New Pope Francis I Elected: Catholics in Tewksbury React

The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church. Locals across the community responded.

Local Catholics reacted with relief and excitement on Wednesday to news that a new Pope had been elected by the Conclave of Cardinals in the Vatican. "We've been praying that the Holy Spirit would move and that they would select (a new Pope)," said Rita LaBella, a congregant at St. William. "This is wonderful. "I'm so glad that someone was chosen before Holy Week." Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Argentina became the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church since the Apostle Peter, himself. "I'm very excited (by the selection)," said Father Thomas Knopp, pastor of St. William, who said he stopped working for about an hour to watch the announcement of the new Pontiff and to hear the new Pope speak. "…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Will Cardinal O’Malley Become Pope?

The conclave is tomorrow, and Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley has emerged as a possibility to be elected the new leader of the Catholic Church.

With the papal conclave to choose the next Pope beginning Tuesday, speculation has grown over the past weeks that one of Boston’s own could become the Catholic Church’s new leader. Cardinal Sean O’Malley could become the new pontiff following Pope Benedict XVI’s Feb. 11 resignation, according to the National Catholic Reporter. Though it is less likely an American would be elected, it’s not impossible, and O’Malley has as good a chance as any Western papal candidate, according to the Reporter. O’Malley, 68, has been lauded for his efforts in the wake of the church’s sex abuse crisis. However, the Reporter points to O’Malley’s wilting in 2004 while the Archdiocese of Boston suffered parish closings, which have indirectly lead to realignment…

• Photos (1)

Registration Open For Ecumenical Vacation Bible School

Program for children of all faiths will be hosted that the St. William School.

Registration is ongoing for the Tewksbury Ecumenical Vacation Bible school program. This awesome program is open to children ages 4 to 10 and is being held at St. Williams school from July 30th through August 3rd from 9 am to 12 pm. Cost is only $30 ($25 for each additional child from the same family). This is the best deal in town!! The kids spend a fun filled morning learning simple bible stories, singing songs, making crafts, playing games and having fun! The program is co-sponsored by St. Williams, Tewksbury Congregational Church, the First Baptist Church and the Methodist church. For more information or to register, please contact Laurie Meuse at ljmeuse@verizon.net.

• Photos (1)

In Tewksbury, Nothing Says Christmas Quite Like ...

Here are 5 things that say "Christmas in Tewksbury."

Here are 5 things that say Christmas in Tewksbury: 1. Holiday Fairs: Whether it's AppleFest, the St. William Christmas Fair or the Congregational Church Holiday Fair and Pie Social, you can count on fairs to lift your Christmas spirits. 2. Rockvale Road: If you haven't taken a swing down Rockvale Road then you haven't had the full Christmas experience in Tewksbury. Nearly every house is decked out in full holiday regalia. The houses are covered in lights and the lawns filled with various decorations. This is a must-see. _3. The Lighting of the Common:_ The first weekend in December is the official kickoff of the holiday season in Tewksbury and the highlight is the Lighting of the Common and the arrival of Santa on a Tewksbury fire engine. …

• Photos (2)

5 Things to Do This Weekend

Nine Things To Do This Weekend

If you can't find something to do with your family this weekend then you are simply not paying attention.

Here are nine things to do with your family this weekend. Festival of Trees Opening Night When/Where: Begins Friday, Dec. 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tewksbury Public Library, 300 Chandler St., Tewksbury Why Go: Check out dozens of trees that have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. PLUS, you get to vote on which ones you like the best. Cost: Free Tewksbury Congregational Church's Pie/ Brownie Social When/Where: Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m., Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St, Tewksbury, Why Go: Enjoy a slice of pie or a brownie a la mode the night of Tewksbury's Tree lighting.  The Pie Social is a community event hosted by the members of Tewksbury Congregational Church.  Doors are open before and after the Tree Lighting to …

• Photos (1)

Gertrude T "Trudy" Page, 88

Member of St. William Parish.

Local Man Allegedly Stole From Two Businesses and a Church

Oregon Road resident charged with multiple felonies.

A 37-year-old Tewksbury man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly going on a brief crime spree Monday morning, stealing from two local businesses and a church. Jason Bourgeois, of 20 Oregon Rd, Tewksbury, was arrested after being spotted on a bike near 1501 Main St. at around 7:30 a.m. by sharp-eyed Tewksbury Police officers on routine patrol. According to information provided by Police Chief Timothy Sheehan, the officers noticed Bourgeois was carrying "several peculiar items" while riding. After stopping Bourgeois to question him, the officers identified the items as golf clubs, a drill, mail not addressed to him, a check not made out to him, and a laptop computer. The officers continued their investigation by inspecting the …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Matters of Faith

A Look at the Origins and Meaning of Thanksgiving

Church of St. William to host Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Nov. 21.

By Father John W. Hanley, OMI  We will soon celebrate  Thanksgiving Day.  Since the earliest days of our nation, citizens have gathered to give thanks to God for the blessings of the year.  But, thanksgiving celebrations did not begin with the United States.  Indeed, from the very dawn of civilization, celebrations have been held to honor the gods who so blessed the people. The ancient Greeks celebrated the feast of Thesmosphoria, to honor Demeter, the goddess of corn.  The Romans celebrated the harvest festival of Cerelia, their goddess of corn.  The ancient Chinese celebrated a harvest feast called Chung Chui, as thanksgiving to the gods for military victories and the harvest.  The Jewish people celebrate even to this very day the …

• Photos (1)