05 13 16

Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Photographs line the walls of the concert hall at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro during a Photographic Exhibition & Meditative Journey Through Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Story on page 23.

(Photo by Dave Jolivet) The Anchor - May 13, 2016

1

New crucifix, renovations are outward signs of Cape parish’s mission one of the many artifacts made available to other churches for use.

“The cross was brought EAST SANDWICH — to Corpus Christi last sumA newly-acquired crucifix that was previously located mer,” Father Williams said.

“We thought that it would outside of Holy Trinserve as a nice centerpiece ity Church in Boston was of a shrine on a corner of recently installed in time parish property facing the for Good Friday at Cormain roads.” pus Christi Parish in East Several dedicated paSandwich.

Located on the corner of rishioners got together to Quaker Meetinghouse and help design and build the footing for the cross; and Service roads, near the entrance to the Corpus Chris- several local contractors also donated their services ti property, the life-sized and provided the buildsculpture of a silver Christ hanging from a black cross ing materials at discounted prices. has certainly turned some It was parishioners who heads since its March 25 debut and even made a few ultimately planned and carried out the installapeople stop to reflect — tion of the cross, which which is the whole point, according to parochial vicar included building a base of rocks similar to those used Father Riley Williams. in German and Austrian “The cross is meant to shrines — a tribute to the remind all who see it of the German heritage of the incredible love that God offers us, and of the forgiveness former Holy Trinity Parish.

“This really has been a He offers us through Christ’s community effort to build sacrifice,” Father Williams something beautiful to the recently told The Anchor. honor of God,” Father WilAccording to Father liams said.

Williams, when Holy Having begun the Trinity Parish was closed in 2008, the striking cruci- project last summer, Father Williams said they didn’t fix — which is believed to be dated from 1970 — was anticipate it being comBy Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

shrine with plantings,” he said.

In addition to the new crucifix, Corpus Christi Parish also just renovated the lower level of its thrift shop near the main church building to house the food pantry that was previously located in the parish center.

“Looking at the situation, we realized that it would provide greater accessibility for clients and food deliveries to move the food pantry into a renovated section of the lower level of the thrift shop,” Father Williams explained. “In the course of the renovations we were able to create a multi-use space so that small group meetings could take place there as well.”

One of the goals in creating this new space, according to Father Williams, was to foster a more welcoming atmosphere and make it feel less utilitarian Volunteers at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich help and more like a home for to install the new crucifix shrine at the corner of Quaker those being served.

Meetinghouse and Service roads recently. (Photo cour“Our Lord teaches us to tesy of Father Riley Williams) welcome those we serve as pleted until late spring, but “We were able to erect we would welcome Him, the recent unusually warm the cross on Good Friday and so in this new space we weather allowed them to and as the weather imhave created a dignified and finish the job well ahead of proves we are planning welcoming place to serve schedule. on further developing the Christ in the persons of our sisters and brothers in need,” he said.

While there aren’t any parish outreach programs besides the food pantry taking advantage of the new space, Father Williams said they are in the process of “assessing the needs of the parish community” to determine what other types of services could benefit from the renovated facility.

“Our Catholic social teaching tradition reminds us that serving the poor involves more than simply attending to their material needs, but looking also to the care for the persons themselves,” he said. “We Continued on page 20

2

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointments: Rev. Paulo Barbosa, Parochial Vicar, with residence, to serve the Brazilian Community at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis Rev. Edivar Ribeiro DaSilva, Parochial Vicar, with residence, to serve the Brazilian Community at Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven Effective: June 1, 2016 Rev. Octavio Cortez, I.V.E., Pastor, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford Rev. Edward J. Healey, Pastor, Christ the King Parish in Mashpee Rev. Edward A. Murphy, Pastor, Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Taunton Very Rev. Timothy P. Reis, V.F., Pastor, Saint Mary’s Parish in Norton Rev. Marc P. Tremblay, Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich Rev. John M. Schrader, Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary’s Parish in Mansfield Effective: June 29, 2016 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: Rev. Monsignor Daniel F. Hoye, Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Mashpee

Area deacons traveling to Rome for jubilee Mass with pope

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

DARTMOUTH — When Deacon Frank Lucca received an email from Salvatore “Rino” Fisichella, the president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, regarding upcoming events during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, he immediately began to spread word about the jubilee Mass for deacons being held at the end of May. “At that point I didn’t know that much about it,”

said Deacon Lucca, “but I thought it would be interesting to celebrate with all the deacons of the world who can make their way there.”

Deacon Lucca reached out to deacons within and beyond the Fall River Diocese’s borders, was able to get a great package from Proximo Travel, and now in just a couple of weeks a conglomeration of deacons, families and parishioners from a few dioceses, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will be traveling to Rome to celebrate

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the nomination of the Very Reverend Johnathan A. Hurrell, ss.cc., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts — United States Province, and has made the following appointments: Rev. David Lupo, ss.cc., Pastor, Saint Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven Rev. Joseph Pasala, ss.cc., Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven Effective: June 1, 2016

Mass with Pope Francis.

Deacon Gary John has been at Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River for 18 months. A successful businessman, Deacon John said he felt something missing in his life 20 years ago.

“Religion was lacking in my life after all the physical things I had attained in life, and I felt unfulfilled,” said Deacon John. “Once I had religion, my life became fulfilled. I felt like I was very fortunate and wanted to give back to the Lord for helping me achieve the happiness I’ve had in life.”

Deacon John volunteered in various roles at his parish, Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River, and felt called to the diaconate. He was ordained in 2013, initially assigned to Holy Trinity, and then assigned to Espirito Santo Parish.

“It’s a very active parish,” said Deacon John. “It was a new and challenging experience for me. I’m not Portuguese and I don’t know the language, and it’s a very Portuguese-influenced parish; I think it’s the largest Portuguese parish in the diocese.

“They have three of the five Masses in the Portuguese language, so I had Turn to page 10

Rev. Michael M. Camara, Parochial Vicar of Santo Christo Parish, Fall River Effective: June 30, 2016 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointment: Rev. Thomas M. Kocik, Parochial Vicar, Santo Christo Parish in Fall River Effective: July 1, 2016 The Anchor - May 13, 2016

3

Mass. Court considers church tax exemption case

By Christine M. Williams Special to The Anchor

cmwilliams@intheserviceoftruth.org

ATTLEBORO — The tax-exempt status of church properties has been challenged by one Massachusetts municipality, and soon the matter will be settled statewide. In 2013, the city of Attleboro sent a $92,292.98 tax bill to Our Lady of La Salette Shrine, which had never been taxed in its 60year history. The Appellate Tax Board upheld the decision, and the shrine’s appeal is currently being considered by the Supreme Judicial Court.

Massachusetts’ highest court will decide whether or not state law allows for the taxation of church properties that are not exclusively used for worship. Religious groups across the state say a move to tax such properties would affect nearly every faith community in the state.

4

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

An “amicus curiae” or “friend of court” brief — filed by the Massachusetts Council of Churches, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Council on American Islamic Relations Massachusetts and Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston — states that if the ruling were upheld it would have “sweeping, potentially disastrous effects for religious organizations across the Commonwealth.”

La Salette Shrine, established by missionaries in 1953 and designated the national shrine devoted to Our Lady of La Salette in 2009, sits on 199 acres. The city assessor’s office valued the land with improvements at $12.8 million in 2013. The city found $5 million taxable, including 100 percent of the maintenance shed, a former convent (currently a safe house for battered women), 110 wooded acres and the portion of the welcome center that consists of the cafeteria, gift shop and display of international crèches. The rest of the welcome center, containing a small coffee shop and conference room was taxed at 40 percent. Land surrounding the buildings was taxed at the same rate. Only the shrine’s church, chapels, monastery and retreat center were taxexempt.

Massachusetts G.L. c. 59, § 5, Clause Eleventh states that tax exemption does not “extend to any portion of any such house of religious worship appropriated for purposes other than religious worship or instruction.” It specifies that “occasional or incidental” non-religious use is allowed.

The city of Attleboro’s brief argues that because the shrine hosts non-religious activities, sections of the property are taxable. It cites fund-raisers, election polling and events for groups like veterans and public school teachers. Also mentioned is the extensive

conservation land around the shrine, which at the time was managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

The shrine counters that allowing the use of its space is a public service it provides as part of its mission.

In their amicus brief supporting the shrine, the bishops of the four dioceses in Massachusetts — Fall River, Boston, Springfield and Worcester — say that the Attleboro tax assessor has failed to understand that charity and conservation are “core religious activities.”

Further, churches traditionally open their property to community events and rely on fund-raising to supplement their income, they say.

Father Cyriac Mattathilanickal, MS, representative of the shrine, told The Anchor, “As far as we are concerned, every event that we do is religious in nature and very much part and parcel of the mission and vision of La Salette Shrine.”

Many religious events take place on the property — retreats and the shrine’s famous Festival of Lights held every Christmas. Pilgrims are encouraged to walk around the property where they can find a statue of St. Francis, a grotto dedicated to St. Joseph, a replica of Our Lady of La Salette, a Rosary walk and Stations of the Cross — all of which are on land currently taxed by the city of Attleboro.

Father Mattathilanickal also leads eco-Spirituality retreats on the property.

Stanley Nacewicz, the chief assessor in Attleboro, would not comment for this story except to say that the determination is now up to the Supreme Judicial Court.

In its brief, Attleboro says that the shrine’s new tax burden is “fair and proportionate” and bolsters its argument with the words of Pope Francis, taken from a 2015 interview in Portugal. The pope Turn to page 22

Bishop encourages eighth-graders to ‘keep the faith alive’

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

FALL RIVER — In a scene reminiscent of one of Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic tales, Father Ron P. Floyd led the students from St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis down the steps into the confines of the crypt beneath the main floor of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

Once inside the dimly-lit space, the eighth-graders immediately took note of the familiar names carved into the tombstones: Stang, Feehan, Cassidy, Connolly.

“Are there any bishops who don’t have schools named after them?” one eager student asked.

“Yes,” Father Floyd smiled.

“Those who are still alive.”

This rare excursion down into the cathedral catacombs where all the former shepherds of the Fall River Diocese have been laid to rest was part of a May 4 tour of St. Mary’s Cathedral for eighthgrade students from all the diocesan schools, culminating with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Edgar

M. da Cunha, S.D.V. The annual event has become a tradition for students about to graduate and make that allimportant transition into high school — a way of congratulating them on their academic success thus far while encouraging them to maintain the same, faithinspired standards whether or not they continue at a Catholic school.

“I am so glad to see so many of you here celebrating this special day together, as you all prepare to graduate from your elementary schools and move on with life,” Bishop da Cunha said in his homily. “And we want you to move on with the blessings of the Lord, with the support of our schools and our diocese, and to let you know how precious and important you all are to our diocese, to the Church, and to our country.”

Referring to the day’s readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of St. John, Bishop da Cunha focused in on the theme of

Father Ron P. Floyd, far left, points out the tombs of four former bishops of the Fall River Diocese inside a crypt beneath the main floor of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River to students from St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis during their recent tour and visit to celebrate the annual Mass with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Turn to page 19

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

5

Anchor Editorial

Clothe the naked

St. John Paul II, in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae, wrote (at No. 87), “In our service of charity, we must be inspired and distinguished by a specific attitude: we must care for the other as a person for whom God has made us responsible. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to become neighbors to everyone (cf. Lk 10:29-37), and to show special favor to those who are poorest, most alone and most in need. In helping the hungry, the thirsty, the foreigner, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned — as well as the child in the womb and the old person who is suffering or near death — we have the opportunity to serve Jesus. He Himself said: ‘As you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ (Mt 25:40). Hence we cannot but feel called to account and be judged by the ever-relevant words of St. John Chrysostom: ‘Do you wish to honor the Body of Christ? Do not neglect It when you find It naked. Do not do It homage here in the church with silk fabrics only to neglect It outside where It suffers cold and nakedness.’”

Clothing the naked is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. We do so all the better when the person we are helping feels their dignity restored by the care with which we treat them — not sharing with them old rags, but good clothing (whether new or gently used); not making them feel humiliated because they need to ask for our help; not lording it over them, but realizing that the Lord is in them.

One of the Church’s earliest saints, Martin of Tours, is famous for carrying out this Work of Mercy. Pope Benedict XVI mentioned him in his encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (No. 40): “Let us consider the saints, who exercised charity in an exemplary way. Our thoughts turn especially to Martin of Tours († 397), the soldier who became a monk and a bishop: he is almost like an icon, illustrating the irreplaceable value of the individual testimony to charity. At the gates of Amiens, Martin gave half of his cloak to a poor man: Jesus Himself, that night, appeared to him in a dream wearing that cloak, confirming the permanent validity of the Gospel saying: ‘I was naked and you clothed Me — as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Mt 25:36, 40).

Nov. 12, 2014 Pope Francis recalled the saint’s feast the previous day: “Yesterday we celebrated the memory of St. Martin, Bishop of Tours.

May his great love be an example to you, dear young people, to live life as a donation; may his abandonment to Christ Savior sustain you, dear sick people, in those dark moments of suffering.” St. Martin’s willingness to help that man in need of clothing, up to ruining his own uniform to do so, challenges us to truly sacrifice to help the needy.

To carry out this Work of Mercy well also requires some thought and research, before we go to the store and before we donate our used clothOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 60, No.10

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service 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 P.O. Box 7, 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 OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@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

PoStmaSters send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass.

6

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

ing. Before we run out to the store (or go online), we first need to ask ourselves if we really need more clothing — maybe we could use our money for something better, according to God’s Will. This might be a time in which we could use our money for some charitable endeavor, instead of spending it on ourselves. We might even realize that we need to do some more saving, so that we are not a burden upon other people in the future (so that we do not have to go into debt or ask for financial help from family and friends or the Church and the state).

If we do think we need to shop, we also need to think about the impact our purchases have upon our world (in an indirect way, our shopping can either help clothe the naked or help keep people in poverty). We need to think about the stores themselves — how is my shopping helping to keep the economy going in my city or town — and about the production of the actual garments.

Regarding the clothing itself, we need to be mindful of helping people in our country (even in our diocese) keep their jobs. If we are buying clothing from overseas, we need to look into the ways in which the employees are being treated by their bosses — that they are not working in sweatshop conditions, long outlawed here.

May begins with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which was instituted as a Catholic response to the May Day protests throughout the world. On that day in 2014, Pope Francis discussed the dignity of workers. He complained about bosses who choose “not to pay what is just” and who exploit their workers “not worrying the least bit about their dignity.”

This “goes against God,” and he referred to tragedies in factories in the Third World, of which we “read frequently in L’Osservatore Romano.” He quoted a headline in that Vatican newspaper from April 28, 2014. “It is a title,” he said, “that struck me, the day of the tragedy in Bangladesh: ‘How to die for 38 euros a month.’” More than 700 workers had died at a factory there that week. The pope condemned such conditions and said, “Slave labor exploits the most beautiful gift which God gave man: the ability to create, to work, to discover our dignity.”

When we donate clothing, we also need to do research to make certain that the agency to which we are giving the clothing is not contributing to Third World poverty by driving local factories out of business (since the people there could receive for nothing free clothing from the developed world).

All of this research does take some time. St. Martin did not have to do that when he encountered that poor man, but he would want us to do it, so that we could also help clothe Christ, found naked in this country and in other countries around the world.

Daily Readings May 14 — May 27

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. May 14, Acts 1:15-17,20-26; Ps 113:1-8; Jn 15:9-17.

Sun. May 15, Pentecost, Vigil: Gn 11:1-9; Ps 33:10-15; Ex 19:3-8a,16-20b; (Ps) Dn 3:52-56(164) or Ps 19:8-11; Ez 37:1-14; Ps 107:2-9; Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104: 1-2a,24,35c,2728,29bc-30;(62); Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39. Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1,24,29-31,34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7,12-13 or Rom 8:8-17; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16,23b-26. Mon. May 16, Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8-10,15; Mk 9:14-29. Tues. May 17, Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-11a,23; Mk 9:3037. Wed. May 18, Jas 4:13-17; Ps 49:2-3,6-11; Mk 9:38-40. Thurs. May 19, Jas 5:1-6; Ps 49:14-20; Mk 9:41-50. Fri. May 20, Jas 5:9-12; Ps 103:1-4,8-9,11-12; Mk 10:1-12.

Sat. May 21, Jas 5:13-20; Ps 141:1-3,8; Mk 10:13-16. Sun. May 22, The Most Holy Trinity, Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9(2a); Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15. Mon. May 23, 1 Pt 1:3-9; Ps 111:1-2,5-6,9,10c; Mk 10:17-27. Tues. May 24, 1 Pt 1:10-16; Ps 98:1-4; Mk 10:28-31.

Wed. May 25, 1 Pt 1:18-25; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 10:32-45. Thurs. May 26, 1 Pt 2:2-5,9-12; Ps 100:2-5; Mk 10:46-52. Fri. May 27, 1 Pt 4:7-13; Ps 96:10-13; Mk 11:1126.

D

uring this extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, it’s easy to focus on the mercy of God the Father. After all, the motto of this jubilee is “Merciful like the Father” and perhaps the greatest illustration of God’s mercy — besides Calvary — is the love of the Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus’ mercy is likewise conspicuous. The Church invokes Him daily as the “Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world,” venerates Him as “Mercy Incarnate” through the revelations given to St. Faustina, and ponders constantly how His heart, “moved with pity,” responded by teaching, feeding, healing, forgiving and sending out others to imitate His Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The Holy Spirit’s mission of mercy, however, is far less noticed. Like with many of the first Christians in Ephesus who told St. Paul, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit” (Acts 19:2), the Holy Spirit generally remains in the Church “the great Unknown,” as St. Josémaria called Him, and the “most neglected Person of the Blessed Trinity,” as Pope Benedict quipped. This is unquestionably the case with regard to the Holy Spirit’s role in Divine Mercy.

The celebration of Pentecost, however, is a time to remedy that oversight and underutilization.

During the Last Supper Jesus taught us something extraordinary: “I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him

Mercy on fire

ing the Mercy God the to you” ( Jn 16:7). Jesus Father sent God the Son was affirming that it was to accomplish for us by better for us that He go and the Holy Spirit come His death and Resurrection. than that Jesus stay and And the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit not come. does this not merely The great joy is that through the Sacrament of as Christians we don’t Penance and Reconciliahave to choose between the Second and Third Persons of the Holy Trinity: Putting Into when we remain in the Deep loving communion with God, we can

By Father and do have Both Roger J. Landry indwelling within us together with God the Father. tion but through all His But by these words, Jesus works. was indicating to us the The Holy Spirit came extraordinary importance down as tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life to complete on the members of the Church precisely to help His merciful mission in them and us “preach reus and through us in the pentance for the forgiveworld. ness of sins — to all the A summary of the role nations” (Lk 24:47). of the Holy Spirit in The Holy Spirit teaches Salvation is given at the us to pray for forgivebeginning of the most ness, coming “to the aid consoling words priests of our weakness for we do can say and anyone can not know how to pray as hear: “God the Father we ought, but the Spirit of Mercies, through the death and Resurrection of intercedes for us” (Rom 8:26). He helps us in all His Son, has reconciled our prayer, including in the world to Himself the prayer of contrition. and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgive- He does this by helping us to cry out, “Abba, Father!” ness of sins.” The Holy (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6), since Spirit has been sent for all sin can be summarized the forgiveness of sins. as treating the relationJesus Himself stressed ship with God the Father this point on Easter as lifeless: Jesus describes Sunday evening in words this as the root of sin in and action when He told the parable of the Prodithe Apostles, “Just as gal Son, when the younger the Father sent Me” — son anticipates his father’s as the Lamb of God to death by asking immeditake away the sins of the ately for the inheritance world — “so I send you,” that would pass to him at breathed on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” the father’s demise (Lk 15:12). The Holy Spirit and instructed them, helps our relationship “Whose sins you are forgiven them, whose sins with the Father to come alive and to trust in His you retain are retained” love and forgiveness. ( Jn 20:21-23). The Holy The Holy Spirit helps Spirit is the One Who makes possible our receiv- us to examine our con-

science in the light of God by reminding us of all that Jesus taught us ( Jn 14:26) and leading us into all the truth ( Jn 16:13), opening us up to the various ways we need God’s mercy.

And He helps us to live consistently with God’s mercy as a true “Temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19). He strengthens us to put to death “life according to the flesh” so that we might live to the full the Christian “life according to the Spirit” (Rom 8:4-12; Gal 5:1625).

In the beautiful Veni, Sancte Spiritus Sequence the Church chants before the Gospel on Pentecost, we praise and implore the Holy Spirit for mercy.

“Without Your mercy,” we sing, “there’s nothing good in man, nothing not toxic,” before we beg, “Cleanse in us what is dirty, drench what is dry, heal what is wounded,

bend what is rigid, ignite what is frigid, and correct what is misguided.” After those six preparatory acts of mercy, we finish by asking Him to fill us with His seven-fold Gift of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, prudence, reverence, awe and courage (Is 11:1) so that we might obtain mercy’s reward of virtue, Salvation, and unending Heavenly joy.

To say, “Come, Holy Spirit,” is to ask for mercy!

The Holy Spirit has indeed been sent by the Father and the Son to complete God’s mission of mercy, to help us to seek it, receive it and share it.

Pentecost is a great time for us to celebrate it as we thank the Holy Spirit for this work and give Him permission to complete it in us and through us.

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

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

7

Turkeys on the grass alas Friday 13 May 2016 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — War declared on Mexico (1846) ith apologies to the acclaimed poet Gertrude Stein, we in Falmouth have no “pigeons on the grass.” We do, however, have turkeys on the grass. Or at least we did. Alas.

As we all know, dear readers, Benjamin Franklin proposed the noble turkey as the official national symbol. The turkey lost the vote to the eagle.

It’s the American eagle not the American turkey. Who would shop at a clothing store named “American Turkey”? What if it were a turkey and not an eagle that appeared on our currency, seals, and flags?

Choosing the eagle over the turkey is one of those rare occasions when a government committee acted wisely.

Wild turkeys were, it seems, in great supply back in the days of the pilgrims (so were wild cranberries).

This proved very handy for the first Thanksgiving Day feast. The pilgrims’ original Thanksgiving Day menu caught on. This was bad news for turkeys (not so much for the cranberries).

According to a State of Massachusetts wild-

W

8

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

life biologist, the last wild ting around the State of turkey in Massachusetts Massachusetts. It’s reminiswas “harvested” in 1851. I cent of the good old days of have no idea who shot that our pilgrim ancestors. turkey (or where) but with “Isn’t Falmouth nice?” that tragic death the wild I hear the turkeys gobble turkey population here in as gangs of them meander Massachusetts went extinct. around downtown FalAlas. mouth, occasionally stopNobody seems to have ping to pose and display missed wild turkeys at first. They say wild turkeys are tough The Ship’s Log and gamey anyway.

Reflections of a And besides, plump, Parish Priest tender domesticated turkeys are available

By Father Tim in any supermarket.

Goldrick But people began to miss their wild turkeys terribly. They their plumage. Visitors halt wanted their turkeys back. traffic to take photographs Game and wildlife officials to show their incredulous trapped some wanderfriends and relatives. For ing wild turkeys in other the past few years, wild turparts of the country and keys have become a huge attempted to reintroduce tourist attraction in downthem to Massachusetts. town Falmouth. Cape Cod According to reports, 36 is all about tourism. wild turkeys were released Falmouth turkeys have in western Massachusetts even made the national in 1972. In 1996, two more television networks and shipments of wild turappeared on the front page keys were released here on of newspapers everywhere.

Cape Cod — some at the Chatham may have its National Seashore on the great white sharks, and Lower Cape and some at Estes Park, Colo., its herds the former Camp Edwards of elk, but Falmouth has on the Upper Cape. The become known for turkeys latter is not far from my strolling up and down rectory.

Main Street.

The project worked too Local merchants rushed well. There are now some to sell custom-made T30,000 wild turkeys strutshirts. T-shirts are an ever-

popular item on Cape Cod. Forget those “Black Dog” T-shirts from Martha’s Vineyard. Black dogs are so, well — common. Falmouth fashionistas promenade up and down Main Street in trendy “Black Turkey” T-shirts. Very stylish.

I’ve had my own close encounters with the runner-up national bird. I’ve seen turkeys roosting in the big old tree outside the rectory. I’ve spied one parading up and down like a sentry on the roof ridge of my garage.

Who knew turkeys could fly?

Once, while out walking my greyhounds in the front yard, a rafter of turkeys (note to editor: “rafter” is the proper word) formed a wedge-shaped phalanx and began to move in lockstep towards the dogs, all the while making menacing clucks. The dogs quickly turned tail and fled. Greyhounds are not noted for their courage in the face of adversity.

Early one morning, six turkeys in single file crossed Main Street right in front of my car. They were using the designated crosswalk.

That was a photo op that would have gone viral. I missed it.

But the novelty began to wear off. Letter carriers complained the turkeys were preventing mail delivery. Rain and snow and dark of night were tolerable — but never turkeys.

Turkeys began harassing pedestrians. A line of turkeys perched on the roof of a local funeral parlor resembled a gathering of vultures. None of this was good for business.

Then something strange happened. The turkeys began disappearing. Were they being abducted by space aliens? Were they lurking somewhere in the woods? Where had all the turkeys gone?

Being a great fan of the History Channel, I immediately suspected a government conspiracy. When the truth came out, my theory proved correct.

Back in January, it seems, the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife trapped and euthanasized the alpha male turkey of Falmouth in response to the mounting chorus of complaints.

Turkeys are not bird-brains.

They had a backup plan. The turkey second in command took charge. At the beginning of April, he too “disappeared.” Now the turkeys have disbanded.

Some may strive to soar with the eagles, but as for me, I sorely miss the Falmouth turkeys. Alas.

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

Evangelizing through example in the parish, home

O

ne could summarize the entire body of Scripture that we heard during the Easter season in one word: Evangelize! After the death of Jesus when chaos ensued, there came a time of great clarity of mission.

Go and make disciples of all the nations (Matthew); Proclaim the Gospel to the entire world (Mark); Preach repentance and forgiveness of sins (Luke); Feed my sheep! ( John).

The Apostles had the singular responsibility of being the living witness to Jesus’ ministry and Resurrection. In the two millennia that have passed since the moment Jesus rose from the dead, the urgency to run from the tomb to tell the world seems to have petered out.

There is one essential requirement for evangelization; we must talk to someone about Jesus.

Spreading the Christian message requires conversation, not lecture. We need to claim and confess our faith for ourselves and others. This is not easy for most Catholics because the conversation needs to be done between adults and, let’s face it, Catholics are uncomfortable with “Jesus-talk.” We took Jesus’ command to evangelize and turned it into a child-centric program. We prefer to echo the faith while standing before a group of little children, and as soon as they show any signs of becoming adults we send them away. The vast majority of our parishes have little involvement with youth over the age of 15, and even less contact with those in their 20s. Without the opportunity to talk about God and Jesus

Christ within the walls of past 10 years, following the Church the teen-agers the same sample from have no alternative but to their early teens through their emergence into take on the views of the adulthood. The majordominant culture. ity of the youth who had Each year the Diocese been raised Catholic later of Fall River gathers the dropped their Catholic high school youth that identity when they behave been selected by their parishes to receive the Pope St. Pius X Award.

The awards came The Great about as we ushered in a new Commission millennium in

By Claire McManus the year 2000 as a way to encourage youth to be comcame adults. They left the mitted disciples of Jesus.

Church, not to become Each year young people atheists, but because they emerge in our parishes discovered that religion with the zeal and comwas just one more choice mitment to service that in a life already overfilled generates hope for the with too many choices. future of our Church. In the years since we entered They simply lost the ability to talk about God’s the second millennium singular act of love that we have witnessed the was Jesus Christ. While exodus of the millenwe should despair over nial generation from the their loss, it is more pruChurch. Will these enthusiastic young disciples dent to look at the young adults who stay, and ask stay in the Church as why. they emerge into adultOne of the most imhood, or will they become portant influences on the part of the overwhelming statistic of that enormous faith of a young person emerging into adulthood demographic known as is their parents. The Naformer Catholics? This tional Study of Youth and depends on how much Religion found that an they get to talk about emerging adult continues Jesus. to identify as Catholic if Sociologists have been his or her parents valstudying the religious ued and modeled a rich, practices of youth for the

multifaceted, and consistent religious faith. This is especially true if there is a close relationship between the teens and their parents. Those teens who feel closer to their parents are more likely to adopt their religious faith. Families that talk regularly about religion and attend Mass have a significant impact on the religious practice of the emerging adult.

The findings in this study dispel the myth that the loss of faith is inevitable and random, but it does tell us that unless we engage the parents we will lose the child.

Most Catholic youth are growing up in homes where there is either religious pluralism or no religion at all. Keeping the faith alive in a young person requires Jesus talk, but it is not happening at home. It is difficult

enough to try to evangelize these parents, but if we jettison the youth out the door when they are young teens we only aid and abet their abandonment of the faith. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin and redemption are not just words but are the nonnegotiable foundation of our faith. They are presented to children at a very young age, but by the time they reach their early teens these concepts disappear from their conscience. Parishes that prioritize ministry to the youth and support for their parents are in a better position to foster their Spiritual maturity.

The teens we nurture are the adults we will need to run from the tomb with the Good News of Jesus Christ for the next generation.

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Off ice of Faith Formation.

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

9

Area deacons traveling to Rome for jubilee Mass continued from page three

to learn the deacon’s role in the Mass and the Portuguese language for the deacon’s role. I’m starting to learn the language additionally so that I will be able to preach the Gospel for my homilies; currently I only deliver homilies at the English Mass, which I do every other weekend.

It’s been a big challenge, not just to learn the language but also to learn the Portuguese culture. There’s a lot of history and culture they celebrate during their Masses and their feasts and various events that they hold each month.”

When he heard from Deacon Lucca about the jubilee Mass in Rome for deacons, he was excited.

Deacon John had traveled extensively for his employment, but had never been to Italy: “I really look forward to visiting and seeing the antiquity and appreciating the statues, structures and Gothic architecture. I look forward to soaking it all in.

Being a faith-filled Catholic and to be able go to Rome and see the significant structures and the home of our faith, in addition to being able to celebrate the jubilee Mass with the pope is an honor that one only dreams about.”

Deacon John was not

10

able to see Pope Francis when he visited the United States, so this is his first opportunity to be at a Mass where he is celebrating.

“I’m looking forward to it, as is my wife who is going with me,” said Deacon John. “I’ve heard there’s going to be a substantial turnout. We’re all bringing our albs with us, and a plain white stole; nothing of any ornate nature so that we all have a similar appearance.

That’s very important; you don’t want to stand out in the group because we’re representing all the deacons in the world when we’re there. That’s something I’m very excited about.

“I’m going with my eyes wide-open and my heart wide-open, and I’m looking to appreciate everything, and take in everything that I see there. I’m looking forward to having some great memories.”

Deacon Eduardo Borges was also ordained in 2013, but becoming a deacon was not a sudden decision but developed over time, he said. He was a cantor at his parish, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford, and he said being close to the altar and singing to the Lord, he felt touched by the Holy Spirit and felt like he was home.

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

“As I went on serving in that capacity [as a cantor], I was approached by a deacon who became my mentor,” said Deacon Borges. “Eventually that started brewing inside of me, thinking about it and asking him questions.”

Deacon Borges continued to think and pray on it for a few more years until he “trusted in the Lord, found myself in the program and going through formation and just saying yes at each step that came,” he said, and was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish in New Bedford.

Being a deacon is “part of who I am, and I am happy to serve the Lord in this capacity,” said Deacon Borges.

When he saw the email from Deacon Lucca, Deacon Borges had a deep discussion with his wife about their finances, and were able to save up enough money to attend: “The fact that we will be there during the Jubilee Year of Mercy in Rome, having a Mass with the pope — that’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m very excited,” said Deacon Borges.

Deacon Borges had briefly visited Italy during a stop on a cruise, but wasn’t able to see much. Now he will spend a week exploring many popular sites, along with visiting many Spiritual places of worship, including a few churches of St. Lawrence: “St. Lawrence being a deacon means a lot to me in my Spiritual life,” said Deacon Borges. “I’m a lover of ancient architecture and just that alone fascinates me; and being in the presence of so many other brother deacons from throughout the world, in one Spirit and being with the pope. He’s a popular pope who fascinates everyone, including me.”

In the U.S., the diaconate

has been around for a long time, said Deacon Borges, but in other countries, such as the Azores Islands of Portugal, where Deacon Borges was born, “there, the permanent diaconate is still very unknown. There are only less than a handful of permanent deacons, and people are unaware of what we do.

“It will be just seeing deacons from all over the world for this event, that will be interesting to see. Knowing that I’m part of a bigger group of people who are devoted to the faith in the capacity of a deacon, the anticipation makes me happy.”

Born and raised Catholic, Deacon John Foley moved around a lot in his youth so he never got confirmed until he was about to be married. Deacon Foley admits to spending time away from the Church, because “I had an alcohol problem as a young man; I’m actually a recovered alcoholic for almost 35 years. When I got sober, I really got reconnected to God. I didn’t go to AA or any type of that stuff; I really felt a sense that God did save me.”

He met his wife, who was very involved in the Church, settled in on Cape Cod with her, and they became members of Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster.

“I always wondered what deacons did. I knew the deacons at Our Lady of the Cape, and got to know them as friends, and then one day the pastor asked, ‘Did you ever think about this?’ and I went to the meeting, admitted to the program and was ordained in 2007. It’s a pretty remarkable story because I didn’t think I’d live long enough, but I got sober, met my wife and got back into the Church actively, it seemed to lead me to the diaconate,” said Deacon Foley, who is currently

assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River.

When Deacon Lucca sent out the email, Deacon Foley and his wife had different reactions: “My wife thought it was awesome, but [I said to her], ‘Honey, we can’t afford this.’ Our son is getting married in September and we have a son in college, so money is a little tight. She said, ‘How can we not do this?’” said Deacon Foley. “She made it work financially for us; it’s remarkable how she pulled it off.”

Deacon Foley and his wife have been on religious pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Ireland, but being able to go there and celebrate Mass with the pope is “a continuation of our faith journey,” said Deacon Foley. “When we went to Israel and the Holy Land, I proclaimed the Gospel in all of the places where Jesus was; it was just remarkable. We actually renewed our vows in Cana, which is pretty neat, but now to go to Rome and see the pope — and he’s such a dynamic pope — this is the seat of the Catholic Church in the world. Being in St. Peter’s Square will be awesome.”

May is already a huge month in the Foley Family.

The couple celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, and May 26 is the anniversary of his sobriety. Incidentally, the day of the Mass is Deacon Foley’s 58th birthday: “It will be quite the birthday for me.”

Knowing he’ll be one face among many, Deacon Foley said he would be happy if Pope Francis just waved in his direction; “Anytime there’s an audience with the pope, it’s not going to be intimate, but that’s OK. I think the way the Church is right now, I think deacons will play a pretty prominent role, Continued on page 11

Continued from page 10

maybe more so in the next decade, because of the shortage of vocations.

We serve in the parish but also outside in the community. I’m still working full-time, so it’s hard for me to do a lot of ministry outside of the Church, but I’m active in the ECHO retreat program. We do the March for Life with our teenagers. Those kind of things are great ministries for a deacon, but to see so many of us together, answering the call and being in front of the pope — that is going to be phenomenal.”

“He recognizes that deacons are assigned by the bishop, and we go out and do our work and do it out of our vocation. We certainly don’t do it for the accolades or stipends; we don’t do it for that, we are serving and answering God’s call. For the pope to recognize us, and for all of the attention the pope gets, it will shine a different light on the

deacon. We’ve kind of gone — I don’t want to say unrecognized — but we’ve kind of gone under the radar. Deacons work side-by-side with priests but we also live in the community, shop in grocery stores or coach our kid’s team,” Deacon Foley said of how deacons balance their ministry with their family. “I think it’s incredible that the pope wants to recognize us, our service to the Church. For as old as the Church is, the diaconate is not that old. I think it would bring a great attention to it, like most things Pope Francis does.”

The diaconate is an important part of the clergy of the Church, added Deacon Lucca: “A lot of times people are not familiar with the role of the diaconate, and I think sometimes our deacons are the ‘unsung heroes’ who do a lot in the role of deacon as servant to a servant Church. Deacons don’t look

for the spotlight or to be ‘sung’ — at least in my estimation — but it is truly wonderful to be acknowledged by the pope and the Church during this jubilee year for their important role in the Church. Servants come in and do their job and then standby to do the next job. Our deacons do that day in and day out, quietly going about their ministry of the Word, Liturgy and charity. The deacon, like a servant, is there to serve the people in charity and love along with the rest of the clergy. I don’t want it misunderstood that deacons are upset with their roles or that we’re not acknowledged for our work. I believe our bishop and local Church appreciates the work that deacons do. I never entered the diaconate to be praised or thanked or ‘sung.’ I entered merely to serve God and His people.”

Wives will be accorded reserved seating, “as they should

be,” said Deacon Lucca. “We’re separated from our wives because of the role we play in the Liturgy, either here or there. It’s nice that they’re being acknowledged. It’s going to be wonderful to celebrate the diaconate, but for me it’s being able to attend some formation sessions.”

The group will also be spending a day in Assisi, and St. Francis was a deacon, said Deacon Lucca, “so he holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to go to his tomb and pray there will be a great day.”

Deacon Foley said he and his wife are just going to go with the flow: “We don’t have any specific thing to see, we’re just going to soak it all in. My expectations are to be in awe in the audience of the pope, the rest of Italy is part of the deal too.

I’m just going in awe and wonderment, and coming back [thinking], I can’t believe we just did that.”

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

11

Sixty-one youth receive St. Pius X Award

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., presented the Pope St. Pius X Youth Award to 61 young persons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese in the context of a prayer service at on May 10, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River.

The annual award, named for the pontiff who created the Fall River Diocese in 1904 and presented for the first time in 2001, recognizes teens who serve their parish community with selflessness, commitment and dedication.

Nominated for the honor by their pastor, recipients are active in a variety of ministries and programs within their parishes. Some are lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, teachers in parish Religious Education programs; others are altar servers, leaders in youth groups, and members of retreat teams.

Pope St. Pius X Youth Award recipients must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be at least a sophomore in high school and not older than 19. Recipients participated in the award prayer service, offering readings, intercessory prayers and reflections.

Those honored with the 2016 Pope St. Pius X Youth Award and their parishes are listed below by deanery.

Attleboro Deanery Daniel A. Adler, St. Mark Parish, Attleboro Falls; Thomas H. DeRosa, St. Mary Parish, Mansfield; Tonya Fernandes, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro; Julianne C. Fournier, Sacred Heart Parish, North Attleboro; Alexandra Grover, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Attleboro; Mary E. Houston, St. Mary Parish, North Attleboro; Stephanie R. Iagatta, St. Mary Parish, Norton; Delenn E. Martin, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro; and Kristina A. Perez, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk.

Cape Cod Deanery Bryan Bangs, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Cooper G. Blaze, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville; Katherine A. Davis, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Ashley A. Estrela, St. Anthony Parish, East Falmouth; Victoria M. Ganss, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; Lianna Harrington, St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish, Nantucket; Walker Heard, St. Patrick Parish, Falmouth; Lauren A. Journet, St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth; Samantha Morand, Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich; Aleczander Pavlakis, Our Lady of the Cape Parish, Brewster; Cassandra Robin, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pocasset; Nathan Ryan, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee; and Catherine M. Street, Holy Redeemer Parish, Chatham.

Fall River Deanery Veronica Amarelo, Santo Christo Parish, Fall River; Carlos E. Borges, Holy Trinity Parish, Fall River; Laurel J. Branco, St. John the Baptist Parish, Westport; Nicholas Clark, St. Bernard Parish, Assonet; Robert F. Coady, St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River; Brittany E. Comfrey, St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset; Nathaniel Diniz, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Turn to page 20

12

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

New diocesan moderator of the curia puts role in ‘God’s hands’

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

RAYNHAM — Converse with any priest and they’re likely to tell you that what they envisioned their ministry would be like and what it is to date are sometimes two different things.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”

In short, priests, like all of us, have a plan and it may not always sync with the Good Lord’s mission for us.

That’s the case for Father John M. Murray, pastor of St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham for the last four years.

Father Murray was recently asked by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., to take on the position of diocesan moderator of the curia effective May 25, replacing Father Michael J. McManus who served in that position for four years and at the chancery for more than three decades, and who coincidentally enough, was the pastor at St. Ann’s prior to Father Murray’s arrival.

“The bishop’s request came out of the blue,” Father Murray told The Anchor. “I had a message from Bishop da Cunha and when I returned the call he asked me if I could ‘do him a favor.’”

The bishop’s request was that he become the Diocese of Fall River’s next moderator of the curia. “I was shocked,” added Father Murray. “I never saw myself as part of diocesan administration. I told him that whatever he was asking me to do, of course I’ll do it. It’s one of the promises I made at ordination to the priesthood.

“It’s all in the hands of God. I’m going to trust in God and in Bishop da Cunha.”

Father Murray will also continue as pastor of St.

Ann’s Parish.

In his letter to priests announcing the appointment, Bishop da Cunha wrote, “I am grateful to Father John Murray for accepting this additional responsibility to what I am sure is already a busy life.”

Father Murray told The Anchor that he’s not quite sure what sparked the bishop’s request, but said, “I’ve gotten to know the bishop and he me, and I’ve been very comfortable with him and he knows how much I love this diocese.”

There are a plethora of duties and responsibilities that go with being diocesan moderator of the curia.

“In layman’s terms, it’s like being the chief operating officer of the diocese,” said Father Murray.

Some of a moderator’s functions include being an ex officio member of the presbyteral council and the diocesan pastoral council; serving as a member and clerk for Catholic Social Services; Community Action for Better Housing; St. Dominic’s Apartments; St. Vincent’s Home; the four diocesan nursing facilities, and others; serving on the senior staff; and serving as a liaison for the deans with the Catholic Charities Appeal, for the deans with the Office of Child Protection, and with diocesan director of communications, John E. Kearns Jr., regarding diocesan press statements.

Father Murray will work closely with the bishop, the chancellor, the diocesan office of pastoral planning, and the vicar general.

“I have a lot to learn, and Father McManus ran a well-organized office,” said Father Murray. “I want to remember that the structure serves the mission of the Church, not the other way around. And that works in

the diocese right now.

“These are challenging times, and we must help the diocese grow by building on the good things and finding out where we need to improve. We need, not only to continue to welcome those who are already faithful to the Church and

run by Kristin Kreckler and Lisa Donahue; they are so gifted at what they do.

Sometimes all I have to do is just show up.

“Deacon Joseph McGinley and retired Deacon John Welch are a great help and the maintenance staff is second-to-none.

“And our ‘non-hired’ staff is incredible. The word volunteer is a misnomer. These people are doing more than volunteering. They are living out the Gospel message and the call to discipleship.

“And the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society led by Paul Spearin, does fantastic work for the poor.

“These fine people know that this is their parish. And I know with these people in my corner, I can be a successful pastor and moderator of the curia.”

Father Murray wrote to his parishioners in a recent Sunday bulletin announcing his appointment: “While

this will call for some sacrifices on the part of our parish, our staff, and me, I am happy to assist our diocese and Bishop da Cunha.

This is part of the promise I made at ordination almost 18 years ago. Saying yes brought me here and saying yes will allow me to serve our diocese while maintaining my role as your pastor — a role which I love.

“I do ask for your prayers as there will be a lot for me to learn and a period of adjustment for the chancery, our parish and me. I believe that you all, in a very real way, have made this possible.

You’re a wonderful parish community. You’re faithful and supportive. With you, my parish family in my corner, I believe I will be able to serve our diocese and our parish faithfully.”

He told The Anchor, “In fact, every parish I’ve been at has been extraordinary. They Turn to page 21

Father John M. Murray

a parish, but to extend a welcome to those who have been away from the Church or have never been a part of it. We must, as Bishop da Cunha stresses, be sure that we transform from maintenance mode to mission mode.”

While Father Murray is looking forward to his role as diocesan moderator of the curia, he was quick to stress that his parish family remains vitally important to him.

“St. Ann’s is a wonderful parish filled with kind, faith-filled people,” he said.

“Most days it doesn’t even feel like working. The parish staff is incredible.

“Our secretary, Deb Korotsky is not solely a secretary but really an office administrator. The Faith Formation program is well

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

13

CCA to give anniversary bookmarks FALL RIVER — This year the Diocese of Fall River will distribute complimentary bookmarks throughout all of the parishes and schools as a way of calling attention to the 75th year of the Catholic Charities Appeal.

The cards have a message of thanks from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., on one side and

14

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

an exhortation from Pope Francis on the other. Please look for them over the next two months as the drive for gifts and pledges runs throughout May and June. Also, be sure to visit the Catholic Charities website: www.frdioccatholiccharities.org where you can make a donation or pledge online and share your support on Facebook.

Love will never be silenced

T

he other evening I was visiting a friend at a nursing home. As we were returning to her room, we approached a resident who was crying. This was a resident with dementia.

I told my friend that I’d catch up with her in a few minutes. I stepped near the resident who was crying. I asked what was wrong. In an instant she had let go of her walker. She was holding onto me and crying on my shoulder. I thought, “OK Lord, what do I do now?”

I listened. She told me she had been coming here for years, but now she could not pay. She was afraid. The part of my brain that loves puzzles figured out that she thought she was on vacation. I smiled and told her things would be OK. I said that I’d pay. She stopped crying. She said, “You would do that for me?” I led her towards where we could “pay” (nurse’s station). A visibly tired CNA saw us as

she turned the corner. She Kahlil Gibran said, gently asked, “What’s up?”

“Work is love made visShe reminded the resident ible.” All day the CNA had that it was her bath night. been showing her love to all I moved ahead to whisper to the CNA. The look Wrestling with God on her face plainly Holding on for said she thought His blessing I was crazy. However, suddenly she

By Dr. Helen J. Flavin giggled. She smiled and spoke to the resident. She said, “You’re all paid. Let’s go the residents she assisted. to the hot tub for a special Her job was to ensure bubble bath.” The resident the physical needs of the calmly went to her bath. resident before her. At that Even though disease moment though, she had had ravaged her brain a choice as to what level to leaving many deficits, the try to reach the resident. disease couldn’t stop the She reached deep within to resident from recognizing find then share God’s love. and appreciating the agapé Karl Menninger said, “Love love given in the TLC cures people — both the shown by the CNA. This ones who give it and the is because such love is of ones who receive it.” The God. Charles Morgan said, CNA’s light-hearted reach“There is no surprise more ing out and the resident’s magical than the surprise tranquil response each, in of being loved. It is God’s its own way, reflects God’s finger on man’s shoulder.” gift of peace to the hearts

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 May 15, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Edward J. Healey, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich

of those who choose to live in His love. That peace and joy is the “cure” of which Menninger speaks.

There is this persistent and false idea that in order to love deeply one has to love one person (or group of people) and reject all others. Political leaders were frightened by Jesus’ idea of one’s neighbor defined as each and every one of God’s children. In their fear, they branded Jesus as “not one of us.” They had Jesus crucified in an attempt to bring to an end His radical ideas.

Instead, Jesus’ death served to inspire communities founded on love. Jesus’ words: “I give you a new Commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you should also love one another. That is how all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( Jn 13: 34).

Community members took care of everyone — even their persecutors! The politicians must have wondered what the secret was.

In essence, God followed the revelation of the Commandment to love one another with the gift to make fulfilling that Commandment possible. God sent the Paraclete to provide wisdom to be able to live in

love in any situation. In addition, the Holy Spirit gives each of us different gifts by which we can actively share God’s love with the world.

As St. Paul says, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” (1 Cori 12:7).

Oscar Hammerstein said, “A bell is not a bell till you ring it. A song is not a song till you sing it. Love in your heart isn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love till you give it away.” The secret is that the more one loves, the more one can love.

That is the essence of the gift of the Holy Spirit. As Kahlil Gibran reminds us, when we love we are in the heart of God. In choosing to share God’s love with the world, one has tapped into God’s infinite love and mercy. Even better, we are not only allowed to, but are encouraged to continually tap into this power. Are you connected? Can you feel the power? If not, reach for the peace and joy that is to be found in living within the heart of God. If you do know and feel the power, share with others this wonderful mystery of our Christian faith.

Anchor columnist Helen Flavin is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer and a member of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River. biochemwz@hotmail.com.

May 22, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Craig A. Pregana, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James New Bedford

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

15

Youth Pages

O

ne of the greatest lessons we can learn is to be patient. We need to slow down and live life’s every moment to the fullest. Can you do that? If you can, then patience is indeed one of your virtues. Sometimes in our excitement and eagerness to do something we fail to appreciate the true essence of the moment we are doing it in. I found this story that teaches a sweet lesson on patience. I share it with you. It is a story of a New York City taxi driver and his experience in appreciating and living an ordinary morning: “I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked. ‘Just a minute,’ answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door

Make the morning last

opened. A small woman the cab, she gave me an in her 90s stood before address and then asked, me. She was wearing a ‘Could you drive through print dress and a pillbox downtown?’ ‘It’s not the hat with a veil pinned on shortest way,’ I answered it, like somebody out of a quickly. ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ 1940s movie. she said. ‘I’m in no hurry.

“By her side was a small I’m on my way to a Hosnylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no

By Ozzie Pacheco clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the pice. I looked in the rearcounters. In the corner view mirror. Her eyes were was a cardboard box filled glistening. ‘I don’t have any with photos and glassware. family left,’ she continued ‘Would you carry my bag in a soft voice, ‘the doctor out to the car?’ she said. says I don’t have very long.’

I took the suitcase to the I quietly reached over and cab, and then returned to shut off the meter. assist the woman. She took “‘What route would you my arm and we walked like me to take?’ I asked. slowly toward the curb.

For the next two hours, “She kept thanking we drove through the city. me for my kindness. ‘It’s She showed me the buildnothing,’ I told her. ‘I just ing where she had once try to treat my passengers worked as an elevator opthe way I would want my erator. We drove through mother to be treated.’ ‘Oh, the neighborhood where you’re such a good boy,’ she and her husband had she said. When we got in lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once

Be Not Afraid

been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

“Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. Let’s go now.’

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.

They must have been expecting her.

“I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. ‘How much do I owe you?’ she asked, reaching into her purse. ‘Nothing,’ I said. ‘You have to make a living,’ she answered.

‘There are other passengers,’ I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She

held onto me tightly. ‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said.

‘Thank you.’ I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

“I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.”

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware, beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. Make the morning last!

God bless!

Anchor columnist Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools. parish Religious Education programs or home-schoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org 16

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

Youth Pages

Student members from the All Saints Catholic School (New Bedford) Chapter of National Junior Honor Society recently participated in a community outreach at Diapers ’N Things, a local organization that supports the needs of families and their children.

The seventh-grade students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford began creating their 3-D hearts out of clay. Students are learning about the different parts of the heart in science class.

Middle School students joined the new volleyball club at Holy Name School in Fall River. Students were taught the fundamentals of volleyball. They learned how to bump, set, spike, and more.

Pre-kindergarten students from Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton proudly wore springtime hats they created with a little help from Hannah, their classroom helper from Coyle-Cassidy High School.

Seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet pictured with their Latin teacher Msgr. Gerard O’Connor, received achievement awards after having taken the 2016 National Latin Exam. From left: Brendan Sullivan (gold medal); Thomas Marcotte (silver medal); Allison Baptiste (outstanding achievement ribbon); Baylen Brunelle, Connor Araujo, John-Paul Martin, and Sophia Arruda (certificates of merit).

Students from St. Mary’s School in Mansfield enjoyed a spring Spirit Day which included entering a raffle for experiences offered by teachers and staff. Michael Burns, Principal for the Day, was the grand prize winner.

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

17

Youth Pages

Principal Sean Kane of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro announced that the school will be launching an honors music track in the school’s instrumental and vocal music programs for the first time this September. Students will now be able to add honors music classes to the list of choices for honors programs. This program is offered to juniors and seniors in conjunction with its current visual arts honors and AP programs. Pictured is the Feehan orchestra performing during its Christmas Twenty-one students from St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro concert. had their poems published in the American Library of Poetry 2015 Collection, “Eloquence.” From left, front row: Matt Corso, Lauren Bessette, Wendy Le, Jill Carline, Summer Pereira, Sarah Ribiero, and Nicholas Roy. Back row: Tatiana Troy, Erinn D’Angelo, Savannah Blanchard, Auriel Kyere, Abby Smith, Michele Schremp, and Emmaculate Omolo.

Not shown are graduates Caleigh D’Angelo, Madeleine Bessette, Salima Amiji, Jorge Biaggi, Rachel Erwin, Anna Wagner, and Natasha Zaarour.

St. Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven held its annual day-long Confirmation retreat for its ninth-grade candidates. During the day the students did projects, read letters written to them by his or her parents, and spent time in reflection on the upcoming conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Pictured is the entire ninth-grade class while taking a break outside.

18

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

A leadership team from Taunton area Catholic schools has been selected to participate in the first cohort of the MassCUE Leadership in Blended and Digital Learning program. Only 11 schools and/or districts throughout Massachusetts were chosen for the program aimed at providing professional development to leadership teams to effectively implement Blended and Digital Learning in their schools and/or districts.

Participants will meet over the course of seven months to develop blended and digital learning implementation plans for their respective schools. The implementation will provide students with a more personalized curriculum that will allow them to learn at their own pace and use learning methods that best suit the individual student.

Pictured from left: Cherie Gilmore, technology director of Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School, Taunton; Sandra Drummey, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Taunton; Kathleen St. Laurent, principal of Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School; and Elyse Sackal, principal of St. Mary’s School Taunton.

Bishop encourages eighth-graders to ‘keep the faith alive’ continued from page five

the importance of God in our lives.

“The people were trying to figure out the role of God in their lives,” the bishop said of the first reading. “Some of them had never really known God as we know Him; they had never really known Jesus. They had a temple dedicated to an unknown God. St. Paul sees this and says: ‘I think you want to know the real God, and I think you are hungry and thirsty for faith and for the knowledge of God.’ And so he begins to teach them about God — the God Who made the world and all that is in it, everything from the microcosmic world of the atoms and cells to the planets and stars and the galaxies and everything in the universe — and to each one of us.

“Then Paul noted that God does not need us or anything, but He created all this so that we could have life, so that we could enjoy this life, so that we could grow and appreciate and understand Him and be happy. But then here comes the main point that I think he really wants to convey to us: for in Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Drawing a parallel that most of the eighthgraders could easily grasp, the bishop noted how today we are all “connected” through advancements in technology such as smartphones and computers.

“But do we live our lives connected to God, or do we think that we don’t need God — that we have all that we need?” he asked. “We have knowledge, we have science, we have technology, we have smartphones and super computers and all the other types of technology that is available to us; therefore, we have all that we need in our hands, and we don’t need God.” Bishop da Cunha cautioned the students that as they get older and advance through school, they are going to encounter people who question and challenge their faith.

“People who are going to tell you: ‘Oh, you

believe (in God)? Faith is not necessary, is not important. Prayer is not relevant. Going to church is not important anymore,’” he said.

“You may find people who tell you this; but you have gone through your Catholic education, you have grown in faith, you have come to know God and you have come to know Jesus, and you have come to appreciate the value of faith and prayer in your life. So when you

Eighth-grade students from the various Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese participate in a scavenger hunt for items inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. The students visited the cathedral on May 4 for the annual tour and eighth-grade Mass with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

hear those voices telling you that God is not necessary, I want you to keep in mind these words from Mass today: ‘In Him we live, and move, and have our being.’ And that is where we are going to find the answers to all the questions in your lives.”

The bishop recalled a story about someone who had once spray-painted graffiti on a wall that read: “Jesus is the answer.”

Another person passing by wondered to himself: “The answer to what?”

So he bought his own spray-paint can and added below it: “But what is the question?”

“Jesus is the answer to all questions,” Bishop da Cunha said.

Returning to the omnipresent technology at our fingertips, Bishop da Cunha cited Pope Francis’ recent meeting with young people for a World Youth Day celebration in Rome and how the Holy Father was talking to them about being fulfilled and finding meaning in life.

“The pope said to them: ‘There is no app for that,’” the bishop said. “You all know that if you want to find music or other things on the Internet — things like how many steps you’re going to walk today or how many calories you’re going to lose today — there is an app for that; people say there is an app for everything! But there is really no app for our happiness. There is no app for going to Heaven.

There is no app for fulfillment and joy in life.

Jesus is the app for that. Jesus is the answer for everything.”

As the students prepare to enter high school, Bishop da Cunha encouraged them to “keep the faith alive” and “remember that Jesus is the answer to all questions.”

“In Him we live and move and have our being,” the bishop repeated. “And He is the app for our happiness, for our joy, for our fulfillment in this life. May God continue to bless and guide each one of you, and remember to always keep God in your life and you will find happiness and fulfillment in everything you do.”

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

19

Sixty-one receive St. Pius X Award continued from page 12

Assumption Parish, Fall River; Luis F. Ferreira, St. Dominic Parish, Swansea; Halle Jennings, St. Anne Parish, Fall River; Thomas Letourneau, St. Patrick Parish, Somerset; Sam McCarten, Holy Name Parish, Fall River; Jessica L. Medeiros, Good Shepherd Parish, Fall River; Lauryn E. Novo, St. Louis de France Parish, Swansea; Breanna Ouellette, St. Joseph Parish, Fall River; Nicole C. Resendes, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fall River; Victoria Resendes, St. Michael Parish, Fall River; and Arianna R. Trahan, St. George Parish, Westport.

New Bedford Deanery Sydney Amaral, St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, New

Bedford; Richard Andre, St. Mary Parish, Fairhaven; Giselle Ayala, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Bedford; Gillian M. Baptista, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford; Robert J. Giannelli, St. Patrick Parish, Wareham; Matthew Gonsalves, St. Mary Parish, South Dartmouth; Sarah T. Hamel, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; Anthony M. Perry, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; Jacqueline C. Racine, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, New Bedford; Sarah Sutton, St. Joseph Parish, Fairhaven; Jose M. Tavares, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford; Anderson M. Varela, Our Lady of the

Assumption Parish, New Bedford; and Austin T. Vincent, St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth.

Taunton Deanery Andrew Callahan, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; Andrew DiMarzio, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; Gianna Ferrini, Holy Cross Parish, South Easton; Emily C. Pruyn, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton; Carolyn R. Recupero, Immaculate Conception Parish, North Easton; Paul Rodrigues, St. Mary Parish, Taunton; Emily B. Silveira, St. Anthony Parish, Taunton; Victoria K. Tutino, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; and Mia Vargas, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton.

Cape parish’s renovations are outward signs of its mission continued from page two

now have a dedicated space to welcome and attend to their needs.”

And during this Year of Mercy, there’s no better time to fulfill the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

“Pope Francis’ proclamation of the Year of Mercy was the inspiration for both of these works,” Father

Williams said. “Every crucifix personalizes the relationship of faith; it reminds us that, ultimately, our faith is in a person — Jesus Christ — Who calls us to follow Him and live as His disciples.

“As Christ touches our lives, we are also called to go forth and serve others in

His name. It is by receiving the love shown to us on the cross that we are empowered to share that love with others. The Year of Mercy reminds us both of the root of mercy, and how we are called to do our part to help mercy spread to all who need it in our communities and in our world.”

St.Vincent’s Home to host summer gala, motorcycle run and golf tourney FALL RIVER — On June 24, St. Vincent’s Home will hold its eighth annual Kick-Off To Summer Celebration on the deck of the Battleship Massachusetts from 6 to 11 p.m.

Funds raised will benefit youth in the Life Skills program by providing them opportunities to learn necessary skills to live independently and receive job-coaching and career development.

The evening features cocktails and specialty dishes from local restaurants as well as a photo booth, auctions and dancing to The Pulse of Boston.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be obtained by contacting Melissa at melissad@stvincentshome. org or 508-235-3228.

On August 21, the home will hold the 11th annual Motorcycle Run and Raffle at 2425 Highland Avenue in Fall River featuring a rider-friendly, scenic route. The 35-mile bike run will travel through the scenic back roads of Fall River, Freetown, Taunton, Berkley and Lakeville, ending back at St. Vincent’s for a cookout, raffle and silent auction.

Registration is at 9 a.m. with kick-stands up at 10 a.m. Funds raised will directly benefit St. Vincent’s children, youth and families — children and youth who are coping with a variety of difficulties result-

ing from childhood abuse and trauma, addictions, neglect, family disruptions, emotional and behavioral problems, and challenges to learning.

Trophies for favorite motorcycle, as judged by St. Vincent’s youth, will be awarded at the end of the Motorcycle Run. Advance registration is $20 for drivers, $15 for active military and veterans, $10 for a passenger. Tickets on the day of the motorcycle run are $25 for drivers, $20 for active military and veterans, and $10 for passengers.

For more information, contact Melissa at melissad@stvincentshome. org or 508-235-3228.

On September 26, St. Vincent’s will hold the third annual Golf Fore Kids Outing at LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Included are a box lunch and barbecue dinner as well as greens fees, 18 holes of golf with cart, use of putting/practice area, access to locker rooms and steam rooms, pro shop, bag drop service, professional scoring, gifts and prizes. Funds raised will provide trauma treatment services for children, youth and families within the community and within families’ homes.

Sponsorships, Tee Signage and Foursomes are available by contacting Melissa at melissad@stvincentshome. org or 508-235-3228.

Visit us online at anchornews.org 20

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

La Salette exhibit is heartfelt homage to God’s Creation continued from page 23

In 2005, Dr. Zuzarte began to fulfill his passion for photography by traveling the world shooting mostly nature and wildlife scenes.

Father Cyriac and La Salette Father Flavio Gillio, also an avid photographer, developed if you will, the exhibit along with Holy Union Sister Mary Jean Audette, who helped select the Bible quotes.

“We sorted through about 3,000 photographs to come up with the 50 that appeared in the exhibit,” Father Cyriac told The Anchor. “The main reason for the display was to promote respect for Creation. To have in one’s mind and heart the beauty of Creation. It’s all there.

The photographs and the quotes make you think. It was a show-and-tell exhibit on Creation.”

“The response was very good right from the start,” Father Flavio told The Anchor. “Nearly 300 people were there for the opening.”

“The theme of reconciliation with nature is very similar to the La Salette charism of reconciliation,” added Father Cyriac.

Visitors to the exhibit were able to obtain a copy of an October 2009 edition of the “La Salette America,” magazine themed, “Reconciling Ourselves with God’s Good Earth,” published a good six years before Laudato Si’. The contents of that issue included: “Ecology as a Way of Seeing: the Lord’s is the Earth and the Fullness thereof ”; “Coloring Our Earth Green: A Passing Fad or a Call From God?”; “Finding Common Ground in Caring for Nature”; “Religious Lands Conservancy: Who Shall Inherit the Land?”; and La Salette and Ecology: Reconciling Ourselves

with God’s Good Earth.”

The official exhibit concludes on May 14 with a Day of Prayer, “On care of our common home; Laudato Si’ of Pope Francis.”

The day includes walking the beautiful trails on the shrine grounds, visiting the photo exhibit, reflections on the encyclical and prayer.

“Even though the exhibit is over, the photographs and readings will remain on display in the welcome center,” Father Cyriac told The Anchor. “People will still be able to come in and make the connection between God and His Creation through the words and pictures.”

The brilliant photographs are for sale to the general public with all the proceeds going to the shrine and its many ministries.

Father Cyriac also told The Anchor that he and Father Flavio are offering

retreats centered around Laudato Si’ and some of the photography. “We will be traveling to parishes that request our presence, for a day of reflection on God and His Creation,” explained Father Cyriac. “We want to present an awareness of the importance of caring for this earth and all its inhabitants.

“The format will be up to the parish that we visit. It could be a full day of reflection, a half-day, or whatever the parish would like. It can also be on just about any day of the week as well.”

Parishes interested in bringing Fathers Flavio and Cyriac and their Laudato Si’ “Show and tell” retreat to their location are encouraged to contact Father Cyriac at cyriacms@gmail.com, or by calling 508-236-9020 or 860-208-0240.

Dr. Zuzarte’s website is karlzuzarte.com.

Moderator puts new role in God’s hands continued from page 13

have all brought out gifts in me that I didn’t know I had. A good parish family can make their priests better, and for me, they’ve been as good as it gets. I am so grateful.”

Father Murray also told The Anchor that his gratitude goes back to the family who raised him. “I have to give kudos to my mother and father who gave me the faith,” he said. “My dad was a deacon and my mom is a wonderful woman of faith.

And I have three wonderful sisters, two great brothersin-law and two nieces and nephews who are very special to me. It’s a great joy to be a part of that family.”

Father Murray said there’s “strength in family and in the parish family, and that’s where the new vocations will come from.”

St. Ann’s has been a homecoming for Father Murray. “I was a member of this parish as a kid,” he relayed. “I was an altar boy here, and made my First Communion and Confirmation here. I grew up with Father Gerald Shovelton as pastor and he was a great example of a priest.”

The new diocesan moderator of the curia realizes that with the additional duties and running a parish there will be added stresses and challenges.

“I trust in Jesus Christ that I will be faithful and fruitful,” said Father Murray. “I may not always be successful, but I know that Christ is always with me.

“Whether it be as pastor or moderator, it starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega.”

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks 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, 193451,1951 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 May 20 Rev. Antonio L. daSilva, Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 1952 May 22 Rev. Daniel L. Freitas, Retired, Former Pastor, St. John of God, Somerset, 2012 May 23 Rev. William F. Donahue, Assistant, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1944 Rev. Alfred J. Guenette, A.A., 1995 May 24 Rev. James F. Clark, Founder, St. James, New Bedford, 1907 Rev. Patrick Heran, SS.CC., Former Rector, Sacred Hearts Seminary, Fairhaven, 1985 Rev. Msgr. John J. Regan, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Patrick, Falmouth, 2015 May 25 Rev. Michael P. Kirby, Former Assistant St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1925 Rev. James V. Mendes, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1961 May 26 Rev. Msgr. Norman J. Ferris, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert Church (Maronite), Fall River, 2005 Rev. Thomas F. Murray, Assistant, St. Patrick, Falmouth and St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 2012

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

21

Mass. Court considers church tax exemption case continued from page four

spoke of religious orders that convert a closed convent to a hotel and said, “Well, if that is what you want to do, then pay taxes! A religious school is tax-exempt because it is religious, but if it is functioning as a hotel, then it should pay taxes just like its neighbor.

Otherwise it is not fair business.”

But shrine defenders say the shrine is not operating a business on its property.

Agatha Bodwell, executive director of Catholic Citizenship, said, “We understand that towns are suffering financially but taxing land and

outbuildings that belong to religious institutions is ludicrous and puts us on a very slippery slope.”

C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League, noted that if the court upholds the tax, local governments would have a strong incentive to define down religious freedom.

“We have to be very, very careful that religious freedom just doesn’t consist of worship inside a building on Sunday morning. It’s much more multi-faceted than that,” he said. “This discussion really ends at the property line.”

Around the Diocese

Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center of Attleboro will host its seventh annual Walk for Life on May 14 beginning at 10 a.m. at Capron Park in Attleboro. The center supports women and couples in an unplanned pregnancy, families needing help with small children, or anyone suffering from the pain of a past abortion. Join the leisurely one-mile walk and meet other Pro-Life and pro-woman community members.

Freewill donations will be appreciated. For more information, contact Abundant Hope at 508-455-0425.

St. John of the Cross Lay Carmelite Community will host an open house entitled “Discover Carmelite Spirituality: What is a Lay Carmelite?” on May 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The open house will be located in Classroom A of Christ the King Parish Hall in Mashpee. Come speak with members of this lay community and learn more about what it means to be a lay Carmelite.

The Notre Dame Club of RISEMA will co-sponsor a Mothers of Notre Dame Mass on May 15 in conjunction with the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Christopher’s Church, 1554 Main Road in Tiverton, R.I. A program created by the Notre Dame Parents Program, the Mass is an opportunity for the Notre Dame communities to come together and celebrate the mothers and women of Notre Dame in the month of May and to honor Our Lady. Coffee and donuts will be served immediately following Mass in the church hall (basement). For directions or more information, call or text Fran at 401-573-2276.

St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, will host a Pentecost Taizé Service on May 15 beginning at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend and a patio reception will be held after the service.

All are invited to pray the Culture of Life Chaplet on May 19 at 1 p.m. in St. Jude’s Chapel of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Recitation is on ordinary Rosary beads and will include a brief meditation preceding each of the five decades.

St. John Neumann Parish invites all to its 32nd Annual Lakeside Family Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30. Admission is free and hours of operation are Friday: 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: noon to 11 p.m.; and Monday: noon to 5 p.m. There will be a huge barn sale all weekend, along with amusement rides, entertainment, and a car show on Sunday (rain date: Monday). Enjoy a great selection of home-baked goods, assorted food booths, games of skill and a grand raffle. For more information visit www.sjnfreetown.org.

Join a Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes on May 23 beginning at 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street in Fall River. Follow in the footsteps of St. Bernadette — visit Lourdes on a Spiritual pilgrimage that includes Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a candlelight Rosary and grotto rocks and water from Lourdes. Pope Francis has granted by Apostolic Decree a Plenary Indulgence to the faithful who make this Virtual Pilgrimage.

A Healing Mass will be celebrated on May 26 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include Benediction and healing prayers.

At 5:15 p.m. there will be a Holy Hour including the Rosary. For more information visit www. saintanthonynewbedford.com or call 508-993-1691.

To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@ anchornews.org 22

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

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 — S t . M a r y ’s C h u r c h , M a i n S t . , h a s E u c h a r i s t i c A d o r a t i o n e v e r y Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m.

Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

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

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

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

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

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

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 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 takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

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

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel 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.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

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

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

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

Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church 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 Laudato Si’ exhibit is a heartfelt homage to Creation

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — In Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Laudato Si’, he states in No. 87, “When we can see God reflected in all that exists, our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all His creatures and to worship Him in union with them.”

It’s the heart of God connected to the heart of man and the heart of nature that is our existence on this earth. So it’s no wonder that the recent exhibit at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette “came from the heart.”

The event that ran from April 30 to May 14 was titled, “A Photographic Exhibition & Meditative Journey Through Pope Francis’ ‘On the Care of Our Common Home.’”

The exhibit included 50 breathtaking photographs of Creation in all its beauty, accompanied by a Bible quote, mostly from the Psalms, and a quote from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.

“The photographer is Dr. Karl

M. Zuzarte, a native of India, and a chief cardiologist in Fall River,” explained La Salette Father Cyriac Mattathilanickal, retreat director at the Attleboro shrine. “I am a patient of his and a few years back I noticed some of his photographs gracing his office and was very impressed with his side profession.”

It was that relationship of a heart doctor and a heart patient that brought forth the exhibit praising God and all His wondrous works.

When Pope Francis released Laudato Si’, Father Cyriac wanted to provide people with a way to reflect on the pope’s words along with seeing God’s Creation in front of their eyes.

“I talked to Dr. Zuzarte about using some of his photography to compliment Scriptural references to Creation and the words of Pope Francis,” explained Father Cyriac.

“Dr. Zuzarte is a Catholic and very in tune with what the pope released and he readily agreed to be a part of the exhibit.”

Three of the 50 breathtaking nature photographs taken by Dr. Karl M. Zuzarte adorned the walls of the concert hall at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro for a “Photographic Journey Exhibition & Meditative Journey Through Pope Francis’ ‘On the Care of Our Common Home.’” Below, left, some of the many exhibit visitors marvel at the photographs that were accompanied by a Scripture reading and an excerpt from Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. Although the exhibit ends May 14, the photos and readings will be permanently displayed in the shrine’s welcome center.

(Photos by Dave Jolivet)

Turn to page 21

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

23

I

What’s in a mother’s heart?

will never know what lated Happy Mother’s Day is in the mind, heart to all of you, and since May and soul of a mother. I is the month of our Blessed have enough trouble trying Mother, it’s really Mother’s to discern my own feelings. But like the My View saying goes, “Anyone can be a father, but From not everyone can be a the Stands daddy.”

By Dave Jolivet The very same philosophy describes motherhood, perhaps even more so.

Granted there are some women out there who shouldn’t be mothers, as there are men who shouldn’t be fathers, but all the women I know, from family, to friends, to Facebook friends, to mere acquaintances are true mommies. And while I’m at this point in my column, I’d like to shout out a be-

24

The Anchor - May 13, 2016

Month anyway.

OK, now that I’ve gotten my weekly digression out of the way, it’s on to the crux of my column.

So many folks, mostly husbands, but older children as well, agonize over what to get their moms or mother of their children for this special day.

Appliances and household items are a definite taboo!

I have a Facebook friend whom I worked with on a YES! weekend and she posted the question of what to get the best mother in the world when you only have $3 in your pocket. I responded that a handmade card for her to put on the fridge would be a great idea. That would bring back fond memories.

And I was serious when I posted it.

My youngest pup Emilie didn’t have to ask me what to get Denise this year. She had it all taken care of.

As most of you know, Denise and I lost an infant son, David, 20 years ago this November. It was a heartbreaking time in our lives, but he has never es-

caped our memories, hearts or souls. A portrait of him as an infant hangs prominently in our living room.

Em was nearly two years old when DJoe died, and now she’s a beautiful, intelligent and caring 21-year-old, just finishing her junior year at UMass Dartmouth, majoring in graphic design.

She’s honed her art skills on the computer as well as with the pencil and brush.

Emilie decided to surprise her mom with a portrait of what Davey (Denise still likes to refer to him that way, and I prefer DJoe, so Davey it is) would look like as he approaches 20 years old.

She received tips from painting professors who advised her to take facial features from herself, her sibs and Denise and me to create her younger brother.

She did just that, adding a mop of unruly hair (that’s my trait) for good

measure because, “he would definitely have had hair like that,” according to Davey’s youngest sister.

Emilie worked hard on the painting and the result (shown here) was awesome.

Denise practically squeezed the stuffing out of Emilie when it was presented to her on Mother’s Day. Denise had been thinking a lot about her youngest pup that day, and it was a confirmation that he is still and always will be with her.

The Mother’s Day after Davey died, I gave Denise a Blessed Mother and Child locket with Davey’s picture in it. She said she needed that to know he was OK. Twenty years later she got another look at her “little boy.” It is priceless.

I guess I do know what’s in a mother’s heart. An undying love for her children. davejolivet@ anchornews.org.