The Diocese of Peoria’s 150th Anniversary celebrations continued with the third of ten Regional Vicariate Masses, celebrated by Bishop Louis Tylka at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee, Illinois. The liturgy brought together parishioners, clergy, and faithful from across the Kewanee Vicariate for a moving celebration of faith and history. In his homily, Bishop […]
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Rev. Paul J. Meismer, 82, of rural Granville, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The funeral Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, August 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Spring Valley. The Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, officiated. Burial immediately followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery […]
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On Thursday, June 12, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Louis Tylka honoring all Jubilarians in 2025. Each year it is held at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception recognizing the priests who are celebrating milestone anniversaries. Father Stephen Engelbrecht, celebrating his Silver Jubilee (25 years of priestly service), was […]
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In a joyful celebration of faith and vocation, the Diocese of Peoria welcomed three new priests through the Sacrament of Holy Orders to the sacred ministry of the priesthood. On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Bishop Louis Tylka ordained Fathers Ben Schoonmaker, Francis Strong, and Jack Watt in a beautiful Mass filled with reverence, gratitude, and […]
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10 days ago, we had white smoke and about an hour and 10 minutes after the white smoke billowed from the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel, the world was introduced to our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago. I think the world was shocked that we have an […]
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With hymns, prayer, and a spirit of joyful reverence, hundreds of faithful gathered on the first day of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as it arrived in the Diocese of Peoria, marking a powerful moment of witness to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the vitality of the Catholic faith in central Illinois. […]
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During a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, principals, pastors and chaplains heard words of thanks from Bishop Louis Tylka, who presided. The annual celebration recognizes retirements, anniversaries and distinguished awards and also include a luncheon at the Spalding Pastoral Center. During the luncheon, Dr. Jerry Sanderson, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, recognized principals and […]
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Priests take Senior Status All assignments are effective July 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted. Father Joseph Hogan to senior status. Father Peter Pilon to senior status. 37 New pastors, administrators and parochial vicars All assignments are effective July 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted. Father John Bazimenyera, from Parochial Vicar of Mary, Mother of God Parish, […]
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On Monday, May 19, Bishop Tylka will greet Bishop Hicks of the Joliet Diocese in St. Patrick Church (Seneca) at 2 p.m. Bishop Hicks will bring the Monstrance from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage which was handed off to the Joliet Diocese on May 18 from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis where it began. Bishop Tylka will […]
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STATEMENT REGARDING THE ELECTION OF THE NEW HOLY FATHER From Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria We welcome the news of the election of the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with hearts full of joy and hope. In this moment of great significance for the Church and the world, we were […]
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