In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans. “May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter,” the pope said in the message, released Tuesday.  He also quoted St. Paul’s exclamation in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? W...

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An Unforgettable Speech I had the privilege of working at ESPN for 13 years, and during that time, I witnessed some incredible moments that transcended sports. One of the most powerful was Jim Valvano—Jimmy V—delivering his unforgettable speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Battling cancer, he spoke about what makes a good day: “Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think, you should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears. Could be happiness or joy, but think about it. If you lau...

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Ash Wednesday is the first day of the 40 days of Lent dedicated to prayer, fasting, and reflection in preparation for the great celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery in the Easter Triduum. We pray that this day marks the beginning of your spiritual renewal.  Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you observe the wonderful season of Lent!  Feel free to share this link on social media NorwichDiocese.org/Lent

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On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich was filled with faith and anticipation as catechumens from across the diocese gathered for the Rite of Election. This significant step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church marks their formal enrollment in the Book of the Elect, bringing them one step closer to the Easter sacraments. With our diocese still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the celebration, offering words of encouragemen...

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24 Hours for the Lord Schedule Join us for 24 Hours for the Lord, a special opportunity to encounter the boundless mercy of God. This initiative, inspired by Pope Francis, invites the faithful to set aside time for prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, deepening their relationship with Christ through the sacraments. Throughout the 24-hour period, parishes across the Diocese of Norwich will offer extended hours for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing a sacred space for personal prayer and renewal. Whether you can spend a few minutes o...

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A special mission at a Derby parish will include veneration of a first-class relic of St. Jude Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.  The relic, an arm bone of St. Jude’s right hand, can be venerated during the “St. Jude Mission, Mass and Veneration” from March 10 to 12 at St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church, part of Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Parish.  Born around the year 5 A.D., St. Jude is venerated as the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. His intercessions have inspired devotions for centur...

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