African-themed motifs highlight St. Mary Magdalene Parish’s church, which opened nearly seven years ago to replace one destroyed by an electrical fire.
Author: Bill Miller
Only in Print: Martin Maria de Porres Ward Considered for Sainthood
Father Martin Maria de Porres Ward’s devotion as a missionary in Brazil has inspired Catholics from that country and admirers back in his native U.S. to promote him for sainthood. He is the seventh African American person to be advocated for sainthood.
A Man for All Reason, Félix Varela
The 200th anniversary of Father Félix Varela’s arrival in Manhattan is celebrated this year. His cause for sainthood is gathering momentum, with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros of Brooklyn serving as vice-postulator.
‘Reconnect’ Pivots to Teach English and Jobs Skills to Asylum-Seekers
Efrain Hernandez and his new friend, Antonio, are from different countries, but they both grew up in rough circumstances — on the streets.
Only in Print: Three African Popes Made Major Contributions to the Church
By the end of the 5th century, there had already been three popes who were considered African because they were born in — or had ethnic ties to — the Roman province of North Africa, with its capital at Carthage in modern-day Tunisia.
Belle Harbor Parish Honors Four Chaplains, Parishioner, Lost on the Dorchester
Each year, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Belle Harbor honors Pvt. Daniel O’Connor, an honor student from the parish’s Catholic academy. He died with more than 600 servicemen, including the famed “Four Chaplains,” in the sinking of the troop ship Dorchester during World War II. The parish will honor Pvt. O’Connor again at noon, Sunday, Feb. 5, during the parish’s annual Mass for the Dorchester’s dead.
Bishop Brennan Learns, Teaches During Catholic Schools Week Visits
During the second day of Catholic Schools Week, students ages 4 to 14 pressed Bishop Robert Brennan to reveal the mysteries of the man who leads the Diocese of Brooklyn, such as what it’s like to talk to Pope Francis, his thoughts about Major League Baseball, and even Italian cuisine.
Troop Ship’s Demise 80 Years Ago Sparked Story of Faith, Heroism
Eighty years ago, pandemonium seized the crew and passengers of the SS Dorchester when a German torpedo blew a hole in the troop ship as it carried 900 men and four U.S. Army chaplains.
Only in Print: ‘Four Chaplains’ Memorialized in Queens and Beyond
The legacy of the four chaplains who died in the 1943 sinking of the SS Dorchester troop ship inspired scores of memorials throughout the U.S., including plaques, namesake chapels, murals, monuments, and stained-glass windows.
New Transitional Deacon Wishes to Continue Work With Deaf Community
Samuel Mwiwawi spent his childhood in nearly every corner of his Kenyan homeland.