All Diocesan Articles

Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Monsignor Richard F. Reidy Appointed as Sixth Bishop   NORWICH, CT – The Diocese of Norwich joyfully welcomes the appointment of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as its sixth bishop. Pope Francis made the official announcement today at noon in Rome (6:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Bishop-elect Reidy comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he has served faithfully in various pastoral and administrative roles, most recently as Vicar General. His extensive experience in ...

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This past Sunday, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, delivered an inspiring homily at the Baptism of the Lord Mass. In his message, he urged the faithful to embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence and joy, reminding them, "Don't ever apologize for being Catholic." Archbishop Coyne drew meaningful connections between the baptism of Jesus and our own call to live as beloved children of God. He reflected on the feast's profound significance, encouraging the community to proclaim the Good News boldly...

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Jan. 27 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Each year, the camp survivors are fewer in number, and as their testimony and witness remain, the importance of Auschwitz endures. In 2024, more than 1.8 million visitors passed through its gates. What is it that brings people here? An obscene charnel of mass murder with all its evil, its inhumanity, its brutality: On the surface, it is a site devoid of hope. But among the ruins and the selection lines, beneath the Arbeit Macht Frei sign, in the preserved block houses, and amid the devastating ex...

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It’s something most Catholics have probably heard at Mass at some point: An announcement that “gluten-free” or “low-gluten” hosts are available either during Communion or directly afterward so that Catholics with gluten sensitivities can participate in the Blessed Sacrament with minimal discomfort.  But how are low-gluten hosts manufactured?  The Church’s canon law is strict: The “most holy Eucharistic sacrifice” can be offered only with unleavened bread made “only [from] wheat,” meaning g...

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In his first public appearance as the newly appointed Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Norwich, Monsignor Richard F. Reidy spoke candidly about his unexpected appointment, the challenges facing the diocese, and his commitment to its people. Addressing members of the media at the chancery on Wednesday morning, February 12, Bishop-elect Reidy recounted the moment he received the phone call from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. “He told me the Holy Father would like to appoint me to Norwich,” Bishop-elect Reidy said. “I was...

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Pope Francis reflected on Mary's trust in God's plan and presence, prayed for Los Angeles wildfire victims and prayed for peace in Gaza during his general audience at the Vatican.   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God tells Christians not to be afraid because he is always close, accompanying the faithful throughout their lives and through all their challenges, Pope Francis said. "God says 'Do not be afraid' to Abraham, Isaac" and many others in the Bible, but "he says it to us, too. 'Be not afraid,' keep going," because God &q...

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