A day before he departs for Baghdad, Pope Francis sent a video message to the Iraqi people, saying that he was coming to Iraq as “a pilgrim of peace.” “I am coming as a pilgrim, as a penitent pilgrim, to implore from the Lord forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism, to beg from God the consolation of hearts and the healing of wounds,” the pope said in the video message released March 5. “Yes, I am coming as a pilgrim of peace, seeking fraternity and prompted by the desire to pray together and to walk together,...

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Recently, I was listening to a radio commercial for a small family-owned jewelry store. The owner was discussing the effects the pandemic had on his business and indicated that cross necklaces have been one of the most popular items in his store.  People feel extremely close to God, maybe even more so over the past 12 months. People are seeking spiritual guidance and frequently praying, seeking comfort from God. It must be challenging for college students who may be studying at home or if on campus, isolated from their families. Many students turn to campus ministry...

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Norwich, Catholic

EWTN will Begin Coverage with Pope Francis' Arrival in Iraq, March 5th at 6 am Eastern Time  Rome Newsroom, CNA- March 3, 2021 - Iraqi Christians and Muslims alike have expressed excitement for Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Iraq, an aid worker based in Erbil told CNA this week. Davide Bernocchi, Catholic Relief Services’ country representative for Iraq, said: “People are really hopeful and grateful for this visit. This country has been at the center of attention for bad news for so many years, unfortunately, and now they are really hap...

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A proposal will be heard in a public hearing this Friday before the Connecticut Legislature’s Public Health Committee that would allow doctors and others to help our fellow brothers and sisters take their own lives without safeguards and often through painful means. In this video, Chris Healy, Executive Director of the Connecticut Catholic Conference, explains how you can use your voice to make it known to lawmakers in Connecticut that life is sacred, and suicide is not the answer. Visit www.ctstopsuicide.org to take action. Please Share this Post and Vi...

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After meeting author Jim Sano at the final diocesan Book Club session, many participants were motivated to start a book club in their own parish. The author of the book “The Father’s Son” encouraged the participants to help evangelize by sharing their faith through love of literature and healthy discussion. He went on to explain that Catholic fiction gives believers an opportunity to expand their faith while enjoying a great story.  Here are some reactions from the Diocesan Book Club members: “I thought ‘The Father’s Son’ wa...

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Norwich, Catholic

Although mystic, spiritual guide and visionary Julian of Norwich died 600 years ago, her writings reveal a powerful message for us today – God looks on all of us with great love.   “Julian of Norwich saw in God only love and in the context of this wrote her famous quote, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well,’” Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, told participants during a recent virtual workshop on the 14th century hermit, sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Faith Events.   Julian was bo...

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Help Stop State-Sponsored Suicide    Politicians in Hartford are again considering assisted suicide legislation. The Public Health Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly is considering legalizing a form of suicide in our state commonly referred to as "aid-in-dying" or "physician-assisted suicide". The Committee has raised House Bill 6425 "An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients".        Modern hospice care and the proper use of pain medications render suicide unnecessary, and we...

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Pro-Life, Catholic, ProLife

February 2021 Four County Catholic The Humility of Dust   My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Lent is nearly upon us. It begins with a simple mark of ashes on our forehead and a reminder of our own mortality. “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) Lent 2021 is a severely challenging time to maintain a life of grace. Perhaps the most challenging ever. A time that leaves us searching for peace and realizing how much our faith matters. Fortunately, the Church has gifted us with a ritual that centers ...

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Pandemic safety protocols bring changes to the distribution of ashes. This year you will notice some differences in the distribution of ashes. The changes are being implemented during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to ensure the safety of both the clergy and faithful. Catholics around the world traditionally mark Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent – by attending Mass and receiving consecrated ashes as a symbol of their duty to pray, fast and do charitable works (almsgiving). Ash Wednesday, which is not a holy day of obligation, falls on Feb. 17 this y...

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During Lent, we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the promised Second Coming of Jesus as Savior. And amid the flurry of preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives. To help you with this preparation, we have gathered various Lent resources into one convenient online location. Here you will find several articles and videos about Lent, along with tools and links to help guide you in the understanding of this holy time.    ...

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