Thursday Saint of the Day

 

St. Richard of Wyche

Feastday: April 3
Patron: of Coachmen; Diocese of Chichester; Sussex, England
Birth: 1197
Death: 1253

Richard of Wyche, also known as Richard of Chichester, was born at Wyche (Droitwich), Worcestershire, England. He was orphaned when he was quite young. He retrieved the fortunes of the mismanaged estate he inherited when he took it over, and then turned it over to his brother Robert. Richard refused marriage and went to Oxford, where he studied under Grosseteste and met and began a lifelong friendship with Edmund Rich. Richard pursued his studies at Paris, received his M.A. from Oxford, and then continued his studies at Bologna, where he received his doctorate in Canon Law. After seven years at Bologna, he returned to Oxford, was appointed chancellor of the university in 1235, and then became chancellor to Edmund Rich, now archbishop of Canterbury, whom he accompanied to the Cistercian monastery at Pontigny when the archbishop retired there. After Rich died at Pontigny, Richard taught at the Dominican House of Studies at Orleans and was ordained there in 1243. After a time as a parish priest at Deal, he became chancellor of Boniface of Savoy, the new archbishop of Canterbury, and when King Henry III named Ralph Neville bishop of Chichester in 1244, Boniface declared his selection invalid and named Richard to the See. Eventually, the matter was brought to Rome and in 1245, Pope Innocent IV declared in Richard's favor and consecrated him. When he returned to England, he was still opposed by Henry and was refused admittance to the bishop's palace; eventually Henry gave in when threatened with excommunication by the Pope. The remaining eight years of Richard's life were spend in ministering to his flock. He denounced nepotism, insisted on strict clerical discipline, and was ever generous to the poor and the needy. He died at a house for poor priests in Dover, England, while preaching a crusade, and was canonized in 1262. His feast day is April 3.

Cardinal who was with John Paul II at his death, reflects on the saintly Pope

 

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski was one of the few people present at the deathbed of John Paul II. (Don Marek Weresa)  (don Marek Weresa)

VATICAN

• Pope John Paul II
• anniversary
• Poland

Cardinal Krajewski: 20 years ago, the world stood still, knelt, and wept

Two decades after Pope John Paul II died, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who served as his papal ceremonialist for the last seven years of the Polish Pope’s life, recounts the spirituality of the Polish Pope.

By Fr. Marek Weresa 

April 2 marks two decades since the death of Pope John Paul II. After serving by his side twenty years ago, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, reflects on the man behind the figure of the head of the Catholic Church.

A Witness

He emphasizes that the Polish Pope was a man who, before coming out to lead the liturgy, “first spoke with God, and when he stepped out, he represented God, which is why his words were so touching and life changing.” Before the start of any celebration, in the sacristy, Pope John Paul II was physically absent - immersed in prayer - and “in that very absence, he was meeting with God.”

“I didn’t realize then that this was sanctity. For me, it was normal because for seven years, several times a week, I saw the Holy Father - exactly like that,” Cardinal Krajewski recalls.

We Felt Like Family

The Cardinal was among those present at the time of Pope John Paul II’s death. He remembers the night of April 2nd, going into April 3rd.  After midnight, while returning home, he noticed that “the world had come to a standstill. The world knelt right there, in St. Peter’s Square,” he describes.

All the streets around the Vatican were filled with people, and a perfect silence prevailed. No one was in shops or restaurants; all stood in prayer. In some way, the intense tension associated with the departure of Pope John Paul II suddenly “lifted,” and now was the time for reflection. “And you could see it in people’s eyes. We all wondered why we weren’t like Pope John Paul II - why he was holy, and we were not, despite being so close to him.”

The Papal Almoner points out that the pontificate of the Polish Pope was a time that, thanks to the media, everyone could follow “up close.” That is why, at that moment, the entire world seemed to stand still – there was “a profound pause unlike any we had ever witnessed at the passing of a pope.”

Living the Gospel

In an interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Krajewski recalls that while working with the Pope at the time, he observed that he “lived according to the four Gospels. His way of working, his conduct, his approach to solving problems in the world and within his circle was based solely on the four Gospels - without any commentary,” Krajewski explains. He adds that this is important “because when you comment on the Gospels, you dilute them. The four Gospels are very radical when lived out.” When a person begins to live humbly, giving himself completely to the service of the Lord God and people, then he is exalted. That is why Pope John Paul II is holy.

When asked what the most important message for us should be today - twenty years later - Cardinal Krajewski explains that it is to live out the fullness of the Gospel. “Pope John Paul II lived according to the logic of the Gospel, and he solved the world’s problems using that same logic,” he stresses, adding that it is challenging, considering how the Pope was attacked both in life and after death, yet, as Jesus Himself predicted, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). The Cardinal highlights “this will happen if we continue to live by God’s truth.”

A Sign of Unity

Looking back to how the tradition of Masses celebrated at Pope John Paul II’s tomb began, Cardinal Krajewski recounts the very first one celebrated in the Vatican Grottoes – near St. Peter’s tomb. It was held on a Thursday commemorating the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood.

Read also

02/04/2025

Pope St. John Paul II's prophecy of peace, 20 years later

During the service, the Polish Pope’s testament was read, in which he called on Christians to offer Mass and prayer. Since that day, Thursday Masses have been celebrated at his tomb – first in the crypt and, following his beatification, at the altar of St. Sebastian in St. Peter’s Basilica.

For the last twenty years, Mass has been celebrated without interruption every Thursday except for Maundy Thursday. 

Every week, the area in front of the tomb of Pope John Paul II is flooded with a large group of Poles living in Rome as well as those who make pilgrimage to the Eternal City, especially now during the Jubilee Year.

The Masses are always filled and, recently, even more than 100 priests have joined. With Vatican Radio’s broadcast and Catholic radio stations in Poland, Poles can unite spiritually with the celebrations. Cardinal Krajewski says, this “is a sign of unity, of being together. John Paul II brings us together.”

Twenty years ago: the death of Pope John Paul II

 

20th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II  (ANSA)Editorial

POPE

• Pope John Paul II
• anniversary
• war

Pope St. John Paul II's prophecy of peace, 20 years later

Twenty years after the death of Pope John Paul II on 2 April 2005, our Editorial Director explores how the Church celebrates the saint and recalls his unheeded words against war.

By Andrea Tornielli

Twenty years have passed since the evening of Saturday, 2 April 2005, when millions of people around the world mourned the death of Saint John Paul II.

Two decades later, he is rightly remembered as a great defender of life, human dignity, and religious freedom. Most particularly remember his insistence against communism. However, few recall his other prophetic teachings, which are particularly relevant in our own dark moment of history.

In the year 2000, a significant part of our world was still intoxicated by the notion of the "end of history" after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Meanwhile, in the former Eastern Bloc countries, consumerism and secularization were spreading more than a revival of faith.

The Polish Pope chose to bring the statue of Our Lady of Fatima to St. Peter’s Square and spoke words that at the time went largely unheeded: "Humanity stands at a crossroads. It now possesses tools of unprecedented power: it can turn this world into a garden or reduce it to a heap of rubble."

One year later, the tragedy of September 11th plunged the West back into fear.

As early as 1991, Pope John Paul II opposed the First Gulf War and was abandoned by those Western leaders who, just two years earlier, had praised his role in Eastern Europe.

In 2003, he was even more resolute in his opposition to war when, based on false evidence, several Western countries launched a second war against Iraq.

Already suffering from Parkinson’s disease and physically weakened, Pope John Paul II felt compelled to warn the 'young' heads of government leading this new Gulf campaign.

He reminded them of the horrors of the last World War, which he, the elderly Successor of Peter and son of a martyred nation, had experienced firsthand.

During the Angelus, he spontaneously added this appeal: "I belong to the generation that lived through World War II and survived it. I have a duty to say to all young people, to those younger than me who have not had this experience: 'Never again war!'—as Pope St. Paul VI said on his first visit to the United Nations. We must do everything possible!"

Today, more than ever, as the world burns and nations rush to fill their arsenals, with propaganda fostering an atmosphere of alarm and fear to justify massive military spending, we must remember those prophetic words of the Bishop of Rome who came from "a distant country."

His successor now echoes that same cry, once again standing alone against the madness of war.

Weekly General Audience with Pope not held today; catechesis released to the public

 

File photo of one of Pope Francis' General Audiences  (Vatican Media)

POPE

• general audience
• Pope Francis

Pope: Even if you fear you're incapable of changing, don't lose hope

Pope Francis released his catechesis for the weekly General Audience, which was not held as he recovered at Casa Santa Marta. Remembering the tax collector Zacchaeus, he urges the faithful never to lose hope even if they feel incapable of change.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

As Pope Francis recovers in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta after being discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, 23 March, he has called on the faithful to never lose hope, even when we feel incapable of change.

The Pope did so in the text that had been prepared for the Wednesday General Audience, which he asked the Holy See Press Office to publish.

Since his medical team discharged the Pope, recommending two months of rest for a proper convalescence, the Press Office continues to distribute the catecheses prepared for the Audience, as it did during his hospitalization. 

Lost his way

In his catechesis, focusing on encounters in Jesus' life, the Pope reflected on the biblical episode of the tax collector Zacchaeus recounted in the Gospel of St. Luke.

Zacchaeus, in a sense, the Pope suggested, had lost his way. "Perhaps he made wrong choices, or maybe life placed him in situations from which he struggled to escape." He seemed to gain wealth at the expense of others.

Refuse to give up

When he heard that Jesus was passing through the city, the Holy Father recalled, Zacchaeus had the desire to see Him. Despite limitations, given his great desire, the Pope noted, he did not give up.

"You find a solution," the Pope said, "However, it requires courage and a willingness to disregard social conventions, embracing the simplicity of a child and not worrying too much about one's image."

This, he said, is what Zacchaeus did; "like a child," he climbed a tree. "Yet with the Lord," he continued, "the unexpected always happens: Jesus, upon reaching the spot, looks up. Zacchaeus feels exposed and probably expects a public rebuke.

"The crowd might have hoped for that as well, but they are left disappointed," for Jesus, he recalled, asked Zacchaeus to come down immediately, "almost surprised to find him in the tree, and said, 'Today I must stay at your house!'"

God seeks the lost

"God," the Holy Father marveled, "cannot pass by without seeking out those who are lost," pointing to how Luke highlighted the joy in Zacchaeus's heart.

“God cannot pass by without seeking out those who are lost”

"It is the joy," he said, "of one who feels seen, recognized, and above all, forgiven." Jesus' gaze, he stressed, is not one of reproach but of mercy. "It is a mercy that we sometimes struggle to accept, especially when God forgives those whom we think do not deserve it."

Concrete resolution and new beginning

Zacchaeus, the Holy Father recalled, "was not only a man of desire but also one who took concrete steps. His resolution was not vague or abstract; it started from his own history: he examined his life and identified the point from which to begin his change."

In this context, the Pope urged, "Let us learn from Zacchaeus not to lose hope, even when we feel sidelined or incapable of change." 

Finally, Pope Francis concluded by inviting all faithful to nurture their desire to see Jesus, and above all, to let themselves "be found" by the mercy of God, "Who always comes to seek us, no matter where we have lost our way."

Saint of the Day for Wednesday

 

St. Mary of Egypt

Feastday: April 2
Patron: of Chastity (warfare against the flesh; deliverance from carnal passions); Demons (deliverance from); Fever; Skin diseases; Temptations of the flesh
Birth: 344
Death: 421

In Cyril of Scythopolis' life of St. Cyryacus, he tells of a woman named Mary found by Cyryacus and his companions living as a hermitess in the Jordanian desert. She told him she had been a famous singer and actress who had sinned and was doing penance in the desert. When they returned, she was dead. Around the story was built an elaborate legend that had tremendous popularity during the Middle Ages according to which she was an Egyptian who went to Alexandria when she was twelve and lived as an actress and courtesan for seventeen years. She was brought to the realization of her evil life before an icon of the Blessed Virgin, and at Mary's direction, went to the desert east of Palestine, where she lived as a hermitess for forty-seven years, not seeing a single human being and beset by all kinds of temptations, which were mitigated by her prayers to the Blessed Virgin. She was discovered about 430 by a holy man named Zosimus, who was impressed by her spiritual knowledge and wisdom. He saw her the following Lent, but when he returned, he found her dead and buried her. When he returned to his monastery near the Jordan, he told the brethren what had happened and the story spread. Her feast day is April 2.

The National Society of St. Vincent de Paul bemoans USDA cuts for Emergency Food Assistance for the needy

 

St. Vincent de Paul USA Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts

By John Berry, National President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

While we recognize the Administration’s authority to address wasteful government spending, these programs were anything but wasteful. A review may be reasonable, but total elimination is devastating. These initiatives put food on dining tables, ensured low-income children were fed, and kept food pantry shelves stocked for those in need — across both red and blue states, alike.

The elimination of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will create a massive gap that nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the nation’s food insecurity crisis cannot possibly fill.

Some may argue that these programs — initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — are no longer necessary. However, food insecurity has not recovered from the economic shocks of 2020 – 21 and the ongoing impacts of inflation on working American families. In fact, the problem continues to worsen, leaving more people struggling to access the food they need.

The USDA’s own data paints a stark picture of the nation’s food insecurity crisis. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index rose by 23.6% — a reality all too familiar to families struggling to put food on the table. In 2023, more than 18 million households were classified as food insecure, according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report. This represented 13.5% of U.S. households, a sharp increase from 12.8% in 2022 and 10.2% in 2021.

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), we have deep expertise in addressing food insecurity and the way it can lead to homelessness. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 59th largest nonprofit in the U.S. as ranked by Forbes Magazine, we provided $1.7 billion in services last year to more than five million people.

As a leader in the fight to prevent homelessness and to care for our most vulnerable populations, we urge the USDA to convene a gathering of organizations to provide our perspective and to seek solutions that work to keep people fed. We come with open minds, compassionate hearts and a commitment to collaboration to seek solutions, and we trust the USDA will act in similar good faith to alleviate the suffering of those living on the margins.

By John Berry, National President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

While we recognize the Administration’s authority to address wasteful government spending, these programs were anything but wasteful. A review may be reasonable, but total elimination is devastating. These initiatives put food on dining tables, ensured low-income children were fed, and kept food pantry shelves stocked for those in need — across both red and blue states, alike.

The elimination of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will create a massive gap that nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the nation’s food insecurity crisis cannot possibly fill.

Some may argue that these programs — initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — are no longer necessary. However, food insecurity has not recovered from the economic shocks of 2020 – 21 and the ongoing impacts of inflation on working American families. In fact, the problem continues to worsen, leaving more people struggling to access the food they need.

The USDA’s own data paints a stark picture of the nation’s food insecurity crisis. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index rose by 23.6% — a reality all too familiar to families struggling to put food on the table. In 2023, more than 18 million households were classified as food insecure, according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report. This represented 13.5% of U.S. households, a sharp increase from 12.8% in 2022 and 10.2% in 2021.

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), we have deep expertise in addressing food insecurity and the way it can lead to homelessness. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 59th largest nonprofit in the U.S. as ranked by Forbes Magazine, we provided $1.7 billion in services last year to more than five million people.

As a leader in the fight to prevent homelessness and to care for our most vulnerable populations, we urge the USDA to convene a gathering of organizations to provide our perspective and to seek solutions that work to keep people fed. We come with open minds, compassionate hearts and a commitment to collaboration to seek solutions, and we trust the USDA will act in similar good faith to alleviate the suffering of those living on the margins.

By John Berry, National President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

While we recognize the Administration’s authority to address wasteful government spending, these programs were anything but wasteful. A review may be reasonable, but total elimination is devastating. These initiatives put food on dining tables, ensured low-income children were fed, and kept food pantry shelves stocked for those in need — across both red and blue states, alike.

The elimination of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will create a massive gap that nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the nation’s food insecurity crisis cannot possibly fill.

Some may argue that these programs — initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — are no longer necessary. However, food insecurity has not recovered from the economic shocks of 2020 – 21 and the ongoing impacts of inflation on working American families. In fact, the problem continues to worsen, leaving more people struggling to access the food they need.

The USDA’s own data paints a stark picture of the nation’s food insecurity crisis. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index rose by 23.6% — a reality all too familiar to families struggling to put food on the table. In 2023, more than 18 million households were classified as food insecure, according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report. This represented 13.5% of U.S. households, a sharp increase from 12.8% in 2022 and 10.2% in 2021.

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), we have deep expertise in addressing food insecurity and the way it can lead to homelessness. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 59th largest nonprofit in the U.S. as ranked by Forbes Magazine, we provided $1.7 billion in services last year to more than five million people.

As a leader in the fight to prevent homelessness and to care for our most vulnerable populations, we urge the USDA to convene a gathering of organizations to provide our perspective and to seek solutions that work to keep people fed. We come with open minds, compassionate hearts and a commitment to collaboration to seek solutions, and we trust the USDA will act in similar good faith to alleviate the suffering of those living on the margins.

A new Archbishop for Omaha Nebraska

 Archbishop Lucas of Omaha, Neb., retires; bishop of Belleville, Ill., succeeds him

written by OSV News

Bishop Michael G. McGovern of Belleville, Ill., pictured in an undated portrait photo, was appointed March 31, 2025, by Pope Francis to succeed retiring Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Neb. (OSV News photo/courtesy of Diocese of Belleville)

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George J. Lucas, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, and has appointed Bishop Michael G. McGovern of Belleville, Illinois, as his successor.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington March 31 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Archbishop Lucas has headed the Omaha Archdiocese since 2009. Archbishop McGovern, 60, has been Belleville’s bishop since 2020.

The archbishop will serve as apostolic administrator until his successor is installed May 7 as the sixth archbishop of Omaha.

Archbishop Lucas called it a “privilege” to have served as the Omaha Archdiocese’s shepherd for almost 16 years.

‘Gives Me Great Joy’

“It gives me great joy to know that such a good shepherd has been sent to guide us on our pilgrim way in the coming years,” he said in a statement. “Please join me in praying for Archbishop-designate McGovern as he prepares to leave the people in the Diocese of Belleville whom he has served with such dedication and to make his home here in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”

Archbishop McGovern expressed gratitude for “the clergy and people of southern Illinois for their support and the many ways they have shared their faith with me over the past five years.”

“I look forward to meeting the clergy and faithful in the Archdiocese of Omaha. The Church in Omaha has a great reputation for supporting Catholic education, including many parochial schools, high schools, and two Catholic universities,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to learning more about the many ministries carried out and how I can support them.”

Michael George McGovern was born July 1, 1964, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, the youngest child of the late Joseph and Eleanor McGovern. He grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago where many of his family members continue living.

The McGovern family was active in Christ the King Parish and all of the children attended Christ the King Grammar School. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, the future bishop Michael went to Loyola University in Chicago (1982-86), where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1986.

Worked Before Entering Seminary

He then worked for four years before applying for admission as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago at Mundelein Seminary, where he earned a baccalaureate degree in theology in 1993 and a master of divinity degree in 1994.

Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin ordained him a priest for the Chicago Archdiocese on May 21, 1994, in Holy Name Cathedral. Then-Father McGovern served that archdiocese for 26 years, including as associate pastor at three Chicago parishes, then as pastor in Chicago suburban parishes, first  at St. Mary Parish in Lake Forest and finally as pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Old Mill Creek. He also served in several administrative roles for the Archdiocese of Chicago, including as vice chancellor.

“As a priest ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago three decades ago and as the Bishop of Belleville for the past five years, Archbishop McGovern has served the People of God with compassion, dedication, and pastoral leadership,” Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said in a statement.

‘Beacon of Hope’

“We are delighted that the Holy Father has recognized Archbishop McGovern’s exceptional qualities in appointing him the sixth Archbishop of Omaha,” he said in a statement. “As a native of Omaha, I know the great faith and good hearts of the people he will serve. I pray that their journey together will give glory to Jesus and to be a beacon of hope for our Church in this Jubilee Year and beyond.”

On April 3, 2020, Pope Francis appointed then-Father McGovern as the ninth bishop of Belleville. His consecration took place on July 22, 2020, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. His principal consecrator was Cardinal Cupich. Bishop Edward K. Braxton, his predecessor in Belleville, and  Bishop George J. Rassas, then a Chicago auxiliary bishop,  served as co-consecrators.

In July 2022, Bishop McGovern announced plans to sell the bishop’s residence and move to a more modest space in the rectory at the Cathedral of St. Peter, and he has resided there since then. The proceeds of the sale of the residence subsidized several ministries and charities, including a fund for expectant mothers and children.

Knights’ State Chaplain

Bishop McGovern is the state chaplain for the Illinois Knights of Columbus. He currently serves on the board of advisers for Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, and Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.

On the national level, Bishop  McGovern is a member of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Health Care Issues.

The Omaha Archdiocese covers 14,000 square miles and includes 23 counties in northeast Nebraska and has more than 230,000 Catholics out of a total population of about 1.04 million.