BRIEFS

The sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters, who have served at Ss. Simon and Jude school in Phoenix since 1954, merged with the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) on Tuesday (Nov. 4). While still being known as the Loreto Sisters, their title has changed to Congregation of Jesus, and the initials after their names will now be CJ instead of IBVM. The official celebration of this historic merger, combining two congregations with the same founder, took place at a Eucharistic celebration in Loyola, Spain.

Fr. John Muir, the vicar general for the Diocese of Phoenix, led a special blessing of the new offices and the employees at the Arizona Republic newspaper on Monday (Nov. 17) morning in central Phoenix, the first day reporters and staff moved into the new space.

The ordination of Nathan Blanchard to the Order of the Diaconate was celebrated by Bishop John Dolan on Saturday (Nov. 22) at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church in Flagstaff, Ariz. Over a dozen priests from the Diocese of Phoenix and Bishop Gary Janak, JLC, from Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas, were concelebrants at the special Mass. Also in attendance were Blanchard's parents, Dcn. Greg and Christina Blanchard, and his five siblings.  

Bishop John Dolan made his first visit to Andre House on Tuesday evening (Dec. 2) in downtown Phoenix, touring the facility and serving food to guests. Founded in November of 1984 by two Holy Cross priests from Notre Dame University, Andre House of Arizona responds to the basic needs of the poor while encouraging others to do the same.

Thousands turned out on Saturday morning (Dec. 6) for the 20th annual Honor Your Mother event, the Diocese of Phoenix’s celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The day began with a rosary, followed by an outdoor Mass and procession through the streets of downtown Phoenix. Several priests joined Bishop John Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares and Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, OFM, of Trujillo, Peru, for the Mass.