Bishop da Cunha’s Lenten Message 2018
Diocese of Fall River, Mass.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Why should we do Penance and make sacrifice? Is the acceptance of the inevitable suffering something we can learn to deal with? Dear Friends, Many of us remember — maybe even with some nostalgia — when Lent was a time of real Penance and sacrifice. The Church still teaches us that Lent is a special time of conversion; that Penance and sacrifice are essential practices to help us in the process of change, which leads to sanctification. Obviously, Penance and sacrifice are not limited to the practice of Fasting and Abstinence — although these are good and practical ways to incorporate sacrifices into our daily lives. This is not meant to indicate that our spirit is good or our body is bad. However, bodily discipline and some sacrifices are good for spirit and body. When we fail to recognize our need for sacrifice, we fail to acknowledge our need for conversion. Sacrifices are not meant to be an end in themselves; they are always meant as a means to conversion and sanctification. Lent is a time to remember all that Jesus did for us and to acknowledge all He was willing to suffer for us. By accepting and embracing our own sufferings, we share in the sufferings of Christ, so that we can also share in His Resurrection. But who wants to suffer? No one likes to face suffering. We do all we can to avoid suffering. We try to eat well, exercise, visit the doctor, have our annual check-up; all this to avoid sickness and suffering. However, we also know that we cannot fully avoid suffering. No one is immune to the evils that surround us and no one is exempt from the suffering that befalls us. One of the greatest problems of humanity is to learn how to suffer. Do we realize that suffering can also be a path to happiness, fulfillment, transformation and Salvation? No one is ready to accept suffering until they know the good it does. Since suffering is unavoidable, we might as well learn to accept it and discover its value. “The one who faces suffering for itself is a masochist, the one who suffers for a superior ideal is a wise person” (Huberto Rohden). That is what Jesus did and taught us to do. Don’t suffer aimlessly. Jesus knew that His sufferings were not useless; He knew that He was saving the world through His suffering. That is why He was able to accept it lovingly and peacefully. “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal Salvation for all who obey Him” (Heb 5:8). The one who rebels against suffering faces two evils instead of one. When, like Jesus, we learn how to make our sufferings meaningful and redemptive; when we learn how to offer our sufferings to God as an oblation, as a sacrifice, as a prayer for us and for others, our sufferings will be easier to bear. As St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, “we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). Let us keep the Spirit of Lent alive in our families, our homes, our parishes, our schools and in our own lives. Let us keep the Spirit of Sacrifice, and let us teach our children the value of making Penance and sacrifice during Lent. Let us all take time during Lent to pray together as family so that the future generations will not forget that Jesus suffered and died to save us. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Bishop of Fall River Artwork by Emilie Jolivet
Photo by Dave Jolivet The Anchor - February 9, 2018 1
Open legislative forum to highlight social justice for the poor and vulnerable
ATTLEBORO — To highlight the need for impactful social service programs to assist the poor and vulnerable in the Attleboro area, the Voice of the Poor Committee of the Attleboro District Society of St. Vincent de Paul is inviting area residents to its third Legislative Forum with state senators and representatives on Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Bristol Community College in Attleboro. Senator Paul Feeney and Representatives Jay Barrows, Steve Hewitt, and Betty Poirer have already confirmed their participation, and others are expected to join as well. They will answer questions and discuss legislation and public policies impacting the poor, marginalized and vulnerable in this area, explained Diana Reeves, chairper-
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The Anchor - February 9, 2018
son of the district’s Voice of the Poor Committee for Social Justice. “Given all the ominous indications about significant cutbacks in social safety net programs, this will be an important conversation” Reeves said, during which the concerns and needs of the area can “be fleshed out. These are programs which help make our community compassionate and mark it as a caring place for our neighbors in need who are the most vulnerable among us.” Throughout the Greater Attleboro area, SVdP volunteers known as Vincentians provide various forms of charitable aid to persons in need — short-term financial assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, furniture and other household needs. Unlike many other orTurn to page 15
Swansea pastor Father David M. Andrade, 57, passes unexpectedly
SWANSEA — Father David M. Andrade, 57, pastor of St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea, died on Thursday, January 25 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton after a brief illness. A native of Taunton, Father Andrade was born on Oct. 26, 1960. He was the son of Augusta (Camara) Andrade and the late David Manuel Andrade. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1986 by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River and had served the diocese in various capacities over his nearly 32 years of ministry. After ordination he served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Health Parish in Fall River and St. John of God Parish in Somerset. In 1997 he was appointed parochial administrator of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Attleboro. From 1998 to 2012, he served as founding pastor of Holy Trinity Parish (formerly St. Jean the Baptiste Parish, which merged with St. William’s and St. Elizabeth’s parishes) in Fall River. During this time he also served as chaplain of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall
River and diocesan liaison with Catholic Relief Services. In 2012, he was appointed pastor of St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, January 31 at Holy Trinity Church in Fall River. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., was the main celebrant. He was joined by Bishop Emeritus George W. Coleman, as well as dozens of priests and deacons. Deacon Thomas Palanza was selected by Father Andrade to preach at his funeral. The deacon noted, “The last time I stood at this ambo (pulpit) was to celebrate David’s 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on June 26, 2011. Never could I have imagined that I would be standing here today seven years later, to preach again — at his final Mass — in this life.” Deacon Palanza opened the homily by expressing the sympathies of all of the clergy and parishioners towards Father Andrade’s mother. “I want to express our heartfelt, profound and, frankly, inexpressible sorrow for your great loss
Diocese of Fall River
OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointment: Reverend Monsignor John J. Oliveira, P.A., Temporary Parochial Administrator of Saint Louis de France Parish in Swansea Effective: February 1, 2018
and to assure you of our continued love and prayers for you and for our brother David.” Towards the end of the homily Deacon Palanza addressed Mrs. Andrade again, describing how when Holy Trinity Church was renovated Father Andrade insisted that the statue of the Blessed Mother be the Pieta statue of Mary holding
her deceased Son on Good Friday. “And so now, Mrs. Andrade, we all know for sure that your son David wanted to leave you with this beautiful and eternal reminder of who you are and will always be to him: a loving mother, who gave her only son to the Church — for the love and service of others — so that in the midst of your sorrow today and in the moments of grief that are sure to follow — that you, like our Blessed Mother, will be filled with the same assurance and comfort that her Son Jesus gave to her, to us and to the world, that He came into this world to destroy sin and death, to rise from the dead and ascend into Heaven, and will come again in glory to usher in a new and eternal life for all who believe in Him.” Still addressing Mrs.
Andrade, Deacon Palanza then quoted our diocese’s founder: “St. Pius X said, ‘A vocation to the priesthood comes from the heart of God, but goes through the heart of the mother.’ Know that, just as you were the first to welcome David into this world 57 years ago, be assured today — and every day that you are apart — that David will be there waiting to welcome you this time into God’s eternal Kingdom.” Before the Final Commendation, Bishop da Cunha addressed the congregation. “It is normal to be sad. If this is very hard for any of us to understand, imagine how much harder it is for his beloved mother Augusta. Thank you for sharing your son with the Church. Father David leaves a huge void, but our faith tells us that he will be watching over and praying for us.” Bob Allcock, a friend whom Father Andrade led through Confirmation 33 years ago, also spoke after Communion. He described all the Sacraments and important family occasions in which Father Andrade ministered to him and his family. He recalled how Mrs. Andrade shared with him that she found her son David, when he was a boy, with a sheet wrapped around himself and giving a speech alone. Questioned as to what he was doing, young David said, “I want to be like my teacher, the priest.” Allcock said that Mrs. Andrade had shared with him in the days following her son’s death “that she wasn’t angry, she was at peace. She told me that what bothered Father David the most was when people were angry.” Allcock said that he
learned from Father Andrade this axiom, “Don’t let someone’s negative 10 seconds rob you of peace in the other 86,390 seconds in a day.” Allcock then concluded, “I’m going to follow Father David’s example and put myself in God’s hands now, like Gussy [Mrs. Andrade], I’m at peace.” Deacon Palanza expressed appreciation “to [Father Andrade’s] closest friend and classmate, Father Tim Reis, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Norton, who, as a loving and faithful friend, was designated by David with the unenviable task of coordinating these beautiful Liturgies. And we know, all too well, how particular David was about many things, but I’m sure he is well pleased with all that you’ve done!” Deacon Palanza addressed the many questions swirling in people’s minds because of Father Andrade’s death. “How could this be? How could this happen? He was much too young. We had plans for so many more years — of good times, friendship and laughter.” To answer these objections, the homilist shared the words of a friar, who spoke to him some years ago. The friar shared with the deacon the layout “of a magnificent cathedral with triple arches that formed the entrance to the church. And above the one to the left was a beautiful bouquet of roses carved into the granite. And below it was inscribed, ‘All that which pleases is but for a moment.’ “And to the right side was a cross carved into the granite and below it was inscribed, ‘All that which troubles is but for a moTurn to page 10
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With a faith-filled foundation laid by family, Cecilia Felix recognized by local paper for her dedication to education and community service
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
NEW BEDFORD — When Cecilia Felix, newly-graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth) followed her calling to teach and influence young minds, the cost of a postage stamp was 13 cents; bread was 39 cents a loaf; and a gallon of gasoline went for 59 cents. The year was 1977, the place was Holy FamilyHoly Name School in New Bedford. Four decades later, prices may have inflated many times over but Felix and her mission to educate young minds academically and Spiritually hasn’t changed a bit. Felix, beginning her 29th year as principal of HF-HN, was recently announced as the recipient of the [New Bedford]Standard-Times 2018 Educator of the Year Award — an
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honor she hardly expected. community and beyond, Catholic school.” “The Standard-Times Felix is The Standard-Times It was at Our Lady of contacted me with a list of 2017 Educator of the Year.” Mount Carmel School questions,” Felix told The Felix was very quick to in New Bedford where Anchor. “I thought it was tell The Anchor, “This is not Felix was influenced by because I was nominated. a one-person award. This the Sisters of St. Dorothy. I know that an educator is for all the teachers and “They were wonderful,” said in a CathoFelix. “They lic school not only were rarely gains concerned the award. I with teaching, was surprised but with takwhen I dising care of the covered it was poor and those me. I credit in trouble. I the Standardcan remember Times for Sisters walking awarding it through the to a Catholic New Bedford school educastreets bringtor.” ing food and The Stanclothing to Cecilia Felix, principal of Holy Family-Holy Name School dard-Times people in need in New Bedford for nearly 30 years, was recently named story on Felix — like the first The Standard-Times 2017 Educator of the Year. (Photo by stated: “For St. Mother Kenneth J. Souza) her nearly 40Teresas. At year tenure at school, they Holy Family-Holy Name staff at Holy Family-Holy made Christ come alive.” as both teacher and princiName; past, present and Family and Church were pal, and for her leadership, future. the kindling that set Felix’s dedication to her craft and “There is a saying: It heart afire with the desire selfless service to her school takes village to raise a child. to teach and help those in The same goes for educatneed. ing a child. It takes parents, Her example and outgrandparents, aunts, uncles, reach has touched thouteachers, staff and friends sands of lives in the New — a village — with God as Bedford area over the past our leader.” 40 years. For Felix, bringing the She has been an advocate Spiritual aspect into her for children who have come teaching and leadership from families that are strugmethods is second-nature; gling to make ends meet. or perhaps more accurately, Felix has been there to meet first-nature. their corporal and temporal “When I was growing needs. up in New Bedford, everyFelix is very involved thing in my family revolved with community outreach around the Church,” she in New Bedford through said. “My parents’ first priservice agencies that help ority was Mass attendance. families with shelter, food We didn’t have much of the and clothing. material things children “When you go out with have today, but we had a her for breakfast or a bite to great upbringing. eat, it never fails that some“My father was a mill one will come up to her and worker and my mother was thank her for something she a stay-at-home mom. They did for them,” HF-HN vice did everything they could to principal Beth Mahoney send my brother and me to told The Anchor, “whether it
The Anchor - February 9, 2018
is something personal or for their children.” Just a couple of years back, the father and brother of a kindergarten student at Holy Family-Holy Name went missing while working as fishermen off the coast. It was just before Thanksgiving and Christmas and Felix encouraged the creation of a fund for the family, and at Christmas Felix encouraged others to meet the gift list of the student and her older siblings. Mahoney said that Felix “is a pioneer in Catholic education and a living witness on how to live the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy. There is never a time when she is not asking staff, teachers or parents how we can help this family or student. She is constantly looking for solutions to problems, and creating the means to achieve the help that is needed. “She created an afterschool program for the families. She was concerned with the working families that needed day care and investigated what could be done to help them.” It’s no wonder Felix is at the school at 7 a.m. and heads home at or after 5 p.m. “When I first applied for a teaching position at Holy Family-Holy Name, it was for a third-grade opening,” said Felix. “That was where my studies were concentrated. I didn’t get the job, but was later contacted for a seventh-grade teaching position there. “I had to really think about it. I talked to my dad and others and was told to follow my heart. “I accepted the position, and it was difficult. Middle school children, even then, were different than thirdTurn to page 19
Beloved St. Vincent de Paul Store manager may be gone, but not forgotten
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — For at least the last decade, if you happened to wander into the St. Vincent de Paul Store on Pleasant Street in Fall River, chances are you’d be warmly greeted by the personable and eager-toplease manager behind the counter, Michael Nicolan. In recent years, the former restaurant owner and chef at Bishop Connolly High School had taken over the reins of the thrift outlet from his father, Leonard, and had managed to not only make in thrive, but also expand the operation to a second location on County Street in the city. But everything changed in November, when Nicolan was sidelined after being diagnosed with a rapidlyprogressing brain tumor that took his life, leaving his family and friends shocked and saddened. “People still come in
looking for him,” his father Leonard recently told The Anchor. “It hurts, but I’m glad to hear it.” Since losing his 60-yearold son, the energetic Leonard Nicolan has tried to keep things status quo at the two stores, which hasn’t been easy. “His dedication was amazing — and it’s not because he’s my son,” Nicolan said. “I don’t plan on staying here; I’m 83 years old. I want to keep busy, but I’m looking to find someone to take over.” In the meantime, Nicolan is back at his old post, trying to fill the large shoes that had been so comfortably occupied by his son all these years. “I started the store many years ago, when I became district president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society,” Nicolan said. “Originally Notre Dame Parish (owned it).” When the day-to-day operations and overhead became too much for the
parish to handle, then-pastor Father Richard Beaulieu turned it over to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. “We were going to rent it with an option to buy,” Nicolan said. “Father Beaulieu gave us minimum rent and then he gave us a $2,000 donation to get started, which was fantastic. We now own this building and not too far down the road we’re going to own the other building as well.” Having owned and operated his own cleaning business for many years, Nicolan felt he wanted to step back and enjoy his retirement. It was around this same time that Michael first approached him about working at the store. “At the time, Michael was already disgusted with what he was doing, and he asked me what I thought about him taking over here,” Nicolan said. “I told him, there wasn’t much to offer him — there were no benefits — but if it was an experience he wanted to have, he had my blessing.” Noting that his whole family had always had a hand in helping the St. Vincent de Paul Society in
one way or another, Nicolan thought it felt right for his son to take over. “He went before the board and they (approved) him taking over as store manager right away, then I stepped aside,” he said. “With Michael, St. Vincent de Paul realized they were getting someone who was going to drive this place. I’ll never be able to fill his shoes. Michael was always very conservative with heat, with electricity, with expenses. The heat would be set at 63 and if you weren’t using a room, he made sure the lights were off.” Although he studied culinary arts and worked as a school chef before owning and operating the former Sutherland’s Restaurant in Tiverton, R.I., Nicolan thinks Michael became disenchanted with the long hours and daily grind. “That was a lot of work and he decided to get rid of it,” he said. “It was too much work — he wasn’t seeing his kids, he wasn’t seeing his family, there were lots of hours.” Not only did the St. Vincent de Paul Store offer Michael a chance to
do something different, Nicolan said he immediately took to the work and really seemed to relish it. “He wanted a chance and he really loved doing this work,” Nicolan said. “I would sometimes get frustrated and he would always tell me: ‘You know what, dad, I don’t let things bother me.’ He told me that when his mom died, he learned a lot. He learned how to deal with the public.” Instead of sitting back and waiting for donations, Michael took a more proactive approach and began soliciting donations from local businesses. “That’s how we got donations from Cardi’s Furniture,” Nicolan said. “Our success to this day is based on the background he built here. We used to get stuff from J.C. Penney, and from A.J. Wright — we used to get truckloads delivered everyday. Michael had a lot of drive in him to do this. I used to ask him if he missed and wanted to go back to cooking, and he would tell me: ‘No, I really enjoy it here, dad.’” Nicolan said his son’s Turn to page 24
Leonard Nicolan poses before a photo of his late son, Michael, inside the St. Vincent de Paul Store on Pleasant Street in Fall River. The former manager of two St. Vincent de Paul Store locations in the city, Michael’s sudden passing in November left a void which Leonard has been trying to fill ever since. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza) The Anchor - February 9, 2018
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Anchor Editorial
Lent — Part One
The Vatican released Pope Francis’ message for Lent this week, entitled,“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12). This pessimistic sounding quote from Our Lord might seem like an odd “jumping off point” to begin this season of prayer and penance, but the Holy Father’s goal is that our hearts not grow cold. The pope wrote, “God in His providence offers us each year the season of Lent as a ‘Sacramental sign of our conversion’ [quoting from the Roman Missal]. Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.” The pontiff said that he would like “to help the entire Church experience this time of grace anew, with joy and in truth. I will take my cue from the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: ‘Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold’ (24:12).” Jesus said these words on the Mount of Olives, when discussing the end of time. “In reply to a question of the disciples, Jesus foretells a great tribulation and describes a situation in which the community of believers might well find itself: amid great trials, false prophets would lead people astray and the love that is the core of the Gospel would grow cold in the hearts of many.” Pope Francis then discussed how these false prophets appear amongst us. The first example he gave were “snake charmers,” people “who manipulate human emotions in order to enslave others and lead them where they would have them go. How many of God’s children are mesmerized by momentary pleasures, mistaking them for true happiness! How many men and women live entranced by the dream of wealth, which only makes them slaves to profit and petty interests! How many go through life believing that they are sufficient unto themselves, and end up entrapped by loneliness!” Another type of false prophet the pope denounced were “charlatans,” people “who offer easy and immediate solutions to suffering that soon prove utterly useless. How many young people are taken in by the panacea of drugs, of disposable relationships, of easy but dishonest gains! How many more are ensnared in a thoroughly ‘virtual’ existence, in which relationships appear quick and straightforward, only to prove meaningless! These swindlers, in peddling things that have no real value, rob people of all that is most precious: dignity, freedom and the ability to love. They appeal to our vanity, our trust in appearances, but in the end they only make fools of us. Nor should we be surprised. In order to confound the human heart, the devil, who is ‘a liar and the father of lies’ ( Jn 8:44), has always presented evil as good, falsehood as truth.” In the face of these false prophets, whom we all encounter in our daily existence, the pope said that we’re each “called to peer into our heart to see if we are falling prey to [their] lies. We must learn to look closely, beneath the surface, and to recognize what leaves a good and lasting mark on our hearts, because it comes from God and is truly for our benefit.” Pope Francis then discussed “hell frozen over.” “In his description of hell, Dante Alighieri pictures the devil seated on a throne of ice, in frozen and loveOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org
Vol. 62, No. 3
Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses. Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address
PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza kensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org
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The Anchor - February 9, 2018
less isolation. We might well ask ourselves how it happens that charity can turn cold within us. What are the signs that indicate that our love is beginning to cool?” The pontiff then answered that question. “More than anything else, what destroys charity is greed for money, ‘the root of all evil’ (1 Tim 6:10). The rejection of God and His peace soon follows; we prefer our own desolation rather than the comfort found in His Word and the Sacraments. All this leads to violence against anyone we think is a threat to our own ‘certainties’: the unborn child, the elderly and infirm, the migrant, the alien among us, or our neighbor who does not live up to our expectations.” The certainties which the pope criticized are held by people on the left and the right. He offers us food for thought, as we fast from bodily food, so that we might be better able to share all that God has given us. The pope then discussed how our sins have an effect out in the world. “Creation itself becomes a silent witness to this cooling of charity. The earth is poisoned by refuse, discarded out of carelessness or for self-interest. The seas, themselves polluted, engulf the remains of countless shipwrecked victims of forced migration. The heavens, which in God’s plan, were created to sing His praises, are rent by engines raining down implements of death.” Next the Holy Father described how this iciness affects the Church and our society: “Love can also grow cold in our own communities. In the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, I sought to describe the most evident signs of this lack of love: selfishness and Spiritual sloth, sterile pessimism, the temptation to self-absorption, constant warring among ourselves, and the worldly mentality that makes us concerned only for appearances, and thus lessens our missionary zeal.” Two weeks from now we will look at the pope’s discussion of the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving and our movement towards the fire of Easter (if you don’t want to wait, you can look it up at http://w2.vatican.va/ content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/papa-francesco_20171101_ messaggio-quaresima2018.html). In the meantime, please also read over and put into practice Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha’s message for Lent, which you can find on the cover of this Anchor. He addresses the challenge of suffering in this life: “We cannot fully avoid suffering. No one is immune to the evils that surround us and no one is exempt from the suffering that befalls us.” He tells us that instead of trying to run away from it, we are to learn from Christ how to find meaning in it and make it part of our journey towards the Kingdom. Claire McManus on page nine tells us, “If we are going to derive any benefit from our Lenten exercises we might want to make a slight adjustment to align them with what Jesus intended.” Otherwise, they are pointless. As Deacon Tom Palanza preached (see page 10, in the coverage of Father David Andrade’s funeral), “the only thing of any lasting consequence — is how well we chose to respond to God’s eternal call.”
Daily Readings Feb. 10 — Feb. 23
Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Feb. 10, 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Ps 106:67, 19-22; Mk 8:1-10. Sun. Feb. 11, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lv 13:12,44-46; Ps 32:1-2,5,11; 1 Cor 10:31—11:1; Mk 1:40-45. Mon. Feb. 12, Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67-68,71-72,75-76; Mk 8:11-13. Tues. Feb. 13, Jas 1:12-18; Ps 94:12-15,18-19; Mk 8:14-21. Wed. Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday, Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6a,12-14,17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs. Feb. 15, Dt 30:1520; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25. Fri. Feb. 16, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6a,18-19; Mt 9:1415. Sat. Feb. 17, Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32. Sun. Feb. 18, First Sunday of Lent, Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-9; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15. Mon. Feb. 19, Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mt 25:31-46. Tues. Feb. 20, Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7,1619; Mt 6:7-15. Wed. Feb. 21, Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19; Lk 11:29-32. Thurs. Feb. 22, 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 16:13-19. Fri. Jan. 23, Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26.
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The romance of Lent toward the reality of Easter
ome have been making note in Catholic circles about the coincidence that Ash Wednesday this year falls on Valentine’s Day and Easter Sunday on April Fools. Some Catholics have actually wondered which of the celebrations should take precedence. On January 26, the Archdiocese of Chicago put out a statement in response to various inquiries as to whether it would still be obligatory to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, presumably so that Catholic couples could have romantic steak dinners. It noted what will be true in every diocese, that “the obligation of fast and abstinence must naturally be the priority in the Catholic community” and suggested that those wishing to celebrate Valentine’s Day might do so on Mardi Gras. Parenthetically, such inquiries show the unfortunate confusion that can ensue when, among other things, various dioceses with many Catholics of Irish origin give dispensations whenever St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Lenten Friday so that Catholics can — without needing to attend any Liturgical celebration of the great and abstemious Archbishop of Armagh — eat corned beef and drink Guinness without guilt. Such decisions unintentionally leave the impression that feasting according to the spirit of the secular corruption of what once were religious feasts seems more important than Spiritual discipline, something that in an increasingly secular age may be wise to reconsider. The coincidence of Ash Wednesday falling on February 14 this year allows the Church to emphasize something different and very important. It’s a rare occurrence and so the Church doesn’t have
such an approach with that this opportunity often. Since of husbands or boyfriends 1900, Ash Wednesday has fallen on Valentine’s Day only who really seek to show, on Valentine’s Day and beyond, three times, in 1923, 1934 just how much they love the and 1945. Looking ahead it woman in their life, not in will fall on Valentine’s Day exclusively material ways like again in 2024 and 2029 and jewelry, but in the thoughtfulthen not again for the rest of the century. So in 200 years, it ness and time they put into demonstrating why, how and will happen six times. For enquiring minds, the rarity comes Putting Into from the way the date of Easter is established. the Deep Easter always falls the first Sunday after By Father the first moon after Roger J. Landry the Spring Equinox. This year the Spring Equinox is March 20, the full how much they cherish her. Real love, after all, is shown moon on Saturday, March 31, and Easter the following day. in a capacity to sacrifice for the one loved, even to the Ash Wednesday is always 46 point of laying down one’s days before Easter. life. Valentine’s Day is an The opportunity the occasion to show that type Church has this year is to of sacrificial love. Stinginess, emphasize the type of love whether in terms of monetary that ought always to mark cheapness or a general lack our faith and characterize of effort, is often a sign of a our Lents. Very often Lent weak love. is marked by a minimalism As Christians, we should unworthy of someone who love God more than any man passionately loves God with has ever loved any woman. We all his mind, heart, soul and should be willing to sacrifice strength and passionately for Him more. We should be loves one’s neighbor in need. willing to make more time for People often give up someHim than those in love make thing, like chocolate and for each other. We should be sweets, or alcohol, or chewmore passionate about pleasing gum, for their fasting, or ing Him than any boyfriend frequently put some loose change in a Rice Bowl box for seeks to make happy the almsgiving, or commit them- woman to whom he wishes to selves to praying the Stations propose. Lent is a time when of the Cross on Fridays for prayer. There’s nothing wrong we can focus above all on whether God’s love for us and with any of these practices, which are all steps in the right our love for Him are as they direction — but let’s be hon- ought to be. As Pope Benedict used to stress, Lent is not est: very small steps. about making minor course They’re a little like a huscorrections in our lives, but band’s picking up a generic about experiencing a radicard for his wife on Valencal and total conversion. It’s tine’s Day, or getting some aging carnations at the florist meant to be a moral exodus in which we give up the easy because he thought roses superficiality in which we live were too expensive to get for and resolve to adopt faithfully, his wife or because he didn’t think about getting roses until step by step, Christ’s own the last minute and they were path of total self-giving. It’s meant to be a Passover from sold out. We can contrast
mediocrity to sanctity, from being a part-time disciple to inserting ourselves fully into Christ’s Paschal Mystery, dying to ourselves so that Christ can truly live within us. The confluence of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day can be an occasion for us to focus precisely on this total conversion to a life of real love by and for God. God asks us, not “Do you want to be My Valentine?,” but rather, “Do you want Me to be the love of your life?” The ashes we bear, testifying to our desire for conversion, can be like roses presented before Him. Our fasting can show our hunger. Our prayer can reveal how much we wish to share time with Him in loving conversation or even in silence. Our almsgiving can be a means by which we share not only in His lavish goodness to us but also in His deep concern for our needy neighbor. And just as in a relationship where the love expressed on Valentine’s Day should be echoed far beyond February 14, so the love for God we show on Ash Wednesday is supposed to effuse Lent and beyond. Lent is ultimately meant to be a season in which we ponder the incredible, spousal love of Jesus Christ for His Church shown in His dying so that His Bride might live. There’s no greater love story in history than that of
the true, indeed extreme, love of Christ for us. There’s no greater choice we’ll ever make than to respond to God’s eschatological Marriage proposal and align our lives with His nuptial passion. Lent is a pilgrimage toward Holy Thursday when the Marriage between Christ and His Bride is consummated as His Bride takes within His Body and Blood and becomes one flesh with Him, when the New Eve is formed from the pierced side of the New Adam on what St. Edith Stein called the bed of the Cross, and then culminates in the joy of the Easter Vigil, when the prophecy of Isaiah, proclaimed as the fourth Old Testament reading, is fulfilled when he says, “The One Who has become your husband is your Maker. The Lord calls you back like a wife!” A Lent like this will lead us, on April 1, to an Easter without guile, in which we rejoice on the practical joke God has played on death, on sin and on the devil: when even after public crucifixion, the Bridegroom rose triumphantly from death in order to be able to raise us, His beloved, with Him and prepare us for an eternal wedding banquet after the Lent of earthly life. There’s no dispensation needed to live Lent like this. Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.
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To be or not to be — Parsing the implications of suicide
n recent years we have witnessed a growing tendency to promote suicide as a way of resolving end-stage suffering. Physician-assisted suicide is now legal in a handful of states and a number of other jurisdictions are considering laws to legalize the practice. A few years ago on “Nightline,” Barbara Walters interviewed an assisted suicide advocate who summed it up this way: “We’re talking about what people want. There are people who, even suffering horribly, want to live out every second of their lives, and that’s their right, of course, and they should do it. Others don’t want that. Others want out!” Those favoring physician-assisted suicide argue that getting out of our final agony means essentially redeeming a “get out of jail free” card through com-
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carefully Shakespeare admitting suicide. At first dresses the vexing question glance, taking this step would indeed appear to end of intense human suffering and the perennial temptaour troubles definitively. tion to commit suicide. But what if this view of Hamlet muses about things is dead wrong, and whether it is better to put we don’t actually end up up with the bad things escaping our sufferings? What if we, instead, end up we know about in this life than to step into the in a new situation where our trials are still present, and maybe Making Sense even more intense, on account of the Out of willful decision we Bioethics made to end our By Father Tad own life? Pacholczyk I was recently reminded of this serious flaw in strange new land of death’s the “suicide solution” after “undiscovered country,” a watching a remarkable video adaptation of Shake- country about which we know very little, and from speare’s tragedy “Hamlet,” which no one returns. with Campbell Scott codirecting and starring in the This leaves us, in Hamlet’s words, “puzzled” and in title role. Listening once “dread of something after again to Hamlet’s timeless death.” He wonders aloud soliloquy “to be or not to about the hidden purposes be,” I was struck by how of suffering when he asks himself, “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” than to “take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.” He concludes by asking whether we shouldn’t rather “bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of ?” Among those who end up committing suicide,
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whether physician-assisted or otherwise, many will face extenuating circumstances including severe depression or other forms of extreme mental pain. In such cases, it is clear that their moral responsibility will be greatly diminished, as fear and anguish constrict their ability to think and reason clearly. But this is not always the case, and some people, with clear mind and directed intention, do choose to end their lives, as appears to have been the case for Britney Maynard. She was the young woman in California who in the early stages of her brain cancer carefully arranged and orchestrated her own physician-assisted suicide, establishing months in advance the date and setting, who would be present in the room, what music would be playing as she did it, etc. Such a decision is always a tragedy, and every life, even when compromised by disease or suffering, remains a great gift to be cared for. When freely chosen, suicide is a form of serious wrongdoing and is, in the words of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” “Gravely contrary to the
just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations.” It leaves behind loved ones to contend with unresolved guilt, shame, and pain. While ending our life may seem to offer an “escape valve” for the serious pressures and sufferings we face, we do well to consider the real effects of this choice both in this life, and in the life to come. In the next life, a preceding act of suicide may deny us the very relief we were seeking, and may, in fact, lead to harsher purification in a new situation of our own making, or, Heaven forbid, lead to a fate far worse than purgatory. Our Lord and His Church care profoundly for those who commit suicide, and even though this act clearly involves grave matter, the “Catechism” reminds us that, “We should not despair of the eternal Salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” Suicide affects us not only in the here and now, but has significant, even eternal, implications for the journey to that “undiscovered country” that awaits us. Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org.
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here’s an old adage that life events come in threes; some good; some bad. Lent also comes in a threepack: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Many cradle Catholics can look back on a lifetime of giving up those physical vices that usually center around candy and alcohol, only to end in a veritable orgy of indulgence on Easter Sunday. Many others make Lent a time to carve out time from their busy lives to go to daily Mass, or spend more time in prayer. After Easter the Spiritual practice falls away and the mundane creeps back in. We might need to give our Lenten practices a restyling. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are ways to deepen our relationship with God that Jesus gave to us as a sure path to discipleship. Jesus taught His disciples that prayer was meant to be a combination of private refection, praying with others, and keeping the Commandments. Fasting was more than just an ascetic practice that showed off to everyone how pious one could be. Jesus admonished His disciples to look joyful during their fast; don’t draw attention to the inner transformation that was happening. Almsgiving was more than charity for the disciples of Jesus. Giving without seeking justice would be only half of the formula for having a preferential option for the poor and suffering. The three pillars of Spiritual life are meant to be transformative; not just seasonal sacrifices that suspend on Sundays and end in 40 days. If we are going to derive any benefit from our Lenten exercises we might want to make a slight adjustment to align them with what Jesus intended. Jesus led His disciples through Spiritual transformation that would prepare them for work in the Kingdom of God. His Spiritual exercises were not meant to be momentary expressions of piety,
Lent toward transformative action. but were directed toward a specific goal of changing us for Catholic Relief Services (CRS. org) has recipes on its website the task ahead. Each one of us has a true purpose that is buried to teach us what a meal looks within. St. Teresa of Avila said, like in the poorest countries so that we can eat in solidar“We find God by uncovering our own true selves; and it is in ity with their people. Our fast from food the search might for God have the that we desired can disThe Great effect on cover who our bodwe are.” Commission ies, but at Perhaps By Claire McManus the end of the best 40 days we way to apmight also proach our be more aware of the needs of fasting, prayer and almsgiving is to ask, “What do these reveal the poor. Fasting from Facebook is anabout myself ?” other common trend among soWhat we give up or choose cial media adherents who find to do during Lent reveals a lot about our self-image. When we it absorbs too much of their time. These social media sites give up wine, or sweets; swearare not going to be impacted ing or Facebook; and many practices that are too numerable by our fast; but they might be to count, we reveal to ourselves transformed if we spend our our deepest yearnings to be better people. We give up things so as to save ourselves from gluttony, time-wasting, unkindness or some other vice, so that we will look or feel better in our own eyes. Jesus showed us, however, that what matters more is how we look in God’s eyes. Our giving up is only part of the sacrifice; the rest is more transformative. The more we strip away the things that keep us from being our best selves; the clearer our image of God will be revealed. Aligning our Spiritual journey with the path Jesus set out requires only a slight adjustment of motivation. If we want to give up eating our favorite treat, rather than using this as a way toward a full body makeover we might want to learn more about the economics of food. In our own country the poor spend more than 35 percent of their income on food. We might look into our own household budget in comparison. Knowledge is the first step
Lent spreading joy rather than division. Giving up wine is a noble exercise, but we might transform this fast by praying the Serenity Prayer in solidarity with those who struggle with the pain of addiction. When we give alms during Lent we might deviate from the places where we usually send our contributions. We might consider giving to a cause that makes us do a little research. The more we learn about our community, the better the chance that our presence there will be transformative. Whatever we do for Lent, it must always make us joyful people in the end. As Pope Francis told us, we must not be Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Off ice of Faith Formation.
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Lenten missions, events planned across diocese
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — In his 2018 Lenten Message (on page one of this Anchor edition), Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., urges diocesan faithful, “Let us keep the Spirit of Lent alive in our families, our homes, our parishes, our schools and in our own lives.” During this Lenten season, many parishes are offering missions and events to help everyone to “keep the Spirit of Lent alive.” As of press time, The Anchor has received several notifications of such events. This list is by no means a complete compilation. Those wishing to find events near them or in tune with what they had in mind are encouraged to research parish bulletins, the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese. org or The Anchor website at anchornews.org. The Fall River Deanery is again hosting a four-day mission running February 26 through March 1.
The mission will be presented by Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., themed: “The Temptations of Christ in 2018.” The mission will be presented within the context of the celebration of Mass each evening at 7 p.m. at four separate locations. Priests will be available each evening for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 6 p.m. The February 26 Mass will take place at St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Avenue, Fall River. February 27 — St. John of God Church, 996 Brayton Avenue, Somerset. February 28 — St. Bernard’s Church, 32 South Main Street, Assonet. March 1 — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, Fall River. Also scheduled in the Fall River Deanery is a mission at St. George’s Church in Westport, (12 Highland Avenue) March 12, 13 and 14. The event, themed, “Come Away With Me and Rest
Awhile,” will be led by Father Timothy Brewer. The New Bedford Deanery is conducting a Deanery Retreat from March 19-21 at noon and 7 p.m. Masses each day, at St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford )106 Illinois Street). The retreat will be led by Jesuit Father Jack Butler, vice president of Boston College Division of University Mission and Ministry. Confessions will be heard 30 minutes before each Mass. Also at St. Mary’s will be a presentation/discussion on Bishop Robert Barron’s “Conversion For Lent.” It will take place on three Monday evenings: February 19, March 5 and March 12 at 7 p.m. in the Father Unsworth Hospitality Center. Bishop Barron will discuss conversion through Jesus’ relationship with Matthew, Jonah and the woman at the well. St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in Dighton is hosting a one-day Lenten Retreat on March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Do-
minican Sisters of the Presentation Convent, 3013 Elm Street, Dighton. The theme is, “Faith — Does it Make a Difference?” The cost is $25 and includes breakfast and lunch. Call the parish to register. St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown will host a Taizé Lenten service on February 25 at 7 p.m. All are invited to journey with God into the desert this Lent: “Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her” (Hos 2:14). The Cape Cod Deanery has several events scheduled this Lent. Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster (468 Stony Brook Road) is offering a Lenten Mission from March 19-21 at 7 p.m. Well-known international speaker and author Deacon Keith Strohm will lead the mission themed: “Ablaze: Passionately Pursuing Christ and a Life of Purpose.” Over the course of the three evenings, Deacon Strohm will present on
themes of being created for a relationship with God, finding fulfillment and joy now and eternal life later through following Jesus. Other events at the Brewster parish include: Faith on Fire sessions on February 11 and March 4 beginning with the 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Masses where families attend Mass, share a meal and discuss the Beatitudes; Rediscover Jesus on February 13, 20 and 27, a book discussion group based on Matthew Kelly’s publication of the same name; Stations of the Cross, Soup and Video evenings each Friday during Lent beginning February 16 from 5-7 p.m.; and Wednesday Morning Adoration every Wednesday during Lent beginning February 14 when the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed following the 8 a.m. Mass. St. Margaret’s (141 Main Street, Buzzards Bay) and St. Mary’s (Onset Bay Lane, Onset) churches are offering a four-week seminar, “Lord, Have
before us in His person, to take the mundane form of bread and wine and change it into the miraculous presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It must have the ‘yes’ from those called to be ‘a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ A calling that Father David heard, accepted and lived out with great joy.” A priest is called by God “to shepherd and to guide us from here to eternity,” the deacon preached. “It is the precious gift that Father David is, and will forever be, to all he was called
to love, to heal, to nourish and to serve throughout his priesthood.” The homilist urged the congregation, “So let us all remember to pray for our priests, for those here with us today, for those in our diocese and beyond, that many more will hear the call from our Lord, and follow selflessly and generously in the footsteps of Father David. For without them there is no Eucharist, there is no Reconciliation, there is no window for us to have and to hold that which is eternal and true.”
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Swansea pastor, Father David Andrade, dies at 57 continued from page three
ment.’ “And in the center arch there was no carving, only the words, ‘That only is important which is eternal.’” Deacon Palanza then added, “Because, whether our time in this world is 57 or 107 years, it really is but a blink of an eye in the realm of eternity. And the only thing that will really matter in the end — the only thing of any lasting consequence — is how well we chose to respond to God’s eternal call.” Speaking of that call, the homilist noted, “From 10
the moment of our Baptism, God calls us home — like only a loving parent can - constantly guiding, nurturing, oftentimes even nudging us along. And each of us will be tested by that which pleases, and lulls us into thinking that we can find our happiness apart from God. And all that troubles will try and deceive us into thinking that there is no hope, no Resurrection or promise of a new and eternal life. “But for all who recognize this world for what it is, as a passage-way of faith — not our final destination
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— God provides us with a window of Truth and Life to that which is eternal!” Deacon Palanza spoke of the importance of Father Andrade’s priesthood for the community. “The Eucharist is our window to gaze upon the eternal — to hold and receive the revelation of God’s perfect love for all of His creation. But this miracle of our Catholic faith cannot happen on its own. It must have a mediator. Those among us with the transformative power. It must have the priesthood of Jesus Christ — to stand
Friday 2 February 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — feast of the Presentation of the Lord ou know me, dear readers, I live my life by the Liturgical calendar. Of course I waited until January 8 to take down my Christmas tree. The feast of the Baptism of the Lord, as we all know, is officially the last day of the Christmas season. Taking down my Christmas tree wasn’t much of a hassle this year due to the simple fact that it had no ornaments. It’s a pre-lit artificial tree covered with thick white flocking. I thought it looked fine without ornaments. Now it just needed to be stuffed back into the carton. The only thing left of Christmas at Ye Old Rectory is the Five and Ten Nativity scene in my room. Today is the day when, every year, I pack the manger away. Today, Candlemas Day, is the last flicker of the Christmas season. The Liturgy begins to turn towards spring. Anything Christmas is henceforth out of place. I am especially fond of the Liturgy of Candlemas Day. Holy Mass on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord begins with a blessing of candles and includes the whole assembly processing with lighted candles into the church. It’s similar to the procession commemorating the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, except everyone holds candles instead of palms. The feast of the Presentation falls on a weekday, so there will not be the same numbers of worshippers as on a weekend. Still, weekday Masses here can see 30 people or more, so attendance will allow for a respectable procession. Following the advice of some Liturgists, for several years I invited people to bring candles from home for the blessing. Everybody these days has candles at home, I figured. It didn’t work. People forgot. There was nothing for me to bless. Awkward. I had to delay the beginning of Mass in order to raid the church candle closet. Now I just put out a box of those congregational tapers that are used at the Easter Vigil. A basic Liturgical principle is this: Do what works. In a procession, everybody moves
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Ready. Set ...
from one place to another — or at Day). Nobody wants a second-hand least that’s how it’s supposed to be. taper. Check. Somehow, walking around the aisles Have you planned for the look of the church doesn’t have the same of the Lenten Sanctuary? Rememeffect. It looks more like circling ber, no cut flowers, except for on the wagons solemnities in an old TV and Laetare western. Still, Sunday. The Ship’s Log I suppose it’s Lent is a Reflections of a better than good time Parish Priest skipping the to retire By Father Tim whole thing those scragGoldrick altogether. gly potted After trypalms as ing different well. A locations for the blessing of the Lenten Sanctuary needs to look candles, I settled upon the north simple, bordering on starkness. lobby of the church. It’s an adequate Check. space, visibly and physically separate Most important are the Spiritual from the main worship area. It’s preparations. Are parishioners preabout as far as you can get from the pared for meaningful prayer, fasting, Sanctuary without being out on the and almsgiving during Lent? sidewalk. The month of February is Will there be additional opnot a good time to plan a procession that begins outside. Another basic Liturgical principle: Be sensible. Once Mass on the feast of the Presentation has been celebrated, it’s time to revisit the checklist for Lent/Holy Week/Easter — if you tend to be last-minute and haven’t done so already. Do you have enough ashes for Ash Wednesday? It’s easier (and safer) to just order them in little plastic Ziploc bags than to go through the trouble of burning last year’s dried-up palms. Check. Have you ordered enough palms? The packages of palms tend to arrive well in advance. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Also, don’t forget to check your supply of palms to be certain the fronds are free from yucky blight and mold. That would ruin the procession. Check. Do you have a new Paschal candle? Paschal candles are expensive but they are an important symbol of the presence of the Risen Christ among us at Liturgies throughout the year (funerals, Baptisms, and all Liturgies during the 50-day Easter season). Just scraping the decal numerals off last year’s Paschal candle stub would save money, but the optics would be terrible. Check. Do you have enough fresh tapers for all members of the assembly at the Easter Vigil? (Hopefully, you didn’t use them all on Candlemas
portunities for prayer and Spiritual conferences? Check. Are the catechumens ready for their final Spiritual formation before full initiation into the Church? (We don’t have any this year). Have you purchased some takehome Lenten Spiritual reading for distribution to parishioners? Check. Nothing Liturgical “just happens.” Preparing for the season of Lent/Holy Week/Easter is more complicated than you may at first suspect. Not that I would ever want to procrastinate, dear readers, but I think I’ll enjoy my manger scene a bit longer. “Ready. Set. Wait!” That’s my motto. Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.
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Knights of Columbus offer online site to engage new members
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Knights of Columbus, the largest Catholic fraternal order in the world, has announced a membership initia-
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tive that allows eligible Catholic men to join the organization online. The program is being rolled out in select states and will be introduced
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nationally in July. “The online membership experience is tailored to younger potential members, reflecting society’s expanding digital footprint, which we seek to employ as part of our long-term growth strategy,” said Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson.
The new program follows numerous listening sessions and surveys of members and nonmembers in recent years. The research discerned a desire for a new, online way to join the K of C, one that offers members a digital experience of the order. “It allows a faster way
to become a Knight along with access to a wealth of digital content that promotes growth and engagement,” said Anderson. “The virtual can become more concrete as the online member deepens his faith and then moves into more active participation in his parTurn to page 15
Bishop da Cunha encourages area religious at meeting, day of prayer
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
NORTH DARTMOUTH — Being a member of a religious order himself, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., knows full well the missions, challenges and charisms of his brother and sister religious. At an earlier get-together with area religious leaders and their delegates at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Taunton, the bishop and attendees participated in a listening session on the part of both parties. According to Dominican Sister Paulina Hurtado, diocesan Episcopal Representative for Religious and assistant
director of Vocations, and a representative for the Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Hope at the
meeting, “The format of the meeting was threefold. “First, using Church
documents on religious life the bishop spoke about religious life as a gift and vocation in the
Church and recounted the gifts of religious to education and health care in Turn to page 20
USCCB Prayer Card for Consecrated Persons. The Anchor - February 9, 2018
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hey first met at the movies while attending Durham University in jolly old England. It was love at first blush. Julia or Julie, as we call her, hails from Stuart, Fla. She grew up with lots of alligators in her neighborhood but she had the good sense not to play with them. For this we will be forever grateful. Ryan comes from the green glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland not far from Lough Neagh where lurks the lake’s monster, a distant cousin of Nessie. He had the good sense not to pursue that monster. For this we thank the Lord. When Ryan proposed to Julie, he did
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Love at first blush
many artifacts on display includso in real style. He got down ing personal items belonging on both knees. Now knowing what a lovely young lady she is, I to the many Hansen’s Disease would have done so also. A good patients who called this their home for many years, as well as Irishman, Stations of Ryan has a the Cross lot of class. given Later they Moon Over to St. would beMolokai Damien by come Mr. By Father Ed Clifand Mrs. Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. ford for St. Poland in Philomena her home Church in state of Kalawao. While Julie oversees Florida. the workings of Hale Malama, Julie and Ryan arrived here she also gives tours to those in Kalaupapa in 2016. Julie is lucky visitors who wish to see the curator of Hale Malama which we hope will soon become the many artifacts of historical interest and value. It has been a fully-fledged museum with suggested (though as yet unsubstantiated) that Julie may in the future present some hula moves as part of her presentation. Ryan, who is highly qualified in many fields, works at this time in the National Park Nursery. Part of his responsibility, as well as working at the nursery,
is to plant native Hawaiian plants in designated parts of this peninsula, including the interior of the now dormant crater, Kauhako. Now Ryan is a strong swimmer, as I myself have witnessed, but I hope that he does not decide to go for a dip in the crater’s lake. He is a wee bit adventurous but Julie would not be happy to learn that he did so. Julie and Ryan are very involved in our parish church activities. Ryan is a lector at St. Francis and both are very much a part of any special projects, including church decorating for Christmas and other festive times. They are always looking to be of service and we are so blessed to have them in our midst. Perhaps some day soon Ryan will entertain us with his music skills and Julie will grace us with her hula routines. And it all began with love at first blush. Aloha. Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.
Knights offer website to draw new members Attleboro SVdP hosts forum on social justice for poor, vulnerable continued from page 12
ish and community. This comes with the ability for him to transition to local council membership.” Anderson explained that the new program supplements K of C practices and traditions, which remain intact, including the structure of local councils and the various degrees that members may attain. The digital experience for online members includes Faith Formation, access to relevant financial literature, opportunities to get involved in local charitable programs as well as news updates on order-wide efforts in favor of advancing the Pro-Life cause, religious liberty, family values and the Knights of Columbus as the strong right arm of the Church. Online members also receive regular newsletters from the Knights’ headquarters in New Haven, Conn., on a variety of
topics, with resources and information that will help members lead with faith, protect their families, serve others and defend their values. The K of C was founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest, in New Haven, Conn. The organization was formed to provide charitable outreach and care for the financial well-being of Catholic families, focusing on the protection of widows and orphans, and on strengthening the faith of its members. It has grown to include almost two million members worldwide. The Knights set a new record for charitable donations in 2016, with more than $177.5 million in donations and more than 75 million hours of service valued at $1.8 billion. For more information visit the Knights of Columbus website at kofc.org.
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 February 11, 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Thomas C. Lopes, a retired priest of the Fall River Diocese.
February 18 , 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Richard E. Degagne, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Easton.
continued from page two
ganizations, Vincentians typically meet individuals in need in their own homes to offer a listening ear and to learn firsthand about their unique needs. Attleboro District Vincentians also operate food pantries and a second-hand clothing store. In addition to the aid they provide, district president Mary Dwyer said Vincentians seek to be a “voice for and with the poor.” She added that “often our marginalized and vulnerable friends feel powerless in trying to bring out meaningful changes in public policy that could really help them help themselves. The Legislative Forum is also an attempt to assist the poor to find their voices by giving their input to their elected representatives.” The Attleboro District SVdP also develops
responsive anti-poverty programs to effect systemic change, said Reeves and Dwyer. They offered examples such as the district’s “Getting Ahead While Just Getting By” Program, a 16-week self-help course; its work assisting Bristol House of Correction ex-offenders successfully reintegrate into the community; a pilot ride program for those in need who are temporarily without transportation for critical health services, education or employment; and an “under-development” micro-loan program for those who have lost their credit-worthiness but have earning capacity and a renewed determination to reach financial stability. “What we want to do at this Legislative Forum,” said Reeves, “is make sure our elected officials see the need and
understand — to essentially be the lobby for the poor and the marginalized. But we need help and input from the whole community to do that effectively and make this area the kind of place we all want it to be — one concerned about our brothers and sisters in need and willing to act accordingly.” Aid given directly to those in need by the Attleboro area Vincentians as well as the district’s anti-poverty programs are funded by donations from area Catholic Church parishioners, local businesses and corporations, and generous individual supporters. On April 7, the district will hold its major community-wide “Family Walk — Helping Our Neighbors” fund-raiser. The walk takes place at Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary at the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. Walkers, donors, and pledgers can get more information at the district’s website (enter “Attleboro District SVdP” into your Internet browser). As in the past, Reeves said, the Legislative Forum will feature an open question-and-answer session as well as a structured dialogue. More information is available from Reeves at rdianam@aol.com. Pre-registration is not required to attend the forum, and there is no fee. Coffee and pastry will be served. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an independent Catholic lay organization with about 80,000 members in about 4,400 communities throughout the country.
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I
For and About Our Church Youth Long after the flowers and chocolates are gone
waited with great anticipation as Sister Mary Anthony passed out the envelopes. She stopped in front of each desk and dropped off a good number of envelopes until she got to mine. She handed me two envelopes! I remember being sad and embarrassed as I looked around, squirreled down in my seat and opened the two envelopes. One was from my best friend Maureen and the other from my friend Bob. You never know where you stand in popularity until the day the envelopes are passed out and that year, I stood at the bottom of the pile. It’s no wonder that Valentine’s Day was one of my least favorite holidays! As the years progressed, political correctness required you to send cards to everyone in the class or to no one. It
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was a way to keep those kids flowers. I defended my gift like me feeling like a loser. I as worth every dollar to show wonder if it worked? her how much I loved her. I pretty much ignored the She, in plain language that holiday until I got married. only Kris can speak, told Then Valentine’s Day caused me that my unconditional thoughts of red roses, candy in heart-shaped boxes, winged cherubs shooting arrows to start swirling around in my head. By Deacon What would I do Frank Lucca to show my wife how much I loved her on that day? I recall one love was shown to her every year purchasing her a dozen- day — and nothing else was AND-A-HALF roses and needed. I hope I’ve done that sent them to her office. It for most of our nearly 38 cost me around $100 and years of Marriage. I was so sure that it would Thoughts of the upcoming show my love without quesValentine’s Day caused me tion. When she got home, to do a little research on the I didn’t get the reaction I holiday and what it means expected. She was upset that and what it could mean to I spent so much money on us this year. I was interested to learn that the origin of Valentine’s Day (actually St. Valentine’s Day) comes from the life and death of a martyr. Valentine was a Roman Christian during the persecution of Christians in the third century. The emperor of the time declared Christians
The Anchor - February 9, 2018
Be Not Afraid
illegal citizens. Valentine was arrested. During his time in prison he was asked by a guard to pray for his blind daughter. As a result of those prayers, the girl’s sight was restored. The guard and his whole family of 46 people came to believe in Jesus and were baptized. When the emperor heard that Valentine was still converting people while in prison he sentenced him to death. Just before being led out to be executed, Valentine wrote a note to the guard’s daughter urging her to stay close to God, signing it, “From Your Valentine.” So the very first valentine was really a witness to unconditional devotion to Christ even under the pain of death. Having read about St. Valentine, I think I can now come to a new appreciation for the holiday. Not a day to count how many Valentine cards you receive, or tweets, texts, or Facebook notes you receive during the day, but a day to commemorate St. Valentine on the day he
was executed for refusing to renounce his faith in Jesus. I’m not saying we should abandon all of the fun aspects of the holiday, but all too often in this world we secularize things to reduce their important meaning in our lives (like Christmas and Easter). Rather, this St. Valentine’s Day, remember you are loved, not only by friends and family, but also, and I dare say, most importantly, by God. God wants to be your valentine each and every day. God’s love is not like those flimsy Valentine’s cards or Tweets that will soon be discarded. He doesn’t choose to whom to give His Valentine; He gives it to each and every one of us. It is surely not like the love the world gives. It is the real thing. It is an unconditional love proven every day by His willingness to suffer and die for us. It is truly what real love is all about. Of course, the question now is, will you be God’s Valentine? Let’s pray! “God of love, thank You for those that I love, Let Your compassion, generosity, and power continue to shine in my life long after the flowers and chocolates are gone, that I and all whom I love might remember that You love us, now and always. Amen.” Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea and St. George’s Parish in Westport, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of 39 years, Kristine, and the father of two daughters and their husbands, and three grandsons. So blessed! Comments, ideas or suggestions? Please email him at DeaconFrankLucca@ comcast.net.
For and About Our Church Youth
Eighth-graders at St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven have become buddies with pre-schoolers, to share time and activities with them.
More than 100 Latin and art students from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Latin students examined and photographed artifacts in the Roman Art Collection to be used for a future project, while art students completed an Inspiration Scavenger Hunt, interacting with pieces throughout the museum.
Enrichment class students in grades six through eight at Holy Trinity School in Fall River recently experimented with recycled paper-making with Therese Cabral and Will Kalif. They used shredded paper, natural cotton, molds and deckles, blenders and water. They added artistic features and materials to make each piece of paper unique.
Prayer partners in kindergarten and grade eight met for the first time recently at Holy Name School in Fall River.
St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro announced that seventh-graders Mia Newquist and Autumn Perry (shown with English teacher Bridget Baudinet) were selected as the winners for the middle school category in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee of Greater Attleboro Essay Contest. The theme was “Make America a Better Nation.” Essay contest awards were given during the committee’s Interfaith Service in celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday at the First Baptist Church in Attleboro.
Students at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford learn Taekwondo with Master Lee. The Anchor - February 9, 2018
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For and About Our Church Youth Cape Cod parishioner honored to sing at March for Life By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
POCASSET — This year’s 45th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. was historic, since it marked the first time that a sitting President of the United States addressed attendees gathered on the National Mall via a live video feed. In addition to President Donald Trump’s words of encouragement, this year’s pre-march rally was also an historic occasion for one 14-year-old girl from Buzzards Bay, who not only attended her first-ever March for Life, but had the distinct honor of singing the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies. McKenna Donohue, daughter of Knight of Columbus Sean Donohue and his wife, Natalie, was given the chance of a lifetime to sing in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the 2018 March for Life in our nation’s capital. “It was amazing,” McKenna recently told The Anchor. “It was scary to see all the people, but it was a great experience.” Noting that the experience was “a great opportunity,” McKenna added that she’s always wanted to sing in front of a large crowd. “And I think it’s a great way to show my support and my family’s support of Pro-Life,” she added. A choir singer and parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and a freshman at Falmouth High School, McKenna attended this year’s March for Life with her proud parents and three siblings. “The March for Life was 18
absolutely an amazing exstrong Catholic background games,” McKenna said. “So perience,” said McKenna’s and belief in faith and fam- she said she would love if I mom, Natalie. “The march ily as the reason why being could come and sing (at the itself was incredible, but Pro-Life is so important. march).” then to see McKenna up “We truly believe in the After McKenna heard on that stage was amazing. need to protect the unborn the news of being chosen, To see a young life up there children of this world, she knew she would have promoting a cause like that, and to give them an opto be well-prepared, so she it was just incredible — it portunity in life that God took voice lessons for weeks really was.” leading up to the In a year of firsts, event. this was also the “I found out first time that the about a month proud mother of beforehand, so I four, who considers started to go for herself a huge Provoice lessons,” she Life advocate, atsaid. tended the March While the for Life. high school “It’s hard to freshman has believe, but my had some expehusband is active rience singing in the military and the National he was stationed Anthem before in Alaska for four the boys’ and years before this girls’ basketball and there always games and those seemed to be of the girls’ volsomething going leyball team — on,” she said. “So of which she is we never made it also a member to the march prior McKenna Donohue, a choir singer and member — she said the to this year, but we of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset, notion of being were sure glad we was given the chance of a lifetime to sing in out there during were able to go.” front of hundreds of thousands of people at the the March for McKenna’s Life rally was a 2018 March for Life in the nation’s capital. father Sean, who bit daunting. is a member of the “I was little Buzzards Bay Council 2911 wants this to be,” he said. nervous, but my sister Knights of Columbus and “It’s kind of been one of Bethany prayed with me has served in the Coast my wife and my important beforehand, so that defiGuard for 12 years, recently messages that we like to nitely made me feel better,” shared his thoughts in a support within our Catho- she said. KOC newsletter about lic faith, and to spread the It’s clear that having her what it meant to be at this message to everybody else.” family there to support her year’s March for Life with His daughter McKenna was a great comfort. his family. got the unforgettable, once“I don’t really have many “It means a great deal,” in-a-lifetime gig after her close friends down in that he said. “My family and I mom posted a video on area, and it would have have strong feelings about Facebook of her singing, been hard to get people Pro-Life and about the which her aunt shared with from up here to go down, message that the march Jeanne Mancini, March for because we had school on represents. It just means a Life president, for whom Friday,” McKenna said. lot that we can be a part of she works. “But I’m glad I went with the March for Life going “She showed her a my mom and dad and my forward — even if it’s just a video of me singing the siblings.” small part in it.” National Anthem at one “We’re actually from that Donohue attributes his of my school’s basketball area originally, my aunt
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works for the Diocese in Arlington, my mom lives there, (and) all of my family still lives there,” Natalie added. “So, we have quite the network down there and we were able to stay with family.” In addition to witnessing her daughter pay tribute to our great nation in song, the proud Pro-Life mom also got to experience the March for Life herself, which is something she’ll not soon forget. “It’s almost reassuring to see all those people marching, because (generally) what you hear in the media and read in the newspapers or see on the news is nothing about (Pro-Life) or you only hear the other side of it,” she said. “To go there and see a line of people stretched out where you can’t even see the end of it, and the amount of people in front of you and next to you — it’s almost uplifting to know that this topic, this crisis, is so important to so many other people, too. You really leave there fulfilled.” McKenna was equally impressed by the number of people who attended the March for Life and, in particular, the many young attendees there who were close to her own age. “I was expecting to see more older people, so it was cool seeing all the young people there,” she said. “I don’t think she knew what to expect,” her mom agreed. Having now experienced it firsthand, McKenna is already looking forward to next year’s March for Life and hopes she can return. “I would love to go back (to the March for Life) again,” she said.
New Bedford principal named Educator of the Year continued from page four
graders. They could be tough.” But it was a Sister of St. Dorothy who spent time with Felix after school hours to guide her and instruct her to mentor seventh-graders. “The next year the thirdgrade opening became available again. I stayed with the seventh-grade,” Felix said. Felix said there were many teachers in her life who were prime examples of what a Catholic teacher should be. “Cecilia designed a Christ in Action service program for the students at the school,” said Mahoney. “The program allows students to render service within the school in the morning, after lunch and after school. The students learn what it is to help others, to take responsibility for their actions and to live the Golden Rule.” “I’m not a holy-roller by any means,” said Felix, “but I do know faith is today’s priority in our Catholic schools, and that has to be at the forefront.” Felix said she has seen many types of students come and go, and some were not easy to reach or teach. “No matter what the child is like, or from what circumstances they come, they are all a child of God,” she said. Felix told The Anchor she recently received an email from a student who was problematic. “He told me I was the first one who ever made him feel like he was someone.” Felix said many children have come through the doors of HF-HN. “I remember what our old friend Msgr. Tom Harrington told me. He said, ‘Cecilia if only one seed takes, you got it.’ It appears more than one
seed has taken over the past 40 years. “Since it’s been announced that I received the Educator of the Year award I have received emails and contacts from many former students and teaching peers. It’s nice to reconnect.” This isn’t the first time former students have “reconnected” with Felix. “Over the many years as an educator she has taught thousands of children, now these students are bringing their children to the school, to receive the same education that they experienced,” Mahoney told The Anchor. “Because of this, there is an outpouring of resources available to her from electrical work, to plumbing issues to carpentry — it seems that she can pick up the phone and the answer is, ‘Whatever you need Ms. Felix, just let me know.’” In a press release available on its website, the Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Alliance wrote: “Congratulations to Cecilia Felix, principal of Holy Family-Holy Name School, for being recognized as The Standard-Times 2017 SouthCoast Educator of the Year! “Ms. Felix has dedicated the past 40 years to the Holy Family-Holy Name community and made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of students. “The Standard-Times highlighted just a few of her major contributions that extend well beyond the walls of the school: “‘In her nearly three decades at the helm, Felix has established a preschool program, before and afterschool care programs, and a Faith in Action Community Service Program. “‘She’s organized curricu-
lum development workshops and faith-focused workshops for Greater New Bedford area Catholic schools. “‘She sought funding for an on-site counselor, and coordinated the establishment of the North Street Central Neighborhood group — that group sought funding for the Mother Teresa Playground.’ “The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Office is tremendously grateful for the years of service Ms. Felix has dedicated to Holy Family-Holy Name. She has made a lasting impact on not just the school community, but also the city of New Bedford and the diocese as a whole.” Cristina Raposo, principal of St. James-St. John School in New Bedford told The Anchor, “I have been in the diocese for 20 years working in the deanery of New Bedford working with Cecilia. “She is a wonderful colleague who is always willing to help. She is a wealth of knowledge and has always been our go-to person whenever we have questions. “Cecilia truly believes in Catholic education and is a great asset to our diocese and community. The families and children of our community are very lucky to have her. It has been a pleasure to work along side her and I look forward to a future together.” Dr. Patricia Wardell, principal at Holy Name School in Fall River has known Felix for all of the 13 years she has been in the Diocese of Fall River school system. “The dedication, commitment and devotion Cecilia Felix has for her faith in Jesus Christ and the students and families of
Holy Family-Holy Name School places her in the top one percent of all educators and women of faith,” she told The Anchor. “Cecilia is the epitome of an outstanding principal and is more than deserving of The Standard-Times Educator of the Year. She is quick to respond to a email or phone call for assistance, to help with the implementation of school policies, to share ideas for raising funds for scholarships and school materials, and the like. Cecilia is quick to encourage other educators during their many times of trial, to offer positions to many seeking a start in teaching or administration, to use creative ideas for school management, as well as to encourage parents who want Catholic education for their children but lack the financial means. She definitely has the personality to see ‘a glass as half full, not half empty.’ “Over the last 13 years Cecilia was always someone I knew I could call for help or assistance — she lives what she teaches and believes. She is a great woman of faith, faith in good times, and faith in trying times, faith when health is good,
and faith when the cross of illness occurs. She is a true Catholic educator.” It’s not only Felix’s peers and former students who know and appreciate her dedication and hard work. Felix has also had secondgeneration students whose parents went to HF-HN as youngsters. “I encourage them to send their children to Holy Family-Holy Name — it’s a safe haven,” said Felix. “And when a former student sends his or her children here for an education, I say, ‘See it wasn’t so bad after all.’” Felix will continue the mission she learned from her parents and the Sisters of St. Dorothy for as long as the Good Lord allows. And during that time, prices will continue to rise and the world will continue to change. But two things are sure to remain constant: one, the children who walk through the doors of Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford will be treated as the children of God they are, and two, Felix will continue her selfless, faith-based approach with those students, their families, her staff, and the New Bedford community as a whole.
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Bishop meets, prays with area religious; provides encouragement continued from page 13
general and this country in particular. “Second, the bishop provided an overview of the process of revamping the administration of the diocese covering support for Catholic schools, a diocesan school board, assessment of parish viability, finances, and the formation of a diocesan foundation. He stressed how the gifts of lay people in all of these under takings were being utilized. “Third, there was a dialogue around how religious can still be participants in the life and mission of the Church. Since many of the religious in the diocese are retired or physically unable to be actively engaged in ministry an alternative was presented stressing the power of praying presence. Another area centered on educating the young in the faith.” At the meeting Bishop da Cunha expanded on the shortage of vocations in the Diocese of Fall River and throughout the Church. The bishop told the assembly that he
receives comments from places he visits in the diocese such as, “We need Catholic schools and more nuns in them, so that Catholic formation and education can be transmitted and give fruition in vocations for the priesthood and religious life.” “It’s that easy,” the bishop lightheartedly told the group. Bishop da Cunha did tell the gathered religious that there has in fact been an increase in the number of seminarians over the last three years and that there is a common link between efforts for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Sister Hurtado told The Anchor, “At this time efforts are being made to provide discernment programs offered for boys and girls, to parishes and families around the diocese so that they are becoming more involved in the work for vocations. The link or connection between the work for vocations to those in formation to the priesthood and to those in formation to consecrated religious life must be kept. “So, if we do our share
of the work, God will do the rest.” Bishop da Cunha said, “The consecrated life, deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to His Church through the Holy Spirit. That charism, to all religious congregations is given to carry on the mission of the Church. “The consecrated persons are called to be a leaven of communion at the service of the mission of the Church. By the very fact that charism of their respective institutions is granted by the Holy Spirit for the good of the entire body of the Church. In fact, their vocation is for the Church. In fact, consecrated life is in the very heart of the Church as a decisive element for her mission, since it manifests the inner nature of the Christian calling.” The bishop went on to remind those there that, “Religious, as you well know, don’t become religious for themselves.” The bishop continued saying that religious are at the service of cooperation of the Church. Sister Hurtado said, the religious vocation is not for themselves but the mission of the Church as witnesses to the Gospel. “The bishop stressed the need for contact and dialogue between those in formation for the priest-
hood and religious life,” she continued. Our vocation is for the mission of the Church, to be witnesses for the Church.” Sacred Hearts Father David Lupo, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven was at the meeting. “In his presentation, the bishop had some interesting things to say. One statement, was that seminarians and younger priests do not know much about religious life. “He also reiterated something we have heard much in modern times: religious do not become religious for themselves, or even for their community.” Father Lupo said that the world today is filled with distractions, not only for young people and lay people, but at times for those in consecrated life. “Too often they draw our attention away from our common life and mission,” he added. “We have been domesticated at times by the leisurely, convenient, informative culture we live in today.” Expanding on that theme, he said, “In 21stcentury America people (not only young people) have a hard time making a commitment. From this flows an attractive, yet false sense of ‘freedom,’ of going here and there, doing this and that, without having to answer to anyone. Simply having fun. Having the means to do all this is attractive as well. “By contrast, religious life and mission, and
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The Anchor - February 9, 2018
community, and obligations, all seem (for want of a better word) boring. We can see why the young may not be attracted to us.” But he did say for most there is a tugging at the heartstrings from God. “Sooner or later the realization comes that you’re going to have to serve somebody,” he said. “That unattached freedom becomes a burden as a voice inside asks about the meaning of life, and the purpose of my life. These questions do not always wait for a mid-life crisis to occur. They could come sooner, especially for those who have eyes to see beyond the veil of our shallow cultural values.” On February 2 the bishop again met with a group of religious men and women to celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life, with prayer, a presentation by La Salette Father Flavio Gillio speaking about finding purpose, meaning and goals in today’s religious life, a Mass, and a lunch. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: “In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ Who is the Light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.”
The echoes of life in the space between us
A Stang parent shares his thoughts on attending the March For Life Our final stop in Washington, D.C., the day after the annual March for Life was at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. The priests who’d traveled with the high school students whom I was chaperoning celebrated Mass surrounded by colorful murals and intricate statuary. Those of us who received the Eucharist in the center aisle did so over the words, “Here rested the remains of President Kennedy at the requiem Mass, Nov. 25, 1963.” From the edge of a chapel on the right side of the cathedral, a bust of St. Pope John Paul II looks out of the corners of its eyes as if the saint is stretching his neck to see the gracefully gesturing statue of Our Lady in her own chapel on the other side of the rear pews. The iconography around the building is endlessly meaningful, and visitors could spend hours trying to take it all in and a lifetime contemplating it. The craftsmanship not only of the artists whose work is on display, but also of the artisans who constructed their setting is impressive. In its sheer beauty, though, the marble — with the polished stone swirling around itself in a broad palette of colors — is what took my breath away. A process of chemistry and tremendous force over centuries fashioned the material, awaiting human hands to collect and polish it, fashioning it into columns, railings, or just tiles and slabs to finish the floors and walls. In some places, the natural designs are suggestive of images. Between a confessional and a mural of the calling of St. Matthew, a dark shape in one slab gives the impression of a robed figure in a cavern or a wooded area. The imagination of a viewer awaiting his or her turn behind the curtain must
provide the details. The real story of natural materials, in other words, is essentially the subject matter of religion. Creation came into being through an aweinspiring sequence of events and produced artifacts by which we humans can communicate the inarticulable. People brought the stone out of the earth and the beauty out of the stone, and somebody decided to put this piece here and that piece there because doing so somehow seemed right — as if it struck
some chord in the soul. But the raw stuff and the purpose, those are God’s. Just so, somebody wrote the songs that the students sang during Mass, and of course the students practiced and performed them, but God designed the echo that lent a holy mystery to the tune. God inspired the sentiments about which we all were singing. God created the singers in the womb. Just so, a biological process fashions us over nine months until human hands draw us
In Your Prayers
Please Please pray pray for for these these priests priests during during the the coming coming weeks weeks
Feb. 10 Rev. Edward L. O’Brien, Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1966 Rev. Lucien A. Madore, Retired Chaplain, Mount St. Joseph School, Fall River, 1983 Rev. José A dos Santos, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 2017 Feb. 11 Rev. John O’Connell, Founder, St. John Evangelist, Attleboro, 1910 Rev. John J. Sullivan, S.T.L., Retired Pastor, Holy Rosary, Fall River, 1961 Rev. William J. McMahon, Retired Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans, 1987 Rev. Christopher (Leo) King, SS.CC., Damien Residence, 2013
into the air and help to shape the lives that we will lead. Then, the broad palette of humanity is meaningful most especially because we are free to strive after our own patterns and choose the uses to which we’ll put our lives. A massive pipe organ below a mural of the martyrdom of St. Matthew remained silent during our Mass, but as the singers’ echoes filled the space between the bits of marble, I thought of the musical compositions of J.S. Bach, who laid notes along the page in full consideration of the way the organ’s sound would resonate back and forth across a church. Just so, our Divine Composer must have contemplated the echoes of His martyred Apostle, as of the
sainted pope who died in testimony to grace in suffering, as of an assassinated president who had inspired a generation, as of every child whose deaths our nation tolerates even before their cries and laughs can impress upon their mothers’ ears. In modern sonograms, we can see the beauty even of those little ones whom we cannot see with our own eyes. But, oh, the breath-taking beauty of which we deprive the world when we stop them short of designing their own patterns in the spaces between us. Justin Katz is a convert to Catholicism and father of four, is the research director of the R.I. Center for Freedom and Prosperity and writes for OceanStateCurrent.com.
Feb. 12 Rev. Stanislaus B. Albert, SS.CC., Retired Founder, Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1961 Feb. 13 Rev. Richard R. Gendreau, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 2015 Feb. 14 Rev. Charles E. Clerk, Pastor, St. Roch, Fall River, 1932 Rev. Msgr. Francis McKeon, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1980 Feb. 15 Rev. Joseph G. Lavalle, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1910 Rev. James C. Conlon, Pastor, St. Mary, Norton, 1957 Feb. 16 Rev. Alphonse J. LaChapelle, Assistant, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1983 Rev. Joaquim Fernandes da Silva, CM, 2001 Feb. 17 Rev. Louis R. Boivin, Retired, Cardinal Medeiros Residence, Former Pastor, St. Theresa, Attleboro, 2010 Feb. 19 Rev. Andrew J. Brady, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1895 Rev. Leopold Jeurissen, SS.CC., Pastor, Sacred Hearts, Fairhaven, 1953 Feb. 20 Rev. James H. Fogarty, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1922 Rev. Raymond M. Giguere, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1986 Rev. Thomas E. Morrissey, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton, 2006 Feb. 21 Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford, 1997 Feb. 22 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jovite Chagnon, Founder, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1954 Rev. Albert A. Croce, C.S.C., 2014
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Around the Diocese The chamber chorus Sine Nomine will present its 25th anniversary concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on Sunday afternoon February 11 at 3 p.m. under the direction of its founder, Glenn Giuttari. The program will feature music of the German Baroque period including Schutz, J.S. Bach and Telemann. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Visit www.sinenominechoir.org for more information. St. Patrick’s Church, 511 Main Street in Falmouth, will host “Reflections on Divine Mercy and the Eucharist” with guest speaker Bryan Thatcher, M.D., on Saturday, February 17 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction will follow. Dr. Thatcher founded Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy in 1996, is the author of several books on Divine Mercy, and has cohosted two series on Divine Mercy for EWTN. There is no charge for this conference and lunch is provided. For more information, contact the parish office at 508548-1065. A Lenten Taizé service will be held at St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, on Sunday, February 25 beginning at 7 p.m. Entitled “Journey with God into the Desert this Lent,” the service is open to all. The Women’s Guild of St. John Neumann Parish will sponsor an Attic Treasures Sale on Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be held in the parish hall, located at 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown. A continental breakfast and hot homemade lunch will be served. The hall is wheelchair accessible and admission is free. Take the Chace Road exit off Route 140. Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Road in Brewster, will host a Lenten Mission entitled “Ablaze: Passionately Pursuing Christ and a Life of Purpose” featuring Deacon Keith Strohm, a well-known international speaker and author on March 19-21 at 7 p.m. each night. Deacon Strohm has helped tens of thousands of people hear the Gospel message and encounter the mercy, love and power of Jesus. Over the course of three evenings, he will present themes on being created for a relationship with God, finding fulfillment and joy now and in eternal life later through following Jesus, and living the Kingdom life we receive in the Holy Spirit. For more information, call 508-385-3252, extension 10 or email ourladyofthecapebrewster@gmail.com. The Laurel Tree Players will present “Snoopy! The Musical” at Holy Family-Holy Name School, 91 Summer Street in New Bedford, on Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children, and may be purchased at the school or reserved by calling 508-993-3547. To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org
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Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17. ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street. Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday. East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower). EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow. FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m. FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday. FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel. FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory. FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m. FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m. HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday. MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m. MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass. NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance. NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession. NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time. NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m. NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street. NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232. ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549. Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass. Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m. WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~
East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church. NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549. WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.
Several Lenten events scheduled across the diocese continued from page 10
Mercy — Understanding Reconciliation,” hosted by pastor Franciscan Father Thomas Washburn on February 20 and 27, and March 6 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Buzzards Bay, exploring the history of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. (Registration is encouraged). A Lenten Parish Mission, led by Franciscan Father Phil Pacheco, will take place March 13-15 at 6 p.m. at St. Margaret’s. The theme is “Experiencing God’s Mercy.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at the March 13 session. The parish community of Our Lady of Victory in Centerville (230 South Main Street), Our Lady of Hope Chapel (1581 Route 6A, West Barnstable) and Our Lady of the Assumption (76 Wianno Avenue, Osterville) will host the Stations of the Cross: Our Lady of Victory, February 16, March 2 and March 16 at 6 p.m.; Our Lady of Victory, February 23,
March 9 and March 23 at 6 p.m.; and Our Lady of the Assumption, every Friday (except Good Friday) at noon, followed by a simple shared meal. The Book Club will discuss Pope Francis’ “The Joy of Love,” on February 15 and 22, March 1, 8 and 22, April 5, 12 and 19 twice each day — from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. Gabriel V Brass Ensemble Lenten Concert will take place February 25 at 3 p.m. in Centerville. Saints and Singers will perform an Easter cantata, “The Resurrection and the Life,” March 24 at 1 p.m. in Osterville. A Reconciliation service “The Light Is On For You,” takes place March 17 and 18 after all Masses at the three locations, and March 19 at 6 p.m. in Centerville, and March 26 at 6 p.m. in Osterville. Bible study takes place on Tuesdays in Centerville following the
9 a.m. Mass and from 6-8 p.m. Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham (44 Highland Avenue) will host Six Stories of Conversion using Bishop Robert Barron’s video series, on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the parish center. St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth (167 East Falmouth Highway) offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each Friday at 3 p.m. followed by the Five Wounds of Christ, and the Stations of the Cross at 4 p.m. There will be a Reflections on the Divine Mercy and the Eucharist on February 17 from 9-9:30 a.m. Each Friday during Lent (except Good Friday), the parish offers the Stations of the Cross: “Chowder and Chat,” Lenten luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Following the Stations at noon there will be homemade chowder and tuna fish sandwiches ($6 donation to benefit charitable program). At 12:30 p.m. Msgr. Steve Avila will
offer reflections on Lenten/Easter traditions. St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans (68 Canal Road) is holding a parish mission February 26-28 at 7 p.m. in the church. It will be led by Passionist Father Melvin A. Shorter. For more information on any of the aforementioned events, contact the host parishes. Diocesan faithful are also encouraged to visit the websites of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro (lasaletteshrineattleboro.org), Holy Cross Family Ministries in Easton (hcfm.org), Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham (sscc.org), and Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford (marymediatrix.com) for information on any Lenten events they may have scheduled. The Anchor will list any other upcoming events in the Around the Diocese section as they are announced to us.
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Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites. Michael Nicolan; gone but not forgotten continued from page five
knack for dealing with people and his innate sense of compassion were traits he obviously inherited from his late mother, Jeanne. “I was self-employed, I had my own cleaning service, but I never had any money in the bank,” he said. “When my wife died, you should have seen all the people coming to my home saying: ‘Oh, I had a tough time and your wife gave me $100,’ or ‘your wife paid my heating bill.’ So I remember telling Michael, no wonder I don’t have any money in the bank. My bills were all paid, but I never questioned her. She took care of the money. “He had to have gotten that from his mother. It’s not that I didn’t do that, but she was overly generous. I think it’s a family thing and I think it goes back to my parents. They had nothing and they would do without. So when I started my own business, I always said if I was successful enough to live a decent life, I would try to help someone else. And that’s
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why I came here. I think Michael saw that and wanted to carry on that tradition.” Nicolan described his son as someone who was always full of life and energy, which is why friends and family began to notice something was wrong in the days and weeks leading up to his untimely passing. “He was always jolly and laughing, and yet he was quiet for some reason,” he said. “My daughter who was volunteering here told me: ‘There’s something wrong with Michael. It doesn’t seem like him.’” After convincing him to leave work to go for a checkup at the hospital, an MRI and CatScan would reveal that he had a fast-progressing brain tumor. Within a week Michael would be shuttled back and forth to Boston awaiting surgery. But two days before his scheduled procedure, things took a turn for the worse. “I was working here and I got a
call in the morning from my daughter-in-law saying Michael was in an ambulance and they were taking him to the hospital,” Nicolan said. “I could tell something wasn’t right. When I got there he was in the ambulance and I believe he passed away there. By the time we got to the hospital it was too late.” As if he didn’t already have enough to deal with, Nicolan immediately stepped in to make sure the St. Vincent de Paul Stores remained open and running. “All of sudden, this thing happened to him very quickly,” he said. “We didn’t have anybody, so I had to step in. I don’t mind doing it, because it’s something I believe in.” It’s clear that Nicolan’s dedication to the St. Vincent de Paul Stores serves as both a way to deal with his grief and to honor his son. “The direction he was going is the direction we’re going to keep going,” he said. “We want to keep the stores functioning and keep them running because there are a lot of people out there who need our help.”
On this particular weekday, Nicolan is juggling about a halfdozen different things — from pricing out refurbished furniture and used clothing to answering questions from volunteers. He pauses for a moment at the front counter to point out a photograph of Michael on the wall smiling down at him. “One of our board members, the treasurer, suggested putting up that picture of Michael behind the cash register,” Nicolan said. “I wasn’t going to suggest it, but I was happy they did it.” For the first time during the interview, the realization that Michael is gone seems to set in. “I can talk about him at times, but sometimes I have to stop because it gets to me,” he said, finally. “Life is life and we’re all going to die, but I just felt his life could have gone so much further. Is the store lost without him? I’d have to say absolutely. Is the store going to move on? Yes, because that’s what he would want.”