Diocese of Scranton

ROME (CNS) – Wearing red vestments for the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, Pope Francis knocked on the door of the church in Rome’s Rebibbia prison complex and walked over its threshold. After reciting a formal prayer before opening the prison’s Holy Door Dec. 26, the pope took the microphone back to … Continue reading "Don’t lose hope, pope says as he opens Holy Door at Rome prison"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – As millions of pilgrims prepare to cross through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis called on individuals, nations and the global community to take a transformative step toward peace and reconciliation by walking through the “door of salvation” that is Jesus Christ. “Jesus is the door of peace,” … Continue reading "Pope urges war-torn world to walk through door of peace on Christmas"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Celebrating Christmas Mass after opening the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis said the birth of Jesus fills Christians with hope and the courage to work for peace and justice. “This is our hope: God is Emmanuel, God-with-us,” he said at the Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica with an overflow … Continue reading "Pope at Christmas: Jesus’ birth brings hope for world of justice, peace"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In the quiet of Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching what he called a “Jubilee of Hope.” As the doors opened, the bells of the basilica began to peal. After the reading of a brief passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus … Continue reading "Pope opens Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching ‘Jubilee of Hope’"

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective January 8, 2025:  SENIOR PRIEST  Reverend Binesh Joseph Kanjirakattu, from Parochial Vicar, Good Shepherd Parish Drums, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, to Senior Priest, St. Ann Parish, Shohola, St. John Neumann Parish, Hawley, and St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Milford.  Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, … Continue reading "Bishop Bambera Announces Clergy Appointments"

Dear Friends in Christ, The very first spoken words recorded in Saint Luke’s gospel, as the evangelist chronicles the birth of Jesus, are words of hope shared with poor shepherds who represent the broken, suffering world Jesus was born to save. “Do not be afraid. … A savior has been born for you who is … Continue reading "“Celebrating the Birth of Christ and the Promise of Hope:” Bishop Bambera’s Christmas Message"

SCRANTON – On Dec. 29, 2024, a special Mass will be held locally by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, to mark the opening of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Mass, which will take place at 12:15 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, will serve as the official “local launch” … Continue reading "Bishop Bambera to hold local Opening Mass for ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’ on Dec. 29"