All Diocesan Articles

This December, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford welcomes the community to the Festival of Trees and Traditions: 50th Anniversary Golden Holiday Event, a cherished celebration of artistry and holiday spirit running from December 5–15, 2024. This year’s festival features a dazzling array of festive trees and wreaths, each uniquely designed and generously donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses throughout the region. The Diocese of Norwich is proud to contribute two special trees this year, showcasing the spirit of giving and creati...

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Holiday Greetings from the Communications Office As we enter the 2024 Advent season, we reflect on the beauty and significance of the Nativity scene, or Christmas crèche—a cherished tradition that began over 800 years ago. In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi brought the Nativity to life in Greccio, Italy, offering the faithful a moving depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ. This tradition endures as a profound symbol of faith, humility, and the boundless love of God. To celebrate the Advent season, we are, once again, creating a photo gallery of Christmas crèches fr...

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, the season of Advent beckons Catholic families to prepare their hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In this busy world, where commercialism often overshadows the true meaning of Christmas, there is no better time to turn to the Holy Family as an inspiring example of how to embrace the spirit of the season. At the heart of the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem was humility. Mary and Joseph embarked on a long and arduous journey while Mary was pregnant, and they ultimately found refuge ...

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Mariachi music resounded joyfully through the sacred space of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, as faithful from across the Diocese gathered to honor and celebrate the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This cherished tradition brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting them in a vibrant expression of devotion to the Mother of the Americas. The Most Reverend Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, presided over the Mass and delivered a deeply moving homily that resonated w...

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The 45th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. One of the most festive ways to enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, the event featured readings of sections of the Christmas story, choir music, and the singing of carols appropriate to the season. The evening began with a musical procession down the center aisle, setting the tone for a truly memorable celebration. Prayers were offered by Father Julian Cuervo-Lozada, Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral. Readings were proclaimed by The Cat...

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With the first Sunday of Advent, a new liturgical year began in the Catholic Church, with the readings corresponding to Cycle C of odd-numbered years. What does this liturgical practice entail? The beginning and end of the liturgical year The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains on its website that the liturgical year is made up of six times or seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, the paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. The conference notes that the new 2025 liturgical calendar began with the first Sunday of Advent on Dec. 1,...

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