In 1994, Father Dehua (Edward) Zhang fled China where he was held in forced labor camps and a prison for nearly 40 years. Once he reached Queens, he worked hard at his priestly duties to make up for the time lost to imprisonment.
International News
Bishop Brennan Prays for Peace in Ukraine
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Bishop Robert Brennan prayed for peace in Ukraine during a broadcasted Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights, Feb. 24.
Ditch Digital Addictions For Lent, Pope Francis Says
Christians must persevere in generously doing good in the world, bolstered by prayer and by fighting evil in their own lives, including an addiction to digital media, Pope Francis said.
Ukrainian Archbishop Assures People That God Is With Them
As Russia fired missiles on several Ukrainian cities and Russian troops reportedly landed in Odessa, the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church affirmed the right of Ukrainians to defend their homeland and assured his people that God would watch over them.
Pope Francis Calls for Day of Prayer, Fasting for Peace in Ukraine
As the threat of war loomed over the world, Pope Francis called on people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday.
Catholics in Poland, Western Ukraine Welcome People Fleeing Threat of War
With the “further escalation of tension in Ukraine,” the president of the Polish bishops’ conference asked Polish Catholics to continue praying for peace, but also to be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees.
Vatican Astronomers Are Part of Two New Discoveries in Outer Space
Two Jesuit astronomers from the Vatican Observatory were part of recent discoveries: one finding a new member of the solar system and another finding evidence for a long-lost galaxy “eaten up” by the Milky Way.
U.N. Wants Faith Groups to Help Work Against Plastic Pollution
A senior U.N. official urged religious groups to help reach a global agreement to curb plastic pollution, amid experts warning that single-use or disposable plastics were choking the planet.
Vatican Announces Contest to Design Holy Year 2025 Logo
The Vatican is looking for designs for the official logo for the Holy Year 2025 that will highlight its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Vatican Announces Theme for World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2022 will reflect on the importance of including migrants and refugees in building a better world, the Vatican announced.