Freshman Priscilla Ortiz found peace, purpose, and a renewed faith through St. John’s University’s OCIA program, receiving her Catholic sacraments while preparing to serve as a future Army intelligence officer.
Diocesan News
Annual Futures in Education Scholarship Dinner Raises $1.75 Million for Catholic Education
Futures in Education’s Annual Scholarship Fund Dinner raised $1.75 million on April 29, thanks to the generosity of benefactors who value Catholic education, and not just for their own children.
From Canonization to Memorial: Family’s Pilgrimage to Rome ‘Strengthens Faith’
Vincent LeVien, director of external affairs for DeSales Media Group, received much more than he anticipated when he and his wife, Bridget, first planned their family’s spring break vacation to Rome.
Bridging Continents: Kenyans Visit Queens School, Strengthen Bonds
Two Franciscan brothers from St. Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya recently visited Fresh Meadows, Queens to forge deeper bonds with their “sister school” — St. Francis Prep.
With Help From Futures in Education Scholarship Program, Mother Fulfills Goal of Providing Her Children A Christ-Centered Education
Neresa Gordon wants her children, including four in her foster care, to have a Catholic-centered education. “Angel” donors to the Futures in Education scholarship program help pave the way.
Bishop Brennan, Diocesan Parishioners Say Goodbye to Pope Francis at Vigil Mass
On the eve of Pope Francis’ funeral — when the world would bid a final farewell to the beloved pontiff — Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated a Vigil Mass of Repose for the “People’s Pope.”
Local Argentinian Priest Recounts Meeting Father Jorge Bergoglio
Father Francisco Walker never had an audience with Pope Francis, but he did meet him as a little kid when Father Jorge Bergoglio (the future pope) came to his home in Buenos Aires on a motorcycle to have coffee with his parents.
Painting in Memory: St. John’s University Students Create Mosaic Tribute to Pope Francis
On April 23, students, faculty, and religious at St. John’s gathered outside the university’s St. Thomas More Church to create a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis.
Pope Francis Initiated Unprecedented Synod to Unite Catholic Voices Worldwide
Pope Francis’ Synod on Sydonality was a four-year undertaking that included dialogue and listening sessions between Catholic bishops, religious, and laity at the local, national, and international levels.
Pontiff’s Faithful Affinity for World Youth Day Throughout His Papacy
Since attending World Youth Day for the first time as pope in 2013, Pope Francis encouraged young people to invite God into their lives and go forward as Christ’s disciples.