The bishop recalled Pope Francis's humility and called upon the faithful to seek to draw closer to Christ, as Pope Francis urged them to do.
Bishop’s Office
New assignments are effective June 1 in the diocese.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri, who was joined by 27 priests and 11 permanent deacons, along with the women religious and the lay faithful.
The pews of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland were full for the Palm Sunday Mass, which commemorates Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, as well as his Passion and death.
Priests in the Diocese of Portland assigned to parishes.
The bishop celebrated two Masses at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a worldwide organization dedicated to supporting Christians and Christian education in the Holy Land.
The celebration included a Mass at St. Margaret Church in Saco that was celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley.
During a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap., in the presence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, Bishop James Ruggieri is ordained and installed as bishop of the Diocese of Portland.
Bishop-Elect Ruggieri appeared at a news conference alongside Bishop Robert Deeley, expressing his gratitude to Pope Francis and saying he will let the Holy Spirit be his guide in his new ministry.
The diocese's 13th bishop will be ordained and installed on May 7, 2024.
Bishop Deeley celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on January 1, a day on which the Church observes both the World Day of Peace and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
The gathering to honor the Blessed Virgin was one of many across the diocese.
Bishop Robert Deeley marked 50 years of the priesthood with a Mass celebrated with family, friends, and coworkers in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
The truths of our faith, the bishop said. can seem contradictory amid reports regarding incidents of sexual abuse of minors by clerics that occurred decades ago.
Bishop Robert Deeley Celebrates Easter Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland
Bishop Robert Deeley celebrated Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Bishop Robert Deeley said, for us, the encounter of the Magi with Jesus is not something in the past but something we experience every time we come together for Mass.
Honoring the life of a man of faith and charity was a personal experience for Bishop Deeley, who worked with Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Vatican City nearly 20 years ago.
Monsignor Marc Caron, vicar general of the Diocese of Portland, visited the Christian Life Center (CLC) in Frenchville to bless its new dining hall on December 29.
In commemoration of All Souls' Day, Bishop Robert Deeley celebrated a Mass of Remembrance at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Reviving appreciation for the great gift of the Eucharist
Become the evangelizer you were sent to be
Bishop Robert Deeley celebrates Mass on Easter morning at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Lent: A time to connect with one another
New synodal process is an opportunity to gather, listen, and reflect
National Vocation Awareness Week (November 7-13) reminds us that the encouragement and formation of vocations in the Church is a responsibility of all of us.
The month of October brings with it our annual observance of Respect Life Month as we celebrate the value of each human life and commit to helping others grow in appreciation of the treasure that is God’s gift of life.
Twenty years. It seems impossible and yet, images from that day can sometimes bring us right back to the shock and sadness that we felt
This Sunday (September 12) marks National Grandparents Day, established in our country as a way in which to educate our youth about the important contributions that grandparents have made throughout history.
On Memorial Day, we cherish the memory of our dear departed, particularly those who died in the service of our country.
National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3-7) is a time in which we lift up with thanks the talents, the selflessness, and the dedication of our teachers.
April 25 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations when the Church prays for vocations to ordained ministries, consecrated life in all its forms, secular institutes, and missionary life.
On Earth Day, we remember that God has created our world and placed us in it.
March 19 annually marks the Solemnity of St. Joseph, a commemoration that holds additional significance this year in the Year of St. Joseph, declared by the Holy Father.
As I stated in December in regards to COVID-19 vaccines, we must thank God for the scientific advancement and dedication of those in the medical field that have led to these lifesaving vaccines during a global pandemic.
Governor Janet Mills’ new executive order promising expanded gathering limits at Maine’s Catholic churches is not helpful to Maine Catholics who have diligently followed each of the protocols put in place regarding religious gatherings since the start of the pandemic.
Each year since 1992, when Pope St. John Paul II began its observance, the Church has set aside the day of February 11, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, as a special day of prayer for the sick.
At the start of Maine Catholic Schools Week, Bishop Deeley has shared the following video message.
Americans face a profound challenge in the uphill battle to protect the dignity of the human person.
In recent weeks, the positive developments in the production of COVID-19 vaccines have stirred excitement but also hesitance in some quarters regarding the safety of the vaccines.
On this Veterans Day, we remember gratefully the many who have served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy, including, of course, the right to vote in free elections.
"We have a brief period of time to catch our breath before the final push to the election."
Today is a day to be grateful for the gift of life, and for the man who did his best to show us love and helped us to learn how to live.
This year, it seems particularly appropriate as we marvel at the extraordinary effort that mothers have taken in this present coronavirus crisis.
A Message to Health Care Workers From Bishop Deeley and a Blessing for All
May 22, 2026
Event
Join Bishop Ruggieri in prayer during Holy Hour and Solemn Vespers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
May 23, 2026
Event
Deacons Ezekiel Yisi and Evans Yongyee will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome to attend.
October 24, 2026
Event
The 18th Harvest Ball is set for Saturday, October 24, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay on 88 Spring Street in Portland. The ball, hosted by Bishop James Ruggieri, will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, the music and great company.
