Statements

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.