Once again, Pope Francis’ in-flight press conferences grab the attention of the entire world, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. After a unique apostolic voyage to Armenia, having strengthened ties with the Orthodox Church, the pope was asked to weigh in on a number of questions. As usual, our Holy Father answered with supreme honesty and pastoral care.
Month: June 2016
Pope in Armenia Prays for Victims of Genocide and Unity with Orthodox
During a three-day trip to Armenia, June 23-15, Pope Francis paid tribute to the estimated 1.5 million Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915-18 and prayed for unity with the Armenian Orthodox Church.
Religious Freedom Must Be Protected
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, Since 2012, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared a two-week period called “The Fortnight for Freedom.” This year, it takes place from June 21 to July 4, our national Independence Day.
Diocesan Assignments: July 2, 2016
PASTOR (RELIGIOUS ORDER) Rev. Wieslaw P. Strzadala, S.D.S., to pastor of Our Lady of Consolation, Williamsburg, effective July 1. TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATOR Rev. Marcin L. Chilczuk, to temporary administrator, while remaining parochial vicar of Sacred Heart, Glendale, effective June 30. PAROCHIAL VICAR Rev. Michael J. McGee from parochial vicar of Good Shepherd, Marine Park, […]
Bishops Oppose Assault Rifles
In light of recent incidents in which attackers have used semi-automatic rifles to kill people, Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of Dallas, Texas, have called for a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons, saying they have no place in the hands of civilians.
Bishops Decry Calif. Health Plans
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared, contrary to the plain meaning of current federal law, that the California Dept. of Managed Health Care can continue to force all health plans under its jurisdiction to cover elective abortions. The USCCB is calling for an immediate federal legislative remedy.
Obituary: Fritz Almeus
Fritz Almeus, the brother of Father Enel Almeus, C.S.S.p., a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit in Haiti, currently serving in the Brooklyn Diocese as chaplain at New York Hospital, Flushing, died June 14.
Obituary: Joseph Patrick Murphy
Joseph Patrick Murphy, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, died June 19.
What is a virtue or value should we strive for as a country?
The U.S. should strive for compassion, trust and humility. In order for a community to be successful, there should be some type of understanding of each other instead of focusing on just economics or politics.
Father Guarracino Was Cemeteries’ Chaplain
A Mass of Christian burial for Father Ralph Guarracino, 89, chaplain at St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, and Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, Flushing, was celebrated June 6 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Ozone Park. He died June 2 in the sacristy chapel at St. John’s Cemetery.