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WASHINGTON, DC - Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding last night's election of Donald Trump as President-Elect.

After a hard-fought presidential election, Bishop Richard J. Malone offers a reflection and prayer for the United States to come together in a special episode of "Consider This."

VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News) - After Donald Trump pulled off what was for many a surprising victory in the United States election, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin offered his prayers that the new president-elect would promote peace in a world torn by conflict.

After a Jubilee Year filled with mercy, Bishop Richard J. Malone encouraged Catholics to continue practicing compassion and forgiveness during an evening prayer service Sunday at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo.

As the Catholic world prepares to close out the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Diocese of Buffalo will hold several ceremonies to mark the closing of the diocesan Mercy Doors. On Nov. 1, one week before the official end of the Year of Mercy, the seven churches in the diocese will ceremoniously close their Holy Doors.

Father Sean E. DiMaria has taken on the additional responsibilities as pastor of Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, Belmont, and St. Mary Parish, Bolivar, for a term of six years. He previously served as the priest moderator for both parishes. Father DiMaria continues his duties as pastor of Immaculate Conception, Wellsville; Blessed Sacrament, Andover; and SS. Brendan & Jude, Almond-Alfred, making him pastor of half the Catholic parishes in Allegany County. Bishop Richard J. Malone announced the appointment was effective Sept. 1.

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (CNA/EWTN News) - During a press conference Tuesday aboard the papal plane from Sweden to Rome, Pope Francis said the issue of women priests has been clearly decided, while also clarifying the essential role of women in the Catholic Church.

It's a common experience for bishops. Often enough, after we have addressed some controversial moral issue (which may also be a neuralgic political issue), we get mail. This intensifies during an election season. No surprise there.

Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, will celebrate the 1,050th anniversary of Poland's Christianity during a Christ the King Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, will officially close the Jubilee Year of Mercy here in the Diocese of Buffalo, on Sunday, Nov. 6, with an evening prayer service at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 50 Franklin St., Buffalo. All are welcome.

As part of the official humanitarian agency of the Church, aid workers of Catholic Relief Services travel the globe to provide food, shelter, education and other needs to fellow human beings. One man whom CRS touched is Thomas Awiapo, formerly an orphaned child in Ghana, who credits the agency with changing his life and providing him with an education at a CRS-sponsored school after losing most of his family to starvation.

Every Friday at 2 p.m., Father Ivan Trujillo, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Batavia, conducts a special Mass for veterans and their family members living at the nearby New York State Veterans Home, located on Richmond Avenue. For 21 years, this Mass has been a tradition at the facility, home to 126 residents, including veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and their family members.

On Oct. 23, Bishop Richard J. Malone celebrated a special Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in North Buffalo for World Mission Sunday, the day the Catholic Church has designated to recognize the many contributions of missionaries serving both in the United States and abroad. This week, the Sunday collections at all diocesan parishes went toward various international missions of the Catholic Church.

The most important words in a wedding might be "I do," but the most important words to a marriage are, "please," "thank you" and "sorry."

Dozens of 11, 12 and 13-year-old students were urged to shout out the word "No' inside of Saint Mark's Church on Tuesday morning. They did it at the urging of Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, who was stressing to them the dangers of substance abuse as part of Red Ribbon Week.

TONAWANDA ­— ­­Not every birthday is celebrated with cake and singing, "Happy Birthday to You." At Cardinal O'Hara High School, the Booster Club, starting its 44th year, celebrates every time someone calls out, "Bingo!"

HAMBURG — A group of 13 physical education teachers from Diocese of Buffalo schools learned how to pump up their P.E. programs in a special physical education conference, held last month at SS. Peter and Paul School, Hamburg, and sponsored by Catholic Schools Athletic Department. This fast-paced session allowed many physical education favorites from upper- and lower-grade levels to be shared with the diocesan faculty.

In his latest book, Catholic author Matthew Kelly explores why people cannot be satisfied in today's world. "Resisting Happiness" takes a look at the choice people make to not do what they should, things that will bring them inner peace.

During October, those of us who cherish God's gift of life prayerfully look to both heaven and earth for encouragement and inspiration. We pray, celebrate successes and share stories that encourage us in the cultural struggles we face.

WASHINGTON, DC (CNA/EWTN News) - In the final presidential debate on Wednesday, the major party candidates were pressed to explain their positions on abortion. Hillary Clinton defended her earlier support of partial-birth abortion, while Donald Trump reiterated the assertion that he is pro-life.

On Oct. 15, Bishop Richard J. Malone presided over the second-ever Blue Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, which recognized the work of police officers, firefighters and other first responders who live and work in the Diocese of Buffalo. Although the concept of Blue Mass dates back to 1934, it is a new addition in this diocese, and since 2015, Bishop Malone has been committed to making this an annual tradition here.

When Cheryl Calire unlocked the door to the former St. Adalbert rectory, she opened a new life for women and their babies. Through the Mother Teresa Home, she will offer a roof over the heads for homeless women who have chosen to raise their babies.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY — Thirteen Niagara University chemistry and biochemistry majors showcased research findings at the 252nd American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition. Three NU faculty members also presented at the international conference, which took place Aug. 21-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Several of the studies have potentially meaningful implications on the treatment of diseases.

I haven't met many people who are not by now exasperated, confounded and dismayed by the ongoing presidential election campaign. Ordinarily in an election year I would be looking forward to the day after the election; at least the war of words would be (pretty much) behind us. This time, however, I expect that I will feel no better about the national situation then than I do right now, a few weeks away from Nov. 8. In fact, I may feel worse.

At this important time in our nation's history, I encourage all of us to take a moment to reflect on one of the founding principles of our republic - the freedom of religion. It ensures the right of faith communities to preserve the integrity of their beliefs and proper self-governance. There have been recent reports that some may have sought to interfere in the internal life of the Church for short-term political gain. If true, this is troubling both for the well-being of faith communities and the good of our country.

It took 16 years for land to be found on which to build the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Construction on the gothic and art nouveau basilica began in 1882 and is expected to be complete in 2026. So, Laurence Behr doesn't think his project is moving too slowly.

Bishop Richard J. Malone will be the main celebrant at this special Mass to honor first responders of all faiths who live and work in the Diocese of Buffalo. In 2015, Bishop Malone said the first Blue Mass in the diocese and has decided to make this an annual Mass.

The Christmas tunes have yet to hit the radio, and the store shelves are still filled with Halloween candy, but plans are well underway to record a Christmas Mass in late October so the nation can watch it on TV during Christmas week.

ROME, ITALY (CNA/EWTN News) - The Albanian priest whose testimony moved Pope Francis to tears in 2014 is one of the 17 international bishops and priests the Pope will elevate to the College of Cardinals Nov. 19.

While her friends are saying "hello" to fall, Mara Wicket will say "hello" to a new life. On Oct. 17, the Steubenville grad will fly to Ecuador to begin a year of missionary service with Heart's Home.

Bishop Richard J. Malone discusses the damaging effects of pornography and what the church can do to help in this week's "Consider This."

LYNDONVILLE — At the two worship sites of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, a dedicated, strong group of parishioners has been meeting since March to discuss "Persuasive Pro-Life," by Catholic author Trent Horn, a guide for encouraging persuasive and productive discussion on the pro-life cause with those on the opposite side of the political spectrum. On Sept. 7, the group held a meeting at the parish's St. Patrick worship site in Lyndonville. It also regularly meets at the St. Joseph worship site in Barker.

This month, we will be featuring an encore episode of "Our Daily Bread," hosted by Father Paul D. Seil, who will be talking about the Ten Commandments and how they set the tone for one to live a sound, moral life in the Catholic tradition, as well as what people know about the commandments.

The national Pilgrim Virgin statue of Our Lady of Fatima will return to the Diocese of Buffalo with more than a dozen stops throughout the area in October.

The St. Mary Swormville Faith Community recently raised $1,000 to purchase ten milk cows for families in Nicaragua missions by collecting and redeeming recyclables.

Teenagers throughout Kenmore showed that they were indeed ready to rock when they attended Mountstock. Six bands competed at Mount St. Mary Academy's ninth annual battle of the bands competition on Oct. 1. The winning band, Identical Difference, took home a $200 gift certificate to Guitar Center.

The diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will host a hiking retreat for young adults on Saturday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 9 at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. The retreat will include peer witness talks, Mass, spiritual direction, small group discussions, board games, a bonfire and hiking opportunities.

As it celebrates 91 years of existence, Boy Scout Troop 107 of St. John Kanty Parish in Buffalo is looking for a few good young men interested in the Boy Scout experience. Recruitment will take place Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., in the parish's Convent Center, and will be combined with a gym night. Boys 11 years or older, or if they have completed the fifth grade, are welcome to join.

BOSTON, MASS. (CNA) - In an online video, actor Mark Wahlberg said that he will be praying for vocations to the priesthood, which he deeply values because of the role that priests have played in his own life.

Christ the King Seminary will host its annual Curé of Ars Awards dinner on Thursday, Oct. 6, at The Atrium @ Rich's in Buffalo. This year's event will honor Father Peter J. Drilling, Father Gregory M. Faulhaber and Kathleen Heffern as award recipients.