Diocese of Paterson
Office of the Bishop
May 14, 2025, 12:30, in the afternoon, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
In his first homily as Successor of Peter, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, noted that, “We are the people whom God has chosen as his own, so that we may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (cf. 1 Pet 2:9).” Chosen by the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope Leo now leads us in faithfully following the Lord’s kindly light.
We live in the wonderful light of the Risen Lord and we move forward with Peter’s Successor, Pope Leo, confirming us in faith. Please join with me in a concelebrated bilingual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Election of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as Successor of Peter and Supreme Pontiff. Mass will be celebrated on May 14, 2025, Wednesday, at 12:30 in the afternoon at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Main and Grand Streets, Paterson. All are invited to take part in Holy Mass, and priests are invited to concelebrate. Concelebrating priests are asked to bring their diocesan vestments.
In this month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we turn to her and seek her intercession for Pope Leo. The Blessed Mother is “full of grace,” and we pray that our Lady will guide the Holy Father with her own example of faithful trust in God’s will as he carries the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. We pray that Almighty God will grant long life, constant good health, and joy in leading God’s holy Church and in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
With every good wish and a prayer for the Lord’s blessing, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D.
Bishop of Paterson
