to its expanded inclusive classrooms. Additionally, viewers will learn about a Queens academy that achieved a remarkable 20% increase in enrollment this year.

Highlighting the academic prowess and artistic talent within Catholic schools, the program will showcase a profile on a Grammy Award-winning musician who also excels as the Class of 2024 valedictorian.

A poignant moment in the special includes a heartfelt message from the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonized as the first millennial saint, directed to a specific student.

The special aims to spotlight diversity and inclusion, featuring a visit to a Catholic school that exemplifies the vibrant cultural tapestry of the “Diocese of Immigrants,” contrasting with challenges faced by elite NYC public schools in achieving similar diversity.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, expressed enthusiasm about the special, stating, “‘School Year in Review’ gives us the opportunity to share the transformative impact of Catholic education in our communities. It’s a testament to our rich history, our relevance today, and the hope we nurture for future leaders.”

Viewers are encouraged to engage by voting for their favorite story online at www.netny.tv/vote-now following the broadcast.

Currents News is produced by NET TV, an Emmy Award-winning network providing news and insights from a Catholic perspective. It airs in the New York area on Spectrum Channel 97, Optimum Channel 30, and Verizon Fios Channel 548. Live streaming is also available on NET TV’s website, www.netny.tv/watchnow.

Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert & Whoopi Goldberg Crack Jokes at the Vatican

For one morning, the universal language of the Vatican was laughter as comedians from all over the world met with Pope Francis.

For some, it was not their first time meeting the head of the Catholic Church. But what was different was the message he gave the group—one specifically meant for them.

“It was nice to see him again and nice to see him in this environment with comics who very rarely get a lot of love. But him reminding all of us that humor is everything,” Whoopi Goldberg said. It really is meaningful and meaningful to us as humans, meaningful to God. It’s nice to get a little pat on the back.”

More than 100 comedians filled the Apostolic Palace to participate in this intiative promoted by the Dicasteries for Culture and Education and for Communication.

Each greeted the Pope individually, some even getting him to crack a smile. And Pope Francis left them reflecting on the relationship between humor and faith.

“I love this Pope for all his flaws. He’s a human being,” Stephen Colbert said. “And if he thinks comedy could be part of the life of the Church and your role as a good Catholic or a good Christian, I’ll think about that. I don’t know how to do it. Adding dignity or respectability to comedians never helps, so I’m not gonna take it too seriously. But it was an honor.”

Pope Francis not only gave the group advice but also a physical reminder of the experience: a rosary, which at least one comedian already has a plan for.

“It’s one of those once in a lifetime opportunities. And I did get a rosary bead from the Pope and so that’s a nice thing to have,” Conan O’Brien said. “I can bring that to my mom and that’s going to mean the world to her and then I can take it away from my mom and sell it on eBay…and then keep the cash for myself. So yeah, I’ve got this whole thing worked out.”

As these comedians return to their shows and podcasts, they bring with them both the Pope’s words and the memory of his all-too famous smile.

3 Main Points From The Vatican’s New Document on the Bishop of Rome

A new document published by the Vatican is the result of dialogue with non-Catholic churches on a topic that has been a source of division: the role of the pope.

The document responds to an invitation from Pope John Paul II to all Christian confessions in the encyclical Ut Unum Sit. In it, he outlined the need to find a way for the role of the pope to be recognized by all.

Distinguishing the functions of the pope meanwhile emphasizing his role as Bishop of Rome
Among the proposals made in the document is a call for a clearer distinction of the pope’s responsibilities. On one hand, he is Patriarch of the Western Churches. On the other, he holds primacy on a universal level because he is in charge of maintaining unity. He is also the head of a government—the Vatican City State—meanwhile serving as the Bishop of Rome.

The text recommends that the pope’s role as Bishop of Rome be emphasized more as it may make it clear to other bishops that he is one among them.

The first Vatican Council
One of the conclusions of the First Vatican Council that has caused controversy in ecumenical dialogue was the declaration of papal infallibility.

This new document calls for an “updated commentary” of some of the decisions made in this council to adapt it to the current culture and ecumenical context.

Synodality
The meaning of synodality has been a central topic in the Catholic Church for decades. In the document, the Vatican recognizes the challenge of involving all levels of the Church in this discussion and also touches on the role of bishops’ conferences.

The nature of this new document is not legislative nor does it impose new models of conduct for relations with other churches. But it is one more step in the theological dialogue where different points of view emerge. The document closes by outlining the need for continuing this dialogue and pointing out various ecumenical initiatives.

Brooklyn Students Get Hands-On Lesson about Saint Anthony

by Katie Vasquez

This was the first time Paige Winters has ever touched a relic.

“I thought it was very cool. And you like how old it was, and. and it’s an artifact. I think that’s really cool,” said Winters, an 8th grade student at St Ephrem Catholic Academy.

She, along with her fellow classmates at St Ephrem Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, has been studying the saints, learning about popular figures like St Anthony of Padua.

At this mass, where two first-class relics of the saint are right in front of them, the lessons take on a whole new meaning.

“This was overall my favorite mass of the entire year. I think it was very interesting learning about all this stuff and getting to touch the rib of Saint Anthony,” said 6th grade student at St Ephrem Catholic Academy, Antonios Ashkar.

The first class relics include a piece of St Anthony’s skin and his floating rib.

They traveled from Padua, where the 12th century franciscan friar served, to the Dyker Heights church, as part of a tour traveling around New York and New Jersey.

St Ephrem’s saw it as a chance to give their students a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It gives them an exposure to our Catholic tradition and our identity so that they will understand what our tradition is,” said St Ephrem Church pastor, Father Robert Adamo.

“Not only learning about our saints and about our religion within our books, within the bible, but bringing it to life and being able to bring it to life by bringing the relics of saint anthony of padua showed that,” said St Ephrem Catholic Academy principal, Michael Phillips.

On top of being able to venerate the relics, students also received blessed bread, a reminder of the saint’s kindness to the poor.

But while they’re gaining a new appreciation for the patron saint of lost things,

Father Mario Conte, who brought the relic to St Ephrem’s, says they can also find so much more from this experience.

“We have to think about the things that we don’t even realize we have lost. First of all, faith, our faith is the most important thing. And nowadays faith has been lost for many, for many people. Indeed,” said Father Mario Conte, a friar with the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 6/12/2024

Some lucky students in Brooklyn got a lesson straight from the past! Check out the relics they got to see for themselves to mark the Feast of St. Anthony.

Bishops are flocking to Louisville for their bi-annual rendezvous, diving deep into crucial church matters. From migration to the Synod on Synodality and the National Eucharistic Revival, catch the discussions as they unfold.

Pope Francis has a holy message for priests: keep it short and sweet! The pontiff is cracking down on long-winded homilies, urging clergy to cap it at eight minutes of brevity.

Can ‘soulless homilies’ deliver a punch? Don’t miss out on this clash between tradition and technology, as some priests are turning to AI.

U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Joe Donnelly Joins Currents News

U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Joe Donnelly joins Currents News to discuss his decision to step down on July 8.

A native New Yorker, Ambassador Donnelly served in his roe for nearly three years. Among his responsibilities were advancing the United States’ interests and strengthening ties between the two countries.