Together as One, Through Faith in Action In a world that often feels unsettled, marked by conflict, uncertainty, and voices of division, it would be easy to lose heart. Yet as people of faith, we are called to something deeper: trust. Trust in God’s enduring presence, trust in His Word, and trust that hope remains not only possible, but powerful. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). It is with this spirit of hope that we reflect with grati...

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Eight hundred years after his death, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi were exhumed and placed on public display in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi for a monthlong veneration, highlighting the Catholic tradition of venerating relics as tangible reminders of holiness. ROME (CNS) -- Eight hundred years after his death, the bones of St. Francis of Assisi have been placed on public display for the first extended public viewing in history, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the hilltop town. Following Pope Leo XIV's approval and blessing...

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Sister Thea Bowman. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi Bowman’s ability to see the dignity of each individual, and embrace all gifts and cultures, is an essential message for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. African American Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman’s ability to bridge divides shines as a witness needed today, according to those who knew her, and her cause for canonization may create a pathway for other African Americans on their ways to sainthood. More than three decades after her death, Bowman should be remembered...

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Calling it a "cause for great joy," Bishop Richard F. Reidy welcomed 250 people on the road to becoming Catholic or completing their initiation during the Diocese of Norwich's annual Rite of Election.  The Rite of Election on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick was a watershed in several ways for the Diocese of Norwich. This year, the diocese welcomed 98 catechumens, along with 152 candidates, making for the highest combined total for the Diocese of Norwich in 10 years.  This is another step toward their journ...

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Beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humankind has had to face "the age-old dilemma: can I live my life to the fullest by saying 'yes' to God? Or, to be free and happy, must I free myself from Him?" Pope Leo XIV said during an early morning Mass celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome. ROME (CNS) -- While Satan tempts humanity with the lie of gaining unlimited power, God offers the gift of true freedom that leads to real love, relationships and fulfillment, Pope Leo XIV said. Beginning with the story...

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The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s in Norwich, CT is pleased to welcome Fr. Herald Joseph Brock, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal), for the 2026 Lenten Mission, on March 9–11, 2026, at 6:30 PM each evening. The Mission is open to all—please save the dates and help spread the word. A Lenten Mission is an invitation to “put out into the deep,” embrace deeper conversion, anchor ourselves more firmly in Christ, and rediscover our mission in Him. We look forward to gathering as a diocesan Church for these grace-filled evenings of clarity, e...

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The Diocese of Norwich entered the holy season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, with the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy as celebrant, concelebrated by Father Ted Tumicki and Father Brian Romanowski. In his homily, Bishop Reidy set the tone for Lent with words that were both direct and deeply hopeful. He began by drawing attention to the opening call of the prophet Joel—words the Church places on our lips at the start of the season: “Return to me.” Bishop Reidy reminded the faithful that those words ar...

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All are invited to take part in a day of prayer and public witness at the Connecticut March for Life on Wednesday, March 18. Mass for Life The day will begin with a Mass for Life at 8:30 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Cathedral students will be attending, and all parishioners are encouraged to join them in praying for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Bus Trip and Schedule Following Mass, participants will depart at 9:30 a.m. on a deluxe DATTCO motorcoach for Har...

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Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026. In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound. The Lenten season begins Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday. In the message, released Feb. 13, the pope offers a simple definition of Lent as a time when the Church “invites us to place ...

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Despite bitter winter temperatures outside, warmth and energy filled Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on Saturday, February 7, as families and young people from across the Diocese of Norwich gathered for Indoor Climbing with Bishop Reidy. Braving the cold weather to attend, participants were rewarded with an afternoon of movement, encouragement, and joyful connection— both on the climbing walls and off. Hosted at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, the event invited climbers of all experience levels to challenge themselves in a supportive, faith-filled environment. Fro...

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