Pope’s words in France are encouragement to not give up the fight against ‘deadly laws’ #Catholic – 
PARIS (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV’s forceful defense of human life during his Sept. 25-27 visit to France has reignited debate over the country’s newly approved assisted-dying law, which lawmakers had largely considered settled after its passage in July.
The pope’s words are now interpreted by pro-life movements as a call to protect life despite the new law, which took effect in August.
For Lucie Pacherie, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, the pope’s words are a “great encouragement to continue raising awareness among the French people that this law is not good, even though it has been passed.”
“The pope spoke in extremely firm terms,” she told OSV News. “He really made it clear that what is legal is not necessarily moral.”
Jerome Trillard, one of the six altar servers with Down syndrome who served papal Mass at Place de la Concorde Sept. 26, told French channel C News that people like him should not be “excluded” from society. “Instead, we need inclusion for people with disabilities,” he urged.
The presence of these altar servers at the papal Mass in mainstream television channels and viral papal blessings of the sick and disabled from Paris, through Lourdes to Metz, sent a signal that life is sacred, pro-life advocates and bishops underlined following the trip.
Pope Leo in France: ‘What is legal is not necessarily moral’
Pope Leo used his first visit to France to deliver a forceful defense of human life at every stage, condemning abortion, surrogacy and assisted dying while urging lawmakers and caregivers to protect the vulnerable.
At the Élysée Palace in Paris Sept. 25, the pope told French civil authorities that “the protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right,” warning against “trends in society that risk turning science and technology into profit-driven ventures promoting genetic manipulation, surrogacy, the trade in human organs or the possibility of arranging one’s own death.”
The pope called for a conversion of minds and hearts “to welcome life unconditionally, to support frailty with loving care, to accompany every stage of life with respect and mutual trust, and to defend with courage and compassion those unable to make their voices heard and those who feel ignored or overlooked.”
Two days later in Lourdes, speaking to patients and caregivers at the Accueil Notre Dame, Pope Leo applied that appeal particularly to those who are sick, elderly or disabled.
“Dear brothers and sisters who are sick, I want to tell you that you are not a burden,” he said. “You are the beating heart of our humanity and a precious treasure for the Church.”
He rejected the idea that human worth can be determined by utility, technology, or under legal decisions. “No one ever has the right, on the basis of laboratory algorithms, to decide the life of a given embryo or elderly person!” he said. “Medicine must never become the servant of programmed death.”
“No human law should ever make you lose the certainty of your dignity,” the pope told the sick and disabled. “It is impossible to regard causing death as something normal. What is legal is not necessarily moral.”
Pope to critics in France: ‘We’re applying the Gospel to people’s lives’
The papal words caused an avalanche of reactions in France. While his address at the Élysée Palace was considered to be delivered “peacefully,” France’s top-rated television channel TF1 noted the pope took a “tougher stance” in Lourdes.
“The pope must still respect the laws of our country,” Jean-Luc Romero, a former deputy mayor of Paris known for actively campaigning in favor of the assisted-dying law, commented on France Info TV.
Olivier Falorni, who served as the principal architect of the bill on assisted dying while he was a member of parliament opposed any “interference by the Church” in French law, speaking on France Info, a public news radio station.
The pope, asked about the hot button issue on a plane from Metz to Rome, said he “didn’t cross” the line of separation between the state and the Church, and encouraged to “read or re-read” his first encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.”
“When it speaks about questions of social doctrine, we’re not entering into politics,” the pope told journalists. “We’re applying the Gospel to people’s lives.”
While noting there “can be politicians” who say “no, religion should only be in the private sphere. Let people do what they want on their own,” the pope underlined, “That is a state.”
But in the Church, “we have to be separate,” he said.
“I went to France … primarily to preach the Gospel, to preach the good news, to reaffirm what Jesus Christ himself says when he says: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’”
The defense of life, the pope said, “is something that, as you all know, the Church teaches and believes very deeply.”
While acknowledging laws similar to the French assisted-dying bill are spreading in Europe, Pope Leo said his encounter with the sick in the sanctuary of Lourdes carried a different kind of message.
In Lourdes, he said, people who are sick are “searching for something much deeper,” for “understanding that their lives, even in the midst of sickness or disability or pain of different kinds … has meaning.”
The Church, the pope said, “because of Jesus himself, wants to be close to those people and to affirm the values that that life itself … holds for all of us. So … I would say if that’s politics, I did that, but it was not to get involved in French politics. It was to teach what the Church really believes.”
Lejeune Foundation: Pope’s affirmation of life not ‘too late’ even if law passed
Many French journalists and politicians, from all corners of politics, reacted positively to the papal appeals for the protection of life.
French weekly Journal du Dimanche hailed a “vibrant speech against euthanasia.” “It is true that the pope sounded the charge against this law,” Rokhaya Diallo, a left-wing activist, commented on France Info.
“But this is not just a right-wing opinion.” “This issue transcends the left-right divide,” she emphasized, referring to the Franco-Chilean lawyer Élisa Rojas, an left-wing activist opposed to euthanasia, who published a book in April titled “To Die, Press One” to oppose this law.
For Pacherie, spokeswoman at the Lejeune Foundation, the remarks of the pope were shaped by the June 22 audience with members of the Lejeune Foundation to mark the centennial of Jérôme Lejeune’s birth.
“It was on that very same day that young boys and men with Down syndrome asked the pope if they could serve at his Mass during his visit to France,” Pacherie said. When the pope agreed, “it was a beautiful symbol to honor them and bless them in this way on that occasion,” Pacherie told OSV News.
The Lejeune Foundation carries on the work of the French scientist, professor of genetics who discovered that an extra chromosome in human DNA causes Down syndrome. What he hoped would be a breakthrough in protecting people with Down syndrome became a reason to eliminate them by abortion. In France, the abortion rate in cases of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome is 68%.
“Professor Lejeune understood that while technology can assist medicine, it can never replace it. He also knew that technology can be used against medicine — which by its very nature is at the service of life — whenever it escapes essential ethical oversight and is governed instead by calculations of efficiency, profitability, or utility,” Pope Leo told Lejeune Foundation representatives on June 22.
“But the value of the human person does not depend on what he or she accomplishes or produces. For this reason, a physician should never be allowed to decide on the life of a particular embryo or a particular elderly person, on the basis of laboratory algorithms! Medicine must never become the servant of programmed death!” Pope Leo added in what was a preludium to the papal address in Acceuil Notre Dame in Lourdes.
Pacherie believes that “the pope’s statement has not come too late,” even though the law has already been passed.
“On June 22, the pope had already told us that neither he nor the Church as such was in a position to halt the ongoing process that would lead to the passage of this law,” she explained.
“Even if he had come to France earlier, he would not have been able to stop this measure, which was orchestrated by activists deeply involved in French politics.”
But for Pacherie, “the pope’s remarks in Lourdes come at just the right time to ensure we do not give up the fight against these deadly laws.”
She said the pope shed a light on people who are fragile and vulnerable in face of legislation and “our task is to continue caring for them, so that they do not have the weight of this law on their shoulders, and to raise awareness among the French public that just because something is legal does not mean it is a good thing.”
Caroline de Sury writes for OSV News from Paris.
– PARIS (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV’s forceful defense of human life during his Sept. 25-27 visit to France has reignited debate over the country’s newly approved assisted-dying law, which lawmakers had largely considered settled after its passage in July. The pope’s words are now interpreted by pro-life movements as a call to protect life despite the new law, which took effect in August. For Lucie Pacherie, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, the pope’s words are a “great encouragement to continue raising awareness among the French people that this law is not good, even though it
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![Villa Walsh students help open school year at Mass #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., on Sept. 30 to celebrate a Mass for the opening of the current academic year.
Villa Walsh is a college preparatory school for girls, grades 7 to 12, run by the Religious Teachers Filippini.
Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption Parish in Morristown, also served as master of ceremonies for Villa Walsh’s opening Mass. Many students participated in the liturgy.
The bishop’s visit included breakfast with select Villa Walsh students, local clergy, and Filippini Sisters, among them Sister Elaine Bebyn, principal of Villa Walsh, and Sister Marianne McCann, the academy’s president.
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BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/villa-walsh-students-help-open-school-year-at-mass-catholic-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-visited-villa-walsh-academy-in-morristown-n-j-on-sept-30-to-celebrate-a-mass-for-the-opening-of-the-current-a.jpg "Villa Walsh students help open school year at Mass #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., on Sept. 30 to celebrate a Mass for the opening of the current academic year.
Villa Walsh is a college preparatory school for girls, grades 7 to 12, run by the Religious Teachers Filippini.
Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption Parish in Morristown, also served as master of ceremonies for Villa Walsh’s opening Mass. Many students participated in the liturgy.
The bishop’s visit included breakfast with select Villa Walsh students, local clergy, and Filippini Sisters, among them Sister Elaine Bebyn, principal of Villa Walsh, and Sister Marianne McCann, the academy’s president.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Inaugural edition of Sheen Awards honors Mother Angelica #Catholic On Sept. 25, one day after the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, members of the media and entertainment world as well as the Church at large gathered in Peoria, Illinois — the hometown of now-Blessed Fulton Sheen — for the inaugural Sheen Awards.Among the notable figures in attendance were Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria; Bishop John Barres of the Diocese Rockville Centre, New York; Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota; Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in “The Chosen”; David Henrie, host of EWTN’s travel series “Seeking Beauty”; and Siobhan Fallon Hogan, host of the EWTN podcast “Catholics and Cappuccinos.” Seven awards were presented including the Radio and Podcast Impact Award, the Evangelization Impact Award, the Mission and Humanitarian Impact Award, the Innovation Impact Award, the Digital Creator Impact Award, the Television and Streaming Impact Award, and the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Lifetime Achievement Award.Mother Angelica, EWTN’s foundress, posthumously received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was bestowed on Mother Angelica in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Church and her pioneering use of television to proclaim the Gospel through the Eternal Word Television Network. EWTN Studios President Peter Gagnon accepted the award on her behalf.“On behalf of Michael Warsaw, CEO, and myself, we want to thank Bishop Tylka and the Archbishop Sheen Foundation for honoring Mother Angelica with this award,” Gagnon said in his acceptance speech. Gagnon worked with Mother Angelica for many years and pointed out that “one of her favorite expressions was to say, ‘This is awesome!’”He said: “When there would be a papal event, she would say, ‘Wasnʼt that awesome?’ … I think tonight she would say, ‘This is awesome.’”A little over one year after the death of Sheen — on Dec. 12, 1980 — EWTN was officially incorporated by Mother Angelica. Reflecting on this, Gagnon said: “I donʼt think itʼs a coincidence.”“Mother Angelica took the torch from Archbishop Sheen because she saw the power of reaching people through the media, through television,” he said. “She, like Archbishop Sheen, could reach through that camera lens and talk to you. And when she was talking to you, she was talking to you directly.”Gagnon added: “Also like him [Sheen], she had just an incredible love for the Church and a zeal for souls. I never knew anyone who loved Our Lord as much as Mother Angelica did. Her impact on many throughout the world is truly humbling and amazing.”EWTN has aired “Life Is Worth Living,” Sheen’s popular television show, for over 20 years. Gagnon emphasized that the network is “proud to share his words and message throughout the world.”In an additional statement commenting on the significance of the award, Michael Warsaw, chairman and CEO of EWTN Global Catholic Network, noted: “Among the great Catholic evangelists of the 20th century, Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and our own Mother Angelica, stand out for the extraordinary ways they embraced media to proclaim the Gospel, defend the dignity of the human person and speak the truth to a world desperately in need of Jesus Christ.” “It is especially meaningful to see Mother Angelica honored in the name of Archbishop Sheen, whose pioneering use of radio and television demonstrated the power of media in service of the Gospel,” Warsaw pointed out. He said the recognition is “particularly poignant as we mark the 10th anniversary of Mother Angelica’s passing.”
EWTN Studios President Peter Gagnon accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mother Angelica at the Sheen Awards on Sept. 25, 2026. | Credit: Nellie Gould, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation
“She would have been deeply honored to be recognized at the inaugural Sheen Awards and counted among the innovators and communicators carrying forward Archbishop Sheen’s legacy,” Warsaw added.Broaching the topic of Mother Angelica’s own potential cause for canonization, Warsaw indicated: “While I remain mindful of the Church’s careful discernment regarding any potential cause for sainthood, I can say personally that I pray and hope that one day Mother Angelica might be numbered among the saints of the Church she loved and served so faithfully.”Warsaw concluded: “On behalf of the entire EWTN family, I am profoundly grateful for this recognition of Mother Angelica and, more importantly, for the opportunity to remember what animated both Mother Angelica and Blessed Fulton Sheen: the desire to bring souls to Jesus Christ. May their example inspire us all to use the gifts God has given us to proclaim the Gospel with courage, creativity and joy.”Additional Sheen Award recipients included Katie McGrady, who received the Radio and Podcast Impact Award; Roumie, who received the Television and Streaming Impact Award; and Barron, who received the Evangelization Impact Award.The Mission and Humanitarian Impact Award went to the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, while Hallow received the Innovation Impact Award. Paul J. Kim was awarded the Digital Creator Impact Award.Watch EWTN’s livestream of the red carpet at the Sheen Awards here.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/inaugural-edition-of-sheen-awards-honors-mother-angelica-catholic-on-sept-25-one-day-after-the-beatification-of-archbishop-fulton-sheen-members-of-the-media-and-entertainment-world-as-well-as-the-scaled.jpg "Inaugural edition of Sheen Awards honors Mother Angelica #Catholic On Sept. 25, one day after the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, members of the media and entertainment world as well as the Church at large gathered in Peoria, Illinois — the hometown of now-Blessed Fulton Sheen — for the inaugural Sheen Awards.Among the notable figures in attendance were Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria; Bishop John Barres of the Diocese Rockville Centre, New York; Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota; Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in “The Chosen”; David Henrie, host of EWTN’s travel series “Seeking Beauty”; and Siobhan Fallon Hogan, host of the EWTN podcast “Catholics and Cappuccinos.” Seven awards were presented including the Radio and Podcast Impact Award, the Evangelization Impact Award, the Mission and Humanitarian Impact Award, the Innovation Impact Award, the Digital Creator Impact Award, the Television and Streaming Impact Award, and the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Lifetime Achievement Award.Mother Angelica, EWTN’s foundress, posthumously received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was bestowed on Mother Angelica in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Church and her pioneering use of television to proclaim the Gospel through the Eternal Word Television Network. EWTN Studios President Peter Gagnon accepted the award on her behalf.“On behalf of Michael Warsaw, CEO, and myself, we want to thank Bishop Tylka and the Archbishop Sheen Foundation for honoring Mother Angelica with this award,” Gagnon said in his acceptance speech. Gagnon worked with Mother Angelica for many years and pointed out that “one of her favorite expressions was to say, ‘This is awesome!’”He said: “When there would be a papal event, she would say, ‘Wasnʼt that awesome?’ … I think tonight she would say, ‘This is awesome.’”A little over one year after the death of Sheen — on Dec. 12, 1980 — EWTN was officially incorporated by Mother Angelica. Reflecting on this, Gagnon said: “I donʼt think itʼs a coincidence.”“Mother Angelica took the torch from Archbishop Sheen because she saw the power of reaching people through the media, through television,” he said. “She, like Archbishop Sheen, could reach through that camera lens and talk to you. And when she was talking to you, she was talking to you directly.”Gagnon added: “Also like him [Sheen], she had just an incredible love for the Church and a zeal for souls. I never knew anyone who loved Our Lord as much as Mother Angelica did. Her impact on many throughout the world is truly humbling and amazing.”EWTN has aired “Life Is Worth Living,” Sheen’s popular television show, for over 20 years. Gagnon emphasized that the network is “proud to share his words and message throughout the world.”In an additional statement commenting on the significance of the award, Michael Warsaw, chairman and CEO of EWTN Global Catholic Network, noted: “Among the great Catholic evangelists of the 20th century, Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and our own Mother Angelica, stand out for the extraordinary ways they embraced media to proclaim the Gospel, defend the dignity of the human person and speak the truth to a world desperately in need of Jesus Christ.” “It is especially meaningful to see Mother Angelica honored in the name of Archbishop Sheen, whose pioneering use of radio and television demonstrated the power of media in service of the Gospel,” Warsaw pointed out. He said the recognition is “particularly poignant as we mark the 10th anniversary of Mother Angelica’s passing.”
EWTN Studios President Peter Gagnon accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mother Angelica at the Sheen Awards on Sept. 25, 2026. | Credit: Nellie Gould, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation
“She would have been deeply honored to be recognized at the inaugural Sheen Awards and counted among the innovators and communicators carrying forward Archbishop Sheen’s legacy,” Warsaw added.Broaching the topic of Mother Angelica’s own potential cause for canonization, Warsaw indicated: “While I remain mindful of the Church’s careful discernment regarding any potential cause for sainthood, I can say personally that I pray and hope that one day Mother Angelica might be numbered among the saints of the Church she loved and served so faithfully.”Warsaw concluded: “On behalf of the entire EWTN family, I am profoundly grateful for this recognition of Mother Angelica and, more importantly, for the opportunity to remember what animated both Mother Angelica and Blessed Fulton Sheen: the desire to bring souls to Jesus Christ. May their example inspire us all to use the gifts God has given us to proclaim the Gospel with courage, creativity and joy.”Additional Sheen Award recipients included Katie McGrady, who received the Radio and Podcast Impact Award; Roumie, who received the Television and Streaming Impact Award; and Barron, who received the Evangelization Impact Award.The Mission and Humanitarian Impact Award went to the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, while Hallow received the Innovation Impact Award. Paul J. Kim was awarded the Digital Creator Impact Award.Watch EWTN’s livestream of the red carpet at the Sheen Awards here.")
![Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
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“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/denville-parish-celebrates-century-of-catholic-faith-and-generosity-catholic-the-st-mary-parish-community-in-denville-n-j-consistently-demonstrates-phenomenal-generosity-to-pe.jpg "Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘")
![Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/diocese-joins-randolph-tribute-to-fallen-war-on-terror-veterans-catholic-on-sept-26-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-joined-local-officials-and-veterans-groups-to-welcome-a-national-traveling-memorial-hon.jpg "Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
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![Filipino Catholics join to honor San Lorenzo and San Pedro #Catholic – Filipino Catholics from across the Paterson Diocese, N.J., gathered on Sept. 26 at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., for the annual diocesan celebration honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod, the first two canonized Filipino saints.
Despite stormy weather, the faithful gathered for a joyful and prayerful celebration of the Eucharist, giving thanks for the gift of faith and the courageous witness of the two Filipino martyrs. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney served as main celebrant.
Concelebrating the liturgy were Father Cerilo Javinez, administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J.; Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame and host of the celebration; Father Lem Camacho, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Dover, N.J.; Father Jun Vizcara, chaplain at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J.; Father Paul Octubre of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Francis Conde of St. Clare Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome; and Father Gabby Paraan, stationed in the Diocese of Helsinki, Finland, as national chaplain for Filipino Migrants. Father Vic Leviste, parochial vicar, St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., and diocesan assistant director of worship, served as master of ceremonies.
Assisting at the Mass were Deacon Elmer Maximo of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway and Deacon Jose Rivera of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.
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In his homily, Bishop Sweeney reflected on the witness of faith of San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod and what their example means for Catholics today. Their lives remind the faithful that holiness requires courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and fidelity to Christ, especially in times of difficulty, he said.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, a husband and father, remained steadfast in his Catholic faith even in the face of persecution and death. San Pedro Calungsod, a young catechist and missionary, gave his life while helping proclaim the Gospel.
The celebration also highlighted the many gifts Filipino Catholics bring to the wider Church — deep devotion to the Eucharist, love for the Blessed Mother and the saints, strong family ties, generous service, and a commitment to passing on the faith to future generations.
“Once again, we were blessed with a beautiful and successful celebration of our Filipino Saints,” said Deacon Elmer Maximo, president of the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries. “Despite the less-than-cooperative weather, everyone came together to make the celebration prayerful, joyful, and truly memorable,” he said.
Maximo thanked the clergy, volunteers, parishioners, and members of the Filipino community for their time, sacrifices, generosity, and loving service.
“The celebration served as a reminder that the best way to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod is not only to remember their heroic witness, but also to imitate their faithfulness by living the Gospel with courage, joy, and love,” Maximo said.
BEACON PHOTOS | MATTHEW GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/filipino-catholics-join-to-honor-san-lorenzo-and-san-pedro-catholic-filipino-catholics-from-across-the-paterson-diocese-n-j-gathered-on-sept-26-at-notre-dame-of-mount-carmel-church-in-the-cedar.jpg "Filipino Catholics join to honor San Lorenzo and San Pedro #Catholic – Filipino Catholics from across the Paterson Diocese, N.J., gathered on Sept. 26 at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, N.J., for the annual diocesan celebration honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod, the first two canonized Filipino saints.
Despite stormy weather, the faithful gathered for a joyful and prayerful celebration of the Eucharist, giving thanks for the gift of faith and the courageous witness of the two Filipino martyrs. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney served as main celebrant.
Concelebrating the liturgy were Father Cerilo Javinez, administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J.; Father Vidal Gonzales, pastor of Notre Dame and host of the celebration; Father Lem Camacho, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Dover, N.J.; Father Jun Vizcara, chaplain at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J.; Father Paul Octubre of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Francis Conde of St. Clare Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome; and Father Gabby Paraan, stationed in the Diocese of Helsinki, Finland, as national chaplain for Filipino Migrants. Father Vic Leviste, parochial vicar, St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., and diocesan assistant director of worship, served as master of ceremonies.
Assisting at the Mass were Deacon Elmer Maximo of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway and Deacon Jose Rivera of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.
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In his homily, Bishop Sweeney reflected on the witness of faith of San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod and what their example means for Catholics today. Their lives remind the faithful that holiness requires courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and fidelity to Christ, especially in times of difficulty, he said.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, a husband and father, remained steadfast in his Catholic faith even in the face of persecution and death. San Pedro Calungsod, a young catechist and missionary, gave his life while helping proclaim the Gospel.
The celebration also highlighted the many gifts Filipino Catholics bring to the wider Church — deep devotion to the Eucharist, love for the Blessed Mother and the saints, strong family ties, generous service, and a commitment to passing on the faith to future generations.
“Once again, we were blessed with a beautiful and successful celebration of our Filipino Saints,” said Deacon Elmer Maximo, president of the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries. “Despite the less-than-cooperative weather, everyone came together to make the celebration prayerful, joyful, and truly memorable,” he said.
Maximo thanked the clergy, volunteers, parishioners, and members of the Filipino community for their time, sacrifices, generosity, and loving service.
“The celebration served as a reminder that the best way to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod is not only to remember their heroic witness, but also to imitate their faithfulness by living the Gospel with courage, joy, and love,” Maximo said.
BEACON PHOTOS | MATTHEW GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![New DePaul principal helps open school year at Mass #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited DePaul Catholic School in Wayne, N.J., on Sept. 26 to celebrate Mass and open the 2026–27 academic year now under way. The bishop also welcomed Stephen D. Trivino, DePaul’s new principal.
Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sweeney were Father Frank Lennie and Father Brian Ditullio, chaplains at DePaul, and Father John Tarantino, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, DePaul Class of 1968, and a former DePaul staff member. Ted Gaffney, the school’s president, participated in the Mass along with students who served as altar servers, lectors, and music ministers.
Mary Baier, diocesan schools superintendent; Filippini Sister Marie Antonelli, principal of Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, N.J.; and students from St. James Academy in Totowa, N.J., also attended the Mass.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/new-depaul-principal-helps-open-school-year-at-mass-catholic-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-visited-depaul-catholic-school-in-wayne-n-j-on-sept-26-to-celebrate-mass-and-open-the-2026-27-academ.jpg "New DePaul principal helps open school year at Mass #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited DePaul Catholic School in Wayne, N.J., on Sept. 26 to celebrate Mass and open the 2026–27 academic year now under way. The bishop also welcomed Stephen D. Trivino, DePaul’s new principal.
Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sweeney were Father Frank Lennie and Father Brian Ditullio, chaplains at DePaul, and Father John Tarantino, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, DePaul Class of 1968, and a former DePaul staff member. Ted Gaffney, the school’s president, participated in the Mass along with students who served as altar servers, lectors, and music ministers.
Mary Baier, diocesan schools superintendent; Filippini Sister Marie Antonelli, principal of Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, N.J.; and students from St. James Academy in Totowa, N.J., also attended the Mass.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
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![St. Joseph’s Health honors contributions of Hispanics during Mass #Catholic – St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, N.J., commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month, observed nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, during a bilingual Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 16 in the chapel of St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic and Latino history and culture. It recognizes he many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including advocacy work, art, food, sports, entertainment, business, science, and public service.
Father Krzysztof Liwarski, a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph’s, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. Deacon Lawrence Duffy, pastoral care director of St. Joseph’s Health, assisted with the liturgy.
“From rich traditions to inspiring stories of resilience and achievement, St. Joseph’s is grateful for the lasting impact these communities have made and continue to make,” St. Joseph’s said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/st-josephs-health-honors-contributions-of-hispanics-during-mass-catholic-st-josephs-health-in-paterson-n-j-commemorated-hispanic-heritage-month-observed-nationally-from-sept.jpg "St. Joseph’s Health honors contributions of Hispanics during Mass #Catholic – St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, N.J., commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month, observed nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, during a bilingual Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 16 in the chapel of St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic and Latino history and culture. It recognizes he many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including advocacy work, art, food, sports, entertainment, business, science, and public service.
Father Krzysztof Liwarski, a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph’s, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. Deacon Lawrence Duffy, pastoral care director of St. Joseph’s Health, assisted with the liturgy.
“From rich traditions to inspiring stories of resilience and achievement, St. Joseph’s is grateful for the lasting impact these communities have made and continue to make,” St. Joseph’s said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Pope Leo meets French abuse victims in Lourdes #Catholic LOURDES, France — Pope Leo XIV met seven French victims of clerical sexual abuse on Sunday, making a gesture of solidarity and reconciliation at a shrine world-famous for its healing waters.The nearly two-hour encounter took place at the residence of the local bishop, where Leo is staying for his two nights at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.Speaking to journalists after the meeting, one of the victims, Jérôme Guillement, said, “There was something sincere about [Pope Leo]. With him, every word was carefully chosen; every word had meaning. … There were a lot of emotions.”According to the Holy See Press Office, Leo spent an hour and a half speaking to the four men and three women individually, before addressing them as a group for about 20 minutes and “thanking them for their painful testimony and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the harm they experienced is not repeated for others.”He “expressed his solidarity with them and, through them, with all those who have suffered and continue to suffer from the wounds of abuse,” the statement said.Leo also prayed with some of the victims.“I sensed that he was a man of commitment and also a man of resolve,” Olivier Mardi, one of the participants, said after the meeting. “He’s not fooled and knows that these events will continue and that we must remain vigilant… There was an emotional side to it, and at the same time something very powerful when he speaks.”Five of the seven involved in the meeting revealed their identities ahead of the pope’s trip. Among them was Bertrand Virieux, a victim of ex-priest Bernard Preynat, who in 2020 was sentenced to five years in prison for assaults on young scouts in the Archdiocese of Lyon. Preynat died in 2024.The Church in France has been grappling with the repercussions of abuse in the wake of an independent commission’s report that hundreds of thousands of children had been abused by clergy and religious over the past 70 years.The Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE) published a nearly 2,500-page final report in October 2021, estimating that 216,000 children were abused by priests, deacons, monks, or nuns in France from 1950 to 2020.It added that when abuse by lay Church workers was also taken into account, “the estimated number of child victims rises to 330,000 for the whole of the period.”The victims were accompanied by Bishop Gérard Le Stang of Amiens, president of the Council for the Prevention and Combating of Pedophilia within the French bishops’ conference.Guillement said Leo “felt that the Church in France still had a great deal of work to do” to prevent abuse.“We talked about prevention as part of a cultural shift at all levels … There are different opinions, but from his perspective, there’s still a systemic dimension at play,” the man added.According to Mardi, the pontiff “responded well to our very concrete proposals; he knows he has to work with us… He said we need to rekindle hope, and it takes serious commitment to make that happen.”Pope Leo spoke about the clerical sexual abuse of minors in his address to the French bishops on the morning of Sept. 27.“In recent years, you have faced with determination the painful scourge of abuse committed against minors by members of the clergy or in an ecclesial context,” he said.The pontiff praised them for their courageous measures to listen, search for truth, justice, forgiveness, and making amends, as well as “a firm commitment to a culture of prevention and protection against these crimes.”“You must continue along the path you have begun, maintaining the greatest vigilance,” he said.Before addressing the bishops, Leo stopped in front of a memorial for victims of child sexual abuse, featuring the brief reflection of an anonymous victim.“[The victim] will come to understand that it was the entire culture of a system that sought to protect itself rather than protect him,” an inscription on the memorial reads. “And his turmoil continues to deepen around this question: Why can’t justice be done for him? It is so vital to him that he may finally find peace and that the tears of his childhood may cease to flow.”At an open-air Mass later on Sunday morning, the pope seemed to allude to the clerical abuse crisis, saying in his homily that “In order to heal the deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors that have occurred within [the Church], we must humbly place ourselves under the Lord’s purifying gaze. Recognizing our own faults is essential to our spiritual growth.”The pope’s plans for a private conversation with victims ignited controversy among several abuse support groups in France who criticized the format of the meeting and the exclusion of victims’ organizations.Asked about the criticism, Bishop Pierre-Antoine Bozo, the spokesman of the French bishops’ conference, told journalists that “there are many survivor groups … If all of them had been included or brought together, it would have been a very large format, and it would not have had the same impact.”“What helps us most in accompanying victims is listening to them. And to do that, you cannot have 50 people sitting in front of you. That is really what the pope wanted,” Bozo said.The Lourdes shrine was an evocative backdrop for the meeting with abuse victims, since it is among the first shrines to cover artwork by the accused sexual abuser Father Marko Rupnik, currently on trial at the Vatican.Mosaics by Rupnik on the façade of the Basilica of the Rosary were covered ahead of Leo’s visit and will remain indefinitely hidden.“It had come to carry such a symbolic burden for victims that, even though many of the people who come to Lourdes are not abuse victims, for those who are, something had to be done,” Bishop Bozo said.“If it becomes so difficult for people to come to Lourdes, people who should have a privileged place there because they are suffering, then the situation is no longer acceptable,” the spokesman added. “So I think covering the mosaics is a first step. Afterward, something new will have to be proposed, perhaps a new work of art.”](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pope-leo-meets-french-abuse-victims-in-lourdes-catholic-lourdes-france-pope-leo-xiv-met-seven-french-victims-of-clerical-sexual-abuse-on-sunday-making-a-gesture-of-solidarity-and-reconcil-scaled.jpg "Pope Leo meets French abuse victims in Lourdes #Catholic LOURDES, France — Pope Leo XIV met seven French victims of clerical sexual abuse on Sunday, making a gesture of solidarity and reconciliation at a shrine world-famous for its healing waters.The nearly two-hour encounter took place at the residence of the local bishop, where Leo is staying for his two nights at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.Speaking to journalists after the meeting, one of the victims, Jérôme Guillement, said, “There was something sincere about [Pope Leo]. With him, every word was carefully chosen; every word had meaning. … There were a lot of emotions.”According to the Holy See Press Office, Leo spent an hour and a half speaking to the four men and three women individually, before addressing them as a group for about 20 minutes and “thanking them for their painful testimony and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the harm they experienced is not repeated for others.”He “expressed his solidarity with them and, through them, with all those who have suffered and continue to suffer from the wounds of abuse,” the statement said.Leo also prayed with some of the victims.“I sensed that he was a man of commitment and also a man of resolve,” Olivier Mardi, one of the participants, said after the meeting. “He’s not fooled and knows that these events will continue and that we must remain vigilant… There was an emotional side to it, and at the same time something very powerful when he speaks.”Five of the seven involved in the meeting revealed their identities ahead of the pope’s trip. Among them was Bertrand Virieux, a victim of ex-priest Bernard Preynat, who in 2020 was sentenced to five years in prison for assaults on young scouts in the Archdiocese of Lyon. Preynat died in 2024.The Church in France has been grappling with the repercussions of abuse in the wake of an independent commission’s report that hundreds of thousands of children had been abused by clergy and religious over the past 70 years.The Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE) published a nearly 2,500-page final report in October 2021, estimating that 216,000 children were abused by priests, deacons, monks, or nuns in France from 1950 to 2020.It added that when abuse by lay Church workers was also taken into account, “the estimated number of child victims rises to 330,000 for the whole of the period.”The victims were accompanied by Bishop Gérard Le Stang of Amiens, president of the Council for the Prevention and Combating of Pedophilia within the French bishops’ conference.Guillement said Leo “felt that the Church in France still had a great deal of work to do” to prevent abuse.“We talked about prevention as part of a cultural shift at all levels … There are different opinions, but from his perspective, there’s still a systemic dimension at play,” the man added.According to Mardi, the pontiff “responded well to our very concrete proposals; he knows he has to work with us… He said we need to rekindle hope, and it takes serious commitment to make that happen.”Pope Leo spoke about the clerical sexual abuse of minors in his address to the French bishops on the morning of Sept. 27.“In recent years, you have faced with determination the painful scourge of abuse committed against minors by members of the clergy or in an ecclesial context,” he said.The pontiff praised them for their courageous measures to listen, search for truth, justice, forgiveness, and making amends, as well as “a firm commitment to a culture of prevention and protection against these crimes.”“You must continue along the path you have begun, maintaining the greatest vigilance,” he said.Before addressing the bishops, Leo stopped in front of a memorial for victims of child sexual abuse, featuring the brief reflection of an anonymous victim.“[The victim] will come to understand that it was the entire culture of a system that sought to protect itself rather than protect him,” an inscription on the memorial reads. “And his turmoil continues to deepen around this question: Why can’t justice be done for him? It is so vital to him that he may finally find peace and that the tears of his childhood may cease to flow.”At an open-air Mass later on Sunday morning, the pope seemed to allude to the clerical abuse crisis, saying in his homily that “In order to heal the deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors that have occurred within [the Church], we must humbly place ourselves under the Lord’s purifying gaze. Recognizing our own faults is essential to our spiritual growth.”The pope’s plans for a private conversation with victims ignited controversy among several abuse support groups in France who criticized the format of the meeting and the exclusion of victims’ organizations.Asked about the criticism, Bishop Pierre-Antoine Bozo, the spokesman of the French bishops’ conference, told journalists that “there are many survivor groups … If all of them had been included or brought together, it would have been a very large format, and it would not have had the same impact.”“What helps us most in accompanying victims is listening to them. And to do that, you cannot have 50 people sitting in front of you. That is really what the pope wanted,” Bozo said.The Lourdes shrine was an evocative backdrop for the meeting with abuse victims, since it is among the first shrines to cover artwork by the accused sexual abuser Father Marko Rupnik, currently on trial at the Vatican.Mosaics by Rupnik on the façade of the Basilica of the Rosary were covered ahead of Leo’s visit and will remain indefinitely hidden.“It had come to carry such a symbolic burden for victims that, even though many of the people who come to Lourdes are not abuse victims, for those who are, something had to be done,” Bishop Bozo said.“If it becomes so difficult for people to come to Lourdes, people who should have a privileged place there because they are suffering, then the situation is no longer acceptable,” the spokesman added. “So I think covering the mosaics is a first step. Afterward, something new will have to be proposed, perhaps a new work of art.”")
![Diocese honors retired priests for service during autumn luncheon #Catholic – The Ministry for Retired Priests of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey held an Autumn Luncheon for Retired Priests on Sept. 15 at St. Ann Parish in Parsippany, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.
Several active priests joined the retired priests, among them several diocesan officials, including Father Michael Parisi, vicar general and pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Msgr. John Hart, director of priest personnel and pastor of Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J.; Father Nico Quintos, minister to retired priests and St. Ann’s pastor; and Father Richard Bay, a retired priest and minister to senior priests.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
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Several active priests joined the retired priests, among them several diocesan officials, including Father Michael Parisi, vicar general and pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Msgr. John Hart, director of priest personnel and pastor of Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J.; Father Nico Quintos, minister to retired priests and St. Ann’s pastor; and Father Richard Bay, a retired priest and minister to senior priests.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Pope Leo in Lourdes: The Church must heal her ‘wounds, infidelities, and painful errors’ #Catholic LOURDES, France — Pope Leo XIV issued a firm call to conversion from sin and error in the Church, and invited all to repent and do penance, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday.Mary’s call to conversion in her message to St. Bernadette “also concerns the Church herself as she makes her earthly journey. She must have the courage to begin with herself,” he said at Mass on Sept. 27.“In order to heal the deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors that have occurred within her, we must humbly place ourselves under the Lord’s purifying gaze. Recognizing our own faults is essential to our spiritual growth,” the pontiff said.In 2021, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE) published a nearly 2,500-page final report, estimating that 216,000 children were abused by priests, deacons, monks, or nuns in France from 1950 to 2020.TweetLeo is scheduled to meet later on Sunday with seven victims of clerical sexual abuse in France.Lourdes is an evocative backdrop to the private meeting, since it is among the first shrines to cover artwork by the accused sexual abuser Father Marko Rupnik, currently on trial at the Vatican.Rupnik’s mosaics decorating the front of the Basilica of the Rosary were covered ahead of Leo’s visit and will remain covered indefinitely, according to the local bishop.The pope celebrated Mass on a prairie across the river Gave de Pau from the grotto of the apparitions on the third day of his Sept. 25-28 visit to France.Pilgrims from France and around the world gathered on the grassy hill and along the streets of the shrine. Some waved flags or held banners of sacred images. A number of pilgrims arrived in wheelchairs. Around 150,000 people attended the Mass, according to the Vatican.Claire Banks, a nurse from the UK, said she has traveled over 100 times to Lourdes.“It was too good of an opportunity to miss coming here and seeing the pope. I think he’s wonderful,” she told EWTN News. She described an “electric atmosphere” at the shrine since Leo’s arrival.Libby Frank, another Mass attendee, is also from the UK, but has lived in Lourdes for 40 years. She recently retired after working for a charity that brings sick people to the shrine.“I worked for three papal visits and now I’ve come to one papal visit to enjoy it with my family and friends and just be part of the community,” she said, referencing two visits by St. Pope John Paul II in 1983 and 2004, and one by Pope Benedict in 2008.“There’s been a phenomenal amount of excitement locally waiting for Leo to come visit. The town [of Lourdes] has really gotten behind everything that’s happening,” she said.TweetThe Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is among the most popular Catholic shrines in the world, built on the site of Mary’s apparitions to St. Bernadette in 1858. It is particularly visited by the sick, who come to bathe in or drink its healing spring water.In his homily, Pope Leo noted that a “call to conversion, both tender and urgent,” was a central part of the message the Virgin Mary entrusted to Bernadette, and that “it is today, not tomorrow, that we must repent.”He said Jesus is quite direct about the call to repentance: “As St. Luke tells us, ‘Unless you repent, you will all perish.’ But he also extends our horizon beyond this earthly life to the horizon of eternal life.”“Did not the Virgin Mary say to St. Bernadette, ‘I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the next’?” Leo said.The pope noted that we can often forget this in an age and society focused on progress and material wellbeing.Eternal life is already won for us by Jesus’ sacrifice, he continued, but “the obstacle to grace and eternal life — the only obstacle to this love — is sin.”The Holy Father called everyone to do penance, an act of love for God and for our brothers and sisters, “who do not heed this call to conversion, and whose sins lead them towards death.”“We want to make amends for the wounds our sins have dealt to [God’s] heart,” he said.Addressing the many sick, elderly, and disabled people present at the Mass, Leo said their suffering, if lived in a “spirit of offering,” can take part “in the redemptive work that the world so greatly needs.”“In this way, you are truly at the heart of the Church, and your role is irreplaceable,” he said.“In the face of current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life in illness, suffering and old age, the grotto of Massabielle stands as a place of Christian hope,” he said. “Here, no one is turned away due to their frailty.”Earlier in the morning, Leo met with France’s bishops at the shrine, where he praised their courage in opposing the recent legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the country.“I encourage you to persevere, together with all people of good will who uphold the same values,” he told the bishops’ conference.At the end of Mass, before praying the Angelus, the pope invited those present to pray the rosary for peace, and to offer concrete acts of penance and mercy.“It was here that the Immaculate Virgin appeared to St. Bernadette with the rosary and, as it were, guided her in prayer,” he said. “For this reason, today I invite all the faithful and all Christian communities to pray the holy rosary throughout the coming month of October, with the particular intention that wars may cease and that peace may be established among peoples in conflict.”Elliot Hartley contributed to this report.This story was updated at 7:14 a.m. ET with more information about the Mass and the pope’s meeting with bishops.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pope-leo-in-lourdes-the-church-must-heal-her-wounds-infidelities-and-painful-errors-catholic-lourdes-france-pope-leo-xiv-issued-a-firm-call-to-conversion-from-sin-and.jpg "Pope Leo in Lourdes: The Church must heal her ‘wounds, infidelities, and painful errors’ #Catholic LOURDES, France — Pope Leo XIV issued a firm call to conversion from sin and error in the Church, and invited all to repent and do penance, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday.Mary’s call to conversion in her message to St. Bernadette “also concerns the Church herself as she makes her earthly journey. She must have the courage to begin with herself,” he said at Mass on Sept. 27.“In order to heal the deep wounds, infidelities and painful errors that have occurred within her, we must humbly place ourselves under the Lord’s purifying gaze. Recognizing our own faults is essential to our spiritual growth,” the pontiff said.In 2021, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE) published a nearly 2,500-page final report, estimating that 216,000 children were abused by priests, deacons, monks, or nuns in France from 1950 to 2020.TweetLeo is scheduled to meet later on Sunday with seven victims of clerical sexual abuse in France.Lourdes is an evocative backdrop to the private meeting, since it is among the first shrines to cover artwork by the accused sexual abuser Father Marko Rupnik, currently on trial at the Vatican.Rupnik’s mosaics decorating the front of the Basilica of the Rosary were covered ahead of Leo’s visit and will remain covered indefinitely, according to the local bishop.The pope celebrated Mass on a prairie across the river Gave de Pau from the grotto of the apparitions on the third day of his Sept. 25-28 visit to France.Pilgrims from France and around the world gathered on the grassy hill and along the streets of the shrine. Some waved flags or held banners of sacred images. A number of pilgrims arrived in wheelchairs. Around 150,000 people attended the Mass, according to the Vatican.Claire Banks, a nurse from the UK, said she has traveled over 100 times to Lourdes.“It was too good of an opportunity to miss coming here and seeing the pope. I think he’s wonderful,” she told EWTN News. She described an “electric atmosphere” at the shrine since Leo’s arrival.Libby Frank, another Mass attendee, is also from the UK, but has lived in Lourdes for 40 years. She recently retired after working for a charity that brings sick people to the shrine.“I worked for three papal visits and now I’ve come to one papal visit to enjoy it with my family and friends and just be part of the community,” she said, referencing two visits by St. Pope John Paul II in 1983 and 2004, and one by Pope Benedict in 2008.“There’s been a phenomenal amount of excitement locally waiting for Leo to come visit. The town [of Lourdes] has really gotten behind everything that’s happening,” she said.TweetThe Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is among the most popular Catholic shrines in the world, built on the site of Mary’s apparitions to St. Bernadette in 1858. It is particularly visited by the sick, who come to bathe in or drink its healing spring water.In his homily, Pope Leo noted that a “call to conversion, both tender and urgent,” was a central part of the message the Virgin Mary entrusted to Bernadette, and that “it is today, not tomorrow, that we must repent.”He said Jesus is quite direct about the call to repentance: “As St. Luke tells us, ‘Unless you repent, you will all perish.’ But he also extends our horizon beyond this earthly life to the horizon of eternal life.”“Did not the Virgin Mary say to St. Bernadette, ‘I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the next’?” Leo said.The pope noted that we can often forget this in an age and society focused on progress and material wellbeing.Eternal life is already won for us by Jesus’ sacrifice, he continued, but “the obstacle to grace and eternal life — the only obstacle to this love — is sin.”The Holy Father called everyone to do penance, an act of love for God and for our brothers and sisters, “who do not heed this call to conversion, and whose sins lead them towards death.”“We want to make amends for the wounds our sins have dealt to [God’s] heart,” he said.Addressing the many sick, elderly, and disabled people present at the Mass, Leo said their suffering, if lived in a “spirit of offering,” can take part “in the redemptive work that the world so greatly needs.”“In this way, you are truly at the heart of the Church, and your role is irreplaceable,” he said.“In the face of current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life in illness, suffering and old age, the grotto of Massabielle stands as a place of Christian hope,” he said. “Here, no one is turned away due to their frailty.”Earlier in the morning, Leo met with France’s bishops at the shrine, where he praised their courage in opposing the recent legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the country.“I encourage you to persevere, together with all people of good will who uphold the same values,” he told the bishops’ conference.At the end of Mass, before praying the Angelus, the pope invited those present to pray the rosary for peace, and to offer concrete acts of penance and mercy.“It was here that the Immaculate Virgin appeared to St. Bernadette with the rosary and, as it were, guided her in prayer,” he said. “For this reason, today I invite all the faithful and all Christian communities to pray the holy rosary throughout the coming month of October, with the particular intention that wars may cease and that peace may be established among peoples in conflict.”Elliot Hartley contributed to this report.This story was updated at 7:14 a.m. ET with more information about the Mass and the pope’s meeting with bishops.")
![New pastor unites Paterson parish during historic merger #Catholic – Two Catholic churches in the Stoney Road section of Paterson and Woodland Park, N.J., became one parish on Divine Mercy Sunday this year, on April 12, when Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) and St. Bonaventure parishes were merged into the newly formed Padre Pio Parish.
Father Manuel Cuellar, Padre Pio’s pastor since that day, knew that bringing distinct, bilingual parish communities into one cohesive Catholic parish wouldn’t happen immediately.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney officially installed Father Cuellar as pastor of Padre Pio on Sept. 12. The new pastor used the last few months to weave the parish communities into a tapestry of God’s presence among the faithful. Padre Pio has been providing three Masses at each of the parish’s two churches, while also helping connect each former parish into the shared ministries of the singular Padre Pio Parish.
“We are one now,” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two or four, we are one.”
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The newly formed parish is officially named for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as “Padre Pio. With the merger streamlining the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP parishes, each with its own histories and traditions, both churches have remained open with adjusted Mass schedules to ensure the parish continues to meet people’s spiritual and pastoral needs.
During this merger, Father Cuellar has encountered people who often want to hold onto their traditions. Yet he sees the steps his parishioners have taken to embrace each other and unify.
“People were attached to their own buildings. People were attached to their own cultures. They wanted the same Mass times at the beginning. Now, I think they understand it in a better way.” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two different communities, I see one now trying to be together, trying to celebrate together, trying to get to know each other,” he said.
Father Cuellar’s installation Mass provided an impactful example of how two parishes with a combined 260 years of distinct traditions have become one.
The installation Mass for Father Cuellar was held at the St. Bonaventure Church site and celebrated in English and Spanish. The liturgy utilized two different sets of lectors and music ministries working together to create one unified faith experience.
“It was such a beautiful Mass. You really felt the love,” said Raysa Gonzalez, a parishioner who came from OLP and assists with Mass planning and the team of lectors.
Gonzalez added, “We had goosebumps because the music is a combination of the Spanish and the English. I had people from the English Mass that do not speak any Spanish come up to me and tell me that even though they didn’t obviously understand the words in the readings that I was saying because it was in a different language that they don’t speak, they were able to feel the readings.”
Father Cuellar says the installation Mass also connected people whose exposure to fellow parishioners usually comes only from attending the same liturgy every week, which doesn’t normally increase the chance of meeting other church members.
“If they come to the 10 a.m. Mass, they know the people there, but they don’t know the other people from the 7.30 a.m. Mass, from the noon Mass or the 5.30 Mass on Sunday,” he said. “But now this event helped everybody to be together,” he said.
A Colombian-born, bilingual priest, Father Cuellar has especially helped bridge the gap between the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the combined parish. As parochial vicar at OLP in 2024, he helped establish a Spanish-speaking Mass, which St. Bonaventure already had for about 10 years.
Father Cuellar has also helped combine ministries across parishes and languages, often turning important Masses involving the sacraments of initiation into bilingual experiences that touch every parishioner’s faith journey.
“We had a lot of kids do their first Holy Communion. Some of them even got baptized, and it was a mix because it was in Spanish and English,” Gonzalez said.
Father Cuellar has also encouraged members of both parishes, representing both languages, to come together in ministries like the lectoring. Gonzalez has joined a bilingual Liturgy Committee from both former church communities that is helping shape people’s experiences of faith in both languages.
“A parish becomes truly alive when its members recognize that each of us has a unique role to play in the mission of the Church,” Father Cuellar wrote in a bulletin announcement about forming the Liturgy Committee.
He has also used a pilgrimage and mission to help earthquake victims in his native Colombia as a chance to unite the parish. They raised more than ,600, which helped empower those in need during the trip he and 22 others took in early September.
While Father Cuellar credits the countless parishioners who have embraced two parishes becoming one, those parishioners feel the newly installed pastor has been the main force that God has used to connect these parishes as one body of Christ.
“Father Manuel has such a blessing to guide us through the change, through the combination, through the different languages of the different communities and putting it together,” Gonzalez said. “Father Manuel has a good balance in respecting everyone’s ways in a way that no one feels excluded. It makes you really want to be part of this parish, this community,” she said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/new-pastor-unites-paterson-parish-during-historic-merger-catholic-two-catholic-churches-in-the-stoney-road-section-of-paterson-and-woodland-park-n-j-became-one-parish-on-divine-mercy-sunday-this.jpg "New pastor unites Paterson parish during historic merger #Catholic – Two Catholic churches in the Stoney Road section of Paterson and Woodland Park, N.J., became one parish on Divine Mercy Sunday this year, on April 12, when Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) and St. Bonaventure parishes were merged into the newly formed Padre Pio Parish.
Father Manuel Cuellar, Padre Pio’s pastor since that day, knew that bringing distinct, bilingual parish communities into one cohesive Catholic parish wouldn’t happen immediately.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney officially installed Father Cuellar as pastor of Padre Pio on Sept. 12. The new pastor used the last few months to weave the parish communities into a tapestry of God’s presence among the faithful. Padre Pio has been providing three Masses at each of the parish’s two churches, while also helping connect each former parish into the shared ministries of the singular Padre Pio Parish.
“We are one now,” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two or four, we are one.”
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The newly formed parish is officially named for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as “Padre Pio. With the merger streamlining the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP parishes, each with its own histories and traditions, both churches have remained open with adjusted Mass schedules to ensure the parish continues to meet people’s spiritual and pastoral needs.
During this merger, Father Cuellar has encountered people who often want to hold onto their traditions. Yet he sees the steps his parishioners have taken to embrace each other and unify.
“People were attached to their own buildings. People were attached to their own cultures. They wanted the same Mass times at the beginning. Now, I think they understand it in a better way.” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two different communities, I see one now trying to be together, trying to celebrate together, trying to get to know each other,” he said.
Father Cuellar’s installation Mass provided an impactful example of how two parishes with a combined 260 years of distinct traditions have become one.
The installation Mass for Father Cuellar was held at the St. Bonaventure Church site and celebrated in English and Spanish. The liturgy utilized two different sets of lectors and music ministries working together to create one unified faith experience.
“It was such a beautiful Mass. You really felt the love,” said Raysa Gonzalez, a parishioner who came from OLP and assists with Mass planning and the team of lectors.
Gonzalez added, “We had goosebumps because the music is a combination of the Spanish and the English. I had people from the English Mass that do not speak any Spanish come up to me and tell me that even though they didn’t obviously understand the words in the readings that I was saying because it was in a different language that they don’t speak, they were able to feel the readings.”
Father Cuellar says the installation Mass also connected people whose exposure to fellow parishioners usually comes only from attending the same liturgy every week, which doesn’t normally increase the chance of meeting other church members.
“If they come to the 10 a.m. Mass, they know the people there, but they don’t know the other people from the 7.30 a.m. Mass, from the noon Mass or the 5.30 Mass on Sunday,” he said. “But now this event helped everybody to be together,” he said.
A Colombian-born, bilingual priest, Father Cuellar has especially helped bridge the gap between the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the combined parish. As parochial vicar at OLP in 2024, he helped establish a Spanish-speaking Mass, which St. Bonaventure already had for about 10 years.
Father Cuellar has also helped combine ministries across parishes and languages, often turning important Masses involving the sacraments of initiation into bilingual experiences that touch every parishioner’s faith journey.
“We had a lot of kids do their first Holy Communion. Some of them even got baptized, and it was a mix because it was in Spanish and English,” Gonzalez said.
Father Cuellar has also encouraged members of both parishes, representing both languages, to come together in ministries like the lectoring. Gonzalez has joined a bilingual Liturgy Committee from both former church communities that is helping shape people’s experiences of faith in both languages.
“A parish becomes truly alive when its members recognize that each of us has a unique role to play in the mission of the Church,” Father Cuellar wrote in a bulletin announcement about forming the Liturgy Committee.
He has also used a pilgrimage and mission to help earthquake victims in his native Colombia as a chance to unite the parish. They raised more than ,600, which helped empower those in need during the trip he and 22 others took in early September.
While Father Cuellar credits the countless parishioners who have embraced two parishes becoming one, those parishioners feel the newly installed pastor has been the main force that God has used to connect these parishes as one body of Christ.
“Father Manuel has such a blessing to guide us through the change, through the combination, through the different languages of the different communities and putting it together,” Gonzalez said. “Father Manuel has a good balance in respecting everyone’s ways in a way that no one feels excluded. It makes you really want to be part of this parish, this community,” she said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Carmelite sister professes final vows before Bishop in Morristown #Catholic – On Sept. 8, Carmelite Sister Faustina Gloria of the Merciful Heart of Jesus made solemn vows at the Monastery of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Morristown, N.J., before Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney during a Mass he celebrated.
Born in Ghana, Sister Faustina Gloria moved to the United States with her family at age eight.
Concelebrating the Mass were Father Brendan Murray, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who regularly celebrates Mass at the monastery, and other priests who are close to Sister Faustina Gloria. Friends and family also attended.
The Discalced Carmelites are a cloistered order with a schedule that includes eight hours of prayer each day, manual labor, some recreation, and contemplation. The sisters observe strict silence so their prayers may be more continuous.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/carmelite-sister-professes-final-vows-before-bishop-in-morristown-catholic-on-sept-8-carmelite-sister-faustina-gloria-of-the-merciful-heart-of-jesus-made-solemn-vows-at-the-monastery-of-the-most.jpg "Carmelite sister professes final vows before Bishop in Morristown #Catholic – On Sept. 8, Carmelite Sister Faustina Gloria of the Merciful Heart of Jesus made solemn vows at the Monastery of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Morristown, N.J., before Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney during a Mass he celebrated.
Born in Ghana, Sister Faustina Gloria moved to the United States with her family at age eight.
Concelebrating the Mass were Father Brendan Murray, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who regularly celebrates Mass at the monastery, and other priests who are close to Sister Faustina Gloria. Friends and family also attended.
The Discalced Carmelites are a cloistered order with a schedule that includes eight hours of prayer each day, manual labor, some recreation, and contemplation. The sisters observe strict silence so their prayers may be more continuous.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Over 150,000 visitors prepare to welcome Pope Leo in Lourdes #Catholic LOURDES, France — As Pope Leo XIV lands in Paris to begin the first official papal visit to France since 2008, pilgrims, organizers, and business owners in Lourdes are preparing for his arrival in the town expected on Saturday night.Patrick Vinuales, owner of Hôtels Vinuales — the largest hotel chain in Lourdes — told EWTN News: “The average number of people who would be staying in Lourdes is roughly 20,000. But for the Sunday Mass, there will be something like 150,000 people. We expect altogether an attendance of nearly a quarter of a million people over the weekend.”“What I think is very important is the enthusiasm of people. A lot of people have been calling us saying even if they couldnʼt come, they were so happy for the pope to come to Lourdes, to reveal more about the message of Our Lady to Bernadette,” he told EWTN News.Tourism is a big business in Lourdes. The town is widely considered to be the area with the highest concentration of hotels in France outside of Paris — rather unusual for a town with a population of 10,000. Hotel owners have been making the most of the increase in numbers.Joseph Tedesco, owner of the Grand Hôtel Moderne, built in 1896 by the nephew of St. Bernadette, told EWTN News: “Everybody increased their prices… We made a huge effort to welcome individuals, because usually itʼs mostly big dioceses… but this event made more individuals come and thatʼs a completely different type of business.”For the major ceremonies, tourists will need to have registered in advance, or they won’t be allowed into the sanctuary. “The biggest challenge is the people who organized the pilgrimage before they knew the pope was coming. There are a lot of people who donʼt have their ticket,” he said. “Our hotel is in the red area, so it wonʼt be accessible [by car].”Pope John Paul II visited Lourdes in 1983 and 2004. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI visited, which Tedesco recalls. “Two months after I bought the hotel 18 years ago, Pope Benedict XVI arrived… We didnʼt have all this security for sure. But thatʼs maybe because we didnʼt have the geopolitical problem that we have today.”
Pilgrims gather to pray before Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes, France, during his papal trip to France Sept. 25-28, 2026. | Credit: Elliot Hartley
“This visit is, first and foremost, a visit by the Successor of Peter to strengthen his brothers in the faith and to address our society as a whole,” said Monsignor Jean-Marc Micas, bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes.During this visit, Pope Leo will pray at the grotto and take part in the torchlight procession, meet with bishops of the French Episcopal Conference, celebrate Holy Mass, and meet the staff and sick community at Accueil Notre Dame, the main hospital for sick pilgrims.He also will meet privately with seven survivors of sexual abuse in the Church — a major focus for critics who argue the Church hasn’t confronted the problem fully.The visit also marks an increase in the number of attendees on organized pilgrimage groups. Most visitors to Lourdes come as part of an organized group, often with their local diocese.Caroline Trainor, a Lourdes organizer for Joe Walsh Tours, told EWTN News she had seen a huge increase in sign-ups. “When they heard that the pope was visiting, they were signing up to come back to be here over the weekend,” she said. “So thatʼs really positive for the future because it brings Lourdes back into the spotlight… Even coming in this morning, you can kind of feel this little ripple of excitement.”Lourdes’ story can be traced back to 1858, when St. Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl, had apparitions of Our Lady in a small cave. A shrine was built there, and the Pyrenean town became a pilgrimage site known for its miraculous healings.Paul Eaton, president of Ireland’s national Carmelite pilgrimage, told EWTN News: “It’s just electrifying. You really have to come here to experience it. It’s just something else… weʼre so blessed to have this honor.”“When the news first came out, we thought ‘this is not happening!’ That increased our numbers, which was fantastic… Weʼre very lucky because we have an awful lot of the same people that come with us every year who are actually hooked… They love Lourdes. They really, really do.”Michael Murphy has been coming on pilgrimage to Lourdes for 19 years. He told EWTN News: “Thereʼs a draw that continually brings me back. Itʼs difficult to explain. Itʼs just the serenity and the atmosphere. For the dates and to align with the pope as well, it just made it extra special.”Organized pilgrimages to Lourdes often have two sides. Pilgrims can either join as someone in need of assistance or as a volunteer. Those with learning or physical disabilities spend the week being assisted by volunteers, who help them with their daily needs.Clíona, a first-time pilgrim, told EWTN News: “I heard people describing Lourdes before, but I never expected it just to be like this. Thereʼs something about it. Itʼs like a magical place.”“Itʼs a different experience than Iʼve ever experienced before,” Harry Lynch, another first-time pilgrim, told EWTN News. “I wasnʼt expecting it to be this busy. Everyoneʼs very excited about everything thatʼs about to happen.”Martin has been visiting Lourdes for 20 years from Ireland. He told EWTN News: “Weʼve got more youth coming now than we had years ago, which is great. With the visit of the pope, we’re getting two trips in one! Thereʼs so much excitement, so much talk about it, and itʼs a great thing for everyone. Some people donʼt get the chance to go to Rome, so they’re getting a real run for their money this year.”The visit is expected to provide a huge boost to Lourdes’ economy. Natasha Afonso, a local souvenir shop owner, told EWTN News: “When tourists found out the pope was coming, many delayed their trips to align the dates. So, we lost a lot of business in the middle [of the] season, but now it’s growing again.”“Lourdes is known for its miracles, so it’s good for the publicity, for the young people, and the new generations to come.”](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/over-150000-visitors-prepare-to-welcome-pope-leo-in-lourdes-catholic-lourdes-france-as-pope-leo-xiv-lands-in-paris-to-begin-the-first-official-papal-visit-to-france-since-2008-pilgrims.jpg "Over 150,000 visitors prepare to welcome Pope Leo in Lourdes #Catholic LOURDES, France — As Pope Leo XIV lands in Paris to begin the first official papal visit to France since 2008, pilgrims, organizers, and business owners in Lourdes are preparing for his arrival in the town expected on Saturday night.Patrick Vinuales, owner of Hôtels Vinuales — the largest hotel chain in Lourdes — told EWTN News: “The average number of people who would be staying in Lourdes is roughly 20,000. But for the Sunday Mass, there will be something like 150,000 people. We expect altogether an attendance of nearly a quarter of a million people over the weekend.”“What I think is very important is the enthusiasm of people. A lot of people have been calling us saying even if they couldnʼt come, they were so happy for the pope to come to Lourdes, to reveal more about the message of Our Lady to Bernadette,” he told EWTN News.Tourism is a big business in Lourdes. The town is widely considered to be the area with the highest concentration of hotels in France outside of Paris — rather unusual for a town with a population of 10,000. Hotel owners have been making the most of the increase in numbers.Joseph Tedesco, owner of the Grand Hôtel Moderne, built in 1896 by the nephew of St. Bernadette, told EWTN News: “Everybody increased their prices… We made a huge effort to welcome individuals, because usually itʼs mostly big dioceses… but this event made more individuals come and thatʼs a completely different type of business.”For the major ceremonies, tourists will need to have registered in advance, or they won’t be allowed into the sanctuary. “The biggest challenge is the people who organized the pilgrimage before they knew the pope was coming. There are a lot of people who donʼt have their ticket,” he said. “Our hotel is in the red area, so it wonʼt be accessible [by car].”Pope John Paul II visited Lourdes in 1983 and 2004. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI visited, which Tedesco recalls. “Two months after I bought the hotel 18 years ago, Pope Benedict XVI arrived… We didnʼt have all this security for sure. But thatʼs maybe because we didnʼt have the geopolitical problem that we have today.”
Pilgrims gather to pray before Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes, France, during his papal trip to France Sept. 25-28, 2026. | Credit: Elliot Hartley
“This visit is, first and foremost, a visit by the Successor of Peter to strengthen his brothers in the faith and to address our society as a whole,” said Monsignor Jean-Marc Micas, bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes.During this visit, Pope Leo will pray at the grotto and take part in the torchlight procession, meet with bishops of the French Episcopal Conference, celebrate Holy Mass, and meet the staff and sick community at Accueil Notre Dame, the main hospital for sick pilgrims.He also will meet privately with seven survivors of sexual abuse in the Church — a major focus for critics who argue the Church hasn’t confronted the problem fully.The visit also marks an increase in the number of attendees on organized pilgrimage groups. Most visitors to Lourdes come as part of an organized group, often with their local diocese.Caroline Trainor, a Lourdes organizer for Joe Walsh Tours, told EWTN News she had seen a huge increase in sign-ups. “When they heard that the pope was visiting, they were signing up to come back to be here over the weekend,” she said. “So thatʼs really positive for the future because it brings Lourdes back into the spotlight… Even coming in this morning, you can kind of feel this little ripple of excitement.”Lourdes’ story can be traced back to 1858, when St. Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl, had apparitions of Our Lady in a small cave. A shrine was built there, and the Pyrenean town became a pilgrimage site known for its miraculous healings.Paul Eaton, president of Ireland’s national Carmelite pilgrimage, told EWTN News: “It’s just electrifying. You really have to come here to experience it. It’s just something else… weʼre so blessed to have this honor.”“When the news first came out, we thought ‘this is not happening!’ That increased our numbers, which was fantastic… Weʼre very lucky because we have an awful lot of the same people that come with us every year who are actually hooked… They love Lourdes. They really, really do.”Michael Murphy has been coming on pilgrimage to Lourdes for 19 years. He told EWTN News: “Thereʼs a draw that continually brings me back. Itʼs difficult to explain. Itʼs just the serenity and the atmosphere. For the dates and to align with the pope as well, it just made it extra special.”Organized pilgrimages to Lourdes often have two sides. Pilgrims can either join as someone in need of assistance or as a volunteer. Those with learning or physical disabilities spend the week being assisted by volunteers, who help them with their daily needs.Clíona, a first-time pilgrim, told EWTN News: “I heard people describing Lourdes before, but I never expected it just to be like this. Thereʼs something about it. Itʼs like a magical place.”“Itʼs a different experience than Iʼve ever experienced before,” Harry Lynch, another first-time pilgrim, told EWTN News. “I wasnʼt expecting it to be this busy. Everyoneʼs very excited about everything thatʼs about to happen.”Martin has been visiting Lourdes for 20 years from Ireland. He told EWTN News: “Weʼve got more youth coming now than we had years ago, which is great. With the visit of the pope, we’re getting two trips in one! Thereʼs so much excitement, so much talk about it, and itʼs a great thing for everyone. Some people donʼt get the chance to go to Rome, so they’re getting a real run for their money this year.”The visit is expected to provide a huge boost to Lourdes’ economy. Natasha Afonso, a local souvenir shop owner, told EWTN News: “When tourists found out the pope was coming, many delayed their trips to align the dates. So, we lost a lot of business in the middle [of the] season, but now it’s growing again.”“Lourdes is known for its miracles, so it’s good for the publicity, for the young people, and the new generations to come.”")
