Category: 2025 News

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “It is urgent that there take root throughout the church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse: of power or authority, of conscience or spiritual or sexual,” Pope Leo XIV wrote to a Peruvian journalist.

“This culture will only be authentic if it is born of active vigilance, of transparent processes and sincere listening to those who have been wounded,” the pope wrote to Paola Ugaz, who has been sued and repeatedly taken to court for her attempts to expose the various forms of abuse that took place within the Peru-based lay movement, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae.

Pope Francis suppressed the movement at the end of January.

A Vatican official read Pope Leo’s message to Ugaz June 20 at a performance in Lima, Peru, of Proyecto Ugaz, a theatrical performance honoring the journalist for her reporting. The pope’s letter was not published on the Vatican website but was covered by Vatican News and released by Ugaz herself.

Pope Leo wrote that the play “gives voice and face to a pain silenced for too long.”

“This play is not only theater: it is memory, denunciation and, above all, an act of justice,” the pope wrote.

The production helps “the victims of the defunct spiritual family of Sodalitium and the journalists who have accompanied them — with courage, patience and fidelity to the truth — illuminate the wounded but hopeful face of the church,” Pope Leo wrote.

“Your struggle for justice is also the struggle of the church,” he said. “For as I wrote years ago, ‘a faith that does not touch the wounds of the human body and soul is a faith that has not yet known the Gospel.”

Many of those wounds, he said, were inflicted by members of the church on “so many children, young people and adults who were betrayed where they sought comfort; and also on those who risked their freedom and their name so that the truth would not be buried.”

Pope Leo thanked Ugaz and others “who have persevered in this cause, even when they were ignored, discredited or even persecuted judicially.”

“Prevention and care are not a pastoral strategy,” the pope insisted. “They are the heart of the Gospel.”

Pope Leo said he prayed the play would be “an act of remembrance, but also a prophetic sign. May it awaken hearts, stir consciences and help us to build a church where no one else must suffer in silence, and where the truth is not seen as a threat, but as a path to liberation.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Three years after a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its prior abortion precedent, states have enacted or considered differing legislation surrounding the issue of abortion.

Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision was issued June 24, 2022, 12 states have banned abortion, while another six limit it at some point between six to 12 weeks gestation.

“As we are celebrating, we are also getting ready for the work that we have left to do,” said Kelsey Pritchard, state public affairs director for SBA Pro-Life America, a pro-life advocacy organization.

“We recognize how much work is ahead, with the number of abortions increasing since the Dobbs decision, because we’re now at 1.1 million abortions annually,” she said.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2024 there were 1,038,100 clinician-provided abortions in the United States, an increase of less than 1% from 2023.

The Dobbs case involved a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, in which the state directly challenged the high court’s previous abortion-related precedents in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). The Supreme Court ultimately overturned its own prior rulings, undoing nearly a half-century of its own precedent on the issue and returning it to state legislatures.

“There is a federal role broadly on the issue of abortion,” Pritchard said, pointing to ongoing federal funding for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, and that “those in Washington should be emboldened by the pro-life progress made by their legislators in their states, and be equally committed to act boldly.”

While many states have wrapped their regular legislative sessions for the year, Pritchard pointed to some that have enacted laws her organization supports, including what advocates call a medical education or “med ed” bill that directs the state to clarify the state’s abortion regulations for health care professionals and the general public.

“Those are bills that essentially make it clear that if you are in a pro-life state under your pro-life law and you are pregnant, you can continue to receive emergency care for ectopic pregnancy, for miscarriage, for any other medical emergency, as you did prior to the Dobbs decision,” Pritchard said, noting one such bill in Texas was approved by the Legislature but has yet to be signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

In April, Tennessee’s Republican Gov. Bill Lee approved legislation supporters said would clarify medical exceptions to the state’s ban, but opponents said would further restrict abortion. In March, Kentucky lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of House Bill 90, similar legislation.

Arkansas, which has an abortion ban in place, also approved legislation in April to prohibit abortion based on the race of the unborn child. That bill was designed to be in place in the event the overall abortion ban was blocked or overturned.

Conversely, other states have moved to reduce barriers to abortion. Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., signed legislation in April that enshrined access to abortion in the state constitution and permitted the use of public funds for abortions.

Asked about her concerns about efforts concerning the issue of abortion at the state level, Pritchard said, “We can expect some more bad abortion ballot measures in 2026.”

In 2024, voters approved most of the referendums to expand legal protections for abortion in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Missouri, and related measures in Maryland and New York. But Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota rejected such measures, defying a trend from elections in 2022 and 2023.

A potential 2026 ballot measure in Virginia would amend the Virginia Constitution to establish a right to reproductive freedom, which it would define as “the right to make and effectuate one’s own decisions about all matters related to one’s pregnancy.” In Virginia, amendments to the commonwealth’s constitution must be approved by the General Assembly twice in at least two years, after which the public can vote by referendum.

Pritchard said SBA plans to work against the ballot measure’s passage in Virginia.

“There’s potential, really, for any abortion ballot measure in any state that has a process that allows citizens to pass amendments or laws that way,” she said.

The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and as such, opposes direct abortion. After the Dobbs decision, church officials in the U.S. have reiterated the church’s concern for both mother, and child and called to strengthen available support for those living in poverty or other causes that can push women toward having an abortion.

(OSV News) – Solidarity with refugees and migrants “is not optional,” but rather “a living testimony of the Gospel,” said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.

Bishop Seitz shared his thoughts in a statement issued on World Refugee Day, which has been globally marked on June 20 since 2001.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly, the day was initially launched to commemorate the anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

While often used interchangeably, the terms “migrant” and “refugee” are separately defined under international law, with refugees specifically protected due to perilous conditions — such war or persecution — that make returning to their country of origin impossible. In contrast, no uniform definitions of “migrant” or “forced migration” exist at the international level, according to the United Nations, although migrants are nonetheless protected as human persons under international human rights law.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, by the end of 2024 more than 123 million people — or one in every 67 persons — worldwide had been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and instability.

Of those, just under 43 million were refugees, with more than 73 million others displaced within their own countries, and another 8.4 million classified as asylum seekers. Additionally, the U.N. counts 4.4 million stateless persons, who have been denied a nationality and its attendant rights.

This year’s observance of World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity, with the U.N. stressing the need to defend refugees’ right to seek safety, as well as ending conflicts that drive them to flee their homelands while ensuring they have opportunities and resources to thrive in their host communities.

“Above all, solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our backs,” said the U.N. Refugee Agency on its website.

“In their journey, refugees embody the hope we are called to share as Christians. As we welcome them, we reflect on our own pilgrimage toward the eternal home promised to us,” said Bishop Seitz in his statement. “Their resilience and faith challenge us to serve others more deeply and to build a world where every person is treated with dignity and can live in peace and freedom.”

Bishop Seitz also commended the “profound witness” of those “who open their hearts and homes to those seeking safety — welcoming the stranger, healing wounds, and restoring hope.”

He echoed a June 16 statement released by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. military archdiocese, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who ahead of the USCCB’s weeklong retreat in California issued a reflection assuring migrants and refugees of the bishops’ support as the Trump administration makes changes to U.S. immigration policies and their enforcement.

“We bishops of the United States remain resolute in our call for the consistent protection of refugees amid their disparate treatment by our government,” said Bishop Seitz in his statement.

Following through on a campaign pledge, President Donald Trump has cracked down on immigration to the U.S. Among the administration’s efforts are terminating protected status for migrants from several conflict-wrought nations, fully or partly banning travel to the U.S. from several nations, ordering Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to meet daily arrest quotas of 3,000, halting visa interviews for foreign students, attempting to end birthright citizenship and deporting persons without permanent legal status in the U.S. to third countries in defiance of court orders.

While the administration claims to target criminal actors in its sweeps, several high-profile arrests and deportations have impacted individuals with no demonstrated criminal record. Some 44% of the more than 51,000 in ICE detention facilities as of June 1 are estimated to have no criminal record, other than entering the U.S. without permission, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

The USCCB and Catholic Charities USA are among some 200 non-governmental organizations named in a congressional probe for allegedly aiding immigrants its leaders call “inadmissible aliens” during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

In his statement, Bishop Seitz summarized Catholic teaching on immigration, saying, “The Church recognizes the right of each country to control its borders, while also affirming the right to seek refuge when life-threatening circumstances deny people the foremost right to remain in their homeland.”

Pointing to recent insights from Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Seitz said, “the temptation to turn inward, to isolate ourselves from the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world, is incompatible with a Christian vision for the common good.”

Bishop Seitz paraphrased Christ’s exhortation as recorded in Luke 12:48, saying, “We must remember Christ’s exhortation in Luke’s Gospel: to whom much is given, much is required.”

SCRANTON – After years of prayer, discernment, and formation, two transitional deacons who have already devoted their lives to service in the Church are preparing to take their final step toward the priesthood.

Rev. Mr. Thomas J. Dzwonczyk and Rev. Mr. Andrew T. McCarroll will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Diocese of Scranton on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as principal celebrant, homilist, and ordaining prelate.

The Ordination Mass, one of the most joyful celebrations in the life of the local Church, will mark the culmination of each man’s seminary journey and the beginning of a lifetime of priestly ministry.

“I’m looking forward to taking those gifts and talents that I’ve nourished in my time in formation in seminary and being able to share them with the people of God,” Rev. Mr. McCarroll said.

Rev. Mr. Dzwonczyk echoed those sentiments, saying he is most looking forward to sharing the Holy Eucharist with the faithful that have supported him along his journey.

“It’s the Eucharist, the celebration of the Mass, that drew me most forcefully into the attraction of the priesthood and now to be that humble, yet unworthy minister of Jesus Christ … I honestly tremble just thinking about it,” he said. “I pray that God may make me a worthy minister of his mysteries at the altar.”

Both men were ordained as transitional deacons by Bishop Bambera on May 25, 2024. At that time, the Bishop reminded them that love, rooted in Christ’s self-giving on the cross, is the essential call of ordained ministry.

“In short, God’s people will look to you to see Jesus,” Bishop Bambera said in his homily that day. “They will look to see Jesus in your prayerfulness, in your words, in your hard work, in the simplicity of your life, and in your love.”

Over the past year, Rev. Mr. Dzwonczyk and Rev. Mr. McCarroll have tried their best to live those words.

Both men have been serving faithfully in their diaconal roles while completing their theological studies. They have preached the Gospel, celebrated the Sacraments, and walked with parishioners in moments both joyful and challenging.

As they prepare for their ordination to the priesthood, both men say they are especially grateful for the support they’ve received from their families, friends, and the parish communities they have served.

“If I can express my gratitude in one-tenth of what they’ve shown to me, it will be a worthwhile ministry,” Rev. Mr. Dzwonczyk said.

Both Dzwonczyk and McCarroll have similar vocation stories. Both men were approached about pursuing a path to the priesthood by former Diocesan Vocations Director, Father Don Williams, while attending a local Catholic high school.

“I vividly remember in high school being called out of second period to meet with a priest because I was told that some of the faculty members at Holy Cross High School thought I might have a vocation. I didn’t really know what to expect,” Rev. Mr. Dzwonczyk said. “I would meet with Father Don regularly. We had a group of young men who were asking the same questions. We called it the ‘God Squad.’ We would meet once every two weeks just to discuss it, to pray, to read about vocations, and it really blossomed from there. I started to get more interested, and I stayed connected with Father Don throughout my time in college.”

After being heavily involved in his home parish since a young age, Rev. Mr. McCarroll had already thought about becoming a priest when Father Don approached him while attending Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre.

“The conversation naturally rolled from there and it was through talking and meeting with Father Don that I realized, maybe the next step was to go into a formation program right out of high school to college seminary,” Rev. Mr. McCarroll stated. “One year became two years and two years became nine years and here I sit before you.”

The Ordination Mass on June 28 will include the Laying on of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination by Bishop Bambera – the essential rite through which the men will be consecrated priests. Each will then be vested in priestly garments – a stole and chasuble – and have their hands anointed with sacred chrism oil as a sign of their priestly identity.

In the days following the ordination, the newly ordained priests will celebrate their First Mass of Thanksgiving at their respective home parishes – Saint John Vianney Parish in Montdale for Dzwonczyk and Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish for McCarroll.

Everyone is invited to attend the Ordination Mass on June 28. For those unable to attend in person, CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will broadcast the Mass live and livestream the liturgy on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and across all Diocesan social media channels.

 

SCRANTON – Thirteen devoted priests were honored for their collective 625 years of service to the Church during the 2025 Mass for Priest Jubilarians, held at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist for the joyful liturgy, which was attended by fellow clergy, family members and parishioners from across the Diocese. The Mass was also broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and streamed on the Diocese’s website and social media platforms, allowing the wider community to participate in honoring the faithful service of these priests.

“Today the Church of Scranton has the unique and blessed privilege of honoring a group of men who have sought to live their lives and their love for Jesus Christ as faithful witnesses,” Bishop Bambera said during his homily.

The longest-serving honoree, Reverend John J. Turi, was recognized for an extraordinary 70 years of priestly ministry. Ordained on June 4, 1955, Father Turi’s dedication has touched countless lives over the decades.

During the Mass, Father Turi received a special round of applause and afterward many of his former parishioners crowded around him to take photos and congratulate him.

Father Turi, along with jubilarians celebrating 65, 60, 50, and 25 years since their ordinations, received the heartfelt gratitude and admiration of many.

Among those honored was Monsignor John A. Bergamo, who reflected on his decision to enter the priesthood with characteristic humility and grace.

“All my life, even when I was very young, I thought, ‘I want to be a priest,’” Monsignor said. “I think a lot of it was my own family, the influence of my family but also the pastor of our parish, Father Michael Vetter. He was just a wonderful man, and he was such an example of what a priest was all about.”

As he reflected on 60 years of service, Msgr. Bergamo said being with parishioners has been his greatest joy.

“Being able to celebrate the liturgy of the Mass, to celebrate the Sacraments with them. The priest gives the blessing to the people, but it works the other way too. The priest is blessed by the people that he serves. That is one of the wonderful things of 60 years, for me to actually receive blessings from the people just because of the relationships and the interaction.”

For Father John A. Doris, one of the 50-year jubilarians, the greatest joys of his priesthood have also come from walking with the people in every season of life.

“The priesthood is a real gift, but it comes from the people,” Father Doris stated. “I have had so many joys with it.”

As he looked out into the crowd at Mass to see all those gathered to wish him well, Father Doris felt grateful, and immediately through of Pope Leo XIV’s reflection on the unification of the Church.

“We don’t do this individually. It’s the sharing of all the gifts of the Spirit becoming one. The more we have those gifts, the more the shepherding and the priesthood becomes apparent in all of us,” he added.

Following the Mass, the honorees gathered for photos and personal greetings from parishioners, many of whom had driven long distances to share in the special day.

“On behalf of the people of the Diocese of Scranton, I congratulate our Jubilarians and I thank them, and all of our priests, many of whom join with them today, and all of our priests throughout our 11 counties for their service to the Church and to the Lord Jesus, who is its heart and its very life,” Bishop Bambera said.

SAYRE – Sister Kathleen Kelly, I.H.M., has never been one to seek the spotlight.

Quietly devoted, deeply faithful, and always focused on the students entrusted to her care, she has spent the past 33 years shaping the hearts, minds, and spirits of countless children at Epiphany School.

But on Monday evening, June 16, 2025, the spotlight turned toward her – and rightfully so – as the Sayre community gathered to celebrate her remarkable legacy as she retires from her position as school principal.

“I’m just grateful for the support I’ve had all these years. The parish has been tremendous. The community has been tremendous. They love their school. It is going to be 100 years old in 2029 and they have supported it with love and care all these years,” Sister Kathleen said. “I’m going to miss that support.”

Current students, alumni, faculty, families, and friends from across generations filled the pews of Epiphany Church for a special Mass of Thanksgiving to honor their principal – a woman whose presence has become synonymous with Catholic education in northern Bradford County.

Father Gerald W. Shantillo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Scranton, served as principal celebrant for the Mass representing the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who could not attend because he was out of town at a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Sister, you have taught so many people about Jesus Christ, (about) how to pray, how to serve, how to love like Him, how to forgive like Him. You’ve touched countless people in this community, and they will never forget that,” Father Shantillo said at the beginning of Mass.

Father Dan Toomey, pastor, Epiphany Parish, who has collaborated with Sister Kathleen for the last four years, delivered an emotional homily. He indicated that the long-time principal has had quite an impact, and the Mass is a special time to pray for her.

“Sister Kathleen has had an amazing presence as a principal,” Father Toomey said. “I saw her establishing standards. She didn’t have favorites and had poise and balance and was able to keep people focused.”

Throughout her career at Epiphany School, Sister Kathleen has brought with her the charism of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many of her students say her religious order affiliation has helped to bring a steady, compassionate presence to everyone who walked through the school’s doors.

“She is a great role model. She knows every student’s name,” student Evelyn Owen said. “She is always kind and generous to everyone.”

“She has very high standards, but she applies them to all students. She doesn’t pick favorites,” student Madeline Lincoln added. “I’m very grateful for having Sister Kathleen. She has always supported me.”

While many families say Sister Kathleen’s leadership style was marked by humility and grace, several students also say she was known for her sense of humor as well.

“I remember when she used to come into our classrooms. She would make funny jokes, and it always made me crack up,” student Ellen Heffron added.

As the Mass ended and reception in the church basement began, Sister Kathleen admitted the evening was “a little overwhelming.”

Though her official role as principal may be ending, her influence will continue to echo through the classrooms and hallways of Epiphany School for years to come.

“It is a real warm community and a giving community,” she reflected. “I’ll miss the people, the teachers, the students, the parents and the community.”

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has appointed Mark A. DiPippa as the new Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton.

He began serving in this new role on June 2, 2025.

DiPippa was selected for the position after an extensive interview process and brings a depth of experience in philanthropic development, strategic leadership, and mission-driven service to this role.

His career includes more than three decades of work in education, fundraising, and nonprofit management.

“Stepping into this role feels like coming home for me. I have received a warm welcome from all of the staff and leadership at the Diocese and I am looking forward to traveling to meet others in the eleven counties we serve,” DiPippa stated.

For the last decade, DiPippa has been working at Misericordia University, most recently serving as Director of Development for Individual, Corporate and Foundation Giving. During his time there, he was instrumental in securing the largest living alumni gift in the university’s history and led a revitalization of the development team that strengthened donor engagement.

A graduate of The University of Scranton with a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and Lock Haven University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, DiPippa has continually demonstrated a heart for service, has inspired trust through building partnerships, and has maintained a deep respect for Catholic values.

His leadership roles at institutions such as MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Wyoming Valley Montessori School in Kingston, and Rock Solid Academy in Shavertown, have also given him broad insight regarding cultivating alumni and donor relationships.

“My time in working with nonprofit agencies has allowed me to gain a vast knowledge of board, staff and constituent relationships, DiPippa said. “My prayer is that all of my skills and talents would be used to build upon the wonderful footing that the Foundation’s first executive director, Jim Bebla, left me. The cornerstone has been set for the Foundation, and we have already established multiple endowed funds, which will benefit the Diocese for years to come.”

In announcing the appointment, Bishop Bambera said DiPippa’s commitment to the mission of the Church, along with his proven ability to cultivate donor activity, and his passion of pastoral, educational, and service ministries, make him well-suited to guide the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton into the future.

“I am confident that under his leadership, the Foundation will continue to experience growth in its charitable efforts for the long-term sustainability for the Diocese of Scranton,” Bishop Bambera said.

“The future is bright for the Foundation. There is a great sense of momentum and my hope and prayer is that we can build something that spans far beyond my lifetime. The Foundation and the endowed funds we establish will have the potential to impact the Diocese in perpetuity,” DiPippa added.

For more information on the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, or to contact Mark DiPippa, visit catholicfoundationscranton.org.

SCRANTON – For the last five years, the Diocese of Scranton has been working proactively to address the realities of our local church while striving to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming decade. The Diocese created its Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process in order to create vibrant expressions of parish life rooted in the life of Jesus Christ.

This planning process addresses the ongoing needs of parishes through the lens of four distinct priority drivers: Vibrancy of Parish Life (Mass Attendance & Sacraments); Condition of Facilities; Financial Viability of a Parish; and Distribution and Availability of Clergy.

Over the last several months, conversation and consultation has taken place in several parish communities regarding how best to work together and grow together in faithfulness to Christ and His Church.

Beginning on July 1, 2025, three new consolidated parish communities will take shape. Each community will have a new name and the clergy assignments for the new parishes are listed below.

1.

Beginning on July 1, Blessed Sacrament Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Throop, will be consolidated with Holy Cross Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Patrick Church, Olyphant.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, pending his canonization on Sept. 7, 2025, after which time the consolidated parish will be Saint Carlo Acutis Parish.

Father Scott Sterowski, current pastor of both Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes, has been appointed pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Deacon John P. Musyt will also serve the newly consolidated parish.

2.

Beginning on July 1, Annunciation Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Gabriel Church, Hazleton, will be consolidated with Holy Name of Jesus Parish, with its sole worship site of Transfiguration Church, West Hazleton.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish in honor of Saint Padre Pio.

Father Kevin Miller, current pastor of both parishes, has been appointed to serve as pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Father Neftali Feliz-Sena and Father Benito Hierro Aquino will serve as assistant pastors.

3.

Beginning on July 1, Most Precious Blood Parish, with its sole worship site of Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton, will be consolidated with Queen of Heaven Parish, with its sole worship site of Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Our Lady of Peace Parish.

Father Anthony Generose, current pastor of both parishes, has been appointed to serve as pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Father Rafael Ofarril Bermudez Gonzalez will serve as assistant pastor. 

SCRANTON – When asked why he came to the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Wedding Anniversary Mass, Brian Kelly didn’t hesitate to be honest.

“My wife told me I was going to do it,” he joked with a smile, glancing at Pat, his wife of 50 years.

The Kellys, parishioners of Saint Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre, were among 115 couples honored at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on June 1 for reaching milestone anniversaries – 25, 50, and even more years of marriage. Together, the couples represented an astounding 4,880 years of love, partnership, and commitment.

But for Brian, after starting with direction, the occasion turned more into reflection.
“The more I thought about it, the more I said, what an honor, what a wonderful day and I would not ever have missed today,” he said.

His sentiment echoed throughout the Cathedral, which was filled with couples who’ve walked together through decades of joy, challenges, and struggles.

“Being married isn’t a bed of roses. It is an endeavor that two people take and they have to meet the challenges along the way,” Pat Kelly explained. “I believe God is right there with you, because between two people you have to have God with you, and he helps you get through everything.”

The Wedding Anniversary Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has become a beloved tradition in the Diocese of Scranton, honoring the sacred bonds of marriage.

In his homily, Bishop Bambera thanked couples for being living witnesses of love and perseverance.

“Christian marriage, your marriage, has endured because you come to see it as part of something much bigger than yourselves,” Bishop Bambera said. “You see your marriage as something of a mystery – the mystery of God’s love woven into creation, embraced in your lives and lived only through God’s grace.”

Each couple attending the Mass received a special certificate, but more than any memento, many said they were touched by the opportunity to come together and reflect on what it takes to build a marriage that lasts.

Many also appreciated the opportunity to renew their wedding vows during the Mass.

“It went by very quickly,” Christine Kane, a parishioner of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin, said. “Renewing our vows was nice. It reminded me how long it has been since we’ve actually looked at each other in the eyes and said those vows.”

Christine and her husband, Thomas, are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

“It is a nice reminder of how our marriage started with vows and being in church,” Thomas added. “Church has always been a big part of our lives, so it is a nice reminder to reemphasize that on our anniversary like this.”

Asked what advice they might offer couples just starting their journey, this year’s attendees had many things to offer.

“Love, patience, and always listening to what the other person has to say,” Christine said.

“Communication is very important. Working together and knowing you’re working together and having a sense of humor,” Thomas added.

“I think it’s having faith in God that he is going to help you get through everything,” Pat Kelly said.

“Love, big time, I’ve had that from day one,” her husband Pat added with a smile.

SCRANTON – After more than 120 years as a spiritual home to generations of Catholics in South Scranton, Nativity of Our Lord Church closed its doors for the final time on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The church, filled to capacity with more than 500 parishioners, was filled with both sorrow and gratitude as the community gathered for the closing Mass.

“It was a solemn and sad occasion but one that was also filled with faith and love,” Father Jonathan Kuhar, pastor of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, explained.

Father Kuhar served as principal celebrant of the Mass and was assisted by Deacon Albert Giacometti. Seven other priests who are either native sons or served at Nativity Church concelebrated the liturgy.

“I thought the nine priests and a deacon on the altar for the consecration was incredible. It was beautiful to see them all up there and consecrating the hosts together,” parishioner Katie Kearney stated.

The final Mass, rich in symbolism and tradition, honored the sacred history of the church. Following the Prayer after Communion, the congregation participated in the Church’s traditional rites for the closing of a sacred space.

Together, the community prayed over the baptismal font that welcomed new life, the ambo from which the Word of God was proclaimed, and the Stations of the Cross that guided the faithful through the Passion and Death of Jesus.

But it was the final act of veneration – when parishioners were invited to approach the altar one last time – that brought the deepest emotion. One by one, young and old, families and longtime parishioners stepped forward.

Some touched the altar gently; others knelt and kissed it, a deeply personal goodbye to a place that had shaped their lives.

“As a Eucharistic Minister, I’ve been giving Communion out for 38 years now. That is the centerpiece of the church,” parishioner George Schneider, Jr., said. “It was beautiful the way they closed it, acknowledging the baptismal font, stained glass, altar, and statue of Mary.”

The closure of Nativity of Our Lord Church comes after several years of prayerful consultation and difficult discernment by parish leaders. With a decline in Mass attendance and growing financial pressures, it was concluded that the community could no longer sustain two worship sites.

In his homily, Father Kuhar acknowledged the heartbreak while pointing the community toward hope. He also thanked many people, including the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who helped build the faith community.

“Nothing that is loved by God is ever lost. It might pass through our fingers for a moment, but it is never lost,” Father Kuhar said. “Even though we say goodbye today, we entrust it to God’s hands. We are a pilgrim people. We journey through this life, and we do as best we can the work of our God.”

Following the Mass, many parishioners left Nativity together on foot, walking approximately 20 minutes to Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church on Prospect Avenue – a symbolic procession from the past into the future. Following a prayer service, a reception allowed the faithful to share stories, memories and hope for the future.

LOCKING THE DOORS

Four long-time parishioners were invited to serve as closing sacristans to lock the doors of Nativity Church and seal them with ribbon.

Paul Bracey, 92, never thought he would be asked to perform the important task.

“I locked the doors many times through the years for different services. It was tough to see it go,” he admitted.

Even though it has been more than 80 years since he received his First Holy Communion in Nativity Church, Bracey still remembers being part of the first class to receive the Holy Eucharist in the Upper Church.

“It was the first time they opened up the Upper Church to children,” he said. “Before that, all the children’s Masses were held in the Lower Church. The pastor even brought the children up on the top step to receive Communion. That sticks with me all these years.”

HONORING FOUNDING PASTOR

As part of its closing weekend, Father James O’Reilly, the founding pastor of Nativity Church was honored and remembered.

On Saturday, June 7, parishioners prayed Morning Prayer together in remembrance of former cleric who died in 1907. After his death, Father O’Reilly was interred in the lower chapel at his request so that he could remain with the community.

Following Morning Prayer, the parish community reinterred him at the Sacred Hearts Cemetery. He was buried in a place of honor on the hill next to Bishop Henry Klonowski, the longtime pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish.

“From there may they both watch over the flock of our parish while we wait together for the Day of Resurrection,” a note in the Closing Mass program stated.

PARISHIONERS MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH

While Nativity Church will no longer be a location for liturgies, parishioners say the legacy of Nativity of Our Lord Church will continue to live on in the hearts of its people.

Two years ago, the faithful of Nativity Church and Sacred Hearts Church consolidated to form Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish serving South Scranton and East Mountain.

Since that time, the church congregations have merged and learned from one another.

“While the church is beautiful, it is a building,” parishioner Victoria Ayala said. “But it is not just about a building. It’s the faith inside of us and what we hold in God’s love. That is what we transport from here to there.”