by Francis X. Rocca Pope Benedict XVI’s 85th birthday, April 16, and the seventh anniversary of his election, April 19, were obviously occasions for wishing the pope well and reflecting on the events of his reign thus far. Inevitably, however, these milestones also prompt speculation about what Vatican officials and observers refer to diplomatically as […]
by Sarah MacDonald Last Image of Captain While onboard, the self-taught photographer managed to obtain pictures of the first-class accommodation and dining rooms. He also captured the gymnasium, the library and passengers enjoying a stroll on the promenade, as well as many passengers in third class, recording some of those who would later perish in […]
by Antonina Zielinska Retired Bishop Thomas V. Daily blessed the newly erected statue of the patron saint of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Woodhaven, on Saturday, April 14, in the presence of the parish community. Bishop Daily said he was impressed with the generosity of the parishioners who donated to the parish’s centennial capital campaign, […]
by Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – American Catholics must resist unjust laws “as a duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith,” a committee of the U.S. bishops said in a new statement on religious liberty. Titled “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” the 12-page statement by the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty […]
“Christianity & Judaism: Toward a New Relationship,” is the title of a series of talks by Dr. Elena G. Procario-Foley, PH.D, Driscoll Professor of Jewish -Catholic Studies which will be presented at Immaculate Conception parish (lower church), Astoria. The three lectures are: Monday April 30, 7 p.m., “Timelines, Titles and Texts” – Second Temple Judaism: […]
by Anto Akkara MALAYATTOOR, India (CNS) – When doctors recommended a second heart surgery for Joseph Kudiassery in 1999, the penniless fisherman was at his wit’s end. Feeling desperate, Kudiassery organized a pilgrimage on foot to St. Thomas International Shrine in Malayattoor, about 75 miles from his home and St. Joseph Parish in Punnappra. This […]
The 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Sharing Our Gifts to Build God’s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens,” is off to a promising start. After conducting in-pew weekends in the parishes, pledges have already exceeded $5.4 million with actual receipts exceeding $3.3 million from more than 20,660 donors. The following parishes already have reached their goal in […]
Students at St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach, relived the Stations of the Cross on Wednesday, April 4. The eighth grade students walked through the neighborhood, reenacting each station for the student body, accompanied by a reading and reflection. After the presentation, Msgr. James Spengler, pastor, addressed the students and spoke of the importance […]
PITTSBURGH (CNS) – The Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, one of the largest regional ecumenical agencies in the United States, urged the Obama administration to broaden the religious exemption in the federal government’s mandate requiring that most health plans cover the cost of contraception, sterilization and some drugs that can induce abortion. As it stands […]
A group of diocesan priests recently made a spiritual retreat in Assisi, Italy. They are shown after celebrating Mass at the Tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi. Shown, from left, are: Msgr. Al LoPinto, Father Robert Czok, Msgr. Thomas Marin of the Archdiocese of Miami, Msgr. Otto Garcia, Father Thomas Vassalotti, Father Hilaire Belizaire, Father […]
