Karl Jenkins – A Maestro for the 21st Century

By Father Frank Mann A few months ago, while reading The Tablet in a rectory dining room, I heard some of the most soul-stirring music that I could ever recall. The immediate questions that ran though my mind were: “Where are these exhilarating and enthralling sounds coming from? Who composed such beautiful music? What were […]

Bishops Reaffirm Criticism Of Theologian’s Book

by Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) – The nine members of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine have reaffirmed their concerns that a 2007 book by Fordham University theologian Sister Elizabeth A. Johnson, C.S.J., is “seriously inadequate as a presentation of the Catholic understanding of God.” In an 11-page response to Sister Elizabeth’s extensive June 1 […]

Vatican Gets Mixed Reactions on Economy

by Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) – U.S. Catholics have mixed feelings about the Vatican’s ideas on how to fix today’s troubled global economy. The proposals, outlined in a document released Oct. 24, include overhauling the world’s financial systems, establishing a global authority to manage the economy and creating a “world reserve fund” to support poor […]

Mission Sunday (with slide show)

  Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main  celebrant of the annual Mission Sunday liturgy at which schools were honored for their contribution to the missions.  Joining the bishop on the altar were Father Terrence Mulkerin, diocesan director of the Propagation of the Faith, as well as Deacon Louis Panico of the diocesan Propagation’s office staff.

Patriarch Sees Difference In Religion and Politics

by Beth Griffin Unless Middle Eastern countries support religious freedom and respect human rights, the “Arab spring” movement will devolve into an “Arab winter,” said Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai. Patriarch Rai said the “Arab spring” movement holds much promise, but its leaders must “adopt a separation between religion and state.”  He said such a system […]

Polish Heritage Day (with slide show)

  People of Polish descent from Brooklyn and Queens gathered at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Sunset Park, for the annual diocesan celebration of Polish Heritage Day.  Archbishop Andrzej Dziega from Poland greeted a congregation that was dressed in native garb and included members of various national military units and parish societies. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio […]

Diocese Outlines Formal Policy on Same-Sex Marriages

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has issued a formal decree outlining the Diocese of Brooklyn’s position on same-sex marriage, which was legalized in New York State on the last day of the last session of the State Legislature. The policy of the diocese says: • No member of the clergy or any person while acting as an […]

New Center for Chinese Opens in Bensonhurst (with slide show)

  by Antonina Zielinska After months of hard work, the Asian apostolate in Brooklyn finally has a place to call home. Last Sunday, Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros blessed and cut the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance of St. Rosalia church, Bensonhurst, the new diocesan Asian center. He did so in the presence of people from […]