JESSUP – After dedicating 94 years to Catholic school students in the Diocese of Scranton, two long-time principals retired at the end of June.

Jeffrey Lyons, principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School in East Stroudsburg and Ellen Murphy, principal of La Salle Academy in Jessup, each ended a distinguished career in education on June 30, 2023.

“I have always believed that I was blessed with the best job in the world while working in three wonderful Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton,” Murphy said. “There is nothing more important in our world than our beautiful children and the time I spent with them enjoying their laughter and happiness are moments I will cherish forever.”

Mrs. Ellen Murphy

Murphy dedicated 42 years to Catholic education. She started her career as a teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Carbondale where she later served as principal. She continued her administrative role as principal at Sacred Heart Primary/Elementary School in Carbondale and for the last 13 years served as principal of La Salle Academy.

“I knew each day walking through the doors of our school, filled with so much love and happiness, that it would be a great day,” she added. “Watching the excitement and pride in the eyes of our children while reaching that moment of understanding and working through their unique challenges were the moments I knew, that, together with my faculty and staff, we were doing great things for our children.”

Mrs. Shaina Aquilina

Shaina Aquilina assumed the role of principal of La Salle Academy beginning July 1.

“La Salle Academy is comprised of faith-filled, hardworking and dedicated faculty and staff, students and families, and I am honored to be able to serve this incredible school community in a new capacity,” Aquilina said. “I have certainly been blessed with the opportunity to continue building upon the successes of the school that occurred under the direction of Mrs. Ellen Murphy and Mrs. Maryanne DeMark.”

Aquilina most recently served as the junior high math teacher at La Salle Academy but has also served in various capacities throughout the Diocese since 2016. She has led numerous professional development sessions focused on training teachers in technology, data analysis and STREAM instruction. She also revised the Teacher Induction Plan for the Diocese, which is used for all first year teachers and those new to the Diocese.

“As a former math teacher, I have always valued the ability to analyze data and use it to inform my instructional approach. As a Diocese, we are fortunate to have access to NWEA Map Growth Data to assist our educators in driving our instruction, differentiating our lessons and communicating with the families of our students,” she added. “I am eager to work closely with our faculty to utilize this data in a way that targets individual students’ areas for growth and assists in urging every student to attain his or her fullest potential.”

Mr. Jeffrey Lyons

After more than a half-century serving the Notre Dame School System, Lyons has also decided to move onto the next phase of his life.

“It is almost impossible to think of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School and not think of Mr. Lyons as he has dedicated 52 years as a teacher, dean of students, and principal,” Kristen Donohue, Diocesan Secretary of Catholic Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in announcing his retirement. “Mr. Lyons not only shared his love of Catholic education, but sparked that same excitement in his students, teachers, staff and school community.”

Lyons started his career as an English teacher and then Dean of Students at Notre Dame High School. After 19 years in the classroom, he was appointed as principal of Notre Dame High School, a position he held for the last 33 years. Lyons never truly left the classroom, as he managed to teach one high school class each year.

“It is not often that an individual has the opportunity to impact generations of families but Mr. Lyons has done just that,” Donohue said. “Mr. Lyons prioritized time for students to pray and give thanks to God for the many blessings they have in their lives, while also balancing a rigorous academic schedule. This inseparable combination not only set Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School apart from any other schools but also emphasized Mr. Lyons’ true servant leadership.”

Bryan Scotton assumed the role of principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School beginning July 1.

“I’m very excited to embrace this new role as principal,” Scotton said. “It has been a joy teaching at Notre Dame and I look forward to supporting my current coworkers and helping to provide the best Catholic education possible for our students. I know there will be challenges but knowing there are such great teachers and students makes those challenges manageable.”

Prior to being appointed principal, Scotton served as music teacher and coach of cross-country and track at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School. Prior to joining the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System, he was a religion teacher, curriculum coordinator for the religion and history departments and head of campus ministry at Mater Dei Prep High School in Middletown, N.J.

Scotton says he has many goals as he takes on his new leadership role.

“I think I will look forward the most to collaborating with teachers and staff to build upon the traditions that make Notre Dame unique, continue to grow the initiatives that we have already begun, and begin new journeys to make Notre Dame even better than it is. There is so much support and creative energy already at Notre Dame and I am looking forward to being a part of that.”

DUNMORE – Seminarian Thomas Dzwonczyk has taken a step closer to the sacred priesthood after receiving Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders from the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

A Mass with the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders took place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, during the annual Quo Vadis Days summer camp.

Seminarian Thomas Dzwonczyk, left, stands before the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, during the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders on June 28, 2023, at Marywood University. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

“This was a privilege to celebrate the Rite of Candidacy today with Bishop Bambera and a bunch of priests who have been influential in my formation,” Dzwonczyk said.

“Having my family – my mom, dad and sister there – just made it all the more special.”

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is celebrated when a man has reached a maturity or purpose in his formation and demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination to the diaconate. In the presence of the bishop, Dzwonczyk publicly expressed his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and also his resolve to fully invest himself to that end, so as to best serve Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.

“It was very powerful. I was fighting back tears during the service,” the North Abington Township native said. “I know that on my own I could never do it. I’m a broken and sinful man but He has led me to this point and I trust that He will continue to guide me through the next years of formation.”

Dzwonczyk, a parishioner of Saint John Vianney Parish, never took part in Quo Vadis Days while he was in high school but was happy the Rite of Admission took place during the annual event.

“I was too shy and timid to actually do it when I was in high school but I’m amazed by the young men who are willing to give themselves to these three days. We’ve had some wonderful conversations, some great liturgies, Holy Hours and having them come up and say ‘Congrats, I’m praying for you,’ makes all the difference,” he added.

Dzwonczyk, who has most recently been serving a pastoral year at Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top and Saint Mary’s Parish in Dorrance, credits his family for being by his side every step of the way.

“My mom texted me late last night and said, ‘I’m offering my nightly rosary for you.’ To have them present just makes it all the more special. I can’t really put it into words. They have been so supportive along the way,” he said. “I still remember the day I called them from school saying I want to enter seminary and now to think that they were here and to know that they’ll be here for the rest of the way is incredible.”

SCRANTON – As he stood in the first pew of the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Joseph Boris, Sr., fought back tears as his son, Michael, gave him his first blessing just moments after his ordination to the priesthood.

“It meant so much. It was just an overwhelming feeling,” Joseph Boris said.
Five years after entering Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Michael J. Boris was ordained a priest on Saturday, June 24, 2023, before hundreds of family, friends, fellow parishioners and clergy.

During the Rite of Ordination, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, lays his hands upon the head of Michael J. Boris. Following the Bishop, all of the priests present also laid hands on the Dallas native.

“I loved seeing friends and family, some friends which I haven’t seen in a very long time, and most especially brother seminarians, and now brother priests, who have, in various ways, been part of my journey and have helped me try to surrender to Christ for this moment,” Father Boris said shortly after the Ordination Mass ended.

During the Ordination Rite, Boris prostrated himself before the Cathedral altar as the congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints. The Rite also included the Laying on of Hands, Anointing of Hands and the Fraternal Kiss — ancient rituals that signify his incorporation into the presbyterate.

Boris said the Laying on of Hands was particularly moving.

“I was moved and trying to reflect when the Bishop and then the other priests came and were laying their hands on my head. I was trying to picture how each and every one of them is Christ laying his hands on my head and trying to soothe my anxieties and heart, ultimately saying, ‘I’ve called you to this and I will be with you always,’” the newly ordained priest said.

Boris, 27, is the son of Joseph and Susan Boris. The Dallas native is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School and King’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy. Boris entered Saint Mary’s Seminary in the fall of 2018. In 2019, he served a summer assignment in the parish communities of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop. Boris also served a pastoral year (2020-2021) in the parish communities of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, both in Carbondale.

“Two of the greatest things I’ve been thinking about recently were looking out at the crowd both at Adoration last night and here today and seeing all the people who have been part of my journey and their Christian witness and how they’ve helped me discern in various ways,” Father Boris added. “Everybody from my parishes, schools, King’s College, seminary at Saint Mary’s in Baltimore. They have all been spectacular and I’m very grateful.”

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Ordination Mass.

Bishop Bambera began his homily by thanking Boris for saying “yes” to the Lord’s Call to serve the church.

“Your consent to God’s will, that has brought you to this day in your life and the life of this local church, affirms that the power of God continues to move among us and affect God’s plan for salvation,” the bishop said.

The Ordination Mass was held on the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist and provided context, as Bishop Bambera noted, for a person’s response to the call of the Lord.

“John was the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the prophet whose entire purpose in life was to point the way to Christ,” Bishop Bambera explained. “He understood and accepted God’s will for himself and he embraced it with humility and resolve.”

Being a priest demands the same response and more.

“While very much aware of our human weakness and frailty, God will use you, even with your imperfections to speak on His behalf and serve in His name for the sake of His people,” Bishop Bambera added.

As he ended his homily, the Bishop told Boris to always trust in the grace of God, be faithful to the teachings of the church and to remember he is appointed to serve on behalf of the Christian faithful but will always be in need of God’s presence, life and saving grace.

“God’s people are looking for meaning, purpose and peace in their lives. Today, here in this Cathedral and beyond, they will celebrate your response to the Lord’s call.

They will encourage you and embrace you with pride,” Bishop Bambera said.

“Tomorrow, they will look to you for answers to their questions and they will look to you to find Jesus in your words of forgiveness, in your service to the poor and the simplicity of your life and in the depth of your love.”

Throughout the Ordination Mass, Joseph Boris was filled with pride for his son.

“I just wish my mom and dad could be here and Sue’s mom and dad. This is something my mom prayed for a long time,” the new priest’s father said. “I have seven brothers and sisters and I think she was disappointed when none of us went into the priesthood. She was thrilled. She lived until a couple years ago and got to see Michael at the seminary. She was so proud of that.”

Over the last five years, Father Boris’ father said his son has grown in many ways.

“He is a totally different person. We know him as the goofball kid growing up, having fun, playing basketball,” his dad said. “He has really blossomed into somebody that I know will do great things. He will be a great priest.”

Father Boris’ first priestly appointment is historic. He has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at both Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and Saint Gregory Parish, Clarks Green. While the two neighboring parishes are currently independent, they will be working towards coming together in a linkage next year, and being appointed to both parishes now will help towards that goal.

“I am excited. I’ve never been up there so I really am going in with a clean slate,” Father Boris said. “It feels good to have a fresh start, go to a place where I can serve God’s people and try to discern God’s voice every day.”

PLAINS – Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish celebrated a century of faith and service on Sunday, June 25, 2023, as they welcomed the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, for a special 100th anniversary celebration Mass.

Hundreds of people attended the 10:30 a.m. liturgy that was followed by a reception in Bernardine Hall.

Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Plains gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church building on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

“It’s a real privilege for me to join with this community of believers, this great community of faith, here at Saints Peter and Paul Parish,” Bishop Bambera said as he began the Eucharistic celebration.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera reminded the people that while it is fitting to mark the 100-year anniversary of the grand edifice of Saints Peter and Paul Church, it is much more important to treasure what has been done inside the walls of the church for the last century.

“We will celebrate not simply a sign or a symbol but the power and presence and reality of God here in our midst through this incredible Sacrament of Jesus’ Body and Blood,” the bishop said.

Like everyone in attendance, Bishop Bambera has many memories in the church.

His great uncle, Msgr. Joseph Pilny, served as pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church for 47 years before retiring in 1973. As a young man he attended baptisms, weddings and even the funeral of his great grandmother in the church.

“As we recall events that have taken place within our lives in relationship to this church building, we recall certain people far more than a building, don’t we?” the bishop said. “Perhaps a pastor, a sister, a relative, a friend, and at the heart of such memories are likely to be found the deepest mystery of our faith – what we will do today in celebrating the Eucharist – the presence of Jesus among us.”

Bishop Bambera also rededicated the church’s altar as part of the Mass.

The parish community of Saints Peter and Paul wanted to celebrate the twelve churches that have come together over the last few decades that now make up its community of believers.

The churches include Saints Peter and Paul, Sacred Heart, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Dominic, Saint Christopher, Holy Saviour, Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint John the Evangelist.

In addition to remembering, Bishop Bambera challenged those in attendance to go forth and continue serving.

“Jesus commands us to use what we have been given in service of our brothers and sisters as He has given us an example. So go, at the end of this Mass, to do the work of God, as faithful parishioners of Saints Peter & Paul Parish have done as they left this church for 100 years,” he said.

Father John C. Lambert, pastor, thanked Bishop Bambera for helping the parish celebrate its important milestone.

“I just really want to thank you bishop for joining us today, it meant a great deal to all of us,” Father Lambert said.

DICKSON CITY – ‘Camping in God’s Creation’ was the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.

Nearly two dozen young adults spent the week of June 26-30 learning different Bible stories, participating in crafts and having fun.

“On Monday, we did the Creation Story to start our week. On Tuesday, we did Jesus is the Light of the World and we made lanterns to go with that. On Wednesday, we did the Ten Commandments and we talked about finding our way and following rules,” Linda Skierski, Director of Religious Education, explained. “On Thursday, we did Simon the Fisherman and we made boats which we floated outside and we talked about Jesus helping the disciples get their fish. We rounded out the week on Friday with the story of the Ascension.”

Isabella Barilka volunteered at this year’s Vacation Bible School because she enjoys learning and spreading God’s message of love.

“You teach them and you encourage them to go home and talk about it with their family and make it a chain reaction so that their family goes and talks about it with other people,” Barilka said.

The young students took many things away from the weeklong experience.

“We’re learning about how Christ is the Light of the World,” camper Ivy Kadoubowski said.

“I liked making new friends and learning more about Jesus and God, especially the Ten Commandments,” camper Camia Hurst added.

Whether the kids were using chalk to fill the church sidewalks with images of God’s creation or getting a special blessing from Monsignor Patrick Pratico, pastor of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, everyone had a wonderful time.

“We spend hours and hours and hours preparing for it but each day, at the end of the day, we say ‘We think it went really well’ and we’re happy that we did it,” Skierski said with a smile.

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EAST STROUDSBURG – There were only good vibes and positive energy at the Church of Saint John June 19-23 as dozens of youngsters participated in the parish’s Vacation Bible School.

“We are running a mega sports camp. Our theme is Good VIBES Only. Each letter in VIBES stands for something we want them to remember about themselves,” Marybel Sigler, Director of Faith Formation, explained. “V for valuable, I for influential, B for brave, E for encouraging and S for selfless.”

While the kids had plenty of time for basketball, football and water balloon tosses, they also learned about different stories from the bible. The goal of organizers was to have each camper form a relationship with Jesus.

“If we can get them to have a desire to have a relationship with Him, to get to know Him a little better, to make Him their friend, then we have succeeded. Then the fun and everything else is icing on the cake,” Sigler added.

Ayva McKelown, a third grade student, thought Vacation Bible School is so much fun she wants to do it every year. She took away many valuable lessons.

“God made us and He believes in us,” she said. “He loves us very much.”

Liam Flaherty, an eighth grade student, volunteered for this year’s Vacation Bible School to share his love of Jesus.

“It’s a lot of fun but at the same time it’s for the kids to understand what Jesus did for us and why He died for us.”

Not all of the students who participated are parishioners of the Church of Saint John.

“Hopefully we’ll get them to come back and be a part of our Faith Formation group,” Sigler said.

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NANTICOKE – Six months of hard work and planning paid off during the week of June 12-16 as dozens of children gathered daily for Vacation Bible School at Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish.

This year’s theme was “STELLAR: Shine Jesus’ Light.”

“These activities all include Jesus’ light. We have a Bible station and they learn about Jesus at the Bible station. We also have an imagination station that is really phenomenal,” Char Golobek, Faith Formation Director, said.

Each day had a different theme. One of the days, for example, was ‘Shine Jesus’ Light when you’re feeling happy.’

The program relied on a number of volunteers to be successful.

“It allows me to re-energize. It allows me to connect with my daughter who is one of the crew leaders and it gives me a chance to spread God’s love to the children,” volunteer Maria Mera said.

“I love working with kids,” volunteer Elia Lowe added. “They’re learning about God and it’s a great way for them to learn. It’s good to see them interact with people they don’t know and make friends over the whole week that they’re here.”

The Vacation Bible School was open to students in preschool through six grade (ages 4-12) and was held at the Catholic Cultural Center of the parish.

“There are nice teachers, nice people here,” camper Michael Urbanski said. “You dance. There is singing. There is everything you need to have fun. You also learn about how Jesus helped people.”

“It is really fun. You play games and you have activities,” camper Addison Kivler said. “We’re learning to shine Jesus’ light!”

DUNMORE – When Jessica Castro first signed up to participate in the ISLI retreat this summer, the Scranton teen would be the first to admit it was a leap of faith.

“The first day I was nervous and scared but you get comfortable with these people,” she said. “You begin to talk and then you don’t care because you’re comfortable with them.”

Castro is one of 20 high school students from parishes and schools around the Diocese who participated in the International Student Leadership Institute from June 20-23 at Marywood University.

Bishop Bambera celebrates Mass with young adults involved in the International Student Leadership Institute (ILSI) in June.

“You learn a lot of new things. You learn communication, support and other things. You meet new people and you feel more confident,” Castro added.

ISLI is a peer-facilitated, faith-based leadership retreat designed by Father Thomas Chambers, C.S.C., at the University of Notre Dame. It is designed to help high school students excel in both leadership and membership roles of task-oriented groups.

During the retreat, participants improve their decision-making and problem solving skills through the teachings of the Catholic faith. The students also celebrate Mass together and participate in Eucharistic Adoration.

“The retreat is focused on the concept of leadership as a learned characteristic specifically rooted in our Catholic faith,” Shannon Kowalski, Director of Service and Mission in the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, explained. “The students experience small group activities that go along with five objectives to help them understand various aspects of themselves, what they have to give towards leadership and how they can improve their leadership potential.”

Zachary Schultz, a student at Holy Redeemer High School and parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Swoyersville, participated in ISLI for the first time this summer.

“I have enjoyed it … I definitely felt very welcomed and got to meet a lot of new people,” he said.

In his school and parish community, Schultz admitted he has mostly been a “follower” but after participating in the ISLI program he said, “I’m going to try and be a leader.”

Lauren Hayden, who also attends Holy Redeemer High School and is a parishioner at Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, attended the ISLI program for a second time after having a great experience previously.

“It has definitely had a huge impact on my own life … I’m part of the Student Council at Holy Redeemer High School,” Hayden explained.

All of the participants got a chance to meet the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who celebrated Mass with them on the third full day of the retreat.

“Bishop Bambera has been great to us at ISLI. He comes every time we host the retreat to express his support for the kids and to get to know a little more about what we do,” Kowalski said. “He also comes to issue a challenge that we need them in our diocese. The students at ISLI are not the ‘future’ of the church. They are the church now. At the end of this, he expects them, and we expect them, to go back and use what they have learned.”

The ISLI retreat, which was first established in the 1980s, is traditionally offered twice a year in the Diocese of Scranton, once in the winter and once in the summer.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this summer’s event is the first in-person ISLI gathering in several years.

“We’re having a restart right now because we had to take a couple years off because of COVID,” facilitator Neil Albright explained. “We really want to see this program succeed. We want to bring it back and make it stronger because it meant so much to me in my life and I want nothing more than to share it with a new generation of kids.”

Albright, who first attended ISLI in 2015, made life-long friends as part of the program. He said the leadership behaviors and styles he learned have helped him in many ways.

“It has made me a stronger leader in so many ways. It has strengthened my faith. It has helped me bridge the gap between my experiences in the world and my experiences in the church so beautifully and fully. I’m just really thankful I can be a part of it,” he said.

“It is a pleasure of mine and the rest of the adult team to watch the students evolve over the time that they’re here,” Kowalski added. “Most of them come in unsure, uncertain, a little shy and nervous. By the end of the retreat they’re loud, they’re outgoing, and they’re breaking out of their shells.”

SCRANTON – Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton joined several community partners June 24 in organizing and sponsoring a World Refugee Day celebration at Nay Aug Park.

The event, attended by hundreds of people, included cultural songs and music, ethnic food, activities for children and information tables about local refugee communities.

Refugee groups proudly dance at Nay Aug Park in Scranton June 24 during the World Refugee Day celebration. (Photo/Eric Deabill)

“We welcome you to the greater Scranton area and beyond and hope that you find a home in this area where you feel welcome and loved,” the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said while addressing the crowd.

Bishop Bambera shared recent words from Pope Francis, in which the Holy Father said we are all called to show “maximum respect” for the dignity of migrants and must “construct bridges and not walls.”

While acknowledging that nations have a right to control their borders, Bishop Bambera said the international community should protect refugees and asylum seekers. He highlighted the story of his own grandmother who came to northeastern Pennsylvania from Poland in 1912 in search of a better life.

“We are so privileged to have you here, to tap into your gifts and your talents and to find ourselves better and richer because of your presence,” Bishop Bambera added.

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. At the end of 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced globally – a record number propelled by the War in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world.

“We became refugees because of political situations,” Chandra Sitaula of the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association, said. “We are here from Bhutan, Congo, Afghanistan and many other countries.”

Sitaula came to the Scranton area in 2012 after spending two years in the Bronx. He said there are roughly 7,000 Bhutanese people living in the greater Scranton area according to the 2020 census. He said the number is even larger – roughly 42,000 people – in the Harrisburg region.

“We want to introduce our culture, traditions, values and customs to the community and we need to learn other community’s cultures, communications and religions,” he explained.

Gulnar Siddiqi, a staff member with Catholic Social Services and refugee herself, said the agency works with hundreds of refugees each year.

“We are always here for refugees. Catholic Social Services has been working for many years with refugees as soon as they arrive in the country,” Siddiqi said. “We want to show our refugees how important they are. We want to show our refugees that we are all one.”

This year’s theme was ‘Hope Away from Home,’ which focused on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees.

“As a community, we must promote empathy and compassion towards those who have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety in a new country,” Fikile Ryder, Director of Community for Catholic Social Services, added.

Since coming to the United States in 2017, Claudin Nyota of Congo says she has become a U.S. citizen and has found her neighbors to be very welcoming.

“I am happy. I love Scranton,” Nyota said. “I’m happy to see friends here that have helped me, have shown me something good. I’m so happy to see everybody.”

In addition to Catholic Social Services, World Refugee Day 2023 was sponsored by the Church of Saint Gregory in Clarks Green, The University of Scranton, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, Islamic Center of Scranton, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Congolese Community of Scranton, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association, Saigon Corner Vietnamese Restaurant and the Pennsylvania Department of Education – Migrant Education Program.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis named 21 new cardinals, including U.S.-born Archbishop Robert F. Prevost, who took the helm at the Dicastery for Bishops in April, and French Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The pope announced the names after his recitation of the Angelus with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square July 9. He said he would formally install the cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Sept. 30.

Pope Francis greets Archbishop Robert F. Prevost, a Chicago native, during a private audience at the Vatican Feb. 12, 2022. The pope will elevate Cardinal-designate Prevost, who is prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, to the College of Cardinals during a special consistory at the Vatican Sept. 30. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Cardinal-designate Prevost expressed his surprise and joy upon hearing the announcement, he said in an interview with Vatican News July 10.

“Certainly I felt happy for the recognition of the mission that has been entrusted to me — which is a very beautiful thing — and at the same time I thought with reverence and holy fear: I hope I can respond to what the pope is asking of me. It is an enormous responsibility, like when he called me to Rome as prefect,” he said in Italian.

“I see it as the continuation of a mission that the pope has decided to give me,” he added.

Speaking in English, Cardinal-designate Prevost said it is not a coincidence that Pope Francis scheduled the consistory before the start of the first general assembly of the synod on synodality, saying he is firmly convinced that “all of us are called to walk together.”

The new cardinals represent more than a dozen countries on five continents. Three of the new cardinals are current Vatican officials, three are current or retired apostolic nuncios, 13 are current or retired heads of archdioceses around the world, one is a rector major of the Salesians and one is a 96-year-old confessor in Buenos Aires. Six belong to religious orders; two of them are Jesuits.

Continuing a papal custom, among the new cardinals were three churchmen — two archbishops and a Capuchin Franciscan priest — over the age of 80, whom Pope Francis said he wanted to honor because they were particularly deserving because of “their service to the church.” Being over the age of 80, they are ineligible to vote in a conclave.

After the new cardinals are installed in late September, there will be 137 potential voters and the total membership of the College of Cardinals is expected to be 243.

The nomination of Cardinal-designate Prevost brings to 18 the number of U.S. cardinals; after the consistory, the U.S. contingent will include 11 potential papal electors.

The September ceremony will mark the ninth time Pope Francis has created cardinals since his election to the papacy in March 2013. After the ceremony Sept. 30, he will have created a total of 131 new cardinals in that College of Cardinals, which would make up about 54% of the total college and 72% of potential electors.

With the addition of six new cardinals under the age of 60, the average age of cardinal electors will get one year younger going from today’s average age of 72 years 8 months to 71 years 6 months. Cardinal-designate Alves Aguiar of Lisbon, 49, will be just six months older than the youngest elector, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 49.

Cardinal-designate Prevost, 67, was born in Chicago, and had served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, for more than eight years before being appointed to lead the Vatican body responsible for recommending to the pope candidates to fill the office of bishop in many of the Latin-rite dioceses of the world. Recommendations made by the dicastery are typically approved by the pope. Archbishop Prevost has been a member of the dicastery since November 2020.

He also oversees the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, established in 1958 by Pope Pius XII to study the church in Latin America, where nearly 40% of the world’s Catholics reside.

The cardinal-designate holds degrees from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. An Augustinian friar, he joined the Augustinian mission in Peru in 1985 and largely worked in the country until in 1999, when he was elected head of the Augustinians’ Chicago-based province. From 2001 to 2013, he served as prior general of the worldwide order.

In 2014, Pope Francis named him bishop of Chiclayo, in northern Peru, and the pope asked him also to be apostolic administrator of Callao, Peru, from April 2020 to May 2021. The pope then appointed him to succeed the retiring Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in early 2023.

Cardinal-designate Pierre, 77, was born in Rennes, France. Ordained to the priesthood in 1970, he served as apostolic nuncio to Haiti, Uganda and Mexico until Pope Francis named him nuncio to the United States in 2016.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered his congratulations and prayers to the new cardinals on behalf of the bishops of the United States July 9.

“Please join me in praying for Cardinal-designate Prevost and Cardinal-designate Pierre as they continue their lives of service to the universal church,” Archbishop Broglio said. “For the church in the United States, their ministry has been a true blessing. Our episcopal conference rejoices in this sign of recognition of these distinguished churchmen.”

Before he read the 21 names, Pope Francis told the estimated 15,000 people in St. Peter’s Square that the diversity of the new cardinals “expresses the universality of the church, which continues to proclaim God’s merciful love to all people on Earth.”

The order in which the cardinals are announced determines their seniority in the College of Cardinals, which has little practical effect except in liturgical processions.

Here is the list of the new cardinals:

— U.S.-born Archbishop Robert F. Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, 67.

— Italian Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, 67.

— Argentine Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández of La Plata, Argentina, incoming prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. He will turn 61 July 18.

— Swiss Archbishop Emil Paul Tscherrig, the apostolic nuncio to Argentina, 76.

— French Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, 77.

— Italian Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, 58.

— South African Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, 66.

— Argentine Archbishop Ángel Sixto Rossi of Córdoba, 64. He is a member of the Society of Jesus.

— Colombian Archbishop Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, 61.

— Polish Archbishop Grzegorz Rys of Lódz, 59.

— South Sudanese Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba, 59.

— Spanish Archbishop José Cobo Cano of Madrid, 57.

— Tanzanian Archbishop Protase Rugambwa, coadjutor archbishop of Tabora, 63.

— Malaysian Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang, Malaysia, 71.

— Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan of Hong Kong, 63. Born in Hong Kong, he is a member of the Society of Jesus.

— Bishop François-Xavier Bustillo of Ajaccio in Corsica, France, 54. Born in Spain, he is a member of the Conventual Franciscans.

— Portuguese Auxiliary Bishop Américo Alves Aguiar of Lisbon, 49.

— Spain-born Salesian Father Ángel Fernández Artime, rector major of the Salesians, 62.

Those named cardinal and over the age of 80:

— Italian Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, a retired papal nuncio, a former curial official and a respected historian of the Second Vatican Council, 82.

— Retired Archbishop Diego Rafael Padrón Sánchez of Cumaná, Venezuela, 84.

— Capuchin Father Luis Pascual Dri, confessor at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei, Buenos Aires, 96.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis has appointed more than 450 participants, including dozens of religious men and women and laypeople from around the world, to attend the first general assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in October.

And that list is not even complete, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, told reporters at a Vatican news conference July 7. More names are going to be added to the list of nonvoting members, such as experts and representatives of non-Catholic Christian communities, he said.

This is the official logo for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Originally scheduled for 2022, the synod will take place in October 2023 to allow for broader consultation at the diocesan, national and regional levels. (CNS photo/courtesy Synod of Bishops)

For now, the list of voting members is complete, numbering 363 cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and lay men and women — a first in the history of the synod. Pope Francis made significant changes to who can be a voting member of the synod on synodality and he gave women the right to vote in the synod.

Out of the 364 members who can vote, which includes the pope, 54 are women — either lay or religious; the number of cardinals appointed as members also is 54.

More than a quarter of all the voting members, that is 26.4%, are not bishops, according to the 21-page list of the appointments released July 7 by the Vatican.

Those the pope appointed to take part in the Oct. 4-29 synod include 169 cardinals or bishops representing national bishops’ conferences; 20 cardinals or bishops representing Eastern Catholic churches; five cardinals or bishops representing regional federations of bishops’ conferences; and 20 heads of Vatican dicasteries, which includes one layman, Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.

The bishops appointed to attend from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York; Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas; Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota; and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana.

The pope also appointed five religious men and five religious women to represent the International Union of Superiors General and the Union of Superiors General.

There are an additional 50 papally appointed members, the majority of whom are cardinals and bishops, but they include 11 priests, religious and 1 layman and 1 laywoman. Those from the United States include: Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington; Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego; Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley of Boston; Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle; and Jesuit Father James Martin.

Another novelty is a large group of non-bishop voting members who represent the “continental assemblies” and are named “witnesses of the synodal process.” There are 10 members in each group divided by continent: Africa; North America; Latin America; Asia; Eastern Churches and the Middle East; Europe; and Oceania, for a total of 70 individuals who are all priests, religious or lay men and women.

The group for North America includes: Richard Coll, executive director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the USCCB in Washington; Cynthia Bailey Manns, the adult learning director at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community in Minnesota; Catherine Clifford, a theology professor and expert on the Second Vatican Council; Canadian Sister Chantal Desmarais, a Sister of Charity of St. Mary; Father Iván Montelongo of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas; and Sister Leticia Salazar, chancellor of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California.

Among the 16 who are part of the synod’s ordinary council include: U.S. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey; Canadian Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec; and Australian Archbishop Anthony C. Fisher of Sydney.

Nine members will serve as delegate presidents of the assembly and they include: Bishop Flores of Brownsville; Coptic Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak; one priest, Italian Father Giuseppe Bonfrate; one nun, Mexican Sister of St. Joseph María de los Dolores Palencia; and one consecrated laywoman, Momoko Nishimura of Japan. Pope Francis will serve as president and Cardinal Mario Grech as the synod’s secretary-general.

The list of nonvoting members is not complete, Cardinal Grech said.

That list released July 7 included two spiritual assistants: British Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe and Italian Benedictine Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini. All synod participants will be expected to attend a three-day retreat before the synod begins in early October.

All of the 57 nonvoting “experts and facilitators” listed as of July 7 are priests and religious and lay men and women. They include: U.S. Sister Maria Cimperman, who is a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart; Jesuit Father David McCallum; and Australian theologian Tracey Rowland.

The theme of the synod is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” and synod members will be called upon to continue to carry forward a “process of spiritual discernment” that was begun in 2021 and continue with a second synod assembly in 2024.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Catholics who celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly July 23 can receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins, the Vatican said.

In a decree issued July 5, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, said that a plenary indulgence will be extended “to grandparents, the elderly and all the faithful who, motivated by the true spirit of penitence and charity,” attend Mass or other services to celebrate the world day and that the indulgence can “also be applied as suffrage for the souls in purgatory.”

The decree states that the indulgence will also apply to “the faithful who dedicate adequate time to visit in person or virtually, through means of communication, elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty” such as the sick, abandoned and disabled on July 23.

The indulgence also is available to the elderly who are ill and “unable to leave their homes for serious reasons” but who nonetheless “will unite spiritually with the sacred services of the world day, offering to the merciful God their prayers, pains and sufferings of their lives,” granted they satisfy the requirements for the indulgence

To receive a plenary indulgence, a person must show detachment from sin, go to confession, receive the Eucharist and pray for the intentions of the pope.

Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. The theme for this year’s world day is “His mercy is from age to age,” from St. Luke’s Gospel.

Cardinal Piacenza asked priests to make themselves available to hear confessions with a “ready and generous spirit.”