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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , October 23, 2015

Sunday is World Priest Day

Miss America 2001 to speak at FACE fall dinner

WESTPORT — Miss America 2001, Angela Perez Baraquio, who devoted much of her title year to calling attention to the importance of character and values education, will be the speaker at the annual Fall Scholarship Dinner to benefit students attending Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese.

Sponsored by the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Education or FACE, formerly the St. Mary’s Education Fund, the Fall Scholarship Dinner will take place November 10 at White’s of Westport beginning with a 5:30 p.m. reception.

Perez Baraquio is the eighth of 10 children born of Filipino immigrants

By Dave Jolivet Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

DCCW to sponsor breakfast to raise awareness of domestic violence

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org FALL RIVER — October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and is a time to mourn those who have lost their lives, celebrate those who have survived, and to connect and work together to end violence — one in four women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence; a woman is beaten every nine seconds with an

estimated three to four million women battered each year; three women are murdered each day in the United States by a current or former partner.

To help raise awareness, the Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is offering a breakfast presentation on domestic violence on October 24 at 9 a.m. at Holy Name Parish Center in Fall River.

“The mission of the National Coun-

SOMERSET — Debbie and Doug Souza, members of St. John of God Parish in Somerset, are coordinators for World Wide Marriage Encounter for the dioceses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For them, Marriage is a gift from God that should be held near and dear to everyone’s heart.

Yet, the Sacrament of Marriage isn’t the only priority for WWME. Another gift left by Christ for His beloved Church, the institution of the priesthood, is held in highest regard by the Souzas and WWME. “Marriage Encounter has always had

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Angela Baraquio Perez

who traveled to America in search of a better life for their family. Thirty years later their daughter broke ground and made history becoming the first AsianAmerican woman, the only Filipina woman, and the first teacher to win the title of Miss America since the pageant’s inception in 1921.

As Miss America 2001, Perez Baraquio visited more than 40 states and traveled 20,000 miles a month on a national speaking tour called, “Character in the Classroom: Teaching Values, Valuing Teachers.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in educational administration in part with scholarship money won through the Miss Hawaii and Miss America competitions. She taught as an elementary teacher in a Catholic school for five years and hosted a television show in Hawaii.

From 2006-2008 she served as a President George W. Bush’s appointee to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Perez Baraquio now resides in SouthTurn to page 18

Diocesan faithful carry a statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the recent Procession and Mass for Peace. While praying and singing, people walked from St. Anne’s Church to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. (Photo by Christine M. Williams)

Conversion begets peace, bishop says at 40th anniversary peace procession

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent cmwilliams@ intheserviceoftruth.com

FALL RIVER — The lack of peace in our world stems from a lack of faith, Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., told hundreds gathered for this year’s recent Procession and Mass for Peace.

“Let us pray for conversion to Jesus because that’s the only way peace is going

to come about,” he said during the homily. He then urged everyone to pray for peace and to live in accordance with Jesus’ teaching.

This year, the annual Procession and Mass for Peace celebrated its 40th anniversary. At the first Mass, held on Columbus Day in 1975, an estimated 30,000 people prayed for peace in Portugal through the intercession of Our Turn to page 13

as its mission the renewal not only of married couples, but priestly vocations,” Debbie told The Anchor. That’s why, in 2000, WWME has been promoting the third Sunday in September as World Priest Day. It was later changed in 2007 to the final Sunday in October to coincide with the Serra Club’s celebration of Priesthood Sunday.

“We see the vocations of priesthood and married life to be mutually supportive and inseparable,” Debbie added. “As we read in Ephesians 5, married couples are to love one another as Christ loves the Church. The vocation of priesthood is a concrete example of a man setting aside his life to serve the bride of Christ, the Church.”

Doug told The Anchor, “World Priest Day has been an important part of our ministry in Marriage Encounter. Debbie and I have been enriched by the ministry of priests not only in the formal settings of church and Mass but also through personal friendships and the witness of daily sacrifice that they make. In a world where their sacrifice goes unnoticed or is sometimes even held in suspicion. It is more important than ever that we supTurn to page five

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October 23, 2015

Extreme poverty down, but much work remains, says Vatican U.N. nuncio

Dartmouth Knights, SVdP conduct successful medical drive for the Azores

DARTMOUTH — The Knights of Columbus Father Hogan Council #14236 and the St. Vincent de Paul Society from the St. Mary’s Parish in South Dartmouth and St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth conferences recently conducted a medical equipment drive for the Azores.

The drive occurred at the St. Mary’s and St. Julie’s parishes. The idea came from former DeMello Elementary School principal Ed Tavares after the Azores instituted a palliative/Hospice care program.

The medical items included canes, crutches, wheelchairs, arm slings, bed rails etc. Volunteers were present at each church entrance to receive donations before each Mass. It was highly successful and something that will probably be done in the future.

St. Vincent de Paul member Bob Comeau and Knight of Columbus

member Joe Medeiros were instrumental in helping carry out the initiative.

“We are thankful for Ed, Bob, Joe, the volunteers and of course the donors,” said Chris Pereira, head of the Knights of Columbus council. “We were more than happy to help.”

The Knights of Columbus is a Roman Catholic fraternal service organization with more than 15,000 councils and 1.9 million members in the United States. They participate in many charitable events and work with a variety of nonprofit groups to support the community. The Knights of Columbus stand for four core principles which are charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow Spiritually by offering person-toperson service to those who are needy and suffering.

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — Despite the good news that the percentage of people living in extreme poverty is set to go below 10 percent for the first time since such data has been collected, much work remains if the United Nations’ goal to wipe it out entirely by 2030 is to be met, according to Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the U.N. “The number of people still living in extreme poverty continues to be unacceptably high. The more than 700 million extremely poor remind us of the magnitude of the challenge still ahead,” Archbishop Auza said in remarks delivered recently at a U.N. committee session on poverty eradication and development issues.

According to recently issued World Bank figures, 2.2 billion people worldwide live on less than the equivalent of $2 a day.

“That is only a slight decline from 2.59 billion in 1981. It indicates that poverty resistance is stronger, as we progress higher in the economic ladder,” Archbishop Auza said.

“This challenge is even more daunting if we consider the facts that progress has been slower at higher poverty lines, that those remaining in extreme poverty are the most difficult cases, and that, for many of those who have escaped extreme poverty, progress has been temporary and regression back to extreme poverty is even more painful and debilitating,” he added.

Those living in extreme poverty live “usually in very remote areas and living in extreme want,” the archbishop said.

“Without roads and electricity, access to education, health care, safe water and other critical services remains uncertain for these people.”

The U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustain-

able Development places the eradication of extreme poverty as its top priority, placing it in the context of a global environmental crisis.

“For too long, development has been understood in terms of ever greater economic growth and wealth accumulation, oftentimes at the expense of the environment and of human life itself,” Archbishop Auza said. “This concept of development has fueled an unrestrained quest for the biggest profit margin and has driven the exploitation of peoples and an assault on our common home. Such a model of development is not what we need to eradicate poverty.”

The Vatican supports the U.N.’s sustainable development agenda, according to Archbishop Auza, and its call for a “new paradigm” for development, which “must start with the core principle of the dignity of each human person and must recognize that extreme poverty is primarily a denial of that dignity.”

He reminded the committee of Pope Francis’ recent remarks at the U.N., in which he said, “Above and beyond our plans and programs, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights.”

The human dignity of the poor, the nuncio said, requires that they be allowed “to shape their own development.”

“Exclusion,” Archbishop Auza said, “is a denial of human dignity and the main cause of extreme poverty. One of the most damaging forms of exclusion has been the exclusion of women and girls in the area of education, a form of exclusion that is particularly harmful in a world where knowledge is the key to economic success and to a dignified life.”

News From the Vatican

October 23, 2015

Synod members call for Bible-based presentation of God’s plan for family

to each person and community VATICAN CITY (CNS) synod. Whatever comes out through “correcting, accompa— As members of the Synod of the synod, the group said, of Bishops concluded work on should use “streamlined, attrac- nying and forgiving.”

Speaking to reporters later, the second of three chapters in tive language” while having as Cardinal Nichols said the retheir working document, they its primary concern “the clarity lationship between mercy and continued to call for a tone and of well-grounded explanations justice is a theme attracting for language that is clear, simple of Church teaching.” special attention. and encourages people to see it French Group A asked the Using Pope Francis’ docuis possible to live the vocation 10-member committee apment declaring the Year of of Marriage and family life. pointed to draft the synod’s Mercy, he said, helps avoid At the same time, most of final document to take care “the temptation which has the synod’s 13 working groups not to continually “interrupt” been around all this year, that — formed according to lanthe text with references to the guage — asked for a greater indissolubility of Marriage “as if somehow there is a conflict between justice and mercy and use of Scripture in the synod’s that were our only concern.” text, including examples he group said that the Church can that somehow mercy always as it were replaces of holy couples and understand its ministry “as mir- justice.”

Jesus’ interactions with a It is “a profound variety of family mem- roring God’s patience and mercy” only by bers such as parents who understanding God’s original plan for misunderstanding” of asked Him to heal their Marriage and family life and how He con- mercy to tell people, “It children. tinually attempted to bring people back to it. doesn’t matter what you do, it’s fine,” the cardinal Two groups said the said. working document, The relationship of mercy which they are amending and On the theme of indisand justice also was the first planning to give to Pope Fransolubility, most of the groups topic dealt with in the German cis, does not contain a concise insisted the text must present Group’s report to the synod asdefinition of Marriage. “This the lifelong Marriage bond as is a serious defect,” said Engthe blessing that it is and not as sembly. “Mercy and truth, grace and justice are not in opposition lish Group D, led by Cardinal a burden. because God is love and His is Thomas C. Collins of Toronto.

The chapter, said French the mercy with which we are The focus of small group Group C, led by Bishop Maumade just,” the group’s report work October 10-13 was the rice Piat of Port Louis, Maurisaid. section of the working docutius, should help people listen The German group includes ment titled “The Discernment to what the Church teaches Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, of the Family Vocation,” which about the family in the light of included a summary of the Bib- Scripture. “We believe that this prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, lical vision of the family, ways word meets the deepest longand Cardinal Walter Kasper, a families strengthen their faith ings of the human heart thirsttheologian known for his work and the role the family plays ing for love and mercy,” and it on mercy and for his suggestion within the Church. can bring healing.

At least two groups said English Group B, chaired by that the synod find a way to the Church needed an inBritish Cardinal Vincent Nich- allow some divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive depth treatise on the Christian ols of Westminster, suggested Communion even without an understanding of Marriage and that in presenting the “Divine annulment of their Sacramental family life. French Group A, led pedagogy” or the revelation of Marriage.

by Canadian Cardinal Gerald God’s plan for the family, the “It’s important to remember LaCroix of Quebec, said such document “begin with Genesis, a document would be imposwhich already provides a defini- who is in that group,” Cardinal Nichols told reporters, “and I sible for the synod to draft in tion of Marriage as a unique think it’s important for you to three weeks, so the synod’s task union between a man and a know that every resolution of should be to offer reflections woman, so total and intimate that group and this report were on “the most salient and urgent that because of it a man must accepted unanimously in that aspects” of Catholic teaching. leave his father and mother in Spanish Group A, led by order to be united with his wife. group. There was no tension or division of opinion in that Honduran Cardinal Oscar This account of the creation of Rodriguez Maradiaga, said Marriage presents also the three German-speaking group.”

Several groups urged a sometimes it appears that the basic characteristics of Marriage stronger mention of Marriage Catholic Church has a theolas it was in the beginning — as a vocation like priesthood ogy of Marriage, but not of the monogamy, permanence and and consecrated life and an family and “it also seems that equality of the sexes.” acknowledgment that strong we limit ourselves to repeating The group said that the families are the “seedbed” of obvious things, but lack key, Church can understand its strong vocations to all three. driving ideas.” ministry “as mirroring God’s Spanish Group B, led by English Group A, led by patience and mercy” only by unMexican Cardinal Francisco Australian Cardinal George derstanding God’s original plan Pell, said the Church benefited for Marriage and family life and Robles Ortega of Guadalajara, said its members “felt that there from past synods through the how He continually attempted are significant absences or few apostolic exhortations the to bring people back to it. references in this part (of the pope would write afterward; Spanish Group A said it is document) on issues like chassynod officials have said it is not important to acknowledge the tity and virginity, holiness and known whether Pope Francis gradual way “God communiwill write one based on this cates the grace of the covenant” Spirituality of the family.”

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October 23, 2015 The Church in the U.S. Planned Parenthood says it will no longer take payments for fetal tissue

NEW YORK (CNS) — The president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America said recently that the organization’s clinics will no longer accept reimbursement for fetal tissue procured in abortions and provided to researchers.

Cecile Richards said the decision was made “to completely debunk” a series of 11 videos released in recent weeks by the Center for Medical Progress showing physicians and others associated with Planned Parenthood describing the harvesting of fetal tissue and body parts during abortions at their clinics.

Also discussed in the videos, which were filmed undercover, are what researchers are charged for the tissue and parts.

The revelation has prompted investigations by state and federal officials into Planned Parenthood’s activities across the country and has led to calls to end state and federal funding for the organization.

Planned Parenthood receives more than $500 million of its $1.3 billion annual budget from federal and state programs.

In reaction to Richards’ decision, Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, called it “meaningless” and said it “does not settle any controversy.”

“Nor does it answer any of the questions that the ongoing

investigations into Planned Parenthood’s actions have raised,” he said in a statement.

Richards made the announcement in a letter to Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, which is just outside of Washington. She said the money her organization’s clinics have received for providing fetal tissue was “reimbursement for its reasonable expenses” related to handling the tissue and that receiving such payments are “fully permitted” by law.

The National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, signed in 1993, allows for “reasonable payments associated with the transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control, or storage of human fetal tissue.” The law does not define “reasonable payments” or limit how much can be charged.

Pro-Life groups charge that Planned Parenthood is violating the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which makes it a federal crime to buy or sell fetal tissue but does allows companies to collect fees related to the handling and processing of the tissue.

“The accusations leveled against Planned Parenthood are categorically false,” Richards said in her letter to Collins. “Planned Parenthood adheres to the high-

est legal, medical, and ethical standards. The outrageous claims that have been made against Planned Parenthood, which have been widely discredited and debunked, are the worst kind of political interference in women’s health.”

In two of the videos, top Planned Parenthood physicians describe how abortions are carried out to best salvage fetal tissue and organs for researchers and described a range of prices paid for different body parts.

Richards and other top Planned Parenthood officials claim the videos were edited to manipulate the interviews and any mention of money for tissue and body parts is related to customary handling fees. The Center for Medical Progress stands by its videos.

Richards called the center and other Pro-Life organizations “extremists” whose attacks “have nothing to do with our fetal tissue donation compliance process,” because their goal is “to ban abortion in the U.S. and block women from getting any health care from Planned Parenthood.”

“Today, we’re taking their smokescreen away and pushing forward with our important work on behalf of millions of women, men, and young people,” she said and described her organization’s role in fetal tissue as “very limited.”

“The participation by a handful of our affiliates in supporting women who choose to make fetal tissue donation has always been about nothing other than honoring the desire of those women and contributing to life-saving research and cures,” she said.

According to 2013 data, the latest available, Planned Parenthood says abortions represent three percent of the total services its facilities provide. Its latest annual report shows its facilities performed 327,653 abortions in 2013 — one-third of all abortions in the U.S. that year.

Planned Parenthood also dispenses birth control and does some women’s health screenings, services its supporters say are especially needed by low-income women who otherwise could not afford them.

“While Richards extols the wonderfulness of the nation’s

largest abortion provider, it begs the question raised in House committee hearings: Why shouldn’t federal family planning money go to federally qualified health centers which don’t perform abortions?” said Dave Andrusko, editor of National Right to Life News, in a commentary about Richards’ letter to Collins.

His remarks echoed a letter sent to U.S. senators in early August by Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Pro-Life committee.

“The most recent revelations about Planned Parenthood’s willingness to traffic in fetal tissue from abortions, and to alter abortion methods not for any reason related to women’s health but to obtain more ‘intact’ organs, is the latest demonstration of a callousness toward women and their unborn children that is shocking to many Americans,” he said.

He urged senators to take the federal money that goes to the Planned Parenthood and instead fund women’s health care providers that do not promote abortion.

ST. LOUIS (CNS) — In what he called a “pastoral statement on immigration and mercy,” Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis said, “Our Catholic communities and public squares are replete with new faces of immigrant sisters and brothers who need our loving response.”

He added, “As the local bishop and pastor of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, I am aware of the painful stories of immigrants whose ongoing sufferings and sacrifices reveal to us the presence of Jesus crucified.”

The Catholic “journey and pilgrim identity is marked by a profound commitment to serving those around us, especially the most vulnerable, the poor and the migrant,” he said, adding that Catholics understand by serving “the least among us, we have touched the Face of Christ.”

Archbishop Carlson noted how “in our country, the Church has been responsive to the waves of immigrants that have graced our American shores. The Irish, the German, the Italian, the Polish, and other European immigrants have found a generous hospitality in our Catholic churches and institutions.”

He also said he is well aware of the complexities of working for immigration reform today.

“While I fully support the labor of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign, I do so knowing that for many, this public advocacy and work brings personal apprehensions and resistance. At the same time, I am grateful to Catholics and people of good will in the archdiocese who are reaching out to our immigrant communities.”

As he listens to the national discussion on immigration, Archbishop Carlson said, “I am becoming increasingly concerned about the language and rhetoric of discrimination, hate and alienation. In my visits and conversations with our Hispanic sisters and brothers, in particular, I have heard how difficult, painful and divisive this rhetoric of hate has been, and how it is creating an atmosphere of anxiety, withdrawal and fear.

“For many of our immigrant Hispanic youth and young adults, this anti-immigrant atmosphere is also contributing to legislative initiatives that make it difficult for them to successfully contribute to the common good. At this time of uncertainty, our Hispanic families need to know that our Catholic community, locally and nationally, is here to ac-

company and stand firmly with them,” he said.

Archbishop Carlson added, “I recognize, too, that work on behalf of immigration reform can cultivate seeds of discord and division among our faithful when viewed independently of the light of faith.” However, “we stand on solid ground when our faith illumines our pastoral practice of respect for the human dignity of all persons and service for the common good. More than ever, our social, political and world reality urges us to engage this pastoral issue with evangelical justice and charity in our hearts,” he said.

“Each one of us must find ways to engage and contribute to the humanitarian efforts that are responding to the migration and refugee crisis at hand,” the archbishop said. “And as we strive to do our part, we recall the words of Pope Francis reminding us that our human efforts are never far from God: ‘God is able to multiply our small gestures of solidarity and make us partakers of His gift.’”

Archbishop Carlson said, “As we journey together and prepare for the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, may we recognize that we are strangers no longer and seek to bring to light God’s mercy.”

Immigrants ‘need our loving response,’ St. Louis archbishop says

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October 23, 2015

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

Seasons of Hope offer bereaved Spiritual guidance

EAST FALMOUTH — When M. Donna MacLeod lost her daughter Erynne to cancer in 1988, MacLeod found loving support at her then-parish, Sacred Heart Parish in Hopedale, Mass., and to show her appreciation to the parish for their support, MacLeod decided to give back by creating a bereavement ministry.

“I had no idea that I’d be called to accompany others who mourn,” recalled MacLeod. “Their compassion for our whole family during Erynne’s final months, the funeral, and afterward made me want to do something to say thank you. So I asked permission to coordinate their supportive efforts so that every family who faced the loss of a loved one would get the same outpouring of God’s love in their time of need.

A funeral ministry to the bereaved was formed through the commitment of our priests and many parishioners.”

When the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish passed away two years later, parishioners created a support group to handle their grief, and the associate pastor approached MacLeod and asked her to write up something and facilitate the group with him — and “Seasons of

Hope” was born.

“Those who came were struggling with the Spiritual side of grieving,” said MacLeod. “Using whatever I came up with each week, we set out to find the Lord in the midst of our grief. Our Catholic faith and traditions gave us strength and hope. Later, my husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest and then to Florida. Our parishes welcomed the groups. Over time, four ‘Seasons of Hope’ six-week seasons evolved. I was amazed at how the group process inspired gratitude and openness to God’s compassion, consolation, and mercy. We were truly blessed.

“In 2005, our group in Medford, Ore. insisted that ‘Seasons of Hope’ was needed in parishes everywhere. I would discover that Ave Maria Press agreed; ‘Seasons of Hope Guidebook: Creating and Sustaining Catholic Bereavement Groups’ and four participant journals were published in 2007. Thanks to the grace of God, ‘Seasons of Hope’ has spread across America and beyond. Recently, retirement led my husband and me back to New England to be near our oldest daughter, Meganne Duckworth and family.”

Rose Mary Saraiva, coordinator for bereavement ministry of the Office of Faith Formation in Fall River, first

World Day for Priests is Sunday continued from page one

port them not only with our prayers but with words of encouragement.

“That’s why over the past few years we have made it a point not only to hold our prayer vigil for priests but to send them a letter to let them know that we are praying for them.”

In their recent letter to priests of the Fall River Diocese, the Souzas wrote, “On behalf of the World Wide Marriage Encounter Community, we want to honor you, one of our priests, on World Priest Day. Your devotion to God’s people is a blessing to our movement and the entire Church. You are an example of Jesus’ love for us and lead us to a deeper relationship with God. You are with us throughout our lives and celebrate our joys and suffer our sorrows. It is with overwhelming gratitude that we thank you for your faithfulness and brotherhood as you share in our lives.

“Thank you for your homilies that direct and challenge us to follow Christ and His teachings. Thank you for bringing us to Christ by celebrating the Sacraments with us. Without you, our priests, we would be lost and in darkness. You are truly a beacon of light in our lives and the world. Most of all we want to thank you for saying yes to God’s calling to love and tend for us His people.”

Debbie and Doug Souza encourage all faithful Catholics to pray for priests, and vocations to the priesthood on Sunday, World Priest Day, and every day.

On its website, WWME states, “The mission and purpose of World Priest Day

is to celebrate and affirm the men who commit their lives to the Lord and the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is an opportunity for Catholic parishioners to thank, affirm and share their love and support for priests.

“It is designed to be a day or several days to rejoice in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. On this day, or during the week preceding or following it, Catholics across the country are encouraged to develop one or several activities to affirm priests.

This will be a unique occasion for reaching out to priests.

“Go to wpd.wwme.org for ideas that you can use. The World Priest Day National Coordinating Team encourages you to celebrate the priests you know and love.”

As part of the WWME prayer vigil on Sunday, this prayer will be included: Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask Your blessing on our brothers, whom You have called to the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Lord Jesus, we ask that You support them with Your presence and fill them with grace to serve You and our Church faithfully.

Gracious Spirit, unite us in service with those whom You have called. Open our hearts to encourage our brothers and sons to pursue Your calling, and open their hearts to hear Your call to this most Holy Sacrament.

Amen.

For more information about Worldwide Marriage Encounter or World Priest Day call 800-795-5683 or visit their website at wpd.wwme.org.

heard about “Seasons of Hope” after she lost her daughter Rachel in 2006.

“I was looking for anything that could help me with my grief,” said Saraiva. “Her story was so similar to mine, in that she too had lost a daughter, and in her healing wanted to help others in a faith-filled walk through their grief.

And now Donna is a resident in our diocese; what a great asset for us.”

Now a member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Falmouth, MacLeod will facilitate “Seasons of Hope” at the parish starting October 28 and running through December 2. All group sessions offer Scripture-based sessions for those who are grieving; each session follows a simple and supportive format of commentary, Scripture, prayer, group exercises and faith sharing through the foundation of Catholic tradition.

“One of my favorite (Scriptures) is John 20:11-18, an account of Mary Magdalene at the tomb,” said MacLeod. “She surely had great love for our Lord, knew Him well, bravely supported Him at Calvary, yet, grief blinded her to His Risen presence.

Grief can do that to us too. Mary Magdalene did, however, recognize our Lord that day and once she did, she was given an assignment — to bring hope in Christ to the other disciples.

“My favorite exercise is when we stop to listen to Sacred music that expresses the Scripture story of the session. Sacred music has a beautiful way of easing open our aching hearts to let in God’s message. It also lifts the spirit.”

Though not actually being sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation, Saraiva will be the self-described “silent

partner” who will help welcome individuals, sign them in, and help distribute materials. Saraiva said she hopes people attending will walk away from each session feeling supported and loved, and with a true understanding they are not alone.

“God walks besides us not only in good times, but in our darkest of days as well, and when we can no longer carry ourselves, He carries us,” said Saraiva. “Also, my prayer is that they understand they do not need to travel this road alone, that others have been there before and understand the array of emotions and confusion that surround us in grief.”

MacLeod said the feedback from those who have attended the sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, and she appreciated that St. Anthony’s pastor, Msgr. Stephen Avila and the parishioners have given a “very warm New England welcome” to “Seasons of Hope.”

“They have tended to the brokenhearted in so many beautiful ways and are supporting the ‘Seasons of Hope’ group with prayers and by spreading the word about this Christ-centered group to those who are hurting,” said MacLeod, “and grieving parishioners have found the courage to join our first group here at St. Anthony’s.”

For those interested in registering to reserve a seat and booklet, contact MacLeod at 508-477-1401. The first session will begin on October 28 and will be from 8:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. and will be held at St. Anthony Parish, 167 East Falmouth Highway in East Falmouth.

Anyone wishing to do so, can attend 8 a.m. Mass prior to the session.

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October 23, 2015

Anchor Editorial

The sainted couple

This past Sunday Pope Francis canonized SS. Louis Martin and Marie Azélie Guérin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as a priest and a religious Sister. The canonization of the Martins was noteworthy because it was the first time that a married couple was canonized together (in the same ceremony).

Below this editorial, you can read the Holy Father’s comments during his Angelus remarks about the new saints. During this homily, he focused more on the readings than on the new saints, but he did make some remarks about each of them. About the Martins he said, “The holy spouses Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin practiced Christian service in the family, creating day-by-day an environment of faith and love which nurtured the vocations of their daughters, among whom was St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.”

The pope then added, commenting on all four new saints, “The radiant witness of these new saints inspires us to persevere in joyful service to our brothers and sisters, trusting in the help of God and the maternal protection of Mary. From Heaven may they now watch over us and sustain us by their powerful intercession.”

Back in October 2008 the Martins were beatified at a Mass in Lisieux celebrated by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins. Since the only purpose of that Mass was the beatification (while Pope Francis had to balance the presence of the Synod of Bishops at his Mass last Sunday), the Portuguese cardinal spoke more at length about the Martins (whom were no relation to the cardinal).

He quoted a letter St. Thérèse wrote to an abbot, in which she said that, “The good God gave me a father and a mother more worthy of Heaven than of earth.”

The Portuguese cardinal invited the assembled congregation in Lisieux to think about their father and mother and to thank God “because He has created us and has made us Christians through the conjugal love of our parents. Receiving life is something marvelous, but, for us, it is even more admirable that our parents have brought us to the Church. No one can make themselves Christian by themselves.”

If it weren’t for the Martins, we probably would not be turning to St. Thérèse today for help in our everyday difficulties. If it weren’t for them, she most likely would not be helping missionaries around the world with her prayers (she is the co-patroness of the missions, even though she never went to a mission land. The power of her prayers, during her earthy life and from Heaven to help missionaries is why she was given this title).

Cardinal Martins said about this couple, “Louis and Azélie knew that they could sanctify themselves not in spite of Matrimony, but

through, in and by Matrimony and that their union should be considered as the point of departure of the ascension of two people. The conjugal love of Louis and Azelie is a pure reflection of the love of Christ for His Church; it is also a pure reflection of the love which the Church loves her Spouse, Christ.”

Referring to the famous “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” quote (which is often misapplied), Cardinal Martins said, “For the Martin spouses, it was very clear ‘what is of Caesar and what is of God. The Lord God is the primary One to serve,’ Joan of Arc said (their daughter, St. Thérèse, is depicted in a famous photograph disguised as St. Joan for a monastery party). The Martin spouses converted this into the theme of their home: for them God always occupied the first place in their life. Mrs. Martin often said, ‘God is the Master. He does what He wants.’ Mr. Martin echoed those words, repeating, ‘The Lord God is the first One to be served.’ When a challenge arrived at their home, their spontaneous reaction was always acceptance of the Divine will. They served God in poverty, not just by a simple impulse of generosity nor of social justice, but simply because the poor man is Jesus. Serving the poor is serving Jesus; it is giving to God what is God’s.”

Azélie wrote to Louis, “I cannot live without you, dear Louis.” He wrote back, “I am your husband and friend who loves you for life.”

Eventually Azélie died, leaving Louis a widower. Cardinal Martins preached, “Louis lived the loss of his spouse with faith and generosity, preferring the good of his daughters over personal attractions.”

The cardinal also noted that St. Thérèse and her sisters got their missionary Spirit from their parents. The Little Flower wrote, “My parents were very interested in the Salvation of souls. But our most known work of apostolate was the Propagation of the Faith, for which every year our parents gave a substantial donation. This same zeal for souls made them desire to have a missionary son and religious daughters.”

St. Thérèse wrote in her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” about the simple joys she shared with her family: “What shall I say of the winter evenings at home, especially the Sunday evenings. Ah! How I loved, after the game of checkers was over, to sit with Celine on papa’s knees. He used to sing, in his beautiful voice, airs that filled the soul with profound thoughts, or else, rocking us gently, he recited poems that taught the eternal truths.”

May we ask these two new saints to help all the married people we know to find the love and joy in each other, and in God, that the Martins experienced (and continue to experience now and forever).

Pope Francis’ Angelus message of October 18 Dear brothers and sisters, I am following with great preoccupation the situation of heavy tension and violence which afflicts the Holy Land. At this moment there is need for a lot

of courage and much strength of character to say no to hatred and to vendetta and to carry out gestures of peace. For this we pray, so that God reinforces in everyone, government people OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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and citizens, the courage to oppose violence and to do concrete actions of relaxation of tensions.

In the present Mideast context, it is more than decisive that peace be made in the Holy Land. This is what God is asking of us for the good of humanity.

At the end of this celebration, I wish to greet all of you who have come to pay homage to the new saints, especially the official delegations from Italy, Spain and France.

I greet the faithful from the Diocese of Lodi and Cremona, as well as the Daughters of the Oratory. May the example of St. Vincent Grossi support the commitment for the Christian education of the new generations.

I greet the pilgrims who have come from Spain, especially from

Seville, and the Sisters of the Companions of the Cross. May the witness of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception help us to live in solidarity and closeness with the neediest people.

I greet the faithful from France, especially from Bayeux, Lisieux and Sées: I ask that to the intercession of the saintspouses Ludovico Martin and Maria Azélie Guérin be entrusted the joys, the hopes and difficulties of French families and of families from around the world.

I thank the cardinals, bishops, priests, consecrated persons, as well as families, Church groups and associations. And now we turn with filial love to the Virgin Mary.

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.

7 Anchor Columnist National Vocation Awareness Week calls Catholics to foster culture of vocations October 23, 2015

WASHINGTON — The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 1-7. This observance, sponsored by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, is a special time for parishes in the U.S. to foster a culture of vocations for the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.

Pope Francis, in his message of April 26, 2015 on the 52nd Day of World Prayer for Vocations stated; “Responding to God’s call means allowing Him to help us leave ourselves and our false security behind, and to strike out on the path which leads to Jesus Christ, the Origin and Destiny of our life and our happiness.” The Holy Father stressed, “The Christian vocation, rooted

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n a Church that’s 2,000 years old, it’s hard to have many firsts, but on Sunday we had one: the first canonization of a married couple jointly as a couple, as Pope Francis in a beautiful ceremony in St. Peter’s Square officially declared Louis and Marie-Azélie “Zélie” Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, among the eternal hall of fame.

There are several pairs of married saints. We can think of St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother, SS. Joachim and Anne, and SS. Priscilla and Aquila from Biblical times. To them we can add SS. Gregory the Elder and Nonna, the parents of St. Gregory Nazianzen; SS. Basil the Elder and Macrina, parents of SS. Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina the Younger, Naucratius, and Peter of Sebaste; SS. Isidore the Farmer and Maria de la Cabeza; and SS. Henry II and Cunegunda.

But they were all declared saints separately.

SS. Louis and Zélie were canonized together after a joint process and miracle, an act that showed that the Sacrament of Marriage they received, and the way they lived it together, were not incidental to their individual holiness, but central to their growth. The first purpose of the Sacrament of Marriage is the mutual sanctification

in the contemplation of the Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Religious Life Among Father’s heart, thus inspires us of Raleigh, N.C., chairman of Never-Married U.S. to solidarity in bringing libera- the U.S. bishops’ Committee Catholics,” conducted by tion to our brothers and sisters, on Clergy, Consecrated Life the Georgetown Universityespecially the poorest.” and Vocations. “With God’s based Center for Applied National Vocations Research in the Awareness Week is dearish and school communities Apostolate, highlighted signed to help promote across the nation are asked to in- the role community vocation awareness and encouragement plays clude, during the first week in November, in the discernment to encourage young people to ask the ques- prayer and special activities that focus on process (full study: tion: “To what vocavocation awareness. www.usccb.org/ tion in life is God callbeliefs-andteachings/ ing me?” Parish and school grace, we can have a positive vocations/survey-of-youthcommunities across the nation impact on others who may be and-young-adults-onare asked to include, during open to considering a vocavocations.cfm). the first week in November, tion to priesthood or religious “Over and over again when prayer and special activities life, by simply inviting them to asked, newly-ordained priests that focus on vocation awarethink and pray about it. Our and newly-professed men ness. enthusiasm and willingness to and women religious, credit “Encouraging others to speak directly to others about the encouragement of family recognize the promptings of vocations just might be the members, coworkers, friends the Holy Spirit and to follow conversation someone needs to and clergy, as being a signifiChrist without reservations respond to God’s call.” cant factor in their pursuing a are key elements in supportA 2012 study, vocation,” said Father Ralph ing a culture of vocations,” said “Consideration of Priesthood O’Donnell, USCCB’s executive

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director of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

Observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the celebration. It was later moved to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January. The Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations moved the observance of National Vocation Awareness Week to November to engage Catholic schools and colleges more effectively in this effort.

More information and resources for National Vocations Awareness Week, including a prayer card, suggested prayers of the faithful and bulletin-ready quotes are available online at www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/ vocations/national-vocationawarenessweek.cfm.

The point of family life of the spouses; their tandem was only four. Louis sufcanonization is a clear sign fered two strokes and during of this Sacrament’s power his last three years lived in and meaning. a mental institution after Zélie had wanted to having lost his mind due to become a Sister of Charity cerebral arteriosclerosis. but had been turned away Throughout whatever because of headaches and challenges God gave them, respiratory problems. Louis however, they sought not had sought to become an only to be faithful and Augustinian monk but he was rejected because he didn’t Putting Into know Latin. God sought them to make the Deep them saints, and help them become

By Father saint-makers, in Roger J. Landry other ways.

In March, 1858, they passed each other on the St. Leonard encourage each other, but Bridge in Alençon. Zélie, a to pass on the faith to their 26-year-old lacemaker, heard children. All five of their what she thought was the surviving girls became voice of Our Lady whisperreligious Sisters, a sign of ing to her, as she looked at the faith that they learned Louis, a 34-year-old watchin their first “convent” chez maker, “He is the one I have Martin and of the generosprepared for you.” They ity of Christian Spirit to let were married three months their family name “die” in later, on July 12, the day the order to praise the Lord’s Church fittingly chose for name forever according to their feast day. the vocations they had disThey grew in holiness tocerned. gether in the midst of better I can’t help but think and worse, richer and poorer, the focus on conjugal and in sickness and in health. familial holiness, epitomized They had the joy of becomin the joint canonization of ing parents to seven girls the Martins, is crucial for us and two boys, but also the to remember what the Synod sorrow of burying both boys of Bishops on the Famand two girls who died in ily presently concluding in infancy. Zélie died of breast Rome is ultimately supposed cancer when she was 45, to catalyze. when her youngest, Thérèse, Several of the controver-

sies that have taken place around the synod have arisen, I believe, precisely because this focus on the purpose of the Sacrament of Marriage has been underemphasized or forgotten.

Like the well-meaning enablers who think that the charitable response to drug addicts is clean needles and to promiscuous kids free prophylactics — as if they’re incapable of sobriety or chastity — so some think that the merciful approach to those in irregular situations is not to challenge, help and accompany them to conform to what God has revealed about love, Marriage, sex and family but to allow the ethos of the sexual revolution to eclipse the Good News. It’s to neutralize Jesus’ ever-actual imperative, “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” and pretend as if neither conversion nor faith in God’s revelation matters much any more.

Regardless of intention, such “pastoral initiatives” are not objectively geared toward helping people order their lives and relationship toward holiness and Heaven, but rather toward making them feel better about what a well-informed conscience rightly and medicinally ought to help them feel disturbed.

The question for the Church — for synod delegates and all of us — is whether we are really trying to help people in regular Marriages or irregular relationships become saints, to love God above every other love, to love each other seeking the other’s eternal good, and to embrace the cross, even heroically, when necessary. Will obscuring Jesus’ clear teaching about Marriage and adultery, the conditions for worthy reception of Holy Communion, and the requisite amendment necessary for the Sacrament of Penance, really help people become holy? Or will it tragically leave many confused and deceived about their Spiritual situation, thinking that they’re on the way that leads to life when God’s Word plainly indicates that they’re not?

Let’s pray that the example and intercession of SS. Louis and Zélie will help all of us in the Church remember the purpose of Marriage and human life and inspire us to repropose the Gospel of love, Marriage, and family to the crisis of our age, when so many are suffering because of failures to appreciate, live and proclaim this saving, holy gift.

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

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ver the last few weeks, the readings have dealt with frustration and hopelessness: the wealthy young man not able to follow Jesus and leaving in despair; a camel squeezing through the eye of the needle is easier than the Salvation of a rich man; the high standards set for us for Marriage.

Even His disciples ask: “Who can do this? Who can be saved? Who can be worthy enough to go on to the Kingdom of Heaven?

It is not possible!”

But the Lord’s message delivered through those same readings over that same time acts to overcome our sense of hopelessness. We hear and begin to understand more fully that everything is possible for God. This week we hear of the blind beggar Bartimaeus. As he hears the people around him say

October 23, 2015

Take heart; get up, Jesus is calling you

he threw off his cloak, that Jesus is near, he beknowing that he no longer gins to scream and shout, would need the coat that trying to attract the attenidentified him as a blind tion of our Lord. Those beggar, even before he was around him attempt to stihealed. fle him, yet he continues I wonder what “cloak” to call out, “Son of David, have pity on me.”

Finally, Jesus stops and says to Homily of the Week the others, “Call Thirtieth Sunday in him,” and they tell Ordinary Time Bartimaeus, “Take heart; get up, Jesus

By Deacon is calling you.”

Paul Harney Immediately we witness the beginkeeps us from approaching ning of an amazing transformation as Bartimaeus Jesus; our property, our pride, or just what could does two uncharacteristic be holding us back? things for a blind beggar; Bartimaeus did not he throws off his cloak earn a healing beforehand. and he springs up.

Beggars just do not Scripture doesn’t say he followed Jesus right along throw off their cloaks and spring up. The fact and so was healed. It says instead that he followed that Mark records this unusual behavior suggests Jesus after he was healed.

This is great news for all that Bartimaeus had so much faith that he would of mankind because God loves us first and then He be healed by Jesus that

calls us. He called Israel, he called Bartimaeus, and he calls you and me.

He calls us to bring our burdens, our illnesses, our pain, and our blindness to Him, and to trust Him. The kind of trust that just throws off the cloak not knowing if we will ever need it or be able to find it again because after all, we are like the blind beggar, waiting expectantly for the mercy and grace of God. Some prayers are answered immediately. It was so for Bartimaeus and for so many people in the Scriptures. And sometimes that healing comes not immediately, but at the moment it is meant to.

There are many examples of those who had to trust and wait for God’s purpose and in God’s time.

St. Monica prayed for her

wayward son for years and years — but finally she had cause to be joyous when he converted, and later became a bishop, a doctor of the Church, the very great St. Augustine.

And sometimes, prayers that seem totally unanswered are, in the end, answered in entirely unexpected ways. Some people pass through a rough period of life, seemingly with zero response to their prayers, only to realize later that they received extraordinary graces that they could not have imagined beforehand.

If God doesn’t seem to be giving you what you ask, maybe He’s giving you something else, maybe it ’s what you need instead.

“Take heart; get up, Jesus is calling you.”

Deacon Harney serves at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Oct. 24, Rom 8:1-11; Ps 24:1b-4b,5-6; Lk 13:1-9. Sun. Oct. 25, Thirtieth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Jer 31:7-9; Ps 126:1-6; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52. Mon. Oct. 26, Rom 8:12-17; Ps 68:2,4,6-7b,20-21; Lk 13:10-17. Tues. Oct. 27, Rom 8:18-25; Ps 126:1b-6; Lk 13:1821. Wed. Oct. 28, Eph 2:19-22; Ps 19:2-5; Lk 6:12-16. Thurs. Oct. 29, Rom 8:31b-39; Ps 109:21-22,26-27,30-31; Lk 13:31-35. Fri. Oct. 30, Rom 9:1-5; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Lk 14:1-6.

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ope Francis gave us his Evangelii Gaudium, “Joy of the Gospel,” as his summary of the Church’s approach to the New Evangelization we all need.

Christopher Kaczor, philosophy professor at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, has recently published “The Gospel of Happiness: Rediscover Your Faith Through Spiritual Practice and Positive Psychology” (Image Books, Penguin Random House), as a guide to living the Gospel and thus achieving personal happiness. In doing so, he draws extensively on the new science of positive psychology to demonstrate that Christian practices like prayer, gratitude, forgiveness, and virtue have been demonstrated to increase people’s happiness here and now, and not just in the hereafter. For example, “people who strongly believe in God are more than twice as likely to report being happy as those who do not believe in God.”

Practicing the joy of the Gospel ways to enhance Christian Chris is a good friend of Spiritual practices. At the mine, whom I have known same time, Christian wissince his undergrad days at Boston College 20 years ago. dom enhances and deepens recommendations found Last spring he returned to in positive psychology. So, Boston to give a preview of rather than think it is either his research, mesmerizing a new generation of undergrads. For, as he states in his book, “positive psychology provides empirical evidence that Christian practices, such as forgiveness, service,

By Dwight G. Duncan and love of neighbor, enhance human wellbeing.” psychology or Spirituality, Of course, there was ideally it can be both psya time in living memory chology and Spirituality.” when psychology, with its Using the framework Freudian prejudices against religion, and focus on patho- developed by positive psychology pioneer Martin logical mental conditions, Seligman, happiness is was generally perceived as understood as positive emoantithetical to Catholicism, tion, engagement, relation“alternative ways to pursue ships, meaning and achievehappiness.” What Kaczor ment (PERMA). “At the discovered “was that these heart of happiness is good two approaches are often relationships with people. complementary, and indeed The findings of positive can be mutually reinforcing psychology reinforce the — psychology —indicates

Judge For Yourself

ancient teachings of Aristotle that no one can be happy without friends.”

An illustration of the benefits of the “Gospel of Happiness” is found in the “Three Blessings Exercise.”

“At the end of the day, simply think over how the day went looking for whatever went well — a tasty nectarine at lunch, a funny conversation with a neighbor, a task finally off the ‘to do’ list, or a moment of relaxation with hot coffee.

When we look for what is good we are more likely to find and celebrate what is good. When we thank God for the joys we find in life, our gratitude is enhanced.”

The practice of forgiveness does not just benefit the persons forgiven, it increases the happiness of the person who forgives. Holding onto grudges is a great way to make yourself unhappy. As we pray in the Our Father,

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Kaczor says, “One of the most interesting parts of the book is the final chapter about weakness of will.

Good people want to do the right thing, but sometimes they actually do what is bad.

Fortunately, contemporary psychologists offer ways to strengthen willpower. These discoveries — many of which were discovered centuries earlier by the saints — can help people live the message of Jesus more consistently.”

This book is a great read, an important and extraordinarily positive manifesto on living the faith cheerfully in today’s challenging environment. If you want to learn how to be happy, then read “The Gospel of Happiness.” If you want to actually be happy, then put it into practice.

Anchor columnist Dwight Duncan is a professor at UMass School of Law Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.

October 23, 2015 Saturday 17 October 2015 — Port-O-Call: East River, NYC (in my mind) — birth anniversary of Pope John Paul I (1912) ow that the media frenzy has subsided, I must admit amazement at how much information about Pope Francis’ visit was instantly available through the media. We knew where the pope happened to be at any given moment, what he was saying, and to whom he was saying it. Good Heavens. Is there no privacy? Why, it seems every detail of the pope’s visit was public knowledge except what he had for lunch!

In the name of total transparency, I will now reveal to you, dear readers, what the pope had for lunch. This will fill in an information gap and complete my housemate Father Francis X. Wallace’s extensive file on the subject.

I remotely piloted a drone into the dining room of the Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature (its embassy to the United Nations) — a townhouse near Madison Avenue. My covert device was shaped like an ordinary housefly.

It even buzzed like a fly.

First, a bit of a preamble: according to the Vatican, in April, the pontiff was advised by his doctors to eat less pasta and

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o have sight, that was all Bartimeaus was asking, yet he knew of Whom he was asking such a gift. He believed and trusted that Jesus, Son of David, could in fact help him see again. Oh that we might ask Jesus to grant us sight!

Often in our day-to-day lives we are blind to what is happening around and right in front of us, missing so much. Seeing is a gift so many of us take for granted, and like those in the Gospel reading, we would rather pretend that blindness didn’t exist.

Sunday’s Gospel from Mark has several messages and asks us: What areas of our lives have we gone blind to? When have we ignored the calling from Christ? When have we put all else aside and trusted completely in the Lord? And finally, do we choose to follow Him? Like Bartimaeus, we often go through life hoping that someone will notice and reach out to us. But yet, we wait and still no one does, finally in our desperation, we begin to call out. In our darkness we dare to hope and believe that some-

Anchor Columnists Fly on the wall

He prefers his Santa Fina room walk more. They hoped weight loss would take the strain off his temperature, not iced.

Inflight between Washington aching back (the pope suffers D.C., New York, and Philafrom sciatica). delphia, the papal entourage The diet and exercise plan snacked on flatbread dipped in must be working. At the age of olive oil and on pecan-cranber78, the Holy Father had such ry-rosemary fruitcake. Unfora packed agenda that it would have exhausted a person half his tunately, my fly-drone didn’t age. When he returned to Rome from his grueling trip to the United The Ship’s Log States, he promptly Reflections of a convened the Synod on the Family. But I Parish Priest digress.

By Father Tim The fact that the Goldrick pope dines frugally should come as no surprise. He eats function properly on the plane; whatever is being served to the it must have been interferother guests at table, of course, but his portion is prepared more ence from the plane’s operating systems. As a result, I don’t know simply. He is not fond of herbs for sure if the pope sampled the or spices. He prefers his food plain and rather bland. The pope munchies.

My fly-drone worked perfectgenerally follows his doctors’ ly in New York City, however. advice and passes on the pasta.

This raises eyebrows in Italy. He So, here’s the scoop on what the pope had for breakfast, lunch, likes vegetables, but doesn’t eat and dinner. greens or any vegetables conAt his first supper in the taining seeds. While at table in Apostolic Nunciature, the meal New York, he didn’t touch the began with chicken soup. This wine. Instead, the pope drank water with his meals. Again, this will undoubtedly inspire a new book entitled “Chicken Soup for must have raised eyebrows in the Pope,” that will be added to Italy. He favors a brand of noncarbonated Italian bottled water. the already extensive “Chicken

Soup for” series. Technically, it wasn’t chicken but rooster soup (capon).

The entrée was steamed lobster. How things have changed.

Back in the days of the Pilgrims, during that first winter, the colonists were faced with disease and starvation. When the second boat of settlers arrived on the “Speedwell” in the spring, they were served what Governor Bradford referred to as “the food of savages.”

These were the lobsters that could then be found crawling all over the rocks in Plymouth Harbor. Some of the newly-arrived Pilgrims were so disgusted with this wretched fare that they promptly turned around and sailed back to England. I am not making this up. See “Governor Bradford’s Journal.”

The pope’s cook wisely provided an alternative of veal.

A tomato salad was served with cheese. The side dish that evening was corn. For dessert, there was angel food cake with grape sorbet.

Friday breakfast was a matter of debate. Should it be served at 6:45 a.m. or 7 a.m.? The pope settled the dispute by announc-

‘Master, I want to see’

with a clarity we never knew one will come along and help was possible. It reminds me of us find our way. It is at those when I learned I needed glasses. moments in our lives that we begin to turn in prayer to God, When I wore them for the first asking for that which we desire time, I was amazed at what I was seeing and how much I had and need. been missing. Everything was Looking to the first reading from the prophet Jeremiah, we see how the Lord answered prayer, how He led everyone out of exile. He insured that all were taken care of, and Jeremiah makes

By Rose Mary mention of the blind Saraiva and lame and all those who were marginalized, their weeping turned no longer blurry and fuzzy, but to laughter and joy. They were so sharp, clear and vivid. shown the way out of their In our ignorance at times, imprisonment and exile, and in we do not realize what we faith were taken to safety.

We are called each and every are missing or cannot see and day to act as followers of Christ, become so accustomed to the blurriness in our lives that we shedding light into the dark corners of people’s lives, helping begin to accept it as normal.

Our focus shifts from the them to see with eyes of faith blessings to the trivial and we and trust. For many of us, it is when we put our complete trust become so wrapped up in the small things, forgetting that we in the Lord that we begin to are not alone. clearly see solutions to those Every day we are challenged areas in our lives that we felt hopeless about. The doubts that to live out our values, to be plague us seem to evaporate like Christ to those we encounter.

We are each called in differthe morning fog, and we see

In the Palm of His Hands

ent ways, and it is not only for those involved in ministry, ordained or professed, but for each and every one of us. The second reading delves more deeply into the theme of being called from among the many to fulfill specific roles in our lives. In Hebrews we are introduced to the discernment process for the vocation of priesthood, and how individuals are called and chosen by God. It is only after hearing the call that the young men respond to the invitation. This is also true of all life’s vocations, from the religious life to married life and every other in between. We are all called to minister and evangelize to God’s people, we are all asked to help the blind see, and we are called to lead others out of their personal imprisonment. But it is only after our own blindness has been healed, that we can lead the way for others.

Anyone who has ever had to deal with struggles in their lives, great or small, knows all too well, that you cannot help

9 ing breakfast would be at 9 a.m.

Breakfast on both days included bakery goods, jams, fruit, yogurt, frittata, crepes, and juice.

Friday lunch was an assortment of vegetables, cheeses, and fruits. One New York restaurateur claims the pope skipped out of the embassy and had lunch at his Argentinian eatery. This is unlikely.

Friday supper was tuna fish or grilled bass, with squash and onions. For dessert, there was apple pie à la mode. His Holiness splurged with a cup of coffee.

Did you happen to notice the priest following closely behind the pope throughout the pastoral visit? That was Msgr. Mark Miles. He works in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. He’s the pope’s translator. He speaks Spanish and English.

Well, don’t you know, Msgr.

Miles spotted my fly-drone during Saturday’s breakfast. He unobtrusively rolled up a copy of the L’Osservatore Romano newspaper and whacked it.

And that, dear readers, was the end of the fly on the wall.

The rest of the pope’s meals is lost to history.

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

another until you have dealt with your own struggle. In order to heal others, you must first heal yourself. This is what Henri Nouwen referred to as the “wounded healer,” in his writings, and it was for this very reason that Bartimeaus chose to follow Jesus, even after Jesus told him he could go his own way. He understood that by following, he could bear witness to the workings of Christ in his life, giving much-needed hope and comfort to others. He not only received the gift of sight, but was open to the calling of Christ. A call that came with the help of others, Jesus instructed those with Him to “call him,” and they did.

We, too, are asked to help others hear and heed the call, and to “take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you!”

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva lives in Fall River and is a parishioner of St. Michael’s Parish, and she is the Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. She is married with three children and two grandchildren. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

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October 23, 2015

To subscribe to The Anchor, or give it as a gift, contact Mary Chase at 508-675-7151 or Email marychase@anchornews.org

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October 23, 2015

One-woman show examines faith, devotion of St. Faustina

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

ATTLEBORO — The fact that St. Faustina’s life story revolves around God’s infinite mercy isn’t lost on Maria Vargo.

“There were definitely elements of her life that inspired me,” Vargo recently told The Anchor. “As I grew deeper into learning about St. Faustina and reading her diary, I was struck by what an amazing woman she was and noticed some of the similarities that we had and what I could bring to the role.”

Vargo will be portraying the iconic nun in “Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy,” a one-woman play that will be performed on October 24 at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro and again on October 25 in St. Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.

Making its debut in the Fall River Diocese, this moving multimedia production is a modern message of mercy centered around the life of the Polish nun who inspired a worldwide devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

As a struggling actress living in Los Angeles back in 2007, Vargo found herself experiencing a deep conversion of faith, so she can relate to St. Faustina’s appreciation of Divine Mercy.

“I always said that what initially drew me to the show and to doing it was God’s mercy,” she said. “Having gone through a deep conversion in my life, I knew the power of forgiveness and having experienced it, I knew He never gave up on me.

That’s what really drew me to it all.”

During her life, Sister Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) experienced several visions of Jesus, Who spoke through her with urgent messages for the times. He gave her a special prayer, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which has since spread throughout the world. The Polish nun kept a diary of her visions until she died of tuberculosis. In April 2000, Faustina was declared the first saint of the 21st century by St. John Paul II. The play examines the spirit of St. Faustina, a mystic who had personal encounters with Jesus. A parallel modern story within the drama offers audiences a compelling personal connection to current moral

issues.

“Jesus, the devil, the confessor — all the other characters — are on a screen,” Vargo explained of the elaborate production. “It’s like a big movie screen and I interact with the screen. I have dialogue and scenes with them and I also interact with the audience, so it’s a very comprehensive kind of experience and one that I haven’t done before.

“It was a whole new technique for me but it’s amazing how well it all works and I’ve had people say they can’t believe how well it works with the timing and (they) don’t really miss having the other (people) there on stage.”

Since much of the plot focuses on St. Faustina’s visions and ethereal apparitions of Christ, the play really lends itself to this unique multimedia experience.

“I don’t know if I thought about it much before, but it seems obvious now,” Vargo agreed. “I know when we talked about trying to do it with a whole cast live onstage, doing Jesus’ role would be interesting,

because how do you give the experience of His being there?

She saw Him and it was an intimate experience for her — but

Actress Maria Vargo stars in the one-woman multimedia production, “Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy,” to be presented October 24 at 7 p.m. at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro and October 25 at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton. The production focuses on the life St. Faustina, a Polish nun who experienced visions of Jesus and inspired worldwide devotion to Divine Mercy. (Photo courtesy of St. Luke Productions)

how do you present it so that He doesn’t appear like anyone else just playing a role?”

“You’ll see that the screen is larger than I am; it towers above me,” she added. “I like that, because Jesus is bigger than I am, looking down on me.”

Vargo said “Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy” also weaves in a couple of “modernday stories” to “bring the message of God’s mercy into the present.”

Now beginning her third

year with the touring show, Vargo was first approached about the role back in 2013.

At the time, she had been dividing her time between writing and recording original music and producing and directing plays for a Catholic theater group in California.

That latter gig led to a chance opportunity where someone from St. Luke Productions saw her in a bit role as a nun and thought she might be ideal for Sister Faustina.

Turn to page 14

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October 23, 2015

‘Hey, I thought you were dead’ — revisited

Since Sunday is World Priest Day, I thought I would dig out a dusty old column I wrote 15 years ago, in the May 5, 2000 Anchor, in tribute to a wonderful priest many young people had the pleasure of encountering in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s — Father Paul McCarrick.

He was a man who made an impression, and influenced many people during his stay on earth, one devoted to Christ. The column was

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet as follows: ou can’t drive around many cities or towns in this diocese nowadays without seeing the boys and girls of summer preparing for their respective baseball leagues.

Watching the ritual of spring always brings back good memories. And those memories include one dominant sports figure in this area; the late, great Father Paul F. McCarrick. Anyone even remotely connected with amateur sports from Boston to Fall River, from Attleboro to Cape Cod, knows the legacy of this kind, generous priest.

For those who don’t know of Father Mac, he was a diocesan priest who not only tended the parishioners he pastored, but also the youth of Southeastern Mass., no matter the race, color or creed. He supplied less fortunate individuals with free baseball or ice hockey equipment, helped some obtain college scholarships, and worked long and hard, without fanfare, to keep the area’s youth off drugs and out of trouble. He was a vital cog in the success of the area’s CYO sports programs and the Bristol County Baseball and Ice Hockey Leagues.

Always at this time of year, I can’t help but picture Father Mac’s big black car pull up to the diamond at Chew Park in Fall River to watch one of the thousands of games he attended in his lifetime. I can still see him pulling out his folding chair and setting it up on the grassy hill located between home plate and third base. I can still see him wearing his thin, black raincoat, no matter how cool or raw those May and June nights became.

Even when he was battling

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cancer and wasn’t feeling well, he still held court in that same spot.

I can remember one cool, damp evening only a few years ago when one of the park regulars approached him and said, “Father Mac, I thought you were dead.” Without missing a beat, Father Mac gave the teen a mock look of annoyance and responded wryly, “Not yet.”

While Father Mac attended countless games, I really don’t know how many he actually saw. During the games he was constantly calling people over. Some he sent to his trunk to get a new uniform or glove, others he called over just to talk to — or should I say counsel.

More than once I can remember youngsters telling him of a comrade who got in some sort of trouble recently, and often he could be seen that night talking to the individual one-on-one.

That was his most prized gift — his genuine concern for youth.

He could exchange zingers with the best of them, but deep down inside, he cared for the welfare and well-being of young people.

As a youth growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, I saw him doing the same things, but I didn’t appreciate what he was all about.

Then, as an adult, seeing him work his same magic, it sank in. As a teen, I was once the recipient of one of his man-toman talks. But only later did I appreciate his concern. And I’m not alone. There are many adults today who can tell of receiving a well-timed bit of advice from Father Mac. I feel sorry for kids today who didn’t get to know him, and stories alone can’t do him justice. It’s nice though that the ball field he frequented is named Father Paul F. McCarrick Field. Hopefully some ballplayer will ask his or her mom or dad who he was, and will be told who Father Mac was, and about a time they were pulled aside for their own good.

But even now I can still see Father Mac in his favorite spot.

Hey Father Mac, I thought you were dead — and I can see him giving me a raised eyebrow. I guess not.

He’ll be there for every game that’s ever played on that field, as usual. davejolivet@anchornews.org.

Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Dylan Minette and Jack Black star in a scene from the movie “Goosebumps.” For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Sony)

CNS Movie Capsules NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by Catholic News Service.

“Goosebumps” (Columbia) The blockbuster children’s book series comes to the big screen as a mildly scary adventure that unleashes author R.L. Stine’s ( Jack Black) vast and varied menagerie of monsters. The ghouls are safely trapped inside the locked manuscripts of the reclusive writer’s works until a new neighbor (Dylan Minnette), motivated by puppy love for Stine’s daughter (Odeya Rush), and misguidedly fearing for her safety, trespasses in the company of a schoolmate (Ryan Lee), and inadvertently releases them. Led by a creepy ventriloquist’s dummy (voiced by Black) who is Stine’s alter ego and his nemesis, the creatures wreak havoc as their quartet of pursuers struggles to unite and recapture them. Director Rob Letterman’s cheerful bit of gothic fluff will suit most family members, though small fry may be overly unsettled while parents may be annoyed by a momentary exchange that very distantly acknowledges the existence of same-sex dating among teens.

Frequent peril, tense situa-

tions, an implicit reference to homosexuality. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

“Woodlawn” (Pure Flix) Based on the true story of star running back Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille), this entertaining film about renouncing racism and embracing Christianity makes inspirational viewing for most age groups. In racially torn 1973 Birmingham, Ala., Nathan’s public high school coach (Nic Bishop), seeking to resolve the tensions among his recently integrated players, turns to a “sports chaplain” (Sean Astin)

who challenges the athletes to seek forgiveness, accept Jesus and live the Gospel message.

Although brother directors Andrew and Jon Erwin approach their subject matter from an evangelical perspective — one that evaluates the appropriate borderline between church and state in a way with which all may not agree — their themes of faith, reconciliation and social justice will, of course, resonate with Catholic moviegoers.

Scenes of mild racial violence and aggressive football action.

The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Marc P. Tremblay, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Norton

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October 23, 2015

I

Garden of Eden, or a trash dump? The choice is ours

n his encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis wants to make us aware of the issue of pollution. He is concerned because it is harming our health and causing many premature deaths, particularly among the poor, who are forced to use smoky fuels to cook and heat their homes. Chemical emissions from industry, transportation and agriculture can affect us all. The pope refers to us as a “throw-away society,” and it is hard to dispute this when we look at all the dumps and landfills throughout the world. He describes our home as becoming a “pile of filth.”

Pope Francis points to natural systems as an example to assist us, since they recycle 100 percent of the waste materials they produce. Nothing is wasted or thrown away. We, on the other hand, are producing waste at rates much faster than we have learned to re-assimilate them, so they pile up.

So what is nature’s secret? It basically comes down to only taking what you need, using what you take, and leaving what is left over in a state that can be used again by others. In photosynthesis, plants capture energy from the sun, use water rich in nutrients from the soil, and take carbon dioxide from the air, to produce energy-rich sugars that are used as food for the plant or other substances,

cellular respiration to extract like cellulose that gives the the energy and release carbon plant its structure. Photodioxide back into the air, and synthesis also produces our water and nutrients back into oxygen as a by-product. the soil to be picked up again These plants are, in turn, by the plants for new growth. eaten by herbivores, such as So this amazing recycling rabbits, deer, horses, cattle, elephants, etc., whose digestive system ultimately leaves no unused waste. systems have the bacteria that allow them to digest the cellulose. This process, the reverse of photosynthesis, is called cellular respiration. The sugar in cellulose, glucose, is

By Professor combined with the Robert Rak oxygen they breathe and broken down We actually can fit pretty to release the stored energy. well into this system. What Carbon dioxide and water if we only took the food are produced and put back we needed and ate all of it? into the system. The herbiThis would eliminate a huge vores are eaten by the meat volume of our current waste. eaters, or carnivores, such as If we are eating at a restaufoxes, wolves, lions, sharks, rant, we should take home killer whales, or omnivores, what isn’t finished in a cooler like bears and humans, who and eat it later. Also our own eat plants and animals. Their bodily wastes should be sent to digestive systems break down the bodies of the herbivores to a wastewater treatment plant, or a properly functioning extract the energy and mineron-site septic system. This is als also by cellular respiration. one area where richer societies When plants and animals not need to assist the poor. eaten by other organisms die, Our solid wastes, such as their remains are eaten by used containers, wrappers, scavengers, such as vultures, metal cans, etc., should always insects and worms. Their be recycled or placed in proper waste, along with the waste of trash bins. We as consumers all other animals, are fed on should demand that all packby bacteria and fungi, called aging be made readily reusable decomposers who also use

and recyclable. If we use products made with 100 percent recycled materials, such as paper, other packaging, and aluminum cans, companies will start to take notice and produce more of these recycled products to stay competitive.

Vegetable food scraps, grass, and leaves can be recycled in compost bins in our yards. Put those worms, insects and decomposers to work for us. They make excellent soil for use as natural fertilizer for our gardens. We won’t have to buy a lot of synthetic fertilizers. You don’t have a garden? Start one. It’s healthier in many ways.

We can also use reusable shopping bags rather than disposable paper or plastic bags. We can use tap water in reusable containers rather than using bottled water whenever possible. Only 2030 percent of those millions of recyclable bottles ever make their way into recycle bins. Most end up in landfills. If you no longer want something that is still usable, donate it rather than just throwing it out. Companies can design products that are readily recyclable when they are no longer useful.

We should also try to eliminate, or reduce, the need

for the use of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides. When it comes to our yards, we shouldn’t try to eliminate all the bugs out there. They are beneficial and part of the recycling process.

If we need to kill some pests, there are natural products that can do the job, and are safer for use around children and animals. The same is true for weed killers. There are also some ice-melting products that are better for the environment than others. We should also look for more environmentally-friendly cleaning products. These non-toxic materials can be recycled by nature.

If we remember that our goal is to create a recycling society, not a throw-away society, we will all benefit. Next month’s topic will be climate change, an issue of prime concern to Pope Francis.

Anchor columnist Professor Rak is a Fall River native and a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Fall River. He has been a professor of Environmental Technology and coordinator of the Environmental Science and Technology Program at Bristol Community College in Fall River for 18 years.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Holy Cross College in Worcester, and a master’s degree in marine biology from UMass Dartmouth. rrak@verizon.net.

back of the church. Before Mass began, they prayed the Rosary with each decade in a different language — Portuguese, English, Spanish, French and Polish.

During the homily, the bishop spoke in Portuguese, English and Spanish. He thanked those gathered for attending, which showed their desire for peace, and then he challenged them to do more to bring peace to the world.

“Peace doesn’t rain from the sky, like the rain and the snow, unless we do our part. Peace comes when people believe, accept, live their lives guided by the teachings of Jesus. Peace comes when we convert ourselves — all of us, when we accept the work of Jesus in our lives and in our hearts. The lack of peace comes from the lack of faith, which leads to selfishness, which leads to violence, destruction, all this comes from the lack of faith from not accepting what God has planned for us, what God has asked of us,” he said.

and our prayers.”

Maria Isabel Bento, from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in New Bedford, said Bishop da Cunha, had a beautiful way of speaking about peace. She agreed with him that “everyone has to have peace in their hearts to transmit to the other ones.”

Tonya Fernandez, a leader of the youth group at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro, said the Spirit of the event reminded her of her recent trip to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia.

“There is a holiness in the air.

You can feel it,” she said.

Our Common Home

Bishop: Conversion begets peace continued from page one

Lady of Fatima, also known as Our Lady of Peace. At the time, communists were attempting to take control of the government, which had been ruled by a military junta for more than a year.

Ultimately, democracy prevailed.

While retaining traditions from the first march, which are rooted in Portuguese customs, the event’s scope has broadened to peace throughout the world.

Each year, the event starts with a procession from Fall River’s Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption to St. Anne Parish, a little more than half a mile away. This year, the route was reversed due to construction projects at St. Anne’s.

At sunset, they stepped off. Many of the faithful held candles and several bore a carrier with the same statue of Our Lady of Fatima used every year.

They sang Ave Maria and other hymns. When they reached the cathedral, they filed into pews, filling them all. Dozens of people were left standing at the

He said that every day people are suffering in our own communities and throughout the world. They have no peaceful place to spend the night or to raise their children. They live in war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are refugees. They are intimidated by terrorists, thieves or drug dealers — people who are looking out for their personal gain without regard for the wellbeing of others.

To counteract that, people of faith must follow the example of Mary who at the Annunciation said “yes” to Jesus and “Let it be done according to Your Word.”

She was not worried about herself, power, prestige or fame.

Through her cooperation with God’s plan, she brought us the Prince of Peace, he said.

“If we want peace in this world, all of us can do something about this. All of us can pray for it,” the bishop added.

“Never give up hope. We can make a difference with our lives

Judge Phillip Rapoza receives the St. Thomas More Award from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at the recent Red Mass celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, to invoke God’s guidance and strength on those who work to promote justice in the legal system.

(Photo courtesy of Father John C. Ozug, cathedral rector)

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October 23, 2015

DCCW to raise awareness of domestic violence continued from page one

cil of Catholic Women is to be the voice of Catholic women, and we wanted to take that one step further and be the voice for all women, especially for those who cannot, for whatever reason, speak for themselves,” said Mary Mitchell, a member of the DCCW and its most recent past president. “Many women who are victims of domestic violence are in a position where they can’t or are afraid to speak for themselves, so we felt this was an important issue to bring up at this time.”

Last year the DCCW hosted a breakfast that focused on human trafficking, and due to its success, the council felt compelled to offer an annual breakfast with an emphasis on major issues. Just by coincidence, the focus of this year’s National Council of Catholic Women convention was also on domestic violence, and the NCCW offered materials that the DCCW will be passing out at the breakfast.

Guest speakers will be District Attorney Thomas Quinn, who will talk from the perspective of prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence, show resources available for victims and essentially break down the court system’s due process for perpetrators; Lt. Andrew Crook of the Fall River Police Department will offer firsthand accounts of entering the homes of domestic violence and how law enforcement tries to help; and Paula Wilding from Stanley Street Treatment and Resources will share stories of women after they have left.

There will also be a former victim of domestic violence sharing their story, someone who was able to extricate themselves from the situation and how they’re helping others do the same.

“This will show all the different phases from all the different points of view,” said Mitchell. “We just feel the more information you can get out there, the more people you can affect; domestic violence is a very hidden situation in many cases, and you don’t know if the person sitting next to you is a victim of domestic violence or not. By getting this out, you never know if that one person may have the courage to come and see what’s available and have the courage to move on. We’re just putting as much out there, getting as

many people involved as we can, in the hope it will get to the right people.”

Pamela MacLeod-Lima, executive director of the Women’s Center in New Bedford, has been at the center since 2002 and knows that some signs of domestic violence are apparent while others can be subtle.

“Some of the signs of domestic violence are obvious like physical signs, like bruising, or are they becoming unexpectedly accident-prone?” said MacLeod-Lima, adding that victims will explain their injuries with excuses like, “‘I fell down the stairs or I ran into a door, and that’s how I got a black eye or shoulder.’

You look for physical signs.

There are all kinds of abuse — financial control, psychological control — someone might be controlling who is allowed to be around.”

If someone observes these things, said MacLeod-Lima, bring your own awareness to the situation and have a conversation with that individual, check in with them often and let them know that you know what may be going on and that you’re there when they’re ready.

There is a 24-hour hotline number: 508-999-6636 found on the Women’s Center website (www. thewomenscentersc.com); the center offers a plethora of resources for men and women who are being abused, and even their family members who are looking for a way to help.

“We have processes that we know will help someone make the decision and help empower them to make themselves, and perhaps their children, safe,” said MacLeod-Lima. “We’ll help them with safety planning; if they decide they need an order of protection from the courts, we have safe plan advocates that will stay by their side and help them through the process with the paperwork and in court. If they need shelter, we can help them get to a safe place. We work primarily to keep them safe because it can be a very dangerous time when they choose to leave an abuser.

“People come to us pretty much shattered. Their selfesteem is shattered, their lives have just been torn apart — especially someone going into a shelter; they just lost their home, many of their possessions because they have to

leave a lot behind. They have spent so much time in a relationship with someone who has told them they’re worthless, and they can’t do anything so they begin to internalize these feelings. We really help them find their way to reestablishing themselves and their self-esteem.”

The goal is to help them feel empowered, get an education or job, if needed, and back on their feet not just financially but also emotionally, especially if there are children involved.

One in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence situations each year; boys who witness domestic violence are two times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

“The children are the ones we help most, particularly in shelter,” said MacLeod-Lima.

“For many women, this has been an ongoing situation with not just one abuser but with several because of their lack of self-esteem. People who are abusers can identify people who are vulnerable. For the children then, when they come into a shelter, this is the first time some sense of control in their lives, some sense of order.

They get up at a certain time, have meals at a certain time, go to school consistently; they go from a very unpredictable, tension-filled household to, in shelter, they take a deep breath for the first time and focus on themselves as children.

“It opens the door that they previously didn’t know was available to them, of living in the world among other people in a way that makes sense, and that it’s safe and healthy.”

On October 27, the Women’s Center will be holding a candlelight vigil starting at 6 p.m. at New Bedford City Hall and walking in silence to the First Unitarian Church where an ecumenical service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

The idea behind walking in silence is “to honor the victims who live in silence,” said MacLeod-Lime. “It’s not a great distance but it’s a big step.”

For those interested in attending the breakfast presentation by the DCCW, the cost is $25 and will be held on October 24 at Holy Name Parish Center, 850 Pearce Street in Fall River.

For reservations and additional information, please contact Mary Mitchell at 508-9933742 or Lynette Ouellette at 508-674-7036.

Solo show examines faith of St. Faustina continued from page 11

“They told me they were going to do a show about Faustina and wanted to know if I would be interested in auditioning,” Vargo said. “I knew who St. Faustina was — I prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet in a prayer group — but I had never read her diary nor did I know much about her personally. I had written a song that my mom always said was a Divine Mercy song and I used to sing it on Divine Mercy Sunday.”

Whether it was coincidence or Divine intervention, Vargo seems somehow destined to have played St. Faustina.

“Sometimes I think this may be the greatest role I’ll ever play, but I don’t want to limit God or the possibilities of what He can do,” she said. “I’m just thankful that I’ve been able to do this show and hear about all these wonderful experiences — I mean, how often do you get an opportunity like that as an actress to touch people in such a deep way?”

Describing the show as “a labor of love and faith,” Vargo said people often share how moving the experience was for them.

“Last week this woman said something so beautiful and was so sincere,” Vargo said. “She told me: ‘I have seen so many shows in my life, but I don’t need to go to Heaven anymore because I met God tonight through you.’ Hearing something like that and knowing she had that experience makes it all worth the effort. About a month ago I met another woman who had lost her eyesight about five years ago and she said: ‘Thank you for letting me not be blind tonight.’ I thought I was going to cry. She said she dreams in color, but this was the first time she could envision a show in color.”

This weekend’s two performances won’t be Vargo’s first time traveling to Massachusetts.

Her initial research for the role involved spending a week with the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy — St. Faustina’s order — in Dorchester.

“It gave me the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the daily routine in the life of a nun,” she said. “The days spent at the convent gave me quiet time to pray, read, and reflect on the life of Sister Faustina and to experience the daily work right alongside the Sisters. I was so grateful to focus on Jesus during those days. It was a beauti-

ful experience and it gave me insight into the character and life of the beloved nun.”

Having inhabited the role of St. Faustina for more than two years now, Vargo has had to temporarily sideline her other passions like singing and songwriting, but she feels “God has me in the right place now.”

“To me, it really is all about God’s mercy and His love, and that’s what we all need,” she said. “My goal is to communicate stories that really lift the human spirit and bring people closer to knowing God. Whether that’s overt, like doing ‘Faustina,’ or something a little more subtle, that’s what I hope to communicate.”

With what looks like another busy year ahead, Vargo said it doesn’t appear there will be much time to work on any other projects in the near future, anyway — and that’s fine with her.

“It’s been amazing,” she said.

“When I started it, I was thinking maybe things would slow down at some point, and then they asked me to do another season, and then Pope Francis declared the Year of Mercy, so we’re not slowing down and it seems like it’s going to be a very full year. But I always felt as long as God was calling me, I’ve got to do it, because it’s such a powerful show and people are so deeply affected by it.”

And she hopes faithful from the Fall River Diocese will make an effort to catch one or both shows this weekend.

“I would just tell people to come to the show with an open mind and an open heart and I guarantee they will be moved,” she said. “My great hope is that people will really feel the love of God and His mercy. Not only will they feel His love but I think they will be challenged to live a deeper life that will service the Lord. It’s such a deep experience that you can’t help but be changed by it.”

“Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy” is directed by Leonardo Defilippis of St. Luke Productions, runs 90 minutes and is suitable for ages 13 and up.

For information about the October 24 show at Bishop Feehan High School, call 774284-4598. For information about the October 25 show at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton, visit www. familyrosary.com/events or call 508-238-4095.

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October 23, 2015

The intersection of charism and apostolate “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary .…” was perched on the arm of an empty recliner when I heard those words. Glancing across the room, I discovered their origin in a seemingly unlikely pair: a youthful, pastelclad nurse and Betsey, an elderly woman who was confined to a wheelchair and whose dementia often left her feeling anxious and distressed. At this moment, however, Betsey’s face was serene as she and the nurse recited the familiar words of the Memorare prayer.

This summer, I had the privilege of living, working, and praying in this environment — the Boston home of the Little Sisters of the Poor. The congregation, founded in 19th-century France by St. Jeanne Jugan, has the unique mission of caring for the needy elderly. The Sisters welcome the elderly poor into their homes as if these people were Christ, and the nuns care for these new family members throughout their final days on earth.

Born to poverty in the French fishing village of Cancale, Jeanne Jugan was 47 years old when she encountered a blind, infirm, elderly woman on the streets of Saint-Servan.

Nourished by a life of prayer, Jeanne immediately recognized Christ in the person of the beggar, picked her up, carried her to her home, and placed her in her own bed. Beginning with this small gesture, a community blossomed in their midst.

Though more than a century has passed since Jeanne Jugan’s death, her spirit remains palpable in the homes of the Little Sisters. Her words and humble example continue to inflame their hearts and sustain their love for Christ in the elderly poor. Their homes are authentic families in which Sisters, staff, and volunteers labor for the

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residents’ happiness and tempo- of her foundress’ insistent ral needs, yet always “in view of refrain, “Never forget that the the eternal good of their souls,” poor are Our Lord,” visits them as one of their daily community with Communion, lovingly givprayers relates. ing Christ to His poor.

The familial nature of the Despite their efforts to home was evident to me upon imitate Jeanne Jugan’s “littlemy arrival: the hallways were ness,” the Little Sisters have decorated for Memorial Day, been the focus of media attenthe tables in the dining rooms were laden with cloth napkins and flower arrangements, the staff was welcoming, and the residents

By Nicole O’Leary insisted that there was no better place to be.

Quickly, the reactions of family and friends to my summer occupation (“You’re tion recently as a result of their spending your summer doing case against the Department of what?”) disappeared from my Health and Human Services, thoughts.

Little Sisters of the Poor v. BurEven on Betsey’s floor of the well. Under the Obama AdBoston home — where many ministration’s Patient Protecof the residents experience a tion and Affordable Care Act, variety of symptoms of demen- religious-affiliated organizatia, others have lost the ability tions can sign a form authorizto walk, and some suffer from ing the government to provide these or other infirmities — the contraceptive coverage through Sisters and staff work tirelessly a separate insurer. However, the to maintain a sense of purpose Little Sisters assert that this in the residents’ lives. concession still forces them Unable to venture downto violate their consciences, as stairs, these residents are given signing the form would make the option of hearing Mass them complicit in the purchase from a balcony overlooking the of contraception. chapel each day. During ComIn January 2013, the Sumunion, a Sister, ever-mindful preme Court granted the

Guest Columnist

Sisters relief by issuing a temporary injunction. Then, on July 14, 2015, two days before I left the Boston home, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Little Sisters, denying them further relief. The Sisters have since received a reprieve until the Supreme Court hears their case.

Surprisingly, my roommate and I did not learn about the Court of Appeals’ decision until reading about it in a newspaper the following evening. Contrary to what I would have expected, the ruling was not a subject of gossip around the home. When I mentioned it to one of the Sisters, her response was simple: “We’re going to fight it.” She added, “And we’ll just keep praying.”

Fight and keep praying.

What else can they do, and what could possibly be more efficacious? The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has offered them one option, but the Sisters insist that this would require them to abandon their work.

Severed from its foundation of faith, from the very heart of the Church, their apostolate would suffocate. Paradoxically, their work’s success is entirely dependent upon their faithful adher-

ence to Jeanne Jugan’s witness of “finding God enough” and choosing Him always, even when that means championing an unpopular belief or opting for littleness and poverty over wealth and prestige.

Is not this what all Catholic institutions are called to? Is not this also, perhaps especially, the call addressed to Notre Dame, “to be a living institutional witness to Christ and His message,” as St. John Paul II wrote in Ex Corde Ecclesiae?

The Little Sisters’ homes are impressive not because of efficiency or luxury, but because of the way that they reflect a unity of charism and apostolate that prevails in everything from the training of employees to the smallest gestures of hospitality. As the intimate moment of prayer between Betsey and the nurse illustrates, embracing poverty can be humbling, but it is precisely this receptivity to the designs of Providence that makes such work abundantly fruitful.

Nicole O’Leary is a sophomore at Notre Dame University and is campus editor for the Irish Rover, one of the university’s two school newspapers. She is a parishioner at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans. Contact her at noleary@nd.edu.

Youth Pages

16

Brittany Juszkiewicz was delighted with a special gift — a full size skeleton — donated to her for her science students. The seventhgrade students decided on naming the newest member of the Holy Name School, Fall River, family, “Sherlock Bones.”

Mrs. Merrill’s kindergarten class at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth recently had a visit from a very special Royal Reader. Father Chris Peschel shared a beautiful Creation story with the kindergartners.

Dr. Mallory Bagwell, a performer and educator, recently returned to St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis, to work with the Class of 2016. Bagwell worked with the students in games of problem solving, communication, cooperative learning, and leadership techniques.

The students at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford recently held an NFL Back-to-School Food Drive.

Everyone in grade P3 through grade eight brought in canned goods and had fun wearing clothing that represented their favorite team or player. Mounds of groceries were collected, sorted and carried over to those in need at the St. Lawrence Food Pantry.

October 23, 2015

In an effort to promote physical activity and safety, St. Mary’s School in Mansfield participated in National Walk to School Day recently.

Over time, this event has been part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration — with record-breaking participation — each October. While teaching awareness of safe routes to school, the Mansfield Police Department escorted students and parents during the .6 miles to school.

On the recent “‘Merica Monday” at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro students there celebrated all cultures that make Feehan and “‘Merica” great. Thanks to principal Sean Kane and the Cultural Awareness and Racial Equality Club, 12 national flags representing every country current students were born in, were permanently installed in the cafeteria — a collection that’s bound to grow in coming years. Countries represented are Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United States, and Venezuela. C.A.R.E. Club members from left, are: Elizabeth Bolano, Lierin Sullivan, Jaimee Dalton, Grace Houston, Abigail Hanewich, Kathryn McGee, Emma Brown-Carley, Hope Allard, Brigid Kane, Olivia Basso, Erik Blair, Katie Mahoney, Kaitlin Krue, Meili Sicard, and Christine Schremp.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 33, Sacred Heart Parish of North Attleboro, recently planted 30 beautiful mums in front of the church. They have plans to do some painting later this year as they continue their service to the parish and the community.

As always the BSA promotes duty to God, country and self.

From left: John Winship, Ben LaFratta, Nick Stone, Gavin Lancaster, and Bailey Lancaster. The troop meets on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in the church hall.

Kindergarten students joined the students at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School on their first day of school. Kindergarten teachers Elizabeth Moura and Maria Stathakis will be splitting 33 students between the two classes this year. Danielle Landry and Willa Leca sit at their new table together in Stathakis’s class.

October 23, 2015

S

ince ordination, on a fairly regular basis someone will ask me if I would like to be a priest if I had the opportunity.

Well, the answer for me is no. God called me to the vocation of the diaconate, not to any other, and I’m happy being a deacon.

But this coming Sunday is a moment to consider those men who were called to that other vocation — and to thank them for answering the call.

Sunday is World Priest Day. I have several good friends who are priests. One especially is a relatively young man that I’ve known since he was a teen-ager (boy does that make me feel old). Our paths had crossed so many times over the years but I don’t think I ever knew much about him. I took advantage of his service over the years but never took the time to get to know him. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to learn of his path toward priesthood. I learned about his teenage years, the call, his discernment and his answer to that call resulting in the beginning of study for the priesthood and ultimately his ordination. He is a clear example of a man living a priestly life in the real world today. He has the ability to challenge us toward Spiritual greatness but is adaptable enough to work within the real world realizing that all of us are at different places in our secular and Spiritual lives. Today he is my Spiritual director and good friend. The student has become the teacher! I thank God for his presence in my life.

In my current role as a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth, and in my parish and diocesan roles, I have had an opportunity to come to know many priests and to work closely with them.

So many of them inspire me.

In particular, this last summer I had the opportunity to work with two of my priest friends. I love to see them in action at the Christian Leadership Institute. On CLI, the priests serve not only as team group leaders, but as Spiritual directors. One of the priests was a graduate of CLI back in 1990.

Spending time with them on CLI over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to view these priests in total ministry.

These men are such models of Christ’s love and call to service. They were not only able to, of course, celebrate jubilant Liturgies and prayer services but they also acted as teachers and mentors to the candidates. They mentored the team and me. We prayed early morning vespers together. At one moment, they were leading their teams through the obstacle course with great exuberance, and at the next moment they were celebrating Mass. Without missing a beat, they moved from hour to hour, day to day, as a model of priest. The adults and young people of CLI were truly blessed to have these men with us. I’m sure none of us will ever forget their dedication, their homilies, their adaptability

Youth Pages Think about the priests in your life and their love. They are true examples of Christ in action for all of us.

It strikes me that their participation in CLI serves as an microcosm of what they do each and every day.

In their lives, they are called to be cheerleaders, leaders, Spiritual direcBy Deacon tors, celebrants Frank Lucca of the Sacraments, sons and friends. They are priests 24/7. It isn’t something you just turn off. Our priests live a life of complete dedication and service. They live in the world but need to be other-worldly. They give up what some of us would consider a great life of work, family, money and success.

How difficult this seems to most of us.

Others might think that a priest has it made. No worries. But just imagine what a day must be like responding to the needs of so many different people with so many different needs and add to that the financial and structural issues of the parish that face them every day. And in most parishes they do it alone. Yet, they do it. They do it for Christ and they do it for us.

Take a moment to think about priests in your life. I recall growing up with priests as family friends. I observed these men as parish priests, like my first pastor, who reminded me of a quintessential Irish priest that was so much a part of my young faith development. I was lucky enough to have priests as teachers during my 18 years of Catholic education. I’ve been fortunate to work with priests such as the Spiritual directors in the YES! Retreat program and in the Cursillo Movement. I so appreciate the training of the original CLI director, a priest who I always considered a friend and mentor.

I have learned so much from these men who have served on the various retreat teams over the years. I have had the privilege of seeing my pastor help heal a parish that was hurt and a previous pastor who was such a good friend to our family and who so influenced the Spiritual life of my two daughters — especially during the years that they served at the altar. I will never forget one priest who was there for me when I felt so low and abandoned when I first began working in ministry to youth. He prayed with me and for me. His words healed me. I still remember and reflect on his words that day! And I thank so many of our priests who supported me in my journey to the diaconate in their role as program director, Spiritual director or teacher in the diaconate formation program.

Now that I have taken the time to think about it, my life has been enriched and guided by these men of God. Every one of them have had an affect on my life and if you think about it, most likely yours, too.

Be Not Afraid

So on this World Priest Day let’s take some time to think about what I took for granted for so long. Young men, if called, I pray and hope you will consider a vocation. I hope the rest of us will encourage and pray for vocations.

In the meantime, let your priest know how much you appreciate their vocation. Ask your parish priest what you can do to help. Let’s be grateful to God for their service on our behalf and let’s let them know we appreciate their service. Most of all, let us pray daily for our priests — Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests. Through

17 them, we experience Your presence in the Sacraments.

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for Your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of Your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of Your Divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen.

Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth.

DeaconFrankLucca@comcast.net.

The Montpetit Family, better known as The Cat. Chat Family, recently shared faith lesson, with students from four New Bedford Catholic elementary schools.

New Bedford students receive faith lesson from unique family and a cat

NEW BEDFORD — Hundreds of enthusiastic children from Catholic schools in the New Bedford Deanery recently gathered at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford to raise their voices in song, laughter, and prayer with the help of two parents, five kids and one talking cat. The Cat. Chat family was in town!

Absurd and unexpected as it seems, the Montpetit Family has been involved in this particular ministry for more than 10 years. Blessed with five talented children, parents Gerald and Denise, sought to share their combined love of Catholic values and wholesome entertainment, resulting in two seasons of their TV Series, “Cat. Chat,” and more than 500 live concerts, entertaining thousands of kids all over North America.

Their mission — making the faith come alive for kids, encourages others to live the Gospel by sharing their music and inspiring others to do the same. With songs like “Champion for Christ” and “Plug into Him,” children of all ages are invited to partake in their

ministry at home and at school.

The Cat. Chat concert took place with students in preschool 3 through fifth grade from four Catholic elementary schools: St. Francis Xavier, All Saints, Holy Family-Holy Name, and St. James-St. John. The concert featured interactive and engaging elements, calling children and teachers up onstage, chatting with Moses the talking cat, and showing impressive stunts on unicycles.

The family used analogies and parables to express the teachings of the Church in a way that interested the students, stressing themes such as trusting in the Lord and following the example of the saints. In their concert, they also reflect on the importance of the Sacraments.

In well-balanced scenes of song and prayer, Cat. Chat brought an experience of faith-filled fun to the students, bestowing their unique blessings on all and encouraging the teachings of Christ to grow in youth today.

For more info visit http://www. catchat.ca/

18 Do you want to listen?

I am writing in response to the October 9 editorial in The Anchor, “Can we talk (and listen)?” You argue that bad blood between groups you identify as “conservative” and “liberal” might be ameliorated if both sides talked with and listened to each other.

I would prefer labels different than conservative and liberal for camps engaged in ecclesial disputes, but I wholeheartedly agree with the method of your plaintive question and recasting it as an imperative albeit guided by the Holy Spirit in your conclusion.

Also, I appreciate your honesty identifying your alignment in these divisions at least with respect to “opinions on ‘gay marriage’ and Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics.”

Using the editorial “we” you say, “However, the more conservative folks would point out that we’re talking about people’s immortal souls.” Placing yourself within that camp you are in a position to articulate its stands and motivations.

You continue though imputing positions and motives for your proposed interlocutor, “more liberal folks would discuss the emotion hurt, sometimes leading to substance abuse and even suicide, caused by overzealous

October 23, 2015

Our readers respond ways of teaching the Church’s position.” Rigging the argument may be an effective debate trick, but bad form if conversation and thereby truth are sought. I may well fit into the box you label “liberal,” but I don’t consider myself emotionally hurt by overzealous proponents of Church teaching, yet I do worry about my immortal soul.

And what am I to make of your parenthetical comment? It does seem unduly thin-skinned from someone encouraging engagement. Your strong generalization about liberal response to mentions of Church teaching, while rhetorically effective, fails the test of logic: I can cite instances of those who like me may fit into your liberal box and yet express offense at those who would equate Church teaching with bigotry.

If you wish a two-way conversation between these camps within the faithful, you might publish in The Anchor views that could be found on the pages of America or Commonweal instead of restricting The Anchor to only views that might be expressed in the pages of First Things. Similarly, restricting your pages to news sourced from CNA and EWTN insures a bias that CNS alone does not adequately complement.

Why exclude National Catholic Reporter?

I answer your plaintive question, “Yes!” Many of the faithful who, I suspect, would be in your liberal box may be receptive, too.

Does The Anchor and its readers want to listen to us?

George M. Perkins South Yarmouth Executive Editor responds: Thank you for your response to my editorial and for the kind attitude in your letter. I agree with you that it is better to not use the terms “conservative” and “liberal” when speaking within the Church, although when we switch to other terms, sometime even more perforative terms are used by either “side” to describe their “opponents” (which is a shame that we’d view each other that way).

I think I unwittingly revealed my “side,” as you noted the “we” when I wrote “we’re talking about people’s immortal souls,” although here the “we” refers to the whole Church. Given some of my responses to letters, not everyone on the “conservative” side would think I am conservative enough ecclesially. In terms of politics, I do vote based on a candidate’s position on abortion, even though I am for immigration reform, for fairer wages and an end to the death pen-

Former Miss America to speak at FACE fall dinner continued from page one

ern California with her husband and their four children.

She is currently the principal of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Gardenia, Calif., and, in addition, along with her husband owns a Polynesian entertainment company. She recently completed a memoir, entitled “Amazing Win, Amazing Loss: Miss America Living Happily, Ever After.”

She also continues to travel all over the country sharing with groups her personal story of adversity, triumph, tragedy and hope.

The annual Fall Scholarship Dinner is one of two principal yearly fund-raisers that support FACE. In the current school year alone, FACE has granted $709,675 in need-based financial scholarships to more than 750 students enrolled in Catholic elementary, middle and high schools throughout the diocese.

In all, since the early 1990s, almost 9,000 students have received financial help from FACE and the former St. Mary’s Education Fund.

In a letter on this year’s FACE

Fall Dinner, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., pointed out to prospective donors that, “By investing in our schools, we also invest in the future of our Church and the well-being of our broader community.”

The Fall Scholarship Dinner will feature a reception and extensive multi-course meal followed by a brief program and the presentation by Perez Baraquio.

Sandra L. Sevigney, first vice president and a retirement plan specialist at Plimoth Investment Advisors, is chairman of the event for a second year.

She recently explained, “I said ‘yes’ to serving as the chairperson again because I want to continue to help our Catholic school children in the Fall River Diocese achieve an academically rigorous, faith-based education, grounded in a commitment to academic excellence and strong Catholic identity.”

One measure of success of a Catholic education, she pointed out, can be shown through SAT scores, which in 2014 average 1606 for the diocese versus

1556 for the state and 1497 for the nation.

“It is important to note that by supporting the Fall Scholarship Dinner and FACE, we all reap the benefits of education, like breaking the cycle of poverty, preparing students to be better citizens, forming stronger Catholics, and of course helping to build a better world.”

Sevigney and committees working in four areas of the diocese are now reaching out to businesses and individuals to extend an invitation to sponsor a table or purchase a ticket for the Fall Scholarship Dinner in support of tuition assistance.

Leading the area committees are: in Attleboro, Paul M. Lenahan; in Fall River, Nicholas M. Christ; in New Bedford, Carl W. Taber; and in Taunton, Rick Clark.

Those interested in supporting the Fall Scholarship Dinner or obtaining more information on it or the FACE foundation, may contact Sevigney, any area committee chairman, or Jim Campbell at the diocesan Development Office at 508-675-1311.

alty (and I have worked on the first two of those issues).

I’m not as clever as you give me credit for (nor can I figure out how not to dangle that preposition easily). I wasn’t trying to besmirch liberal people for being hurt by the Church’s teachings. Many of them have come to me in person and spoken to me about how alienating they feel the teachings are (or how alienated they have felt by the actions of clergy). I do truly have sympathy for them and rack my brain (and bring to prayer) about how am I to present these teachings in The Anchor and from the pulpit — so that I do not add to the hurt; so that the teachings actually are pondered, instead of rejected.

In my pastoral work, I have come to realize that many people who are politically liberal are truly concerned about their immortal souls and do not take Salvation for granted and are much better at prayer than I am. I was generalizing, but also trying to give the “conservative” rationale for the insistence that nothing can change in Church teachings about Marriage.

I do appreciate that there are many liberal people who do defend the Church and are fair-minded about its right to proclaim its teachings. In regards to my comment in parenthesis, which was an oblique reference to the gun debate, there I was negatively referring to both sides, not just to liberals. I was noting how many conservatives think that liberals are plotting to set up a dictatorship, while liberals would then have to think that conservatives are planning a civil war (since the conservatives themselves say that they need their guns to fight off this supposed future liberal dictatorship). I certainly do not want either thing to happen,

but I mentioned it because this is the kind of extreme demonization which either side can degenerate into.

In terms of the views represented by The Anchor, in terms of the columnists, some of them would be considered liberal, although they do not share in the paper their thoughts at odds with official Church teaching. Since the paper is the “official newspaper” of the diocese, it has to reflect what the Catholic Church teaches. The National Catholic Reporter and Commonweal, since they are independent publications, can print whatever they like. America is an official publication of the Jesuits, so it is also an arm of the Church in a way that the other two journals are not. Because of that relationship with the Church, an editor of America was removed during Pope Benedict’s pontificate.

Regarding our news sources, CNA/EWTN is a free service, while we pay for CNS coverage (which is owned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). I do review the articles from the wire services and edit them, sometimes removing things, sometimes adding in more information that I have gathered (always attributing the sources, of course). So, I personally do try to put balance into our wire articles.

The National Catholic Reporter does not provide a wire service (that I am aware of ).

I do want to listen, but since The Anchor is an official Church publication, the writings which are not letters to the editor need to be in accord with the official teachings of the Church. So, I invite other folks to write in (be they liberal or conservative or whatever). I hope that they will be as respectful as your letter was.

The Anchor spends nearly $2,000 in postage change fees each year!

The Post Office charges The Anchor 70 cents for notification of a subscriber’s change of address. Please help us reduce these expenses by notifying us immediately when you plan to move.

Please Print Your New Address Below

NAME: STREET ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP: NEW PARISH: MOVING DATE: Please attach your Anchor address label so we can update your record immediately.

Clip and mail form to: The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722

19

October 23, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

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

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

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel.

A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

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

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m.

Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

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

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

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

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

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

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

The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

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

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

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

Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church 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.

Albert Medeiros, father of Father Arnold R. Medeiros

FALL RIVER — Albert Medeiros, 98, of Fall River, died October 7 at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Odilia (Chaves) Medeiros.

Born in Capelas, St. Michael, Azores, he was a son of the late Henry and Maria dos Anjos (Botelho) Medeiros; he emigrated to this country in 1954 and was a member of Santo Christo Parish in Fall River.

Medeiros was the founder and former president of Albert Medeiros & Sons Construction Corporation.

He is survived by a daughter, Maria Fatima “Mary” Mello of Fall River; four sons, James Medeiros of Fall River, John A. Medeiros of Westport, Father Arnold R. Medeiros, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, and Joseph B. Medeiros of Fall River; Uncle of Father Luciano Pereira of Dartmouth; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Oct. 24 Rev. Marc Maurice Dagenais, O.P., Retired Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1982 Most Rev. Joseph W. Regan, M.M, Retired Prelate of Tagum, Phillipines, 1994 Oct. 25 Rev. Reginald Chene, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1935 Rev. Raymond B. Bourgoin, Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1950 Rev. James W. Connerton, CSC, Founder, Stonehill College, North Easton, 1988 Rev. Msgr. John J. Steakem, Pastor, St. Thomas More, Somerset, 1999 Oct. 27 Rev. Francisco L. Jorge, Assistant, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, 1918 Rev. Edmond L. Dickinson, Assistant, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1967 Rev. Joseph F. O’Donnell, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1990 Oct. 28 Rev. Alfred E. Coulombe, Pastor, St. George, Westport, 1923 Rev. Stanislaus Kozikowski, OFM Conv., Pastor, St. Hedwig, New Bedford, 1956 Oct. 30 Msgr. Robert L. Stanton, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1992 Rev. Denis Sughrue, CSC, Director of Postulancy, Holy Cross Novitiate, North Dartmouth, 2002

nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Henry W. Medeiros and was predeceased by six sisters and a brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 13 at Santo Christo Church, followed by interment in Notre

Dame Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Santo Christo Church Renovation Fund, 185 Canal Street, Fall River, Mass., 02721.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Oliveira Funeral Homes, Inc.

Around the Diocese Pope Francis in his recent encyclical Laudato Sí’, challenged every person on this planet to care for our common home. Join with other Christians in a reflective sharing and dialogue on the science and Spirituality so wisely presented by the pope during a series of six sessions led by Sister Frances Thomas, R.S.M., beginning October 26 through November 30 at St. John of God Parish in Somerset from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each night.

To register or for more information, contact the Office of Faith Formation at 508-678-2828, extension 27.

Bishop Connolly High School, 373 Elsbree Street in Fall River, will host an Open House for prospective students and their families on October 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will give families the opportunity to learn more about Bishop Connolly’s college preparatory curriculum and its extensive array of athletic, fine arts and extracurricular programs and activities. Prospective students also are invited to schedule a day-long visit at their convenience to personally experience Bishop Connolly’s academic and student life. For more information visit www.bishopconnolly.com or contact Anthony Ciampanelli, director of Admissions, at 508-676-1071, extension 333.

The Dominican Alumnae Annual Communion Brunch will take place November 1 beginning with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, followed immediately with brunch at McGovern’s Family Restaurant. Reservations can be made by sending a check for $20 to alumnae secretary Ann Hart, 231 Garden Street, Fall River, Mass. 02720.

Anyone associated in any way with Dominican Academy is invited to attend. For more information, call alumnae president Paula (Nobrega) Botelho at 401-816-0154.

St. Mary’s Parish, 106 Illinois Street in New Bedford, is having its Holiday Fair on November 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and November 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature a full kitchen, crafts, bake table, white elephant table, Chinese auction, and much more. For more information, call 508-995-4166.

A presentation on End of Life Care and Decision-Making will be held November 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Holy Cross Parish, 225 Purchase Street in Easton. This presentation will examine some of the basic moral principles in medical decision-making, and helping our loved ones to live out their final days with the true dignity each person deserves. The presentation will include an opportunity for Q&A and materials will be available. The featured speakers will be Marian Desrosiers, diocesan Pro-Life and Project Rachel director and John St. Cyr, a retired District Court Judge and member of the Cape Cod Family Alliance.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford is having its annual Holiday Bazaar on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall at 1359 Acushnet Avenue (Nye Street entrance). The bazaar will offer homemade crafts, Chinese auction and assorted raffles, full course meals, baked goods and meat pies. For more information call 508-993-1691.

A one-day Life in the Spirit Seminar will be offered by the prayer group of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham on November 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parish hall, 82 High Street. The seminar will consist of personal talks and DVD teachings focusing on God’s love, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and growth in holiness.

Coffee, tea and pastry will be served in the morning free-of-charge, but participants should bring a bag lunch. For more information or to register, contact Robin at 508295-6650 or send an email to stpatrick’sprayergroup@yahoo.com by October 31.

The Women’s Guild of St. John Neumann Parish, 257 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, invites all to its annual Christmas Bazaar on November 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The one-day bazaar will feature a wide variety of booths including assorted gift basked raffles, money raffles, home-baked goods, Chinese auction, antiques and collectibles and guest vendors. Take the Chace Road exit off Route 140. Admission is free.

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October 23, 2015