Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

By Lisa Zengarini

Meeting members of the Italian Red Cross in the Vatican, Pope Francis praises its “irreplaceable service” ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and other disasters.

Pope Francis met on Saturday with members of the Italian Red Cross (ICR), as they celebrate the 160th anniversary of its foundation in 1864.

In that year the Committee of the Italian Association for the Aid to the Wounded and Sick in War was established in Milan, following the foundation of the International Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1863.

Addressing some 6,000 ICR volunteers and workers in the Paul VI Audience Hall, Pope Francis warmly thanked them for the humanitarian aid they continue to provide to those suffering war and other disasters across the world.

In light of the challenging circumstances faced by numerous vulnerable individuals at the U.S.-Mexico border, Bishop Seitz aims to emphasize the Church’s place as witness and guarantor of the obligation uphold human dignity. He will underscore the role that Christian hospitality must play in revitalizing America’s identity as a nation built primarily by those who have immigrated.

This lecture marks the beginning of a collaboration between America Media and Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences. The partnership is an expression of the Ignatian charism shared by both, and will explore common goals and interests in light of the global influence and social role of the Catholic Church.

“We are honored to host Bishop Seitz and to inaugurate this partnership with such a timely and critical topic,” said Richard Greenwald, PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield.

FAIRFIELD—The Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center & Planetarium (DSCP) is hosting a viewing event of the solar eclipse on April 8.

Through sponsorship from the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium and Avangrid, all visitors will be granted free admission to DSCP. During viewing, DSCP will have solar scopes available in addition to individual safe viewing glasses. They will also offer pinhole projector activities for those interested. Weather permitting, DSCP will have a livestream from the path of totality provided by Elliot Severn, planetarium and technology director, who will be in Texas for the rare event.

Throughout the next month, the DSCP will be putting together facilitator resources and guides for how to talk about eclipses for schools, families and anyone interested. Information on eclipses is available now at shudiscovery.org/steam-resources.

Eclipse glasses are available at DSCP gift shop now (while supplies last) with bundle discounts.

Leading up to the event, Severn, SHU professor and Planetarium and Technology Director at the DSCP, will be available to comment on the solar eclipse. Severn teaches astronomy at SHU and manages the Henry B. duPont III Planetarium at DSCP. The digital full-dome theater features a seamless 33-foot diameter dome and a dual-projector 4k laser projection system.

Viewing opportunities will be weather permitting from about 2 to 4:30 pm. Peak viewing will be around 3:20 pm. Visitors are welcome to come any time during the DSCP hours.