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

Pope Benedict and The Chosen

By MSGR. JOHN MYLERCulture Columnist It’s said that Pope Benedict’s favorite TV program was Kommissar Rex—a 1990’s German series about a police dog who each week helps solve perplexing crimes. But I’d bet that, if he’d been able to watch it, the late Pope would have been intrigued and delighted […]

Embracing Uncertainty

 11 January 2023 Dear Friends in Christ, Over the course of our lives, many of us experience uncertainty. We may feel uncertain about how we fit into our families, our school community or the workplace. We may experience anxiety because we are uncertain about our future, our health or our […]