Bishop Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI…. We honor and celebrate the memory of Pope Benedict XVI who served so long and well the Church he loved intensely as a true “Servant of the Servants of God.” His keen […]
The Diocese of Buffalo has received a complaint of inappropriate comments communicated to a minor by Father Patryk Sobczyk. Bishop Michael W. Fisher has placed Father Sobczyk on administrative leave as an investigation continues. Prior to being placed on leave, Father Sobczyk was parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Alden and St. […]
CHICAGO (CNS) — Private citizen groups have arranged for Nativity scenes to be on display at 43 state capitols around the country, a record number, according to a not-for-profit law firm’s tally. The Chicago-based Thomas More Society said Dec. 20 that the number of displays is notable despite the secularization of Christmas throughout the U.S. […]
Pope Francis offered a Christmas message during his general audience on Dec. 28. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and again, Merry Christmas! The liturgical season invites us to pause and reflect on the mystery of Christmas. And since today – today – marks the fourth centenary of the death of St Francis de Sales, […]
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With the birth of Jesus, God became flesh to share the joys and sorrows, hopes and fears of all people, especially the poor and those living daily amid danger, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message. “He comes as a helpless child. He is born in the cold night, poor among […]
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saying that retired Pope Benedict XVI was “very sick,” Pope Francis asked people to offer special prayers for him. “I would like to ask all of you for a special prayer for emeritus Pope Benedict,” Pope Francis said at the end of his weekly general audience Dec. 28. The 95-year-old retired […]
For the safety of all and to continue to support blizzard clean-up efforts, Catholic Charities sites in Erie and Niagara Counties will not be open through Friday, Dec. 30. However, services will operate remotely to the extent possible. Offices in Cattaraugus, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties are open for in-person service. Chautauqua County offices are […]
CNS — Father Paul Seil experienced a Christmas unlike any other in his 67 years of life. In the midst of the multiday blizzard that paralyzed parts of Western New York, Father Seil, chaplain for the Buffalo Fire Department, had to evacuate the rectory at his parish in the city’s Old First Ward neighborhood on […]
Wednesday’s 12:10 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral will be dedicated to the victims of the Christmas blizzard. There has been 31 people reported to have died due to the two-day snowstorm that devastated Western New York from Dec. 23-25. Bishop Michael W. Fisher encouraged the Catholic faithful to remain safe during the holiday and […]
The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf, Austria, on the map, but it’s the chapel memorializing the beloved carol that is the town’s main attraction. Best seen blanketed in snow, the small octagonal-shaped chapel, just 13 miles from Salzburg, is a tourist destination any time of year. With […]