British Photographer Captures The Spirituality of the Homeless

by Caroline Hroncich ROME (CNS) – As far as English photographer Lee Jeffries knows, Pope Francis has never seen his pictures, yet he is sure they would be to his taste. The pope is a “person of the people,” Jeffries told Catholic News Service. “And these images represent the humanity in all of us. The […]

Author Says Mafia Would Like to Harm the Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Crime families in Italy are not happy with Pope Francis and would hurt him if they could, said an Italian prosecutor who has spent years investigating organized crime and has written a book about the apparent Catholic devotion of mafia bosses. “I’m not sure organized crime is in a position to […]

Local Nuns Helping Filipinos Displaced by Typhoon Yolanda

by Simone Orendain MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – The grandstand of Villamor Air Base was buzzing with teams of workers trying to help people displaced by the super typhoon that struck the central Philippines 10 days earlier. Evacuees, fresh off the military planes that took them here, could make free phone calls, register for transportation to […]

100-Yr.-Old Parish Marks Its Patron Saint’s Feast

by Joseph Brostek A sea of worshippers gathered in St. Andrew Avellino Church, Flushing on Sunday, Nov. 10 in observance of the patron saint’s feast day. Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez concelebrated the 10:30 a.m. Mass with Father Joseph Holcomb, pastor; Msgr. Michael Brennan, parochial vicar, and Father Rodnev Lapommeray, in residence. Deacon Eugene Wohlfarth assisted. The procession […]

Relics of St. Peter to Be Venerated As Year of Faith Comes to an End

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – For the first time, bones traditionally believed to be relics of St. Peter the Apostle will be displayed for public veneration in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 24, at a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis to conclude the Year of Faith. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New […]

St. Anthony of Padua’s Relics Tour Brooklyn

The Franciscan Friars will mark the 750th anniversary of the discovery of the relics of St. Anthony of Padua, Italy, by Saint Bonaventure in 1263 by visiting Brooklyn next month with a relic of St. Anthony.   Schedule:   Saturday, Dec. 7 Most Precious Blood Church, Bath Beach Veneration at 4 p.m.; Vigil Mass at […]

Bishop from Brooklyn Wanted to Be Cardinal

By Frank DeRosa The story goes that someone asked Bishop John Snyder, bishop emeritus of the St. Augustine Diocese, Florida, and a popular one-time Brooklyn auxiliary bishop, if he ever wanted to be the pope. “No,” he replied, breaking out his trademark smile, “I wanted to be a cardinal, but I couldn’t hit a curveball.” […]

Nov. 20 Mass for Typhoon Victims in Elmhurst

St. Adalbert and Ascension churches, both Elmhurst, are offering a special Mass for those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. at St. Adalbert Church. St. Adalbert is located at 52-29 83rd Street in Elmhurst, N.Y. The rectory telephone number is 718-639-0212.

Aid to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) – International and local groups were poised to get aid to the worst-hit areas of the typhoon-stricken central Philippines, but the challenges of getting help to communities growing desperate for food and water went beyond just making sure roads were clear. For the Jesuits who wanted to help, security was the priority. […]

Catholic Medical Agency in Queens Responds to Disaster

When Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines Nov. 8 and the call for help went out, among the first to respond was Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), which has an ongoing relationship with the island-nation in the Pacific. From its distribution center in Long Island City, CMMB began filling boxes with as much as $2 million […]