Category: Diocese of Scranton News

STEUBENVILLE – More than 150 young people, clergy, and chaperones from parishes across the Diocese of Scranton spent the weekend of July 10-12, 2026, discovering they are far from alone in living their Catholic faith.

A Diocesan delegation of 155 pilgrims – including 113 youth, 35 chaperones, one deacon and six priests – traveled by bus to the Steubenville Youth Conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.

Through engaging speakers, Eucharistic Adoration, worship, music, and the Sacraments, the students joined thousands of other young Catholics from across the country for a weekend centered on growing closer to Christ.

For many, including 18-year-old Hannah Rocco of Saint Eulalia Parish in Roaring Brook Township, it was their first experience at the nationally recognized conference.

“I’m super excited,” Rocco said before departing. “I’m excited to meet people from other parishes. I’m hoping for good Adoration and prayer time, but mostly the connection.”

That desire for connection was echoed by brothers Michael and Ayden Biagi, who participate in the life of Saint John Paul II Parish in Dunmore.

“I’m looking forward to growing in my faith,” Michael said. “I think it’s going to bring a whole lot of people together that are all the same age and show us that it’s okay to not be like the rest of the flock and follow what the world wants and instead follow what God wants us to follow.”

His younger brother, Ayden, looked forward to meeting other Catholic teenagers who openly share their faith.

“I’ve never done an experience like this,” he said. “I’m excited that you can profess your faith and not be like – is this person going to judge me based on this.”

Father Thomas Dzwonczyk, Assistant Pastor of Saint John Paul II Parish, accompanied the Biagi brothers and several other young people from his newly consolidated parish, calling the conference an opportunity for them to deepen their faith while forming lasting friendships.

“For them to experience this and say it’s okay to be ‘on fire’ for Jesus, and then to bring that back here to the Diocese of Scranton, it’s going to be wonderful,” Father Dzwonczyk said. “I hope they realize there are people right here who are taking the faith seriously and want it to be a major part of their life.”

As they returned home, the pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton for their prayers and support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal which makes experiences like this possible.

WILKES-BARRE – For several hundred kids across the Wyoming Valley, this summer is about much more than just a break from school.

It is about discovering new places, making lifelong friendships, and learning new skills at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre.

The CYC has once again become a summer destination for many local families, with 209 children enrolled in this year’s summer camp program and another 30 youngsters already on a waiting list. The strong demand reflects both the popularity of the program and the vital role it plays in serving families throughout the community.

“We start getting calls in February hoping to reserve space for our camp,” CYC Executive Director Mark Soprano said. “It’s a very popular program.”

Operating from the day schools dismiss for summer until classes resume in the fall, the CYC provides families with dependable, full-day care while giving children experiences many might not otherwise have.

“It’s an easy transition for parents,” Soprano explained. “They don’t have to worry about where their kids are going in the summer.”

For many working families, particularly those facing economic challenges, that consistency provides welcome peace of mind. As the school year ends, children simply transition from the CYC’s before- and after-school programs into its summer program, where every day brings something new.

Rather than repeating the same routine, the CYC fills each week with themed activities, guest presenters and field trips that combine recreation with education.

Campers spend time playing sports, swimming, visiting local parks and even tending the facility’s growing garden.

Throughout the summer, the kids will travel to places like the Electric City Aquarium, Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Hillside Farms, Frances Slocum State Park, Kirby Park and even the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

“We try to make it interesting for the kids, that they’re not doing the same thing day after day,” Soprano said. “We want to make it as interesting and fun as possible for the kids but also educate them a little bit about the area and different things around.”

One recent conversation Soprano had with campers reinforced why all the opportunities matter.

“When I was picking the kids up on one of the last days of school, I asked them, ‘What are you doing this summer?’” Soprano recalled. “The only activity I got from the kids was, ‘I’m going to my cousin’s swimming pool.’ That struck me. These kids aren’t going to be doing anything, and they’ll be spending a majority of their summer with us here at the CYC.”

For Victoria Ortiz, who will enter fifth grade this fall, that’s exactly what makes the CYC summer program special.

“It’s fun,” she said. “We do multiple activities. We go to the park. We go swimming. We do fun activities.”

Ortiz had just participated in a reptile presentation from a local business where she got to touch various snakes and even an alligator.

“I got scared for the alligator because it looked scary and it was big,” she added.

Jasper Gomez Colon, who is entering sixth grade, likes the CYC summer program because it gives him the chance to stay active and spend time with friends.

“Every time we come to the gym in the morning, I play basketball,” he said. “Every time I play with my friends, I’m getting better. We get to swim too. It’s really fun.”

While children enjoy the activities, staff members recognize that the greatest impact often goes far beyond games and field trips.

For nearly eight years, Dontaye Dutchin has worked at the CYC, wearing many hats while mentoring the children entrusted to the program.

“It’s the kids,” Dutchin said. “Every day there is something new. I feel like there is a purpose here. When I come in in the morning, everyone is like, ‘Mr. Dontaye!’ They fulfill me. The kids get their hooks in you and it’s impossible to walk away from them.”

Dutchin says many of the children simply need someone willing to listen and care.

“These kids have a lot of tough stories,” he said. “Whenever anyone has a tough weekend or a tough day, I say, ‘Let me hear about it.’ A lot of them don’t have anybody else.”

As Dutchin finished sharing that thought, one of the campers quietly walked up behind him and wrapped both arms around him in an unexpected hug.

That spontaneous gesture captured the importance of the CYC without words – highlighting the Wilkes-Barre facility is a place where children find not only a fun-filled summer, but caring adults who remind them they are valued and supported.

WILKES-BARRE – For many students, summer can mean taking a break from books.

Staff members at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center don’t want that to be the case this year – and are working to build a lifelong love of reading with their youngsters.

This summer, a number of children participating in the CYC’s summer camp program are taking part in a special literacy initiative designed to keep young minds engaged.

“This past school year, we partnered with the McGlynn Center for a tutoring program for our children which is very needed. To piggyback on that, we’re doing a summer reading challenge,” CYC Executive Director Mark Soprano said. “They have 55 children there. We’re selecting 55 children here at the CYC and we will see which group of kids reads more.”

Through a partnership with United Way, the CYC has several thousand books available, and students are allowed to bring them home and even keep them if desired.

“We’re encouraging parents to read with their children in the evenings and on the weekend. We want them to make it a habit of reading,” Soprano added. “We know that when kids leave school in the springtime, especially reading, regresses a little bit. We don’t want that to happen with our children.”

For many campers, reading has become one of the highlights of the day.

“I like to read chapter books, and I like to read princess books,” Lola Williamson, who will enter second grade this fall. “When you read, you get to learn about things.”

Her favorite? Sleeping Beauty.

Williamson says keeping up with reading during the summer has its rewards when school begins again.

“I like to do it because I get good grades, sometimes 90s and 100s,” she added.

Fellow camper Gianna Ranieli, who is also entering second grade, enjoys discovering new stories through books.

“I practice in the summer with my dad. I read really hard words and try to pronounce them,” Ranieli said. “It’s very fun to read. I love reading.”

When the summer reading challenge ends at the end of July, the CYC is planning to hold a pizza party with prizes and awards for participants.

“We’re looking forward to a celebration and really rewarding the kids, whether they read one page or 100 books, for their accomplishments this summer,” Soprano said.

DORRANCE TOWNSHIP – Approximately 100 golfers took to the fairways of Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club on July 10, 2026, for the annual Vocations Golf Classic – John Yourishen Memorial Tournament – enjoying a day of friendly competition while investing in the future priests of the Diocese of Scranton.

The tournament raises funds to support the education and formation of the Diocese’s seminarians, along with other vocation initiatives including Quo Vadis and Fiat Days and the newly established Saint Pius X Seminary in Scranton.

Just as importantly, the golf tournament gives supporters the opportunity to spend time with the seminarians, priests, and Diocesan staff.

“We are blessed in the Diocese of Scranton to have 16 seminarians right now. That is one of the highest numbers that we’ve had in years,” Father Ryan Glenn, Director of Vocations, said. “It is a reality that there is a significant financial cost.”

Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation and Director of Seminarians, said the tournament benefits both those preparing for the priesthood and the faithful who make their formation possible.

“It’s good for them (seminarians) to see and meet the people who are supporting their education and formation,” Father Roche said. “But it’s also good for the supporters to meet the men that someday might be assigned to their parish.”

Many golfers return year after year because of that unique opportunity.

“I’ve been playing in this tournament for the last ten years,” Don Prescavage of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Plains, said. “It is a big commitment to be a priest.

We just had one of our parishioners commit to becoming a seminarian, so the tournament means even more to me this year.”

Jordan McAndrew of Saint John Paul II Parish in Dunmore also said this year’s tournament carried special meaning as two of his friends prepare to enter the seminary.

“Everyone here is extremely excited about being able to support the Diocese and support the seminarians who are going to be part of our parishes within the next couple years,” McAndrew said. “There is a huge sense of community, a huge sense of involvement and a lot of pride in our Diocese today.”

For the seminarians in attendance, the golf tournament served as a visible reminder that vocations are nurtured by the entire Church.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people supporting vocations,” seminarian Matthew Kelly said. “This is a great time to connect with each other.”

“It means a lot to me. It’s good to see that there is a lot of support for us and to know that so many people around the Diocese are willing and able to support us,” seminarian Liam Barry added.

A complete listing of tournament sponsors will appear in the Aug. 20, 2026, edition of The Catholic Light.

To support vocations or the Saint Pius X Seminary, contact 570-207-2250 or email development@dioceseofscranton.org.

 

SCRANTON – For many Catholic teenagers, living their faith can sometimes feel like a lonely experience.

As they navigate school, sports, and peer groups, they may wonder if anyone else their age shares a love for Jesus Christ and the Church.

For 53 high school students from across the Diocese of Scranton, Quo Vadis and Fiat Days offered a reassuring answer this summer: You are not alone.

Held June 29 – July 1, 2026, at Marywood University, the Diocese’s annual vocation camps brought together 34 young men for Quo Vadis Days and 19 young women for Fiat Days to pray, build friendships and reflect on how God may be calling them to serve Him.

Through daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks, games, small-group discussions and time with priests, seminarians and religious sisters, participants were invited to listen more closely for God’s voice while discovering a community of young Catholics striving to do the same.

“It feels great because, number one, I’m not alone out there,” Jake Sanchez of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, said. “I have other people to share my thoughts and ideas with. It’s nice to know that there are other people with a strong faith in God.”

Sanchez attended Quo Vadis Days for the second consecutive year. He said returning for a second summer was an easy decision.

“Everything about it, the experience, making friends, Mass, everything about it is amazing. I think everyone should try it out, even if they think they won’t like it, you never know until you try it,” Sanchez said.

Throughout the three-day experience, students learned about the many vocations within the Church, including marriage, priesthood, diaconate, and religious life, while also reflecting on how God is calling them to holiness today.

For Eddie Scavone of Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Clarks Summit, one of the most meaningful moments was Eucharistic Adoration.

“I really enjoy the Holy Hour,” he said. “It’s really nice to just sit in the Chapel during Adoration and enjoy the presence of God and have confessions at the same time.”

Still discerning what his future holds, Scavone said the camp has helped him approach that process with greater confidence.

“They’re definitely giving me good tips and ideas for how to correctly discern what God is calling me to do,” he added.

For the young women attending Fiat Days, the opportunity to spend time with religious sisters offered a unique perspective on vocational discernment.

Emily Lopez of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton returned for her third year because she says each experience has drawn her closer to Christ.

“I think I look forward to it because the connection I feel each year toward God gets deeper,” Lopez explained. “I just learn more. I learn how to connect with Jesus and learn more about the Holy Spirit. It’s really nice and you feel peaceful.”

Lopez said one of the greatest blessings of Fiat Days is realizing there are many other teenagers striving to grow in faith.

“When you feel like you’re alone, it’s hard because you think you’re the only teenager who believes in God,” she said. “But when you surround yourself with people who are just like you and are also sinners but at the same time trying to get closer to God, it feels more relieving. You realize, ‘I’m not the only one.’”

First-time participant Emily Barrett from Saint Carlo Acutis Parish in Olyphant echoed that sentiment.

“I think it’s pretty awesome to spend time with other girls my age who share the same faith,” Barrett said. “It’s good to talk to them and get excited about it and just have fun with it.”

She described the opening Mass of Fiat Days as one of the highlights of the camp.

“I just felt like that was the closest I’ve felt to God in a while,” she said. “I go to church often, but I really felt something different that time.”

SCRANTON – Dozens of high school students who spent time discerning their vocation during the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Quo Vadis and Fiat Days summer camp this summer were given a firsthand glimpse of what answering the call to the Priesthood can look like.

During a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, on June 30, 2026, at Marywood University, Diocesan seminarian Roberto Carlos Acevedo Ruiz took part in the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, a significant milestone in his journey toward the priesthood.

Acevedo Ruiz, whose home parish is Saint Pius of Pietrelcina in Hazleton and who studies at Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., was presented to Bishop Bambera by Father Alex J. Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, Rector of Saint Pius X Seminary, and Director of Seminarians.

After being called forward by name, Acevedo Ruiz stood before the Bishop and publicly affirmed his willingness to continue preparing for priestly ministry, responding, “I do,” as Bishop Bambera questioned him during the Rite.

Drawing from the day’s Gospel from Saint Matthew, in which Jesus calms the storm at sea, Bishop Bambera explained to those attending that they never face life’s challenges alone.

“No matter how harsh the winds and the waves of the storm that envelop you, Jesus walks with you. Jesus is with you in the midst of your struggles,” Bishop Bambera said.

Addressing Acevedo Ruiz directly, the Bishop encouraged him to place complete trust in the Lord as he continues discerning his vocation.

“Roberto, trust Him, trust Him, for He will never let you go,” Bishop Bambera added.

The Bishop explained that the Rite of Admission to Candidacy marks the Church’s formal recognition that a seminarian has demonstrated the qualities necessary to continue preparing for ordained ministry. At the same time, he said, the Rite challenges the candidate to deepen his relationship with Christ and strengthen his commitment to serving God’s people.

“Open your heart, Roberto, to the Lord’s call to serve the Church,” Bishop Bambera said. “Trust today like never before in His grace and mercy.”

Following the Mass, Acevedo Ruiz described the celebration as a profound moment in his vocational journey.

“I am very happy because responding to God’s call to the priesthood is a profoundly transformative experience,” he said. “I have discovered my life’s purpose and desire to dedicate myself to God and to serve others.”

Calling the Rite of Candidacy a “huge step,” he said he believes God continues to shape his heart for priestly ministry.

“God is forming within me what He has done with me, how He has called me and all the beautiful new things He has done in my life,” Acevedo Ruiz said.

He also expressed gratitude to those who have accompanied him throughout his discernment.

“I give thanks to God for my family, who support me, for the communities in the different parishes where I serve, for their prayers, for my Bishop, and for the guidance of Father Alex, who has been a great blessing in my life,” he said.

SCRANTON – Surrounded by family, friends, fellow clergy, and faithful from across the Diocese of Scranton, Father Jan Carlo Pérez was ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Ordination was conferred through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, at a joyful 10:00 a.m. liturgy.

The Ordination Mass marks the beginning of Father Pérez’s ministry as a priest of Jesus Christ in service to the Church.

Several hundred people were in attendance, including many from the East Stroudsburg area, where Father Pérez grew up and has been formed in faith.

A bus carrying more than 30 parishioners from Saint Matthew Parish made the hour-long journey to Scranton, while many others traveled on their own, arriving early to sit together prominently near the front right side of the Cathedral.

The Mass itself was marked by both solemnity and beauty.

The Diocese of Scranton Festival Choir and instrumentalists led powerful musical selections, including a stirring entrance hymn, “Lift High the Cross,” underscored by strong percussion that filled the Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Bambera reflected on the mystery of vocation and the trust required of those called to priestly ministry. Drawing from the Scripture readings picked by Father Pérez for the liturgy, the Bishop reminded him that God, not human strength alone, brings to completion the work He begins in each vocation.

“At the heart of authentic discipleship,” the Bishop said, “there must be a radical trust and belief that it is God who has begun the good work in us and God – not we ourselves – who will bring it to fulfillment.”

Following the homily, Father Pérez made his promises of priestly service, including obedience to the Bishop and commitment to the celebration of the sacraments, before prostrating himself on the Cathedral floor during the Litany of Supplication as the Church prayed for the outpouring of God’s grace.

The essential moment of the Ordination Mass followed: Bishop Bambera laid his hands upon Father Pérez’s head, joined by the other priests of the Diocese present, invoking the Holy Spirit in the ancient rite that marks a man forever as a priest of Jesus Christ.

After the Prayer of Ordination, Father Pérez’s hands were anointed with Sacred Chrism, and he was vested before receiving a chalice and paten – signs of his participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice.

A MOMENT STILL SINKING IN

In an interview immediately following the liturgy, Father Pérez described the experience as overwhelming and difficult to fully absorb.

“It’s kind of surreal to have actually gone through this after imagining it so many times,” he said. “To actually undergo all of these signs and symbols and be welcomed into the Order of Presbyters … it’s really something. I’m still letting it sink in.”

He pointed to the anointing of his hands as a moment that especially impacted him.

“That really struck me, that these hands have been set aside for God’s will,” he said.

Father Pérez also spoke with gratitude about the presence of so many parishioners from East Stroudsburg who traveled to be with him.

“It’s incredible. I looked out and thought, who are all these people who have come for me?” he said. “It really means a lot to me that so many people would come out to pray for me.”

At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Bambera announced that Father Pérez was being assigned as Assistant Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Brodheadsville.

Father Pérez said he looks forward to ministry in the Monroe County region, especially in Hispanic ministry and youth outreach.

“There are people who have been astranged from the Church or astranged from God for long periods of time and they can be called back,” he said. “If I can participate in that, I think that’s the greatest thing I could possibly do in my life.”

‘WE ARE SO PROUD’

Among those attending the Ordination was Angie Rose, a parishioner of Saint Matthew Parish, who described the Mass as deeply moving.

“We are so proud,” she said. “This is like being a mama almost. He is part of the church family.”

She credited parish life and Eucharistic Adoration for fostering vocations and spiritual growth in the community.

“It makes us so proud to be Catholic,” she said. “You want to go to the rooftops and say, I’m a practicing Catholic!”

For many in attendance, the Ordination Mass was also their first experience inside the Cathedral of Saint Peter – an experience they described as powerful and faith-affirming.

“This is so special,” Rose added. “We can see God’s hand. God is not dead. He is alive and He is working.”

HAZLETON – The church where Rev. Jose Luis Batista Castillo, O.S.J., first encountered the spirituality that shaped his vocation became the place where that calling reached its fulfillment on July 1, 2026.

Before a standing-room only crowd at Saint Gabriel Church in Hazleton, the principal worship site of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, ordained Batista to the priesthood for the Oblates of Saint Joseph.

The Ordination Mass carried special significance for the newly ordained priest, whose family immigrated to Hazleton from the Dominican Republic during his childhood. It was while the former Annunciation Parish was under the pastoral care of the Oblates of Saint Joseph that he first came to know the religious community and began discerning God’s call.

“Today I became more conformed to Christ, for the glory of the Lord and also for the service of His people,” Father Jose said following the Ordination Mass.

He explained that his vocation grew through prayer and a growing desire to give his life in service to God and the Church.

“I really wanted to give myself to God and the people. As I was praying and discerning in my life, I received the call to the priesthood. At first, it was a shock to me. But then, little by little, the Lord let me know He wanted me to give myself to Him,” he said.

The Ordination Mass included the ancient rites of the Church, including the Litany of the Saints, the Prayer of Ordination, the laying on of hands by Bishop Bambera and the concelebrating priests, and the anointing of the new priest’s hands with Sacred Chrism.

Reflecting on the Litany of the Saints, during which he lay prostrate before the altar, Father Jose described it as a moment of complete surrender.

“For me, that was a beautiful moment of just giving myself to the Lord and letting Him do the rest,” he said. “I asked for the intercession of all the saints to help me be open to the grace of God.”

One of the most emotional moments came at the conclusion of the Mass, when the newly ordained priest imparted his first priestly blessing on his parents.

“I’ve been in the seminary for a long time, almost 11 years now, and they were always asking ‘When are you going to be ordained,’” Father Jose explained. “For them to have the opportunity to witness my ordination, it was a very touching moment for me and also for them. When we are kids, our parents are the one who bless us and now I’m the one blessing my parents!”

Father Jose said he left the Ordination Mass with profound gratitude.

“I feel welcomed by God, by the Church and by His people,” he said. “Tonight I’m very grateful to God, and to the Bishop, and to all the people who made it possible for this to happen.”

On the evening following the Ordination, a Mass was Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Oblates of Saint Joseph Chapel in Laflin. Rev. Matthew Spencer, O.S.J., former provincial superior, who is currently serving at a parish in California, served as homilist for that Mass.

SCRANTON – For more than 70 years, Catholics found a spiritual home inside Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in West Scranton, where they celebrated baptisms and weddings, mourned loved ones at funeral Masses, and gathered week after week around the altar in prayer.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, those memories filled the small church one final time as approximately 150 parishioners gathered with gratitude, but also sadness, to celebrate the Closing Mass of the IHM Chapel, which was a secondary worship site of Saint Patrick Parish in West Scranton.

Father Richard E. Fox, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the 5:30 p.m. Mass. Concelebrating was Father Joseph R. Kakareka, a retired Diocesan priest, who has assisted at the Chapel for many years.

“Thank you all for coming and being part of this sad Mass,” Father Fox said in welcoming the faithful. “It is certainly not a happy occasion for anybody.”

The history of Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel dates back to 1953, when it was constructed at the direction of Bishop William Hafey, Fourth Bishop of Scranton, following a devastating fire that destroyed the nearby Saint Ann’s Maronite church.

In constructing the IHM Chapel, Bishop Hafey had hoped the new church would lead to a cooperative effort involving Saint Patrick Parish and Saint Ann’s Maronite Parish – but that did not materialize – with hundreds of letters exchanged between Scranton, Rome, Beirut, and Washington, D.C.

Fast forward to 2026, the decision to close Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel came after discussion and consultation through the Diocese of Scranton’s Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process. After examining Mass attendance trends, the significant financial challenges facing Saint Patrick Parish, and mounting maintenance needs at the Chapel, the recommendation was made to close the worship site.

Rather than dwelling on those realities during his homily, Father Fox encouraged parishioners to reflect upon the countless memories of grace they had experienced inside the church since its dedication in 1953.

“So, I have to ask this question,” Father Fox began his homily by saying. “Has anybody in this church been here since the first Mass that started way back in the early 1950s?”

Several hands rose throughout the pews.

“You’ve seen the span from the first parenthesis when it opened to the second parenthesis tonight,” the long-time pastor continued. “It certainly is a world of experiences. Certainly, a world of memories.”

Looking around the church, Father Fox invited parishioners to absorb every familiar detail one last time.

“This Mass not only brings back all those memories, it helps us to experience once again all of those times in our lives,” he said. “After tonight, you are expected to be able to take those memories and carry them in your hearts.”

Comparing memories to dreams that quickly fade, Father Fox encouraged the faithful to create what he described as a mental “reel” of the chapel so they can continue sharing its story for years to come.

“When people talk about this particular place … you can enter into that conversation with your particular perspective because you remember all the things that happened,” he explained. “I believe that we can keep that same technique alive here in our own day and age – to continue to tell the stories of what happened here at the corner of North Garfield and Oram Street.”

The conclusion of the liturgy provided parishioners with a final opportunity to say goodbye.

Father Fox led prayers throughout the church, stopping at the ambo, the cry room, the Marian statue and finally the altar before inviting everyone to come forward individually. Each person was encouraged to touch the altar, make the Sign of the Cross, and process out of the church one final time.

Among those given the honor of locking the Chapel doors for the last time were longtime parishioners John (Jack) and Paula Keenan.

“It is a sad day, bittersweet because we have been coming here for so many years,” Paula Keenan said.

She said she will especially remember the chapel’s crucifix and Marian statute as well as the atmosphere that made the church unique.

“It was so intimate coming to Mass here,” she reflected. “That is what I appreciated the most.”

Following the locking of the doors, the Blessed Sacrament was reverently transferred by limousine from Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel to Saint Patrick Church on Jackson Street, where the People of God will continue to carry the church’s mission forward.

SCRANTON – A total of 172 married couples from 69 parishes across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Sunday, June 28, 2026, for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass which honors couples marking milestone anniversaries.

The liturgy was celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time and included couples celebrating 10, 25, 40 and 50 years of marriage and beyond.

In all, the couples attending the Mass signified 6,580 years of married life.

In his homily, Bishop Bambera reflected on the Sunday Gospel from Saint Matthew, acknowledging that Jesus’ words about the demands of discipleship might initially seem surprising in the context of a celebration of marriage.

He noted, however, that authentic discipleship is rooted in selfless love, sacrifice and perseverance. Those are all qualities that also define a faithful married life.

“Your marriage has endured not because the years have been perfect, but because you have come to see marriage as part of something much bigger than yourselves,” Bishop Bambera said, pointing to the “mystery of God’s love discovered in your lives together.”

He encouraged all couples to recognize both the struggles and blessings that shape their vocation, and to see “the face of God abiding within the heart of the one you love.”

Following the homily, couples renewed their marriage vows and at the conclusion of the Mass, a reception followed the Mass at the Diocesan Pastoral Center across the street from the Cathedral.

Among those celebrating their 10th anniversary were Thomas (T.J.) and Christina Masteller of Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, who reflected on the grace they have experienced in their marriage.

“There is so much grace in celebrating the sacrament,” Christina said. “We know that there is strength in that, and Lord knows you need that in a marriage.”

Her husband added that forgiveness is essential.

“There are going to be ups and downs and trials,” Thomas added. “Nothing is easy, but being able to forgive one another is the most important piece.”

John Gablonski and Rita Ives of Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish in Nanticoke, who are also marking 10 years, spoke of the gift of finding one another later in life.

“We’re actually second marriages. We’re both widows and just the fact that we met each other and we’re able to be together in marriage is a great gift for us,” Rita said. “I never thought that we’d celebrate any type of milestone anniversary.”

“It was a pleasure to be able to do this,” John added. “It was very spiritual. It was amazing.”

Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Katherine and Diego Pelaez of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg emphasized faith and communication as the secrets to a happy marriage.

“To have Christ first in your marriage,” Katherine said.

Diego added, “Having God in the center of our life, in the center of our lives basically to keep us together, along with communication, quick forgiveness and compromise.”

Those were very similar sentiments shared by Bishop Bambera, who indicated that marriage is sustained through faith, forgiveness and the daily decision to love selflessly.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the Bishop reminded couples that “Marriage is not an ideal … but the measure of true love between a man and a woman.”