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I am writing today to share an update on an important matter affecting our diocesan community. While this situation involves legal developments, it also involves deep personal pain.

In light of several recent immigration enforcement encounters resulting in the loss of life, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the Committee on Migration, issued the following pastoral reflection:

As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in twelve years the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops. The last one issued in 2013 was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.

In response to the tragic death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, the Diocese of Portland's Hispanic Ministry is providing pastoral support to his family and community. We pray that all those affected by his death may experience God's loving comfort, strength, and peace.

From June 23 to June 26, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage visited Maine. These were extraordinary days for our diocese and for all who took part. We were blessed to participate in a pilgrimage that began in Florida and will conclude in Philadelphia this weekend as part of the commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Carrying on a longtime tradition in the Diocese of Portland, Bishop James Ruggieri traveled to Aroostook County on the Wednesday of Holy Week to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Oils.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was filled with worshipers on Tuesday afternoon for the Chrism Mass, one of the most solemn liturgies of the Church year. Bishop James Ruggieri presided over the Mass, celebrated annually on the Tuesday of Holy Week.

Hundreds filled the pews of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on Palm Sunday, March 29, joining with Bishop James Ruggieri and Christians around the world in marking the start of Holy Week, the most solemn week of the year on the Church calendar.

The chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland has a beautiful new altar and ambo thanks to the generosity of a parishioner and the skill of local craftsmen.

This beautiful solemnity of Saint Joseph, the protector of the universal church, guardian of the redeemer, we obviously look to him and we celebrate his virtue. Now it's really amazing to think that he is so revered, so loved, so important in God's plan of salvation and he says nothing in scripture.

Watch a recording of Bishop Ruggieri's reflection during Holy Hour on Feb 13, 2026.

The bishop reminds us of God's work in our lives.

The Knights pieced together a Nativity scene that was created by a member of the Knights in 1981.