It was a day of rejoicing for two dioceses on Saturday, May 23, as two priests were ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Father Ezekiel B. Yisi and Father Evans B. Yongyee, both originally from Cameroon, were ordained by Bishop George Nkuo, Bishop of Kumbo, in the presence of Bishop James Ruggieri.

Michael Brough, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in pastoral planning, leadership development, evangelization, and church management, has been appointed director of pastoral planning, parish vitality, and mission integration for the Diocese of Portland, effective June 30, 2026.

On the eve of the ordination of Deacon Ezekiel Yisi and Deacon Evans Yongyee to the priesthood, the faithful gathered in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland to pray for the two young men and to pray for vocations to the priesthood.

Welcome to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggeri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine, and today we resume our series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, talking about these articles of the Creed, or these points of the Creed: the resurrection of the body, life everlasting, and the word Amen, which really brings us to a beautiful conclusion to the first part of the Catechism, which has expounded on the articles of the Creed.

Over 40 teens and young adults gathered at St. Joseph's Church in Brewer for the annual REV (Revitalization of the Eucharist and Vocations) Retreat on Saturday. The theme for this retreat was "Let it be Done to Me According to Your Word," in honor of our Blessed Mother's radical acceptance of God's plan.

Welcome back to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine. And today we continue with our series on the Catechism, touching upon these points in the Creed, the communion of saints, and the forgiveness of sins.

His Excellency Bishop James T. Ruggieri has announced the following new priest assignments, effective July 1, 2026.

Well, welcome back to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine, and we continue our series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are talking today about paragraphs 871 to 945, focusing on this topic of "Christ's faithful." We've been talking about the church, the mystery of the church, the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit. We talked also about the four marks of the church.

Welcome back to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine.

A second-grade teacher at St. Michael School in Augusta has been honored as the Maine Catholic School Teacher of the Year.

Bishop James Ruggieri presided at the annual Neophyte Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Saying that Jesus sends us into the world not as prisoners of fear or division but as peacemakers, Bishop James Ruggieri presided over a Holy Hour of Peace and Reconciliation on April 24 in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

How are Catholic Charities agencies around the United States and here in Maine providing hope to our neighbors in need?

Well, welcome back to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine. And we continue with our series on the catechism, this time coming to the article, I believe in the Holy Catholic Church

“God is not finished writing our book." That was the message of encouragement that keynote speaker Christine Eberle shared with more than 200 women gathered for the annual Maine Catholic Women’s Conference held April 18 at the St. John’s Community Center in Brunswick.

His Excellency Bishop James T. Ruggieri has announced the following new priest assignments effective in April and May 2026.

Well, welcome to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine.

Welcome back to the Auspice Maria podcast. I'm Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland in Maine. And today we continue with our series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

“In Jesus, we see what love looks like—faithful, sacrificial, merciful, and complete.”

Hundreds were in attendance as Bishop James Ruggieri led the Good Friday service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on April 3. This most solemn day for the Church, in remembrance of the Passion of Christ, prepares the faithful for the glory of His Resurrection.