Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles/Reflections

All Diocesan Articles

Current Articles | Archives | Search

Reflections

Advent

Full Text: Pope Francis’ Homily for Christmas 2023

Posted on December 25, 2023 in: Reflections

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. ...

Read More

Francis

Keeping Christ in Xmas - An Opportunity to Evangelize

Posted on December 25, 2023 in: Reflections

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...

Read More

Bishop Cote's Video Christmas Message for 2023

Posted on December 24, 2023 in: Reflections, ADVENT

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...

Read More

It’s a Wonderful Life: How a 76-year-old Movie is the Gospel Transposed onto Celluloid

Posted on December 21, 2023 in: Reflections, ADVENT

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...

Read More

5 Things to Know and Share about St. Nicholas

Posted on December 06, 2023 in: Reflections, ADVENT

St. Nicholas, whose feast day is celebrated on Dec. 6, is well known as possibly the real-life inspiration for the beloved Christmas character of Santa Claus. Not a lot is known about the historical Nicholas, who was bishop of Myra, a Greek city in modern-day Turkey, during the fourth century A.D. ...

Read More

What are the Precepts of the Church?

Posted on November 30, 2023 in: Reflections

Have you ever questioned or wondered about some aspect of the Catholic faith? Well now is your chance to do just that! Four County Catholic Magazine is introducing a new column entitled A QUESTION OF FAITH. Every edition will offer our readers’ the opportunity to ask and have their questions a...

Read More

Where has the Reverence Gone?

Posted on November 28, 2023 in: Reflections

As I begin writing this piece, I am suddenly aware of the fact that this will raise some eyebrows, but here goes: Where has the awe and devotion gone at Mass? A picture is worth a thousand words, but as Jesus well understood, a story can often get one’s point across very effectively. My sto...

Read More

Bishop's Column - Glory to God in the Highest

Posted on November 20, 2023 in: News, Reflections

November/December 2023 Four County Catholic "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we approach Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas I am reminded of the above verse from the Gospel of Luke which ...

Read More

Bishop

A Prayer of Thanksgiving - 2023

Posted on November 16, 2023 in: News, Reflections

Heavenly Creator, In this season of gratitude and abundance, we give You thanks for our many blessings as we pray for all who struggle with hunger and want. Be with them in the dark of night, when all hope seems lost. Keep their faith strong as they await relief. Let Your goodness flow thr...

Read More

What to do about Halloween? Catholic Parents and an Exorcist Weigh In

Posted on October 23, 2023 in: News, Reflections

For years, Cecilia Cunningham and her husband took their children trick-or-treating in their then-suburban Philadelphia neighborhood. "It was the kind of neighborhood outside of Philadelphia where everybody knew each other, and it was a really fun neighborhood thing," Cunningham told CN...

Read More

Page 6 of 27

First Previous 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 8 9 10 Next Last

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

A Prayer for Father's Day

Posted on June 12, 2025 in: Reflections

1252

Dear God, Thank you for loving us with your perfect heart of a father. We ask you this Father's Day and always to guide and protect the hearts of all men in fatherly roles who are striving to love with your heart and do your work. Give them pure, chaste, courageous, and creative hearts like Saint Joseph. Give them hearts that never tire of serving those they are called to love. Give them hearts that seek out their loved ones and gently turn their gaze to see You, who is Love. And we ask you, Father, to bless them abundantly today....

Read More

Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Posted on June 18, 2025 in: Reflections

670

Bishop Reidy's Pastoral on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

June 16, 2025 My dear friends in Christ, This weekend we observe the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). This day reminds us in a particular way of the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist has been called God’s gift par excellence because it is the gift of Jesus Himself and of His saving work. Jesus is present to us in many ways---- in the Scriptures, in all the sacraments, in the assembly of the faithful gathered to pray at Mass, and in the prie...

Read More

Saints — Men and Women of Holiness

Posted on July 06, 2025 in: News, Reflections

203

As we journey through Ordinary Time, the Church calendar continues to offer rich reminders of the extraordinary lives of the saints. Mid-July presents a beautiful opportunity to reflect on men and women whose holiness, courage, and devotion continue to inspire Catholics around the world. From founders of religious orders to faithful parents and servant-emperors, these saints reveal the many ways God works through every vocation and walk of life. July 11 – Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 – 547; canonized 1220) Born in Nursia, Italy, Benedict sought solitud...

Read More