People from across the Diocese of Brooklyn came to Cathedral Basilica of St. James for an Ash Wednesday service that served as the first stop on a journey for Lent designed to draw Catholics back to the Church.
Author: Bill Miller
Only in Print: ‘Jesus Mafa’ Paintings Share Gospel, Depict Jesus as Black Man
When one searches “Jesus Mafa,” scenes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ materialize on a computer screen.
Welcoming Jesus: African, Caribbean Culture Influences Abound at Rebuilt St. Mary Magdalene Church
African-themed motifs highlight St. Mary Magdalene Parish’s church, which opened nearly seven years ago to replace one destroyed by an electrical fire.
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.