Saying that “war cancels the future,” Pope Francis has asked Catholics around the world, as well as people of other faiths, to join in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land. “I am very worried, saddened. I pray and I am close to all those who suffer, the hostages, the injured, the victims and their families,” the pope said following his Angelus address at the Vatican on Sunday, October 22. The pope announced that an hourlong prayer vigil “in the spirit of penance” will be held in St. Peter’s Square on Friday, October 27, at 6 p.m. (noon in Maine), and he asked that similar services be held in churches around the world. Individuals are also asked to spend time in prayer and to fast on that day. Bishop Robert Deeley encouraged all the faithful in Maine to participate. The conflict between Israel and Hamas is entering its third week. It is estimated than nearly 6,000 people have been killed with thousands more injured or displaced. Hundreds were also taken hostage by Hamas militants.

We are saddened to announce that this morning, Bishop Joseph Gerry, O.S.B. passed into eternal life on the 75th anniversary of his monastic profession. Bishop Joseph served as the Bishop of Portland from 1988-2004. May the Angels lead him into Paradise and may he rest in peace.

“The worldwide Synod process that the Church has called us to challenges us to ‘Enlarge the space of your tent’ (Isaiah 54:2), and my tent stakes have just gotten widened big time!” The initial reaction of Sister Judy Donovan, CSJ (pictures below), to her appointment as General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon is equal parts joy, excitement, and anticipation of the many responsibilities the Winslow resident will face when she assumes the role in August. Sister Judy was elected to the position for a six-year term. “The focus of my ministry will now be our entire congregation which includes over 450 sisters and hundreds of associates and partners in mission in 16 different countries. We are in some of the most conflict and crisis ridden places in the world, so the challenges and opportunities for service are great,” she said. “There are so many things to put in place here in Maine, but it was an awesome thing to go through the discernment process with my sisters and to say ‘yes’ in faith, trusting that God will direct us and be there to support and guide us.” Click here to read the entire article with pictures.

Rachel Kilbride and her husband, James, purchased the St. Bridget Church building in 2015, a leap of faith that began with a drive to visit her parents at Webber Pond in Vassalboro. Click here for the full article.