All Diocesan Articles

As Catholics around the world prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 14, the Church reflects on the moment Christ returned to the Father in glory, completing His earthly mission while entrusting His followers with the mission of continuing His work in the world. Celebrated 40 days after Easter, the Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to the Father after His Resurrection. Far from marking an ending, however, the feast points toward a beginning: the commissioning of the apostles, the birth of the Church’s mission, and the promise that...

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Feast of Our Lady of Fatima: A Call to Prayer, Penance and Peace On May 13, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first appearance to three shepherd children— Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto— in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Appearing during a time of war, unrest and uncertainty, Our Lady brought a message that remains deeply relevant today: prayer, repentance and trust in God. During the apparitions, Mary urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the w...

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Padre Pio’s Birthday Mass & Celebration Friday, May 22, 2026 By Aleaha Kopec Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, to peasant farmers Grazio Mario Forgione and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio, Padre Pio grew up in the small southern Italian town of Pietrelcina. From the age of five, he reported daily visions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and his guardian angel — something he did not realize was unique to him. From an early age, it was clear he would dedicate his life to God. At 15, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in Morcon...

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Memorial Day Cemetery Masses Monday, May 25, 2026 The Diocese of Norwich will celebrate Memorial Day Masses in diocesan cemeteries on Monday, May 25, 2026. All are invited to attend and pray for those who gave their lives in service to our country. Norwich Deanery Saint Joseph Cemetery Boswell Avenue, Norwich Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Sacred Heart Cemetery Harland Road, Taftville Rev. Christopher Zmuda will c...

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On May 13th, Bishop Reidy led over a hundred diocesan pilgrims to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. Together, we enjoyed a beautiful, spiritual day with Our Lord and our Blessed Mother! A Marian priest, Father Bob, celebrating his 20th anniversary began our day with a Divine Mercy reflection. Following a delicious group lunch, four priests and Bishop Reidy offered Confessions while a Rosary was being prayed before our Eucharistic Lord. Our spiritual program continued with The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass being offered by our Shepherd. Bishop Reidy gave a...

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God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. R/. Amen. Prayer provided by USCCB.

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