Former Brothers of Mercy chaplain Father John J. Sardina died April 30, 2025, just three days shy of his 93rd birthday. Born May 3, 1932, the son of Pasquale and Maria (Provenzano) Sardina, attended Buffalo public schools before entering the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary, and later Christ the King Seminary in Olean. He was ordained March […]
During a meeting held last evening, the Diocese of Buffalo announced that Holy Cross Parish, deemed to merge and close in final decisions reached in September, will remain open on Buffalo’s West Side. The church at 345 Seventh St., Buffalo, originally scheduled to remain open during initial recommendations communicated in May 2024, was suggested to […]
Msgr. David M. Gallivan, who ministered almost exclusively with the Hispanic and Latino community, died Jan. 9, 2025. The son of Raymond and Catherine Herlihy Gallivan was born Dec. 15, 1941. He attended St. James School and the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary both in Buffalo, before entering St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora. He would […]
The aptly named Magnificat Choir sang at Holy Cross Parish for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Not only did the performance display the culture of the Rwandan choir, it also served as a third anniversary celebration. The traditional dancing group, Ikirezi, also performed at the Mass. “We used to sing in our country back […]
Catholic Diocese of Buffalo Sound Hub · November 19, 2024 – African Thanksgiving Mass celebrates cultural unity in Buffalo “When you attend an African Mass you have to pray for God’s grace for patience.” Those words from Father Moses Ikuelogbon served more as a promise than a warning. The Nov. 17 Mass at Holy Cross […]
Sister Paula Marie Skalski, 84, a Felician Sister for 66 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo on Oct. 26, 2024. The former Gertrude Skalski was born on Oct. 1, 1940, in Buffalo, and was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on […]
Holy Cross Parish in Buffalo hosted the annual Diocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass on Sunday, Sept. 22. Bishop Michael W. Fisher served as main celebrant, while Deacon Miguel Santos delivered the homily. Members of the congregation brought their “sazón” or flavor of their home country and a traditional dish to share. All photos by Nicole Dzimira
Sister Suzanne Hitzges OSF, a teacher who served in Puerto Rico, died Feb. 10, 2024. Sister was a member of the Franciscan Sisters for 63 years and was formerly known as Sister Carol Ann. Born Oct. 5, 1940, in Buffalo. Most of her childhood was spent in Kenmore with her sister and five brothers. She […]
Welcome home and welcome back. Holy Cross Parish hosted an African Thanksgiving Mass and bazaar in celebration of the diverse culture of the many nations of Africa and its contributions to the Diocese of Buffalo. A Buffalo tradition, this was the first bazaar held since the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020. “Welcome home,” said Father Felix […]
Sister Mary Helen Buscarino, the founder and namesake of Lockport’s Sister Helen’s Food Pantry, died Aug. 30, 2022. She was 98 years old and had recently celebrated her 80th Jubilee of religious life. Sister Helen was the first child born to Carmelo and Alfonsa Buscarino in Racalmuto, Sicily on April 21, 1924. Her lifelong journey […]
