The Blessing of the Easter baskets is a long-cherished tradition in the Catholic faith. Rooted in religious significance and cultural heritage, it has come to hold profound meaning for people of all ethnic backgrounds. Its roots date back to the early 12th century history of Poland, and is now observed by many Eastern European countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Many Eastern Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, including Czechs, Croatians, Hungarians, Lithuanians, Russians, Slovaks and Ukrainians, also participate in this holy ritual. On Holy...

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Each year on March 25, the Church pauses to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the moment when heaven touched earth in a profound and life-changing way. The account of this sacred encounter is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26–38). On this day, we recall the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing news that would alter the course of human history: she was chosen to bear the Son of God. Scripture tells us: “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Jose...

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Led by our fearless leader, Bishop Richard Reidy, we embarked on Wednesday, March 18th from a beautiful Pro-Life Mass celebrated by our Good Sheperd at the Cathedral to Hartford to attend the Rally and March For Life, peacefully praying and demonstrating for the respect of all life and the protection of the unborn. Bishop Reidy gave the closing remarks, prayer and blessing. For many of us, with the Cathedral School children attending the morning kick-off Mass, their precious young voices praying the Our Father, touched our hearts and brought tears to many eyes, making fo...

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Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Invites You to the 19th Annual Gala For the Love of a Child Charity Gala Saturday, April 18, 2026 A Villa Louisa 60 Villa Louisa Road Bolton, CT Purchase Tickets Join Bishop Richard F. Reidy for this special event benefiting the children of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Cocktails and appetizers begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner buffet. The evening will also feature Haitian crafts, artwork, a silent auction, and a keynote address by Marlene L. Daut, an award-winning author, scholar, and profe...

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Carpe diem is an old Roman expression frequently translated as “seize the day.” It reminds us to take advantage of the present moment and not to let opportunity pass us by. Whether an athlete in competition, an investor in the market, or a suitor in love, opportunities must be recognized and grasped, or they can pass away and be lost. Holy Week is one such opportunity. It is the most important week of the Church’s year because it commemorates the most important events of history. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and our faithful acc...

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Experience the Sacred Journey of Holy Week Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich The Cathedral of Saint Patrick invites the faithful to enter more deeply into the sacred beauty of Holy Week through a series of solemn liturgies with the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy. From Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, these sacred celebrations offer an opportunity to walk with Christ through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Holy Week is the heart of the Church’s liturgical year—a time to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the hope of Easter. Holy Week Liturgic...

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