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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , October 10, 2014

Annual diocesan peace procession invoking Blessed Mother’s intercession is October 13

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

Holy Family-Holy Name principal, Cecilia Felix, peers into the school auditorium upon entering a surprise party marking her 25 years as the New Bedford school’s principal. (Photo by Becky Aubut)

New Bedford school surprises beloved principal of 25 years

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

NEW BEDFORD — It looked like it would be just another day for Holy Family-Holy Name School principal Cecilia Felix; she had her schedule lined up, including a meeting with assistant superintendent of the Fall River Catholic Schools Dr. Donna Boyle. The only hiccup to her morning was the camera feed to the school’s front door was malfunctioning, and Felix was unable to see the comings and goings of those entering the school.

However, the meeting with Boyle was just a ruse to keep Felix in her office, while the “malfunctioning” feed was a glitch created by the school custodian, who disconnected the video line from the front door to her office to create the blackout. Led by Sister Muriel

Lebeau, the entire student body and staff had been planning this moment for weeks — a surprise celebration of the 25 years Felix has been principal of HFHN. “I’ve told so many lies, I’m going to have to go to Confession,” said Sister Muriel. “I really wanted to do a great surprise and celebration for her.”

The Furtado Quartet played its instruments to mask the sounds of the 291 students filing into the auditorium just feet away from Felix’s office.

Additional guests included superintendent of the schools Dr. Michael Griffin, and Kristine Arsenault, secretary to New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, who, on behalf of the mayor, was presenting Felix with a proclamation from the City of New Bedford.

Once the students were quiTurn to page 18

Global Lay Fast for Priests is October 18

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Anchor Correspondent

ATTLEBORO — St. Therese of Lisieux passionately prayed for priests because she knew of the incomprehensible love God has for all the souls whose lives can be touched by a good priest.

Anna Rae-Kelly is on a similar mission as the guiding light behind the Lay Fast for Priests. A native of Scotland, she is a member of the Third Order of Discalced Carmel-

ites and a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro.

“When the priestly abuse scandal happened 10 years ago, I saw the deep hurt to God’s little ones, but I also saw the terrible assault on the priesthood and on the Eucharist and healing Sacraments,” she said. “I know that my Savior is present in the Eucharist, and the priest consecrates the Host. The loving and gentle Turn to page 20

“We all know the world — especially today — needs as much peace as possible,” said Nathan FALL RIVER — For nearly 40 years, pil- Carvalho, a parishioner of Espirito Santo Pargrims from parishes across the Fall River Dio- ish in Fall River and one of the key organizers cese have annually come together on the second of this year’s event. “I know when they started Monday in October — designated as the month the peace procession, the country at the time was of the Holy Rosary — to pray for peace through going through a lot of issues with war, here and in Portugal. For me, I feel the intercession of Our peaceful just marching in Lady of Fatima, who is the procession and prayalso known as the Queen ing the Rosary. It’s a pilof Peace. grimage to pray for peace Traditionally held on in the whole world.” the Monday of ColumCarvalho, who is also bus Day weekend, this sacristan at Espirito Sanyear’s peace procession to, first began attending will appropriately take the peace procession in place on October 13, 2006, during his first year which is also the 97th anas an altar server, and he’s niversary of Our Lady’s been marching in it ever sixth and final appearsince. ance to three Portuguese But the genesis of the shepherd children at the Parishioners from Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River carry a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the march can be traced back Cova da Iria in the tiny annual peace procession from the Cathedral of to October 1975 and a village of Fatima, PortuSt. Mary of the Assumption to St. Anne’s Church couple of other parishiogal in 1917. in the city. This year the procession will be held ners from the same Fall It was there where on October 13. (Anchor file photo) River parish: Beatrice and Our Lady first implored John Angelo. the children to pray the “They were the ones who started the peace Rosary if they sought world peace, and nearly a century later future generations of Portuguese procession in 1975 and it was so big that first immigrants who have settled here in the diocese year, it was held outdoors at Kennedy Park,” have taken the Blessed Mother’s plea to heart.

Turn to page 18

Traditional Red Mass will recognize legal professionals on October 19

By John E. Kearns Jr. Director of Communications

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the annual Red Mass in the Fall River Diocese at 10 a.m., October 19, in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River.

Homilist for the Mass will be Stonehill College President Father John F. Denning, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

A long-standing tradition in the Church, the Red Mass

Clement Brown

Arthur J. Caron Jr.

is celebrated each year in the diocese to invoke God’s guidance and strength on those who work to promote justice in the legal system.

Judges, attorneys and others working in the justice system throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands are invited to attend.

The Red Mass will conclude with the presentation of the St. Thomas More Award to members of the area legal community to recognize dedicated

Atty. Claudine A. Cloutier

service.

Selected for the honors this year are, as distinguished jurist, Judge Therese M. Wright, First Justice, Wareham District Court; as distinguished attorney, Claudine A. Cloutier of Keches Law Group, Taunton; as distinguished court employee, Karen Eng, Assistant Clerk Magistrate, Fall River District Court; as distinguished recipient of the ecumenical award, attorney Clement Brown of Turn to page 14

Karen Eng

Judge Therese M. Wright

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News From the Vatican

October 10, 2014

Pope: Tiny voice in your head?

Don’t ignore it; it’s a guardian angel

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Guardian angels are not the stuff of fantasy; they are really present as wise travel companions helping people navigate life’s journey, Pope Francis said.

Don’t ignore the inner voice that says, “Well, you should do this.” “That’s not right.” “Watch out!” the pope said in a recent homily on the feast of the Guardian Angels.

“It’s the voice of our travel companion. Be confident that they will take us through to the end of our lives with their advice, and that’s why (people should) listen to their voice, don’t rebel,” he said in remarks reported by Vatican Radio.

“All of us, according to Church tradition, have an angel with us, who watches over us, and lets us hear” deep inside, wise words meant to help people make the right choices, the pope said during an early morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

People shouldn’t ignore that voice “because rebellion, the desire to be independent, is something we all have and it is pride, the same thing our father, Adam, had” in the Garden of Eden, he said.

“Nobody walks alone and none of us can believe we are alone” because there is always this companion right by each person’s side, he said.

“Don’t rebel. Follow their advice,” he said. To turn one’s back on a guardian angel “is dangerous because no man, no

woman can advise themselves. I can give advice to someone else, but I can’t give advice to myself ” if it’s going to be objective and wise.

“The Holy Spirit advises me, there’s the angel who advises me,” he said. A guardian angel isn’t a figment of “imagination; no, it’s reality.”

The pope asked people to reflect on how they interact with their guardian angel: “Do I listen to them? Do I say, ‘Good morning,’ in the morning? Do I say, ‘Watch over me while I sleep’? Do I talk to them? Do I ask advice?”

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading (Mk 18: 1-5), the pope reminded people, especially bishops, that God wants them to be as humble and meek as children.

The reading recounts Jesus’ disciples fighting among themselves over who is better than the rest.

“These are the first bishops and they had this temptation of careerism, ‘Hey, I want to become greater than you.’ It’s not a great example that the first bishops do this, but it’s reality,” the pope said.

Jesus immediately shows them the right way to behave to enter the Kingdom of Heaven: to “become like children” and put themselves fully in the hands of God their Father.

“Meekness, the need for direction and needing help” in order to go forward are all reflected in a child. “This is the path. Not who is the best,” the pope said.

A woman holds a shirt with a photo of children before Pope Francis’ encounter with the elderly in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope: Greed, throwaway culture fuel ‘hidden euthanasia’ of elderly

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis warned against the abandonment and neglect of the elderly, calling it a “hidden euthanasia” rooted in today’s “poisonous” culture of disposal and an economic system of greed.

In the presence of his predecessor, Pope Francis also thanked retired Pope Benedict XVI for staying to live at the Vatican and being like “a wise grandfather at home.”

“A people who doesn’t take care of their grandparents and doesn’t treat them well is a people with no future. Why no future? Because they lose the memory (of the past) and they sever their own roots,” he said.

The pope’s comments came during a recent special encounter and Mass for older people in St. Peter’s Square. Some 40,000 grandparents, retired men and women, and their families attended “The Blessing for a Long Life” event, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Pope Francis specifically invited Pope Emeritus Benedict to attend the event, making it the third time since his retirement in 2013 that the German pontiff has made a rare appearance in public with his successor.

Carrying a cane and looking strong, the 87-year-old pope arrived about one hour into the event, which featured music and testimonies from families.

About 10 minutes later, while the famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli sang “Con te partiro” (“I’ll Go With You”), Pope Francis made his entrance with a small group of families. He immediately went to greet and embrace Pope Emeritus Bene-

dict, who only stayed for the next hour, leaving before the start of Mass.

Addressing him as “Your Holiness,” Pope Francis thanked the retired pontiff for his presence, telling the crowd, “I really like having him living here in the Vatican, because it’s like having a wise grandfather at home.”

The wisdom and love of older people are instrumental for building the future, and they can even cheer up grumpy teen-agers, the pope said.

“It’s very good for you to go visit an older person. Look at our kids. Sometimes we see them being listless and sad; (if ) they go visit an older person, they become happy,” he said.

“Older people, grandparents have an ability to understand very difficult situations, a great talent. And when they pray about these situations, their prayers are strong and powerful.”

But there are many who instead prey on their fragilities, and the pope warned against the “inhuman” violence being waged against the elderly and children in areas of conflict.

Harm can also be waged quietly, he said, through many forms of neglect and abandonment, which “are a real and true hidden euthanasia.”

People need to fight against “this poisonous throwaway culture,” which targets children, young people and the elderly, on “the pretext of keeping the economic system ‘balanced,’ where the focus is not on the human being but on the god of money.”

While residential care facilities are important for those who don’t have a family who can care for them, it’s impor-

tant these institutes be “truly like homes, not prisons,” the pope said, and that their placement there is in the best interest of the older person, “not someone else.”

These retirement homes should be like “sanctuaries” that breathe life into a community whose members are drawn to visit and look after the residents like they would an older sibling, he said.

The pope also thanked an older couple from Qaraqosh, near Mosul, Iraq, for their presence and urged people to continue to pray and offer concrete aid to those forced to flee from such “violent persecution.”

Married for 51 years with 10 children and 12 grandchildren, Mubarak and Aneesa Hano said they were chased out of their Iraqi town by Islamic State militants.

“The cities are empty, homes destroyed, families scattered, the elderly abandoned, young people desperate, grandchildren cry and lives are destroyed from the terror of the shouts of war,” Hano said.

He said he hoped the world would finally learn that “war truly is insanity.”

Hano told the pope that, for 2,000 years, the bells tolled in their parish churches until the militants invaded the northern Iraqi plain and replaced the crosses on top of their places of worship with black flags. Because the bells no longer ring in these abandoned villages, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled instead at the end of Hano’s testimony.

Pope Francis then concelebrated Mass with 100 elderly priests from around the world.

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October 10, 2014

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

DCCW to sponsor program on human trafficking

NEW BEDFORD — Calling human trafficking “a crime against humanity” and “an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the Body of Christ,” Pope Francis pledged to focus on the phenomenon in his World Peace Day message slated for Jan. 1, 2015.

Human trafficking, which generates huge amounts of income for organized crime, also destroys the lives of millions of children, women and men every year, making it a real threat to peace, according to a Vatican statement released in March.

In response to the pope’s call to bring greater awareness of this injustice to light, the Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will be sponsoring an informational breakfast focusing on the issue of human trafficking on October 25 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street in New Bedford.

Speakers will include Assistant District Attorney Silvia Rudman, Assistant District Attorney Lesly Leahy, and Father Marc Fallon, C.S.C., who has worked for the past decade with immigrants through Catholic Social Services in New Bedford and also serves the diocesan Hispanic Apostolate.

“The Church’s response to human trafficking, of course, focuses

on migrant and refugee services,” Father Fallon told The Anchor. “In the world today, as Pope Francis has reminded us, sadly exploitation that only happened regionally before is also happening globally.”

According to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the pope’s New Year’s Day message will be entitled “Slaves no more, but brothers and sisters,” and will address blights such as child labor, forced prostitution, trafficking for organs and a variety of forms of forced labor.

“Many people think that slavery is a thing of the past, but this social plague remains all too real in today’s world,” the statement read.

Father Fallon agreed that human trafficking is akin to slavery.

“It’s almost like a return to the colonial era, where the countries of the world in Europe and North America had more raw materials or resources than most developed countries and, sadly, the economic exploitation and sweatshops became commonplace,” Father Fallon said. “It seems some of these patterns are tragically following those of 150 years ago.”

Initially undertaken as a cause by the National Council of Catholic Women, the DCCW is likewise working at the local level to make people aware of “this important issue,” according to event

Robert Curley, whose 10-year-old son Jeffrey was murdered in 1997, was the guest speaker for the recent Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation program at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, sponsored by the parish’s Respect Life Ministry. (Photo by Becky Aubut)

Grieving father opposes death penalty

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

MASHPEE — In 1997, Robert Curley lived every parent’s worst nightmare when his 10-year-old son Jeffrey was kidnapped, raped and murdered by two men. Consumed by his emotions, Curley sat through two trials that ultimately convicted both men but left Curley

torn and grieving. As a guest speaker for Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation, the Respect Life Ministry at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee extended an invitation to Curley to share his personal story.

Curley began his story, talking about his son Jeffrey and how Charles Jaynes (then 22 Turn to page 12

chairman Theresa Lewis.

“Many people who are coming from other countries are being exploited and it’s nothing but selling these kids,” Lewis said. “As Catholic women we should be involved in getting this injustice out to the public. We want to get as many people to know about it as possible.”

“Certainly the Church is an international entity — the worldwide Body of Christ — and with 1.1 billion members we have a presence and we need to be aware of where there are weaknesses in some of the government structures and where (human) trafficking is an issue,” agreed Father Fallon.

To that end, Father Fallon said the Universal Church is working towards three goals in confronting and combating human trafficking: first, to identify the most vulnerable of victims; second, give attention to the children of victims; and, third, help these involuntary participants and provide advocacy for them.

“This will not only show the presence of the Church, but also help to develop programs for the survivors and victims,” Father Fallon said. “We know that Pope Francis recently traveled to the south of Italy to minister to and to document the African refugees who have arrived having paid exorbitant fees for a very dangerous crossing.”

In addition to the pope’s call to action, Father Fallon said the Vatican also partnered with interfaith representatives to establish the Global Freedom Network in

March, whose primary goal is to eradicate human trafficking by the end of the decade.

“It seems that the Vatican is promoting the Global Freedom Network as an open association of various faith leaders who have joined together to combat (human trafficking),” he said.

“Along with cooperation from the United Nations, the Global Freedom Network was launched by the Vatican and announced that they hope to confront the problem of human trafficking by 2020.”

Father Fallon said programs like the October 25 informational breakfast can serve as gentle reminders for those of us living here in the U.S. that things aren’t as free or comfortable in other parts of the world.

“There’s a tendency in the United States to assume that every democracy is nearly identical to what we experience here, with a strong judiciary — but many of the democracies in developing countries are quite weak,” he said. “And the recent news about unaccompanied minor children from Central America that we heard about this past spring and summer has only served to reinforce that.”

While Latin Americans are among the most often cited victims of human trafficking offenses, Father Fallon said he’s heard disturbing examples from other areas.

“In the Philippine Church, we hear stories of Filipino Catholics who are offered opportunities to work in the Middle East, and

then the first sign of trouble is when they are asked to surrender their passports when they arrive in the new country and it becomes a situation of involuntary servitude,” he said.

Even more unsettling are cases of human trafficking that can be found closer to home.

“Most people may hear about it on TV and they think it’s happening in other areas and not here,” Lewis said. “But it is happening in our own diocese — in Taunton, in Fall River and in New Bedford. It is something that is going on in our own backyard.”

“I thought this was something that would be of interest to all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” she added. “We hope people will join us and help us to begin to end this modern-day slavery.”

For more information about the October 25 informational breakfast on human trafficking at New Bedford’s Wamsutta Club or to reserve tickets, contact: — Attleboro Deanery: Rebecca at 508-761-4638; — Cape Cod and the Islands Deanery: Jeanne at 508-5403370; — Fall River Deanery: Lynette at 508-674-7036 or Pauline at 508-678-6041; — New Bedford Deanery: Terry at 508-993-5085 or Nancy at 508-995-1604; or — Taunton Deanery: Fran at 508-824-5279.

Proceeds from the event will benefit future DCCW informational programs.

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October 10, 2014 The Church in the U.S. Year of Consecrated Life events to help laity learn more about religious

WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an effort to help lay Catholics gain a deeper understanding of religious life, priests, Brothers and women religious intend to open their convents, monasteries, abbeys and religious houses to the public one day next February.

“If you’ve ever wondered what a Brother or religious Sister does all day, you will find out,” said Dominican Sister Marie Bernadette Thompson in announcing the open house scheduled for Feb. 8, 2015.

The open house is just one of the events for the upcoming Year of Consecrated Life, which begins the weekend of November 29-30 — the first Sunday of Advent is November 30. It will end Feb. 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated life.

The special year dedicated to consecrated life was announced by Pope Francis and is similar to previous themed years announced by popes such as Year of the Priest (2009-2010) or Year of St. Paul (2008-2009).

The year also marks the 50th anniversary of “Perfectae Caritatis,” a decree on religious life, and “Lumen Gentium,” the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. The purpose of the yearlong celebration, according to a Vatican statement, is to “make a grateful remembrance of the recent past” while embracing “the future with hope.”

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, N.C., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, announced the Year

of Consecrated Life events at a recent news conference at the USCCB headquarters in Washington.

He said the scheduled events will provide an opportunity, especially for young people, to see how men and women religious live. He also urged heads of religious orders to let his committee know of activities they are planning so they can be publicized.

Sister Thompson, council coordinator of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, said the purpose of the open house gatherings will be to provide people with an encounter with men and women religious and also an encounter with Christ.

Sister Marcia Allen, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kan., and president-elect of Leadership Conference of Women Religious, said another initiative for the upcoming year is called “Days with Religious,” during which lay people will have opportunities to join men and women religious in works of service throughout the summer of 2015.

She said these opportunities, to be announced locally, will not only give lay people the chance to “work with us side by side” but will also enable them to become aware of the charisms of different orders.

Sister Allen said she hoped the experience would be a “coming together for the sake of the Church’s presence” in the modern world.

The third major initiative for the year is a day of prayer scheduled Sept. 13, 2015.

“We will join hands and hearts with you that day,” said Father James Greenfield, president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, who noted that throughout that day people will be invited to join religious men and women for vespers, Rosary or holy hours.

The priest, who is a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales of the Wilmington, Delaware-Philadelphia province, said he hoped the year would not only encourage new vocations but also would allow

people to “see our commitment with fresh eyes and open their hearts to support us with a renewed energy that stirs us all to embrace our pope’s ongoing call for the New Evangelization.”

Although the year’s events are intended to give lay people a deeper understanding of consecrated life, the men and women religious also said they will most likely benefit.

Sister Thompson said she hopes women religious experience a renewed joy in their vocation and Sister Allen

stressed that by simply explaining their order’s charisms to others should give the Sisters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their ministries.

“Whenever you think you are giving something you always end up receiving more,” she said.

Prayers intentions, prayer cards, a video on consecrated life and other resources are available at: www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/ vocations/consecrated-life/yearof-consecrated-life/index.cfm.

U.S. bishop: Political will lacking, but Holy Land wants peace

Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — Christians and Muslims are coexisting peacefully in Israel and Palestine, but the political will for peace is not yet there, said the leader of a recent bishops’ pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

“It does not seem that there has been any bad, difficult or ruptured relationships between the Muslims and the Christians in the Holy Land. I don’t think that has been an ongoing issue so much,” Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines told CNA. “I think at this point in time, perhaps the biggest problems are political in nature.”

Bishop Pates, who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, led a delegation of 18 bishops on a “prayer pilgrimage for peace” to the Holy Land from September 11-18.

The bishops prayed with local Christian communities, as well as Jews and Muslims, and met with political leaders of Israel and Palestine.

After they returned to the United States, the bishops published a communiqué about their pilgrimage, stating that “prayer is powerful, peace is possible and support for a two-

state solution is an essential dimension of pursuing IsraeliPalestinian peace.”

Bishop Pates insisted that residents of the Holy Land desire peace and the leaders of Israel and Palestine have acknowledged that it is “possible.”

“It is in the deepest desire of all of the, I would say, the common folk of both Israel and Palestine,” he affirmed, adding that “there are three of four perhaps proposals that could be put on the table that would be workable, that would be feasible to achieve peace.”

However, he added there is currently not enough political will to achieve a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

“I think that Israel is in a particularly strong position at this particular point in history, and the suggestion is that they consider this position and move forward to really achieve peace,” Bishop Pates said.

The bishops prayed with Jewish and Muslim leaders during their visit, evidence that peaceful unity exists between members of different religions.

“The ability to pray with both Muslims and Jewish indicated that we do identify one

God Who exists for all of us,” Bishop Pates said. He pointed to Bethlehem University, where Muslim students attend school alongside Christians, as another example of peaceful coexistence.

“The ongoing interaction between Christians and Muslims is exemplified at Bethlehem University. It is indeed a very important component to move forward with peace,” the bishop said.

Another member of the delegation, Bishop Richard Higgins of the Archdiocese for Military Services, also praised Bethlehem University.

“Having young people of that age being educated together and living basically together Spiritually, where there are particular cultures, day by day, that is a very positive force as far as I am concerned,” he told CNA. “I believe the resolution down the road will be between educated people who have lived alongside each other for years and understand both cultures and respect each other.”

When asked what Americans could do to help achieve peace in the region, Bishop Pates cited prayer and a realization that there is no “black and white” narrative to the political conflict.

“And then we would continue to advocate for prayer and to say that peace really is possible but we have to have the will, and for us Americans to see that there’s plenty of blame to be spread around on both sides,” he said.

“When there’s hostilities that you can identify no matter who is contending against another, oftentimes it’s not clear black and white,” he added.

5 The Church in the U.S. Catholic Medical Association’s annual conference draws 600 to Orlando

October 10, 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — More than 600 physicians, ethicists and Church officials recently gathered in Orlando for the annual conference of the Catholic Medical Association, which had as its theme, “Courage in Medicine: Defending and Proclaiming the Faith in the New Evangelization.”

“Over the years, I have observed your steadfast dedication to the noble mission to uphold the principals of the Catholic faith in the service of science and the practice of medicine,” said U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature, the Vatican’s highest court.

“Your lived conviction that excellence in medicine has its necessary foundation in the moral law revealed in nature and illuminated by faith is critical to the life of the Church and of society,” he said in an opening address.

Each day of conference began at 6 a.m. with Confession and the Rosary, as well as reflections on the Spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, which were led by Jesuit Father Robert McTeigue, who is a professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University.

Daily Mass was celebrated afterward, and prayer was a part

of all the sessions. In addition, the Divine Mercy Chaplet was prayed at 3 p.m., and an Adoration Chapel was also available to attendees.

“There are people trying to live the Gospel of Life and I’m not alone in my struggle,” said Dr. Yinka Marcus, a psychiatrist from Calgary, Alberta.

By attending the conference, she explained, “I can tap from other peoples’ struggles and get some encouragement. I see my work as ‘opus Dei’ — it’s not my work — I try to bring Christ into all aspects.

I need courage. Sometimes I pray, ‘Lord let me give them what they need.’”

Conference materials provided participants included writings by Pope Paul VI, St. John Paul II and retired Pope Benedict XVI, who all addressed such issues as the “profoundly disordered moral state of our society,” the “tyranny of mammon,” the “dictatorship of relativism,” the “culture of violence and death.”

The issues were relevant to attendees, many of whom talked about their experiences of often being stigmatized and said they had been persecuted because of their faith. Some said they had lost jobs because they stuck to Catholic teaching in the practice

of medicine.

“God is telling me something right now,” said Dr. Pedro Guzman, an internal medicine specialist from Rockford, Ill. “I was thinking I was in the wrong place with regards to my work. I’m not going to be afraid anymore of what I am going to lose by proclaiming the Gospel of Life at work, of being unpopular. God is telling me that I’m doing the correct thing.”

Other main speakers included Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry; Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Neb., who is the newly-appointed Spiritual adviser of the Catholic Medical Association; and Bishop John J. Noonan of Orlando.

“God gave me talents to be a doctor and now He wants me to heal souls,” shared Deacon Dennis Saran, who was ordained for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

He was a practicing pediatrician, husband and the father of two daughters when in 2003 he began to hear God’s call to ordination as a deacon.

“My daughters were sending me Spiritual books; my wife encouraged me but was diagnosed with cancer in February of 2009 and died that April of complica-

New York City (CNA/ EWTN News) — Father Benedict J. Groeschel, author, former EWTN host, and one of the founders of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, passed away on October 3. He was 81 years old.

“The Catholic Church and the Franciscan family lost a giant today,” the friars said in a statement, expressing deep sadness at Father Groeschel’s loss as well as relief “that God has set him free from the physical and mental suffering he has experienced over the past decade.”

Father Groeschel was one of eight Capuchin friars in New York City who helped found the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 1987. The community is committed to poverty and evangelization.

Known for his love of the poor, he founded the St. Francis House for the homeless and Good Counsel Homes for pregnant women in crisis. He also directed Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, N.Y., and taught at the Dunwoodie seminary.

In addition, he became known as an author and preacher. For more than 25 years, he appeared on EWTN, hosting “Sunday

Night: Live with Father Benedict Groeschel,” among other programs.

Noting his deep desire to serve the poor, his community recalled his selflessness, wisdom, and trust in God’s providence, as well as his deep faith and love.

“Those who knew him well understood that it was simply his nature to be so. He poured himself out for others no matter what the cost — and sometimes the cost to him was very great.

To have known him was to have been helped by him and even loved by him.”

In 2004, Father Groeschel was hit by a car, suffering intracranial bleeding and a heart attack, as well as having both legs, both arms and several ribs broken. His secretary said at the time that it would “take a miracle” for the priest — who was 70 years old at the time — to survive. He praised God for his recovery from the accident.

Father Groeschel stepped down as host of EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime television in September 2012, after he made statements in the National Catholic Register suggesting that a minor is “the seducer” in “a lot” of sexual abuse cases, and that many abusers on their first offense

should not go to jail “because their intention was not committing a crime.”

He subsequently apologized for the comments, as did his religious community, the National Catholic Register and EWTN, who stressed that the priest’s physical health and mental clarity were both declining, noting that his comments did not reflect his life’s work.

Father Benedict Groeschel dies at age 81

tions from chemotherapy. I didn’t know if I’d be accepted, but I entered seminary a year later,” he said. “I’m a physician for souls now.”

Among the physicians who spoke and the issues they covered were: — Dr. Ashley K. Fernandes, associate director at the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, “Reclaiming Surrendered Ground in Bioethics.”

— Dr. Franklin L. Smith, whose talk titled “Defending the Most Vulnerable” discussed controversies regarding a form called Physician Ordered Life Sustaining Treatment, or POLST. — Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky, associate medical director at Columbia University’s Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, “The Face of Modern Eugenics.”

— Dr. Patrick Yeung Jr., assistant professor at St. Louis University School of Medicine, “Fertility and Infertility Within a Catholic Moral Vision.”

— Dominican Sister Mary Diana Dreger, who is a medical doctor and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University and a Catholic Medical Association board member, “The Catholic Physician: A Sign of (Non) Contradiction.”

“The New Evangelization is calling us to something more,” Sister Dreger said. “Our moral teachings do not contradict the truth of the human person. There is no better place than the exam room to make this known. You are to be in this world, the model of the Divine Physician. We are called to make Jesus known in our personal encounters with our patients.”

“This is a time for rejoicing! How blessed are we to be called to defend Holy Mother Church!” said Austin Ruse, one of the nonmedical lay professionals who spoke. He is president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute.

“We are witnessing a great coming together of God’s children — Christians, Catholics, Mormons, Protestants. We’re banding together. We’re all strong believers. True ecumenism is people working together to let love grow. What a glorious time it is to be a faithful Catholic,” he said.

Attendee Elizabeth Vogel, a third-year occupational therapy student at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, told Catholic News Service that “hearing a lot of legal implications was concerning for me, but hearing speaker Ruse talking especially about an ecumenical unity on these big life issues was very encouraging. It’s something our school is focusing on a lot.”

“I love our faith. It’s universal and we’re all dealing with these moral issues,” said Jonel Cambareri, a registered nurse from Madison, N.C. Her husband works as a medical oncologist; she takes terminal patients to Lourdes, France.

“What is happening is symbolized by the cross. It’s a deep vertical place we must go to. Jesus was addressing the Jews not living their faith and we have lost ground because we are not living our faith,” she told CNS. “We must extend horizontally — with the Church and the great saints of our time. If we live our faith and reach out to those in the secular world who don’t know Jesus, we would change the world.”

6

October 10, 2014

Anchor Editorial

Praying for Father Groeschel

Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., died last week on the eve of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of his religious order.

On page five of this edition of The Anchor you can read his obituary, which includes a very unfortunate incident which occurred at the end of his public life, when he made outrageous comments about clerical sexual abuse. He subsequently apologized, saying, “I apologize for my comments. I did not intend to blame the victim.

A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone.”

His order, the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, issued a statement at the time, which in part said, “About seven years ago, Father Benedict was struck by a car and was in a coma for over a month. In recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing. He has been in and out of the hospital. Due to his declining health and inability to care for himself, Father Benedict had moved to a location where he could rest and be relieved of his responsibilities. Although these factors do not excuse his comments, they help us understand how such a compassionate man could have said something so wrong, so insensitive, and so out of character. Our prayers are with all those who have been hurt by his comments, especially victims of sexual abuse.” A spokesman for the order, Father Glenn Sudano, C.F.R., said, “At some point you have to take the car keys away from grandpa.”

These terrible comments, made (one would hope) due to diminished mental capacity, should not totally erase the good that Father Groeschel did in this life. Often when someone in the secular world dies, a political cartoon will appear on the editorial page of daily papers, showing this person receiving a halo and being ushered into Heaven. We here at The Anchor do not claim that Father Groeschel has now walked into Heaven, nor would he have taught

that in this life. He would want prayers for his soul offered so that his purgatory might be minimized (not that we are saying that he is in purgatory, but if you really love someone, you would offer prayers for their soul once they die, not just celebrate their life).

Father Groeschel spoke of his desire to at least get to purgatory.

Christopher Bell on Aleteia.com wrote, “Father Benedict often said he was looking forward to going to purgatory because it was like Jersey City where he grew up.” After his rehabilitation from his being hit by a car, he told IgnatiusInsight.com, “Many times, during my period of recovery, the idea of purgatory crossed my mind. Indeed it was a purgatory. And during those quiet days and weeks I met myself. I cannot say I did this perfectly, but I came away from those times with a clearer realization of my absolute dependency on Christ, of the many ways in which I have failed Him, and of my great need for repentance.”

Speaking about purgatory, Father Groeschel said, “This is something to think about when you go to a funeral. You look at the body and you say, ‘Where is your soul?’ Perhaps the deceased has entered, like the saints, immediately into his place forever — remember, one must be completely innocent and utterly pure to go to that place of absolute innocence and purity. That’s why, if you’re planning on missing purgatory, you may be in for a disappointment. We do strive to accept Salvation completely while we are on earth, but most of us have never opened our hearts completely to it. This is what happens in purgatory. God doesn’t change while we’re in purgatory. We change.”

Father Groeschel brought a love for the poor and outcast, for the neglected prisoner and unborn children, for Catholics, Protestants and Jews, to the airwaves and the printing press, always tinged with his New York/New Jersey sense of humor, as he witnessed to the presence of Christ in this world. As we pray for his soul, may we also entrust him to the intercession of the saints in Heaven, who may include souls of people whom he served in this life.

Pope Francis’ Angelus address of October 5 Dear brothers and sisters, good morning.

This morning, we opened the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica. Together with me, the Synodal Fathers, who have come from all over the world,

will live two intense weeks of listening and discussion, made fruitful by prayer, on the topic “The Pastoral Challenges on the Family in the Context of Evangelization.”

Today, the Word of God presents the image of the vine as symbol of the people that the Lord has chosen. Like a OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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Vol. 58, No. 38

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org.

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vine, the people require so much care; they require a patient and faithful love. In this way, God works with us, and in the same way, we pastors are called to do the same.

Taking care of the family is also a way of working in the Lord’s vineyard, that it will bear fruits of the Kingdom of God (cf. Mt 21:33-43).

However, for the family to be able to walk well, with trust and hope, it must be nourished by the Word of God. Therefore, it is a happy coincidence that in fact today our Pauline brothers wished to make a great distribution of the Bible, here in the square, and in many other places. Let’s thank our Pauline brothers! They do so on the occasion of the centenary of their foundation by Blessed Giacomo Alberione, great apostle of communication. So today, while the

Synod on the Family opens, we can say with the help of the Paulines: a Bible in every family! A Bible in every family! We have one or two but they mustn’t be hidden, not put on a shelf, but to have one and take it in our hand, to read it often, every day, be it individually or together, husband and wife, parents and children, perhaps in the evening, especially on Sunday. Thus, the family grows, walks, with the light and strength of the Word of God! I invite all to support the works of the synod with prayer, invoking the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary. At this moment, we associate ourselves Spiritually with all those at the Shrine of Pompey, elevating the traditional “supplication” to Our Lady of the Rosary. May she obtain peace for families and

for the whole world!

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by work of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.

Hail Mary ...

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary ...

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

October 10, 2014

O

ne of the most defining moments during my seminary formation happened on Dec. 3, 1995, the day Bishop Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was canonized.

From the time Bishop Sean O’Malley had told me several months earlier that he was sending me to complete my seminary studies at the North American College in Rome, I became excited that I would be able to be present at the canonization of the saint whose relics I had venerated countless times at the Oblate-run St. Joseph’s Shrine in Lowell.

I had presumed that, living a stone’s throw from St. Peter’s Basilica, the whole seminary would shut down for beatifications and canonizations. I was wrong.

At the beginning of November, the rector put a note on the board stating that on December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, a bishop from Illinois would be preaching a retreat day for all seminarians.

I spoke to a priest on faculty about the odds I could get permission from the rector to miss the first half of the day of recollection to attend the canonization. “Not a chance,” he emphatically replied.

For a month I debated about whether I could actually get kicked out of seminary for

L

ast week my column took a brief sabbatical. Actually, because of the full special edition for Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, it was an editor’s decision to pull the column. Oh wait.

I am the editor. Let’s just say I benched myself for a week for the good of the team.

Despite the fact that Bishop Emeritus George W. Coleman’s thanksgiving Mass in August and Bishop da Cunha’s installation Mass seem like ancient history already, I’d like to share some reflections on both, including the receptions following each celebration.

Regarding the special Liturgies, both were beautiful, inspiring Masses — celebrations worthy of taking place around Christ’s table, the altar.

While the celebrations were to acknowledge the end of one man’s episcopacy and the beginning of another’s, the focus in both Masses was where it should be — on our Heavenly Father and the great Sacrifice of

Anchor Columnists The Church at its best missing a retreat day without a saint, the goal of priestly permission to attend the makformation is to become not just ing of a saint. Eventually I dea priest but a holy one, and the cided to risk it, counting on St. point of all future priestly aposEugene’s intercession if I had to tolates is to strive to sanctify ask for forgiveness later! After others. an exhilarating canonization, These lessons and experiI slipped back into seminary ences all came back to me very — happily without anyone’s early last Saturday morning as I seeming to have noticed I was was driving to concelebrate the gone.

That began a habit of regularly descending the Janiculum Hill to Putting Into attend beatifications the Deep and canonizations.

Sometimes the NAC

By Father attended as a comRoger J. Landry munity. Sometimes we were given a choice.

Sometimes I needed again to escape mandatory first beatification in the hisseminary events. tory of the United States, Sister Over the course of my Miriam Teresa Demjanovich’s studies I attended dozens of in Newark’s stunning Cathedral ceremonies raising people to Basilica of the Sacred Heart. the altar, including KatherThe ceremony was more ine Drexel, Theodora Guerin, moving than any beatifications Francis Xavier Seelos, Padre Pio, or canonizations I had attended Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, at the Vatican. The beauty of Faustina Kowalska, Josephine the basilica, the most beautiful Bakhita, John XXIII, Pius IX, Gothic cathedral in our counCristobal Magallanes, scores of try, surely had something to do martyrs and many others. with it. Concelebrating the cerI like to think that these emony — something only bishLiturgies were among the most ops do in the Vatican — was a important parts of my priestly great joy. Attending a beatificaformation. They reminded tion Mass in English was more me — more indelibly than any special than I had anticipated. theology classes or Spiritual But the main reason it was so conferences — that the purpose powerful, I think, was because of Christian life is to become sanctity was being celebrated

not in a far away land but “close to home.”

The most heartwarming part of the Liturgy was when 58-year-old Michael Mencer, who 50 years ago was cured of juvenile macular degeneration through the intercession of now- Blessed Miriam Teresa, brought her relics into the Sanctuary. He was a living, walking testimonial to her sanctity and Spiritual closeness.

The homily, given

by Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, was worthy of the celebration.

Linking images from world history to their Spiritual analogues, Bishop Serratelli said, “Sister Miriam belongs to that circle of chosen souls whom God Himself elects for special graces, not merely for themselves, but for all His people. When she was born in 1901, the very year Marconi received the first telegraph signal, God was preparing her to show us the way to be in constant conversation with Him through prayer.

And by the time she died in 1927, the year Lindbergh made the first flight between America and Europe, she had left behind, in her life and in writings, the lesson that doing God’s will in all things bridges the distance between Heaven

A time and a place for each

give those who couldn’t attend His Son. the events a feel for what took In both Liturgies, both men thanked God — one for what he place and to include them in this large family of the Diocese of has experienced, and the other Fall River. for what he will experience as My coverage concentrated shepherd of the faithful of the Diocese of Fall River.

The Eucharist was the center of attention — of that there was no doubt.

The time to celebrate the men would come later.

In both instances the

By Dave Jolivet large congregations and faithful across the diocese were invited to descend on the Liturgies and I must upon White’s of Westport for admit there was a method to the “human” part of the festivimy madness. While there was ties. always a camera at my side at the In both receptions at White’s the guests of honor beamed with receptions to capture on disc the sights of the day, my colleague, joy and thanksgiving for the Ken Souza, was in full reporter/ great gifts bestowed on them from the Father, and that joy was photographer mode at White’s.

That gave this newsman the magnified by the hundreds who opportunity to schmooze. made an appearance to share in It was great fun at both that gladness. celebrations to encounter dear I had the privilege and honor friends from across this great to cover for The Anchor both diocese whom I hadn’t seen in Masses and receptions, to help

My View From the Stands

quite some time.

There were dozens and dozens of priest and deacon friends with whom I hadn’t met face-toface in far too long.

There were comrades from Cursillo and Emmaus retreat weekends with whom I had the opportunity to catch up and reminisce.

There were dear friends and former fellow parishioners with whom I had the great pleasure to get reacquainted.

There were a few diocesan colleagues who had recently retired after years of dedicated service to our local Church whom I thankfully met, giving me the chance to wish them well and express that they will be missed.

(All the best Nancy and Bill Jalbert, and to you as well Sister Catherine Donovan, RSM).

I took the occasional photo at the receptions to uphold my image as a staunch reporter and photographer (right, Ken?).

7 and earth.”

“The Church is slow, patiently slow, in making saints,” he continued. “But not God, Who calls all to holiness. Sister Miriam Teresa’s life spanned only 26 years. But God does not need much time to draw us to Himself, only our will to please Him in all things.”

Her beatification, he said, is a summons for all of us to follow her on that path of seeking to please God in everything.

“Sister Miriam once said that ‘the saints did but one thing — the will of God. But they did it with all their might.’

And this Sister Miriam Teresa herself did” and encouraged others to do the same.

“By God’s grace, she knew and understood, she spoke and lived, the universal call to holiness, later to be formally taught by the Second Vatican Council. For as Sister Miriam Teresa teaches, ‘The imitation of Christ in the lives of saints is always possible and compatible with every state of life.’”

That imitation is not only the highest form of devotion but the surest path, no matter our state in life, one day to share Blessed Miriam Teresa’s eternal joy.

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

But I think my favorite encounters were with those fine people whom I didn’t know. So many approached me having recognized my mug shot to the left, to let me know that they enjoyed my columns. It wasn’t so much the accolades, although those are always greatly appreciated (instead of the more common complaints), but it was getting to know even more great people from this great diocese.

To those of you who introduced yourselves, thank you and it was a pleasure meeting you.

In consecutive months, the faithful from the diocese gathered for inspiring Liturgies and delightful receptions. I’m going to miss that.

But the beauty of it all was that the Liturgies and the subsequent revelries each had its time and place, and everyone knew and respected that. That’s what makes me proud to be a member of our great diocesan family.

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

8

I

n the ancient Middle East, wedding feasts were among the most important of all events. The unity of a man and woman in fidelity was a sign of the relationship God had with the people. The couple was a sign of a creation that would bring new life into the world.

This week the prophet Isaiah envisions Heaven as a sumptuous wedding banquet of juicy rich food and pure choice wines. Wedding banquets are an image often used in the Gospel, too. John tells of Jesus beginning His public ministry at the wedding feast at Cana. This was not by coincidence. Jesus used the setting of a wedding feast to inaugurate His ministry as a sign of the new covenant He had come to establish between God and His people.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells of the king who prepared a sumptuous wedding banquet to celebrate the Marriage of his son. When

October 10, 2014

The banquet prepared for the faithful the guests were invited, they particular but only insure the ignored the invitation. They hall was filled with guests went about their business when the banquet began. oblivious to the hospitality How is it that the king is now offered them. When the king particular about a guest not persisted in his invitation, wearing a wedding garment? they became exasperated: To the king the wedthey abused and even killed his messengers.

After punishing the Homily of the Week invited guests’ lack of Twenty-eighth Sunday gratefulness, the king in Ordinary Time extends the wedding invitation to all people.

By Father He sends his servants John M. Sullivan to the highways and byways looking for people to share his hospitalding garment was important ity. While the king’s invitabecause it showed appreciation is conferred on strangers, tion for his hospitality and he still has expectations of his expressed the guest’s desire guests. He expects them to to show honor to the son. By come clothed in a wedding being properly dressed, even garment as recognition of the the most unsuspecting guest honor of an invitation to the was showing recognition that feast. their presence at the feast was Our first reaction to this a gift from the king and an expectation is surprise. After honor they could not repay. all, the king invited many Jesus meant for us to recunsuspecting guests. The king ognize the wedding garment told his servants not to be as the vestment of grace.

Through our Baptism, each one of us has been clothed in that vestment of God’s grace.

At our Baptism, we were given a white garment as a sign of God’s grace. It symbolized God’s presence in our lives as a guide to the wedding feast of Heaven.

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians invites us to imitate him as he imitated Jesus. He tells us to put on that wedding garment and to follow the example of Jesus the Savior.

Putting on Christ will mean removing everything that impedes us from taking our place at the wedding banquet of Heaven. It means allowing ourselves to become open to positive change and conversion.

Conversion will cause us to look into our souls to see how God is calling us to imitate Jesus. It will mean we will stop minimizing our sinfulness. Instead we will see the

gift of grace as an opportunity to show our appreciation for the Son. If we take God’s invitation to put on our wedding garments and come to the wedding feast of Heaven, we will be receptive to the sanctifying grace God is so eager to share with us as we confess our sins and receive absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Each Liturgy of the Eucharist anticipates the glory of the banquet feast of Heaven. It gives us a foretaste of the banquet God has prepared for all the faithful to share with Him and the Communion of Saints in Heaven. Strengthened by God’s grace in the Eucharist, let all of us put on our wedding garment and together march to the wedding banquet of Heaven God has prepared for all His faithful ones.

Father Sullivan is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Oct. 11, Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27-28. Sun. Oct. 12, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Phil 4:12-14,19-20; Mt 22:1-14 or 22:1-10. Mon. Oct. 13, Gal 4:22-24,26-27,31—5:1; Ps 113:1b-5a,6-7; Lk 11:29-32. Tues. Oct. 14, Gal 5:1-6; Ps 119:41,43-45,47-48; LK 11:37-41. Wed. Oct. 15, Gal 5:18-25; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 11:42-46. Thurs. Oct. 16, Eph 1:1-10; Ps 98:1-6; Lk 11:47-54. Fri. Oct. 17, Eph 1:11-14; Ps 33:1-2,4-5,12-13; Lk 12:1-7.

M

y son Stephen and I spent an unusual, albeit unusually moving, Independence Day this past year: we attended the golden wedding anniversary celebration of my friends Piotr and Teresa Malecki, which began with a Mass of thanksgiving in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Cracow’s Wawel Cathedral — the place where Piotr and Teresa had exchanged vows on July 4, 1964, kneeling before their old kayaking and hiking friend, the archbishop of Cracow (who, as Pope St. John Paul II, was canonized some two months before the Maleckis’ jubilee).

Piotr Malecki, Karol Wojtyla’s altar boy at St. Florian’s Parish and the selfdescribed “enfant terrible” of that network of Wojtyla’s friends known as Srodowisko, is a distinguished physicist.

Teresa Malecka, who had to convince Wojtyla (whom she and others called Wujek, “Uncle”), that she was ready for Marriage at age 20, is an accomplished musicologist and the former vice-dean of the Cracow Academy of Mu-

The covenant of Marriage

Teresa, “This is the beginsic. Outside the cathedral, ning of World Youth Day, the jubilarians were greeted by other Srodowisko veterans: right here.” I could just as easily have added “Love and Danuta Ciesielska, widow of Responsibility”; the TheolWojtyla’s closest lay friend ogy of the Body; the 1981 and kayaking instructor, the apostolic exhortation, FaServant of God Jerzy Ciemiliaris Consortio; the 1988 sielski, whose beatification apostolic letter on women, cause is underway; Danuta Rybicka, who, as a plucky undergraduate in Stalinist Poland challenged the communists who were trying to expel the nuns from the

By George Weigel convent-dormitory where she and others boarded. All of them shared a remarkable Mulieris Dignitatem; and experience in their youth: as the 1995 Letter to Families. they were being formed into For as I noted in a toast at mature Christian adults by the anniversary dinner the Wojtyla, they helped form Maleckis’ sons had arranged, an intellectually, athletically the network of now-notand mystically gifted young so-young friends that had clergyman into one of the gathered around Karol Wojmost dynamic priests of his tyla — men and women who generation, a pioneer in the resolutely refuse to think pastoral strategy he called of themselves as something “accompaniment.”

As I said to Stephen after- special — had in fact helped bend the history of the wards, as we watched WojChurch, and the world, in a tyla’s kids, no longer kids, more humane direction. shake hands, embrace, and One other facet of this offer flowers to Piotr and

The Catholic Difference

happy celebration struck me with particular force. As on their wedding day when Piotr and Teresa first exchanged vows, now, on their golden jubilee, the priest celebrating the thanksgiving Mass wound the end of a stole around their joined hands, its other end remaining around his neck, as the couple renewed their pledge of love and fidelity.

It’s a marvelous Polish custom, perhaps familiar in other cultures. And it says something very important about Marriage, which is under assault throughout the world by the forces of moral confusion, misconstrued “tolerance,” and societal deconstruction.

What that gesture says is that, in the Biblical and Christian view, the couple “getting married” are engaging in a priestly act, an act of right worship: they are sealing, not a mere contract, but a covenant in which two become one. And from that unity, from that new family, springs the gift of new life.

The Church’s official witness to this covenant-making, the ordained priest, exercises his unique form of priesthood by offering the Church’s recognition of, and blessing on, what the couple, in their exercise of the priesthood of the baptized, have covenanted together. That stole, touching both priest and couple, embodies the classic Catholic teaching that the couple who bind themselves for life are the ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

When Marriage is reduced to a contract for mutual economic advantage among any configuration of consenting adults, something essential in what Christians understand to be “Marriage” is lost: something “deep-down-diving,” to borrow from the playwright Ibsen. And that, I suspect, is why state marriage licenses that no longer specify “bride” and “groom” but rather “spouse 1” and “spouse 2” seem somehow bizarre. And sad. And dangerous.

George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

October 10, 2014

Friday 10 October 2012 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Second day of Succot ( Jewish calendar) hey say time flies whether or not you’re having fun.

Bishop Edgar da Cunha will soon complete his first month as ordinary. Where does the time go?

I am in no way privy to what goes on at diocesan headquarters. I have a hunch, though.

I do have experience with the first month of being a “priest in charge.” At the risk of boring you to tears, let me briefly highlight my resume.

I was first named a “priest in charge” by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin. He used the technical term “administrator.” This was due to the simple fact that the Vatican had already announced his appointment to the See of Hartford. He could only appoint me as an administrator.

After a few years, I wrote to Bishop Sean O’Malley and suggested he might consider naming me pastor instead of administrator.

He did — but of another parish altogether.

Bishop George W. Coleman contacted me 13 years

T

D

o you remember the toys called Weebles?

They were egg-shaped with a heavy base. If you’ve never seen them or if you would like to see a brief 1970s commercial for them, go to http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=dFzhjnjXc2o. The marketing was “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down.” A child could tap the Weeble with enough force so it turned sideways, and for a brief moment, lay against the ground. However, in an instant, the toy popped back upright! How could this happen? The secret is that there was something special inside.

The behavior of the Weebles reminds me of the imagery of verses 23 and 24 from Psalm 37: “By the Lord are the steps of a man made firm. Though he falls, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the Lord sustains him.”

This human capacity to recover quickly from problems and difficulties is called resilience.

Analogous to those Weebles, we humans each have something special inside that guides our resilience. Each of us needs to discern what that something special is and then decide how to remain in touch with it. As Winston Churchill suggested,

Anchor Columnists First Month in Ordinary Time I tend to get all excited about later. “Tim, you’ve been there a new pastoral assignments. I have long time. Might it be time for visions of finally arriving in the a change of assignment?” It was. perfect parish. I must force myOff I went to pastor another self to be realistic. Just as there parish. are no perfect families, so there Eventually, I was named are no perfect parishes. There is simultaneously a pastor of the neighboring parish. If you’re counting, the numThe Ship’s Log ber is four.

Reflections of a Then both of those parishes closed and a new Parish Priest parish was formed. I was

By Father Tim named pastor of the new Goldrick parish. That makes five.

A few years after that, I was named pastor here some degree of dysfunction in in Falmouth. And so, dear readevery family and in every parish ers, having gone through this church. process six times, I know more I also set out immediately to than a little about what the first learn as much as I can about the month is like. Here is what I history of the parish. A church have observed. carries its history with it. The Before I even report for duty, past forms the community into I try to learn a little something what it is in the present. I want about at least some of the members on the parish staff and lead- to know the stories of the “good old days” better than anyone else ing parishioners. More imporin the parish. It’s vital for plantant than what they do is who ning the future. they are. I eventually want the Just as important is the right people in the right posipersonal history of individutions before initiating long-term als. People have interests and Church strategies. It’s people experience in particular areas and first, programs second. Get to are therefore eager to see these know people and let people get areas addressed by the parish to know you.

as a whole. Initially, I expect a flood of parishioners asking to meet with me privately. They will express all sorts of opinions about what needs to be done in the parish as soon as possible.

There’ll be more ideas than I could ever accomplish (or even want to).

I listen actively but pace myself. Sometimes I take notes after the person has left. I want to get to know people and allow people to know me. Like everyone else, I also come with a history.

I need to be myself.

Then we have that old axiom, “Never change anything your first year.” Well, yes and no. The rule of thumb should be “Don’t change anything in your new parish unless you are absolutely convinced it needs changing sooner rather than later.” Sometimes there are little things I can immediately impact and change for the better — things that everyone will agree upon without long discussions or significant expenditures. By acting, I can show confidence in decision-making.

There are always a few major issues I would personally like to change as soon as possible.

Winners not whiners

faith is the external marker of this allows us to be the optimist that special something which who sees the opportunity in is inside each of us. Yes, that every difficulty. special something inside us is For objects, there are two the presence of God. characteristics required for One New Testament example resiliency: pliability and strength. of resilience is Mary Magdalene.

Things must bend a bit as force She is the person St. Augustine is applied, or they will simply shatter. Given the importance of called “Apostle to the Apostles.” toughness for an object’s durability, it is not surprising that one worldly Wrestling with God and false association is Holding on for that resilience is due to personal force of characHis blessing ter. Though they suggest survival for the speaker,

By Dr. Helen J. Flavin the two popular movie lines “Go ahead, make my day” (“Sudden Impact”) and In John 20: 11-18, we are told Mary saw someone she thought “I’ll be back” (“Terminator”) was the gardener. Though are truly about vengeance, not wracked with grief, Mary resilience. courageously had no intention Let’s look deeper at some Biblical and modern examples of of letting the gardener go until he told her where he had placed resiliency in order to find its essence. From the Old Testament, Jesus’ Body. A second New Testament example of resilience there is the example of Job who is Peter. In a moment of human suffered financial loss followed weakness, he had denied knowby deep physical and emotional ing Jesus. For the remainder of pain. Yet, even at the point of his life, each day he fearlessly his greatest loss and suffering, taught everyone he met all there Job spoke to God and said, “I know You can do all things, and was to know about Jesus. For Mary and Peter, faith in action that no purpose of Yours can was the renewable fuel for their be hindered” ( Job 42: 2). Deep

resilience.

St. Paul in the Letter to the Philippians reveals that joy and peace are the signs by which we will recognize God’s guidance.

He says, “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). Contrary to worldly expectations, in the midst of crisis and change, we can and will feel God’s peace and then the world will sense the joy we will radiate.

In the story “The Container” from the book “Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal,” Dr. Rachel Remen describes a young man’s journey after a life-altering amputation. Even though the surgery removed the cancer and thus saved his life, he was sure his life was over. He was filled with rage. Eventually, his focus shifted to others who had faced similar disfiguring surgeries or accidents and the injustice of the medical community in not meeting their needs.

As his ministry to aid these patients developed, his anger was gradually replaced with a peaceful smile for the young

9 Maybe I could “get away with it” because I am new and still in the “honeymoon period.” That would be counterproductive in the long run. I must be patient and recognize that some changes are too big to launch quickly. I line all the critical issues up single-file so that I might deal with them when the time is right.

I also like to occasionally do the unexpected. It keeps people interested. Sometimes I will enter or leave the Sanctuary by a different door. Sometimes I will suddenly stop to chat with someone on my way up or down the aisle. My favorite is when I sprinkle everyone with copious amounts of holy water at the beginning of Sunday Mass. People just never know what’s coming next. That can be a good thing.

Most importantly, I want to foster in my parish a sense of hope and trust.

I hear Pope Francis prefers bishops with pastoral experience.

I know what pastoral experience implies. I have never personally discussed such matters with the Holy Father, you understand.

Just saying.

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth. people he helped. His heart and mind had been transformed by his decision to find a way to allow that something special to shine through his actions.

A final example of resilience is virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman. During a concert performance, one of the strings on his violin snapped. Perlman continued the performance immediately adapting the music and playing it with the strings that remained! He later said, “This has been my vocation, my lifelong mission — to make music out of what remains.”

That is the opportunity for each of us. Resilience is a choice to return to the special person we are inside. Even at the most stressful points of our lives, we can choose to be winners by selecting to enjoy being in God’s peaceful presence as we seek His guidance in order to create something new and beautiful.

Anchor columnist Helen Flavin is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer born and raised in Fall River. She is a member of St. Bernadette’s Parish and received her Ph.D. in neurochemistry from Boston College. She can be contacted at biochemwz@hotmail.com.

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October 10, 2014

Local Scouts serve Catholic parish, community

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

SEEKONK — American Heritage Girls Troop 3712 starts its second full year this month and hopes to increase its commitment to service.

From fall to spring, Scouts will volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center, a nursing home and a Veterans’ Day event.

Leaders of the troop, chartered

by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, say the girls enjoy making others smile.

“When they actually go out into the community, and they meet the veterans or they meet the elderly people who live in their neighborhoods, it means something to them,” Sharon Abbott, the troop’s vice coordinator, said of the Scouts. “You can see their faces light up and know they feel like they’re making a difference.”

The troop meets the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Some of those gatherings will focus on earning badges and others on serving the community, particularly the parish where the troop is based.

Elizabeth Day, the troop coordinator, said the Scouts want to give back to the parish that has sponsored them and helped them to grow. More girls have already signed up this year, and troop leaders hope even more will be inspired to join.

On the grounds of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the girls have revamped a Rosary garden, which was originally an Eagle Scout project. They weeded, mulched and painted the Rosary stepping stones around the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

They plan to continue maintaining the site.

At the parish, they will also participate in the Massachusetts Citizens for Life rose drive and hand out bottles at the baby bottle drive to benefit

Members of the American Heritage Girls Troop 3712, chartered by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, recently visited the Rehoboth Food Pantry.

Abundant Hope, a pregnancy resource center in Attleboro.

They will also visit Abundant Hope this year as they did last year when they earned their Respect Life Patches; the girls sorted baby clothes and toured the center.

On Veterans’ Day, they will participate in a flag-raising ceremony in Dighton. In December, they will go Christmas caroling at a nursing home and bring along a craft they will make for the people they meet there.

There will also be plenty of

time spent earning badges and patches. Troop leaders plan to help the girls earn at least two badges this year. One, called “My style,” teaches about the virtue of modesty. Another on cinematography has the girls particularly excited. They will be earning a St. Damien patch as well. Last year, they earned their Rosary patch.

The age range for girls in AHG is five to 18. The Seekonk troop has 11 girls ranging in age from five to 15. They are divided into different age groups, and the kindergartners have

a special program where they are introduced to the program.

They will earn beads for a necklace rather than the badges and patches. Beads can be earned for memorizing prayers and participation.

AHG was founded in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio with 10 troops and about 100 members; there are now 30,000 Scouts in 48 states. The group’s mission is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

Day said that the draw of the organization is that it is faithbased and Christ-centered.

“It’s got all the values and virtues that we want to encourage in our children,” she said.

“My daughter does soccer, she does music and she does horseback riding, which are all great activities for the heart and soul, but you also want to have that character development.”

The troop is an opportunity for reinforcing faith that is taught at home and giving the young women an opportunity to serve their communities.

“Faith without works is dead,” Day reminds.

Abbott said that like other scouting programs, AHG teaches skills and service. What sets it apart is that importance the entire organization places on faith and family.

“In today’s society, with the media, there’s really no filtering of anything anymore and there’s no way to protect your child from it. Our best defense is to educate them and arm them with the knowledge of what’s important, morally speaking,” she said.

Abbot added about her daughter’s participation in the troop, “I think it’s absolutely essential.”

October 10, 2014

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

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HCFM contest encourages children to express faith through art, poetry and prose

October 10, 2014

Grieving father opposes death penalty in Cape Cod talk continued from page three

years old) and Salvatore Sicari (then 21 years old) lured Jeffrey into Jaynes’ car with the promise EASTON — The call for contest asks entrants to use of a new bicycle on Oct. 1, 1997. entries has been announced creativity to depict their faith.

“Jeffrey told his grandmother for the 2015 “Try Prayer! It Children in grades K-12 he was going with some friends Works!” contest. In this na- enrolled in a Catholic school, to get something,” said Curley, tional competition sponsored Religious Education program, adding that as the youngest of

by Family Rosary, children parish, home school or other three sons, Jeffrey trusted everyparticipate in an inspiring organization are eligible to one, including Sicari who lived faith experience as they ex- participate. For details or to in the neighborhood.

A member of the North press their faith through art, download an application, go American Man/Boy Love Aspoetry and prose. to www.FamilyRosary.org/ sociation, Jaynes — the “masterThe “Try Prayer! It Works!” TryPrayer. All entries must mind” behind the kidnapping, contest is open to students in be postmarked by Feb. 2, 2015. said Curley — offered Jeffrey kindergarten through 12th Questions? Call Holy Cross a bike for sex.

When Jeffrey regrade. The national competi- Family Ministries at 800fused, he was offered money, tion attracts more than 1,000 299-PRAY (7729). which he also refused; that’s finalist entries from approxiFamily Rosary was foundwhen things got violent and Jefmately 22,000 participants ed in 1942 by Servant of God frey was suffocated to death with nationwide. Children and Patrick Peyton, also known as a gasoline-soaked rag. Jeffrey was teens from Catholic schools, the “Rosary Priest,” to help transported to an apartment in parishes, home schooling, and families pray together. Fa- New Hampshire, where he was other Catholic organizations ther Peyton, and the ministry, sodomized and his body stuffed use their talent to convey their are known by two powerful inside a Rubbermaid container beliefs. and memorable sayings: “The and tossed into a river in Maine.

This year’s theme “Being family that prays together Before Jeffrey’s murder, Curabout the work of My Father,” stays together” and “A world ley hadn’t given much thought focuses on obedience and at prayer is a world at peace.” to the death penalty, he said. He faithfulness. The participants Father Peyton was one of the said that it would depend on will reflect on and express most influential American the crime; sometimes the death how they listen to God and Catholic priests of the 20th penalty seemed to be the right how they do the work that century, using the entertain- punishment, and other times God calls them to do, there- ment industry to further his Curley would hear about those by living out the Fifth Joyful mission of family Rosary wrongly convicted and realize Mystery of the Rosary, The prayer in honor of Mary and that maybe not every punishment fit the crime. After JefFinding of the Child Jesus in her Son Jesus. the Temple.

In the spirit of its founder, frey’s death, Curley found him“Following God’s direction Servant of God Patrick Pey- self becoming an advocate for is never easy but it’s always ton, Holy Cross Family Min- capital punishment.

Curley said he “felt obligated important. Like Jesus, we istries serves Jesus Christ and to do it” but was never entirely must listen with our heart and His Church by promoting and comfortable, but said that he follow the path that is laid supporting the Spiritual wellfound his motivation through before us,” said Father Willy being of the family. Faithful wanting to punish Jaynes to the Raymond, C.S.C., president to Mary, the Mother of God, fullest extent; Jaynes is as “evil as of Holy Cross Family Min- Family Rosary, a member they come,” said Curley. “He got istries. “The ‘Try Prayer! It ministry, encourages family a thrill out of the pain and sufWorks!’ contest this year will prayer, especially the Rosary. fering he caused.” help children understand For more information, call Sicari’s trial went first, and more deeply how they can 800-299-PRAY (7729) or though Curley labeled him as model their lives after Christ visit www.Family Rosary.org. the “tagalong” and follower of through His example for us Holy Cross Family Minis- Jaynes, Sicari was convicted of in the Fifth Joyful Mystery of tries is sponsored by the Con- first-degree murder with no the Rosary.” gregation of Holy Cross www. possibility of parole. Jaynes, who The “Try Prayer! It Works!” HolyCrossUSA.org had the benefit of having his trial second and “have everything go his way,” said Curley, had a good defense lawyer and was found guilty of second-degree murder with the possibility of parole. Currently Jaynes is eligible for parole, but Curley has been present at every parole hearing and vows that he will do everything in his power to stop Jaynes from walking free.

Torn as he was over wanting to see his son’s kidnappers pay the ultimate price for their crime, Curley said his defining moment regarding his opinion the death penalty came when he heard about Bill Babbitt, who

turned his brother, Manny, in to authorities when he suspected his brother, a paranoid schizophrenic with post-traumatic stress disorder, had murdered an elderly woman. When Babbitt turned his brother in, he was assured that Manny would not be subject to capital punishment.

Manny was found guilty and executed on May 4, 1999.

Curley cited how David Kaczynski, brother of Ted Kaczynski, who was the Unabomber convicted of killing three and injuring 23 people with a series of mail bombs, turned his brother in to authorities. Able to afford a better defense than Babbitt, the Unabomber would be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole in a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

To see his son’s murderers — Sicari and Jaynes — receive different penalties made Curley realize that “our justice system isn’t always fair,” and upon hearing Babbitt and Kaczynski’s stories, Curley realized that though he felt obligated to support the death penalty, he questioned if changing his stance would be disrespectful to Jeffrey’s memory.

Though Curley has admitted he can never forgive Jaynes and Sicari for killing his son, he stopped pouring his energy into trying to reinstate the death penalty in Massachusetts and has become an advocate against

capital punishment and regularly testifies before Massachusetts’ lawmakers against reinstatement of the death penalty.

Though he says he will always miss Jeffrey, Curley said that through a slew of lucky breaks for investigators, his family was fortunate to know what happened to Jeffrey; “I have people tell me all the time you’ll feel better, but I can’t. We were lucky,” said Curley. “Some families never find their children or know what happened. We were able to bury him.”

Margaret Diggins, parishioner of Christ the King Parish, said she felt compassion for what Curley has been through, and that “it’s a very tough decision to make but it’s not something we can do. It’s in God’s hands. I think he is still going through the agony of losing that beloved son. It’s hard for him every day.”

Betty Kelley, who helped organize the presentation, said she’s been immersed in research for months and reading very similar stories, and concurs with Curley’s position of advocating against the death penalty, and that as Catholics, “we don’t have any right to take a life. I haven’t walked in his (Curley’s) shoes, but Jesus Christ, the Man, was dying on a cross and He said, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do,’ and I think that’s where to start.”

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

Celebrant is Msgr. Stephen J. Avila, pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth, and diocesan director of the Television Apostolate

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October 10, 2014

Work of vocation directors vital to Church’s future, says archbishop

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CNS) — Archbishop Jorge Patron Wong, secretary for seminaries at the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy, understands the need to affirm, assist and support priests involved in vocation ministry.

During his weeklong participation at the 51st annual convention of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, held recently in Long Island, the archbishop made sure he connected with as many priests as he could, to encourage their efforts in helping men to respond to God’s call to the priesthood.

Their work is vital to the future of the Church, Archbishop Patron told Catholic News Service.

“Pope Francis says if the younger generation answers God’s call, Christ’s call, they’re going to renew the Church,” the archbishop said. “Our hope is that the new generation — guided by good priests, good staff at the seminaries, good formators, good Spiritual directors and good vocation directors — will renew the Church with their energy, with their enthusiasm and the ideas the Holy Spirit is placing in their hearts.”

The convention drew 280 participants, including 16 bishops and 230 vocation directors from the U.S., Australia, Canada, England, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Scotland.

Each day featured opportunities for prayer, education and fellowship.

Archbishop Patron’s attendance was a welcome sign of papal support for priests who face a variety of challenges as they look to generate priestly vocations for their respective dioceses and eparchies.

One of the biggest challenges is making prayer a priority in their ministry, according to Father Paul Hoesing, who is president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors and vocation director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb. “We have to learn how to be disciples ourselves and then learn how to disciple others,” the priest said.

“Are we learning how to pray, and then teaching others how to pray? Are they being invited to pray? Are they learning to pray in the parish? Is the parish a school of prayer?”

Prayer should be the goto tool in the toolbox of every

vocation director, said Father Hoesing.

“I look at St. Francis of Assisi,” he said. “People thought he must have been a great leader because he started a great movement. No, he just asked God for things. He prayed and asked.”

Father Jorge Torres, vocation director for the Diocese of Orlando, Fla., cited helping young people develop a life of prayer as another great challenge for vocation directors.

“We have to teach young

percent of students in major seminaries.

“We’re not getting the amount of priests to keep up with the growth of the Hispanic population,” said Father Torres, who led a listening session on the issue at the convention.

“Our goal is to begin to address what we can do for those Hispanics that are in this country and speak English, and how we can reach out to them.”

He said the NCDVD is planning a series of workshops throughout the country in 2015

encourage their extended family members to become priests and Sisters.”

Convincing a parent to trust in the discernment process is a challenge all vocation directors face, regardless of the family’s cultural background, Father McKnight said.

Communication and open dialogue between parent and child is essential, the priest said.

“The best way is to talk openly about it,” Father McKnight said. “A parent is going to be fearful for their son or

Mexican Archbishop Jorge Patron Wong, right, secretary for seminaries at the Congregation for Clergy, poses for a selfie with Father Jim Crisman, vocation director for the Archdiocese of Denver, following the opening Mass of the 51st annual convention of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in Hauppauge, N.Y. More than 200 vocation directors from the U.S., Australia, Canada, England, Italy, Mexico and Scotland attended the recent weeklong event. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

men and women how to pray in a way, as Pope Francis says, for most to have that daily encounter with Jesus,” said Father Torres. “If they have that encounter, any fears, any concerns, the resistance from the world will be loved away, will be melted.”

To help address this concern, the national organization plans to release a book geared to helping young adults improve their prayer lives, Father Torres said. The book, “Have I Been With You? Personal Prayer for Young Disciples,” will be available through its website, www. ncdvd.org, in late October.

As chairman of the NCDVD’s Hispanic Vocations Committee, Father Torres also spearheads the conference’s efforts to overcome another challenge: getting more Hispanic men to consider the call to priestly service. According to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, 54 percent of U.S. Catholics under the age of 25 are Hispanic. Meanwhile, Hispanics account for only 15

to help vocation directors address the more “regional realities” of the issue.

The goal, Father Torres said, is to “train vocation directors to know where they are in terms of their own cultural inventory, how they approach a different culture, in this case Hispanic, how to engage that family, that parish, that young man to come to believe that there’s something that he needs to explore, a call.”

Father Shawn McKnight, executive director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said a difficulty for vocation directors is the “negative stance” many parents harbor when a child is interested in discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life.

“This is especially the case among Hispanic families,” Father McKnight said. “They’re not always positive about their son or daughter becoming a priest or religious Sister, although they are very happy to

daughter, no matter what they do, even if it’s the choice of a spouse, for example. That’s normal. You have to talk about it.

You have to have some way to deal with it.”

Vocation directors also can connect parents of those considering a vocation with parents of seminarians and newly-ordained priests, so “those who have gone through the process can speak of their wisdom in dealing with those fears and concerns,” Fa-

ther McKnight said.

The vocation ministry is clearly not for the meek of heart. Effort and hard work don’t guarantee success and, in some cases, can lead to burnout or a transfer to another diocesan department or parish.

According to the NCDVD, which provides year-round support and outreach to those in the ministry, an average of 45 new vocation directors are appointed each year in U.S. dioceses. The average tenure for a vocation director is five to six years.

“The work is rather stressful,” admitted Father Jim Crisman, the organization’s vice president and vocation director for the Archdiocese of Denver.

“Oftentimes we feel pressure to produce ‘numbers.’”

Despite this, Father Crisman remains enthusiastic.

“I love the ministry,” he said.

“I find it a blessed opportunity to enter with these young men into a process of looking at the priesthood which I love so much. It’s a great chance for me to say this is what the Lord might be calling you to, come a little bit closer.”

The zeal for the ministry expressed by Father Crisman and other priests at the convention left an impression on Archbishop Patron.

“The Holy Father always stresses joy, the joy of the Gospel,” the archbishop said. “I’m very glad to see how the vocation directors in the United States are joyful in living their own priestly vocation. They have listened to and answered God’s call.”

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October 10, 2014

Annual Red Mass is October 19 continued from page one

Horvitz & Brilhante, L.L.P., Fall River; and as distinguished recipient of the Joseph P. Harrington Founder’s Award, attorney Arthur Caron of New Bedford.

The Red Mass is so named because of the color of the vestments worn during the Liturgy, which is the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Who will be invoked upon those in attendance. Its roots date back to 13th-century Europe, and it is widely celebrated in dioceses throughout the U.S. The St. Thomas More Awards are unique to the Red Mass celebration in the Fall River Diocese. They are named for St. Thomas More, a 16thcentury English layman and lawyer martyred for opposition to the divorce of King Henry VIII and for refusing to renounce papal authority.

Recipients were nominated for the award by the Red Mass planning committee of judges, attorneys, court personnel and priests from across the diocese, headed by New Bedford attorney Michael J. Harrington.

This year’s Red Mass may also offer a glimpse of the legal profession of the future.

Students from the Mock Trial teams at each of the five Catho-

lic high schools in the diocese will attend as guests of the committee as a way to introduce the tradition of the Red Mass to young persons with an interest in law.

All are welcome at the Red Mass. A reception and luncheon will follow for which a ticket is required. For information, please contact Attorney Harrington at 508-994-5900.

Judge Wright began her current post as First Justice of the Wareham District Court in 2013. She has served District Courts of southern Bristol and Plymouth Counties as well as those of the Cape and Islands since her appointment to the bench in 2006.

Before that she was for several years an assistant district attorney in Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office where she worked in the Appeals Unit and was chief of the Family Protection Unit, overseeing the prosecution of cases involving domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse.

While there she also served as Second Assistant District Attorney and prosecuted homicide cases and other felonies in Superior Court.

Earlier in her career, she spent time in a private law

practice and as assistant regional counsel for the then Department of Social Services.

Judge Wright holds a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. With her husband and daughter, she resides in West Barnstable and is a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville.

Attorney Cloutier is a partner in the Keches Law Group in Taunton and manages the firm’s litigation departments.

Her areas of practice include construction site injury and product liability, and she has attained favorable jury verdicts in a number of cases involving claims in those areas. She has authored and coauthored articles on the law and construction project injuries for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

She earned her law degree from Suffolk University Law School, graduating cum laude.

A resident of Fall River, she is a communicant of St. Bernadette Parish in that city and serves on its Parish Council. She has been involved in Confirmation preparation programs, teaching classes and helping organize retreats. She is also a trustee for the B.M.C.

Durfee High School Alumni Scholarship Fund Assistant Clerk Magistrate Eng was named to that position for Fall River District Court in 2000 and currently works under Clerk Magistrate John O’Neil. Her longtime service at that court goes back 30 years when she was hired as a computer operator/programmer. In 1994, she became a Session Clerk and in 1998, acting Assistant Clerk Magistrate.

Born and raised in Fall River, she attended an elementary school in that city and B.M.C. Durfee High School.

Eng has two sons and two grandsons.

Attorney Brown, also of Fall River, joined the firm of Horvitz and Brilhante, L.L.P., as an associate in 1987 and became a partner in 1994. Over the years, his work has concentrated on municipal law, civil litigation and labor and employment law; he has represented numerous private businesses and governmental entities. He has been Town Counsel for Somerset since 1993, and for a time served in that same capacity for Swansea.

Long active in a number of community associations and law-related programs, he is director of the Narrows Center for the Arts, Inc., Fall River, and a volunteer mediator with

the Fall River District Court Pre-trial Program. He recently concluded service as director of the South Coast Counties Legal Services; as a board member of Hospice Outreach, Inc., Fall River; and as a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association Education Committee for which he was a coach for local high school Mock Trial Teams.

He is a cum laude graduate of Suffolk University Law School, where he was Technical Editor and staff member of its Law Review.

He and his wife Helen have two children and two grandchildren.

Attorney Caron is special counsel on labor relations for the City of New Bedford.

A native of that city, he earned a law degree from Boston College Law School and a master’s degree in Labor Law from New York University and then entered the U.S. Army.

There he served as a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps with the First Cavalry Division in Korea and later in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

He joined the law firm of Downey and Jacobs upon his return to New Bedford in 1968.

He served as Assistant City Solicitor during the administrations of several New Bedford mayors before being appointed

by Governor Michael Dukakis in 1982 as General Counsel to the Massachusetts Office of Employee Relations.

Upon completion of his term for the Commonwealth, he returned to private practice in New Bedford and resumed service to municipal government first as Assistant City Solicitor, then City Solicitor, and finally as labor counsel to three mayors.

He and his wife, Margarita, are the parents of two children and grandparents of four. They attend St. Mary Parish in New Bedford.

Synod of Bishops on the Family Synod must serve God’s dream, not try to ‘take over,’ pope says

October 10, 2014

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — The work of the Synod on the Family is more than a discussion of ideals or a show of intelligence, but a means of realizing the Lord’s plan through the pastoral care of the family, said Pope Francis.

He reflected on this topic during his homily for Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, which runs from through October 19.

The bishops in this synod “are called to work for the Lord’s vineyard,” he said, stressing that “Synod Assemblies are not meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas, or to see who is more intelligent. They are meant to better nurture and tend the Lord’s vineyard, to help realize His dream, His loving plan for His people.”

In the case of this year’s synod, Pope Francis added, “The

Lord is asking us to care for the family, which has been from the beginning an integral part of His loving plan for humanity.”

Turning to the day’s readings, the Holy Father noted how Isaiah and the Gospel “employ the image of the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord’s vineyard is

need much care!”

“God’s ‘dream’ is His people,” the pope continued. “He planted it and nurtured it with patient and faithful love, so that

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Hours before opening a Synod of Bishops whose members have already started a public debate over Catholic teaching on Marriage and sexuality, Pope Francis prayed the bishops would express themselves and listen to each other openly, trusting in God to reconcile their differences.

“Let us invoke openness to a sincere, open and fraternal exchange of views, that it might lead us to take pastoral responsibility for the questions that this changing time brings with it,” the pope said. “Let them fill our heart, without ever losing peace, but with serene trust that in His time the Lord will not fail to lead us back to unity.

“Doesn’t the history of the Church perhaps tell us of so many analogous situations, that our fathers knew how to overcome with stubborn patience and creativity?” he said.

Pope Francis spoke in St. Peter’s Square during a prayer vigil for the October 5-19 synod, which is slated discuss a range of “pastoral challenges of the family” in preparation for a larger world synod in October 2015. The pope opened the synod with Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

One of the most discussed topics at the synod promises to be the eligibility of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive

Communion.

By Church law, such Catholics are not admitted to Communion without an annulment of their first Sacramental Marriage, unless they abstain from sexual relations with their new partners.

Pope Francis has said the predicament of such Catholics exemplifies a general need for mercy in the Church today.

A proposal by German Cardinal Walter Kasper to make it easier for people in such situations to receive Communion has met with public opposition from several prominent members of the synod, including the Vatican’s doctrine and finance chiefs and the head of its highest court.

Pope Francis, who would make the final decision on any change, has not expressed his view, but he invited Cardinal Kasper to present his proposal at a gathering of the world’s cardinals in February.

At the prayer vigil, the pope spoke generally about the need for pastoral solutions suited to the present day.

“We must lend an ear to the rhythm of our time and perceive the odor of people today, that we might be imbued with their joys and hopes, their sadness and anxiety: at that point we will be able credibly to propose the Good News on the family,” he said.

Pope Francis has made a point of recognizing sociological re-

alities that conflict with Catholic teaching on the family, baptizing a child whose parents had been married civilly and marrying couples who had cohabitated before their wedding.

In the spirit of such frankness, the vigil featured the spoken testimonies of three Italian families, including a couple with two children who were separated for six years before reuniting with help from Retrouvaille, a retreat program of Catholic origin. The husband, identified only as Nicola, recalled his infidelity in front of more than 40,000 people in the square, minutes before the arrival of the pope.

Pope Francis emerged from the basilica shortly after 7 p.m., a quarter-hour after sunset.

Many in the congregation held candles as they listened to him contrast the pleasures of the family hearth with the suffering of the lonely in the “bitter twilight of broken dreams and projects,” victims of an “individualistic culture that denatures and renders ephemeral the ties” among human beings.

“The family continues to be the unparalleled school of humanity, an indispensable contribution to a society of justice and solidarity,” the pope said. “And the deeper its roots, the farther out we are able to go, without getting lost or feeling estranged in any land.”

His ‘dream,’ the plan which He nurtures with all His love, like a farmer who cares for his vineyard. Vines are plants which

it can become a holy people, a people which brings forth abundant fruits of justice.”

In both readings, however,

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass to open the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican last week. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

On eve of family synod, pope prays for ‘open and fraternal’ debate

this “dream is thwarted,” Pope Francis said. Citing Isaiah, he noted that the vine had yielded “wild grapes,” and that God “expected justice but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but only a cry of distress.”

“In the Gospel, it is the farmers themselves who ruin the Lord’s plan: they fail to do their job but think only of their own interests,” he said.

Addressing the parable to the “chief priests and the elders,” Pope Francis noted that God’s “dream” had been entrusted to them “in a particular way, for them to nurture, tend and protect.”

“This is the job of leaders: to

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nurture the vineyard with freedom, creativity and hard work.”

The farmers of the parable took over the vineyard “out of greed and pride” to “do with it as they will,” the pope said, and in so doing, prevented “God from realizing His dream for the people He has chosen.”

“The temptation of greed is ever present,” Pope Francis said. “And to satisfy this greed, evil pastors lay intolerable burdens on the shoulders of others, which they themselves do not lift a finger to move” (cf. Mt 23:4).

Noting that “we too can be tempted to ‘take over’ the vineyard,” he said that “God’s dream always clashes with the hypocrisy of some of His servants.”

“We can ‘thwart’ God’s dream if we fail to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit,” he said. “The Spirit gives us that wisdom which surpasses knowledge, and enables us to work generously with authentic freedom and humble creativity.”

Pope Francis concluded his homily by calling on the bishops in the synod “to do a good job of nurturing and tending the vineyard, our hearts and our minds must be kept in Jesus Christ, as St. Paul says, by ‘the peace of God which passes all understanding’” (Phil 4:7).

In so doing, he said, “our thoughts and plans will correspond to God’s dream: to form a holy people who are His own and produce the fruits of the Kingdom of God” (cf. Mt 21:43).

A man holds a child as Pope Francis led a prayer vigil for the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The pope called for “sincere, open and fraternal” debate during the two-week long synod, which opened October 5. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Youth Pages

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St. Stanislaus School seventh-grade students Paul Saucier, Quinn Sullivan, Zackary Mlynek, Brandon Araujo and eighth-grader Zachary Rego study blueprints of the Fall River school. They are learning about the infrastructure of buildings in architecture class.

October 10, 2014

St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet won the title of “Favorite School” in a recent promotion run by the Acushnet Creamery throughout the month of September. Along with the bragging rights came a $1,000 prize and an ice cream party for 100. Pictured above are the kindergartners enjoying their favorite ice cream after they cast their vote for St. Francis Xavier as their favorite school in the friendly competition.

Students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford enjoyed the middle school welcome back dance.

Students of St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently took part in their annual school talent show, which was a benefit concert for the work being done by the Sisters of the Cross and Passion’s African Mission to help fight hunger. Forty-two students performed in 27 different acts.

Pictured is Mrs. Fortin playing the piano while eighthgrader Rachel Erwin sings “Let It Go.”

Students at Holy Name School in Fall River recently held class elections for the new school year. Back row: Brittany Juszkiewicz (teacher); Mya Parker, president; Liana Audette, vice president; Christy Bogan, secretary; and Maxine Bonneau (teacher). Front (kneeling) Benjamin Resende, treasurer; and Jazzovanie Devonish, historian.

Students in grades four to eight from Espirito Santo School in Fall River enjoyed a day filled with fun and learning at The Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro.

Students designed a helmet that would keep the brain safe from injury, toured the “tunnel” to the field, and experienced other interactive activities.​​

First-graders from St. Joseph School in Fairhaven waved American flags as they sang “The Star Spangled Banner” during a recent music class.

October 10, 2014

W

hile many of our children and youth are well into the school year, we are approaching the midpoint of the fall semester. Also, in addition to their regular studies, our high school juniors and seniors are starting (or are well into) the process of deciding what happens after high school. This process involves grappling with the larger question, “What do I want to do in life?”

As exciting as this time in their lives is, it can also be stressful. It is a time that requires serious personal reflection, conversations with parents, family, teachers and friends. It is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly. It is also a decision that is not etched in stone at graduation from high school. In my work with college students, many discover a different path in college than the one they thought when they were in high school.

An important aspect of this whole process — in high school, in college and beyond — is involving God in the process.

Think about it for a moment. A young person converses with parents, family, teachers and friends when deciding about college and

Youth Pages Involving God in the process career, because these people know shall go; whatever I command you, you the individual and can offer some observations and insights that the shall speak” ( Jer 1:4-7).

Scholarship tells us that Jerperson might not realize on their emiah may have been in his early own. God made each of us, and knows us better than anyone else. 20s when this takes place. He doesn’t resist God’s call because Don’t you think that He would be One Who could offer some help?

This semester we begin a new initiative at Catholic Campus Ministry at UMass Dartmouth. It is called

By Father Jeremiah’s Journey.

David C. Frederici Jeremiah was a prophet in the Old Testament.

At the beginning of the he doesn’t like God. He resists book, we hear God calling him because he has, like so many of to service, but Jeremiah resists. us, his own ideas about his future, Listen to the conversation: and being happy. His response to “The word of the Lord came God’s request is “I’m too young.” to me: But God knows Jeremiah better Before I formed you in the than Jeremiah does. He knows womb I knew you, how Jeremiah will truly be happy before you were born I dediin life and He persists in calling cated you, the young man. Jeremiah gives in a prophet to the nations I apand becomes one of the greatest pointed you prophets in the Old Testament.

‘Ah, Lord God!’ I said, Jeremiah’s Journey is meant ‘I do not know how to speak. I to help students involve God in am too young!’ discerning their vocation and But the Lord answered me, career in life. It connects them to Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ the process of Spiritual direction, To whomever I send you, you

Be Not Afraid

meeting with a trained religious leader to see where God is at work in their lives and listening to where He is calling them. The program provides opportunities for prayer with other students, and presentations on aspects of discernment. As they progress through the program they have the opportunity to explore specific vocations (Marriage, priesthood, religious life). An important element of the process is prayer.

To listen to the voice of the Lord calling you, it is necessary to know what He sounds like.

A program like Jeremiah’s Journey is helpful in focusing our prayer to the questions facing us, but discernment doesn’t require a program. It is simply as easy as asking God for help. I often suggest that people use Psalm 139 to help them begin that conversation. The beginning of that psalm shows why it is so helpful in a conversation with God about our future: “Lord, You have probed me, You know me: You know when I sit and

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stand; You understand my thoughts from afar.

You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways You are familiar.

Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, You know it all” (Ps 139:1-4).

When we engage God in this conversation, the heavens aren’t going to part and angels from on high are not going to descend with a message from God telling us what our career and vocation will be. However, the prayer experience will begin to open our minds and hearts to listening for the voice of the Lord calling us to a deeper understanding of Him and ourselves.

Transitions in life are exciting and can be stressful. It is best to be as prepared as possible and we are on our way to doing that when we involve God in our decision-making.

Anchor columnist Father Frederici is pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and diocesan director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College.

Bishop Connolly High School sophomores, juniors and seniors met with representatives from more than 80 colleges and universities at College Fairs recently held in the school’s gymnasium. Hosted annually by the school’s Guidance Department, the fairs provide a valuable planning opportunity for Connolly students to explore the diverse college and career directions they can choose after high school.

Nearly 100 colleges and universities recently came to Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth to allow students to learn about opportunities and meet with counselors.

The Santo Christo (Fall River) Confirmation Class 2015 recently held a day of reflection at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown with the theme, “Building strong relationships with family, friends and God,” to begin their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2015.

The Coyle and Cassidy Food Pantry in Taunton, which is completely student-run under the direction of Michael Cote, and has been in operation for more than 25 years and services more than 300 families a month. Here are some Coyle and Cassidy Warriors living out the motto, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.”

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October 10, 2014

New Bedford school surprises beloved principal of 25 years continued from page one

etly seated, the final piece of the deception was put into play as the custodian asked Felix to come into the auditorium to check on something — later Felix said she assumed it was to check the paint color the custodian was using to paint the stage floor — and as she opened the door, she was greeted by members of the school’s Honor Society honor guard lining a decorated archway.

“I really was [surprised]; I truly was. I was meeting with Dr. Boyle — she had called me a while ago — and we were discussing things,” said Felix, who was taken aback by seeing the entire student body in the auditorium.

As she began to make her way into the room, the students and staff erupted into clapping and cheers; “It was overwhelming,” said Felix, as it started to sink in as to what was going on. “A couple of things started coming together when the little ones started saying, ‘Happy 25 years!’”

Once Felix was seated, Father Robert Powell led the opening prayer, and Sister Muriel spoke about how Felix brings “strength and dignity” to her job, showing the “true charm of being the principal — her religious spirit.”

Some students lined the stage, each bearing a letter to spell out the word “principal,” with each student reading what being a principal means, leading off each quality of character with the letter he or she was holding. After receiving the proclamation from Arsenault, Felix received a letter from then-apostolic administrator George W. Coleman, sending his heartfelt wishes and thanking Felix for her “outstanding service” as principal of HFHN. During his speech, Griffin said that schools tend to reflect their leaders, “and we look at Holy Family-Holy Name School, and it’s a school of excellence,” he said. “It’s a school committed to academics and to your faith. That’s a reflection of the exceptional and outstanding leadership of Ms. Felix over these last 25 years.”

Every classroom asked its students to each donate a dollar, and each class presented gifts.

Class representatives went up group-by-group; each voiced their thanks with prepared speeches and then presented a gift. Gifts ranged from donating money to St. Jude’s Hospital in Felix’s name to silver dollars hanging down when Felix opened the box.

The school’s Parent-Teacher

Organization, whose representative stated that many of the parents had also been students and had Felix as their principal, and that “to many of us, you’re family,” also collected money and named a star in the sky for her, “so that you can shine like your students.”

A PowerPoint presentation entitled, “A Journey of Faith and Leadership,” was shown at the end of the celebration, highlighting Felix’ more than two decades as principal.

Once the festivities ended and Felix was able to catch her breath in her office, she told The Anchor that she had been turned down from a teaching position at HFHN when she first applied many years ago, eventually settling for a job as a middle school teacher — a position she held for 13 years.

When she was hired to become HFHN’s principal, she recalled that during her first few days, she was “scared” and that “it was hard coming in because I was now my friends’ boss.”

That nervousness gave way to a personal philosophy that she maintains to this day: “I always said that if I did get the job, we would be a team,” said Felix. “I always envisioned Our Lord with His Apostles; He empowered His Apostles and disciples, and that’s how I wanted this school to be. It’s not my show. I guide the ship but it’s really Our Lord using the many talents of the people here.”

And even coming off of an hour-long celebration of her 25 years as principal, she turned the attention to the dedication of her staff, stating that it’s their devotion to the job that keeps HFHN running, and that though enrollment at Catholic schools has had its ups and downs, the availability of Catholic education will still be here because of the faith of teachers.

“Catholic education, in the time that I’ve been here, has changed,” said Felix. “Populations have changed; the priority of it [Catholic education] has changed. I think there’s a different order of it, but as long as I’m driving the ship, Catholic faith is my number one focus. I feel if you put God first, truly everything else will fall” into place.

She added, “I’m so happy that we’ve had this time together, and that they [students] see the value of our faith.”

Annual peace march is October 13 continued from page one

Carvalho told The Anchor, noting that the founding couple has since passed away.

That first procession and Mass were held to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima and to pray for peace in Portugal. The inaugural procession began at St. Mary’s Cathedral and ended at Kennedy Park where an estimated 30,000 people attended an outdoor Mass celebrated by then-Bishop Daniel A. Cronin.

In subsequent years the peace procession’s destination and closing Mass celebration has been relocated indoors to nearby St. Anne’s Church to better accommodate the crowds and in case of inclement weather.

“It’s gotten smaller over the years, but we still have a very good turnout,” Carvalho said.

“We usually get thousands of people to join us, and I’m sure it will be the same again this year. I just recently retired as head altar server (at Espirito Santo Parish) but I’ll be coming back for the peace procession because I love it and look forward to it every year.”

Marching behind the same statue of Our Lady of Fatima from Espirito Santo Parish that has been used since 1975, the peace procession often takes the form of the pilgrimages at the shrine in Fatima itself, where people alternately march carrying Rosary beads, praying, singing Marian hymns, bearing candles and often waiving white handkerchiefs to the Blessed Mother in a sign of solidarity for peace.

Although rooted in Portuguese traditions, Carvalho said the peace procession draws pilgrims from a variety of ethnic backgrounds within the diocese.

“When we leave here, the Rosary is prayed pretty much in Portuguese, but by the time we get to the cathedral, there’s a mixture of English and Spanish, too,” he said. “All different groups and languages will join in.”

Carvalho said the large group of parishioners from Espirito Santo Parish on Alden Street that will escort Our Lady to the cathedral for the peace procession will gather around 4 p.m. and then proceed to St. Anthony of Padua Parish on Bedford Street to pick up a second group of pil-

grims.

“We carry the statue and we pray the Rosary from here all the way to St. Anne’s Church,” Carvalho said. “We stop to pick up one other group, then we all walk to the cathedral together where we meet the bishop and all the other parishes that will join us in the march to St. Anne’s.”

For Carvalho, the complete nearly two-and-a-half mile walk doesn’t even register with him.

“It’s quite a walk,” he said.

“It takes about two hours to get to the cathedral, but you really forget just how long it is, because it’s such a powerful thing.”

The group generally arrives in front of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption between 5:30 and 6 p.m., at which time the various other parishes — some of which have been bused in from the more remote parts of the diocese — will join the growing queue and make the final trek down South Main Street to St. Anne’s Church, where a closing Mass will be celebrated in several languages at 7 p.m.

“People can meet us at the cathedral around 6 p.m., but if people want to join us from the beginning here at Espirito Santo Parish at 4 p.m., they’re welcome, too,” Carvalho added.

Noting that past bishops — from Bishop Cronin to Bishop George W. Coleman — have traditionally participated in the peace processions, Carvalho said he anticipates newlyinstalled Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will be in attendance this year as well.

“The bishop usually participates every year,” Carvalho said. “I met him on the day of his installation at White’s of Westport and I did get a chance to speak with him … in Portuguese. He’s very nice and down-to-earth.”

Participants wishing to join in the 39th annual peace procession this year can meet in the schoolyard opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral on the corner of Rodman and Second streets in Fall River.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the candlelight procession will proceed along the half-mile route from St. Mary’s Cathedral to St. Anne’s Church, where the Rosary will be recited and a multilingual Mass honoring the Blessed Mother will be celebrated starting at 7 p.m.

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October 10, 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, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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

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

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 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.

Sister Anne Marie Cecile Poitras (Sister Francis Regis), S.S.J.

HOLYOKE — Sister Anne Marie Cecile Poitras, (Sister Francis Regis), 84, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died in Marie Health Care Center, Holyoke, on September 28.

A native of Fall River, she was the daughter of Joseph and Marie Louise (Paradis) Poitras.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of LePuy at Fall River from St. Anne Parish, Fall River, in 1947. She graduated from Novitiate High School in Fall River and earned a B.A. from Annhurst College, Woodstock, Conn.

She became a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield when the two communities merged in 1974. Sister Cecile served as teacher at St. Roch’s, St. Jean Baptiste, and St. Matthew schools, all in Fall River; St. Joseph School and St. Mary’s Home, both in New Bedford; St. Michael School, Ocean Grove and St. Joseph School, Vinton, La. She spent many years in Louisiana working with students with behavior disorders before becoming a pastoral assistant at St. Patrick Church, Ferriday, La. She was pasto-

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Oct. 11 Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1952 Oct. 12 Rev. Felician Plichta, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich, Former Pastor Holy Cross, Fall River, 1999 Oct. 13 Rev. David I. Walsh, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 1999 Rev. James J. Doyle, C.S.C., Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2002 Rev. J. Marc Hebert, C.S.C., Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2006 Oct. 14 Rev. Dennis M. Lowney, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1918 Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Booth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1972 Rev. Frederick G. Furey, SS.CC. Former Pastor, Our lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1999 Rev. Andre P. Jussaume, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 2003 Oct. 15 Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Considine, PA, Retired Pastor, St. William, Fall River, 1996 Oct. 16 Rev. Raymond M. Drouin, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1987 Oct. 17 Rev. Gerald E. Lachance, M. Afr., 1984

ral assistant at St. Clement Church, Plaquemine, La., and later ministered in Senior Services at St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine where she worked until a few months before her death.

In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her sisters Lillian Marie Poitras of Fall River, and Antoinette Marie Aubin of Westport. She was predeceased by her sisters Beatrice Marie Chretien, Louise Marie Vick, and by her brothers Frank

Esdras Poitras, Louis Joseph Poitras, and Joseph Henri Poitras.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 2 in the Mont Marie Chapel. Burial followed in Mont Marie cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mont Marie, 34 Lower Westfield Rd., Holyoke, Mass., 01040-2739.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Sampson Family Chapels.

Around the Diocese A benefit concert featuring Father André Patenaude, “Father Pat,” will be performed on Sunday at St. Anne’s Shrine, South Main and Middle streets in Fall River. All children under age 12 are admitted free, and adults are admitted for just $10 each. An international recording star with an amazing variety of inspirational music, Father Pat will perform from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The proceeds from the concert will be used by the St. Anne Shrine Historical Restoration Committee for continuing restoration of this magnificent shrine, the biggest, best, and oldest shrine in the Fall River area. The Shrine Restoration Committee began salvaging the sacred landmark 10 years ago and has raised, and spent, more than $300,000 which includes in-kind donated labor and materials, bringing the shrine back to its former glory.

Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant Street in New Bedford, will host its Annual Family Bazaar on October 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include a grand raffle, 50/50 raffles, white elephant items, jewelry, used books, and food to go such as baked goods, fudge and cookies. There will also be $1 gifts, dine-out books and a Chinese auction. The kitchen will be open all day serving French meat pie, clam chowder, chow mein and caçoila sandwiches.

The Fall River Diocesan Council on Catholic Nurses will sponsor an educational seminar entitled “How to manage your stress” on October 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at White’s of Westport. The seminar will feature speakers Eva M. Conroy, MSN, PM; Susan Caron, BA, RN-BC; Karyl Benoit, BS; Father Leonard Kayondo, MA; and Sister Gloria Vugo, OP, BS. The event is open to all who are interested and five nursing contact hours will be awarded for this program. Deadline to register is October 11. For more information or to register, call 508-678-2373.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 4256 Acushnet Avenue (corner of Tobey Street) in New Bedford will host its Annual Harvest Fair sponsored by the Ladies Guild on October 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Ma’s Donuts and coffee, homemade food, baked goods and candy will be served. The fair will feature many talented crafters and vendors, books, jewelry, raffles of beautiful theme baskets, handmade quilt and cash raffles, Chinese auction, kids game booth and more! Plenty of parking. Free admission.

St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth will host Oktoberfest on October 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening will include social hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, entrees including German or American style dinner with homemade dessert. Studio 8 will provide the music. The event, locally catered, is sponsored by the parish’s Men’s Club at a cost of $25 per adult. Tickets are available after all Masses and in the rectory. For more information, call Jim at 508-563-1750.

A Day With Mary will be held at St. Kilian’s Parish, 306 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford on November 1 from 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will include a video presentation, procession and crowning of the Blessed Mother with Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is an opportunity for Reconciliation and a bookstore is available. Please bring a bag lunch. For more information, call 508-996-8274.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish will host its annual Holiday Fair on November 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on November 8 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church hall, Coyle Drive off Route 152 in Seekonk. Super raffles include an Apple iPad Air, 46-inch Samsung LED smart HDTV, scratch tickets, “Kim’s Special Raffles,” famous “Baskets Galore,” and more! There will also be jewelry, hand-knit and sewn items, Christmas items, adults and kids instant win, toys, and more for sale. Enjoy homebaked goods, fudge, candy and meat pies. “Louise’s Café” will be open both days, so plan to stop by and indulge.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford is having its annual Holiday Bazaar on November 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on November 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall at 1359 Acushnet Avenue (Nye Street entrance). Admission is free and the bazaar will feature homemade crafts, Chinese auction and assorted raffles, along with full-course meals, baked goods and meat pies. For more information call 508-993-1691.

St. Mary’s Parish, 106 Illinois Street in New Bedford, is hosting its annual Holiday Fair on November 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will feature a full kitchen, crafts, bake table, white elephant table, Chinese auction, and much more. For more information contact Linda at 508-9954166.

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October 10, 2014

Global Lay Fast For Priests is October 18 continued from page one

voice of the Savior is heard through the priest at Reconciliation, and our sins are forgiven. And when my time comes, the priest will give me Last Rites, and his kind voice will walk me into eternity.”

Recognizing the terrible consequence of any public sin by any member of the ordained Catholic priesthood, Rae-Kelly began to pray. She also began fasting one day a week for all the good priests who were bearing the insults silently.

“But then I got this niggle from Our Lady: ‘That’s very nice, but we need more, many more to fast.’”

Rae-Kelly approached Brother Bob Russell, who was the director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, and asked him if he would allow her to speak to the pilgrims at Mass about a one-day fast for priests.

“He explained that I should first seek permission from our bishop, and our dear Bishop

Coleman quickly gave his blessing,” she said.

As Rae-Kelly stood up to approach the altar that Sunday, she heard a man’s voice in the back of the church.

“Americans don’t fast,” he said.

But that day 202 people signed up for the Lay Fast for Priests.

Her husband, John, posted it on the Internet; and the ministry was launched. Catholics spanning the globe began pledging their support.

“It was to be just for that year, but Our Lady knew differently,” Rae-Kelly said.

This year the ninth Lay Fast for Priests will be observed on October 18.

“We will be united with Catholics around the world fasting with us, the mighty, unseen army of the Body of Christ,” said Rae-Kelly.

“And together we will erect a majestic Spiritual fortress around the souls of our Catholic priests, wherever they are serving Christ and us in the world.”

Participants begin the fast when they awake.

“We make the Sign of the Cross and say, ‘This day is for the protection of priests,”’ explained Rae-Kelly. “We say a prayer — an Our Father, a Hail Mary or the Rosary.

Whenever we are hungry and tempted to break the fast, we say a prayer. It is important to drink juice or water. At three o’clock, the hour of Christ’s

death, we end our fast with a prayer or by saying the Rosary, wherever we find ourselves.”

Locally, there will be a Benediction service with Father John Sullivan, M.S., at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette at 3 p.m.

Each decade of the Rosary will be prayed in a different language, representing Catholics in the five continents praying and fasting for priests.

Presently forces are mobilizing around the world to spread the cause. Archbishop Augustine Kasuija in Abuja, Nigeria, is circulating this message to his people: “Dear friends in Christ: Our Mother Church faces many challenges in the temporal and Spiritual domains in these past days. There is a great need for prayer and sacrifice for our neighbors; and in this great task which befalls us as followers of the One, true Lord, our brother priests, the pastors of the flock, need prayer and support to be granted the strength to carry out our ongoing mission. I recently was advised of a forthcoming event by lay faithful around the world to spend one day fasting and praying for priests. This is called a Lay Fast for Priests, and it is planned for October 18. On this day, the whole Body of Christ will be lifted up in offering to God through the hands of His holy mother. I urge you, dear brothers, to promote this day to your flocks to ask them to participate so that the Holy Order of Priesthood is protected and encouraged by the humble sacrifice of the Body of Christ.”

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier and the bishops of South Africa also are promoting the event through their parish bulletins.

“The fight against the darkness is fierce, but as you remind us, Our Lady is leading us in this battle for souls and tells us that her Immaculate Heart will

The guiding light behind the Lay Fast for Priests, Anna Rae-Kelly, stands with Mary at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette.

(Photo by Linda Andrade Rodrigues)

triumph through her priests,” wrote Jenny, a lay woman from South Africa.

Last year Catholics representing 65 countries participated in the Lay Fast for Priests. St. John Paul II said that prayer united with sacrifice is the most powerful force in human history.

Many priests give their lives for our souls.

Father Francois Murad was beheaded on June 23 in Syria for proclaiming his love for Christ and of souls.

Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan spent nine years in solitary confinement in a prison in Vietnam but managed to consecrate bread and smuggle tiny pieces of the Sacred Host out to other prisoners in the exercise yard so that Christ moved into their fear.

“These two priests are not unlike all priests who give their lives to and for us every day so that our children and grandchildren will never be denied the Most Holy Eucharist or the Sacraments of healing and forgiveness,” said Rae-Kelly. “Priests are men in danger. Our prayers and sacrifices will help them to be courageous and pure and on fire for souls.”

To sign up for the Lay Fast for Priests, visit www. annaprae.com.