Religion

The Brooklyn Oratory of St. Philip Neri, celebrating its 25th Anniversary this Sunday, welcomed the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, as guest homilist last Sunday. The official occasion marked Pontifical Foundation of the Brooklyn Oratory. … Full Article

Two Brooklyn congregations are getting the word out about blood drives coming up within this month.

The Brooklyn Heights Synagogue hosts its blood drive next Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 8 p.m.
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VATICAN CITY — Starting his public farewell to his flock, a weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services hours after a bittersweet audience that produced the extraordinary scene of the pope explaining his de … Full Article

MONROE, N.Y.— A Hudson Valley organization has been given authorization from New York state to properly dispose of Jewish books and other sacred objects damaged by Superstorm Sandy. … Full Article

As Governor Cuomo’s decision approaches on opening New York to hydrofracking, 300 faith leaders from the Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and Hindu traditions have signed a letter calling for a ban on the controversial practice.
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While Pope Benedict XVI is the first pontiff to resign in many centuries; news reports have conflicted on which pope(s) resigned first. The Associated Press was among some that reported that the last pope to resign was Gregory XII, in the fifteenth century. … Full Article

Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on Monday stunned Brooklyn’s Roman Catholics. The Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, reflected on the Pope’s visit to New York City five years ago, and on his legacy.
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The College of Cardinals hasn’t even met yet to select the next pope, but one prominent Catholic New Yorker is lobbying for Timothy Cardinal Dolan to get the top job. … Full Article

VATICAN CITY— Pope Benedict XVI said Monday he lacks the strength to fulfill his duties and on Feb. 28 will become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign. The announcement sets the stage for a conclave in March to elect a new leader for world's 1 billion Catholics. … Full Article

As the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lebanon prepares to celebrate 88th annual Saint Maron feast day, this faith community will honor its Bishop Emeritus, His Excellency, the Most Rev. Stephen Hector Doueihi
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