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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, June 10, 2016

The Anchor would like to offer congratulations and prayers for all our diocesan graduates.

Evan Timbo gives the thumbs-up on his way to graduation from Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton last week.

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Diocese set to lose more than a century’s worth of education experience, but schools to be left in ‘very committed hands’ tion in my faith journey that was such a large part of my career in the Fall River Diocese. And the beauty of this diocese is that it is FALL RIVER — Come June not so large that one can get to 30, Fall River diocesan schools know the principals personally will say a fond farewell to 105 and many of the teachers as well.” years of education experience Griffin, who himself will be when assistant superintendent leaving the Diocese of Fall River of curriculum, Dr. Donna Boyle, for the same position as superinand assistant superintendent for tendent of schools for the Archpersonnel, Louise B. Kane, comdiocese of Hartford, Conn. had plete one “journey” in their lives nothing but praise for his two and embark on another in their assistant superintendents. retirements.

“Dr. Boyle’s leadership over the Boyle has been involved with past 28 years in the Diocese of schools in the Fall River Diocese Fall River has been outstanding,” since 1988, first serving as acahe told The Anchor. “Her dedicademic principal at Coyle-Cassidy tion to Catholic schools has been High School in Taunton, and as an inspiration to us all. She has assistant superintendent since been tireless in her efforts on 2002. behalf of the students, faculty and Before that, since 1957, she administrators in the Catholic was a teacher and/or administraschools of our diocese. Under her tor in the Archdiocese of Boston, leadership, academic standards at Boston College, and in Framwere developed for all subjects, ingham. and 21st-century teaching prinKane began her diocesan ciples have been strengthened in education career in July of 2008 all our schools. when she became principal of Es“Diocesan academic commitpirito Santo School in Fall River, tees were initiated under Dr. until she was named assistant With more than 100 years of education experience between them, Dr. superintendent beginning July 1, Donna Boyle, left, and Louise P. Kane, assistant superintendents of Cath- Boyle, as were numerous staff 2013, by then-Bishop George W. olic schools in the Diocese of Fall River, will retire at the end of June, development sessions designed to Coleman and diocesan superinembarking on new phases in their successful and faith-filled lives. (Photo assist teachers in methodologies at each grade level. At the same tendent of schools, Dr. Michael S. by Dave Jolivet) time, she has been a genuine role Griffin. model of the faith and values we Boyle has spent just shy of with the current academic and Kane’s journey in education teach in our schools. Her service three decades in the Fall River Spiritual standards followed began in 1970, teaching in pubfor 17 years as academic princidiocesan school system. “These by each diocesan school in the lic and parochial schools in New pal at Coyle and Cassidy High have been the happiest years of diocese. “When we leave, it will Jersey and Virginia until 1988, School, and 11 years as assistant my professional and personal be time for people to look at the at which time she taught or was superintendent for academics life,” she said. “I was hired by Fa- standards, adjust them if necesprincipal at schools in Rhode will long be remembered, and she sary, and move forward,” said Island, until her arrival in the Fall ther Richard Beaulieu and Mike Donly to be academic principal Boyle. “I’m very comfortable with will be greatly missed in the Fall River Diocese in 2008. at Coyle-Cassidy High School, the people we’re leaving this with: River Diocese.”

Although they only worked Regarding Kane, he said, “It and since then my bosses in the Sandra Drummey and Denise M. together in tandem as assistant has been a pleasure to work with Fall River diocesan school sysPeixoto. The department is being superintendents for three years, Louise Kane over the past three tem have been mentors and role upgraded by the people who are the chemistry between the two formed a cohesive bond driven by models of the Catholic faith. And taking over. It’s all about mission years, following five years as principal of Espirito Santo School in I have to mention Bishop George for them.” the mission of evangelization in Fall River. As assistant superin“I’m very confident in the the Catholic faith, a love of work- W. Coleman who was such a tendent for personnel, Mrs. Kane great Spiritual director. people with whom we send this ing with school administrators, has devoted countless hours to “I experienced such great on its way,” added Kane. “I can’t principals, teachers, employees, advising our school leaders on growth working with Bishop think of a better way to end my and especially the students, the matters relating to student affairs, Coleman, Father Beaulieu, Mike career in education than having hearts and souls of the diocesan personnel school law, and the Donly, George Milot and Mike worked here. school system. health and safety of our students.

Griffin. And Bishop Edgar M. da “Working with the principals “This has all been part of a Her efforts have led to improveCunha, S.D.V. was very good to was a blessing. They were all so journey,” Boyle recently told The Turn to page 20 supportive, and were an inspiraAnchor. “We are stewards leading us and very supportive with the

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

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our students, trying to be creative in how we bring God into their lives and their families; working to make the Catholic faith meaningful in their lives.”

“I was very, very happy as principal at Espirito Santo,” Kane told The Anchor. “But when the opportunity arose when Kate Simpson retired, Donna’s ‘words of wisdom’ encouraged me to apply. I felt God was calling me to a new challenge.”

education task force.

“Along with Kate (Simpson), we came in with a blank sheet and Msgr. John J. Perry and Father Michael K. McManus allowed us to able to do our jobs.

They had our backs, even when we failed. Educators are not perfect, but they are faithful.”

Among the many tasks Boyle, Simpson and Kane accomplished was creating a handbook, and later tweaking it along the way,

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., speaks before the members of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., during a recent board meeting. The bishop discussed the importance of Catholic education to the local economy. It was the first time a bishop had ever addressed the Chamber of Commerce and was also the first-ever appearance of Bishop da Cunha before such a group. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Bishop extols importance of Catholic education to local economy

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

FALL RIVER — During the first-ever meeting between a serving diocesan bishop and the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., took advantage of the historic occasion to extol the importance of Catholic education to the local economy.

“I understand I’m the first bishop to ever come to speak before the chamber, and it’s also my first time before a chamber of commerce,” Bishop da Cunha said. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to say, because I’m used to talking to Church groups and parishes.

Speaking to you is a little different; but I hope that what I share with you is a common concern and that it will help us all in the work we’re trying to do.”

Noting that the collective business leaders and representatives of the Catholic Church share similar goals in wanting to “make a better life for us and for the people who work for us here in the community,” Bishop da Cunha said he believes the two groups need to collaborate on this effort.

“I think we’re all trying to help people and to make people’s lives better and more meaningful and I think that’s the mission of what we’re trying to do and it’s the mission of the business community,” the bishop said. “I don’t think any of us are here to just make money.”

While some people would suggest that the Church’s primary mission is to save souls, Bishop da Cunha said it’s also important to “save the whole person.”

“How can you talk to someone about faith or about God if they are

hungry, if they are homeless, if they are unemployed, if they are victims of violence or abuse or injustice?” the bishop asked.

“Those things also need to be addressed and taken care of so that we can then speak to them about the love of God and the goodness of faith.

“I am also convinced that when we work as a Church, building up the lives of people in the faith, we build their families, we build their community, we get people who are hard workers, who are educated to share their resources and gifts and talents with one another.”

Citing from Pope Paul VI’s 1967 encyclical “Populorum progressio,” the bishop noted how the development of people “cannot be restricted to economic growth alone.”

“Our Catholic Church and our social teaching Turn to page 20

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Retired probation officer helping to get SVdP reentry program off the ground

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

ATTLEBORO — The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s re-entry program’s main objective is to foster ex-offenders’ Spiritual lives and assist them in his or her efforts to make a successful transition back into the community. Many exoffenders are without the support of family or positive mentors who can help them guide them through the difficult parole process.

Paul Hodge knows that process all too well. He spent 29 years working as a probation officer in the Fall River District Court.

When he retired in April 2012, his parents moved in

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with his family until they both passed, leaving Hodge to wonder “where God was calling me, and what should I be doing with the rest of my life?” he said.

A member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for more than 20 years through his parish, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Seekonk, Hodge attended a presentation by Tom Dwyer, the chairman of the Voice of the Poor Committee, the advocacy arm of the St. Vincent de Paul Society whose members help identify issues that are critical to those living in poverty and need, and help bring attention to them so communities can help create strategies to provide

support.

“He mentioned about formulating a reentry project,” recalled Hodge. “The reentry project is a partnership between the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and National St. Vincent de Paul Society.

When I heard the presentation and talked with Tom, my interest was piqued.”

There are 15,000 inmates released each year in Massachusetts, and the statistics show that without the ability to find employment and housing, 40 percent of them over a three-year period return to incarceration, said Hodge. Realizing that God had blessed him with the unique combination of work experience as a probation officer and being a member of St. Vincent de Paul, Hodge knew that God had been leading him to this project all along.

“It almost seemed like a culmination of volunteer experience combined with working experience, kind of the perfect storm, if you will,” he said. “As I was discerning my involvement in the reentry project, I thought of Pope Francis and this year being the Year of Mercy, and I thought specifically of the Corporal Works of Mercy, and my own examination of self and how I was doing with that.”

A few months ago, Hodge and a couple of members of the Voice of the Poor Committee met with the director of classification programs and director of the reintegration program at the Bristol County House of Corrections in Dartmouth with the goal of creating a solid partnership to help released inmates reintegrate back into society once he or she is released from the House of Corrections. During that

meeting, the group came up with a tentative blueprint of the reentry program, and honed in on a list of support services each exoffender will need upon his or her reentry.

“Some of the real needs that the men and women are faced with centered around housing; that’s a big issue,” said Hodge. “We’re in the process of trying to set up a meeting with Catholic Social Services to try and work out the logistics.

“There were also some very specific ideas that the folks at the House of Corrections had like transportation, just getting them from jail to their homes.

That’s a real issue. We’re looking at ways to be able to assist them with transportation through purchasing bus passes for the men and women coming out.

“Personal care items are also an issue. They come out with what they went in with, and many times that’s nothing, just the clothes on their back and a couple of bucks. We’re thinking of making packs that would contain some personal care items.”

But the biggest hurdle each ex-offender faces is employment.

“The job market in this area, and other areas, isn’t doing that well and jobs are not as plentiful,” said Hodge. “As a result, if an employer has an opportunity to hire a person who does not have a criminal background versus one who does, typically the employer opts to choose the one who does not have a criminal background.”

There are some national corporations, said Hodge, who have made it a focus to try and hire men and women who are returning from being incarcerated,

and his group is trying to identify those corporations, see which have a local store in the area, and work out a partnership with those corporations. The reentry program is also working with state agencies to help coordinate employment efforts.

Transportation again becomes an issue for employment because “some don’t have a license for a variety of reasons” and even if that issue gets resolved, “they don’t have a vehicle to drive,” said Hodge, adding his overall vision for the reentry program is that “at some point we have enough Vincentians and partner with returning citizens, and hopefully set up some type of mentoring of the men and women so that they don’t return to an incarcerated institution.”

After spending almost 30 years as a probation officer, Hodge is in a unique position. He knows that many of those who are incarcerated simply made a wrong decision that cost them in a big way.

“When I started work, my children were young and I often thought about how you hear about young men and women getting into trouble, and I would often say to myself that my kids would never be trouble,” said Hodge. “Once I started really looking at the individuals who were in front of me, and their backgrounds, I found that the people I was working with were coming from good families or from families, that for whatever reason, weren’t able to help their son or daughter make the right choices. I quickly dropped the phrase, ‘My kid will never be in trouble’ from my vocabulary.”

Though a lot of the ideas Turn to page 15

Homily of Father Paul E. Canuel on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of ordination The following is Father Paul E. Canuel’s homily at a Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Seekonk on May 21, celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. ike Peter on Mount Tabor, I say: It is so good for us to be here to celebrate thanksgiving to God on the occasion of my anniversary of ordination, 50 years ago today. I am Helping to celebrate Father Paul E. Canuel’s 50th anniversary of ordination to the priest- nervously grateful to Father hood at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk were, from left: pastor Father Mark, to my brother priests Mark R. Hession, Father Paul E. Canuel, Father Henry S. Arruda, and Father Jay T. Mad- and to all of you, family, dock. (Photo by John Gouveia) friends, and parishioners of Mount Carmel, for choosing to be with me today. It is the job of the celebrant, following the example of JeMount Carmel Parish in traveling there to particisus, to open the Scripture of

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor Seekonk. pate in the ordination of the day and then break the davejolivet@anchornews.org “I was thrilled by the Daniel Velasquez Esbread. I find that opening FALL RIVER — Fareception I received there,” coto, my godson,” Father up the mystery of the Most ther Paul E. Canuel’s he said. “The church was Canuel told The Anchor.

Holy Trinity, while daunting address may read Cardipacked and the music “He is from the parish as that task is, seems to me a nal Medeiros Residence superbly conducted by Ms. where Father Craig A. bit easier than trying to put on Elsbree Street in Fall Jeanne Kusiak whom I had Pregana and I served when into a 10-minute frame of River, but one would be hired back in 1974 when our diocese ‘adopted’ and time, how God has acted in hard-pressed to find him she was just a teen-ager.” staffed St. Rose of Lima my life these past 50 years. there, especially recently.

The celebration journey Parish. Father Daniel will The main point of Jesus’ In retirement, Father continued on June 5 at St. allow me to join my 50th revealing to us that God Canuel has remained acVincent de Paul Parish in anniversary Mass with his is Father-Creator, Sontive in diocesan ministry, in Attleboro, where he celefirst Mass.”

Redeemer and Spirit-Sanchis words, “Continuing to brated a bilingual Mass in The anniversary tour tifier is that they exist not minister as a ‘retired’ priest English and Spanish. “Ac- will conclude next year. “I as three individual gods but to any parish in need.” tually, it was a trilingual will have to wait until then as a Community of Persons, Add to that the fact that Mass, since I prayed the to celebrate the final anni- unique and powerful in their he is celebrating his 50th ‘Our Father’ in French, as identifying activities yet so Turn to page 19 anniversary of ordination I was first taught to pray,” to the priesthood with a Father Canuel added. “whirlwind tour” of places He will also visit St. at which he served over Mary/Our Lady of the Isle the last half century.

Parish on Nantucket; and “I was impressed last Our Lady of Guadalupe at year when I saw Father St. James in New Bedford, Tom Lopes celebrating where he will visit with his 50th anniversary doing his former parishioners something similar,” Father from Nuestra Señora de Canuel told The Anchor.

Guadalupe and St. Hedwig Father Canuel’s celebra- parishes. tion tour began on the In July, Father Canuel actual 50th anniversary of will travel to Guaimaca, his ordination on May 21 Honduras where he served at a Mass and reception at St. Rose of Lima Parfor him at Our Lady of ish for seven years. “I am

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Diocesan priest retracing footsteps of half-century of ministry to the Church

perfect in love for One Another that we know God as One. And then we are told that we have been created in the image and likeness of God and called, as the great commission empowers us, to be one “that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that you have sent Me.” COMMUNITY. Forty-one years ago this faith community of Mount Carmel sent me forth to the land of the great Incas, Peru, to build community and to share the story of what love was doing here at Mount Carmel. What a joyful journey that was!

Many times as I trekked up and down the trails of the Andes Mountains, carrying on my back the necessary material things needed for the celebration of the Sacraments, I would think of that farewell Mass at the parish center, with a humongous burlap banner draping the altar, covered with images of cactus and burros, otherwise known as donkeys (you know in the six years I lived with you, I think we bought out the entire supply of burlap in East Providence!)

Turn to page 19

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Anchor Editorial

Give drink to the thirsty

“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward” (Mk 9:41).

Jesus made this promise about what will be due to someone who gives a thirsty Christian a simple drink. Matthew’s Gospel does give a slightly different quote from Jesus: “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple — amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward” (Mt 10:42).

Jesus expands the scope of to whom we should be giving a drink in His discourse on the sheep and the goats at the final judgment, when He says that those who will be admitted into the Kingdom “gave [Him] to drink” when He was thirsty (Mt 25:35). In other words, we are called upon by Jesus to quench the thirst of anyone in need of this assistance.

In every chapel of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity (such as in New Bedford) Jesus’ Words from the cross are on the wall next to the crucifix: “I thirst.” Mother Teresa explained, “We have these words in every chapel of the MCs to remind us what an MC is here for: to quench the thirst of Jesus for souls, for love, for kindness, for compassion, for delicate love.”

The sainted Sister returned to this quote over and over again in her life. “At this most difficult time [dying on the cross] He proclaimed, ‘I thirst.’ And people thought He was thirsty in an ordinary way and they gave Him vinegar straight away; but it was not for that thirst; it was for our life, our affection, that intimate attachment to Him, and that sharing of His Passion. He used, ‘I thirst,’ instead of ‘Give Me your love’ — ‘I thirst.’ Let us hear Him saying it to me and saying it to you.”

Dr. Edward Sri has a blog post about Blessed Teresa’s teachings about “I thirst.” He noted the connection between the Corporal Work of Mercy of giving drink to the thirsty and Jesus’ thirst for us. “What should our response be to Jesus’ thirst for our love? When a suffering person in Ethiopia or India experienced torturing thirst, Mother Teresa would quickly bring water to satiate that thirst. In a similar way, Jesus thirsts for our love, and Mother Teresa desired to satiate His thirst by promptly responding to His will, by making sacrifices for Him, by loving Him in the people she served and by entrusting her entire life into His hands. ‘This is Jesus’ Word, “I thirst” — for love, for souls not water’” (the final sentence is from Mother Teresa).

In our country at the moment, we are mindful of the thirst that people in Flint, Mich. and in other places have for clean water, to drink and to use for cooking and bathing. Many people, especially children, have responded to this need, although much more needs to be done (since the problem remains). You can help the people of Flint through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lansing. According to its website, FaithinFlint.com, “Monetary donations may be mailed to 901 Chippewa Street, Flint, Mich. 48503. Please include ‘water relief ’ OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 60, No.12

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

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

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

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

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on the memo line of the donation. Monetary donations also can be made by visiting www.CatholicCharitiesFlint.org.”

The Catholic Church has consistently called for the increasing availability of clean water all over the world. Pope Benedict XVI on Sept. 17, 2010 challenged British leaders in a speech in London (but the words speak to all of us in the First World): “In recent years it has been encouraging to witness the positive signs of a worldwide growth in solidarity towards the poor. But to turn this solidarity into effective action calls for fresh thinking that will improve life conditions in many important areas, such as food production, clean water, job creation, education, support to families, especially migrants, and basic healthcare. Where human lives are concerned, time is always short: yet the world has witnessed the vast resources that governments can draw upon to rescue financial institutions deemed ‘too big to fail.’

Surely the integral human development of the world’s peoples is no less important: here is an enterprise, worthy of the world’s attention, that is truly ‘too big to fail.’”

On March 2, 2014 Pope Francis echoed his predecessor’s message: “The road that Jesus points out can seem a little unrealistic with respect to the common mindset and to problems due to the economic crisis; but, if we think about it, this road leads us back to the right scale of values. He says: ‘Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?’ (Mt 6:25). In order to ensure that no one lacks bread, water, clothing, a home, work, health, we need to recognize that all people are children of the Father Who is in Heaven and, therefore, brothers among us, and that we must act accordingly.”

A complicated situation which occasionally presents itself to us, especially when in cities, is that of someone begging, supposedly for food or drink. Often our fear is that any money we give will go to drinks, of the alcoholic kind, or to drugs. The London-based charity, Thames Reach, tells us that that fear is justified, because the facts bear it out. It has a good article on the subject (www.thamesreach.org.uk/ news-and-views/campaigns/giving-to-beggars/faq/), which urges us to not give money to people asking for it on the street.

The Catholic blogsite Patheos has a meditation (www.patheos.com/ blogs/badcatholic/2013/09/giving-your-money-to-drug-addicts. html) on what we should do — and on our temptation to do absolutely nothing. The author, Marc Barnes, reminds us that we can’t just “walk on by,” as Dionne Warwick sang. Instead, although we can keep our money (for that moment — we will need to use it later to help improve society), we need to be open to encountering Christ in these troubled souls (we’re troubled, too, just in different ways) and seeing how we can assist Him. May Christ guide us in quenching His thirst in so many ways.

Daily Readings June 11 — June 24

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. June 11, Acts 11:21b-26;13:1-3; Ps 98:1,2-3ab,3cd-6; Gospel. Sun. June 12, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2 Sm 12:7-10,13; Ps 32:1-2,5,7,11; Gal 2:16,19-21; Lk 7:36—8:3. Mon. June 13, 1 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3ab,4b-6a,6b-7; Mt 5:38-42. Tues. June 14, 1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-4,5-6ab,11 and 16; Mt 5:43-48. Wed. June 15, 2 Kgs 2:1,6-14; Ps 31:20, 21,24; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs. June 16, Sir 48:1-14; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:7-15. Fri. June 17, 2 Kgs 11:1-4,9-18,20; Ps 132:11-14,17-18; Mt 6:19-23.

Sat. June 18, 2 Chr 24:17-25; Ps 89:4-5,29-30-34; Mt 6:24-34. Sun. June 19, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Zec 12:10-11;13:1; Ps 63:2-6,8-9 (2b); Gal 3:26-29; Lk 9:18-24. Mon. June 20, 2 Kgs 17:5-8,13-15a,18; Ps 60:3-5,12-13; Mt 7:1-5. Tues. June 21, 2 Kgs 19:9b-11,14-21,31-35a,36; Ps 48:2-3ab,3cd-4, 1011; Mt 7:6,12-14. Wed. June 22, 2 Kgs 22:8-13;23:1-3; Ps 119:33,34,36,37, 40; Mt 7:15-20. Thurs. June 23, 2 Kgs 24:8-17; Ps 79:1b-2,3-5,8,9; Mt 7:21-29. Fri. June 24, Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-4a,5-6ab,15ab and 17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17.

Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1b-3,13-14ab,14c-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80.

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ast week I was in Rome leading a pilgrimage of American journalists, trying to help them get to know better the past and the present of the Church. The timing couldn’t have been better, however, because it coincided with the Jubilee for Priests during this extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. About 6,000 priests from across the world came — and the Vatican really provided us a powerful program.

On Wednesday there were pilgrimages through the Jubilee Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession from Missionaries of Mercy, and catechetical talks in various languages, with the English conference being given by the incomparable Bishop Robert Barron.

On Friday, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which since 2002 has also been the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, we priests concelebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Square with Pope Francis, who after Mass spent more than an hour individually greeting priest concelebrants.

At night, the vigil of the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the priests were able to pray the Rosary to the Mother of the Clergy with seminarians from all over the world studying in Rome.

The clear highlight of the Priestly Jubilee, however, was a three-part, three-location retreat on Thursday preached

by Pope Francis to his brother priests. It took place in the three “other” major Basilicas of Rome — St. John in the Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls — with priests divided into national and language groups. The pope preached an hour-long meditation in each Basilica with a livestream into the others, with simultaneous translation for those not fluent in Italian.

Pope Francis at his best

I’ve long thought that the even troubling.

On June 2, the priests pope is at his best and most of the world got a glimpse natural preaching retreats.

When he gives Spiritual ex- of the “real Bergoglio.” ercises to his fellow religious, Seated at a traditional retreat master’s table, speaking brother priests and bishcomfortably and confidently, ops, he normally takes the he spoke about his favorite humble “bushel basket” off theme, God’s mercy. There’s of his deep interior life and no way to do justice to the we’re able to get a transparent window into his intense relationship Putting Into with the Word of God, with the Blessed the Deep Trinity, with Mary and the saints.

By Father Soon after his Roger J. Landry election, I tried to read everything that he had published in English 15,000 words he preached that day, and so I’d urge you and in Spanish: his bookto watch them with English length interviews, speeches, translation (im.va) or read pre-papal homilies and them (w2.vatican.va). But I’d more. But by far the two like to share a few highlights. most helpful and revealIn the first meditation, ing resources were books of he pondered how “nothing his retreat talks. One was “Meditaciones Para Religiosos,” unites us to God more than an act of mercy” and urged a Spanish compilation of us to treat mercy “as a verb,” retreat meditations given to receiving it and sharing it. religious men and women.

He gave an extraordinary reThe second is entitled “In flection on the Parable of the Him Alone is Our Hope,” which is the English transla- Prodigal Son and pondered tion of the Spiritual exercises how the returned prodigal is a model for us of the “emhe preached to the Spanish barrassed dignity” that is bishops in 2006. our Christian condition as In them we meet a Jesuit reconciled sinners. “The Lord retreat master at the height not only cleanses us,” he of the art of group Spiritual emphasized, “but crowns us, direction, guiding us into giving us dignity,” leading us the drama of Christ’s life from the state of “estrangeand the life of faith. There ment to celebration.” we see, in my opinion, the In the second meditation, “real Father Bergoglio” at his Pope Francis spoke about most brilliant, challenging how God transforms our and encouraging, where his faith, hope and love for God sins into “wineskins” from and others most impressively which the “new wine” of His merciful love overflows in shine. acts of mercy toward othI’ve often thought if the ers. God seeks to change pope’s critics were to meet our reconciled hearts from him in these sources, where “broken cisterns” into “vessels he exposes the depth of his of mercy.” Great sinners are interiority, his mind and heart and his approach to the therefore able, in turn, to become greater saints of mercy, Christian way lived in the like we see in the lives of Church, they might be able, Paul, Peter, John, Augustine, more calmly and accurately, to understand and categorize Francis, Ignatius, and Blessed José Gabriel Brochero. those aspects of his papacy Our Lady, he added, “is that until now they have the simple yet perfect vessel found difficult to grasp or

that both receives [preveniently] and bestows mercy.”

Her Magnificat reveals, he said, that from generation to generation, “history is mercy.”

In the final conference, Pope Francis focused on how the Works of Mercy give off what St. Rose of Lima called “good odor of Christ” and the “light of [God’s] mercy” in contrast to the stench and darkness of sin. “Being merciful is not only ‘a way of life’” for a Christian, he said, “but ‘the way of life.’” Without mercy, he stressed, “I am not even a Christian.” The Church, therefore, aims not just toward Corporal and Spiritual “Works of Mercy” but to create a “culture of mercy.” Basing himself on the scene of Jesus with the woman caught in adultery, he encouraged priests as confessors to be “signs and instruments” of God as Good Shepherd, Good Samaritan, Father, and Just Judge in His “merciful love for the sinner.”

At the end of the day, he

forthrightly noted that he hears from some priests who think that he chides us too often, and acknowledged “there has been a bit of that.”

But after stating that he has been edified by the example of so many good priests who give off the “perfume” of Christ’s mercy, he read a letter he had just received from a pastor of three parishes thanking him for precisely for this “occasional scolding.”

The pope suggested that his papal fraternal corrections are themselves acts of mercy for priests and for those we serve, helping us to become better, bigger wineskins to pour out the vintage of God’s merciful love to others and to form the “culture of mercy” that the Church, as leaven, is entrusted by God to engender.

It was Pope Francis at his best, trying to help his priest brothers, and all we serve, become better and more merciful like the Father.

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

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Diocesan deacons return from awe-inspiring Mass in Rome

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

DARTMOUTH — Words like “incredible” and “awesome” were the common words heard from the four deacons from the Fall River Diocese after their return from celebrating a Jubilee for Deacons with Pope Francis as part of the year-long celebration of the Year of Mercy.

The group joined with 2,300 deacons from all over the world. Along with family and friends, the deacons spent a week in Rome on a pilgrimage, “and it was a pilgrimage, it wasn’t a vacation,” said Deacon Frank Lucca, Catholic campus minister at UMass Dartmouth, and designated group leader for the trip.

Each day started with Mass in English, and the group saw many Catholic churches, tombs and various other Church historical

sites, all while accompanied by a “phenomenal tour guide” who had a Ph.D. in Church

the group was able to walk through four designated Holy Doors: “That was a

“It was absolutely jammed with people,” said Deacon Lucca. “We were told dea-

While in Rome for the recent Jubilee for Deacons, four permanent deacons for the Diocese of Fall River encountered an old friend, Father Roger J. Landry. From left: Deacon John W. Foley, Deacon Frank Lucca, Deacon Eduardo Borges, Father Landry, and Deacon Gary John.

antiquities, said Deacon Lucca.

During their pilgrimage,

great experience,” said Deacon Gary John, from Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River. It was the rich history of the area that Deacon John really enjoyed, adding, “every time you turned your head, it was something different.”

On the Saturday before Sunday Mass, the deacons attended afternoon catechesis sessions, but the highlight of the trip was celebrating Mass with the pope. The group arrived at the Vatican around 7:30 in the morning for the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

cons were to go to Paul VI Hall, and the rest of the folks had their special reserved seat passes and were supposed to go through the security areas.

They got beautiful seats and were only four or five rows from the front.”

It took a few hours to get through the security gate and once in Paul VI Hall, each deacon vested and was given a stole.

“It was amazing because it was an embroidered stole with the seal of the Year of Mercy on it,” said Deacon

Lucca. “It will be something we’ll be able to use onwards.

It was a wonderful keepsake and not expected.”

While waiting, there was a lot of shuffling about as deacons were being moved around to make room for others, and suddenly the four deacons from Fall River found themselves at the front of the line. As the deacons began to process out, the first 70 or so were pulled aside into a group, and then asked if they would like to present Communion at Mass.

Everyone from Fall River said yes, even when they harbored reservations about exactly what being special ministers of Holy Communion at Mass would entail, said Deacon Lucca, including would they even be able to see the pope?

The group made its way through St. Peter’s Square, said Deacon Lucca, and “they kept walking us up towards the altar, and then we went beyond that and we were standing in front of the pope’s chair, and then we turned right to an area right at the top of the stairs outside of the Basilica doors, and we were all seated right there, like five rows away from the side of the pope.

He was right there. All the other deacons [not handing out Communion] were seated on next level down on the side of the altars on both sides.”

Sitting there, taking in the view of St. Peter’s Square, and having to explain how he was feeling had Deacon Eduardo Borges of Immaculate Conception Parish in New Bedford searching for the right words: “How can I express it? It’s just being there being in the presence of so many people celebrating the Eucharist with the Vicar of Christ right there, you become — it’s not overTurn to page nine

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Deacons return from awe-inspiring Jubilee for Deacons in Rome continued from page eight

whelming — it’s peace. I felt at peace and very relaxed, and taking it in.”

During the Mass the deacons had to go into the Basilica to get the ciboria, and walking down the front to the tables that held each Hostfilled ciborium, they were all alone in a tourist attraction that normally holds thousands of sightseers — some of the deacons had a moment of reflection.

“When we waited to process outside, just being alone in the Basilica and be able to look around and knowing we were going to participate in the Mass, it was just almost overwhelming,” said Deacon John. “Just looking around at the statues and the building, thinking about how St. Peter is buried here, the Rock upon the Church is built; it was awe-inspiring standing alone in the Basilica.”

When the deacons processed towards the square, it began to briefly rain but each station had an umbrella.

Deacon Lucca had the first station right in front of the altar.

“Now we have all these folks trying to receive Communion,” said Deacon

Lucca. “This is somewhat a discouraging part and an awesome moment, because we’re on the side of the rows and I was assigned like six or seven rows. I would move left to right, and it was fine for the first few people but the others had to start climbing over people to get to the aisle. That was discouraging because people were pushing to get there.”

Even in this momentary chaos, Deacon Lucca was still struck by the love and faith of the people attending the Mass: “What was so powerful to me was the yearning of the people.

Their hands were out, it was not the typical receive-theEucharist stance with palm over palm; they were trying to reach me. Their hands were out as far as they could go and I stretched as far as I could go, still trying to reverently place the Host in their hand, taking the time and not trying to rush anything.

I just see this sea of people with their hands raised up and it just struck me how desirous people were to receive Christ.”

“Seeing people reaching and clamoring for Commu-

nion, it was really impressive to be part of that. Just to see all these Catholics gathered and reaching out for the Eucharist, and to be able [to hand it to them] was quite special to be able to do that,” said Deacon John Foley of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. “As we were finishing Communion, the man holding my umbrella said, ‘Will you give me your blessing?’ I gave him my blessing and walked back. It was beautiful and incredible. I think we got a special feeling for it.”

As the group processed back to return the unconsumed Hosts, a Swiss Guard stopped Deacon John; “He asked me to distribute Communion to him. If there was a photograph, I would like to have it; it was me giving Communion to one of the pope’s guards. Their uniform, it’s so colorful and they don’t want you to take pictures of them or converse or approach them, but for him to gesture me towards him and ask for Communion, it was just a memory that will be with me for a long, long time.”

To get back into the

Basilica, the deacons also had to go past additional Swiss Guards, “one on each side, going through the doors to return the remaining Hosts,” said Deacon Borges. “One of the things that made me emotional was as we went through the Swiss Guards, they presented arms, of course not to us, but as a gesture of recognition of what we were taking, that in the ciborium was Jesus. To me that was an expression of great faith, and also reaffirmation of the real presence of Jesus in the Host. That touched me really deeply.”

During the Mass, Pope Francis spoke in Italian with translations being made available that evening. The entire homily focused on deacons and using their gifts to be available to others, answer the call to minister to others and charity, but Deacon Lucca stated, “If you take the word ‘deacon’ out, it was applying to

everybody. The fact that the pope spoke to the deacons directly is wonderful.”

Now back home and settling into their regular routine, at the time of being interviewed, each deacon had only been stateside less than 48 hours and were still at peace from an experience they will never forget.

“It was a lot of stuff all at once, and it’s going to take some time to digest,” said Deacon Borges.

“It was an incredible trip,” said Deacon Foley, who said he has been to the Holy Land and walked in the footsteps of Jesus, but going to the Vatican, “and being present at the Seat of our Church, it gives me both perspectives of our faith — our origin, where we come from, what we do — it completed my formation for right now until I get another opportunity. It was really quite beautiful.”

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his past Saturday was the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was also the day of my nephew’s Baptism and the day I became a godmother. Godparents have always been such special people in my life. Not only role models of the faith, but role models for how to lead a truly good life, my godparents and those of others around me have lived up to the responsibilities bestowed on them when selected as such.

The Gospel reading on Saturday was from Luke, recounting the time that Jesus stayed behind at the temple in Jerusalem, while His parents returned to Nazareth, unknow-

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Being the best we can be ingly, without Him, after the Passover feast. The Gospel concludes, as such, “After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and Radiate all who Your Faith heard Him were asBy Renee tounded at Bernier His understanding and His answers.

When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for You with great anxiety.’

And He said to them, ‘Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what He said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart.”

Just as this encounter stayed within Mary’s heart, so too did the words of the Gospel stay within mine as the Mass continued into the Baptism service. As my sister and brother-in-law accepted the responsibility of training my nephew in the practice of the faith, of bringing him up to keep God’s Commandments, and to love God and those around us, I was struck with the responsibility I would have as a godparent. I, too, would be responsible for those things, for helping my sister and brother-in-law as they sought to nurture the faith formation of my nephew.

But I also couldn’t help thinking of the words of the Gospel, and how relevant they were to the Baptism at hand.

Upon first thought, one might think that training someone in the faith simply means encouraging going to church, being present for future Sacramental moments, and teaching hard lessons of morality and sacrifice — particularly through our own modeling of those behaviors.

But when we look at the words of the Gospel and think about what it means to be models of the faith, I think we should also encourage our new faithful to follow the lead of Jesus in Jerusalem. Sure, upon first glance, it looks as if Jesus was disobeying Mary and

Joseph when He didn’t travel back to Nazareth with them.

He gave them quite a scare that I’m sure any parent would have identified with and when they came for Him, He didn’t exactly apologize.

However, when I give it more thought, He was doing what many of us don’t — asking questions of our teachers and truly engaging with them. How often do we blindly follow our faith? How often do we get angry because we are challenged to live a certain way, follow certain traditions, and we distance ourselves from our religion because we feel it causes us more heartache than hope?

How often do we doubt and question, but refuse to reach out to those who will work through those moments with us? As I consider how I want to help raise my nephew in this faith, I hope I’ll encourage him to follow the example of Jesus, Who truly engaged with those in Jerusalem. I will encourage him to ask questions when he doesn’t understand something.

I will guide him to those priests and religious who will educate him and work with him through the more challenging moments. I will tell him to read, to ask, to learn so that he can more fully live a life that he is proud of and one that follows Jesus’ example.

Godparent or not, I encourage you who read this to do the same for those in your life looking for a model of faith.

Be examples of the life Christ lived, so that those around you know it is possible and strive to do the same.

Anchor columnist Renee Bernier graduated from Stonehill College and is a graduate student in the College Student Personnel Program at James Madison University in Harrison, Va.

Upon coming to a fork in the road Friday 10 June 2016 — Port-O-Call: Westport Harbor — Historical Society’s 25th annual garden party eeping one’s thumb on the pulse of popular culture takes much time and effort. It involves, among other things, perusing a variety of newspapers – The Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, the Cape Cod Times, the Providence Journal, the New Bedford Standard Times, the Fall River Herald News, the Falmouth Enterprise, the Taunton Gazette, the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, the Village Voice, etc. Oh, did I mention The Anchor?

I even follow stories reported in Westport Shorelines. Why it is called “shorelines,” in the plural, I have no idea. How can the Town of Westport have more than one shoreline?

At any rate, what happens in Westport is important to me. Many of my relatives came from Westport. I spent eight summers living in Westport as a counselor at the former St. Vincent de Paul Health Camp on Adamsville Road.

And besides (although I have never served as a priest there), Westport is one of the towns in the Diocese of Fall River. There are three Catholic parishes in Westport: Our Lady of Grace, St. George, and St. John the Baptist. It behooves me to read the local Westport newspaper.

Consequently, I know that Westport, over the years, has been a hotbed of local politics. They say town meetings can be more contentious than the current presidential election cycle.

That’s saying something.

It seems Westport has now come to a fork in the road. Perhaps you, too, read it in Westport Shorelines.

K

No? Well, let me hasten to “Two roads diverged in a enlighten you. wood.

There is a fork in the I took the one less travroad. I mean that litereled by, ally. One road leads to the And that has made all estates of the hoi aristoi and the other The Ship’s Log to the cottages of Reflections of a the hoi polloi. There Parish Priest at the intersection someone has erected

By Father Tim a massive fork Goldrick sculpture. When locals give directions to disoriented drivers, nobody will ever again miss the fork in the road.

This is just another example of Yankee ingenuity.

I am not making this up. You know me, dear readers.

When have I ever made things up?

One society matron wrote a letter to the editor in a noble attempt to rescue the difference.” the common folk from the Or perhaps the advice slippery slope of poor taste. of the legendary athlete/ I salute her. How often philosopher Yogi Berra: have I myself assumed this “When you come to the sacred duty of the upper fork in the road — take it.” class? She complained that Let us never forget the this giant kitchen utensil is immortal words of the nothing less than gateway grandmaster of neurosis, kitsch. She predicted it Woody Allen: “More than would lead to such “lawn any other time in history, tchotchkes” as flocking pink mankind faces a crossroads. plastic flamingos, roving One path leads to despair bands of plaster gnomes, and utter hopelessness. The and a plethora of Victorian other, to total extinction. gazing balls. (Gasp!) The Let us pray we have the courageous writer urged all wisdom to choose corpersons of impeccable taste rectly.” to band together at a town As you are no doubt meeting and stem the rising aware, both church and tide of tastelessness. state, both politics and A “fork in the road” is religion, have arrived at a a metaphor for a deciding moment when a major choice is required. Forks in the road tend to inspire poets, artists and musicians.

Consider the lines from “The Road Less Traveled,” by the late poet laureate Robert Frost:

fork in the road. In today’s world, everything, it seems to me, stands at the crossroads. It’s part and parcel of our modern society.

In politics, the divergence in the road is wider than I have ever seen it.

My GPS makes a distinction between bearing right/left and turning right/ left. My GPS knows this is an important distinction, especially when one comes to a fork in the road. In today’s political climate, it’s not so much “bearing” as “turning.”

The electorate is widely divided.

Virtue may stand in the middle, but where exactly is the middle? It keeps moving. The decision as to which road to take has become a conundrum.

In a certain sense, the

Catholic Church is also at a fork in the road. In the Church, how we got here is one question. The more urgent question is where do we go from here? May I elucidate for you, dear readers, as to how the Catholic Church has for millennia discerned which road to take?

Firstly, we put ourselves in neutral. Purge preconceived ideas, hidden agendas, and self interests. Next, we hear what people are actually saying. Thirdly, we identify the proven facts.

Finally, we don’t just do something, we stand there.

We stand with arms raised in prayer.

The Church is the oldest and largest institution in the world. When we come to a fork in the road, God always shows us which road to take.

And that has made all the difference.

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

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I

was just 12 years old, and it’s a time in my life I’ll never forget. The year was 1968, and through these young, naive eyes, the country, and the world for that matter, seemed to be crumbling around me.

Some of the notable events of that tumultuous time were: The USS Pueblo, a naval intelligence vessel was captured by

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The long, hot summer ahead

North Korea off the coast of of pesticides and against Korea. Its captain and crew abuse of union workers. Rev. (one of whom was killed) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. experienced 11 months of was assassinated in Memtorture and humiliation. They phis, setting off riots across were released just before Christmas that My View year; Cesar Chavez, From leader of the United Farm Workers Union, the Stands went on a water-only

By Dave Jolivet fast to protest usage

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the country; police and the Black Panther movement had various violent altercations; the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law; student protests against the Vietnam War sprouted up in colleges from east to west; Robert F. Kennedy, a candidate vying for the Democratic presidential nomination was gunned down in Los Angeles; antiwar demonstrations turned violent at the Republican National Convention in Miami; violent protests broke out at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago; a women’s liberation group protested the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City; antiwar protests continued throughout the year; and more than 16,000 U.S. troops were killed in Vietnam in 1968.

It all seems like ancient history, doesn’t it? Or does it? I fear for the summer of 2016. It seems the groundwork has already been laid for what appears to be a long, hot summer of the dividing of America, again.

It’s already been a year of vicious protests against police, a small minority of whom are indeed corrupt.

Violent protests have already started at political rallies. Vicious mudslinging is only just heating up. Many people claim to stand up for everyone’s right to speak and protest, but in reality, they only defend this when the speaker agrees with them.

We have the RNC taking place in Cleveland from July 18-21 and the DNC a week later in Philadelphia from July 25-28. Only God knows what evils will take place at those locations.

And after the nominations, the campaign only promises to degrade further. Conservatives and liberals each turn a blind eye to EVERYONE’S rights.

How many U.S. citizens will we lose this year at the hands of fellow Americans?

I’m afraid it’s 1968 all over again. And, as was chanted during the Chicago demonstration violence in 1968, “The whole world is watching.” davejolivet@anchornews.org

I

t had been raining all morning but the rain did not dampen our enthusiasm at Kalaupapa’s Terminal One where we awaited the touchdown of three planes carrying some 27 pilgrims. They would join us for our annual celebration of St. Damien’s feast. One of these pilgrims would be the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass, my classmate Father Bill Petrie, pastor of St. Damien Parish on Topside Molokai.

The minutes rolled by and then an hour but the clouds over the Pali left us locked in and our pilgrims locked out. So Sister Alicia besought St. Marianne to clear the way for the planes to come in from Topside and I called on St. Damien to do likewise — with no visible result. Perhaps Mother Marianne was busy helping girls to make lovely dresses and Father Damien was occupied breaking up illegal moonshine stills with his big stick! Another hour passed and

A tale of two towns then we received a message that the “Bishop” Meli and I had decided planes would not be landing here but to have Mass in Kalaupapa instead. would return to Honolulu.

Kalawao is on the eastern side of Undaunted, we returned to Kathe Makanalua peninsula. It is the laupapa town and celebrated Mass windward and the rainy side and the at St. Francis settlement Church. The here was in choir memthe shadow Moon Over bers from St. of the great John VianPali. The Molokai ney in Kailua first HanBy Father provided sen’s disease Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. uplifting patients were music and I sent here in attempted 1886 to fend to fill in for my venerable classmate for themselves but many were too from Topside. Our original plan had sick to do so. Then on May 10, 1873 been to celebrate Mass at St. Philoalong came Father Damien and the mena, the church twice rebuilt and patients had their champion who enlarged in 1876 and 1889 by Father worked tirelessly to better their lives Damien. St. Philomena stands 2.6 and their conditions for the next 16 miles from Kalaupapa in the townyears until he himself succumbed to ship of Kalawao, the site of the original Hansen’s disease settlement.

Because of the inclement weather,

the ravages of leprosy.

It was in 1932 that the settlement for Hansen’s disease patients moved westward to the township of Kalaupapa where the patients could at least enjoy more pleasant weather and longer days of sunshine. Here at Bishop Home, Mother Marianne and her Franciscan Sisters had been caring for the girls and the women of the settlement since their arrival in 1888. Here in Kalaupapa in 1908 our present church, St. Francis of Assisi, was dedicated. Next to it stands Damien Hall, believed to be in its original form, Father Damien’s Kalaupapa church, Our Lady Health Of The Sick. And now you know the rest of the story.

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

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WORCESTER — The board of directors of Parents Alliance for Catholic Education has announced that it will cease operations and dissolve the corporation effective June 30, due to budget constraints which have come into play over recent years. The announcement was made by Delma Josephson, Ph. D., president

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Budget woes force PACE to cease operations of the corporation.

During the past 22 years, PACE has assisted Catholic schools with accessing more than $100 million of services via federal grants. Also, as a direct result of PACE’s advocacy and working in collaboration with more than 100 of its strategic partners, PACE has secured for Catholic schools early

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education vouchers and grants, school nursing services, school transportation, special education services, and home/school tutoring totaling over $500 million of services and funds, according to Steve Perla, interim executive director: “These services and resources have been critical to serving the needs of many

students in Catholic and other non-public schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

PACE was founded in 1994 by the Archdiocese of Boston and the dioceses of Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester to provide advocacy for Catholic school education on behalf of all the Catholic schools in the Commonwealth. It received funding from the four dioceses as well as requesting financial support from all the schools. Over the past few years, with declining enrollments and with fewer schools, there has been more pressure on the viability of the funding model. Dioceses have also been faced with

trying to reduce spending as they face increased pressure from deficit budgets in their own operations.

“In the future, moving forward, PACE’s board recognizes that Catholic schools will need representation and a voice on Beacon Hill,” said Josephson.

“We cannot give up having a voice on Beacon Hill for Catholic school students and their families.”

PACE’s office has been located at 14 Beacon Street, Boston and will be closed as of the effective date. Future correspondence related to Catholic Education can be directed to superintendent’s offices in each of the dioceses of Massachusetts.

Deadline for parish survey extended to June 15 FALL RIVER — According to Deacon Joseph Regali, director of Pastoral Planning for the Fall River Diocese, in order to broaden the contribution of the core teams and parishioners, the deadline for the Pastoral Survey and the Parishioner Survey has been extended to June 15.

As of May 23, Deacon Regali reported that 21 pastoral surveys had been completed — 26 percent, 17 partial — and 6,018 parishioner surveys had been completed. As far as the parishioner survey is concerned, the count obviously does not reflect the “tons” of surveys sitting on his desk with more coming in every day.

The survey may now be accessed at www.

surveygizmo.com/ s3/2682037/Diocese-of-FallRiver-Parishioner-Survey.

A link is also provided on the diocesan website www. fallriverdiocese.org as well as on many parish websites.

The survey is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish and simple instructions are included on the survey’s landing page.

All responses will remain confidential and it should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Hard copies of the survey are also available at parishes by request for those without Internet access.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has asked pastors to publicize the survey through any and all means and to strongly en-

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 June 12, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Hugh Cleary, C.S.C., National Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries in the United States

June 19, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Richard D. Wilson, pastor of St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro

courage the participation of all parishioners.

“The Parish Pastoral Task Force believes it is critical to gather feedback from parishioners,” Deacon Regali said. “Task Force members understand how important it is for them to have from parishioners an evaluation of their parish, its strengths and weaknesses, in order to map out the best way forward for renewal.”

Survey participants are asked to respond to questions organized around five aspects of parish life: Sacramental life, Catholic Faith Formation, community, serving those in need, and effective administration. Some questions require an answer, while others are optional.

“Thank you again for your efforts in this project,” Deacon Regali said. “Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.”

Those who aren’t Internet savvy can get printed copies of the survey from their pastor or parochial administrator.

Anyone with questions or encountering difficulty in accessing the survey should contact Deacon Regali at the Pastoral Planning Office by email at jregali@dioc-fr.org or by telephone at 508-675-1311.

Completed hard copies of the survey can also be mailed to Deacon Joseph Regali c/o The Chancery, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass.

02722.

Diocesan superintendent of schools to leave at end of June

FALL RIVER — Dr. Michael S. Griffin, diocesan superintendent of schools, recently announced that he will be leaving that position at the end of June, having accepted a similar position in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn.

In a letter announcing the decision, Griffin said, “In doing so, I will be returning ‘home’ since my family and primary residence are in the Archdiocese of Hartford.”

He added, “For the past five years it has been my privilege to serve as superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Fall River. The dedication of our school leaders, the commitment of teachers, the involvement and sacrifice of our parents, and the support of our diocese and parishes have provided an extraordinary witness to the value of our

Catholic schools and their importance to the future of our Church. The 22 schools of our diocese have continually responded to the needs of changing times and each is a source of pride to our diocese.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha said, “It goes without saying that his departure is a big loss for us and I’m sorry to see him leave. During his five years as our superintendent, he has been dedicated to our schools, their administrators and staff, and most importantly to the overall development of the students we serve.”

The bishop added, “I have begun consultations to determine the best way forward for us to identify and hire his successor and intend to begin that process as soon as possible.”

Reentry program getting off the ground continued from page four

are still in the planning stages, Hodge knows that parishes in the Attleboro deanery and beyond are ready to step up. Even if someone cannot mentor, they could organize their parish to do personal care drives and deliver those to the House of Corrections to be distributed to the men and women as they are leaving.

The true vision is to lower that 40 percent recidivism rate, said Hodge,

by having communities rally around their brothers and sisters.

“On a human level that’s very troubling, and on an economic level,” said Hodge. “The people of the Commonwealth are paying their taxes and seeing a good chunk of it going towards incarcerating men and women. It’s a revolving door when you see 40 percent going back. We need to see systemic change [for the ex-offenders] as a society overall, and as members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, be able to help implement so that number gets reduced.”

For those interested in helping or have any questions, you can go to the Greater Attleboro District St. Vincent de Paul Society’s website: www. svdpattleboro.org.

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Youth Pages

T

A time of intellectual and Spiritual development

he last few weeks have been filled with college and high school graduations, an exciting time not only for our graduates, but their families as well. The weeks leading up to graduation would have been busy with the seniors taking finals and the many preparations necessary for the graduation ceremony and the family celebrations to follow. As a campus minister though, there still isn’t time yet to rest. This week begins orientations for our incoming first year students.

At UMass Dartmouth, Deacon Frank and I will be among the many staff and students who will be welcoming 1,300 recent high school graduates and their parents to their new school.

The two-day orientation they take part in this month is meant to help them to transition to college life and be successful as college students. In June they will meet other incoming students in their academic programs. Labor Day weekend the second part of orientation begins where they meet the rest of their class.

Catholic Campus Ministry will be a part of orientation as well. Recent years have seen an emphasis placed not only with college campus ministry, but high school youth ministry, in helping students transition from high school to college (and then college to career).

As exciting as college can be, it is a bit of transition.

Our role as campus ministers is to help students in the transition from high school to college life. In addition, we are there to help them grow in faith intellectually and Spiritually. In addition to providing oppor16

are actually pretty common, tunities for the Sacraments at private and public uniand opportunities like versities. The most common retreats and social events, we also provide catechetical reason why someone is in school beyond four years is and theological opportunithat they change their maties to help students learn to apply critical thinking to jor. That is part of discernfaith. I once saw a great line ment, being open that your decision may be wrong. from a flyer from Virginia One of the greatest chalTech, it read, “You came lenges I face as a campus here to a higher education, why are you OK with an eighth-grade knowledge of your faith?”

Campus ministry also provides assisBy Father tance and support David C. Frederici with discernment.

Simply put, discernminister is working with ment is the process that the student who has their seeks to answer the queswhole life planned out, even tion, what do I want to do at times with dates in place. the rest of my life? DisNow it is important to have cernment was the process goals and dreams and plans. that led the student to go These provide us with directo college and what coltion and motivation in life. lege they want or are able However, college is a time to attend. This process involved learning about the of discernment, meaning that we may discover that different schools what they what we thought was our had to offer. In addition, it involved conversations with career choice isn’t actually where we are called or we family, friends, teachers, may discover a new field or coaches and others who’s opinions the student values. career that we didn’t understand or know existed. This It involved time reflecting can be a stressful time comon the answers and then ing to this realization, but if making the best choice one is patient and properly based on the information discerns, making the deciavailable. As Catholics, we sion to shift gears can be should also involve God in most rewarding in the long our discernment, not just run. in regards to college and Tragically, sometimes the rest of our lives, but in the other decisions we have there is someone who won’t allow themselves this opto make in life. We involve portunity, and all seems Him through our prayer lost if they don’t achieve a and seeking assistance in discerning His call and Will milestone they had set for themselves or they end up in our lives. in a vocation or career that There is in the college they are miserable in. God and university setting what desires that we live in joy we call “super seniors.” and fulfillment. He knows These are those students us better than we know who graduate in five or ourselves and knows how more years. Super seniors

The Anchor - June 10, 2016

Be Not Afraid

we can best find joy and fulfillment in life. I strongly encourage anyone in college (or high school or in transition) to allow God to be a part of your discernment.

I encourage you to nurture your faith life, mind and heart, so that you may mature in faith and truly make your college experience one that is well-rounded.

In August, the Office for Campus Ministry is offering a retreat for any incoming first-year students, regardless of what college or university they may be attending in the fall. It will take place on August 9 to 10 at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham. This is for students going to four-year schools or community colleges,

living on campus or commuting. It is meant to help students in their transition and to help them to include God in the discernment that is about to take place.

There is no charge for this retreat and more information may be found at www. fallrivercampusministry. com.

College is an exciting time, a time of great intellectual development and one in which friendships that last a lifetime are formed. It should also be a time where faith is not only nurtured, but strengthened.

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.

The kindergarten students (and their teachers) at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford celebrated Red Nose Day — a day to help fight kids’ poverty and hunger.

Everyone brought in canned goods which were donated to the St. Lawrence Food Pantry.

Pre-school students from Espirito Santo School in Fall River recently celebrated the “Crowning of Mary,” and sang to honor her.

Youth Pages

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, assisted by pastor Father David A. Costa.

Students from Holy Trinity School’s preschool program in West Harwich recently held a crowning of Mary celebration.

St. Mary’s School in Taunton entered 66 cursive writing samples in the national Cursive is Cool contest. Sixteen students placed in first, second, third, and scored in the creative writing category.

Sarah LoPiccolo, a seventh-grade student at St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay spoke with Joyce, a resident of Royal Cape Cod Nursing Home in town. Twelve members of the Mercy Club sang, shared stories of their favorite vacations and made cards for military veterans.

Youth group members from the parishes of Good Shepherd and St. Stanislaus in Fall River are pictured at their monthly visit to SouthPointe Nursing Home.

Pre-kindergarten students from Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton were excited about their recent tea party.

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Youth Pages

The late Father Leonard Mullaney is pictured in June 2014 at the Bishop Stang High School Awards Ceremony with president/principal Peter Shaughnessy and the 2014 recipients of the Father Leonard Mullaney Scholarship.

Legacy of beloved priest lives on at Bishop Stang High School

NORTH DARTMOUTH — The legacy of Father Leonard Mullaney will live on at Bishop Stang High School through a substantial gift left upon his death to the school’s endowment fund. This gift will allow the Mullaney Scholarship, which is awarded to the top 10 students on the school’s entrance exam, to be given in perpetuity. Peter Shaughnessy, president/principal commented, “Father Mullaney was truly one of a kind. His generous spirit lives on in the people who knew him as a priest and his memory continues at Bishop Stang through this scholarship.”

Father Leonard Mullaney had served the Diocese of Fall River for almost 50 years upon his passing on Dec. 10, 2014. It was obvious to all who knew Father Mullaney that he enjoyed the priesthood and was perhaps best known for riding his motorcycle throughout the towns in which he was assigned. For the final nine years of his active ministry, he was the beloved pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett, where he was affectionately known as “Father Quahog.”

It was during that time that he came to admire the tradition of excellence at Bishop Stang High School.

With a firm belief in the mission of the school, he established the Father Leonard Mullaney Scholarship in 2007. Father Mullaney’s nephew, the Hon. Christopher Panos, judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, said “Father Len was very proud of the quality of students attracted to Bishop Stang.

He often told me about letters that he had received from students who had received the scholarships, and he saved every letter.”

On June 14, Bishop Stang will hold its annual Closing Mass and Awards Luncheon where the 10 Class of 2020 recipients of the Father Mullaney Scholarship will be recognized. The 2016-2017 scholarship winners are: Nicole D’Almeida; Kieran Gallison; Cameron Garde; David Haboosh; Thomas Marcotte; Rachel Perry; Quinn Sullivan; Elizabeth Texeira; Matthew Walsh; Aaron Wilkinson.

Father Mullaney’s legacy will live on for generations of Spartans to come.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, parish Religious Education programs, or home-schoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org 18

The Anchor - June 10, 2016

Students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro were excited to build and design for science and computer class because of the new 3D printer now available to them. The students will be using a 3D computer graphic software and then printing their work. According to science teacher Kelly Schremp, “This will allow us to bring our STEM applications to the next level. We are excited to use this as part of our learning of applications in manufacturing and engineering.” Shown here with the new printer are seventh-graders Emmaculate Omolo, Emma Blazejewski, Michele Schremp, Julia Maguire, Matthew Dion, Eric Nelson, Savannah Blanchard, Tatiana Troy and Keanna Bruce.

From left: Bishop Connolly president and principal, E. Christopher Myron is presented with a $30,000 check in support of The Advancement Initiative for Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River

by Waring-Sullivan Homes of Memorial Tribute managing directors Erica DeNinno and Jeffrey M. Davis. To date, Bishop Connolly has received nearly $1 million in charitable support for the $1.4 million initiative, which has been established to expand student scholarships and financial aid resources, complete building and campus enhancements, and upgrade science and technology labs, equipment and software.

Diocesan priest retraces steps of last 50 years of ministry continued from page five

versary Mass in one of the parishes in which I served in Peru, South America,” he said. Father Canuel spent six years in Peru.

Father Canuel had seven “holy” cards prepared with various scenes from his priesthood on one side and on the other: Fr. Paul Edouard Canuel 50th Anniversary of Ordination May 21, 2016 This is what the Lord asks of you, only this: to act justly, to love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God — Micah 6:8 The scenes include an anniversary picture in alb, and one in a suit; a dedication ceremony of an infant to God in the village of Piñuelas, Honduras; a Communion call to 100-year-old Herminia in Orica, Honduras; a photo

of Father Canuel on a motorcycle from his “motorcycle days of Mount Carmel in Seekonk; walking barefoot “in the footsteps of Jesus”; and openair Confessions in LaNava, Honduras.

In his homily at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on May 21, (see page five) Father Canuel said it was difficult to put in a “10-minute frame of time, how God has acted in my life these past 50 years.”

He told The Anchor that he clearly remembers an encounter with his dad nearly 63 years ago. “My dad and I sat down together in the only ‘private’ room in our house. He asked me what ‘kind’ of priest did I think I wanted to be,” he recalled. “This, the only question he asked when I surprised him by saying I wanted to go to a Catholic high school

because I would like to be a priest.

“I answered that I wanted to be a priest like Father Maurice Parent, our parish ‘curate’ at St. Michael’s in Ocean Grove.

He was visibly relieved that I did not want to be a missionary priest traipsing all over the world, far from family and friends.”

Father Canuel added that little did he know he would give missionary service twice in his career, six years in Peru and seven in Honduras.

“As I look back over my years of priestly ministry I am overwhelmed with joy as I now see how God has blessed me every step of the way,” he said. “Even at times when I experienced trials, challenges, doubts and difficulties, the Lord was not only with me but guiding me to His purpose and plan. I feel very much

like that popular prayer called ‘Footsteps in the Sand,’ by Mary Stevenson and know that there were times when only one set of footprints were left in the sand because the Lord carried me in His arms.”

Asked for a few memorable instances over the last five decades he said he received a great deal of joy serving with the Cursillo movement; driving a school bus to pick up CCD students and youth ministry members at Our Lady of Mount Carmel with trips to Newport beaches and Christmas caroling at homes of elderly parishioners; the St. James Missionary Society; pastoring and blending multi-cultural communities in Attleboro (St. Joseph’s) and New Bedford (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe/St. Hedwig); serving in Honduras and

on Nantucket; and his continued service wherever he is needed.

Father Canuel told The Anchor that the Church has experienced some very difficult times over the years. “I have witnessed, in 50 years’ time, an exposure to other cultures and traditions, a rainbow of many colors that only make sense when they are woven together and seen from afar,” he said. “Only God knows what future form He may lead us to adopt in order that we may continue to know Him, love Him and serve Him in this life and be happy with Him in the next.

“I am not discouraged nor fearful. Rather, I am filled with hope and trust in the Lord Whose own strength will uphold us, renew us and continue calling us to build the City of God.”

the day was the one in which Jesus confronts Peter with the triple, “Do you love Me?” It is after the third question and emotional response that Jesus says: “Truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” And then Jesus said to him, “Follow Me!” These words, strike home for me at the age of 75! It makes me think that this is not so much a time of looking back but an opportunity to prepare for what is yet to come: “Follow Me.” I may not be able any longer to be trekking in and out the Andes with Sister Maria del Rey but I

am ready for the next stage.

The booster is spent but I am still in orbit and like the poet Robert Browning quoting Rabbi Ben Ezra I invite you: “Come, grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in His hand who saith, ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; trust God: See all, nor be afraid! Follow me.’”

Discipleship at any age can still be a time of enjoying the accumulated wisdom and memories of a life welllived.

That leads us to the Eucharist we celebrate today.

Gratitude is one of the best ways to celebrate whatever number of years with the Lord. The years when I could “dress myself and go where I wanted to go” have

been a great gift, but so are those who respond when I “stretch out my arms” to be lead somewhere I’m not sure I want to go. I’m just glad that you will be there to do that.

It’s a daunting task the great commission. You might doubt that you are capable of doing much about it, you might think: O Lord I am not worthy, but in whatever wisdom God has given me through 50 years experience of priestly ministry, I can tell you that the call to ministry is not about you, not about me. It’s about God. God is our companion on the journey, We dare not be afraid. When I look back on these past 50 years I find that God was with me every step of the way, not always in the way that I wanted but in the way that

He wanted. It was when I asked for strength that God gave me difficulties to make me strong. When I asked for wisdom, God gave me problems to solve.

When I asked for prosperity, God gave me brawn and brains to work. When I asked for courage, God gave me dangers to overcome.

When I asked for patience, God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

When I asked for love, God gave me troubled people to help. When I asked for favors, God gave me opportunities. When I asked for everything so I could enjoy life, God gave me life so I could enjoy everything.

It was when I received nothing I wanted, that I received everything I needed.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

Father Paul E. Canuel’s homily for his 50th anniversary continued from page five

and on that banner were huge red letters that said: VAYA CON DIOS. Go with GOD. Go with the Father, with the Son and with the Holy Spirit; go with the love of this community of Mount Carmel. Go and make us one with them.

I did my best and God blessed me with a million memories of His love. The feast of the Trinity invites us not to heady speculation but to loving appreciation.

It is a time to give thanks to the God Who loves us, to meditate on the ways we have encountered that love and all the names for God that love has inspired.

On May 13, this year, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I was celebrating Mass with the beautiful Dominican Sisters of the Presentation in Dighton and the Gospel of

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Bishop extols Catholic education to local economy continued from page three

have always been based on the foundation of the dignity of every person, solidarity among each other, and the principle of charity,” the bishop said.

Since its establishment 112 years ago, the Fall River Diocese has experienced a lot of changes, Bishop da Cunha said, but one thing has remained constant: “The needs of the people and the need for us to serve them.”

Agencies such as Catholic Social Services serve more than 47,000 individuals a year, providing everything from emergency housing and financial assistance to hotel rooms and temporary shelters for the homeless or those who have been evicted, the bishop said.

Boasting the largest food resource south of Boston, the diocese also provides groceries to more than 20,000 people annually and serves more than 47,000 prepared meals a year via various soup kitchen operations.

Catholic Social Services also provides transitional shelters for men and women who are getting out of jail and need help with job training and “putting their lives back together,” the bishop said.

There are also programs for the area’s growing immigrant population, which assists “more than 850 individuals a year,” he said.

“All these things we do because we want to serve the whole person so that they may lead a decent and dignified life,” Bishop da Cunha said. “And the one thing I’ve noticed that is so important and needs to be emphasized more is education. I don’t 20

area,” agreed Craig A. dents is badly needed in Jesiolowski, immediate our community.” past chairman of the Fall Admitting that “these have to tell you that if lege; in New Bedford it’s River Chamber of Comare tough times,” Bishop you want to save society 62 percent; in Massachu- merce and president of da Cunha nevertheless and get people out of setts overall, it’s 76 perSaint Anne’s Hospital. “I felt the importance of poverty and avoid addiccent who go on to college. can’t say enough for your education was certainly tions, misery and crime, We provide an education leadership and what this worth the effort to mainthen education is crucial.” in which 99 percent go chamber has done.” tain and protect it.

While the Fall River on to college. So Catholic “Some of the members “These are challenging Diocese has a proud education is critical to here today can attest to times to keep churches 112-year history, Catholic our cities, to our commu- the fact that it’s very dif- and schools going as schools have been around nities, to our Church, to ficult for small businesses they were 100 years ago,” since the 1880s, the our state, to our country, in the community to the bishop said. “But I bishop said. and to our world.” find employees because think we need to bring “We have here in the In addition to prowe can’t provide the an awareness not only to City of Fall River, six viding a solid academic same benefits packages the Catholic community Catholic schools — five foundation, the bishop as larger corporations,” but to everyone in general elementary schools and also noted other benefits added board member as to how we all benefit one high school,” Bishop of a Catholic education, Carl Sawejko, owner of from the quality of the da Cunha said. “We are such as teaching about Sawejko Communicaservice and education we serving 1,312 students the values of faith, Christ tions. “Finding qualified provide for these young in those schools. If those and the Gospel. people to work — people people. They will be our schools did not survive, “I often tell people with basic reading, writsuccesses in business, in the loss would be huge that when we invest in ing and communication churches, in politics, in for our Church, for our Catholic education we skills — is critical. So running our world in the education, and for those agree to make an investrest assured that each future. I think that’s an children. But it would ment in the future; and and every one of those investment we’d all like to also cost the city $18 that investment is go(Catholic school) stumake.” million more to eduing to pay back high cate those children who dividends to our society Assistant superintendents set to retire are now in our Catholic because of the education continued from page two schools.” that we provide and the By the same token, quality of the students never change.” ments in school policies there are 21 Catholic that we serve,” Bishop da and practices.

“The leadership at all schools in the entire Cunha said. “A high quallevels in our diocesan “Her prayerful Spirit diocese — 17 elementary ity education (can also) schools is very, very good,” was an example for our and five high schools — help break the cycle of said Boyle, “and good school leaders as she with a combined enrollpoverty; and therefore we regularly led our prayer leadership means success. ment of 6,573 students. will be less dependent on services for meetings and We have changed with the Based on an average cost public assistance, we will times; developing bullyprofessional development of $14,000 per pupil to be less inclined to coming standards, safety crisis days. We wish her well in educate a student in the mit crimes, and we will management, fingerprinther retirement ahead.” public schools, if those build up stronger neighing employees, and suicide Boyle and Kane see schools did not exist, the borhoods and stronger protocols. It’s a very legalnothing but good things bishop said, it would cost families.” istic society, but we will for the future of Catholic the cities and towns an Having been strong do everything to keep our education in the area. additional $92 million. advocates for education “There was a time when students happy and safe, “So the work that the — especially in response and that will continue.” life revolved around the Church is providing, with to recent city budget cuts home, the parish and the Boyle plans to move the help and support of — the bishop’s comments school, but things have to California and “be a the students’ families, is certainly resonated with parish volunteer and work changed over the years,” of tremendous benefit the chamber of commerce said Kane. “We have the with schools perhaps. I’ll to our society,” Bishop board members. see where the Lord is task to provide students da Cunha said. “And 99 “If we are going to leading me.” who are not ‘churched’ percent of the gradupull ourselves out of the Kane, too, is moving per se in the home and ates from our Catholic recession and economic give them the opportunity westward, to Arizona. “I schools go on to college issues that lead to crime, too, wish to be active in to know and develop a — that’s a testimony to drugs and everything the parish life and remain relationship with Christ. the good work that we do. else, we have to proThere will always be Cath- proactive. I enjoy workIn the public schools in vide a sound education olic schools. They change ing with young people’s Fall River, I think it’s 61 through our public and through the years, but the literacy, so I’ll see where percent who go on to col- Catholic schools in the values and mission will that takes me.”

The Anchor - June 10, 2016

Dartmouth Knights council recognized for top award

DARTMOUTH — Knights of Columbus Father Hogan Council No. 14236 in Dartmouth was recently recognized for its Star Council Award at the Country Club of New Bedford.

Individual Knights as well as members of the community were recognized for their efforts and service to the community.

The council achieved the Double Star Council award, an international award and the organizations most prestigious one.

It’s the second year in a row the council received this unique distinction. The award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership recruitment (reaching 200 percent of quota, thereby making it a “Double Star”) and retention, promotion of the fraternal insurance program, and sponsorship of charity service programs.

A very small percentage of all councils achieve this award.

Chris Pereira, head of the local council praised the members and thanked them for their service: “Your service, faith and commitment inspire not just the Knights of Columbus but the entire community.” He said he was proud to serve as their Grand Knight over the last four years.

Mike Medeiros was named “Knight of the Year.” St. Mary’s parishioner Amond Hawes-Khalifa was recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Members Bill Boles, Mike Medeiros, Joe Medeiros, Marty Flinn, John Gonsalves and Ed Viveiros were awarded Certificates of Merit for exceptional service. Members Pedro

Castanheira, Joe Medeiros and Ed Viveiros were given the Distinguished Service award. Other members earned the service award for the councils overall charitable efforts and programs. Council chaplain and pastor of St. Julie’s Parish, Father Richard Roy, presented a special plaque to Pereira on behalf of the council. It was a thank you for his leadership as Grand Knight.

This past fraternal year,

the Father Hogan council contributed to various charitable causes and assisted many families and individuals in its parishes and throughout the community.

The council was established in 2007 and serves the local parishes of St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth, St. Mary’s Parish in South Dartmouth, and the community as a whole. It currently has more than 90 members and continues to grow.

Mike Medeiros, top left, was presented Knight of the Year

by Grand Knight Chris Pereira. Below, John Gonsalves, was presented with a Certificate of Merit for exceptional service. All are members of Knights of Columbus Father Hogan Council No. 14236 in Dartmouth.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks 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 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 June 16 Rev. James McDermott, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1975 June 18 Most Rev. William B. Tyler, First Bishop of Hartford, Founder of the Sandwich Mission, 1849 Rev. James M. Coffey, P.R., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1935 Rev. Declan Daly, SS.CC., Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1984 Rev. Henri Laporte, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1992 June 19 Rev. Hormisdas Deslauriers, Founder, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1916 June 20 Rt. Rev. Msgr. James Coyle, P.R., LL.D., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1931 June 21 Rev. Owen F. Clarke, Former Assistant, St. Mary, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Desire V. Delemarre, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1926 Rev. George A. Meade, Chaplain ,St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1949 Rev. Francis D. Callahan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1948 Rev. Clement Killgoar, SS.CC., Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 1964 Rev. David A. O’Brien, Retired Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1976 June 22 Rev. Alexander Zichello, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, 1977 June 23 Rev. Finbarr B. McAloon, SS.CC.,Retired Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich, 1980 Rev. George Wichland, CSSR, St. Wenceslaus Church, Baltimore, Md., 1992 June 24 Rev. Bernard F. McCahill, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1907

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Around the Diocese A short video presentation entitled “Laudato Sí’ — Pope Francis’ Encyclical on Care for our Common Home,” will be held on June 12 after the 12:10 p.m. Mass at the welcome center of La Salette Shrine, 947 Park Street in Attleboro. The program will focus on how the effects of climate change are impacting our world already and will offer some concrete suggestions on how to be part of the solution. Light refreshments of fair trade coffee, chocolate and fruit will be served. The event is sponsored by La Salette’s Pax Christi Chapter. For more information, call 508-222-5410.

On June 20, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference of St. Anthony’s Church in East Falmouth will be holding its First Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Falmouth Country Club. Entry Fee of $100 per player includes golf cart, gift and prizes. There will be welcome breakfast fare and a backyard BBQ lunch. Proceeds from the event will assist needy families in the community. Additional information is available at www.stanthonyscapecod.org/svdp or by calling Steve at 508-495-4402 or Jim at 508-540-1785.

The Feast of St. John the Baptist will be celebrated on June 24 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the raising of the Canadian flag at the New Bedford City Hall. It will be followed by Mass at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant Street in New Bedford. At 10:30 a.m. at FrancoAmerican Veterans’ Square, there will be a Le Regiment Bourbonnais honor guard, followed by a banquet at the Century House in Acushnet, with a choice of French meat pie or chicken pie. For tickets or more information, contact Jeanine at 508-992-6583 or Ray at 508-995-3792.

Called By Name, a day of reflection for girls ages 14-18, will be held on July 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters Convent, 3012 Elm Street in Dighton. Sponsored by the Fall River Diocese Vocations Office, this day-long program will help young women discover their gifts through interactive activities.

It will include a nature walk and picnic lunch, time for quiet prayer and reflection, and will explore how to learn to use God-given gifts. Those interested are asked to RSVP by July 11 to Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., at sr.paulina@dioc-fr. org or by calling 909-496-2022.

At 3:30 p.m. on June 26, Brandon Santini will perform an organ recital for the “Music at St. Anthony’s” program at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. Santini will be joined by soloist Celia Gomes, a soprano from Bristol, R.I. The event is a fund-raiser for the renovation of St. Anthony’s great pipe organ, a 100-year-old Casavant Frère’s instrument. Freewill donations will be collected during the event, and patrons are encouraged to “Adopt an Organ Part” to help the effort. For more information, visit www. musicatsaintanthonys.org or call Gisele Pappas at 508-264-8010.

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

Visit the newly-designed Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites.

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The Anchor - June 10, 2016

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

Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m.

Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

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

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

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

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

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

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

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m.

The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m.

Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~ East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

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

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

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Above, Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald, director of Diocesan Health Facilities, and Tim Levesque, food service director at Madonna Manor, visited with residents at the recent 50th anniversary celebration of the Attleboro skilled nursing facility. Below, the Madonna Manor management team.

Attleboro nursing facility marks 5oth anniversary NORTH ATTLEBORO — Madonna Manor recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with Mass at the chapel and rededication of the nursing units by Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald, director of Diocesan Health Facilities.

More than 100 people were in attendance including residents, families, friends and staff. A reception followed in the recreation room. Madonna Manor began a year-long celebration, Spiritually and celebratory from Feb. 14, 2015 through Feb. 14, 2016 which included special events, activities, and staff raffles throughout the year.

The year-long celebration was dedicated to the Blessed Mother and monthly Novenas to Mary were held, daily Rosary for staff, biweekly Rosary for residents and monthly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Many of these activities — the Rosaries and monthly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — continue.

During Mass, Msgr. Fitzgerald blessed plaques that will be hung on each nursing unit. The first floor is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, second floor to Mother Teresa (soon to be St. Teresa of Calcutta), third floor to St. Jude and the fourth floor to St. Francis of Assisi.

The Anchor - June 10, 2016

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The Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women recently held its annual convention at Holy Rosary Church in Taunton. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. Concelebrating were DCCW Spiritual advisor Father Michael Racine and pastor Father Gerard Hebert. A breakfast and meeting followed at Coyle and Cassidy High School.

From left: Peggy Patenaude, guest speaker; NCCW board of directors member Marilyn Audet, the province director representing the dioceses of New Hampshire, Maine and Fall River; Maribeth Stewart, NCCW president-elect; Fran Brezinski, Fall River DCCW president; and Beth Mahoney, Fall River DCCW president-elect, also serving as NCCW Spirituality Commission chairperson. (Photo by Maddy Lavoie)

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

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The Anchor - June 10, 2016