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: “...

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Join Bishop Richard F. Reidy on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 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, ...

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

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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...

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Prayer for the New Year (Used and recommended by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, adapted from the Roman Missal and the Liturgy of the Hours) O God of time and eternity, we thank You for all the blessings of the past year and entrust to You the days of the year to come. Grant us Your wisdom to use each moment well, Your mercy to forgive what is past, and Your grace to walk faithfully in Your will. Help us grow in love for You and for one another, to seek justice, practice charity, and place our hope always in You. May the li...

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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...

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