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The Holy Father’s statements about war have been clear and consistent with his predecessors and the teaching of the Church’s Magisterium in proclaiming the Gospel message, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” His words do not contradict a country’s right to self-defense but prophetically remind us that religion is not at the service of aggression. In this holy season of Easter, the universal Church recalls that Jesus died and rose to save all humankind. We are all God’s children, even in times of war.

Father Francis A. Roberge, 74, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Baldwinville, passed away in the rectory on Sunday, April 12.

(OSV News) – As the astronauts of NASA’s first crewed lunar flyby in half a century reached their closest approach to the moon, the team’s pilot reminded the Earth of Jesus Christ’s command to love both God and neighbor.

NORTHBOROUGH – A 15-year-old who said God didn’t exist just felt he should go to church one day. A young husband decided to explore the faith in which his wife wanted to raise their baby. A 54-year-old saw others around his age receiving sacraments, and realized it wasn’t too late for him to do the same.

WORCESTER – In a life plagued by stress and expenses, a local priest gives of his own money and time to help kids and adults have some free fun – with a little catechesis and an opportunity for prayer thrown in.

Sister Jeanne spent 40 years of her religious life teaching in grades one through four in Barton, Vermont; Nasonville, Rhode Island; Greenville, New Hampshire; and Lowell, Dracut, Northbridge, and Millbury. In 1967, she went to Philadelphia to become a certified Montessori Teacher. She then opened a Montessori School in Petersham, and another school in Millbury in 1971. Twenty years of dedicated service evolved.

VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on Sept. 24 in St. Louis, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints announced March 25.

The Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award, the Ruth Pakaluk Pro-Life Youth Award, and the Gospel of Life Award, given annually to individuals who have shown heroic witness to the intrinsic value of each human life, were presented at this Mass.

WORCESTER – The Blessed Mother statue was broken, but men lined up to touch her, kneel before her or have their photo taken with her. They were attending the 25th annual Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference Saturday at the DCU Convention Center.

More than 250 Catholics involved in Hispanic ministry in New England discussed ways to improve evangelization, during a retreat March 12 at St. Paul Cathedral

Father John Edward Horgan, a retired priest of the Diocese of Worcester, passed away Tuesday, March 10.

The title of his presentation is “Does God Want Everyone to be Catholic?”

Observing court hearings of migrants, praying for them at the U.S.-Mexico border and at a desert death site, and learning from their supporters’ treatment of adversaries were ways a local deacon and his wife spent a sabbatical – to prepare for future ministry.

The annual Partners in Charity campaign has a new fundraising goal and a new theme, but the purpose remains the same – to help support as many people in need in the Diocese of Worcester as possible. Partners in Charity helps fund 25 charitable, educational and pastoral ministries in the diocese with donations from parishioners and clergy.

Life-changing experiences of God led some 
people to St. Paul Cathedral in Worcester 
Sunday for the next step in their journey of faith and initiation into the Catholic Church.

Father Joseph M. Freedy, senior parochial vicar at Divine Grace Parish in Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and former Division 1 starting quarterback for the University of Buffalo, will present a talk titled, “Return: Drawing your Loved Ones Back to the Church” at the 25th annual Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference March 21 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester.

WEST BOYLSTON – For much of his life, the late Father Walter J. Riley, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester, was passionate about visiting Civil War battlefields and collecting Civil War memorabilia.

WORCESTER – With temperatures that dipped below zero and a record number of homeless people in Worcester County, St. John Parish opened a winter overflow shelter at the St. Francis Xavier Center.

Deacon Joseph T. DuVarney, 96, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Feb. 11 surrounded by the love of his family and the grace of God, whom he served so devotedly throughout his life.

A retired priest spoke with The Catholic Free Press about advances in his ministry with couples last Saturday, as National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) began. World Marriage Day was celebrated Feb. 8.