News - October 2021 RSS Feed

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued the following notice on a new decree from Rome: On October 28, 2021,  the Holy See extended the pandemic provision for obtaining a plenary indulgence for the faithful departed during the month of November, traditionally regarded as the month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

"On this solemn Feast of All Saints, the Church invites us to reflect on the great hope that is based on Christ’s Resurrection: Christ is risen and we will also be with him. The Saints and Blesseds are the most authoritative witnesses of Christian hope, because they lived it fully in their lives, amidst joys and sufferings, putting into practice the Beatitudes … that Jesus preached are the path to holiness" (Pope Francis, Angelus Message, November 1, 2020).

Catholics of the Diocese of Trenton will be called to Catholics of the Diocese of Trenton will be called join their brothers and sisters across the globe in praying for and supporting the missionary work of the Church as part of the annual observance of World Mission Sunday Oct. 24. 

There is a saying often attributed to the early 20th century Irish writer and poet James Joyce (1882-1936) that explains “Catholic means ‘here comes everybody’.”  I find that quote very insightful, beautiful really.  The word “Catholic,” drawn from its Greek roots, is translated “universal.”  We Catholics are a universal Church: universal in extent and scope; universal in faith; universal in embrace. 

I rarely enjoy traveling alone, whether for business or pleasure. When going somewhere, especially on a longer trip, I prefer the company of others for conversation, for the exchange of ideas, for sharing different experiences, and, quite simply, just for companionship. In many ways, I think that preference explains why I began my journey to the priesthood in a religious community where the emphasis is on life and ministry with a “band of brothers” joined together by the charism of a common founder, spirit and purpose. That is the point, really, of religious life and, perhaps a unique contribution I make to diocesan priests as their diocesan bishop. I enjoy “journeying together!”

During a recent hospital stay, I had an interesting experience.  The night nurse was taking my “vitals” before bedtime when she noticed my Rosary on the nightstand.  She told me she was a Hindu and never heard of the Rosary before.  

'I have come that you may have life and have it to the full’ (John 10:10) I am convinced, after 66 plus years on this earth, that all of the problems impacting us in this world of ours derive from a single root cause: the failure to “respect life in all its stages, from conception to natural death.” 

Darlene Hanley, President and CEO of Morris Hall/St. Lawrence, Inc., an­nounced on Sept. 30 that due to changes and challenges that have impacted all skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities and hospitals, the leadership of Morris Hall/St. Lawrence Inc. will be seeking a buyer for the healthcare campus, which consists of Morris Hall Senior Care Communities and St. Law­rence Rehabilitation Center.