Bishop Murphy of Rockville Centre recalled for ‘joyful witness’ of pastoral leadership Trump threatens strikes on Iranian infrastructure same day Pope Leo appeals for peace ‘The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,’ pope says in Easter peace message At Easter Mass, Pope Leo proclaims Resurrection conquers ‘the power of death’ Archbishop Broglio: War in Iran likely not justified under Catholic teaching on legitimate defense Local News Bishop Murphy of Rockville Centre recalled for ‘joyful witness’ of pastoral leadership OSV News April 6, 2026 The “faithful service” of retired Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, who died March 26 at age 85, “leaves a lasting legacy on Long Island and throughout the universal Church,” said Bishop John O. Barres, the diocese’s current shepherd. Sister Mary Gess Kirby, R.S.M., former Mercy High School counselor, dies at 92 Catholic Review Staff April 5, 2026 A funeral Mass for Religious Sister of Mercy Mary Gess Kirby will be offered April 11 at 11 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center’s McAuley Chapel in Baltimore. Sister Gess died March 27. She was 92 and had been a Sister of Mercy for 68 years. Deacon John ‘Happy Jack’ Martin dedicated life to delivering faith, smiles Jay Sorgi April 3, 2026 Deacon John Martin, who served many years at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville, died March 25. He was known for his compassion and warmth. Father Frank Brauer remembered as quiet yet fun priest dedicated to parishioners Katie V. Jones April 2, 2026 That commitment to fostering community, even in challenging circumstances, defined Father Frank Brauer’s priesthood. He died March 30 in Florida after a short time in hospice care. He was 79. More Local News World News Trump threatens strikes on Iranian infrastructure same day Pope Leo appeals for peace Kate Scanlon April 5, 2026 President Donald Trump on Easter threatened major strikes on Iran’s energy and transportation infrastructure if its leaders do not cooperate with his demand to open the Strait of Hormuz. ‘The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,’ pope says in Easter peace message Courtney Mares April 5, 2026 Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter, Pope Leo XIV delivered a passionate appeal for peace, declaring that the power of the risen Christ is “entirely nonviolent” and calling on world leaders to lay down their weapons and choose dialogue over domination. At Easter Mass, Pope Leo proclaims Resurrection conquers ‘the power of death’ Courtney Mares April 5, 2026 Pope Leo XIV offered Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square Sunday proclaiming that with Christ’s resurrection “death has been conquered forever” and “no longer has power over us.” Archbishop Broglio: War in Iran likely not justified under Catholic teaching on legitimate defense Kate Scanlon April 4, 2026 Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services questioned the legitimacy of America’s war in Iran, arguing that the war is likely not justified under Catholic teaching on legitimate defense by military means, sometimes called just war theory. More World News Commentary The Little Girl at the Cross: Our Faith Is Always New Rita Buettner April 5, 2026 When it was her turn, she walked right up to the cross, carefully leaned down very low, and gave the dark wood a kiss. Then she bounced away. An Easter Reflection: Winning with Joy Rita Buettner April 5, 2026 The Easter season is a time for rejoicing—not just for ourselves, but in a way that invites those around us to join in the celebration. Easter evidence: Why Jesus’ resurrection is trusted as true Sister Anna Marie McGuan April 4, 2026 Because of the evidence of the empty tomb and the encounters of the risen Jesus with the women, the apostles and disciples, and St. Paul, the Church has always believed and preached the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is the moment that definitively changed human history forever. Father Isaac Hecker: Father of American evangelization Russell Shaw April 4, 2026 His great goal was the conversion of Protestant America to Catholicism, something he was convinced could happen. After all, he said, in the United States “true religion will find a reception it has in vain looked for elsewhere.” Letter to those entering the Church Archbishop William E. Lori April 3, 2026 A most joyful day in my ministry as your bishop is the First Sunday of Lent when we celebrate the Rite of Election. It is a beautiful moment when the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is filled to overflowing with those of you entering the Church, together with your godparents, sponsors, parish priests, catechists and friends. More Commentary Featured Video The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), home to the largest public collection of Matisse’s work in the world, will open an exhibition March 29 featuring a rare group of preparatory drawings for the artist’s Stations of the Cross. The exhibition runs through June 28 and includes more than 80 drawings that trace the development of the monumental work.
Bishop Murphy of Rockville Centre recalled for ‘joyful witness’ of pastoral leadership OSV News April 6, 2026 The “faithful service” of retired Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, who died March 26 at age 85, “leaves a lasting legacy on Long Island and throughout the universal Church,” said Bishop John O. Barres, the diocese’s current shepherd.
Sister Mary Gess Kirby, R.S.M., former Mercy High School counselor, dies at 92 Catholic Review Staff April 5, 2026 A funeral Mass for Religious Sister of Mercy Mary Gess Kirby will be offered April 11 at 11 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center’s McAuley Chapel in Baltimore. Sister Gess died March 27. She was 92 and had been a Sister of Mercy for 68 years.
Deacon John ‘Happy Jack’ Martin dedicated life to delivering faith, smiles Jay Sorgi April 3, 2026 Deacon John Martin, who served many years at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville, died March 25. He was known for his compassion and warmth.
Father Frank Brauer remembered as quiet yet fun priest dedicated to parishioners Katie V. Jones April 2, 2026 That commitment to fostering community, even in challenging circumstances, defined Father Frank Brauer’s priesthood. He died March 30 in Florida after a short time in hospice care. He was 79.
Trump threatens strikes on Iranian infrastructure same day Pope Leo appeals for peace Kate Scanlon April 5, 2026 President Donald Trump on Easter threatened major strikes on Iran’s energy and transportation infrastructure if its leaders do not cooperate with his demand to open the Strait of Hormuz.
‘The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,’ pope says in Easter peace message Courtney Mares April 5, 2026 Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter, Pope Leo XIV delivered a passionate appeal for peace, declaring that the power of the risen Christ is “entirely nonviolent” and calling on world leaders to lay down their weapons and choose dialogue over domination.
At Easter Mass, Pope Leo proclaims Resurrection conquers ‘the power of death’ Courtney Mares April 5, 2026 Pope Leo XIV offered Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square Sunday proclaiming that with Christ’s resurrection “death has been conquered forever” and “no longer has power over us.”
Archbishop Broglio: War in Iran likely not justified under Catholic teaching on legitimate defense Kate Scanlon April 4, 2026 Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services questioned the legitimacy of America’s war in Iran, arguing that the war is likely not justified under Catholic teaching on legitimate defense by military means, sometimes called just war theory.
The Little Girl at the Cross: Our Faith Is Always New Rita Buettner April 5, 2026 When it was her turn, she walked right up to the cross, carefully leaned down very low, and gave the dark wood a kiss. Then she bounced away.
An Easter Reflection: Winning with Joy Rita Buettner April 5, 2026 The Easter season is a time for rejoicing—not just for ourselves, but in a way that invites those around us to join in the celebration.
Easter evidence: Why Jesus’ resurrection is trusted as true Sister Anna Marie McGuan April 4, 2026 Because of the evidence of the empty tomb and the encounters of the risen Jesus with the women, the apostles and disciples, and St. Paul, the Church has always believed and preached the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is the moment that definitively changed human history forever.
Father Isaac Hecker: Father of American evangelization Russell Shaw April 4, 2026 His great goal was the conversion of Protestant America to Catholicism, something he was convinced could happen. After all, he said, in the United States “true religion will find a reception it has in vain looked for elsewhere.”
Letter to those entering the Church Archbishop William E. Lori April 3, 2026 A most joyful day in my ministry as your bishop is the First Sunday of Lent when we celebrate the Rite of Election. It is a beautiful moment when the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is filled to overflowing with those of you entering the Church, together with your godparents, sponsors, parish priests, catechists and friends.
