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Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, Feb. 21, 2020

Obituary - Page two

Entering the Lenten Season

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and dozens of diocesan priests process into St. Joseph’s Church in Fall River to celebrate a Funeral Mass for Father John J. Perry on February 17. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadau)

Priest physicist to speak on existence of God. Page three

Cape Cod eighth-grader helps save man’s life.

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During Lent, special attention is given to three specific tenets of our Catholic faith — almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. The foundation for these practices can be found in Matthew’s Gospel chapter 6, verses 1-18. When practiced with a heart inclined toward pleasing God and personal conversion, these actions can be truly transformative, especially in light of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery — His Passion and death and Resurrection.

Lent is a time of Spiritual interior conversion, penance, and sacrifice. There is a beautiful balance for faith practiced in private, for only the Lord to see, and as a Christian witness for the glory of God. When rooted in prayer, one can be assured they are keeping that balance.

It is important to include the Word of God in our Lenten practices. In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Aperuit illis — instituting the Sunday of the Word of God — he reminds the faithful, “God’s Word constantly reminds us of the merciful love of the Father Who calls His children to live in love. The life of Jesus is the full and perfect expression of this Divine love, which holds nothing back but offers itself to all without reserve.”

Also included in these chapter 6 verses of Matthew’s Gospel is the Lord’s Prayer. The early Church theologian Origen called The Lord’s Prayer, “a summary of the whole Gospel” (De Oratione). In this prayer, we ask the Lord to forgive us our trespasses. Lent is an excellent time to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession: 8 Turn to page 20

Rehoboth man professes FACE Winter Brunch vows in Dominican order. celebrates 15th year.

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Diocese mourns the sudden loss of Father John J. Perry

By Kenneth J. Souza Co-Editor

kensouza@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — The Fall River Diocese is mourning the loss of Father John J. Perry, 62, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 11 in Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Born in Fall River, the son of the late John and Marie C. (Carvalho) Perry, he was a graduate of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. A native of Holy Rosary Parish in Fall River, Father Perry studied

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at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1983

by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Father Paul A. Caron, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, was ordained the same year and was a classmate of Father Perry.

“I have known John since 1978 when I went into the seminary,” Father Caron told The Anchor. “From then

† February 21, 2020

even to this day, he has always been a level-headed and kind pastoral person.

He was always even-tempered and a comfort to be around. And in his own sublime way, he had an amazing sense of humor. He was always understated, but always present during a conversation. He was never afraid to give an opinion, but always respectful.”

“It was very shocking, disorienting, and just kind of all of a sudden,” said Father Matthew Gill, who has served alongside Father Perry as parochial vicar for the past year-and-a-half.

“It’s definitely a big loss. He was a very big presence. He just had a great way about him. It was more than just being agreeable and pleasant — he was a wonderful person and a good priest. He was definitely a real Spiritual father to me and many other priests. I think that’s what is so painful about this loss.”

Father Caron shared how Father Perry was very handy in dealing with the church properties under his pastoral care.

“He could probably re-wire or re-plumb any house and have a great time doing it,” Father Caron said. “He was also a great source of information on the latest in technology and gadgets — although he was not a huge fan of smartphones!”

In fact, Father Gill fondly recalled getting a lesson in how to fix an electrical socket from Father Perry.

“I remember he said: ‘Did you want to come over to church and give me a hand?

I need to look at an electrical outlet.’ I didn’t really know much about it,” Father Gill told

The Anchor. “So, we get in there and he’s pulling out the socket, and asking me for tools, and I’m standing by, and he was finagling with different wires and I started to think: ‘Oh my goodness, what have I gotten myself into?’ But he certainly did love electrical things, mechanical things, all of the above. And he was very good with that kind of thing.”

Over the years, Father Caron said he remained good friends with Father Perry and they were recently in touch as they both were dealing with medical issues.

“John and I spoke the day before I had foot surgery on January 21 and he was four days away from having his own surgery,” Father Caron said. “I called him several days after his surgery to check up on him and he was doing fine. We both talked about our own recoveries … and he was looking forward to going to the doctor to have all the tubes taken out of him. Unfortunately, God had other plans for him.”

Father Perry served as parochial vicar at Holy Name Parish in New Bedford and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville before being named pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Fall River in 1996. In 2006 he was named pastor of St. Jacques and Immaculate Conception parishes in Taunton, which later became St. Jude the Apostle Parish in 2007. In June 2014, Father Perry was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Victory and Our Lady of the Assumption parishes.

“He was beloved by so many here,” said Father Jay Mello, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Michael parishes in Fall River.

“I can speak on behalf of all the parishioners here in Fall River where Father Perry served for 10 years as pastor in express8 Turn to page 16

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. — known for his debate with Stephen Hawking — to present scientific evidence of God’s existence at Fall River appearance FALL RIVER — Successive PEW surveys have shown that the number of people actively associating with a religion is on a steep decline and, in particular, the young are the most vulnerable. In 2019, 44 percent of those in the 18-29 age range selected “none” as their religious affiliation — up from 23 percent in 2006.

Estimates indicate that this number will grow to 50 percent by 2023 if left unabated. Research also shows that the greatest reason for this decline in religion results from secular myths misstating the facts. Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., has dedicated the past 10 years to reversing this decline by presenting scientific evidence that thwarts all secular myths — including those regarding the existence of God, our soul, and Jesus’ Divinity.

The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Alliance has announced that Father Spitzer will present “The Scientific Evidence of the Existence of God,” on Thursday, March 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bishop Connolly Auditorium, 373 Elsbree Street, Fall River. There is no cost for the event. To register email info@catholicsa. org.

“It is so alarming to hear that the average age when a child decides against religion is 13 years old,” said Father Spitzer.

“Most parents or teachers are not equipped to answer questions from their children when they ask

about myths learned either from their friends or the Internet. So I created modules to act as a companion to the ‘Catechism of the Catholic Church’ designed specifically for middle school through high school students. It gives me great pleasure to help address challenges facing students when it comes to the formation of their faith. My favorite part of these lectures is the Q&A where I have been asked everything — and the ability to have an informal dialogue provides an additional opportunity for understanding and clarity.”

Steve Perla, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools, added, “I have had the pleasure to hear Father Spitzer speak and am thrilled that he is here to deliver this much-needed message in person. Whether you are 13 or 63, Father Spitzer resonates with everyone who desires a better understanding of God.” Father Spitzer is a Jesuit priest, worldrenowned physicist, and the former president of Gonzaga University, who has written and published 10 books on faith, science, philosophy, and ethical leadership, as well as numerous scholarly articles in scientific journals.

Father Spitzer is probably best known for debating Stephen Hawking on the “Larry King Live Show” as well as many other TV appearances. His modules can be found at www.

CredibleCatholic.com and are freely available for

download.

He holds a Ph.D. from Catholic University of America, and his academic specialties include: (1) philosophy of science, particularly space-time theory and transcendent

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. implications of contemporary big bang cosmology; (2) metaphysics, particularly the theory of time and philosophy of God; and (3) organizational ethics and its relationship to personal and cultural transformation. Father Spitzer is the

founder and president of the Magis Center, and he currently appears weekly on EWTN in “Father Spitzer’s Universe.”

For more information about Father Spitzer’s event, please go to https://www. catholicschoolsalliance. org/thereis-scientificevidence-of-godsexistence/.

The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and

values. Fall River diocesan schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, diocesan schools prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.

For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www. catholicschoolsalliance. org.

Director of Faith Formation

St. Mary’s Parish in Norton is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to plan, integrate, implement, oversee and evaluate the Faith Formation Program. The focus is on evangelizing and catechizing grades 1-9, and their families. The program has approximately 550 students, RCIA and Adult Formation.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Fr. Timothy Reis (frtimreis@gmail.com) or mail to One Power St. Norton, Mass. 02766. For more information visit fallriverdiocese.org and click on Employment Opportunities.

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or waynepowers@ anchornews.org

February 21, 2020 †

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Catholic Community of Central Fall River to host Lenten mission for youth FALL RIVER — The Catholic Community of Central Fall River, encompassing the parishes of Good Shepherd, St. Stanislaus, and the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, will host a special one-day Youth

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homilist, Father Matthew Gill, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville.

The Catholic Community of Central Fall River

also hosts Teen Leadership meetings every Monday in the youth room at Good Shepherd Church from 6 to 8 p.m.; Life Nights on the first Monday of each month in the parish hall from 6 to 8 p.m.; and a

Teen Bible Study every Tuesday in the youth room from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information on these events, please contact Leanne Nelson, director of Youth Ministry, at lnelson@3cfallriver.org.

Christian girls and abortion

hen Mother Teresa visited New Bedford in June 1995, she told those of us gathered at St. Lawrence Martyr Church: “Abortion is the greatest evil of today.” Never one to mince words, St. Mother Teresa’s courage, truthfulness and charity were palpable.

Parents today need similar fortitude, honesty and love to be able to discuss the hard topic of unplanned pregnancies and abortion with their children.

Parental input and advice are critical when these situations arise.

Even as children profess independence, parents exercise influence over them, whether for good or for ill. If a mother says to her daughter, for example, “You can’t have a kid now, because you’ve got your studies, your career and your whole future ahead of you, so I’ll give you money for an abortion” she is not merely offering advice, but being coercive and taking away any real choice her daughter might have had.

Likewise, when a boyfriend learns that his girlfriend is pregnant and informs her he doesn’t want to be a father right now, and will drive her to the abortion clinic, he 4

Lenten Mission on Monday, March 16 at Good Shepherd Church, 1598 South Main Street in Fall River.

The evening will begin with Confessions at 5 p.m., followed by Mass celebrated at 6:30 p.m. with guest

abandons both his child and the mother of his child in their moment of greatest need.

To read testimonies of young women who have had abortions is heartwrenching. Many times they seem to have less responsibility for the abortion than their parents or others close to them.

One woman described being only 12-years-old when she had an abortion: “When Saturday came my mom drove me back across town, walked me in, paid for the abortion with money my boyfriend gave her, and left the building. I didn’t know it then, but they wouldn’t allow her to stay. The nurse told her I would be ready about 3:00, so I was there alone. It’s been 35 years since my baby was aborted and I still think about it every day. It wasn’t a quick fix and it wasn’t a solution to my pregnancy. It was a panicked response to our fears.”

Fear often stands behind the decision to abort.

Young women are understandably frightened when they discover they are pregnant: “I’m afraid I’m not ready and I won’t be a

† February 21, 2020

good mother.” “I’m fearful my boyfriend won’t stand by me and support me — he’s just a kid himself.”

“What will mom and dad think of the fact I’ve been having sex?” “My friends are people of faith and I’m afraid they’ll look down on me for this if they find out.”

Whenever we let fear direct our moral think-

ing, we tend to make bad judgments and poor choices that can haunt us long afterwards. Even good people who believe in love, life and family can make panicked choices when they feel cornered by shame and guilt. Major decisions are better made when emotions have calmed and the order of reason can once again fill our minds. This happens most readily when a person is surrounded by an abundance of loving support.

Wendy Bonano serves as the director of several pregnancy support centers in North Carolina. She

regularly works with students from area universities and colleges, and in a recent article in the Family NC magazine, challenged parents to reflect on what their own sons and daughters are really up against in today’s society: “I imagine you are thinking, ‘This would never be my daughter.’ I beg you to think again.

More often than not, ‘good’ Christian girls in relationships are determined to abstain from intercourse and therefore are not actively using contraception.

Therefore, it takes just one poor decision by either your son or daughter to create an unplanned pregnancy, regardless of all you’ve taught them.”

So why are good Christian girls getting abortions? Those who should be at their side in a moment of crisis may not be present. Mothers and fathers may not have fostered close relationships with their daughters. They may have never discussed the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy to let them know ahead of time that, even if they act contrary to their advice and conceive a child, they will

still be there for them.

After more than 10 years of helping single mothers at her clinics, Bonano makes precisely this point: “Quite often there’s a piece missing from the ‘talks’ parents have with their daughters and sons.

Without knowing it, we are leaving no doors open for our children to come back to us should they stray. We are making good, strong cases for purity until Marriage and yet neglecting to communicate the message of grace: that we are there for them no matter what, and should they make a mistake — in this case, get pregnant — it is safe for them to come to us for help and support.”

Today more than ever, Christian children need to hear those supportive and reassuring words from their Christian parents.

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.

SFX Prep School eighth-grader’s persistence helps save man’s life

By Dave Jolivet Co-Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

HYANNIS — How often do people see or hear something that could signal a potential danger, yet make the decision to ignore it because they could be mistaken, or worse, they don’t want to get involved?

It happens quite often actually, and the results could be as consequential as life or death.

A Cape Cod man is alive today and was able to spend Christmas with his family because an eighthgrader from St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis wasn’t one of those who chose to ignore what she perceived to be a dangerous situation; and in fact opted to indeed get involved.

Shortly before Christmas Jillian Woodbury and her dad were driving along Route 6A in East Sandwich when Jillian believed she saw a man lying by the side of the road.

It was about 4 p.m. and with dusk approaching visibility was becoming difficult. Jillian easily could have dismissed what she thought she saw and kept quiet — but she didn’t.

She told her father Robert what she felt she had seen. “I was in a panic,” she told The Anchor.

“My dad didn’t believe me at first when I had told him there was someone there, but I was persistent because I knew we had to go back no matter what.”

Father and daughter did turn around and Jillian’s worst fears were

realized. There was in fact a man lying unconscious in a snowbank.

Jillian’s involvement didn’t end there. “We were in shock,” said Jillian. “My dad told me to run to the fire station while he attempted CPR on the man.

I ran as fast as I could since it would have been quicker than calling 911. The fire

eventually left the scene no doubt shaken by what had happened, and they also did not know the victim’s condition. “We didn’t know the man was going to survive until the next day when we heard from a fire fighter that he was OK,” said Jillian. “We just kept praying for the man, and we had high hopes that

appreciation to St. Francis eighth-grade student Jillian Woodbury for her intervention and notification of a medical emergency in the Town of Sandwich in December.

“Jillian’s quick reaction and notification allowed our ambulance which was one-quarter mile down the road to respond immedi-

Jillian Woodbury, an eighth-grade student at St. Francis Preparatory School in Hyannis, was recently honored by the Sandwich Fire Department and the school for actions taken shortly before Christmas that saved the life of a Cape Cod man. From left: SFD Fire Chief John J. Burke; Elizabeth Kelley, SFXP middle school principal Elizabeth Kelley; Woodbury; Christopher W. Keavy, Head of School of St. John Paul II High School and SFXP in Hyannis, and St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay. station was about a quarter of a mile away.”

According to the Sandwich Fire Department, it turned out that the unconscious individual had overdosed and “was minutes from death,” because of the overdose and hypothermia.

Within a few short minutes paramedics arrived and administered life-saving medication and quickly warmed the body to a safe temperature.

Jillian and her dad

he would be OK. When I heard that he lived, I was so happy that he was alive and could spend Christmas with his family.”

Sandwich Fire Department Fire Chief John J. Burke recently visited SFXP to present a Letter of Commendation to Jillian and a SFD hat and T-shirt.

Reading from the letter, Chief Burke said, “On behalf of the Sandwich Fire Department, I am writing to express our extreme

ately and save the man’s life.”

Chief Burke went on to say, “We don’t know how long the man had been there but numerous cars went by and did not notice him. Due to Jillian’s quick actions this man’s life was saved and he was afforded the opportunity to spend the holidays with his family.

“In true St. Francis spirit, Jillian reacted with compassion and human-

ity and allowed for a great outcome of what could have been a tragic situation,” added Chief Burke.

“Jillian is an excellent representative of St. Francis School and the core values that your school strives for.”

SFXP principal Elizabeth Kelley told The Anchor, “Jillian is new to the school this year, and she has stood out to us as a person who possesses honor, faithfulness, and integrity. She is kind and respectful to her classmates and teachers alike. As a student, she is a diligent worker who goes above and beyond in all that she does. We value her presence here and just recently honored her as our Student of the Week.

“We could not be more proud of Jillian, but knowing the kind of person she is, we are not surprised by her heroic actions. Jillian is a student who lives out her faith in all that she does.

Because of her, a man was able to spend the holidays with his family. Her actions gave the man and his family a precious gift, and we are so happy the Jillian is the strong young woman that she is.”

Kelley said Jillian was named Student of the Week in early January. The announcement read in part: “The student whom the teachers and I have chosen for the week of January 6-January 10 is new to our school this year.

Although it is often difficult to assimilate into this school in the seventh or 8 Turn to page 19

February 21, 2020 †

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Editorial

Father John Perry

“Perhaps truer words have never been spoken: ‘Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come’ (Mt 24:44),” preached Father James Fitzpatrick, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet, at the wake last Sunday of Father John Perry (please see story on page two).

Father Fitzpatrick was describing “what we are all feeling in the sudden death of our friend,” but he also had a message for everyone praying with him at the wake in St. Joseph’s Church in Fall River. “So, be prepared for at an hour you least expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Father Fitzpatrick described how Father Perry prepared for the coming of the Son of Man by how he looked forward to receiving Him in Holy Communion. Father Perry was recuperating from surgery and Father Fitzpatrick would call and ask him, “John, would you like Holy Communion today?” And the answer came back over the phone line, “I would love Holy Communion.”

Father Fitzpatrick added, “Father John did love the Lord as he loved the Church. During his healing, Father John relied on the Eucharistic Lord to give him the grace of healing.”

The Sunday prior to his death, Father Fitzpatrick again brought Our Lord to Father Perry, who then said after sitting quietly, “You know, this time of recuperation has been a time to think about how short life is and to cherish the people who you love.” So, Our Lord’s visit on Sunday in the Blessed Sacrament helped Father Perry prepare for Our Lord’s coming to call on him on Tuesday morning, when he left this life.

Father Robert Oliveira, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River, preached at Father Perry’s funeral on Monday. Like Father Fitzpatrick, he discussed how Father Perry liked to be connected to people via the telephone. He wondered aloud if Father Perry was connected to a phone cord, instead of an umbilical cord, when he came out of his mother’s womb.

Father Oliveira used an acronym to discuss Father Perry’s life and priesthood: FACE — Fidelity, Acceptance, Courage and Encouragement. He described Father Perry’s fidelity to his priestly call, being open to the people he served, how he accepted the various people he came to meet in his assignments. Looking around at the large assembly of clergy and laity at the funeral, Father Oliveira noted that it was a motley crew that Father Perry had brought together at Mass that day.

Father Oliveira noted that Father Perry had to have courage to face the various assignments that he had been given over the years. He explained that Father Perry was not crazy about change, but his relationship with the Lord gave him the courage he needed to meet new people and new situations.

In terms of encouragement, Father Oliveira spoke about how the late FaOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 64, No. 4

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Published biweekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720, Tel. 508-675-7151; FAX 508-675-7048; email: office@anchornews.org.

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PUBLISHER – Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Very Reverend Richard D. Wilson, V.G. fatherwilson@anchornews.org

CO-EDITOR

CO-EDITOR

Kenneth J. Souza

David B. Jolivet

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† February 21, 2020

ther John Murphy had been such a fatherly figure to Father Perry (Father Murphy had been his pastor when he was made a parochial vicar after ordination) and how Father Perry then returned that love later in life, always being attentive to Father Murphy’s needs until he died. This priestly encouragement Father Perry shared with other clergy and laity, throughout his assignments.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated the funeral Mass and spoke about Father Perry after Communion. He also mentioned the telephone in regards to Father Perry, how nonchalantly he would take a call from the bishop. “‘Oh, hi bishop,’ I can still hear him saying,” said the bishop, whether he was calling the priest for electronic help or for something more serious. The bishop thanked Father Perry for his faithful service to God’s people here in the diocese.

This gratitude was also expressed by Bishop da Cunha’s predecessors: Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, archbishop emeritus of Hartford, who came to the wake and presided at the funeral; Bishop George W. Coleman, who was not able to come due to recuperation from a recent fracture; and Séan Cardinal O’Malley, who was away in Rome on business.

Whatever our vocation is, we are all called by Christ to be ready for the (unknown) time of His coming. We get ready by living our vocation as well as we can — always realizing that it was God Who called us and it is God Who give us the strength that we need to be faithful, to accept whatever comes, to have courage in the face of difficulties and to encourage other people in their struggles.

Father Oliveira discussed how priesthood is about connections: working to bring people to be connected to each other and to Christ. Sometimes that is done via the phone. Sometimes it is done in person. For us Catholics, that connection is made strong and full of love through our Communion with Christ in Mass.

Father Thomas King, S.J., a late professor at Georgetown University, used to quote a former president of GU, Father Edward Bunn, S.J., who explained to someone why he didn’t leave the Church, since he could see all the problems it had. Father Bunn’s response fits well for Father Perry, a priest who loved working with wires and electricity. Father Bunn said, “I find myself in a circuit of grace and I don’t want to pull out the plug.”

Father Perry helped many people remain connected to that circuit of grace and in his illness he felt the love of so many people connecting him to them and to Christ. May we keep that circuit of grace flowing, praying for him and for each other, until we can reconnect in Christ’s presence, we know not when.

Daily Readings † February 22 - March 6

Sat. Feb. 22, 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a,4-6; Mt 16:13-19. Sun. Feb. 23, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lv 19:1-2,17-18; Ps 103:1-4,8,10,12-13; 1 Cor 3:1623; Mt 5:38-48. Mon. Feb. 24, Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mk 9:14-29. Tue. Feb. 25, Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-10a,10b-11a,23; Mk 9:30-37. Wed. Feb. 26, Ash Wednesday, Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6ab,12-14,17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18.

Thu. Feb. 27, Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25. Fri. Feb. 28, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6ab,18-19; Mt 9:14-15.

Sat. Feb. 29, Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32. Sun. Mar. 1, First Sunday of Lent, Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51:3-6,12-13,17; Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12,17-19; Mt 4:1-11. Mon. Mar. 2, Lv 19:1-2,11-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mt 25:31-46. Tue. Mar. 3, Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7,16-19; Mt 6:7-15. Wed. Mar. 4, Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:34,12-13,18-19; Lk 11:29-32. Thu. Mar. 5, Est C:12,14-16,23-25; Ps 138:13,7c-8; Mt 7:7-12. Fri. Mar. 6, Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26

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Reviving a sense of mission in the Amazon

ope Francis was elected to bring about a missionary metamorphosis of the Church.

The “next pope,” Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, told his brother cardinals during their pre-conclave meetings in 2013, had to be a “man who, from the contemplation and adoration of Jesus Christ, helps the Church to go out of herself to the existential peripheries, who helps her to bear fruit living off the sweet and comforting joy of evangelizing.” The cardinals not only agreed with his assessment but deemed that the Archbishop of Buenos Aires was the one to lead that transformation.

In his programmatic apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” written eight months later, Pope Francis articulated his “dream of a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything,” so that all the Church’s resources “can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.”

He warned consistently of a self-referential Church, “living within herself, of herself and by herself,” focused on internal issues rather than on all those still waiting to receive the Gospel at the depth at which Jesus wishes it to penetrate.

He spoke of the danger of the Church’s preaching becoming obsessed with “secondary” issues — applications of the Gospel to particularly moral themes — rather than on the primary proclamation of what God has done and continues to do out of love for us.

Nevertheless prior to,

during and after last October’s Synod of Bishops on the Pan-Amazon Region dedicated to “New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology,” most of the oxygen has been spent self-referentially and on such secondary issues: the troubles, inalienable human rights and needs of the indigenous people of the region, the exploitation and destruction of the Amazon biome within the context of global environmental concerns, and the push, due to the region’s dearth of clergy, for married men to be ordained priests and women to be considered for transitional deacons.

The foremost ecclesial issue of the evangelization of the Amazon — five centuries after missionaries first arrived — was largely underemphasized. Some of the leading participants explicitly gave the impression that sharing the Gospel in the existential peripheries of the Amazon was not a priority. One bishop, a chief contributor to the synod’s working document, scandalously bragged that in nearly two decades, he had not baptized anyone.

Various other protagonists, in the midst of describing how desperate the region was for clergy, suggested that foreign missionaries need not apply.

They wanted rather an “Amazonian Church with an Amazonian face,” which, if tried in any other part of the world — for example, “An Aryan Church with an Aryan face” or “a Tutsi

Church with a Tutsi face” — would immediately be recognized as un-Catholic xenophobia.

This is why Pope Francis’ February 12 post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia is such an important missionary reset. The Holy Father certainly didn’t ignore the fight for the dignity and rights of the indigenous

peoples, the preservation of their cultural riches, and the jealous conservation of its natural beauty and its sylvan and aquatic life. He indeed dedicated the first three chapters, respectively, to his social, cultural, and ecological dreams for the region.

But the true lynchpin of the exhortation was the fourth chapter on Pope Francis’ “ecclesial dream,” which takes up his original “dream of a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything” and applies it to the Amazon.

The pope passionately declares that we cannot respond to the problems and needs of the Amazon only with “organizations, technical resources, opportunities for discussion and political programs” designed to help lift them out of poverty and defend their rights.

As Christians, he writes, “we cannot set aside the call to faith that we have received from the Gospel.

An authentic option for the poor and the abandoned also involves inviting them to a friendship with the Lord that can elevate and dignify them. How sad it would be if they were to receive from us a body of teachings or a moral code, but not the great message of Salvation, the missionary appeal that speaks to the heart and gives meaning to everything else in life.”

Nor can we be content, he continues, “with a social message. If we devote our lives to their service, to working for the justice and dignity that they deserve, we cannot conceal the fact that we do so because we see Christ in them and because we acknowledge the immense dignity that they have received from God, the Father Who loves them with boundless love.” This message, “expressed in a variety of ways, must constantly resound in the Amazon region. Without that impassioned proclamation, every ecclesial structure would become just another NGO.” He suggests, with paternal tenderness, that in some places the Church has not integrated the “social and Spiritual” adequately, focusing too much on material development and too little on Jesus Christ. The result has been that many of the people of the region have felt the need “to look outside the Church for a Spirituality that responds to their deepest yearnings,” as they have recently done in huge numbers toward Protestant churches.

The pope insists that the indigenous peoples “have a right to hear the Gospel, and above all that first proclamation, the kerygma,” the message that God “infinitely loves every man and woman and has revealed this love fully in Jesus Christ, crucified for us and risen in our lives.”

This kerygma, he wrote in 2018, involves three truths: God loves you, Christ saves you, and Christ is alive and can be present in our life at every moment to fill it with light and take away sorrow and solitude. This is the message, he emphasizes, that must be “proclaimed unceasingly” in the Amazon and is the starting point for the Church’s care for the Amazon’s people, culture and environment.

He confronts head on the ideology that claims that sharing the Gospel is a violent foreign intrusion against the people, culture and religious traditions of the region and that what the indigenous really need is primarily social workers and development aid, not Jesus and His Church. “In our desire to struggle sideby-side with everyone,” he states, “we are not ashamed of Jesus Christ” and do not “scorn the richness of Christian wisdom handed down through the centuries, presuming to ignore the history in which God has worked in many ways.”

Rather, the Church is proud of what God has done.

At the same time, he says, the Church must properly inculturate the Gospel. He implies that in previous centuries, 8 Turn to page 12

February 21, 2020 †

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I

The power of small courtesies

n 1982, sociologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling introduced the “broken window theory” in The Atlantic Monthly magazine, suggesting that when small acts of vandalism are ignored, such activities proliferate. They wrote: “Social psychologists and police officers tend to agree that if a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken.” Note that it doesn’t speak to punishing the culprits, but only to repairing the damage in order to discourage like behavior. At its core, the theory reflected a long-established common sense approach to creating environments that reflect human dignity and elicit respect, and it thereby follows that drop-

8

ping a gum wrapper in an immaculate hotel lobby would be far less likely than in a trash-strewn alley, no matter who was passing through.

Certainly, the theory itself and its applications have been fiercely discussed over the years, but at heart its message is that higher standards encourage better outcomes. For our purposes here, though, we are less concerned with civic strategies than we are with our own homes, workplaces, and other humble fronts on which we can raise the bar for those we love.

It should go without saying that whatever we might wish to preach to others must first be practiced silently, consistently, and with joy.

† February 21, 2020

Keeping our final destiny in view, whatever priorities we establish must primarily facilitate holiness and create avenues to God, for we know that insincere (or self-serving) standards usually alienate those we seek to help. Au-

thentic charity is the only perpetually-defensible standard, and it must be meted out with patience, rolled in kindness, and salted down with humor.

Where can we apply the concept? Reverence before the Blessed Sacrament is a great start, whether in Mass or during the occasional

visit. Our little ones, like puppies, may roll and cavort, but they eventually grasp that this space is like no other — even if it takes years. Thoughtful speech, likewise, discouraging judgment, gossip, or vulgarity. Reasonable table manners, deference to elders, selfcontrol during play, honesty in speech, forbearance in the face of difficulties, and creative gestures of assistance to those in need gradually make their mark — despite the seeming obtuseness of young people or lack of acknowledgement from peers. Honestly, only as I age do I really understand what so many of these actions I witnessed since childhood required — and cost. Virtue, properly

done, is often an arduous, narrow path.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at the growing level of chaos and depravity around us, but those problems have not been dropped into our laps to solve. We have only to keep our eyes on two things: the Tabernacle, wherein Perfect Charity abides, and on those we love, who will benefit from that charity distributed through even our smallest actions.

My late recognition of those quiet gifts offered by many dedicated souls over long decades has come despite a shabby memory, the distance of time and space, and a lack of receptivity at the time they were displayed. Grace indeed is the catalyst for a renewed memory and meaningful insights. Someone has been praying for me, slow learner that I am!

As Catholics we know that community facilitates communion, and love-laden actions have the power to chip away at the self-absorption of our age. As Lent begins, let us not only take to heart the broken window theory, but also spend time polishing the replacement glass, which will help all of us to see more clearly what needs to be done next.

Anchor columnist Genevieve Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-genius. typepad.com.

Brother Damian Marie Day, O.P., son of Liz and Fred Day of Rehoboth, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Seekonk, professed solemn vows to The Dominican Order of Preachers on February 1 at The National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Brother Damian is on track to be ordained a deacon in March of 2021, and a priest in May of 2022. Please keep him and his fellow brothers in your prayers!

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FACE Winter Brunch celebrates 15 years of supporting diocesan Catholic schools FALMOUTH — The 15th Anniversary Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) Winter Brunch on Cape Cod was held on February 9 with nearly 300 guests attending while at the same time gathering as a community to celebrate and support FACE student scholarships.

Hosted by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and event co-chairs, Albert Makkay Jr., and Gillian Milligan, the event took place at the Coonamessett Inn of Falmouth. Students attending diocesan Cape Catholic schools volunteered as greeters during the event. Kevin Matthews, served as emcee from iHeartMediaCape Cod.

Guests enjoyed an award winning Sunday brunch buffet and a fun-filled raffle with fantastic prizes. Over the past several months, FACE committee members obtained amazing in-kind donations for the raffle.

Special thanks go to Event Sponsors, BayCoast Bank and Massachusetts State Council Knights of Columbus; Gold Sponsors, Catholic School Alliance, Christ the King Parish, St. John the Evangelist, Pocasset Parish; Silver Sponsors, The Catholic Community of Falmouth-St. Anthony-St. Elizabeth Seton-St. Patrick and John C. and Marilyn

ent , stud s o t n Sa s. ndan e r B yanni h H t , i l w o wn cho is sho paratory S t o i r t Pat Pa Xavier Pre is Franc

of St.

Pat Patriot h ands a Supe r Bowl cham Klopfer, a g pionship rin uest of Emil g to Lily y Saba of St. Parish, Poca John the Ev sset. angelist 10

† February 21, 2020

Kiley; Bronze Sponsors, Claudine Cloutier, Esq. — Keches Law Group, Maureen Makkay, Mulberry B&B, Our Lady’s Guild of Assumption, Victory and Hope, The Ski House of Somerset and St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Pat Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots, entertained guests with autographs, photos and a chance to wear an official Super Bowl championship ring.

Proceeds from the event benefit FACE, which provides critical scholarship support to children in need of financial assistance to attend one of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Fall River.

Members o f the Massa chusetts Sta Columbus, te Council K an event sp nights of onsor, gree Cunha, S.D t Bishop Edga .V., Bishop r M. da of Fall Rive r.

t. nts from S e d tu s h it r met w ncis Xavie ha, S.D.V. a r n F u C t.

S a ; d y . gar M uth ards Ba Bishop Ed ool, Buzz School, So t. h X c S s y iu r P a t.

Prim nd S even Margaret Hyannis; a ests at the l, u o g o 0 h 0 c 3 S y ly r d near Preparato nts greete e d tu S . th Yarmou

Bishop’s Blog Editor’s note: In order to keep readers informed of what the bishop is writing about in his blog, The Anchor will run one or more weekly blogs from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., that have appeared since our last publication date. To keep up with the Bishop’s Blog as they appear, visit fallriverdiocese.org and click on “Read the Bishop’s Blog.”

Highlights from my trip home To Brazil — February 12 One of the great blessings of my visit home to Brazil last month, with my mother, 13 sisters and brothers, 36 nieces and nephews, 20 grand-nieces and nephews and eight great-grand-nieces and nephews, was the opportunity to be present to baptize one of my many nieces.

This event was all the more special as her Baptism occurred in my hometown parish.

Also, while in Brazil, I was able to preside over the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the arrival in Brazil of the first members of the Society of Divine Vocations, also known as the “Vocationist Fathers,” which is my Religious Congregation. During that ceremony, I also presided at the renewal of vows of eight Brazilian seminarians from the Vocationist Fathers. These men made their renewal of vows at the very church and altar where I professed my religious vows on Feb. 11, 1975.

The Vocationist Fathers came to Brazil in 1950 from Italy, where the Congregation was first founded.

I said, “I wonder what is in the water of that region.”

The Vocationist Fathers first arrived in the United States on Aug. 9, 1962. The first two priests assigned to the new mission took residence in Newark, N.J. Archbishop Thomas Boland invited the Vocationists to the Archdiocese of Newark to minister to the Spiritual and social needs of the Spanish-speaking ima Bishop in Newark in from the Society of One of the priests to migrants who, at the arrive in Brazil, Father 2003. In fact, I have the Divine Vocations to be time, were flocking in appointed Bishop, Fagreat honor of being Ugo Fraraccio, S.D.V., increasing numbers. ther José Ionilton Listhe first Vocationist would eventually be All these things bring assigned to the United priest to be appointed a boa de Oliveira, is also, great memories to me. coincidentally, from my I spent many years bishop.

States. We lived tohome state in Brazil.

The second priest gether in New Jersey serving in the Newark Through God’s Archdiocese before when we were providence, I both stationed Pope Francis appointwas able to be there, and he ed me to Bishop of Fall there to ordain River in 2014. lived to see my him a bishop. appointment Going back home, In an interview spending time with as the first with our diVocationist my family, baptizing ocesan paper, bishop. Anothmy grandniece, and The Anchor, at er Vocationcelebrating with the the time of this Vocationist commuist priest who great occasion, nity brought so many was among the I shared, “This wonderful memories of first to arrive was such a joy- growing up and of my in Brazil was ful event. Bish- earlier days of formaFather Dario op Oliveira and tion in Brazil. We all DiCiesco, who I come from baptized me. need to reconnect with towns very It was a great our roots. It does a lot Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., during near each other of good for us. honor to have him present as his visit to his homeland Brazil last month, in the state of Yours in Christ, was blessed to be able to baptize one of his Bahia.” Jokingly I was ordained Bishop da Cunha many nieces.

February 21, 2020 †

11

Father Landry

continued from page seven missionaries sometimes thought that in proclaiming the faith, they also had to communicate “the culture in which they grew up.”

The Gospel, however, is not “monocultural,” but is capable of becoming incarnate in every culture.

Inculturation, he says, involves a “double movement,” in which the Gospel takes root and enriches a culture with its transforming power while at the

12

same time receives from the culture what the Holy Spirit has already mysteriously placed there. In the Amazon, he notes that the Holy Spirit has sown openness to God’s action of God, a responsible and grateful care for Creation that preserves resources for future generations, esteem for the family and for the Sacred character of human life, the importance of worship, a communitarian approach

† February 21, 2020

to existence, solidarity and shared responsibility, an austere and simple life, and belief in a life beyond this earth.

Nothing of this goodness that exists in Amazonian cultures should be rejected, he underlines, but all of these things should be “taken up in the process of evangelization,” as shown to be “brought to fulfillment in the light of the Gospel.”

As for evangelizers in this missionary transformation of the Amazon, the

solution, he implies, is not ordaining married men as priests or investigating whether women might be ordained permanent deacons. It begins with praying insistently for vocations in the Amazon and ensuring that priests with missionary vocations from the region do not “go to Europe or the United States” but stay to help out “their own Vicariates in the Amazon region.”

It involves more permanent deacons in the Amazon, he states, suggesting that it makes no sense to talk about ordaining married men to the priesthood if married men aren’t even stepping forward for the diaconate. He also calls on religious women and lay leaders to take on a much larger responsibility in

passing on the faith.

He concludes the exhortation with a prayer to Mary as “Mother of the Amazon,” asking her to “bring your Son to birth in [Amazonian] hearts, so that He can shine forth in the Amazon region, in its peoples and in its cultures, by the light of His Word, by His consoling love, by His message of fraternity and justice.”

That’s a prayer born from the heart of a most profound papal dream and from the desires of the cardinals who elected him.

It’s also one that corresponds to the Amazon’s greatest need.

Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

Lenten 40 Days for Life to launch with prayer services ATTLEBORO — On February 26, the highlysuccessful 40 Days for Life campaign will return to Attleboro with 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and community, according to coordinator Ron Larose.

The 24th consecutive 40 Days for Life campaign in the Fall River Diocese

will take place during Lent from February 26 through April 5 outside the Four Women Clinic, 150 Emory Street in Attleboro, just one mile from La Salette Shrine. The peaceful vigil will be held in the public right-of-way known as Angell Park, just outside the facility daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, February 23 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Santo Christo Church in Fall River

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Riley J. Williams, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet.

Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Stephen Banjare, SS.CC., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fairhaven.

All prayer vigil participants are asked to sign a statement of peace, pledging to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner at all times.

40 Days for Life is a peaceful, non-denominational initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history.

“We pray that these efforts will help mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Attleboro,” Larose said. “We know 40 Days for Life has made a difference. Our volunteers have made extraordinary sacrifices to expose the abortion industry and to protect children and their mothers from abortion.”

Among some of the positive results of previous Attleboro campaigns: 14 babies were saved from abortion; more than 30 churches and other faithbased organizations participated; and more than 200 volunteers contributed 500 hours of service to the community.

“40 Days for Life has generated proven lifesaving results since its beginning in 2004 in Bryan/College Station, Texas,” said Shawn Carney, national president of 40 Days for Life. “During 25 previously coordinated campaigns, more than 950 communities have participated in this effort. More than 1,000,000 people — representing some 19,000 churches — have committed to pray and fast, and

we know of at least 16,700 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns.”

Larose said he is looking forward to seeing all the campaign’s faithful supporters return but also to seeing some new volunteers join in this important work, as they gather in witness for the 12th year of prayer and fasting to end the scourge of abortion.

There will be two kickoff events for this year’s campaign: First, a Prayer Service and 4 p.m. Mass celebrated

by Father Michael McNamara on Sunday, February 23 hosted by the Boston 40 Days for Life campaign at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 547 Washington Street in Norwood with featured speaker Patricia Sandoval at 5 p.m., and a free reception to follow.

Sandoval will share her incredible story of having three abortions and her work behind the hidden doors of Planned Parenthood, followed by nearly three years as a homeless drug addict. Her story is a powerful testament to the saving love and mercy of Jesus Christ. She shares her testimony around the world and in her new book, “Transfigured.”

Those interested in attending this free event should register by emailing annie40day@gmail.com, or calling 781-769-5398.

There will also be a Prayer Service on Saturday, February 29 at 7:30 a.m. at the Attleboro Vigil site (Angell Park), followed by 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 71 Linden Street in Attleboro.

Volunteers who can come to Angell Park during the 40 Days for Life to offer witness and prayer can sign up for a given time online at www.40daysforlife.com/ attleboro.

If you cannot join the vigil, you can participate at your own parish or congregation by praying and fasting for this most important cause. Many states, including Massachusetts, are advancing legislation to allow abortion through the entire pregnancy at any clinic and other registered sites.

Your support is needed now more than ever.

For more information about the Attleboro 40 Days for Life campaign, contact coordinator Ron Larose at 508-736-9813, visit www.40daysforlife. com/attleboro, or email 40dflattleboro@comcast. net.

February 21, 2020 †

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his past Christmas break, I had the blessing of going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with my seminary. There, the Scriptures came alive, as I saw and experienced the places where Jesus taught, walked, performed miracles, died, and rose from the dead. We visited many holy locations, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem, but one of my favorites was the Sea of Galilee.

Not only was it a lush, sanctified, and tranquil area, but being there drew me deep into the meaning of the call to authentic discipleship and realization of how important faith and trust in God are for all Christians, no matter their vocation.

The Sea of Galilee — which is really a large lake in between surrounding hills, valleys and small mountains — is the place where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their boats, family and nets behind and follow after Him to become “fishers of men.” Although they likely didn’t understand everything at that precise moment or where they would end up, in confidence the first Apostles abandoned their careers and livelihood to embark on an incredible journey with Jesus. And it happened at the place where I was standing.

This ancient body of fresh water (called a sea) was also the site of many miracles where Jesus revealed His Divinity and 14

F ocus on C hurch Y outh Walking in the footsteps of Christ

power over nature when He calmed the storms (Mt 8:23-27) and walked on water (Mk 6:45-52). A fun fact that I learned was that because of a broad valley opening up on one side of the Sea of Galilee, blustery winds would sometimes funnel in like a vortex, causing the still lake to become rough like the ocean and filled with waves, thus making the Gospel stories credible.

It was there that the Son of God told the fisherman to “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch” (Lk 5:4).

This line sums up the goal of discipleship. If we trust Jesus and push ourselves past our uncertainties and own understanding — out from the shallow end into where it is dark and scary — we can experience significant growth, evangelize the world and lead people into a relationship with Christ and ultimately to Heaven.

One night at the guesthouse chapel by the Sea of Galilee, I meditated on an astounding mosaic depiction of Jesus rescuing Peter, who was beginning to sink as a result of taking his eyes off Jesus when walking on water (Mt 14:22-33). It struck me how this scene seemed to perfectly depict the cycle of the Christian life through the varying seasons of faith, doubt, trust, and despair.

Sometimes we are

† February 21, 2020

filled with doubts like Peter, not believing that Jesus is present or calling us, and we cannot see because of the stormy conditions of life that obstruct our vision. Then with faith, we hear Jesus invite us to have

no fear and to “come,” and we courageously step out of the boat — and out of our comfort zones — onto the turbulent waters. Like Peter, we can do the impossible when we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, walking closer towards Him despite the difficulties that seem to overwhelm us.

But since we are human and are inclined to sin, at times, we inevitably take our gaze off of Jesus by relying on our selves, lacking gratitude, or not trusting God, letting the dread of the waves and worries of drowning in sin or hardships get the best of us. Yet, when we cry out with Peter, “Lord save me,” Christ reaches out and grasps our hands — specifically through the Sacrament of Confession — to save us from Spiritually sinking. He then chastises us, saying, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” but lovingly brings us back safely into the boat, and into His heart. There we

remain in close relation with Him and hopefully begin to grow and learn not to doubt the next time He calls us. We don’t have to fear because God is always with us, as He says through the prophet Isaiah, “When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Is 43:2).

Early the next morning, after my Divinely inspired insights the night before, I walked out near the shores of the Sea of Galilee. I was blessed to see the most astounding sunrise, which further confirmed my thoughts on discipleship.

It happened unusually fast, and when the sun broke over the horizon, it gave forth a beautiful glow of tangerine orange and completed God’s

painting of the perfect sky. I not only was blown away by the majesty and peace of the moment, but also recognized that after every storm, the sun does come out again.

In life, we will have difficulties and many storms, but when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can walk on water.

And when we do fall, just as the sun begins every morning, we too can cling to the Lord, rise, and start over. Then we can fulfill our true call of being Christ’s disciples to change the world.

Anchor columnist John Garabedian is a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Fall River, and is a big Red Sox and Patriots fan. Being a former college baseball player and graphic designer, he enjoys using athletics and art as a way to lead people to God and the Catholic faith.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about diocesan youth.

If schools, parish Religious Education programs or home-schoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, please email them to: schools@ anchornews.org

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Free off-Cape bus service to St. John Paul II High School, St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School and St. Margaret Primary School slated for the fall of 2020 Hyannis — St. John Paul II High School and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School, the premier middle-high school serving Cape Cod, Canal region, and South Shore families, will now offer free bus transportation from Buzzards Bay, Sagamore and Plymouth areas direct to the school’s Hyannis campus.

Typically costing an additional $1,700 annually or more for daily bus transportation, this exclusive bus service is sponsored by generous Catholic donors who wish to make Catholic education available to all.

The new free bus service will begin in the 2020-2021 school year.

“Particularly for Wareham, Canal region, and Plymouth families, ready transportation is an obstacle

to attending SFXP and JPII,” stated Christopher W. Keavy, school president. “We are pleased to remove this concern and allow more families to receive a high-quality, Catholic education. Our mission is to partner with parents — and this initiative is a concrete example of that partnership.”

Planned off-Cape stops include Plymouth (Rt. 3/Exit 5), Buzzards Bay (St. Margaret Primary School), and Sagamore (Sagamore Park n’ Ride) with direct service to Hyannis. Plymouth area families considering St. Margaret Primary School (Buzzards Bay) may also opt for this free transportation to St. Margaret Primary School.

SFXP and JPII families will continue to have other transportation options through Barnstable Public

Schools and the Cape Cod Regional Transportation Authority.

“I meet with families all the time who hope to make Catholic education possible for their children. For off-Cape families, this new service will be a game-changer,” expressed Jenn Canzano, admissions director.

St. Margaret Primary School (PS-four), St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School (five-eight), and St. John Paul II High School form one PS12 Cape Catholic school serving Cape Cod, Canal region, and South Shore families.

For information contact Christopher W. Keavy, president, St. Margaret Primary School, St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School and St. John Paul II High School at 508-862-6336 or ckeavy@ jp.dfrcs.org.

An exciting Catholic Schools Week was had at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford. The kindergarten and fourth-grade students spent part of one day reading with each other and wearing pajamas at the same time. So many stories were shared between the pals. Here Kaleb (grade four) and Mark (kindergarten) enjoy a story together.

www.anchornews.org

Bishop Stang students recognized for writing skills NORTH DARTMOUTH — Five Bishop Stang High School students recently received awards from the Knights of Columbus for their submissions to the Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest.

Isabella Escoto, Mackenzie Fillion, Caitlyn Moore, John Paul Martin, and Alex Fernandes each were presented awards from the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus in the Chapel of the Annunciation at the school by Philip Martin, the chairman of the Theology Department at Bishop Stang.

Essays were judged on grammar, style, and how clearly they present this year’s

theme, “Discuss the meaning of virtue and how you live and embody the virtue of charity.”

Martin invites students to participate in the contest each year, and is encouraged by the number of students who take the time to do so. According to contest guidelines, the contest “encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith”. The goal of their writing contest is to involve young Catholics in eighth through 12th grade (public, private, parochial or home schools) in “civic discourse and instill in them religious and lifeaffirming values.”

Five students from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth recently received awards from the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest.

From left: Isabella Escoto, Mackenzie Fillian, Caitlyn Moore, John Paul Martin, and Alex Fernandes.

February 21, 2020 †

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Diocese mourns sudden loss of Father John J. Perry continued from page two

ing our complete shock and tremendous sadness.

While there are so many broken hearts here, there are also beautiful memories of a dedicated and compassionate priest who loved his priesthood, his parish and those whom he served.”

Father Mello recalled when he was first appointed pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish, Father Perry was one of the first persons to call and congratulate him.

“He offered not only his congratulations and his support, but also advice and the willingness to help with any questions I might have as a new pastor,” Father Mello said. “I still remember him telling me how much he loved his time here at St. Joseph’s.”

Deacon Robert Faria of St. John of God Parish in Somerset fondly remembered his time with Father Perry in Taunton.

“He was a wonderful

priest and he did a great job merging the former Immaculate Conception and St. Jacques churches in Taunton to become St. Jude Parish,” Deacon Faria said. “He was always friendly and helpful to all.”

Seminarian Matthew Laird remembered Father Perry as a “kind and gentle soul.”

“He was a great supporter of me and would always be willing to talk when we were together for some diocesan function,” Laird said. “He was very hospitable to our band, Vatican III, when we did a show at his parish last year, inviting us all over to the rectory after the show.

It was inspiring to see the positive dynamic between him and Father Matthew Gill as they worked together.”

“I remember one of my first weeks here, he said: ‘I think my job is to train you how to be a

pastor. I think that’s my job,’” Father Gill agreed.

“He just had a real practical sense of wisdom about him. I would bounce things off of him very often, and he was very good at giving advice.

“Sometimes, I would tell him this is what I did today, and he’d say: ‘That’s right, that’s exactly what you should have done.’ But other times he would say: ‘You know, maybe next time you might want to think about this or consider it from this angle.’ And later on, I would think, that’s a good way of looking at it! He was just very practical about things.”

In addition to serving as director of Diocesan Cemeteries, Father Perry’s other diocesan assignments have included being the director of Continuing Formation for Clergy; chaplain to two police departments as well as to Cape Cod

Community College and the Daughters of Isabella in New Bedford; and auditor of the diocesan Marriage Tribunal. He was also a Third-Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2525 in Hyannis.

Father Perry is survived by his sister, Nancy M. Blythe and her husband Kevin of Fall River; two brothers, Michael L. Perry and his wife Melissa of Somerset and Robert J. Perry and his wife Catherine of Fall River; nieces and nephew, Kory Marie Silva, Nina Blythe, Jenna, Robyn, Rachel and Michael Perry; two great nieces, Merilyn and Margaret Silva and a cousin, Lisa Carvalho.

“I feel horrible for his family and for his parish families of Our Lady of Victory, where he spent so many years as an associate and as a pastor, and also for the people of Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville,” Father Caron said. “This is going to be very diffi-

cult for them. I pray for him and his family. May God give them consolation and John the reward of his great life in eternal rest!”

“I think the people of Centerville and the people of Osterville and in West Barnstable, they just had a love for their priest,” Father Gill added. “And I know he had a love for them.

I think that’s some of the greatest praise that you can give a priest: he loved his people and they loved him very much, and God was able to work through him for the years that he was here.”

Father Perry’s Mass of Christian Burial was held February 17 at St. Joseph Church, with burial following at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, both in Fall River.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Societies of St. Joseph’s Parish in Fall River or Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville.

For online tributes, please visit www.waringsullivan.com.

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org 16

† February 21, 2020

Visit The Anchor online at www.Anchornews.org In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

Feb. 21 Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, P.A., 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 Feb. 24 Rev. Edward F. McIsaac, Retired Chaplain, Rose Hawthorn Lathrop Home, Fall River, 2002 Feb. 25 Rev. Leo J. Ferreira, V.G., Pastor, St. Mary, Brownsville, Texas, 1988 Rev. William T. Babbitt, Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1998 Feb. 27 Rev. Philip Gillick, Founder, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1874 Rev. Joseph N. Hamel, Founder, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1956 Rev. John G. Carroll, Retired Pastor, St. Margaret, Buzzards Bay, 1995 Rev. Roland B. Boule, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 2005 Feb. 29 Rev. Msgr. James Dolan, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1980 March 1 Rev. James F. Masterson, Founder, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1906 Rev. Msgr. P. L. Damase Robert, P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame, Fall River, 1948 Rev. John McCarthy, C.S.C., Stonehill College, North Easton, 2003 Rev. William W. Norton, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Wellfleet, 2004 March 2 Rev. Antoine Berube, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1936 Rev. James J. Brady, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1941 Rev. Tarcisius Dreesen, SS.CC., Sacred Hearts Monastery, Fairhaven, 1952 Rev. Alphonse E. Gauthier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1962 Rev. J. Omer Lussier, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1970 March 3 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. Sweeney, L.L.D., Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1960 March 5 Rev. James McGuire, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1850 Permanent Deacon Manuel H. Camara, 1995

† O bituary † Father Anthony R. Picariello, S.J.

WESTON — Father Anthony R. Picariello, S.J., died peacefully in the early morning of Oct. 17, 2019. Beloved son of the late Louis and Katherine (Iacono) Picariello. Brother of the late Louis Picariello.

Also survived by nieces and nephews as well as his many Jesuit Brothers.

He was born on May 30, 1930, in Brighton, a mostly Irish section of Boston, west of downtown, near the cardinal’s residence and the archdiocesan seminary. Father Picariello later said that, growing up, he thought he was Irish, he knew so few kids from Italian families.

Father Picariello had started grade school a year earlier than usual, so he was only 16 when he graduated from high school. He took business and accounting courses at Bentley and Northeastern and, in 1951, left home to study accounting at the University of Omaha, chosen because he could live with his aunt there, who had been recently discharged from the Navy. In Omaha, on his brother Louie’s advice, he entered a Naval Reserve program. When he returned to Boston to work in the accounting department of a company that made gyroscopes for jet fighters, his Naval Reserve assignment was in intelligence work, monitoring Russian messages in code.

A group of friends in the decoding project invited him to join them on a weekend retreat at Campion Hall, the Jesuit retreat

house in North Andover.

There he decided he wanted to become a Jesuit brother.

On Aug. 2, 1956 went to the New York Province novitiate at Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He took first vows in 1959, and that summer the New England men moved to the new Shadowbrook.

In 1961, he became the treasurer at Weston College.

In the spring of 1967, Brother Picariello was assigned to Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, where Jesuits had just taken over responsibility for the school. There he was minister and treasurer of the community and installed an accounting system for the community and, subsequently, the school. He was there for seven years (1967-1974), interrupted by six months in the brothers’ tertianship at Clarkson, Mich. In 1974, he was asked to go to Boston College

High School as treasurer.

Feeling a call to the priesthood, Brother Picariello began four years of study in 1976 at Pope John the 23rd Seminary, for older candidates for priesthood, in Weston. He earned an M.Div. and, along with his theology studies, a business degree from Boston College. In June 1980, he was ordained to the priesthood during a province assembly at the College of the Holy Cross.

Over the following 20 years, Father Picariello was involved in parish work in Newton, St. Julia’s Parish in Weston, and Key Largo, Fla. In 2008, he moved to the assisted-living section of Campion Center. His health began a long decline.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 22, 2019 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Campion Center. Interment followed at Campion Center Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Jesuit Community, Campion Center, 319 Concord Road, Weston, Mass., 02493 to support its ministry of care for elderly and infirm Jesuits.

Marian Medal Awards ceremony now available on video

The Dec. 1, 2019 Marian Medal Awards Ceremony is available on DVD from the Diocesan Office of Communications. The DVD cost is $25.00. To obtain one, please send a check in that amount payable to the Fall River Diocese to this address: Office of Communications, Diocese of Fall River, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, Mass., 02720.

Shipping is included in the cost.

February 21, 2020 †

17

T

Around the Diocese

A Solemn Novena to St. Anne will be held every Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Anne¹s Shrine in Fall River. Devotions include exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a short reflection by a visiting priest/ deacon, veneration of the first class relics of St. Anne. For more information please contact St. Anne’s Shrine at 508-678-1510 or email: st.annespreservationsociety@gmail.com.

Our Lady Queen of Angels Secular Franciscan Fraternity in New Bedford invites you to join us at one of our gatherings on the third Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. in the basement of Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street. Please contact our minister, Paul Freitas, O.F.S. at 508-997-3460.

St. Vincent’s Services is conducting a Winter Coat Drive. Please consider helping the children and youth at St. Vincent’s by donating a new coat (with tags) this winter. Coats are needed for children ages 10 to 18. Donations can be dropped off at St. Vincent’s Reception Desk, 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Janice Johnston via email at JJohnston@SaintVincentsServices.org or call 508-235-3329.

Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster invites all to join them for an upcoming Bible Study on the origin of the parts of the Mass. They will explore the Liturgy in a program entitled “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass.” The group will meet monthly on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 11 a.m. on March 22, April 26 and May 24 in the parish center hall, located at 456 Stony Brook Road. The program will consist of prayer, Scripture, a video lecture and small group discussion. Cost of materials is $20. If you would like to participate but cannot attend, there is the option of doing so remotely. Please contact Kathy at adultfaithformation2@gmail.com or 508385-3252, extension 14 to sign up or for more information.

St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, invites all to their Lenten Taizé Service — the theme is “The Power of Solitude.” This service is a combination of songs, reflections and readings and will be held on Sunday, March 1 beginning at 7 p.m. The Church is located on Route 18 in East Freetown. Take the Chace Road exit off Route 140.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, will present a Lenten parish mission entitled “An Encounter with Jesus and Mary” on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring speaker Roy Schoeman. Schoeman was born outside New York City of Jewish parents who had fled Nazi Germany and later converted to Christianity. He has become a popular guest on EWTN and discusses his personal witness testimony and the role of Judaism in Salvation history.

The cost for the mission is $25 per person and includes a bag lunch. To register or for more information, visit www. saintanthonynewbedford.com or call the parish rectory at 508993-1691.

A non-residential Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience will be taking place at Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Road in Brewster on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. This is a non-residential weekend, but discounted accommodations are available on a limited basis. For more information, please call Steve and Michelle O’Leary at 1-800-710-WWME or visit www.WWMEMA.org. Space is limited, so please call today.

To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, please send the information by email to davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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† February 21, 2020

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 — 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 — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds 6:30 p.m. Mass followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Adoration at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday evening.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every First Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending at 5 p.m.

DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth Street, every First Monday of the month, following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with evening prayers and Benediction at 5 p.m.

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.

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. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Friday at 8 a.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 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Each First Friday Mass ends with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration continues until Benediction at 5 p.m.

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 4 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 4 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 8 a.m., and every First Friday.

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 until 9 a.m.

Taunton — The Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle, 19 Kilmer Avenue, Taunton, will host Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Taunton — St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton will host Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 9 a.m.

Mass and the St. Jude Novena, until 11:30, ending with Benediction. It will take place at Holy Rosary Chapel during the summer months.

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 † ATTLEBORO — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street in Attleboro. All welcome to visit. To sign up for an hour or for more information call 508-212-8528.

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.

I

wonder sometimes why I can remember some things well back into my past, and other times I have no recollection of events just as far removed.

I think it’s common with most people, and if not I don’t want to know.

For instance, I can remember like it was yesterday when JFK was assassinated. I was coming home from St. Anne’s School in ranks (where we would be led blocks from the school by seventh- or eighth-grade crossing guards). I thought the world was coming to an end by the reactions I saw around me.

I remember Bobby Orr flying through the air after winning the Stanley Cup for the Boston Bruins in 1970.

I remember my mémère’s dog Prince, a big fluffy old German Shepherd who gladly followed and protected a plethora

Trash Wednesday

of grandchildren, including me. Prince mostly understood French. To get Prince’s attention we would say, “Viens tant, Prince,” and she would be there in a FrenchCanadian second.

And of course I remember falling out of a tree at age 11 and completely breaking the radius and ulna in my left arm. I lost a whole summer vacation on that one.

But for the life of me I cannot remember things like my First Communion and Confirmation. I did make them, I have the pictures.

I can’t remember graduating from St. Anne’s School in eighth grade, and I can’t recall how I felt when the turtle that belonged to my brother and me, Sammy, died.

But there’s one day in

Eighth-grader helps save man’s life continued from page five

eighth grade, this student has fit in very well both socially and academically.

She has many friends and has consistently earned good grades. This student is also an excellent fit for our school Spiritually.

“We are proud to have a true Good Samaritan in our midst. It is my pleasure to name Jillian Woodbury as a Student of the Week!”

Jillian told The Anchor that the attention from her school and the SFD made her a bit “nervous.”

But, she added, “Also at the same time, I was pretty proud of myself.”

When asked what she would say to someone who faces a decision to get involved, she said, “I would

my life I will never forget — Ash Wednesday circa 1966.

At that time I was always with my cousin Janet.

We were inseparable.

things don’t play out as expected.

Our family lived across the street from my mom’s parents and several of her brothers and sisters.

That was a big yard where everyone played (and was home to the tree that spit me out).

My pépère had a trash barrel at the far end of the property where he would burn trash On that Ash Wednesday (again, it was a simpler time my mom and Janet’s mom then). And after torching (sisters) told us to go to a barrel full of trash, Pep St. Mary’s Cathedral to get would dump the barrel and ashes. It was a simpler time ultimately toss the cooled then, and we weren’t afraid ashes into his garden. So it to walk the neighborhood. wasn’t uncommon for ashes Being the dutiful and to be everywhere. obedient children we were, Well, when Janet and we did. We went to the caI returned and proudly thedral and received ashes. went in to show our moms But sometimes in life that we had done as we

were told, both our moms accused us of taking ashes from the yard, placing it on our foreheads then simply going for a walk to kill time.

Nothing we could say convinced them otherwise.

We were devastated. Even at that age, I learned what it was like to be falsely accused.

I’m not sure about Janet, but I eventually convinced my mom we went to church that day. She was in her 90s.

Well, that “Trash Wednesday” has remained “burned” into my brain ever since.

If Janet and I had given them any reason not to trust us, then it’s just one of those things I simply cannot remember (put winking smiley face here). davejolivet@anchornews. org.

DCCW to meet February 22; discuss upcoming 100th anniversary of the NCCW

WESTPORT — The Fall River Dioctell people to do it no mat- esan Council of Catholic ter what. Even if you are Women will meet on wrong, it is good to have February 22 at 1 p.m. at the comfort of knowing St. George Parish Center, that everything was fine, 12 Highland Avenue in but if you were right, you Westport. could save somebody’s life.”

The group will gather It could, and in this to discuss planning and case it did.

obtaining information pertaining to the 100th anniversary of the National Council of Catholic Women.

The DCCW hopes to have many members from across the diocese attend, especially new members, and also extends an invi-

tation to those who may be interested in the good works the DCCW does and how to become a member.

For information contact DCCW president, Beth Mahoney at 508-8216201 or Lynette at 508674-7036.

February 21, 2020 †

19

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Bishop’s Lenten Message continued from page one the Church’s great Sacrament of penance, healing and forgiveness. Lent is the perfect opportunity for Catholics to make their required minimum yearly Confession.

Lent reminds us that we are all called to a life of holiness. The universal call to holiness should move each of us to commit to a faith well lived. In a desire to imitate Christ, the good of our actions should be to the benefit of others and to pleasing God over all other motives. Each of these Lenten practices work together to build the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The strengthening of these virtues in each

20

of us allows us to give God the best of ourselves and to perform the good acts a Christian life calls each of us to.

Families may wish to use these 40 days to grow in faith together; working together for the good of others, coming together in prayer, and supporting each other on the days of fast. Families can work together especially here in the Fall River Diocese through the many volunteer opportunities throughout the diocese.

In addition to service within local parishes, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent’s Services, Catholic Charities, and many others offer many ways to get

† February 21, 2020

involved in helping ease the burdens of the poor, lonely, and ill. Each should discern how best to use the grace of Lent time as a time of mission and charity within their own community.

Families can also come together in prayer, perhaps in a pilgrimage to the newly-created Museum of Family Prayer we are blessed to have located within our diocese. Holy Cross Family Ministries, which continues the work of Venerable Patrick Peyton, has created a beautiful experience where families can come together to not only learn about prayer, but more importantly, spend time in prayer together. Father Peyton was known for two quotes that

are particularly poignant to the faithful as we begin this Lenten season: “The family that prays together stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

Like prayer and almsgiving, Jesus teaches His followers to fast not for others to see and exalt you but to give glory to God. In addition to the mandatory days of Lenten fast of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the faithful can use these 40 days to offer personal fasts as penance and prayer. While food may be what is typically associated with fasting, there are many other ways to sacrifice. Opening time in your schedule, offering extra time to bless others through prayer, study of

the faith, or volunteering.

My prayer and my wish for all of us this Lent is to spend time in prayer and service to benefit the good of our Church without concern for self. That each would seek a deeper conversion through conversation with the Lord in prayer, through the Scriptures, and participation in the Sacraments. May the beauty, mystery, and grace of the Catholic faith we are so blessed to profess, be more clearly evident to you this Lent than ever before.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Bishop of Fall River