The North East Connecticut Area joins Grand Master Dunlap with the Order of Malta and the American Association in prayers for the repose of the soul of beloved Pope Francis and for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit at the largest Conclave of Cardinals for the election of the new Pontiff.

The Area members attended two Liturgies during the Easter season at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in the Diocese of Norwich. Several active and senior members participated with the Diocese clergy and parish representatives at the Chrism Mass on the Wednesday of Holy Week, celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator.

The Diocese of Norwich welcomed our new Bishop on Tuesday, April 29. A contingent of 17 Area members, some robed with the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulcher, attended the Ordination and Installation of Bishop Richard Reidy, former Vicar General of the Diocese of Worcester, MA as the sixth Bishop of Norwich, CT.  Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, was called to Rome for the Funeral of His Holiness and to participate in the Conclave. Monsignor Veceslav Tumir, First Counselor at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington DC, read the Bishop’s Bull of Appointment from Pope Francis, in place of the Cardinal. 

Archbishop Coyne was the Principal Consecrator with 20 Bishop and 140 priest Concelebrants from CT, Worcester MA, and across New England, including Bishop Robert McManus of the Diocese of Worcester and Bishop Frank Caggiano, of the Diocese of Bridgeport and Conventional Chaplain of the CT South West Area. Bishop Reidy processed with his Bull of Appointment and later blessed the congregation throughout the full Cathedral. Bishop Reidy noted during his humble closing that Pope Francis signed his appointment just two days prior to the start of his hospitalization. The splendid hymns by the Cathedral music ministry were edifying to this very important occasion.

https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Bishop-Reidy

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-london/diocese-of-norwich-ordains-new-bishop/

Area members were welcomed by Bishop Reidy at a large reception in the Cathedral Auditorium where he personally greeted and graciously blessed all of the attendees.