On December 9, 1531, a Mexican native, Juan Diego, originally named Cuauhtlatoatzin, was hurrying along to make it on time to Holy Mass for the feast day of the Immaculate Conception when he received an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who spoke to him in his native language and who looked like he did — a Mexican native.
Month: December 2020
The Gift of Our Heavenly Father
Tomorrow will be a year to the day when Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay sent me a letter asking for a grant from the Bright Christmas Campaign.
We Have Built Up Our Nation by the Sweat and Sacrifices of Immigrants
This week, as in the past five years, our DeSales Media Group sponsored a Christmas Tree lighting in Grand Army Plaza in front of the monument dedicated to the Union Soldiers from Brooklyn who fought in the Civil War. In addition to the tree, a large Nativity has a place of honor.
Holiness Acknowledged and Remembered
In Rome, on December 2 at the end of his General Audience, Pope Francis said:
“Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of four missionaries killed in El Salvador … On the 2nd of December in 1980, they were kidnapped, raped, and killed by a group of paramilitary forces. They were offering their services during the civil war and they were bringing food and medicine to those who had to flee, especially to the families that were the poorest. These women lived their faith with great generosity. They are an example for all of us to become faithful missionary disciples.”
Churches Show How to Financially Survive During Pandemic
As the COVID-19 rages on, pastors in the Diocese of Brooklyn are coming up with ways to keep their churches financially afloat during the pandemic when social distancing rules are sharply curtailing attendance at Masses and most revenue streams have been brought to a halt.
Michigan Project to Replicate Padre Pio’s Famed Hospital in Italy Is Underway
On a 40-acre plot of land in Howell, in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, stands the humble foundation for the establishment of a worldwide network of health care facilities that St. Pio of Pietrelcina set in motion nearly 70 years ago. Padre Pio once said this was the most important thing he did. His dream was the project would one day expand to other parts of the world. That day has now come.
Iraqi Archbishop Says Papal Visit a ‘Courageous’ Decision
Church leaders in Iraq have praised Pope Francis’ decision to come in March amid a pandemic as a brave decision, voicing hope that his presence in the country will send a much-needed message of peace and solidarity, and will encourage Christians to stay, despite present difficulties.
Pope Francis Says Catholics Can Receive Plenary Indulgence for Guadalupe Devotion
With the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe closed for her feast to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Pope Francis said Catholics still can receive a plenary indulgence Dec. 11 and 12 for their Marian devotion if they follow certain conditions.
Diocese Honors Mosaic of Immigrants With Sculpture, Christmas Tree Lighting
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, joined by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, unveiled the sculpture, “Angels Unawares,” at the Soldiers and Sailors Arch in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. The annual lighting of the plaza’s Christmas tree followed the unveiling.
Sports Round-Up Dec. 12
The CHSAA and GCHAA released All-Leagues teams for the fall 2020 sports season.