This week, the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo mourns the passings of Monsignor Dino Lorenzetti, who died July 12 at the age of 101, and Deacon James Cantella, who was ordained less than two months ago but was stricken by illness.
News and notes about recent happenings within the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo
June 28, 2023 - Church Musicians' Guild of Buffalo to host Festival Mass by Diocese of Buffalo Sound Studio
St. John Paul II Church in Lake View, NY will host a Patriotic Rosary just days before the nation celebrates Independence Day. Here we learn more of the Patriotic Rosary's origin and what it is the people pray for during such a gathering.
When a terrible thunderstorm jeopardizes the students' field trip to the museum, Sister Justine recalls the tale of St. Christopher, best known for helping the Christ Child across a rushing river.
When one of the students reveals being mocked for being Catholic, Sister Justine shares the story of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, who interacted with Our Blessed Mother, while her peers questioned her well-being.
St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass held Sunday, June 4, 2023, led by Bishop Michael Fisher. The church, also home to the Diocesan Shrine of St. John Paul II, is known in Western New York as the "Mother Church of Polonia," and was the first of several churches built in Buffalo by Polish immigrants in the late 19th Century.
Jeffrey Joseph Donovan's journey to priesthood was completed June 3, 2023, when he received the Sacrament of Holy Orders at his Ordination Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral.
In advance of his ordination June 3, 2023, Father Jeffrey Donovan sat with WNY Catholic Audio to discuss his life, and his call to serve Christ as a priest.
When a student is tempted to change his mind about donating his old toy collection to needy families, and instead horde more toys for his collection, Sister Justine steps in with the story of St. Francis of Assisi, who gave up his wealth to love and help others.
The Diocese of Buffalo's Department of Education celebrated local Catholic Schools and honored six individuals for their contributions to local Catholic classrooms and athletic arenas.
When a student is being made fun of for her new glasses, Sister Justine steps in and tells the tale of St. Lucy, the patron saint of eyesight and eye health, who was martyred for her dedication to God,
Meet Sister Justine, the new nun at Holy Family School, who brings with her many tales of saints throughout the history of the Christian Church. After meeting the students and telling the tale of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, she explains why Catholics call upon saints in their prayers, and clears up some misconceptions.
Sebastian Aristizabal, a native of Colombia, was ordained a Transitional Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo at St. Mark Church, Saturday, May 13, 2023. He's the first of eight men who will join the ranks of the diocese's deacons this spring.
Bishop Michael Fisher participated in events Sunday, May 14, 2023 which marked the one year anniversary of the racially-motivated mass shooting at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, which killed 10 people and wounded three more.
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo's Department of Education held its first-ever 8th Grade Retreat on Friday, April 21, 2023. WNY Catholic Audio has a recap of the day's events.
To formally end the year-long celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo's 175th Anniversary, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will play a free concert inside St. Joseph Cathedral Sunday, April 23. WNY Catholic Audio spoke with BPO Music Director and Conductor JoAnn Faletta to get a preview of the concert, and discuss the relationship between the Catholic Church and classical music.
WNY Catholic Audio recaps Easter Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, led by Bishop Michael Fisher.
It's known as Tenebrae, or the Service of Shadows. It's an event that uses prayer, music, and darkness to mark the Crucifixion and deaty of Jesus Christ. Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Lancaster, New York played host to a Tenebrae service on the evening of Good Friday, April 7, 2023.
Following the Mass of the Lord's Supper every Holy Thursday, many Catholic faithful embark on a visit to seven churches, commemorating seven stops along Jesus Christ's path to the Crucifixion.
Each year, the Diocese of Buffalo hosts the Chrism Mass early into Holy Week. It's the annual blessing of the oils used in numerous sacraments throughout the year. The Mass is also an occasion for priests to renew their vocational promises.
Each year, the Diocese of Buffalo honors members of the laity who excel and lead in their service to their parishes, and the greater Catholic community. On March 18, 2023, St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo hosted the annual Bishop’s Altar Server Awards.
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo honored dozens of individuals and couples from nearly 70 parishes with the Lay Award of St. Joseph during a special Mass on Saturday, March 11th, 2023 inside St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.
The funeral for Buffalo Firefighter Jason D. Arno, who died in the line of duty March 1, 2023, was held inside St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday, March 10, 2023. Bishop Michael Fisher presided over the Mass, joined by numerous celebrants. Delivering the eulogy was Arno's brother, Delton Arno. Following his eulogy were remarks by former Buffalo Fire Commissioner and family friend Michael D'Orazio, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 President Vincent Ventresca, ...
The funeral for Buffalo Firefighter Jason D. Arno, who died in the line of duty March 1, 2023, was held inside St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday, March 10, 2023. Bishop Michael Fisher presided over the Mass, joined by numerous celebrants. Delivering the homily was Rev. James Van Dyke, S.J.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the solemn season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, penance, and charity in the weeks leading up to Easter. Bishop Michael W. Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo presided over a noon-hour Mass in St. Joseph Cathedral. This recording is of the homily he delivered during Mass. It was spoken just before the distribution of ashes, the gesture which reminds us all of our earthly mortality.
Catholic Health, a hospital operator which manages five hospitals and numerous clinics in Buffalo and Western New York, marked its 25th anniversary with a special Mass February 17, 2023. The Diocese of Buffalo is one of Catholic Health's founding sponsors.
To mark Black History Month, WNY Catholic Audio welcomes Sister Roberta Fulton, SSMN, and Dr. Althea Porter from the Diocese of Buffalo to discuss Black Catholicism, and how the Catholic faith is an important element of Black history and heritage. (NOTE: More episodes are planned for November, coinciding with Black Catholic History Month.)
Catholic Charities, serving the eight counties of Western New York, continues its 2023 Appeal, hoping to raise $9.5 million to support its nearly 60 human service programs. On February 8, Catholic Charities president and CEO Deacon Steve Schumer welcomed Bishop Fisher into a handful of agencies run by Catholic Charities to learn more about their offerings.
Catholic Schools Week 2023 in the Diocese of Buffalo included several scheduled visits to schools by Bishop Michael W. Fisher. WNY Catholic Audio followed him at one of his stops, St. Joseph University School in the City of Buffalo.
