Reflections

The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

During the 45th anniversary week of Óscar Romero’s March 24 martyrdom, the Episcopal-affiliated independent nonprofit Cristosal hosted an ecumenical group on a four-day pilgrimage in El Salvador to commemorate his life and teachings.  The Rev. Max Sklar, who is serving a diocesan-supported curacy at two parishes, Trinity Church in Haverhill and St. Anne's Church in Lowell, and Vivian Ruiz, also of St. Anne's Church, were among the 14 people taking part in the March 21-24 pilgrimage. Their reflections follow.

Listen to this audio recording of the sermon given by the Rev. Will Mebane of St. Barnabas's Church in Falmouth at the Feb. 15, 2025, Absalom Jones Service, offered for the diocesan community by the Bishop John M. Burgess Massachusetts Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, together with the diocesan Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries.

“The light shines in darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” ~ John 1.5, NRSV

Blessings and joy to you this Eve of the Nativity!  As we approach the manger this night, I am so very aware of the hopes and the fears of all the years. We do not know what 2025 has in store for us.

Following is the text of the sermon preached by Bishop Alan M. Gates at the annual diocesan Clergy Day on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston.

A message of greeting and highlights from her first weeks in the diocese from Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth

A message for Easter 2024 from Bishop Alan M. Gates