On Dec. 29, 2020, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Petrinja, Croatia, and surrounding areas — killing seven people, injuring at least 26, and damaging homes, churches, and other buildings. The earthquake was reported as one of the country’s strongest in history and parishioners from Most Precious Blood Church wanted to offer their support.
From his Toronto studio, Timothy Schmalz kept close tabs on the month-long display in Brooklyn of his immigrant-themed, 20-foot sculpture, “Angels Unawares.”
Inspired by Pope Francis, who recently declared 2021 as the “Year of Joseph” in his apostolic letter “Patris corde,” the Diocese of Brooklyn will be engaging in a “Year of Renewal for Catholic Education.” The overarching goal of the campaign is to strengthen the understanding that Catholic education is evangelization.
Usually, thousands attend and participate in El Museo del Barrio’s Three Kings Day Parade, wearing colorful capes, crowns, and costumes. This year, a virtual celebration took place without a parade — keeping festivities and traditions alive in people’s homes during one of the most joyous feast days of the season.
Local school superintendents have asked that Catholic school educators be included when city public school educators eventually become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This comes as vaccine distribution continues to be criticized for its slow rollout at the city and state levels.
Tourists usually come by busloads six weeks of the year to see Dyker Heights’s lavish Christmas lights and displays. Due to the overwhelming tourism he experienced last year though, homeowner Nick Taverniti didn’t elaborately decorate his home. This year, his daughters convinced him to keep their family tradition alive and bring much needed Christmas cheer to the area.
St. Saviour High School junior Allie Giordano wanted to do more for others as the pandemic continued to unfold during the holiday season. She asked for help from her school’s administration with a Christmas service project she wanted to pursue — collecting items for the military through the American Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program.
New York City was covered in at least 10 inches of snow, as of mid-morning on Dec. 17, during its first snowfall of the season. While snow plows scraped the asphalt outside, Diocese of Brooklyn’s students were inside, learning remotely at home.
One of the best feelings ever, which many older students can attest to, is when it’s finally the end of the semester. After spending a semester studying and working hard to excel in academics and extracurriculars, they look forward to unwinding and celebrating with their classmates.
Two beautiful paintings of the Blessed Mother were blessed at Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Church on the eve of the Immaculate Conception. They depict the Assumption and the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and are now located high above either side of the church’s doors upon exiting.
