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No images? Click here  Call for Stories of Encounter and Accompaniment My dear friends, Over the past several months, I have asked you to share stories of how you have encountered the person of Jesus Christ in your life. Many of you have shared stories and I thought it would be a nice way to spend our summer months, reading and reflecting on one other’s experiences. Please feel free to respond to this email and share your story of how an encounter with our Lord has changed your life. 
After today, you will receive this email every two weeks instead of every week during summer. Also, please join us, if you are able, for our third Eucharistic pilgrimage coming up next week. Sincerely yours in Christ, 
Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Join Us for the Diocese of Bridgeport Eucharistic Procession III 
During our first two Processions in May and October 2024, over 11,000 faithful joined us as we visited 31 Parishes, 12 Schools and 2 cemeteries. The Grace of our Procession inspired our minds, Profound Spirituality touched our Souls and Enthused our Hearts. Passionate worshipers of our Lord, walking beside one another in Faith. Accompaniment sincere and intense. Joyful moments that will be with us, evermore. Shelton • Monroe • Trumbull • Stratford DAY ONE Begin 5:00pm - End 7:00pm - Saint Lawrence, Shelton Begin 7:00pm - End 8:00am - Saint Lawrence, Shelton 
DAY TWO Begin 9:00am - End 11:00am - Holy Trinity School, Shelton Begin 11:30am - End 1:30pm - Saint Mark, Stratford Begin 2:00pm - End 4:00pm - Saint Margaret Mary, Shelton Begin 4:30pm - End 6:45pm - Saint Stephen, Trumbull Begin 7:00pm - End 9:00pm - Saint Theresa, Trumbull Begin 9:00pm - End 8:00am - Saint Theresa, Trumbull 
DAY THREE Begin 9:00am - End 11:00am - Saint Theresa, Trumbull Begin 11:30am - End 1:30pm - Saint Catherine of Siena, Trumbull Begin 2:00pm - End 4:00pm - Our Lady of Good Counsel, Bridgeport Begin 4:30pm - End 6:30pm - Saint Pius X, Fairfield Begin 7:00pm - End 9:00pm - Saint Jude, Monroe Begin 9:00pm - End 8:00am - Saint Jude, Monroe 
DAY FOUR Begin 11:30am - End 1:30pm - Saint James, Stratford Begin 1:45pm - End 3:00pm - Saint Michael Cemetery, Stratford Begin 4:00pm - End 6:00pm - Saint Mary, Ridgefield Begin 6:30pm - End 8:30pm - Saint Alloysius, New Canaan Begin 8:30pm - End 9:30pm - Saint Alloysius, New Canaan Begin 9:30pm - End 6:30am - Saint Alloysius, New Canaan 
DAY FIVE Begin 11:30am - End 1:30pm - Saint Charles Borromeo, Bridgeport Begin 2:15pm - End 3:00pm - Queen of Clergy, Stamford Begin 3:00pm - End 5:15pm - Saint Bridget of Ireland, Stamford Begin 6:00pm - End 9:00pm - St. Joseph / St. Ladislaus, Norwalk Begin 9:00pm - End 8:00am - Saint Joseph, Norwalk 
Please download the flyer below and use it to promote the Eucharistic Procession, especially if your parish is involved. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Statement from Bishop Frank J. Caggiano on the Election of Pope Leo XIV It is with profound joy and deep gratitude to God that we welcome the news of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th successor of St. Peter. Born in Chicago and having served the Church with distinction around the world — from the missions of Peru to the heart of the Roman Curia — Pope Leo XIV brings to the papacy a rich pastoral heart, a scholar’s mind, and a missionary’s zeal. His life has been marked by a faithful dedication to proclaiming the Gospel, building up the Church, and accompanying the People of God with wisdom, humility, and courage. “The Holy Spirit has once again given the Church a shepherd after Christ’s own heart,” said Bishop Caggiano. “Pope Leo XIV’s deep love for Christ and His Church, his commitment to the poor and marginalized, and his experience guiding the Church both locally and globally make him a true gift for the needs of the Church and the world at this time.” As the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV (Previously Robert Cardinal Prevost) has demonstrated a fatherly concern for the universal Church, helping to shape a new generation of bishops called to holiness, integrity, and missionary leadership. His pastoral years among the people of Peru have imbued him with a profound sensitivity to the hopes and struggles of everyday Catholics around the world. “I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport to join me in praying fervently for Pope Leo XIV,” Bishop Caggiano continued. “May the Lord grant him strength and wisdom as he assumes the heavy but grace-filled ministry of leading the Church in this new chapter of her history.” As we rejoice in the election of our new Holy Father, let us renew our commitment to walk together in faith, hope, and charity. May Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be one of renewed evangelization, deeper communion, and a vibrant witness to the beauty of the Gospel in today’s world. “In Pope Leo XIV, we see a pastor who knows the joys and sorrows of the flock, who listens with a heart molded by Christ, and who now steps forward to lead us into the future with confidence in the Lord’s promises.” May Mary, Mother of the Church, protect and guide our new Holy Father as he begins his ministry of service to the whole world. 
Please join us for a Mass of Thanksgiving for our new Holy Father will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15 at 7pm at St. Augustine Cathedral located at 359 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Prayer for the Conclave My Dear Friends, As the Cardinals prepared to enter the conclave, may we ask the Holy Spirit to guide their decision. Please join me in this prayer. 
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, Lord, you are our eternal shepherd and guide. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Prayer for the My Dear Friends, Let us pray for God's guidance for the Cardinals as they gather together in Rome to select our next Pope. 
O God, eternal shepherd, Excerpt from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. The Legacy of Pope Francis We have also created a resource page to help catechists and parents remember Pope Francis and learn more about what's next for the Catholic Church around the world. This page will be continually updated as resources become available. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Reconciliation Monday Please join us for Reconciliation Monday (April 14, 2025) at these Parishes in Diocese of Bridgeport, CT. Confession will be offered from 3-9 pm unless otherwise indicated. 
Queen of Peace Deanery (Bridgeport)
Mystical Rose Deanery (Stratford)
Queen of Martyrs Deanery (Monroe, Shelton, Trumbull)
Our Lady Queen of Confessors Deanery (Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown)
Seat of Wisdom Deanery (Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton)
Queen Assumed into Heaven Deanery (Easton and Fairfield)
Mother of Divine Grace Deanery (Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk)
Cause of Our Joy Deanery (Stamford)
Mary, Mother of the Church Deanery (Greenwich)
Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Save the Date for Brunch with the Bishop! 
Brunch with the Bishop April 27, 2025 The Cathedral of St. Augustine To celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, please join Bishop Frank Caggiano for Mass and brunch. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 10:00am and will include the blessing of statue and reliquary for Carlo Acutis, who will be declared a saint earlier that morning in Rome. Brunch will follow at Kolbe Cathedral High School where we will watch the rebroadcast of the canonization from Rome and connect via FaceTime with some of the diocesan delegates who attended the celebration. A relic of St. Carlo will be available for veneration. Our gathering will end by 1:00pm. St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us. 
I look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Stories of Encounter and Accompaniment My Dear Friends, This morning, we return to the stories of encounter that you have continue to share with me. As we make our way on this journey of Lent, let us continue to pray for each other. Here's another inspirational story. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
I was born in Mexico City in a “Catholic" family where my dad was not a practicing catholic and even rejected many ideas around the Church. My mother was a believer, but we could not attend Sunday Mass since there was always something “more important” for my father to do as a family during weekends. I grew up receiving my mom’s blessing every night, but rarely attending Sunday Mass. During my teenage years, I started going to Mass from time to time on my own but my motivation was to see my friends, not to worship. 
All this changed when I was 21 years old, and I attended summer camp in Wisconsin as a counselor. I arrived there on Saturday June 8, 1991, knowing no one, and just looking to have a new life experience while at camp, eager to practice my English, and eager make new friends. I felt a very strong desire to attend Mass and pray for my family. I requested permission to go and take with me all those campers who also wanted to come along - this had not been a common practice since most of the kids attending this camp were Jewish, but the leader agreed and we started attending Mass every Sunday. Without cell phones or the Internet, I only heard from my family once a week. A little over four weeks in, I received a phone from call my sister who, strangely enough, was never home when I called. I was happy to hear she was calling me, so I ran to the office phone to speak to her. When I spoke to her, she explained she had just left the hospital after being there for four weeks, three of which she had spent in the ICU. She had a terrible accident and nearly died. As soon as she left the hospital, she called me and asked me to come back home since she needed me during her very lengthy recovery. I booked the first flight that I found back to Mexico City, a couple months by her side, accompanying her, helping her learn how to walk again, tending her wounds, etc. Looking back, I know now that God had drawn me to Mass on that first day so I would have the strength for what was to follow. Since then, God keeps inviting me to visit Him and receive the Eucharist. My sister passed away on June 13, 2020 - exactly 29 years after her accident. We remember her every time we see her son and his family, every time we attend Mass together and pray for the repose of her soul. 
May we always remember how God calls us to live out our faith each day. 
If you have a story of encounter or accompaniment you would like to share, please email [email protected]. You will have the option of writing your story or meeting with one of the bishop’s team and recording your audio.  |
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No images? Click here  Join Us for the 2025 Women’s Conference 
Spiritual Spa: Come to the Living Waters April 12, 2025 St. Matthew Church 
The WINE: Catholic Women's Conference is hosting "A Spiritual Spa" themed event for women of all ages, focusing on spiritual renewal through "Living Waters." The event begins with a special Friday evening gathering limited to 100 women at the Norwalk Inn, featuring worship, fellowship, and refreshments. 
The main conference on Saturday starts with Mass celebrated with Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, followed by a full program beginning at 9 AM. The event features keynote speakers Kitty Cleveland, Maria Vargo, and Kelly Wahlquist, along with music by Teresa Peterson. The day includes inspirational talks, entertainment, shopping, prayer opportunities, confession, adoration, lunch, chocolate, and door prizes. Attendees can register for either the full Friday-Saturday experience or Saturday only. 
I hope to see you all there! Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Don't Miss the 2025 Lenten Resources This Lent, why not let us do the heavy lifting and provide you with a plethora of resources from across the web to make your Lenten load a little lighter. 
40 Ways to Enter Into Lent While not our regular poster, we did want to highlight this great resource from First Witnesses. You can also download our previous Lenten posters in our Here are some of the fantastic things you can find in the Resources: USCCB : What is Lent? Spirit Juice CRS Rice Bowl May your Lent be one of peace and hope. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  The Season of Lent Begins As we begin this holy season of Lent, I want to remind you of the many wonderful opportunities for formation and prayer that we have around the diocese. Here are just a few: Finally, please see my video message for Lent 2025! 
May your Lent be one of peace and hope. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Don't Miss the 2025 
Join us for a transformative Eucharistic Retreat this March 2025, offered in both English and Spanish at two locations across the Diocese. These three-day retreats will deeply explore our relationship with the Eucharist through inspiring presentations, daily Mass, Adoration, and opportunities for Reconciliation. Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (English) 
March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025 Notre Dame of Easton At Notre Dame in Easton, Father Richard Veras, Director of Pastoral Formation at Saint Joseph's Seminary and regular contributor to Magnificat, will lead the English retreat titled "The Word Made Flesh: Foreshadowed, Fulfilled, Forever." Father Veras will guide participants through a journey from the Old Testament promises to Jesus's presence in the modern Church. Presentations will include:
Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (Spanish) 
March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025 St. Peter Church At St. Peter in Danbury, Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, founder of Corazón Puro and host of EWTN's ICONS, will present "Repara mi Casa," a Spanish-language retreat focusing on Eucharistic amazement and the transformation of our hearts through Christ's presence. Presentations will include:
I hope to see you all there! Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here  Don't Miss the 2025 Men’s Conference 
Diocesan Mens’ Retreat March 15, 2025 St. Catherine of Siena Church Join us for a transformative day at the 2025 Diocesan Mens’ Retreat at Saint Catherine of Siena in Trumbull on March 15, 2025. This enriching event features nationally renowned speaker Chris Padgett delivering two powerful keynotes: "Your Faith Saves You" and "What is Your Goliath?" along with inspiring music from special guest Vince Ambrosetti. 
Chris Padgett 
Vince Ambrosetti Starting at 7:45 AM with a continental breakfast, the day includes Morning Prayer, an opening address by Bishop Frank Caggiano, small group discussions, opportunities for confession, Mass celebrated by Bishop Caggiano, and lunch. The conference concludes at 3:15 PM, providing a full day of spiritual growth, fellowship, and renewal. 
I hope to see you all there! Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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No images? Click here 
FEATURED EVENTS 
Lunch and Learn - Saint Lawrence February 19, 2025 Saint Lawrence Learn about the innovative learning platform developed by the Institute for Catholic Formation and the Diocese of Bridgeport, in partnership with the nerds at Fivable, LLC! These sessions are free and designed especially for catechetical leaders, liturgical ministry coordinators, and anyone who needs to track formation in a parish. Lunch will be served, so pre-registration is required. 
Adult Confirmation Class March 1, 2025 Diocese of Bridgeport If you are an adult (over 18) and a practicing Catholic who somehow missed Confirmation when you were younger, make plans to join us for a workshop to discover all you need to know to prepare to celebrate this fantastic sacrament. 
UPCOMING EVENTS Diocesan Mens’ Retreat March 15, 2025 St. Catherine of Siena Church This enriching event features nationally renowned speaker Chris Padgett delivering two powerful keynotes: "Your Faith Saves You" and "What is Your Goliath?" along with inspiring music from special guest Vince Ambrosetti. Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (English) March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025 Notre Dame of Easton Join Fr. Richard Veras at Notre Dame in Easton for "The Word Made Flesh," a three-day Eucharistic retreat exploring Christ's presence from Old Testament to present day, March 11-13, 2025. Diocesan Eucharistic Retreat 2025 (Spanish) March 11, 2025 - March 13, 2025 St. Peter Church Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR leads "Repara mi Casa," a three-day Eucharistic retreat at St. Peter in Danbury exploring Eucharistic amazement and love of neighbor, March 11-13, 2025. FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 
The Little Prince A highly structured little girl finds her life turned upside down when she meets her eccentric elderly neighbor, a retired Aviator who shares with her the story of his encounter with the Little Prince – a mysterious boy from a tiny asteroid who taught him the importance of seeing with one’s heart. As the girl’s mother pushes her toward a rigidly planned future at an elite academy, the Aviator’s whimsical tales begin awakening her to the magic of childhood and imagination she’s been missing. This innovative adaptation from 2015 weaves together computer animation and stop-motion sequences to explore themes about the importance of childhood wonder and the danger of losing sight of what truly matters in life. While the film admittedly takes a rather vague approach to its themes of mortality and the afterlife, its deeper messages about keeping the spirit of childhood alive as we grow older may resonate with older viewers. FROM THE FIELD 
Deacon Eric Keener: Living the Faith Whiles catechists may not have the same deep theological knowledge as our clergy, they serve as examples to parishioners. This week, Deacon Eric explains the importance of living one's faith to light the way for others. 
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Fr. John Kartje: Engaging Mystery: Advice from a Priest-Scientist for Nones, Nuns, and All 
March 27, 2025 Community Room, 
The Bishop’s Lecture Series features leading national Catholic writers and speakers who will offer their insights into renewal through truth, beauty and goodness as we seek to accompany all in their journey of faith. The lectures are presented free of charge and are open to all. Bishop Caggiano will offer brief remarks at every lecture. About Fr. John Kartje: Father John Kartje was appointed as rector/president of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in 2015. A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Father Kartje was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1987 from the University of Chicago. In 1995, the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics conferred a Ph.D. degree on Father Kartje. In addition, he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America’s Department of Biblical Studies in 2010. Father Kartje has served as a faculty member at both the seminary and the Institute for Priestly Formation since 2009. He previously served as the director and chaplain of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University from 2009 to 2013, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2009, and as associate pastor at St. Benedict Parish in Chicago from 2002 to 2004. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J Caggiano 
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