For the past five years, Mr. Ayim has volunteered for the African Ministry. He runs a program in a few parishes in Worcester called the “Star Program” that teaches financial literacy and financial education to African teens involved in athletics.

“It’s amazing,” Father Flynn said of the interest in this pilgrimage church. “People are coming during the day, wanting to get the stamp,” a rubber stamp they can apply to their “Jubilee 2025 Pilgrim’s Guide,” like a passport. “If I’m not busy, I’ll come up and talk to them.”

The challenge to find hope for the people we serve is greater then ever this year.

DUDLEY – Bishop McManus officially established the Shrine of St. Andrew Bobola, as a shrine attached to St. Andrew Bobola Parish here, on Sunday before a standing-room-only congregation said to have come from at least 10 states.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps New England held their annual Madonna Della Strada awards ceremony April 27 at Boston College High School.

For Mother’s Day this Jubilee Year of Hope, a local Catholic offers parenting inspiration – simply by giving glimpses into her family’s lifestyle and philosophy.

If the bill is not passed, and no other option is found, seven Worcester diocesan priests and a religious priest serving the diocese will need to leave the country for at least a year, because of changes in how immigration is handled, according to Father Hugo A. Cano.

WORCESTER – Bishop McManus presented religious awards to youth and adults May 3 at St. Paul Cathedral during the Diocese of Worcester Catholic Scouting Ministry Mass.


"Join with me in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the election of Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father,” Bishop McManus said in a statement issued shortly after the announcement was made. “We are truly blessed to welcome him as the Supreme Pontiff and we pledge our support and prayers for his pontificate.”

He is the first North American to be elected pope and, before the conclave, was the U.S. cardinal most mentioned as a potential successor of St. Peter. The white smoke poured from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel at 6:07 p.m. Rome time and a few minutes later the bells of St. Peter's Basilica began to ring.

Donna Ann Domiziano, 82, passed away peacefully on May 3 in Worcester.

The celebration of the 125th anniversary of St. Joseph Parish in Charlton Sunday included expressions of appreciation for God, people and parish. At the Mass, Bishop McManus and Father Robert A. Grattaroti, pastor, both highlighted the importance of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, and the importance of each other.

On the day Worcester diocesan seminarian Christopher Tillotson flew to Lithuania for a week-long break from seminary, he wasn’t also expecting to hear the news of the death of Pope Francis. Ultimately, he took a flight back early to Rome to serve the late pontiff’s funeral.

NORWICH, CONNECTICUT - Bishop Richard F. Reidy walked among the people, and used church artwork to teach them, during the Mass for his episcopal ordination and installation Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

Adopt-A-Student, a program that provides scholarships to eligible Catholic school students in the Diocese of Worcester, will be awarding double the amount of funds in the 2025-2026 academic year compared to last year, the steering committee announced.

Local people are responding to Pope Francis’ death with prayer and action. Masses for the repose of his soul were celebrated in parishes, and some places found additional ways of honoring him.

WORCESTER – Farewell Masses were celebrated for Bishop Richard F. Reidy held Saturday at Christ the King Parish and Subnday at St. Paul Cathedral. Parishioners lined up afterwards to bid him goodbye and good luck.

The diocese ended the year with an operational deficit of $166,303, as compared to a deficit of $762,077 the previous year, prior to allowing for unrealized gains on investments and other income restricted to non-operational use.

“Rarely have I worked with such a large group … from such diverse backgrounds … as willing to explore the faith,” Father Adam R. Reid, St. Anne’s pastor, said at the Easter Vigil. He told The Catholic Free Press that he sees the large group as “an outer expression of our cause for hope – during this Jubilee Year and always – our hope that is grounded in the reality that our Lord is at work all around us.”

“I know he will be missed because on Easter Sunday when we watched him ride in the popemobile we were so happy to see him. Many were shedding tears, and I too shed a few of joy to see him again with his flock,” Mr. Tillotson said.