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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , April 3, 2015

‘He has been raised, exactly as He promised’ Matthew 28:6

Bishop da Cunha’s Easter Message 2015

Dear Friends, When I was growing up, I remember how important Holy Week was, especially Good Friday. It was not only a day of fasting and abstinence, but also a day of quiet, a day of prayer, reflection on the Lord’s Passion and death.

We were not supposed to watch television or listen to music, but spend the day in prayer and reflection on the Passion of Jesus. So it was indeed a different and special day. It seemed that, at least in our culture and our time, we gave more emphasis to Good Friday than to Easter Sunday.

Although Good Friday is a very important day in our Christian tradition and in our Spirituality, Easter is truly the summit of our feasts and it cannot be second to any other Liturgical celebration. We are Christians not because we believe in suffering and death, or Lent and Good Friday, but because Christ rose from the dead, and therefore we believe in life, love, and joy.

Easter is the mystery of God the Father rewarding Jesus for His sacrifice, suffering, and His obedience to all that the Father asked Him to do.

Easter is the proof of God’s love for humanity and our assurance that God wants all of us to be raised up after our own death and to live with Him forever.

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith” (I Cor. 15:13).

The celebration of Easter is our way of saying, professing, and celebrating the victory of good over evil, of grace over sin, and of life over death. It is a time for us to know and celebrate not only Christ’s victory, but our own as well.

We rise the moment we begin to climb out of whatever hole we are in, the minute we begin to get over whatever is holding us back.

Easter means the passage from the old to the new. It means a new beginning, leaving sin behind, and covering ourselves with the new grace of Christ. It means putting away the darkness of ignorance and putting on the light of His truth. Easter is when we are washed clean in the waters of Baptism, our lives are renewed, and we are never the same again.

When Jesus conquered death in His Body, He conquered it in ours. We are called to live a life of appreciation of the Resurrection of Jesus and of our own. Ultimately, it is the Resurrection that gives meaning to life.

Life doesn’t make sense unless we can make some sense out of death, and death does not make sense without the Resurrection.

As I celebrate my first Easter as the servant of God’s people here in the Diocese of Fall River, my hope and prayer is that this Easter of 2015 will bring renewed hope to all of us, so that we may continue living and practicing our faith and rejoicing in the abiding presence of our loving God. Happy Easter! Feliz Páscoa! !Felices Pascuas de Resurrección!

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

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April 3, 2015

Students, faithful honored at annual Pro-Life Mass

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Less than a week into spring, students and faithful from across the Fall River Diocese gathered to celebrate the annual Pro-Life Mass at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth.

On a sunny day with temperatures hovering in the mid-50s, principal celebrant Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., seized upon the opportunity to call everyone’s attention to the weather after a long and sometimes harsh winter.

“As we reflect on this day and we think about saving lives and defending life, we think of so many innocent people whose lives have been taken away from them,” Bishop da Cunha said.

“They have been deprived of the right to live, to see the sunshine, to see the beauty of the skies, and the flowers, and the colors. They have been deprived of that gift, and yet we are here and we have been blessed.”

In his homily, the bishop went on to say how happy he was to see so many young people present at the Mass, “because I am absolutely convinced that if we want to preserve the dignity of life, we must teach our young generation these important values,” he said.

And while most people identify the Pro-Life effort with defending the lives of the unborn, Bishop da Cunha said we are called to defend “not just those who are in their mother’s wombs, but those outside the womb as well.”

“We also can’t forget the lives

of those who have been born,” the bishop said. “Sometimes the elderly are mistreated. We have so many lives terminated; we have so many people who are suffering oppression and indignity — the poor, the lonely, the dying, the hungry, the victims of human trafficking, victims of slavery, victims of forced labor, victims of sexual tourism, victims of sexual abuse, and the list goes on and on. And these are all people whose lives are robbed of dignity and we must defend them.”

Calling life “a precious gift from God,” Bishop da Cunha reminded how God created us all in His image and “therefore, the value of life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death needs to be respected and preserved.”

Echoing the bishop’s comments, the four winners of this year’s diocesan Pro-Life essay contest — themed “Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s creation” — took turns reading their winning compositions aloud.

Gabriella Joaquim, secondplace winner in the junior high division and a student at Holy Name School in Fall River, noted: “In today’s disposable society it is easy to throw away or discard people who are not as active or viable. As a society we must support the elderly and those who care for them.”

Her fellow Holy Name schoolmate, Benjamin Resende, who took first-place honors in the division, said: “Whether we are young or old, healthy or sick, we are all made special in God’s eyes. Unfortunately, our society Turn to page 10

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., center, poses with the winners of the 2015 diocesan Pro-Life essay contest after the annual Pro-Life Mass on March 25 at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth. The essayists, who read their winning compositions during the Liturgy, included, from left: Gabriella Joaquim, Holy Name School, Fall River (second place, junior high school); Benjamin Resende, Holy Name School, Fall River (first place, junior high school); Meghan Powell, St. John Paul II High School, Hyannis (second place, high school); and Victoria Tutino, Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton (first place, high school). (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Cardboard Tent City was once again a great success with 128 Bishop Stang High School students recently participating. The event raised $7,000 to help homelessness. The evening began with Mass next door at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth, followed by a Spartan supper served shelter style. The participants watched the movie, “From Homeless to Harvard,” the Liz Murray story. This was followed by a group of speakers from Sister Rose House and Grace House, men’s and women’s homeless shelters in New Bedford. A valuable question and answer period followed. Students were then given time to play board games, cards or just to socialize for a while. Evening prayer followed. The gym was then transformed into an emergency shelter with rows and rows of sleeping bags. Boys on one side, girls on the other, separated by a partition that displayed articles on homelessness, statistics and many pictures from past Cardboard Tent City events. Students were awakened at 6:30 a.m. and given a breakfast of bagels and juice. All helped to clean up.

Diocesan retreat program begins 25th year of saying ‘YES!’ to the Lord

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

East Freetown — For the past 24 years, the Fall River Diocese has been seeing high school youth say YES! to having a closer relationship with God during the annual YES! Retreat program, the latest of which is being held April 10-12 at the Cathedral Camp in East Freetown.

“Retreats are an important element in the Spiritual formation of the adolescent,” explained Claire McManus, director of the Fall River Diocese’s Office of Faith Formation. “The National Study of Youth and Religion, the findings of which were first introduced in 2004, stated that ‘Young people who have participated in at least one retreat, rally, conference, mission trip, or extended service project report significant increases in the closeness they feel to God, the degree of importance faith has in their daily lives, and how often they read the Bible.’”

She added, “We try to offer to the youth of the diocese as many of these experiences as possible. Some of our parishes have wonderful youth programs that offer excellent retreat experiences and service immersion

experiences. But we will continue to offer the YES! Retreat and the youth convention so that all parishes can give their youth the best opportunity to grow in faith.”

Deacon Frank Lucca, Catholic campus minister at UMass Dartmouth and chairman and director of the Diocese of Fall River YES! Retreat program, is also a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, and he recognized that while

the youth were benefiting from participating in the Catholic Leadership Institute program, the diocese needed another program that offered an additional resource.

“Wouldn’t it be good to build a retreat where young people could come to that it would allow them to go to CLI and then move to a more Spiritual direction for their own development, and then move back to the parTurn to page 15

The YES! candle, right, has been in existence since the very first YES! retreat held 24 years ago. “We break up the wax and add new wax so there’s always wax of the previous candle in the new candle, so it goes back to YES! number one,” explained YES! chairman and director Deacon Frank Lucca. (Photo courtesy of the YES! Retreat program)

News From the Vatican ‘This is your house’ — Pope Francis meets homeless in Sistine Chapel

April 3, 2015

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — Pope Francis stopped by to visit with 150 of Rome’s homeless in the Sistine Chapel after they were invited for dinner and a private tour by the Vatican.

“Welcome. This is everyone’s house, and your house.

The doors are always open for all,” the pope told his homeless guests during their March 26 visit to the Vatican Museums.

He said that their visit was like a tender caress from God.

The group was invited by papal almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, who oversees the office of papal charities.

In the course of the visit, the homeless guests received a tour of the Vatican City State, passing by the Santa Martha guesthouse where the pope lives, as well as several galleries in the Vatican Museums, culminating with the Sistine Chapel.

Although cameras and photographers were prohibited,

the Vatican’s press office said that the pope was with the group for at least 20 minutes, and greeted each person individually with a handshake.

Francis thanked Archbishop Krajewski for putting the initiative together. He told the group, “Pray for me. I’m in need of prayers by people like you,” and asked that the Lord would “protect and help you in the path of life and make you feel His tender love of a Father.”

‘Golden thread’ links Holy Year of Mercy and St. Faustina Kowalska

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The rector of a Rome Sanctuary dedicated to Divine Mercy said he sees a “golden thread” connecting the upcoming Holy Year of Mercy and the message Jesus conveyed to St. Faustina Kowalska nearly 85 years ago.

Father Jozef Bart, rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit, said the three most recent popes all “insisted on this message of mercy,” starting with St. John Paul II, who canonized St. Faustina in 2000 and declared the Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday.

St. Faustina was a Polish Sister of Our Lady of Mercy. She had visions of Jesus saying He would show mercy to those who prayed for it and shared it with others. The Church of the Holy Spirit, just a block from St. Peter’s Square, has a side chapel dedicated to Divine Mercy.

Father Bart, who was born in Poland but is a priest of the Diocese of Rome, said Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy is the culmination of the Church’s official recognition of the message of Divine Mercy.

“It seems that Heaven is in a great rush to come help this world that truly has many problems, that is sick and wounded,” he said.

Pope Francis surprised Catholics March 13 by announcing the special Holy Year, which will begin Dec. 8, 2015, and end Nov. 20, 2016. The Biblical theme is “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

“Pope Francis does not simply want to dedicate a year to mercy or to call a meeting of the bishops on mercy. Pope Francis will open the Holy Door so that it can be a year for mercy,” he emphasized.

God’s mercy is for all of humanity — believers and nonbelievers alike — and Christians

are called to bring this message to the world for all to receive, Father Bart insisted.

Reflecting on the challenge of bringing God’s mercy to nonbelievers in a secular society, Father Bart described mercy as “a point of encounter with all peoples,” particularly through what are traditionally called the corporal acts of mercy, such as tending to the sick, the hungry and the imprisoned.

Through these concrete actions, “I can reach all souls, whether they believe or not,” he said.

In his frequent catecheses on mercy, Pope Francis seems to be “convincing us of the truth of mercy,” said Father Bart. Fundamental to this pontificate is the call to “go out to the peripheries” to bring God’s mercy to all people who suffer, he added.

Many people who have made mistakes in their lives “think there is no place for them in the heart of God,” Father Bart said. He attributed this to the human tendency “to erase from our hearts” those people who have been hurtful or who have made grave mistakes.

“But God will never do that,” he said.

He also spoke of the “great battle between good and evil today,” and said human recourse to God’s mercy is impeded by the devil, who wants to keep humanity enslaved by sin.

But God, through His mercy, grants people “new life” when they place themselves before Him, even with all of their wrongdoing, mistakes, weaknesses and fragility, the priest said.

Father Bart acknowledged that the message of God’s mercy is not new; it is the message of the Gospel. But the Church’s mission, at every point in history, is “to introduce humanity to

God’s mercy and to make this mercy known,” he said. And St. Faustina “shed new light and gave a particular vigor to the message of mercy preached by the Church.”

To live mercy is to have an open heart, to be compassionate and full of tenderness toward others, just as “Jesus ripped open His heart for us on the cross, before our hardness of heart,” he explained. A merciful heart is moved by the needs of others and springs to action to resolve their hardships.

“We can speak about mercy day and night, but we have to do it,” he said. “If behind our words there aren’t concrete actions, then this is not the fullness of mercy.”

He said its fullness can be achieved through proclamation, prayer and works. Though the most important aspect for the jubilee is prayer, he said.

“We must invoke God’s mercy,” he said. “We must ask that this mercy come, and that God will have mercy on us all.”

After their meeting with the pope, the homeless were invited to dinner in the restaurant of the Vatican Museums.

Before going to the Sistine Chapel, the group’s tour of the Vatican Museums first included a stop at the Carriage Pavilion and then went on to the Upper Galleries — including the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of Maps — before visiting the apartment of Pius V and finally the Sistine Chapel itself.

Their tour of the museums was guided, and included headphones as well as custodians who helped them carry their personal belongings, which many homeless individuals carry with them at all times.

The initiative is the latest in a string of charitable initiatives enacted by Archbishop Krajewski on behalf of Pope Francis since his election two years ago.

In November of last year, Archbishop Krajewski met a homeless man who said that although a sandwich was easy to find in Rome, a way to keep clean was not. As a result, the archbishop had the public bathrooms in St. Peter’s Square remodeled to include showers and clean underclothes for those in need.

Completed in February of this year, the bathroom initiative rolled out alongside a haircut service for the homeless, who receive the free services The cover of this week’s Anchor is a modern painting

by Stephen B. Whatley, an expressionist artist based in London. The title is “The Glory of Christ.” (CNS photo)

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on Mondays — when many other barbershops are closed — at the hands of volunteer stylists.

Other acts of charity include the December distribution of sleeping bags for the homeless coinciding with the pope’s birthday, as well as the handing-out of 300 umbrellas to those living on the streets during Rome’s rainy month of February.

Pope Francis recently commissioned 400 of Rome’s homeless residents to assist him in distributing a pocketsized book of the Gospels to faithful who had gathered for his weekly Angelus prayer, saying to receive the Word of God from their hands was a reminder that it is the poor who preach the Gospel to us.

In addition to offering lunch to the homeless who helped in the square, the pope’s almoner also helped to deliver 1,000 pounds of food to the poor in Rome’s Tor Bella Monaca neighborhood with the help of the Institute of Medicine Solidarity Onlus.

Pope Francis had been in the neighborhood March 8 for his visit to the parish of Our Lady Mother of the Redeemer.

Archbishop Krajewski delivered the food March 21.

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April 3, 2015 The International Church Pope’s delegation offers comfort, communion to Iraqi refugees

Erbil, Iraq (CNA/EWTN News) — Hoping to awaken the world conscience on Iraq, a pontifical delegation traveled to Erbil and Dohuk to foster local communion and shed light on the dramatic plight of Christians in the country.

The delegation also offered an icon of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, blessed by Pope Francis, to the local bishops.

“Our goal is to foster communion among Caritas and the other charitable agencies operating in Iraq to assist internally displaced persons, so that any intervention will be even more effective than it has been until now,” said Msgr. Segundo Tejado Munoz, under-secretary of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum and head of the delegation.

He told CNA that while the commitment of international charities until now “has been huge and of great impact,” there are ways to make it even more effective.

CNA was part of the delegation that traveled to Iraq March 26-29, visiting refugee camps in Erbil and Dohuk, in the territory of the Iraqi Kurdistan. The delegation included a representative from the Congregation for Eastern Churches, the general director of Caritas Internationalis, and representatives of some of the Catholic charities active in the territory.

With ISIS forces beginning a major offensive in June 2014, more than 2.5 million refugees — many of them Christian — fled from Mosul and the Nineveh Plan to Erbil and other cities in the Kurdish area, finding protection in Peshmer-

ga-controlled lands.

There are now about 25 camps in the area housing internally-displaced persons, and a house renting plan has been put into action.

Archbishop Barshar Warda of Erbil explained how the renting plan has developed.

“Around Erbil, there were houses that were not inhabited, and we managed to get 560 of these houses for rent for internally displaced persons,” he told CNA. Rentals generally cost $500$1,000 per month, but usually “two or three families can live in those apartments, and so they can manage the expense,” he said.

He added that the recovery plan for internally-displaced persons was based on three priorities: shelter, education and health.

Churches in Erbil and Dohuk are now barely capable of sustaining Mass attendance, which multiplied with the arrival of massive refugee numbers.

Almost 1,000 young boys and girls took part in an early Palm Sunday celebration on March 28, concluding by throwing their caps into the air.

Archbishop Warda stressed that “for Easter, I want to underscore that any help here will make a difference in the life of the refugees — of the Christian refugees and of all the refugees here. The longer they are coming to stay, the more they are desperate.”

In Erbil, the Al Amal Hope Center hosts about 170 families in an unfinished building.

Each family receives one or two rooms, and they can cook and

wash their clothes in common areas.

One refugee, Farouq, lived in Mosul but was in Paris visiting his son when the violence arose in Iraq.

“I could remain there with him, and escape any danger. But I had a family in Iraq,” he said.

So, he returned, fleeing with his wife and younger daughter to Erbil.

Another refugee, Ozman, was a school principal in Mosul. Now, he lives in the informal settlement of Sharia, not far from Dohuk, with his wife and his five children.

“Before the sudden arrival of the militants of the ISIS, we used to live in peace and harmony with Muslims,” he explained, adding that they feel betrayed by the militants.

The situation of internally-displaced persons is critical. Many have been living in camps for nine months now, with no expectation of returning to their home towns.

The people do their best as they adjust to their new life for the foreseeable future. One settlement is surrounded by a fruit and vegetable market. Staff members of Caritas and other charities organize activities for children and offer informal classes.

Still, conditions are far from “normal,” and the people living in the camps miss their home towns.

Bishop Rabban Al-Qas of Dohuk and Amadiiyah told CNA that “the area is now safe, because we fostered a culture of encounter and harmony.

But we need a new education, so that these things will never happen again.”

The pontifical delegation gave the re-production of the icon depicting Our Lady Undoer of Knots to Archbishop Warda and Bishop Al-Qas. The icon was blessed by Pope Francis at the end of March 25 general audience.

“We explained Pope Francis that we were going to Iraq, and he was very pleased with that,” Msgr. Munoz said.

Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken about the situation in Iraq, offering prayers of solidarity and words of comfort, along with calls for dialogue and peace.

As a result of the pope’s

continual interest in the situation in Iraq, several more papal delegations are traveling to that area now or in the coming days.

Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, who had been appointed papal envoy to Iraq last August, is spending Holy Week in Iraq.

Shortly after him, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, will visit. A trip

by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for the Interreligious Dialogue, is also expected in the coming weeks.

Church in Cuba enters new era with thaw of U.S. diplomatic relations

Havana, Cuba (CNA/ Europa Press) — As the 50-year economic embargo and diplomatic isolation between the U.S. and Cuba nears an end, the thaw of their historically icy relationship could have more than just social and cultural implications.

The renewed affiliation between the two countries, which began late last year, could have implications on how the Church operates in Cuba.

In fact, the first Catholic church since the 1959 Cuban revolution is set to be built in the small town of Sandino — a promising start to the renaissance of Catholic culture within the country.

“Let us hope that the future will bring peace and normality to the relations between the two nations,” Bishop Alfredo Petit Vergel, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Christopher of Havana, recently told international Catholic Charity Aid to the Church in Need.

The Holy See aided in the restoration in Cuban-U.S. diplomatic relations, playing a key role behind the prisoner exchange between the two countries last December with hopes that the restored relationship will improve human rights and religious freedom within Cuba. Some U.S. politicians and commentators have argued that the move is a “victory for oppression.”

Bishop Petit responded by arguing that the lifting of the embargo gives a victory to a government that denies fundamental rights to its people “is a poor consideration of the Cuban reality as a whole.”

“Let us wait for future events to see who is right,” he advised.

Under Fidel Castro, who came to power in 1959, only two years before Bishop Petit was ordained

a priest, the Church was heavily restricted, with thousands of priests jailed or exiled. Although some measures of freedom have been allowed since then, the Church in Cuba is still monitored.

Bishop Petit said that “Among other obstacles, there has been the lack of priests and pastoral workers. The government has always controlled the number of priests in the country — and it is never enough to do the pastoral work.

That number has always been capped at 400 in a country of 11 million people.”

“The other difficulty for the Church has been gaining access to the media,” he added, while also noting that the Cuban government does not currently have oversight or control over the Church’s initiatives in the country.

The greatest need of the Church in Cuba is prayers, Bishop Petit reflected.

“Then, we must find ways to address the lack of priests and pastoral workers. Also, there is a need for economic support so that we can supply medicines and food to the very poorest people and we need the means to fulfill all our pastoral duties and attend to the Spiritual needs of the faithful.”

He reflected that “the members of the Catholic Church in Cuba, as in every other place in the world, are part of the Cuban people,” saying the presence of the Church in Cuba brings a transcendent and Christian dimension to everyday life.

“The Catholic Church does not look for special privileges in Cuban society,” Bishop Petit concluded.

“The Catholic Church in Cuba, as in every other country of the world, looks only for the space to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

April 3, 2015

The Church in the U.S.

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History, truth, and politics: Researcher seeks to clear the record on Junipero Serra Los Angeles (CNA/ EWTN News) — California missionary Father Junipero Serra’s canonization is “long overdue,” says a university professor concerned that the priest’s history has been politicized and misrepresented.

“When he died, many native peoples came to the mission for his burial. They openly wept. Others of his colleagues and even colonists, believed that he would be made a saint, because of the way he had lived his life, a self-effacing life of a martyr,” said archaeology professor Reuben Mendoza of California State University, Monterrey Bay. “Because of what he had achieved in his life, even then they had talked about his impending canonization,” Mendoza recently told CNA. Father Serra was born in 1713 on the Spanish island of Majorca in the Mediterranean. He left his position as a university professor to become a missionary to the New World, helping to convert many native Californians to Christianity and teaching them new and vital technologies. The Franciscan priest founded several of the missions that would go on to become the centers of major California cities.

The priest’s mission work often took place despite a painful ulcerated leg Mendoza said was caused by a spider bite soon after his arrival in Mexico. He died in 1784 at Mission San Carlos Borroméo del Carmelo in what is now the state of California.

St. John Paul II beatified Father Serra in 1988. In January, Pope Francis praised the missionary as “the evangelizer of the West” and announced his intention to canonize the Franciscan missionary during his scheduled 2015 visit to the U.S. Mendoza learned from other researchers that Serra was “a very humble man and a man who had a great sense of humor.”

He said the “self-effacing” priest would sometimes insist on doing the work of young Indian boys who cleaned the Convent of San Fernando in Mexico City.

“He would sweep the halls and pick up the trash and maintain his Spiritual stance through work and action.”

The priest’s sacrifices and “Spiritual evangelization” led to the establishment of the missions that were “fundamental” to California’s history.

Mendoza lamented that “politics” had delayed the canonization.

“There has been a significant politicization of his canoniza-

tion,” he said, pointing to opposition from those who feel that “the Church should not canonize a man who ultimately brought the missions to California and changed the lifestyles of native peoples.”

Mendoza rejected the possibility that native Californians could have avoided cultural change.

“As an anthropologist, I can tell you that all people change.

There was already contact between other groups in the southwest and northern Mexico that had already initiated that process of change, and interaction and even conflict.”

Mendoza’s own view of Father Serra has changed from hostility to appreciation. While both of the professor’s parents had been devoted Catholics, his father “gradually soured on the Catholic faith” and “came to hate the Catholic Church for perceived wrongdoings.”

Mendoza had followed his father’s view and his initial research in archaeology, anthropology and history focused exclusively on Native Americans.

After the arrival of Spanish colonists, more than 100,000 churches were built in a 150 year time span in the New World.

“This is one of the greatest episodes of construction that the world has ever seen,” he said. “My eyes were pretty much closed to these churches.”

Mendoza still had a connection to Catholicism. He would sometimes feel moved to pray at the churches, preferring to say the Our Father in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec people. His archaeological work in Mexico and California, as well as his Marriage to a Catholic woman, helped him see the missionary work in California and Father Serra in a different light.

He learned of the stories of Catholic missionaries he described as “good guys.” He cited Father Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta of the California mission San Juan Baptista, an early 19th-century linguist who cared for native people and led a raid to bring back two young Indian girls who had been abducted from the mission.

“He led that raid with Indian warriors at his back,” Mendoza said.

The professor began to realize that while it is common to consider the missionaries’ impact on the Indians, it is far less common to consider the Indians’ impact on the missionaries.

“Here we see them literally

becoming acculturated — learning the Indian languages, even doing their homilies in the multitude of Indian languages that they recorded and saved for posterity.”

Mendoza found his perspective further altered when he heard false stories about California history from grade school teachers leading their classes on tours of the mission. They would tell their students, many of whom were Latino and Native American, “horrific tales that teachers were clearly making up as they went along in their efforts to try to explain history that they didn’t understand.”

“They would go to features on the mission campus and tell the kids, ‘you see these three kits here with all this iron grillwork and the evidence for fire? This is where the Spanish and the friars would literally torture the Indians with fire.’”

“I’m listening to this, and I go, ‘Wait a minute, those are 1930sera barbeque pits for the yearly fiesta barbecue of chickens. And yet this is what they are telling the children.’”

Visitors would confront Catholic priests at the mission and blame them for alleged abuses. Mendoza himself received personal attacks from people claiming to be of Native American descent who said “every brick in this mission represents another dead Indian.”

“I began to realize: especially the most malicious comments about Father Serra were usually by people who knew noth-

ing about him, who had picked it up secondhand on the Internet or on a blog, or who simply just didn’t care for the Catholic Church and its doctrine.”

Mendoza said it is clear from Father Serra’s writings that the priest would have been “mortified” to hear some claims about his treatment of the native people whom he “truly loved.”

The professor discussed the historical context of the missions, noting that the Spanish Empire had officially outlawed slavery outside of the Caribbean.

Unlike the slave plantations of the English-speaking colonies, entrance into the California missions was a choice.

“You could not be coerced to come in, as was the case with African slaves who were being forced out of their homeland, and forced into servitude.”

He compared the missions to religious communes in which the friars were obliged to protect the “body and soul” of mission members.

Life outside the missions was difficult as well. Mendoza said that near the San Miguel mission, native people in the Central Valley were starving as a result of drought.

“They were beginning to settle around the missions, and when they saw that everybody got three square (meals) a day, everybody was clothed, everybody was housed, everybody was defended, people began to join the mission.”

“I don’t doubt that it’s likely that in some of these initial

conversions, people didn’t fully understand what they were getting into,” the professor said. But while life in the missions was highly regimented, the work was intended to benefit the Indians and to sustain the mission as a community.

“Serra, I think, was mortified whenever native people succumbed to illness or disease.

That’s not to say these didn’t exist prior to his arrival in the region, but clearly this had an impact on him.”

Mendoza predicted that the controversies over Father Serra will subside.

“The wide body of scholarship, the growing number of people who are beginning to understand who Serra was, will ultimately change a lot of the way we see him and the mission system overall.”

Mendoza particularly praised the book “Junípero Serra: California, Indians, and the Transformation of a Missionary,” by Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz. Their scholarship relies on new translations of documents and letters.

He also recommended the history of Father Serra by Gregory Orsola, saying he “humanized” the priest.

Without efforts to humanize Father Serra, Mendoza said, “we continue to see books that literally pick and choose the facts that will support agendas that are clearly antithetical to the Hispanic tradition, to the Catholic tradition, and to the life of Serra proper.”

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April 3, 2015

Anchor Editorial

In the name of love

Holy Saturday this year falls on April 4. This might bring to mind the line from the U2 song “Pride” (popularly known by its refrain line, “In the name of love”), in which the Irish group sings, “Early morning, April four/Shot rings out in the Memphis sky/Free at last, they took your life/They could not take your pride.” They are singing about the death of Martin Luther King on that date in 1968 (they actually got the time wrong in the song; he died around 6 p.m., so when they sing it in concerts they often correct it and say “early evening”).

The song also makes allusions to other people who fought, not with arms, but with their arms wide open to humanity in love. Jesus is referred to in the line, “One Man betrayed with a kiss.”

Looking up U2’s song on the Internet, one can accidentally run into references to another song, this one by Diana Ross and the Supremes, “Stop in the Name of Love.”

This January Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh wrote about how he was moved when hearing that song in a concert, how it made him reflect on the strife besetting our country and the world this year.

“It has been a brutal past few months,” Bishop Zubik wrote in January, although a lot of what he said is still quite timely, unfortunately. “Communities have been on edge. The divisions that persist among us have been exacerbated: divisions between police and the people they are supposed to protect; divisions between political leaders and those they are supposed to lead; and, yes, divisions between black and white.

‘STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!’” Last Friday night, according to the Boston Globe, “officers fatally shot Angelo West after he fired a .357 Magnum point blank at Officer John Moynihan during a traffic stop. Officer Moynihan, a six-year veteran recognized for bravery during the Marathon bombings, was reported in stable condition after undergoing surgery on Sunday.”

A few people tried to claim (sometimes quite rudely) that the situation in Boston was similar to that in Ferguson, Mo. and other places in this country, but most objective observers agree that the Boston police handled this terrible situation well.

The Globe editorial board praised them: “Police Commissioner William Evans wisely involved community leaders, ministers, and elected officials almost immediately, showing them security video of the shooting and answering questions about details from start to finish — including the care police took to treat West’s body with respect as they processed the crime scene. It is equally heartening that uniformed Boston police officers and other first responders attended a Palm Sunday Mass at a Roxbury church near the site of the shooting, where prayers were offered for Moynihan’s recovery.”

At Mass we are reminded of a truth that Bishop Zubik wrote in that column: “All lives matter.” If they didn’t matter, Jesus would not have died and Rose for us.

The bishop continued by mentioning January’s sad anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision: “That decision mandating the legalization of abortion is rooted in the same dangerous thought from which racism emerges — that all lives are not created equal; that there are lives less worthy than others; that some lives are inherently less deserving to live than others. The principles that underlie legalized abortion are no different

than the principles that underlie racism. ‘STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!’ As Catholics, if there is a banner we want to carry it would read that all lives matter. The sick, the aged, the unborn — they all matter without reference to their utility, their heritage or their skin color. ‘I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,’ the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. prayed.”

Bishop Zubik summarized what we are facing: “The evils we have to fight are racism, poverty, violence and the horrid concept that killing — as we just saw in Paris [in the killings at the magazine and the Kosher marker] — is a legitimate means to address our grievances and somehow solve our problems. ‘STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE!’” Jesus did not fight evil with weapons, but with His submission to the evil of sinners (all of us), so as to free us from our own slavery and help us enter His kingdom of love.

June 3, 1997 St. John Paul II, visiting the tomb of St. Adalbert in Poland, reminded his listeners, “In the name of respect for human rights, in the name of liberty, equality and fraternity, in the name of solidarity among mankind and in the name of love, I cry out: Do not be afraid! Open the doors to Christ! Without Christ it is impossible to understand man. For this reason, the wall which today is raised in people’s hearts, the wall which divides Europe, will not be torn down without a return to the Gospel.

For without Christ it is impossible to build lasting unity. How can a ‘common house’ for all of Europe be built, if it is not built with the bricks of men’s consciences, baked in the fire of the Gospel, united by the bond of a fraternal social love, the fruit of the love of God?” What he said about Europe is true for America and for anywhere. Unity is not a mere agreement in words, it requires us to be lovingly forged together through truly standing with each other in the challenges of life. Here we are not just saying something “in the name of love,” we are actually loving in deeds.

In his 1994 Letter to Families, St. John Paul again used that phrase. “Only the one who is able to be demanding with himself in the name of love can also demand love from others. Love is demanding. It makes demands in all human situations; it is even more demanding in the case of those who are open to the Gospel. Is this not what Christ proclaims in ‘His’ Commandment? Nowadays people need to rediscover this demanding love, for it is the truly firm foundation of the family, a foundation able to ‘endure all things.’ According to the Apostle [Paul], love is not able to ‘endure all things’ if it yields to ‘jealousies,’ or if it is ‘boastful, arrogant or rude’ (cf. 1 Cor 13:56). True love, St. Paul teaches, is different: ‘Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things’ (1 Cor 13:7). This is the very love which ‘endures all things.’ At work within it is the power and strength of God Himself, Who ‘is love’ (1 Jn 4:8, 16).

At work within it is also the power and strength of Christ, the Redeemer of man and Savior of the world.”

This April 4, as we recall the day Jesus was in His descent amongst the dead to bring them to Heaven (something unmerited, but given by Him out of love), may we pray about how we can turn our words of love into actions for a better world.

Pope Francis’ Angelus message of March 29 At the end of this celebration, I affectionately greet all of you here, particularly young people.

Dear young people, I urge you to continue your path, both in your dioceses and in your pilgrimage across the continents, which will take you next year to Krakow, the home of St. John Paul II, founder of the World Youth Days. The theme of that great meeting, “Blessed are the merciful, for they

will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7), fits in well with the Holy Year of Mercy. Let yourself be filled by the tenderness of the Father, to spread it around you!

And now we turn in prayer to Mary our Mother, [that she may] help us to live with faith this Holy Week. She also was present when Jesus entered Jerusalem cheered by the crowd; but her heart, like that of her Son, was ready for sacOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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rifice. We learn from you, faithful Virgin, to follow the Lord even when His path leads to the cross.

I entrust to her intercession the victims of the plane crash last Tuesday, among which there was also a group of German students.

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by work of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.

Hail Mary ...

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary ...

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Pope Francis uses holy water to bless the crowd at the start of Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 29. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

April 3, 2015

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oday on Good Friday, we ponder the enormity of Jesus’ sufferings in expiation for your sins, mine, and those of the whole world.

It’s perhaps the most fitting day of the year to consider what for most Catholics would be among the least appealing practices in a plan of life: acts of Penance and reparation.

At the beginning of Lent, Jesus called us to repent and believe in the Gospel. This word “repent” doesn’t mean just an intellectual act of recognizing we’ve sinned and resolving to live by faith according to Christ’s indications.

It also indicates acts of Penance.

The Ninevites repented in sackcloth and ashes at Jonah’s preaching. The whole people of Israel — husbands, wives, children, resident aliens, hired laborers, slaves and pets — repented in sackcloth, ashes and fervent prayers when Holofernes and the Assyrians were attacking. The Jewish people did multiple corporeal Penances in Babylon for the sins that led to the exile.

There’s a litany of other examples.

But repentance isn’t principally a bodily act either. It’s ultimately a thing of the heart that overflows into deeds.

“Jesus’ call to conversion and Penance, like that of the prophets before Him, does not aim first at outward works, ‘sackcloth and ashes,’ fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion,” the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches us. It aims, rather, at “a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed.”

Without this interior change of heart, all Penances would be “sterile and false,” the “Catechism” says. Whenever this interior change is real, however, it expresses itself “in visible signs, gestures and works of Penance.”

Among the most common ones insisted upon by Scripture and tradition are “above all three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (CCC 1430-4).

That’s precisely what Jesus calls us to do on Ash Wednes-

Anchor Columnist The practice of Penance and reparation day. But those three practices — each day and follow Him, are not meant to expire when we cannot be His disciple (Mk Lent ends but to continue 8:34). St. Paul said that unless in some form throughout we mortify the life of the flesh the year. Prayer, fasting and we cannot live according to almsgiving are, moreover, just the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13). a beginning of the type of life Self-denial and mortification and Penance and reparation are essential aspects, therefore, we’re called to live, not just to of the Christian life. To reject perfect our own conversion them, like St. Peter tried to and expiation, but to beg for God’s mercy and make amends for Putting Into the sins of others as well. the Deep The traditional word for acts of PenBy Father ance and reparation Roger J. Landry is “mortification.” In this age of affirmation and the consumerist, quasi-religious pursuit of repudiate Christ’s own sufthe maximization of pleasure, ferings, is to play the part of mortification is almost regard- Satan and to think not as God ed as a dirty word. “Putting to does but as human beings do death”— which is what mor(Mt 16:23). tification literally means — So the question for a seems diametrically opposed Catholic seeking holiness to the “life” we’re seeking. To through the Spiritual regimen mention mortification is seem- of a plan of life is not whether ingly to conjure images of the but how to live the Penance Pharisees, Montanists, Flaand reparation to which our gellants, Jansenists, and Dan faith calls us.

Brown’s albino monk. The only In the past there were lots thing that would come from of voluntary mortifications the subjugation of any natudesigned to help us unite with ral impulses, we’re tempted Christ’s own prayer of Pento believe, would be noxious ance and reparation. People psychological repression. wore hairshirts or used the And yet Jesus is pretty cilice to offer up hidden physiclear about our need for it. He cal discomforts. They took the stresses that unless we deny discipline to bind themselves ourselves, pick up our cross — to Christ’s scourging. They one of the strongest symbols fasted severely, or slept on the of death in the ancient world floor, or took ice cold showers

to crucify the insatiable human desire for comfort. There’s nothing wrong with these traditional practices for those who are stable.

But I think there are more fruitful forms of voluntary mortification that both discipline our appetites and align our heart to Christ’s virtue.

Examples are to live the heroic moment and get up punctually and promptly; to show up early for appointments; to persevere in prayer or in a good work when we want to quit; to share our time, knowledge, money, skills and faith with others, especially with those who annoy us; to do what we don’t want to do first and as well as we can; to deprive ourselves of something pleasant to which we have a right, since in sin we chose something to which we had no right; to do more than we would do, especially if it’s difficult, or give up more than we would forsake.

I’ve always believed, however, that the most effective mortifications of all are not the ones we choose but the involuntary ones God sends us that we accept and welcome with faith.

7 Examples of these are being patient with people who interrupt, importune or bore us; forgiving readily those who misunderstand, misjudge, malign, persecute, neglect or otherwise wound us; suffering the crosses we’re asked to bear without complaint, bitterness, or self-pity; and eating gladly whatever food is served.

There are so many opportunities each day for mortifications of this type that we would never be wanting.

And these conform us most to Him Who was silent when He was led like a Lamb to the slaughter (Is 53:7), Who returned no insult (1 Pet 2:23), and Who prayed for His persecutors, did good to those who hated Him, and loved His enemies (Lk 6:27,35) until the end.

From His prayerful Penance and reparation on Golgotha that we devoutly ponder today, Jesus calls us to follow Him — and in so doing, indicates to us the path to holiness, to sharing more fully in His victory over sin and death and to helping Him repair and co-redeem the world.

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

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n Easter morning, the disciples searched for Jesus. In the darkness before dawn, Mary Magdalene is the first of Jesus’ disciples to go out and look for His Body, but she makes a disturbing discovery. The stone was removed from the tomb and His Body is gone. Running back to the other disciples, she informs them that the One for Whom she is looking has been taken away. Astonished, Peter and John urgently run to the tomb. Then they take a courageous step further.

Taking a risk, they enter the dark open tomb ( Jn 20:1-9).

The Easter search for Jesus shows us a model of a disciple’s love for Jesus.

Based on this, we can evaluate our own love for Him. Mary Magdalene’s seeking of Jesus is characterized by her early rising and going out into the darkness. Usually we wake up before the sunrise

April 3, 2015

Easter searching for Jesus

only when we are obliged to after Easter nine years ago, do so, like for work, or when when I myself experienced we are motivated by love, a sort of Easter search for like to take care of children Jesus. I was 18 years old or elderly parents. Of all and about to graduate from the good things for which I high school. By God’s grace, am willing to wake up early, I had turned to the Lord does the Risen Jesus have a place? Peter and John’s search for Homily of the Week the Lord is characEaster terized by urgency and a courageous Sunday willingness to take

By Deacon a risk. Usually, we Jack Schrader are urgent concerning the things that occupy our minds and take over our thoughts. during my high school years, Do we take risks for the sake discovering His mercy in the of something good? Am I Sacrament of Confession urgent about the things of and His Presence in Holy God? Does Jesus occupy my Communion. Deep down thoughts? Do I take risks for I wanted to do what God the Risen Jesus? wanted me to do. I wanted to Mary, Peter, and John be with Him. I began to feel show us a sacrificial seeking a tug on my heart to seek of Jesus, inspired by their Him more fully, especially love. Reflecting on their in the decision concerning search reminds me of a time where I would go to college.

Was I willing to make Him a priority (arising before dawn)? Was I willing to take a risk for God (entering the open tomb)?

I was struggling to decide between Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and a few other universities. My family and friends had never heard of Franciscan University, and I had never been to Ohio before.

However, there was a priestly discernment program there. It became clear that going to Franciscan University and joining the priestly discernment program would be the way to seek God first, with urgency and courage.

Words from the Gospel of Matthew rung in my ears: “But seek first the Kingdom (of God) and His righteousness, and all

these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33).

Alongside the desire to be with Jesus and to do His will, there were many other opposing desires like those for prestige and success.

God was telling me to run after Him and the rest of my needs would be met. By His strength, I decided to go to Franciscan University.

If I had not gone there, I might not be here about to be ordained a priest.

Everyone’s particular situation calls for a unique way of seeking Jesus with urgency and courage. After 40 Lenten days of growing in love for Him, let the 50 days of Easter be a time to imitate Mary, Peter, and John’s sacrificial seeking of Jesus.

Deacon Schrader was ordained a transitional deacon on Oct. 2, 2014. He is in his final months of seminary preparation before priestly ordination on July 11, 2015.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Apr. 4, Easter Vigil, (1) Gn 1:1–2:2 or 1:1,26-31a; Ps 104:1-2,5-6,10,12-14,24,35 or Ps 33:4-7,12-13,20,22; (2)Gn 22:118 or 22:1-2,9a,10-13,15-18; Ps 16:5,8-11; (3) Ex 14:15–15:1; (Ps) Ex 15:1-6, 17-18; (4) Is 54:5-14; Ps 30:2,4-6,11-13; (5) Is 55:1-11 (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4-6; (6) Bar 3:9-15,32–4:4; Ps 19:8-11; (7) Ez 36:16-17a,18-28; Pss 42:3,5;43:3-4; or when Baptism is celebrated, (Ps) Is 12:2-3,4bcd,5-6 or Ps 51:12-15,18-19; (8) Rom 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2,16-17,22-23; (9) Mk 16:1-7. Sun. Apr. 5, Easter Sunday, Acts 10:34a,37-43; Ps 118:1-2,16-17,22-23; Col 3:1-4 or Cor 5:6b-8; Jn 20:1-9 or 41: Mk 16:1-7 or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, 46: Lk 24:13-35. Mon. Apr. 6, Acts 2:14,22-23; Ps 16:1-2a,5,7-11; Mt 28:8-15. Tues. Apr. 7, Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5,18-20,22; Jn 20:11-18. Wed. Apr. 8, Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:13-35. Thurs. Apr. 9, Act 3:11-26; Ps 8:2ab,5-9; Lk 24:3548. Fri. Apr. 10, Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2,4,22-27a; Jn 21:1-14.

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ransition is one of those words that evokes a multitude of feelings and emotions ranging anywhere from hope to fear. During our Lenten journey, many of us experienced a shift in our lives. We sacrificed something we loved, or made it a point to be Spiritually aware of our surroundings and those in need. Whatever you chose to do during Lent, somehow and in some way, changed you, made you more aware of the suffering of others, acutely reminding you that so many go without food and basic necessities, or whatever tied in to what you had chosen to do during Lent. Regardless of your choice, none of us walks away without at least some subtle change.

This past week we have experienced a wide range of emotions, beginning with Palm Sunday and Jesus’ jubilant entrance into Jerusalem. We pictured ourselves seated around the Passover table breaking bread with Christ, drinking from the cup, a sense of belonging, of family and unity taking hold of us. We, too, were confused by

Our Resurrection message

have become of us? Where the Words of Christ, telling us as we sat and ate with Him, that would we be now? Thankfully Jesus accepted His role, allowone of us would betray Him. ing Himself to take on our sins, Then angered by Judas’ betrayal opening the gates of Heaven and Peter’s denial and saddened for each and every one of us, by the fact that His followers all conquering death forever; giving abandoned Jesus.

With Good Friday, a sense of rage washes over us at the injustice of Christ’s wrongful death and crucifixion, and that so many stood by doing

By Rose Mary nothing, leaving us with Saraiva a feeling of helplessness and frustration. Yet, would we have done any us the keys to eternal life. By differently? We even cried out taking up His cross, He chose with Jesus as He called out to to take on our sins, lessening our His Father, wondering why He burdens, daring us to change to felt alone and abandoned; many make that transition into the of us fully understanding that desperation and loneliness when people that God longs for, claiming us as His own. we feel that our own families do Then on the third day Jesus not understand or care, or seem rises from the dead. We, too, so distant while we are in the midst of our suffering. We could stand before the empty tomb, hesitant at first, taking small not bear to watch, but yet dared steps, uncertain. Do we fully not look away. grasp what has been done for However, had Jesus not been willing to take on this burden, to us? Do we understand what it means? allow such a drastic transformaAs we celebrate Easter Suntion to take place, what would

In the Palm of His Hands

day, rejoicing at Jesus’ Resurrection, a promise to us that death no longer holds us captive, do we know in our hearts that we are different and that we are loved beyond measure, worth so much more than any precious metal, and that there is always hope? Will our faith bring us to the realization that light will always shine through the darkness, that Jesus is our light? Jesus through His death and Resurrection freed us from all pain and suffering, allowing us to be what God has always intended for us, even with the full knowledge that we may not always fully understand His ultimate sacrifice.

So let us take another look at the word — “transition.”

How will you allow the feelings that washed over you during this holiest of Church seasons transform you? Do you know where to find the Risen Christ?

Will others know where to find Christ? Are we willing to show them the way? Remember, “Yours are the Hands, yours are

the Feet, yours are the Eyes, you are His Body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours” (Teresa of Avila). Are you willing to become the catalyst that helps others make the change as well?

Are you ready to bring light into the lives of others, creating a shift, regardless of how big or small?

This is the message of the Resurrection: we are now His Hands and Feet and we know where to find Christ. He is in those who need our love, forgiveness and compassion, our understanding and care; in the marginalized, the homeless, the sick and dying. We find Him in the bereaved and lonely. We are an Easter people, full of hope, light and love, so let us go out into the world dispelling the darkness that shrouds so many of our brothers and sisters, giving them the hope of the Resurrection.

Happy Easter! Alleluia!

Christ is Risen. Alleluia!

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva is the Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

April 3, 2015

Wednesday 1 April 2015 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — April Fool’s Day ou know me, dear readers.

I’m fascinated by statistical studies. You can well imagine, therefore, my delight when I discovered the latest scientific study just released by “Truity,” the personality and career assessment website headquartered in California. Not to stereotype, but I underscore that this research is coming out of the Republic of California, if you get my drift (Wink, wink). As it says somewhere in the Bible, “Can anything good come from California?” Or something like that.

I use one of these new-fangled modern translations.

At any rate, what was the goal of this study but to categorize personality type by state? Who knew that states have personalities? The study subjects came from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There was a very large test sample — 12,000 to be exact. The testing instrument was categorized into five personality spectrums: introverted/extroverted, competitive/cooperative, resilient/neurotic, concrete/abstract, and flexible/focused.

Let me immediately announce the grand prize winners on either end of the five

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s you read these words, if your issue of The Anchor has arrived on time, the Lenten season has ended. We are now celebrating the Triduum, the most Sacred days of our Church year. It begins with the Mass on Holy Thursday, continues with the Liturgical celebrations of Good Friday and it concludes with the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.

There are those who await the end of Lent to be able to drink that can of soda they have sacrificed all during Lent. Perhaps they eagerly await the first candy or first desert since Ash Wednesday. Maybe a return to the drinking of alcohol or smoking of cigarettes will begin. Those seemingly long 40 days “giving up” is over.

Lent is such a special time in the Church. It encourages us to grow closer to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The special graces of the Lenten season are felt as we, along with the entire Church, travel the same path to perfection.

You can note a more serious attempt to grow in God’s love and grace. Mass attendance

Anchor Columnists State of mind

five scales. In fact, Massachusetts spectrums: Introverted people prefer to hide mostly in Vermont. didn’t even place in the top five in any of the categories. This can The most competitive people only mean that the people of live in the state of Illinois. The Massachusetts prefer to stand most resilient to stress reside in in the middle, along with virtue Montana. Those who think in herself. the most concrete terms are also The research team went on to from Illinois. And those who can apply these traits to five individalways go with the flow will be found living in Illinois.

Yes, Illinois has swept the field with three gold The Ship’s Log medals.

Reflections of a And now, the undisParish Priest puted champions on the other end of the specBy Father Tim trum. The most extrovertGoldrick ed people in the country live in Nevada. The most ual personalities they identified cooperative will be found in as the “Producers,” the “OpenMontana (second gold medal Minded,” “the Critics,” “the for this state). If you tend to be Eccentrics,” and the “Friendly neurotic, you will feel right at home in South Dakota. The most Conservatives.” Why those Caliabstract thinkers will be found in fornia techies choose these five, I can only guess.

New England — Rhode Island.

The “Producers” are the hardIf you are very organized, you will working, no-nonsense types. find kindred spirits concentrated If you are looking for serious in North Dakota. I wonder if this has anything to do with their workaholics, you have many states from which to choose: neurosis.

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, the The only New England District of Columbia, Florida, groups to score big were those Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryintroverts in Vermont and the land, Michigan, Minnesota, Misdeep thinkers in Rhode Island. souri, Nevada, New Jersey, New The great Commonwealth of Massachusetts didn’t win a single Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tengold medal on either end of the

nessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Avoid Massachusetts, and especially Cape Cod, where folks just tend to lounge around on the beach, goof-off, and enjoy themselves — according to these people from California (wink, wink).

Next we come to the “OpenMinded” who are into art, literature, the arts and sciences and generally all things intellectual and/or cultural. Finally, Massachusetts is nationallyrecognized, along with the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Yes, indeedy.

I was pleased to learn that, according to this latest study, there are no “Critics” to speak of in Massachusetts. The Critics are a bold bunch that love to challenge and debate. If you’re looking for Critics in New England, you’ll find them concentrated in New Hampshire. Otherwise, you’ll have to travel to Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, or Pennsylvania where they can be found in great numbers.

Then you have the “Eccentrics.”

These are the folks who provide the local color. They stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. Contrary to popular belief, these are not found wandering the narrow

9 streets of Cape Cod. Instead, take a short drive to Vermont you’ll see them roving in bands. You can also spot herds of Eccentrics in Kentucky and Delaware.

Lastly, you have your basic “Friendly Conservatives.” These are the salt-of-the-earth type, devoted to God, nation, and family.

They are gregarious and straightforward. What you see is what you get. Don’t waste your time in New England. Drive out to the Dakotas. There are more Conservative types in these two states than anywhere else in the country. You will remember, perhaps, as stated above, that the state of North Dakota also has the most neurotics. Whether or not there is any direct correlation between conservatism and neurosis has yet to be proven. But if there is any ongoing scientific research in this matter, I bet it is being done in California. Where else?

There’s a great deal in the news these days about profiling. This proves just how far the profiling business can be taken.

It has been scientifically proven.

I am not making this up. Just ask those trendy people in California.

Never mind that it’s April Fool’s Day. Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

The new life Easter symbolizes

and Lenten devotions are older. increases. Devotional practices like the Stations of the Cross are While there is nothing wrong with that, and it is appreciated encouraged and many attend. that they respond so well, the Many make an effort to go to younger Church does not seem Confession during Lent.

At St. Mary’s we have a noon to be as interested, as involved.

A few years ago, we attempted Mass which allows many who as a deanery to address this issue. cannot attend a morning Mass We ended up having an afterto come to Mass during Lent.

Daily we have had more than 100 people present Living at Mass. the Although we did not have a deanery retreat, I Faith invited other parishes to

By Msgr. join our parish retreat.

John J. Oliveira Many took the advantage to attend Mass at noon or in the evening. Connoon which was basically a chasfessions were heard one hour tity talk by a well-known speaker. before Mass and many made Confirmation candidates were to their Lenten Confession during be invited for this time of reflecthe mission. Other deaneries, I am sure, had similar experiences. tion. While it was informative, As I reflect on this, two obser- it did not engage our younger Church members. They were not vations come to mind. encouraged to witness to what The first is that the age of they believe. those observing Lent in an outThere are programs which ward manner (attending services) is middle-age and beyond. While reach out to our youth such as one cannot calculate the personal conventions and rallies. Other observance of Lent or the famil- programs are available such as ial celebration, the average age of the YES! retreat and CLI. These encourage young adults. those attending these missions

Possibly the younger people are so engaged with other distractions, like sports and high school requirements, that the faith aspect of their life is not that important. Added to this is the fact that many young people are not supported in their faith at home.

Perhaps a better use of modern communication tools like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, where most young people are connected, could encourage and engage them. Recently we have learned how some terrorist groups seem to be very successful by their use of the social media.

I pray the Holy Spirit will enlighten us to be able to reach out and engage the younger Church.

The second observation is that it is all over on Easter. How sad. The extra effort to grow in the knowledge of Christ seems to end with Easter. Those who made attempts to attend Mass more frequently, stop attending. Those who made the effort to read, study, attend a Church mission or Lenten service, stop

when Lent is over. Those who choose to devote extra time to prayer or Spiritual reading, for the most part, do not continue after Lent is over.

During Lent we seek to advance in our knowledge and love of God; to see Him as a friend. If you have met a friend and have been able to know that friend better, why would you end that growth in your friendship on a certain day or at a certain time?

It is my hope that those who have celebrated the Lenten season well, will continue to celebrate their closeness to the Lord. I pray that those who have grown closer to the Lord will continue to deepen their relationship, their friendship.

The Easter season begins, our outreach to the younger Church should continue. The Easter season begins and our growth in the faith should not end. It should be revitalized with the new life that Easter symbolizes.

Anchor columnist Msgr.

Oliveira is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford and director of the diocesan Propagation of the Faith and Permanent Diaconate offices.

10

April 3, 2015

Students, faithful honored at annual Pro-Life Mass continued from page two

today doesn’t always look at life this way. There are now so many ways that life is disrespected and abused, such as abortion and not taking care of the sick and the poor in our society.”

Meghan Powell, second-place winner in the high school division and a student at St. John Paul II High School in Hyan-

nis, recounted how attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C. for the first time this year “opened my eyes to understand the devastation of abortion, and that each life is Sacred from conception to natural death. I learned that there are actually more ProLife people in America than prochoice, and that my generation is

extremely Pro-Life.”

Lastly, Victoria Tutino, a student at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton who took first place in the high school division, stressed: “Life is not something that can just be thrown out but rather, it is a masterpiece. This gift is one that no matter the age, is still beautiful. All of the imperfections, blemishes, insecurities, problems, and obstacles that life has is what makes it a masterpiece.”

This year’s recipients of the John Cardinal O’Connor Awards, which are annually given to individuals who are dedicated “witnesses to the Gospel of Life,” according to Marian Desrosiers, director of the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, were Haley Wissler, a member of the Class of 2016 at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, and Arthur Gareau, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk.

Wissler was honored for her work with the school’s Pro-Life Team, as a member of the Respect Life Ministry at her home parish of Sacred Heart in North Attleboro, for being active with the Rosary for Life, volunteering at the Abundant Hope Pregnancy Center in Attleboro, leading a Pro-Life Confirmation class, and attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and the diocesan Pro-Life Boot Camp.

“Haley went above and beyond to joyfully share the Gospel of Life with her peers, so today it is my honor to present her with the 2015 Youth John Cardinal O’Connor Award,” Desrosiers said.

“I’m really excited and I feel really blessed at being the recipient of the award (this year),” Wissler told The Anchor. “When my teacher told me she had nominated me, I couldn’t believe it. Just knowing that I’d be recognized for something like this really made me happy.”

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., center, poses with the winners of the 2015 John Cardinal O’Connor Awards for supporting the Gospel of Life after the annual Pro-Life Mass on March 25 at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth. This year’s winners were Haley Wissler, Bishop Feehan High School (youth recipient) and Arthur Gareau, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk (adult recipient). (Photo

by Kenneth J. Souza)

In addition to his work with the Knights of Columbus, Youth Ministry, as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, the Marriage Prep program, and Parish Council, Gareau has remained dedicated to defending the Pro-Life cause for more than 15 years and has been a fixture at the 40 Days for Life campaigns outside the Four Women Clinic in Attleboro for the past fiveand-a-half years.

“Prayerfully and respectfully, Art would wave to the passersby — those who honk their horns in support, and those who did not,” Desrosiers said. “In either case, Art would always respond with love.”

“It’s an honor to receive the award this year with Art Gareau,” Wissler said. “He’s a great guy and I’ve seen him many times praying outside the abortion clinic. He’s an inspiration to a lot of us.”

As an active parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for more than 25 years, Desrosiers said “there is hardly a ministry that (Gareau) has not been involved with to some degree,” which is why he was honored with the 2015 Adult John Cardinal O’Connor Award.

“I have always been Pro-Life, because I come from a Pro-Life

family,” Gareau said of the honor.

“It’s something we have lived, so it’s not something I had to learn.

I’ve had a lot of support from my friends at the parish, I’ve had a lot of support from my family, who are all incredible in allowing me to get out and do some of these things.”

Gareau said he’s proud of all his Pro-Life work and noted that his attendance at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. remains a highlight.

“You can stand in front of the clinic alone at six o’clock in the morning, but when you go to Washington and you’re one of 600,000 strong — that’s when you realize you’re in the right place and you’re not alone,” he said.

In offering his personal congratulations to the winning essayists and award recipients, Bishop da Cunha noted how the Pro-Life Apostolate remains “an important ministry in our diocese.”

“Children in the womb are not potential persons, but persons with potential and they must be treated as such,” he said.

“None of us has the right to take another life because it is a unique, special gift from God and only God determines when it begins and ends.”

11

April 3, 2015

Brother of slain aid worker talks with pope about dialogue, respect

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After Pope Francis encouraged him and pledged his prayers, Michael Haines was able to tell the pope about his work to promote interreligious dialogue and mutual respect, particularly between Christians and Muslims. Haines’ brother David, a British aid worker, was beheaded by members of the so-called Islamic State in Syria in September.

Michael Haines met Pope Francis at the end of a weekly general audience. He was accompanied by Barbara Henning, widow of aid worker Alan Henning, another of the ISIS victims, and

by Shahnawaz Haque, a Muslim scholar and psychotherapist. In a tear-filled interview with Vatican Radio’s Philippa Hitchen, Michael Haines said that as soon as he went up to the pope, his mind

went blank. “I get quite nervous,” Haines said, and the pope could see that. “So he made me feel at ease by speaking to me first.”

The pope told Haines that he prayed for his brother, for his whole family and for Haines’ work of fighting the ChristianMuslim tensions sown by the Islamic State rebels and other terrorists who “are trying to polarize our communities.”

12

April 3, 2015

40 Days vigilers ‘offer up’ harsh winter continued from page 20

Attleboro vigil site, Angell Park, a narrow strip of grass between divided Highway 118. Pay-loaders clearing the many intersections in the area dumped snow in the park and added to the height of the snow banks.

“There really is no place to stand — even now — in the park,” Larose said last week.

“The area facing the clinic is still snowbound.”

Larose added that the snow banks actually came with some benefit. Larose used them as a perch so that he would be more visible with his threefoot-by-seven-foot sign that read “Pray to end abortion.”

The snow banks also shielded participants from the brunt of the winds.

“It’s never been this bitterly cold for this extended amount of time. Below-zero temperatures are fairly rare — even wind chills, but for the first three weeks of the campaign, that was the norm,” he said.

On his first day at the vigil site, Larose wore five layers, foot-warmers and insulated boots. After he finished praying and went inside, it took nearly four hours for him to warm up. Later that day, he made an “emergency purchase” of below-zero rated boots and thermal underwear.

Paul Zabrinski, a participant at 40 Days Attleboro, said that in the end it is the children, not the weather, who matter. He called the lives lost at the clinic “devastating” and said that witnessing outside serves the important purpose of praying for all who go there.

“We’re toughing it out,” he said of vigil participants.

“They call it a clinic. It isn’t a clinic. They don’t help anybody.

They’re there to destroy; that’s all.”

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

13

April 3, 2015

Indiana law is not discrimination against gays Indianapolis, Ind. (CNA/EWTN News) — Despite media hype, a new Indiana law is not based on anti-gay discrimination, but on a 20-year legal precedent of protecting the rights of religious individuals and charitable organizations, say religious liberty advocates.

“It’s both unfortunate and incredibly dishonest to say the things that they are saying about these bills,” said Kellie Fiedorek, litigation counsel with the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom.

“The evidence of the past 20 years provides the strongest truth that what they’re saying is fundamentally false.

Until yesterday, 19 states and the federal government have these exact same laws on the books, and none of these terrible things that are being said might happen have happened,” Fiedorek told CNA. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law March 26, saying it ensures that religious liberty is “fully protected under Indiana law.”

“The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution both provide strong recognition of

the freedom of religion, but Freedom Act in 1998. The feed the homeless and prevent today, many people of faith Indiana bill, however, trig- the government from making feel their religious liberty is gered an intense reaction as distinctions on who may exerunder attack by government it was signed into law, with cise their constitutional freenews reports depicting it as doms and who cannot.” action,” Pence said.

Fiedorek said such legisThe legislation declares “anti-gay” and critics claimthat state and local govern- ing it would enable discrimi- lation might have saved the life of one Jehovah’s Witness ments may not “substantially nation.

Wealthy business interests woman with religious objecburden” a person’s right to tions to blood transthe exercise of religion, unless it is he Constitution of the United fusions. In 2012, demonstrated that States and the Indiana Consti- suffering from liver doing so is “essential tution both provide strong recognition of failure, the woman sought a bloodless to further a compelling governmental the freedom of religion, but today, many liver transplant opinterest” and uses people of faith feel their religious liberty eration. Her doc“the least restrictive” is under attack by government action,” tors found someone to perform the means to further that Pence said. procedure in the interest. neighboring state of The Indiana bill Nebraska that was reflects the 1993 federal Religious Freedom threatened consequences for cheaper than a normal liver Restoration Act, passed by a the state. The CEO of Yelp transplant. However, Mednearly unanimous Congress said the company would not icaid and the state of Kansas and signed into law by Presi- expand in Indiana. Marc Be- refused to pay for it because dent Bill Clinton. While nioff, CEO of the software it ruled that the procedure that law was originally in- company Salesforce, canceled required by her religious betended to apply to federal company events in Indi- liefs “did not constitute medand state government ac- ana. Apple CEO Tim Cook ical necessity.”

Fiedorek said the woman tions, the Supreme Court criticized the legislation, ruled in 1997 that is applied while the president of the “would likely be alive today” only federally. Subsequently, NCAA, which will host the had Kansas passed a reli19 states passed their own Final Four college basketball gious freedom restoration act versions of the law, explicitly tournament in Indianapolis, applying it at the state level warned that the legislation as well. President Barack might affect future events.

Several celebrities also Obama, who was at that time a state senator, voted in fa- criticized the bill and a hackvor of the Illinois Religious er briefly took down the state of Indiana’s website in apparent retaliation for the signing of the bill into law, the Indiana NBC affiliate WTHR reported. But backers of the bill say critics are just plain wrong about its application.

Nearly identical laws are already in place at the federal level and in more than onethird of states nationwide, they say, and the last two decades have shown that these laws have been used not to discriminate against gay individuals, but to protect religious rights.

Fiedorek pointed to numerous examples of Religious Freedom Restoration Acts in place. In one case, a Texas Native American boy appealed to a similar law when his school dress code barred Sunday, April 5, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. him from wearing his hair longer than the other stuEaster Sunday dents. In Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia allowed commercial food trucks to sell food in a park, but preCelebrant is Fall River vented charitable organizaBishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. tions from feeding the homeless for free. The charitable groups used the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act “to defend their ability to

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6

“T

like Indiana’s. She added that the Indiana law has no bearing on disputes between private parties unless government actions are involved.

Glenn Tebbe, executive director of the Indiana Catholic Conference, said he was “a little surprised” by the controversy. “It seems to have no relationship to what the law actually said. The law does not authorize or promote or in any way encourage discrimination towards anyone.

The law is there to determine when rights conflict with one another and the best way to resolve that conflict.”

If the bill had encouraged unjust discrimination, Tebbe told CNA, “the Catholic Conference and the Church would not be supportive of it.” He called on the law’s critics to “take more time to look at what the law actually says, to listen to what constitutional and legal scholars have said about it and also take a look at where this law is already in place and in practice.”

14

April 3, 2015

Serra International keeps promoting a culture of vocations

By Rob Grant Special to The Anchor

Serra International is a global, lay organization that promotes vocations to the ministerial priesthood, encourages vocations to consecrated religious life, and assists its members to recognize and respond in their own lives to God’s call to holiness.

Founded in 1935, in Seattle, Serra has chartered 1,170 clubs in 46 countries.

Dan Grady possesses 25 years of banking experience and is now vice president of First Community Bank, but summed up the bottom line.

“The best decision in my life was to join Serra,” he said.

Grady is on the Board of Trustees as president.

“We’ve seen a general improvement in vocations this past year in our country, but more markedly in Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, India, and Singapore,” he said.

A Serran since 1996, the second-term president for Serra’s Grand Rapid Club recounts a turning point and intensification of their mission.

“In 2001, at our meeting with St. John Paul II, he brought into focus for us Serrans two simple things: 1. Absolute primacy of prayer for vocations.

2. More attentiveness to personal holiness of our members.

The next big boost in promoting vocations came on Oct. 25, 2004. Serra received approval from the Holy See for use of the invocation — Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us.”

The positive results from those 2001 and 2004 milestones fly in the face of conventional wisdom — that leadership is the be-all and end-all of every success. Rather, prayer is

the seedbed of each authentic triumph, including leadership.

This notion resonates with Serra’s executive director, John Liston, who has witnessed prayer potently impacting vocational growth.

“We receive many amazing letters,” Liston said. “In person, many priests, religious and seminarians when recognizing my Serra badge, comment how Serra has helped them, affirmed their vocation.

“A mountaintop moment at a seminary in Philadelphia where a former Serra altarserver award-winner recalled being spurred through that experience to begin thinking about the priesthood — he’s in seminary today.

“I work with the best Catholics in the world,” he said.

“That’s just a fact. It’s amazing to hear of Serrans’ faith journeys — unshaken even in mighty trials.”

Serra Clubs foster holiness in their members by equipping them to impact the greater community at large, which falls within their sphere of influence, through such devotions as daily attendance at Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.

Grady’s experience confirms, “Unsurprisingly, the most successful members are those whose devotion toward the priesthood is most intense; these Serrans consistently go to Eucharistic Adoration, attend daily Mass, and pray Rosaries for vocations.”

Liston marvels at the power of Eucharistic Adoration: “Caicó is a small town in Brazil that despite being poor is a political and cultural centre. A few years after Serra set up a Eucharistic Adoration program, now their bishop has a problem — too many vocations!”

At the 2015 Serra Rally in Houston, Liston relayed, “We met St. Paul Street Evangeli-

zation and Vianney Vocations, which triggered the importance of developing new youth models to revisit what will better attract younger members. We plan to organize many eventdriven activities and pique interest.

“Although involved with Serra as a youth through a Boy Scout troop leader when looking for a summer job, I embraced Serra through a simple concept — an Argentinean Serran explained the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, crystallizing my faith.

“The deepening of my commitment sprung from the influence of our patron, Blessed Junipero Serra. While attending law school in 2008-2011 at night, I worked as Serra’s office administrator during the day. I left Serra briefly to pursue a law career.

“In 2013, I was asked to become Serra’s executive director.

How busy would life become?

Feeling overtaxed, I researched Father Serra’s life; the well-todo Fray Serra held the chairman of theology at University in Mallorca, Spain, then felt called to preach the Gospel, and become a missionary traveling from Spain to Mexico where through being bitten by a scorpion contracted an ulcerated leg — quite a hardship. If he could relinquish all worldly comforts, I can put my hat into the ring. Only two-and-a-half months of practicing law, I decided to act in kind — leaving a law career, to solely serve the Church. By saying yes, I became executive director of Serra.”

Forging ahead with their patron’s time-heralded motto — ever forward, never back, Liston expounded on Serra Clubs’ activities.

“Adopt-A-Priest programs are where we show a priest around town, introducing him to people in the community — a support network for the priest,” Liston said. “People forget that the priesthood can be lonely.

“Then Eucharistic Adoration programs are typically launched. The 31-Club is wellreceived. Serrans sign up to pray for a different, priest, religious, or seminarian. We keep vocations in our prayers, hearts, and minds.”

Grady added, “One fruit of Serra’s activities is in evidence in the son of one of our Serrans; namely Auxiliary-bishop Andrew Cozzens of St. Paul, Minn.

“Before joining Serra, I didn’t fully appreciate what they do. Not only do I better understand my faith and realize how vitally important the support Serrans give one another in living it out in a secular world, but the privilege of speaking with many priests, nuns and bishops who’ve helped me become a better disciple of Christ, is priceless.

“Serrans also contribute to Serra International Foundation — providing grants between $150,000-$200,000.

“Our Episcopal Advisor is Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., whose father was a Serran. His Eminence says, ‘Vocations are everybody’s business.’”

Serra’s mission recognizes the highest calling, the priesthood — analogous to what Father Garrigou-LaGrange wrote in “The Priest in Union with Christ,” a chapter entitled, “The Excellence of the Priestly Grace”: “Not even the angels are called to this service of the altar, only surpassed in its dignity by the Virgin Mary’s maternity.

How is it possible for a man who is in every way inferior to the angels to receive such an extraordinary grace? Theologians reply, ‘as the eagle is superior to man in possessing wings and a keener vision — although man is of a higher nature — so the priest is superior to an angel in virtue of his power to consecrate and absolve.’”

Grady spoke more about Blessed Junipero as Serra’s patron: “During his time as a missionary, Father Serra had little involvement with promoting priestly vocations. In fact, in England there had been talk of instead selecting St. Thomas More.”

In retrospect, it’s Providential that a holy priest who demonstrated such zeal for the Salvation of souls would be chosen as Serra’s patron, their primary focus fostering and promoting vocations to the holy priesthood, and to supporting the Sacred ministry of priests, those who spend and consume themselves for the Salvation of souls.

Grady and Liston outlined the three popular activities suggested for Serra Clubs — A Holy Hour, the “31-Club,” and Adopt-A-Priest program, to have in the parish at the same time.

The list below expounds upon Serra USA’s five recommended activities for newly-

launched Serra Clubs: — Star One: The Traveling Chalice Program — This program directly involves the parishioners. At the end of a Sunday Mass, a family, couple or individual receives the chalice from the priest. They take the chalice home, place it in a prominent location and pray daily for vocations. It may be the first time this topic has been explored, and may be a very important week for the family.

This might be an opportunity to invite family and friends to join in sharing and prayer.

Participants use a Memory Book to comment on their experiences, thoughts and ideas as well as prayers or plans that result from it. The memory book then becomes a source for potential members of a parish vocation team.

— Star Two: Use the Church Bulletin — A weekly vocationoriented item in the bulletin is a great way to keep the parish praying and thinking about vocations. Serra maintains in its resources excellent suggested inserts for the bulletin.

— Star Three: 31-Club — A prayer program built around the concept of people attending Mass and praying for priestly and religious vocations every month on a specific date. Once underway all that is needed are invitations in the parish paper (or reminder notes in the pews), plus occasional reminders by the pastor to join or be faithful to this “no dues, no meetings” club. Simple, but powerful!

— Star 4: Celebrate Priestly and Religious Life — Celebrate one or more of the established National Vocation Events throughout the year. The main annual events are Priesthood Sunday, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, World Day for Consecrated Life, and National Vocation Awareness Week.

— Star Five: A Holy Hour for Vocations — At least once during the year, the parish vocation team should schedule a Holy Hour for Vocations.

Although these steps can be rearranged to fit parishes, Serra suggests the Traveling Chalice Program continue for about six months before the “key” person begins contacting people who have had the chalice in their home, to inquire about their possible membership in a parish vocation team. This builds awareness of vocations in a parish.

Pray hard, work diligently and you will create a culture of vocations in your parish.

15

April 3, 2015

In the eye of the beholder

W

orking in the newspaper business, even the Catholic press, is often a no-win situation. There are stories that will run in this publication that some folks like and others, not so much.

There are stories, either from the wire services or home-grown that will touch hearts or rankle feathers. It’s inevitable.

For the most part, Anchor readers will form opinions of the publication that will remain with them and those with whom they associate. Others are compelled to pick up a pen, or peck away at a keyboard to let us know what we’ve done right or wrong in

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet

their opinion.

I like that. I like learning what people think about The Anchor. Having been a part of the good ship Anchor for 18 years, I have a great affinity for this paper. So does the staff. We are all here for a reason, and that is to bring the Good News to the good people of Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.

I say all this because it was I who chose the cover artwork for this week’s Easter Anchor, and I’ve got a feeling that not everyone is going to like this rendition depicting Our Lord’s Resurrection gracing page one.

As with music, my taste in art is eclectic. I admire the classics and the conservative, and I dig the modern, unconventional, and creative. As long as the art, or music, is not irreverent or offensive, I see and hear it as an expression of the artist.

I wouldn’t dream of running an Anchor cover with a Salvador Dali work or worse yet, Hieronymus Bosch. Although I do love their work, it’s over the edge for worship art.

This week’s cover is by London artist Stephen B. Whatley, a man 10 years my junior. The cover piece, “The Glory of Christ,” is not the first piece I’ve seen by Whatley. On my office wall, I have prints by him of Pope Francis and St. Kateri.

The cover artwork, though unconventional by conservative standards, evoked from me the joy and hope of the Resurrection.

The colors explode with optimism after a cold, relentless, colorless winter here in the Fall River Diocese. Isn’t that what Easter is, optimism and a new dawn?

The long sweeping strokes creating the Lord’s Body said “weclome” to me. Wasn’t that Christ’s intention when He rose from the dead: to welcome all of His brothers and sisters to the Kingdom of God? His open arms and calming countenance make me want to go give Him a big hug — a great big thank you hug.

Whatley’s bio information states that he has a “deep Christian faith.” I find evidence of that in his works. His portfolio of Christian art includes wonderful pieces of Christ, as an Infant and in good and bad times in His earthly mission.

He’s put on canvas the Blessed Mother, as Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Madonna, Our Lady of Lourdes, and her Sacred Heart.

Whatley has given us his version the Divine Mercy, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and an array of saints and Biblical scenes. All with the same hopeful, joyous use of color and sweeping strokes.

He’s even painted Fred Flintstone, Bugs Bunny, Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis, and several self-portraits.

He’s painted landscapes and cityscapes of his beloved London and European locales as well as New York City.

His drawings, although in charcoal, are equally pleasing to the eye.

And speaking of the eye, they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I know some won’t like this week’s cover, and that is more than fine with me. We’re not clones, thank God. But to those who don’t like the rendition, please remember it was chosen because I saw in it the holiness and hope of Christ.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but not the subject matter — and this week that subject matter is Christ Risen.

Alleluia.

Happy Easter season Anchor readers.

(More on Whatley and his works can be found at stephenbwhately.com) davejolivet@anchornews.org.

Diocesan program begins 25th year of saying ‘YES!’ to the Lord continued from page two

ish and work in youth ministry?” recalled Lucca, who said the first YES! was very “rudimentary” but “it went very well” and that so many turned out, attendance “was a full house.”

Within a couple of years, Lucca had taken the best elements of the program and honed it into a fulfilling weekend for youth “that was highlight structured” where directors follow what is in the program’s binder and “it’s run exactly the same way each time.”

“I think that’s important because it allows the Spirit to work. I don’t add or take anything away from YES! I don’t influence YES! with myself, it is what the Spirit makes it to be,” said Lucca, adding that incorporating an independent board early on also helped keep the integrity of the retreat intact.

“Most of the dynamic is selection of theme and directors, and gives another input. We want to make sure the weekend stays true to what it’s supposed to be.”

The title of the retreat comes from the fact the program uses the song, “I say yes, my Lord”

by Digo si Senõr. The retreat is built on Sacraments, and there are 10 team members — five youths who have already participated in YES! and five adults — and each pair off, in a sense, as adult talks match each youth talk but from two age-related perspectives.

“All these talks are what we call ‘Sharing the Stories,’” explained Lucca. “We tell [the youth attending the retreat] the team is sharing their stories with you, and then it goes into discussions.”

To date, there has been only one rewrite of the program in 1996, simply to make the pro-

gram and activities up-to-date, but the YES! candle activity hearkens back to the original YES! Retreat.

“In that candle [the wax] of the very first YES! candle is in there,” said Deacon Lucca. “We break up the wax and add new wax so there’s always wax of the previous candle in the new candle, so it goes back to YES! number one.”

The first day of the retreat is for self, while the second day is for others. Activities are based around many of the talks, and prayer services and other moments of reflection are woven into the weekend.

“It’s typical when you build retreats, Saturday night is always the high point,” said Deacon Lucca. “On YES! that’s the moment when we’re coming through on Reconciliation.

We’ve talked about friendship, we’ve talked about the concept of reconciling, and then we move into the prayer service.

There’s a skit and that moves into an activity, and then the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which goes on for quite a bit of time, and then we move on to Mass.”

A youth can only do one YES! Retreat in his or her lifetime unless that youth decides to participate as a team member, said Lucca, “because the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the problem is when you try to replicate that, you know everything that’s coming and you’re never going to be able to experience it the same way. If you’re on team, then you get to experience it another way and seeing it from a different perspective, and sometimes that’s even more powerful than their original YES!”

This week in 50 years ago — The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held its annual convention at Stonehill College in North Easton which included a series of workshops on various topics.

25 years ago — Members of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich gathered for ceremonies blessing its new parish center. Bishop Daniel A. Cronin officiated at the event, which followed Confirmation ceremonies for parish youth.

The age for a participant of the YES! Retreat should be post-Confirmation or within a month of his or her Confirmation, so if they’re going to make Confirmation this year then they can attend.

“Any retreat is an opportunity for young people to get away, which is what retreat means, and to participate with young people who share that same faith and see that,” said Deacon Lucca. “It’s so powerful when you see a teen-ager get up and willing to share their story as a team member and it truly affects these young people who are sitting as candidates. It gives them an opportunity to learn how other young people their age have sought faith in Christ and how that has moved forward and how the relationship with Christ developed. It gives them some direction and that it’s OK to be this way.”

The YES! Retreats are about going to a place where saying grace at meals is not odd; a chance to encounter God through the sharing of Sacraments; fellowship with a peer group; discovering a deep appreciation of the Catholic faith and finding the inspiration to go out and spread the Word of God. “I always like to tell them,” said Deacon Lucca, “‘Look guys, we’ve experienced a little bit of Heaven here. We’re in a place where everybody’s accepted and everybody’s loved. We’ve taken care of each other but now we can’t stay here. Now that you’ve said YES! you’ve got to take that Word out and to evangelize others to Christ. It’s not something you can hold inside.’”

For more information on the YES! Retreat, go to www.

FallRiverFaithFormation.org.

Diocesan history

10 years ago — Catholic Social Services’ Violence Prevention Committee held a “Hope Dialogue” event at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in its continued efforts to stop the spread of violence throughout the area.

One year ago — Paul Kawa was named the Fall River Diocese’s first lay Finance Officer and Chancellor, taking over for Father Michael K. McManus after 28 years of service in the role.

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Youth Pages

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., accompanied St. Stanislaus Parish altar servers Ben Walz, Jason Rajani, Ethan Nelson, Antonio Zarella, Paul Saucier, Quinn Sullivan, Zachary Falcon, and Jacob Torres after a recent celebration of Confirmation. The boys are all students at St. Stanislaus School in Fall River.

April 3, 2015

At the term-end assembly, these students from St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth received Christian Behavior Awards. Students receiving these awards are unanimously selected by the middle school staff and administration. Throughout the second term these students demonstrated positive effort and conduct, and contributed to the overall climate of the school.

The first- and second-graders at St. Patrick’s Parish in Somerset recently celebrated a Sunday Lenten Mass in a special way at the church.

Third-grade students at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently worked together on a social studies assignment.

St. Joseph School in Fairhaven recently hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast.

Congratulations go to the St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet CYO boys A basketball team that won the 2015 division championship game. They are pictured with their coaches, Jim Jason and Ed Reardon.

Seventh-grade students in Kelly Schremp’s Life Science class at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently separated strands of DNA. According to Schremp, “The students took green peas blended with water and used detergent to break down the cell membrane. Then, they added meat tenderizer which sped up the chemical reaction, combined it with isoprophyl alcohol, which separated the peas from the water, and they got to see DNA strands floating in the water.” Pictured is Schremp holding a tube of green pea DNA as Mary Davis and Jillian Margetta look on.

April 3, 2015

“H

e loved His own in the world and He loved them to the end” ( Jn 13:1).

There is a story told about the Apostle John towards the end of his life.

People had come from all over to hear him and his stories about his experiences with Jesus. He kept repeating the phrase, “Children, love one another.”

When someone asked him why he kept repeating that phrase, his answer was, “Because that is what the Master kept repeating to us.”

St. John happens to be one of my favorite Scripture writers. In his writings, he seeks to capture the essence behind the teachings.

Hence, this evening we hear of the actions surrounding the Last Supper and are taught by these Scriptures of the significance and roots of the Eucharist that the Lord institutes that evening.

The washing of the feet becomes an integral part of the Last Supper. It is an expression of love.

This expression is emphasized by Jesus Himself when He exorts us through the words of the Gospel, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

It is important that we keep in mind that to honor the Eucharist is more than Adoration and going to Mass, it is of being of service to our family members and friends.

It means that we realize that the Eucharist is a source of love and is the unifying and life-giving force that we

Youth Pages Being missionaries of love need to overcome even the greatest social theory, hatred of the rich, or fury problems facing us. at injustice. Rather he displayed the In his letter announcing the Year fundamental truth that valuing and of the Eucharist in October 2004, St. loving others builds the foundation of John Paul II echoed the words heard justice. He was that rare person in a from St. Paul: “As often as you eat this powerful position who sought to bring Bread and down the high drink the Cup, and raise the you proclaim low” (Richthe Lord’s ard Higgins, death until He March 24, comes” (1 Cor 2005 Boston 11:26).

Globe).

By Father The saint Valuing and David C. Frederici then wrote, loving oth“The Apostle ers builds the closely relates meal and proclamafoundation of justice. tion: entering into communion with A concept we find in Jesus’ teaching Christ in the memorial of His Pasch and tonight’s Gospel. A challenge to all also means sensing the duty to be a of us on how to live. missionary of the event made present Problems still exist in our world: in that rite. The dismissal at the end of Domestic violence, drug and alcoeach Mass is a charge given to Chrishol abuse, lost youth, civil rights being tians, inviting them to work for the trampled on, the list goes on. We don’t spread of the Gospel and the imbuing want the status quo, but the solution of society with Christian values.” requires us be active, whether we are What does the mission of love homebound and can only offer our look like? It actually is accomplished through some ordinary ways. Some of these ordinary ways have some extraordinary consequences. The Boston Globe once had an article by Richard Higgins in the opinion section about Oscar Romero, the archbishop who was gunned down in El Salvador March 24, 1980. Higgins writes: “Romero is recalled as someone who pursued and achieved a measure of change not through an elitist agenda,

Be Not Afraid

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, home school groups, or parish Religious Education programs have stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org.

Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, recently hosted a reception in honor of the Class of 2019 scholarship winners. This year’s recipients hailed from numerous towns and area middle schools. Each was recognized for their unique talents and encouraged to share them with the Coyle community as they now become Warriors.

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prayers, or able to give an hour or more to be Christ in our community.

We are to be Christ, not be a lone ranger, or a single hero, to be Christ, Who dwells among His people.

Being a missionary of love is being a missionary of the Eucharist. Allowing the Lord Himself to nurture and strengthen the gift of faith within us so that we can utilize our gifts and talents to better our community and our world.

As missionaries, our actions need to include taking time for our own faith relationship; incorporating faith and devotional practices that keep us connected so that we can then go out and invite others to join us at this table, to make this a place where we come not only to worship and to be nourished, but to serve.

Anchor columnist Father Frederici is pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and diocesan director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College.

Bishop Feehan High School (Attleboro) junior Olivia Phillips recently won the regional Teachers Guide Poetry Out Loud National Recitation contest in South Yarmouth. Phillips competed against contestants from 21 Massachusetts high schools with the delivery of two poems recited from memory: “The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins and “The Animals” by Josephine Jacobsen. Phillips is a top-10 student and also interprets music using American Sign Language as a performance art. Pictured is Phillips with Feehan principal Sean Kane (left), and English teacher and poetry competition organizer, Matthew Ryan.

Preschool to grade four at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford recently celebrated St. Joseph’s Day. Joseph Higgins portrayed St. Joseph in the classroom as the students learned the story of the saint.

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Around the Diocese The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will NOT meet on April 3, which is Good Friday. All club members are encouraged to attend their own parishes for Good Friday services. The club will next meet on May 1 at St. Joseph Church on North Main Street in Fall River. Mass will begin at 6 p.m. and will be celebrated by Father Edward Correia. Following Mass, the club will gather in the church hall next door for a hot meal prepared by White’s of Westport. The guest speaker will be author John Cummings, who will discuss various local Fall River personalities from his recent book, which will be available for sale. The 6 p.m. Mass is open to the public. Any gentleman wishing to join the club for the meal and listen to the guest speaker should reserve a seat through a club member, or call Daryl Gonyon at 508-672-4822.

A Mass of Healing will be celebrated on April 6 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main Street in Centerville in the Msgr. Perry Parish Center. If you are coping with any physical illness, dealing with worries, fears or anxieties, struggling with a life crisis or just feeling lost Spiritually, please come and join this special Mass of Healing to pray for these concerns. The Mass is sponsored by Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cancer Support Group, which will meet immediately following the Mass at 7 p.m. and all are welcome to join them for coffee and informal conversation. For more information contact Geri Medeiros at 508-362-6909.

The Lazarus Ministry of Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster is offering a sixweek bereavement support program entitled “Come Walk With Me” beginning April 9 and running through May 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The program meets for six weeks at the parish center and is designed for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one within the past year. Pre-registration is required and there is a $10 fee for materials. For more information or to register, contact Happy Whitman at 508-385-3252, extension 10, or Judy Pregot at 508-896-8355.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Partnership is offering seminars for caregivers. Panel members are professionals in a variety of fields and will provide valuable information on the topics of Elder Law, Adult Day Health, Alzheimer’s Association Programs, Assisted Living, Homecare, Hospice, Long-Term Care, Geriatric Care Managers, Monitoring Programs, Reverse Mortgages, State Agencies for Elder Services, and a caregiver’s personal experience. The seminars will be held on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church, 1598 South Main Street in Fall River (RSVP to Jane Sullivan at 508-679-0535 or jelslaw@aol.com); May 3 at 12 noon at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 19 Kilmer Avenue in Taunton (RSVP to Phoebe Worcester at 508-822-9200 or pcworcester@gmail.com); and May 6 at 4:30 p.m. at the Fairhaven Council on Aging, 229 Huttleston Avenue in Fairhaven (RSVP to Pat Midurski at 508-992-6278 or pmidurski@communitynurse.com).

The Women’s Guild at St. John Neumann Parish, 257 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, invites everyone to the parish barn on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for its “Overflowing Barn plus Outdoor Vendors’ Sale.” This one-day barn sale will be held, weather-permitting, and will offer a large selection of items. Admission is free and all are welcome.

A Healing Mass will be celebrated April 16 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. and includes Benediction and healing prayers. At 5:15 p.m. there will be a holy hour, including the Rosary. For more information, visit www.saintanthonynewbedford.com or call 508-993-1691.

Hour of Mercy — Prayer for Families — All are welcome to participate in an Hour of Mercy, Prayer for Families, every Friday, 3-4 p.m. as faithful gather for Adoration, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Litany of St. Joseph and Benediction, in the Chapel of the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, North Easton. The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession is also available daily — Monday through Friday from 3-4 p.m. For additional information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095, Ext. 2027 or logon to www.FamilyRosary.org/Events. A World at Prayer is a World at Peace.

April 3, 2015 Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks April 4 Rev. Lionel Gamache, S.M.M., 1972 Rev. James F. McCarthy, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1985 Rev. Gaspar L. Parente, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, Patagonia, Ariz., 1991 April 6 Rev. Philip Lariscy, O.S.A. Founder of the New Bedford Mission, 1824 Rev. Edward J. Mongan, Retired Pastor St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1920 Rev. Msgr. John A. Chippendale, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1977 Rev. Lorenzo Morais, Retired Pastor, St. George, Westport, 1980 Rev. Msgr. William D. Thomson, Retired Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1987 Rev. Gerald E. Conmy, CSC, Associate Pastor, St. Ann, DeBary, Fla., 1994 Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Gilligan, P.A., STD, Archdiocese of St. Paul, 1997 Rev. Lucien Jusseaume, Chaplain, Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven, Retired Pastor, St. Roch, Fall River, 2001 April 7 Rev. James A. Dury, Retired Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich, 1976 Rev. Alvin Matthews, OFM, Retired, Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, 1988 April 8 Rev. Bento R. Fraga, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 2012 April 9 Rev. Cornelius McSwiney, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1919 Rev. Edward F. Dowling, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1965 April 10 Rev. John P. Doyle, Pastor, St. William, Fall River, 1944

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.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on N. Main St. Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

Fall River — Espirito Santo Parish, 311 Alden Street, Fall River. Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday, following the 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. 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 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 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

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.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~ East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

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April 3, 2015

Joy comes from faith, not doctrine, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God’s law is about love for God and for others, not cold, abstract doctrine, Pope Francis said at a recent morning Mass.

“It’s sad to be a believer without joy and there is no joy when there is no faith, when there is no hope, when there is no law, but only rules and cold doctrine,” he said at the Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

“The joy of faith, the joy of the Gospel is the touchstone of a person’s faith. Without joy, that person is not a true believer,” he said, according to Vatican Radio.

In his homily, the pope pointed to Abraham as a model of faith, hope and joy in God’s Covenant. But such joy was absent in the doctors of the law described in the day’s Gospel reading; they threw stones at Jesus after He told them how Abraham “rejoiced to see My day.”

“These doctors of the law didn’t understand,” Pope Francis said. “They didn’t understand the joy of the promise; they didn’t understand the joy of hope; they didn’t understand the joy of the Covenant.”

The doctors of the law “didn’t know how to rejoice because they had lost the sense of joy that only comes from faith,” he said. Not only did they lack faith, “they had lost the law.

Because at the heart of the law is love — love for God and for one’s neighbor.”

“They only had a system of clear-cut doctrines,” he said.

As “men without faith, without law and attached to doctrine,” they lived in a world that was “abstract, a world without love, a world without faith, a world without hope, a world without trust, a world without God. And this is why they could not rejoice,” the pope said. “Their hearts had petrified.”

He asked that people pray for “the grace to be jubilant in the hope” of knowing and encountering Jesus and for the “grace of joy.”

Pope Francis began the day’s Mass with a prayer to St. Teresa of Avila, asking for her intercession in the cause for world peace.

After lighting a candle, he prayed that “the fire of God’s love may conquer the blaze of war and violence that afflict humanity, and that dialogue may prevail over armed conflict everywhere.”

His prayer was part of a worldwide initiative sponsored by the Order of Discalced Carmelites to get people of all denominations and faiths to offer an hour of prayer for peace March 26.

The prayer initiative was the order’s “birthday gift” to their

foundress, St. Teresa, in anticipation of the 500th anniversary of her birth March 28; a series of celebrations began on her feast day October 15.

St. Teresa of Avila was a 16th-century mystic, co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites and doctor of the Church.

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April 3, 2015

Bud Howard, 40 Days for Life Attleboro participant, stands on the snow bank at the vigil site during the most recent campaign. (Photo courtesy Ron Larose)

40 Days vigilers ‘offer up’ harsh winter

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

ATTLEBORO — In addition to prayer, fasting and

peaceful witness, 40 Days for Life Attleboro needed an additional tool for this spring’s campaign — a snow blower.

On two separate occasions, Ron Larose transported his own snow blower for the job of carving standing room out of the four-foot snow bank across the street from Four Women Health Services, the only abortion clinic in the Diocese of Fall River.

Campaigns across Massachusetts encountered recordhigh snow banks and recordlow temperatures. Despite the “dangerously cold” wind chills, someone came to the Attleboro vigil every day of the campaign. The witness of volunteers on even the most difficult days communicates their commitment to the cause of life, Larose said.

Six Massachusetts locations — Attleboro, Boston, Haverhill, Lynn, Springfield and Worcester — participated in this spring’s campaign, which ran from February 18 to March 29.

The first 40 Days for Life was conducted in College Station, Texas in 2004. Since then, 650,000 people have participated in 559 cities and 27 countries.

Records show 107 workers have quit the abortion industry and 60 clinics have closed. This campaign also marked an important milestone — more than

10,000 lives have been saved during 40 Days campaigns.

The inclement weather during this spring’s campaign meant sacrifice for participants across the country. The sacrificial love that drives participants also saves lives, according to Shawn Carney, the national campaign director.

In a recent email to supporters, he wrote, “Sacrificing your time — and warmth — can make quite an impression on a mom who’s arriving for an abortion. It’s often the case that the locations with the worst weather have more women turn around and leave without having an abortion.

The willingness of strangers to be out in miserable conditions speaks to the heart of women at that most crucial moment.”

Rita Russo, 40 Days Boston coordinator, said that the need for prayerful witness is unrelenting — much like this winter.

“The vigil will be challenging, but babies are still dying there, despite the weather,” she said in an email to supporters before the start of the campaign. “It is up to us to show the world that these babies’ lives matter. They have no voice but ours.”

Larose, 40 Days Attleboro coordinator, said that participants willingly offered up the extra sacrifices of this campaign for the women and children.

“It was part of my Lenten sacrifice to be out there in the cold,” he said. “As with all sacrifices, we know it to be more efficacious the more difficult the circumstances.”

Larose said that the snow has never been higher at the Turn to page 12