How This Tree Is Bringing Christmas Spirit — and World History — to the Vatican
A Christmas tree for St. Peter's Square has finally arrived. It comes from Slovenia, and was planted after the end of World War II. Jakob Štunf, Slovenian Ambassador to the Holy See, explains why the honor means so much to his home country and the world.
The NBPA Meets Pope Francis, Showing How Teamwork Can Help Solve Social Strife
The National Basketball Players Association Foundation works to preserve the legacy of its members while supporting communities and organizations that help those in need. A NBPA delegation including Kyle Korver, Marco Belinelli (the real), Sterling K. Brown, Anthony Tolliver and Jonathan Isaac, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. NBA
For the Harlem Globetrotters, Setting Record Winning-Numbers Is Nothing New
During quarantine, we’ve all been trying to stay safe and stay busy. The Harlem Globetrotters spent their time inside breaking three new world records, all in one day. It’s not the first time the team has gone for big numbers — they’ve met the pope nine times.
How St. Michael the Archangel Became Defender of the Eternal City
In 590, Pope Gregory led a procession, asking for the end to the plague that was keeping the city of Rome in isolation. What he would witness that day would change the city’s history, culture and faith.
‘With a Book, You’re Never Alone’: How Bookshops Are Continuing to Build Community During the Pandemic
Life in quarantine and stay-at-home orders have given many people the chance to catch up on their reading. Around the country, shops like Terrace Books in Brooklyn are learning to change the way they engage with readers — Brooklyn locals say it starts with having faith in your community.
Vatican to Extend Plenary Indulgences Through November Due to Pandemic
This year, to prevent large gatherings in churches and cemeteries, the Vatican has extended through the entire month of November the possibility to obtain a plenary indulgence. Usually the opportunity is limited to just the first week of November. But faithful praying at home still must meet specific conditions in order to obtain one.
Save Green, Go Green: Catholic Charities Works to Build Eco-Friendly Affordable Homes for Seniors
Progress of Peoples, an affiliate of Catholic Charities, builds affordable housing for those in need. Currents News got an exclusive look at the environmentally friendly Bishop Valero Residence being built for seniors in Astoria, Queens. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
Grandma’s Love, Delivered: How This Nonprofit Is Stepping Up to Fight Youth Food Insecurity
Theresa Monforte-Caraballo is the founder and executive director of the Bay Ridge nonprofit “Grandma’s Love Delivers.” Despite social distance and online schooling, the organization is going the extra mile to get food to families in Brooklyn. Watch the full story here: https://bit.ly/3jmpy7c
A Cultural Celebration of Life for the Late Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay
The Spanish phrase — Cheer up, friends, God is Good! — were words that members of the diocese’s Mexican ministry said perfectly summarized their beloved priest, friend, and leader, the late Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, who died March 27 as a result of COVID-19.
For the first time since the pandemic lockdowns, the ministry gathered together to celebrate his 50th birthday at a Memorial Mass in Queens.
This Man Makes Art Out of Treestumps
Artist Andrea Gandini lives in Rome, and finds his inspiration in unlikely places — like tree trunks. While his work has been gaining traction across the city, Andrea hopes that his one-of-a-kind pieces teach others about taking care of the environment — and one other.
A Look Back at Pope Francis’ U.S. Visit
This week marks five years since Pope Francis visited the United States. Currents News takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the pontiff’s visit.
Fostering Peace, Building Trust, Seeking Grace: Catholic Women ‘Stay Connected’ With Bible Study Journals
Allison Gingras has been part of a women’s Bible study group for over a decade. Although the group has helped build her relationship with God, and allowed her to bond with other Catholic women, she felt something was missing in her scripture study. So she created “Stay Connected Journals" through her ministry, Reconciled To You / Allison Gingras. They're a book series that features meditations, prayers and most importantly, Bible verses. You can get yours here: https://reconciledtoyou.com/stay-connected-journals/
Remembering Georgetown University Basketball Coach John Thompson, Jr.: A Civil Rights Activist and Devout Catholic
His devotion to the Blessed Mother and the plight of the marginalized are what two clergy members from the Archdiocese of Washington remember about their friend and former Archbishop Carroll High School classmate, late Georgetown University Hoyas Coach John Thompson, Jr. Thompson was the first African American to win a national championship in a major college sport with Georgetown Basketball. #Hoyas #HoyaSaxa
Catholic Hairstylist Shares Beauty of the Faith, One Cut at a Time
Jennifer Arellano loves being a hairstylist as much as she loves her Catholic faith. Before she opened Bellus Salon in Houston, she would pay out-of-pocket for the seminarians and clergy who needed a haircut. Today, she offers free cuts for anyone who is on the path to the priesthood or religious life.
A Sweet Ministry: Catholic Cookie Baker Shares Joy, One Bite At a Time
Genevie Alejandro creates simple and delicious cookies, including Catholic-themed ones, based out of her apartment in Texas. Even though she works full time in Houston, she says the global pandemic has given her more time to work on her hobby of creating savory cookies.
Vatican’s First Ever Summer Camp Aims to Keep Kids Healthy While Having Fun
What does life look like at the Vatican’s first-ever summer camp for kids? There’s social distancing, faith-based learning, fun, making friends and maybe even a visit from the Pope.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was ordained a Bishop and installed as the eighth leader of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. We've compiled this slideshow of some of the best photos from the installation for you.
Here's a programming message for you. Beginning June 29th, Currents News will be on hiatus ahead of the July 4th holiday. NET TV is preparing some outstanding programming that will run in our time slot.
Sr. Susan Marie went to the beach, and then never went out again - her day to day life is a lot like ours now, but she finds comfort in it. LINK: https://bit.ly/2Nnhc1z
Northern Italy was one of the hardest hit areas by the coronavirus. Pope Francis recently met with medical workers from the region.
“Faith and America’s Original Sin,” a Currents News special broadcast that addresses the progress being made within the Diocese of Brooklyn on issues of race, premieres at 8:00pm EST on our YouTube channel. You can watch by going to: https://youtu.be/MEoqs_LdTJE
🔊Sound up! These "Rock Priests" recorded a new music video while on lockdown and you won't want to miss it.
A grandfather was wearing the golden cross his wife gave him on their wedding day, as he was battling COVID-19. Now he’s gone and so is the necklace.
Full story: https://bit.ly/2UdvaXw
COVID-19 closed the doors to the "Pope's Museums" nearly three months ago. Now, they're finally back open.
Cardinal Dolan's Press Conference on Reopening of Churches in the Archdiocese of New York
The Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, will be holding a press conference at 11 a.m. today at Our Saviour Parish in Manhattan, regarding the reopening of churches in the archdiocese amid the coronavirus pandemic. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York and head of the re-opening task force, and Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, pastor of Our Saviour will also attend the press conference.
Saint Pope John Paul II 100th
From Brooklyn to the Vatican, the world over is remembering Saint Pope John Paul II on what would have been his 100th birthday.