News - Statements RSS Feed

Bishop Ruggieri reflects on recent death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero

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.

The Diocese of Portland is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Short as director of advancement for the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, the mission of which is “to proclaim the Gospel, bring others to Jesus Christ, and build the Reign of God through Catholic education.”

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.

The Diocese of Portland has appointed Allison Eilers as the first headmaster of Frassati Classical Catholic High School in Brewer, which will open in September 2026. Eilers brings extensive experience in founding, managing, and advancing classical and faith-based schools, and will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.

Dr. Joseph McCleary, an experienced educational leader with more than 30 years of work in school administration, curriculum development, and community engagement, has been named the inaugural headmaster of Seton Classical Catholic High School in Brunswick, effective July 1, 2026. He will also serve as headmaster of Saint Dominic Academy, the diocese’s pre-K to grade 8 Catholic school in Auburn.

Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, shared his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. It certainly addresses a timely topic—that of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—but, more importantly, the timelessness of Church teaching on human dignity.

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.

Suzanne Lafreniere will assume this new role on July 1, 2026.

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

Here is a video and transcript of Bishop Ruggieri's homily during Ash Wednesday Mass.

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

On behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of Portland, I share with you the great joy of our Church at the election of Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father. As the successor of St. Peter, he now carries the sacred responsibility of shepherding the Church and leading us in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and building up the Body of Christ.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, The news of our Holy Father Francis’ sudden death has saddened me. Following the reports of his recent hospitalization and slow recovery, I saw his resilience in making the great effort to be present to the Church both in Rome and the world during Holy Week. Just yesterday, Easter Sunday, he was riding in the popemobile and blessing the crowds outside of St. Peter’s Basilica. Therefore, the news of his death on Easter Monday, affectionately known in places as "Little Easter," is startling. However, how providential that our Holy Father would go to the Lord on this second day of the great Octave of Easter, a time when our Church is still joyfully celebrating Jesus’ triumphant Resurrection.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! As we celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death and the new life He brings, please know of my prayers for you and your loved ones.

Today, the Maine Law Court invalidated the 2021 law removing the statute of limitations on allegations of past sexual abuse. In the first eight months of my ministry here in the state of Maine, I have made it a priority to understand this matter and engage in discussions on its potential outcomes.

On Monday, October 7, 2023, Hamas militants stormed the border area between Gaza and Israel and other Israeli towns in a surprise attack that resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 250 hostages. In the fighting between Israel and Hamas that has ensued since the October 7 attacks, over 40,000 Palestinians have died.