Historic Day for Our Diocese

Today—Sunday, February 19, 2017—will have a special significance in the history of the Diocese of Trenton. The parish church of Saint Robert Bellarmine in Freehold will be, by the favor of the Holy See, raised to the dignity of a Co-Cathedral. Our diocese is honored to welcome on this occasion His Excellency, Archbishop Christohe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States (in effect, Ambassador of the Holy See and Representative of Pope Francis).

The Co-Cathedral, because of its central location and size, will serve as the bishop’s church for various diocesan events and liturgies. Within the church will be placed the bishop’s chair or cathedra, a sign of his teaching authority. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, in Trenton, remains the Cathedral and the Mother Church of the Diocese of Trenton.

May this be an occasion for us to renew our prayers for our local Church and for its shepherd, Bishop O’Connell.

Our Lady of the Assumption,
    watch over your Son’s flock
St. Robert Bellarmine;
    pray that we teach the truth in charity.