08.09.19

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., attempts to score a goal during a soccer match with youth at the July 26 Pro-Life Boot Camp at Stonehill College.

(Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Trindade) August 9, 2019 â€

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Diocesan youth attend ninth annual Pro-Life Boot Camp

Diocesan youth recently attended the ninth annual Pro-Life Boot Camp from Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28 on the campus of Stonehill College in Easton. Sponsored by the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, the camp offered teen-agers from 14 to 17 a chance to learn about the importance of life from birth to natural death through a series of inspiring speakers, by hearing prayerful witness, and by partaking in the Sacraments — along with some fellowship and fun. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., top left, donned his native colors to join the group on Friday, July 26, for a friendly match of his beloved soccer. On Saturday morning the campers gathered outside the Four Women Abortion Clinic in Attleboro, bottom right, to pray for the women who were entering it as well as the unborn baby they were carrying. After praying outside the clinic, the group attended Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Attleboro, where some of the Pro-Life leaders for the parish served them breakfast. The campers also stopped by to visit the new Little Flower Early Childhood Learning Center in Attleboro, bottom left.

(Photos courtesy of Jocelyn Trindade) 2

†August 9, 2019

Bishop celebrates first Mass at reopened Saint Anne’s Shrine

By Dave Jolivet

JolivetDB@comcast.net

FALL RIVER — This year, the feast of St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, had extra meaning for a group of faithful Catholics in the Fall River area. On that day, July 26, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated a Mass in honor of St. Anne in the shrine that has borne her name since 1895.

That may not seem to be an extra special event at first glance, yet what makes it so remarkable was that the 125-year-old shrine was closed in November of 2018, following months of study to find ways to keep the iconic shrine and church open for prayer and celebrating the Sacraments.

Since the time of the closing of St. Anne’s Church, a grassroots team formed by parishioners Richard Affonso and Robert Gauvin began to meet, plan and pray for a way to reopen the shrine that has purportedly been the home to countless miracles over its more than 100 years in existence through the intercessions of Good St. Anne and other saints to whom Catholic faithful turn in times of need or thanksgiving.

From this grassroots effort, the St. Anne’s Preservation Society emerged with the mission to reopen the shrine first, and then possibly the upper church in the future.

With the hard work and prayer of Affonso, Gauvin and many others, enough funds were raised to reopen on July 4, with Bishop da Cunha’s blessings, the shrine portion of the granite structure that is such

a comforting presence on South Main Street across from Kennedy Park in Fall River. Its towering twin spires can be seen from miles away outside the city.

To celebrate the reopening of the shrine, which maintains a weekly schedule of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Sunday, the society asked Bishop da Cunha if he would celebrate a Mass on the feast of St. Anne.

“Bishop da Cunha has been very supportive through this whole venture,” Affonso told The Anchor. “He said he was honored and delighted to be a part of the Mass.”

When time came for the Mass, more than 500 friends of St. Anne’s Shrine and Church were in attendance, filling the downstairs and spilling into the hallways.

Affonso said that in his homily Bishop da Cunha told the congregants that everything in life happens for a reason, yet things can get done when people get together and work and pray for the right reasons.

“When the bishop concluded his homily everyone got up and clapped,” said Affonso. “It was a very emotional time for me. The Mass was so powerful and when the people responded to the Mass you could feel the vibrancy in the room.

Many of the parishioners were crying with joy. Many of them never thought they would get a chance to attend Mass there ever again.”

Affonso was busy during the Mass, carrying the statue of St. Anne and giving one of the readings.

“So many people came up to me after the Mass with

The statue of St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, inside the iconic Fall River shrine where Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., just celebrated Mass after its recent reopening. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) questions and comments,” he said. He also said there was a renewed optimism in the people who attended.

“You could feel it.”

Affonso, who had left the Church for a time, returned to the faith when he got married at St. Anne’s and later had a daughter, now 11, who was baptized there.

“My wife and I were the last couple to be married at St. Anne’s,” he told The Anchor.

With his return to the faith and the church he loved, Affonso felt he shouldn’t just sit back when the parish and church were going through difficult times.

He was named by thenpastor Father David Deston to the task force to study ways to keep the church open. Eventually, Bishop da Cunha — after receiving reports from the group, along with input from community business leaders — made

the heart-wrenching decision to close the church, but also left the door open by expressing a desire to find an alternative use for the historic building.

With the extraordinary efforts of Gauvin, Affonso, a board of nine other indivduals, and commitments, financially and volunteerwise, from countless others, the society was able to come to an agreement with the diocese to reopen the shrine. The Preservation Society will be responsible for its care and upkeep, thus allowing faithful to again find a haven for prayer and devotion within the shrine walls.

“It’s amazing,” said Affonso, “we were able to raise $60,000 in just three weeks’ time. People have been so supportive and so generous. This has exceeded my expectations by so much. There was a time

when I would think, ‘Is this thing going to go through or not?’”

The shrine will host at least two Masses per year; the feast of St. Anne on July 26 and the anniversary of the opening of the upper church on July 4. The Shrine will host recitations of the Rosary, Bible studies and other events.

Meanwhile the St. Anne’s Preservation Society will initiate a fund-raising campaign to be capable of making major repairs downstairs, and with the goal of restoring the upper church to be able to reopen that as well.

“It’s going to take time,” said Affonso. “We will move slowly and make the right decisions to be able to make this happen.”

“We are also reaching out to people who have had a miracle take place because of intercessory prayers at the shrine,” added Affonso. “We may even make a book out of the stories and perhaps raise more funds with that as well.”

Affonso encourages faithful who were once St. Anne’s parishioners and people who were touched by events at the shrine in any way, either personally or Spiritually, to help make the dream of a fully restored St. Anne’s Church a reality.

For more information, folks are encouraged to contact the society at st.annepreservationsociety@ gmail.com.

“We will get back to them very quickly,” Affonso assured. The society is also near completion of a website, and will announce when that will be accessible.

August 9, 2019 †

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Retreat continues summer tradition of offering girls a respite from daily routine, chance to discover themselves

By Dave Jolivet

JolivetDB@comcast.net

DIGHTON — It’s become a summer tradition in the Diocese of Fall River — the chance for a Spiritual, mental and physical respite from waves of distractions, responsibilities and activities of daily life.

The diocesan Vocations Office is once again offering a summer overnight retreat, “Called By Name,” at the tranquil Dominican Sisters Convent in Dighton on August 23 and 24.

The retreat, geared toward girls ages 13 to 18 years old, helps them discover a path in their lives that God may be calling them to, whether it be in Marriage, single life or consecrated life.

“Called By Name is an invitation for girls to consider their particular calling which stems from the common calling through Baptism, to which all are invited to respond in a variety of ways,” said Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., assistant director of vocations for the diocese.

While on the road to God has given me to help stances to follow God above discovery, the path will lead these young girls who, like all else. In these retreats, it’s the girls to make friends; myself, I believe seek to by detaching from the chaos share their faith, no matfind peace in a loud world of each of our daily lives to ter what level that may be; and still always be listening listen to God call us where learn about themselves, oth- to God’s call,” Rosaria told we will truly live peacefully, ers and having a relationThe Anchor. “The reason I and in the retreat is a team ship with God; exploration; continue to say yes and be and community enthusiastic enjoying interactive activia part of these retreats is to to help each other find our ties; and praying peace with God and worshiping ow narrow the gate and in our lives.” the Lord toDeb Jezak has constricted the road that been involved gether.

In a pamphlet with myriad releads to life nd those promoting the treats for various retreat, Sister ministries in the who find it are few Hurtado utilizes diocese. She, too, atthew a quote from is a member of Matthew 7:14: this year’s Called “How narrow the gate and experience a true connecBy Name retreat, and highly constricted the road that tion with these young girls recommends young women leads to life. And those who (like I have on past retreats) take advantage of the benfind it are few.” The Called and to bond in a way that efits an overnight retreat

By Name retreat exists to God calls us to. with like-minded people help girls find that narrow “I find that the commucan offer. gate in their lives. nity that can develop on a “I said yes to being on Brianna Rosaria is a team single retreat is truly lasting team because it is an opmember on this year’s reand it’s like a Spiritual supportunity to help young treat. “The reason I say ‘yes’ port where all of the girls girls discover the best way to being on team for this who attend are used by God to live a joy-filled holy life; weekend retreat is because to uplift each other, encour- whether it be through MarI believe God is calling me age each other and teach riage or consecration as a away from my daily life to each other different ways Sister or nun,” Jezak told connect using the experithrough different circumThe Anchor. “The retreat ences, gifts and blessings

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† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointment

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, announces the following appointment: Reverend Christopher Stanibula, Chaplain of St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis, while remaining Parochial Vicar of Saint Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth Effective August 1, 2019

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—M

7:14

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offers time to interact with peers, form friendships, share faith, and learn more about God and His plan.

By engaging in challenging fun activities, prayer, and listening to personal testimonials, participants are able to realize God has a plan for each of them. This plan, their vocation, is worth discovering because it is a person’s best path to holiness and joy.

“For those considering attending, it is an opportunity to be in a place of acceptance, to relax, have some fun, make some friends, and learn new things.”

The retreat begins on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and continues until Saturday at 5 p.m. Reservations must be made by August 20. The cost is $15 (at the door, cash only), and a parental permission form is required.

Please RSVP to Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr.org, or call 909-496-2022 or 508675-1311.

Seeking updates from parishes, diocesan offices for directory

Requests for updates, corrections and additions to the 2019-2020 Catholic Directory for the Diocese of Fall River have been sent to all parishes, diocesan offices and apostolates. The deadline for submitting this information is Friday, August 30. The new directory will be published in late September.

If you are responsible for a diocesan entity and have not yet been contacted for an update, please submit your updated information via email to kensouza@anchornews.org.

You may also find convenient online forms to submit this information electronically at the following links ...

• Parishes — www.anchornews.org/parish.html • All Others — www.anchornews.org/ministry.html

Final parish totals announced for 78th annual Catholic Charities Appeal FALL RIVER — The 78th Annual Catholic Charities Appeal raised $4.1 million through the support of more than 20,000 generous donors.

Here are the individual parish totals throughout the Diocese of Fall River.

Attleboro Deanery Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Seekonk $113,490.00 Our Lady Queen of Martrys, Seekonk $64,205.00 Sacred Heart, North Attleboro $30,758.00 St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro $44,038.30 St. Mark, Attleboro $38,990.00 St. Mary, Mansfield $177,538.18 St. Mary, North Attleboro $29,000.00 St. Mary, Norton $74,281.00 St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Attleboro $35,738.00 St. Vincent de Paul, Attleboro $10,096.75 Cape Cod Deanery Christ the King, Mashpee $113,377.00 Corpus Christi, East Sandwich $104,625.00 Good Shepherd, Martha’s Vineyard $39,773.00 Holy Redeemer, Chatham $44,735.52 Holy Trinity, West Harwich $73,124.00 Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville $93,554.30 Our Lady of the Cape, Brewster $99,043.00 Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet $27,210.00 Our Lady of Victory, Centerville $112,472.16 St. Anthony, East Falmouth $116,714.00 St. Elizabeth Seton, North Falmouth $57,755.00

St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis $55,119.00 St. Joan of Arc, Orleans $68,875.00 St. John the Evangelist, Pocasset $68,975.00 St. Margaret of Scotland, Buzzards Bay $31,975.00 St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle, Nantucket $54,225.00 St. Patrick, Falmouth $43,980.00 St. Peter the Apostle, Provincetown $22,225.00 St. Pius X, South Yarmouth $133,356.45 Fall River Deanery St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River $24,264.00 Espirito Santo, Fall River $34,163.00 Good Shepherd, Fall River $13,831.62 Holy Name, Fall River $75,905.00 Holy Trinity, Fall River $25,050.00 Our Lady of Grace, Westport $21,788.00 Santo Christo, Fall River $21,750.00 St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River $17,091.00 St. Bernard, Assonet $31,851.00 St. Dominic, Swansea $26,472.00 St. Francis of Assisi, Swansea $26,426.00 St. George, Westport $15,829.28 St. John of God, Somerset $21,518.00 St. John the Baptist, Westport $49,948.00

St. Joseph, Fall River St. Louis de France, Swansea St. Michael, Fall River St. Patrick, Somerset St. Stanislaus, Fall River St. Thomas More, Somerset

$12,050.00 $41,040.00 $12,945.00 $26,042.00 $15,696.00 $24,935.00

New Bedford Deanery Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Bedford $30,263.00 Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford $8,707.00 Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford $29,165.00 Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James, New Bedford $20,947.00 Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, New Bedford $48,105.00 Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford $62,159.00 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford $6,366.00 St. Anthony, Mattapoisett $54,040.00 St. Anthony of Padua, New Bedford $42,021.00 St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford $14,825.00 St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet $42,317.38 St. John Neumann, East Freetown $63,440.00 St. Joseph, Fairhaven $24,151.00 St. Joseph-St. Therese, New Bedford $15,434.00

St. Julie Billiart, North Dartmouth $53,855.00 St. Lawrence Martyr, New Bedford $8,945.00 St. Mary, Fairhaven $35,558.00 St. Mary, New Bedford $43,589.00 St. Mary, South Dartmouth $118,043.50 St. Patrick, Wareham $37,158.00 St. Rita, Marion $26,505.00 Taunton Deanery Annunciation of the Lord, Taunton $13,032.00 Holy Cross, South Easton $30,961.40 Holy Family, East Taunton $27,075.50 Immaculate Conception, North Easton $34,710.00 St. Andrew the Apostle, Taunton $66,172.00 St. Ann, Raynham $97,530.55 St. Anthony, Taunton $26,765.00 St. Jude the Apostle, Taunton $27,805.00 St. Mary, Taunton $16,940.00 St. Nicholas of Myra, North Dighton $48,840.00 In addition to the individual parish totals, nearly $400,000 in gifts to the 2019 Catholic Charities Appeal were collected from individuals, corporations, and organizations unaffiliated with a specific parish.

While the parish phase of the 2019 Appeal has come to a close, the CCA is part of the Catholic Foundation’s growing annual giving program, which encourages the generous support of our parishioners and friends year-round. Donations can be made online at any time at givefrdiocese. org/cca19 or mailed to the Catholic Charities Appeal office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass.

02720. They may also continue to be dropped off at any parish in the diocese.

August 9, 2019 †

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Editorial

Purity

A year ago tomorrow we published an editorial entitled “Prayer for life.”

It concluded with a quote from Pope Francis: “When I was a boy, the teacher was teaching us history and told us what the Spartans did when a baby was born with deformities: they carried it up the mountain and cast it down, to maintain ‘the purity of the race.’ In the last century the entire world was scandalized over what the Nazis were doing to maintain the purity of the race. Today we do the same thing, but with white gloves.” We added, “We ask God to help us to turn our hearts away from rejecting human life, at any stage from conception until natural death. God hasn’t rejected us. We should not reject each other.”

This past weekend we saw how two young men decided to reject human life. In El Paso it has been established that the killer felt the need to keep the United States “pure” by killing Hispanics. The motive of the murderer in Dayton is not clear yet (given that he is dead, it might never be known), although the media reported on Tuesday that his ex-girlfriend said that he had gleefully shown her video taken by one of the recent assassins at a synagogue.

Saturday night the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement from Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, its president, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., the chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “This Saturday, less than week after the horrific instances of gun violence in California, yet another terrible, senseless and inhumane shooting took place, this time at a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas.

Something remains fundamentally evil in our society when locations where people congregate to engage in the everyday activities of life can, without warning, become scenes of violence and contempt for human life. The plague that gun violence has become continues unchecked and spreads across our country. Things must change. Once again, we call for effective legislation that addresses why these unimaginable and repeated occurrences of murderous gun violence continue to take place in our communities. As people of faith, we continue to pray for all the victims, and for healing in all these stricken communities. But action is also needed to end these abhorrent acts.”

At the time of their statement, the alleged motive of the killer was not well known.

Enmity against Hispanics and other people, just due to their racial or ethnic group, is rampant in our society. Even in our Church there have been many sad instances where people have been treated shabbily due to their not being of the dominant culture. After having been rejected by many of the Protestants who were the majority of this country when we first started arriving here in big numbers in the 19th century, instead of learning that lesson, we were inhospitable to our fellow Catholics. Only the devil can be happy to see how, rather than welcoming Christ in these new members of our parishes, we made them feel “second class.” Many of them have left us.

Conflicts amongst us go back all the way to the Acts of the Apostles (chapter six), when the Hebrew-speaking and Greek-speaking Christians were in conflict with each other (each thinking that the other “side” was getting betOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 63, No. 16

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Published biweekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720, Tel. 508-675-7151; FAX 508-675-7048; email: office@anchornews.org.

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PUBLISHER

– Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Kenneth J. Souza

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ter treatment). So, this is an “angle” that Satan often uses, making us think that life would be better “if everyone were like us.”

That is not the case. We are very different. And yet, somehow, we are called to transform this society and make it one in which all people are respected and loved. This does not mean “anything goes,” since even in a family home there needs to be rules, correction, chores, etc.

Although “thoughts and prayers” has been maligned as “doing nothing,” we do need to begin with prayer and continue to depend upon prayer, so that God can guide us in the difficult work ahead to build a civilization of love.

Prayer helps us to realize that we are not alone — God is walking with us through this dark valley (Ps 23). We need to check in with God repeatedly, asking for His guidance. We need to meditate upon how His followers, in the Old and New Testaments, dealt with crises in their communities.

Among those thoughts and prayers, we can also look to what God wants in terms of purity. There is no such thing as a “pure American,” but God does want purity.

St. John Paul II spoke about purity in a homily on June 12, 1999 in Poland. Among the “conditions we need to fulfill in order to encounter this God, to know Him and to be united with Him, one of these conditions is purity of heart. Having a pure heart means being a new person, restored to life in communion with God and with all creation by the redemptive love of Christ.”

A little later the pope said, “During their earthly life the pure of heart are capable of glimpsing in all creation what comes from God.” The killers in El Paso and Dayton could not see that in the people they massacred. They could not see the beauty of the image of God in the people they gunned down.

The Polish saint warned, “The culture of death wants to destroy purity of heart. One of its strategies is deliberately to create doubt about the virtue of chastity. A culture which in this way impairs or even destroys a correct relationship between individuals, is a culture of death, for man cannot live without true love.”

Why are you talking about chastity when you should be talking about legislation?! It is up to the laity, out in the world, to discern what would be the best policy approaches to deal with these crises. However, it has been found that some of these mass killers (with guns or trucks) identify as “incels,” short for “involuntary celibates.” They are angry that women do not find them attractive and so do not “get the sex” they feel they are “owed.” So, they go out and kill people.

To this sad state of affairs (they think, due to lack of having affairs), St. John Paul said, “Proclaim before the world ‘the Good News’ of purity of heart, and by the example of your lives pass on the message of the civilization of love.

Today the culture of death sets before you, among other things, so-called ‘free love.’ In this sort of disfigurement of love we reach the profanation of one of the most cherished and Sacred values, for promiscuity is neither love nor freedom. The purer families are, the healthier the nation will be. And we want to remain a nation worthy of its name and its Christian vocation.”

Daily Readings † August 10 - August 23 Sat. Aug. 10, 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-9; Jn 12:24-26. Sun. Aug. 11, Wis 18:6-9; Ps 33:1, 12, 18-22; Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12; Lk 12:32-48 or 12:3540. Mon. Aug. 12, Dt 10:12-22; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mt 17:22-27. Tue. Aug. 13, Dt 31:1-8; (Ps) Dt 32:3-4b, 7-9, 12; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14. Wed. Aug. 14, Dt 34:1-12; Ps 66:1-3a, 5, 8, 16-17; Mt 18:15-20. Thu. Aug. 15, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Ps 45:10bc, 11-12ab, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56. Fri. Aug. 16, Jos 24:1-13; Ps 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24; Mt 19:3-12.

Sat. Aug. 17, Jos 24:14-29; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-8, 11: Mt 19:13-15. Sun. Aug. 18, Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40:2-4, 18; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53. Mon. Aug. 19, Jgs 2:1119; Ps 106:34-37, 39-40, 43ab-44; Mt 19:16-22. Tue. Aug. 20, Jgs 6:11-24a; Ps 85:9, 11-14; Mt 19:23-30. Wed. Aug. 21, Jgs 9:6-15; Ps 21:2-7; Mt 20:1-16. Thu. Aug. 22, Jgs 11:29-39a; Ps 40:5, 7-10; Mt 22:1-14. Fri. Aug. 23, Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Ps 146:5-10; Mt 22:34-40.

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A different team and a lasting championship

ne of the websites I visit a couple of times a day — as a former athlete and lifelong sports fan — is espn.com. There I get more than box scores, videos and articles on recent happenings in major sports, but often receive inspiration from the heroism of various teams and athletes, who overcome seemingly insurmountable life situations to make the pros, or mount incredible comebacks under pressure to win games or championships, or handle crushing defeats with grace and maturity.

Sports have always been one of the great practice fields for human growth — for the cultivation of preparation, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, poise — and even in an age in which many star athletes fail to live in an exemplary way off the field, the character of those who strive to be role models can have a profoundly positive influence on others in various walks of life.

That’s one reason why St. Paul regularly used sports — like running and boxing — in his preaching of the Gospel because what’s required to fight the good fight and finish the race in athletics is akin to the discipline needed to be faithful disciples. In my priestly work with men and kids and increasingly with women, sports have not only been a good conversation starter, but a school of Spiritual lessons.

Even though I am routinely inspired by various articles and features on espn. com, I have never encountered anything as moving as the lead article and video on August 3. It was about cloistered nun, Sister Rose Marie of the Queen of Angels, from the Poor Clare monastery in Alexandria, Va., who had just celebrated the 25th anniversary of her profession.

The article, entitled, “Whatever Happened to Villanova Basketball Star Shelly

Pennefather? ‘So I Made This Deal With God,’” was part of a promo for a documentary entitled “A Long Embrace” airing that evening on the former Mary Michelle “Shelly” Pennefather.

Shelly was the highest scorer in Villanova basketball history who, in the early 1990s, was on the verge of becoming the highest paid female basketball player in the world, but opted instead to embrace poverty, chastity and obedience far from the lights of the arena and cameras.

Her story, and the way it impacted the life of her coach, her teammates, her former boyfriend and the author of the article, ESPN senior writer Elizabeth Merrill, was written with a reverence and awe that the best Catholic publications couldn’t surpass. And I was delighted to see my social media accounts light up for a few days by those posting links to it with enthusiastic and commendatory introductions.

At the same time, however, there was in the article and in several of the people interviewed a combination of fascination and incomprehension at how someone like Shelly Pennefather, who was totally normal and thriving in the world, could make the choice not just to leave riches, fame and athletic glory behind to become a religious Sister but, to become an “incarcerated” cloistered nun perpetually behind the grille, as Sister Rose Marie jokingly describes her life.

The truly radical nature of her vocation, it became clear as the article progressed, although respected, remained shocking even 28 years after she passed through the monastery portal.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus once famously quipped that we cannot become saints by halves, by giving less than 100 percent.

Yet we’re living in an age of compromises with the faith, in which we’ll give ourselves with total dedication to our families, to our careers, to sports and volunteer work, but moderate our commitment to the Lord lest we be “fanatical” about it. Even though Jesus called us to love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength, most are satisfied with giving Him only a percentage.

We can easily relate to

the decision made by the Rich Young Man, who after Jesus told him that to have it all he needed to sell all he had, give the money to the poor and then come follow Him, walked away because he didn’t have the strength to choose Jesus over all his stuff.

In the midst of a materialist, hedonist and autonomous age, the radical nature of the religious life, uniting oneself to the poor, chaste and obedient Jesus as one’s true wealth, love and freedom, is an extraordinary sign of contradiction. Even more so is the cloistered life like that adopted by Sister Rose Marie — voluntarily cutting herself off both from the things to which so many of us are addicted, like televisions, computers, cell phones, and the culture of the instantaneous, as well as from some of the most beautiful and meaningful things in life, like contact with family and friends any time we want.

But the choice she has made is a modern illustration of Jesus’ parables of the treasure buried in the field and the pearl of great price (Mt 13:44-46). There are certain things worth joyfully

selling all one has to obtain.

The choice cloistered nuns make is a bold proclamation that God is greater than all other great gifts and realities in our life. It’s a prophetic declaration that God’s love is enough to satisfy the desires He has placed in the human heart. It’s a witness that the most important thing we need to do in life is to love God back.

In a sixth grade class, when Shelly was asked what she was hoping to be when she grew up, she replied forthrightly, “I’m going to be a saint!” At first her classmates laughed, thinking that their humorous classmate was just trying to be witty. She was serious. To desire the end is to choose the means. St. Thomas Aquinas once said that all one needs to do to become a saint is to will it — but to will it with all one’s heart. And Sister Rose Marie has willed it with the same type of focus, determination and perseverance with which Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have willed to win Super Bowls.

That decision was nourished by her understanding of the Eucharist. As a young woman, she was struck by Jesus’ words, “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood remains in Me and I in him” (Jn 6:56), and she grasped that she wanted to live her life centered on Christ. She began to attend daily Mass at Villanova and then in Japan where she played pro ball. And her hunger only grew. Her life has become a commentary on the words Jesus said immediately after in His Eucharistic discourse in the Synagogue of Capernaum, “Just as the Father Who has life sent Me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will have life because of Me” (Jn 6:57).

Her life has also become a commentary on Jesus’ words of consecration, as she has given her life together with Jesus for others. We get a glimpse of how much fruit her religious life has borne in various people in the video. Through letters and occasional visits to the monastery, she has counseled her former coach, Villanova teammates and family members through troubled home situations, child raising sagas, physical sufferings, the death of loved ones, major life choices. And she has prayed for them and the world. Many of her teammates remarked that she and her fellow Poor Clares, rather than being oblivious to the types of things in the world, are actually very well informed on major worldly events, because their vocation is to pray for those in the world, like Moses on the mountain as the battle was waging in the plain (Ex 17:11). They continue to pray for persons and outcomes long after the petitioners have forgotten having made the request.

Much was made early in the article and documentary about her impressive feats on the court: 96-0 in high school; 2,408 points for Villanova, in the era before three-pointers; three-time All-America and Big East Player of the Year; and 1987 Wade Trophy as Female College Player of the Year.

When the General Judgment takes place, those achievements will all seem very insignificant compared to those she is now accomplishing with a different team and a different coach in monastic enclosure. She and they are praying for all of us to compete with them for an imperishable championship as we seek with Jesus to share His victory.

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

August 9, 2019 †

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W

And now for our next guest

hat has been commonplace ever since the dawn of late-night talk shows is that the least significant of the guests gets perhaps a three-minute segment at the end of the show, if he or she doesn’t get bumped entirely.

Here’s a scenario that could possibly play out if the Almighty were invited to such a show. Of the 90-minute show, He would spend 87 minutes in the Green Room waiting for His turn to be interviewed.

The host, a man or woman who most likely has a very high self-esteem, is informed by the show’s producer that God has exactly two minutes before the closing credits start to roll.

“And now a special guest Who no one has ever seen or heard will grace the guest chair,” the host says as the audience chuckles at the grace reference. “And now, all the way from Heaven, let’s give a late-night welcome to God.” Some in the audience stand and cheer, some boo, and others remain indignant, sitting on their hands.

“Wow,” says the host.

“That’s a pretty mixed review for Someone with such a high status.” “I expected that,” God says with a warm smile on His face. “I figured You would say that,” the host taunts, evoking snarking laughter from the viewers.

“That’s not quite what I meant,” God responds patiently. “What I meant was that people blame Me for everything that’s going on in the world right now, and that’s because they have the wrong idea about Me.” “So,” says the pompous host, “you believe in fake 8

news too?” again bringing the audience to giddy laughter.

Realizing the time is growing short to “put God in His place,” the host jumps right in. “So, You think You’re not to blame when a wacko young man grabs an assault weapon and a plethora of magazines and shoots up innocent people without an ounce of compassion in that person you created?”

“I never created anyone to harm another,” God says sadly. “Well,” the host jumps in, “things have been happening like this since, well, the beginning of creation, all the way back to Your precious Adam and Eve.” The audience cheers. “If You’re so omnipotent, as Your followers claim You to be, surely You know what was going to happen throughout history, yet You let it happen, over and over and over again.” The cheers grow.

“If I were to do this all over again,” God replied, “I would tone down the element of the human psyche that is so quick to judge.

Unfortunately people think they know everything and judge accordingly.”

“So when a small child is killed in front of his parent, or a young mother dies of cancer, or a dad is separated from his family while he is killed in battle, or families are divided from their loved ones at country borders because they simply want to get a better life, You have no problem with that?”

“You see, my friend, you’re judging without knowing the facts,” God says to the host staring

† August 9, 2019

straight into the person’s eyes. “I don’t want these things to happen, nor do I cause them to happen.

Human beings cause these things to happen. Why? Because they have a higher opinion of themselves than they should. And at the risk of being rude, you are a prime example.” The crowd is less giddy now, and a collective “oooooo,” is murmured.

“Do you think I didn’t hate seeing My own Son, Jesus Christ, being tortured and murdered in front of hundreds of cheering people?” the Almighty continued. “Do you think that Joseph didn’t injure himself in his carpentry work, or Mary didn’t burn herself in her home-making duties?

Do you think Mary and Jesus didn’t mourn when Joseph died?” The audience grows more silent. “Yes, but Jesus and Mary and Joseph didn’t really suffer,” says the host. “They were your peeps.”

“Wrong” says God demonstratively. “They were human, just like you, and they suffered physically and emotionally.”

“But what about all the bad things that are happening to people today?” asks the host. The two minutes is up, but no one dares pull the plug on the interview now. “Surely you don’t feel what they and their families do. You are perfect.”

“Yes,” God says compassionately. “I am perfect and

My emotions are perfect.

Perfect to the point where you wouldn’t be able to bear the sorrow and shame I feel for My people. My pain is above anything you can imagine. Your view of My reactions to what happens on earth is misguided and fake, based on your way and others’ ways of thinking.

There are many things you will never understand and some you choose not to understand.

“You see people with addictions and shame them.

Addiction, in any shape or form, is a disease — it’s not a choice, just like cancer, or any other affliction that affects the human body. I don’t want that, but you will never understand that. Life happens, people make choices, and good and bad befalls everyone.” The audience sits in stunned awe at the firm, yet compassionate tone and countenance of God. “What makes Me the bad Guy in all of this is your lack of faith,” God continues. “Some things can’t be helped, but I promised I would always be with you, yet you don’t believe that, or understand. Frankly, you and everyone watching has the same mindset to one degree or another.

“I know the network people and sponsors are quite angry right now, because we went over My two minutes. So let Me just end with this. I didn’t pull the trigger on any shootings or commit any murders or start any wars. In fact, I watch in utter horror as these things occur. I never want to see My people suffer.”

God Himself has tears in His eyes, as do the audience and the host. “I love you no matter what you think of Me, and I hurt a pain no human could ever endure for all who suffer. Have faith in that and have faith that I am with you and will always be with you.

“My Son said it best, and it’s the key to everything on earth: ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’ When that starts to happen in earnest and when humans start taking care of those with diseases or maladies of the mind, heart, soul and body, then maybe some of that fake news and misinformation about Me will dissolve and your hearts will all be touched. Thanks for having me on.”

The host, with head bent in sorrow and shame, murmers, “You’re welcome.”

The camera fades to black as the audience sits in thoughtful silence. jolivetdb@comcast.net

Catholic Social Services donates supplies to first-ever diocesan Early Learning Center ATTLEBORO — With the recent announcement of the Little Flower Early Learning Center, Catholic Social Services’ CEO Sue Mazzarella immediately knew that her organization could help.

Without hesitation, she contacted School Superintendent Steve Perla to offer any assistance with supplying the center with toys and books.

Within a week, the director of the Little Flower Early Learning Center, Christine Barrett, had filled her car with brand new toys and planned to go back with a truck for the multitude of other toys and books that

had been allocated to Little Flower.

Catholic Social Services has been servicing the Diocese of Fall River since 1924 and to this day, lives out its mission “to help those in need.”

Sue Mazzarella said, “CSS formally links and collaborates with local parishes, agencies and systems to create strengthened community services. This is a prime example of how two diocesan ministries can come together to better serve the children and families of southeastern Massachusetts.”

According to Mazzarella, CSS receives donations from the com-

Some of the many items Catholic Social Services recently donated to the new diocesan Little Flower Early Learning Center. munity, and especially from the parishioners throughout the diocese. The “Celebrate the Beauty of Every Child” campaign is another example of a donation opportunity.

CSS is the conduit for distributing these donations — they reflect the compassion and generosity of the members of our diocesan community.

Steve Perla added: “This collaboration between Catholic Social Services and Little Flower truly embodies what we are all about.

Little Flower had a need and CSS had a solution — I cannot think of a better way to be good stewards of people’s generosity and goodwill.

Because of CSS, Little Flower will save at least $1,000 in having to supply toys and books for the children it will serve.”

Christine Barrett, Director of Little Flower, said: “I was so overwhelmed and blessed with how many toys CSS had to offer! When I tell you there are lots and lots of toys from birth to age 10, I felt like I was in a toy store. What an amazing service to Little Flower!”

The Little Flower Early Learning

Center offers a faith-based, innovative, and affordable childcare program for children ages six weeks to 3.9 years. Market research indicates that there continues to be a need for high quality childcare where every child is valued, respected and accepted as an individual with unique qualities, needs and patterns of growth. The Little Flower Early Learning Center will accept childcare vouchers.

For more information, including tuition rates, please call Christine Barrett at 508-455-0145.

The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Its schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, they prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.

www.anchornews.org August 9, 2019 †

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Dr. George A. Milot receives inaugural Brother Patrick Carey Award PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Dr. Michael O’Connor, director of the Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers at Providence College (PACT), announced recently that he has presented Dr. George A. Milot with the Brother Patrick Carey, C.F.C., Ph.D. Award in Catholic education.

Dr. Milot is the inaugural recipient of the award, which was commemorated in Brother Carey’s name last year upon his retirement as long-time director of the PACT program.

Dr. Milot is the founder and president of Catholic Education Consultants, a group devoted to helping Catholic schools thrive while planning for the future. He is a veteran Catholic school educator and administrator for various schools around New England, including St. John Paul II Catholic Academy in Dorchester and Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, where he served as prin-

across the United States.

PACT teachers receive holistic support from the PACT program and their placement in Catholic schools while making valuable contributions through their teaching, and broader participation in their school communiDr. George A. Milot cipal, and the Diocese of Fall River, where he was superintendent of schools. He attended Seton Hall University, receiving a doctorate degree in educational administration and supervision.

The PACT program, established at Providence College in 2001, provides an opportunity for recent college graduates to teach in Catholic schools in New England, while receiving a Master of Education degree from PC. PACT is part of the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE), a network of 13 Catholic educator teacher preparation and formation programs at Catholic colleges and universities

Dr. George A. Milot, center, accepts the inaugural Brother Patrick Cary Award from Dr. Michael O’Connor, director of PACT, left, and Andrea Cisneros, assistant director of PACT, right.

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ties in support of their students.

Founded in 1917, Providence College is the only college or university in the United States administered by the Dominican Friars. It has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately

4,000 students, and offers degrees in 50 academic majors. Providence College consistently has been ranked among the top five regional universities in the North according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.”

Annual Portuguese Charismatic Conference to take place Sept. 6-7 TAUNTON — The annual Portuguese Catholic Charismatic Conference of the Diocese of Fall River will take place in the parish hall of St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street in Taunton on September 6 and 7.

The theme this year is “Come, Holy Spirit / Vem Espírito Santo.”

The main speaker will be Father João Luiz Borges Lemos, from the Diocese of Caçador, Brazil.

The conference will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 6, and will conclude with Mass celebrated

by Bishop Edgar M. da

Cunha, S.D.V., at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

As in previous years, the conference is organized by the Portuguese Committee for the Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Fall River.

People from all walks of life are invited to attend this conference which will be conducted in Portuguese.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious practice or creed.

For more information, please contact the Portuguese parishes and/or the Portuguese-speaking charismatic prayer groups.

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Quo Vadis Days R etreat †July 8-12, 2019

The annual Quo Vadis Days discernment retreat was held July 8-12 at the Betania II Retreat Center in Medway.

This year, 22 young men, seminarians, and priests were in attendance, including Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., who celebrated Mass with the group, left. Above, Father Kevin Cook, left, director of Vocations and Seminarians for the diocese, leads a discussion.

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

Celebrant is Father Riley J. Williams, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet

Sunday, August 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Anthony Szakaly, C.S.C., director of campus ministry at Stonehill College in Easton

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, August 11 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Providence, R.I.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, August 18 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

S eeking nominations for new D iocesan P astoral C ouncil FALL RIVER — Laura M. Carrillo, the new director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning for the Fall River Diocese, recently sent an email message out to the volunteer members of the various committees working on the strategic planning for the diocese.

In it, Carrillo noted that they will be forming a Diocesan Pastoral Council to help implement the recommendations of the various committees and they are seeking nominees to serve on this new group.

“We are overwhelmed with the amount of positive energy, hard work and commitment that all of you have brought to the planning process,” Carrillo wrote. “The plans you’ve developed are amazing and a true testament to the gifts you’ve shared on behalf of the diocese.

“In order to ensure that your great work is leveraged, we’re putting together a new Diocesan Pastoral Council. The bishop is counting on the DPC to hold our feet to the fire in acting on the strategic plan.”

The primary goal of the Diocesan Pastoral Council will be to prioritize and implement the commission plans. The council

will be comprised of laity and clergy who bring a mix of skills as well as a balance of representation from across commissions and deaneries.

“We’d specifically like to make sure that we have functional expertise in the areas of Finance, Communications, Human Resources, Evangelization and Youth as those impact every plan,” Carrillo wrote.

The council will meet monthly for the first year, then meeting less frequently in years following.

Attendance at the monthly meetings is an important requirement for the first year given the critical nature of the implementation process.

“We will also rotate the location of the meetings across deaneries, and occasionally leverage technology in an attempt to minimize travel burdens,” Carrillo wrote. “We anticipate one-, two- and threeyear terms, looking to stagger timing so that we are not turning over the group at the same time.”

Carrillo invites people to suggest nominees from among the existing committee planners or others who may have particular expertise in one of the key areas.

“Please feel free to

nominate a planner you worked with on your commission or to nominate yourself,” Carrillo wrote. “Make sure to share a very short note about why you or your nominee would be a good fit to help lead implementation as part of this council.”

Nominations are due no later than Wednesday, August 14.

“We will be making selections and reaching out during the week of August 19,” Carrillo added.

The strategic planning commissions will have a final “share out” meeting on Wednesday, September 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the committees to hear their counterparts’ recommendations.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council will be formally announced, blessed and commissioned by Bishop da Cunha as part of the special celebration Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on Saturday, September 14 at 9 a.m.

The Mass will be followed by a brunch at White’s of Westport.

Please email nominations and any questions to: planning@dioc-fr.org, or call 508-617-5304.

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Former Pro-Life Apostolate director receives People of Life Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three champions of the Pro-Life cause were honored on August 5 at the 2019 People of Life awards for their lifetime contributions to the movement.

The awards were presented during the annual Diocesan Pro-Life Leadership Conference taking place in Louisville, Ky. Among this year’s honorees were the Fall River Diocese’s own Marian Desrosiers, along with Cheryl Holley and Chuck Donovan.

Desrosiers was honored for her years of joyful and dedicated Pro-Life service in the Diocese of Fall Riv-

er. In addition to her time as the diocesan Pro-Life director, she also spent 25 years leading the diocese’s Project Rachel Ministry, which provides pastoral care for individuals who have been involved in an abortion.

Desrosiers today is the Director of Advancement at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River and continues to serve women and their children at the diocesan Women’s Transitional Home.

Over the past three decades, awardee Cheryl Holley has led the way in uniting Pro-Life communities through ecumenical and multicultural efforts.

Family Research Council, and as co-chairman of the Heritage Foundation’s Religious Liberty Working Group.

Approximately 125 diocesan Catholic Pro-Life leaders and guests attended the private awards dinner, including Archbishop Joseph Naumann, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities 2019 People of Life award recipients, from left, Chuck of the U.S. Conference of Donovan, Cheryl Holley and Marian Desrosiers with Catholic Bishops.

The People of Life Archbishop Naumann, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ award recognizes CathoCommittee on Pro-Life Activities. (Photo by Tim Porco) lics who have answered Holley is the director of nant women and children the call outlined by Pope the Josephite Pastoral throughout Maryland and St. John Paul II in “The Center and she is a board Washington, D.C. Gospel of Life” (Evanoffice of the Gabriel Recipient Chuck Dono- gelium Vitae, 1995) by Network, serving pregvan — a native of Louisdedicating themselves to ville — is the president Pro-Life activities and of the Charlotte Lozier promoting respect for Institute, the educathe dignity of the human tion and research arm of person. It is bestowed in Pro-Life PAC Susan B. honor of their significant and longtime contribuof the last of the incandescent Anthony List. Donovan has been a guiding force lights.” tions to the culture of life.

At press time, Father in the Pro-Life moveThe awardees join 34 Brown was in the process of ment for four decades, other People of Life award filing an insurance claim for as Legislative Director of recipients since the Secrethe damage and he doesn’t the National Right to Life tariat of Pro-Life Activianticipate it will impact the Committee from 1979ties established the award Festival of Lights this year.

1981, in leadership at the in 2007.

“There’s always something that happens when you’re trying to get the lights ready,” he said. “So you just kind of live with it.”

According to the National Weather Service in Norton, small sections of Attleboro, North Attleboro, Rehoboth and Dighton experienced the freak summer thunderstorm with “downbursts.”

A downburst is when a rush of air comes down and hits the ground and spreads out. Often the damage is so severe or extensive, it resembles damage from a tornado and can sometimes produce wind speeds in excess of 130 MPH.

La Salette Shrine sustains damage during unexpected ‘downburst’ storm ATTLEBORO — On Sunday evening, August 4, a concentrated patch of inclement weather — sometimes referred to as a “microburst” or “downburst” — touched down in the greater Attleboro area.

The unexpected winddriven storm had enough force to down several trees on the La Salette Shrine property off Park Street in Attleboro, causing some minor damage to buildings and some of the shrine’s well-known outdoor Christmas lighting displays.

Thankfully, the shrine events that day had already concluded.

“It probably happened about quarter of five (and) by 10 past five, it was over,” according to Father Ted Brown, M.S., director of La Salette Shrine.

“I counted about 10 trees down,” Father Brown told The Anchor. “I mean we’re talking 14

big trees and branches.”

Much of the damage was centered around the Rosary Pond area, and Father Brown said that many of the shrine’s popular Christmas lights that remain installed year-round were destroyed.

“The ones on the big trees that are up high, they stay up all year,” Father Brown explained. “Over near the Rosary Pond area, there were a lot of lights that were damaged.”

Some of the large fallen branches also dented a few screens and air conditioner covers on the property, according to Father Brown, but nothing that is beyond repair.

“It will take a little work and reconfiguring of the lights, because now those trees are gone,” Father Brown said. “But it will probably push us to complete that area with the LEDs we’ve been installing. Those were a few

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F ocus

on

C hurch Y outh At left, the Msgr. Prevost High School Alumni Association recently held its annual reunion at White’s of Westport. Honored this year was the class of 1969, marking its 50th anniversary of graduation. Each year the alumni also gives a financial scholarship to an alumnus’ relative who will be attending a Catholic high school. This year the award was presented to Elizabeth Cassidy, center, of Waltham. She is the daughter of Arthur Cassidy ’72. His daughter will receive $3,000 a year for four years at St. Joseph Preparatory High School in Boston in memory of Normand E. Ouellette ’49. Pictured with Elizabeth, from left, are Roland Masse, alumni chairman; father Arthur Cassidy; brother Charles Cassidy; and Paul Dumais, alumni president.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about diocesan youth.

If schools, parish Religious Education programs or homeschoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, please email them to: schools@ anchornews.

Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro recently announced that Bryan Pinabell, right, has been named the Shamrocks’ varsity football head coach, effective immediately. Pinabell takes over for former head coach, Gary Doherty, who stepped down in June. Pinabell has 26 years of coaching and teaching experience in Catholic high schools in Massachusetts, Georgia and Florida. He has coached football teams that have won nine district championships and reached seven state tournaments, and his success helped him earn a Georgia Football Coach of the Year award in 2009.

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Last of the Summer Wine

e is short and scrubby. She is tall and rock-jawed. He lives on the first floor, while she lives on the second level right above him. For some unexplained reason she is his heartthrob, while he is her most constant nuisance. For him love is blind, so it is not unusual for him to appear at her door or to climb a ladder to her second-floor window just to catch a kiss from her.

Perhaps I should say “snatch a kiss” from her reluctant lips. This duo are but two of the characters in the British TV comedy “Last of the Summer Wine.”

It tells of the escapades of some neighborhood pals in their glory years who often get in trouble with their female counterparts, yet live out their years with a certain flair.

Yes, I’ve been watching them while I chill out in Ireland.

This could also be said of our golden agers in Kalaupapa. While it is unlikely to see them climbing a ladder

to a second-floor window, you may see them working in our grocery store or in the book store. You will meet them at our local social events or in Las Vegas if you yourself happen to visit there.

Though their lives have been disrupted and turned upside down by the dreaded Hansen’s Disease, it has not prevented them from living life to the fullest. I personally dislike long distance travel, but it has not prevented them from journeying to Rome for the canonizations of St. Damien and St. Marianne and they have participated fully in these ceremonies and celebrations. For them, going to Las Vegas is like going down the street for an evening walk.

Of course the golden years are not without aches and pains, especially in the

joints. I know that myself after I’ve walked around the block followed by one or more of my cats. Yet it does not deter our golden-agers from getting around.

I think of one in particular who turned 95 this year, but who acts like he is 59. Perhaps in his youth he may have climbed a ladder to a second-floor window to catch a kiss, but now he gets showered with kisses on ground level by so many admiring women. Perhaps I should pray to live to be 95.

I write this while lounging in a second-floor bedroom of my brother’s house in County Galway. From my window I can look out onto the rich green fields, not unlike those in that British comedy, and I ponder the adventures of those country town gents and ladies as they drink of the last of the summer wine.

Aloha.

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

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

Aug. 12 Rev. Victor O. Masse, M.S., Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1974 Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore, former Anchor editor; Pastor, St. Elizabeth Seton, North Falmouth, 2018 Aug. 13 Rev. Edward J. Sheridan, Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1896 Rt. Rev. Leonard J. Daley, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1964 Rev. Gabriel Swol, OFM Conv., Former Associate Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1991 Aug. 14 Rev. Raphael Marciniak, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1947 Rev. Conrad Lamb, O.S.B., Missionary in Guatemala, 1969 Aug. 15 Rev. Charles W. Cullen, Founder, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1926 Aug. 17 Rev. Cornelius O’Connor, Former Pastor, Holy Trinity, Harwich Center, 1882 Rev. Msgr. Maurice Souza, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, East Falmouth, 1996 Aug. 18 Rev. Msgr. William H. Dolan, Retired Pastor, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1977 Aug. 20 Rev. Bernard H. Unsworth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1982 Rev. Thomas Cantwell, S.S.J., Retired, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Washington, 1983 Aug. 21 Most Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon, Bishop of Hartford, Former Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1893 Aug. 22 Rev. Msgr. Manuel J. Teixeira, Pastor, St. Anthony, Taunton, 1962 Rev. William R. Jordan, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. Canty, U.S.N. Retired Chaplain, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1980 Msgr. John F. Denehy, U.S.A.F. Retired Chaplain, 2003

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Our Readers Respond Better

The Church in the past 30 years has experienced many tumultuous situations.

There is no need to rehash them here, as not only are we all aware of these issues, but have experienced their effects throughout our lives.

As a result of these issues, we have faced a litany of consequences.

However, we now have a chance to revitalize our community here in the Diocese of Fall River, and thus help to strengthen the Church as a whole. This work can become a reality if priests, religious, and especially the laity come together to support this mission.

This seemed to be the aim of the “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope” initiative begun by Bishop da Cunha a few short years ago. When this mission statement was first released, it gave people hope for a revitalization of the Diocese of Fall River. I want to personally express my gratitude here at the incentive to move forward and create positive change for all.

Unfortunately, this work

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

communication needed in diocesan revitalization

has not come without grave mistakes that have put all our hopes, efforts, and current progress at risk. We have failed to always be conscious and listening to what is truly needed. We have fallen into the delusion that a “one size fits all approach” is the best method for approaching a problem that affects the Spiritual and physical facets of our diocese.

The greatest example of this is the continuous usage of the “collaborative” method. We have used it in our churches, and we will be using it now in our schools through the preparatory Academy. While it does help to combine resources, its end aim is to assimilate institutions where differences and diversity will no longer remain. We will erode the character that defines each church and school. We will destroy relationships that have been built up, and wreck the progress attempted by each parish.

Rather than “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope,” we are destroying in ignorance.

We have exhausted the

individuals most important to the process of rebuilding, driving them to disillusionment, frustration, and even a desire to separate from the diocese. Our priests are overworked and overburdened with responsibilities as it is. We only worsen this by constantly moving them, inundating them with new initiatives and paths that are mandatory for them to follow, and leaving them in the dark when they need information. Spreading them out among collaboratives is an additional cross, because they cannot connect with any one parish. If these priests are overworked and exhausted, then they cannot fully devote themselves to their vocation and to those whom they are meant to serve. We are cheating them of their ability to serve God and His people.

Similarly can be said for the

School Responding to Bishop da Cunha’s initiative, “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope,” diocesan and school leaders established a robust strategic partnership between Bishop Connolly and Coyle & Cassidy High Schools. Mirroring the parish changes, the two schools will maintain their own identities and traditions while sharing key human and capital resources.

This collaboration will allow Bishop Connolly and Coyle & Cassidy to be effective stewards of their resources and strengthen their academic, co-curricular and athletic programs.

Both schools will continue to offer a rigorous college preparatory program while

laity. News of parish changes or priest relocations have been left until the last minute, and often people have been finding out news through the secular press rather than the diocese itself. It was especially evident when parents and teachers involved with Bishop Connolly High School and Coyle & Cassidy Middle and High School were not involved with the formation or deliberation of this “solution,” and were among the last to be informed about it.

Without the input and aid of parents and teachers, a school cannot operate, and will eventually fail. We have taken the most crucial information needed to teach our children, and have disregarded it to forward our own unclear aims. Frustration has been emitted in regards to the diocesan committees as well, as members have not

been fully informed and have been unable to help with the decisions that they have been promised. This has left members of the laity frustrated, and feeling as though they are not fully able to exercise their abilities to help revitalize the Diocese of Fall River.

The great Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien once said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Yes, the damage the diocese has suffered in the past 30 years requires more immediate and long-term solutions. However, we cannot continue in the same manner that we have as a result. We must decide with the time we have to establish better communication and cooperation among all members of the diocese, so that we can care better for each other in all things.

— Sonja Morin Fall River

superintendent replies expanding their offerings especially in the STEM-related disciplines.

These schools will also directly benefit from the diocese’s new innovative and groundbreaking initiative, The Academy.

The Academy, through multiple strategic alliances will provide consultative services to schools to enhance their faculties’ instructional practice to meet the education and workforce needs of the 21st-century.

Both the strategic partnership between Bishop Connolly and Coyle & Cassidy and The Academy initiative were formed as a result of multiple meetings among school-based and diocesan

...

level leaders. A key group in the planning process was the central Catholic Schools Board, which is comprised of a variety of diocesan and community stakeholders.

The Diocesan Catholic School Leaders are extremely grateful to all of the various stakeholders who helped shape these key initiatives.

The schools and diocesan leaders are looking forward to working with students, families, faculty, school and community leaders to continue to build on these new initiatives to ensure the longterm vitality of the diocese’s Catholic schools.

— Steve Perla School Superintendent Fall River Diocese

August 9, 2019 †

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Around the Diocese The 2019 summer Speakers Series at Christ the King Parish, 5 Jobs Fishing Road in Mashpee, concludes with a talk and Q&A session entitled “Addiction: A True Spiritual Malady” on Saturday, August 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will come to understand the totality of the disease on the mind, body, and Spirit of the afflicted, the effects on the family and friends, and the necessary role that the Church must play in becoming a resource for those suffering from addictions and their families. Presenter will be educator and counselor Keaton Douglas, the creator and coordinator of the I THIRST Initiative, a comprehensive program which focuses on Spirituality in the prevention, treatment and aftercare of those suffering from substance abuse disorders and their families.

This 2019 Speakers Series is sponsored jointly by four parishes: Our Lady of Victory, Centerville; Our Lady of the Assumption, Osterville; St. Anthony, East Falmouth; and Christ the King, Mashpee.

The Fall River Diocesan Health Facilities is hosting its 12th annual Golf Classic to benefit the more than 900 individuals served in its skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and community programs on Monday, August 19 at the LeBaron Hills Country Club, 183 Rhode Island Road in Lakeville. For details on available levels of participation, please call the Health Facilities office at 508-679-8154, or register online at www.DHFGolfClassic.eventbrite.com.

A Retreat for Deacons’ Wives entitled “Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit” will be presented by Father Flavio Gillio and Dottie Levesque at the La Salette Retreat Center, 947 Park Street in Attleboro from Friday, September 13 through Sunday, September 15. Most dioceses have retreats for their deacons, but what about their wives? Theirs is a ministry of its own, for as a couple they serve the Church together.

Walking through the Fruits of the Spirit enumerated by St. Paul in Galatians 5:22-23, the retreat will examine what each fruit means through a close reading of selected Biblical texts. How does Western culture inhibit the development of these fruits? If nurturing Godliness, growing in inner beauty, and letting Jesus live through you are relevant goals in your life and faith journey, this retreat is for you! The retreat starts on Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. (registration begins at 6:30 p.m.) and the retreat ends on Sunday after lunch. Suggested donation is $225 per person. Visit www.lasaletteretreatcenter.com or call 508222-8530 for more information.

A Family Healing Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel near the Father Peyton Center, 500 Washington Street in North Easton. Many families carry heavy burdens and wounds in their hearts. The celebration will include Adoration, Reconciliation, Mass and enriching music to help you and your family discover prayerful peace together. This event is free and is handicapaccessible. For more information, call Family Rosary at 508-238-4095, ext. 2038.

The third annual Celebrate the Beauty of Every Child campaign will be held during the months of August, September and October. This prayer and action campaign is designed to encourage families to pray for the less fortunate within our parishes and to obtain much-needed infant and toddler items for families. Participating parishes are invited to join in prayer, such as Rosaries, Novenas, and Eucharistic Adoration. Mass intentions may also be pledged. Items collected such as diapers, wet wipes, onesies, PJs and gift cards will be forwarded to food pantries and organizations within the parish community in support of needy families. Massachusetts Citizens for Life, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Alliance, the Pro-Life Apostolate, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Social Services have formed a collaborative to coordinate this campaign at the parish level. Please see your parish bulletin for additional details.

This campaign is in keeping with Bishop da Cunha’s initiative of “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope.” If you would like to support this campaign, contact the Pro-Life Apostolate office at 508-675-1311 or email irina@plrachel.com.

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

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Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

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

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds 6:30 p.m. Mass followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Adoration at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday evening.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Main Street, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every First Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending at 5 p.m.

DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth Street, every First Monday of the month, following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with evening prayers and Benediction at 5 p.m.

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

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

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Friday at 8 a.m.

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

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

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

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

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

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Each First Friday Mass ends with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration continues until Benediction at 5 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance.

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

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

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 4 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 4 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

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

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m.

Mass.

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

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

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass until 9 a.m.

Taunton — The Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle, 19 Kilmer Avenue, Taunton, will host Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Taunton — St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton will host Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 9 a.m. Mass and the St. Jude Novena, until 11:30, ending with Benediction. It will take place at Holy Rosary Chapel during the summer months.

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 † ATTLEBORO — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street in Attleboro.

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.

† O bituaries † Father Luciano J. Pereira, 88, Fall River and New Bedford pastor DARTMOUTH — Father Luciano Joaquim de Medeiros Pereira, 88, of Dartmouth died peacefully on July 25 at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Capelas, São Miguel, Açores, he was the son of the late Antonio Joaquim Pereira and Palmira Botelho M. Pereira.

Father Pereira attended parochial school in the Village of Capelas. At age 12, Father Pereira entered the Seminary of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terçeira. He was ordained at the Cathedral of Angra on May 30, 1954. Shortly thereafter, he immigrated to the U.S. to serve the needs of the Portuguese-American community in the Fall River Diocese.

Father Pereira was first assigned to Our Lady of Angels Parish in Fall River. From there, he served Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, where he remained for 11 years. Father Pereira was next assigned to St. Michael Parish in Fall River.

In 1975, he became the pastor of Our Lady of Health Church in Fall River for nine months. In May 1976, he was named pastor of Espirito Santo Church in Fall River. In 1979, he was assigned to St. John the Baptist Church in New Bedford, the first Portuguese church in the United States.

On July 3, 1995, Father Pereira returned to St. Michael Parish in Fall River as pastor. Among his many accomplishments while there, Father Pereira reorganized the Holy Ghost Society and reinstated the Holy Name Society and the Holy Rosary Society.

Besides his dedication to the priesthood, Father Pereira was very involved in the Portuguese community. He was the founder of PYCO (1970), Ateneu Luso Americano (1971), and the E.S.L. Program (1972).

He is survived by cousins and many godchildren.

A wake and Mass of Christian Burial for Father Pereira was held in St. Michael Church in Fall River on July 31, with burial following in St. John Cemetery in New Bedford.

At the wake service, Father Edward Correia, a retired priest of the diocese, preached in Portuguese

and described how Father Pereira would challenge himself and his parishioners with the question: What would Christ do in this context? How am I supposed to imitate Him? At the funeral Mass, celebrated by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Father John Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, delivered the homily. He began by discussing how he had served as a parochial vicar to Father Pereira at Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River back in 1976. Father Pereira would review the written version of Father Oliveira’s Portuguese homilies. One weekend Father Pereira asked his assistant where was his Portuguese homily. He told him that it was on the ambo. Father Pereira then went over and tore it up and then said, “Now just go out there and talk.”

Father Pereira did that to continue to challenge his assistant to grow in his ability to preach in Portuguese.

However, Father Oliveira noted that the other priests at the funeral might be concerned about how the funeral homily might never “land” (like an airplane circling an airport) if he tore up his funeral homily.

Father Oliveira used his homily as “a chance to think about the priesthood.” He said that Holy Orders is the “Sacrament thought which the mission entrusted by Christ to the Apostles continues.” After discussing the common priesthood of all the baptized in Christ, the One Priest, he then spoke about the ministerial priesthood which Father Pereira lived for 65 years.

In the Mass “the priest exercises in the highest form possible his Sacred office. That is why priests like to celebrate Mass,” Father Oliveira said.

Because of that, it was very difficult for Father Pereira in his infirmity to no longer be physically able to celebrate Mass. Nonetheless, Father Pereira remained a man of prayer.

Beside his bed was a picture taken 65 years ago of his ordination class from the Azores. Of the 14 priests, Father Pereira was the last to die, but

until his death he prayed for the souls of the others. “His companion these last few years was the Rosary,” Father Oliveira said, noting that Father Pereira prayed several each day and watched EWTN, so as to pray along with the various devotions on that channel.

Father Pereira was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus since his childhood and always worked to promote devotion to Christ’s heart. With a niche outside his home in Dartmouth in honor of the Sacred Heart, “from there he continued to evangelize” to the people passing by on the street.

“Today we entrust Father Luciano

to the mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Father Oliveira said.

When Father Pereira arrived in the Diocese of Fall River (he had gone through a program in the seminary on the island of Terceira which prepared future priests to serve Azoreans here) as a newly-ordained priest, the Portuguese-American population had been here a long time.

However, in the late 1960s a new wave of immigrants started arriving; where Father Pereira was serving at St. Michael’s at the time, “every day new families from the Azores” were showing up, Father Oliveira said. So, Father Pereira developed programs to help integrate the new immigrants into American society.

Father Eugene V. LaPlante, A.A., North Dartmouth native

WORCESTER — Father Eugene V. LaPlante, A.A., 87, died Saturday, July 27 in Rose Monahan Hospice after an illness.

Besides his fellow Assumptionist fathers and brothers, he leaves a sister, Lucille L. Pimentel of Dartmouth; his favorite niece, Susan Lafferty and her husband Andrew of Dartmouth; two nephews, Eugene Pimental and his wife Rosemary of Oswego, N.Y. and Andre Pimental and his wife Nancy of Dartmouth; several grand-nephews and grandnieces.

He was born and raised in North Dartmouth, the son of Eugene A. and Beatrice M. (Demers) Laplante. He graduated from Assumption Preparatory School in 1955 and then earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Assumption College in 1959.

He entered the Assumptionist novitiate in Quebec in 1952 and pronounced his first vows on Sept.

8, 1953. He then studied for the priesthood in Layrac, France from 1955 to 1959 and was ordained to the priesthood on Oct. 19, 1958 by Bishop Roger Johan. He studied in Rome from 1959 to 1963 and re-

ceived a Doctorate in Canon Law. His began his ministry as a professor at Assumption College from 1963 to 1965. After that, he became the chaplain at the Russian embassy in Moscow from 1965 to 1968 and again from 1979 to September 1983. He served as the superior of Cap Rouge, P.Q. for one year, and then ministered at the Assumptionist shrine in Beauvoir, P.Q. for 10 years until 1979 and again from 1983 to 1999.

He was appointed to the Quebec Tribunal from 1974 until 1991. From 1999 to 2001, he was responsible for campus ministry at Assumption College and served as a Spiritual advisor at Babson College in Wellesley. His last assignment was superior of the Assumptionist residence at Old English Road.

A funeral was held in Saint Anne Shrine in Fiskdale on August 1. Burial followed in Saint Anne Cemetery, Fiskdale.

Donations in his name may be made to the Assumptionist Retirement Fund, c/o Assumptionist Center, 330 Market Street, Brighton, Mass. 02135-2100.

August 9, 2019 †

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† August 9, 2019