05.28.2021

Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, May 28, 2021

Forty-four young people received the St. Pius X Youth Award from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on May 15. More coverage on page 12. (Photo by Rose Mary Saraiva)

Bishop ordains four men as transitional deacons

By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

Diocesan Pastoral Care of the Sick ministry aided by Appeal

FALL RIVER — In a Mass on the cusp of Pentecost, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. ordained four men as transitional deacons, taking them one step closer to becoming priests for the Fall River Diocese.

The four men, Matthew F. Laird,

William J. O’Donnell III, Gregory K. Quenneville and Laurent M. Valliere, will be entering their fourth year of seminary studies at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton this fall and are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood for the diocese sometime in 2022.

At the Mass at St. Mary’s Cathe8 Turn to page two

80th annual Catholic Appeal at midway point FALL RIVER — The end of May marks the halfway point of the 80th Catholic Appeal of the Diocese of Fall River and as of press time, the annual campaign has raised $2 million. The Appeal is currently halfway to its $4 million goal to support the agencies, programs, and ministries of the diocese.

One of the largest diocesan ministries funded by gifts to the

Catholic Appeal is Pastoral Care of the Sick. Contributions to the Appeal help make a group of full-time and part-time chaplains available for patients in all of the hospitals in the Diocese of Fall River in all five deaneries: Attleboro, Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, and Cape Cod. Chaplains offer a much-needed presence through their visits, distribution of Communion, and admin8 Turn to page 10

Bishop announces Liturgical guidelines as pandemic restrictions are lifted — Page nine

From left, Reverend Misters Laurent Valliere, Gregory Quenneville, William O’Donnell III, and Matthew Laird kneel while the bishop says the consecratory prayer at their ordination Mass at St. Mary’s May 28, 2021 † 1 Cathedral on May 22. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu)

Four men ordained as transitional deacons continued from page one

dral in Fall River on May 22, the bishop rejoiced at the fact that it has been 20 years since the diocese last ordained four men at the same ceremony.

“That is a source of great joy,” said the bishop to the socially Rev. Mr. Matthew Laird distanced gathering that included priests, deacons, seminarians and families of those being ordained. “How wonderful it is on the eve of the feast of Pentecost. Today the Holy Spirit is given to

you in the Sacrament of Ordination, so that you, too, maybe empowered to share the Good News of Christ to your brothers and sisters.

“As the Apostles were selected, chosen, gifted and empowered for the mission, you also have been selected, chosen and have been given your ‘yes.’ So we want to thank you for having accepted the Lord’s call to become servants of the Gospel.

It is the Lord Rev. Mr. William Who O’Donnell III called

you, Who chose you, and selected you for this minisRev. Mr. Gregory try.”

Quenneville The bishop told the men not to be afraid to be themselves, to be human, vulnerable and imperfect. “Power comes from God, not from us,” he reminded them.

“Your generous response will bring joy to you and many fruits to the mission of the Church here in the Diocese of Fall River. Your generous response will bring joy to you and to all you serve.”

At the conclusion of the joyous event, Bishop da Cunha told the congregation the fact that four men were just orRev. Mr. Laurent dained Valliere shows “God is blessing us. He never abandoned us and never will.”

Looking at his “four

sons,” the bishop said, “Well, we made it, right? My dear deacons; Matt, Bill, Greg and Larry, what a joy it has been, what a blessing for our diocese.”

The bishop also thanked the parents of the men for allowing them to become deacons for the diocese to spread the Gospel message.

Laird, 28, is the son of David and Kathleen Laird.

He lives in Sandwich and his family are parishioners of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Laird is a 2011 8 Turn to page 16

† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointment:

Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Avila, V.F., Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish in East Falmouth, Saint Patrick Parish in Falmouth and Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, to Pastor of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth.

Effective: July 1, 2021

† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments

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. Paul A. Caron, Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth Very Rev. Jay T. Maddock, V.F., Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River Rev. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown Rev. Michael R. Nagle, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven Rev. John J. Oliveira, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford Effective: August 18, 2021 2

† May 28, 2021

† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Very Rev. Freddie Babiczuk, V.F., from Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Thomas E. Costa, Jr.) of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton.

Rev. Thomas E. Costa, Jr., from Pastor in solidum (with Very Rev. Freddie Babiczuk, V.F.) of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, with residence at St. Peter the Apostle Rectory.

Rev. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven.

Rev. James M. Fitzpatrick, from Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet, to Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham.

Rev. Gerard A. Hebert, from Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford, to Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet.

Rev. John P. Kelleher, from Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket, to Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth.

Very Rev. Gregory A. Mathias, V.F., from Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, with residence at Our Lady of Victory Rectory, while remaining Director of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy.

Rev. Edward A. Murphy, from Pastor of Annunciation of the Lord and St. Andrew the Apostle Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Taunton while remaining Chaplain of the St. Anne’s Shrine Preservation Society and St. Anne’s Shrine in Fall River.

Rev. John M. Murray, from Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham, to Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket.

Rev. Sudhir C. Nayak, from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, to (Moderator) Pastor in solidum (with Rev. John A. Raposo) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford, with residence at St. Mary Rectory.

Rev. John A. Raposo, from Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Msgr. John Oliveira, P.A.) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford, to Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Sudhir C. Nayak) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford.

Rev. Riley J. Williams, from Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, to Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River.

Very Rev. Richard D. Wilson, J.C.L., from Pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parishes in New Bedford, with residence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Rectory, and Minister to the Hispanic Community of New Bedford, while remaining Vicar General of the Diocese and Executive Editor of The Anchor.

Rev. David C. Deston, from Chaplain of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River with residence at Espirito Santo Rectory in Fall River, to Administrator of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton and Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, with residence at Annunciation of the Lord Rectory.

Rev. Matthew G. Gill, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Administrator of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, and Minister to the Hispanic Community of Taunton.

Rev. Ryan J. Healy, from Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony Parish in East Falmouth, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth and St. Patrick Parish in Falmouth, to Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet.

Rev. John M. Schrader, from Parochial Vicar of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in North Attleboro, to Administrator of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, while remaining Associate Director of Vocations and Seminarians.

Rev. German Correa Agudelo, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford while remaining Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford, with residence at Our Lady of Guadalupe Rectory.

Rev. Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parishes in New Bedford.

Rev. Daniel M. Nunes, from Parochial Vicar of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, to Parochial Vicar of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton and Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, with residence at Annunciation of the Lord Rectory.

Effective: August 18, 2021 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the nomination of the Reverend Peter A. Jarret, C.S.C., Provincial Vicar of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and has made the following appointment: Rev. Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton Effective: August 18, 2021 May 28, 2021 †

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St. Joseph and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

n the light of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church at Pentecost, we take this opportunity to consider St. Joseph’s role as an intercessor with the Holy Spirit for the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, piety, fortitude and fear of the Lord. After the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit in whom the ineffable union brought the Word of God in the Incarnation to clothe Himself in our humanity, we can most confidently “go to Joseph” to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit because of his fidelity to grace in his vocation. According to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, St. Joseph had a great union with God, the gift of prayer and the wonderful manner in which he took direction of the Holy Spirit. St. Joseph’s example of fidelity to the Holy Spirit inspires us as Christians given the universal call to holiness to be persons of silence, prayer and action so that we, too, can live our vocations and mission in the Church to the fullness.

St. Joseph is known as the saint of silence because there is no recorded word of his in Sacred Scripture. However, this does not mean he never spoke. Rather we can infer that he treasured silence in order to nurture a life of union with God. Mother Teresa is known for saying “the fruit of silence is prayer.” Silence is necessary to achieve prayer and the continual exercise of prayer is needed to achieve intimacy with God. Prayer is also needed in following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many saints, including St. Alphonsus de Liguori, have written that without prayer we cannot attain Salvation. One of the most important personal prayers he recommended was the prayer of Adoration. St. Alphonsus said “Know also that you will probably gain more by praying 15 minutes before the Blessed Sacrament than by all the other Spiritual exercises of the day. True, Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, for He has made the promise, ‘Ask, and you shall receive,’ but He has revealed to His servants, 4

that those who visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament will obtain a more abundant measure of grace.” When we are adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament we are beholding the same Lord in Sacramental form Whom the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph beheld as their Child in Nazareth. In regards to communal prayer, St. Alphonsus reminds us that “The Mass is the best and most beautiful thing in the Church. That is why the devil has always sought to deprive the world of the Mass through the action of heretics, making them precursors of Antichrist.”

As we approach a time when the Sunday obligation will soon be restored after this period of Pandemic, let us return to the Father’s House and offer thanksgiving to God for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which St. Joseph so longed for in anticipation and in thanksgiving for Christ’s redemption, but also where his intercession is invoked over the whole Church during the canon of the Mass.

Perhaps we have forgotten how to pray and have lost touch with our faith. Our Savior and the saints are ready to help us but moreover we can always hope on the aid of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says, “For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words” (Rom 8:24-26). We can pray to St. Joseph for the gift of interior and exterior silence. By maintaining silence, by Adoration, by meditating on the Word of God and the mysteries of the Holy Rosary we can strive to make our lives a living prayer and allow ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Here is a prayer for the gift of Prayer

by St. Alphonsus Liguori: O Incarnate Word, You

† May 28, 2021

have given Your Blood and Your Life to confer on our prayers that power by which, according to Your promise, they obtain for us all that we ask. And we, O God, are so careless of our Salvation, that we will not even ask You for the graces that we must have, if we should be saved! In prayer You have given us the key of all Your Divine treasures and we, rather than pray, choose to remain in our misery. Alas! O Lord, enlighten us, and make us know the value of prayers, offered in Your name and by Your merits, in the eyes of Your Eternal Father. Amen.

St. Joseph was a man of holy prayer who cooperated

with the Holy Spirit. We can infer from Sacred Scripture that his prayer was continuous, especially at the difficult moments of life. Even in his slumber, St. Joseph’s prayer to God was answered several times by the Angel of the Lord. His prayer was a receptive prayer even as Samuel replied “Here I am Lord” (1 Sam 3:4). In like manner St. Joseph was always ready to do the Lord’s will.

After he was betrothed to Mary, and she was found with Child before they came to live together, St. Joseph turned to the Lord for the gift of understanding in order to do what the Mosaic law required with the most mercy. St. Joseph had the gift of Fear of the Lord and was willing to obey God’s law rather than offend Him. “Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly” (Mt 1:19). But his humble agony of having to separate from the beloved of his heart, gained a response from the Messenger of the Lord at the moment of this consideration, “But when he had thought this over,

behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child Who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit’ (Mt 1:20). It was the Holy Spirit Who conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb as the holy Ark for the Son of God of Whom St. Joseph was called

by God to be the Guardian of the Redeemer.

Again, in search of a place for the Holy birth to take place in the town of Bethlehem after they were enrolled in the census, St. Joseph prayed and the Father provided a stable for the King of Heaven to be born on this Earth. St. Joseph’s solicitude to provide for the mother and Child and his dependence on Divine Providence guided him like an interior light, even as the star guided the wise men. With the gift of wisdom he perceived the wisdom of God which is unlike the wisdom of the world — the Son of God by His poverty and Holy Infancy was to be the Lord of all who love Him and keep His Commandments, accessible to all people whatever their race or class. St. Joseph guarded the Holy Family even as they were visited by shepherds and the wise men. Through the gift of knowledge ministered through the angel he was warned of Herod’s evil plot to seek the Child and he took Mary and the Child and fled to Egypt.

“Now when they had departed, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.’ And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son’” (Mt 2:13-15). Once the will of God became clear to St. Joseph, he obeyed promptly, trusting in God’s Providential

care wherever he went.

Through the gift of fortitude, Joseph traveled courageously from the night of persecution into the day until when the Holy Family took refuge in a foreign land among foreign people. As they patiently prayed with hope to return to their own land through the gift of counsel, the Holy Family created relationships with the people among whom they lived in humility and meekness, obtaining among, all the Beatitudes, the blessing of the meek. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Once again in response to the gift of piety, expressed through his patient love for the will of the Lord, the Angel of the Lord spoke to him in a dream.

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. ‘Get up!’ he said. ‘Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.’ So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel” (Mt 2:1921). The Holy Spirit warned them through the angel and provided light for a safe journey to the place determined by God where they would take refuge in Egypt and then at the appointed time directed St. Joseph to take the Holy Family back to Nazareth.

As we can see St. Joseph’s silence and prayer led to a life of fruitful intimacy with God. The Holy Spirit will aid us with graces in our unique circumstances to discern how to use every occasion to bear courageous witness to Christ and His Gospel of life and truth amidst a culture of death, deceit and cowardice.

Let us never hesitate then to “Go to Joseph” and Our Immaculate Mother to implore the Holy Spirit to descend upon each member of the Mystical Body and the whole world!

Small and her husband Bill have made their solemn profession as Third Order Franciscans of the Immaculate, through the Franciscans of the Immaculate in New Bedford.

Unity on the Fifth Commandment and basic Sacramental Theology

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ext week the Church will celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. It is a time for us, as Sat. Thomas Aquinas wrote in 1263, for the first celebration of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus, to “dare to do all we can” to express our gratitude at the “res mirabilis,” the mind-blowing reality that poor and humble servants, like us, not only have the opportunity to be in God’s real presence, to praise and adore Him, to take Him on processions, but actually to eat Him and draw our life from Him. This year, however, the focus of the celebration risks being diverted from the Eucharistic Lord to Catholic public figures who scandalously and zealously advocate for abortion and other evils, and whether they should be refused Holy Communion.

Several months ago the U.S. bishops committed themselves to composing a document on Eucharistic coherence, something they are expected to discuss in their June meeting. On May 1, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco published a pastoral letter on the evil of abortion and how Catholics who reject the Church’s teaching should not receive Holy Communion.

Four days later, Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego responded with an article in America magazine, arguing that excluding pro-abortion politicians would bring “tremendous destructive consequences” to the understanding of the Eucharist, reducing it a “tool in political warfare.”

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) weighed in with a May 7 letter from Cardinal Luis Ladaria to Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, urging the U.S. bishops, that before any particular actions be discussed, they make clear that “those who are directly involved

in lawmaking bodies have a grave and clear obligation to oppose any law that attacks human life” and reiterate the “grave moral responsibility of Catholic public officials to protect human life at all stages.” Cardinal Ladaria also suggested that “any statement of the Conference regarding Catholic political leaders would best be framed within the broad context of worthiness for the reception of Holy Communion on the part of all the faithful, rather than only one category of Catholics,” since attacks against life are not “the only grave matters of Catholic moral and social teaching that demand the fullest level of accountability on the part of Catholics.”

He was implying that, while there can be some prudential disagreements about what ought to be done with regard to Catholic public figures who formally cooperate in the sin of abortion through their public support, there should be no disagreement on the evil of abortion and the requirements to receive Holy Communion worthily. His raising those subjects is first a recognition that such unity does not exist as it should with regard to abortion or Holy Communion and second a challenge to bishops, priests and faithful who are not with the Church to convert or be recognized for who they are.

If Catholics believe what the Church publicly professes about the dignity of every human person made in God’s image and likeness in the womb, if they believe what Jesus taught clearly that whatever we do to the “least” of His brothers and sisters we do to Him and whoever receives a little child in His name receives Him (Mt 25:40; Mk 9:37), then we must recognize that every abortion is like Good

The second thing about which the Church must teach and act in unity is about the conditions necessary to receive Holy Communion well. We live in an age in which many regard Jesus’ Body and Blood as the functional equivalent of cake at a birthday party: everyone should get a slice out of hospitality. People who haven’t been to Church in years, people who are not even Catholic, those who are involved in lifestyles seriously opposed to Jesus’ and the Church’s explicit teachings, feel entitled to receive just by having shown up.

The U.S. bishops attempted to remedy this problem in 2006 with a fine pastoral letter, “Happy Are Those Called to This Supper.” It got specific about situations in which Catholics “are seriously obliged to refrain from receiving Holy Communion” until failures of our age. they are reconciled with God The Church needs unity to remedy this failure. Know- and with the Church.

But there were two probing what abortion is, how lems with the document. can some bishops, priests, First, there was no real theologians and faithful plan to ensure that the bishpretend as if abortion is not ops’ teaching got to those in the preeminent civil rights and social justice issue today? the pews, to Catholic schools and Religious Education What else today is morally commensurate to the killing programs, and into practice — and therefore it changed of the innocent on such an very little on the ground. industrial scale?

Second, it ducked the Moreover, while the question of what should hapChurch is clear in her teachpen when, after a pastor has ing about life, how many communicated the teaching Catholic parishes give zero clearly and effectively, people evidence of being against wantonly disregard it and the killing of the unborn, approach to receive Commuwhere proud pro-abortion Catholics can attend for years nion anyway. The Code of Canon Law is clear that those without ever having their who “obstinately persist in consciences nudged, not to manifest grave sin” (Canon mention convicted?

915) must be refused, but The Church must speak the pastoral letter didn’t with one voice and with address it, hoping for volunintegrity across all its institary compliance. Presuming tutions, as Cardinal Ladaria volitional adherence, hownotes, with regard to how ever, is naive, especially with Catholics must oppose laws that attack human life and do regard to those who support abortion, most of whom all they can to protect life at have been apprised 70 times all stages.

Friday, except infinitely more gruesome. If a Catholic were “pro-choice” with regard to the possibility of crucifixion of the innocent, few would fail to see the rank contradiction and hypocrisy.

That Catholic public figures can fancy themselves devout while advocating for abortion, celebrating it as a human right, funding it domestically and internationally, requiring those nominated for judgeships to support it, and ingratiating themselves unabashedly with Planned Parenthood and other unborn slaughterhouses, is one of the great pastoral

seven times that they should be refraining from receiving Holy Communion, but have brazenly been ignoring it, anticipating that bishops and priests who are not complicit with their political program will be too conflict adverse to refuse them.

Lack of unity on each of these pastoral crises compounds the other. If the de facto message of the Church is that everyone receives Holy Communion no matter what, it seems cruel, judgmental and sinful to suggest that those who support the savage destruction of our littlest brothers and sisters must be refused. Similarly, if prominent Catholics who infamously support abortion receive Holy Communion, how can anyone else not feel that he or she is similarly entitled, no matter what unabsolved sins they may have committed?

To move forward on the question of refusing Holy Communion for pro-abortion politicians without addressing effectively, at the level of parishes, schools and homes, the Catholic teaching about life and worthy reception of the Eucharist, would run the serious risk of it being interpreted as the scapegoating of a few in a Sacramental vendetta, something that could appear to many as reducing the Church’s teachings on life and Communion to political stances.

As important as it is to address the scandal of the sacrilegious Holy Communion of unrepentant pro-abortion Catholic politicians, the bishops, priests and faithful in the U.S. need to work on each other to ensure first to remedy the practical confusion about the Fifth Commandment and basic Sacramental Theology.

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

May 28, 2021 †

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Editorial Laudato si’ Action Platform

On Tuesday Pope Francis launched the Laudato si’ Action Platform (LSAP), which Cardinal Peter Turkson, the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, described as a “seven-year journey towards integral ecology.”

The Holy Father launched this initiative at the end of the Year of Laudato si’, which commemorated the fifth anniversary of his encyclical on ecology. In a video-message to the world, the pope said that he wrote that document in 2015 to invite “all people of good will to take care of the Earth, which is our common home. For a long time now, this house that hosts us suffers as a result of wounds that we cause by our predatory attitude, which makes us feel that we are masters of the planet and its resources, and authorizes us to make irresponsible use of the goods God has given us. Nowadays, these wounds manifest themselves dramatically in an ecological crisis without precedent, which affects the ground, the air, water and, in general, the ecosystem in which human beings live. The current pandemic has now brought to light in an even stronger way the cry of nature and that of the poor who suffer most of the consequences, highlighting that everything is interconnected and interdependent and that our health is not separated from the health of the environment in which we live.”

To respond to these crises, Pope Francis said that “we need a new ecological approach, that can transform our way of dwelling in the world, our styles of life, our relationship with the resources of the Earth and, in general, our way of looking at humanity and of living life. An integral human ecology, that involves not only environmental questions but also mankind in his entirety, that becomes capable of listening to the cry of the poor and of being leaven for a new society.” In other words, it is not just a matter of looking at the physical world, but also looking at humanity, especially those most vulnerable, and seeing how we Catholics can help the sociological and ecological realms both grow, as does yeast in a loaf of bread.

The pope reminded us that “We have a great responsibility, especially with regard to the future generations. What world do we want to leave to our children and our young? Our selfishness, our indifference and our irresponsible ways are threatening the future of our children! I therefore renew my appeal: let us take care of our mother Earth; So I renew my appeal: let us take care of our mother Earth, let us overcome the temptation of selfishness that makes us predators of resources, let us cultivate respect OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 65, No. 11

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† May 28, 2021

for the gifts of the Earth and Creation, let us inaugurate a lifestyle and a society that is finally eco-sustainable: we have the opportunity to prepare a better tomorrow for all. From God’s hands we have received a garden, we cannot leave a desert to our children.” If we fail to heed the pontiff’s call, then we will receive our just desserts, and they won’t be tasty. They won’t be Sara Lee, but more like Sahara Lee. Looking at this past year’s commemoration, the pope said, “In this context, on May 24, 2020 I proclaimed the Laudato si’ Year, the organization of which was entrusted to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. I thank all those who have celebrated this year with many initiatives. Today I am pleased to announce that the Laudato si’ Year will result in a concrete action project, the Laudato si’ Action Platform, a seven-year journey that will see our communities committed in different ways to becoming totally sustainable, in the spirit of integral ecology.”

Then using a different meaning of the word “environment,” pointing to areas of human affairs, not flora and fauna, the Holy Father issued an invitation to various sectors of humanity. “I would therefore invite everyone to embark on this journey together, and in particular I address these seven environments: families; parishes and dioceses; schools and universities; hospitals; businesses and farms; organizations, groups and movements; [and] religious institutes. Work together. Only in this way will we be able to create the future we want: a more inclusive, fraternal, peaceful and sustainable world.”

Pope Francis then said that this will be “a journey that will last for seven years,” and asked that “we will let ourselves be guided by the seven aims of Laudato si’, which will show us the direction while we pursue the vision of integral ecology: the response to the cry of the Earth, the response to the cry of the poor, the ecological economy, the adoption of a simple way of life, ecological education, ecological spirituality and community engagement.” These seven areas should be our focus, in dealing with the planet, according to the Holy Father.

“There is hope. We can all collaborate, each one with his own culture and experience, each one with her own initiatives and capacities, so that our mother Earth may be restored to her original beauty and Creation may once again shine according to God’s plan. God bless each one of you, and bless our mission to rebuild out common home. Thank you.”

May God help us to use what He has given us wisely and lovingly.

Daily Readings † June 5 - June 18

Sat. June 5, Tb 12:1,5-15,20; (Ps) Tb 13:2,6efgh,7-8; Mk 12:38-44. Sun. June 6, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Ex 24:3-8; Ps 116:12-13,15-18; Heb 9:11-15; Optional Sequence Lauda, Sion; Mk 14:12-16,22-26. Mon. June 7, 2 Cor 1:1-7; Ps 34:2-9; Mt 5:1-12. Tue. June 8, 2 Cor 1:18-22; Ps 119:129-133,135; Mt 5:13-16. Wed. June 9, 2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99:5-9; Mt 5:17-19. Thu. June 10, 2 Cor 3:15 —4:1,3-6; Ps 85:9ab,10-14; Mt 5:20-26. Fri. June 11, Hos 11:1,3-4,8c-9; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12,14-19; Jn 19:31-37.

Sat. June 12, 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 103:1-4,9-12; Lk 2:41-51. Sun. June 13, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:2-3,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:2634. Mon. June 14, 2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98:1,2b,3-4; Mt 5:38-42. Tue. June 15, 2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146:2,5-9a; Mt 5:43-48. Wed. June 16, 2 Cor 9:6-11; Ps 112:1bc-4,9; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thu. June 17, 2 Cor 11:1-11; Ps 111:1b-4,7-8; Mt 6:7-15. Fri. June 18, 2 Cor 11:18,21-30; Ps 34:2-7; Mt 6:19-23.

Guidelines for Liturgical practices as pandemic restrictions are lifted Diocesan guidelines become effective May 29 FALL RIVER — In light of the recent updated health advisories by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the lifting of State COVID-19 restrictions, parishes in the Fall River Diocese may reinstate most Liturgical practices that had to be suspended or modified because of the pandemic. These guidelines, which become effective on May 29, 2021, address those practices. In addition, they are provided to assist parishes with guidance on other adjustments and changes that need to be made in this period of transition.

These changes are a welcome sign that the long-awaited return to a normal way is at last upon us. We move forward with gratitude to God for His Divine assistance in getting us to this point and in prayerful remembrance of the many who have died or who have experienced tremendous suffering because of COVID-19. Sincere thanks and appreciation must also be extended to the clergy and faithful of the diocese for their cooperation and understanding.

The need to maintain a reverent worship experience and accessibility to the Sacraments while providing as safe an environment as possible required sacrifice and adjustment by all of us.

Going forward as of May 29: • Indoor seating capacity is increased to 100 percent; therefore, any previously “roped off ” pews can be opened for use.

• The practice of res-

ervations, tickets, contact information gathering, or single entrance restrictions may be relaxed. ­• Masking tape, plexiglass, and other signage related to COVID-19 restrictions may be removed.

• With regard to masks, those who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask to attend Mass or any other Liturgical or social function held on parish property.

Pastors may wish to remind the faithful that those who are fully vaccinated are free and welcome to continue to wear masks if they choose to do so. According to the most recent CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines, non-vaccinated persons are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most indoor settings. This includes our churches. While there is no way for parishes to enforce this, pastors may also wish to remind the faithful of this current guideline and to note that each person is asked to make the best decision for him/herself while keeping in mind the need for a collective commitment to the common good of one’s parish community.

• Given that churches may again utilize full seating capacity, the celebration of outdoor Masses should be discontinued.

• Pastors, staff, volunteers, and ministers should ensure a welcoming environment, especially for those who have not been attending Mass in person and are now returning to church.

• The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays remains in effect in the Fall River Diocese at this time.

The following may be reintroduced at this time: • Liturgical processions (Entrance, Offertory, Recessional).

• The use of Hymnals and worship aids in the pews.

• Congregational singing and choral singing, keeping in mind the need for discretion in the proximity of members of a choir. Providing some spacing between choir members is recommended at this time.

• Holy Water fonts may be filled.

• The passing of the offertory basket may resume.

This should be carried out by an usher and not by the collection plate passed from person to person to limit unnecessary contact.

• The instruction to “offer a sign of peace” may be

given. This “sign” should be done without physical contact, but instead by word or gesture, for those who are not from the same household. The sign of peace may also be replaced by a moment of silent prayer.

• Deacons can perform their full Liturgical roles as usual.

• The participation of altar servers, readers, and, as needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, is encouraged.

It should be clearly communicated to parents that children should wear masks while altar serving.

• Proper cleaning and normal sanitization practices should be carried out.

The use of harsh chemicals on the pews or the sanitization of the church after each Mass is not necessary.

Pastors should continue to observe the following: • Because of the proximity of penitent and priest in Confession, it is advisable for both to wear a

mask.

• Sufficient hand sanitizing dispensers should be made available at the entrances of the church.

• The distribution of the Precious Blood to the Faithful should remain suspended.

• Use of hand sanitizers by all Ministers of Holy Communion before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.

• Hand sanitizer should be kept close at hand in case someone receives Holy Communion on the tongue.

• Allow for proper ventilation and increased airflow and HVAC filtration when possible.

• Avoid unnecessary crowding at the entrances and aisles of the church whenever possible.

• Parishioners who have not been vaccinated and who are not from the same household should be encouraged to maintain physical distance from others in the pews.

The Anchor website is up and fully functional again. Please visit us at www.anchornews.org May 28, 2021 †

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Father Thomas Kocik, Chaplain to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis and former Chaplain to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Appeal assists Pastoral Care of the Sick ministry continued from page one

istration of the Sacrament of the Sick to thousands of people every year. This important ministry carries out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy for the sick and the dying and brings the words of Sacred Scripture to life: “I was sick and you visited me” (Mt 25:36).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals had to enact strict visitation policies — and for many patients feeling the pain of isolation from family and friends, the warmth and support of hospital chaplains quickly became their sole source of comfort. According to Father Thomas Kocik, Chaplain to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, simply being by a patient’s side makes a tremendous difference, especially during a time when visitation restrictions have kept them separated from their loved ones.

“The hospital chaplains were there; praying with (patients), providing Spiritual counsel and the grace of the Sacraments, blessing them, and I can tell you that our presence has been deeply appreciated,” said Father Kocik, who noted that hospital chaplains are a caring and compassionate source of Spiritual support for non-patients, as well. “My ministry is not restricted to the sick and the dying,” he added. “I also minister to their families, relatives, loved ones, and hospital staff in some instances.”

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able at our hospitals, gifts to the Appeal also help fund pastoral care for residents at our diocesan health facilities, including nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

This year you can watch a series of “Ministry Moments” videos featuring individuals reflecting on good works supported by the Catholic Appeal. The series, which includes Father Kocik talking about Pastoral Care of the Sick, can be found on the Catholic Foundation’s website: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/ ministry-moments.

Contributions to the Catholic Appeal, which runs through June 30, may be made through a onetime donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges.

Donations may be mailed directly to the Catholic Foundation office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass., 02720, made online at www.givefrdiocese.org/2021, or dropped off at any parish in the diocese. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.

“I was sick and you visited me” (Mt 25:36).

Kevin Kiley reappointed Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for diocese FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has reappointed Kevin R. Kiley as Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for the Fall River Diocese for a five-year term, effective earlier this spring. Kiley was first appointed to both positions in April 2016.

According to the Church’s Code of Canon Law, every diocese is required to have a Chancellor and a Finance Officer who may or may not be the same individual. The term of the Finance Officer is specified as five years in the relevant canon (Can. 494, §2) after which time the incumbent officer may be re-appointed. There is no fixed term to the position of Chancellor.

In this dual role, Kiley performs duties as CFO and COO with overall operational and financial oversight for the Diocese of Fall River, a Corporation Sole. He acts as a business partner with the bishop in carrying out strategic initiatives of the diocese

and oversees finance, audit, budget, human resources, benefits administration, property and liability risk, information technology, lay and clergy pension plans, facilities and real estate, communications and public relations, general counsel, safe environment enterprise, Pro-Life and Project Rachel, and archives. The Chancery staff oversight is 28 full time employees.

As Chancellor, he serves as the Notary of official documents and is the chief record keeper, managing the gathering and safeguarding of all diocesan documents.

Bishop da Cunha’s re-appointing of Kiley to a second term followed highly positive consultation with the Diocesan College of Consultors and the Diocesan Finance Council.

In his letter on the re-appointment, the bishop expressed his gratitude to Kiley for his “willingness to continue serving” the Diocese of Fall River.

“I look forward to continuing sharing with you the mission of serving God’s people and seeing the many fruits of our work and of your important role in this service,” Bishop da Cunha wrote.

For his part, Kiley acknowledges that his first five-years had its share of challenges but also rewards.

“When it comes to administration, the bishop’s

vision with regard to financial transparency, financial sustainability, safety protocols and human resource management made it clear as to what the Chancery team’s priorities were, and they delivered exceptionally well,” said Kiley.

He is quick to credit the “extremely talented” Chancery staff and lay volunteers that serve on various advisory boards “that have made my job so

much more effective and enjoyable, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Looking forward as he begins his second term, he observed, “The next five years will be even more challenging as we emerge from the pandemic but if we place these challenges in God’s hands and work cooperatively and collaboratively, we will achieve successful outcomes.”

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or waynepowers@anchornews.org May 28, 2021 †

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T he C hurch

and

Y outh & Y oung A dults

A reflection on serving the Church during a pandemic

By Clare Lowery, St. Mary’s Parish, Norton, at the recent St. Pius X Youth Award ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Hello everyone, and welcome. I am so grateful to be here with you all tonight (and not on Zoom). I would like to begin by saying how honored I am to be receiving this award, and congratulations to all of my fellow recipients. We have all been faced with many challenges within the past year, so the fact that everyone here has stayed rooted in their faith and service is beyond admirable.

After doing some research, I learned some very interesting things about Pope St. Pius X. He grew up in a large, poor family in a small village in Italy. Multiple siblings of his also devoted their lives to Christ by becoming Sisters of the Catholic faith. The main thing that stood out to me was how much he loved to serve. He held classes for both children and adults at his parish. He was known for his moving and energetic sermons.

He worked to get the age to receive the Eucharist younger because he was such a strong supporter of both the Eucharist and the youth of the Church, and he believed that the Eucharist was the fastest way to get to Heaven. After he became pope, he would sneak out at night to go to

ferent this past year, but I have the hospital and pray with the sick. been very blessed by the diocese, On his tombstone are the my school, Bishop Feehan High words: “Pope Pius X, poor and yet School, and my parish, St. Mary’s rich, gentle and humble of heart, in Norton, to be provided with unconquerable champion of the Catholic Faith, whose constant en- an array of opportunities to help benefit my comdeavor it was to munity. I have renew all things been able to in Christ….” teach Religious I truly believe Education to so that these are many amazing words that we students who are should all try to beginning their live by. We do not faith journey, need to be rich in and who are earthly things to helping to guide be rich in spirit me through my and blessings. own journey To be gentle and with God. I am humble is a goal able to help in we should strive Campus Minisfor every day. To Clare Lowery of St. Mary’s Parish try at my school be a “Champion in Norton offers a reflection on rein a variety of of the Catholic Faith,” I believe, ceiving the St. Pius X Youth Award ways like helpat St. Mary’s Cathedral. ing with retreats. is to live by the I am a part of Gospel in evthe Youth Discipleship Commiterything we do, say, and think. I tee and am helping to plan youth can only hope one day that I can events for this summer, and I am be more like Pope St. Pius X, and on the Diocese of Fall River Revival be able show everyone Christ and Committee.

His love. I pray that I am able, to I started taking on leadership help move others the way he did roles after I graduated from CLI and change many people’s lives for in 2019. I had so many amazing the better. Just to receive an award role models to show me how to in his name is a huge accomplishunite people and use my God given ment. talents to benefit our community. I Service has looked very difwas able to help plan small events at our camp like prayer and Mass, and I was also able to help with a much larger task of helping to plan The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Youth Day. This was one of the biggest building blocks of my faith,

Please support the TV Mass

Donate online at www.GiveCentral.org/FRTVMass Or mail your check payable to: Diocese of Fall River – TV Mass, 450 Highland Ave. Fall River, MA 02720 12

† May 28, 2021

and I am forever grateful for that opportunity.

I would now like to take a minute to thank everyone that has helped me in my journey. Thank you, Father Tim [Reis], for nominating me for this award, and Deacon Alan [Thadeu]. You both make me feel not only welcome at church but wanted. Thank you to Mrs. Burgess for pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Your guidance means so much to me. Thank you to everyone at Bishop Feehan, especially Father Jack [Schrader] and our campus ministers, Ms. Demers, Ms. Rinkacs, and Ms. Cook. I could not ask for better mentors, role models, and people to serve beside. Thank you to my parents, for always guiding and supporting me through all of my service and my faith journey. When days are hard, I can always rely on you to remind me who I am and that I have to keep my faith.

In my final moments speaking to you all, I would love for us to pray the words of Pope St Pius X together: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. “My hope is in Christ, Who strengthens the weakest by His Divine help. I can do all in Him Who strengthens me. His power is infinite, and if I lean on Him, it will be mine. His wisdom is infinite, and if I look to Him for counsel, I shall not be deceived.

His Goodness is infinite, and if my trust is stayed in Him, I shall not be abandoned.” Amen.

Thank you everyone for listening to me and praying with me, I hope you all have a wonderful night.

Save the Date: FACE Summer Gala!

FALMOUTH — We hope to see you at the 24th annual FACE Summer Gala “In-Person” Event.

Save the Date for Thursday, August 5 at the Coonamessett Inn located in beautiful

Falmouth.

Further details will follow in future editions of The Anchor; at the FACE website, www.face-dfr. org; and the Diocese of Fall River website, xs.

Chatham parish embraces Hyannis shelter

CHATHAM — Although COVID magnified the needs of the homeless, it also brought out the kindness and generosity of the church community.

The parishioners of Holy Redeemer in Chatham have wrapped their arms around

Catholic Social Services’ St. Joseph’s Shelter in Hyannis by providing resources, compassion, caring, and hope for new beginnings.

Father John Sullivan, pastor, along with Susan Buoniconti, Martin Buoniconti, and Jack Zilliox,

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday,May 30 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, June 6 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Espirito Santo Church in Fall River

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Edward A. Murphy, Pastor of Annunciation of the Lord and St. Andrew the Apostle parishes in Taunton

Sunday, May June 6 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Matthew G. Gill, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville

presented a check for $3,000 to Stephane Ruault, Shelter Manager of St. Joseph’s Shelter, and Susan Mazzarella, CEO of Catholic Social Services. “We are so grateful to the parishioners of Holy Redeemer.

They are so good to us.

These funds will directly help our shelter guests,” said Ruault.

“One of the saddest tragedies is to be hungry, homeless, and alone” said Jack Zilliox. Father Sullivan stressed the importance of community and partnership: “Working together — it’s the only way to support those who need it the most.”

In addition to this extraordinary donation, the parishioners of Holy Redeemer have been providing lunch once a month for all of the 50 shelter guests. “This has been an enormous support to the shelter, and a strong message to our shelter guests that they are not forgotten,” said Ruault.

The generosity of Holy Redeemer not only fills gaps, it extends to offering tangible expressions of hope through their “move-in kits.” According to Susan Buoniconti, whenever shelter guests transition from the shelter to their own apartment, they are presented with a basket filled with housewarming items. “We fill our baskets with things to help people settle in and feel at home. These include: a coffee pot; a pound of coffee; a toaster oven; a tea pot; cleaning products; toiletries; dishes, glasses, and silverware for four; potholders and dishtowels; a broom, dustpan, and bucket; and

Martin Buoniconti, Susan Buoniconti, Father John Sullivan, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, and Jack Zilliox (far right) presented a donation of $3,000 to Stephane Ruault, manager of St. Joseph’s Shelter in Hyannis. generous, caring parisha wastebasket.” Susan said ioners and pastor of Holy that she recently presented Redeemer Church are a move-in kit to one of the indeed the blessings. former shelter guests, and, “she was radiant when she received it!”

Martin Buoniconti stressed the importance of the churches, and said that, “it’s a blessing to impact people’s lives directly.” To St. Joseph’s Shelter, the

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In Your Prayers

Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks: June 5 Very Rev. Thomas J. McLean, V.F. Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1954 Rev. Msgr. Louis Prevost, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. George Daigle, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleborough, 1979 Rev. Msgr. Edmund R. Levesque, Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 2011 June 8 Rev. John S. Czerwonka, Assistant, St. Stanislaus, Fall River, 1961 June 9 Rev. Timothy J. Calnen, Pastor, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1945 Rev. Joseph S. Larue, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1966 Rev. Cornelius J. Keliher, 1993 June 10 Rev. William H. Curley, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1915 Rev. George A. Meade, Chaplain, St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1949 June 11 Rev. Msgr. Augusto L. Furtado, Retired Pastor, St. John of God, Somerset, 1973 Rev. Richard J. Wolf, S.J., Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1986 June 12 Rev. Thomas H. Taylor, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1966 June 13 Rev. Edward F. Donahue, S.J., Boston College High School, Dorchester, 1974 Rev. Henry F. Bourgeois, C.S.C., 2004 Rev. Roland Bousquet, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 2010 June 14 Rev. Msgr. George E. Sullivan, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1980 Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Cournoyer, Retired Pastor, St. Michael, Swansea, 1982 Rev. James H. Coughlin, S.J., Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn., 1992 Rev. Justin J. Quinn, Chaplain, Madonna Manor , North Attleboro, Former Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1996 Rev. Ambrose Forgit, SS.CC., 2010 June 16 Rev. James McDermott, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1975 June 17 Permanent Deacon Claude A. LeBlanc, 2011 June 18 Most Rev. William B. Tyler, First Bishop of Hartford, Founder of the Sandwich Mission, 1849 Rev. James M. Coffey, P.R., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1935 Rev. Declan Daly, SS.CC., Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1984 Rev. Henri Laporte, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1992

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Sister Mary Louise O’Connor ST. MARY-OF-THEWOODS, Ind. — Sister Mary Louise O’Connor died on May 3 in Mother Theodore Hall, St. Maryof-the-Woods.

She was born on May 18, 1926 in Fall River, to James E. and Margaret A. Mitchell O’Connor. She was a member of Holy Name Parish in Fall River.

She attended Highland Schools and Sacred Hearts Academy, both in Fall River.

Sister Mary Louise entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on July 22, 1956 and received the name Sister James Margaret. She professed Final Vows on Aug. 15, 1964. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree from Indiana State University. In her 65 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered for eight years as teacher and guidance counselor in schools in Indiana and Florida.

She primarily served in administration in Congregation-sponsored schools

in Washington, D.C. for 23 years. Returning to the Motherhouse in 1993, she served as business manager for Providence Spir-

ituality and Conference Center for six years. After retiring, she volunteered her services in various departments. Beginning in 2013, she dedicated herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

Sister Mary Louise had many gifts and skills especially in the area of finance and data management and always generously and graciously shared her expertise.

Ministering in the nation’s capital for many years, she relished following the political scene, even attending some of the Watergate hearings. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed socializing and celebrating with Sisters, family, and friends.

Sister Mary Louise is survived by nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a brother Daniel J. O’Connor and a sister Marguerite A. Leary.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on May 11, with Father Dan Hopcus presiding. Burial was in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory assisted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., 47876.

One may share or read memories of Sister Mary Louise on the Sister of Providence web page at www.spsmw.org/category/ obituaries.

Mary (Santangelo) Lucca, mother of Deacon Frank Lucca FALL RIVER — Mary (Santangelo) Lucca, 93, of West Hartford and Avon, died on May 15.

She was born on Aug. 21, 1927 and raised in Hartford, the daughter of the late Raffaele Santangelo and Amalia (Ovario) Santangelo. She worked 27 years for the Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services where she worked as a stenographer and later as the Supervisor of Secretaries. She loved to cook, read, knit, crochet, and sew for her family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years Salvatore Lucca.

She is survived by her children Frank R. Lucca (wife Kristine) of Swansea, Mary Lucca-Speiser (husband William) of Simsbury, Conn., her grandchildren Stephanie A. Cross (husband: James), Katherine E. Galvin (husband: Sean), William Speiser Jr. (wife: Jennifer) and Michael Speiser. And her great-grandchildren Ethan Cross, Brayden Cross, Dylan Cross, Con-

nor Galvin, Aiden Galvin, Gabriel Speiser and Samuel Speiser.

Special thanks to the staff of Catholic Memorial Home for their wonderful care and love. A very special thank you to Sonya, in the activities department, for her countless hours of Face-Timing with mom and us.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Timothy‘s Church in West Hartford, Conn. on May 19. Interment followed in St. Ann Cemetery, Avon.

Y

ou may have heard the one about the detective who, on being interviewed by a friend, was asked why he stayed in a tent. He responded that he was under cover.

When I think of a tent, I usually think of a Scout troop or an army platoon pitching their tents under the wild blue yonder. I think of the tinkers, the Irish traveling folk, who pitched their tents on the side of the road and made tin cans for the local people. I think also of the Apostles, Peter, James and John, on the mountain of Jesus’ Transfiguration. As the Gospel tells us, Peter wanted to pitch three tents on that mountain, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah.

I haven’t had much personal experience with tents in my life other than the carnival tent for dancing during my teen-age years.

This week changed my perspective on tarps and tents. It is tenting week and the Mid Pacific Pest Con-

Pitching our tents

trol Company from nearby Maui has been fumigating many of the buildings in Kalaupapa, including St. Francis Church, Damien Hall and the parish rectory. I admired the efforts of these young men as they tented the church while battling strong winds.

This meant that I had to leave my house for two days and two nights, taking with me Bailey and Titus, two of my three “mouseketeers.” Mr. Grey absolutely refused to leave the property, which of course is his civil right. So, we pitched our tent up the hill in the ritzy part of town, in the house used by visiting doctor, Kalani Brady. My two companions were

not exactly thrilled but they endured their confinement. So far, the administration building, the Visitor’s Quarters, the Post Mistress’s house and another cottage have been fumigated. Today Meli’s house will be treated and tomorrow the grocery store will be tented and fumigated.

Yesterday afternoon my two feline companions and I were delighted to return to our base.

We were greeted by a happy Mr. Grey. He had not been happy that his shelter had been tented, leaving him without a home. Later I spent some time collecting the remains of cockroaches, ants and geckos who had made the ultimate sacrifice before entering insect heaven.

There was no sign of the offending termites. As I pen this, Bailey and Titus are sleeping here in the living room, while Mr. Grey is probably cooling in the tall grass in the back yard. This reminds me that it is past my time for my afternoon siesta.

Aloha.

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

A St. Joseph summer This Summer, spend time with St. Joseph and continue to celebrate the Holy Year! There are several upcoming opportunities within the diocese, both in-person and virtual. These include: Holy Hour for the Year of St. Joseph On Tuesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. (the Tuesday after the Solemnity of Corpus Christi), Father Jay Mello, pastor of St. Michael and St. Joseph parishes, will lead a Holy Hour at St. Joseph Church (1335 North Main Street, Fall River).

Confession will be available.

Holy Hour for the Family On Monday, July 12 at 7 p.m. (the feast of St. Louis and Zelie — parents of St. Therese of Lisieux), there will lead be a Holy Hour at the Holy Family Parish Center (370 Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton). Confession will be available.

Meet Your Spiritual Father Talk On Saturday, August 21 at 1 p.m., Dr. Mark Miravalle, author of the book “Meet Your Spiritual

Father: An Introduction to St. Joseph,” will be having a virtual talk for the diocese.

Dr. Miravalle earned his Sacred Theological Doctorate at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He holds the St. John Paul II Chair of Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has been teaching since 1986.

Dr. Miravalle is the founder and senior editor of Ecce Mater Tua, an international journal of Mariology research and president of the International Marian Association. Well known throughout the world for his lectures on Mariology, Dr. Miravalle has addressed several episcopal conferences, including those of South India, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Costa Rica.

Dr. Miravalle has spoken at numerous international conferences and has appeared on EWTN, National Public Radio, and BBC. To register for this free event, visit fallriverfaithformation.org/ stjoseph.

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TEAM FACE joins Falmouth Road Race for first time FALMOUTH — The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) is excited to be part of the Falmouth Road Race Numbers For Non-Profits for the first time. FACE provides critical scholarship support to children in need of financial assistance to attend Catholic schools of the Diocese of Fall River. Help us raise scholarship dollars for FACE as we participate in the 2021 ASICS Falmouth Road Race.

TEAM FACE is made up of Bishop Edgar da M. Cunha, S.D.V.; Dan Roy, Superinten-

dent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fall River; Sean Kane, principal, Bishop Feehan High School; Sara Seals, music teacher, Bishop Feehan; Jim Bouchard, member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Swansea; Joe Harrington, member of Immaculate Conception Parish, North Easton; and Jane Robin, development associate, Catholic Foundation and Team Captain-FACE. Visit the Team Page at www.face-dfr.org/ asics-2021-falmouth-road-race/ to learn more about the team members and to donate.

Four men ordained as transitional deacons continued from page two

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† May 28, 2021

graduate of Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. He received a degree in biology from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester in 2015.

During his college years Laird was able to work an internship at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pocasset which helped strengthen his sense that the Lord was calling as him to the priesthood. He entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton where the formation has helped him grow. Due to some underlying health issues, Laird took a year away from the seminary to serve at Holy Family Church in East Taunton which was a great blessing for him and the parishioners there. Like Valliere, Laird has a gift for playing musical instruments and he is part of a jazz band with Valliere and two priests which they call Vatican III. O’Donnell III is the son of Patty O’Donnell and the late William O’Donnell Jr. O’Donnell hails from Harwich, with his home parish being Holy Trinity in West Harwich. O’Donnell is 41 years old. After graduating from Harwich High School, he attended Stonehill College in Easton, receiving a BA in marketing in 2000.

Over the years O’Donnell had grown in his faith through prayer, the Sacraments, and especially through the Mass. He also took some classes in the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization in Boston in 2012. Over the years friends and priests have encouraged O’Donnell to consider the priesthood and to listen to the Lord to see if He was calling. After a journey of sensing the calling, stepping towards the call but then struggling with taking the step to enter the seminary, then having to care for the family business after his father’s death, he then took the leap of pursuing the priesthood and entered St. John’s Seminary.

Quenneville is from South Attleboro and his home parish is St. Therese of the Child Jesus in South Attleboro. Quenneville, 36, is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. A graduate of Attleboro High School, he later went on to receive an associates degree from Massasoit

Community College in Brockton; a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 2007; and his masters in social work from Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I. Quenneville worked in Brockton for the Veterans Association. After college is when his Catholic faith became much greater. His sense of a calling to the priesthood intensified beginning in Lent of 2014, especially through his experience of attending daily Mass. Also in his profession of counseling people, he has discovered the joy of working and guiding many different personalities and in different age groups and is very comfortable with the thought of carrying this out as a priest. Many have supported Quenneville seeking to enter the seminary and becoming a priest. He has a strong certitude that the Lord is calling him and embraced the call and entered seminary Valliere, 39, the son of Laurent and Maureen Valliere, is originally from West Warwick, R.I. He is a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish, part of the Catholic Community of Central Fall River. Valliere is a 1999 graduate of Tollgate High School in Warwick, R.I. In 2003, he graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., with a BA in religious studies.

Over the years Valliere had that growing sense that the Lord was calling him to be a priest.

He entered St. John’s Seminary and after a few years he took some time away from the seminary as the clarity of the calling to the priesthood was not there and he returned to teaching high school, for which Valliere has a gift. After teaching for a few years, he still had that sense the Lord was still calling and by God’s grace the strengthening of the call came and he returned to studying for the priesthood. He still fosters his talent for music and along with Laird as they are part of the (soon to be complete) clergy jazz band Vatican III where Valliere plays the bass guitar.

Father Kevin Cook diocesan director of Vocations contributed to this story.