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Read top stories of August 2008 issue.

 

About the ArchdioceseArchbishop and BishopsParishesPriests, Religious & DeaconsMinistriesCathedral of St. Joseph

  

Rev. John P. Melnick and Archbishop Mansell pause for a photo at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, following the Mass of celebration for the Basilica, August 10th.
Assistant Chancellor, Archbishop's Secretary named Pastor
08-11-2008 - For the past three and one-half years, Reverend John P. Melnick has been a familiar face around the archdiocese as he has accompanied Archbishop Henry J. Mansell and served as Master of Ceremonies for hundreds of archdiocesan events, parish anniversaries and confirmations, blessing and dedication ceremonies for new projects and renovations. Father Melnick not only has been seen at every parish in the archdiocese, but has handled innumerable details behind the scenes in his positions as Secretary to the Archbishop and Assistant Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Hartford.

With his appointment by the Archbishop as Pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Enfield, effective August 11th, Father Melnick will transition to a pastoral role, one which he looks forward to with eagerness as a change from one way of serving the Church to another. "My heart has always been that of a parish priest," he said. The Archdiocese thanks him for his faithful, unstinting and exemplary service in the Chancery, and wishes him blessings in his new assignment. Reverend Jeffrey Romans has been appointed to replace Father Melnick as Assistant Chancellor and Secretary to the Archbishop.


Immaculate Conception Church, Waterbury, now Basilica
WATERBURY, CT (08-10-2008) - Within a regal celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, principal celebrant, asked Reverend John J. Bevins, Pastor, to read a Vatican decree conferring the title of Minor Basilica on Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury. With this naming, the Waterbury church becomes the first basilica in the state of Connecticut. In his homily, Archbishop Mansell pointed out the classic features of the church's architecture, noting that, "Bishop John Niland and those who built this church in 1928 must have had a vision that this magnificent church might be declared a basilica."

The Archbishop blessed two symbols present in a basilica, an umbrellino (red and gold umbrella) and a tintinabulum (procession bell), both of which were used traditionally in papal processions. At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Mansell praised the outstanding music rendered by the choir, "most fitting for a basilica." More>


Shrine of Saint Anne's restored sanctuary unveiled

Holy Father opens Year of St. Paul
Archbishop Mansell names 10 churches as sites of pilgrimage
(June 29, 2008) - Pope Benedict XVI invites the entire Church to renew its missionary spirit by reflecting, praying and actively participating in the "Year of St. Paul" from June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009. Each diocese is invited to name churches as sites of pilgrimage at which the faithful may gain a plenary indulgence. Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell has named the following ten churches:
Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford
St. Paul, Glastonbury
St. Paul, Kensington
St. Paul,
West Haven
SS. Peter and Paul, Wallingford
SS. Peter and Paul, Waterbury
Immaculate Conception, Waterbury
Shrine of St. Anne, Waterbury
St. Mary, New Haven (site of the tomb of Venerable Michael J. McGivney)
St. Thomas, Thomaston (place of Father McGivney's death)
For detailed information about the Year of St. Paul, the meaning of the plenary indulgence, and events planned for this special year, click for The Catholic Transcript article (pdf).

Catholic Bishops of Connecticut statement on immigration:
"To See the Immigrant Through the Eyes of Faith."

May They Rest in Peace
08-15-2008. +Death of Anna H. Jackavonis
08-01-2008. +Death of John J. Schmitz
07-13-2008. +Death of Reverend John E. Rikteraitis
07-12-2008. +Death of Robert G. Donahue, Father of a Priest
07-10-2008. +Death of Reverend Monsignor Robert D. Bergin
07-07-2008. +Death of Reverend William J. Hilliard


Percent of 2008 goal: 108.5%
as of August 14, 2008.
More information on the Appeal.
Valuable information on planned giving.

 

 

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