There are numerous stories of Catholics from Nazi-occupied countries who put themselves at risk to save the lives of Jewish people, said Jolanta Zamecka, vice chair of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
World War II
Vet Honored by Parish, Knights, School Kids in Astoria
Bill LaCovara of Astoria rattles off names, dates, and places of every major naval engagement in the Pacific during the last two years of World War II. He was there, serving aboard two destroyers — USS Wadleigh and USS Prichett. He was honored on Flag Day, June 14, at his parish, Immaculate Conception – Astoria.
Pope Advances Sainthood Cause of Italian Priest Shot For Saving Jews
Pope Francis formally recognized the martyrdom of an Italian priest shot by Nazi soldiers after they discovered he was helping his parishioners hide about 100 Jews.
Belle Harbor Parish Honors Four Chaplains, Parishioner, Lost on the Dorchester
Each year, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Belle Harbor honors Pvt. Daniel O’Connor, an honor student from the parish’s Catholic academy. He died with more than 600 servicemen, including the famed “Four Chaplains,” in the sinking of the troop ship Dorchester during World War II. The parish will honor Pvt. O’Connor again at noon, Sunday, Feb. 5, during the parish’s annual Mass for the Dorchester’s dead.
Troop Ship’s Demise 80 Years Ago Sparked Story of Faith, Heroism
Eighty years ago, pandemonium seized the crew and passengers of the SS Dorchester when a German torpedo blew a hole in the troop ship as it carried 900 men and four U.S. Army chaplains.
Only in Print: ‘Four Chaplains’ Memorialized in Queens and Beyond
The legacy of the four chaplains who died in the 1943 sinking of the SS Dorchester troop ship inspired scores of memorials throughout the U.S., including plaques, namesake chapels, murals, monuments, and stained-glass windows.
Only In Print: WWII Hero Comes Home For His Final Rest
A burial nearly 80 years in the making took place at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village on Saturday, Nov. 19. And when Lt. John J. Heffernan Jr., a bomber pilot killed in World War II, was finally laid to rest, it was a testament to his family’s determination.
U.N. Official: Ukraine Exodus Is Fastest-Growing Refugee Crisis Since WWII
A top United Nations official said March 6 that the world hasn’t seen a refugee crisis such as the one developing in Eastern Europe, caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, since the last World War.
Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade Makes a Comeback, of Sorts
The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. — with a twist. Instead of marching on foot, participants will be driving in a caravan of antique cars and military vehicles like Jeeps and Humvees.
Catholic Hero Honored on 75th Anniversary of Iwo Jima
An American who risked his life in one of World War II’s most vicious battles was honored during the 75th anniversary of Iwo Jima, Feb. 19, at the Staten Island U.S. Marine Corps League headquarters. Veteran Nick Troianiello believed he survived his wounds during that bloody battle, because of God.