Community

Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff, Vowing a Humble and Christ-Centered Papacy

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV and becoming the first American in history to ascend to the papacy. The announcement came on May 8, following the fourth round of voting by the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of North American and Latin American experience to the papacy. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he served as a missionary and later as bishop in Peru, and was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis the same year.

In choosing the name Leo XIV, he honors both Pope Leo I, known for theological clarity, and Pope Leo XIII, a champion of social justice and workers’ rights.

In his first Mass as pope, celebrated on May 9 in the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV warned of a world increasingly consumed by technology, wealth, and power, calling instead for a return to Christ-centered values. “We are not here to preserve a museum,” he said. “We are here to light the path with the truth of the Gospel.”

Global reaction to his election has been largely positive, with leaders from the United States, Latin America, and Europe offering congratulations. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver his first public Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 11.

Community

North Rockland Community Rallies Around Teacher Nicole Faleri

Published

2 weeks ago

July 14, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The outpouring of love and support for Fieldstone Middle School teacher Mrs. Nicole Faleri has been a powerful display of compassion and unity. Antonio Matias’ extraordinary act of generosity, along with the kindness shown by so many others, reflects the strength of a community that comes together to support its own during life’s most challenging moments.

The overwhelming response serves as a reminder that acts of generosity and collective support can have a lasting impact, demonstrating the spirit of kindness that continues to define the North Rockland community.

Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As blood supplies remain critically low, the Orangeburg Fire Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangeburg Fire House, located at 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg.

Hosted in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the event comes as a blood emergency has been declared, highlighting the urgent need for donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer treatments and others facing medical emergencies.

Appointments are preferred and can be made through the New York Blood Center at NYBC.org, although walk-in donors will be welcomed as space permits.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, meet minimum weight requirements, be feeling healthy and symptom-free, and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.

Organizers also encourage donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, making each donor’s contribution an important step in ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need when emergencies arise.