It is sad to note that in the developed world there is the temptation by society, the Church, and religious groups to judge their vitality by the number of members in their congregation or by the average age of the members.

On June 29, we celebrate the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, which honors the twin founders of the See of Rome for their courage in proclaiming the faith, even unto martyrdom. St. Augustine once said, “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”

It only took 53 years to happen, but it was certainly worth the wait. Father Randy Nguyen, ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn on Saturday, June 1, celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 2, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria.

Let’s talk about our incredible history, our relevance today, and the hope it brings for our future. Let’s talk about how Catholic education in Queens and Brooklyn is creating a “Foundation for Life” for the leaders of tomorrow.

In these weeks when spring gives way to summer, many celebrate the ordinations of new priests — new shepherds who, in these difficult days, commit the rest of their lives to the sacred service of God and the people of God.

I believe in sharing. It’s customary for me to give an update of events I have attended and my experiences attending said events with my friends, my family, my children, fellow parishioners, and anyone who would listen. 

I belong to the St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church Parish in Bushwick. I feel so blessed by participating in the different activities of the Eucharistic Revival 2022-2025, starting with the first activity we had with the different parishes in the area. 

Just about a year ago, the Diocese of Brooklyn began conversations to plan an event that would allow the faithful to gather as a community, centered on Jesus present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

“You have cancer.” The dreaded words that none of us wants to hear from our doctor, and yet so many people hear them every day. Perhaps you have heard those devastating words yourself, or maybe someone you love dearly has heard them.