Pope Francis Dies at 88 – His Easter Monday death is mourned by millions, ends 12-year papacy

Pope Francis, aboard the popemobile, greets people in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after giving his Easter blessing on April 20, 2025. The pope, whose papacy began in March 2013, died hours later at age 88 (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza). By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — U.S. […]

Posted on February 27, 2025

McGovern leaving Belleville after five years as its Bishop

March 23 has been a noteworthy day in the life of Michael McGovern. In 2020, it was when McGovern received word from Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, that Pope Francis had appointed him bishop of the Diocese of Belleville. Five years later, McGovern was driving from […]

Posted on February 27, 2025

‘Codfathers’ looking forward to another season of fish fries at Queen of Peace

The “Codfathers” brought fish fries back to Queen of Peace in 2022, and they’re looking forward to another big season of Lent starting March 5. Seven of the 20 Codfathers are shown above. Left to right: Ray Schott, Craig Vosse, Eric Edgar, Scott Simonin, Kevin Boron, Mike Riley and Adrian […]

Posted on February 27, 2025

Following the Father’s call: Casmir Cozzi on course to be ordained into priesthood in June 2027

Casmir Cozzi, pictured at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception at Mundelein Seminary on Aug. 30, 2023, is expected to be ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Belleville in October 2027 (Submitted photo). Casmir Cozzi can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to become a priest. “I wanted […]

Posted on February 27, 2025

Our Lady of Guadalupe/Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

You may have heard the story. On Dec. 9 in 1531, as he headed to the city of Mexico on the path of Tepeyac, a humble man named Juan Diego saw a vision of a young woman covered with light. De seguro que todos conocemos la historia: un 9 de Diciembre en 1531, mientras se encaminaba a la ciudad de México por el camino del Tepeyac, un hombre humilde llamado Juan diego vio una visión de una joven mujer cubierta de Luz, quien después describió era la Siempre Virgen santa María.