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The Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrimage to the Apostle St. James
I had first heard of the Camino de Santiago while studying Spanish as an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut. I learned about the exchange of cultures, ideas and material goods along this historical route starting from southern France to northwestern Spain. While in Spain for a semeste...

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Knights Templar March For Life in Nation's Capital
The 50th Annual March For Life in Washington, D.C. was unique for me on several levels. First and foremost because it was the first post-Roe March, and the joy of the marchers celebrating that fact was palpable. Also unique was the theme for this year’s March for Life, “Next Steps: Ma...

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Pro-Life
Diocese Files Reorganization Plan, Establishing a Compensation Fund for Abuse Claims
Late last night, a plan of reorganization was filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Connecticut, to settle the Diocese’s Chapter 11 reorganization case. The reorganization process has been ongoing since July 2021, when the Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection. Sin...

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The Humbling Experience of Adoration - Hope & Faith Video Series
This week on the Hope and Faith Series, Mary-Jo McLaughlin, coordinator of Catholic Family Services, speaks about how adoration affected her whole being and her relationship with Jesus; it could do the same for you! View previous videos or more articles on Faith by visiting Nor...

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‘Catholics Got Talent’: Competition Invites Musicians to Promote Zeal for the Eucharist
Catholic poets, composers, and songwriters are invited to participate in a competition in which the winning piece could be performed before 80,000 people at the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesi...

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Faithful from Around the Diocese Gather to Honor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Led by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. , priests, deacons, religious, and laypeople from around the Diocese of Norwich gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick to honor the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. View Bishop Cote's remarks below.  

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Marriage Matters: Take Time to Affirm Your Spouse's Endearing Qualities
In my marriage preparation classes, I ask engaged couples to sit close to one another, hold hands, look into each other’s eyes and tell their future spouse what his or her most endearing quality is that day. When they are done sharing with one another, I ask the couples if they learned anyt...

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Bishop's Column: Sharing the Good News Through Witness Stories
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. Luke 2:16-17   My dear brothers  and sisters in Christ, Each year, as we commemorate the birth of the Lord J...

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The Chair: A Conversation About Our Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Patrick, in typical gothic style, the interior has a real sense of being in a forest. Bundled columns that reach up and open like branches into ribs and clustered bosses on the ceiling that are reminiscent of foliage and the reinstatement of the garden, creating a salvific theme...

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Norwich
Knights of Columbus Honor Pope Emeritus Benedict
Blessed Michael McGivney Center Announces Tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Exhibit in New Haven Features Numerous Items Related to Papacy The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, operated by the Knights of Columbus at 1 State Street in New Haven, will feature a tribute to Pope Emeritu...

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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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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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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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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
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294