VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With ambassadors from around the world in attendance, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone ordained as archbishops three members of the Vatican diplomatic corps — including U.S. Archbishop Michael W. Banach — who will serve as nuncios.
Archbishop Banach, 50, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Mass., was named nuncio to Papua New Guinea; he had been the Vatican’s representative to several international agencies based in Vienna.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Catholic Korean War chaplain who selflessly pulled wounded men from enemy fire and helped his fellow prisoners of war keep a sense of hope was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, in an April 11 White House ceremony.
In paying tribute to Father Emil J. Kapaun, an Army captain, President Barack Obama told multiple stories of the “shepherd in combat boots” from Kansas who voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded to face certain capture, rather than evacuate when his division was overrun at Unsan, Korea, in November 1950.

We thank all of our contributors to As We Wait blog.
From watching Benedict XVI’s helicopter to Pope Francis’ inauguration Mass we have been brought closer to Rome by first-hand accounts from local college students, seminarians, priests and lay people. We will update this blog on occasion as our bloggers send in new information. Peace to All.

Father Louis J. Gould was once a Missionary of LaSalette. As a religious priest, he took a vow of poverty. He didn’t plan for retirement.
Circumstances, however, dictated otherwise. His older brother was sick, and Father Gould needed to help him. So he joined the Worcester Diocese.
Father Gould is now retired, after 25 years in the diocese. He lives on his own and depends upon his pension.

David Fredette congratulated Brett Leary for winning the game. Laura Vautour helped Sarah Ranno with a simple task.
These developmentally disabled adults got to interact this way in part because of how Religious Venerini Sisters have lived out their vocation.
The “friends,” as the handicapped people are called, had gathered for a Beacon of Hope respite night Feb. 15. Sister Loretta Ciccarelli visited with some. Sister Janet Badagliacca played cards with others.
These two Venerini Sisters aren’t the only people working with the friends through the non-profit organization they helped start for this purpose. The Venerini congregation, individual sisters, Venerini associates, and other people, help in various ways. But almost synonymous with Beacon of Hope are the names of Sister Loretta and Sister Janet.

MILLBURY – “Probably the best thing that we can do is be an example.”
Theodore Jakubiak, of St. Brigid Parish, was talking about evangelizing. The pre-Lenten mission at his parish and Our Lady of the Assumption had suggested ways to do that.
“We need to be a little bit more pro-active,” even if it’s by inviting people to come and eat, decided his wife, Felice.

Subscribers toThe Catholic Free Press can access the entire newspaper online through an electronic edition called the eEdition.
In attempts to keep current, The Catholic Free Press was prompted to add the eEdition to its array of news offerings that also include a website, regular email blasts and social networking. By becoming more accessible, the newspaper’s goal of evangelization for generations is broadened, stretching to an audience beyond the print subscribers.
“In this day and age, we need to go where people are – and many are online,” Margaret M. Russell, executive editor, said.

STILL RIVER – Should she be a mother, a nurse or a nun – or all three?
These were questions a local woman pondered as she looked into a vocation, going to Italy, Washington and New York before returning home.
Sister Louise Marie Turner, 26, tells this story of her journey. During her freshman year at the University of Dallas, the prospect of a religious vocation did not make her happy, she said. She figured for the time being she could just study. She also sang in the sacred music choir.

A public square rosary was held October 13 for the consecration of our country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Joan of Arc Church on Lincoln Street, Worcester.

By Joseph O’Brien Catholic News Service
LA CROSSE, Wis. (CNS) — Since 1997, Eleanor St. John has lived for the day when one of her greatest heroes would be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church — Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.