As the church and world return to the ordinary time of work and life in the afterglow of Christmas, God continues to nourish and inspire through His word. Isaiah, never too far away, continues to bellow the theme that in many ways defines his prophecy-vocation. God calls each person by name to His service, so that we might find there the freedom of being His children.
Month: January 2020
‘The Two Popes’: Baloney, Brilliantly Acted
I first met Pope Emeritus Benedict in June 1988; over the next three decades, I’ve enjoyed many lengthy conversations and interviews with him, including a bracing discussion covering many topics last Oct. 19. I first met Pope Francis in Buenos Aires in May 1982, and have had three private audiences with him since his election as Successor of Peter. Before, during, and after the conclaves of 2005 and 2013, I was deeply engaged in Rome, where my work included extensive discussions with cardinal-electors before each conclave was immured and after the white smoke went up. On both occasions, I correctly predicted to my NBC colleagues the man who would be elected and, in 2013, the day the election would occur.
‘A Hidden Life’
I first heard of Terrence Malick’s film, “A Hidden Life,” several months ago. Probably I read about it in a newspaper article about the Cannes Film Festival at which Malick’s film caused some discussion. I am not exaggerating when I claim that for months I had been waiting for the film to appear in this country.
Serving Up a New Program at St. Francis College
Men’s volleyball is the newest Division I sport for the St. Francis College Terriers athletics program.
James B. Wagner
James B. Wagner, father of Christopher Wagner, a deacon at St. Bernard Church, Mill Basin, died on Jan. 11. His funeral Mass was held on Jan. 15 at Resurrection Church, Gerritsen Beach. Burial was at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, L.I.
Raffaela Fonti
Raffaela Fonti, mother of Father Joseph G. Fonti, pastor of St. Mel’s Church, Flushing, died on Jan. 9. Her funeral Mass was offered on Jan. 14 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Kensington. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery, East Flatbush.
Gesner Paris Auguste
Gesner Paris Auguste, mother of Father Jean-Miguel Auguste, pastor of St. Pius X Church, Rosedale, died on Dec. 21. Her funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church, Cambria Heights. Her burial was in Petit-Goave, Haiti.
Sister Helen Marie Kenny, M.M.,
who was a Maryknoll Sister for 70 years and who attended high school at St. Agnes Academy in College Point, died on Jan. 4 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, N.Y. She was 88.
Sister Veronica McCormack, F.d.L.S
Sister Veronica McCormack, F.d.L.S, a Brooklyn native and a member of the Daughters of Wisdom for 66 years, died on Aug. 28 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach, L.I. She was 86.
Sister William Marie Selzer, O.P.
Sister William Marie Selzer, O.P., a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross, Amityville, for 66 years, died on Dec. 18. She was 85.