Diocese of Fall River, Mass.
Friday, June 2, 2017
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha recently visited St. Michael’s in the Azores for its annual Santo Christo feast. Complete coverage of his visit will appear in the next Anchor edition on June 19. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu) The Anchor - June 2, 2017
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Holy Cross Family Ministries to celebrate Our Lady of Fatima and ‘Rosary Priest’ anniversaries
Faithful urged to join Father Peyton Guild to pray for his sainthood cause
sary Priest,” died peacefully, with his final words being, “Mary, my Queen, my Mother.” NORTH EASTON — TwenTomorrow, June 3, Holy Cross ty-five years ago in a tiny room on Family Ministries in North Easton, the grounds of the Little Sisters of will host a special day, marking the the Poor home in San Pedro, Calif., 25th anniversary of Servant of God a man who brought the Rosary to Father Peyton’s death, the 75th anfamilies across the globe held his niversary of his founding of Fam“prayer beads” in frail, weak hands, ily Rosary, a part of the HCFM unable to finish his final earthly family, and the 100th anniversary prayer. The Sisters with him prom- of the apparitions of Our Lady of ised to finish the Rosary for him, Fatima in Portugal. which they did. At 5:20 a.m. on The ministry released a stateJune 3, 1992, Holy Cross Father ment urging faithful to attend Patrick J. Peyton, the famed “Rothe family-oriented celebration:
By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org
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“In recognition and honor of the milestone anniversaries we celebrate this year, please join us for a Spiritually-engaging event. We have a full afternoon planned that will uplift and enrich you and your family. Father Peyton encouraged us to pray together as a family to create a foundation of faith and love, and that’s what this day is all about. Don’t miss this special experience to celebrate and pray as one family of God. Come for any of the day’s activities, we’d love to see you there.” Father Peyton, whose sainthood cause is still very active, was famous for the phrases, “The family that prays together stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” The day begins at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street in North Easton, at 1:30 p.m. with Eucharistic Adoration, followed by a short film on the life and works of Father Peyton. Activities for children will take place in the center at that time. Holy Cross Father Willy Raymond, president of HCFM, will present a welcome message at 2 p.m. A short theater presentation by the Bishop Connolly High School Theater Arts group about the miraculous appearances of Our Lady of Fatima and Father Peyton’s final words will take place in the tent at 2:15 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed around the statue of Mary at the center, where a large granite seat bears the words, “Mary, my Queen, my Mother,” the Rosary Priest’s final declaration. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate a family Mass in the tent at 4 p.m., followed by a family meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and water. Father Raymond told The Anchor, “My hope for the June 3 celebration is that the joy and confidence we all share about Father Peyton’s mission will be caught and shared by everyone who participates in this extraordinary moment in history. “Families will receive the joy
and wonder of celebrating with other families in the area, playing together, praying together, dining together.” He added, “I think that the beautiful music, the Fatima reenactment, the Living Rosary, the Mass with Bishop da Cunha, and the food and fun after Mass will be truly memorable.” The event is free, family-friendly, handicap accessible, and open to the public. The events take place as Father Peyton’s sainthood cause remains open and active with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. Father Raymond told The Anchor that one of the ways area faithful can become involved and help the sainthood cause is to join the Father Peyton Guild (see advertisement on this page). “The chapters of the guild pray for the recognition of Father Peyton as a saint for families,” he said. “The family is our most prized relationship and, as Pope Francis said, ‘God’s Masterpiece.’ Every time the chapters of the guild come together to pray, they are inviting the most powerful force for unity and good, for love and peace, to come into their homes, hearts and bless them with the presence of God and our Blessed Mother Mary.” Currently the Congregation for the Causes of Saints is examining the life, works, and writings of Father Peyton, and actions are being examined for miracles and other evidence for his canonization. The first step in his sainthood cause was in 1997 when the congregation asked then-Fall River Bishop Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap. to open an investigation. In June 2001 a “nihil obstat” (nothing obstructs) was granted from the Vatican and Father Peyton was given the title, “Servant of God.” The cause was opened in the Fall River Diocese because Father Peyton is buried at the cemetery of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Turn to page 19
God answers prayers for vocations
Bishop ordains three men as transitional deacons
By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Special to The Anchor skyandspirit.blogspot.com
FALL RIVER – Last week Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., ordained Matthew Gerard Gill, Juan Carlos Muñoz and Daniel Mark Nunes as transitional deacons at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. And the faithful rejoiced. Under darkened skies, a multitude of priests and deacons from throughout the diocese processed into the Sanctuary, while the choir sang: “Praise Him for His grace and favor / To His people in distress; Praise Him still the same as ever, / Slow to chide and swift to bless.” A jubilant bishop greeted the congregation. “My brothers and sisters welcome to our celebration here this morning,” he said. “What a wonderful day for the Church in the Diocese of Fall River! I am so joyful and blessed to see so many of our priests and deacons and parishioners.” “As we come to celebrate the Sacred Mysteries,” the bishop added, “we come with the awareness of God’s love and forgiveness and
Matthew Gill, Juan Carlos Muñoz and Daniel Nunes lie prostrate during the Litany of Saints at a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, where the three were ordained as transitional deacons. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu) compassion.” their consent with applause. The Liturgy of the Word In his homily, Bishop da was proclaimed in English Cunha addressed the people and Spanish. and the elect about the office The Rite of Ordination and duties of the deacon. began with the Election of “So my dear Matthew, the Candidates, who are Juan and Daniel, the Church called to serve God’s people. of Fall River rejoices in The men responded by anyou and welcomes you into nouncing their readiness the Order of Deacons and and willingness to serve as celebrates with you and your deacons. families as we give thanks to “Relying on the help of God for having called you the Lord God and our Sav- and brought you to this day,” ior Jesus Christ, we choose he said. “Thank you — Wilthese, our brothers, for the liam and Mary, Jorge and Order of the Diaconate,” an- Maria, Paul and Karen — nounced Bishop da Cunha. for passing on the faith to The congregation reTurn to page 14 sponded: “Thanks be to God” and demonstrated
Diocese of Fall River
OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, accepted the nomination of the Reverend Richard S. Wilkinson, C.S.C., Assistant Provincial and Vicar of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province, Inc., and has made the following appointment: Rev. James T. Preskenis, C.S.C., Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Easton Effective July 1, 2017 The Anchor - June 2, 2017
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Three longtime diocesan priests to retire this month
By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — At the end of the month Father George C. Bellenoit, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth; Msgr. John J. Oliveira, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford; and Father Stephen B. Salvador, pastor of St. George Parish in Westport, will join the ranks of the retired as they officially give up the day-to-day responsibilities of running a parish. But don’t expect these active and devoted diocesan priests to just kick back and transition into a life of leisure. Like so many of the recently-retired presbyterate, they plan to remain available to help their brother priests when needed.
“I definitely won’t be playing golf,” Father Bellenoit recently told The Anchor. “I’m looking forward to filling in and helping out guys
have already talked to me about helping them, but there’s nothing set in stone. I’ve had a few offers and I’ll follow up on those as we get
ministration and just being a priest,” he said. Father Bellenoit was born July 1, 1946 in New Bedford, the son of the late
Father George C. Bellenoit
Msgr. John J. Oliveira
Father Stephen B. Salvador
who are alone and need help. I’m going to be living in Brewster, so I’ll still be on the Cape and be present to the folks down here who need me. A couple of priests
closer.” While he admits that the notion of retiring is “a little bittersweet in the sense that I will miss people,” Father Bellenoit said the one thing he won’t miss is being an administrator. “I’m really looking forward to letting younger people have the joys of ad-
Domenica (Bollea) and Omer Bellenoit. Following his studies at Holy Name School in New Bedford and Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, he prepared for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn., and then at St. Mary’s Seminary in Balti-
more, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1972 by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin and served at St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield and at St. Mark’s Parish in Attleboro Falls as associate pastor before being assigned to hospital ministry at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River on June 22, 1983. Looking back over his 45 years of ministry to the diocese, Father Bellenoit said he’s been blessed with a lot of stable, long-term assignments. “My first assignment was a year and then my next assignment was 10 years,” he said. “That was at St. Mark’s in Attleboro Falls. Then I went from there for another 10 years to being the hospital chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.” While serving at St. Mark’s, Father Bellenoit also held diocesan appointments as Attleboro area vocations coordinator and area chaplain for the Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. He was also chaplain for Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro. In July 1993, Father Bellenoit was named pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Somerset. Three years later, in July 1996 he returned as pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield, where he would serve for the next 10 years. “When Bishop Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., asked me to go to Mansfield, he asked me to determine if (the parish) needed a school and, if so, to help build one,” Father Bellenoit said. “So that’s what we did. We got a determination that there was certainly a need for a (Catholic) school, Turn to page 19
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The Anchor - June 2, 2017
St.Vincent’s Home a beacon of hope for children and families
By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org
Mentoring services are available to referred-youth who require one-toone coaching, training and support FALL RIVER — In the waiting from a therapeutic mentor. room at St. Vincent’s Home in Fall So St. Vincent’s Home went River, there is a piece of artwork from having 120 kids in care who prominently displaying the word lived onsite to having only one “hope,” and that’s what St. Vinchild as part of the original procent’s Home offers to area children gram, and in answer to the change living in the southeast region who in the state’s approach, “we’ve deare dealing with emotional and veloped a whole ranges of services,” behavioral challenges. said Weldon. Founded in 1885 as an orphanSt. Vincent’s established an age by the Roman Catholic Diooutpatient clinic and opened cese of Fall River and the Sisters of it in 2011; the Mental Health Mercy, St. Vincent’s Home (www. Clinic is a self-referral program stvincentshome.org) has morphed that provides diagnostic assessinto a comprehensive facility ments, therapy and interventions that provides myriad of commufor clients of St. Vincent’s Home, nity behavioral health and special including children and youth under educational services; last year, St. the age of 21, adults, couples and Vincent’s Home served 860 famifamilies. Clinicians are trained in lies — a tremendous jump from trauma-focused cognitive behavthe 353 families served in 2009, ioral therapy, and offer psychotheronly eight years ago. apy and other counseling skills to When executive director Jack improve emotional and behavioral Weldon arrived at St. Vincent’s issues. Home 20 years ago, it was a K-12 “We currently have 14 clinicians school, and “we had, on average, here,” said Kristen Dutra, clinical 120 kids. We also had six commudirector for 17 years. “All of the nity-based group homes, three in clinicians have received specialized Fall River and three in New Bedtraining in trauma. Our clinicians ford, with a less restrictive model of provide a mixed case load; they care for the kids who lived in those provide clinic-based outpatient homes. They either came to our therapy, school-based therapy, they school or went to a public school in also provide in-home therapy for the community.” CBHI. In the past two decades, Wel“Our niche is kids and family don has had a front row seat for who have been affected by trauma. the changes in the state’s approach That grew out of the work we’ve to mental health programs: “The been doing right along with chilneeds of the state and the priority dren, and we continue to provide of the state on how to deal with through closed-referral programs; child welfare issues, largely the De- a parent can’t just drop off a kid, partment of Children and Families, the entry into these programs is and child and family mental health through a state agency or thirdissues have changed. The state went party referral,” said Weldon. to a place where they place less St. Vincent’s still provides group priority on removing kids from home services, though they have families to keeping kids with their only one group home in Fall River, families.” down from the original six, and The state created a range of serhave an intensive group home vices under the umbrella of “Chillocated on the campus of St. Vindren’s Behavioral Health Initiative.” cent’s Home, the Stabilization, AsCBHI is a self-referral program sessment and Rapid Reintegration that assists the child and family (STARR) program, which provides with support in treating behavioral short-term placement and intenhealth needs and helping each sive therapy focused on stabilizing family care for their child within the child’s current crisis. the family home. Therapeutic “That is the state’s ‘emergency
room,’ so if [the state] is in court and scheduling to remove kids, and there’s an issue with the family that requires removal and out-of-home placement, [STARR] is where they would go,” said Weldon. “It’s made to be a 45-day assessment and treatment, recommendations are made; often the length of stay is longer than 45 days.” “It’s a self-contained program,” said Dutra. “We have two cottages on this campus for STARR, and we also have a home in Plymouth” with the Plymouth home mainly for the Plymouth area, Cape Cod and the Islands. The Group Home, Intensive Group Home and Pre-Independent Living are longer-term pro-
grams where the kids live at St. Vincent’s Home but go to school in the public school system. “Even though we’re not an orphanage anymore, there are still kids living here,” said Weldon. “Some may say it’s where the ‘bad’ kids go, but I don’t like to say that. We’re a treatment facility for kids and their families.” “I think for the kids who live here, because the majority of them do go off to school during the day, the notion of a ‘bad kid’ is still alive and well for them,” said Dutra. “Many times they don’t like to say where they live; they won’t say they live at St. Vincent’s. If staff is coming to pick them up at the end of Turn to page 23
The Anchor - June 2, 2017
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Anchor Editorial
Transfer time
At this time of year, many parishes have to prepare to say good-bye to one or more priests and hello to new priests. Often this is the occasion for difficult feelings, for the laity and the clergy. However, St. Paul and Pope Francis have a message for us to put this into a Biblical perspective. On Tuesday the Holy Father preached about the first reading (Acts 20:17-27), in which St. Paul was taking his leave of the Christians in Ephesus. He tells them, rather dramatically, “I know that none of you to whom I preached the Kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again” (Acts 20:25). Given the small geographical area of our diocese, this needn’t be the case when priests are transferred, although in reality often former parishioners rarely see the priests who have gone on to a new assignment. Pope Francis told the assembled congregation in the chapel at St. Martha’s House in the Vatican (where he lives), “Let us pray for the shepherds, for our shepherds: for the priests, for the bishops, for the pope; because theirs is an uncompromising life, a life on the go, and a life where they do not believe themselves to be the center of the story and so they learn to leave.” The pope, in describing the scene in Tuesday’s first reading, said, “It was like a meeting of the presbyteral council, but where the bishop is departing.” The pontiff reminded clerics, “all of us shepherds must leave. A moment arrives when the Lord tells us: go to another place, go over there, go here, come to Me. And one of the steps that a shepherd has to do is also prepare to leave well, not to leave halfway.” This is why priests are called to focus on their new assignment, not with a hand on the plow, but looking backwards (cf. Lk 9:62). The Holy Father reminded us that we need to go forward: “The shepherd who does not learn to leave has some bond with his flock which is not good, a bond that is not purified for the cross of Jesus.” Pope Francis urged his listeners to read Acts 20 from verse 17 all the way to the end (verse 38), which is 11 verses beyond where the reading ended, and he pointed out “three attitudes” to be imitated by clerics when being transferred. The first attitude to imitate from St. Paul is that of humility in sharing God’s message, a humility which keeps us from compromising the truth. The pope emphasized how St. Paul was able to OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org
Vol. 61, No. 11
Member: Catholic Press Association Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses. Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address
PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org REPORTER Rebecca Aubut beckyaubut@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org
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The Anchor - June 2, 2017
say to the people, “I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit” (Acts 20:20). The Holy Father said that the Apostle was able to leave Ephesus with a clear conscience because he was “without compromise.” This first attitude requires that shepherds have courage. Pope Francis noted that Paul made “something like an examination of conscience” before the people. The shepherd took his leave from them and has in his heart the peace of knowing that he did not lead the Church with compromises. He did not pull his punches.” The pope added that he wants us to read to end of the chapter so that “we will weep, as the priests [in Ephesus] wept. The beauty of truth, of life.” The second attitude the pope wanted us to imitate from St. Paul was that of not looking to the past, but looking to what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do in the present. In practice, the Apostle says: “I obey the Spirit. I am forced by the Spirit.” Applying it to today, the pope said, “The pastor knows that he is on the go.” Getting back to Paul, the Holy Father said about his leaving Ephesus, “Now the Spirit asks him to walk, without knowing what will happen. And he continues because he does not have anything of his own, he has not had an inappropriate relationship with his flock. [Rather], He served it.” The pope said that Paul reflects what a good shepherd should have: “a heart always open to God’s voice. I will see what the Lord asks of me, now as a shepherd on the go.” The third attitude that the pope emphasized was that of realizing that no shepherd (other than Jesus) is the center of the story, neither the center of history nor the center of the little stories which surround us. The pope paraphrased Paul’s saying, “I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel” (Acts 20:24), as “I am not the center of the story.” Lastly, the Holy Father asked us to keep our shepherds in our prayers, as did the people of Ephesus: “They kneel, they pray, they accompany him to the ship and go, [what a] beautiful example [of praying] for our shepherds.” May we do the same here in the Fall River Diocese, helping our priests with our prayers, as they move on to the new task that Our Lord has prepared for them.
Daily Readings June 3 — June 16
Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. June 3, Acts 28:16-20,30-31; Ps 11:4-5,7; Jn 21:20-25. Sun. June 4, Pentecost Sunday, Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a,16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2a,24,35c,27-28,29bc,30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39. Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1,24,29-31,34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7,12-13; Sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus; Jn 20:19-23. Mon. June 5, Tb 1:3; 2:1b-8; Ps 112:1-6; Mk 12:1-12. Tues. June 6, Tb 2:9-14; Ps 112:1-2,7-9; Mk 12:13-17. Wed. June 7, Tb 3:1-11a,16-17a; Ps 25:2-5b,6,7bc,8-9; Mk 12:18-27. Thurs. June 8, Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde,9-17; 8:4-9a; Ps 128:1-5; Mk 12:28-34. Fri. June 9, Tb 11:5-17; Ps 146:1b-2,6c-10; Mk 12:35-37. Sat. June 10, Tb 12:1,5-15,20; (Ps)Tb 13:2,6efgh,7-8; Mk 12:38-44. Sun. June 11, Holy Trinity Sunday, Ex 34:4b-6,8-9; (Ps)Dn 3:52-56; 2 Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18. Mon. June 12 2 Cor 1:1-7; Ps 34:2-9; Mt 5:1-12. Tues. June 13, 2 Cor 1:18-22; Ps 119:129-133,135; Mt 5:13-16. Wed. June 14, 2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99:5-9; Mt 5:17-19. Thurs. June 15, 2 Cor 3:15—4:1,3-6; Ps 85: 9ab,10,11-14; Mt 5:20-26. Fri. June 16, 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 116:10-11,15-18; Mt 5:27-32.
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Fatima’s great and hidden servant who stayed a ‘little longer’
he history of Fatima is a continuous illustration of God’s Words to us through the prophet Isaiah: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Is 55:8). The divergence between Divine and human ways, between God’s thinking and ours, is seen in the selection of three uneducated shepherd children in a small out-of-the-way Portuguese village to entrust Mary’s poignant appeal to conversion, prayer and sacrifice, consecration and peace. It’s shown likewise in Mary’s entrusting to them a message and then telling them to keep it secret. It’s also very much seen in what happened with the seers after the apparitions. By human logic, they would have remained fulfilling the mission and eventually propagating the message Mary had entrusted to them. Within two years, however, Francisco’s life on earth would be over and within three, Jacinta’s. The following year, Lucia would be sent away to school in a convent in the north of Portugal. She would become first a Sister of St. Dorothy and then a cloistered Carmelite, and would live from 1921 through 2005 for the most part cut off from the world. Would it not have made more sense, according to human lights, for Francisco and Jacinta to stay on earth longer so that they might be able to train people in how to respond to Mary’s summons, to show them how to pray the Rosary and offer up sufferings for the conversion of sinners? Would it not have made more sense for Lucia not to live a hidden life keeping the secrets hidden, but rather give her the mandate to preach from the rooftops?
still fulfilled her mission in Father Gonçalo Portoan extraordinary way. The carrero, a Portuguese friend whole world has come to who uses satirical humor better than anyone I’ve ever know about Fatima. God’s known, wrote in a recent ar- ways, indeed, are not our own. “Without propaganda ticle about Lucia’s “failure.” or publicity, without mar“The Lady who apketing or special offers,” peared in Fatima gave her,” Father Gonçalo noted, the Father Gonçalo comipilgrims who come by the cally observed, “the task of spreading devotion to her Immaculate Putting Into Heart throughout the world. One would the Deep suppose, therefore, that Lucia would By Father dedicate herself to Roger J. Landry touring and international road shows, millions each year to Fatima traveling around the whole world and giving interviews “are, in the end, the objecabout the facts of which she tive expression of Sister Lucia’s mysterious triumph was the only surviving witness; to have made use of all — or, to express it better, the means of social commu- they are visible proof of the supernatural efficacy of her nication, without excluding human inefficiency.” God’s modern social networks, to ways are clearly not ours. promote Marian devotion; For me one of the most to make the rounds of talk shows, so as to be able to be curious aspects of the celebration of the centenary seen and known by milof the Fatima apparitions is lions of television viewers the relatively small attention throughout the world; to dedicate her time to writing that Sister Lucia has been receiving. While she was best-sellers of clear relalive, she was the constant evance for today’s world: ‘I Saw Hell!’ or ‘The Visionary reference point for the private revelations and their inof Our Lady Confesses the Full Truth!’ or even, ‘Finally, terpretation. Francisco and Jacinta were, for the most All You Ever Wanted to part, in the background. Know About the ConverWith her cousins’ cansion of Russia!’” onization by Pope Francis But, rather, “she closed on the 100th anniversary herself off, under rigorous of Mary’s first appearance anonymity, in a religious and the focus on the young institution in which she could not confide the revela- age and heroism of the shepherd children in 1917, tions she had received to Lucia, whom the world anyone, not even the other nuns or the students. Worse remembers as a 98-year-old Carmelite, has taken their yet: some years later, she place in relative obscurity. requested and received the That will doubtless change grace of being transferred as the cause of her canto a convent with a stricter onization proceeds. But I rule of cloister, where she think it is important for us closed herself off forever, in this centenary not to miss prohibited by this very rule the opportunity to ponder from having contact with the outside world, except on God’s mysterious ways with regard to her and celebrate very limited occasions.” and learn from her life. Yet, in God’s plan, she
Lucia, at 10, was the wise elder stateswoman when Mary appeared to the shepherd children. In the first apparition, Lucia asked Our Lady whence she came and Mary pointed upward saying, “I am from Heaven.” With childlike audacity Lucia asked, “And will I go to Heaven, too?” “Yes, you will,” Mary replied. “And Jacinta?” “Also,” said Our Lady. “And Francisco?” “Also but he must say many Rosaries.” A month later, when Mary appeared to them a second time, Lucy repeated her request: “Will you take us to Heaven?” Mary replied, “Yes, I shall take Jacinta and Francisco soon, but you will remain a little longer, since Jesus wishes you to make me known and loved on earth. He wishes also for you to establish devotion in the world to my Immaculate Heart.” Eighty-eight more years was what Mary intended by a “little longer,” but it was in that preparation for eternity that Lucia did make Mary known and loved throughout the world and through whom greater devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart was brought about. After the deaths of Francisco and Jacinta, the Bishop of Leiria thought it would be prudent to send Lucia away from the crowds constantly crowding upon her asking her to repeat the story. He wanted her to receive an education in order to be able to communicate in writing what had occurred. Lucia would eventually become a prolific author, writing under obedience four memoirs of the apparitions, two manuscripts about her parents, a diary of 2,000 pages, 10,000 letters
including several to popes, and many other personal texts. Prior to the apparitions, she had expressed the desire to become a nun. When she made her First Communion at the age of six — four years before most others at the time — she later said, “I lost the taste and attraction for the things of the world, and only felt at home in some solitary place where, all alone, I could recall the delights” of God. That’s what she eventually found in the convent, where she lived as the exact opposite of a “celebrity,” serving the other Sisters in domestic work and God and the world through her prayers. When she died, St. John Paul II spoke of how well she fulfilled her mission. “The visit of the Virgin Mary was for her the beginning of a singular mission to which she remained faithful until the end of her days. Sister Lucia leaves us an example of great fidelity to the Lord and of joyful adherence to His Divine Will. I have always felt supported by the daily gift of her prayers, especially in the harsh moments of trial and suffering. May the Lord reward her amply for the great and hidden service she has done for the Church.” While Saints Francisco and Jacinta remain examples of heroic childlike response to Mary, Lucia has become one of lifelong perseverance in faithfully, joyfully living out the Fatima message. In God’s mysterious plan, He knew we needed both, and in this centenary, we thank Him for this double witness and seek, until the end of our days, to emulate it. Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.
The Anchor - June 2, 2017
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Why Catholics should care about the First Amendment
he First Amendment to the United States Constitution, that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,” was enacted in 1791 as the first part of the Bill of Rights. This was because at the time the Constitution was ratified, which established the framework and powers of our national government, it was felt that there needed to be an explicit declaration of rights that we the people reserved. Otherwise, the government could trample on them, as the British government had done, in establishing the Anglican Church at the expense of the Catholic Church and
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various Protestant denom- all, of overtly and publicly manifesting any opinions inations and others, and in treating any criticism of whatsoever and thoughts, conduces more easily to government as seditious corrupt the morals and the and thus criminal libel. minds of the people.” I think it fair to acAnd, of course, as a knowledge that, at the time, and indeed up until the Declaration on Religious Judge Freedom in the last For year of the Second Vatican Council in Yourself 1965, our Catholic By Dwight Duncan Church was generally not in favor of religious freedom moral and religious matfor non-Catholics, “freeter, he had a point. But dom of religion for me, probably not a secular but not for thee,” though legal one. Islamic Sharia it did teach that forced law, for example, which conversion was wrong. criminalizes leaving Islam Nor was the Church always a fan of freedom of (a capital offense) and any criticism of the Koran and speech. Blessed Pius IX’s 1864 “Syllabus of Errors,” Mohammed as blasphemy, still has this pre-modern for example, taught that conception of freedom of “the full power, given to
religion and of speech. And, of course, the Catholic Church in the United States, and its many institutional entities, like schools, hospitals and universities, have generally done well for themselves and the surrounding community under our liberal regime of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Until today, that is, when anti-Christian and anti-Catholic ideas of the nature of Marriage and family and the value of human life are in the ascendancy, and the ability of the Church to live and to teach what it believes is increasingly called into question. A recent example of this is the Obama Administration’s war on the Little Sisters of the Poor, to try to get that good order of selfless nuns to compromise our beliefs about the impermissibility of contraception and abortion. It seemed like Trump’s victory in the election would put an end to that, but recently the Trump Justice Department has continued the lawsuit. Increasingly, voices are raised questioning our strong American tradition of accommodating religious freedom. There is likewise a renewed assault on freedom of speech, notably on college campuses. Recent incidents at Yale, Middle-
bury and the University of California at Berkeley, have cast into question whether speakers can raise controversial points of view in academic settings without provoking violence and event cancellation. The irony here is that Berkeley in the 1960s was the home of the Free Speech movement. It turns out that some liberals now think “Free speech for me, but not for thee.” And conservative groups and speakers are now among the leading defenders of free speech. Fortunately, there are still principled defenders of free speech left, people like First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams, who just published a book entitled “The Soul of the First Amendment.” If people are to come to the truth, they need to do so freely. That is how God made us. With the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Our Lord made as if to continue the journey without the disciples, because He wanted them to freely ask Him to remain with them. He does not impose Himself on others; He proposes. Religious freedom is important for everyone. So too is freedom of speech and of the press. These are the first of our freedoms spelled out in the Bill of Rights. Anchor columnist Dwight Duncan is a professor at UMass School of Law Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.
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atients who face serious illnesses are sometimes attracted to alternative medicines, also referred to as “holistic” or “new-age” medicines. These can include treatments like homeopathy, hypnosis, “energy therapies” like Reiki, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, to name just a few. These approaches raise various medical and ethical concerns. An important 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine sums it up this way: “What most sets alternative medicine apart, in our view, is that it has not been scientifically tested and its advocates largely deny the need for such testing. By testing, we mean the marshaling of rigorous evidence of safety and efficacy, as required by the Food and Drug Administration for the approval of drugs and by the best peer-reviewed medical journals for the publication of research reports.” Beyond the fact that their clinical efficacy has not earned a passing grade using ordinary methods of scientific investigation, the basic premise behind some alternative medicines can also be highly suspect, raising concerns about superstitious viewpoints or misguided forms of spirituality motivating certain therapies. If we consider acupuncture, this technique does appear to provide benefit in certain cases of pain control. Yet similar results have been reported using “sham” needles — tapping the skin in random places with a thin metal tube. Brain scans have demonstrated that treatment with genuine needles, as opposed to the sham needles, does cause detectable changes in the
The ethics of New Age medicine
brain. But, when researchnative therapies, beyond the ers ignored acupuncturists’ basic issue about whether recommended “meridian they work, raise serious placement” of needles, and Spiritual concerns as well. instead did random placeAnother new-age therment in the skin, the same apy known as Reiki, develbrain effects were observed. oped in Japan in the late Hence, it is unclear whether the results seen from Making Sense acupuncture arise Out of mostly from the Bioethics well-known “placebo effect” or not. By Father Tad Further research Pacholczyk should help resolve this question. Even if the observed 1800s, claims that sickness effects are not placebo-recan be caused by a disruplated, acupuncture’s nontion or imbalance in a rational justification for its patient’s “Reiki” or “life enpurported effectiveness reergy.” Reiki practitioners try mains a concern. It is based to heal a patient by placing on energy principles that their hands in certain posineither science nor faith tions on the body in order affirm. Glenn Braunstein, to facilitate the flow of M.D. described it critically Reiki from the practitioner in the following way: to the patient. “Ch’i, the invisible nuA 2009 document from tritive energy that flows the U.S. Conference of from the universe into Catholic Bishops stresses, the body at any one of “In terms of caring for one’s 500 acupuncture points, is Spiritual health, there are conducted through the 12 important dangers” that can main meridians [channels] arise by turning to Reiki. in (ideally) an unbroken The document notes that circle. Meridians conduct because Reiki therapy is either Yin energy (from the not compatible with either sun) or Yang energy (from Christian teaching or scienthe earth). All maladies are tific evidence, it would be caused by disharmony or inappropriate for Catholics disturbances in the flow of to put their trust in the energy.” method, because to do so Clearly, then, some alter- would be to operate “in the
realm of superstition, the no-man’s-land that is neither faith nor science.” Scientific investigations of another new-age therapy, the popular herbal remedy known as echinacea (taken early to ward off a cold) have revealed no difference between echinacea and a placebo in controlled studies involving several hundred subjects. While some herbal remedies may be harmless and inert placebos, others may have more serious health consequences if ingested above certain dosages due to ingredients of unknown potency derived from natural substances. Sometimes a remedy can be borrowed from Chinese, Indian or another medical tradition, but it should be chosen for its efficacy, safety, and reasonable mode of action, and not be in conflict with principles of sound medical science or Christian teaching. Health improvements that arise from alternative remedies may be due not only to the placebo effect, but also to the fact that patients are usually given more time, attention and focused concern by alternative practitioners than by
traditional physicians. This can translate into modified habits and changed lifestyles, leading to various health benefits. Modern medicine can be legitimately faulted for down playing this dimension, so that, in the memorable words of pediatrician Jay Perman, “Doctors tend to end up trained in silos of specialization,” in which they are taught “to make a diagnosis, prescribe a therapy, and we’re done. But we’re not done.” The famous Greek physician Hippocrates once noted the same point: “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” Today’s physiciansin-training, fortunately, are seeking to incorporate more and more of these “patient-centric” and “holistic” aspects into their own traditional medical practices to improve patient care and outcomes. 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.
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God’s plan of Salvation through the first apparition of the Angel of Peace Editor’s note: This guest column by Grace Small, a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro and a high school teacher, begins a nine-part series on the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. ow in the year 2017, during the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, we can survey the balance sheet of the past century. On the dark side, we have lived through the havoc caused by the hatred of a world estranged from God as seen by more than 50 wars in that short period. On the side of light, we are inspired by the love and witness of great saints such as St. Jacinta and St. Francisco Marto who were canonized this May, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Padré Pio, St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II, to name a few. The signs of our times still occasion fearful apprehension though as Christians we are called to “rejoice in hope” in Christ Our Lord Who is Risen victorious over sin and death. We know too that He is with us. It is also consoling to know that our provident Father in Heaven still sends His angels and His own mother to our aid. We see in the Old Testament how God led His chosen people through the angel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. In our time, too, He sends His angel to His chosen people to protect them in times of distress. In the Book of Exodus God’s paternal care came with a grave warning if they did not heed: “Behold, I will send My angel, who shall go before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring thee into the place that I have
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own Virgin Mother into prepared. Take notice of our heart as our own SpiriHim, and hear His voice, tual mother. and do not think Him one How have we responded to be contemned: for He to the words of Our Lord’s will not forgive when thou Own mother to us His hast sinned, and My name faithful followers? In 1917, is in Him. But if though an angel and Our Blessed wilt hear His voice, and do Mother came to prepare all that I speak, I will be an God’s children to pass safely enemy to thy enemies, and beyond those turbulent will afflict them that afflict times into “an era of peace.” thee” (Ex 23:20-22). In the apparitions of Our If her words had been fulfilled, an era of peace would Lady at Fatima we see in a have followed; still “in the broader context how God end my Immaculate Heart has sought to prepare the will triumph.” Again St. Church for its entry into the new millennium. The Mother of God’s apparition at Fatima in May Living Our 1917 was preceded Lady’s Message by several visits of an “Angel of Peace” By Grace Small in 1916 whose words we wish to ponder. This anJohn Paul II affirms this in niversary also provides us “Crossing the Threshold of an opportunity to examine Hope,” when he states, “On how we are walking in this universal level, if victory the ways of God with our guardian angel with expect- comes it will be brought by ant hope for the fulfillment Mary. Christ will conquer through her, because He of God’s promises. At Fatima, God sent His wants the Church’s victories now and in the future to be angel to teach three sheplinked to her.” herd children the ABCs “Do Not be Afraid” of the Spiritual life and The first visit of the angel prepare them for the message of Our Blessed Mother took place in 1916 when Lucia dos Santos and her — echoing the Gospel, two cousins Francisco and their message has perenJacinta Marto were playnial value for us all. While hanging on the cross, Christ ing among the rocks. After entrusted His Own mother eating lunch, the children quickly prayed their Roto St. John (and to us by sary, which consisted of an extension) with the words, abbreviated repetition of “Behold your mother” ( Jn 19:27). This was Our Lord’s “Hail Mary, Holy Mary.” The children before the last testament. When a angelic apparitions were no dying man utters his last different from many Chriswishes, good men wish tians who say their prayers to take them to heart and carry them out. So, too, the very hastily just to get them done, or who are bored and Mystical Body of Christ, the spouse of Christ wishes eager to get over with Sunday Mass as quickly as posto follow the Words of our sible. How many are eager crucified Lord and Brideto move on from prayer to groom and take to heart His desire that we take His get to their phone or other
entertainments? We should ask ourselves, “How will we spend eternity with God in Heaven if we do not learn to pray and stay recollected in the presence of God?” As the children resumed their play, the angel appeared which Lucia described as “a light, whiter than snow and brighter than crystal pierced by the rays of the sun.” The children’s reaction was one of reverence and amazement. The Angel of Fatima reassured the children, “Be not afraid. I am the Angel of Peace, pray with me.” We see how this response to the angel is similar to that of the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation who assures Mary, “do not be afraid” because she had found favor with God. So also these three humble children were favored with the dignity of the angel’s apparition. “I am the Angel of Peace” The angel identified himself as the “Angel of Peace.” The existence of Spiritual non-corporal “angels” is a truth of faith (CCC 328). Of course, all the holy angels are, “ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain Salvation” (Heb 1:14). It is in this light that we must see and interpret the Angel of Peace’s visit and message: directed to our Salvation. We should not neglect this grace, approved by the Church, nor for that matter our own guardian angel. We should invoke Him often with trust because He is with us to bring us to God. Let us often like the faithful children pray the prayer the Church teaches us: “Angel of God my guardian dear to whom
God’s love entrusts me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard to rule and guide.” Another aspect to be understood is messenger of peace brought by the angel and our Blessed Mother is the message of the Gospel. Marking his first anniversary of the assassination attempt on his life, St. John Paul II in his homily on May 13, 1982, said: “If the Church has accepted the message of Fatima, it is above all because that message contains a truth and a call whose basic content is the truth and the call of the Gospel itself. ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’ (Mk 1:15): these are the first words that the Messiah addressed to humanity. The message of Fatima is, in its basic nucleus, a call to conversion and repentance, as in the Gospel.” “Pray With Me” The angel instructed them to pray with him and then knelt down reverently and bowed lowly as his forehead touched the ground. “Led by a supernatural impulse,” Lucia explained, “we did the same, and repeated the words which we heard him say.” The angel taught them: “My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You.” The Angel of Peace repeated this Pardon Prayer three times and then stood up. By his words “pray with me” we learn how we are called to pray with our guardian angel. We are also taught to pray to God with reverence and humility. The prayer teaches us the importance of making acts Continued on page 12
Thursday 1 June 2017 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — General Motors Corporation declared bankruptcy on this date in 2009 s a child, dear readers, I played with scale model toy cars. I enjoyed identifying passing automobiles by make and year. I remember being outside one day when a brand-new red Ford Mustang convertible drove past. My jaw dropped. I was in fifth grade. In high school, my school guidance counselor predicted I had a future in the auto industry. But my interests changed radically. I went in another direction. Now a car is for me just a way to get from one place to another. Recently, the time came to trade in my car. I telephoned a dealership “over the bridge,” as we say in these parts. “Hello. I would like to order a car, please,” said I. My words threw the salesman into confusion. To calm him down, I informed him I did have a model in mind. This did little to allay his bewilderment. “When can you come to our showroom?” queried the salesman. “Is that absolutely necessary?” I responded. “Well,
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Want extra cheese on that?
what color car?” he inyour foot under the quired. I answered, “You bumper.” I did so. Nothpick the color. I’m sure ing happened. “You need it’ll be just fine.” He poto wave your foot more.” litely requested my name Although I once took a and other basic informacourse in tai chi, that was tion and said he would long ago and these days get right back to me — which he did. The Ship’s Log “Well, then, Reflections of a Father Goldrick, Parish Priest I did some checking. You’re not By Father Tim making this up, Goldrick are you? You’re for real.” “No,” I assured him. “I am not making this up it’s not easy to stand on and yes, I am for real. By one foot while simultanethe way, do you deliver?” ously waving the other He did. My new car around in the air. “I’ll arrived within the hour. just use the key,” I sug“Nice color,” said I. “I’ll gested. “This car doesn’t take it.” And that was have a key,” the salesman the end of that — or so I informed me. “It comes thought. with a remote control. “Not so fast. I’m reIf you walk within three quired to show you the feet of your vehicle, the car’s features first,” the car will recognize you salesman stated firmly. and respond to your every Then the computer wish.” Do I really need system took over, just as this? it did in that landmark “Let’s move on to the 1968 film, “2001 — A cabin. See, you can choose Space Odyssey.” I susvarious colors for your pect my car computer is ambient interior lighting. known as “Son of Hal,” Program the computer’s but I don’t know for sure. memory and the car seat “Let’s begin with the will automatically adjust automated liftgate. Just to your seating preferuse your foot.” I gave ence. It can identify the the bumper a swift kick. preferences of three difNothing happened. “No, ferent drivers.” Don’t ask no. Don’t kick it! Wave me how it distinguishes.
He didn’t mention the seat also reverts to a default position as soon as I exit the vehicle. I have to wait while the computer moves me into my “preferred position” before driving off. “You have a safety system that will alert you to another car approaching on either the left or right.” Why can’t I just use the side mirrors? “And the rear camera will show you what’s behind when the car is in reverse.” Why can’t I just turn around and look? “Your new car has both an automatic transmission and a manual transmission.” I learned to drive on a stick shift, but haven’t used one since. Not sure I remember. “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” I interrupted. The salesman quickly identified the problem. “For some reason, your heated seats have adjusted to the highest setting.” So, “Son of Hal” is a prankster. The salesman continued, “As a fuel economy feature, should you get stuck in traffic, the engine is programmed to shut off after a few sec-
onds.” I soon discovered the engine also shuts off at stop signs. He went on: “I’ll return tomorrow to pair your smart phone to your on board computer so that you can use your console to make voiceactivated phone calls, remotely start your car, check your fuel level over your phone, sync to your garage door opener, and convert spoken word to text messages. Your dashboard also has a real-time navigation touch screen. It will tell you the fiveday weather forecast, give driving directions, show traffic conditions, inform you of local fuel prices, and point out nearby restaurants when you’re hungry.” This is way too much technology, but I didn’t have the heart to say that to the salesman. He seemed so enthusiastic and engaging. When did high-tech gizmos become standard equipment? Cars are now computers on wheels. I long for the days when there were only two knobs on my dash — one the radio and the other the heater. Call me oldfashioned. Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.
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Continued on page 10
of faith, adoration, hope and love. And since we are called to love not only God, but also our neighbor, we pray for their Salvation, especially those most in need; hence the second half is a prayer for pardon and of reparation for those who do not believe, adore, hope and love God. This prayer is reminiscent of the Lord’s words on the cross to the
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Father for our pardon, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. “Pray thus. The hearts of Jesus and Mary are attentive to the voice of your supplications.” These last words of the angel in the first apparition are most revealing. We see the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are Spiritually united and are attentive to our
prayers because they really love us. They have chosen us to be co-redeemers and collaborators of love and in reparation for sins of others. God has deigned that many graces are contingent upon our help. We can all make a serious difference because we are all called to participate with Jesus and Mary in the Salvation of the world, because as Our Lady will reveal, many souls are lost
because there is no one to pray for them. Through this initial episode of preparation one can understand how Christ sent the Angel of Peace to precede His own mother’s appearance in order to prepare the Church on her pilgrim way to Salvation. This peace plan is an integral part of His Own plan of Salvation. We must not see Fatima as so irrelevant or unimportant but rather as integral to the chosen people of God in the New Evangelization. Mary is the Mother of the Church from her infancy and continues act as mother and teacher to guide the Church in living the Gospel message in the modern age. St. John Paul II stated: “The appeal of the message of Fatima is so deeply rooted in the Gospel and the whole of tradition that the Church feels that the message imposes a com-
mitment on her” (Homily at Fatima, Portugal, May 13, 1982). Just as Jesus and Mary united at the cross in our redemption, so too they are united still in Heaven guiding us toward the fulfillment God’s plan for our Salvation. God sent our Blessed Mother with an antidote as she prepares the Church for her victorious triumph of which we are called to play an integral role. The antidote thus far presented is prayer with our guardian angel that will bring us to a deeper relationship with the united hearts of Jesus and Mary. What a beautiful invitation to deepen our love and save souls! Let us be zealous apostles of love offering prayers and sacrifices with our guardian angel knowing that by so doing, we will be collaborating in saving many, many souls for Jesus and Mary.
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o, and make disciples of all nations.” The message of this week’s Gospel is a very straightforward one, leaving no doubt as to what is intended of each and every one of us. We are simply being asked to share the message of love that Jesus exemplified while He walked with us on this earth. How can I make disciples? Many fear this request, but yet it is not in the preaching, but in our deeds and actions that we create disciples. How we choose to live our lives, how we treat our fellow brothers and sisters, and how we love others even when it is difficult, is how we “make disciples” of others. Many of you know the phrase “Actions speak louder than words,” something that is very evident if you have ever worked with children, or have small children in your lives. You may instruct them on how to behave, but if you watch them closely, you will see them mimic your words and actions. So it is with sharing our faith and beliefs, what others observe, will lead them to repeat or at least question why we are doing it. It is in these moments that we begin to lead them, to make disciples of them.
Making disciples …
brought forward by his parIt is one thing to stand there and preach the Gospel, ents, the silence that engulfed the congregation was amazour faith and our beliefs, it is ing, it was as if all stood still totally another to live them so that the only person that each and every day. When mattered at that very moment others witness the love of was this child in the eyes of Christ through our actions, what they see has a far greater God. For me, it was simply pure perfection — God’s way effect than what they hear. Recently I was able to witness the In the Palm love God has for each and every one of us of His Hands through the Sacrament of First ComBy Rose Mary munion. Watching Saraiva the children receiving the Body of Christ of reminding us that we are for the first time, is akin to all children of God, and that experiencing a little bit of Heaven here on earth. The in- whatever we do to the least of nocence and joy is so evident, these, we are doing to Him. Moments like these are and the sense of being part of something very important true moments of evangelization and creating disciples. is palatable. Every time I witness this, the first thought These are the times when our that comes to mind is that of actions reach even the darkest corners of our hearts, shedJesus telling the Apostles to let the little children come to ding light into those areas that we felt were unworthy of Him; and the reminder that to have faith like one of these, hope and love. For all those is to have the greatest faith of present, whether regular paall. Pure, sincere and complete rishioners, or those visiting for the first time, we were given trust in what they are doing the opportunity to encounter and Who they are receiving. God and Christ. We were The most poignant moable to experience Their love ment for me was witnessing in the most profound way, yet the reception of First Comencompassed in the simplest munion by a child with a of actions — a child receiving disability. As that child was
the Body of Christ for the first time. For me it has been several weeks now, yet the reverence of that movement still evokes emotions and the miracle that we all witnessed still resounds, well beyond that celebration. It serves as a gentle reminder of the awe-inspiring love of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the ever-present Holy Spirit. On that day many walked in as worshippers and faithful believers, yet one thing is certain, many more “disciples” left that church that day as well. It is learning to recognize God in each other, in the moments that make up our lives, in the miracles that occur all around us, and realizing that how we choose to live is noticed by others. It is important to remember as well that is not strictly the “job” of the clergy and religious, but our role as well. The Apostles were no different than you and me, they were frightened, they were not even sure of
what they were seeing, yet it was to these very individuals that Jesus gave the instruction to go out and change the world — one person at a time. They saw and believed, and it was because of what they witnessed that they were able to reach others. When we allow others to see God in our lives, they too begin to want the same love, joy and hope in their lives. This gives us the opportunity to bring another closer to the love and into a relationship with God, fulfilling the command that Jesus gave us through the Apostles on that faithful day. So live your faith out loud, let others see it in not only what you say, but how you choose to act, and how you make it a part of every moment of your life. With practice, you will become well versed in making “disciples of all the nations.” God bless! Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva is Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.
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Bishop ordains three men as transitional deacons continued from page three
them, staying close to the Church of God, bringing them to this point in their lives and now giving them as a gift.” “Serve God and all His people,” he instructed. “Your service should never be seen as a burden or a cross. It is a
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joy to be in the service of the Lord. We belong to Him. You are here because God called you.” He quoted from the Acts of the Apostles in the first reading: “The number of disciples increased greatly.” “What an encouraging
message for us, my dear Matthew, Juan and Daniel,” he said. “This is what we hope from you — that you are going to spread the Word of God in such a way that the number of followers of Jesus will increase not in Jerusalem but in the Diocese
of Fall River.” “Don’t be afraid of showing your own limitations,” he advised. “Don’t be afraid that you are imperfect. You will be in a lot of company.” The congregation laughed. “But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels,” he said. “So my friends realize that you are not perfect, that you don’t have all the answers. All we need is to be among God’s people. Stay humble and you will find out that people will love and appreciate you so much.” He added that God called them not because they were better than others, but because He found in them a heart with enough humility and sympathy that He wanted to give them this great gift to serve people in a very special way. “This is given to you but not exclusively for you, but to be at the service of others,” he said. “Serve the people in love and joy as you would the Lord. Then on the last day when you go out to meet the Lord, you will be able to hear Him say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” During the Promise of the Elect, the men made the solemn promises of lifelong celibacy, prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, and respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. Bishop da Cunha laid his hands upon the head of each of the men and prayed in silence, which symbolizes the invocation of the Holy
Spirit. He then prayed aloud the Prayer of Ordination, asking God to consecrate the deacons to service of the altar and the Word. The newly-ordained were then vested as deacons, with stole and dalmatic. Deacon Matthew Gill was assisted by Deacon Del Malloy of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro; Deacon Juan Carlos Muñoz by Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Trenton, N.J.; and Deacon Daniel M. Nunes by Father Edward J. Healey, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. The Book of Gospels was then placed by the bishop into the hand of the new deacons, symbolizing their commitment to proclaim God’s Word. During the Sign of Peace, the diocesan deacons came up to the altar and embraced their brothers, the newlyordained. The Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion followed. In the concluding rite, Bishop da Cunha thanked the three new deacons and all those involved in their formation. “We look forward to so much,” he said. And as the priests and deacons processed out of the cathedral into the bright sunshine, the choir sang: “Alleluia! Not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! He is near us, Faith believes nor questions how.”
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Faith handed on
It came from an experience our own story. that I had with a family Parish leaders often laheirloom that had managed ment how challenging it is to by-pass five older siblings to motivate parents to do more than drop off their children for Religious Education so that they can The Great passively hand on a faith that they have Commission scant connection to By Claire McManus in their own lives. One year I came upon an analogy that I thought might make sense and come into my possession. for them and delivered it at In the 1920s the world the final parent’s meeting. had not yet entered into the economic disaster that would be called the Great Depression, but a generation was developing the fortitude that would give them the title “Greatest.” In my mother’s life they only knew that their family had little; their father didn’t work and their mother had to take whatever jobs would bring in a few dollars a week. There was no safety net but family, and they had little to give from their scarcity. That is why my Uncle Jack went to work when he graduated from St. Joseph’s Grammar School at the age of 12. He turned down June 4, 11:00 a.m. a scholarship to a Catholic high school and went to work at Bond Bread Company in Jersey City, N.J. Celebrant is Father Jeffrey Cabral, Each day he left the house Judicial Vicar of the Diocesan Tribunal early and each week he Office, and in residence at St. Mary’s brought home a $1 to add Parish in Mansfield. to the family income. When Mother’s Day came around that year, my uncle brought home a gift using some of the money he had stashed June 11, 11:00 a.m. away from the little he had made. He bought a mother of pearl cereal set, what we would call a canister set today. It was beautiful, with Celebrant is Msgr. Gerard P. O’Connor, nine pieces that held flour pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in and rice, oatmeal, a salt box Acushnet. with a wooden lid, pepper, oil and vinegar. I know the details because it has been on display in my dining
he miracle of Pentecost is not just the descent of the Holy Spirit, but that it emboldened a group of timid disciples to go forth and tell the story of Jesus. There is no end to the methods being used today to wrap the kerygma into whatever package will attract and penetrate the aura of complacency enveloping this generation, but we must never tire of delivering this Good News. Evangelization does not come in a program, but comes from the depth of
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
room for the past 30 years. The set had a great deal of significance in my family because it was the only connection we had to a grandmother who had died long before we were born. The cereal set was the only nice thing that we had in the house, and my mother took good care of it. For her it was not just a memory of her mother, but a symbol of the sacrifice her brother made for his family. She placed him on a pedestal, and we embraced him as a hero, though we barely knew him. Years later, after my family home was sold and my mother went into senior housing I was given that mother of pearl cereal set and put it on display in our dining area. It was special to me, but my children had no idea of its meaning. Pieces got broken by errant passes in forbidden ball games. I had to remind myself to take it down to clean it so that it would continue to shine. But one morning, after a blizzard had blanketed the neighborhood with a foot of snow, my son began his first job as a paper deliverer for the Boston Globe. He was only nine years old and the bag full of papers nearly dragged along the ground as he made his way up the unplowed driveway. The sun had come out and had that magnificent gleam
that only comes after a storm when the rays reflect off of the virgin snow. I was having my morning tea, watching my little boy traipse up the hill; feeling a mix of guilt and pride that he had to work to earn that college scholarship that used to come with the job. As I watched him, I noticed the sun was shining on the mother of pearl cereal set, giving it an iridescent glow. Suddenly it occurred to me that my uncle was not much older than my son when he went to work for his family so many years ago. He wasn’t a hero, but a little boy cast into an adult responsibility by the circumstances of his time and family. It was then that the gift given to his mother and handed down to me through my mother suddenly had new meaning for me. This experience reminded me of why it is so hard to pass along a faith without a real, live connection to the story. This story became part of my closing parents’ meeting because I wanted them to continue to hand on this heirloom of faith, and not give up hope that one day the light will shine on it and it will make sense for their children. Pentecost celebrates all of us timid people who wrap the kerygma into our own stories to go forth to spread the Good News. Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
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For and About Our Church Youth
A
t the parish we began a book club a few months ago. The purpose is to read what are considered classics from the last 2,000 years. Once a month we gather to discuss the book we just read. It is not meant to be an academic exercise, but the discussion is meant to engage the intellect. This month the book club is reading Thomas à Kempis’ “The Imitation of Christ.” I began rereading it a few weeks ago, it is a great Spiritual read and I read it once a year. In chapter one the reader is told, “Let all the study of our heart be from now on to have our meditation fixed wholly on the life of Christ, for His holy teachings are of more virtue and strength than the words of all the angels and saints.” One of the greatest resources to help us to live a life modeled on Christ is that of the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew’s Gospel chapters five through seven. What is best known from the Sermon of the Mount is the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12).
Time to (re)read the Sermon on the Mount In the opening verses of be times that we are poor chapter five we are told that in Spirit, mourning, meek, Jesus went up the mountain thirsting for righteousness, and sat down. These are not persecuted for the sake of insignificant words. Matrighteousness, etc. What thew is writing his Gospel distinguishes the Christian for a Jewish-Christian for others is that in each of community. He will be emphasizing the continuity that exists from the law and the prophets to Jesus’ preaching. By Father The mountaintop David C. Frederici is where the Law was entrusted to the people of Israel. The mountaintop is also these moments the Chriswhere God continues to tian still lives in joy. This reveal Himself. In addition, isn’t because they ignore the the posture of Moses when realities around them or are teaching was to be seated. oblivious to life. Rather, their All of this means that when relationship with the Lord Jesus goes up the mountain keeps the goal of Heaven and is seated, He is continu- and the promises of God ing the role of Moses. forefront in their lives. They The Beatitudes all begin are aware that the things we with, “Blessed are those.” If experience during our earthyou look at those Bibles that ly life are at best temporary are interpretative texts (such and what God has promised as the Good News Bible), is forever. often they will have it read This state of blessedness “Happy are those.” What are or happiness is the fruit described are not stages in of a life dedicated to God, life, but rather the different regardless of our state in life. experiences of life. There will It is achieved through growing in one’s relationship with
Be Not Afraid
Christ. This involves taking time to learn more about God and His teachings, time for quiet prayer and meditation, active participation in the Sacramental life of the Church — especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation and seeking to live life in a Christ-like manner: recognizing Christ in others and responding to others as Christ would. All of this takes time, patience and commitment. We also need others to encourage us and challenge us. Even Jesus took time to be with the worshipping community in addition to His time alone in prayer. In the times when things aren’t going so well, the times of mourning, persecution, illness, etc. the human tendency is to turn inward, to circle the wagons. This takes our focus from God and His promises and places it on the darkness that we are experiencing. Scripture tells us that we are “children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of dark-
ness” (1 Thes 5:5). Therefore our time nurturing our relationship with Christ is time discovering and nurturing our true identity. I think we can all agree that our culture and our world are facing some very serious problems. I also believe that we are witnessing that as great as human achievement is, we still fall short. It is disturbing the level of bickering and intolerance that is found in our society at all levels. The solution begins with all of the baptized seeking to live lives modeled on Christ. As I am writing these words I am mindful that this starts with myself. The Gospel won’t take root in our world, our nation, communities or families if we expect everyone else to change and not ourselves. I guess it’s time to read (or reread) the Sermon on the Mount in its entirety. Anchor columnist Father Frederici is pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and diocesan director of Campus Ministry and chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College.
Kelly JC Pelletier, MA, BCBA, LABA, discusses her work as an autism specialist for the Fall River Public Schools with Bishop Connolly High School AP psychology students during a Mental Health Careers Program at the Fall River school. Held each spring to introduce students to diverse professions in the field of psychology, the speakers’ panel also included Anne M. Cabral, who serves as director of quality assurance and performance improvement, assistant administrator and dementia certified trainer at Silver Creek Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bristol, R.I., and Jeffrey Lima, MED, a mental health counselor at Family Service Association in Fall River.
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For and About Our Church Youth
During a recent weekly Mass at Holy Name School in Fall River, a statue of Our Lady was crowned. Two students from grade two who recently made their First Holy Communion were chosen to participate.
St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro recently celebrated its annual crowning of Mother Mary. The crowning was done by Grace Brown and Brady Cox.
The pre-school students at St. Michael School in Fall River celebrated the crowning of Mary and sang to honor her.
St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay has been doing seventh- and eighth-grade environmental field studies for more than 12 years in the Agawam River. This project was facilitated by Bridgewater State University’s Watershed Lab.
The kindergarten class at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford celebrated St. Damien Day complete with a Hawaiian luau. Father Martin Gomes, a priest of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, was able to attend and speak about his experiences on the island of Molokai. Pictured with Father Gomes is Mason as St. Damien and Melen as Queen Liluokalani. Seventh-grade students Morgan Gregoire and Matalin Silvia recently attended the second annual Greenlight For Girls Day at Bridgewater State University. The event included 150 girls from local communities who have interest in STEM exploration. The two attend St. Joseph School in Fairhaven and have aspirations to attain careers in science, possibly marine biology. The girls were able to engage in a variety of hands-on lab investigations at The Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Math Center at Bridgewater State. The Anchor - June 2, 2017
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For and About Our Church Youth Area teachers recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Special to The Anchor By Sarah Heaton Enrollment and Marketing Director, Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fall River
FALL RIVER — To kick off National Teacher Appreciation Week the U.S. Department of Education is hosting a Call-a-thon to call teachers nationwide to thank them for their service. Four teachers from the Diocese of Fall River Catholic schools will be receiving calls thanking them for their years of teaching and for serving as chairmen and co-chairmen of diocesan-wide curriculum committees. The four teachers receiving calls are: Anne Molloy. Molloy has taught math at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton for 23 years. She is currently serving as co-chairman of the diocesan Math Curriculum Committee. Molloy is the
mathematics department chairman at Coyle and Cassidy and has served as class moderator for various classes as well as yearbook moderator.
lished documents for the Writing American History Project of the U.S. Department of Education and has written a Student Geographic Resource Manual
Anne Molloy
Arthur Schirch
Roberta Schneller
Arthur Schirch. Schirch has taught social studies at St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay for 13 years. He currently serves as the chairman of the diocesan Social Studies Curriculum Committee. Schirch also has a few pub-
for “The Echo Project.” Cheryl Moore. Moore has taught math at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford for seven years. Prior to that she taught at St. Joseph-St. Therese School in New Bedford for eight years. She
Schools for her support of their Instructional Technology Program in June of 2000. Roberta Schneller. Schneller has taught in the diocese for 34 years. She has taught science at Espirito Santo School in
is currently serving as cochairman of the diocesan Math Curriculum Committee. Moore received a Certificate of Recognition from Fall River Public
Fall River for the last nine years. Prior to that she taught at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven for one year and at Taunton Catholic Middle School for 24 years. She currently serves as the chairman of the diocesan Science Curriculum Committee. Their work on curriculum committees is all voluntary and they give countless hours to make sure that all students are taught with the highest curriculum standards. The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Education Leadership wishes to add their gratitude to Molloy, Moore, Schirch, and Schneller for all of their work in the diocesan schools. For more information contact Sarah Heaton at sheaton@dfrcs.org or 508678-2828. A photo of Cheryl Moore was not available at press time.
Members of the Coyle and Cassidy Music Department competed at the Music in the Parks competition in Holyoke against schools from all over New England. The concert band won first place in its division and took tops honors as the “Best Band Overall.” Three vocal groups also competed; the CC Treble Choir, the Concert Choir and CC Select. All choirs received top ratings of “Superior,” won first place in their divisions and CC Select won “Best Chorus Overall.” Mary Rondelli, of Middleboro, was recognized as the “Best Soloist” for her vocal solo in “New York State of Mind.” The Taunton school also won a special award at the end of the competition called the “Esprit de Corps” for embodying the spirit of the competition.
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HCFM to celebrate Our Lady, Father Peyton, promote guild
ing mission and cause for sainthood.
In the United States there are chapters in California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia. The guild encourages faithful to become members: “If you believe we need a saint for families, please join the Father Peyton Guild to prayerfully support his cause for canonization and to continue his mission of encouraging families to pray together. “In gratitude, your intentions will be remembered at a special monthly Mass for guild members and you’ll be invited to ministry activities and updated ministry news.”
Membership options include chapter/group, family, and individual. Father Marcham invites those who would like to start a guild chapter or join an existing one to contact him by email vicepostulator@hcfm.org; via mail at 518 Washington Street, North Easton, Mass., 02356; or telephone 508-238-4095. For more information on Holy Cross Family Ministries and its associated ministries, Family Rosary, Family Theater Productions, and the Father Peyton Family Institute; and Father Peyton’s life and sainthood cause; visit www.hcfm.org, or follow its Facebook page. For more information on the Father Peyton Guild visit www.FatherPeyton. org or call 508-238-4095.
for me was always when I was helping others — whether it was the priests, or the bishop at the chancery, or the people when I was at the parish, or the young people when I was involved in education.” Like Father Bellenoit, Msgr. Oliveira’s half-century of service to the diocese has been distinguished with a mixture of ministries and longtime assignments. Just five years after his ordination, on Aug. 15, 1972, Msgr. Oliveira was tapped by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin to become his secretary — a position he would hold for the next 23 years. “I served in the chancery as the bishop’s secretary, master of ceremonies, chancellor, vicar general, and vicar for administration (moderator of the curia),” Msgr. Oliveira said. “That was a good part of my priesthood and it was certainly different from what I expected. As I preached this past Sunday: ‘Man proposes and God disposes.’” Serving as the bishop’s
secretary gave Msgr. Oliveira a unique opportunity to attend and witness firsthand many of the key advancements in the diocese over the years — from new church and school dedications to feasts, ordinations and celebrations. “I was there alongside the bishop for all of that,” Msgr. Oliveira said. “I’ve had an opportunity to be a part of so many things, thank God.” Born Sept. 28, 1942 in New Bedford, Msgr. Oliveira is the son of the late John J. Oliveira and Celina Amarello Cordeiro. He has a twin sister, Theresa Gaffney; a brother, Dr. Lawrence Oliveira; and two twin sisters who have passed away: Gloria Lima and Celina Oliveira. Baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford, he attended Catholic school there, graduating in 1955. He attended Holy Family High School in New Bedford, graduating in 1959. He studied at Our Lady
of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck, R.I., graduating in 1963 with a bachelor of arts degree. He completed his theology studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. in 1967 and was ordained by Bishop James L. Connolly on May 20, 1967 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. For the first five years of his priesthood he served at St. John of God Parish in Somerset, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, St. John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford, and St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton, before becoming the bishop’s secretary. “Looking back, it’s certainly been a varied career in ministry,” he said. “One would not have thought that I would have been involved in all these things, but through God’s grace I’ve been able to do so many things and have remained in good health.” Despite this diversity, Msgr. Oliveira balked at the notion of being considered
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Easton, within the diocese. In 2003 then-Fall River Bishop George W. Coleman presided over the opening of the diocesan inquiry. Because of the “significant scope” of the study, Father Peyton’s cause was moved by the Holy See to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In December of 2014 a 1,300-page Positio (Position Document), a summary of Father Peyton’s life and ministry was completed by the Baltimore Tribunal, honed down from 6,000 pages of testimonies and documentation. Father Raymond and Father David S. Marcham, vice postulator for Father Peyton’s cause, presented
the Positio to the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes for Saints. If the congregation determines that Father Peyton led a life of holiness and heroic virtue, the cause goes to Pope Francis, who could declare him “Venerable.” The next steps would be beatification and sainthood, if deemed worthy. Father Peyton Guilds have sprung up worldwide through the years. They are made up of groups of people who meet throughout the year to pray the Rosary together; learn
Three diocesan priests to retire this month continued from page four
so we built the school and opened the school. That was certainly challenging, but also very rewarding. The school opened in 2002.” In 2006 Father Bellenoit was appointed pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, where he served until his retirement this month. “When Bishop George W. Coleman asked me to come to South Yarmouth, I left a new school (in Mansfield) and came to another parish with a newer school, because the school down here opened in 2004,” he said. For Father Bellenoit, serving at those parishes and schools have been highlights of his ministry. “In serving a parish with a school, when you’re working with young families there’s a vitality and enthusiasm that they bring to the school and the parish,” he said. “You can’t run a parish without dedicated people. They are the backbone and
they are the ones who stay there while we move on and they are the ones who continue to give and continue to keep the parishes vibrant and vital.” Having served in a variety of roles during his ministry, Father Bellenoit said despite the differences, he’s really enjoyed “all of them.” “I would have to say the highlights for me would definitely be working with people and just celebrating the Sacraments and enjoying being with them,” he said. “In all those ministries, it’s really the people I was working with and for who made them very special.” Msgr. John J. Oliveira, likewise, said the hardest part of retirement for him is leaving his parishioners after a long tenure at St. Mary’s in New Bedford. “I know I’ll miss them,” Msgr. Oliveira said. “There are so many things I’ve enjoyed over the years, but the highlight or the best part
about Servant of God Patrick Peyton, his ongo-
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a “jack of all trades.” “That’s a title that follows with ‘master of none,’” he said. “I just think I’ve had a great opportunity to work in varied ministries, which has been a great blessing.” Like his early tenure at the chancery office, Msgr. Oliveira’s other long-term assignment will now be his last: serving as pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford for the past 21 years. “In fact, I’m the longest-serving pastor at St. Mary’s,” he said. Over the years, Msgr. Oliveira has also been instrumental in leading the Permanent Diaconate program for the diocese, a role he took on in 2002. “It is an important ministry and we have a very dedicated group of men and it has been a pleasure to meet and work with all of them,” Msgr. Oliveira said. “I’m glad I was able to set up a program of academic formation that prepared them well. Moving forward, Father Robert Oliveira and Deacon Frank Lucca are going to serve as co-directors — so that’s great.” Having served as director for the diocesan Propagation of the Faith Office since 1977, Msgr. Oliveira will continue on in that capacity until the bishop appoints a replacement. “I’m still going to be working with the mission office,” he said. “I haven’t retired from that, and I’m happy to do it because I’ve loved working with the missions. It’s been wonderful to see the involvement of the Church beyond the diocese in helping the missions throughout the world.” Taking into consideration his many honors over the last 50 years, including being given the title of monsignor three times — Chaplain to His Holiness 20
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with the title of Monsignor (1977), Prelate of Honor (1987), and Protonotary Apostolic (1994) — Msgr. Oliveira said his fondest memories will always be working for and with the people of God. “I certainly look back with gratitude for God’s graces over these so many years and for the many people I’ve been involved with and for the many ways I’ve helped the Church that were different from what I thought — be it working in the chancery, or celebrating Confirmations,” he said. With plans to remain living in the area to “assist his brother priests when needed,” Msgr. Oliveira hopes to remain active and healthy. “I pray for good health so that I can enjoy retirement, but above all so I can help my brother priests and continue making the Lord present through my ministry,” he said. “I have no particular plans to go traveling or go golfing and between the missions, the deacons, the school and the parish, I’ve always had enough things to keep me busy, so I guess I’ll have to find some new ways to occupy my time.” Unlike his fellow retirees, Father Stephen B. Salvador does hope to get in a few more rounds of golf after his official retirement on July 5. “You don’t want to just sit back and do nothing,” Father Salvador said. “I’ll probably go down to visit some buddies in Florida and play a little golf now.” He’s also planning a long-overdue trip back to Portugal with his two sisters — Mary Anne and Carmen. “I’m going to go back and visit some of my family in the Old Country and my sisters are coming with me,” he said. “They’ve never been
and it’s been 26 years since I’ve been there, so it will be fun to go back with my sisters and brother-in-law to show them where our family is from.” Echoing comments from the other retirees, Father Salvador said he’ll certainly miss his parishioners — especially the youth — but he is ready to leave administrative duties behind. “As I have stated: one retires never from priesthood, one retires from administration,” he said. “And that’s the thing I’m looking forward to — retiring from administration.” Born May 30, 1947 in New Bedford, Father Salvador is the son of the late Agnes (Borges) and Seraphim Salvador. Baptized at St. John the Baptist Church in New Bedford, he attended T.R. Rodman School in the city and New Bedford High School, graduating in 1966. He studied at St. Mary’s College Seminary in Kentucky and also at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. He was ordained by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin on May 11, 1974 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. His assignments after ordination included St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro, St. John of God Parish in Somerset, and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Fall River. He also served as chaplain to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and the Knights of Columbus. In 1993 he was named pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Attleboro, where he would serve for seven years until becoming pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church in Fall River in 2000. For the past three years Father Salvador has served as pastor of St. George Parish in Westport, an assignment he has called “a gift.”
“It’s a wonderful parish and it’s been a lot of fun setting up some new programs here,” he said. “It was fun getting these young families involved and meeting with them, and seeing young couples coming to church — there’s a lot of young families worshipping at St. George. That’s why I think St. George has been a gift in my ministry.” St. George also benefits from having an active CYO with five basketball teams — two girls and three boys — and an impressive cadre of 35 altar servers. “Seeing the kids at Mass and having them give me a ‘high five’ as I go by — those are some of the things that I will miss,” Father Salvador said. Over the years Father Salvador has maintained a close connection with youth through his involvement first as diocesan chaplain for the Catholic Committee on Scouting and more recently as the regional chaplain for the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. “That’s what has kept me young and active — staying involved with young people and families,” he said. “Scouting has done that for me.” A Boy Scout himself, Father Salvador never realized how important Scouting would become in his ministry when Bishop Cronin first appointed him district chaplain in 1975. “I’ve attended the jamborees and arranged retreats and awards ceremonies,” he said. “I’ve been to Argentina, to Brazil, and to Buenos Aires for big meetings. Two years ago I traveled to Japan to represent the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, which was a great experience. I think Scouting is very important, especially for the Church. And a lot of the ideas from Scouting can be brought into the parish.”
Although he no longer plans to participate in meetings or travel abroad, Father Salvador does plan to remain active in Scouting after retirement. “I still serve on the NCCS board and I’m still involved with the Boy Scouts of America,” he said. He’ll also continue serving as chaplain for the Daughters of Isabella for the foreseeable future. “There’s very few of them left and they just call on me when they need me,” he said. Having just turned 70, Father Salvador said he is “still staying active” and like Father Bellenoit and Msgr. Oliveira, he expects to fill in for his brother priests when they need to take vacations or attend retreats. “I’m going to be living in Padanaram, so I’ll probably be helping out here at St. George or maybe St. Julie Billiart Parish,” he said. Father Salvador is also pleased that Father David C. Frederici — whom he recommended to serve as diocesan Catholic Scouting chaplain — will be succeeding him as pastor at St. George next month. “I’m glad he’s coming here,” Father Salvador said. “I’ve talked to him and he’s going to continue many of the programs I’ve started and he also plans to bring in and involve some of the students from UMass Dartmouth, where he also serves as chaplain.” As for beginning retirement, Father Salvador said it still seems “hard to believe.” “The hardest thing to admit was telling the people how old I was,” he said. “I’d always say somewhere between 40 and death — that’s a line from the Broadway musical ‘Mame.’ So now you know, for sure, how old I am.”
Sister Alice Desrosiers, S.U.S.C.
TAUNTON — Sister Alice Desrosiers, (Sister Doris Marie) S.U.S.C., died at Marian Manor, Taunton on May 14 at the age of 97. She was born in Cambridge, on Sept. 12, 1919, the daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Verrier) Desrosiers. In addition to her Holy Union Sisters, her brother Leo, sister Helene Theriault and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews survive her. Her sisters Emma Igo, Theresa Pollock, Marie Desrosiers, Irene Brodie, and Sister Doris Desrosiers, S.U.S.C. and brothers Gerard, Romeo and George predeceased her. Sister Alice graduated from Our Lady of Pity High School, Cambridge and entered the Holy Union Sisters in Fall River, on Sept. 15, 1939. She pronounced her final vows on Aug. 15,1947. Sister Alice studied at Sacred Heart School of Education, Fall River and received a B.S. in education from Catholic Teachers College, Providence, R.I. She received a certificate in library science from Regis College. She taught elementary grades in schools in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island and later served as librarian. As she approached retirement, Sister Alice took courses in gerontology. When she retired from teaching, Sister Alice began a ministry to the elderly and homebound in the former St. Jacques Parish, Taunton and participated in many of the
parish activities. In 2001 ill health necessitated her move to Marian Manor in Taunton. Sister Alice reached out to many other residents, visited them regularly and shared stories and laughter. In 2003 she received the “Caring Heart Award.” The citation read: “Your kindness and special attention to residents of Marian Manor exhibit a special kind of caring.” In 2014 she celebrated
her 75th anniversary as a Holy Union Sister at a festive tea at Marian Manor where family members, Holy Union Sisters and associates joined her. A Funeral Mass was celebrated May 18 at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Taunton. Sister Alice was buried with her sister, Sister Doris Desrosiers in St. Mary Cemetery, North Attleboro. Funeral arrangements were by the Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home.
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 Kenneth J. Delano Fall River — Father Kenneth J. Delano passed away in the Catholic Memorial Home on May 28 at the age of 83. He was born in Taunton, the son of the late Kenneth and Isabel (Tatro) Delano. He was a graduate of Msgr. James Coyle High School and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. Father Delnno served most of his vocation in the Fall River area and also assisting at the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton. He enjoyed traveling, wildlife, astronomy and his family. He is survived by his sister Delores Cote and her husband Paul W. of
Taunton, his sister-in-law Dorothea Delano of North Carolina. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. Father Delano was predeceased by and his brother Donald Delano. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Annunciation of the Lord Church in Taunton on June 1. Burial followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton. Donations in Father Delano’s memory may be made to the Annunciation of the Lord Church, 31 First Street, Taunton, Mass., 02780. O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton was in charge of the arrangements.
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, 2010 June 14 Rev. Msgr. George E. Sullivan, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1980 Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Cournoyer, Retired Pastor, St. Michael, Swansea, 1982 Rev. James H. Coughlin, S.J., Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn., 1992 Rev. Justin J. Quinn, Chaplain, Madonna Manor, North Attleboro, Former Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1996 Rev. Ambrose Forgit, SS,CC., 2010 June 16 Rev. James McDermott, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1975
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Around the Diocese On Saturday, June 3 at 1:30 p.m. join the Father Peyton Center for an inspired afternoon that will bring your family together in prayer in honor of three anniversaries this year. From an interactive skit, a shared meal, to powerful prayer experiences, you and your family will be enriched and uplifted. The event will be held at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street in North Easton and is free, family-friendly, handicap accessible and open to the public. For more information, call 508-238-4095. On June 4, Pentecost Sunday, all are welcome at Holy Name Parish, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River for a special Holy Hour from 2 to 3 p.m. to pray before our Lord in the Tabernacle for families, vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, married life and single life. May His Holy Spirit pour out His special graces and help guide us towards God’s path today and always. For more information, call 774-644-5878. A Pentecost Sunday Taizé Prayer Service will be held on June 4 beginning at 7 p.m. at St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown. The service will conclude with a patio reception immediately following and all are welcome. A Healing Mass will be celebrated June 5 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street in Centerville. If you are coping with any physical illness, dealing with worries, fears or anxieties, struggling with a life crisis or just feeling lost Spiritually or you are concerned about a family member and don’t know how to help them, please come and join this special Mass to pray for these concerns. Immediately following the Mass, the Catholic Cancer Support Group will meet in the Msgr. Perry Parish Center for a Summer Ice Cream Social and conversation. There will be no July meeting because of the July 4 holiday. For more information, contact Geri Medeiros at 508-362-6909. An evening of reflection with gifted speaker and author Hugh Owen will be held at St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton on June 6 beginning at 7 p.m. Owen returns to offer insights for cultivating the interior life and deepening our intimacy with Jesus. All are welcome. A Holy Hour will be held every Monday (with the exception of holy days or holidays) beginning at 7 p.m. at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River. It will include Benediction and Confession (once a month) and every week will feature the Rosary, Novena, and prayers for vocations to the priesthood will be recited along with a short meditation. All are welcome. La Salette Retreat Center in Attleboro is the location for a new bi-weekly support group for separated and divorced persons. It will begin on June 6 and will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every other Tuesday evening. For more information or for directions, please contact Dottie at 508-642-1928 or email dojale@icloud.com. 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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The Anchor - June 2, 2017
Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17. ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street. Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday. East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower). EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow. FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday. FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel. FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory. FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m. FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m. HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday. MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m. MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass. NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance. NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession. NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time. NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m. NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street. NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232. ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass. 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.
St. Vincent’s Home is beacon of hope for children, families continued from page five
the day, they might refer to them differently. “These kids didn’t ask to be put in these situations; they didn’t ask to be abused; they didn’t ask to be neglected; they didn’t ask to be removed from their family. They’re really resilient kids. They’re kids who have gone through, for many of them, the unthinkable, but get up every day, do the best that they can at school, engage the best that they can in their treatment, so that they can move on.” And there are success stories. A young lady who resided in their residential program at the tender age of 14 and who had a “significant trauma history,” said Dutra, completed treatment and moved on to graduate from high school at the top of her class. “She moved on to attend one of the state universities in Massachusetts, successfully graduated while working three jobs while being full-time in school,”
said Dutra. “She continues her connection here. She’s come back to visit, been at the [summer’s annual fund-raiser]; she really is a phenomenal young lady.” “She really is a role model to everyone,” Dutra added. St. Vincent’s Life Skills Program provides youth between the ages of 14-21 with the education, skills, training and guidance to prepare them for transition to independent living and young adulthood. Instruction in daily living and organizational skill sets, complete his or her education, offers vocational training, provides opportunities for youth to develop employable skills, consider future career options and make good choices for his or her future. For those youth whose family support is minimal, the Life Skills Program affords its clients relationship-building support as a way of assisting the youth in his or her
journey to becoming selfsufficient. “We began to see an abundance of kids who were aging out of the system who had no reliable family resources that they could depend upon,” said Weldon. “Kids who experience trauma are even less equipped to live on their own, so the Life Skills Program was really a group of services that we put in place without state funding to meet the needs of those kids. We’re teaching them how to be a member of the community.” State agencies and third-party insurers fund most of the programs at St. Vincent’s Home, but an annual fund-raiser held at Battleship Cove in Fall River funds its Life Skills Program. The annual Summer Celebration will be held on June 23, at the Battleship Cove in Fall River; all proceeds benefit St. Vincent’s Life Skills Program.
A tile mosaic with “Hope” expressed is one of several that adorn the walls inside St. Vincent’s Homes in Fall River. (Photo by Dave Jolivet)
There will be a cocktail reception, dinner and silent auction, and this year will also feature a new fundraiser entitled, “Glitz in a Glass,” where attendees can purchase one of 50 flutes of champagne for a chance to win a 1.5-carat diamond donated by Silva & Co. Jewelers. For more information, contact Jenny Mello Reis at 508-235-3228. “We hear from kids who spent time here, and from family members as well,”
said Weldon. “They have relationships here that are touchstones for them, and they want them to know of their successes. It’s always heartwarming to get those calls or letters. Most of them express their appreciation that there is a St. Vincent’s, and that they were able to turn their lives around, move on and be successful, and that without our intervention, their story might not have come out the same way.”
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Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites. To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org
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The Anchor - June 2, 2017