The death of Pope Benedict XVI brought local memories, praise and perspectives. Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan called the late pope “a giant of the faith.” Holy Cross Professor Mathew Schmalz noted that “Benedict XVI leaves behind a complex legacy as a pope and theologian.” Allison LeDoux praised Pope Benedict’s encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” (God is Love).
“The universal Church is profoundly saddened at the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, whose pontificate was an extraordinary gift to the Church and to the world. Ever the brilliant theologian and teacher, the late Pope Emeritus guided the Church through the rough seas of doubt, confusion and challenging ideologies, always presenting the tenets of our Catholic faith with wisdom and genuine pastoral concern. It is that same Catholic faith in the resurrection of Christ from the dead that gave our deceased Pope Emeritus and that gives us as well our only hope of future glory in heaven. I encourage all Catholics and all people of good will to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the coming days that he may be welcomed home to the new and eternal Jerusalem by the Risen Lord whom he loved and served so well. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Retired Pope Benedict XVI, who had an impressive record as a teacher and defender of the basics of Catholic faith, is likely to go down in history books as the first pope in almost 600 years to resign. He died Dec. 31 at the age of 95, nearly 10 years after leaving the papacy to retire to what he said would be a life of prayer and study.
I join my voice today to that of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in asking for prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. May Christ the Great Healer bring him comfort and inner peace at this time of his life. Join me in praying the words from Joshua Chapter 1 verse 9 today on his behalf: “Be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.”
SOUTHBOROUGH – The traditional, not-quite-traditional Christmas pageant at St. Anne Parish excites children, delights their families and inspires the man who plays St. Nicholas.
WORCESTER – A new, three-month homeless shelter opened Monday in Blessed Sacrament Parish’s Phelan Center at 6 Federal Place. Open Sky Community Services, a Worcester-based behavioral health and human services organization, is operating the shelter.
Jerry Beddes, 75, of Worcester, first got involved by delivering meals to homebound elders, individuals with disabilities and those who may otherwise go without a meal. Then for more than 30 years, he managed the delivery routes for the volunteer drivers for the Bishop's Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners.
The young mother and foster father were poor. But they chose life for the Baby, even though they had to wrap him in swaddling clothes and lay him in a manger. He changed the world, and 2,000 years later we’re still celebrating his birth, in part by supporting children and parents in need today.
Following an independent investigation, and subsequent recommendation by the Diocesan Review Committee, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus has determined that there is a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Reverend Alan J. Martineau. MORE
WORCESTER – A treasured tradition, suspended because of the coronavirus, returned last week to Notre Dame Long Term Care Center on Plantation Street. Residents, family members and staff gathered to set up the Nativity scene.
WORCESTER – Grants totaling $22,000 were awarded to 19 programs by the local committee for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Bishop McManus presented the grants Nov. 28 at the St. Peter Parish gymnasium.
This weekend, an important collection for the retired Religious will be held at Masses in the Diocese of Worcester. Last year, five religious orders in the diocese received $311,319 in financial support from the national Retirement Fund for Religious.
What are parishes doing for the National Eucharistic Revival? Before the COVID-19 pandemic upended so many things around the world, St. Joseph Parish in Charlton offered eucharistic adoration in the church three days a week.
Parishes, schools offer ways to get ready for season. As we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of Christ at Christmas, we can see his ongoing presence with us in the Eucharist, noted Father Thomas G. Landry.
As senior captains, Damien and Antonio are the team’s top two running backs and they will lead St. Bernard’s into the Division 7 state championship game against West Boylston at 3 p.m. Friday at Gillette Stadium.