July 25, 2018 will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of “Humanae Vitae,” Blessed Paul VI’s encyclical on the proper use of the gift of sexuality in marriage. The encyclical’s first words are these: “The most serious duty of transmitting human life, for which married persons are free and responsible collaborators of God the Creator, has always been a source of great joy to them.”

For Ann and Frank Masiello of Shrewsbury, members of St. Mary of the Hills Parish, Boylston, it was the trip of a lifetime that grew out of the devastating loss of their son Daniel.The couple had front row seats at a Vatican audience with Pope Francis.

Melkite Patriarch Youseff (Joseph) Absi met with his people after a Typica service Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Worcester. Bishop McManus was among many clergy who attended to meet the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

Teenagers streamed past applauding peers to the arena stage – to show their openness to a possible priestly or religious vocation. At another point, youth stood to acknowledge that they had proclaimed Jesus as Lord of their lives for the first time that weekend.It was Steubenville East.

Traveling to Colombia to help, newly ordained Father Victor Sierra celebrate his ordination at the first Mass in his home parish was a pilgrimage, a cultural eye-opening, and a little bit of a vacation. Deacon David Vaillancourt tells the story.

The Worcester Diocese reorganized its Diocesan Finance Council by updating bylaws, Father Richard F. Reidy said this week. He credited Patricia L. Jones, outgoing chairwoman, for her leadership in the adoption of the new bylaws, approved by Bishop McManus.