Feel Good Special Edition

Thousands took to the streets, walking with Jesus through Brooklyn. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage made several stops through the Diocese of Brooklyn on its way to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.

Prepare to be amazed by the story of a New York mom whose unwavering devotion to St. Gerard led to a miraculous outcome. Despite being told she may not have children, her prayers to the patron saint of motherhood were answered in a truly extraordinary way, 16 times over.

A Yonkers man is on a mission to preserve the stories of World War II heroes. Bob Abate, a veteran himself, has spent the last 25 years interviewing hundreds of combat veterans and recording their stories on audio cassette tapes.

We’ll look back at the incredible feat a St. John’s University professor reached. A couple of years ago, Brian Browne experienced chest pain during a run. Later, he found out he needed heart surgery. After the life-saving procedure, he made it his goal to finish a full marathon, and he did.

Meet the Priest: Four Transitional Deacons to Be Ordained in the Diocese of Brooklyn

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 5 30 2024.00 04 32 28.Still001

 

Tune into the ordination of four transitional deacons in the diocese of Brooklyn on Saturday, June 1, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on NET TV at 11 am. 

Bishop Robert Brennan will be there to ordain all four deacons to the priesthood. 

NET TV is available on Spectrum channel 97, Optimum channel 30, and Verizon Fios 48 across New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, Long Island and southern Connecticut.

Family Donates a Gift of $1 Million to Xaverian High School for Future Students

Students across Brooklyn and Queens are preparing to say goodbye to their schools, but the family of one graduating senior is leaving behind a gift for future students.

Vincent and Lori Theurer donated $1 million to Brooklyn’s Xaverian High School.

The couple had two boys in the school, one who graduated in 2009 and another who is graduating from there this weekend.

They said they were inspired to contribute by Xaverian’s “commitment to academic excellence intertwined with Catholic values.”

The school said that money will help expand its facilities, enrich its programs, and provide opportunities for its students.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 5/30/2024

The Diocese of Brooklyn will have four new priests. Each of the transitional deacons has followed a unique path to the priesthood. Ordination day is June 1. The ceremony will be held at 11 am at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Pope Francis, in a significant move, engaged in a discussion on vocations during his recent visit outside the Vatican walls. His visit included a center run by the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, where he inquired about the number of novices. He also spent valuable time with younger priests of the Diocese of Rome.
U.S. bishops have released a synod report on the United States. The 20-page report identifies both sources of tensions and desires expressed by American Catholics.
A campaign to encourage people to pray the rosary during May has been a success. The Hozana Association, a Christian social network, launched a worldwide “One Million Roses for Mary” initiative at the beginning of the month.

Pulse of the Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Mary Mooney

From the rosary beads hanging above the church’s front door to the fleur de lis in the chapel, there are symbols of Mary throughout Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Queens Village.

“Even non-Catholics will come and attend our Masses because of the Blessed Mother,” said Father Patrick Longalong, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. “And once they come in and they experience such a welcoming environment, they want to stay.”

Pastor Longalong said they’ve been coming since 1924. That’s when German and Irish immigrants built the original church, now called the chapel.

But after World War II, the area’s population grew. Since there wasn’t enough room to expand at the original location, they bought the land across the street, and in 1954, the current church was built. Seventy years later, this church is located in one of the most diverse zip codes in the country.

“We have a lot of Filipinos,” Father Longalong said. “We also have a growing Bangladeshi community, Sri Lankan community, big Hispanic community, but even the Hispanic community is a very diverse group.”

The one thing that brings this diverse group together is their faith.

Take Mary Mooney, who leads a close-knit group of women in the prayer shawl ministry.

“My faith has sustained me through immigration, loneliness, loss of a child, you name it, loss of my husband recently, and there was nothing that your faith can’t carry you through,” said Mary Mooney, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

Prayers of comfort and healing are woven into the fabric with each stitch. Mooney and her volunteers have spent countless hours knitting beautiful shawls, blankets, hats, and gloves for people battling an illness, grieving a loss, or facing a difficult time—anyone in need of a comforting embrace.

“We want that person to know that we’re sharing in whatever their struggle might be,” Mooney said. “It’s our pleasure to serve God in this way. I cry a lot because it gets very emotional sometimes.”

It’s a gift from their hearts and hands. They don’t expect anything in return, but they get a lot of thank you notes.

“Sincerest thanks to you and the shawl ministry for the most beautiful prayer shawl for our young niece,” Mooney said.

There’s a pattern of gratefulness.

“Words can’t express how I feel,” Mooney said. “Your generosity and prayers for me and my family remind me that I am not alone and that I will get through this.”

As long as one person out there might need to be wrapped in love, Mooney said she’ll continue her handiwork.

“By doing something very small, very simple, just give it quietly,” Mooney said. “It’s most touching that God gave you the ability to do something like that.”

Now you know Mary Mooney from Our Lady of Lourdes and how she makes up the pulse of the parish.

Looking to the Future: Community Members at One Catholic School In Queens Share Careers With Students

It was career day at one school in Elmhurst, Queens, allowing some professional adults to share talents and careers.

Currents News anchor Christine Persechetti had the honor of presenting to the students at P.S. 148, telling them all about her journey in the world of TV news.

Other speakers included doctors, firefighters, engineers, even a scientist.

Some of the kids came dressed as police officers, airplane pilots, or whoever else they want to be when they grow up.

Brooklyn Catholic Students Celebrate Mary By Helping Mothers in Need With Drive For Life

Students at St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst have taken on a drive for life, using the month of May to celebrate the Blessed Mother and mothers in need.

The student council is responsible for the project, gathering donations of diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and other supplies for The Bridge to Life.

The pro-life organization helps expectant mothers who are struggling.

The St. Athanasius assistant principal said the students put their all into the project, wanting to honor Mary and mothers everywhere.

Bridge serves more than 5,000 women and children every year.

The supplies will be delivered to the organization at the end of the month.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 5/29/2024

One ministry has built a tight-knit community after settling in Queens Village after WWII. Through its local ministry, it’s spreading love one stitch at a time. Its coordinator is tonight’s Pulse of the Parish.

The mother of what will be the first millennial saint is making her voice heard! In a significant development, Pope Francis has acknowledged a second miracle attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis. His mother, Antonia Salzano, is steadfast in spreading her son’s profound message.

In western Montana, you can turn to Bishop Austin Vetter for beer. The bishop’s “Golden Austin Ale” is a collaboration between the Diocese of Helena and Lewis and Clark Brewing.

This is a happy update to a story first brought to you by Currents News: a parishioner’s prayers have been answered. Petar Vukelich has found a kidney donor.

Eucharistic Revival: Monstrance Moves On to NJ After It Boards Boat That Stops At Liberty Island

After journeying through the Diocese of Brooklyn, the pilgrims boarded a boat that brought the monstrance across the Hudson River to Jersey City.

The boat stopped at Liberty Island, where Cardinal Timothy Dolan raised the monstrance and blessed those standing beneath the Statue of Liberty.

During that part of the pilgrimage, the passengers on board sat around the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary, singing songs, and praying litanies.