Father Francesco (Frank) M. Papa, CRSP, 84, of the Barnabite Fathers at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Tocco Caudio, Benevento, Italy, he was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Filomena (Saccomanno) Papa. Father Papa studied theology at […]
Father Edward J. Sheedy, who had spent much of his 50 plus years as a priest in an academic setting, died March 7, 2025. He was 78. Born Sept. 19, 1946, in Buffalo, the son of Francis E. and Rita (Blatner) Sheedy, attended St. Paul School in Kenmore, the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo, and […]
Buffalo, N.Y., February 14, 2025 – The sale of the Diocese of Buffalo’s property in East Aurora that was the former home of Christ the King Seminary closed today, completing the transfer to new owners. The closing today follows a public auction held Oct. 28, 2024, administered through U.S. Bankruptcy Court, in which World Mission […]
Father James J. Kasinski, long-time Niagara Falls pastor, died Jan. 6, 2025, after nearly 59 years in priestly life. Born Aug. 30, 1941, in Buffalo, to Walter and Leokadja (Sekula) Kasinski, Father Kasinski attended St. Monica School followed by the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary, both in Buffalo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Our […]
Sister M. Phyllis Fuest, OSF, died Dec. 23, 2024, at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. She was 96 years old. The former Rita Fuest was born to Lawrence and Marian Moll Fuest on May 28, 1928, in Buffalo. She attended St. Ann School of Business in Buffalo, and Rosary Hill College (now Daemen University) in Amherst, graduating […]
During a public auction administered through U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Oct. 28, the Diocese of Buffalo’s Christ the King Seminary property was sold to World Mission Society of God. The winning bid was $4.2 million. World Mission Society of God is a religious organization founded in 1964 that has a presence in 175 countries with […]
Back in 2013, Anthony Vilardo attended a presentation about the permanent diaconate. At the time the now 57-year-old West Seneca resident had a very active role at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Springbrook, helping with Life Teen, Family Promise and several other ministries. His involvement, faith life and devotion to the faith earned him entrance […]
Faithful? Check. Family man? Check. Quick to serve others? Check. Serving on his parish mission team, made a few people eye Michael Hahn as an ideal deacon candidate. Deacon Hahn, 56, recalls 10 years ago, someone bringing up the subject at his home parish of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Harris Hill. Catholic Diocese […]
The Diocese of Buffalo has announced that The St. Jude Center has been listed for sale. The building, at 760 Ellicott St. in Buffalo, with an adjoining carriage house that serves as the current chapel, was purchased in late 1960s to found the professional pastoral care ministry in the diocese. The 8,755 square-foot structure includes […]
Sister Joan Wagner, co-founder the St. Joseph Center for Spirituality, passed away on April 12, 2024, at age 93. Born Sept. 2, 1930, in Buffalo, she was one of three children and the only daughter of Mathias L. and Marion Meyer Wagner. Raised on the family farm in Alden, Sister Joan attended St. Joseph University […]
