Holding fast to joy and hope
January 15, 2026 at 5:46 p.m.
The extraordinary images that grace this month’s cover of The Monitor Magazine give witness to the dynamic and historic year that had just come to a close. They also embody the themes of joy and hope that defined so much of the last year in the Catholic Church.
Priests of the Diocese, led by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., were on pilgrimage in Rome to take part in the close of the Holy Year by Pope Leo XIV. In a particularly memorable moment, Pope Leo warmly welcomed the Bishop, as well as a number of the group who were present for the papal audience on Jan. 7.
These “Modern-day Magi” were just some of many pilgrims from the Diocese of Trenton who participated in the Jubilee celebrations over the last year and shared their stories with The Monitor. At the same time, the diocesan family took part in a series of moving celebrations and ministry projects to hold up the Jubilee theme of hope over the past 12 months. The Monitor’s special coverage of the Holy Year begins on page 7.
Though somewhat condensed this year because of the Jubilee, our annual look back at the Diocese’s celebration of Christmas is no less inspiring. We call your attention to Bishop O’Connell’s Christmas Eve homily, in which he observed that even though the Christmas story never changes “the whole world becomes different.” Many of the churches across the Diocese were filled to overflowing and The Monitor brings you some of those impactful words and images in a special section that starts on page 22.
Other key content to look for:
CHURCH, WORLD & NATION -- Catholic leaders’ responses to U.S. military action in Venezuela; the loss of life and peace in Minneapolis amid ICE street enforcement; Pope Leo’s first consistory
OUR PEOPLE – Ordination coverage of Oratorian Father Donald Ronning; feature on Mary Goss and those who support her 15-year long ministry in Uganda
DIOCESE – Standing Together for Life; Seminarians gather with Bishop; Diocesan Youth Conference
COMMENTARY – Viewpoints on human connection; Scripture Study from Father Garry Koch; Women’s power to evangelize by Mary Morrell, and Faith at Home looks at St. Paul as a model for families
Be sure to find the preview of Catholic Schools Week, starting on page 48, and the results of The Monitor’s first BEST COVER SURVEY, on pages 40, 41.
The January print edition has been sent to the mailboxes and inboxes of our subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today safely and conveniently by clicking HERE or writing to [email protected]. Or call our Business Desk at (609) 403-7169 for assistance.
Blessings to you and yours in the new year!
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team
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The extraordinary images that grace this month’s cover of The Monitor Magazine give witness to the dynamic and historic year that had just come to a close. They also embody the themes of joy and hope that defined so much of the last year in the Catholic Church.
Priests of the Diocese, led by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., were on pilgrimage in Rome to take part in the close of the Holy Year by Pope Leo XIV. In a particularly memorable moment, Pope Leo warmly welcomed the Bishop, as well as a number of the group who were present for the papal audience on Jan. 7.
These “Modern-day Magi” were just some of many pilgrims from the Diocese of Trenton who participated in the Jubilee celebrations over the last year and shared their stories with The Monitor. At the same time, the diocesan family took part in a series of moving celebrations and ministry projects to hold up the Jubilee theme of hope over the past 12 months. The Monitor’s special coverage of the Holy Year begins on page 7.
Though somewhat condensed this year because of the Jubilee, our annual look back at the Diocese’s celebration of Christmas is no less inspiring. We call your attention to Bishop O’Connell’s Christmas Eve homily, in which he observed that even though the Christmas story never changes “the whole world becomes different.” Many of the churches across the Diocese were filled to overflowing and The Monitor brings you some of those impactful words and images in a special section that starts on page 22.
Other key content to look for:
CHURCH, WORLD & NATION -- Catholic leaders’ responses to U.S. military action in Venezuela; the loss of life and peace in Minneapolis amid ICE street enforcement; Pope Leo’s first consistory
OUR PEOPLE – Ordination coverage of Oratorian Father Donald Ronning; feature on Mary Goss and those who support her 15-year long ministry in Uganda
DIOCESE – Standing Together for Life; Seminarians gather with Bishop; Diocesan Youth Conference
COMMENTARY – Viewpoints on human connection; Scripture Study from Father Garry Koch; Women’s power to evangelize by Mary Morrell, and Faith at Home looks at St. Paul as a model for families
Be sure to find the preview of Catholic Schools Week, starting on page 48, and the results of The Monitor’s first BEST COVER SURVEY, on pages 40, 41.
The January print edition has been sent to the mailboxes and inboxes of our subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today safely and conveniently by clicking HERE or writing to [email protected]. Or call our Business Desk at (609) 403-7169 for assistance.
Blessings to you and yours in the new year!
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team