She Built NYC: Catholic Religious Sisters

In the She Built NYC initiative to honor women of historical significance, it should be known that Roman Catholic religious sisters have had a significant impact upon the life of New York City for over 200 years beginning with St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity.

A Cyberspace Battle Saves A Life

Dear Editor: Very recently I witnessed a battle in the ongoing spiritual warfare being fought at an abortion mill, by way of iPhone text messaging and sidewalk praying. It seemed like a lost cause.

Elaine M. Scharfenberger

Elaine M. Scharfenberger, the mother of Albany (N.Y.) Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who is a native of Brooklyn and a former priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, died on Nov. 6 at her home in Warwick, N.Y. She was 99.

The Gardens of Ordinary Times

Years ago, a child in my family asked, “If a Church is God’s house, is a cemetery God’s garden?” I lack the theologically correct answer. Yet, that question recognized what I know is true: there is something profoundly sacred about the land where we lay our loved ones to rest.

Only in Print: Catholic Artist ‘Models’ Mother Cabrini | November 23, 2019

Ever since the saint was snubbed by New York City first lady Chirlane McCray’s She Built NYC’s panel to build public statues of historic women, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini — an Italian-American nun known for serving immigrants in the United States — has drawn so much public support that Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York state will fund a statue of her.

Let Them Speak: Praying Twice for Mother Cabrini

On one of the most historically rich days of our Italian community, I was fortunate to be on the diocesan float with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the Mother Cabrini statue that was presented to our community in a procession and Mass which I had attended with my mother and many of the proud religious organizations.

Armenian Advocate Says Genocide Label May Lead to Reparations

The formal recognition that Turkey committed genocide against the Armenian people during the last years of the Ottoman Empire is important because it could pave the way for reparations, according to Vera Yacoubian, director of the Armenian National Committee of the Middle East Office.

A Journey of Faith

Anyone who has read the previous four columns in which I have commented on David Brooks’ “The Second Mountain” knows how much I like this book. I believe the book, which is informative, provocative and inspiring, is a wonderful gift that Brooks has made available to readers. I am hoping it is read by many.