Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026. In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound. The Lenten season begins Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday. In the message, released Feb. 13, the pope offers a simple definition of Lent as a time when the Church “invites us to place ...

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The Diocese of Norwich entered the holy season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, with the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy as celebrant, concelebrated by Father Ted Tumicki and Father Brian Romanowski. In his homily, Bishop Reidy set the tone for Lent with words that were both direct and deeply hopeful. He began by drawing attention to the opening call of the prophet Joel—words the Church places on our lips at the start of the season: “Return to me.” Bishop Reidy reminded the faithful that those words ar...

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In the tapestry of Catholic traditions, Lent stands as a profound thread weaving through the fabric of faith, calling families to embark on a transformative journey. It is not merely a season marked by abstinence; rather, Lent is a pilgrimage of the heart, an opportunity for introspection and renewal. At its core, Lent invites families to mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, a period of self-examination, prayer and penance. It serves as a reminder that amid the hustle of contemporary life, there exists a sacred space for reflection and spiritual growth. ...

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The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s in Norwich, CT is pleased to welcome Fr. Herald Joseph Brock, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal), for the 2026 Lenten Mission, on March 9–11, 2026, at 6:30 PM each evening. The Mission is open to all—please save the dates and help spread the word. A Lenten Mission is an invitation to “put out into the deep,” embrace deeper conversion, anchor ourselves more firmly in Christ, and rediscover our mission in Him. We look forward to gathering as a diocesan Church for these grace-filled evenings of clarity, e...

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Excitement is building as St. Bernard School prepares to host the highly anticipated Diocesan Catholic School Basketball Tournament on Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th. This action-packed weekend promises spirited competition, sportsmanship, and a celebration of faith-centered athletics. All Catholic School Teams Invited All Catholic school basketball teams throughout the diocese are invited to compete for the coveted title of Diocesan Champion. Student-athletes will take to the court showcasing their talent, teamwork, and dedication in a tournament t...

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All are invited to take part in a day of prayer and public witness at the Connecticut March for Life on Wednesday, March 18. Mass for Life The day will begin with a Mass for Life at 8:30 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Cathedral students will be attending, and all parishioners are encouraged to join them in praying for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Bus Trip and Schedule Following Mass, participants will depart at 9:30 a.m. on a deluxe DATTCO motorcoach for Har...

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