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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Senior/Vocation Special Edition

Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist Mary Consulata and Maria Benedetti, of Ann Arbor, Mich., enjoy a walk on a Cape Cod beach during a recent visit of area schools and a recent ECHO reunion meeting. Story on page 18. (Photo

by Father Ron P. Floyd) The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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Love pushes away the storms of life — revealing a ‘Rainbow of Joy’

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — It’s a brain disorder that can occur before, during or after birth. Among other things, cerebral palsy can affect movement, speech, reflexes and mobility. It’s a condition that is often misunderstood by those who know little or nothing about it.

Seventy-five-year-old Collette Fortin of Fall Collette Fortin, a member of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, stands before a portrait of her mother and father, River, a longtime member Paulette and Gerry Fortin, whose love, support and inspi- of Holy Name Parish there, ration forged an attitude of joy and confidence in dealing has cerebral palsy, and Colwith cerebral palsy. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) lette Fortin is one of the

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most intelligent, faith-filled, optimistic persons one could ever encounter. And perhaps her most endearing quality is the joy she exudes — a joy of life, of people, and most significantly, her joy in the Lord.

It’s a joy she cannot keep to herself, so much so, that she recently had a book printed, “Rainbow of Joy,” that shares her remarkable life journey thus far.

With the help of colleague Janine Ouellette Sullivan and illustrated by Kaitlin Sullivan, Fortin’s journey is chronicled in a fashion that can be enjoyed and absorbed by young and old — with the beauty of a rainbow providing the story’s foundation.

Fortin will have a booksigning at Swansea Mall in Swansea on May 23 from 5-7 p.m., near the Unwined Bistro across from Ruby Tuesday restaurant.

As was mentioned earlier in this article, cerebral palsy is an often misunderstood disorder, and quite frankly,

makes others uncomfortable because of the motion, mobility and speech issues.

But unlike other brain disorders, the person’s cognitive functions are limitless.

“When I was born, my mother experienced a three-day labor,” Fortin told The Anchor in a recent interview. Knowing there was a problem, her parents took her almost immediately to doctors in Boston.

“My parents were so full of love for me right from the moment I was born,” Fortin added. “And after speaking with the doctors in Boston, my father was so grateful that I wasn’t mentally challenged. He said, ‘We will educate her,’ and my mother and father filled me with confidence, joy, love and hope.

“I am so blessed. God has been spoiling me all my life.”

Fortin said that besides her parents, she has surrounded herself with wonderful people through Turn to page 19

Bishop announces membership of new diocesan Catholic school board

FALL RIVER — Last fall, after a year-and-a-half of study, the Fall River Diocese Task Force on Catholic Education released its final report, and among key recommendations was the establishment of a centralized Catholic school board with limited jurisdiction to augment the work of diocesan school leaders for a stronger and more cohesive system.

As proposed and approved by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., this Central Board for Catholic Education will have as its initial focus oversight of the implementation of the extensive series of recommendations put forth by the Task Force. The board will work in collaboration with the Catholic School’s Leadership Team to set system-wide policies, practices, and plans and provide financial oversight.

A committee has been working with Bishop da Cunha since November to identify prospective candidates for the board following the Task Force’s recommendation that members be drawn from “affiliated clerical, academic, professional, and geographical representative bodies.”

The process is now complete, and Bishop da Cunha is pleased to announce the membership of the new diocesan Central Board for Catholic Education: Attorney William Carline, Attleboro; Kathleen CarneyLarisa, executive director, Carney Family Charitable Foundation, New Bedford; Father Paul Caron, pastor, St. Anthony Parish, Mattapoisett, and St. Rita Parish, Marion; Nicholas M. Christ, president and CEO, BayCoast Bank, Swansea;

Father David Costa, pastor, Sacred Heart and St. Mary Parishes, North Attleboro and director of St. MarySacred Heart School; Father Thomas Costa, pastor, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton, and director of Our Lady of Lourdes School; Father John Denning, C.S.C., president, Stonehill College, Easton; Kevin Kiley, chancellor, Fall River Diocese.

Also, Janet Letourneau, practitioner faculty in Marketing, Providence College; Jean MacCormack, Ph.D., former chancellor, UMass Dartmouth; Father Jay Maddock, pastor, Holy Name Parish, Fall River, and director of Holy Name School; Steven Perla, superintendent of schools, Fall River Diocese; Father Christopher Peschel, parochial vicar, St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth; Hosffman Ospino, Ph.D., assistant professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education, Boston College; Nichole Rich, Ph.D., educational consultant, Norton; and Roger Sullivan, St. Pius X School Advisory Board Member, South Yarmouth.

Bishop da Cunha expressed his “deep gratitude” to all of the members for their willingness to offer their time and expertise through service on this important new board.

The first meeting of the Central Catholic School Board is scheduled for May 15. The board will report to Bishop da Cunha, and its work will dovetail closely with that of diocesan school administration.

“The Catholic Education Center’s leadership team is looking forward to working with the new Central Board for Catholic Educa-

tion,” said diocesan superintendent of schools Steve Perla.

“We are grateful to Bishop da Cunha for assembling such a gifted group of people to provide leadership for and support to advancing the mission of Catholic school education in the Diocese of Fall River.

We are especially thankful to all those individuals who have agreed to serve.”

Specific responsibilities designated for the new Central Board for Catholic Education include strategic planning, system wide fiduciary responsibility, financial aid best practices, fulfillment of mission, marketing/development, and monitoring and assessment of the progress, quality, and adherence to educational standards.

Superintendent Perla said, “I anticipate the board will work in collaboration with all stakeholder groups to identify and develop Catholic school education policies and models that support, advance and ensure the long-term vitality of the schools.”

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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Fathers Wallace, Driscoll celebrate 70 years of priesthood

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

automobiles pass by. I couldn’t be in a better situation. They tell me I’m about 95 or 96 years old — so I’m old!”

FALMOUTH — There Father Wallace’s firstwas a time when part of floor room in the rehabilitaFather Francis Xavier Waltion center has a pristine lace’s daily routine included swimming laps in the pool at view of the front entrance of the adjacent St. Patrick’s the local YMCA. Church — one of the only “That was quite a long two parishes he was assigned time ago,” Father Wallace to during his active ministry said, smiling. “I used to do as a priest in the Fall River laps about five days a week, Diocese. sometimes six. Those were As the oldest priest in the the days!” diocese, Father Wallace is These days, 95-year-old now in his 70th year of priestFather Wallace is mostly hood — a milestone that confined to his bed in a was duly noted at the recent room at the Royal Nursing Home in Falmouth. Despite Chrism Mass by his bishop not being able to get out and and brother priests, although he was unable to attend. do things on his own, he Both he and classmate Faseems content and perks up when a surprise visitor strikes ther John Paul Driscoll were ordained by Bishop James E. up a conversation.

Cassidy on May 31, 1947 in “I feel fine,” Father WalSt. Mary’s Cathedral — 70 lace recently told The Anchor.

“I don’t get up at all, but that’s years ago this month.

“I’m a little older than FaOK with me. I look out and ther John Paul — he’s a little I see the church and see the

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younger than I am, but we were ordained at the same time,” Father Wallace said.

While he struggles with significant hearing loss, Father Wallace’s replies are always robust and firm, in the same deep baritone voice that he used to preached countless homilies, often peppered with the same sharp wit and humor that has never waned.

“How many years ago was

Father John P. Driscoll

that? Seventy? Oh, my goodness,” he joked. “Well, I must be one of the oldest priests in the diocese!”

Born in Beverly on Nov. 30, 1921 to Harry William Wallace and Florence Louise Hayes, Father Wallace grew up in New Bedford and attended Holy Family School for his grammar and high school years before going on to St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, N.H. and entering St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. “I grew up in New Bedford, but my family background was actually in Hopkinton — that’s where the Wallaces came from,” Father Wallace said. “Of course, it’s known today for the Boston Marathon. I used to watch the marathon every year, but I haven’t seen it lately. I don’t watch much TV now.”

Indeed, the TV in Father Wallace’s room is hidden behind rows of flowers and cards from well-wishers,

obviously unused.

“I don’t bother with it,” he said. “I think I’m better off. I sometimes listen to the radio to get news.”

After his ordination in 1947, Father Wallace’s first assignment was with Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.

Four years later in 1951, Father Wallace entered the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, which he would proudly

14 years ago. When gently reminded of the celebration, Father Wallace’s eyes widened.

“So you’re the one and only Ken Souza from The Anchor,” Father Wallace said.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake. Give my very best to your dear wife.”

Until his recent health issues, Father Wallace had been residing just steps away at St. Patrick’s rectory, and he said his friend and pastor there, Father Timothy J. Goldrick, checks in on him from time to time.

“Father Tim is very supportive of me here and he keeps a close eye on me,” Father Wallace said. “I’m very happy here and they take good care of me.”

As an award-winning columnist with The Anchor, Father Goldrick often menFather Francis X. Wallace tions Father Wallace, whom he calls “FXW,” in his “The serve for the next 26 years, Ship’s Log: Reflections of a eventually retiring from Parish Priest” observations. military service with the rank In fact, Father Goldrick — a of colonel in 1977. well-known dog aficionado Upon returning to the — noted that Father Wallace diocese, Father Wallace was instrumental in convincfound himself at St. Patrick’s ing him to adopt the latest Parish in Falmouth, where canine companion for the he served until his retirement rectory. from full-time ministry in Upon welcoming the new 1994. greyhound, Lurch, into the “I came to St. Patrick’s parish pack, Father Wallace when I left the Army way pronounced: “And now this back when and I stayed rectory is complete. We have there,” Father Wallace said. a dog.”

“I’ve only been in two par“Lurch is the new one — ishes in the diocese — St. he’s a lurcher!” Father WalPatrick’s and Corpus Christi. lace said, laughing. “As Harry And in between was my time Truman said years ago: ‘If away in the Army. I served in you need a friend in WashKorea and Vietnam — those ington, get a dog!’ They truly were my wars. Other than are man’s best friend.” that, here I am talking to Speaking of Washington, (The Anchor). So that’s about Father Wallace doesn’t pay the extent of my illustrious much attention to politics career.” or current affairs anymore, Another highlight — at despite his years of military least in the eyes of this service. And he’s given up his reporter — was helping offi- one-time hobby of clipping ciate a wedding at St. Mary’s and collecting newspaper Church in Onset nearly Turn to page 15

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointments and transfers: Reverend Jason Brilhante, to remain Chaplain of Charlton Memorial Hospital with residence at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Fall River Effective April 10, 2017 Reverend Raymond Cambra, Parochial Vicar of Saint Patrick Parish in Falmouth to Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Seekonk Very Reverend Paul A. Caron, V.F., Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish in Mattapoisett and Saint Rita Parish in Marion to Pastor of Saint Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth Reverend David A. Costa, Pastor of Saint Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls, while remaining Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in North Attleboro Reverend Thomas A. Frechette, Pastor of Saint Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls to Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset Very Reverend Daniel W. Lacroix, V.F., Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Seekonk to Pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish in New Bedford Reverend John C. Ozug, Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Fall River to Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish in Mattapoisett and Saint Rita Parish in Marion Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, Parochial Vicar of Saint Pius Tenth Parish, South Yarmouth to Parochial Administrator of Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro Reverend John M. Sullivan, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Wareham to Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham A Vocationist Father (to be named) will be appointed Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish in Wareham Reverend Riley J. Williams, Parochial Vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich to Parochial Administrator of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet Reverend Richard D. Wilson, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro to Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Fall River Reverend German Correa Agudelo, Parochial Vicar serving the Spanish Communities at Saint Mary’s Parish in Taunton and Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River to Parochial Vicar of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Vincent de Paul Parishes in Attleboro Reverend Marek Chmurski, Technical Assistant with residence at Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich to Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee Reverend Christopher Stanibula, Parochial Vicar of Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro to Parochial Vicar of Saint Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth Very Reverend Jeffrey Cabral, J.C.L., to remain Judicial Vicar of the Diocesan Tribunal with residence at Saint Mark Rectory in Attleboro Falls Effective June 28, 2017 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of: Reverend George C. Bellenoit, Pastor of Saint Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth Reverend Monsignor John J. Oliveira, P.A., Pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish in New Bedford His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request for leave for reasons of health of: Reverend George B. Scales, Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham Effective June 28, 2017 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, accepted the nomination of the Reverend Richard S. Wilkinson, C.S.C., Assistant Provincial and Vicar of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province, Inc., and has made the following appointment: Rev. Bradley J. Metz, C.S.C., Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Easton Effective July 1, 2017 Reverend Monsignor Gerard P. O’Connor, Pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet to Director of the Office of Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon for a term of three (3) years Effective July 1, 2017 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of: Reverend Stephen B. Salvador, Pastor of Saint George Parish in Westport Reverend David C. Frederici, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset to Pastor of Saint George Parish, Westport Effective July 5, 2017

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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Anchor Editorial

Seeds watered in hope and love

This week’s edition of The Anchor features stories about elderly people living their faith and stories of vocations — some of which overlap, since we each have a vocation (a calling) from God, Who expects that we keep on answering that Divine call until the end of our lives.

Genevieve Kineke on page 10 discusses one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, magnanimity, which she defines as “when someone recognizes in himself a God-given power and uses it for the greatest good.” So many of the people profiled in this edition show magnanimity. What a blessing for our diocese and our world!

Speaking to a lay group on June 23, 2013, Pope Francis urged them, “Get to know [ Jesus] better and better, through prayer, retreat days, meditation on the Word and study of “The Catechism,” so as to love Him more and more and to serve Him with a generous and great heart, with magnanimity. This is a marvelous Christian virtue: magnanimity, being great-hearted, ceaselessly dilating the heart, patiently, loving everyone; and none of that pettiness that does us so much harm, but with magnanimity.”

A few weeks earlier, on June 7, 2013, the Holy Father told students from Jesuit schools in Italy and Albania, “In following what St. Ignatius teaches us, the main element at school is to learn to be magnanimous.

What does being magnanimous mean? It means having a great heart, having greatness of mind; it means having great ideals, the wish to do great things to respond to what God asks of us. Hence also, for this very reason, to do well the routine things of every day and all the daily actions, tasks, meetings with people; doing the little everyday things with a great heart open to God and to others.”

Our Lady of Fatima, as the spouse of the Holy Spirit, calls upon us to live this gift of the Spirit. As Father Landry writes on the facing page, SS. Francisco and Jacinta used their God-given power as Christian children to offer up much prayer and sacrifices for the Salvation of souls, even the souls of people yet to be born. Then on page 16 we read about how the prayers of a grandmother, Olga, planted seeds which came to fruition long after her death, when her granddaughter was baptized as an adult.

In a number of stories in this issue we read about how clergy and laity have planted seeds of faith into the hearts of people locally (be it in the own homes or out in the community), throughout our country and throughout our world.

As Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., said in his recent pastoral letter, “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope,” “We embrace a ‘theology of abundance’ which reminds us that God has given us everything we need to cultivate, water and plant the seeds of growth in our Diocese.”

These seeds are watered by the prayers of so many elderly people throughout the diocese, many of whom cannot leave their homes or even their rooms anymore, but who continue to support the younger generations with their prayers (especially the Rosary) and sacrifices.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 61, No. 9

Member: Catholic Press Association Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses.

Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org REPORTER Rebecca Aubut beckyaubut@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - May 5, 2017

Speaking to the Sant’Egidio Community in Rome on June 15, 2014, Pope Francis said, “I see among you many elderly as well. The care given to the elderly, like that of children, is an indicator of the quality of a community. When the elderly are tossed aside, when the elderly are isolated and sometimes fade away due to a lack of care, it’s an awful sign. The elderly and their prayers are a treasure for Sant’Egidio. A people who don’t protect their elderly, who don’t take care of their young, is a people without a future, a people without hope.”

Part of the hope that we need in rebuilding our diocese comes from imitating this trust in the Lord that our elderly brothers and sisters exemplify. We are called to imitate them and to not ignore them.

Our elderly Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, shared with us his reflection on the theology of abundance back on New Year’s Day 2011. “In giving us Jesus, God has given us everything: His love, His life, the light of truth, the forgiveness of sins; He has given us peace. Yes, Jesus Christ is our peace (cf. Eph 2:14). He brought into the world the seed of love and peace, that is stronger than the seed of hatred and violence; stronger, because the Name of Jesus is superior to any other name, it contains the whole Lordship of God, as the prophet Micah announced: ‘But you, O Bethlehem, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler. He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the Name of the Lord His God. And this shall be peace’” (5:1-4).

The seeds planted in prayer are nurtured by the peace of Christ, Who protects us interiorly, even when everything outside of us (or even in our own bodies and minds) is going haywire.

On the Vatican website is the testimony of a 74-year-old person with cerebral palsy who did not have the blessings that Collette Fortin shares with us on page two (http://www.vatican.va/jubilee_2000/ jubilevents/jub_disabled_20001203_scheda3_en.htm). This person shared, “Although there is progress in every sector, [society] excludes more and more those who do not ‘produce’ and therefore: the sick, the elderly, the handicapped and this is something which causes deep suffering to people in these conditions.” He lamented being ignored by people from the Church, when “these persons (the disabled) could support [the Church through their prayers], doing them a lot of good.

It is time to revive parish communities’ faith in [Divine] Providence through the most precious gift the community possesses, in other words the daily offering of the suffering of these ‘beloved children of God.’ The parish would benefit enormously from this offering. It is not enough to remove architectonic barriers, there are other barriers much are more difficult to break: we need to feel loved in order to feel we are ‘normal.’”

May God help us to open our hearts as much as His Sacred Heart was pierced for us, so that we can respond with magnanimity in every situation.

Daily Readings May 6 — May 19

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. May 6, Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69. Sun. May 7, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Acts 2:14a,36-41; Ps 23:1-6; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10. Mon. May 8, Acts 11:1-18; Pss 42:2-3; 43:3-4; Jn 10:11-18. Tues. May 9, Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1-7; Jn 10:22-30. Wed. May 10, Acts 12:24—13:5a; Ps 67:2-3.5-6,8; Jn 12:44-50. Thurs. May 11, Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3,21-22,25,27; Jn 13:16-20. Fri. May 12, Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11; Jn 14:1-6.

Sat. May 13, Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 14:7-14. Sun. May 14, Fifth Sunday of Easter, Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18-19; 1 Pt 2:4-9; Jn 14:1-12. Mon. May 15, Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-5,15-16; Jn 14:21-26. Tues. May 16, Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13ab,21; Jn 14:27-31a. Wed. May 17, Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8. Thurs. May 18, Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-3,10; Jn 15:9-11.

Fri. May 19, Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10,12; Jn 15:12-17.

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ext week Pope Francis will travel Fatima to celebrate the centenary of Mary’s apparitions to the three shepherd children in the Cova da Iria. There’s every reason to think that Pope Francis will be at his most joyful because he will have a chance there to do and speak about several things he cherishes most.

He’ll be able to express his love for the Blessed Virgin, which he does routinely at St. Mary Major Basilica before and in thanksgiving after every foreign trip. He’ll be able to reiterate for us the importance of prayer and make a strong invitation for us anew to pray the Rosary, as he’s done repeatedly in Angelus meditations in St. Peter’s Square. He’ll have the opportunity to repeat his calls for prayer and work for peace, echoing Mary’s call to and through the pastorinhos. He’ll have the chance to focus on the importance of consecration to Mary, something he mentioned throughout the Year of Consecrated Life held two years ago. And in canonizing Francisco and Jacinta –––, who will become the two youngest non-martyred saints in Church history, he will be able to reinforce themes he articulates each year on World Youth Day with regard to the important role of young people in God’s plans and how all people, no matter how young, are called to holiness.

It will be the sixth visit of a Successor of St. Peter to Fatima. Reflecting on the first five is one of the best preparations to get us ready for the sixth.

The first took place on May 13, 1967, the 50th anniversary of the first apparition, when Blessed

Preparing for Pope Francis’ visit to Fatima Paul VI, surrounded by one those Christian virtues and enfleshes God’s Word. million faithful in front of St. John Paul II visited the basilica and two milFatima three times, each lion on the streets, made a on May 13, in 1982, 1991, five-and-a-half hour visit and 2000. before returning to Rome.

His first pilgrimage hapHe came to celebrate the pened on the first anniverGolden Jubilee of Mary’s appearances and Silver Ju- sary of Mehmet Ali Agca’s bilee of Pope Pius XII’s consecration of the world to Putting Into Mary’s Immaculate Heart. He said he the Deep was there to pray specifically for

By Father two intentions: for Roger J. Landry peace and renewal in the Church, after some of the ecclesial crazi- attempt on his life and he pondered the “mysterious ness and chaos that folcoincidence” that it oclowed the Second Vatican curred on Mary’s feast day, Council that would only knowing as he did the conworsen after the publicatent of the then-still-secret tion of Humanae Vitae third part of the Message the following year; and of Fatima, describing that for peace in the world, a bishop in white would be that through our prayer shot and killed. John Paul and Penance according to Mary’s direction, we would II believed that Mary’s see the triumph of love and hand and Jacinta’s prayers and sacrifices for the “poor victory of peace.

When he returned to St. Holy Father” saved his life from certain death after Peter’s Square that same Agca’s bullet pierced five night, another vast crowd vital organs. was present to welcome In his visit, he sought to him, and he released an help the Church and world apostolic exhortation grasp the “basic nucleus” of entitled “The Great Sign” the Fatima message, Mary’s (Signum Magnum). In it he sought to help everyone solicitous, strong, decisive, appreciate the link between loving, maternal call to repentance through prayer Mary’s Spiritual motherhood, shown in her mater- — especially of the Ronal intercession in Fatima, sary — for the conversion and Salvation of sinners. and our duty to venerate Consecrating ourselves to her because of her indisMary, he stressed, means to soluble tie to her Son, our accept her help and prayers Redeemer. In contrast to as we entrust ourselves to the defective novel thethe pierced heart of her ologies that were trying to downplay Marian devotion Son. In the 65 years since Mary appeared, he said as somehow unBiblical, with concern, rather than the pope emphasized how heeding Mary’s summons, Mary precisely helps us to many have gone in the receive and live the Word opposite direction, allowof God. Mary, he undering sin to make a home in lined, is a model of virtue their hearts and world. For and true devotion to her, that reason, Mary’s call to and consecration to her Immaculate Heart, reflects conversion, he emphasized,

was even “more relevant and urgent” than in 1917.

In 1991, he called Fatima a constant reference point for living the Gospel. He thanked Mary for “having guided with maternal tenderness peoples to freedom,” a reference to the liberation of those in the former Soviet bloc after Russia and the world were consecrated to her. He said that Mary’s “palpable, penetrating call” is for us to adjust ourselves to God’s ways so that she may give us and the world Christ, her Son, our peace. He exhorted all of us to “persevere in devotion to Mary.”

In the Great Jubilee of 2000, St. John Paul came to beatify Francisco and Jacinta in the presence of Lucia. He focused on the totality with which they responded to the Mother of God, offering themselves as victims of reparation to console Jesus and atone for sins. He urged us to follow them in enrolling in Mary’s “school,” the Sacred academy that helped them become “saints so quickly.”

The fifth papal visit was in 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI came as a pilgrim to initiate seven years of preparation for the centenary. Fatima, he said, isn’t a footnote in history but rather has “imposed itself on the Church.” Its forceful message involves not merely “particular devotions,” but a “fundamental response” that involves ongoing conversion, penance, prayer, faith, hope and charity. Mary, he stressed, wants to help the Church “relearn” penance, purification, forgiveness and justice.

He added that “Fatima and the Rosary are practically synonymous,” and urged us in praying the Rosary to imitate the “amazing” entrustment of the shepherd children and like them allow the mysteries of Christ attract us by fixing the gaze of our hearts on Jesus like Mary did.

“In seven years you will return here to celebrate the centenary of the first visit made by the Lady ‘come from Heaven,’” he told us in words that will be fulfilled in a week, and he urged us not to think that “Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete,” but to live these years of preparation by loving Jesus like the shepherds and hastening through Marian consecration the fulfillment of the prophecy of the triumph of Mary’s immaculate heart.

Speaking about his pilgrimage six days later during his general audience in Rome, Pope Benedict commented on the connection between Fatima and Heaven. “Fatima shows us,” he said, that “earth is a place where we make pilgrimage to our definitive homeland and we need a mother to guide us.”

As Pope Francis and the Church throughout the world makes a physical or Spiritual journey to Fatima next Saturday, we turn together to that guiding Mother and ask her not only to help us imitate the docility and devotion of Francisco and Jacinta, but to guide us maternally to the fulfillment of that pilgrimage where we hope to enjoy her, and their, and God’s loving friendship for ever.

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

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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T

he word “lit” has become a term of art in social media culture.

If something or someone is “lit” they are cool, hip or novel. As the 76th Catholic Charities Appeal commences this week, I would like to share with you the work of a remarkable group of students at Holy Name School in Fall River who have been lit

by LIT. LIT is an acronym for Leaders In Training. It is the idea of an extraordinary college senior, Dorothy Mahoney Pacheco, who has been spending a portion of her senior year volunteering at Holy Name along with Aidan Corey, a senior at Bishop Connolly High School.

Pacheco conceived of the program based upon the leadership training she has experienced as an En-

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The Anchor - May 5, 2017

Lit by love of God and neighbor deavor Scholar at UMass our students to respect Dartmouth. “I have been everyone’s point of view interested in a focus on and to try to develop a service and leadership level of trust with those since my time at Bishop they are dealing with,” Stang High School,” said said Dorothy. “We also Pacheco. “We are encour- emphasize that our faith aged to see ourselves as requires us to recognize change agents.” the God-given dignity of At Holy Name the each person regardless of Leaders In Training program is a voluntary activity It’s What open to students We Do from grade eight to grade five. Dorothy

By James A. and Aidan lead the Campbell after-school class in exercises intended to promote awareness their circumstances.” of individual differences The LIT team took and strengths, respect for it upon themselves to one another and perhaps learn about homelessmost importantly, appreness in their midst. They ciation for the needs of scheduled a visit to a others. local shelter; they met “Leaders must be good and learned about the listeners and trustworthy circumstances that bring to be effective. We teach a family to homelessness.

They discussed the consequences of being without a permanent home.

Afterwards they met as a group to discuss and share their feelings and more significantly, what to do about it.

Upon returning from their visit these young leaders in training had many questions. Principal among them was, “What can we do to help?” The same question we ask ourselves in response to Jesus’ charge to the Apostles questioning, “When did we see you hungry, Lord?”

The answer? “Whatsoever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.” As you would expect from young leaders, they responded with a practical answer. They organized a drive to provide toothbrushes for all the children in the shelter they

visited.

When the young leaders at Holy Name were told that the theme for this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal was to be “Whatsoever you do…” they were challenged by their teachers to consider how they would respond.

They created posters with their personal ideas of how to answer.

One day this past March I was invited to meet the class along with Nancy Lawson, the director of homeless services for Catholic Social Services. I listened as Nancy gave a beautiful talk about the depth and breadth of ways we, as Church, respond to the needs of young adults, older men and women and families who are homeless. Nancy spoke about CALL, the Coordinated Access to Local Links, which CSS runs in Southeastern Massachusetts. This program triages hundreds of calls from people in need throughout the area and provides a rapid response wherever the need is.

Nancy answered questions about how homelessness happens, explaining that unexpected loss, mental illness, fire, loss of a job or substance abuse are all causes that may result in need for shelter. She said that CSS is positioned to meet the person or family, assess their needs, coordinate the appropriate resources and follow through with them.

The students then shared their posters with us. Each one reflected the impact of what they had learned as Leaders In

Training and students of Holy Name. Noah Yetman told me he realized that bad luck can lead to being homeless. Liam Marshall said his perspective of the poor was changed by visiting the shelter. Priamos Koumas related that it “moves the heart” to help others.

Isabelle Moniz was moved to start another drive after the success of the toothbrush effort.

She and the Leaders In Training have started “Backpacks to Learn and Grow.” She has set a goal of filling 250 backpacks for the children of families living in shelters or transitional housing through Catholic Social Services so that when they return to school in September, they will have all the scissors, notebooks, binders, markers pens, crayons and paper they need to succeed.

Their efforts and the depth of their concern for the poorest of their brothers and sisters were truly moving. It left me proud of the panorama of care that our faith impels us to engage in. It left me determined to help Isabella fill those backpacks.

It left me in awe of the drive and insight of the professionals who commit their lives to service.

It left me hopeful for our future with people like Dorothy and Aidan coming along to assume the mantle of leadership for our society. In short, it left me LIT! Anchor columnist James Campbell is director of the diocesan Development Off ice/Catholic Charities Appeal/Foundation to Advance Catholic Education.

A pastoral visit to Haiti

From left: Fathers Thomas Vellapallil, M.S. (far left) with William Kaliyadan, M.S.; and Joe Gosselin, M.S.; visiting people involved in the La Salette missions in Haiti.

By Father William Kaliyadan, M.S. Special to The Anchor

Editor’s note: This is a report recently sent to the parishioners of Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster, outlining their long-standing support of the poor in Haiti and the ongoing needs of the poorest of the poor.

I recently returned from a visit to our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ whom we at Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster — staffed as we are by the La Salette Missionaries ­— have been committed to serving for the past 23 years.

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to share with you my thoughts and impressions from my time there, and update you regarding the progress being made.

First of all, in order to understand the setting for our ministry in Haiti, author Scott Hortop has written that: “Haiti is a country steeped in centuries of cultural fear and mistrust.

Although an independent republic since 1806, Haitians have yet to experience the trust that enables productivity through cooperation. A study of Haitian society reveals a difficulty

with management, a difficulty with administration, a difficulty to work in any situation that requires cooperation, a difficulty in trusting: a difficulty but not an inability.”

Establishing A Model of Collaboration Our parish of Our Lady of the Cape has always approached these cultural challenges in Haiti, using a cooperative model based on faith and charity. Over time and with great patience, prayer and fraternity, this model has been fruitful.

Through consistency, sincerity and transparency, we have experienced genuine care for each other, as well as accountability. Through our collaborative Christian relationship, we have become even more aware that we are the “keepers” of our brothers and sisters. During my recent week in Haiti, I grew in appreciation of this relationship in a very genuine way.

St. Claire Parish in Dessalines Father Robinson Alexis, pastor, and his parishioners extended a warm welcome to Father Joe Gosselin M.S. (a retired, enthusiastic La Salette who spends three months a year in Haiti doing missionary work),

Father Thomas Vellappillil, director of the La Salette North American Mission Office in St. Louis, and myself.

Parishioners thanked us for our recent help with a new sound system, new electric fans for the parish church and the replacement of a damaged part of the rectory roof. They were also grateful for our financial support to the four seminarians from their parish who are now pursuing their studies for the priesthood.

Hatte Granmont The people of St. Claire Parish come from a number of villages. Hatte Granmont is a village with its own chapel. This year, a well has been drilled on the chapel grounds, and the equipment for a hand pump for the new well has been purchased. The pump will be installed within the next two weeks and will then be ready for use.

In the last two years, Our Lady of the Cape has funded wells in Poste Pierrot and Niel. Accessibility to water continues to be a critical need in St. Claire’s Parish, with many people having to walk large distances for water. Some of the villages continue to be without a well. Unfortunately, many

young students miss school in order to collect water for their families. Each well with a hand pump costs approximately $10,000.

St. Claire Lumière School In addition to our support for scholarships for students, and the painting of the school building, we also funded the purchase of a new generator for the school this year. Currently, there are 670 students there, ranging from elementary to high school grades.

The school community is now seeking our financial support for the purchase of new textbooks for the coming school year of approximately $15,000. They are also asking our help in securing a used school bus that might be available from

a generous school district on Cape Cod or from individual donor(s).

Fabias School The poor and remote village of Fabias has its own chapel and school. Presently, there are 260 students in the school. Because the last hurricane had destroyed part of the old school building, we have been helping to build four new classrooms upon a stronger foundation that can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. The total cost of this project will be $40,000.

We hope to complete it within next two months.

St. Claire School This school is run by Turn to page 20

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M

any of us had music lessons in childhood. Hours dedicated to scales, rote exercises, and simple songs laid the foundation, introducing us to the challenging world of the arts. We progressed like wayward turtles, with the thrill of strange noises soon giving way to boredom and frustration.

What was the expectation, really?

The parents hovered wonderingly, the bills piled up, and decisions had to be made. The same scenario could be applied to dance, sports, and a host of formative activities. Every enterprise was meant to lift us out of ignorance and to offer wholesome pleasure, all the while measuring

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The Church’s call to magnanimity requires that we underour acumen and ability. stand the original Greek, I use this analogy to illustrate what Our Lord and the nascent powers that humans possess. meant when He charged The word translated as us to “be perfect, as your “perfect” is telios, which Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).

Surely this command can seem The absurd — espeFeminine cially in light of the fact that the Genius Genesis account

By Genevieve Kineke of original sin was precisely because our first means that something is parents arrogated to themselves a status equal brought to its full purpose in light of why it to God, the height of was created. That is why pride! Only God is perI began with music. All fect, as far as we underwho struggled (and all stand it to mean excelwho listened patiently to lence or lack of defect. those struggles!) wonA little wordplay is in dered just how much order, because to dispotential was there. Were cover what God’s call to there prodigies at work, perfection really entails

or just average musicians?

Hard work and time would tell (just as minimal work and quitting at the first opportunity wouldn’t tell). There is the gift, and there is the response to develop the gift, and there is the true potential which is unknown until one really applies himself.

To be clear, virtue is a perfection of a power, a specific ability that a person has been given. Some powers are morally neutral — for example violin or sprinting; others are entirely moral — such as piety and courage. Perfection of a power (virtue) therefore means that a potential is stretched to reach its given purpose — a combination of human effort and Divine grace; and to round out this exercise I’d like to draw your attention to a delightful virtue called magnanimity, which is when someone recognizes in himself a God-given power and uses it for the greatest good. The beauty of the Christian life is that any power can be used for great things when done with a firm intention to give glory to God. From the Carmel of Lisieux to the slums of Calcutta, the simplest of women showed us that little things done with great love could be powerful ways of “magnifying the Lord.”

And what does the Church teach about this task? She boldly proclaims of her Lord: “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience

through what He suffered; and being made perfect He became the source of eternal Salvation to all who obey Him.” You see, this definition now explains that the end (the telios) of the Incarnation was suffering and death for our sake. Out of love for us, Jesus never deviated from His purpose — that is why He came. And how do we make a return for that gift? To develop our God-given potential in imitation of Him, thereby giving glory to the Father.

So many gifts, so little time! The call is clear.

There will be frustration and lapses, obstacles and suffering, but the Church has channels of grace to help all souls persevere.

She has also compiled the cumulative wisdom of countless saints who took the call to perfection seriously. If we weren’t capable of this perfection, God would not have demanded it; indeed it is a false humility to say we have no gifts. Those who have gone before us are praying that we follow them in the way of perfection, and the Church stands ready to assist in the task. As Léon Bloy wrote: “Life holds only one tragedy: not to have been a saint.” Perfection is entirely accessible to all, for while many of us are tone-deaf and flatfooted, none are without adequate graces to fulfill their potential.

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

Fourteen questions to never ask a priest Monday 1 May 2017 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — May Day! n the annals of rectory telephone history, the all-time classic question is: “What time is the Midnight Mass?” Priests used to have contests to see who got the call first on Christmas Eve. After the 10th call, it became annoying.

Fortunately, in their great wisdom, translators of the current Roman Missal have solved the problem for us. There is no longer a designated Liturgy for “Midnight Mass.” It has been retitled, “Mass During the Night.” Henceforth, savvy parishioners will no longer phone on Christmas Eve to ask, “What time is the Midnight Mass?” They will instead call to ask, “What time is the Mass During the Night?” Problem solved?

No, exacerbated.

But there are also other questions one should avoid asking a priest.

Now, dear readers, as a service to priests everywhere and for your own personal edification, I will enlighten you on a variety of such questions.

Here they are: 1. What time are services?

What services do you require?

Emergency health care services? Tax services? Legal services? No, no, no.

In the Catholic Church, we celebrate Holy Mass. We do not hold “services.”

2. Are those the only Masses you have?

How many do you want? Catholic churches, generally speaking, already have too many Masses for the size of the congregation and the availability of a priest. Is it sensible to have a regular weekend Mass if the pews are less than a quarter full? Are you aware that, on a weekend, a priest is allowed to say two Masses, three in a pastoral emergency? Most parishes have so many weekend Masses they operate in a perpetual emergency.

3. When are the Holy Day Masses for Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation.

4. What time are your Masses on Good Friday?

There are no Masses anywhere on Good Friday. We have the Veneration of the Cross with Holy Communion, but no Masses.

5. Why does the Easter Vigil

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start so late? I want a 4 p.m. Mass grandfather? as we always have.

We do not sell Masses. You are The official directive is clear, probably seeking to arrange a Mass stating that the Easter Vigil must intention. That means that the prayer begin “during the night, after night- intention of the priest will be that fall, and end before daybreak.” That of your late grandfather. The priest precludes late makes a afternoon, commitment The Ship’s Log dusk, sunset, and a stipend or twilight. is offered to Reflections of a Also factor him. This verParish Priest in Daylight bal agreement

By Father Tim Saving Time. may include Goldrick 6. How Mass being long will the celebrated Easter Vigil last? on a particular day at a particular The length of the Easter Vigil time. Of course, everyone else in the depends on the particular circumassembly can have their own prayer stances. How many people will intentions, but for the priest, at least, be baptized and confirmed? How it will be your grandfather. much music will be sung? How 12. Due to this terrible storm, is many Scripture readings will be the Sunday Mass obligation canproclaimed? If you don’t want to celled? hear the answer, best not to ask the question.

7. Can my dog “Buster” be the best man at my wedding? He’s my best friend.

Seriously? What part of best man don’t you understand? A dog may be man’s best friend, but he is not a best man. Buster is a dog. Actually, for the very validity of your Marriage, you need two human witnesses — even if Buster does have all his shots.

8. Is the monsignor in?

Actually, you probably want to ask to speak with the pastor. Chances are he is not a monsignor. There are only three pastors left in the entire diocese who are monsignors. The honorary title of monsignor is rarely bestowed these days. It is mostly reserved for priests who work in some capacity in various Vatican office buildings.

9. Excuse me, but is this the parish secretary’s house? (This one came in just a few days ago.)

You mean the church office.

Parish secretaries live in their own homes. They do not live at the church, strictly speaking.

10. Can I speak with my good friend, Father Blank?

Are you unaware that Father Blank, your “good friend,” transferred to another parish 10 years previously?

11. Can I buy a Mass for my late

A bishop can abrogate Sunday Mass obligation when necessary. A priest cannot, so don’t ask him to do so. As to whether or not you should attend Mass during or after a storm, use your best judgment. Never travel when the governor declares a state of emergency. You could get detained or arrested.

13. How do I go about ordering a wedding? (I am not making this up, dear readers.)

Congratulations. Will that be for here or to go?

14. Is this the party to whom I’m speaking?

Just kidding with this one, dear readers. I took the classic line from “Laugh In.” I am serious with all the others, however.

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

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A spring symposium was recently held at Stonehill College in North Easton, through which Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., continued his efforts to rebuild the local Church in hope. Father Robert Blaney, cabinet secretary for Ministerial Personnel for Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, O.F.M., called on the priests to be willing to hold one another, like Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses (Ex 17:12), that their common work to serve the people of God might be a sign of God’s Kingdom among us.

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Director of La Salette Retreat Center reassigned to Georgia parish

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — The director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette retreat Center, Father Cyriac Mattathilanickal, is leaving Attleboro after being assigned as pastor of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish in Snellville, Ga.; he will officially assume duties down south on May 30.

During his last few weeks in Massachusetts, Father Mattathilanickal reflected on his past 11 years at the retreat center, and said in his farewell message (which can be found on the retreat center’s website, www.

LaSaletteRetreatCenter. com) that “this is a season to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, for He has worked wonders in our life. It is a season for me to express my thanks, and praise God for my life, service and ministry here at the shrine.

I truly enjoyed organizing and conducting various retreats for youth, adults and religious. I loved the ministry of Spiritual direction and accompanying them in their Spiritual journey.”

Born in South India in Mattathipara, in the state of Karala on Sept. 10, 1967, Father Cyriac Mattathilanickal, M.S., was the second youngest of 12 children, all of whom pursued extensive education. One of his brothers is a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Norwich, Conn., and a sister, who is still living in India, is a religious Sister of the Congregation of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Mattathilanickal’s journey began after his cousin, a La Salette priest, spoke to him about La Salette Missionaries. In an interview by a fellow priest found on La Salette’s main website (www.lasalette.org),

Father Mattathilanickal said he was “somehow drawn to this Marian Congregation and their Charism of Reconciliation. I had reached a turning point in my life and needed to reconcile within myself the persistent desire to pursue my vocation to the priesthood, which I had felt ever since I was a teen-ager.”

He entered the La Salette College Seminary on the feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15, 1990 in La Salette Bhavan, Parakadavu, and was ordained to the priesthood on Feb. 5, 1999 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Silang, Cavite, in the Philippines.

Father Mattathilanickal was assigned to a parish in the Philippines that had 85,000 families with 21 bario (village) chapels, all within an hour’s drive, providing 15 Masses each weekend.

He stated in his La Salette interview, “The experience, although overwhelming, was very rewarding because people were so affirming and receptive. I was simply amazed at the widespread, active involvement of the laity in so many different ministries. I was an eyewitness to the empowerment of the laity in action when it came to Marriage Encounters, parish renewals, catechetical programs and Liturgical programs of all kinds. I felt so privileged to be in that situation. It was a marvelous experience of drawing people closer to God through the help of our Blessed Lady.”

Six months after being ordained and now immersed in the community of his assignment, Father Mattathilanickal had an experience that he still shares to this day when he facilitates a retreat.

As he recalled in his La Salette interview: “A young woman came to me carrying a paper bag. She sat down and began to cry, explain-

ing that she was unmarried, became pregnant and was urged by her boyfriend to abort her baby. At the outset, I was shocked but felt deep compassion for her plight.

“Then she told me that she had brought her aborted baby with her in the bag. She told me how she had a recurring nightmare of screams from her child, and wanted my help to do what God wanted her to do.

“We spoke for a while and then I was able to call a parishioner friend of mine who owned a cemetery. I arranged for our celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Christian burial for her child, with herself and her boyfriend present.”

Because he takes seriously the La Salette message of Reconciliation, and what it means to each person, this personal story of how he dealt firsthand with a troubling and tragic situation, all while still finding his way as a young priest, is often shared to help others recognize that God will help you find a way.

“I have shared that story with many retreats,” Father Mattathinklanickal told The Anchor. “You’re never prepared for a case like that. In your formation, they don’t prepare you for the reality you will face. I believe in the accompaniment of God in people’s lives, and my role is to be their companion during these difficult moments in life. I think that where the retreat ministry is powerful for Reconciliation, renewal and healing for a lot of people. I’m not perfect but I’ve been able to be wellgrounded, that it’s reaching out to the people where they are and listen to them.”

When Father Mattathinklanickal arrived at La Salette in Attleboro 11 years ago as the assistant director of the shrine’s retreat center,

he laughed as he recalled for The Anchor his early feelings about the assignment: “It’s not a secret anymore. When I first arrived, this was a place I didn’t want to come.

The reason being, I was very apprehensive about giving retreats to the young people because I had no training giving retreats to young people.

“I was fairly new to the country at the time — barely five years — so I was very concerned how I would do.

When I accepted the assignment, I was very hesitant but in a couple of months into the retreat center [I thought to myself ], I must bloom where I am planted.

It’s actually a statement from St. Francis de Sales. I really began getting into the ministry, what would work, what technology we would need; I worked with a team of people to be able to develop that.”

Although there was a lot of apprehension and fear, once he embraced his role, he began to see that “there’s a lot of potential in the young people, and to see them celebrate their faith in their lives; I was inspired by their own faith, just seeing them,” Father Mattathilanickal said.

A year after arriving at La Salette, the director of the retreat center retired, and Father Mattathilanickal was asked to take leadership role, giving him not just youth retreats but also adult retreats.

Around that time, there were 35 youth retreats and 15 adult retreats a year. Father Mattathilanickal worked on building up a network that included bringing retreats to the parishes not just in the Fall River Diocese, but also to the Archdiocese of Boston, and parishes in New Hampshire and Connecticut.

Father Mattathilanickal revived mission teams that would go and preach at

parishes: “I would go with different people to different parishes, to Providence Diocese and Fall River Diocese, Boston, Connecticut and also in Worcester. I also went to California to do these parish missions, which I tremendously enjoyed doing, meeting a variety of people from different faith and ethnic traditions,” he said.

Seeing the fire in different ethnic groups, Father Mattathilanickal said he opened the doors to the retreat center to keep fanning the flames of each group’s faith.

“I call them ethnic retreats because there are Portuguese or Spanish, these are the two predominant ethnicities we’ve had over the years,” he told The Anchor. “Then I doubled the retreats through a collaboration with the Vietnamese community in New England, especially in Boston. We have a Vietnamese Cursillo taking place twice a year. We also have the Filipino groups doing retreats here; Haitian community; Nigerian community doing retreats here; a number of Indians from India doing retreats now. Because of that, we have a substantial number of regular retreats here.

We have 52 weekends [a year] and for the last couple of years, we have had been able to get 46 weekends for retreats, plus weekdays for youth retreats.”

Father Mattathilanickal is very proud of the diversity he helped bring to the La Salette Shrine and its retreat center: “When you go out and meet with these people,” he said, “they eventually become invested in La Salette.

What it gave me was I was able to meet with interesting groups outside in different programs, to see what it was all about. Many groups now come here because they know La Salette, and are Turn to page 23

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Around the Diocese “Faith Community and Mental Illness … How Do We Care for All Souls?” will be presented by Nancy Kehoe, Ph.D., and author, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Seekonk on May 8 beginning at 7 p.m. All community and family members affected by mental illness as well as supporting professionals and volunteers are most welcome and encouraged to learn more about making our communities places of compassion, healing and acceptance. Dr. Kehoe, director of Expanding Connections, is a licensed psychologist, an assistant clinical professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, and a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. She authored a comprehensive religious assessment tool and a book, “Wrestling with Our Inner Angels: Faith, Mental Illness and the Journey to Wholeness.” For more information, call Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 508-336-5549.

Living the Fatima Message will offer a time of reflection revisiting Our Lady of Fatima’s peace plan to convert hearts and the world on May 13 at 2 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet; on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Attleboro; and on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton. Contact the parishes for more information.

To share the message with your group or parish: call 781-5213677, email livingfatima@gmail. com, or message facebook.com/ livingfatima.

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Pair of diocesan priests celebrate 70 years of priesthood continued from page four

articles of interest.

“I always liked The Wall Street Journal,” he said. “They seem to look at Uncle Sam the same way I do. I always thought that they were the best of all the newspapers for that reason.”

Looking back over 70 years of serving God and country, Father Wallace doesn’t have any regrets.

“All my days have been good days, including my days in here,” he said. “I’m a lucky guy, considering the way my life turned out. To be a priest

all these years has taken me here, there and everywhere.

I’m very happy to have been a priest for 70 years!”

Like his fellow retiree and classmate, Father John Paul Driscoll is equally nonchalant about having now been ordained for 70 years.

“It’s just a matter of living,” Father Driscoll recently told The Anchor. “I’ve done a few things, but everyday has been a highlight of my priesthood.”

One of those “few” things was serving as the assistant

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 May 7, 11:00 a.m.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Celebrant is Father Kevin A. Cook, pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton and director of the diocesan Vocations Office.

May 14, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father James M. Fitzpatrick, a parochial vicar at St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River.

“When Bishop Cassidy gave us our assignments, he said he was sending us to ‘the general manager and editori- missions,’” Father Driscoll al writer for The Anchor when recalled. “I had no idea what the diocesan newspaper was ‘the missions’ meant. But it founded by Bishop James ended up being Osterville.

L. Connolly in 1957. Father There was Osterville, CenDaniel F. Shalloo would terville, Cotuit, Marstons serve as The Anchor’s first Mills — we had mission general manager and editor. churches in the villages “Msgr. Shalloo was pretty there.” much doing everything and I Assigned temporarily came in as an editorial writer, to SS. Peter and Paul Parreally,” Father Driscoll said. ish in Fall River in 1955, “I was with (the newspaper) Father Driscoll was named for 19 years.” administrator of Our Lady Father Driscoll, now 92, of Fatima Parish in Swansea is living out his golden years in 1969. He was later named at the Catholic Memorial pastor of St. Lawrence MarHome in Fall River. The man tyr Church in New Bedford who once served as secretary in October 1972, where he and chancellor under Bishop would remain for almost 29 Connolly is quick to credit years until his retirement the work of Bishop James E. from full-time ministry in Cassidy and Msgr. Raymond 2001.

T. Considine for providing “I was 77 years old when I such top-notch health care retired from active ministry,” facilities in the diocese.

Father Driscoll said. “To me, “They are all very coopevery day has been a higherative and very pleasant light in my priesthood. There here at (Catholic Memorial are some challenges every Home),” Father Driscoll day, but you take it one day said. “Bishop Cassidy did a at a time.” good job, and so did Msgr.

Father Driscoll fondly reConsidine.” called his tenure at St. LawAlthough Father Wallace rence Martyr Parish, and he’s took a detour into military happy to know St. Teresa’s service, it was Father Driscoll Missionaries of Charity are who was — ironically still working nearby in the enough — literally “born on convent across the street. the fourth of July.”

“I gave them a talk every “Everyone seems to Thursday for nine years,” he remember my birthday, that’s said. “I met St. Teresa (of for sure,” Father Driscoll Calcutta) when she came to said. visit in New Bedford. As a The Fall River native was matter of fact, she threw all born July 4, 1924 to the late the nuns out of the room John W. and Julia (Curley) and she and I had about a Driscoll. He attended SS. 20-minute talk. I won’t tell Peter and Paul School in anybody what she said. But Fall River and Msgr. Coyle she was an amazing perHigh School in Taunton. He son!” later enrolled in Holy Cross Father Driscoll’s other College in Worcester before assignments included being entering St. Mary’s Seminary president of the Priests’ Senin Baltimore, Md. He was ate, chairman of the Personordained with Father Walnel Board, a member of the lace on May 31, 1947.

Board of Diocesan ConsulHe was first assigned to tors and Divine Worship serve as parochial vicar at Commission, dean of the Our Lady of the AssumpNew Bedford area, and modtion Parish in Osterville. erator of the New Bedford

Catholic Women’s Club.

In 2000, Father Driscoll was named “Person of the Year” by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for his many accomplishments and for being a “priest dedicated to a life of service to God, our Father.”

Father Driscoll was also a close, personal friend of the late Cardinal Humberto Sousa Medeiros, the former Archbishop of Boston who died in 1983. Even though Father Driscoll preached during Cardinal Medeiros’ consecration as bishop, it’s still difficult to talk about his friend to this day.

“I can’t. I have a difficult time talking about him,” he said. “We were very close.

Everybody who knew him always spoke so fondly of him.”

When asked his impression of the Church today, Father Driscoll said the one big challenge seems to be increasing vocations to the priesthood.

“That’s the Church’s biggest problem today — the shortage of priests,” he said.

“But God is always with us, so we have to know that. I think our bishop is working to bring more vocations to the diocese. We’re all praying for that. And there are a few studying in the seminary now, which is always good.”

With dinner time approaching, Father Driscoll moves from his first-floor room to the open dining area, towing a walker along for support.

He says he’s “feeling well” these days and for a 92-yearold, he thinks he looks “pretty good.”

Then he pauses to add: “considering.”

Like Father Wallace, he seems content and joyful and counts every day as a blessing.

“Parishioners and priests drop in to say hello from time to time,” he said, smiling. “Every day has been wonderful.”

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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Diocesan priest baptizes mom at Easter Vigil

By Father Jack Shrader Special to The Anchor

The Resurrection itself leaps out at us on Easter EAST SANDWICH Sunday, after enduring — Who would have imagLent and pondering the ined that a priest would direction of God’s plan on baptize his own mother?

Holy Thursday and Good A man gives Divine life to Friday. I realized that in all the woman who gave life to the years prior to my mom’s him in the first place. Well, Baptism, as I questioned, at the Easter Vigil this year wondered, and prayed at Corpus Christi Parish in about my mom becoming East Sandwich, I baptized Catholic, the Lord God was and confirmed my mother, quietly working, breaking Diane Schrader, and gave through in unnoticed ways, her First Holy Communion. in order to prepare me and Christ is always at work, my family for the striking breaking through the narmanifestation of His plan at row ways we conceive of the Easter Vigil.

His presence and “how My mother received things should go.” Every basic Religious Education now and again His interfrom the faith community, vention becomes obvious. to which my grandmother His breakthrough into my belongs, but she never life and the life of my fam- received Christian Baptism. ily jumped out at the Easter In adolescence and early Vigil as I conferred the adulthood, my mother did Sacraments of Initiation not belong to any church. on my mother. The follow- After marrying my father, ing day, as I proclaimed the Steven Schrader, a CathoGospel announcement of lic, she began attending the Resurrection of Jesus, Mass and she supported I was overwhelmed by the Catholic upbringing the presence of the Risen of me, my sister, and my Christ in my life and in brother. Nevertheless, she the life of my family, after did not feel compelled to many years of wondering convert. So, although she if my mom would ever be was not a Catholic, my Catholic and what my role mother has been connected would be in her journey. in some way to the Catho-

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The Anchor - May 5, 2017

Father George E. Harrison, left, reads from a book of prayers during a baptismal ceremony at the Easter Vigil at Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich, at which Diane Schrader, center, received the Sacrament of Baptism from her son, Father Jack Schrader, center.

lic Church for a long time.

Actually, my mother’s paternal grandmother, Olga, was a vibrant Catholic and had meaningful impact on my mother during her life and in the decades since she died. My mom has fond childhood memories of going to Catholic Mass with Grandma Olga at St. Anthony’s in Des Moines, Iowa. My mother’s grandmother Olga died before I was born, but my mother has told stories about her for as long as I can remember.

At my mother’s Baptism, she was wearing a pearl necklace and a ring that Grandma Olga gave to her. Hopefully, Catholic grandparents are inspired by Grandma Olga’s influence on my mother. You may not see the impact you are having on your grandchildren, but if you pour out love on them and are joyful in your faith, they will be brought closer to God. During my years of seminary, my mother was very supportive of my vocation. However, it was not until a year after my ordination that she spoke up about her interest in

becoming Catholic. I uttered no magical or persuasive words to push her into RCIA. I believe there was a gentle communication between the Lord and my mother that finally gave her the desire to enter the Church. She was supported and nourished by my father, the RCIA team at Corpus Christi Parish, and by Fathers George Harrison and Riley Williams.

As my mom and I were leaving the parish church after her Baptism, she turned to me with an insight. She remarked that she had not intentionally postponed entering the Church until I was ordained a priest. Now after having been received into the Church by her own son, it made sense why it took her so many years to convert. There could not have been a sweeter way for her, for me or for my family.

I was struck again by the surprising intervention of God’s grace according to His time line. His designs come to completion not according to my time line, but according to His timing.

As people of faith we are

humble and patient before God’s plan. At the moment, there may be situations about which we worry.

We’re not sure how things are going to work out. This is where we must put our faith in the Resurrection.

In these days of the Easter season, we have to ask ourselves if the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus has changed the way we approach the unsolved situations in our lives? Have we allowed the victory of the Resurrection of Jesus to influence the way that we consider the unanswered questions we grapple with?

I hope the story of my mother’s Baptism and initiation into the Church would fill your hearts with hope in the Resurrection.

The Risen Jesus blazes the trail to newness life for His followers. United to His Resurrection, we are born again as children of our Heavenly Father. As we follow the Risen Christ on the trail to our Heavenly homeland, we are hopeful that our fidelity to His plan would make known the power of His Resurrection according to His timing.

Devoted parishioner continues service well into her senior years

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

going on retreats or to the shrine in Stockbridge. My oldest daughter will even be going to Fatima in October (for the 100th anniversary). My famSWANSEA — For 86-year-old ily stays as involved in the Catholic Wanda Peloquin, volunteering at St. Church as I could possibly hope, and Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea I’m glad for that.” isn’t just something she does to help When she’s not attending daily out, it’s become an important part of Mass or helping out at the rectory, her daily routine. you can find Peloquin busy with “I think it’s important to keep other parish activities including being your body and mind active,” Peloquin a lector on Tuesday and Thursday; recently told The Anchor. “Just sitting attending weekly Prayer Group and at home doesn’t do any good.”

Bible Study meetings on Tuesday When Peloquin’s husband passed night; and working with the Prayer away in 2006, she found she had even Shawl Ministry, which provides knitmore time to devote to her parish.

Eighty-six-year-old Wanda Peloquin continues to remain an active and ted prayer shawls and lap robes to the And she’s become something of a vibrant member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Swansea well into her sick and infirm. daily fixture at the church and rectory golden years.

“We give them to anybody who ever since.

Lent I remember they always had needs them — anyone who is sickly “I never thought I’d be a widow all and answering phones,” Father and needs the comfort of a blanket, these years,” she said. “So I just found Ciryak said. “So many people just go the lamentations that they did every through the motions, but (Peloquin) Wednesday and Sunday.

We would we provide them,” Peloquin said. myself doing more (in the parish), is a very holy person who spends go, even though we had to walk “After they are made, Father (Ciryak) because I am alone.” most her days here at the rectory because my father never drove.

It blesses them and we attach a little Given that women generally working.” was just insane. And every night my prayer to them before we give them outlive men by several years, it just Having first moved to Swansea in father would teach us our prayers.” out. People are always happy to get seemed to make sense to Peloquin to 1962, Peloquin originally joined the That communal sense of belonging them and we give them to men and step up and help out instead of sitting former St. Michael’s Parish and imand social component of parish volwomen.” at home feeling sorry for herself. mediately became involved. unteer work has also been a Godsend For Peloquin, St. Francis of Assisi “I never thought it would happen “I was very active with St. Mito Peloquin in coping with the loss of has become something more akin to me, but it did,” she said. “But I chael’s Parish, too,” Peloquin said. “As her husband and not having her im- to an extended family than a simple try to stay as active as I possibly can a matter of fact, I received the Mari- mediate family living in the area. group of parishioners. and as healthy as I can. Like every“I don’t think I could live without “We have a great group of people body else at my age, I have aches and an Medal from there in 1992 because of all the things I had been involved my faith,” she said.

“That’s how I was — I don’t do all these things by pains and arthritis and all those good with; and I try to stay involved the brought up and raised at home.

It myself,” she added. “We have a lot things, but I try to get past them and same here at St. Francis of Assisi.” wasn’t anything you thought about, of help. Working together and in keep moving.”

Peloquin credits her great faith it was just something you did like conjunction with other people, that’s Despite being well into her golden and dedication to the Church to her breathing and eating.

And nobody how you get things done. It’s not just years, Peloquin doesn’t show any parents, who were always “very reliever complained — nobody ever one person doing everything.” signs of slowing down. Among her gious and very Spiritual,” she said. rebelled.

I think it just stayed with us.

And for those who just “go many activities, she’s a daily commu“I grew up in a town called Dud“When my husband died and with through the motions” as Father nicant at St. Francis of Assisi, she’s ley in central Massachusetts,” she my two daughters not living in the Ciryak put it and do little more a special minister of Holy Commuexplained.

“We always belonged to area, I just found that my religion was than attend weekly Mass, Peloquin nion who brings the Eucharist to the the Polish parish there and at the a great source of comfort and comsuggests they try one of the parish sick and shut-ins in her parish, and Polish church, St. Joseph’s, we were passion for me.” ministries on for size. she can be found counting money always very active.

Everything we did Thankfully, Peloquin was able to “I think if they would just try from Sunday collections and making revolved around the church when we pass along that same example of faith one of the many ministries that we deposits for the parish three weeks were kids and that just stayed with and Spirituality to her own daughhave, they would find it enjoyable out of every month. me. When I married, my husband ters, both of whom she said remain as and maybe they might keep coming “I used to work as a bank teller was also very active in his church — active in their respective parishes as back,” she said. “If they don’t attend and then I worked for the Town of it was a French church — and when their mom. anything, then they’ll never actually Swansea as the tax collector,” the “I have one daughter who lives in know what takes place here (in the now-retired Peloquin said. “That’s my we came to St. Michael’s we always stayed involved here.”

Holliston and she’s a young widow, parish). There’s always something to background.”

It’s clear that Peloquin learned a but she remains very active in her do.”

For Father Michael A. Ciryak, parish, at St. Mary’s in Holliston,” Those are words of wisdom from pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, lot from her parents’ example.

“My parents were always very Peloquin said.

“I have another daugha seasoned parishioner who still Peloquin has been a great blessing. active and went to church, even ter who lives in Burlingame, Calif., remains active at 86.

“She’s been a part of everything though we lived in Dudley and our and she’s very active in her church, “I’m glad I’m still able to do it,” here from the Catholic Charities Apchurch was in Webster, which was Our Lady of the Angels.

Peloquin added. “I take great comfort peal to counting the candle money three miles away,” she said. “During “My two daughters are always in my Church.” to filling out Sacramental records The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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For and About Our Church Youth

ECHO members, Cape students welcome special guest speakers

WEST HARWICH — At a recent weekly Thursday Reunion of the Encountering Christ in Others, Cape Cod retreat program, Father Ron P. Floyd introduced the group to three magnificent examples of Christ’s light and love.

To honor the feast of the Annunciation, when Mary said yes to Gabriel’s call, Father Floyd invited the special guests to the reunion held at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville.

Father Floyd intrigued the group with his invite: “I can’t tell you anymore than this: one is married to royalty, one was a NCAA Division I quarterback, and one is a singer who just released a hit new album, and they all have one thing in common — but you have got to come to the reunion to find out more.”

The three guests were: Father Joseph Freedy, who is the Vocation director from the Diocese of Pitts-

burgh; Sister Mary Conhad the opportunity to do He equips those He calls.’” sulata and Sister Maria so.

The three were visiting Benedetti, both DominiSome of the student’s the Fall River Diocese on can Sisters of Mary Moth- were surprised to learn a vocation mission and er of the Eucharist in Ann that all three religious visited five schools in three Arbor, Mich. days and Those in the ECHO attendance Reunion. learned about At least the trio’s two female Spiritual students in calling and the reunion when they room are realized it discerning was their call themselves and how they about reanswered ligious life that call. and Sisters All three Sister Mary Consulata and Sister Maria Benedetti, both Mary and were beam- Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Maria could ing when Arbor Mich., recently visited five schools and an ECHO re- not have they spoke union, as part of a vocation mission. (Photo by Father Ron been more of the moaccommoP. Floyd) ments they dating anrealized they swering their were being called. It made “didn’t think they were questions, exchanging those there that night feel worthy to be called.” information and inviting as though you were right Barbara-Anne Foley, them to upcoming local there with them when rectora for ECHO 308, events. the two Sisters and priest said to some students ECHO has been acwere called. They were so when they were surprised tive on Cape Cod for kind to answer the many by that comment about 47 years. The Christian questions the attendees being worthy: “I was told retreat program, under had always wanted to ask by someone once, ‘God the auspices of the Fall a Sister or priest but never doesn’t call the equipped, River Diocese is open to

students in grades 10-12, who are seeking to deepen their faith, enhance their relationship with God, while at the same time learning something about themselves.

The ECHO program provides six retreat weekends a year, with the Paschal Mystery as the overall theme of each weekend.

ECHO provides its participants with the opportunity to share their beliefs, and experiences in a loving, non-judgmental community. The team members on each weekend are examples of people who have accepted the challenge on the back of the ECHO cross that says “Christ is counting on you.”

In addition to experiencing the ECHO weekend, members of the ECHO community have the opportunity to gather twice weekly at reunions in Mashpee at Christ the King and in Centerville at Our Lady of Victory Church.

Marshall to lead JPII Lions football

Hyannis — St. John Paul II High School has hired Matthew J. Marshall as the Lions’ head football coach. Marshall, athletic director Mark A. Santos and Head of School Christopher W. Keavy made the announcement at a recent players meeting.

Coach Marshall brings a great mix of youthful energy and solid football experience at several different levels.

Marshall played footBishop Connolly High School students, parents, alumni and friends displayed colorful ball at Marshfield High landscapes they created at a recent Paint Party fund-raiser held at White’s of Westport to benefit the Fall River school’s Theatre Program. Sponsored by the BCHS Theatre Boosters, School and Nichols the annual event attracted a sold-out crowd of 50 attendees and raised $1,600 to support College, where he also coached. He served in Connolly’s spring musical, “Cinderella,” which will be staged May 19-21.

18 The Anchor - May 5, 2017

several coaching capacities at Scituate High School, with the South Shore Chiefs semi-pro team, and most recently, at Sacred Heart High School.

“I am proud to be the next head Football Coach at St. John Paul II High School. There is no doubt that coaches John Muldoon, Mike Delaney, and David Harrison formed a great tradition and I am excited to keep this going,” Marshall said.

The 2016 Lions achieved an 8-4 record and were South Sectional runnersup.

Fall River woman focuses on the blessings, not the difficulties continued from page two

the years. But after meeting with her, one can’t help but wonder if those in her life were drawn to her by her cheerful, radiant personality.

When it was time for young Collette to begin school, her father sought out the Holy Union Sisters, at the time on Highland Avenue in Fall River.

After one consultation with the Sisters, they were excited to be part of Collette’s educational process.

“They assigned me a speech therapist, Sister Adrienne Marie, SUSC,” said Fortin. “She was a remarkable woman who worked hard with me and helped me so much with my speech.”

Sister Adrienne Marie and the Holy Union Sisters had Fortin under their tutelage at Sacred Hearts Academy from pre-primary through 12th grade, with Sister Adrienne Marie providing speech therapy for 13 years.

When Fortin graduated from high school she was accepted at Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I. “That was a very difficult time in my life,” she told The Anchor. “I had never been away from home before and I didn’t know anyone there. I came very close to quitting.

“My father said to me, ‘Do you want to spend the rest of your life in a rocking chair? I will support you no matter what you choose, but you can do this.’ My father never graduated from high school, so he really wanted me to stay in college. But I knew he would support me no matter what. I stayed.”

When Fortin graduated from Salve in 1964, she was featured in a story in The Anchor by Pat Mc-

Gowan.

“The greatest day of my father’s life was the day I graduated from Salve Regina College,” said Fortin.

“He said he didn’t graduate from high school so we were going to have a great celebration.”

With a degree in sociology, but no jobs in that field in the area, Fortin got a job at the Fall River Public Library, where she stayed for six years.

Following the library stint, Fortin took a job at an area middle school, hoping to work in the library there. “The principal there made me a substitute teacher,” said Fortin. “I knew the students there would have a hard time understanding me, and also many were out of control in the classroom. Even the regular teachers couldn’t handle them.

“Many of them made fun of the way I walked and talked.” Even looking back on that time during The Anchor interview, she said it hurt, but she linked that with Christ on the cross. “Jesus said to the Father, ‘Forgive them for they know not what they do.’

I felt the same way about those students.”

When the superintendent of schools learned what was going on, he transferred Fortin to B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River. “I loved it there,” she recalled.

“The people there were very nice and I became in charge of the circulation desk.

Imagine me being in charge of the circulation desk!”

It was at this time in her life when Fortin was asked to give a witness talk to a youth retreat at Holy Name Parish in Fall River. “It was during that talk that I started to con-

nect the rainbow with my life,” she said. “Before the retreat I was so very nervous. I didn’t know if the children would be able to understand me, but I worried for nothing because once I was up there, everything went so well. I spoke so clearly and the talk was well-received by the youngsters. No one made fun of me, and they were touched by the talk.”

It was from that talk nearly 30 years ago that the seeds for “Rainbow of Joy,” were planted. “I had people tell me that I should write a book about my life,” Fortin said. “Barbara Gerraughty, a friend from high school, who later reconnected with me, encouraged me to share my faith in God, my joy of life, the love of my parents, and those special people around me, with others.

“She said I look at life in a different way and I should share that,” said Fortin. “God has spoiled me all my life and helped me realize that the focus in life should be on the blessings, not the difficulties.”

“All you have to do is spend a few minutes with Collette to see she is very Spiritual, positive, accepting of what God presents, and has a great respect for life,” Gerraughty told The Anchor. “She is a loyal friend, and is so appreciative of everything people do for her, even the small things like holding a door open. And she has the great ability to laugh with her keen sense of humor.

“I think she’s at her happiest now because this book has been a dream come true for her. Her biggest wish in life was to be able to spread the word how much God has helped her along the way. Her

hope is that someone will read the book and turn to God for His help, to trust in Him. This was a labor of love for Collette. It wasn’t always easy, but she kept working hard for it.”

“I met Collette when I became pastor here at Holy Name almost seven years ago,” Father Jay T. Maddock told The Anchor.

“Despite all her struggles, she is a woman filled with great joy and faith in her God. She has a great love for the Holy Eucharist and I know that is such a great source of Spiritual strength for her. She is an example to me of a woman who accepts her cross as Our Lord accepted His and I have no doubt she unites her own sufferings with those of Christ on the cross, for the Spiritual benefit of many. In her own quiet and humble manner she gives strong witness as to how to respond to God’s love for us, no matter what our particular circumstances may be at anytime in our lives.”

“It’s amazing. I received the book from the printer on February 7 this year, the feast of St. Colette,” Fortin smiled.

“Rainbow of Joy,” is a warm, touching memoir of her loving parents and her rich faith in God. Fortin also goes through each color of the rainbow, pairing each with a particular human attribute.

It’s an easy read, yet filled with such insight, wisdom and love.

“My parents had no education, but they were filled with love,” Fortin warmly recalled. “My father was the one who made me independent, and that’s one of the greatest gifts he could have given me.”

Fortin said that she had a little sister, Charlotte, who died of spinal meningitis at

20 months old. “I was six when she died,” she said.

“My parents wanted me to have a sibling, but they still kept the same love and faith. We’re not the boss when it comes to life.”

Although slowed some in the last few years, Fortin still maintains her joie de vivre by reading and going out with friends. “I used to love to shop too, but now I do that online.

I am still surrounded by so much love.” Included in her remarkable circle of friends is a neighbor who is a physical therapist, Bob Keene, who provides physical therapy for Fortin, and another neighbor who helps with meals and assisting her to shower.

“When I was able to get around with greater ease, I enjoyed doing volunteer work,” Fortin added.

“I volunteered at Saint Anne’s Hospital and at Holy Name School among other places Also daily Mass was an important part of my life.”

During The Anchor interview Fortin asked a question: “Do you know what the three focuses in my life are?” Her answer was: “Love, prayer and grace — amazing grace! I hope my life is a witness for the Lord.”

To obtain a copy of “Rainbow of Joy,” contact Collette Fortin at collettefortin@aol.com, visit her Facebook page at Collette C Fortin, or visit her in person at the book-signing at Swansea Mall on May 23 from 5-7 p.m. near Unwined Bistro across from Ruby Tuesday restaurant.

If anyone knows of a publisher that may be interested in “Rainbow of Joy,” to make it accessible to more people, contact Fortin at the above email, or contact davejolivet@ anchornews.org.

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

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A pastoral visit to Haiti continued from page nine

Salesian Sisters. There are 1,020 students at this school, as well as a dispensary where they treat more than 50 patients daily. Most of the patients who seek treatment are infected with HIV or tuberculosis. The dispensary was built with the support of parishioners from Our Lady of the Cape.

In 2016, we funded a new computer lab at the school, and the project is close to its completion. The estimated cost has increased to $9,000.

Per their initial estimate, we had funded only $4,000 towards this project. The computer lab still needs finishing work, painting, electrical work and new computers. Both students and Sisters expressed their gratitude through songs and speeches for our annual support for their lunch program, scholarships for the students and the supplementary fund for teachers’ salaries.

St. Ann’s Church and Maria Goretti School These are located in Haute Feuille and were built with the support of our parish. In 2016, we helped build five more classrooms on the second floor and added a middle school program. Presently, this school has 657 students who also benefit from our lunch program five days a week. The new classrooms are in need of more finishing work and painting in 2017.

The La Salette Chapel, part of the St. Ann’s Parish, was built with the help of our parish. Two years ago, we did some repairs for the upkeep of the building. There is ongoing concern for the maintenance of this chapel. Salt water occasionally rises from the surrounding marshland and corrodes the foundation of 20

The Anchor - May 5, 2017

the building. The chapel will need some more repairs in the near future.

Immaculate Conception Chapel and School These are located in Hatte Chevreau, and are also part of St. Ann’s Parish.

Currently the school has 154 students from grades one-four. Due to a shortage of classrooms, two classes are held in the chapel. There is an immediate need to have a new building for the preschool, and additional second floor classrooms for grades five and six. This school and chapel were built with funds from our parish, and we continue to provide funds for their lunch program.

Bayonnais Chapel and School A preschool was in operation under a galvanized shelter when the bishop entrusted this parish to the care of the Missionaries of La Salette in this remote village populated with voodoo followers and worshippers. Our parish funded a small school with four classrooms, which had 125 students until last year.

This year the enrollment has drastically gone down, and part of the reason seems to be insufficient funding of their school lunch program.

I hope that, in the future, our parish can extend its resources to provide for a lunch program for the students in Bayonnais. The school also needs new classrooms for the preschool and a kitchen for meal preparation.

A Collaborative Mission The Maria Goretti, Immaculate Conception and Bayonnais Schools are served by the La Salette Missionaries from Madagascar. Father Thomas Vellappallil, the director of the North American La Salette

Mission Office has agreed that, based on the availability of funds the La Salette Mission Office will do its best to fund the building projects for the schools and chapels at which La Salette priests are serving.

Our parish will continue to fund the lunch programs for the students and scholarship programs in the schools. This was a breakthrough and a new collaborative effort that would allow our parish to focus on lunch programs, scholarship assistance for the five schools, projects in the schools and chapels of St. Claire Parish, including new wells and assistance to the school run by the Sisters in Dessalines.

St. Claire Pastoral Council Another breakthrough and a beautiful sign of our growing collaborative relationship and transparency was my meeting with the St. Claire Parish Pastoral Council. It was the first time we were given this opportunity to have a conversation about our twinning relationship. Traditionally, in Haiti the pastor “does” everything and “knows” everything!

But last year we had asked for more transparency and accountability. Here is a summary of the meeting: A new committee, similar to our “Together with Haiti,” will be formed at St. Claire and will be called, “Friends of Cape Cod.” During the next year, three or four members from St. Claire Parish plan to visit Our Lady of the Cape (most of them have lived in the United States for 15-20 years).

A request was made to support the new trade school. The first batch has 30 students studying for the electrician trade. Once they have completed this twoyear course, a government-

certified diploma will be issued. They hope to expand with programs for plumbers and nursing assistants in the future.

At the end of Sunday Mass, I shared a short message which was translated to Creole by Father Alexis, the pastor. In my message, I extended greetings and love from the people of Our Lady of the Cape and asked for their prayers for all the friends of Haiti in our parish.

I reminded them that it is their strong faith and openness to receive with gratitude that inspires many to give generously to our brothers and sisters in Haiti who constantly face both economic poverty and natural calamities. I shared that our parishioners are generous with them not only because God has blessed them with more, but also because they want the people of Haiti to know

that they are cared for and loved.

Indeed, there is no poor person who can say that there is nothing to give, and there is no rich person who can say there is nothing to receive. Our brothers and sisters from our twinning parishes and schools in Haiti have assured their prayers for all the friends of Haiti at Our Lady of the Cape. The needs of our people in Haiti are extensive and their response of deep gratitude has been wonderful.

Scott Hortop, a project consultant for the International Development Assistance Productive Cooperatives states that: “If Haiti is to survive, it must produce. If it is to be sustainable, it must embrace the cooperative model. If the cooperative model is to work, Haiti must learn to trust.”

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

May 6 Rev. Thomas P. Elliott, Founder, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1905 Rev. Asdrubal Castelo Branco, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford, 1980 Rev. Ernest E. Blais, Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1994 May 7 Rev. Raymond P. Levell, S.J., Professor, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., 1958 May 9 Rev. J.E. Theodule Giguere, Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford Rev. John P. Clarke, Pastor, St. Mary, Hebronville, 1941 Permanent Deacon Marcel G. Morency, 2016 May 12 Rev. John F. deValles, DSC, U.S. Army Chaplain, 1920 Rev. Herve Jalbert, Retired Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1986 May 13 Rev. Msgr. Osias Boucher, USA Retired, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955 May 14 Rev. Robert McDonnell, C.S.C., Pastor, Holy Cross, South Easton, 2006 May 16 Rev. William McDonald, SS., St. Patrick, Falmouth, 1941 Rev. Msgr. J. Joseph Sullivan, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, 1960 Rev. Arthur dos Reis, Retired Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1981 May 17 Most Rev. James E. Cassidy, D.D., Third Bishop of Fall River, 1934-51, 1951 Rev. Albert Evans, SS.CC., 2003 May 19 Rev. Ambrose Lamarre, O.P., 1940 Rev. Thomas Trainor, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1941 Rev. Arthur C. Levesque, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford, 1988

EASTON — Father Richard J. Segreve, C.S.C., 82, died at the Holy Cross Residence at Stonehill College in North Easton April. 27.

He was born on May 5, 1934 in Boston, to Harold and Mildred (Minnihan) Segreve. By chance, he attended a Holy Cross parish retreat and saw four Holy Cross Fathers

Father Richard J. Segreve, C.S.C.

dressed in a black cassock, cape, cord and crucifix.

An inquiry was made, and before long, he went to Holy Cross Seminary at Stonehill College in 1952. Father Segreve was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross on Aug. 15, 1954, professed his First Vows on Aug. 16, 1955, and made his final profession on Aug. 16,

1958. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1961.

In 1961, most of his class was assigned to Notre Dame Boy’s High School in Bridgeport, Conn. During his nine years there, he taught biology, religion and French; became a guidance counselor; then became director of guidance; and,

Father John Gerard ‘Gerry’ Shanley, SS.CC.

HARLINGEN, Texas — Father John Gerard (Gerry) Shanley, SS.CC., a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts — United States Province, passed away April 21, after a courageous battle with cancer. Father Shanley, who celebrated his 82nd birthday on February 28, had retired in the last few years and was residing at Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, Texas.

Born in Roscommon, Ireland, to Bernard and Kate (Regan) Shanley, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Cootehill, Co. Cavan, Ireland in August 1954. Professing his first vows on Aug. 15, 1955, in Ireland, he was ordained a priest on June 25, 1961.

His first assignment in the province was at Bishop Amat High School in California which was followed by appointments in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Massachusetts, where he served at Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet from 1963 to 1964 and St. Mary’s in Fairhaven from 1969 to 1970. In 1970, his responsibilities brought him to the state of Texas where his service to the people there continued for almost 50 years.

From 1970 to 2000, Father Shanley ministered to the people in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Then in 2001, he requested and received permission from his Province to bring the love and Word of the Lord to the people in Reynosa, Mexico, a place of poverty, corruption, extreme danger — and a place filled with people he came to love so deeply — and who loved him in return.

As pastor of San Felipe de Jesus Parish, he helped the parishioners build three new churches and schools. He provided them with food, clothing and sometimes shelter, and became their protector as best he could in the midst of an area so deep in need.

Each week Father Shanley would make the journey back across the border into the U.S. to pick up whatever donations he could manage to solicit from stores, churches — anyone who would help. At times, he reported providing essentials for up to 400 families a week as well as offering supplies to two orphanages and a children’s “Tutelar,” a “kind of prison” where children from eight to 18 were housed for a variety of reasons.

When he finally reached the “age of retirement” for the Diocese of Matamoros, Father Shanley had to leave a people whom he had come to love and understand, and a place that truly became a very special home for him.

In his own words, expressed in an interview in 2003, he reflected, “In life’s journey you see how selfish people can get. But you also see their grandeur and the nobleness that is possible and found in the most difficult situations, finding God Who is love in very unexpected places.”

He is survived by six siblings including his brother Father Matthias Shanley, SS.CC.; Sister Monica Shanley; P.J. Shanley; Ethna Shanley; Pauline Shanley; and Fidelma Shanley. A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 26 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg, Texas with Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville presiding.

Father Shanley’s remains returned to Fairhaven where a celebration of his life and death was held April 29 at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven.

He was buried with his SS.CC. brothers in the Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Fairhaven.

for a while, principal of the school. From 1970 to 1973, he served as assistant provincial in the Eastern Province of Priests and Brothers. In 1973, he became director of counseling at Stonehill College, as well as director of campus ministry there.

In 1990, he entered parish work at Holy Cross Parish, South Easton, and in 1991, he continued to assist in parishes, serve in family ministry, and reside in the Holy Cross Residence at Stonehill College.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Harold and Mildred Segreve; two sisters, Patricia Kelly and Carol Segreve; and two brothers, Harold Segreve and Ralph Segreve.

He is survived by sis-

ters, Ellen Davis, Canton; Beverley Faulkner, Rosindale; Barbara Woodford, Stoughton; and brother, Paul Segreve, Bridgewater.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 28 at the Chapel of Mary, Stonehill College. Burial followed at the Holy Cross Community Cemetery at Stonehill College.

Kane Funeral Home of Easton was in charge of the arrangements.

Gifts in his name can be made in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross via: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, 500 Washington Street, North Easton, Mass. 023561299 or online at donate. holycrossusa.org.

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The Alleluia yawn

By Brother Jordan Zajac, O.P. Special to The Anchor On the surface, one’s familiarity with the events of Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection can slowly compromise their power to captivate. I mean, did your mind happen to wander a bit during the lengthy proclamation of the Lord’s Passion on Palm Sunday? Or when it was proclaimed again on Good Friday?

Did the marvelous account contained in the Easter Sunday Gospel — that one we’ve heard so many times before — totally register with us?

Even if the Triduum moved our Spirit deeply (praise God), will the sentiment persist for the entire duration of the Easter season? (It is a 50-day Liturgical season, you know.)

Let’s talk again on the Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter and see how it’s going. Sooner or later, to some degree, we all have to try to stifle what might be called the Alleluia yawn — the settling of the extraordinary back into the ordinary.

Now, my interest here is neither in guilt-tripping nor in trying to rouse dulled imaginations, at least not in the way you might expect. In fact I find the struggle to grasp the full weight of the Resurrection in particular quite understandable. That is partly because Christ’s Resurrection categorically surpasses all that could be imagined. How did it happen?

To picture the Holy Spirit descending upon the tomb before daybreak with Divine defibrillation paddles won’t cut it ( Jesus was not resuscitated like the corpses of Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter, but Resurrected and glorified). And what did the glorified Christ look like?

If the angel that rolled back the stone from the tomb appeared like lightning, well, does it get much brighter than that?

When reflecting on Christ’s glorified Body, Pope Benedict XVI writes, “Since we ourselves have no experience of such a renewed and transformed type of matter, or such a renewed and transformed kind of life, it is not surprising that it oversteps the boundaries of what we are able to conceive” ( Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, 274).

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It is an utterly new thing God is doing here. It’s dumbfounding. Even when Jesus appeared behind locked doors, the disciples were “flustered for joy,” as St. Augustine puts it. “They were rejoicing and doubting at the same time. They were seeing and touching, and scarcely believing” (Sermon 229J). The Resurrection “exceeds our imagination and understanding; it is accessible only to faith” (CCC 1000).

Though we believe, we also get tired sometimes. In another Easter homily St. Augustine comments, “such is the weakness of the flesh, such the irksome nature of this life, that everything, however wonderful, ends in boredom” (Sermon 243). Even when the friar’s heart is full of Easter joy and he chants “Alleluia” 28 times every night before bed, were he told to keep crying out “Alleluia!” without ever stopping, that would be impossible. Exhaustion and boredom would set in.

Yet when St. Augustine is asked what the redeemed will do with their glorified bodies, he says eternity consists in precisely this: ceaseless praise. An eternal alleluia. And we will not tire, nor tune out. Insofar as Lent represents this life of hardship here below, and the Easter season stands for the hope of the Resurrection, our incapacity to avoid Alleluia yawns simply means that we’re not there yet.

That we’re still on our way, still striving. Yet we enjoy an incredible foretaste of it now.

The trick is to persevere through the yawns. A Brother who sits near me in choir does this thing where, when he has to yawn, he doesn’t stop singing. He pushes right on through. At first I found it distracting. But then I thought, if he wants to praise God so badly that yawns don’t stop him, why should I? No yawn can go on forever. But praise of the Risen Lord can, and will. Alleluia, alleluia.

Brother Jordan Zajac is a member of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph.

He was born and raised in New Bedford, where his parents and sister were active parishioners of St. James Church.

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

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

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

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

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

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

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

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 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

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

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

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes.

All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

La Salette priest reassigned to Georgia continued from page 13

happy to be part of it.”

Another accomplishment Father Mattathilanickal is proud of is the master’s degree he received at Boston College: “That was a tremendous personal experience.

My own ministry changed because of that, and the way that I look at ministry.”

Guiding people in their Spiritual journey is a privilege he’s enjoyed because “you meet beautiful people, and I had a variety of people interested in knowing their faith, and growing in their faith, and to be able to accompany them during their Spiritual journey, it’s a tremendous experience that not everyone gets. I really enjoy that.”

Now Father Mattathilanickal is about to embark on his next chapter when he becomes pastor to St. Oliver Plunkett Parish in Georgia.

The parish has roughly 2,000 families who are part of 53 vibrantly active ministries.

The young people of the parish are incredibly active, he said, with around 600 students in its Religious Education program, and one of the largest Life Teen Programs in the U.S. “It’s a very active parish and I look forward to entering into that phase of my ministry,” he said.

As for the first few months of settling in, Father Mattathilanickal said, “I’m just going to be myself. I’m not going to change anything, even for a year. I’m just going to serve and see. I want to see where the people are in their faith journey. I want to see where the parish is, and what the needs are. I want to have a parish that is shared by the people. Somebody asked me what my vision is for the

parish? It’s not my vision. It’s what the parish community wants to accomplish as disciples of Christ.”

One of the things that Father Mattathilanickal won’t be leaving behind is an undecided court case regarding the long, legal battle with the city of Attleboro for a tax abatement. His appreciation to the courts for upholding the tax exemption privilege for the La Salette Shrine was felt during his interview

with The Anchor, as he added he was thrilled that the final ruling was in the shrine’s favor.

As of this publishing, Father Mattathilanickal’s successor had yet to be named, but he has only high hopes for the future of the Attleboro shrine and retreat center: “I want to say that the retreat center has been a haven of peace and healing for the community for more than 4,500 people every year,

for the last 10 years or more.

This has been a wonderful place for people to grow in their Spiritual journey, and even though we are sometimes financially struggling — as is the case for a lot of retreat centers — for us, this is a ministry we will continue to do.

“This ministry is a wonderful ministry, and I’m so happy to have been part of it for the past 11 years, and I’m sure its legacy will continue.”

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RCIA candidate, Melissa Sullivan (in white) receives the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation from pastor Father Marc Tremblay, Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich, during the Easter Vigil. Her sponsor, Charlotte LeBlanc, is beside her. Also in photo: Deacon John Foley (pictured near oils) and Deacon Ralph Cox in front, altar servers Genny Paige and Michael Gurney.

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