Diocese of Scranton

Dear Friends, During his pastoral visit to Spain earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV shared these words: “The defense of human life is neither a partisan issue nor a confessional interest: it is a goal of civilization. Every human life must be recognized and safeguarded from conception to its natural end, in every circumstance of … Continue reading "Bishop Bambera’s Message for Respect Life Month 2026: Every Human Life is a ‘Treasured Gift from God’"

SCRANTON – The Catholic Church recognizes the month of October as Respect Life Month and the first Sunday in October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate Respect Life Sunday Mass on Oct. 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in … Continue reading "Bishop Bambera to celebrate Respect Life Sunday Mass on Oct. 4 at Cathedral"

SCRANTON – While quietly cleaning St. Peter’s Cathedral, young Pat Peyton, the Irish immigrant parish custodian, heard God’s invitation to follow Him more closely. It was Pat’s response to this call that led him to the priesthood, his ministry to millions of families, and now his cause for canonization. Such a call did not come … Continue reading "Rosary Rally to be held at Cathedral of Saint Peter Oct. 17"

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, urged the faithful to mark Respect Life Month with prayer, deeper reflection and action. Respect Life Month is observed every October by the U.S. Catholic Church. This year, the theme chosen is … Continue reading "During Respect Life Month, Catholics urged to pray, take action to stop use of abortion pill"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV’s journey to France aimed to show that a joyful or serene rebirth is always possible even after tremendous tragedy or terrible suffering, he said. By visiting the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral, meeting with survivors of abuse and praying at Lourdes, and celebrating the Christian faith openly in … Continue reading "Papal trip to France showed miracle of rebirth out of tragedy is possible, pope says"

(OSV News) – Universal health care is “a moral imperative,” as “the Holy See has consistently reiterated,” the Vatican’s top diplomat told the United Nations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, shared his thoughts in a statement delivered during the U.N.’s Sept. 25 High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. The gathering … Continue reading "Universal health care a ‘moral imperative,’ Vatican’s top diplomat tells UN"

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The 2027 National March for Life theme is “The Truth is Pro-Life,” the March for Life Education and Defense Fund announced Sept. 29. Hayden Sledge, chief of staff at March for Life, told reporters on a press call that “the soil is prime for us to make the case for the … Continue reading "With 2027 event theme, March for Life aims ‘to make the case for the truth, for life’"