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...

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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...

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Sister M. Charles Marie Gwiazdowski Enters Eternal Life The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Sister M. Charles Marie (Patricia) Gwiazdowski, Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, who entered into eternal life early Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1943, she was the daughter of Lillian (Arabik) and Frank Gwiazdowski, both of whom predeceased her. Sister attended school in Norwich and at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic before entering the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Ch...

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The Cathedral of Saint Patrick is hosting a traditional Forty-Hour Devotion of Eucharistic Adoration in preparation for the Feast of Corpus Christi. When: After the Noon Mass on Friday, June 5, through Benediction at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7 Where: Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich During this sacred time, the parish and local community are invited to come and spend time with our Eucharistic Lord in adoration. Volunteers are needed throughout the devotion while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration. To review the available time slots and commit...

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For 70 years, the women of St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild have served their parish and community with quiet dedication, deep faith and generous hearts. What began in 1956 with 37 members and annual dues of $1.25 has grown into a lasting ministry of prayer, fellowship, scholarship and service within St. John Paul II Parish. A Legacy Begins The St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild was formed in May 1956 under the pastorate of Reverend George F. X. Reilly. The following month, the Guild held its first meeting with 37 paying members. That same year, the women contributed $4...

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On May 8, 2025, the world was introduced to Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV. One year later, we look at some of the most significant events and powerful moments of his first year as pope. On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. On that day, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV, known just hours before as Cardinal Robert Prevost, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops. One year later, Pope Leo has captured the hearts of the faithful through his...

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