VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In a visit of under 30 hours to Marseille, France, Pope Francis highlighted his key appeals and positions concerning migration and the mandate for people of faith to care for the “stranger” in one’s land.

With just four main events and accompanying speeches, “I hope I have the courage to say everything I have to say,” he told the journalists flying with him from Rome for the Sept. 22-23 trip.

Pope Francis presides over Mass at the Vélodrome Stadium for Mass in Marseille, France, Sept. 23, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

What he said, in essence, has been the main thrust of his whole pontificate: The world must choose either the path of human fraternity and cooperation to have any kind of peaceful future or choose the downward spiral of indifference, division and confrontation. And, most importantly, the faithful must be exemplary models of the right path of sharing and caring for the outcast with joy and compassion.

The trip to the port city of Marseille was less about the city or nation and more about the Mediterranean Sea it touches.

The Mediterranean has been a constant concern of this pope. It is the most dangerous migration route in the world, according to the International Organization for Migration. The minimum estimated number of recorded deaths between 2014 and 2022 is more than 24,000 people.

No other place comes close: minimum estimates for the same period for the Sahara Desert are 5,323 fatalities, and the estimate for the U.S.-Mexico border crossing stands at 3,761 people dead.

“We need deeds, not words,” Pope Francis said during a powerful moment when he led a minute of silence with bishops from around the Mediterranean, local religious leaders and groups assisting migrants.

All migrants are people who have names, faces, hopes and dreams, he said at a memorial overlooking the sea, and those “who are at risk of drowning when abandoned on the waves must be rescued. It is a duty of humanity; it is a duty of civilization!”

The pope praised humanitarian groups that carry out rescue missions and condemned those who block them; opponents claim the groups encourage people to attempt illegal crossings. The pope said impeding these rescue efforts are “gestures of hatred against one’s brother” and he appealed for “balance.”

The cultural and religious diversity on display at the memorial ceremony and in Marseille underlined another important message of the pope: diversity can be an opportunity, not a threat. He praised the city’s long-standing active dedication to interreligious dialogue and mutual cooperation on concrete issues promoting fraternity and peaceful coexistence.

Like a handful of other trips, the prime purpose of the pope’s visit was to encourage a major event being held there; in this case, it was part of a church-led series of meetings that brings bishops from around the Mediterranean region together with a variety of other leaders and young people.

The meetings, which began in Bari, Italy, in 2020, recognize that the complex problems of migration, human trafficking, environmental degradation, conflict and economic disparities between North and South require strategies and solutions that involve multiple nations and sectors of society.

In a lengthy speech at the final session of the “Mediterranean Meetings” at the Pharo Palace Sept. 23, the pope covered all of that as well as some hot-button political issues.

The duty to protect the dignity and foster the well-being of every migrant is no different from the duty to protect the unborn, the elderly, young people who lack guidance, exploited workers, families and those who are escaping violence and persecution, he said, effectively condemning moves or current measures to support abortion, “assisted dying,” cutbacks to social or economic opportunities and to not recognize the rights of refugees or deny them full citizenship.

“Indeed, the real social evil is not so much the increase of problems, but the decrease of care,” especially for the most vulnerable, he said.

When it comes to migration, people have the right to not have to flee their homes, he said in that speech, and this calls for greater global justice.

“The Mediterranean mirrors the world,” he said, with the North exuding “affluence, consumerism and waste” while the South or developing countries are “plagued by instability, regimes, wars and desertification” and look to who are well-off.

The change needed for “peace to take root,” he said, is for communities to treat newcomers as brothers and sisters, “not as troublesome problems,” to integrate them and give them dignity through coordinated, equitable, legal and regular channels of entry.

His other message in Marseille was for the faithful. He asked bishops to be joyful and merciful helpers, eager to lift the burdens of “a weary and wounded humanity.”

He asked priests at the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde to be like Jesus, looking at people, not to judge, but to lift them up, and to help “free people from those obstacles, regrets, grudges and fears against which they cannot prevail alone.”

The pope’s final event, a huge joyful Mass in the city’s Vélodrome Stadium Sept. 23, gave him the chance to renew people’s hope and trust in God, who “makes possible even what seems impossible.”

Given so many challenges and needs in today’s world, Christians, more than ever, need to trust in the Lord, see his work in the world and be moved by his Spirit to help others.

With so much indifference, insensitivity “to everything and everyone,” selfishness, cynicism and sadness in the world, he said, “our life and the life of the church, France and Europe need this: the grace of a leap forward, a new leap in faith, charity and hope.”

The trip was a prelude to the Sept. 24 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which was celebrated in Marseille by Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

Echoing the pope’s words, he said in his homily that the world must commit to ensuring migration pathways that are “orderly and safe, guaranteeing that everyone’s rights and dignity are respected. This requires knocking on doors, expanding regular migration channels and the chance to become ‘full citizens.'”

“Because all have in common the same hope: to be able to guarantee a dignified life for themselves and their families,” he said.

(OSV News) – A U.S. Ukrainian Catholic archbishop was honored by Ukraine’s president for his decades-long efforts to foster that nation’s development.

Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia received the Cross of Ivan Mazepa from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Sept. 21 in Washington. Zelenskyy visited the U.S. capital for meetings after addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York Sept. 19.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia with Ukraine’s Cross of Ivan Mazepa award during a Sept. 21, 2023, ceremony at the U.S. National Archives in Washington. (OSV News photo/Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church)

Established in 2009, the award honors individuals who have made “significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and popularization of the Ukrainian state in the world,” according to a press release from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

The Cross of Ivan Mazepa is named for a 17th-century “hetman” — a military commander and statesman — who sought to unite Ukrainian territories of the time as a European-facing state that retained its traditional heritage. During his career, Mazepa promoted Ukrainian economic development, scholarship, literature, arts and architecture, and funded the construction of numerous churches. His rule is often called the “Mazepa Renaissance.”

Also receiving the award, announced in a Sept. 4 presidential decree by Zelenskyy, were Ukrainian Orthodox Father Volodymyr Steliac, rector of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called in Silver Spring, Maryland; Alla Lopatkina, president of the Chicago-based Ua-Resistance Foundation; and Hakan Kirimli, associate professor of international relations at Bilkent University in Turkey.

During the award ceremony, which took place at the U.S. National Archives, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska noted she had “the honor of knowing Archbishop Borys Gudziak personally.”

Earlier this year, Zelenska and Archbishop Gudziak jointly participated in a Jan. 17 panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, discussing the physical, psychological and emotional trauma of war, forgiveness and their dreams for Ukraine’s future.

Zelenska noted at the award ceremony that Archbishop Gudziak “is known to thousands of Ukrainians — soldiers, displaced persons, and many others whom he helps, and young people who, thanks to him, get a great education.”

The archbishop — a native of Syracuse, New York, born to Ukrainian immigrants — has long championed Ukrainian educational initiatives.

A trained historian who holds a doctorate in Slavic and Byzantine cultural history from Harvard University, the archbishop moved to Lviv in western Ukraine in 1992, founding and directing the Institute of Church History.

The following year, he chaired a commission to renew the Lviv Theological Academy, of which he served as vice rector and then rector from 1995 to 2002. He then became rector of Ukrainian Catholic University, established on the basis of the academy, and became its president in 2013. The university has become a model for Ukrainian higher education, scholarship, disability awareness, human rights advocacy and social innovation.

During Ukraine’s 2013-2014 Maidan movement — which saw the populace reject a pro-Kremlin government at the time and decisively reorient the nation towards the European Union — Archbishop Gudziak regularly appeared on international television, providing expert commentary and active support.

As Ukraine battles a full-scale invasion by Russia that continues attacks launched in 2014, that struggle continues, said Zelenska.

“Ukraine is defending values — such as a right to life and personality,” she said. “These are not only physical things but also intangible values. The defenders of Ukraine are very different people — of different views, beliefs, or not religious at all.

“But they all clearly feel they are fighting against evil, against the worst that might be born within a human — a conscious effort to kill, destroy, grab, and enslave,” said Zelenska. “Therefore, it is also a spiritual battle. Sincere gratitude to everyone who fights together with us in the spiritual dimension and dimension of values.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – U.S. pro-life efforts “must remain strong to end legalized abortion” in this nation, but all Catholics have a personal responsibility to accompany women facing difficult or challenging pregnancies, said the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, invited Catholics into “radical solidarity” with pregnant women in a Sept. 18 statement commemorating the 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month in October. The U.S. bishops set aside the month “as a time to focus on protecting God’s precious gift of human life,” he said.

“While ending legalized abortion remains our preeminent priority, the most immediate way to save babies and mothers from abortion is to thoroughly surround mothers in need with lifegiving support and personal accompaniment. This is radical solidarity,” Bishop Burbidge said.

St. John Paul II first defined “radical solidarity” in this way, the bishop said, quoting from the pope’s book “Crossing the Threshold of Hope” (1994): “In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. … The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman. It is not right to leave her alone.”

“Being in radical solidarity with women who are pregnant or raising children in difficult circumstances means putting our love for them into action and putting their needs before our own,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Pope Francis reminds us that solidarity ‘refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset,’ a transformation within our own hearts.”

Bishop Burbidge said there is much to celebrate about the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. In June 2022, the high court overturned its prior rulings that made abortion access a constitutional right — its 1973 Roe decision and its 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which affirmed Roe. The court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision returned the issue of abortion regulation to the states.

Twenty-two states have moved to ban or restrict abortion, although not all of those efforts are currently in effect amid court challenges.

“While we thank God that the terrible reign of Roe has ended, we also recognize that abortion still continues in most states and is aggressively promoted at the federal level,” Bishop Burbidge said. “A great many prayers, sacrifices, and good works are still desperately needed to transform a culture of death into a culture of life. Our public witness, our marching, and our advocacy must continue, yet laws alone will not end the tragedy of abortion.”

But “the new mindset” of which Pope Francis speaks “requires that we come alongside vulnerable mothers in profound friendship, compassion, and support for both them and their preborn children,” Bishop Burbidge said.

This also “means addressing the fundamental challenges that lead an expectant mother to believe she is unable to welcome the child God has entrusted to her,” he continued. “This includes collective efforts within our dioceses, parishes, schools and local communities, engagement in the public square, and pursuit of policies that help support both women and their preborn babies.

“It all the more so requires our individual, personal commitment to helping mothers in our own communities secure material, emotional, and spiritual support for embracing the gift of life,” he said. “Radical solidarity means moving beyond the status quo and out of our comfort zones.”

An example of the church’s outreach to pregnant and parenting mothers is the U.S. bishops’ parish-based and nationwide initiative Walking with Moms in Need. “(It) provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to help transform our parishes into places of welcome, support, and assistance for pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties,” he explained, urging Catholics to get involved in the initiative.

In his statement, Bishop Burbidge included a number of questions he said Catholics must ask themselves: “Do I know what efforts are happening in my area to help women who are pregnant or parenting in difficult circumstances? What are the needs? What are my gifts and talents? How can I adjust my schedule or budget to assist efforts to help moms in need and their children?”

“Radical solidarity can be lived out in countless ways,” he said, “including volunteering at your local pregnancy center; helping an expectant mother find stable housing; babysitting so a mom can work or take classes; providing encouragement and a listening ear to a mom without a support system; or speaking to your pastor about beginning Walking with Moms in Need at your parish.”

Along with “enshrining pro-life laws and policies” is the need to transform the culture, which “requires continual conversion of our own hearts, so that we can recognize in every person the face of Christ and place their needs before our own,” Bishop Burbidge said.

He concluded his statement by reiterating his invitation to all Catholics “to think about building a culture of life in terms of radical solidarity” during Respect Life Month this October.

“We are the Church. Our prayers, witness, sacrifices, advocacy, and good works are needed now, more than ever,” he said. “We are the hands and feet of Christ in the world today and we each have a personal responsibility to care for one another.”

EAST STROUDSBURG – April 8, 2023, is a day that Ellen Gomez of Bushkill will never forget.

With her family and friends looking on, the 57-year-old was baptized at the Church of Saint John in East Stroudsburg during the Easter Vigil Mass.

“I just feel good. I just feel like a new person,” Gomez told The Catholic Light.

Gomez grew up in the Bronx with her parents and five siblings before moving to the Poconos in 1995. While she attended church at a young age, Gomez said she never received the Sacrament of Baptism and always felt like something was missing in her life.

“I felt like I needed that blessing. I needed something. I never felt fully included,” she said.

After calling the Church of Saint John last year, staff members, including the parish deacon, made special accommodations to make sure Gomez could successfully complete RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes.

Because of generous gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal each year, the Diocesan Office for Parish Life is able to provide support and resources for parishes that have people participating in the RCIA Program.

As the 2023 Diocesan Annual Appeal launches in parishes this month, Ellen Gomez is just one of thousands of people who have benefitted from the generosity of parishioners in the past.

The Diocesan Annual Appeal funds the good works and ministries of our local Church that are outside the scope of any one individual parish.

By donating to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, you are helping to pay for the education and formation of seminarians and assisting with the living expenses of retired priests who have faithfully served the Diocese for decades. Your gifts also support the life-changing spiritual encounters organized by the Office for Parish Life.

When you give generously to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, you enable the Church to strengthen the bonds of unity between us and respond to the needs of our community not only in the Name of Jesus, but as members of His Body.

Because no one can fulfill Christ’s mission alone, together, we can form children in faith, bring the mercy of God to those who suffer the lack of basic needs through the work of Catholic Social Services and bring the presence of Jesus and the power of God’s transforming grace to all through Catholic communication efforts.

The Diocesan Annual Appeal is the Diocese of Scranton’s single most important fundraising initiative and we need the support of all parishioners to be successful. Poverty, hunger and homelessness remain serious challenges in our community. Money raised from the Appeal helps our brothers and sisters in need, in addition to funding vocation efforts, Catholic education and parish life programs.

This year, a renewed focus is being placed on the percentage of parishioners from each parish who donate to the Appeal.

Gifts of any amount are welcome and will help us collectively reach our goal of $4.5 million.

The Appeal’s theme, “Our Call to Serve” aligns with the spirit of creating communities rooted in the life of Jesus Christ. Each of us is called to become the loving, compassionate Christ that fed the hungry.

Diocesan ministries supported by gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal include Catholic Social Services; parish social justice and faith formation programs; Catholic education in our 19 Catholic schools; care for our current and retired priests and support for seminarians preparing for the priesthood, parish life and pastoral planning efforts; and communication programs such as The Catholic Light and Catholic Television.

We invite all parishioners to visit our new website for Appeal at annualappeal.org. The new website helps to highlight the number of individuals and families served in a new way. You can watch several videos of what your gifts help support and you can make a secure donation online.

This year, parishes around the Diocese will launch the Diocesan Annual Appeal on the weekend of Sept. 23-24 by asking parishioners to commit to a pledge to this year’s campaign. Every dollar donated to the Appeal will support the intended ministries and cannot be used for any other purpose.

In advance of celebration weekend for the Diocesan Annual Appeal, we are asking all people to pray and discern how they can best support this year’s effort and to become familiar with the impact it has in all of the parishes across our diocese.

Anyone interested in making a gift to the Diocesan Annual Appeal can visit annualappeal.org to give online or call the Diocesan Development Office at (570) 207-2250.

SCRANTON — Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was recently informed that His Holiness Pope Francis has named Reverend Shane L. Kirby, a priest of the Diocese of Scranton, a Chaplain to His Holiness, which bestows upon the priest the title of Monsignor and the privilege of being an honorary member of the Papal Household.

Monsignor Shane L. Kirby

A native of Waynesburg in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Monsignor Kirby was ordained for the Scranton Diocese in 2004 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Since November 2017, he has served in the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

Originally appointed as an official of the Congregation of the Clergy, Monsignor Kirby currently serves as coordinator for the Clergy and Administration Offices within the Dicastery. Additionally, the newly elevated Monsignor is the coordinator of the Program for the Newly Ordained at Casa Santa Maria, a graduate house for student priests at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

At the time of his appointment for Vatican service, Monsignor Kirby was serving as Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Scranton, as well as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Jermyn.

HARRISBURG – The third annual PA March for Life will take place on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, outside the Capitol building in Harrisburg. Both the House and Senate will be in session that day, which will allow the pro-life community to come from every corner of the Commonwealth to have their voices heard.

The PA March for Life is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of life, advocate for a Commonwealth where every single life is cherished from the moment of conception to natural death and mourn the tragedy of abortion.

After a wave of pro-life legislation across other states, now is a great time to continue the momentum and show our state lawmakers support for protecting the sanctity of life in Pennsylvania.

The schedule of events for Oct. 16 include a Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., a Prayer and Praise Pre-Rally will take place on the main stage at the front steps of the Capitol. At 11 a.m., the main rally will take place followed by the noon March around the Capitol. At 1:30 p.m., another Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.

The speakers announced for the PA March for Life Rally include:

• Dawn Fitzpatrick, who is the Executive Director of the March for Life organization and a former Respect Life Director at the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.

• David Bereit, founder of 40 Days for Life. 40 Days for Life helps communities lead prayer vigils outside of abortion facilities as a witness to the tragedy of abortion. David’s work has mobilized 750,000 volunteers in over 700 cities around the world.

• Dr. Kendra Kolb, a Pennsylvania neonatologist and pro-life advocate. She works with newborn and prematurely-born babies, and is a member of the Perinatal Palliative Care Committee, which provides compassionate medical care for babies with life-limiting diagnoses.

• Bishop Timothy Senior, Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Bishop Senior is a classically-trained pianist and he holds a Master’s in social work and a Master’s in business administration.

• Dr. Don Immel, superintendent of the PennDel Ministry Network with the Assemblies of God. Dr. Immel has been working in ministry as a youth pastor, a pastoral counselor, and a lead pastor since 1982.

• Pastors Jay and Tiffany Gilbert, founders of Voices for the Unborn pregnancy center in the City of Pittsburgh. Jay is senior pastor at Another Level Ministries, where Tiffany works alongside him, and leaders at Another Level Bible Institute.

All are welcome to attend the PA March for Life and no advanced registration is required. For more information on marchforlife.org/Pennsylvania-march-for-life.

The Diocese of Scranton is sponsoring a bus to the PA March for Life in Harrisburg. High school students, college students and families are welcome to join us. The cost of the trip is $30 per adult/$25 per student and includes charter bus and driver gratuity. Passenger pick-up in Scranton is at 7:45 a.m. The bus will depart Harrisburg at 2:45 p.m. following the conclusion of the 1:30 p.m. Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral. For more information or to register, contact Shannon Kowalski at SKowalski@dioceseofscranton.org or call (570) 207-2213, x1155.

Another bus trip to the PA March for Life will originate from the Wilkes-Barre area. For more information, contact Chris Calore at (570) 824-5621.

The VOICE of JOHN, in conjunction with Pennsylvanians for Human Life in Hazleton, will host a bus trip that leaves from Saint John Bosco Church in Conyngham after the 8 a.m. Mass. It will return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per adult/$25 per student. To reserve a seat, contact Carol Matz at (570) 956-0817 or Maryann Lawhon at (570) 788-5646.

 

OLD FORGE – Just one week after La Festa Italiana brought thousands of people to downtown Scranton to celebrate their Italian heritage, the Felittese Festival did the same thing for Old Forge.

Despite rainy weather on Saturday night, many people still attended the annual three-day celebration in honor of Our Lady of Constantinople.

Rev. Samuel Ferretti, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera and Rev. Gus Ricciardi participate in a procession in Old Forge in honor of Our Lady of Constantinople on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.

“It has been a tradition in Old Forge for years. It is a way for families, the parish and the community to come together to express their faith,” Father Gus Riccardi, pastor, Prince of Peace Parish, said.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrated the 10 a.m. Feast Day Mass at Saint Mary’s Church, on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.

During his homily, he touched on the importance of relationships as a way to experience God and live out our faith.

“If you want to encounter God, look at the lives that God has placed in your own,” Bishop Bambera said. “In your relationships and in your ability to live in peace with one another and to serve one another, you will encounter God.”

Following Mass, the bishop participated in a procession of the statute of Our Lady of Constantinople that began at Saint Mary’s Church and ended at the Felittese chapel grounds on Third Street.

“The history of this Italian festival started when our ancestors came over from Filetto, Italy, in the early 1900s/late 1800s, and they formed a community here in Old Forge,” Jeff Casella, Felittese Association Chairman, explained. “They brought their faith and traditions with them.”

Joanna Reviello has been participating in the Felittese Festival for decades and has worked to ensure that children participate in the Mass and procession.

“Twenty-five years ago, I began having our children lay the flower before the Blessed Mother and ask for continued family blessings. I wanted to teach them that tradition,” she explained. “When our ancestors left Filetto and came across the ocean and settled here in Old Forge, they wanted to bring their tradition and their faith with them. They attributed all of their family blessings to Our Blessed Mother!”

AVOCA – Faithful from parishes around the Diocese of Scranton came together Sept. 7 to share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and pray in an intentional way for the unborn.

Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca hosted a Silver Rose program put together by the Knights of Columbus to promote a greater understanding for the dignity of all human life.

A single, silver rose sits next to the altar at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca on Sept. 7, 2023. The parish hosted a Silver Rose program put together by the Knights of Columbus to share the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and promote a greater understanding for the dignity of all human life. (Courtesy: CTV)

The daylong celebration began with the celebration of Mass at 8 a.m., followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all afternoon. The day concluded with a special Holy Hour at 7 p.m.

“The Knights of Columbus, who are very dedicated to life, are united around this and continue to find their unity as they honor the Mother of God,” Rev. Phil Sladicka, pastor, Queen of the Apostles Parish, said. “We want to defend the child in the womb. We want to respect that life.”

The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Each year, from early March through mid-December, six silver roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop that each silver rose makes is an opportunity for a rosary-centered occasion for people to pray for respecting life.

“I believe in the power of prayer,” Arthur Philipp, Jr., of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Throop, said. “The world is attacking life right now from all over and I believe a lot of people forget about the spiritual aspects of the world around us. I think it’s important that we gather together and pray for Our Blessed Mother and for all those who are suffering and those who have gone through and had abortions.”

Phil Rodney, a member of Knights of Columbus Cardinal John J. O’Connor Council 12967, said every Knights Council meeting opens with the Rosary in defense against abortion.

“It is a true honor to have the Silver Rose here today,” Rodney said. “Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint for life. Life is sacred no matter whether it’s in the womb or on someone’s deathbed.”

Many who attended the Holy Hour called the experience “moving.”

“I truly believe, with the Grace of God, that events like this are held to evangelize to the world the sanctity of life through Our Lady, through Our Lord and Saint Joseph,” Thomas Gilchrist of Avoca said.

“The sanctity of life is very precious and by the Grace of God, and by the Grace of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Blessed Mother, maybe people will understand that,” Barb Gregorio of Scranton added. “It was a beautiful service.”

“Coming together with other people really strengthens me,” Chris Shuleski of Duryea said. “It gives me a lot of joy to be with my brothers and sisters and the Lord.”

Even though the Silver Rose was only in Avoca for one day, it helped many vocalize their respect for life for the unborn.

“It’s not enough to keep our beliefs to ourselves. We have to show and tell other people what they are and in so doing, we become strengthened in our faith and our beliefs,” Nancy Adomiak of Avoca said.

SCRANTON – Calling all teenagers! Are you looking for a highly energetic and engaging opportunity to celebrate the richness of our Catholic faith?

If so, the 2023 Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally is for you!

Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join together on Saturday, Oct. 7 for the Youth Rally which will revolve around the theme, “Be an Original.”

Inspired by our first Millennial Saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, students will have the opportunity to deepen their faith, make new friends and experience a day of fellowship and fun.

“The goal of the Diocesan Youth Rally is to provide an experience of the Universal Church for the young church of the Diocese of Scranton,” Shannon Kowalski, Diocesan Director of Service and Mission, said. “Many parishes and programs are looking for a way to jump start youth ministry or create excitement in their young people and that is what we are aiming to do.”

The Youth Rally will begin at 10 a.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, and end at approximately 6:30 p.m. following the celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging workshops, experience Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as enjoy praise and worship opportunities with Steve Angrisano, a nationally known Catholic musician and speaker.

“Many of our students and adults know Steve from events such as Steubenville conferences, the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis and parish missions. Steve has come to our diocese for others events and has always left us with a great experience so we are happy to have him back!” Kowalski explained.
Singer/songwriter Thomas Muglia is also expected to participate in the Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally.

“We are very excited to have Thomas as our house musician. Thomas is a young singer/songwriter from Arizona. His passion for worship and community makes him an excellent addition to our event. He is also a part of the house band for this year’s NCYC,” Kowalski added.

The cost of the full day of events is $20 per student/$25 per adult.

Events like the Diocesan Youth Rally are supported by gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, which fund the work of the Diocesan Office for Parish Life.

“Between the workshops, the live music and the general excitement of gathering together as a community, our intent is to show our young people that the church is grateful for them and welcomes their involvement,” Kowalski said.

For more information or to register for the Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally on Oct. 7, visit dioceseofscranton.org or contact Shannon Kowalski at SKowalski@dioceseofscranton.org.

GREAT BEND – Hundreds of people took to the streets of Susquehanna County this month to celebrate their faith and heritage.

Members of the local Ecuadorian community held a procession throughout Great Bend Sept. 2 with an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, ending with the celebration of Mass at Saint Lawrence Church.

Faithful of the Ecuadorian community hold a procession throughout the streets of Great Bend Sept. 2 with an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, which was later dedicated at Saint Lawrence Church.

“Latin Americans are very devoted to Our Lady. She has been such a role model for our faith,” Jose Flores, Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, explained. “They have a really strong love of God, our faith and to Our Lady of El Cisne.”

During the Mass, an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, which was brought from Ecuador to be permanently placed in the church, was formally dedicated.

Throughout Ecuador, the faithful have figurines, shrines, pendants and other trinkets dedicated to Our Lady of El Cisne.

“Today’s liturgy was very special. It was a long process of more than a year to get the image here and to see it happening is very, very special,” Flores added. “The main purpose was, for the Ecuadorian community, to find a space in the church and this church is welcoming them.”

In addition to the procession and Mass, the Ecuadorian community also celebrated with music, dancing and food outside of the church.

“It is a way for everyone to get together in the community. It’s just exciting for everyone to celebrate,” Ashlee Sanchez, a parishioner of Saint Lawrence Church said. “Our Lady of El Cisne is very special to us. She brings us hope when we need it.”

Rosa Mishell Loja’s father and uncles worked for months to make the celebration a success.

“I’m so excited because while I was here in America, I have never seen anyone doing this for Our Lady of El Cisne. It is our first time and it’s going good so far,” she said.

Melisa Loja Pulla agrees. She reiterated how important it is to honor Our Blessed Mother in this way.

“She is magic for us. She is always there for us. She takes care of us,” Pulla said.

In his role as Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, Flores has helped to grow the Spanish-speaking faith community in Susquehanna County over the last two years. Your gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal help the Diocesan Office for Parish Life fund its Hispanic ministry efforts in several different communities.