Father Keeney, director of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s office of Propagation of the Faith, last month traveled to the cherry orchards near Yakima, Washington for an up-close look at how the local diocese ministers to the seasonal workers who are mostly from Mexico and Guatemala. Chicago-based Catholic Extension, a nonprofit group working to build up Catholic communities in the nation’s poorest regions, sponsored the trip.
Author: Bill Miller
Nigerian Priest Praises Example of Late Pastor in Queens
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Father Louismary Ocha spent a lot of time Father Andrew Struzzieri, pastor of St. Clare Parish in Queens, who was terminally ill with cancer. Father Andy’s example is a pillar of priesthood that Father Ocha now shares with his seminarian students back home in Nigeria.
Quake Latest Barrier to Vaccine Distribution in Haiti, But ‘Hope on the Horizon’
Of the 500,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to reach Haiti so far, only about 5%, have been injected into people’s arms. The Aug. 14 earthquake gets a lot of blame for that, but the assassination of Haiti’s president and a hesitancy among people to get their shots have also delayed the distribution, health officials said.
Pews Donated by the Diocese of Brooklyn Unscathed Inside Quake-Damaged Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Anne may have to be demolished following the Aug. 14 earthquake in Haiti. But pews and a bell donated from the Diocese of Brooklyn had no damage, and will continue to be part of the cathedral, whether it is rebuilt or repaired, the pastor said.
Diocese Has Deep Connections to Haitian-Americans, Immigrants
The Diocese of Brooklyn has the second highest population of Haitian-Americans and immigrants in the U.S. The diocese’s mobilization to help quake-ravaged Haiti stems from the solid bond between the long-suffering nation and the Roman Catholic Church.
Romanian Priest Teaches and Preaches ‘Wherever God Needs Me’
When Romania’s communist regime fell in 1989, Father Stefan Acatrinei suddenly realized he could pursue his lifelong dream to be a priest. For several weeks each summer, this seminary professor enjoys pastoral service as he assists the staff of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Queens.
New York State Lawmakers Warn Of A Cuomo Comeback
Some New York State lawmakers are unsure if Andrew Cuomo can be impeached after resigning from office. Others, like Assemblyman Ron Kim of Queens, believes Cuomo can and should be impeached to prevent him from making a political comeback.
Parishioners Shrug Off Summer Heat to Invoke St. Rocco
Despite an air conditioner breakdown, parishioners filled the pews on Aug. 15 at St. Jospeh’s Parish in Astoria, Queens to celebrate the Feast of St. Rocco, the protector against contagious diseases. Because of the coronavirus, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said prayers for St. Rocco’s intercession are vital.
Father McGivney’s First Feast Shows How Ordinary People Can Be Extraordinary
Devotees of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, including members of the Knights of Columbus, venerated a relic from the priest in celebration of his first feast day. The veneration followed a Mass Aug. 14 at St. Finbar Church in Bath Beach, Brooklyn.
Summer Mission Appeal Brings Compelling Stories to Diocese of Brooklyn
This year, representatives of 42 mission groups visited parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn to seek support through the Summer Mission Appeal. Their work exemplifies verses in Matthew 25, including, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren you do unto me.”