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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , September 5, 2014

Bishop Coleman reflects on 50 years of diocesan ministry

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

FALL RIVER — FALL RIVER — “I have too many unread books,” Bishop George W. Coleman told The Anchor during his final interview with the publication before his retirement begins on September 24.

“In retirement I want to continue my pastoral work ... but with the absence of administrative duties.”

Bishop Coleman will become officially retired when Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha is installed as the Diocese of Fall River’s eighth bishop on September 24 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Bishop Coleman has served as bishop of the diocese for the past 11 years, and this year he celebrates 50 years as a priest.

A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Coleman at a filled cathedral on August 26, joined by hundreds of priests, deacons, religious and invited guests.

The Mass was followed by a very well-attended reception at White’s of Westport, at which he remained to greet well-wishers until 8 p.m.,

more than five hours after he arrived at the cathedral for the Mass.

“What was wonderful about that day was that I saw people from every phase of my life as priest and bishop,” he said. “It brought back such good memories. I even met up

with a friend with whom I was an altar server at St. Patrick’s Parish in Somerset.

“The day helped me to recognize the joy that is mine because of all the wonderful gifts God has given me through the years.”

Bishop George W. Coleman enjoyed the company of scores of well-wishers at a reception recently held at White’s of Westport, following a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral celebrating 50 years of priesthood and his upcoming retirement.

(Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Throughout the interview, Bishop Coleman referenced and stressed the importance of his family and his parish life as prime influences on the priest and bishop he became. “The parish was the center of our family life and that of our neighbors,” the bishop said. “I was a third-grader when I became an altar server, and I very much enjoyed it, and being with other friends who also served.

“I can recall accompanying my mother to daily Mass during the season of Lent, and attending the Stations of the Cross on First Fridays was always very special to me.

And at the end of a long work week my father would come home, get washed up, and we would attend a Holy Hour at the church as a family on First Fridays. That was very significant for me.”

He continued, saying Sundays were reserved for Mass first of all, then spending time as a family.

“Some still do that,” he said, “but we need more to do that. It’s the primary way the faith is transmitted.”

Turn to page 19

Bereavement ministry blossoms in the diocese

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

Father Bernard Baris, M.S., poses at the exact spot where Our Lady appeared to Maximin Giraud and Melanie Calvat in the tiny hamlet of La Salette in the French Alps on Sept. 19, 1846. Father Baris will become the first full-time American director of the international shrine at that location in January.

Longtime Cape pastor to head La Salette apparition site in France

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

BREWSTER — As a seminarian at La Salette Seminary in East Brewster, Father Bernard Baris, M.S., remembered singing in the choir for the first official Mass cel-

ebrated at Our Lady of the Cape Parish on Christmas Eve in 1962.

“Father Joseph A. Nolin, who was the founder of the parish, didn’t have a choir … so he asked some of the seminarians to Turn to page 10

FALL RIVER — “Grief doesn’t pick you by race, color or creed. Grief is universal, there’s one language spoken and that’s pain and hurt,” said Rose Mary Saraiva, who launched a bereavement support group in the Fall River Diocese by 2012, and now has seen the ministry grow in leaps and bounds.

Saraiva can relate to those suffering from loss; her 23-year old daughter passed away in a car accident in 2006, and by 2010, Saraiva was looking for a way to channel her grief into something positive. After earning a certificate from Bristol Community College in thanatology (the study on how loss affects physical, psychological and social well-being), Saraiva used her parish as a place for group meetings. Now more than two years later, Saraiva has a formal list on the Office of Faith Formation’s website of additional bereavement support groups that meet outside of the Fall River/New Bedford area.

“I have a folder of contacts of people calling me, asking who can come to this

group,” said Saraiva, pulling out the folder from her desk in her office at the Office of Faith Formation, where she works not just in the bereavement ministry, but also as events coordinator and in the Marriage ministry.

What began as messages in parish bulletins has grown through word-of-mouth into multiple agencies calling her, from local hospitals to private and public schools; a Google search for bereavement support groups in the Fall River area will result in the Office of Faith Formation at the top of the list. Even the website “The Grief Toolbox” has picked up Saraiva’s efforts and posted her group as a resource. All of this attention and seeing the bereavement ministry grow showcases a need that is finally being met, said Saraiva.

“They’re hurting. I was there. I know exactly what it feels like, and you feel so isolated,” she said. “That’s one of the things that resonated over the past couple of years — I’ll ask, what have been the hardest things during the grieving? And they’ll talk about the loneliness.”

What helps those suffering during Turn to page 14

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News From the Vatican

September 5, 2014

Koreans infected with ‘Francis syndrome’ after papal visit

Seoul, South Korea (CNA/EWTN News) — A former Korean ambassador to the Holy See spoke of the effects of Pope Francis’ recent visit to South Korea, saying that all of Asia now feels a long-term challenge to imitate his humble ways.

“All the media in Korea are already speaking of ‘Francis Pope Francis greets a girl as he arrives to lead his general audience syndrome,’” former ambasin St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) sador Thomas Han recently told CNA. Pope: Being envious, mean-spirited “The Korean people, having been deeply impressed may be human, but it’s not Christian

by Pope Francis’ person and VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “This is human, but it is not his lifestyle, seriously reEnvy, jealousy and meanness are Christian!” the pope said. flect upon the meaning of human instincts, but they are not “How much gossip (goes on) their lives and seek to see the Christian, since the division they in parishes,” the pope lamented. things in life that really matcause among believers is the work “We mustn’t do it! I won’t tell you ter.” of the devil, Pope Francis said. to cut off your tongue. No. Not Han explained that leaders “Instead, God wants us to grow that. But do ask the Lord for the “at every level of society” now in the ability to come together, grace to not do it, all right?” feel an “unspoken pressure to forgive each other and love each The refusal to gossip, in fact, make their own the leaderother in order to be ever more like is such an outstanding Christian ship style the Korean people Him,” he said at a recent weekly virtue, it should make a person a have witnessed in Pope Frangeneral audience. saint overnight, the pope said. cis.”

The Creed describes the CathHe recalled the sterling repu“Therefore, it is safe to say olic Church as being “one and tation of an elderly woman who that such ‘Francis syndrome’ holy,” the pope said, yet its mem- used to work in a parish in his for- will surely serve as a mobers are sinners, who “experience, mer Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, mentum for the Koreans to every day, their own fragility and Argentina. promote the culture of love, wretchedness.”

People remembered her as thereby contributing to au“That’s why this faith we pro- someone who “‘never talked badly thentic humanization of the fess impels us toward conversion, of others, never gossiped, was al- Korean Peninsula in the long to have the courage to live in unity ways with a smile.’ A woman like term.” and holiness every day,” he said. that can be canonized tomorrow!

Pope Francis traveled to “If we are not united, if we are This is beautiful, this is a great ex- Seoul, South Korea August not holy, it’s because we are not ample,” he said to applause.

14-18, where he met with being faithful to Jesus,” Who is Conflict arises when people youth participating in the the Source of all unity and holi- judge others; look only at others’ sixth Asian Youth Day, as ness, the pope said. defects, not their gifts; give more well as with government ofDivisions are manifested not weight to differences than com- ficials, local Church leaders only in schisms or major rifts mon ground; make themselves and heads of other faith traamong Christians; they also fre- the top priority; and follow their ditions. quently occur on the local level, as own ambitions and points of view, Marking the first time a “parochial sins,” in Catholic par- he added.

Roman Pontiff has visited the ishes, schools, communities and “In a Christian community, di- peninsula since John Paul II organizations, Pope Francis said. vision is one of the gravest of sins went in 1989, the voyage has “Sometimes, in fact, our par- because it turns it into a sign not had an impact on the entire ishes, which are called to be places of God’s work, but of the devil, Asian continent, particularly of sharing and communion, are who, by definition, separates, ru- the youth, who were touched sadly marked by envy, jealousy, re- ins relationships and instills preju- by the pope’s heart-to-heart sentment.” dice.”

way of communicating, and those affected by the Sewol ferry disaster that happened earlier this spring.

With the presence of Pope Francis in their midst, Koreans “were excited to verify what they had heard about him through the media,” Han observed.

“In a word, Pope Francis has at last satisfied their quenchless thirst for true leadership. His coherence between words and actions, his simple lifestyle, his humility, the way he embraced the poor, the disabled, the outcasts greatly impressed them.”

It is rumored that following the pope’s visit, many in Korea are now beginning to purchase the compact Kia Soul he chose to pick him up from the airport, following his request to have the smallest car possible.

As the smallest car in Korea, the vehicle was considered unsuitable for such a globally significant figure, and left many chuckling when they saw the pontiff drive away in the boxy car.

What the Korean people saw in the pope was “a witness to hope,” the former ambassador explained. “The hope that with the leadership of Pope Francis the world can be made a better place to live in.”

Speaking on the particular impact Pope Francis made on the Asian youth, Han noted that they viewed him as the Good Shepherd who came “not to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.”

“They have been excited to be with Pope Francis who rekindled the very special love that had been displayed

by Christ toward the young man in the Gospel” and who “launched them as leading actors in humanization and evangelization of society.”

Drawing attention to how the Asian continent currently is home to more than 60 percent of the world’s population, Han noted that along with this number come “flagrant inequalities” in terms of one’s possessions, as well as in the exercise of political power.

“More than half of the 900 million absolute poor in the world who survive on less than $1.25 a day are in Asia,”

he stated, observing also how “Women experience a very low level of gender equality in the world” and “the deprivation of the right to life of the unborn child is widespread.”

Going on, Han observed that many “are denied the right to religious freedom” and that “cultural and religious diversity sometimes leads even to animosity and conflict between peoples.”

He also pointed out current threats to peace, including increasing militarization and continuous environmental pollution.

“It is thus timely for Pope Francis to come to encourage the Catholic Church in Asia to strengthen its efforts to humanize and evangelize the Asian continent facing such realities,” he said.

Noting the significance of choosing Korea for his first trip to Asia, the former ambassador explained that Pope Francis’ presence in a country suffering division for 70 years signifies that he came “to Korea and to Asia as pontiff, that is, as a builder of bridges with God and between peoples.”

He came “as an apostle of true peace, to encourage the Catholics and all the other Asians to dialogue and work together to overcome all the inhuman situations that occur on the continent to build a more equitable society, a more stable peace in the world.”

In this context, Pope Francis’ visit represents “a challenge to Korea as a nation and the Catholic Church therein to assume a greater role in pursuing authentic human development of peoples in Asia as well as in the Korean Peninsula,” Han observed.

“Korea and the Catholic Church well deserve to play such a role and (are) ready to embrace such a challenge,” he said. “The pope’s visit will stimulate the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church’s determination to take the lead in evangelization of Asia as well as the Korean Peninsula.”

At the same time, he continued, it will serve “as an effective catalyst to Korea’s constant willingness to assume its own responsibility for the humanization of Asia as well as the Korean Peninsula by promoting the culture of love, justice and peace.”

September 5, 2014

The International Church

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Pakistani official talks persecuted Christians with Pope Francis

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — In a brief encounter with Pope Francis following a recent general audience, former Pakistani minister Paul Bhatti discussed persecuted Christians and invited the pontiff to visit his country.

“I met him with my mom and it was a desire and a heartfelt wish of my mom to see the Holy Father and to share her views regarding peace in the world and regarding the persecution of Christians in the world,” Bhatti recently told CNA. “I translated for her and conMembers of the Yezidi religious minority who fled from violence in Mosul, Iraq, receive humanitarian veyed this message, and I saw that aid recently in Dohuk province, in the northern part of the country. Catholic relief agencies are trying the pope was really moved by her raise more money for additional aid in the region. (CNS photo/EPA) statement, and he showed her, and me, that he is with us with his prayers,” and is with “all who are persecuted in the name of religion.”

Bhatti is the former Federal a lot of work to do in restoring Rome, Italy (CNA/ prisoners in the West Bank, Minister of National Harmony EWTN News) — Bishop are set to begin in Cairo with- the schools after the presence and Minorities Affairs in Pakiof so many who were homeless.

William Shomali of Jerusalem in a month. stan, which is a position he took “We have to refurnish it, hopes the new indefinite ceaseIsrael originally launched on after the assassination of his fire in Gaza will hold, caution- their Operation Protective paint it, renew the windows younger brother, Shahbaz Bhatti, ing that victory cannot come Edge July 8 with the stated and the doors. It’s been a mess,” who was killed in 2011 by Islamic from violence and that com- goal of ending rocket fire from he said, revealing that they will extremists. promise is vital on both sides Hamas. To date, at least 2,140 also “dispensate” families “from The two had worked closely for it to last. people, most of them civilians, paying any fees because they to assist the most marginalized “This time we are much have been killed in Gaza, BBC have no money. So we take care and oppressed in the country, and more hopeful for one impor- reports, while 11,000 have of all of the scholarships of the strove to promote religious freestudents, this is a big amount.” dom, equality and social justice, tant reason: no one is victori- been injured.

Noting how the Holy See particularly fighting violations of ous after two months. Two are U.N. officials state that more losers I believe, no one is vic- than 17,000 buildings in the has been helping relief efforts those areas within Pakistan. torious even if someone says area have either been destroyed through numerous CathoMeeting Pope Francis was im‘I won.’ No one won,” Bishop or severely damaged, and that lic aid organizations such as portant, especially for his mother, Shomali, auxiliary bishop of there are at least 475,000 inter- Caritas Jerusalem and Catho- Bhatti noted, because he is the the Latin Patriarchate of Jeru- nally displaced persons, which lic Relief Services, the bishop “head of the Christian Church, salem, told CNA recently. is over a quarter of the terri- explained that “we thank the it means head of all those who Holy See because they are very follow the Christian Church, our Each has “finally understood tory’s population. faith,” so his role is one of “humilthat no one can destroy the Of all the needs Gaza citi- aware of the situation.”

“The Holy Father was very ity” and a sharing in the “suffering other” and that “there is a need zens are currently facing after for a compromise” as well as “a 50 days of intense fighting, close to us, very close to the due to the general situation of law comprehensive solution to the Bishop Shomali explained that parish priest of Gaza, so we and order.”

Recalling how his mother inproblem,” he said.

“The greatest need is humani- are really consoled by the proxvited the pontiff to visit their small The long-term ceasefire be- tarian. Medical needs for the imity of the Catholic Church Christian community in Pakistan, tween Israel and Palestinian wounded, hospitals which are with us.” the former minister explained that militants in the Gaza Strip was overcrowded.”

No one wins by destroying each other, Jerusalem bishop says

negotiated by Egypt, and took effect August 26, ending seven weeks of fighting which has left more than 2,200 people dead, most of them Palestinians.

According BBC News, Palestinian officials stated that the ceasefire proposal called for an indefinite end to hostilities, an immediate opening of Gaza’s access to Israel and Egypt, and an extension of the area’s Mediterranean fishing zone.

The agency reports that immediately Israel is to end its blockade of Gaza in order to allow aid and building materials in. Further discussion on issues of greater tension, such as Israel’s call for a disarming of militant groups in Gaza, and the release of Hamas

“There is also the need for food nourishing these people” and “in the future we need special psychological treatment for traumatized children.”

Currently the situation “is difficult because of the big number of victims,” he said, stating that “Many, many homes were destroyed, many families lost everything; their house, maybe they lost their dear ones in the house. It’s tragic.”

Explaining how patriarchate opened their schools to those seeking shelter and fleeing from the ongoing attacks, Bishop Shomali noted that at least 1,000 people sought refuge there.

Now they are preparing for a new academic year, but there is

although he didn’t give a decisive answer, “He just had my mom’s hand in his hand and he had a big hug with my mom.”

“Afterward he expressed that he is with us and his love, care, etc., is toward all those who are a part of our Church.”

The current situation in Pakistan “is quite complicated,” he noted, because there is “sectarian violence, there’s extremism, there’s terrorism and there’s instability” on a political and economic level, as well as problems with “law and order” in general.

“So the situation of Christians and all those who belong to the weak sector of society is directly proportionate to the general stability of our country,” Bhatti observed, stating that “I think it’s getting worse.”

“It’s not only one community that’s being targeted, but the whole country and its population, where we lived in Pakistan even Muslims are a target. But it’s getting worse.”

What can help, he explained, is if the international community unites to “try to bring peace and stability in that country. And if the country is stable, if there’s peace in the country I think everybody will get benefit of that.”

“It’s needed that the international community and those who have influence should use it to bring peace in that region and stability.”

Reflecting on the great solidarity Pope Francis has shown toward persecuted Christians across the Middle East, Bhatti explained that what the pontiff is saying is that “we belong to one community, we belong to one faith, we belong to one Church and everybody is united with each other whether they are in Pakistan, whether they are in Italy or whether they are in America.”

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September 5, 2014 The Church in the U.S. Immigrants, activists urge Obama to act on immigration reform

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Hundreds of protesters recently took part in a rally and march in Washington chanting: “Not one more! Not one more!” to urge President Barack Obama to stop the deportation of immigrant families, workers and children.

The participants, including many young children, also got their message across holding aloft placards saying: “Don’t deport my dad” and wearing T-shirts with the words: “Keep families together.”

“We’re here because the president must act and he must act now,” one of the rally speakers said over a bullhorn to a cheering crowd erupting into shouts of “Si, se puede” (“Yes we can”) — a motto of United Farm Workers and a slogan of Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

The gathering started at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters, just a few blocks from the National Mall, while police officers stood watching and office workers looked out their windows. Participants then

“We have to protect that walked several blocks to the were forming alongside a row right. This country has always White House, chanting slo- of food trucks. gans in Spanish that translated “We need to stop the depor- been a refuge,” he added.

He also noted that he sees to “Obama, listen, we’re in this tation of mothers and children together.” and not warehouse them,” she Pope Francis as a sign of unity “We’re here fighting to stop added, noting that faith-based in the Church and believed deportation,” said rally partici- communities can find alterna- that if he were in this country now, “he’d be right here” at the pant Rene Santos, originally tive ways to help.” from El Salvador. “We came She also said she hoped rally.

The White House has here to work and feed our he also said she hoped Cath- said that since Congress families. We are not crimolic members of Congress, has failed to pass a cominals,” he told Catholic News Service through an no matter their political party, prehensive immigration interpreter. would respond to the needs of im- reform bill or the supplemental funding Obama A woman from Bolivia said she came to the rally migrants “out of tradition of their requested to handle the surge of unaccompanied because she has been wait- faith.” minors and families crossing for six years for her ing the border this year, mom to “get her papers” securing her legal immigration. Catholic members of Congress, the president would announce “My brother wants to come; no matter their political party, executive actions to address it’s not easy,” she said. would respond to the needs of some aspects of the problems.

As summer draws to a close, Mercy Sister Anne Curtis, immigrants “out of tradition of immigration law experts have joined by a group of women their faith.” religious, stressed the Sisters’ The Rev. Paul Lee, a Luther- been weighing in on what some long-term commitment in an minister who teaches at the of those actions might include.

In a recent teleconference, working with immigrant fami- Elliott School of International lies and trying to secure a just Affairs at George Washington attorneys including the former immigration reform.

University, said the need for general counsels of govern“We’re concerned about immigration reform is a con- ment immigration services laid families that are separated and cern to the Church as a whole. out what they consider some of what happens to these women He said he attended the the likely actions Obama can and children,” she told CNS rally because he was “frustrated take and how those square with on the sidewalk where crowds at the lack of immigration re- the boundaries of presidential authority. form” efforts by Congress.

David Leopold, former Rev. Lee, who has worked with asylum seekers from Ethi- president and former general opia, said he cannot understand counsel to the American Imwhy the United States does not migration Lawyers Associaoffer similar refuge to people tion, said there’s a clear confrom Guatemala, El Salvador stitutional authority for the administration to set enforceand Honduras.

“I’ve worked in those coun- ment priorities.

The Deferred Action for tries,” he told CNS. “Fear of persecution is very much a re- Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program is just one example of ality.”

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how presidents have opted to use prosecutorial discretion, he noted.

“Another way to look at it is the whole concept of the immigration code, as written by Congress, gives the executive branch pretty unfettered discretion in many areas,” Leopold said.

Stephen Legomsky, former chief counsel of USCIS, now a professor at Washington University School of Law, said the funding priorities of Congress give the president the necessary legal authority.

“When Congress knowingly only gives the Department of Homeland Security enough resources to go after a tiny percentage of the undocumented population, Congress gives the president authority to prioritize” how to spend those resources, he said.

Cristina Rodriguez, now a Yale Law School professor but formerly in the office of legal counsel at the Justice Department, said Obama might expand the program to include the spouses or parents of U.S. citizens or the spouses or parents of DACA recipients.

He also could expand how the administration uses its authority to grant humanitarian parole, now used sparingly, to wider populations, she said.

Rodriguez cautioned that “a decision to halt all deportations would likely extend beyond his authority,” because there are some financial resources to continue deportations.

A girl displays a sign during an immigration march and rally near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington recently. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

The Church in the U.S. Successful Oklahoma lawsuit could stop future black masses

September 5, 2014

Oklahoma City, Okla.

(CNA/EWTN News) — A lawyer who helped recover a stolen Host that organizers of an Oklahoma City black mass intended to desecrate said that the Church’s legal victory could have far-reaching effects.

“I don’t think we’re going to see satanists doing this again, or they’re going to understand we’re going to come after them, anywhere, any time this happens,” attorney Michael W. Caspino of the Irvine, Calif.-based law firm Busch & Caspino recently told CNA. “We’ve now gutted the significance of their black mass. Now it’s really just a bad show with bad actors,” Caspino said.

The occult group Dakhma of Angra Mainyu scheduled a black mass at the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall September 21. A black mass is a sacrilegious ceremony that invokes Satan and mocks the Catholic Mass.

It involves the desecration of the Eucharist, generally by stealing a consecrated Host from a Catholic church and using it in a profane, sexual ritual.

The event organizer, Adam Daniels, claimed to have in his possession a Host mailed to him by a friend that he believed had been consecrated at a Catholic Mass.

Caspino’s law firm filed suit against

the event organizer in Oklahoma it, I think it’s terrible, but we don’t reDistrict Court August 20 on behalf ally have much as far as legal means to of Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul stop them from doing this crazy show.

Coakley, on the grounds that the Host “The great thing is that we got the was stolen property.

Eucharist back and the significance of An attorney representing Daniels the show is now gone.” gave the reputed The attorconsecrated Host very Catholic out there, ney also praised to a priest of the Archbishop every good Christian out Oklahoma City there, we need to stare down the Coakley’s leadarchdiocese on ership in seeking August 21. The devil. We need to stand up to the to halt the black organizers still devil. The devil is weak when you mass. intend to simu- stare him down. That’s what we did “This is a late a black mass, here. We stared down the devil, and real courageous but without the the devil blinked.” stand.” use of a conseArchbishop crated Host.

Coakley exCaspino said pressed relief at the primary goal of the lawsuit was the return of the Host, but warned not to stop the event but to “get our that the event poses “Spiritual danger” Blessed Sacrament back and not let to all who are involved in it. them defile it.”

Caspino stressed the need to speak While U.S. laws do not recognize out against events like the black mass.

Catholic belief, Caspino pointed out “Every Catholic out there, every that the laws do recognize property good Christian out there, we need to rights. A judge issued a temporary re- stare down the devil. We need to stand straining order against the black mass up to the devil. The devil is weak when organizers on the grounds the lawsuit you stare him down. That’s what we “had a likelihood of success,” the at- did here. We stared down the devil, torney explained. and the devil blinked.”

“We live in a society under our “In your daily life, in everything Constitution that allows people to do you do, we’ve got to stare down the dumb things. And now they’re going devil.” to do something dumb. I don’t support Caspino added that he was “very disappointed” in the management of the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall.

An official with the music hall told CNA in July that because the hall is well as suggest practical ideas to engage the Catholic community during the commemorations at the parish, school, and small group levels.

Prayer and catechetical resources, as well as a calendar of diocesan events, will also be provided, the U.S. bishops’ conference said.

The resources aim to promote dialogue through examining how the Civil Rights Movement influenced contemporary multicultural relations.

The effort will help people consider the movement’s historical legacy and will help highlight the role the Catholic Church and Catholic leaders played in it.

Reflections on Catholic social teaching should also play a role in the commemorations, Bishop Fabre said.

“Reflecting upon the Church’s social teachings from the perspective of the history of civil rights is an opportunity to become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ as we strive to live these social teachings today and share them with others,” he said.

The resources may be accessed at the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in the Issues and Action section’s Cultural Diversity subsection.

Blog posts commemorating the civil rights anniversaries will be posted at usccbmedia.blogspot.com.

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Bishops to honor 50th anniversary of civil rights milestones

Washington D.C. (CNA/ EWTN News) — The U.S. bishops are encouraging commemorations of the 50th anniversary of milestones in the African-American Civil Rights Movement, saying they should inspire further work for the common good.

“The Civil Rights Era was an important time in the history of our country,” Bishop Shelton Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, La., said recently.

“In constructive ways, many priests, religious Sisters, religious Brothers and lay Catholic faithful were involved in the struggle for civil rights.”

“Recalling the Catholic Church’s past participation in these important historic moments serves to challenge the faithful to work constructively today to enhance the common good for people of all races and ethnicities,” said the bishop, who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on AfricanAmerican Affairs.

Over the next year, the bishops’ subcommittee will remember the Mississippi Freedom Summer advocacy campaign of June-August 1964, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the civil rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery held in March 1965, and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The bishops’ subcommittee will release blog posts and video clips, as

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a city-run facility, it must operate in a position of “neutrality” and must be willing to host any event “as long as it was not hosting something specifically illegal in nature.”

Caspino said there is “a real lack of leadership” at the event venue.

“It’s one thing to allow different religions to come in and celebrate their religion. It’s a whole different thing to allow a group to come in that seeks to desecrate and insult another religion,” he said.

“We should be having more positive things going on on public property and not such negative things.”

He added that the music hall management ignored its own rules against “hatefulness” and “violations of community standards.”

“There are things out there that are legal, but are tasteless and violate community standards. They should have stopped (the black mass) just based on that. Not everything that’s legal is right,” he said. “The law doesn’t cover every single situation out there. We have to use common sense.”

Caspino said it is common sense not to host an event that has “no redeeming value other than to insult other people and desecrate religious institutions.”

“We try to be a country that gives people freedoms to go ahead and do things,” he said. “But there are boundaries to that too. We should probably use a little bit more common sense than to say we’re just going to allow whatever is legal.”

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September 5, 2014

Anchor Editorial

Getting ready to vote — as a Catholic

With the primary elections coming next Tuesday in Massachusetts, our attention turns to the responsibility Catholics have as citizens of this country. Our primary responsibility is to God, not to anyone else, be they an individual politician or a political party or an ideology. Pope Francis, this past Sunday after giving his Angelus message, addressed some Catholic legislators who were in the crowd in St. Peter’s Square and said (according to the Vatican Radio translation), “I encourage you to live the delicate role of representatives of the people in conformity with Gospel values.” This brief “shout-out” to them (as he was reading off a list of groups to whom he was sending greetings) points out the essential responsibility of Catholics active in the world — we are to live “in conformity with Gospel values,” not the values which happen to be popular at a given moment.

Extrapolating from what the Holy Father said to the legislators, as we prepare to vote in the primaries for candidates to our legislatures (state and federal) and to other government positions, we need to remember “Gospel values” when we select our candidates.

Many people try to take what the pope said last year in an interview with a Jesuit publication and twist it into saying that he does not want us voting according to the U.S. Bishops Conference list of “non-negotiable” issues regarding human life, Marriage and religious freedom. This is a misreading of what the pontiff meant when he said, “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the Church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the Church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.”

The context of that comment was in a discussion the pope was having with the interviewer about the Church being a “field hospital” for people’s souls and about how the Church offers a “proclamation of Salvation.” He was arguing that if we cannot move people to see the great gift God is giving them in offering them pardon for their sins and the strength to leave them behind, they are not going to listen to us in speaking about other things, such as these social issues. This is not to say that we Catholics, who are already evangelized (although always in need of further evangelization and continuing conversion until the time of our deaths), should ignore these important issues. Pope Francis himself, when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, had a very difficult relationship with the Argentine government, because he publicly opposed its policies on same-sex marriage and contraception and urged his fellow Catholics to join him in this political battle.

Voters in Massachusetts often have few choices, sometimes due to the lack of candidates (many incumbents can coast to re-election since no one at all is running against them), sometimes due to the fact when there is a contested race, the candidates have nearly identical positions. When faced with the choice of one candidate who stands with us on the “non-negotiable” issues versus another candidate who does not, the choice should be clear. Gospel values demand that the right to life be respected from conception until natural death. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore told the Knights of Columbus

convention in 2012: “The question to ask is this: Are any of the candidates of either party, or independents, standing for something that is intrinsically evil, evil no matter what the circumstances? If that’s the case, a Catholic, regardless of his party affiliation, shouldn’t be voting for such a person.” We need to do research before voting and then vote accordingly, not supporting candidates who promote an anti-life agenda or who are threatening our religious freedom (a freedom which even the liberal members of the U.S. Supreme Court wish to protect, but the vast majority of Massachusetts Legislature want to restrict — see the new, worse buffer zone law that it passed in near-record time).

Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM, Cap., of Philadelphia passed on a funny, but disturbing story last week in his newspaper column. “A doctor friend quipped recently that America is becoming a country where it’s easier to opt out of the Pledge of Allegiance than to avoid the HHS mandate. Expressions of national loyalty may be optional, she said. Paying for everybody’s birth control is not.” We are in this situation because we (including the majority of Catholic voters) have elected politicians (many of whom are Catholic, too) who are hostile to Gospel values.

The Philly archbishop then drew a connection between what is going on inside the U.S. with the persecution of the Church around the world. “Our current leadership is, however, consistent. Its disinterest in religious liberty concerns here at home seems replicated in its foreign policy. [I]n recent years, Washington’s interest in protecting and expanding the rights of religious minorities abroad has been tepid — or worse. How should we as Catholics respond? We can start by realizing that a discomfort about dealing with religious liberty issues abroad has been part of the culture of America’s foreign policy bureaucracy for a long time. Our current national leadership has simply made it worse. As much as we love our country — and Catholics have proven that love again and again in public service and in combat — our primary loyalty as Catholics is to Jesus Christ, to the Church as our community of faith and to our fellow Christians. They come first; and if in our hearts we don’t place them first, then we need to take a hard look at what we mean when we say we’re ‘Catholic.’”

Archbishop Chaput then mentioned a silver lining in the HHS mandate controversy.

“It helps us see just how eager some of us are to find a way to avoid conflict, to get along, to compromise our convictions. Few of us want to think too deeply about how and why the mandate fight happened in the first place, or where it’s likely to lead. It’s easier to blame the Church for being stubborn or conducting a phony ‘war on women.’ Meanwhile, fellow believers are being murdered overseas simply for being Christian. There’s something wrong with us — not just wrong with our Catholic faith, but wrong with our humanity — if that doesn’t leave us appalled and also more alert to the changing climate of our own country. Here at home, the HHS mandate fight will now be decided in the courts. But in the long run, as a nation, we’ll get the measure of religious liberty we deserve based on the kind of people we elect to federal office — something we need to remember in an election year.”

Pope Francis’ Angelus address of August 31 Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

In the Sunday itinerary with the Gospel of Matthew, we arrive today at the crucial point in which Jesus, after confirming that Peter and the other 11 had believed in Him as the Messiah and Son of God, “began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly, and be killed and on the third day be raised” (16:21).

It is a critical moment in which a contrast between Jesus’ and the disciples’ way of thinking emerges. Even Peter feels compelled to reproach the Master, because he cannot attribute such a shameful end for the Messiah.

Jesus, in turn, severely reproaches Peter, He puts him “back in line” because he does not think “as God does, but as human beings do” (v.23) and OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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without realizing that he is playing the role of Satan, the tempter.

The Apostle Paul, in this Sunday’s Liturgy, also insists upon this point when writing to the Christians of Rome, saying: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God” (Rom 12:2).

In fact, we Christians live in the world, fully inserted in the social and cultural reality of our time, and rightly so. But this carries the risk that we become “worldly,” the risk that “the salt loses its flavor,” as Jesus would say (cfr. Mt 5:13), that is, that the Christian is “watered down,” losing the charge of newness that comes from the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Instead, they should be the opposite: when the strength of the Gospel remains alive in Christians, they can transform “mankind’s criteria of judgment, determining values, points of interest, lines of thought, sources of inspiration

and models of life” (Paul VI, Apost. Exhort. Evangelii nuntiandi, 19).

It is sad to find watered down Christians, who are like watered down wine. You can’t tell whether they are Christian or worldly, like watered down wine, which you can’t tell whether it is wine or water. This is sad. It is sad to find Christians that are no longer the salt of the earth. And we know that when salt loses its flavor, it is no longer useful. Their salt has lost its flavor because they are committed to the spirit of this world. That is, they have become worldly.

Therefore, it is necessary to renew oneself continuously, to draw this sap from the Gospel. And how can one do this in practice? First and foremost, by reading and meditating the Gospel every day, so the Word of Jesus may always be present in our life. Remember, it would help you to carry a Gospel with you, a small book of Gospels, in your pocket or in your purse, and read a small passage during

the day. But always the Gospel because it is carrying the Word of Jesus and being able to read it.

Also, participating in Sunday Mass, where we find the Lord in the community, listening to His Word and receiving the Eucharist which unites us to Him and one another. And then, days of retreat and Spiritual exercises are very important for Spiritual renewal.

Gospel, Eucharist, prayer.

Do not forget: Gospel, Eucharist and prayer. Thanks to these gifts from the Lord, we can conform not to the world, but to Christ, and to follow Him on His path, the path of “losing one’s own life” in order to find it (v.25). “Losing it” in the sense of donating it, offering it for love and in love — and this involves the sacrifice, even to the cross — to receive it again purified, freed from selfishness and from the debt of death, full of eternity.

The Virgin Mary always precedes us on this path; let us be guided and accompanied by her.

September 5, 2014

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Anchor Columnist Avoiding making the minimum our maximum

always appreciate feedback from Anchor readers, critical and positive. As a columnist I hope to make people think and engage them in dialogue and I’m happy when that conversation spills over into email exchanges — provided, I’d say, that the respondents show basic Christian civility and have the integrity to sign their name.

I received a lot of feedback from my August 15 column “The Spirituality of Pew Sitting” in which I argued that where we choose to sit at Mass — just like where we choose to sit at sporting events, concerts, in classrooms and on buses — can reveal a lot about our eagerness for what is taking place. Sitting up front, I wrote, normally is a sign of greater engagement, enthusiasm and excitement and I urged readers, in churches that are not packed to capacity, to choose to sit together up front in order to pray with fewer distractions, help the priest pray better, bring about a familial spirit, be charitable to latecomers, and set an example for newcomers.

Most of the feedback was very positive. Several thanked me because it put words to their experience that Mass at the parish is more a “diaspora of individualism” than “one body, one Spirit in Christ.” Others said it helped them to pray and think

about where they sit rather than active practitioners discovering plop themselves down wherever the open, welcoming, inclusive out of unexamined habit. aspects of our faith, our Church A few ushers wrote me about and our calling. Perhaps a betsome exceptions they’ve seen ter message to deliver via The with those who need to stand Anchor would be ‘Come! Join us! in the back because “knee, back We don’t care where you sit just or buttocks” problems make as long as you are here.’” it too difficult for them to sit I replied to this reader, anywhere.

“Thanks for writing! I respectA couple of emails were critical. I’d like to share one of them because it highlights Putting Into something important the Deep not just for this conversation but for the

By Father overall mission of the Roger J. Landry Church.

“I read your Anchor column a few times.

It bothers me more each time fully think you missed the I read it,” one honest reader point of the column, which was wrote. “I am a back-bencher that it’s better to sit together myself and don’t intend to as a family up front for all the move. I would think God and reasons given, not that it’s sinful clergy would be glad to have any to sit in the back, in a similar seat occupied. It’s hard for me to way that it’s better to come imagine that God is particularly well-dressed to Church than to concerned with who sits where come in shorts and tank-tops. at Mass or that where you sit It’s the difference between good says something about your faith, and better. commitment or spirituality.

“If you’re a dad and had your Seating location seems a most kids come to the same Mass as silly measure of faith. you, would it not matter to you “Being a committed Catholic in the least if they sat with you is, at times, not easy. Having or instead sat as far as possible clergy suggest that where you away from you? My guess would sit at Mass might be a probbe that you’d first be happy your lem is yet another, admittedly kids were at Mass, but you’d also trivial, obstacle to thoughtful, hope for more. That’s what the

column was about.

“From the point of view of clergy, we do want more than people merely coming to Mass.

The minimum should never become the maximum. We want people growing in faith, and not merely as individuals, but as a family of faith. That’s what a parish is meant to be.

And when the people of a parish don’t get to know each other, wave the sign of peace to each other, don’t share in each other’s joys or disappointments, and other similar behaviors, there’s much room for improvement.

“We are saying, ‘Come! Join us!’ but we want people to be embraced by a community that welcomes them as a family rather than a bunch of relatively unenthusiastic individuals who happen to show up for Mass at the same time, because if that latter happens, many of these returnees will be ‘one and done.’ Unwelcoming communities develop when people come to worship as islands instead of brothers and sisters.

“I’d respectfully urge you to beware of a Spirituality of consumerism, putting personal preferences above objective good or what is objectively better. I’d also encourage you to ask the Lord in prayer whether He

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really has no opinion whatsoever about where you sit at Mass.

Let’s pray for each other.”

The reader emailed, “Thanks for the thoughtful response,” but didn’t engage the conversation further.

I’d like to highlight one thing from our conversation: the “Spirituality of pew sitting” is connected to the larger question of whether God, the Church and clergy ought to be satisfied with people merely coming to Mass. We know that good teachers hope that their students do more than show up for class and good coaches have higher goals than just putting players on the field. Should the Church’s expectations really stop at attendance?

The Church is a vocational school charged by the Lord with forming a communion of saints — men and women, boys and girls, of heroic virtue — and getting people through the door is just the first step in the journey. The Church must also lead people, literally and symbolically, closer to the Lord, and where we sit and how we pray the Mass are a small but key part of that pilgrimage toward the Sanctuary.

Anchor columnist Father Landry is pastor of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River. fatherlandry@catholicpreaching. com.

More dangerous than the vet? Mass. abortion clinics unlicensed, uninspected

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

FALL RIVER — Massachusetts requires the licensing of all hair salons, tanning booths and veterinary offices — but not abortion clinics.

Referencing the regulation of veterinary offices, Jane Wilcox, a member of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, queried, “Don’t you want to treat a woman who was in a crisis better than a dog or cat?”

According to the Guttmacher Institute, there are 40 abortion facilities in the state — 18 of which are hospitals. The state Department of Public Health reports registering between five and seven abortion clinics. That leaves at least 15 unlicensed, uninspected abortion facilities in the Commonwealth.

MCFL plans to introduce a new bill to the Legislature in January that would mandate licensing of all facilities that perform more than 10 abortions annually. The bill would also require

inspections every two years.

In the meantime, MCFL members have worked in communities all over the state to introduce a public policy question that, if passed, would instruct local state representatives to vote for the bill to be filed in January.

The non-binding question will appear on ballots in 11 different districts this November, including 6th, 7th, 8th Bristol (Fall River, Freetown), 12th Hampden (Wilbraham, Springfield), 4th, 5th, 12th Norfolk (Braintree, Weymouth, Norwood), 5th Plymouth (Rockland, Norwell, Hanover) and 3rd, 4th, 16th Worcester (Fitchburg, Leominster, city of Worcester).

Pro-Lifers hope this unprecedented move will drum up support for the bill, which they say will protect women’s health.

They hope to have found common ground among people on both sides of the abortion divide.

Signature gatherers reported that many people expressed horror upon learning that there are unli-

censed abortion clinics.

Bea Martins, who organized the signature drive in Fall River, said that 30 people gathered John Hancocks in the city’s three districts. They spoke at Catholic and Evangelical churches. The support of Christians and God made all the difference, she said.

“The effort in Fall River went very well, by the grace of God,” she said. “I was concerned but determined that we would pray and trust in Jesus to bring us the number [of signatures] that we needed.”

Martins added that abortion was legalized under the premise that illegal abortions were unsafe for women. She contends that legalization without oversight changed nothing.

Martins highlighted the story of Laura Hope Smith who died at a Hyannis abortion clinic in 2007. Her heart stopped during the abortion procedure. An investigation found that the clinic had no heart monitoring equipment, the blood pressure cuff was

broken and staff members were not trained in CPR. Eileen Smith, Laura’s mother, told The Anchor that a veterinary clinic would have been a safer option for her daughter. She supports the licensing of abortion clinics and said regular inspections could have saved her daughter’s life.

“Licensing is a good step.

Anything moving forward is good even if it’s incremental,” she said. “Let’s hope [people in favor of legalized abortion] do care about women like they say they do.”

Martins said while she hopes that no woman will choose to abort her child, she does not want to see the women who do perish.

“If she chooses this option, we, sadly, have lost the child. We don’t want to lose the mother also because we love them both,” she said. “We want the woman to live and, with God’s grace and help, come to Reconciliation.”

Anne Fox, president of MCFL, said that abortions should not take any more victims than they already do. She hopes that the bill will get traction and show Pro-Lifers that progress on the abortion debate can be made in this progressive state.

“I hope people feel empowered that it is possible to change things,” she said.

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hen Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI published his first encyclical “God is Love,” some thought that the pope picked an easy topic, one which would not be too controversial or demanding. But as those who read the encyclical realized what the Holy Father wrote was not something light; it was something that made you think and pray about an essential aspect of the faith which we so often treat in a light way, and yet is at the core of the mystery of God and being children of God. As a whole, we tend to speak of love in a vague way and at times distort the meaning of love as the Trinity has revealed it. We speak of how God loves us, but forget that this love of God demands a response of sacrificial love in return. We toss the word “love” around in relationships, but at times this is a selfish love (how the other makes me feel good),

September 5, 2014

The toughest question you’ll ever love rather than a real love of know this love. Love is not seeking the good of the other, easy, and today God teaches and willing to sacrifice oneus of a hard but essential way self so that good may come how love must be lived. forth.

In the Scriptures this Love is at the core of being weekend, Christ and the a disciple of Christ (to love prophet Ezekiel speak of the one another as Christ has loved us), and it is a great mystery which Homily of the Week we must constantly ask Twenty-third Sunday our Lord to teach us in Ordinary Time how to live. St. Paul reminds us that “love

By Father does no evil to one’s Kevin A. Cook neighbor.” Yet to love is not only not to do evil to someone, but one must dynamic of love where you be seeking the good of the and I have the obligation to other, with our motive being speak out when someone has driven by the love of God. done something sinful, “to Love is to seek the sanctidissuade the wicked from his fication of another. Love is way.” God warns us that if seeking the Salvation of other we do not speak, that though souls (along with ours). We “the wicked shall die from his seem to forget this fundaguilt, I will hold you responmental reality that we were sible for his death.” But if we redeemed by God’s unmerdo speak, even if he refuses ited love, which can never be to turn from his way and die taken lightly. You and I have from his guilt, “you shall save an obligation to help others yourself.” This does not mean

that we are to go around correcting everyone, but it does mean that out of love of another’s soul, we are called at times to make, or receive, a fraternal correction.

Thankfully our Lord and His Church help us to understand how to do this lovingly. First, we should bring the concern of the other to our prayer, and examine whether it is our place to say something. Is this someone I know? Is what they have done of a grave nature or something small and a one-time thing? Is it something small yet being done habitually? Is it something of a serious nature and therefore must be dealt with? Are my motives pure, wanting to help that person grow closer to God and His Church?

When making a correction, you should always do it privately (and only if neces-

sary with another person to support your point), and always with a tone of love and humility, never in a time of argument. You should always try to bring the concern up in person; but if doing it in writing is the only way, you must be very attentive to what you write (if not written clearly, then it can be misinterpreted and only make matters worse). If it is something that causes great public scandal, you can address it with the person even if you do not know them well, but make sure you address them in a way to which they can respond (not writing anonymous letters which are signs of lack of charity and cowardice).

Love is called to be lived in many ways, so let us ask our Lord for the grace to courageously live out whatever He asks of us.

Father Cook is pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Sept. 6, 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Ps 145:17-21; Lk 6:1-5. Sun. Sept. 7, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ez 33:7-9: Ps 95:12,6-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20. Mon. Sept. 8, Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30; Ps 13:6abc; Mt 1:1-16,18-23 or 1:18-23. Tues. Sept. 9, 1 Cor 6:1-11; Ps 149:1b6a,9b; Lk 6:12-19. Wed. Sept. 10, 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-12,14-17; Lk 6:20-26. Thurs. Sept. 11, 1 Cor 8:1b-7,11-13; Ps 139:1b-3,13-14b,23-24; Lk 6:27-38.

Fri. Sept. 12, 1 Cor 9:16-19,22b-27; Ps 84:3-6,8,12; Lk 6:39-42.

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hile driving to work the other day, I turned on the radio and caught the Jim Croce song “I’ve Got a Name.” I smiled at the words, “I’ve got a name / And I carry it with me like my daddy did / But I’m living the dream that he kept hid.” They reminded me of the short story “Seeing Around the Corner” from the book “Kitchen Table Wisdom” written by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen. In this story, she shared the experience when her mother explained to her that she was named after a woman characterized by the Hebrew word “Chesed” (meaning “loving kindness”). Remen’s story had touched me so deeply that it got me to explore for whom I had been named.

As it did for Remen, the search helped me better understand who I am and who I wish to be as a person. So, that morning I joyfully joined Croce in singing about living my dream.

My search began with my family’s repetition of what I had been told as a child, “You are named Helen for someone who died before you were born.” However, this time I pestered my dad for informa-

What’s in a name?

tion on my great-grandmother to introduce Naomi to Naomi’s grandmother Rachel. This Helen. As I stood respectfully grandmother Rachel was the by her gravestone, I wondered woman described by the word what she would think of her “Chesed.” Remen’s mom told namesake. My middle name Naomi what her grandmother Jean is from my grandmother on the other side of the family. had said. Before she died, ReIn retrospect, it is a good thing men’s mother said, “I am glad my mom paid respect to each side of the family in the naming of her Wrestling with God first child as my siblings Holding on for are male!

His blessing As I reflected upon what all this meant to me now, I suddenly

By Dr. Helen J. Flavin remembered my mom’s answer to me when, as you both are here. One of you a child, I griped about it being will take me home.” unfair not to be able to meet Remen reflected deeply the person for whom I was on this. All her adult life, she named. My mother told me, “Your name is Helen Jean. You had gone by her middle name Naomi. Dr. Naomi Remen had are unique. It is really up to been one of those few women you to define what that name who survived medical school, means.” Until recently, I never and she had also been one of appreciated this explanation the few women doctors at her for the wisdom that it is.

In “Seeing Around the Cor- hospital. Remen recognized sadly that her life had not been ner,” Remen explains how she characterized by loving kindreceived a similar insight from her mother. Remen’s mom was ness. However, the more she thought about it, a person of ill and hospitalized. She was loving kindness was who she having a vision of her own truly wished to be. mother. Remen listened careAt age 50, Remen commitfully as her mother proceeded

ted to living this life of loving kindness by asking to be known as Rachel. In the name change to reflect her mission for God, Remen reminds me of St. Paul. The Greco-Roman translation Paul for the Semitic name Saul (Acts 13:9) is reflective of Saul’s commitment to his mission of preaching to the Gentiles.

Perhaps a full name change seems too dramatic for us lay people. If so, we can accomplish something similar by tweaking or even changing the definition of our name. This weekend, we will be reminded of the Commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself ” (Rom 13:9). Let us each consider one special way we currently and would like to affirm more strongly that Commandment.

Next, let’s each write a “Name Poem” (directions found at http://www.canteach.ca/ elementary/poetry4.html).

Don’t worry, there are no rhymes to make or syllables to count. In completing the poem, we are called to briefly answer (one sentence) who

is significant to us, what they taught us, and who we want to be. You understand? We each get to redefine what our name means according to who we choose and wish to be in the service we desire to do for our Lord.

The Book of Revelation speaks about the victors receiving a new name: “I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it” (Rev 2:17). Perhaps with prayerfully writing and living that “Name Poem,” we are already receiving the name we will find engraved upon that white stone.

Returning to Croce’s words, they are more significant in light of the ministry of encouragement we have for each other. Croce sings, “I’ve got a dream / I know I could share it if you want me to / If you’re going my way I’ll go with you.”

After all, aren’t we all hoping to be heading home to be with our Lord?

Anchor columnist Helen Flavin is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer born and raised in Fall River. hflavin2@ hotmail.com.

September 5, 2014

Thursday 4 September 2014 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Paul Harvey’s anniversary of birth (1918) ou know me, dear readers, I have a sense of humor that keeps me seriously dedicated to the ministry. This is not always easy. I’ll give you an example.

When I was a young seminary student, it fell to me one day to lead Morning Prayer for the whole community of priests and seminarians. It was the feast of St. Cecilia. Back in the day, a verse on St. Cecilia’s feast read, “Busy like a bee, thou didst serve the Lord.” The moment I recited this antiphon, an anonymous rascal in the congregation began to make soft buzzing sounds.

Others soon picked it up.

Suddenly, the whole congregation was buzzing. The faculty was not amused. Whatever possessed my peers to play such a trick on yours truly? A buddy suggested that perhaps it was payback for all the tricks I had played on my classmates. This I find difficult to believe. By the way, the current translation of the psalter has deleted that antiphon entirely.

The ecclesiastical symbol for St. Bernard of Clairvaux

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t happened during a Red Sox game recently. A pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels was running over to cover first base on a ground ball when his leg gave out and he crumpled to the ground in obvious pain.

The scene wasn’t that gruesome, but it was out of the ordinary seeing his leg bend in a way it shouldn’t.

It happened recently to an NBA player on Team USA who was in a game preparing for the FIBA World Cup champions when he broke his leg. This one was gruesome.

It happens often on the football fields, baseball diamonds, hockey rinks and basketball courts.

Players get hurt. And the reactions are pretty much the same. The fans in the stands sit there with their hands over their mouths, eyes widened with great concern on their faces.

Players huddle on the playing surface in obvious concern, some in prayer for their fallen

Anchor Columnists Buzz, buzz invariably turns to ministers, is the beehive. This is due priests, and the occasional to the fact that St. Bernard rabbi. I must confess, dear founded 68 monasteries. readers, I do occasionally According to St. Bernard, cock my head, lean over, and a proper monastery functions like a beehive — all the discretely cup my ear so that I might better hear what is monks working together for being said in the next booth. the good of the community, each monk busy with an assigned task. I suppose there would The Ship’s Log also be a lot of buzzReflections of a ing in the monastery, were it not for the Parish Priest religious vow of

By Father Tim silence.

Goldrick Father Frank Wallace (aka FXW ) recently told me a It’s surprising how much story. He related how, many information you can pick years ago, a woman casually up if you have good hearing. commented to him, “You do Unfortunately, my sense of realize, dear Father, when hearing is diminishing with we lay people get together, age. As a result I sometimes we usually end up talking find myself out of the loop about you priests.” “That’s when it comes to the latest perfectly acceptable, my buzz. dear,” answered Father WalWhen you think about it, lace. “When we priests get though, to have lay people together, we usually end chatting about their priests up talking about you lay and ministers can be a people.” good sign. It means that Over the years, I have their clergy are important found that woman’s comment to Father Wallace to be to them; their Church is true. It never ceases to amaze important to them; and their faith is important to them. me (when I just happen to accidentally overhear a snip- It’s good to be so much a pet of conversation in restau- part of people’s lives that your name crops up in casual rants) how the conversation

conversation.

The riposte given by FXW was also right on the mark. I admit it, dear readers. We priests talk about parishioners all the time, without of course violating confidentiality. This is due to the fact that the lives of our parishioners are important to us.

We want to know their names and faces. We want to know who has fallen ill. We want to know who is experiencing hard times. We want to know what family is expecting a baby. We want to know what relative has died. We want to know which teen-ager is acting out. Simply put, we want to know our parishioners. This is a vital part of being a pastor of souls.

Father Peter John and I meet at least daily for a debriefing. The morning chats take place over a cup of hot coffee well before the day’s activities begin. We are also likely to have another chat at the very end of the day.

In the morning, we discuss our schedules and what the day may hold in store for us.

We also share our thoughts on that day’s Scripture read-

9 ings for Mass and how we might develop a homiletic theme.

At night, we share with each other what our day has been like, how our homily was received, what happened that day in the parish, and, of course, any important developments in the lives of our parishioners. There are always surprises.

Peter John and I try to use proper names in our conversations so that we can associate the name with the person. Neither Peter John nor I are very good at remembering names, which can be a handicap in ministry. Naming names helps us both in our ministry.

People are naturally curious about what goes on at a rectory and what a priest does all day. Many have no idea at all. Perhaps this is one reason there are fewer young men entering the seminary these days.

The simple solution is to routinely read this weekly column.

Here you will find all the latest buzz. But you know that. Why else would you be reading this?

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

Where’s the shock from the sidelines?

Every day in Africa, huncomrade or adversary, but dreds if not thousands of brother or sister athlete. children less than five years A pall falls over the arena, old with bellies grotesquely stadium, etc., while EMTs swollen from hunger, die prepare the victim for the ride excruciating deaths because of to the hospital. malnutrition or AIDS-related It’s all very, very emotional.

There are some injuries that I can understand such reactions: injuries where the player could possibly be paralyzed, or their life even in danger.

By Dave Jolivet Yes, people should be horrified, worried and prayerful.

But for an injury that, while illnesses.

Where is the shock from nasty, is far from life-threatthe sidelines? ening, the end-of-the-world Every day, thousands of reaction by players and fans is people on that same continent disturbing to me — for one are slaughtered or forced to reason. flee their homes because of Every day in this country greed, power-seekers, or just more than 3,000 babies in the womb are mutilated or chemi- plain evil-doers. They travel hundreds and hundreds of cally poisoned in abortions. miles to find a place where Their tiny remains end up in they can simply survive. Many “hazardous medical waste” don’t make it. receptacles ... or worse.

Where is the shock from Where is the shock from the sidelines? those on the sidelines?

My View From the Stands

Every day in the Middle East the very same scenario plays out in Iran, Syria, Palestine and other places. Mothers and children are forced to flee and husbands are led to slaughter like cattle.

Where is the shock from the sidelines?

Every day militant groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda think nothing of barbarically beheading those who they feel are a threat to them, or more commonly, to send a message to the rest of the world.

Where’s the shock from the rest of the world? Where’s the shock from leaders of other countries? Where is the shock from our own White House?

Or better yet, is there anyone actually working in our own White House?

When athletes in this country are felled with an injury, gruesome or not, they will receive nothing but the best of care. They won’t suffer a bit in the pocketbook or wallet.

Their families will still be fed, clothed and sheltered ... with the best of the best.

When babies are aborted, that’s it. They’re gone.

When children in Africa or any other country, including our own, die of starvation, that’s it. They’re gone.

When families are displaced and wander in search of food and shelter, life as they know it is over. More than likely forever. When their husbands are slaughtered, that’s it. They’re gone.

Perhaps we should pretend all of this is a sporting event.

Maybe then we’ll hold our hands up to our mouths to cover the gasps. Maybe then we’ll offer up a prayer for the victims. Maybe then a pall will be cast over mankind knowing these poor souls will never be placed in an ambulance to receive the care they need.

Maybe then people in power will care enough to do something about this. Maybe.

Dave Jolivet can be contacted at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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September 5, 2014

Cape pastor to head shrine in France continued from page one

St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth recently celebrated its patron on his feast day with Mass and reception. This represented St. Pope Pius’ 60th anniversary of canonization, which was held on May 29, 1954 and when the St. Pius X Parish was founded which was in June 1954. It was a double celebration for the parish. Pastor, Father George C. Bellenoit was the celebrant and homilist. It was concelebrated by Father Lawrence Pratt, Father André Remillard and Farther Francis Dubois. Newly-ordained parochial vicar Father Christopher Peschel sang Panis Angelicus with his beautiful strong voice. Following the Mass there was a reception where many parishioners enjoyed refreshments.

come and sing for the midnight Mass,” Father Baris told The Anchor. “I came from the seminary here along with some of my other classmates — including Father André Patenaude (‘Father Pat’) — to sing for that first Mass.

Standing up in that choir loft inside a church that wasn’t even finished yet, I never thought I’d someday return here to become pastor.”

In 1997, Father Baris was indeed named pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish, a place he’s called home for the past 17 years.

Now at age 71, when many priests are beginning to think about retirement, Father Baris is preparing to enter a whole new phase of his ministry by becoming the director of the International Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in France, built on the original site in the French Alps where the Blessed Mother appeared to Maximin Giraud and Melanie Calvat on Sept. 19, 1846.

In a letter he sent to parishioners last month announcing the transfer that will become effective Jan. 9, 2015, Father Baris wrote: “I accepted the new position because of all the ministries of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, I feel that the Shrine at La Salette is the most important.

It is the source of our foundation and the reason of our being as a religious community.”

Although he had been asked twice before to consider heading to France, Father Baris declined because his mother was ill and he didn’t want to be so far away from her. When she passed away earlier this year, he was asked to reconsider the move and he finally accepted.

“I wrote a letter to the parishioners stating that after a while you sometimes feel you’ve given everything that you’ve got to give and it’s time to move on, and I feel that way,” Father Baris said. “I also see it as a big, big challenge.

It’s going to be an international challenge and a financial challenge, for sure, because people are not going on pilgrimages like they used to. Even Lourdes and Fatima don’t draw the crowds they used to, but to me this is the heart of who we are as a community.”

Noting that unlike the shrines at Lourdes and Fatima, which are open year-round and are readily accessible to pilgrims, La Salette is 6,000 feet up in the mountains and is off the beaten path.

“With Lourdes and Fatima, people get right off the train or take a bus and you’re there,” he said.“With La Salette you need to

want to go there. It’s like Mount Washington — you wouldn’t think of going up Mount Washington in the winter.”

As such, Father Baris hopes to put new programs in place “where people can come and make a true pilgrimage” to La Salette.

“It really is a Spiritual place where people can hopefully come for two or three nights to really absorb the atmosphere,” he said.

“It should be more of a prayerful experience and a real retreat.”

The Superior General for the Missionaries of La Salette (who have served Our Lady of the Cape Parish since its inception), in consultation with the diocesan bishop, has nominated Father William Kaliyadan, M.S., to become Father Baris’ successor and reassigned Father Raymond Vaillancourt, M.S., to serve as parochial vicar to assist alongside current parochial vicar, Father John Dolan, M.S. “Father Kaliyadan was with me about 10 years ago,” Father Baris said. “We’ve been following each other in our ministries: he is now over at Sacred Heart Parish in Lebanon, N.H. where I was pastor before, and now he’s coming here to take over this parish.”

Having served Our Lady of the Cape Parish for nearly 20 years and having ministered in the diocese for more than three decades, the prospect of moving to France is certainly bittersweet for Father Baris.

But he considers it “a challenge” and a “new adventure,” not unlike the assignment he took on 17 years ago.

“When I came here, I had been involved in administration and finances for most of my ministry,” Father Baris said. “I was the treasurer at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro for nine years and then I went to another parish in Lebanon, N.H. where I served for nine years. That was my first pastoral assignment, but I had been in the religious order for 25 years and a priest for 20 years by that time.”

Facing the daunting task of building a new church and renovating much of the 30-acre property in Brewster, Father Baris wasn’t too thrilled about taking on his new pastoral assignment at the time.

“I certainly found some challenges when I first became pastor,” he said, adding that the rectory was also 50 years old and in need of repair. “So we had to redo the whole rectory. Finally, after a lot of work, we got around to building a new church.”

The “new” Our Lady of the Continued on page 11

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September 5, 2014 Continued from page 10

Cape Church is actually more of an expanded renovation, Father Baris explained, as they kept one wing of the original structure intact.

“I’d say the building is 85 percent new,” he said. “We went from a church that held 350 people to a church with a capacity for 900 people. We redid everything — walls and windows. That was 10 years ago, in 2004. Bishop Sean O’Malley broke ground for the church and Bishop Coleman blessed and dedicated it.”

Over time, Father Baris not only helped to renovate and rebuild the parish infrastructure, but most of its programs as well.

“It’s always been a very vibrant parish, but sometimes you need to renew things like the Baptism prep program, the Marriage prep program, the Religious Education program,” he said. “All the parish programs — from Religious Education to prayer groups — were redone, little by little, over the last 17 years. We also instituted a lot of new programs like the parish nurse program.

There’s a group of ladies who get together in the parish center to work on prayer shawls for people; we have another group that comes in once a week to make Rosaries for people, too.”

One of the parish’s most successful outreach efforts — and the one of which Father Baris remains most proud — is the charitable work they’ve done with St. Clare Parish in Dessalines, Haiti.

Dubbed “Together With Haiti,” the ongoing ministry over the last 10 years has managed to raise and send more than $1.5 million to Our Lady of the Cape’s “twin” parish in Haiti, funding the construction of two new schools, a high school, three chapels, and providing a hot meal to some 3,000 children everyday.

“We send them $5,000 a month,” Father Baris said. “This is not all parish funds, but it’s money we’ve helped raise for Haiti.”

Although it began 25 years ago and predated Father Baris’ tenure, “Together With Haiti” has really grown over the last decade. Preoccupied with renovating buildings and revamping programs when he first arrived, Father Baris didn’t make his first trip to Haiti until 10 years ago, but he’s traveled there a dozen times since.

“My first trip I’ll always remember,” he said. “After two days all I wanted to do was get out of there. My only thought was: ‘I can’t do anything here.’ It seemed like nothing could be changed in a country like that.”

After napping in the oppres-

sive Haitian heat, Father Baris noticed a sketch of a little Haitian boy hanging up where he was staying.

“I thought: ‘Well, I can’t change the country, but maybe we can do something for that one child.’ And that changed everything for me,” he said. “When I got back on the plane, I wrote a letter titled ‘Lollipops, Starfish and Goats.’”

Father Baris’ reflection talked about how he had purchased a big bag of 500 lollipops to share with the children on his first trip to Haiti, only to find that they had more than 1,000 students at the schools. Surviving on a diet of rice and beans, he was told that a goat — which could be used to make a rich meat sauce for the children — only cost $25. Then he remembered an anecdote he once heard about a man throwing starfish into the sea.

“A man was walking along the shore where thousands of starfish had washed up by a hurricane and every once in a while he would throw a starfish back into the ocean,” he explained. “Another guy asked him: ‘What are you doing? You’re wasting your time.

You can’t save all these starfish.

What difference does it make?’

And the guy picked up another starfish and threw it back into the water, saying: ‘Well, it makes a difference to that one.’”

Father Baris’ simple threepart reflection, which he shared as soon as he got back to Our Lady of the Cape, seemed to resonate with parishioners. That year’s Giving Tree campaign at Christmas was earmarked specifically for Haiti and garnered an impressive $70,000. It even became known unofficially as “The Goat Campaign.”

“At Christmas, people will give ‘goats,’ or a $25 donation,” he said.

“And we answer every single donation. We send out a ‘thank you’ card with photos of the children in Haiti. We have certificates you can send to people explaining how a goat has been purchased and donated in your name for Haiti.”

As recently as last month, the pastor from St. Clare’s Parish came to speak at all the Masses and a second collection raised another $27,000.

“Our normal collection in the summer is maybe $15,000,” Father Baris said. “Haiti has become a very important part of our ministry here. And I’m amazed at how people have become more generous over the years.”

It’s that generosity and sense of community that Father Baris will miss the most.

“No matter what it is, people tend to respond well because they

have this feeling of community,” Father Baris said. “I don’t want to suggest it’s all about finances, but to me it’s a barometer of how people feel, especially when they make sacrifices to give.”

And although he’s ready for

the challenges ahead and has embraced the idea of running one of the key Marian apparition shrines in the world, he’s also making a bit of a sacrifice himself in trading in the changing seasons on Cape Cod for eight long months

of winter weather and 18 inches of snow in the French Alps.

“I love Cape Cod,” he said.

“On a nice day, it’s wonderful to go the beach and spend a couple of hours there. And the people here are just fantastic.”

NOW shipping!

12

September 5, 2014

Visit The Anchor online at http://www.anchornews.org To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email: waynepowers@anchornews.org

13

September 5, 2014

Knights co-launch film on hope among Haiti’s young amputees New Haven, Conn.

(CNA/EWTN News) — The Knights of Columbus partnered with Connecticut-based EVTV to produce a documentary on hope and healing of Haitian children injured in the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that rocked the country.

The film, “Unbreakable: A Story of Hope and Healing in Haiti,” was featured at the Portland Film Festival on August 30.

In January 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake killed more than 100,000 people, injured thousands and left around 1.5 million Rachel McAdams and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman star in a scene from the movie “A Most Wanted Man.” For a brief review of homeless. The documentary tells this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/courtesy Road- the story of an often overlooked group affected by the earthquake side Attractions) — thousands of children who crude language. The Catholic received emergency amputations News Service classification is in order to survive the injuries A-III — adults. The Motion they sustained.

Picture Association of America “This film shows that when rating is R — restricted. Under there is the will do so — in 17 requires accompanying par- terms of those providing aid ent or adult guardian. and those receiving it — lives “The November Man” can be saved and transformed (Relativity) by a program that is truly The only thing out of the sustainable,” said Knights of ordinary about this espionage- Columbus CEO Carl Anderthemed action flick is the level son, executive producer of the NEW YORK (CNS) — The of visceral violence on display. documentary. “The work of the following are capsule reviews Director Roger Donaldson’s dedicated medical staff and of movies recently reviewed by screen version of Bill Granger’s the unbreakable spirit of these Catholic News Service. novel, “There Are No Spies,” Haitian young people — in “A Most Wanted Man” follows a retired CIA agent’s circumstances most of us can’t (Roadside) (Pierce Brosnan) struggle with imagine — are truly inspiring.”

John le Carr’s 2008 espio- one of his former trainees After the disaster, the Healnage thriller is adapted for the (Luke Bracey) for custody of a ing Haiti’s Children initiative big screen, showcasing the ex- Belgrade social worker (Olga offered free prosthetics and treme measures spies take to Kurylenko). The social worker rehabilitation to every injured combat terrorism, and the mor- may be able to produce a witchild that needed the care. The al compromises that go with ness to the lurid war crimes program, a result of a partnerthem. Director Anton Corbijn committed in Chechnya by the ship of the Knights of Cohas crafted a tense cat-and- front-runner (Lazar Ristovski) lumbus and the University of mouse thriller set in Hamburg, in the race to become the next Miami’s Project Medishare for Germany. Philip Seymour president of Russia. The murky, Haiti, has helped more than Hoffman, in his final leading conspiracy-driven story line also 1,000 children received medirole, portrays a veteran German involves the shifting fortunes cal care. intelligence agent overseeing a of two Langley bigwigs (Bill Another result of the protop-secret team working to ex- Smitrovich and William Patgram also featured in the film pose terrorist cells by infiltrat- ton). Along with the bloodletwas a soccer team comprised ing the local Muslim commu- ting, which ranges from skulls of many children who endured nity and obtaining information. exploded by high-powered rifle amputations. They named their An idealistic immigration law- bullets to major arteries slashed team Zaryen, after a tarantula yer (Rachel McAdams) is his by knives, an explicitly porknown for being able to surlink to a shady refugee (Grig- trayed casual sexual encounter vive and thrive even after losoriy Dobrygin) from Chech- and a visit to a strip club make ing a limb. In a country where nya, who may or may not be for a viewing experience that disability is often seen as a sign an extremist. Complicating frequently plays on the lowest of Divinely appointed punishmatters are an American spy aspects of human nature. Excesment, the soccer team’s story is (Robin Wright) and her agents sive gory violence, graphic nonhelping to change that perceplurking in the shadows, who marital and implied premarital tion. have another agenda in mind. sexual activity, nudity, about a “In Haiti, there has long The chase is on, and fans of le half-dozen uses of profanity, a been a stigma about disabled Carre’s novels will know to ex- steady flow of rough and crude people,” explained Dr. Robert pect the unexpected. The film’s terms. The Catholic News SerGailey, rehabilitation coordipronounced anti-American vice classification is O — mornator for Project Medishare in bias and cynicism, however, may ally offensive. The Motion PicPort-au-Prince. “The traditionleave a bitter aftertaste. Stylized ture Association of America al thinking was that disability violence, frequent profane and rating is R — restricted.

somehow reflected a negative supernatural judgment on the person. This rehab program, and the soccer team, has really changed that way of thinking.”

The healthcare initiative now has a permanent rehabilitation clinic in Haiti that is increasingly staffed by locals in order to maintain a sustainable program that continues helping children.

“We’re still here, one of the few prosthetic facilities that are still going,” says prosthetist

Adam Finnieston in the documentary. “That was our mission goal from the beginning, to build a sustainable facility training locals.”

So far the Knights of Columbus have provided more than $1.5 million in funding for the prosthetics program.

One of the most active charitable organizations in the United States, the Knights of Columbus last year donated more than $170 million and 70 million hours of service.

CNS Movie Capsules

Amputee soccer players from Haiti known as Team Zaryen take part in a match in 2011. (Knights of Columbus photo)

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, September 7, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Christopher M. Peschel, a parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, and chaplain at Cape Cod Hospital

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September 5, 2014

Bereavement ministry blossoms in diocese continued from page one

their grief is “coming together and just sharing stories,” said Saraiva. “Just realizing they’re not crazy, not alone and that somebody else feels the same way we do. Just being able to talk about their loved one. Once they’re outside of the [support group] setting, nobody wants to hear about it anymore. That’s the hardest thing — nobody really wants to hear it anymore. For them, the support group is a safe environment.”

During the sessions, many attendees may hear the same stories or share the same stories over and over again, but that repetition brings its own source of comfort, said Saraiva. Grief has no time frame, and everyone grieves differently and in his or her own way. That weekly contact gives those seeking comfort a steady support system as they work through the pain.

“It’s scary to reach out to someone for help,” said Saraiva.

“When you’re a grieving or bereaved person, the hardest fourletter word to say is ‘help.’ It took me a while to get help. I can tell when someone is new to the support group because there’s a hesitation, a fear, that ‘what in the world am I doing here?’

One of the things I recommend to anyone is give it at least three tries. If a group doesn’t work for you, that’s OK. Most facilitators do not get upset with that. They understand you have to find what fits and what works, but

definitely give it three times.”

As Saraiva’s list of area support groups has grown, so has the need to create groups that concentrate on specialized areas of grief. Already widow/widower support groups have begun to pop up, and Saraiva said her own eclectic group of grieving individuals who range from siblings, grandparents and parents, would benefit from sharing with those who have more in common — especially the youngest members of the support group.

“I would love to do a teenage group,” said Saraiva, who said she’d like to have someone in his or her late teens or early 20s, working alongside an adult facilitator, become lead facilitator of a group. “The reason that has come up is because I’ve had people come with their parents.

I’ve had teen-agers with a mother, father or grandparent. They’ll be there but feel isolated because there aren’t other teen-agers there. They shared but they were reserved.”

Another group that Saraiva feels would benefit from becoming more specialized would be those dealing with the sensitive subject of suicide. “When I’ve had people come to the group who have suffered a loss from suicide, they sometimes feel there’s a stigma with it. They’re looking for a support group” that deals solely with those who lost someone from suicide, said Saraiva, adding that the recent

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BEREAVEMENT ONLINE RESOURCES death of actor Robin Williams has thrown a bright spotlight on the subject.

“With Robin Williams’ death, now people are starting to realize the impact suicide has on individuals and families,” said Saraiva. “Not because he’s a celebrity, but also the confusion over suicide and how people view it. He made it visual, and made people realize that grief and depression is tough. Now there’s all this information coming out about grief and support.”

Saraiva is also looking for a co-facilitator for her own group that she could take under her wing to teach, and then allow that co-facilitator to branch off into his or her own group. “That would be ideal,” she said, “and once they’re comfortable, they could branch off and do a segmented group. That way I can say, on such-and-such a night, there is a group just for [a certain type of group].”

There is no competition between groups, and that anyone who hears of a support group is welcome to contact her so that she can post the information on the Office of Faith Formation website. Already the additional groups are opening up options for individuals who may have had a conflict with meeting times; a newly-posted group is offering sessions in the morning, allowing those who may work a second shift or are uncomfortable driving at night, to find support.

“We need bridges between support groups” and communication is key to making that happen, said Saraiva. “We’re looking and if we can plug you in, we will.”

Saraiva wants to get the word out that though many of the support groups listed on the Office of Faith Formation website fall under the diocesan banner, anyone of any faith — or even lack thereof — are welcome to join and find comfort; she wants everyone to know they are not alone.

“I don’t turn anyone away. We need to meet the needs of the community. The Beatitudes say it well: ‘Blessed be those who mourn, for they will be comforted’ (Mt 5:4). That’s Pope Francis’ biggest thing, to live by the Beatitudes. I have people call me and ask if this is strictly a Catholic thing, and I tell them that grief doesn’t have a denomination,” said Saraiva. “The key of the group is, what you hear here, stays here. Tears are welcome and invited. It takes a lot of courage to say what you’re going to say, so we give people their space.”

Office of Faith Formation in Fall River www.fallriverfaithformation.org/bereavement The Grief Toolbox www.thegrieftoolbox.com FALL RIVER St. Joseph’s Rectory 1335 North Main Street Fall River, Mass.

508-678-2828 [ext. 27] Meets Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

VNA of Southeastern Mass. Inc. (Hospice and Palliative Care) 502 Bedford Street, 4th floor Fall River, Mass.

508-973-3227 Call for current day/time Adam’s House (Sun Porch area) 1168 Highland Avenue Fall River, Mass.

Starts Thursday, September 11, 10-11:30 a.m. **Please register for session by September 8 **Runs for five consecutive weeks SOUTH DARTMOUTH St. Mary’s Parish Hall 783 Dartmouth Street South Dartmouth, Mass.

508-992-7505 Meets Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living 114 Riverside Avenue New Bedford, Mass.

508-992-6278 Starts Monday, September 8, 10-11:30 a.m. **Please register for session by September 5 **Runs for five consecutive weeks WESTPORT Edgewater II Apartments (Widow/Widower Support) 49 Borden Road Westport, Mass.

508-674-8120 Every fourth Monday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO La Salette Retreat Center 947 Park Street Attleboro, Mass.

508-236-9083 Every other Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.

TAUNTON Rainbows (Children suffering loss) Our Lady of Lourdes School 52 1st Street Taunton, Mass.

508-822-5869

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September 5, 2014

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.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the St. Joseph Adoration Chapel at Holy Ghost Church, 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 Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on N. Main St. 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, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass.

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 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 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

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 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 7 to 8 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.

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 begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. 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.

Experts say papal visit to China not likely in near future

STONY BROOK, N.Y. (CNS) — What are the prospects of the world witnessing a papal motorcade driving through the streets of Beijing in the near future? Not very good, say experts who closely follow the Church in China. “As greatly as the Chinese people and all of us would hope for this pastoral opportunity for Pope Francis, the likelihood of it occurring in the near-term future is not high,” said Maryknoll Sister Janet Carroll, founding executive director of the U.S. Catholic China Bureau, an organization created in collaboration with the U.S. bishops in 1989 to serve the Church in China and support fraternal dialogue.

“The fact that there have been no diplomatic relations between China and the Vati-

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Sept. 7 Very Rev. James E. McMahon, V.F. Pastor , Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs, 1966 Rev. Raymond Pelletier, M.S., La Salette Shrine, North Attleboro, 1984 Sept. 8 Rev. Thomas Sheehan, Founder, Holy Trinity, Harwich Center, 1868 Sept. 10 Rev. Hugo Dylla, Pastor, St. Stanislaus, Fall River, 1966 Rt. Rev. Felix S. Childs, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1969 Sept. 11 Rev. Joachim Shults, SS.CC., Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1987 Rev. Cyril Augustyn, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1997 Rev. Francis E. Grogan, CSC, Superior, Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2001 Rev. Martin Grena, 2004 Rev. Terence F. Keenan, Former Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, Former Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 2010 Sept. 12 Rev. John J. Galvin, STD, Assistant, SS. Peter and Paul, Fall River, 1962 Most Rev. James L. Connolly, Sc.H D, Fourth Bishop of Fall River, 1951-70, 1986 Rev. John R. Folster, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1995 Sept. 13 Rev. Antonio Felisbesto Diaz, St. Lawrence Martyr (former St. Mary’s), New Bedford, 1866 Rev. Charles A.J. Donovan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1949 Rev. Isadore Kowalski, OFM Conv., Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven, 2003

can for more than 60 years, a lot of preliminaries would have to take place in order for (a papal trip) to happen. And these would all take time,” she said. Richard Madsen, a sociology professor at the University of California, San Diego, who has studied the history of religion in China, said he is not hopeful that Pope Francis will step foot in the world’s most populous nation.

“I would like to see it

happen, but I’m skeptical,” he said. “It would be wonderful, but I’m doubtful it would happen anytime soon.”

A simple response by Pope Francis to a reporter’s question aboard the plane from South Korea to Rome has fueled speculation about a papal trip to China. During an informal Q-and-A session with journalists, the pope said he would go to the nation “tomorrow” if the opportunity presented itself.

Brother Joseph Esparza, C.S.C.

AUSTIN, Texas — Brother Joseph Esparza, C.S.C., 62, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province, passed away in Austin, Texas August 19. The son of Reynaldo Esparza and Nora Ruiz Esparza, Brother Joseph was a native of San Antonio and a proud descendant of Gregorio Esparza, a hero of the Battle of the Alamo.

Brother Joseph attended elementary school at Christ the King Parish, and graduated from Holy Cross High School where he came to know the Brothers of Holy Cross. He was first received into the Congregation in 1973 and professed his final vows in 1982. A graduate of St. Edward’s University, Brother Joseph taught mathematics, chemistry and religion in Holy Cross high schools, and was the first executive director for Holy Cross Center in San Antonio.

After earning a master’s in theology at the University of Notre Dame, he devoted him-

self to Faith Education. He served at Holy Family, St. Paul and Christ the King parishes.

He also served in several capacities for the Religious Education Office of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Brother Joseph worked with Holy Cross Family Ministries, first with Family Theatre Productions in Los Angeles, then at the Father Peyton Family Institute in North Easton. He returned to San Antonio in 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise Mary McNay. Brother Joseph is survived by his sister, Laura Ann Esparza of Austin; and his brothers, Dr. Robert A. Esparza of Buda, Texas; Dr. Ray J. Esparza of Austin; and Michael C. Esparza of Cedar Park, Texas; as well as their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 25 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery in Austin.

16

Youth Pages

September 5, 2014

The first day of school at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford came complete with smiles.

St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro opened its doors for the upcoming school year last week.

New this school year are two kindergarten classrooms each consisting of 15 students, the library and media center, and a resource room for the elementary grades. Happy to be back is Ceara Correia posing with Father Riley Williams, parochial vicar at the parish school.

St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro recently held its annual new family picnic. There are more than 25 new families coming into the school this year. Here is a group of the new students with Denise Peixoto, the school principal.

Third-graders at Espirito Santo School in Fall River wasted no time getting into their newly-overhauled computer room. With the efforts of staff and volunteers, the computer room has been repainted, retiled, and received a new ceiling-mounted projector along with a new screen. In addition, the community was instrumental in generously donating enough desk top computers in order for every child to have his/her own computer station when in the room. Espirito Santo School students will be following the Massachusetts digital standards and infusing technology into weekly lessons.

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

Youth Pages Tell yourself what to think

September 5, 2014

T

here was a time when group of students, who give ships were built of me such confidence, that a wood, because it was comfaith-filled life can be lived by monly believed that in order our young people and they are to float they had to be built a fun bunch too! The life of a of materials lighter than college student is filled with water. In spite of this comstudy and activity and choices. mon theory, the smart money, In many cases they have so believed that ships could be built of iron and still float.

The leading shipbuilder of the day stated that ships built of iron could not float

By Deacon because iron would Frank Lucca not float; he proved his point by throwing a horseshoe into a tub of water. The people watched many choices that they just it sink and they believed him. can’t fit all that they wish to However, if you think about it, do in their schedules. Somehe devised this demonstration times God is pushed aside. based on his biased opinion Novus is designed to help (that iron will not float); the them “do it all,” while conresult predicted the hypothtinuing to maintain a faith life esis. How I know this to be on campus. Following Novus, true is because if he believed our peer leaders will then ships should be built of iron conduct a five-week faithhe would have thrown a steel sharing group program with washbasin in the water. our Catholic freshman to help I bring up this story bethem continue to settle in on cause too often we listen to campus. Our young people are people like the shipbuilder the Church of today, and it is who have an agenda or who alive and well on our campus have only chosen one way and in our diocese! to look at things. Too many So how does today’s young times we listen to them and person have it and still live a base important decisions in life based on the teachings of our life on the way they think, Christ? I believe that what instead of the way we think. each of us needs is an internal Doesn’t that often happen filter that will help us deterto you young people today? mine what is true and what is You are bombarded with stobiased and not worthy of our ries on today’s “kids.” You hear thoughts. To me that internal how bad other young people filter, of course, is God. If we are and all of the things that filter all that we see and hear will lead this next generathrough the eyes and ears of tion to ruin. Unfortunately, faith, then we will be betyou rarely hear about all of the ter able to filter out the junk good young people are capable messages. Each and every day of doing and actually do. So we still hear about all of the many have agendas out there stars or celebrities that make and so often we listen to them. unbelievably stupid mistakes If you are told that youth are in judgment and hopefully we bad or that you are a loser, ask “How can they do that?” eventually we come to believe rather than, “How can I be it! It would certainly be a depressing world if we believed all that is said about this next generation. I can only imagine how you must feel!

This all came to mind this week as we prepared for the return of the students at UMass Dartmouth, specifically our Peer Leadership team of 12 students who arrived early on campus to finalize their training and to welcome and work with our Novus candidates — freshman who arrived early on campus for a two-day transition program. What a wonderful

Be Not Afraid

more like them?” Although the phrase “What would Jesus do?” has become so commercialized, I feel it is still the question that we should ask ourselves when we encounter an important situation that requires us to make an important decision.

If you think about it, today everybody is still trying to tell us what to think even though these people do not know much more than we do. Through social media we are even more bombarded with messages that try to prove that this way of thinking or that way of thinking is OK and acceptable because they say, or a majority, say it is. Woe to us should we disagree with something that we find morally unacceptable! Keep in mind, if the past is any indicator, these “shapers” build a set of assumptions that fit their desired results most of the time.

Remember, we have our own moral compass that is based on the teachings of Christ.

So, the moral of this story?

Most everyone is biased or motivated in one direction or another, and, as a result, we should think for ourselves and not be overly swayed by what people push upon us.

Simply put — only you can tell yourself what to think and do, following your own moral compass!

Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of 36 years, Kristine, and the father of two married daughters, and a six-month-old grandson.

Comments, ideas or suggestions?

Please email him at DeaconFrankLucca@comcast.net.

17

Around the Diocese St. Mark’s Parish, 105 Stanley Street in Attleboro Falls, will host its annual fair tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will include a variety of activities, music and food. DJ Nate Adams will provide lively music throughout the day and there will be all kinds of foods including hot dogs, hamburgers, doughboys, chowder and clam cakes, meatball grinders, pizza and more. There will also be arts and crafts, a “what-not” shop, and raffle with prizes including an Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi. St. Mark’s Fair is a traditional “end of summer” ritual.

A Healing Mass and Blessing with St. André’s Relic and Anointing with St. Joseph Oil will be held at St. Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross Family Ministries on September 14, the Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with Rosary at 1:30 p.m. and Mass at 2 p.m. St. André’s relic will be available for blessings and veneration. Don’t miss this special opportunity to bring your family and friends for a blessing. St. André was known as the “Miracle Man of Montréal” for his intercession in the healing of thousands of faithful at the St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal. More than two million people visit his shrine each year. For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095 or visit www.

FamilyRosary.org/Events. The event will take place at the Father Peyton Center, 500 Washington Street in Easton.

A Healing Mass will be celebrated on September 18 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include Benediction and healing prayers. At 5:15 p.m. there will be a holy hour, including the Rosary. For more information visit www. saintanthonynewbedford.com or call 508-993-1691.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth is having an Island Queen Evening Cruise on September 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the charitable work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Rain date will be September 25 and there is free parking at the Island Queen lot. For tickets or more information, call 508-457-0085.

A fund-raiser to benefit the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Food Pantry in New Bedford will be held September 27 at 5:30 p.m. (after the 4 p.m. Mass). The food pantry, along with support from the Knights of Columbus, is hosting a clam cakes and chowder dinner. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased ahead of time or at the door. Please come join them to support this worthy cause.

The 40th anniversary of Portuguese Pilgrimage Day will take place on September 28 at La Salette Shrine, 947 Park Street in Attleboro. Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate Mass at 12:10 p.m. with music provided by the Our Lady of the Rosary Choir from Providence, R.I. Confessions will be heard from 1 to 4 p.m., with the praying of the Rosary in Portuguese at 1:30 p.m. The shrine cafeteria will be open to serve visitors.

All are welcome to join in an Hour of Mercy Prayer for Families to be held every Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street in North Easton. The day will include Adoration, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Litany of St. Joseph and Benediction in the chapel. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available daily, Monday through Friday, from 3 to 4 p.m.

For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508238-4095, extension 2027 or visit www.FamilyRosary.org/Events.

18

September 5, 2014

Bishop Coleman’s Mass of Thanksgiving homily — Aug. 26, 2014 My dear friends: I am pleased to welcome you to our Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption and am deeply grateful for your presence at this Mass of Thanksgiving. Cardinal Seán, 22 years ago this month you were installed as the sixth bishop of Fall River. The people of this diocese treasure fond memories of the 10 years you spent with us. I am honored by your presence today. Archbishop Cronin, you were installed as the fifth bishop of Fall River in December 1970 and led our diocese for over 21 years.

I know that the Diocese of Fall River has a special place in your heart and am grateful for your presence.

Bishop Edyvean has served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston for the past 13 years. We were seminary classmates and ordained to the priesthood together in Rome almost 50 years ago. Thank you for being with us today, Bishop Edyvean. Bishop Manuel da Silva Linda is Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Portugal, which offers pastoral care to Catholics serving in the Portuguese Armed Forces and their families. He has been in the Diocese of Fall River for the past several days as guest of honor of the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit of New England. Dom Manuel, estou muito grato por sua presença nesta Missa.

I am deeply grateful to you, my brother priests and deacons. It has been a privilege and great joy for me to serve with you as priest and bishop. I thank the religious and consecrated men and women whose communities have played important roles in building up the Church in our diocese. And dedicated lay men and women, you have been essential in carrying out the mission of the Church. I thank our diocesan seminarians for serving the Mass today. Please remember them in your prayers as they discern their vocation to the priesthood. I welcome all of you and thank you for participating in this Mass of Thanksgiving. I take special note of members of the ecumenical and interfaith communities.

Your presence today is greatly appreciated.

Eleven years ago, when announcement was made of my being named Bishop of Fall

River, I began to receive many congratulatory notes. I appreciated receiving all the cards and letters, but particularly those of children, which were often accompanied by beautiful, creative artwork. One that I remember was from a thirdgrader at one of our Catholic schools. After offering his congratulations, he wrote, “I hope you have lots of fun” and signed his name “Thomas.”

There has been “fun” over the past 11 years, but it has been surpassed by an everdeepening joy resulting from Christ’s invitation to serve the Church, particularly this local Church of Fall River, as priest and bishop. My heart is filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s goodness to me and to our Church of Fall River.

We heard in the reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans that whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. We place our faith in Him and bear witness to that faith in our lives. I would like to share with you a few vignettes of the living faith which undergirds the strength and beauty of this Church of Fall River.

I would begin with a story about my grandfather John Coleman. Like millions of immigrants to our country over the centuries, he arrived in Somerset in the 1800s. He brought with him his Catholic faith and developed an appreciation for what our country had offered him. So great was his gratitude that when my father was born on Washington’s birthday in 1894, John requested Father Masterson, the first pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, to name his son George Washington Coleman. Father Masterson, in his wisdom, judged it prudent to Baptize him “George William.” Otherwise, Bishop George Washington might now be standing before you!

The Diocese of Fall River was founded in 1904, in the midst of those years when tens of thousands of immigrants were arriving, primarily from Canada and Europe.

They brought with them many qualities, among which, as mentioned earlier, were their Catholic faith and appreciation for the opportunities they found in their newly-adopted country. Often living near each other in the neighborhoods of the cities of our diocese, they sacrificed

to build churches, enabling their communities to worship together, offering thanks and praise to God for his goodness. This process continues as brothers and sisters arrive in our diocese, now primarily from Central and South America.

In the years after my ordination as bishop, a number of those parishes celebrated their centennial anniversaries.

It was a wonderful experience for me to celebrate Mass for today’s community of faith, mindful of the sacrifices and accomplishments made by their forbears. They left us a precious Spiritual inheritance, which they passed on to their children and grandchildren and which continues to enrich the hearts of people today.

In celebrating the anniversary Masses of parishes, I often quoted from one of the documents of the council: “The celebration of the Eucharist is the true center of the whole Christian life.

For in the most Blessed Eucharist is contained the whole Spiritual good of the Church, namely, Christ Himself.” It is this Eucharistic faith which gives life and strength to our local Church and to each parish in it.

In one of my parish assignments, I recall bringing the Eucharist to a home-bound veteran of World War II. Before receiving the Eucharist, he spoke of his faith and love of Christ in the Eucharist, made stronger by his battlefield experience. He spoke of the priest chaplain celebrating Mass on the hood of a Jeep, which, on that day became the altar. He knew Christ was with him on the battlefield and by his side each day of his life.

One year, on the day before Christmas, the rectory telephone rang. It was the local nursing home. One of the residents had requested that she receive the Anointing of the Sick. When I arrived, she explained that her birthday was the following day, Christmas. “God has been so good to me,” she said. “I have had 85 very happy birthdays and I know that my 86th will be the happiest of all.” I anointed her and offered her the Eucharist as Viaticum. On Christmas morning I called the nursing home and learned that indeed she was celebrat-

ing the happiest birthday of all.

Over the years it has been my privilege to assist at Spiritual retreats for men and women, for families, and for young people. Often in the course of two or three days, with God’s grace, the retreatant begins to grasp more deeply the meaning of Christ’s love for him or her. The Lord reaches out to us during retreats or while in His presence before the Blessed Sacrament. These occasions have helped deepen the lived witness of members of our Church.

One of the great joys in my life as priest and bishop has been meeting with the young people of our diocese in our high schools, at retreat days, or in Washington for the March for Life. In preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, some young people have written me letters, expressing their desire to receive the Sacrament and commenting on the relevance of the Sacrament in their lives. Reading these letters has been for me a source of great encouragement.

Last spring some students wrote me about the importance of receiving the gift of courage, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. One student wrote, “I will use the gift of courage my whole life to praise God even when it isn’t considered the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

Another said, “Having courage helps to do the right thing no matter the consequence.”

One student mentioned a Tweet she had received from Pope Francis. By the way, did you know that Pope Francis sends a daily Tweet to more than 15 million followers in nine languages?

“Confirmation is important for Christians; it strengthens us to defend the faith and to spread the Gospel courageously.”

A few months ago, a graduate of one of our Catholic high schools shared with me the good news of having been accepted at the college of his choice. In the course of our conversation, I said, “You realize that on campus your religious faith will be challenged.” He sat back, smiled, and responded, “Bishop, there is nothing I enjoy more than a good challenge!”

In today’s Gospel we heard how Jesus appointed disciples and sent them to every place

He intended to visit. Likewise, we must prepare our young people to bear witness to their faith in every aspect of their lives. There is no place as effective as the home and no one as effective as parents in conveying this message of faith and hope. Please keep our young people and their families in your prayers.

In Pope Francis we have a spokesperson for the poor and needy of the world. The message has resounded throughout our world. He teaches us: “To love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete: it means seeing in every person the Face of the Lord to be served, to serve Him concretely.”

In response to the Lord’s call to assist the poor, many parishes formed St. Vincent de Paul Societies and participate in food pantries or soup kitchens. On a diocesan level, our Catholic Social Services administers a number of residences and shelters for the homeless. A few months ago, in a visit to the shelters, I met a woman who had been a professional secretary. She told me that what had happened to her could happen to anyone.

She added, “Of all the shelters I have lived in, this one is the best.” She mentioned the caring, respectful staff and the hope they offered her for a permanent residence and employment. At the close of my visit, we prayed together for the people of the diocese in thanksgiving for their prayers and support.

Over the years, individuals have asked me about my decision to enter seminary to discern a vocation for the priesthood. “If you were to do it again, would you make the same decision?” My response has always been, “Yes, a thousand times yes!”

During my seminary years, one of the priests who served as a Spiritual director recommended that we pray for those whom we would serve in the future as priests. I began that practice, envisioning the parishes to which I might be assigned. I could not have imagined the tens of thousands of people who have been entrusted to my care as pastor of our beloved Church of Fall River. I will continue to pray for you and ask that you pray for me and for the people of the Church of Fall River.

19

September 5, 2014

Bishop Coleman looks back on 50 years as a priest continued from page one

As a seminarian in Rome, young George Coleman was greatly influenced by St. (then pope) John XXIII. “I was in seminary during the beginning of the Second Vatican Council,” he recalled. “I saw Pope John XXIII often at general audiences and he was a joy-filled person.”

Bishop Coleman recalled the opening procession for the Second Vatican Council that had thousands of bishops and cardinals filing into St. Peter’s Basilica. “I saw Bishop Connolly and he was looking up at the amazing site and I’m sure he was engraving everything he was witnessing in his memory,” he said. “I saw Cardinal Spelling and Cardinal Cushing, and when Pope John XXIII was coming by you could see he was deep in prayer.”

The bishop also recalled Pope John XXIII’s famous “Moonlight Address” he made from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace on the evening of the opening of the session. “People were in St. Peter’s Square with candles,” said the bishop. “It was beautiful. It was a full moon, and the pope said, ‘But what resounds here is the voice of the whole world; here all the world is represented.

One might even say that the moon rushed here this eve-

ning. Look at her high up there, to behold this spectacle.’ Later he told parents to go home and ‘give them a hug from the pope.’ It was a blessing for me to be able to have been there.”

Bishop Coleman said that in seminary, a Spiritual director told the seminarians to pray for the people for whom they would serve in parishes when they became priests. “I did think about what parish life would be like. I didn’t know much about the parishes in the diocese, but I knew my St. Patrick’s and felt that if I could imitate the priests I knew as a boy, I would be happy and fulfilled as a priest.

“Parishes have various differences, different localities and such, but on the other hand, all parishes are the same, all people are the same.

They have the same desires, needs, Spiritual needs. They don’t differ greatly. I always felt that whatever parish the bishop wanted me to go to, I would find there the Eucharist, and faith-filled people.”

Even as vicar general, then-Msgr. Coleman was involved in parish life. “I lived with Father Paul McCarrick at St. Joseph’s Parish in Fall River,” he said. “He welcomed me as did the parishioners. Even when I be-

even more now than ever.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is the second of three came bishop, I would often popes for whom Bishop see the parishioners from St. Coleman served.

Joseph’s.”

“Pope Benedict XVI, beHis life as a bishop was “a fore he became pope was responsibility to be sure,” he a professor and a teacher,” said. “But with good priests said Bishop Coleman. “The and faithful laity, deacons great treasure he has left and religious, all that added to the Church is his teachto the joy that I experienced ing. No doubt that many for as my years as Bishop of Fall generations to come will be River. This is the Church: inspired by his writings. His at prayer, at work, living to- works will help others come gether, and praying together.” to a better understanding He added that the diocese is of Catholic theology. Their a microcosm of the Church, understanding will become as is the parish. more profound through his When asked if it was works. meaningful that the person “I know that Pope Emeriwho appointed him bishop is tus Benedict XVI is praynow a saint, Bishop Coleman ing for the Church. I hope said, “It is, and I have a great he still continues to write as memory of meeting him.” well.”

That happened at Bishop Bishop Coleman told The Coleman’s first ad limina Anchor that today many peovisit as bishop in August of ple can see Pope John XXIII 2004, less than a year before in Pope Francis. “Pope FranSt. (then pope) John Paul cis reminds people of him II died. “He was in failing because it’s that element of health when we went there,” helping people understand said Bishop Coleman, “but that Christ’s love is, in a sense, he made a point of meet- incarnated in the love of paring with each of the bishops. ents for children and people The time was limited to 10 for each other,” he said. “It minutes, but those were 10 makes real what for many can very precious minutes. At the remain an abstract. It makes end of the discussion, when real Christ’s love which is not we talked about the Church abstract. It is a reality.” of the Diocese of Fall River, With the installation he stressed that we stress the of his successor just weeks importance of family life.

Something that is still so important today, maybe

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, left, and Bishop George W. Coleman pray during a recent Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, to celebrate Bishop Coleman’s 50 years as a priest and also his 11 years as the seventh Bishop of Fall River. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will be installed as the diocese’s eighth bishop at a Mass on September 24, also at St. Mary’s Cathedral. (Photos by Dave Jolivet)

away, Bishop Coleman said, “I know Bishop da Cunha is very much looking forward to beginning his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Fall River. He is a man of many talents evidenced by his work in the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. for many years.

“I know he’ll have the good of the people of this wonderful Diocese of Fall River in his heart in all he does and in all he says. And I ask the people of the Diocese of Fall River to pray for him.

“Every bishop and priest depends on the prayers of the people to help us carry out our ministries.”

Looking back on his years as bishop, Bishop Coleman said, “Going around to the different parishes I was always deeply touched by people who came up to me after Masses to assure me that they are praying every day, every day for me.”

He relayed a story of a woman who told him of her house-bound mother who would offer one decade of the many Rosaries she would pray daily, for Bishop Coleman.

“That humbles me to know that and it also helps me to understand that without those prayers and God’s grace I could do absolutely nothing.”

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September 5, 2014