Category: Diocese of Scranton News

DOUALA, Cameroon (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for more than 120,000 people in Cameroon’s largest city on April 17, urging “beloved children of the African continent” to share God’s love by feeding the hungry and offering the spiritual nourishment of “the bread of life.”

Because of the large turnout, the Mass was held in a parking area next to Douala’s Japoma Stadium under 90-degree heat. Catholics in the crowd told OSV News that they had spent the night outside to claim their spots for the Mass.

Remerit Ngwe, 28, waited 16 hours outside overnight for the papal Mass. “Since yesterday 7 p.m. we slept here on the stone waiting for the pope,” she told OSV News. “We are so happy we finally saw the pope, Pope Leo, a once in a lifetime experience. Long live the pope!”

Speaking in both French and English during his homily, Pope Leo opened with a striking question to the Cameroonian congregation, “where is God in the face of people’s hunger?”

He turned to the Gospel of John and its account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes to respond.

“A serious problem was solved by blessing the little food that was present and sharing it with all who were hungry,” Pope Leo said in French.

“There is bread for everyone if it is given to everyone. There is bread for everyone if it is taken, not with a hand that snatches away, but with a hand that gives,” he underlined.

According to the World Food Programme, 2.9 million people in Cameroon face food insecurity and need humanitarian assistance, with about 23% of the population living below the poverty line.

The pope said the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes reveals a God who comes “to serve with love, not to dominate.”

“It shows us not only how God provides humanity with the bread of life, but how we can share this sustenance with all men and women who, like ourselves, hunger for peace, freedom and justice. Each act of solidarity and forgiveness, every good effort, becomes a morsel of bread for humanity in need of care,” he said.

“Yet this alone is not enough: the food that sustains the body must be accompanied, with equal charity, by nourishment for the soul — a nourishment that sustains our conscience and steadies us in dark hours of fear and amid the shadows of suffering,” he emphasized.

Pope Leo said that this spiritual nourishment is “Christ himself, who always gives his Church abundant sustenance and strengthens us on our journey by giving us his Eucharistic Body.”

“Sisters and brothers, the Eucharist that we are celebrating is the source of renewed faith, because Jesus becomes present among us.”

“This very altar, around which we gather for the Eucharist, becomes a proclamation of hope amid the trials of history and the injustices we see around us,” he added.

The pope’s message resonated with Cameroonians in the crowd. Ngwe said, “Being a Catholic Christian allows you to partake in the Eucharist, which is the highest celebration.”

She said she loves the “oneness” of the Catholic Church, “When I see Cameroon, when I see Rome, when I see USA, we practice the same … Christianity. That is the pride of being a Catholic Christian.”

Cameroon is home to more than 8 million Catholics, nearly 30% of the population, and the Church often serves as a bridge across linguistic and political divides.

In an interview with OSV News, Father Gabriel Abega Owona of the Diocese of Sangmélima described the Church’s mission in the country.

As a priest, he said, “our daily challenge is to nurture faith within a context of material poverty, yet of immense spiritual richness.”

“Being a priest here means being a father, a social worker, and a mediator. My experience is defined by faces: young people seeking work and dignity, families praying for peace, and the explosive joy of the Sunday liturgy — which lasts for hours and serves as a true foretaste of paradise.”

“In Cameroon, the Church is not an institution standing ‘alongside’ society, but rather its beating heart — particularly in those areas where the State struggles to reach. The Church manages nearly 1,000 primary schools and hundreds of health care facilities. Indeed, in many villages, the only doctor or teacher available is one provided by the Catholic mission,” Abega Owona explained.

He added that the Catholic Church in Cameroon “serves as a bridge between the Francophone and Anglophone cultures” and strives “to translate the Gospel into concrete actions for human development.”

Switching to English for part of his homily, the pope urged Cameroon’s Catholics to “be the first faces and hands that bring the bread of life to your neighbors, providing them with the food of wisdom and deliverance from all that does not nourish them, but rather obscures good desires and robs them of their dignity.”

The pope flew 160 miles from Yaoundé to Douala on Friday morning for the Mass, at which he greeted the enthusiastic crowd from the popemobile.

After the Mass, Pope Leo will make a private visit to the Catholic Hospital of St. Paul in Douala before returning by plane to Cameroon’s capital in the afternoon, where he will meet with university students and professors at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé.

BAMENDA, Cameroon (OSV News) – A religious sister in Cameroon who was kidnapped just a few months ago by separatists and held hostage for three days in the bush was among those who shared her testimony with Pope Leo XIV April 16 in an emotional peace meeting in Cameroon’s northwest city of Bamenda, a region marred by years of separatist violence.

“We were held hostage for three days and three nights. During those days and nights, we neither slept nor ate,” Sister Carine Tangiri Mangu told the pope.

“What kept our hope alive was the rosary which we prayed continuously for those days,” she added.

“Most Holy Father, this is the situation under which many consecrated women do their work and live their lives within this war zone. Some have undergone more dramatic and more traumatizing experiences, but we continue to rely on the help of God and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” she said.

Pope Leo led a historic peace meeting on April 16 in Cameroon’s northwest city of Bamenda, a region marred by years of separatist violence.

The long-running separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions has killed thousands since 2017. The violence pits Anglophone separatists against the Francophone-dominated government, leaving entire communities displaced and children out of school in what humanitarian groups describe as one of the world’s most neglected conflicts.

In his speech in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Pope Leo loudly and passionately said, “I am here to proclaim peace,” to an enthusiastic reaction in the crowd.

The pope also had strong words of denunciation for those who perpetuate war. “The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild,” the pope said. “They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.”

Pope Leo strongly denounced those who “rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilization and death.”

“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters,” he underlined.

During the peace meeting, the pope heard testimonies from local traditional and religious leaders and a family displaced by the violence.

A local chief imam told the pope about how in November armed men invaded a mosque in Sabga, near Bamenda, during the time of prayer and killed three people, injuring nine others.

Mohammed Abubakar of the Buea Central Mosque continued that on Jan. 14, 2025, “Armed men targeted cattle rearers from the Mbororo ethnic community and killed at least 15 people, including 8 children.” The chief imam added that “The Islamic community has suffered in many English speaking towns and villages, and there were Muslim victims in what has come to be known as the Ngabur Massacre, in which 23 civilians were killed in 2020.

“Holy Father, welcome, and please help us to have peace again,” the imam added.

Denis Salo met the pope, along with his wife and three children, telling Pope Leo how “Five of my neighbours were killed and one of my close friends was also killed. While we were being targeted by the separatist fighters, government soldiers were also burning down houses.”

“In 2017, I escaped with my family out of Mbiame, abandoning all that I ever owned, including house, farms, and animals, and arrived in Bamenda. My kids had to abandon school. After seeing no better in Bamenda, I proceeded to Douala to look for livelihood and not finding anything better, I returned to Bamenda,” he said. “I now live in a little rented house with my entire family, and working as a gateman in the hospital of Maria Soledad, and at the same time working as gardener in the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Ngomgham,” Salo said.

The pope affirmed to the afflicted community that “God has never abandoned us! In him, in his peace, we can always begin anew!”

In an emotional address welcoming the Holy Father in the cathedral, Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda told the pope: “Today your feet are standing on the soil of Bamenda that has drunk the blood of many of our children.”

“The archbishop mentioned the prophecy that exclaims: ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace!’ (Is 52:7). He welcomed me with these words, and now I would like to respond: how beautiful are your feet as well, dusty from this bloodstained yet fertile land that has been mistreated, yet is rich in vegetation and fruit,” the pope said.

The Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, moderator emeritus of the Presbyterian Church
in Cameroon, described to the pope how religious leaders of different denominations have “bonded together and founded a Peace Movement through which we have tried to broker peace and dialogue with the government of Cameroon and the Separatist Fighters.”

He said that under the leadership of Archbishop Nkea, they “have visited and spoken with many of the leaders of the separatist movements at home and abroad, and we have tried to engage the local separatist fighters on the ground in dialogue, convincing them that peace is better than war, and that war can never really solve any conflict,” he said.

“Practically all of us gathered here are traumatized and need both psychological and spiritual healing,” the reverend said.

“This Anglophone crisis is one of the forgotten crises on the planet earth, but it was brought to the notice of the Vatican, and the Vatican was even willing to facilitate dialogue between the warring factions,” Rev. Forba said.

Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of Buea told OSV News that the Anglophone crisis made it impossible for people to live normally in the conflicted region.

On top of loss of life and education opportunities for children, he said people “experienced abject poverty” as farmers were unable to sell products due to violence.

“There are people whose houses have been destroyed and they have been rendered homeless,” instantly becoming internally displaced, the bishop listed.

Even though pastoral work has been challenging, the bishop said, “we continue to hope in God, as we continue to pray and the situation will be better.”

Pope Leo expressed support for how “religious leaders have come together to establish a Movement for Peace, through which they seek to mediate between the opposing sides.”

He had however a strong condemnation for those who wage war in the name of God.

“But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” Pope Leo said.

“Yes, dear brothers and sisters, you who hunger and thirst for justice, who are poor, merciful, meek, and pure of heart, who have wept — you are the light of the world! (cf. Mt 5:3-14),” he said.

After the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV released doves outside of the cathedral, symbolizing peace. A crowd gathered outside of the cathedral, people sang and cheered enthusiastically.

“Our hearts are full of joy and it sounds unbelievable that the successor of St. Peter is among us in this remote part of Africa,” Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda told the pope.

Before flying back to Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, Pope Leo offered Mass at Bamenda’s airport, which was only recently renovated in anticipation of the pope’s visit, something Archbishop Nkea told OSV News is a “miracle” in itself.

As the enclosed popemobile arrived at the airport, cheering children ran across the tarmac to try to catch a glimpse of the pope in the crowd of about 20,000 people.

“Consolation for broken hearts and hope for change in society are possible if we entrust ourselves to God and God’s word,” Pope Leo said in his homily in English.

“This is the moment to change, to transform the story of this country. The time has come, today and not tomorrow, now and not in the future,” Pope Leo urged, calling on Cameroonians to “restore the mosaic of unity by bringing together the diversity and riches of the country and the continent.”

“I accompany you with my constant prayer and I bless in particular the Church gathered here: the many priests, missionaries, religious and lay people who all work to be a source of consolation and hope,” he said. “I encourage you to continue along this path and I entrust you to the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Apostles and Mother of the Church.”

WILLIAMSPORT (April 16, 2026) – As the current school year begins to wind down, administrators at Saint John Neumman Jr./Sr. High School are preparing for an exciting change for the 2026-2027 school year.

Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School, part of the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System, has made the decision to change the traditional 5-day school week to a 4-day school week.

In the new model, students in grades 6-12 will still meet and exceed the instructional requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through instruction provided during extended school days Monday through Thursday.

Starting next year, classes will begin at 7:45 a.m. (earlier than the current 8:00 a.m.) and run through 3:00 p.m. (longer than the current dismissal time of 2:40 p.m.)

This change comes after several meetings and surveys with students, families, and faculty, who overwhelmingly supported the transition.

While students will be expected to attend school Monday through Thursday, students will still have the option to come to Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School on Fridays. Fridays will be retained for academic tutoring, as well as a variety of extension activities based on student interest.

On Fridays, students will also have the opportunity to explore college and/or career options, volunteer, take school field trips, and participate in their church.

One of the most significant reasons for making the transition to an innovative 4-day school week is that it will enhance students’ educational experiences.

Kristen Donohue, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Scranton, commends the outside-the-box thinking of administrators who wanted to address the needs of students and faculty at Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School, while still offering an academically excellent Catholic education that families have come to expect.

“Saint John Neumann Regional Academy’s principal, Alisia McNamee and her administrative team, have researched this model and the benefits it could have for our students and faculty. This creative model will provide for both the expected outstanding academic setting and additional unique learning opportunities for our students. It will be an educational opportunity that students will only be able to get at Saint John Neumann, and that is very exciting,” Donohue said.

McNamee says one of the closest schools to Williamsport that has a 4-day school week is Bishop McCort High School, located in Johnstown, PA (Cambria County).

“This has been an interest of mine for many years. Our students are so dedicated to their academic progress and making sure they can set themselves up for success after graduation from high school. I know this change will afford them the time to engage in educational experiences beyond the expected curriculum, as well as to focus on their own well-being,” McNamee added. “At Saint John Neumann, we focus on faith, academics, physical, emotional and mental health, and family. This new schedule will provide the dedicated time for these essential areas.”

Both Donohue and McNamee credit the commitment of Saint John Neumann students, faculty, and families who have all contributed to the decision to make this change.

“I feel truly blessed to have a wonderful partnership with our families at Saint John Neumann. We share a vision of success. With their support, wonderful things continue to happen,” McNamee shared. “Enrollment is now open and we encourage anyone interested in learning more, to call and schedule a visit.”

The community is invited to learn more about the benefits of a Catholic education by attending our Spring Open House at Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. Families are also welcome to take a tour any weekday by contacting the school directly at (570) 323-9953. Additional information on both academic and student life at Saint John Neumann High School is available at sjnra.org.

HAZLETON – The faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are invited to come together this weekend for prayer, reflection and veneration of a relic of Saint Padre Pio.

This is a rare opportunity for the faithful to encounter sacred relics associated with Padre Pio, along with opportunities for Mass, spiritual talks, and personal devotion.

 

Saturday, April 18, 2026  

Transfiguration Church  

213 West Green Street  

West Hazleton, PA 18202  

– Veneration: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM  

– Mass: 4:00 PM  

– Special Talk (5:00 PM): Padre Pio’s Love for the Blessed Mother

 

Sunday, April 19, 2026  

Saint Gabriel’s Church  

122 S. Wyoming Street  

Hazleton, PA 18201  

– Veneration: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

 

Mass Schedule:  

– 7:00 AM (English)  

– 8:30 AM (Spanish)  

– 10:00 AM (English)  

– 12:00 PM (Spanish)  

 

– 2:00 PM Talk: The Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Presented by:  

Joe Santoro  

Director, Mission Outreach Program  

National Center for Padre Pio (Barto, PA)

 

Veneration of Rare Relics Includes:  

– The Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary  

– Padre Pio’s Glove  

– Blood-stained sock, nightshirt, and bandage from his side wound  

– Hair from Padre Pio’s beard  

– Relic from Padre Pio’s stigmata  

 

Devotional Opportunities:  

– Bring personal items to be touched to the relics (especially for the sick or homebound)  

– Create your own third-class relics  

– Browse devotional items  

– Participate in spiritual talks  

 

All are welcome to attend this special time of faith, healing, and devotion.

Click Here to Read: Bishop Bambera’s Letter Announcing Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation 04.13.26

 

SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton will take a significant step forward in fostering vocations this summer with the establishment of a new Propaedeutic House of Formation in the heart of downtown Scranton.

In a letter released April 13, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, announced that the Cathedral Convent building at 333 Wyoming Avenue will become the Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, welcoming its first seminarians in August 2026.

“This decision is a visible sign of hope and vitality,” Bishop Bambera wrote. “It demonstrates to our faithful that the Church of Scranton is alive, growing, and actively investing in its future.”

For decades, the Cathedral Convent served as a home to generations of religious sisters – particularly the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary – whose lives of prayer and service left a lasting imprint on the Diocese. With the recent departure of the remaining sisters, the building now enters a new chapter of service to the Church.

“While this transition marks the end of a significant chapter, it also presents us with a providential opportunity,” the Bishop noted.

That opportunity comes at a time of renewed energy around vocations within the Diocese. According to Bishop Bambera, the number of men currently studying for the priesthood is the highest it has been in several years.

“Thanks to these efforts – and, above all, the grace of God – we anticipate having as many as eighteen men studying for the priesthood by this coming September,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to clergy and lay leaders who continue to encourage vocations.

The new house of formation reflects recent updates to the Church’s formation model, as outlined in the Program for Priestly Formation, which includes a distinct Propaedeutic Stage. This initial stage is designed to provide a strong spiritual and human foundation before formal theological studies begin.

“The Propaedeutic Stage… seeks to provide seminarians with the basic groundwork they need to engage in priestly formation,” Bishop Bambera explained, highlighting its emphasis on prayer, fraternity and a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.

By establishing the program locally, seminarians will be able to begin their formation within the Diocese itself – something the Bishop believes will have a lasting impact.

“This initiative will allow our men to begin their formation journey in their home Diocese, rooted in the life of our local Church,” he said. “It will provide them with the space and structure necessary to grow in discipleship and prayer, while remaining closely connected to the people and parishes they may one day serve.”

The Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation will have space to accommodate up to 13 seminarians for a typical one-year period, with coursework taking place at local colleges, including The University of Scranton, depending on individual needs.

The program will focus on all four dimensions of priestly formation, with particular attention to human and spiritual development.

In naming the house after Saint Pius X, the Diocese also honors the legacy of the former Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton, which educated generations of priests from 1962 to 2004.

While modest renovations are planned to prepare the building for its new purpose, Bishop Bambera expressed confidence in the long-term value of the investment.

“I am confident that this effort represents a wise and forward-thinking commitment,” he reiterated.

Looking ahead, the Bishop expressed hope that the new house of formation will further strengthen the culture of vocations already taking root throughout the Diocese.

“When young men see formation happening in their own Diocese, it becomes more tangible, more accessible, and more real,” he said. “It is my desire that this announcement will also provide our parishes with a renewed opportunity to speak about vocations… with even more confidence and encouragement.”

As the Diocese prepares for this new chapter, Bishop Bambera is asking the faithful to remain engaged and prayerful.

“We will have much more to share and promote in the months ahead,” he wrote. “Your role in fostering vocations – through your witness, your invitation, and your accompaniment – will remain essential.”

Entrusting the initiative to God’s providence, the Bishop concluded with a message of hope grounded in faith.

“We move forward in faith – trusting that the Lord will continue to call generous men to serve His Church, and that through the efforts we are undertaking, those calls will be nurtured, strengthened, and brought to joyful fulfillment.”

SCRANTON – The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton is hosting an online art auction through May 1, featuring more than 20 original paintings of local Catholic churches and sacred spaces.

Proceeds from the auction, which launched on April 13, will benefit the “Founders Fund” of the Catholic Foundation and support the long-term pastoral, educational, and service ministries of the Diocese of Scranton.

The online auction showcases a collection of artwork generously donated by artist and philanthropist Austin Burke of Archbald.

Burke, a longtime community leader and former President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has spent the past year painting some of the most iconic church buildings in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

“I feel blessed. God has given me some talent, and I feel privileged to be able to use it in this way,” Burke said.

Each piece reflects not only architectural beauty but the deeper role of parish life.

“A church is where humanity encounters God,” Burke noted. “Not only do you encounter God there, but you meet your community there.”

A preview of several paintings was displayed earlier this year during a Bishop’s reception, drawing admiration from parishioners and benefactors alike.

Mark DiPippa, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, said the auction is both a celebration of faith and an investment in the future.

“We are deeply grateful to Austin for sharing his extraordinary talent in such a meaningful way,” DiPippa said. “His commitment to his faith and his dedication to the mission of the Catholic Foundation are clearly reflected in each of these works. Through this generous gift, he is helping to strengthen the future of the Church of Scranton while celebrating the beauty and heritage of our parishes.”

The paintings available are:

• Annunciation Church, Williamsport
• Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton
• Epiphany Church, Sayre
• Resurrection Church, Muncy
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Mayfield
• Sacred Heart of Mary Church, Jermyn
• St. Ann Basilica and Grotto, Scranton
• St. Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow
• St. John the Evangelist Church, Honesdale
• St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston
• St. Jude Church, Mountain Top
• St. Luke Church, Stroudsburg
• St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Eynon
• St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Dunmore
• St. Mary of Vilna Church, Eynon
• St. Matthew Church, East Stroudsburg
• St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre
• St. Patrick Church, Scranton
• St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale
• St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald
• Basilica of Padre Pio, Italy
• Cathedral Prayer Garden, Scranton
• Marian Chapel at Marywood University
• Angel of Agonies Statue, Scranton

Bidding information and a full gallery of artwork is available on the Diocese of Scranton website (dioceseofscranton.org) and the Catholic Foundation website (catholicfoundationscranton.org).

SCRANTON – All of the pews were filled at Divine Mercy Parish on April 12, 2026, as hundreds of faithful gathered to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday through prayer and devotion.

The annual celebration – held on the Second Sunday of Easter – has grown in recent years, drawing people from across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties and beyond for an afternoon centered on God’s forgiveness and grace.

The annual observance included the Sacrament of Confession, Mass, the praying of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration, a procession with the Blessed Sacrament and the veneration of a first-class relic of Saint Faustina.

“We are very honored, proud and grateful here at Divine Mercy Parish to host everyone for this beautiful spiritual celebration,” Father Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, said. “How beautiful it was to see our church filled to capacity – and everyone praying and celebrating that great gift that the world needs – the gift of God’s love.”

Six priests were available for Confession for more than two hours, offering what Father McDonnell described as “a grace and a blessing” to those in attendance.

For the faithful, the experience was deeply moving.

“I can’t tell you the feeling that I am leaving with,” Erin Thornton of Corpus Christi Parish, said. “It brought tears to my eyes. It was so moving. More people need to see something like this.”

Many said the Eucharistic procession was especially powerful.

“It leaves me speechless when he walks around with the Blessed Sacrament,” Thornton added.

Mary Ann Lahaszow of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea said the day was filled with a profound sense of peace and unity.

“You could feel God’s presence,” she said. “There were so many people from so many different walks of life. It’s wonderful to feel this peace.”

For parishioner Pat Rodney, the devotion to Divine Mercy – though discovered later in life – has become deeply meaningful.

“The devotion is something that is new to me,” she said. “But I love the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the promises of Jesus … It was a beautiful part of the day.”

Father McDonnell hopes that the faithful left not only with a sense of the Lord’s mercy personally, but a desire to share it with others.

“Hopefully everyone will be energized enough to embrace the merciful spirit of Christ,” he said, “and live it in their homes, families and lives.”

PITTSTON – At the Easter Vigil Mass inside Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Sky Nicholson stood before a packed church, nervous but filled with anticipation.

“I have always had a relationship with God, but I was a bit hesitant to pursue that relationship,” she said. “I’m sorry that I waited this long.”

Sky Nicholson and her daughter, Serenity Rain Nicholson, were among those fully initiated into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil at the Pittston parish – an experience neither will soon forget.

“It was a beautiful experience. I really don’t have the words to explain it,” Sky added just minutes after being baptized, confirmed and receiving Holy Communion for the first time.

For her daughter, the moment carried its own mix of emotion and excitement.

“I know that different doors have been opened for me,” Serenity Rain explained. “I’m excited to keep going from here and I’m excited to be able to get into my bible and understand things from a different point of view because I’m finally where I want and need to be.”

While their journeys to that moment were personal, sharing it together side by side made the experience even more meaningful.

“I’ll never forget it,” Sky said. “It has just been amazing.”

The journey for the mother-daughter duo has been unfolding for months through the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA), where weekly classes gradually built not only understanding of the Catholic faith, but community.

“We all created a good friendship in faith,” Serenity Rain said. “We’re kind of sad that it’s coming to an end – but we plan to continue doing things afterwards.”

Their story is just one example of a growing movement across the Diocese of Scranton.

This year, 312 individuals have been welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church – up significantly from last year and reflecting a broader national trend.

At the Pittston parish alone, 10 catechumens and candidates were initiated during the Easter Vigil on April 4.

“This is one of our largest OCIA classes in a long time,” Father Joseph Elston, pastor of Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Joseph Marello, and Our Lady of the Eucharist Parishes, said. “Numbers are up across the country with people who are becoming Catholic. We’re in the mix here in the Diocese and here in our parishes in Pittston.”

For those entering the Church, the Easter Vigil marks both an ending and a beginning.

“It is the climax of their preparation and the beginning of their lives as fully initiated Catholics,” Father Elston added. “They’ve been studying since October just about every Sunday and working hard. This class has really dedicated themselves to learning things and experiencing things and being a part of the community.”

For Matthew Rosencrans, 37, the journey to the Easter Vigil has taken twists and turns, but he was inspired by a close friend in the Harrisburg area who converted to Catholicism. The fact that he was fully initiated on the most significant date on the Church’s calendar was not lost on him.

“What a monumental time for us to be welcomed into the Church – at the same time that (Jesus) is being resurrected,” Rosencrans reflected. “It is amazing.”

He described the moment as transformative.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel. Honestly, I was nervous and scared, but at that moment, when the water started to flush over my head, you could feel a little weight coming off you. I felt lighter and I felt more at peace,” Rosencrans added.

For Father Elston, accompanying all the individuals through the OCIA journey has been deeply moving.

“I got a tiny bit emotional when I was giving them Communion, because they’ve worked really hard,” he said. “They deserve the acceptance they received tonight and the joy that they feel in their hearts – and I feel it too – so I was really happy for them.”

SCRANTON – As the Diocese of Scranton prepares to open the Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation for men discerning the priesthood later this year, two longstanding summer programs will continue to play an important role in fostering vocational awareness among young people.

Quo Vadis Days and Fiat Days will return June 29 through July 1, 2026, at Marywood University, offering high school students an opportunity to grow in faith while reflecting on God’s call in their lives.

Now in its eleventh year, Quo Vadis Days invites young men, from rising sophomores to graduating seniors, to take part in a three-day experience centered on prayer, fellowship, and discernment.

Participants engage in talks on priesthood, marriage, and prayer, while also building friendships through games, sports, music, and small group discussions. They will also have the opportunity to interact with Diocesan priests and seminarians and celebrate Mass with the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

Fiat Days, now in its third year, offers a similiar experience for young women.

Through prayer, conversation, and shared activities, participants encounter religious sisters serving throughout the Diocese and hear firsthand stories of discernment in both religious life and marriage. Opportunities for one-on-one conversations provide a deeper, personal look at vocational calling.

Both camps cost $100, and that fee covers lodging and meals.

Registration is currently open through June 11 on the Diocese of Scranton website (dioceseofscranton.org). Participants can reserve their spot by paying with either credit card or check.

A recommendation from a parish or school leader is also required.

Together, Quo Vadis Days and Fiat Days help plant the seeds of vocation, encouraging young people to listen more closely to God’s voice and consider how they are called to serve in the life of the Church.

For more information, or if cost is a hindrance, please email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org, or call (570) 207-1452.