In a world of empty words, sacred Scripture offers nourishment, healing, pope says
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Ignorance of sacred Scriptures is ignorance of Jesus Christ, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience. “The ultimate purpose of reading and meditating on the Scriptures,” he said...
The better connected, the more transformed
By Deacon Robert Fangio Holy Family Church “REMAIN IN ME, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.” (John 15:4-5) Many years ago,...
Sister reflects on nonprofit founded by late Franciscan friar for mothers, children in crisis
By Eileen Jevis Staff writer Pope Leo XIV declared 2026 the Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark the eighth centenary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. This Jubilee year has special meaning to Sr. Cheryl Wint, OSF, executive director of Mothers & Children in...
Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Schools Awarded $500,000 in Scholarships for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Syracuse, NY — The Diocese of Syracuse is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $500,000 in student scholarships for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year through the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, as administered by the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund....
Pope warns little progress has been made to protect children worldwide
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The world continues to fall short of protecting and caring for its children, leaving them with few opportunities to succeed and at greater risk of suffering abuse, Pope Leo XIV said in a speech Feb. 5.
In his address to the steering committee of the project “From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children,” Pope Leo praised the Catholic organizations for their work with children, and he shared concerns about the lack of progress globally.
Pursuing peace
Experiments in Catholicism By Emily E Long Contributing writer If you’ve turned on the news over the past few weeks, it’s not content that lowers your stress levels. Everything feels like it’s so much to deal with. I can’t help but mumble to myself, “Y’all need...
Nourish your faith this Lent at the 2026 Catholic Women’s Lenten Retreat
Father James Schultz, pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord in Syracuse, conducts a Brown Scapular investiture, enrolling a woman in this Marian devotion at last year’s retreat held at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt. Mail-in and online registration is now open By Tami...
Father Guida to lead charismatic Mass, healing service in Endicott
By Connie McKinney Contributing writer People with cancer, back problems, and other illnesses have seen improvements and even complete cures after attending a healing Mass with Father Amedeo G. Guida. But Father, affectionately known as Padre, doesn’t take credit for...
Catholic schools build character, strengthen faith
Seton Catholic alumnus Thomas D’Onofrio is grateful to those who fostered his love of God and love of learning. Seton Catholic School grad finds success at Villanova By Eileen Jevis Staff writer Thomas D’Onofrio found more than academic success as a Seton Catholic...
Welcome home to a life-giving community of faith
Mary poses for a photo with her grandfather at her Confirmation. Photo courtesy of Megan Detor. On and off the field, BLG student athlete Mary Detor finds fulfillment in Catholic education. By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer This past December, Mary Detor, a junior at...
Prayers answered: Beloved All Saints longtime parishioner released on bond
Jose Criollo speaks to parishioners at All Saints Parish in Syracuse on Sunday, Feb. 1. Immigration proceedings continue By Tami S. Scott Editor Soft-spoken and unassuming, Jose Criollo stood near the back of the nave at All Saints Church in Syracuse just before the 9...
Lack of faith, especially among youth, should spur evangelization, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The increasing number of people who do not see the Gospel as a fundamental resource for their life should inspire — not discourage — Catholics in rediscovering the joy of evangelization, Pope Leo XIV said.
The transmission of the faith is “a topic of great urgency,” the pope said in remarks to members and officials of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and others participating in its plenary session at the Vatican Jan. 27-29.
Taking notes at the feet of the Father
Experiments in Catholicism By Emily E. Long Contributing writer In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is visiting the house of two sisters in Bethany. As Jesus was teaching those who had gathered in their home, one sister, Mary, sat rapt at His feet, listening to every word He...
Neighbors in Ordinary Time
By Lucia A. Silecchia Recently, my neighbor died. When I was at the funeral home and when I arrived at work late after his funeral, I was asked how I knew the gentleman who passed away. It was almost sheepishly, or with a note of apology, that I said he was “a...
Lectio Divina: The transformative power of holy story
A knight’s perspective By Mike Langlois Contributing writer For thousands of years, people have used storytelling to make sense of their world. When combined with prayer, this tradition forms a significant spiritual discipline called Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina —...
The power of kindness and butterflies
Pictured with his classmates, Graham Robertello (front row, third from right) shows the joy of friendship. Photos submitted by Kathryn Dekker, Notre Dame School Notre Dame students rally around classmate to raise funds By Eileen Jevis Staff writer A lesson in the...
‘Share the joy that the Lord brings us with the world’
Joys of the priesthood: Part II From auditing to evangelizing, Fr. Dennis Walker shares his thoughts on priestly life By Eileen Jevis Staff writer Father Dennis Walker was ordained a priest in 2021. He said he first felt called to the priesthood when he was in his...
New York State Discernment Retreat held January 8–10
Thirteen young men from across New York State gathered for the New York State Discernment Retreat, held Jan. 8–10 at the Good News Center in Utica. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue discerning God’s call in their lives. “O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom...
March for Life guest speaker talks legal, moral concerns about MAiD
The Catholic Sun recently interviewed Jessica Rodgers, coalition director for the Patients’ Rights Action Fund (PRAF), a national organization based in New York City, about the legal and moral concerns surrounding New York state’s Medical Aid in Dying Act (MAiD),...
‘Every life is a gift’
Above: Over 200 people march in downtown Syracuse on Jan. 17 for the 53rd annual Syracuse March for Life. Sun photo | Chuck Wainwright Witnesses for life gather, walk side by side at annual Syracuse Mass, March for Life By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer One can imagine...
US cardinals call for ‘genuinely moral foreign policy for our nation’
By Gina Christian OSV News (OSV News) — Three U.S. cardinals have issued a joint statement urging the creation of a “genuinely moral foreign policy for our nation,” as the U.S. faces “the most profound and searing debate about the moral...
NYS Knights of Columbus Council shines spotlight on Father Zachary Miller
The New York State Knights of Columbus Council aims to support and recognize clergy through its monthly “Clergy Spotlight” initiative. Last fall, the nominated clergy member was from the Diocese of Syracuse: Father Zachary Miller, pastor of Christ the King and Pope...
In memoriam: Sister Michaeleen Cabral, OSF
Sister Michaeleen (Elizabeth) Cabral OSF, 90, went home to God on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse. She was born in Honolulu and had been a Sister of St. Francis for 65 years. Sister was predeceased by her adoptive parents, Joseph and...
In memoriam: Deacon James M. Chappell
Deacon James M. Chappell, 77, of Oneida, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the faithful celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. On this most holy of days, he was gently welcomed home by Christ at Oneida Health...
Hope in Ordinary Time
By Lucia A. Silecchia On the Feast of the Epiphany, the 2025 Jubilee Year came to a close as the Holy Doors in Rome were sealed once again. I am sorry to see the Jubilee Year come to an end. I did not visit Rome this year. I did not attend any special Jubilee events....
‘Branch Out and Grow’ in the new year
Ministry focuses on healing after separation, divorce By Tami S. Scott Editor When a marriage ends, so do the hopes and dreams that came with it. You once envisioned spending the rest of your life in love — celebrating milestones, raising children, and growing old...
‘No Nurse is Forgotten’
Above: Members of the CNY Syracuse Nurses Honor Guard share information at an event. Pictured second from left is Barb Lyke, third from right is Claudia Hurne, second from right is Elaine Lostumbo and far-right is Faith Terry. By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer “I...
Experiments in Catholicism: Your way’s better
By Emily E. Long Have you ever sat in a pew on Sunday morning and all you can think about is having a donut after Mass? Or maybe you pray a Rosary every day and the prayers feel meaningless. You even question why you are a part of the Catholic Church in the first...
Hoops and hope: A vibrant night for vocations
Men in Black edge out Bishop Ludden-Grimes with three-point win By Tami S. Scott Editor On the cusp of a blustery winter night in Syracuse, the Men in Black faced off against Bishop Ludden-Grimes student-athletes Dec. 29 in a fast-paced, high-energy game played in the...
