All Diocesan Articles

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God On January 1, Catholics honor Mary’s unique role in salvation history with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. This feast underscores Mary’s title as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” a doctrine officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431. At the close of the council, the faithful filled the streets, joyfully proclaiming, “Praised be the Theotokos!” Mary’s title as “Mother of God” is rooted in the Incarnation, where, as St. Paul teaches: “...

Read More

Join Bishop Richard F. Reidy on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Saint Patrick Cathedral, Norwich, for the closing of the Jubilee Year with Confessions beginning at 12:30 p.m. (priests available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation), followed by Adoration and choral Vespers (Liturgy of the Hours) at 2:00 p.m. See Letter from the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy below   “May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all!” — Pope Francis My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, On the...

Read More

Couldn't Make it to Midnight Mass? Don't worry, we captured it all right here for you. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Read More

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, During the ordination of a bishop, two deacons hold an open Gospel book over the head of the new bishop as the Ordination prayer is read. By tradition, the new bishop picks a Gospel passage to which the book is opened. I chose, "... Do not be afraid; For behold, I proclaim to you, good news of great joy, that will be for all the people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior is born to you, who is Messiah and Lord." Those words, spoken to quaking shepherds keeping watch by night over their flock, evoked great joy. Wit...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV meets with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, on Dec. 29, 2025, in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. | Credit: Vatican Media   Pope Leo XIV on Monday explained that in order to allow God’s action in our personal lives, people must “empty” themselves and cultivate a deep inner life. The pontiff made the observation during a Dec. 29 audience at the Apostolic Palace with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The event took place in...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV will solemnly conclude the Jubilee Year Jan. 6 at St. Peter's Basilica, but the holy doors at the other papal basilicas of Rome were closed over the last few days by the cardinals who serve as the basilicas' archpriests. ROME (CNS) -- The path to conversion, the door to God's mercy and the call to live in Christian hope all continue beyond the Jubilee Year, said the three cardinals who closed the Holy Doors at three major basilicas in Rome. On the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, Pope Leo will solemnly close the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basi...

Read More