by John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI urged international leaders to reach a credible agreement on climate change, keeping in mind the needs of the poor and of future generations. The pope made the remarks at his noon blessing at the Vatican Nov. 27, the day before officials from 194 countries were […]
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Information Sessions for Permanent Diaconate Program
Men interested in the permanent diaconate and their wives can find out more about the Diaconate Formation Program at one of the following information sessions: • Saturday, Dec. 10, Chancery Building — dining room, 310 Prospect Park West, 10 a.m. to noon. Call 718-965-7300. • Monday, Dec. 12, Cathedral Prep. Seminary — Third Floor, 56-25 […]
Traditionalists: Doctrinal Differences Still Remain
by John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The head of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X said a “doctrinal preamble” presented by the Vatican needs changes before it can be accepted as the basis for the group’s reconciliation. The statement by Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior of the society, appeared to hold out hope for […]
Pope Coming to Mexico, Cuba
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Vatican officials are at an advanced stage in studying the possibility of a papal trip to Mexico and Cuba in the spring of 2012, the Vatican spokesman said. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the spokesman, told reporters Nov. 10 that the nuncios to Mexico and Cuba have been told to inform those […]
A New Holy Day
“We run the risk of concealing Christmas behind bourgeois customs and sentimentality, behind all those traditions that make this holiday dear and precious to us,” wrote Father Alfred Delp, S.J., from his cell in a Nazi concentration camp. “Yet perhaps the deep meaning is still hiding behind all those things. What this celebration is about […]
Three Days in Benin, Africa – Pope Offers Church as a Model for Reconciliation
COTONOU, Benin (CNS) – On a three-day visit to Benin, Pope Benedict XVI urged African Catholics to witness the hope of the Gospel in their daily lives and make the church a model of reconciliation for the entire continent. In a particular way, the church must be “attentive to the cry of the poor, the […]
Giving Thanks – Midwood Jews Find Comfort at Interfaith Gathering
by Marie Elena Giossi Members of the Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and Muslim faiths gathered to give thanks to God at the 11th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Our Lady of Refuge Church, Flatbush, last Sunday afternoon. An outgrowth of previous interfaith programs between the parish and neighboring synagogue, East Midwood Jewish Center, this prayer […]
Nuestra Senora Madre De La Divina Providencia
The diocese celebrated the annual Feast of Our Lady of Providencia, patroness of Puerto Rico, with a procession and Mass at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn, on Nov. 18. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant. Msgr. Anthony Hernandez, chancellor, delivered the homily. Music was provided by Julia Rosario and musicians from St. Joseph Patron […]
Maimonides Helps Brighten Christmas
by Antonina Zielinska Thanks to a collaboration between local Catholics and Maimonides Medical Center, the Celebration of Light has entered its 16th consecutive year of decorating Brooklyn churches at Christmas. On Nov. 16, Maimonides donated $1,000 each to 28 parishes, including some who are not catholic, to light up their church buildings or Nativity scenes. […]
No Doubt, Shakespeare Hid His Catholic Faith
by Sarah Delaney VATICAN CITY (CNS) – There is “little doubt” that William Shakespeare was a Catholic who was forced to hide his faith in Protestant England while leaving hints about his faith throughout his vast body of work, said an opinion piece in the Vatican newspaper. Taking a cue from renewed speculation about Shakespeare’s […]