Though the Scriptures say little about them, Saints Joachim and Anne hold a cherished place in Catholic tradition as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Celebrated on July 26, their feast day invites us to reflect on the sacred role of grandparents and the quiet, enduring power of faith passed down through generations. Joachim and Anne are believed to have been devout and prayerful people, longing for a child and trusting in God's providence through years of waiting. Their patient faith was rewarded not only with the birth of Mary bu...

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Calm seas and a gentle breeze helped to carry the Stonington fishing fleet out past Stonington Point on Sunday, July 27, for the Holy Cross Community’s annual Blessing of the Fleet, a tradition dating back 70 years. Aboard the lead ship Heritage, for his first Stonington blessing, was Bishop Richard F. Reidy. As the Heritage steamed out of the harbor, followed by the rest of Stonington’s commercial fishing fleet, the new bishop of the Diocese of Norwich chatted with her crew and passengers before arriving at the point, where he blessed an anchor-shaped wreath...

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Sr. Priscilla Blais January 14, 1930 - July 21, 2025 Sr. Priscilla Blais (95), a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Monday, July 21, 2025 at St Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT.               Born on January 14,1930 in Lewiston, ME, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Stanislas Blais and Mary Stella Goulet Blais. Sr. Priscilla entered the Congregation in 1963 and made her religious profession on May 30, 1966, at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam, CT.  She ...

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Putnam, Conn. – Although much has changed in northeastern Connecticut since 1892, Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 remains a force for good in the community. That was recognized on Sunday morning, July 20, when Knights and their families celebrated the council’s 133rd anniversary. Observances began with Mass at St. Mary Church of the Visitation on Providence Street, followed with the blessing and dedication of the new St. Therese Parish sign on the church’s front lawn. The sign was recently commissioned by, and purchased for, the parish ...

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Understanding the Spiritual and Practical Purpose of Priestly Celibacy Once in a while, a well-meaning parishioner will suggest to me, “Father, don’t you think we would have more priests if we eliminated the requirement for priestly celibacy?” I very much understand the idea behind the question. But I do not hesitate for even a moment in responding that priestly celibacy is critical for our Church. In the first place, we look at our Lord’s call to the apostles, who would become His first priests: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of...

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During the Jubilee of Youth, a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the coffin with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's body will be in Rome for veneration. After their canonization ceremonies were moved to Sept. 7, it is an opportunity for young people to learn more about and be inspired by these two important saints-to-be.   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The relics of two saints-to-be -- Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis -- will be in Rome for veneration during the Jubilee of Youth July 28-Aug. 3, according to worldyouthday.com. The Churc...

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