To say the least, the past few years have been tumultuous for the people of Haiti. Insurrection, gang violence, kidnappings, stolen property, a lack of any viable government, drought, and torrential flooding have virtually destroyed the country and dashed the hopes of a hurting people. Although I would not have believed it possible, life continues to worsen for the people of Haiti. People who have lived with virtually nothing all their lives now have even less. People who are used to being hungry now find themselves faced with starvation. Parents, once strong and proud as t...

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On August 15, the Church celebrates one of the most beautiful feasts of the liturgical year: the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day is more than an occasion to honor Our Lady; it is a glimpse into the destiny that awaits all who live and die in Christ. Declared a Holy Day of Obligation, the Assumption invites the faithful to gather in joy and thanksgiving for God’s masterpiece in Mary. The Assumption teaches that at the end of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin was taken up, body and soul, into heavenly glory. While the Church has lo...

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  On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Mark O’Donnell, joyfully celebrated the ninety-fifth anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in New London. This devotion, which began with two Italian families — the Dipollina family and the D’Angelo family — has grown into a cherished tradition. Over the years, the celebration expanded through the merging of parishes, now bringing together three communities: Saint Joseph Church and Sain...

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Editor's Note: Sometimes the best opportunities to share the Gospel come when we step beyond the walls of our churches and meet people where they are. The following story from the Archdiocese of Hartford shows how one parish found a creative way to do just that—offering a joyful, visible witness to Christ at a community event. May it inspire other parishes to seek similar ways of planting seeds of faith in unexpected places. And if you get a chance, head up to Plainville and check out the balloons! A rainbow of balloons painted the sky during the Plainv...

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Join us Friday, September 5, 2025, at Wintonbury Hills Golf Course in Bloomfield, CT — ranked #2 in Connecticut by Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play 2025!   The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is a day of fellowship, fresh air, and purpose. Your $175 registration includes golf, lunch, and dinner — and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping provide medical care, nutrition programs for malnourished children, and education sponsorships for families in some of the most impoverished neighb...

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For nearly 50 years, at the western edge of our Diocese, in Cromwell, the Padre Pio Foundation of America has promoted devotion to the Saint. The Foundation endeavors to uphold the legacy of Saint Padre Pio’s love and caring for those less fortunate, and the Foundation does so in many remarkable ways.   Some twenty years ago, my wife and I were driving through Cromwell, and viewed a sign heralding the Padre Pio Foundation. Curious, we drove up and entered the building. Immediately, we were welcomed by the Executive Director, Julie Fitts Ritter, who enthusia...

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