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Entries for 2023

Join Us for a Journey with Mary through Her Seven Sorrows
If you are seeking to find hope, strength, and comfort from a loss, burden or sorrow- a virtual seven-week program that will explore each of the seven sorrows of Mary’s life and the message of strength and encouragement each one contains. The program will meet online on Monday nights from 7-8:...

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Jesuit Astronomer Remembers the First Christmas in Space
1968 was a turbulent year for America. As the Vietnam War raged and leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. lost their lives at assassins’ hands, cities across the United States were convulsed by riots.  Amid the chaos, three men left the earth behind, trading the strife of the world be...

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After 2,000 Years the Persecution of Christians Continues
During Tuesday’s Angelus on the occasion of the feast of St. Stephen — the first Christian martyr — Pope Francis renewed his call for peace and brought attention to the persecution that Christians are facing around the world. “Today, 2,000 years later, unfortunately, we se...

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When Does Christmas Actually End?

Posted on December 26, 2023 in: News

When Does Christmas Actually End?
By Catholic News Agency How many days is Christmas? When should you finally take those lights off the porch, or remove the tree? Read on for some of the arguments for and against commonly agreed-upon end dates for Christmas. Christmas is one day This, of course, is the simplest an...

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"May We Always Hear the Bells of Christmas"

Posted on December 25, 2023 in: News

"May We Always Hear the Bells of Christmas"
During the Christmas Eve homily at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, Bishop Michael R. Cote drew inspiration from Longfellow's "Christmas Bells" poem, delving into the challenges faced by Longfellow and the poignant circumstances that gave rise to this enduring piece. The homi...

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Full Text: Pope Francis’ Homily for Christmas 2023
Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, delivered on Dec. 24, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica. “A census of the whole earth” (cf. Lk 2:1). This was the context in which Jesus was born, and the Gospel makes a point of it. ...

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Francis
Watch the Replay of Christmas Eve Mass from the Cathedral.
Merry Christmas! The beauty of the cathedral can be experienced year-round and will remain fully decorated until the Solemnity of the Epiphany on January 6, 2024. Masses are daily 7 AM and noon.

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Keeping Christ in Xmas - An Opportunity to Evangelize
Recently, the discussion around "Keeping Christ in Christmas" emerged, particularly concerning the use of the abbreviation "Xmas." Upon delving into this matter, I uncovered the following insights: The utilization of "Xmas" instead of spelling out "Christmas&quo...

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Bishop Cote's Video Christmas Message for 2023
Bishop Michael R. Cote shares his Christmas Message with us, the men, women, and children of the Diocese of Norwich. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas! May the light of Christ, shine brightly during this holy season and throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this video reflection...

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It’s a Wonderful Life: How a 76-year-old Movie is the Gospel Transposed onto Celluloid
If you are one of the few people who have never seen this classic movie, be warned, there are some spoilers to follow. Hopefully, by the time you finish this article, you will want to pop some corn or roast some chestnuts and find an airing of It’s a Wonderful Life. Be sure to share it with...

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Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Mass at Midnight Returns to Saint Patrick Cathedral This Christmas Eve
Diocese Welcomes All to Midnight Mass There is something unforgettable about a church filled in the quiet hours of Christmas Eve, when the city has gone still and the only sound is familiar carols rising into the rafters. This year, the Diocese of Norwich invites you to experience that moment again as Mass at Midnight returns to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Christmas Eve. The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy will be the celebrant. Plan to arrive early, as the Cathedral choir will begin singing Christmas carols about 30 minutes before Mass begins, helping to prepare...

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Jennifer Harding named new Executive Director of Outreach to Haiti
Outreach to Haiti has welcomed Jennifer “Jen” Harding as its new Executive Director, succeeding Susan Wallace, who served the ministry since June 2019.   Jen brings extensive experience in international development and a strong commitment to compassionate, community-driven service. “At the heart of this work is walking alongside Haitian communities with humility and hope, listening first and building together,” Jen shared.   Jen joins Outreach to Haiti with 20 years of experience leading health and community programs in Afri...

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Blessing of the Christmas Manger

Posted on December 16, 2025 in: ADVENT

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Blessing of the Christmas Manger
The beloved custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ began with St. Francis of Assisi, who created the first Christmas crèche on Christmas Eve in 1223. The blessing of the manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas—that is, Christmas Eve—or at another suitable time. Many families and parishes set up their mangers earlier in Advent. It is perfectly appropriate to bless the nativity scene when it is first displayed, even if the figure of the Infant Jesus has not yet been placed. When the Baby Jesus is added—t...

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Advent Hope and Haiti’s Faithful Journey- A Season of Waiting and Witness
As we journey through these days of Advent, we are reminded that this is a season filled with hope and expectation—and that our road to the fullness of God’s Kingdom has mountains to climb and valleys to descend before we reach our destination. In this season of preparation, we remember not only Christ’s coming, but also those who still wait for redemption in the midst of suffering—like our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The people of Haiti know well the twists and turns of an arduous journey as they travel a rugged road, trusting it will lead to ...

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Faith, Friendship, and Forever: UConn Missionaries Discern Vocation Together
Ethan and Julie Roberts are two of the FOCUS missionaries at UConn, bringing students on campus to Christ through evangelization, outreach, and discipleship. In August, they united in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. I recently sat down with them to discuss their discernment of their vocation to marriage. Both Julie and Ethan had transformative experiences with the Lord while in college themselves. Their earlier relationships had not been oriented toward vocational discernment. Neither had understood that the Lord had a vocational call for them—that He had a defini...

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Christmas Creche, Tree Are Signs of Hope, Pope Says
Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to reflect on the meaning behind Nativity scenes and brightly lit Christmas trees, and to ask God offer the gift of peace and fraternity. He also called for prayers for all those who suffer because of war and violence, saying, "We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said. "As we contemplate them in our homes, parishes and town squares, let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity,&quo...

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    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
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    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294