On Friday, May 9—just one day after the election of Pope Leo XIV and ten days after his ordination as the sixth Bishop of Norwich—the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy quietly marked the occasion with a noon Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.
Though it was a regularly scheduled daily liturgy with organ accompaniment, the timing made it anything but ordinary. With the election of the first American pope and the recent ordination of their new bishop, those gathered were united in prayer and gratitude.
In his homily, Bishop Reidy reflected on the significance of the name chosen by our new Holy Father—Leo XIV—highlighting the legacy of two great saints who previously bore that name: Pope Leo I, known as “the Great,” a defender of Christ’s divinity and a pivotal figure at the Council of Chalcedon, and Pope Leo XIII, a champion of Catholic social teaching and author of Rerum Novarum. Bishop Reidy noted that the choice of “Leo” evokes strength, intellect, and pastoral wisdom—qualities needed for the Church today.
If you were not able to attend in person, we invite you to watch the video and hear Bishop Reidy’s inspiring reflection for yourself. His words offer insight not only into papal history but also into the hope that Pope Leo XIV brings to the Church and world.
Watch the Mass of Thanksgiving Below
Let us continue to pray for both Bishop Reidy and Pope Leo XIV as they begin this new chapter of faithful leadership.