Latest news with #WilliamByrne
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pope Leo XIV held his first private Mass with the cardinal electors
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected the 267th head of the Catholic Church. Bishop William Byrne tells 22News, Pope Leo XIV has been working in the Vatican for several years now. Bryne believes his next steps will be settling in and getting used to a new life. On May 9, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held his first Mass with the first two bible readings in English and Spanish to reflect his personal history. His public installation Mass will be on May said people are waiting to listen to his vision and words. 'I'm sure it'll be about the people, about those who have no voice, and also standing up for peace in our world,' said Bishop William Byrne, Bishop, Saint Michael's Cathedral. Bishop Byrne also told 22News, he met Pope Leo XIV at a conference in Rome in September 2023. Pope Leo XIV coordinated that conference for bishops to understand their meeting him, Bishop said he is kind, welcoming, and intelligent. To welcome the new pope, Saint Michael's Cathedral in Springfield will celebrate him at Mass on Sunday, May 11, 2025. It will be broadcast on 22 News at 10 am. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mother, son die in possible murder-suicide in Pembroke
Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide involving a 26-year-old mother and her 3-year-old son, which occurred in Pembroke early Friday morning. Police arrived at 336 Pembroke Hill Road after receiving a 911 call around 1 a.m., according to a news release. 'Upon entering the home, they made contact with the resident who called 911. Upstairs in a bedroom they discovered the two other residents suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,' the release said. The two were identified as Julia Byrne and her son, Blake Byrne. The boy was brought to Concord Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined that Julia Byrne died of a single gunshot wound to her head, and the manner of her death was pending as of Friday afternoon. The boy died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide. The home is owned by William Byrne, according to assessor records. As of 5 p.m. Friday, 'authorities are still investigating this as a possible murder and suicide,' the release said. No further information was expected to be released Friday.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Together We Can' program raises over $100K for community causes
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Thunderbirds have once again proven themselves champions off the ice, wrapping up the 2024-25 season with over $100,000 raised for community causes through their 'Together We Can' partnership with M&T Bank. Springfield Bishop William Byrne remarks on elected Pope Leo XIV The initiative, which emphasizes outreach and support for organizations across Western Massachusetts, also featured more than 400 community appearances by players and the team's mascot, Boomer. 'As we approach our 10th anniversary, our commitment to being a true champion for the Western Massachusetts community has never been stronger,' said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. 'Partners like M&T Bank help us go even further, and we're continually inspired by the generosity and resilience of the 413.' The extensive outreach spanned a variety of efforts, from charitable game nights to youth-focused educational programs. Among the standout events was the team's School Day Game on Nov. 6, which welcomed more than 6,000 students to the MassMutual Center for a blend of hockey action and classroom learning through a custom T-Birds workbook supported by Fontaine Bros. Construction and MassMutual. The Thunderbirds also championed animal welfare at their Pucks & Paws Night on Nov. 15, where each 'dog ticket' benefited the Foundation for TJO Animals. Meanwhile, the annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 7 collected a record 7,162 stuffed animals, which were distributed to more than 15 local organizations serving children and families. Hunger relief played a central role in the team's continued support of the Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon, where the Thunderbirds' Nov. 22 game helped boost total donations to over $236,000 for the Open Pantry. The team also mobilized aid for natural disaster victims with Hurricanes for Hurricane Relief in November and a January campaign in partnership with the Springfield Fire Department that raised $4,000 for California firefighters affected by wildfires. The team's annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Nov. 30 saw forward Sam Bitten once again lead the charge with Bitsy's Army merchandise and fundraising, honoring his cousin's memory and supporting brain cancer research. Proceeds benefited Baystate Children's Hospital, CHD's Cancer House of Hope, and other regional cancer charities. The season also saw the return of signature events like Pink in the Rink, which raised $38,300 for the Rays of Hope Foundation in March, and Military Appreciation Night, which featured an on-ice enlistment ceremony and supported local veterans' organizations. Continuing its commitment to inclusivity, the club's Sensory-Friendly Sunday on March 16 offered a welcoming environment for fans with sensory sensitivities. With support from MAACO, the team began offering free Sensory Bags—including headphones and sunglasses—for all home games. In the realm of education, the Stick to Reading program encouraged students at over 50 schools to develop a love of books in exchange for game tickets. Boomer's Reading Club, led by T-Birds forward Drew Callin, expanded its partnership with the Springfield City Library to reach seven branches, donating more than $1,500 in resources to support local readers. On the ice, the T-Birds' 'Practice with the Pros' program, presented by Dunkin', gave young athletes the chance to train with their heroes at more than 25 local rinks. Youth teams were also honored at the MassMutual Center during the GSL Parade of Champions. 'M&T Bank is honored to play a role in strengthening the communities in the Pioneer Valley in such a meaningful way,' said M&T Bank Senior Vice President Maureen Picknally. 'We are deeply committed to our community partners and strive to make a positive impact in people's lives and in the communities we serve.' With the season behind them, the Thunderbirds continue looking ahead to new ways to give back. As the franchise nears a decade in Springfield, its identity as a community-first organization remains firmly in place. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Christians attend Easter Sunday services across western Mass.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Sunday is Easter, and a special occurrence happened this year– all Christians got to celebrate on the same day. To mark this moment, Bishop William Byrne held an annual Easter Mass at Saint Michael's Cathedral in Springfield. Many families and friends gathered at the cathedral to pray, listen to the voices of the choir, and hear the words of Bishop Byrne. For some, it was their first time, while for others, it has become a tradition. Forest Park Zoo hosts annual 'Eggs-travaganza!' 'We've always come with our grandparents, my mother, and my uncles, my aunts,' said Talia Sintron. 'Easter is a nice time to come together as a family.' Easter is the day Christians honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection takes place three days after Jesus's death on Good Friday. It's one holiday that brings many Christians to church following the 40 days of Lent, which includes prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 'I prayed on wealth, I prayed on happiness, a future again for my daughter,' Sintron said. 'We gave up a bunch of stuff this year, and I do feel closer to our Lord.' In most years, Orthodox Christians would celebrate Easter on a different date than Catholics and Protestants, because their churches use different calendars. However, this year's date coincides with all calendars. While religious services are a very important part of the day for many Christians to reflect, Bishop Byrne made it even more special with a message about compassion. 'We need to hear the message of kindness and love,' Bishop Byrne said. 'We read in the paper and hear about just people not getting along and not being nice to each other.' This is a message the bishop says will never get old. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Western Mass. community prays for Pope Francis at Saint Michael's Cathedral
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Catholics around the world are praying for Pope Francis to recover from a recent health scare. Pope Francis is said to be awake and resting, and the community in Springfield got together on Sunday morning at Saint Michael's Cathedral to pray for his recovery. Belchertown resident attends town blood drive, has donated over 50 years On Monday, Pope Francis reportedly remains in critical condition. The Vatican shared that the 88-year-old is battling pneumonia in both lungs and is recovering at a hospital in Rome. Hospitalized since February 14, Catholics of western Massachusetts are coming together in his honor. The prayer service at Saint Michael's was held by the Diocese of Springfield Bishop William Byrne. In the Vatican's Sunday evening update, it was shared that Pope Francis is resuming work from the hospital, including calling a parish in Gaza. The Chalice of Salvation program airs weekly on 22News, Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
