Diocese of Fall River, Mass.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Deacon Ryan Healy was ordained as a transitional deacon by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at a ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral on May 19. Deacon Healy,schools a native John Evangelist Parish Eighth-graders from parochial acrossof theSt. diocese metthe at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fallin River for thewill annual Eighth-grade Mass with Bishop Edgarof M.Theology da Cunha, S.D.V. PriorJohn’s to the Attleboro, be entering his fourth year at St. Mass the students toured the 166-year-old Gothic revival edifice and all the wonderful sights Seminary in Brighton and isadded scheduled be ordained priestPlaces of the it has to offer. The cathedral was to the U.S.to National Register ofaHistoric in 1983. More on page three. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) Diocese of Fall Riverphotos in 2019. (Photo by Chris Hughes) The Anchor - June 1, 2018
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Quo Vadis Days retreat offers young men ‘a taste of the top of the world’
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
MEDWAY — As the dove flies, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire is about 5,500 miles from Mount Tabor which rises near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. While the two peaks are worlds apart, there is a similarity between them. Mount Tabor is purportedly where Jesus took the Apostles Peter, James and John, and was transfigured before their eyes, revealing Christ’s Sacred Divinity. So overwhelmed by the experience, Peter told Jesus, “Lord, how good that we are here” (Mt 17:4). Young men who have attended the annual Diocese of Fall River’s Quo Vadis Days retreat got the opportunity to ascend Mount Monadnock and many also have an experience that touches the soul — looking out over “God’s country,” witnessing the glory of nature from high above. This year, young men in the diocese are again offered that opportunity along with many other faith-building activities at the Quo Vadis Days retreat to be held on the grounds of the beautiful Betannia II Retreat Center in Medway, from July 9-13. “Quo Vadis Days is a great experience for boys entering high school to entering college,” Father Kevin A. Cook, diocesan director of Vocations and Seminarians told The Anchor. “The week has so many great experiences that help the young men to grow in their faith, build friendships with other young men who are striving to live their faith, and learn what one should do to discern one’s vocation.” 2
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This year’s retreat is the ninth consecutive year the diocesan Vocations Office has hosted the event. “Every year I find the boys find it a fun week and leave the week with a great understanding and openness to discerning what God may be calling him to,” added Father Cook. The five-day retreat, in addition to allowing young men to escape the busyness of day-to-day routines, offers them a time of recreation, fellowship, prayer, and discernment as they
explore God’s individual call in their lives. The retreat offers attendees the chance to listen to priests, seminarians and others tell the stories of their faith journeys thus far. Spiritually, activities include Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, and praying the Rosary. The trip to Mount Monadnock can be included in the faith aspect, as well as the recreational phase of the retreat. Recreation-wise, in addition to the mountain
hike, the young men have the opportunity to play flag football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, capture the flag, and other games, including a soccer match with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Father Cook lamented to The Anchor the fact that the bishop’s team was victorious last year. With an edge of “trash talk,” Father Cook practically guaranteed the bishop’s squad would come up short: “Last year his [Bishop da Cunha’s] team won it — they won’t
In scenes from past Quo Vadis Days retreats, young men “point out the Way,” (at least most of them, with one young man comically marching to the beat of a different drummer) on Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. At left, attendees take part in an evening prayer service during the weekend. This year the Quo Vadis Days retreat will be July 9-13 at Betannia II Retreat Center in Medway.
this year.” On a more serious note, the bishop will also celebrate Mass for the men and give a presentation on vocations. “Every day we have time of prayer, Adoration, Mass, Rosary, a chance for Confession, talks on different aspects of living one’s faith, witness of different vocations, sports, time of building fraternity with others, hang out with the seminarians, and have some great meals,” said Father Cook. John-Paul Martin attended last year’s retreat and is expecting to attend this year, and “for as long as I can after that.” He told The Anchor, “When my parents told me that I was going to go to a camp for vocations, my first thought was that I would have to spend hours listening to people talk about priesthood, and why I should become a priest. Because of this, I honestly wouldn’t have gone if I hadn’t known that a friend of mine was going. However, I am genuinely glad that I did. “There weren’t just speeches the whole time like I thought, there was a great mix of talks, prayer, and activities, which included hiking, manhunt, glow-in-the-dark capture the flag, and of course, a pig roast! It was a great week of making friends and having fun. Our faith life doesn’t have to be boring! If there is anyone out there who is thinking of going, I really believe that they should go, it is the highlight of my summer. I really hope that we can get some more new faces this year!” The Quo Vadis experience, which takes place nation-wide, originated Turn to page 18
Diocese of Fall River
OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointments and transfers: Reverend Marcos Caldeira, Parochial Vicar of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis and Minister to the Brazilian speaking community of Hyannis Effective April 28, 2018 Reverend Freddie Babiczuk, Pastor of Saint John of God Parish in Somerset to Pastor of Saint Anthony Parish in Taunton Reverend Jason Brilhante, Administrator of Saint John of God Parish in Somerset while remaining Chaplain of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River with residence at St. John of God Rectory in Somerset Reverend James M. Fitzpatrick, Parochial Vicar of Saint Bernadette Parish in Fall River to Administrator of Saint Louis de France Parish in Swansea with residence at St. John of God Rectory in Somerset Reverend John P. Kelleher, Pastor of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans to Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket Reverend Robert A. Oliveira, Administrator of Saint Lawrence Parish in New Bedford while remaining Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford and Co-Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program Reverend William M. Rodrigues, Pastor of Saint Anthony’s Parish in Taunton to Pastor of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans Reverend Carlos Patiùo-Villa, Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket and Minister to the Spanish-speaking community of Nantucket Effective June 27, 2018 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of: Reverend Marcel H. Bouchard, Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket Reverend Robert J. Powell, Pastor of Saint Lawrence Parish in New Bedford Effective June 27, 2018 Reverend Gastao Oliveira, Pastor of Santo Christo Parish in Fall River Effective July 15, 2018 His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointments and transfers: Very Reverend Jeffrey Cabral, J.C.L., Pastor of Santo Christo Parish in Fall River while remaining Diocesan Judicial Vicar Reverend John M. Schrader, Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Parish in Mansfield to Parochial Vicar of Saint Mark Parish in Attleboro Falls, Sacred Heart Parish and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in North Attleboro and Co-Chaplain of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro while remaining Associate Director of Vocations and Seminarians Effective July 15, 2018 Reverend Kevin A. Cook, Pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, while remaining Director of Vocations and Seminarians Reverend Mark R. Hession, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk to Pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton Effective August 1, 2018 The Anchor - June 1, 2018
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Diocesan judicial vicar appointed first-time pastor of Santo Christo Parish By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — When the judicial vicar for the Fall River Diocese, Father Jeffrey Cabral J.C.L., was summoned to the bishop’s office for a meeting last month, he just assumed it “had something to do with my Tribunal work,” he said. “One part of the meeting did deal with that — but then the bishop surprised me with it,” Father Cabral recently told The Anchor. The surprise Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha,
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S.D.V. had in store for Father Cabral was an appointment to his firstever pastoral assignment at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, assuming administrative duties from longtime pastor Father Gastão Oliveira, who opted to retire next month. “He prefaced it by saying, ‘I know that you’ve moved a lot in these last few years (and) this next assignment should bring you a little bit more stability,’” Father Cabral said. “So that’s how he prefaced it.” The key reason for the lack of stability in Father Cabral’s ministry in recent years has been his
full-time responsibilities as the judicial vicar for the diocese, dealing with Marriage annulments and judging canon law cases at the Tribunal Office. As
such, he has been alternately “in residence” at a rectory or has assisted as a parochial vicar in a variety of parishes. Since his ordination in 2002, Father Cabral has served as parochial vicar at St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton; was chaplain to Taunton Catholic Middle School and CoyleCassidy High School in Taunton; was in residence at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, along with Good Shepherd Parish and Holy Name Parish in Fall River; was parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield; and was most recently in residence at St. Mark’s Parish in Attleboro Falls. He even had a brief stint as parochial administrator for five months in 2012. “With the untimely death of (pastor) Father Raul Lagoa, I was asked to be the administrator at St. John of God Parish (in Somerset) in addition to my Tribunal work, which I think along with all the other assignments has helped in my future work as a pastor,”
Father Cabral said. “Even though I was assigned full-time to Tribunal work since I came back from Washington in 2010, I’ve always been involved in parish life in the parishes where I’ve resided.” Noting that his almost yearly relocating routine had become something of a running joke among his family members, friends and even some of the clergy here in the diocese, Father Cabral said he is looking forward to finally settling down in one place. “I always joke around saying my first assignment was five years at St. Anthony’s in Taunton and I have yet to beat that record,” he said. “My second longest assignment was the three years I spent studying at Catholic University down in Washington D.C. Ever since I came back from Washington, I’ve yet to beat three years.” Like so many diocesan priests today, Father Cabral will now be handling two jobs, as he will also retain his full-time role managing the Tribunal, but will now reside at and additionally oversee the day-to-day operations of the oldest existing LusoAmerican parish in the Fall River Diocese. “I was the last full-time priest working for the Chancery who wasn’t also serving as a pastor,” he said. “Even the vicar general and the moderator of the curia are also pastors.” While the appointment came as something of a surprise, Father Cabral realized that eventually he would be called upon to shepherd a parish. “I never wrote in for a
change (of assignment),” he said. “I figured if they need me, they’re going to ask me. Every year I write an annual report about the ongoing state of the Tribunal and it was either on last year’s report or two years ago, I had mentioned how I know with the decreasing number of clergy that eventually I would most likely have to serve as a pastor and judicial vicar, as some of my fellow judicial vicars have. Many are also serving as both judicial vicar and a pastor.” Although the appointment means his workload will increase, Father Cabral said he is prepared for the challenge and welcomes the opportunity to “oversee a portion of the people of God and attend to their Spiritual needs” while remaining “mindful of the needs here at the Tribunal.” “I guess it’s more responsibilities, but at least I’m looking forward to the 10-minute drive versus the 45-minute drive,” he said. Being of Portuguese descent, there’s also a sense of pride in Father Cabral becoming the pastor of the historic Azorean parish, named after the church on the island of São Miguel that annually pays homage to its patron namesake, Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Holy Christ of the Miracles), with a well-known feast and procession. “The annual Santo Christo Feast here is one of the major events I’ll have to oversee,” Father Cabral said. Although he has visited his new parish’s counTurn to page 21
Bishop to ordain three new priests at St. Mary’s Cathedral June 9
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — Ever since he was a child, growing up in a small neighborhood of just 10 homes in Medellin, Columbia, Juan Carlos Muñoz Montoya felt drawn to the priesthood. So it was inevitable that at a young age, he found himself regularly visiting a group of nuns who lived in the last house in that close-knit community. “I did some work, some stuff for the parish, and I used to go with them and pray,” Muñoz Montoya said. “And they would say when I was praying with them: ‘You know you have a gift.’ And I was saying to myself: ‘What do they see? I don’t know what it is.’ So I just kept praying for that.” On Saturday, June 9, the gift that the Sisters of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena Congregation recognized all those years ago is about to be bestowed on Montoya and the Fall River Diocese when he — along with Matthew Gerard Gill and Daniel Mark Nunes — will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at St. Mary’s Cathedral during a Mass celebration at 11 a.m. The trio of transitional deacons recently sat down with The Anchor before their
to enter St. John’s Seminary in Brighton the following fall, where he spent six years in formation. “I think the years of formation really do work,” Gill said. “Both the academics and the Spiritual life there, along with the fraternity, really do form you; along with being in the diocese, seeing priests in the diocese. The whole seminary formation process is so much more than just the academics, although they are important.” During his formation, Gill served in different assignments in the diocese, including Holy Family Parish in East Taunton; Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Falmouth; and most recently Three transitional deacons will be joining the brotherhood of diocesan priests when at St. Ann’s Parish in RaynBishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., ordains them at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on ham, while assisting the June 9. They include, from left, Daniel Mark Nunes, Juan Carlos Muñoz Montoya, and Hispanic community at St. Matthew Gerard Gill. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza) Mary’s Parish in Taunton. He also honed his Spanish skills at the Mexican-Amerand Bishop Feehan High friends to adoration, and a thinking about the priestican Catholic College and lot of students in the Catho- School. At McDaniel Colhood in high school, but attended The Rome Experilege in Westminster, Md., lic campus ministry would said “a lot of the seeds were ence in Rome, Italy. pray the Rosary together. So Gill majored in environplanted when my mom beNunes’ path to the priestgan to take my brother and I it was just a really formative mental policy sciences and minored in Spanish studies. hood was a little different to daily morning Mass at St. time there in college. That in that he started formareally kind of led me to my He graduated in 2012 and John’s.” vocation.” was accepted by the diocese “But I think a lot of it Turn to page nine came (later) when I was in college,” Gill said. “I went to McDaniel College in Maryland. I loved my time there very much. There was a parish just down the street and the priests there encouraged me without me ever saying ordinations to discuss their respective long and winding roads to the altar. For Gill, a native of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, he recalled first
anything about a vocation. They actually came up to me and said: ‘You’d make a good priest one day.’ They also had an adoration chapel there, so I would go with
The son of William and Mary Gill, Matt was born in 1990 and grew up in Attleboro with his brother, Timothy. He attended St. John the Evangelist School
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Anchor Editorial
Abortion in Ireland
Last weekend Ireland voted to end protections for the unborn, abrogating the eighth amendment to its constitution, which had been placed there in 1983. Reuters reported, “Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation backed the change by two-to-one, a far higher margin than any opinion poll in the run-up to the vote had predicted.” Why is that no longer a “deeply Catholic nation?” Because of the terrible example that we Catholics have given to the population of the country, especially us clerics (but also, sometimes religious and laity, too), that’s why. We brought this on ourselves (and on the innocent unborn, who will have to pay with their lives for our arrogance and sins). The New York Times article on the repeal stated in the first paragraph that it was “sweeping aside generations of conservative patriarchy and dealing the latest in a series of stinging rebukes to the Roman Catholic Church.” The Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, said Saturday, “Today is an historic day for Ireland. A quiet revolution has taken place. Everyone deserves a second chance. This is Ireland’s second chance to treat everyone equally and with compassion and respect. We have voted to look reality in the eye and we did not blink.” Actually, they are not looking reality in the eye; they are denying the humanity of the unborn and depriving them of the only chance they have to live. The Pro-Life group, Save The 8th, issued a statement, “What Irish voters did yesterday is a tragedy of historic proportions. However, a wrong does not become a right simply because a majority support it.” The Reuters article ended with a quote in which they did not see the stupid irony in what they were reporting and what the speaker quoted was saying. It ended: “‘For him, it’s a different Ireland that we’re moving onto,’ said Colm O’Riain, a 44-year-old teacher referring to his son Ruarai, born 14 weeks premature in November who was in his arms. ‘It’s an Ireland that is more tolerant, more inclusive and where he can be whatever he wants without fear of recrimination.’” Actually, had the Irish constitution been changed before November 2017, little Ruarai could have been killed in the womb, too, and could have been just torn apart and thrown away, instead of having any future in this world. The New York Times noted that “the Church lost much of its credibility in the wake of scandals involving pedophile priests and thousands of unwed mothers who were placed into servitude in so-called Magdalene OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org
Vol. 62, No. 11
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 $25.00 per year, for U.S. addresses. Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address
PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org
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The Anchor - June 1, 2018
laundries or mental asylums as recently as the mid-1990s.” Evil leads to evil. Our choice to allow these things to go on back then has led to this choice of the majority of Irish voters to throw out protections for the unborn. The Pro-Life movement in Ireland wisely did not want the Church to be involved in the campaign against the referendum. As The Times reported, “Anti-abortion campaigners actively discouraged [the Church’s] participation, preferring to emphasize moral values and human rights rather than religion, possibly to avoid being tarnished by the Churchrelated scandals.” The Times also quoted Professor Gail McElroy of Trinity College Dublin, who said of the referendum, “It is the final nail in the coffin for [the Church hierarchy]. They’re no longer the pillar of society, and their hopes of reestablishing themselves are gone.” What a tremendous shame that we threw away our influence in that country, not because we were great witnesses to the Gospel, but because we wanted to “protect” the institution of the Church, while forgetting that the victims (of the sexual abuse and of the “laundries”) were also part of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, and deserved respect and protection, instead of grave psychological (and sometimes physical) injury. Anne Fox, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, sent out an email on Saturday, mourning the vote. After listing all of the implications for legal changes in the Republic of Ireland (“the South”), she warned, “As if all that weren’t enough, Amnesty International is already going after Northern Ireland, which still protects babies.” Amnesty International became a “pro-choice” campaigner in 2007. Fox looked back and looked forward, searching for hope in this sad situation. “My Irish grandparents were so proud of the fact that the Irish monks re-evangelized Europe after the ‘dark ages’ and that Ireland continued to be a beacon — help us continue the work here at home so at some point we may return to and ‘re-evangelize’ Europe!” In other words, just as Ireland had initially received the Catholic faith from evangelizers who came from Continental Europe, but then centuries later had to send missionaries to re-evangelize the continent, so Fox notes that the faith came to Massachusetts mainly from Ireland and now we need to work so as to bring the faith back to the “old sod.” Our actions and prayers (or lack of them) have grave impacts, beyond what is right in front of us. May the lesson of Ireland be learned by us as we imitate Christ’s humility, not Satan’s arrogance, and seek to truly build a Pro-Life world.
Daily Readings June 2 – June 15
Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. June 2, Jude 17,20b-25; Ps 63:2-6; Mk 11:2733. Sun. June 3, 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 14:1216,22-26. Mon. June 4, 2 Pt 1:2-7; Ps 91:1-2,14-16; Mk 12:1-12. Tues. June 5, 2 Pt 3:12-15a,17-18; Ps 90:2-4,10; Mk 12:13-17. Wed. June 6, 2 Tm 1:1-3,6-12; Ps 123:1-2; Mk 12:18-27. Thurs. June 7, 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5,8-10,14; Mk 12:28-34. Fri. June 8, Hos 11:1,3-4,8c-9; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Eph 3:8-12,14-19; Jn 19:31-37. Sat. June 9, 2 Tm 4:1-8; Ps 71:8-9,14-15b,16-17,22; Lk 2:41-51. Sun. June 10, Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Gn 3:9-15; Ps 130:1-8; 2 Cor 4:13—5:1; Mk 3:20-35. Mon. June 11, Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 98:1-6; Mt 5:1-12. Tues. June 12, 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5,7-8; Mt 5:13-16. Wed. June 13, 1 Kgs 18:2039; Ps 16:1-2,4-5,8,11; Mt 5:17-19. Thurs. June 14, 1 Kgs 18:41-46; Ps 65:1013; Mt 5:20-26. Fri. June 15, 1 Kgs 19:9a,11-16; Ps 27:7-9c,13-14; Mt 5:27-32.
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The abortion exception to the practice of discrimination
n most political and cultural circles, for decades, there has been much talk, passionate action and legal success in the fight against unjust discrimination. Persons are created equal in dignity and most people naturally rebel when someone suffers prejudice or injustice on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, handicap or other reasons. But one area that generally gets a pass from the typical opprobrium that attends brazen discrimination is the practice of abortion. Discrimination in favor of abortion is somehow ignored and permitted by so many who in no other circumstances would tolerate it. Among some social circles such discrimination is sometimes almost treated as genteel. The practice of abortion is clearly racist. In the United States, for example, according to the Centers for Disease Control, an AfricanAmerican woman is five times more likely, and a Latina twice as likely, to have an abortion than a white woman. Even though African-American women comprise just 12 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 36 percent of abortions. Could the disparities have anything to do with the fact that a disproportionate number of Planned Parenthood and abortion facilities are built in minority communities? Internationally, there is an obviously racial and abortive pattern to development assistance. In the last 20 years, for example, there has
been a shift in foreign aid combination of pre-gebudgets to African coun- netic screening followed tries. According to The by sex-selection aborOrganization for Ecotion. Many groups and nomic Cooperation and agencies that say they Development’s recent are advancing the cause analysis of Foreign Aid of women and girls are to Africa (2014), more notably silent when the money is now being given most vulnerable of those for population control they claim to be defendprograms than for health, ing are being systematiwater supply, sanitation cally targeted. Such tacit and education — and almost more than for Putting Into all of them comthe Deep bined. For other continents and By Father regions of similar Roger J. Landry socioeconomic status, population control budgets comprise just a small per- cooperation in this lethal centage of development form of discrimination assistance. There’s clearly against girls is, at the an unmistakable priority very least, inconsistent. among some in developed The practice of abornations to have fewer tion similarly discrimibabies from Africa. nates against the handiThe practice of aborcapped — and does so tion is also sexist. While baldly. We see this in over the course of several a particularly repellant decades there has been way in the case of those much progress ending diagnosed in the womb discrimination against with Down Syndrome. women in the workplace, Last August, CBS News education, healthcare, reported that Iceland was culture, access to owneron the verge of eliminatship and control over ing Down Syndrome, but land and other property, what it really meant was financial services, inthat Iceland was elimiheritance law and other nating those with Down legal structures, there Syndrome, because 100 has been relatively little percent of parents of work against ending the babies who receive a prepractice of the systematic natal diagnosis of Down discrimination against Syndrome have been the youngest girls in the choosing to end the life womb. As scholar Mara of their son or daughter. Hvistendahl documented In Croatia, it’s similarly in her monumental work 100 percent; in Denmark, “Unnatural Selection,” 98; in France, Germany there is now an interand Spain, 96; in many national deficit of 160 other countries, more million girls who have than 90. gone “missing,” because Rather than stop it, they have been preferen- many abet it. In Novemtially chosen to have their ber last year, one of the lives ended through the members of the United
Nations Human Rights Committee, based in Geneva, stated during an official meeting, “If you tell a woman, ‘Your child has Down Syndrome or that he may have a handicap forever, for the rest of his life,’ it should be possible for her to resort to abortion to avoid the handicap as a preventive measure.” Defending those with disabilities, he said, “does not mean that we have to accept to let a disabled fetus live.” How can such a position be consistent with the human rights of those with disabilities? In a March 14 column in the Washington Post, George Will made the case that what we’re confronting with respect to Down Syndrome, in Iceland and beyond, is a “genocide,” the deliberate attempt to eliminate a category of people. Speaking in June 2016 at a Jubilee Mass for the Sick and Those with Disabilities, Pope Francis spoke to the logic behind those who permit the practice of aborting those with disabilities. “It is thought that sick or disabled persons cannot be happy,” he said, “since they cannot live the lifestyle held up by the culture of pleasure and entertainment. In some cases, we are even told that it is better to eliminate them as soon as possible. They fail to understand the real meaning of life, which also has to do with accepting suffering and limitations. The world does not become better because
only apparently ‘perfect’ people live there but [becomes better] when human solidarity, mutual acceptance and respect increase.” Last October, at a Vatican Conference on People with Disabilities, Pope Francis said that “at the cultural level, through a prevailing false understanding of life an often narcissistic and utilitarian vision unfortunately leads not a few to consider persons with disabilities as if [their condition] prevents one from achieving happiness and self-fulfillment. It is demonstrated by the eugenic trend of ending the lives of the unborn who show some form of imperfection.” What can we learn from the abortion exception to the practice of discrimination? I think we can see how corrosive permitting abortion is to moral reasoning in general. Most people opposed to racism, sexism and discrimination against those with disabilities are at the very least uneasy with the use of abortion preferentially to eliminate African-Americans, girls, or the physically or mentally disabled. They recognize, however, that if they were to say or insist that abortion shouldn’t be used against certain categories of people, then logically they would have to answer the question why should it be permitted against anyone. If it’s against the human dignity of some, isn’t it against the human dignity of everyone? Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com. The Anchor - June 1, 2018 7
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ecent news articles exploring the post-#MeToo world of romance have noted the phenomenon of cell phone “consent apps,” allowing millennials to sign digital contracts before they have sex with their peers, sometimes strangers they have just met. Many of these apps are being refined to include a panic button that can be pressed at any time to withdraw any consent given. Lawyers reviewing the practice, as might be anticipated, have urged caution, noting that consent apps are not able to provide definitive proof of consent, because feelings may “change throughout an evening, and even in the moments before an act.” When we look at modern views about sex, it’s not a stretch to sum them up this way: as long as two consenting adults are involved, the bases are covered. When it comes to “sex in the moment,” consent is touted as key, allowing for almost all mutually-agreed upon
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The Anchor - June 1, 2018
Consenting to sex
behaviors or practices. surrendering of our self Yet this approach to sex to another. Sex ultimately is fundamentally flawed, speaks of giving our self, and it’s often the woman and receiving another, who is the first to notice. in a total, rather than a Even when consenting fragmentary way. This unmarried couples scrupulously use Making Sense contraception, there remains Out of an awareness, Bioethics particularly on the By Father Tad part of the woman, Pacholczyk that a pregnancy could follow, and a concern about who will be left holding is part of the reason the bag if that were to why this unique human happen. Sex between activity holds a perennial men and women involves fascination for us; it real asymmetries and goes far beyond other vulnerabilities, with men forms of communication, oftentimes being, in exchange, and bonding. the words of sociologist To give our self fully to Mark Regnerus, “less another, and to receive discriminating” in their that person fully, forms sex drives than women, a bond with them that eager to forge ahead as extends beyond the long as there appears morning dawn. Human to be some semblance sexual union is not a mere of consent. Women joining of bodies, but is often sense, rightly, that preeminently a joining of consent for a particular human hearts. It is, at its sexual act ought to core, consenting to share be part of something one of the deepest parts bigger, a wider scope of of our self with another. commitment. As Dr. Angela Franks has Consenting to sex, perceptively noted: of course, signifies the “Sexuality is not simply
a matter of something that I have, as though my body is another possession just like my wallet or my car. If, as Gabriel Marcel said, ‘I am my body,’ then sexuality has to do with my very person, which has a deep value. To use the language of St. Pope John Paul II, when a person is reduced to being merely an object for another’s desire, then the experience violates the core of one’s sense of self.” In casual sexual encounters, the consent we give each other may seem sincere and genuine, expressing our desires within the moment, but this kind of consent is largely transactional and temporary. By consenting to pre-marital or extramarital sex, we declare, in effect, that we are giving ourselves, our bodies and our hearts to each other, although in truth, our giving remains partial and conditional, and we may be out the door the next morning or the next month. Our consent, limited and qualified as it is, amounts to little more than an agreement to use each other as long as it’s convenient, and when the break up occurs, we are hurt, because we thought we had something special, even though we didn’t really want to commit to anything special. In the final analysis, human sexual activity calls for something much deeper and more abiding than mere transactional consent, namely, the irrevocable and permanent consent of spouses. Professor William May describes it
this way: “In and through his act of marital consent the man, forswearing all others, has given himself irrevocably the identity of this particular woman’s husband, while the woman, in and through her self-determining act of marital consent, has given herself irrevocably the identity of this particular man’s wife, and together they have given themselves the identity of spouses. Husbands and wives, precisely because they have given themselves irrevocably to each other in Marriage, have established each other as irreplaceable, non-substitutable, nondisposable persons and by doing so have capacitated themselves to do things that nonmarried individuals simply cannot do, among them to ‘give’ themselves to one another in the act proper and exclusive to spouses — the marital act — and to receive the gift of life.” Through the enduring commitment of marital consent, a man and a woman establish the foundation for personal sexual consent. In the absence of that larger marital commitment, all other consents, even with legalized authorization or electronic notarization, ring hollow. Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www. ncbcenter.org.
Bishop to ordain three new priests on June 9 continued from page five
tion in 2001 but eventually took a little time off in between, right after graduating from Our Lady of Providence Seminary in 2005. “I went and I worked for some companies and I got a lot of managerial experience,” Nunes said. “I was able to learn how to be a boss — not only a boss, but really a leader of men. And that really helped me in my field and cemented my vocation. But again, I always had that tug to come back, there was always that emptiness in my heart that said: ‘All right, this isn’t what you need to do for the rest of your life.’” Born in 1983, Dan is the son of Paul and Karen Nunes and grew up in his home parish of St. Dominic’s in Swansea with his brother, Jeremy. Over the years, he nurtured his faith by attending the Catholic Leadership Institute and YES! Retreats and graduated from Bishop Connolly High School in 2001. He entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, R.I. and graduated from Providence College with a major in philosophy in 2005. He spent a year studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., and then transferred to St. John’s Seminary in Brighton in 2007, where he completed his studies in 2010. “I remember talking to a lot of the priests who would come to our parish,” Nunes said. “They’d come for functions, they’d come for a Confirmation, they’d come for various dinners that we had. And I remember asking each one of them: ‘Are you happy with what you’re doing?’ And each one of them said: ‘I wouldn’t do anything else.’ And so that really got me to go into the college seminary.” Since entering the seminary, Nunes has been assigned to Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford; St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport; St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart parishes in North Attleboro; St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, where he served for two years as director of Religious Education; and Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. He also attended the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha, Neb., and
most recently has been serving at Holy Name Parish in Fall River. “For me, the wonderful thing has been for the last two years working in parishes and being able to be with parishioners, be there to help them along their journey and just make connections, make relationships, (and) just see the inner workings of a parish for the first time,” Nunes said. “That has been a lot of fun.” Like Nunes, Muñoz Montoya also garnered some real world experience and even managed to earn a medical degree before entering the seminary. “I went into the medical field, but the idea of being a priest was always there,” Muñoz Montoya said. “In the middle of my career, I said to my mom: ‘I’m going to go into the priesthood. I really want to be a priest.’ And she said: ‘Oh, you should pray more.’ And I did. But I felt that God was telling me: ‘No, you should wait.’” Born in 1981, Juan is the son of Maria Victoria Montoya and Jorge Ivan Muñoz. He has two brothers, Jorge and Ivan, and two half sisters, Aida and Valentina. After high school he entered nursing school at the Universidad de Antioquia and during that time he decided to go to medical school to become a doctor. During his time studying medicine, he remained very involved in his faith and evangelization. Torn between serving his native community as a doctor and his own desire to serve God and His Church, Muñoz Montoya soon found himself traveling to the United States because of the lack of priests and the growing need for Spanish-speaking clergy. He was accepted by the Diocese of Trenton, N.J. and studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Newark, N.J. That’s where he fortuitously met Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “Bishop da Cunha used to go to the seminary and you would hear from people that he was very approachable,” Muñoz Montoya said. “He was like you normally see him, you know, always with that big smile. He’s very pastoral and I love
that. I was serving in a parish that had five communities — it was Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English. So we were at a table and my pastor said, ‘Why don’t you recommend Juan Carlos to Bishop da Cunha?’ I met with him and he told me about the situation here in the diocese and he said this is an area that needs vocations.” And so, in 2015, Muñoz Montoya was accepted as a seminarian for the Fall River Diocese. “I feel like God was calling me to (serve here),” Muñoz Montoya said. “I feel like I was in New Jersey on a mission. I think God was working there, because I didn’t work so hard to come here and that’s really one of the things that gave me that conviction. It was not about me, and it is still not about me. It’s all about what God wants.” Since arriving here, he has served at St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro; Sacred Heart and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception parishes in North Attleboro; and at Holy Name Parish in Fall River.
Acknowledging that having three priests ordained in the same year is a rarity of late, the seminarians all expressed hope that this is a growing trend in the Fall River Diocese and encouraged others to consider the priesthood. “The most important thing is whatever God wants you to do with your life,” Gill said. “And I think you only find that out when you sit with Him in prayer, especially in Eucharistic Adoration, when you just allow Him to speak in the silence, speak to your heart.” “I would say simply, ask someone,” Nunes said. “Your vocation is never just between you and God alone. When it comes right down to it, every single priest out there had to ask someone. They asked other priests what attracted them to the priesthood, and why they should do it. And they got great advice. So don’t be afraid to ask your parish priest.” “I think prayer is the most important thing,” Muñoz Montoya added. “I have also made a point of reading Turn to page 20
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By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
EAST FREETOWN — For more than two years Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. has set his sights on creating a more vibrant, welcoming, active and evangelical diocese. And it’s no secret that he wants those he shepherds to be a large part of that process — “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope.” In addition to two major publications to all diocesan faithful, mapping out strategies and hopes for the future, Bishop da Cunha has enthusiastically sought the ideas and recommendations from everyone across the diocese. In this year’s newly-instituted listening sessions, the bishop has invited folks from all parishes to share their thoughts and hopes. He has reached out to those who make up the local Church and has held such sessions in English, Portuguese and Spanish. In one of his final formal listening sessions, Bishop da Cunha is reaching out to perhaps the most important core group of Catholics in the diocese — its young
Bishop invites diocesan young people to join in strategic planning for the diocese
people — with a listening session.” ing place this October at session for youth on June Claire McManus, direc- the Vatican. 27 from 1-3:30 p.m. at tor of the diocesan Faith She said the United Cathedral Camp in East Formation Office and States Conference of Freetown. Youth and Young Adult Catholic Bishops has also “When we started Ministry, has been actively placed great emphasis planning for the listeninvolved in organizing the on reaching out to youth ing sessions, the question upcoming youth session. in anticipation of the of having one for young “The listening session synod by launching people was always there will take place during CLI The National Dialogue in the conversation,” the so we are weaving it into (nationaldialogue.info/) bishop told The to train those in hen we started planning for contact with youth Anchor. “We all the listening sessions, the know that if we on how to engage question of having one for young peowant a vibrant in discussions with Church for the them in a nonple was always there in the conversafuture, we need tion,” the bishop told The Anchor. “We judgmental way. to keep young “Bringing all know that if we want a vibrant people connected Church for the future, we need to keep youth together and engaged in from the parishes young people connected and engaged in will give them an the Church and the Church and in their faith.” in their faith. opportunity to “During the voice their feellistening sessions we had, the leadership training ings about their local people constantly remind- for the youth,” McManus parish, since most will not told The Anchor. “We will have a global perspective ed me about the need to ask the CLI youth to help on the Church,” McMainvolve young people in organize the groups when nus added. “The challenge the revitalization of the for the bishop and those diocese and of the parish- they come in, but we also want them to take part by charged with the task of es. So, we discussed how, sifting through the comwhen and where to have a giving their input. listening session for young “The bishop has person- ments is to get beneath people and we agreed to ally invited every person the surface of what may have it in connection with whom he confirmed this seem like stating the the Christian Leaderyear, and sent bookmarks obvious. For example, we ship Institute (CLI), since with the information to conducted a test run of many young people are everyone who was conthe listening sessions at already attending CLI and firmed. We are also askthe High School Youth it will a good opportuing each parish to send Convention in March nity to bring other young eight-10 youth, and to and heard such things people to participate and help them get there by as ‘church is boring’ and ‘Religious Ed is boring.’ engage them in a listening providing car pools.” McManus said the lisWhen you scratch the tening to youth has been surface we might look into a major priority for the how Mass engages the greater Church, especially youth. It has nothing to with the upcoming Synod do with the kind of music on Youth that will be tak- played, but is it done well
“W
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and is it joyful and uplifting? Are homilies mindful of the challenges youth face, or are their concerns ignored or are they blamed for being enticed by the culture.? Do we need to move away from a Sunday school model of Religious Ed and look at ways to transmit Church teaching on faith and morals in a way that cuts through boring rhetoric? “Listening sessions with youth may not reveal such insights, but their comments should initiate additional reflection and eventually lead to change.” In Bishop da Cunha’s most recent publication, “Introducing Strategic Planning,” with regards to youth and young adult ministries he stressed the need to “explore ways to pool resources and coordinate programs, recruit effective leaders, develop age-appropriate communications platforms and organize events that inspire this age group to participate.” He told The Anchor that this youth listening session “will be different from the other sessions. It will be geared to young people, appropriate to their age, with different questions for them to reflect and to address.” McManus added, “The listening sessions are an important part of the process of creating a strategic plan because the people in the parishes raise awareness of issues and needs that can be addressed going forward.” For more information on the Youth Listening Session on June 27, contact Claire McManus at cmcmanus@dfrcs.org or call 508-675-1311.
Thursday 31 May 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ne thing I’ve noticed about Pope Francis, dear readers, is that he tends to laugh a lot. Media reports are full of images of His Holiness smiling and laughing. I think the pope is on to something. When the Blessed Virgin Mary visited Elizabeth, she sang, “My Spirit rejoices in God my Savior” but I have never seen a single image of a joyful saint. The Bible reports that Jesus wept but nowhere does it say Jesus laughed. Is this an oversight or is it that piety and devotion have somehow been equated with a stern countenance? I recall a dark and dreary picture in my elementary school textbook. It showed the Pilgrims trudging along on their way to worship at the Plymouth Meeting House. Even as a very young Catholic, that was as far as one could get from my own experience of the faith. We are Catholic, therefore we celebrate. “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there’s always laughter and good red wine. At least I’ve always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!” as Hilaire Belloc put it. Everybody seems to acknowledge that joy and laughter are essential human attributes, but among many Christians, joy is often frowned upon. Didn’t your mother teach you not to laugh in church? I rest my case. “Deliver me, O Lord, from sour-faced saints!”
O
Spirit rejoices
prayed St. Teresa of laughter. Avila. “Laugh and grow Holy humor, on the strong,” advised St. Igother hand, is an expresnatius of Loyola. “I want sion of a joyful heart. Joy no long-faced saints,” lightens whatever burdens St. John Bosco warned. you happen to be carrySt. Francis de Sales ing. The best way to deal observed, “A sad saint with hard times is with makes a sorry saint.” St. faith and humor. LaughThomas Aquinas taught, “HappiThe Ship’s Log ness is the natural life of man.” The Reflections of a Angelic doctor Parish Priest referred to the By Father Tim uniquely human Goldrick ability to laugh as “risibility.” Seems these saints were also on ter is how we manage to to something. survive the pain of the “Don’t get stuck in the moment. “Humor is pain, trap of telling a joke at given time,” observed the beginning of every Carol Burnett. Mark sermon,” warned my sem- Twain commented that inary professor. This has the source of humor is proven to be wise advice. sorrow. A sermon is not a comedy The best target of routine nor is worship an humor, it seems to me, entertainment. Still, you is ourselves. Laughing at do want to get people’s ourselves is an infallible attention. sign of humility. It’s an Sometimes I begin a indication that we’re not sermon with a joke, but taking ourselves too serithe joke falls flat. Nobody ously. How, after all, can a laughs. They just don’t get pompous person stand in it. Sometimes I begin the prayer before the throne homily on a serious note, of Almighty God without but everybody laughs laughing at the ridicuuproariously. I don’t get it. One can’t plan these things in advance. Joy happens in the moment. That’s why people say, “Well, I guess you would have had to have been there.” Laughter, unfortunately, can be used in a sinful way. Sometimes people laugh openly at others in ridicule or contempt. Others laugh “behind their backs” or “up their sleeve.” “Having the last laugh” can be vindictive. Some may laugh in disbelief at what others hold to be Sacred. This is the most hateful form of
lousness of his or her own pretensions? Sometimes people tell me I don’t smile enough. There’s actually a reason for this. During adolescence, I developed the habit of hiding a dental defect by covering my mouth. Decades after cosmetic dentistry, I still tend to maintain a poker face. Old habits die hard. Others have told me I laugh too loudly. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you to be more reserved?” a brother priest once asked. “Laughing out loud is unbecoming of a priest. Just smile politely.” You know me, dear readers. I laughed off the comment. Sometimes, you just can’t win. Ever watch some of these “feel good” television preachers? Notice that they smile constantly. Well, that’s the other extreme. Some television evangelists may be making money hand over fist, but their smiles are patently plastic.
A joyful spirit does not necessarily result in a perpetually beaming countenance. Holy humor is not a mood but a worldview. It’s a way of looking at ourselves and at the world in which we live. Sometimes, if you want to make people laugh, your face must remain serious. Look at the classic stage presence of Jack Benny during his 42 years of comedic performances. I have seen similar body language used by Hal Roach, the late Irish comedian. He is in the “Guinness Book of Records” for spending 26 years on stage at one venue — Jury’s Hotel in Dublin. Straight-faced humor worked well for both of them. “Angels fly because they take themselves lightly. Satan fell by the force of gravity,” G.K. Chesterton wryly quipped. Amen to that. Anchor columnist Father Tim Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.
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Ryan Healy lies prostrate on the floor at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River during the Litany of Saints at the May 19 ceremony at which he was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. At right, the bishop recites the consecratory prayer over Deacon Healy, who committed himself to obedience, a celibate life and daily recitation of the Divine Office. He may now bestow the Sacrament of Baptism, preach during Liturgies and witness Marriages. He is scheduled to become a priest of the Diocese of Fall River in 2019. (Photos by Deacon Alan Thadeu)
Anchor announces renewal and price changes
FALL RIVER — The Anchor, the official Catholic newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River, has announced a few changes of which current subscribers should be made aware. At the renewal date for each subscriber, the annual cost for The Anchor will become $25. This is the first rate increase for The Anchor in more than 10 years. While we realize it may be an extra burden to some, the $20 cost did not cover printing and mailing overheads. At the new rate, it still works out to costing subscribers less than $1 per issue, far less than most publications. The Anchor is also offering its readers the option to renew for two years at $45 for 52 issues, a savings of $5. The date in which the subscription will 12
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expire will be listed in each edition above the name and address of the subscriber on page 24. Subscribers are encouraged to renew their subscription by that date by sending a check or money order for $25 made payable to The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Subscribers may also renew via PayPal by visiting The Anchor website at anchornews.org and pressing the “Subscribe” button and following the on-screen directions. We cannot accept credit card payments by phone. If a payment isn’t received within 30 days of the expiration date, The Anchor will send out one reminder notice. A sample of the new mailing labels appears in today’s edition on page 24.
I
took a seat at the table nearest the entrance with a clear view of the road, giving me easy access to escape in case the party got too wild and rowdy. The ladies of the settlement began to arrive, on Kalaupapa time, laden with dishes of delicious homecooked foods, causing the teeth to swim around in my mouth in anticipation. Soon I was surrounded by lovely women (lucky me) like a honey tree in a forest of bears. It was exciting. Here we were gathered in the evening of the day to celebrate and say best wishes to David who was retiring from his post in the National Park Service. This would be a fun evening at the Lions Club Ocean View Pavilion. The Ocean View Pavilion sits at a bend in the road a little more than half-way to our famous Kalaupapa International Airport. It stands just a few yards from the water where one can look out to sea and, given the right atmosphere, see the island of Oahu off in the distance. Westward Ho! While the
Looking out to sea past and to brighten the view is always beautiful, future. So all contributhe winter swells often tions to the Kalaupapa offer spectacular scenes of breakers a few hundred yards offshore. Sometimes these almost enMoon Over gulf the remains of Molokai a ship which went down on the reefs By Father in the 1930s while Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. the crew had been intaking too much “orange juice,” and Lions Club for this end mistook the lighthouse will be most welcomed light for the pier light — and most appreciated. or so the story goes. According to Valerie Monson, a retired writer/ reporter for the Maui News and presently the secretary general of our Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa memorial group, the pavilion was completed in its present dimensions in 1970. It is equipped with electricity, running water and cooking facilities, and across the road are the all important public toilets. It is a place for the Kalaupapa community to gather and celebrate birthdays, picnics, departures and other community or family events. Now it needs a face-lift to highlight the
The night wore on, the music filled the air and the drinks continued to flow. One of the ladies offered me a drink that I had never tried previously. Of course I accepted it — just to be social. It did not impair me in the least. Someone else had me try some Sake and again I resolved to be social — like any good pastor. Then I availed myself of the deli-
cious local foods to settle my stomach. Since I was driving, I refrained from any further liquid nourishment, then I climbed into my paddy wagon and cruised home safely. It had been an evening to remember in Kalaupapa and it comes to mind each time I drive by the Lions Club Ocean View Pavilion. Aloha. Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.
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On May 12, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., bestowed the Sacrament of Confirmation on 54 adults at a Mass and ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. Above, the bishop meets with the confirmants following the Confirmation ceremony. Below, the bishop confirms a candidate while others waiting to be confirmed look on. (Photos by Deacon Alan Thadeu)
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Worshipers again set to accompany Blessed Sacrament through New Bedford streets
NEW BEDFORD — As sure as the leaves returning in springtime, worshipers will again take to the New Bedford Streets to accompany the Blessed Sacrament in a procession on June 3 beginning at 2 p.m. at Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, New Bedford. The Sacred event is again organized and made possible through the efforts of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration program at Our Lady’s Chapel, helped by other faith-filled volunteers and the chapel friars. A heartfelt invitation goes out to area priests and deacons, along with sodalities, religious groups and ministries, and all who would like to publicly honor the Sacred Body of Jesus Christ as He processes through the neighborhoods in the historic Whaling City. Groups are encouraged to bring along their banners, and children dressed in the
their first Holy Communion attire are welcome. Groups are asked to inform the organizers of their presence one-half hour before the procession begins. For those who are unable to walk in the procession yet still want to take part, cars and vans will be available to allow them to be part of the blessed event. The Rosary and songs in English and Portuguese will be prayed and sung along the route. The Rosary will also be recited in the cars and vans. The stops will be at Our Lady of Purgatory Church, St. Lawrence Martyr Church, and the Missionaries of Charity Convent, before returning to the chapel. Benediction will take place at each station stop. Those who cannot at all take part in the procession are invited to join the faithful at St. Lawrence Church, 565 County Street at 3:45 p.m. for the last leg.
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Our readers respond The Fund-raiser Recently, I attended a fund-raiser. I went up to the bar to buy a few drinks for friends at my table. As I approached the counter, I noticed a basket with a small sign that read “TIPS.” The basket was loaded with one-dollar bills. I placed my tip in the basket, took my drinks and did not think anything of it. The next morning, I went to church for Sunday Mass. As they started the collection, I took out my envelopes and was ready to make my weekly contribution. As the basket passed me I saw it again, a basket with one-dollar bills (and not even as full as the bas-
ket of tips at the bar). Something everyone has in common is that we all spend our money based on our priorities in life. Everyone has different priorities but, I began thinking, do we equally value someone opening a bottle of beer with a church and priest who is providing us with a path to Heaven? This began to bother me. I started thinking that when I went to church at St. Anne’s in the 1960s my mother would give me a quarter to put in the basket. I browsed the Internet and found a purchase power calculator. Guess what the quarter is equal to in today’s dollars, $1.94! Now, I was
a kid and my mother put in her own envelope. Minimum wage at that time was $1.25, so I was contributing 20 percent of the hourly minimum wage. Today minimum wage is $11 per hour, so giving 20 percent of one hour at minimum wage is equal to $2.20! The point that I want make is that when we regularly throw a buck in the basket, we are saying that we value our Church community equally with a bartender pouring us a drink. When a priest asks us to give as much as we can comfortably, he is not asking to give an amount that has absolutely no effect on our lives. One of the tenets of our faith is sacrifice. If we give one dollar, are we really sacrificing in good faith? These are just some of my thoughts, but I bet if we could all give our fair share in the weekly basket we would surely begin to see a turn-a-round for our parishes. The next round is on you! Bob Gauvin Parishioner St. Anne’s Church Fall River
June 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Jeffrey Cabral, judicial vicar of the Diocese of Fall River’s Tribunal Office.
June 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Michael S. Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet.
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For and About Our Church Youth
Young ladies in grades three through five at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet recently took part in an after-school club called “Tea”-ology with teacher, Miss Ketschke. They enjoyed tea time with other girls after school while learning more about the Catholic faith and spending time in prayer.
At the annual Coyle and Cassidy School Honors Night, students in grades eight-12 were recognized for their many academic, Spiritual, athletic and community contributions. The most prestigious award, Man and Woman of the Year, was given to seniors Michael Norton and Bridget Eddlem. They represent what is best about the Coyle student and strive to excellence in all areas, living out the Taunton school’s motto “Enter to Learn — Leave to Serve.” They are pictured with Kathleen St. Laurent, principal; and Dr. Mary Pat Tranter, president.
American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 recently went on a nature hike at Seekonk Meadows. The girls explored the edge of the pond while completing their Nature and Wildlife Badge. All of the girls enjoyed pausing to listen to the sounds of nature as well as learning about pond life and habitats.
The U10 Futsal team at Holy Name School in Fall River won this season’s championship. They are shown with their coach, Mrs. Brogan.
The second-graders at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro completed the annual Biography Box Project where they read a biography, wrote a summary, designed a biography box and gave an oral presentation.
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For and About Our Church Youth St. Stanislaus Robotics Team ranks in the top 50 worldwide FALL RIVER — The Robotics Team from St. Stanislaus School in Fall River is just two years old, but already they rank 50th out of 10,000 teams worldwide. In April, the six-member team travelled to Louisville, Ky. to compete in their second VEX IQ World Championship. They were one of only three teams to qualify from Massachusetts. Eighth-grade student Ryan Saucier said, “The World competition was a great real-world experience. Last year, we were in over our heads. This year, we earned the world’s respect.” They competed against 78 other teams in the Science Division and finished in eighth place. It has been a lot of work to get to this point. Justin Silva, grade eight, shared; “We trained more than we ever expected, starting in July and meeting twice a week for practices. It was worth it, though. It really paid off in the end. Worlds was really fun.” They finished in first place in their opening two competitions this year which qualified them for regionals. At the 2018 VEX IQ Ringmaster Southern New England Regionals they won the Design Award which qualified them for Worlds. According to Mark Falcon, team coach; “The robot is designed to collect plastic rings using a conveyor belt. After collecting at least six
rings the robot will then use an arm that the rings are stored on to then dump them onto vertical posts. The team scores points on the number of rings placed on the posts and whether or not the rings are of uniform color.” Two teams work together to correctly place the most rings before time runs out. “It has been fascinating to watch this team grow in their skills,” principal Jean Willis told The Anchor. “Their mentors, parents and engineers Lucy and Mark Falcon, made sure that the team built and tested robotic elements for each design idea that they had. As the students built the designs, their thinking grew more sophisticated and they sounded like engineers as they talked things out. When prototypes of design elements didn’t work, the team analyzed each problem and persevered through redesign and testing. They kept their focus on their goal and we saw the fruits of that at VEX Worlds. “The team has created an excitement and enthusiasm for robotics in the school. We hope that some of our graduates might come back to mentor the new members who have been working for two years with Julie Mills in our engineering club as a prerequisite to join the robotics team.” Through participating in robotics, students
Members of the St. Stanislaus School (Fall River) Robotics Team, which placed eighth out of 78 teams nationally are, from left: Zoe Mills, Ryan Saucier, Zachary Falcon, Justin Silva, Jacob Torres, and Connor Gendron.
learn not only engineering and programing, but also problem solving and team work. Sixth-grader Connor Gendron said, “Everybody did their part in designing, building, programming and driving our robot. We went through lots of design ideas for each function.” The Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation who sponsors VEX IQ competitions hopes that students who participate will have an increased desire to pursue careers in STEM fields. Competitions also serve to broaden student’s exposure to other cultures and allows them to interact with peers from around the world. Zoe Millis, grade seven, spoke of her experience,
“We got to compete with teams from Ecuador, New Zealand, China, Louisiana and Wisconsin. We even competed with a team whose family was traveling the U.S. in an RV for the year.” For the St. Stanislaus Robotics team this spring marks the end of an era as four of their founding mem-
bers are graduating. Never ones to shy from competition, the team looks forward to inviting new students to join them in their quest to return to worlds for a third time next year. To learn more visit http:// www.saintstanislaus.com/ or contact Jean Willis at (508)674-6771 or jwillis@ saintstanislaus.com.
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
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New president named for Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School
Taunton — Bernard Audette, Ed.D., has been named as the new president for Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School. Audette is the current principal of Holy Name Central Catholic Junior and Senior High School in Worcester. The appointment of Audette was announced by diocesan superintendent of schools Steve Perla with the approval of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Effective July 1, Audette will replace current Coyle and Cassidy president Mary Pat Tranter, Ph.D., who will move into her new role as director of Strategic Initiatives for the Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Office. During his seven years at Holy Name Central Catholic the school grew in enrollment and stabilized financially. This growth was due, in part, to the changes made to strengthen its academic program including establishing an SAT Preparation Program. In the first three years of the program they have gone from having 51 percent of its students score at or above the national average to 68 percent scoring at or above the national average. They
also became the third Massachusetts school and the first Massachusetts Catholic school to be accepted as a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM schools. Recently Audette helped establish a partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute to design a new collegelevel life science lab at the school that will open in the fall and will house its new Biotechnology and Genetics courses. A 1988 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Audette started his career in finance and completed his MBA at Suffolk University. After 10 years in the finance world Audette felt called to change directions and bring his experience to the classroom. While working for the Quabbin Regional School District, Audette earned his doctorate of education from Argosy University. In his role as Coyle and Cassidy president Audette will be charged with continuing and strengthening the school’s mission and Catholic identity, developing strategic partnerships, collaborating with the principal to increase and strengthen its academic offerings, implementing
Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese. org. The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites. 18
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the strategic plan, advancement, alumni relations, and community building. Upon accepting this position Audette stated, “I feel so blessed to be join-
Dr. Bernard Audette
ing the Coyle and Cassidy family that plays such a significant role in providing Catholic education in the City of Taunton and for the surrounding areas. I am fortunate to be able to join a family of talented and dedicated educators who are so devoted to our Catholic faith and our ministry of education.” Like many in Catholic education, Audette sees his work as a vocation. He shared, “I am committed to a child-centered approach for learning that fosters the discernment and development of each child’s Christ-given gifts. It is through the manifestation of these gifts coming from God’s guidance and a Christ-centered education that shepherds all students to reach their full potential, leading them to nothing short of changing this world. I bring a great vocation to Christ through Catholic education and I share the vision of Superintendent Perla and his team for the continuous improvement and expansion of transformative, authentic Catholic
school experiences for all. It is with great excitement, commitment, and blessing from God that I embrace this opportunity.” In welcoming Audette to this new role Perla said, “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Audette to advance and to strengthen the mission of Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School. I am confident that Dr. Audette’s deep passion for Catholic school education and his prodigious leadership skills will position Coyle and Cassidy for future success.” Assistant superintendent Sandra Drummey chaired the search committee which included Coyle and Cassidy board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. The committee interviewed candidates from across the country before recommending Audette to Superintendent Perla
and Bishop da Cunha for approval. Drummey commented, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Audette to the Diocese of Fall River. He brings with him a true love for Catholic education! I wish to personally thank all of the members of the search committee. Their continued support and guidance during the interview process showed their commitment to the continued success of Coyle and Cassidy.” Perla added, “I want to thank Dr. Tranter for her deep commitment and service to the Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School community. For the past 27 years and 11 of these years as its president, Dr. Tranter has provided extraordinary leadership. I am also grateful to Dr. Tranter for her willingness to expand her role to benefit all of the Diocese of Fall River’s Catholic school students.”
Annual Quo Vadis Days retreat is July 9-13 continued from page two
in the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore. in 2000 by Father John Cihak. “It was in response to St. Pope John Paul II’s request that the Church begin the ‘New Evangelization,’” said Father Cihak. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI once said, “Only when a young man has had a personal experience of Christ, he truly understand the Lord’s Will and consequently his own vocation. The better you know Jesus the more His mystery attracts you. The more you discover Him, the more you are moved to seek Him.” In Matthew’s Gospel account of the transfiguration, he tells the reader that Peter, with his soul so filled with wonder, offered
to the Lord that they “put up three shelters — one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Mt 17:4). The young men attending this year’s Quo Vadis Days retreat may not be inspired to erect three shelters on Mount Monadnock, but there’s a good chance, engulfed by the beauty that will surround them on the mountain side, they may hear God calling them to great things. For more information about the upcoming Quo Vadis Days retreat, or to register, contact Father Cook at frcook@ holyfamilytaunton.org, or call 508-825-5707. For more information on the Quo Vadis Days story, visit qvdays.org.
Significant Anniversaries of Ordination 2018 60 Years Ordained in 1958
Father Henry Kropiwnicki
50 Years Ordained in 1968
Father Edward E. Correia
Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald
Father Jon-Paul Gallant
Father Bernard Vanasse
Father George E. Harrison
40 Years Ordained in 1978
30 Years Ordained in 1988 Not pictured: Father George B. Scales
Father Daniel W. Lacroix The Anchor - June 1, 2018
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Continued from page nine
the Bible, just to get some Scripture passages. Because you need that voice of God telling you, talking to you, to your heart.” While all three seminarians were able to cite countless priests who
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have influenced them along the way and whom they hope to emulate in their own ministry, each has invited one in particular to vest them during the June 9 ordination. For Gill, that honor will be done by Father Kevin Cook, whom he
called “a great influence.” “Father Cook has been very good to me since I’ve been in the seminary,” Gill said. “I was assigned to him for a summer over at Holy Family Parish (in East Taunton) and he’s just a great priest to emulate. I think our diocese is full of good priests, so it’s hard to narrow it to just one, but if I were to pick just one, I think he’s a good choice.” Nunes has asked Father David Deston to vest him. “He’s been a very good friend to me over the many years and he has helped with my discernment, especially when I left, and he’s just been there for me through everything,” Nunes said. Muñoz Montoya has asked Father Richard Furlong to vest him, as he considers him “to be a mentor.” “He’s amazing, he has a great personality, and he is so loving and kind,” Montoya said. “He is originally from Buffalo, N.Y., but has been here in the diocese for more than 12 years. Right now he is assisting at St. John Neumann Parish with Father Greg Mathias, and he’s helping at Holy Name Parish in Fall River with Father Jay Maddock.” As they prepare to receive Holy Orders, the three transitional deacons all looked ahead with great anticipation to their first Mass celebrations and to beginning their full-time ministry here in the diocese. “It sounds cliché, but I’m most looking forward to celebrating Mass and hearing Confessions. I mean, that’s really the highlight for me,” Gill said. “I guess also helping people to grow in faith and helping them to deepen their prayer life and grow in a relationship with God.” Nunes agreed about celebrating
Mass, but also stressed the importance of hearing Confessions. “I’ve heard the stories of priests who have said that you hear this Confession of somebody who hasn’t gone to Confession in 40 years and you hear in their voice how they change after Confession and how they’re different,” Nunes said. “I look forward to being a doctor of souls and bringing someone back to Christ. I think the more time I spend in the Confessional, the better priest I’m going to be.” “I think all the Sacraments,” Muñoz Montoya added. “To celebrate a Baptism, to celebrate a wedding, to celebrate a funeral. I mean all the most important things that are a part of Christian life, and to be able to relate more with people — to be a father for them. That’s what I’m most looking forward to.” Gill will celebrate his first Mass for his family and friends at his home parish, St. John the Evangelist Church in Attleboro, on Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m., during which he will also deliver the homily. “I wanted to speak to the people who were coming myself, so that was my motive,” he said. Nunes will celebrate his first Mass on Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at Holy Name Church in Fall River. Father Edward Healey, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, will deliver the homily. Muñoz Montoya has opted to celebrate several Masses of Thanksgiving for the various parishes where he’s served prior to ordination. The first Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in North Attleboro on Sunday, June 10 at 11:15 a.m. A second Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Attleboro on Saturday, June 16 at 4 p.m. There will be a Spanish Mass on Sunday, June 17 at 12 noon at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Attleboro. Then the final Mass celebration will take place at Holy Name Church in Fall River on Sunday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. Father José Ruiz Sanchez, who was Montoya’s Spiritual director at the seminary, will deliver the homily at all the Masses.
Judicial vicar becomes first-time pastor continued from page four
terpart in São Miguel, he has never attended the famous celebration. “I’ve been to the church in St. Michael’s, but I’ve never been to the feast there,” he said. “My family’s from the island of Santa Maria, so on our way we spent the day on St. Michael’s, and one of the things you do is you visit the church of Santo Cristo. “I grew up with Portuguese (traditions), but my family was also very Americanized in a sense. I was baptized at a Portuguese parish, but I remember more growing up at St. Julie’s Parish in North Dartmouth. We would go sometimes to one of the Portuguese feasts and attend some of the processions. I’m from a Portuguese background, but I also got the American experience as well.” In fact, despite his name, Father Cabral has the distinction of being the first-ever Americanborn pastor of Santo Christo Parish. “I guess you could say that’s a big change in that there’s no longer a priest coming from the Azores, or from Portugal,” he said. “We’ve reached a point where we have to promote more vocations from within the diocese.” Facing the prospect of celebrating three weekend Masses in Portuguese — there’s currently just one in English at the parish — Father Cabral said he’ll have to start brushing up on his Portuguese. “It’s been officially more than five years since I’ve been assigned to help out with any type of Portuguese ministry on a regular basis,” he said. “That was my time at Good Shepherd Parish in
Fall River. When I lived at Holy Name Parish, I occasionally helped out with Portuguese Masses, maybe the occasional Confession in Portuguese — but it will probably be a time of adjustment for me to get back into that.” As for his immediate plans when he becomes pastor next month, Father Cabral said he just wants to ease into the job and get to know the people of the parish. “I remember back in my seminary days, they
taught us never to make any changes in the first year,” he said. “So I will try to keep that attitude in mind. I think with any new person there’s going to be new ways of doing things, maybe new understandings, perhaps ways to bring the parish into the 21st century. But no glaring changes overall in the beginning. As another priest told me, just being yourself to the people will be a change from their previous pastor.” In the next few weeks
In Your Prayers Please Please pray pray for for these these priests priests during during the the coming coming weeks weeks
June 3 Most Rev. James J. Gerrard, DD. Auxiliary Bishop of Fall River 19591976, Retired Pastor St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1991 Rev. Luis A. Cardoso, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Michael, Fall River, 2011 June 4 Rev. Louis J. Terrien, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1920 Rev. Jose P. d’Amaral, Parochial Vicar, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1949 Rev. George Daigle, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1979
Father Cabral said he’ll be meeting with Father Gastão and “learning from him and perhaps even seeking his help when he’s in retirement.” Unfortunately, one of the things he’ll have to miss is this year’s Santo Christo Feast — the last to be celebrated under Father Gastão — as Father Cabral is already committed to serving on the team for the Christian Leadership Institute retreat, or CLI. This year’s feast will be held the weekend of June 2324, and CLI runs from June 23-28. And with next year’s Santo Christo Feast looming on the horizon, this may be Father Cabral’s final CLI appearance. “In terms of CLI, I know that Santo Christo
Parish has always sent youth to CLI and to the YES! Retreat, so I’m really looking forward to continue having the youth being involved at Santo Christo,” he said. After his return from CLI, Father Cabral will begin the annual process of packing in preparation for another move — only this time he can at least take comfort in the fact that he won’t be merely “in residence.” “I think any priest always looks forward to the day when they become a pastor,” Father Cabral said. “I think when you’re trained in the seminary as a priest, you’re trained to be a priest for the people, a priest in a parish. Except my priesthood took me on a different path. So, I’m very much looking forward to it.”
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. Msgr. Edmond R. Levesque, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 2011 June 6 Rev. Cornelius J. Keliher, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1993 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 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 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
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Around the Diocese All are welcome to join the faith community of St. Patrick’s Parish and the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham in celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday, June 8. The religious communities of the Vocationist Fathers and the Sacred Hearts Community will come together for a special celebration beginning at 3:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High Street in Wareham. A motorcade carrying a statue of the Sacred Heart will proceed to the Retreat Center, 226 Great Neck Road, where an outdoor Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on the grounds. There will be a consecration to the Sacred Heart, as well as a blessing of the cars after Mass. A light reception sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 1528 will follow. For more information, call 508-295-0100. The Massachusetts March for Life will be held on Father’s Day, June 17 to raise money for pregnancy help groups! It will take place with a rally on the Boston Common at 1 p.m., with the march stepping off at 2:30 p.m. Come let the public and legislature know that 1.4 million babies have died in Massachusetts since Roe v. Wade and celebrate a Pro-Life Father’s Day! For more information visit www.masscitizensforlife.org or call 617-242-4199. Christin Jezak will perform her one-woman play “Person-to-Person: A Mother Teresa Project” at St. John of God Church, 996 Brayton Avenue in Somerset on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. She’s been performing the play for the past 11 years across the U.S. and performed for World Youth Day Australia in 2008. The project is the fruit of much research and contemplation of St. Teresa’s beliefs on human dignity. There is no charge for the performance, however freewill offerings will be accepted. For more information visit www.p2ptheatre.com, email debjezak@sjogsomerset.org, or call 508-674-4611. The reunion committee is seeking members of the Class of 1968 at Mount St. Mary’s Academy for its 50th reunion, to be held at the Cove Restaurant in Fall River on June 22. Interested graduates should contact Judi (DePaola) Boardman at mom@team508.org. Alumni from St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet are organizing a 50th Reunion for the class of 1968, and have invited the classes of 1967 and 1969 to join them. This will be held on Saturday, June 23, beginning with a 4 p.m. Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet, followed by a tour of the school, complete with memorabilia and reunion group photos. The Wamsutta Club will be the site for reception and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are $65 per person and there will be no sales at the door. Guests are welcome and more information can be obtained by emailing sfx68reunion@gmail.com or by calling 508-995-4313. Deadline for tickets is May 23. They are also looking for alum Sharon Vutianitis from the class of 1967. The 40th annual Summer Fair to benefit charitable aims of Our Lady of the Cape Parish is set for Saturday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the parish center, Stony Brook Road in Brewster. Sale tables will include baked goods, jewelry, books, antiques, art, toys, tools, household items, crafts, gifts and specialty baskets. Children can enjoy face-painting and games, plus a visit from the Brewster Fire Department. The fair also features a far-ranging silent auction, door prizes and sweepstakes drawings. The Men’s Ministry will provide an indoor café and a barbecue lunch outdoors. Admission is free. Holy Rosary Fraternity Gatherings are held in the hall of St. Jude the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton Street in Taunton on the second Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 508-695-5430. To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org
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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 — 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 at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Main Street, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:30 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. 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). EASTTAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 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. FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m. FALL RIVER — St.Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.,with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m. HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday. MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m. MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass. NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance. NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession. NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time. NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m. NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street. NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232. ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549. Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass. Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m. WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~
East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church. NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549. WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.
T
Star of the day
his is the first Memorial Day weekend without having my dad around. Despite the heartbreaking decline in his mind and body in the final couple of years, I very much enjoyed hearing the stories, often the same ones, about his days serving in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. Some of the stories were humorous, and it always brought a smile to his face when he mentioned his nick-
My View From the Stands By Dave Jolivet
names aboard ship: Frenchy, for obvious reasons; and Cookie, because he was one of the ship’s cooks. Other stories were quite harrowing. Nothing about war is good, and some of his recollections were of him tending to wounded shipmates, sometimes feeding them as if they were infants. Still other stories involved near-death experiences. You see, the two ships on which he served for more than three years were in the thick of some of the fiercest sea and air fighting in that part of the world. Yet Larry’s heart wasn’t hardened by the ferocity of what was going on around him. He softly spoke of when his destroyer, the U.S.S. Meade, sank an enemy submarine and he watched it rise to the surface, then slip slowly back into the ocean for the final time. With tears in his eyes he recounted how his heart broke thinking about the poor human beings aboard the doomed vessel and what they went through. Last weekend, U.S. veterans were at the entrances to many retail stores seeking
donations to help veterans in distress. I usually get quite annoyed at the plethora of organizations that use that method of fund-raising, but when it comes to supporting our U.S. military in any way, I’ll give each time. After always thanking each woman and man at their station, I usually receive a poppy, or Tootsie Roll as a thanks. This year I received something quite unique and meaningful — at least to me. I was given a star cut from a U.S. flag with a card that read: “I am part of our American flag that has flown over a home in Massachusetts. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds have caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.” The star was provided by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Taunton Junior Woman’s Club. I salute them for such a wonderful gesture for our veterans, and the Stars and Stripes that never fails to fill me with pride and gratitude. No one taking a knee here. I attached the star to a picture of my dad in my office. He can no longer tell his stories and the star can no longer wave in the breeze. Seems like a perfect match. davejolivet@anchornews.org.
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To become a subscriber, to renew your existing subscription to The Anchor, or to give it as a gift, contact 508-675-7151 or email subscriptions@anchornews.org Anchor expiration date EXAMPLE
FALL RIVER — On page 12 of this Anchor edition is an explanation of the new mailing labels (left) recently initiated on all Anchor publications, along with the notice of a $25 subscription amount beginning at renewal time. Below is a sample of the label that shows when the subscription expires allowing readers to renew before then to keep their subscriptions active. If no payment is received in 30 days of the expiration date, The Anchor will send one reminder notice at a later date.
Subscriber name Subscriber Street Address Subscriber City/Town/Zip Code
A subscription to The Anchor would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our beloved Church — locally and beyond. One-year subscription — $25 Two-year subscription — $45 Name: Address: City:
State:
Zip:
if given as a gift, the card should read: From: Street:
City-State:
Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
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The Anchor - June 1, 2018