Father Eugene “Gene” Neff

Fr. Gene Neff dies at age 81

Father Eugene “Gene” Neff, who had been the director of Ministry to Sick and Aged since 1974, died on Friday, Feb. 20, in his residence at Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon. Fr. Neff was 81. He was a priest in the Diocese of Belleville for 53 years before […]

Posted on December 22, 2025

Top stories of 2025

Fr. Levi James (right) with former Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Mark Rivituso during the promise of obedience June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. By David Wilhelm Messenger Editor There was no shortage of important stories for Catholics in 2025, both locally and […]

Posted on December 22, 2025

An ASC sister professes her final vows at St. Augustine of Canterbury, Hecker

Sr. Sarah Harbaugh (above left) and Sr. Barbara Hudock, ASC regional leader, stand at the altar during Sr. Sarah’s Perpetual Profession of Vows on Dec. 6 in Hecker (Submitted photo). Before a large gathering of friends, family and members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Sister Sarah Harbaugh […]

Posted on December 22, 2025

‘Meeting’ the Pope: Diocesan students enjoy livestream with Pope Leo in schools, at National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis

Pope Leo’s vantage point during his livestreamed digital connection with 16,000 people at the NCYC conference in Indianapolis (CNS photo/Vatican Media). By Linda Norris Behrens and David Wilhelm Messenger Staff On Nov. 21, history was made as the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, embarked on his first- ever digital visit […]

Posted on December 22, 2025