As Catholics around the world prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday, May 14, the Church reflects on the moment Christ returned to the Father in glory, completing His earthly mission while entrusting His followers with the mission of continuing His work in the world. Celebrated 40 days after Easter, the Ascension commemorates Jesus’ return to the Father after His Resurrection. Far from marking an ending, however, the feast points toward a beginning: the commissioning of the apostles, the birth of the Church’s mission, and the promise that...

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Feast of Our Lady of Fatima: A Call to Prayer, Penance and Peace On May 13, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first appearance to three shepherd children— Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto— in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Appearing during a time of war, unrest and uncertainty, Our Lady brought a message that remains deeply relevant today: prayer, repentance and trust in God. During the apparitions, Mary urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the w...

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Sister M. Charles Marie Gwiazdowski Enters Eternal Life The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Sister M. Charles Marie (Patricia) Gwiazdowski, Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, who entered into eternal life early Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1943, she was the daughter of Lillian (Arabik) and Frank Gwiazdowski, both of whom predeceased her. Sister attended school in Norwich and at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic before entering the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Ch...

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For 70 years, the women of St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild have served their parish and community with quiet dedication, deep faith and generous hearts. What began in 1956 with 37 members and annual dues of $1.25 has grown into a lasting ministry of prayer, fellowship, scholarship and service within St. John Paul II Parish. A Legacy Begins The St. Bridget’s Ladies Guild was formed in May 1956 under the pastorate of Reverend George F. X. Reilly. The following month, the Guild held its first meeting with 37 paying members. That same year, the women contributed $4...

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48th Annual Layette Event to Support Local Families The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites women throughout the Diocese of Norwich to help provide essential items for babies and families in need. The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host its 48th Annual Layette Event on Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, located at 1650 Route 12 in Gales Ferry. Women throughout the Diocese of Norwich are invited to participate by donating essential items for babies and young children. Requested donations include diapers,...

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Padre Pio’s Birthday Mass & Celebration Friday, May 22, 2026 By Aleaha Kopec Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, to peasant farmers Grazio Mario Forgione and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio, Padre Pio grew up in the small southern Italian town of Pietrelcina. From the age of five, he reported daily visions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and his guardian angel — something he did not realize was unique to him. From an early age, it was clear he would dedicate his life to God. At 15, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in Morcon...

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