As Catholics around the world prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 14, the Church reflects on the moment Christ returned to the Father in glory, completing His earthly mission while entrusting His followers with the mission of continuing His work in the world. Celebrated 40 days after Easter, the Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to the Father after His Resurrection. Far from marking an ending, however, the feast points toward a beginning: the commissioning of the apostles, the birth of the Church’s mission, and the promise that...

Read More

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima: A Call to Prayer, Penance and Peace On May 13, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first appearance to three shepherd children— Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto— in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Appearing during a time of war, unrest and uncertainty, Our Lady brought a message that remains deeply relevant today: prayer, repentance and trust in God. During the apparitions, Mary urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the w...

Read More

Memorial Day Cemetery Masses Monday, May 25, 2026 The Diocese of Norwich will celebrate Memorial Day Masses in diocesan cemeteries on Monday, May 25, 2026. All are invited to attend and pray for those who gave their lives in service to our country. Norwich Deanery Saint Joseph Cemetery Boswell Avenue, Norwich Bishop Richard Reidy will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Sacred Heart Cemetery Harland Road, Taftville Rev. Christopher Zmuda will c...

Read More

On May 13th, Bishop Reidy led over a hundred diocesan pilgrims to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. Together, we enjoyed a beautiful, spiritual day with Our Lord and our Blessed Mother! A Marian priest, Father Bob, celebrating his 20th anniversary began our day with a Divine Mercy reflection. Following a delicious group lunch, four priests and Bishop Reidy offered Confessions while a Rosary was being prayed before our Eucharistic Lord. Our spiritual program continued with The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass being offered by our Shepherd. Bishop Reidy gave a...

Read More

God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. R/. Amen. Prayer provided by USCCB.

Read More

Stone by stone, a transformation is taking place at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Broadway in Norwich.    In late March, steel scaffolding rose around the cathedral’s main entrances as workers from the Joseph Gnazzo Co. of Union prepared to replace the cathedral’s front towers.   “It’s work that’s needed,” said Rev. Msgr. Anthony S. Rosaforte, rector of the cathedral.   The project follows growing concern about aging stone structures. In early 2025, the stone steeple of the 1850 First Congregation...

Read More