Ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East; earthquakes in multiple South American nations; famine in Sudan and Gaza; wildfires in vast European and U.S. regions and catastrophic disasters flooding entire villages in Nepal and Tibet. The heartbreaking news from just the last few months offers a painful reminder of the critical concerns that compelled Pope Francis to launch a worldwide initiative in 2015 to care for creation.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will serve as principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass set for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown. Priests and deacons from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties will also participate in the Mass.
TRENTON -- Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain two new deacons for service in the Diocese of Trenton during a Mass May 16 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. Nicholas Alescio of Fair Haven and Benedict Bien Quiambao, born and raised in the Philippines, will serve the next year as transitional deacons and are expected to be ordained priests next spring.
THE MOST SOLEMN AND SACRED DAYS OF THE CHURCH YEAR have arrived as hundreds of thousands of Catholics prepare to take part in Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday Masses and observances.
Celebrated each year during Holy Week in Catholic churches around the globe, the Diocese’s local Chrism Mass will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.