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ROME – The new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican said she expects Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit to the United States to be a thought-provoking event for Catholics, non-Catholics and international representatives.

ALBANY, N.Y. – The head of the New York State Catholic Conference in Albany, on behalf of the conference and the state’s Catholic bishops, assured New York’s new governor of prayers as he “assumes his awesome responsibilities under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”

Our wedding was a first for both of our families. Everyone was learning as we made the plans, and everyone had different expectations. You may have had a similar experience; the bride has ideas of what will be perfect, but her parents see it as an occasion to celebrate family relationships or impress the neighbors, while the groom wonders what the fuss is about. After many disagreements and bills, a frustrated father blurts out, “Whose wedding do you think this is, anyway?” The couple usually sees the wedding as “their day,” but Christian marriage is about more than the two of them. Marriage, like all the sacraments, is never just a private event. Weddings are such a sign of God’s love that they have a transformative effect on the whole family and on everyone who attends.

Leading a March 12 Lenten reflection at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien told 150 teens they must be open to whatever Christ asks of them. It won’t always be easy, Archbishop O’Brien said, but if they say yes to Jesus he will help satisfy a spiritual longing in their lives.

After the contemporary music group at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Baynesville, practices a song, the group’s director asks them to sing the last refrain again. And again, until they end the song just the right way.

OAKLAND, Calif. – A free medical clinic for uninsured children and adults will open in October as part of the new Christ the Light Cathedral Center in downtown Oakland. The clinic is being sponsored by the Order of Malta, Western Association USA, and will offer no-cost care in a section of the cathedral’s office building.

HAGERSTOWN – Standing beneath a large painting of the crucifixion at St. Ann in Hagerstown, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien challenged Washington County parishioners to “embrace” the crosses that come into their lives.