02.18.22

Fall River Diocese receives high grade in annual VOTF report

By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — In the recent 2021 financial transparency report by the Voice of the Faithful, a national lay organization of faithful Catholics active in the participation and governance of various matters in the Church, the Fall River Diocese ranked sixth among the 177 dioceses belonging to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Most-Improved Diocesan Scores regarding the

ceses of Biloxi, Bridgeport, Charleston, Fall River, Greensburg, Lexington and Scranton.”

“One of Bishop da Cunha’s top priorities when he became Bishop of Fall River was financial transparency and we have made tremendous progress,” Kevin Kiley, diocesan Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer told The Anchor. “The high Voice of the Faithful report ranking is a testimony to him and his leadership.

“This transparency sur-

Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, February 18, 2022

“One of Bishop da Cunha’s top priorities when he became Bishop of Fall River was financial transparency and we have made tremendous progress,” Kevin Kiley, diocesan Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer told The Anchor. measurement and ranking of diocesan online financial transparency.

The report, which can be seen in its entirety at votf.org, helps identify those dioceses that are working toward enhanced and improved financial transparency. In the report, it said of the Fall River Diocese, “Another bright spot is the Diocese of Fall River, which went from 55 percent in 2020 to 92 percent in 2021 and added an outstanding finance page on their website.”

The report further said, “Excellent examples of clear, usable, comprehensive finance webpages include those of the dio-

vey is well thought out and covers many areas including audits, financial statements, laity that assist the bishop and me on finances, etc. It really made us think about how best to improve our operations and website to make this information more readily available to the faithful.”

“I would like to thank Joe Harrington, our Director of Finance, and his team as well as John Kearns, Director of Communications, for making sure we were prepared for this year’s survey and while it wasn’t a perfect score, we were one of the most improved dioceses in the country with 8 Turn to page nine

Fundamental Synod questions Page 2

Several priests at Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River are observing ordination anniversaries this year. Msgr. John A. Perry was been instrumental in organizing an in-house celebration : a concelebrated Mass in the adjacent St. Pius X Chapel of Bishop Connolly High School on February 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, followed by dinner there. From left: Father Thomas C. Lopes (57 years); Father Arthur K. Wingate (65 years); Bishop Emeritus George W Coleman (60 years); Msgr. Barry W. Wall (60 years); Msgr. John A. Perry (59 years); and Father William P. Blottman (57 years).

Former diocesan Faith Formation director receives national award

By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

MARSHFIELD — A good friend of the Diocese of Fall River, and the former, now retired, director of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, Claire McManus, received an award from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

On February 9, during a live, virtual ceremony,

McManus was awarded the St. Katherine Drexel Path-

way Award, recognizing diocesan-level initiatives.

McManus was nominated for the award by Region 1 New England Diocesan Directors of Youth Ministry and chosen by the National Awards committee from several nominees.

“The problem with getting an award long after retirement is that it’s hard to remember why I deserve it,” McManus told The Anchor.

February 18, 2022 † 8 Turn to page 11

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Getting to the Fundamental Question (Fourth in a Series about the people of the Diocese of Fall River participating in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.)

What will I say at a Parish Synod meeting? What am I going to be asked?

Father Craig Pregana, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, phrased it quite simply in a recent homily: “If the pope were here today, what would we want to say to him?”

For many, a simple direct question like that will be enough to recall some great or not-so-great Church experiences that speak to where the parish or the broader Church is in 2022. For others, it might be the opportunity to share a dream of what we can be as Church in the future.

Whether many responses to a simple question or a more structured process, the conversations in diocesan parishes will help address the fundamental question(s) posed to the Church in the Global Synod.

1. How is “journeying together” as a people of faith happening in our local Church today?

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2. What steps might the Holy Spirit be inviting us to take to grow in our “journeying together”?

Each local Church community will take its own unique approach — a simple question, a series of thought-provoking narratives, a pen and paper questionnaire, etc. Getting a sense of “where we are” and “where are we going” TOGETHER is at the heart of the gatherings.

To help respond to the fundamental questions, several “themes” or areas to the think about are suggested: • Who are our companions in the journey? Are we missing anyone by their choice or our exclusion or indifference? How are we called to grow as companions?

• Who are we listening to? Who do we need to listen to?

• How do we speak out effectively in both our church community and the broader community? How might we promote more effective communication?

• How do we celebrate as a community in prayer and Liturgy? How do prayer and Liturgy inspire us in carrying out the mission of the Church? How do can we encourage active participation?

† February 18, 2022

• How do we share responsibility in service of the Church’s mission — teaching, social justice, protection of human rights, etc.? How can we help and support each other in discerning and carrying out specific responsibilities?

• How do we dialogue with the broader community and other Christian denominations? How do we view differences? How do we collaborate? How do we learn from different points of view?

• How is authority exercised within our particular church? How do we identify goals, ways to achieve them and steps to successful execution?

• Are we synodal in discerning and deciding? What consultative and deliberative processes are followed to include people in determining our direction?

• Are we forming ourselves in synodality? Are we open to continuing on this journey of listening and on-going formation beyond the immediate moment?

Clearly, there are many ways to address the fundamental questions to provide direction as to how each parish, diocese and larger Church community will move forward in announcing and living the

Gospel.

Parish Synod News • Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich has embarked on a six-week process of introducing the Synod through homilies, bulletin articles on “What is the Synod About,” and “How Does Synodality Help Renewal” and consultations on March 6 and 13. Parishioners are asked to complete a questionnaire and bring it with them to the consultations.

• Immaculate Conception and Holy Cross parishes in Easton have begun planning joint consultation sessions in hopes of attracting a wide representation of people over the next several weeks.

• As a way to implement the synodal process in the life of the parish, the St. John of God Parish (Somerset) Pastoral Council and Finance Council met in January to address three questions. The first was an evaluation of the current state of the parish — “thriving,” “stable” or “failing.” The second asked “where the parish needs to go,” and the third how can people of the parish “be part of the change to improve the community of St. John of God Parish.”

Parishioners are now being asked to respond to the

same questions.

• Our Lady of Victory in Centerville held five parish consultations on the weekends of February 6 and February 13. In inviting parishioners to participate, Pastor Father Gregory Mathias noted “the unique nature of this initiative is that it is a bottom to top strategy rather than the typical Church hierarchical top to bottom mandate.”

• St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown held its first synodal gathering with parish leadership groups on February 13 and is inviting all members of the parish community to a gathering on March 19.

• St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham is asking parishioners to consider “how can we as a parish do a better job of letting the voices of all our parishioners be heard.” Three discussion dates have been set — March 8, 15 and 22.

• Parish Ambassadors at Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard are leading six Synod meetings over a six-week period from February 9 until March 20. The sessions have been scheduled on weekdays (day and evening) as well as after Masses on weekends to accommodate as many people as possible.

Become involved Let us Hear From You! — What do you want to know about the Synod?

— What is your parish doing?

We’re listening @ synodnews@anchornews.org

Diocesan church assists Birthright of New Bedford secure new home Pro-Life group eyes March reopening — seeks volunteers to carry on its ministry

that housed Birthright of NB was no longer available Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org early last year, the branch had to shut down operaNEW BEDFORD tions after nearly a decade — A feature on the newof providing hope and suply-formed Circle of Life port to pregnant women in Ministry at St. John Neuthe area. mann Parish in East FreeCosta was a volunteer town ran in the July 9, at the Taunton Birth2021 Anchor. A proactive right and she teamed Pro-Life ministry, CLM was spawned from Pro-Life with Anne Tremblay, the president of the efforts in Attleboro.

New Bedford BirthIn the story CLM right, to find a new members Colette Costa home for the much-needed and Karen Howard spoke ministry. of the events and activities “I started volunteering already completed since at the Taunton Birthright the group’s start in 2019. and have been trying to They also spoke about the help Birthright in New closing of Birthright New Bedford find a place to Bedford, part of a national re-open. Anne, who has organization that is combeen involved in Birthright mitted to providing confor many years, and I were fidential, non-judgmental support to any woman who not successful on our own,” Costa told The Anchor. is pregnant or thinks she The two reached out to might be pregnant, no matKing for help. After nearly ter her age, race, circuma year with no home, King stances, religion, marital status or financial situation. was able to secure a new Kathy King, the region- location on the property of St. Lawrence Martyr al director of Birthright, Church in New Bedford. told The Anchor, “BirthWith a reopening tenright’s overriding mission tatively set for mid-March, is to provide all needed support to any woman who King is delighted to have chooses to continue a diffi- found a new home for the cult or unplanned pregnan- ministry. “I’m excited to cy. We have a 24/7 helpline get New Bedford reopened because I believe the need and strive to be a calm for our services exist in voice or place for a womthis community,” she told an who is feeling alone or overwhelmed by the possi- The Anchor. “At Birthright bility of being pregnant. We we believe that all of our effort, time and money are Pro-Life and see every pregnancy as two lives that is well spent if even one unplanned child gets a chance need our help.” at life.”

Because the building

By Dave Jolivet

East Freetown Circle of Life Ministry making plans for 2022 schedule of events — Page 10

The path that led King to St. Lawrence was through “Divine intervention.” She said she and Anne had been trying to find a suitable space for more than six months, and nothing was panning out. “I finally decided to

drive to New Bedford and just drive around to see if I could find any for rent signs or an area that looked right,” said King. “As I was driving around New Bedford not finding anything, I remembered that the most connected people in almost every town are church administrators.

Church administrators have been able to work miracles in the past for me for problems ranging from a college student in need of funds to start his school year to arranging Eucharist for a home bound Catholic patient when I was a home care nurse. I am always impressed by their knowledge of the local area and local resources — not just Catholic ones but community based resources as well.

“After two hours of driving around, I stopped and found the closest, tallest steeple and decided to start my quest there. The rectory I went to was the St. Lawrence rectory where I met Leslie Moujabber, administrative assistant for the Whaling City Catholic Community, of which St. Lawrence is a part.”

King told The Anchor that “St. Lawrence was open

to allowing us to rent space and they have a food pantry on sight. Often Birthright looks to locate in an economically challenged area, with other resources close by and public transportation whenever possible.

It also needs to be a safe location that volunteers are willing to travel to and staff. St. Lawrence fits the bill.”

“Kathleen contacted Leslie,” Father Michael Racine, pastor, told The Anchor. “She contacted me as the pastor. Kathleen came to see me and approach me with her idea; she gave a very beautiful presentation about what Birthright does. Then she also then approached me about asking if she could have office space at St. Lawrence rectory because of its location in the city and the need for their services in

New Bedford.

“I will say Kathleen was very professional in her presentation and very dedicated and committed to her work. After our meeting of probably about an hourand-a-half long we agreed that we would draw up a contract and go through the proper channels in the diocese. This was before Christmas and about two weeks ago the diocese finalized the contract and I’m very happy to say that Kathleen and her staff have begun to move into their office and get settled in. I’m very happy that Birthright is relocating here in the city of New Bedford.”

The status of the new site currently is that there is a new local co-director in place to handle any calls to the helpline (800-5504900) while work con8 Turn to page seven

February 18, 2022 †

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Sensus Fidelium

n Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, Pope Francis officially opened the 16th Synod of Bishops.

A Synod is a meeting or assembly of Church leaders. Its purpose is to draw people into a journey that will deepen the essence of the Church by listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another. This Synod is a two-year process, running through October 2023.

It will run for two years because this Synod will be unlike the previous ones.

It will involve not only the clergy but also the lay people in parishes throughout the world. All are called to participate and be a part of this Synod. An example of the earliest Synods can be found in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 6 and 15. In Chapter 6, the disciples met in community to discuss how the widows were not being properly cared for. In Chapter 15, the disciples went out to distant places to assess the progress of the Gospel in the Gentile world. They returned to report back and discuss ways to grow effective Christian communities.

Why do we need a Synod? When you are running an organization it is always good to periodically listen to the people involved in its operation. For example, the running of a business should include input from the CEO, managers, workers and customers. The intent is to have honest and meaningful dialogue for the purpose of growing the company, improving working conditions, growing the customer base and delivering a better prod4

uct. Doing all these things at the same time is a good recipe for success. For the dialogue to work, there will be no “winners” or “losers.” The CEO can’t get all his desires met without upsetting the workers.

Granting worker demands might cause down-sizings. Customer demands could drive up the cost of the product. Everything is interdependent. Understanding, consensus and compromise will be needed. When everyone works together, the company thrives and everyone benefits.

In our culture here in the United States, we are accustomed to having our voices heard. We demand our right to express our opinions. On the surface, the Synod sounds like the pope is attempting to seek our opinions.

But Pope Francis made it clear that this Synod will not be an investigation into opinions. He wants this Synod to be, first and foremost, the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the head of our “organization,” the Catholic Church. We are the “workers.” Our mission of service is outlined in our organization’s operating plan: the Gospel. Jesus instructs us on how to serve one another through the Gospel, but we don’t always get it right. That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. We all have our own opinions. We know what we want and we think we are correct. But how do we really know?

We look to Jesus and we turn to the Gospel for guidance but we experi-

† February 18, 2022

ence it with human senses. The Holy Spirit helps bridge the human with the Divine. The gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The last gift, fear of the Lord, is often misunderstood. God loves us and does not want us to be afraid. We should be afraid of disappointing

God through our actions.

We should be putting God’s will ahead of our own by following God’s Commandments.

The Holy Spirit is the key to an understanding of the Church in which all of its members are gifted, active, and valued. If we turn to the Holy Spirit for these gifts and bring them with us to the Synod, the process will be enriched beyond our imagination. This is Pope Francis’ dream.

Sensus Fidelium and the Synod One of the initiatives of the Second Vatican Council was to focus on the Church in the Modern World. The resulting document, Gaudium et Spes, calls us to be witnesses to the Holy Spirit in action in our world.

In this document, the Council spoke of all the faithful participating in the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king.

Because of our Baptism, each of us has a claim to

exercise these offices. The council also spoke of the gift of faith bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit. Because this gift of faith comes from the Holy Spirit, the whole people of God as a collective body has a “sense” about it. We call this Sensus Fidelium — the “sense of the faithful.”

The Council challenged the laity to deepen their understanding of the faith by prayer, study, discussion, and committed action. It helps the laity understand its prophetic duty to proclaim the Word of God. Sensus Fidelium refers to doctrinal truth recognized (sensed) by the whole body of the faithful — the whole Church. This implies that if we gather in a large group and openly embrace the Holy Spirit, the group will produce a collective work that is not based on individual opinions but rather on what is right. This also implies that not everyone will be pleased with the results.

Sensus Fidelium is not only about what we believe. It is also about what we do because of what we believe.

It’s important to note that the purpose of the Synod is to reveal the truth, not to re-define what is true. The Sense of the Faithful can witness to the truth but their consensus is not what made it true.

Their consensus is a result of the truth. Also, keep in mind that the Synod is not a platform for a democratic approach to determine or alter Church teachings.

A Synodal Church The theme of this

Synod is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

Synodality is something that Pope Francis wants to promote in the Catholic Church. It involves the engagement of all the faithful people of God journeying together on a pilgrimage.

The circular reference of using Synodal as a theme for the Synod can be confusing. It makes sense when you think about a Synod as a meeting of the community of believers on a journey to enhance the essence of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then you make it your ongoing mission to keep doing this as a matter of best practice.

Pope Francis is calling all of us to journey together: “In the one People of God, therefore, let us journey together, in order to experience a Church that receives and lives this gift of unity, and is open to the voice of the Spirit,” Guided by the Holy Spirit, let us pray that the Body of Christ — the faithful people of God — be served and enriched through the work of this Synod and through the work of all future ones to come.

Rick Swenton is a parishioner of St. Pius the Tenth Church in South Yarmouth and is a member of the choir and a cantor. He received a certificate in Lay Ministry from the Archdiocese of Hartford with a focus on Liturgy and Music and is a published composer. He resides with his wife, Gail, in South Dennis.

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Martyr of the Sacrament of Confession

n January 30, after finishing celebrating Sunday morning Masses, I was startled by a text message from a friend, a cloistered Dominican nun, with news that one of her Spiritual brothers in the Order of Preacher had been murdered hearing Confessions the previous night in Vietnam.

Father Giuse Tran Ngoc Thanh, 40, ordained in 2018, had just celebrated a 6 p.m. vigil Mass in Sa Loong Parish in Dak Mot, a missionary part of the Diocese of Kon Tum where he was recently put in charge. The Mass was for the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, in which the Church ponders how Jesus’ fellow Nazarenes, after having heard Him preach, passed quickly from amazement to doubt to trying to murder Him. We also hear about the sufferings of the prophet Jeremiah and listen to St. Paul’s famous Canticle describing how love is patient, kind and enduring.

Father Giuse, after having preached on those readings, would soon proclaim in body language the prophetic dimension of those words.

Right after Mass was done, Father Giuse went to hear Confessions in the plastic chair of the make-shift confessional at the end of the Mission chapel. At 7:15, Nguyen Van Kien, a young, non-practicing Catholic whose mother was at the Mass, rushed with a machete and struck Father Giuse twice in the head. He collapsed in blood, the children and adults in the church all screamed, and a Dominican student Brother and choir director, Brother Anthony Phan Van Giao, ran to try to defend the priest.

When Kien raised the machete to slash Brother Phan’s head as well, the choir director raised a plastic chair to defend himself, but it proved no defense, being split in half.

Kien started to chase Brother Anthony with the machete into the middle of the chapel, but when the young Dominican saw the many children present and grasped the possibility that they could be massacred, he courageously turned toward Kien, who sought to gash him

again. The tiny Brother was able to divert the killer’s arm, get behind him and put him in a choke-hold, as fellow parishioners rushed in.

Brother Anthony begged the parishioners not to pummel Kien in retaliation but to restrain him and call the police. He went to care for Father Giuse and got a member of the parish to rush him to the hospital in Ngoc Hoi about eight miles away. After bleeding for about five hours, Father Giuse died at 11:30 that night.

Before he breathed his last, he forgave his murderer. He was buried the following day. His grave has since become a place of pilgrimage for Christians and others queuing in line to pray, lay flowers and pay their respects.

There’s confusion about what would have led Nguyen Van Kien to attack Father Giuse in the confessional. Some have described him as mentally ill, but the Bishop of the Kon Tum Diocese who celebrated his funeral repeated Kien’s parents’ assessment that he was not “insane in the usual sense,” but rather “lethargic and does not practice the faith.” Several said he was a drug abuser.

While he has a sister who is in a discernment house pursuing a possible religious vocation, he likewise has a younger brother who served three years in prison for manslaughter. His parents stated that while he had made money working on farms and repairing motorcycles, he would also “get angry, mess around, loudly curse people, smash television sets, even the shrine in his house, and beat his family members.”

He was also “paranoid,” they added, about being bullied and about potentially not being able to find a wife. The Vietnamese Dominicans, who have said that they also forgive him, want a trial at least so that the motivation for the killing comes to the light.

Many have immediately begun to call Father Giuse a martyr of the confessional.

While there have been several

priests who have been martyred for protecting the seal of the Sacrament of Confession — St. John Nepomuk (d.

1393), St. Mateo Correa (d.

1927), Blessed Felipe Císcar Puig (d. 1936) and Blessed Fernando Olmedo (d. 1936) — I am unaware of any priest who was slain while hearing Confessions. Until now.

While there is always, from a human dimension, a natural revulsion to the killing of the innocent, and the death of this young missionary priest

and religious, son and brother, must be sincerely and viscerally lamented, there is also from a Sacramental point of view something quite glorious about his death.

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is all about death and Resurrection. Jesus Christ was brutally murdered — flesh ripped apart by Roman soldiers, hammered by His limbs to wood, mocked and crowned with thorns — but through that death and subsequent Resurrection He took away the sins of the world. The confessional is the place where, to use Jesus’ words in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the “dead … come to life again” (Lk 15:24). For a priest ordained in the person of Christ, instructed at his ordination to model his life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross, there is this logic of death and resurrection built into the celebration of all the Sacraments, but it’s particularly pronounced in the Sacrament of Confession.

Its regular practice involves a form of martyrdom.

There is, often, a martyrdom of waiting. St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests and the most famous and heroic confessor in the history of the Church, had to wait in the confessional

for almost a decade before his parishioners started to avail themselves of the gift of God’s mercy. He did wait, however, as a profound testimony to the importance of the Sacrament. After 10 years of patient prayer and preaching, his parishioners — and multitudes from throughout post-Revolutionary 19th-century France — came without stop. Many priests still experience this martyrdom of waiting, which is a real death to Spiritual worldliness, as they tenaciously serve as ambassadorial advertisements crying out “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20).

But when people grasp the importance of the Sacrament, there can be another form of martyrdom, which we can call the “martyrdom of the crowds,” when so many people come that one is “trapped” for hours within. This happened in Ars, where, for the last 30 years of his life, St. John Vianney needed to hear Confessions for 1218 hours a day. He referred to his confessional as the cross to which he was nailed throughout the day as he sought to dispense the redemptive power of Christ’s Blood one-personat-a-time to those for whom Christ died. He also referred to the wooden box of the confessional as his “coffin,” where he died to himself so that the merciful Redeemer could live.

There’s something like this that takes place when a priest has the happy burden of confessing long lines. In the midst of the great joy of Heaven and the often profound human joy of forgiven penitents, there’s also a form of selfdeath involved, as the priest resigns himself to what it takes interiorly to remain basically immobile and give full attention to each person for hours.

He battles fatigue and sometimes repetitiveness, tenderly weeps with those who weep, and occasionally struggling with penitents who need extra loving firmness to extricate themselves from some near occasions of sin. While many can appreciate such a priest’s

priorities, commitment and stamina, few can grasp how it’s the experience of the grain of wheat (Jn 12:24).

But the most pronounced aspect of the martyrdom of the confessional is the Sacramental Seal of Confession, which prevents a priest from revealing the contents of what he hears, even should he be threatened with imprisonment, torture or death. Sometimes the martyrdom is relatively routine, when the details of what a priest has heard linger in his mind and soul, like the details of violent crimes that have been confessed, or when he recognizes too late that he should have given different advice.

Other times the martyrdom is more pronounced, like when a priest is accused of saying or doing something in the confessional he didn’t, but can’t say a syllable in self-defense.

Other times it is extraordinary, when priests are murdered for protecting the seal, like we see in the lives of the saints I mentioned above.

At a time when different countries and states are trying to require priests to break the Sacramental Seal in particular cases — something priests not only cannot do under canon law but simply won’t do — this aspect of martyrdom will likely be witnessed more frequently in upcoming years, as priests are involuntarily assigned by the state to ministry in prison.

On January 29, little did Father Giuse know what awaited him after Mass as he donned a purple stole and sat down to hear Confessions.

But the normal practice of the martyrdom of the confessional doubtless prepared him for what the Lord knew was coming.

And his martyrdom to the Sacrament of Christ’s mercy is a poignant reminder to his fellow confessors and indeed all the faithful of the importance of the Sacrament, the worthy sacrifice it entails and the life it imparts.

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

February 18, 2022 †

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Editorial Crisis in the Ukraine

At press time the war has not broken out yet. God willing (and it is rather certain that this would be His will), it never will.

The Church, especially in the last few centuries, has been an advocate for peace.

This past Sunday (February 13) Pope Francis told the crowd at the Angelus, “The news from Ukraine is very worrying. I entrust every effort for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and to the conscience of the political leaders. Let us pray in silence.”

The previous Wednesday (February 9), at the weekly general audience, the Holy Father said, “I wish to thank all the people and communities who joined in prayer for peace in Ukraine last 26 January. Let us continue to implore the God of peace so that tensions and threats of war may be overcome through serious dialogue, and the ‘Normandy Format’ talks may also contribute to this. Let us not forget: war is madness!”

On Wednesday, January 26, at the general audience, he implored the attendees, “I ask you to pray the Our Father for peace in Ukraine, now and throughout this Day. Let us ask the Lord to grant that the country may grow in the spirit of brotherhood, and that all hurts, fears and divisions will be overcome. We have spoken about the Holocaust. But let us think too that [in Ukraine] millions of people were killed [19321933].” This is a reference to Soviet dictator Josef Stalin’s atrocities during that era.

The pope continued by noting that the Ukrainians “are a people who have suffered; they have suffered from hunger, suffered from much brutality and they deserve peace. May the prayers and supplications that today rise up to Heaven touch the minds and hearts of world leaders, so that dialogue may prevail and the common good be placed ahead of partisan interests. Please, no more war.”

On Sunday, January 23 the pontiff told the people in the Square for the Angelus, “I am following with concern the increase of tensions that threaten to inflict a new blow to peace in Ukraine, and call into question the security of the European continent, with even wider repercussions. I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will, that they may raise prayers to God Almighty, that every political action and initiative may serve human brotherhood, rather than partisan interests. Those who pursue their own interests to the detriment of others, scorn their human vocation, because we were all created as brothers and sisters. For this reason, and with concern given the current tensions, I propose that next Wednesday, 26 January, be a day of prayer for peace.”

Pope Francis’ solicitude for the Ukraine is not something new amongst the popes.

St. John Paul II told the new ambassador to the Holy See from the Ukraine in 1999, “The friendship and cooperation which exist between your country and the Holy See [are] bonds which go back in history a thousand years to the Baptism of Kievan Rus’ and which have taken on new form and vigor since the advent of your nation’s Independence. I renew the assurance of my prayers for the peace and prosperity of your country. The countries of Eastern Europe, including your own, are undergoing a period of rapid and profound transformation in the social, economic and political spheres. Your Excellency has indicated your country’s intention to achieve a ‘complete reintegration into the European space which rests on Christian values.’ In spite OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 66, No. 4

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† February 18, 2022

of the hard lessons of this violent century, Europe is unfortunately once again the theatre of the oppression of man by man and of the daily thunder of weapons of death and destruction.”

The Polish pope then made reference to the wars in the former Yugoslavia and added, “it should be clear that the atrocities occurring every day on European soil in the Balkans are not the result of peoples’ genuinely held aspirations; they have instead been fueled by unspoken motives representing particular interests and very definite forms of the thirst for power. It must be the concern of everyone to ensure that dialogue replaces conflict. Dialogue and negotiation would signify the triumph of reason, while the continuance of ethnic conflicts and power struggles in any part of the world are a defeat of reason and a sign of the failure of solidarity and human partnership.”

Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to another new ambassador from the Ukraine to the Holy See in 2007, expressed similar thoughts. “Through you, I am also pleased to address my best wishes for happiness and prosperity to the Ukrainian People. In recent years Ukraine, which has always had a vocation as a gateway between East and West due to its location on the Eastern fringes of Europe, has adopted and reinforced a policy of openness and collaboration with the other countries of the Continent.

The Holy See appreciates this perspective which helps restore to Europe its true dimension while assuring the conditions for a fruitful exchange between the countries of West and East, the two cultural ‘lungs’ which have forged Europe’s history and have left their mark in particular on its Christian history. This approach will certainly make it possible to reduce the constantly smoldering sources of tension and confrontation between groups or nations and will thus guarantee all the conditions for lasting peace and development.”

The two prior popes both make reference to the precarious situation in which the Ukraine finds itself between East and West and to how, in general, the people there are not looking for war, but for peace.

In his farewell address to the people of the Ukraine, at the airport in Lviv on June 27, 2001, St. John Paul said, “I am now sad to leave this land, which is a crossroads of peoples and cultures, where over a thousand years ago the Gospel began its course to spread and take root in the historical and cultural fabric of the peoples of Eastern Europe. Thank you, Ukraine, who defended Europe in your untiring and heroic struggle against invaders. Thank you, dear Brothers and Sisters, who are part of this Christian community, ‘faithful unto death’ (Rev 2:10). It has been my long-standing wish to express my admiration and appreciation for the heroic witness that you have borne during the long winter of persecution in the past century. As I depart from Ukrainian soil I extend respectful and heartfelt greeting to the brothers and sisters and to the Pastors of the venerable Orthodox Church.

“I bear you all in my prayer and I greet you all in St. Paul’s words of blessing to the Christians of Thessalonika: ‘May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways’’’ (2 Th 3:16).

Let us ask St. John Paul’s and St. Paul of Tarsus’ intercession that those words become a reality.

Daily Readings † February 26 - March 11

Sat. Feb. 26, Jas 5:13-20; Ps 141:1-3,8; Mk 10:13-16. Sun. Feb. 27, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sir 27:4-7; Ps 92:2-3,13-16; 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45. Mon. Feb. 28, 1 Pt 1:3-9; Ps 111:1-2,5-6,9,10c; Mk 10:17-27. Tue. Mar. 1, 1 Pt 1:10-16; Ps 98:1-4; Mk 10:28-31. Wed. Mar. 2, Ash Wednesday, Jl 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6b,12-14,17; 2 Cor 5:20—6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thu. Mar. 3, Dt 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 9:22-25. Fri. Mar. 4, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6b,1819; Mt 9:14-15.

Sat. Mar. 5, Is 58:9b-14; Ps 86:1-6; Lk 5:27-32. Sun. Mar. 6, First Sunday of Lent, Dt 26:4-10; Ps 91:1-2,10-15; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13. Mon. Mar. 7, Lv 19:1-2,11-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mt 25:31-46. Tue. Mar. 8, Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15. Wed. Mar. 9, Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4,12-13,18-19; Lk 11:2932. Thu. Mar. 10, Est C:12,14-16,23-25; Ps 138:1-3,7c-8; Mt 7:7-12. Fri. Mar. 11, Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26.

Bishop’s blog: In Brazil with family and the Church I am back from vacation and time with my family in Brazil. As usual, January is when I take some time to rest, recharge my energies, and reconnect with my family. This year, besides time for and with family, I included work for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee for the Church in Latin America, of which I am a member. As you may be aware, every year, the diocese takes a collection to support pastoral projects of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. This USCCB committee manages the evaluation of all the requests and the distribution of the funds.

Another part of the committee’s work is visiting dioceses and maintaining a connection with the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean as a sign of solidarity and mutual support. Our work is not only sending funds for the pastoral projects but also showing support through our presence for the neediest parts of the Church in our continent. As we planned this visit, we focused our attention on three areas of Brazil which I felt were the poorest, most disadvantaged, and who have received the least amount of financial help.

I was joined by Father Leo Perez, the executive director of the USCCB office for the Church in Latin America, which is located at conference headquarters in Washington, D.C. In the three

regions of Brazil we chose to visit, we met with three groups of bishops. In Salvador, Bahia, we met with 14 bishops from Region NE 3, which includes the states of Bahia and Sergipe. In the city of Fortaleza, we met

tions but do not have the resources to pay for their seminary formation. One of the bishops told me, “I

of their education and formation. In the last nine years I have ordained 27 priests and 52 permanent deacons.”

Another bishop whose diocese is in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest along the banks of

Bishops from the states of Ceará and Piaui with 17 bishops from the states of Ceará and Piaui, and in Manaus, another city, we met with 11 bishops from the states of Amazonas and Roraima.

Highlights from Our Meetings I was impressed with the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood among all the bishops. It was such a joy to pray with them, spend some time with them, hear the challenges they confront and the hopes they shared. Most of the dioceses represented by these bishops are extremely poor, as far as financial resources are concerned, but very rich in faith, Spirituality, pastoral service, and vocations.

Some bishops told me they have many voca-

have 52 seminarians, but I am very concerned about not being able to maintain them at the seminary because of the high cost

the Rio Madeira described his diocese this way: “Our diocese has eight parishes; we have 17 priests, 16 religious and

six seminarians. We have more than 400 riverside communities to evangelize. This work of visitation and evangelization is done all by boats and canoes.

“The rivers are our roads. We have many indigenous villages.

Religiously speaking, we treat them the same way as other communities, respecting the language and culture of each people.

“We are living in a time of great hope. A new time marked by lights and shadows. The Synod for the Amazon helped us to dream of new paths for the Church.

“Another element that the Church in the Amazon makes possible is the purification of our gaze, i.e., the Church guides us to look at the mission with a careful look, with love for the people and with hope for the future.”

Yours in Christ, Bishop da Cunha

Diocese assists Birthright of New Bedford find new home continued from page three

tinues on getting a local phone line on site.

“We need to train volunteers and create a local board and hope to be verifying non-profit status at the state and federal level within the next few months,” said King. “To that end, we are actively looking for a Pro-Life accountant and/or tax professional to assist with that.

We are hoping for a fully open office by mid-March.”

The new New Bedford site is currently seeking volunteers to assist in the ministry. “The easiest way to volunteer is to send an

email to newbedford@ birthright.org. It will then be contacting potential volunteers with training dates and times. People can get much more information on Birthright at www. birthright.org.

“With Birthright, a woman or family is never alone. We help women discover hope for the future through friendship, love and support,” King told The Anchor. “We know the importance of simply being with her, being a compassionate listener and respecting that it is her life and her

plan. Birthright is available to support her for as long as she needs us, from the time of her first call or visit, throughout her pregnancy and after.

“Birthright also provides struggling moms and families with diapers, wipes, clothing and other necessities during the first year of life. During that time we try to help identify community based services for the family that can help to stretch budgets and provide opportunities for employment, education, more secure housing and more food security.”

February 18, 2022 †

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Heaven is a personal encounter

Q

uite recently, I happened across a catechetical video from quite a large Catholic apostolate which included a segment asking people about what they imagined Heaven to be like.

Each person was well-spoken and sincere in his or her desire for reunion with deceased loved ones, the end of suffering and sorrow, and to experience the long-awaited peace promised by God. When it was over, I sat back stunned.

There had not been a single reference to entering the presence of God, of joining in the Adoration

of the Lamb, or even having the tremendous opportunity to whisper a “Thank You!” to Jesus Who made Heaven possible for those who love Him. I revisited the answers, the earnestness of the believers, and even the premise of the question, and again came up utterly disappointed in the takeaway:

The new and fully updated Diocesan Directory 2022 has gone to press. We are now accepting orders.

Only $30 per copy, including shipping Please send _____ copy(ies) of Diocesan Directory 2022. I am enclosing $30 for each directory ordered.

Total amount enclosed: $__________.

Please make checks payable to “The Anchor”

Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________________ Telephone: _______________________ Complete and return original form or photocopy to: The Anchor (Attention Directory) 887 Highland Avenue Fall River, Mass. 02720

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† February 18, 2022

Heaven is about us, our friends, and our eternal comfort. Really?

The “Catechism” explains that “those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified, live for ever with Christ.

They are like God forever, for they ‘see Him as He is, ‘face to face’” (par. 1023, quoting 1 Jn, 3:2). The transcendence of God is certainly beyond our grasp, and yet out of love for His creatures, He “opens up His mystery to man’s immediate contemplation and gives him the capacity for it” (par. 1028). The verse from the well-known hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” comes to mind: for the saints who arrive in God’s presence will join countless angels in their perpetual Adoration, “casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea.”

Now being restored to our loved ones is certainly one dimension of Heaven, and this is why we both pray for those who go before us and count on the prayers of those who follow us, but our love of them is magnified by the fact that we will all love each other in Christ. Having been joined to His Mystical Body in Baptism, the goal of the Christian life points to Heaven, which is “the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ” (par. 1026). Thus the love we had for Aunt Joan in this life — for her kindness, creativity, and sense of humor — will be nothing compared to loving Aunt Joan in Christ. All who enjoy the beatific vision will be transformed, and our affection henceforth will be lived shoulder to shoulder, adoring the One Who graciously lifted us into His love.

Integral to this Adoration will be our profound gratitude

for the Lamb on the throne —the One Who took our sins onto Himself and bore our iniquities.

Contemplating the nature of gratitude often brings to mind a Christmas morning decades past, when one of my children had figured out what Santa was all about. Careful not to disturb his younger siblings’ naiveté, he crept over to me to whisper a heartfelt, “Thank you!” out of their hearing. He was delighted with what he found under the tree, and needed a concrete outlet for his appreciation.

Just as the gifts we receive over the course of our lives don’t just drop out of the sky, Heaven isn’t an abstract setting for a disembodied glow. “Face to face” indicates the deeply personal joy that accrues when perfection meets Perfection — and our perfection having been won in the Passion of Christ should ground the encounter with a profound gratitude.

The “Catechism” notes, “This mystery of blessed communion with God and all who are in Christ is beyond all understanding and description” (par. 1027), which means we can never think about it enough. So if the centrality of God in Heaven is at all perplexing or off-putting, perhaps we have to revisit our relationship with Him and the attitude with which we have received His gifts, beginning with the Blood He spilled on our behalf. The Eucharistic banquet — Holy Mass here on earth and the wedding feast of the Lamb — are one in the same, communion with the God Who longs to see us face to face.

While green pastures and family reunions may be enticing, it is the beatific vision that will illuminate them — and make authentic and lasting communion possible.

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

Y

ou may have noticed that I’ve been AWOL from these pages for the past several weeks.

The reason is that my computer died a sudden and unexpected death several weeks ago, perhaps as a result of the acidity of my writings. So, last week, I spent several hours in Honolulu (make that several days) under the tutelage of our man, Bill Pimental, learning computer. Power to the Portuguese!

Bill gave me a crash course on how to use my new computer as well as my new Apple Smart phone. He was very patient with me, seeing that I am not the brightest bulb in the room. His attitude was in stark contrast to the philosophy professor many moons ago who said to me one dark day in class, “Sit down, Killilea! I didn’t ask for ’ur opinin.” That is a direct quote from that Kerryman. I have since forgiven him and think that what he said was funny. I hope to see him one day in Heaven —but not in a classroom.

Celebrating Kalaupapa Month Now I am back in my hermitage in Kalaupapa where we just completed the month of January which has been designated as Kalaupapa month. This designation was prompted by the efforts of our memorial society, KA’ OHANA O KALAUPAPA, which proposed this to the Hawaiian Legislature. A number of events were scheduled for the month, beginning on January 3, the birthday of Father Damien. It was to have been an ice cream party.

However, this had to be cancelled, much to our chagrin, because of precautionary COVID regulations.

Thank the Lord that we have a freezer in Damien Hall kitchen.

On January 6, a small group of patients and other residents gathered at the pier in Kalaupapa (I call

it Damien’s Landing) to remember and honor the first group of Hansen’s Disease patients who arrived here on Ja. 6, 1866. We opened the service with prayer, blessed the leis and flower petals, then tossed the petals into the water. Afterwards some of those present went to the original settlement in Kalawao and placed leis on the graves. On Sunday, January 23, the birthday of Mother Marianne, we celebrated Mass at St. Francis in

Kalaupapa. Then came “the moment we had all been waiting for.”

Our Sisters of St. Francis provided a delicious lunch for us capped by the much anticipated ice cream of our choosing. As Jackie Gleason used to say, “How sweet it is!”

As I pen this, the sun is shining, the breezes are ruffling the leaves on the palm trees, the waters in the harbor are shimmering in the sunlight and somewhere in these waters, there is at least one whale. It is like a prelude to Heaven and there is more to come in this land of Saints Damien and Marianne. Aloha.

Anchor columnist, Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

Fall River Diocese receives high marks in report continued from page one

regard to financial transparency.”

Voice of the Faithful had its beginnings in 2002 in the basement of St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley, Mass. Today VOTF members number more than 30,000 across the U.S. and beyond.

In 2016, VOTF initiated an annual report, Measuring and Ranking Diocesan Online Financial Transparency. On its website VOTF said, “Such financial transparency must be one key element of an open response by the Church to survivors of clerical sexual abuse. It will also be essential in rebuilding the trust of U.S. Catholics in our diocesan leadership. If the extent of the financial settlements made by bishops to hide clerical sexual abuse had become known through transparent financial reporting when the abuse reports started breaking long before 2002, lay Catholics would have been aware that the abuse was not a rare exception, but widespread.”

The site further said, “Finan-

cial transparency can help address an array of problems that have emerged within the Church in recent centuries.”

Also, according to the site, the 2021 review began on June 1, 2021, and ended on Aug. 31, 2021. “Three independent reviewers conducted the review. Each reviewed all 177 diocesan websites using the 2021 Worksheet, which can be found in Appendix A. Following the independent reviews, VOTF reconciled all scores to ensure that each diocese received proper credit.”

Kiley praised the VOTF for its steadfast resolve as to shining a light on financial transparency and good governance. “The Voice of the Faithful has been at this now for a number of years and kudos to them for creating a sense of urgency among archdioceses and dioceses to get their houses in order so that the faithful can better trust the stewardship and governance of their contributions and support,” he told The Anchor.

February 18, 2022 †

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Events in and around the diocese St. John Neumann, East Freetown All are invited to an in-person Lenten Taizé event at St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, on March 6 at 7 p.m.

The event is titled “From repentance to springtime — Renew Your Baptism!”

St. Vincent’s Services, Fall River St. Vincent’s Services is holding its annual March Calendar Raffle. Are you feeling lucky?

Purchase a chance for the St. Vincent’s March Calendar Raffle where more than $3,500 in prizes are up for grabs!

This is a great way to support St. Vincent’s!

All proceeds from the March Calendar Raffle will be used to provide much-needed support for the different programs and services at St. Vincent’s.

Purchase your chances online at saintvincentsservcies.org and check St. Vincent’s Facebook page every Friday in March to see if you won the daily prize!

Raffle Rules: There is no limit to the number you can purchase.

All chances purchased are eligible to win more than once.

No substitutions for the offered prize will be made.

Drawing will be held every Friday and winners will be emailed and listed on St. Vincent’s Facebook page.

All prizes including alcohol will be issued to winners 21 years or older.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life MCFL’s Annual Convention Massachusetts Citizens for Life’s 2022 Convention will take place on Saturday March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boston College Chestnut Hill Campus; Fulton Hall, Room 511; 140 Commonwealth Avenue; Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Professor Peter J. Kreeft, Ph.D. will deliver the keynote address.

Other notable speakers are: Dr. George Delago, F.A.A.F.P., family physician and expert in Abortion Pill Reversal; Mariah McCarron, New England Regional Coordinator of Students for Life in America; Dr. Mark Rollo, retired family physician and ardent Pro-Life advocate against assisted suicide; Marianne Luthin, director, Pro-Life Office & Project Rachel,

Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at: fallriverdiocese.org 10

† February 18, 2022

Archdiocese of Boston; Thomas M. Harvey, Esq., Chairman, Massachusetts Alliance to Stop Taxpayer Funded Abortions; and Honorable Colleen Garry, Representative, 36th Middlesex District.

Registration is required. Registrations cannot be accepted at the door. Please RSVP on the event webpage. Tickets are free for MCFL members.

Tickets for non-members are $15 each and can be purchased here. Photo ID will be required for admission to the Convention.

Visit the website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Annual Mother’s Day Dinner The Annual Mother’s Day Dinner will take place on Thursday, May 5 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, Mass.

Keynote speaker will be Catherine Glenn Foster, President & CEO of Americans United for Life, the nation’s premier Pro-Life legal team. AUL’s legal strategists have been involved in every Pro-Life case before the U.S. Supreme Court since Roe v. Wade. Foster will share an insider’s perspective on the pending SCOTUS decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

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

East Freetown Circle of Life Ministry making plans for 2022 EAST FREETOWN — The Circle of Life Ministry of St. John Neumann is hard at work planning its 2022 schedule, including plans to continue with 40 Days for Life spring and fall campaigns.

In April it plans to have some type of project regarding clean water issues; it will once again hold a Mother’s Day roses sale

with the proceeds going to Birthright.

“October is a busy Pro-Life month, and I hope to be involved in the Pro-Life Boot Camp again this year I was involved for the first time last year and did enjoy it,” said Colette Costa.

And hopes are to make plans for events in November for adoption awareness.

Our readers respond Holidays with or without families to cuddle, caused me to go into a huddle. A poem I wrote for all to see, about two daughters God gave to me: Valentine’s Love Poem for Parents to use Little Bird Flesh of our flesh, Heart of our heart, Where to begin, where to start.

Mom and I watched you grow, When your time came we would know.

Then one day your smile quickened, And we knew that your future beckoned.

When you flew out of our nest, To hide our tears we did our best.

Many years have come and gone, But thoughts of you continue on and on.

Every experience you have enjoyed, Has boosted more our boundless pride.

Over the years we have learned, And it is a mystery, That you are indeed our history, Past, present, and future.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, We live on in you.

Know this, Piece of our Heart, We will never be apart.

Lonely, often, but do not be concerned, We leave you with this thought to ponder, That absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Mom and Dad Daryl Gonyon Captain — USAF — Ret. Fall River

Claire McManus receives national award continued from page one

“Claire has been a tireless proponent of Comprehensive Youth Ministry,” said Louise Dussault, director, Catholic Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Providence, R.I. “Her devotion and faithfulness to completing the duties entailed give profound insight into the depth of her love for the Lord and the Church.” Dussault and McManus worked together for more than a dozen years on the New England committees.

A strong recommendation was written by McManus’ former colleague at the Office of Faith Formation, Deacon Bruce Bonneau, also now retired.

In part, Deacon Bonneau wrote, “I would outline my thoughts [about McManus] using an image of the Good Shepherd often used by Pope Francis to describe and illustrate the qualities necessary for pastoral ministry in the Church. He offers these three characteristics for good leadership. That they be ‘ahead of the sheep,’ ‘among the sheep,’ and ‘behind the sheep.’

“Claire’s first and most important task was to set forth a common vision to unify what had become a fragmented and dysfunctional approach to those entrusted to her care. By utilizing the gifts and resources that were available and where each one of the ministries intersected and complemented one another she was able to bring collaboration that resulted in comprehensive ministry.”

He continued, “One of the most difficult and dangerous aspects of ministry is isolation and lack of self care. Caring for those who

have been treated unjustly and disconnected requires a compassionate presence for leadership. Truly Claire was with all those who asked for her help and behind them in their struggles.

“Someone rightly said, ‘You can only lead people as far as you have been yourself.’ It was Claire’s deep and mature faith that brought many close to Christ by leading to them new and wondrous places, being present to others, bearing the weight of ministry and searching and caring for those who might have otherwise become lost.

“I have had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Claire all of these years and this letter only scratches the surface of what she has provided in her ministry to the Church of Fall River and for countless others she has brought closer to the Lord.”

Kelly Goudreau, director of Parish Formation for the Diocese of Manchester, N.H. also wrote a letter of reference for McManus.

“She always impressed me with her thoroughness and her clear thinking process when making financial and organizational decisions,” said Goudreau. “She always contributed to both regional organizations, whether it be during a quarterly meeting or at an in-person gathering. You could tell from talking with her she carried a deep passion for youth and a caring heart for their Spirituality. She was dedicated and extremely helpful when organizing and executing the regional Convocations.”

The National Feder-

ation for Catholic Youth Ministry is a national organization whose mission is “to support and strengthen those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ.”

According to its website, the NFCYM “looks to a future when young people see themselves as children of God who live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ; when the gifts, struggles and diverse realities of young people are welcomed in Catholic faith communities; when ministry leaders have embraced the joy of the Gospel, and when families are living as the domestic Church.

“The NFCYM commits to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people by: forming, equipping, and supporting ministry leaders in their service to young people and their families; modeling and fostering a ministry of acompañamiento among young people of all cultures, languages, socioeconomic and geographic realities; and, partnering with parents and equipping families of young people as they witness to Jesus Christ in their daily lives.”

The NFCYM explains that the St. Katherine

Drexel Pathway Award is given yearly to a diocesan-level initiative or innovator who: — Inspires others by their efforts to support and strengthen those whom Christ leads; — Collaborates at the diocesan level to illuminate the path of Christ in ministry outreach with young people; — Advocate a comprehensive approach to ministry with young people; — Promotes cooperative engagement with one or more diocese(s) that foster the values of the NFCYM in the afore-mentioned areas.

McManus, while having retired from the Fall River Diocese in 2020, is far from being inactive in ministry.

“I continue to serve as a lector in my parish, St. Christine’s in Marshfield, and in my retirement have been able to be more involved with the Cursillo community,” McManus told The Anchor. “I recently served on team for the November Women’s Cursil-

lo and attend the monthly Ultreya at St. Kateri Tekawitha in Plymouth.

“I’ve always felt that ‘ministry’ is not just inside the walls. After I retired I went to work for the South Shore Autism Center, a company started by my daughter and son-in-law in 2016. It has grown to over 140 children and more than 30 clinicians. I serve as the Family & Community Specialist where I ‘minister’ to the families and staff. To prepare myself for this role I went back to school to get a masters in Social Work from Simmons University.

“I often reached out to colleagues for help in getting services for these families because autism crosses into many lives and knows no boundaries of race, religion or economic status. We have just opened home services to the families on the Cape, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, so I hope to tap into my network to get help finding people to staff the great need among those under-served areas.”

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

February 18, 2022 †

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T he C hurch

A

and

Y outh & Y oung A dults

Lent: A gift for us meant to be shared

s Lent 2022 begins, it is no coincidence that the Gospel passage for the Sunday preceding our collective entry into the desert of penance is one of the most challenging in all of Scripture.

In the sixth chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus famously calls on His disciples to “love your enemies and do good to them — turn the other cheek — give to everyone who asks of you — do to others as you would have them do to you — forgive and you will be forgiven.” Jesus expresses a beautiful ideal,

but is this really possible for the average person?

The world is filled with such selfishness, hatred and division that it seems wholly unrealistic, impossible and impractical to pose such a radically different way of life than what seems to be the norm.

And yet, God can not be limited to our notions of what is realistic, possible or practical. God’s ways are not our ways and wants nothing more for us than to enter into his Divine

Trinitarian Life by becoming like Him. Would it not be cruel and manipulative

if our Lord commanded something that was unattainable for us? In God’s reality, it really is possible to live as we are called.

However, if we attempt to trust in our own power

Bishop da Cunha approves events at St. Anne’s Shrine FALL RIVER — On February 8, St. Anne Shrine of Fall River received the generous permission of Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. for the initial schedule of events for 2022: — Father Edward Murphy, Shrine chaplain, will celebrate his Healing Mass ministry, held on the fourth Thursday (this is a change due to his schedule) of February to May, then September to December, with Rosary and Confession at 6 p.m., Mass and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. after Confessions are concluded.

— As we are able to engage a priest volunteer, a Mass on the First Friday for the Sacred Heart. Announcement of celebrant will be via social media channels and our website.

— The Mass for the anniversary of the Dedication of St. Anne’s Church will be held on Sunday, July 3 at 3 p.m.

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— Permission has been granted for Father Allen Alexander, MIC, of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge to preside over the St. Anne Novena devotions from July 17-25 at 6 p.m., including a daily Mass for each day of the Novena in preparation for the feast day of Saints Anne and Joachim on July 26.

— Bishop da Cunha has accepted the Shrine’s invitation to celebrate the Solemn Mass of the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim on July 26 at 6 p.m. This will be followed by the traditional procession of Her relics.

— The annual Filipino community’s “God the Father Celebration and Pilgrimage” is moving from the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro to St. Anne Shrine, and will be held on Sunday, September 4.

Other devotions

† February 18, 2022

upcoming include annual Lenten Vespers being held on Sundays during the season of Lent at 3 p.m. in the Shrine, The Way of the Cross, presented on Good Friday evening, our annual Corpus Christi procession through the streets of Fall River on the Feast of Corpus Christi, and other special devotions and events held throughout the year.

The Shrine is extremely grateful to Bishop da Cunha for his generous support of our ongoing efforts at St. Anne Shrine and ask for your prayers as we continue our ministry here in the City.

Please be sure to regularly check either our Calendar of Events our website, https://www. st-annes-shrine.org, our social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn, or contact the Shrine during regular business hours at 508-678-1510.

to do so, we are doomed to fail. Relying on God’s grace, His free gift of love, is the only way we can live as we are called.

To live as God has called us must start with humility. This is the foundational virtue that makes all other virtues possible. When considering humility, I am reminded of what a former pastor of mine from Chicago used to say: “99.9 percent of what God does in my life is to remind me that He is God and I am not!” That is a pretty good starting point. I am not the center of the universe. God is. I did not make myself.

God did. When I think the world revolves around me, or that I can solve any problem on my own, I lack true humility and am doomed to fail. Humility is not self-loathing, it is the source of true confidence that any good I do is because I accept the grace of the almighty Creator of the Universe Who sustains all life and existence.

With a firm foundation of humility in place, we can begin to live as we are called to live by Christ.

The recognition of the role we play within the drama of our families, communities and the Church comes into sharper focus. We are not isolated individuals.

We are creatures made for relationships, and the commands of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel are all social in nature. As Christians,

we have a special role to play in the healing of our racial, political, ideology and class divisions because we are made for community. God, after all, is a community of persons. As Christians, we simply can’t participate in what has become the common societal practice of condemnation.

As followers of Jesus, we must be witnesses of Mercy within our communities. As Jesus says, our very Salvation depends on it!

As we journey through Lent, opportunities for God’s grace abound. And yet this grace is not just for ourselves. It is a gift to be shared by giving without counting the cost, letting go of a grudge, forgiving a slight or reaching out to offer forgiveness from someone who has wronged us.

Perhaps it is a moment to ask forgiveness as well.

Does this seem impossible? With God, nothing is impossible, and this Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving are graces that will help us to realize that it truly is possible to live the Christian life that God desires for us.

Anchor columnist Peter Shaughnessy is president/principal of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth.

He resides in Fairhaven with his wife, Anabela Vasconcelos Shaughnessy (Class of ’94), and their four children: Luke (Class of ’24), Emilia (Class of ’25), Dominic (Class of ’27) and Clare (Class of ’30).

Sister Martha Mulligan, RSM and Denise Peixoto to be honored with Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award ATTLEBORO — Bishop Feehan High School is proud to announce that Sister Martha Mulligan, RSM, and Denise Peixoto will be honored with the its Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award during the “Setting Our Hearts”

Gala on Saturday, March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Sister Mulligan and Peixoto have combined to spend more than 70 years as teachers and administrators for Catholic schools that serve Attleboro-area students and families. The

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, February 20 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael S. Racine, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Martyr parishes; and Parochial Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi, all in New Bedford

Sunday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Jason Brilhante, Parochial Administrator of St. John of God, Somerset

women will be the sixth and seventh recipients of the prestigious award and the first two to receive it in the same year.

“With their faith, dedication and leadership, Sister Martha Mulligan and Denise Peixoto have inspired Catholic education like few others in our region,” said Feehan president Tim Sullivan. “We’ve seen their impact on the thousands of students who have learned from them, and we’re fortunate that many have then joined us at Feehan for their high school years. So many families have been blessed by these women’s influence in their students’ lives.”

Sister Martha owns a remarkable legacy in Attleboro-area Catholic schools. Her distinguished career as a school leader covered 37 years, with two full generations of students witnessing her model of faith, wisdom and mercy.

Sister Martha spent 25 of those years leading Mercymount Country Day School (MCDS) in Cumberland, R.I. She transformed the MCD campus and community in that time through two capital campaigns and 50 percent growth in enrollment in the 1990s and 2000s. She also instituted a Christian Service program for students that continues today.

Before arriving at Mercymount, she was principal at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro for 12 years. There, she oversaw the introduction of a kindergarten program and the integration of computers into teaching and

ball Tournament, which has continued annually for more than 40 years.

Sister Martha finished her career with a two-year stint as a Campus Ministry Associate at Bishop Feehan. She assisted with Liturgy and retreat planning, gave additional voice

tions as educator, wife and mother all carry strong links to the Diocese of Fall River. Her 30 years of professional service to Catholic education includes 20 years as principal at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School (SMSH) in North Attleborough and six more in her current role as one of the diocese’s assistant superintendents.

As assistant superintendent, Peixoto collaborates with administrators and faculty across 21 schools that educate more than 5,600 students each year. Her work has helped the diocese’s Catholic Schools Office move forward in areas such as curriculum, professional development and special education.

Sister Martha Mulligan, RSM

Denise Peixeoto

and presence to the Sisters’ legacy at Feehan, and instituted the popular Tea on Tuesdays program to honor the Mercy value of hospitality.

Now retired, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1957 and took final vows five years later. She worked as a teacher and assistant vocations director before her school administration career.

Denise Peixoto’s voca-

With Peixoto leading SMSH, the school saw enrollment increases and significant advances in programs and student services during her tenure. She began her SMSH career as a math teacher, and she stayed involved in designing math education during her time as an administrator.

Peixoto’s family shares her passion for Catholic

learning. She also helped found the widely popular St. John’s Invitational “March Madness” Basket-

8 Turn to page 14

February 18, 2022 †

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Local educators to receive Sister Pat Harrington Award continued from page 13

schools. Her husband, Mike, is the buildings supervisor at Transfiguration of the Lord parish in North Attleborough.

Denise’s daughter Jess, son Nick, and daughter-in-law Margaret are all Bishop Feehan faculty members who hold leadership positions in the school community.

The Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award was established by Bishop

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Feehan High School in 2017 to honor a champion of Catholic education who makes significant contributions in service of Catholic schools and the Church.

Sister Pat — who passed away in 2015 — was a legendary figure in the Feehan community: her example of faith, love and mercy set a standard at Feehan for nearly 40 years and will be remembered always. Sister Pat herself (posthumously) was the first recipient of the award.

“The Sister Pat award is Feehan’s highest honor,” Sullivan said. “Our honorees each year embody the ideals that have allowed Catholic schools to thrive for decades and decades

† February 18, 2022

and remind us of the impact one person, like Sister Pat, can make. Sister Martha and Denise certainly fit that tradition. Continuing to find and develop leaders with their devotion and joy will serve our Catholic schools well in the years to come.”

Peixoto and Sister Mulligan join Sister Pat; former Providence College and current St. John’s University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.; former Feehan president Christopher E. Servant ’66; Fall River diocesan priest and BFHS trustee Father David Costa; and Salve Regina University chancellor M. Therese Antone, RSM as honorees. All honorees will be remembered at the Gala each year.

The Gala itself has become the central annual community event of the Feehan year, welcoming more than 600 people to celebrate the Feehan community and support the school.

“The Setting Our Hearts Gala is a one-night event that celebrates all things Feehan — our students, our community, our mission, and our vision for the future,” Feehan director of Advancement Dave Curtis said.

Besides the Hero of Catholic Education award, other highlights of the evening will include an elegant dinner, a limited live auction, a $10,000 cash raffle, a live band, dancing and a host of surprises.

For more information, to purchase tickets or tables, or for information on honoring our honorees, visit BishopFeehan.

com/gala or contact Feehan director of Alumni and Volunteer

Engagement Shawna Igoe at 508.226.7411 x 162 or sigoe@bishopfeehan.com.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

Feb. 27 Rev. Philip Gillick, Founder, St. Mary, North Attleborough, 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 Rev. Steven R. Furtado, 2016 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 Rev. Peter M. Donohue, C.S.C., 2008 March 3 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. Sweeney, LL.D., Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1960 Rev. Douglas W. Hawkins, C.S.C., 2011 March 5 Rev. James McGuire, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1850 Permanent Deacon Manuel H. Camara, 1995 Rev. James A. McCarthy, 2007 March 6 Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1906 Rev. John W. Quirk, Founder, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1932 Rev. Bernard P. Connolly, S.S., St. Charles College, Maryland, 1932 Rev. Antoine Lanoue, O.P., 1996 Rev. Jerome Lawyer, C.S.C., 2006 March 7 Rev. Arthur P.J. Gagnon, Pastor, Holy Rosary, New Bedford, 1958 March 8 Permanent Deacon Victor Haddad, 2014 March 9 Rev. Msgr. Henry J. Noon, V.G., Pastor, St. James, New Bedford; Vicar General, 1934-47, 1947

L

ast weekend, I was watching a TV Mass on YouTube from Heart of the Nation in Wisconsin.

I enjoy the Masses from there, with a variety of priests and choirs rotating every few weeks.

In his homily last week, the celebrant told the story of a man, a not-so-well-todo man, who worked at a local shrine. He enjoyed his work, and spent much of his day in prayer as he performed his chores.

One day the man was particularly overwhelmed by his dire financial straits and told the Lord that He should spend some time

Leave things alone Dave

in his shoes so He would know what he’s going through. The Lord responded and said He would as long as the man took over for Him listening to myriad prayers from countless numbers of people. The man agreed. The Lord told the man that he could only listen, and not respond to the people.

The man agreed.

It didn’t take long before the man was chomping at the bit to say things to people for various reasons, but he couldn’t. The man realized what the Lord goes through listening and

answering prayers without speaking.

I bring this up because as I watched the Mass, snow

was falling quite steadily this Super Bowl Sunday. I made sure to fill my bird feeder to insure my little friends would have a food source once the ground was covered, which happened quite quickly. It wasn’t long before the usual cast of

Please visit The Anchor website at www.anchornews.org

characters appeared and started to go to town on the seed mixture. There were small wrens and juncos, mourning doves, blue jays, cardinals, and a squirrel.

Much like an all-you-can eat buffet with lobster newburg as the main feature, the feeder was empty in the blink of an eye.

Denise tells me all the birds in our neighborhood are chunky because of me.

Hey, what’s good for the goose ....

Back to the story. The next morning, it was still snowing. It was bad enough the Cincinnati Bengals lost, but to have it still snowing wasn’t the way to start a Monday morning.

I looked out the window at the empty feeder and knew I had to restock it — even before I had my coffee.

Denise calls me St. Francis.

I disagree. No animals come and land on me. The only thing from an animal that can rest on my shoulder is — well, you get it.

Again, I digress (I haven’t in a while, so grant me some leeway please). Wow, I’m digressing from my original digression. That’s a record for me.

Back to the story. I went

out and filled the feeder again and I hadn’t even made back into the house when my friends reappeared.

I watched the for a while. I enjoy it. The smaller critters came first, many of them. Then the mourning doves. The two groups have an amicable relationship.

Then came the cardinals — still peace at the feeder.

Next arrived a half-dozen or so blue jays. They appear to be higher on the pecking order than the others, who clear out and wait on branches for them to leave.

It’s the squirrel that reigns supreme though — bullying the feathered creatures out of the picture.

When the jays arrived, I wanted to go out and shoo them away, and the same when the squirrel appeared.

But then I thought of the homily I heard hours before. Were I to do that, I would be playing God. I will never understand the reasoning for it, but there is an order in nature that sometimes seems cruel to me. But nature is God, and I am not. I left things status quo.

But later I discovered, and this wasn’t the first time, somehow a large pile of seeds ends up on the ground beneath the feeder and when that happens, all the parties take part, keeping the nature-made distance apart. Maybe it’s all in my head, because there is a lot going on in there, but it does happen. Maybe it’s God showing me the proper method for taking care of His creatures — leave things alone Dave. I’ll handle it. davejolivet@anchornews.org

February 18, 2022 †

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† February 18, 2022