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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , November 27, 2015

Bishop da Cunha to open ‘Doors of Mercy’ at St. Mary’s Cathedral on December 13

By Dave Jolivet Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org FALL RIVER — Earlier this year Pope Francis announced to Catholic faithful across the world a Year of Mercy to begin in December. He proclaimed, “Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought of how the Church may render more clearly her mission to be a witness to mercy; and we have to make this journey. It is a journey which begins with Spiritual conversion. Therefore, I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its center the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy.

We want to live in the light of the Word of the Lord: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (cf. Lk 6:36). And this especially applies to confessors! So much mercy!

“This Holy Year will commence on the next Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living Face of the Father’s mercy. I entrust the organization of this jubilee to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, in order that it may come to life as a new step on

the Church’s journey in her mission mercy of God.” to bring the Gospel of mercy to each The theme of the Holy Year will be person.

“Merciful Like the “I am confident Father.” that the whole The Holy Church, which is in such Father will open the Holy need of mercy for we are Door of St. Peter’s Basinners, will be able to silica on December 8 find in this jubilee the in Rome that it may, joy of rediscoverhe said, become ing and rendering “a Door of Mercy fruitful God’s through which mercy, with which anyone who enters we are all called will experience the to give comfort love of God Who to every man and consoles, pardons every woman of and instills hope.” our time. Do not The pope forget that God instructed that on forgives all, and December 13, the God forgives always.

“Doors of Mercy” be Let us never tire of opened at cathedrals asking forgiveness. Let throughout the world us henceforth entrust thereby inviting all faiththis year to the Mother of ful Catholics to join the Mercy, that she turn Universal Church in Merciful Like the Father solidarity during this her gaze upon us and watch over Year.

Misericordiosos Como el Padre Jubilee our journey: our Fall River Misericordiosos Como o Pai Bishop Edgar M. penitential journey, our year-long da Cunha, S.D.V., journey with an open heart, to receive will symbolically join with bishops the indulgence of God, to receive the all over the world at a ceremony at

One week before Thanksgiving, a long line queued up for food for the holiday at the St. Anthony’s Parish Food Bank in New Bedford.

Thanks to donations from parishioners and others, more than 450 families received a turkey. (Photo by Eric Simmons)

At the conclusion of the recent Fall Scholarship Dinner, video screens announced a total gain of $1,435,000 for FACE during the year, representing proceeds from the dinner along with money raised in events sponsored over the year by the FACE Cape Cod Committee, annual accrued interest, and a $760,000 bequest from the estate of Dennis J. Hurley.

Holy Year of Mercy

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on December 13, the Third Sunday of Advent, at 3 p.m., at which time he will open the “Doors of Mercy” in the Diocese of Fall River.

“Let us join with the Holy Father and all who heed his call to open our hearts to this Holy Year pilgrimage of faith in fact or in recognition of our Spiritual pilgrimage through prayer and works of mercy to the Father,” said Bishop da Cunha.

Father Jon-Paul Gallant, diocesan director of the Office for Divine Worship told The Anchor, “Our diocesan celebration will be combined with the annual Marian Medal awards.

The opening of the ‘Door of Mercy’ at the cathedral will be celebrated in the context of Solemn Daytime Prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament presided over by the bishop.”

At the cathedral, the bishop will lead a procession of clergy and laity to the main cathedral door and pray, “Open the gates of justice, we shall enter and give thanks to the Lord” (Ps 118:19). As the doors open, the bishop will continue, “This is the Lord’s Own gate: let us enter through it and obtain mercy.” After which he will lead the procession through the Turn to page 14

New pastor ignites parish with Faith on Fire

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org BREWSTER — When Father William V. Kaliyadan, M.S., was assigned to Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster earlier this year, he sent a letter to the parish outlining what he intended to bring to his new congregation, including a family-orientated catechesis program.

Father Kaliyadan had been an associate pastor on Cape Cod before being assigned to a parish in New Hampshire, where he had been inspired to bring family catechesis to that parish after attending seminars in the Diocese of Manchester.

He said: “I got some ideas and wanted to integrate that part into the classroom but I didn’t want it in the structure of a classroom. The reason I

took that path was I noticed so many parents who bring their children, drop them off and then they go home. There was something missing.”

Father Kaliyadan has a doctorate in psychology, and

decided to reach out to the parents at the New Hampshire parish to gently gather their thoughts, and found “they felt insufficient in their knowledge as parents,” he said, “and someTurn to page 15

It was a full house at Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster as families gathered for Mass before a Faith on Fire session, a new family catechesis program at the parish.

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News From the Vatican

November 27, 2015

Pray for peace, weep for world at war, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “Jesus wept.” Pope Francis opened a recent morning homily with those words as he spoke about the wars and violence engulfing numerous parts of the world.

The Gospel reading began, “As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If this day you only knew what makes for peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.’”

“Jesus is weeping today, too, because we have preferred the path of war, the path of hatred, the path of enmity,” the pope said during the Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives.

“The whole world” seems to be at war today, the pope said, and there is “no justification” for it.

“A war can be — quote-unquote — ‘justified’ for many reasons, but when the whole world is embroiled in war like it is today — there is a world war (being fought) in pieces, here, there, everywhere — there is no justification. And God weeps. Jesus weeps,” the pope said.

“It would do us good to ask for the grace of tears for this world that does not recognize the path of peace,” the pope said. “Let us ask for the conversion of hearts.”

Pope Francis prayed that the upcoming Year

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ll the wars and violence lead to “ruin, thousands of children without an education, many innocent people dead and a lot of money in the pockets of those who sell weapons,” the pope said. “Jesus once said, ‘ You cannot serve two masters: Either God or riches.’

War is choosing riches.” of Mercy would bring with it “the grace that the world would discover again the ability to weep for its crimes, for those who make war.”

“We are approaching Christmas,” the pope said, and soon everywhere “there will be lights, decorated trees, even Nativity scenes,” but if they are not signs of faith in Jesus and a commitment to following Him, then it is “all fake.”

“The world continues to make war,” he said.

“The world has not understood the path of peace.”

All the wars and violence lead to “ruin, thousands of children without an education, many innocent people dead and a lot of money in the pockets of those who sell weapons,” the pope said. “Jesus once said, ‘You cannot serve two masters: Either God or riches.’ War is choosing riches.”

Choosing war, he said, is like saying, “‘Let’s make weapons, that way we can balance the budget a bit and move our own interests forward.’

The Lord has strong words for those people: ‘Be cursed!’ He said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’

Those who decide for war, who make wars, are cursed; they are criminals.”

While arms sellers around the world are getting rich, the pope said, peacemakers are humbly helping people one at a time.

Describing Blessed Teresa of Kolkata as an “icon of our age,” Pope Francis said she was one of those humble peacemakers. Cynics would ask what good Mother Teresa did by caring for the dying, but their question simply shows they do not understand the path to peace, he said.

Pope Francis walks with Argentine Rabbi Abraham Skorka, left, and Omar Abboud, a Muslim leader from Argentina, as he leaves after praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem in this file photo. In his official proclamation of the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis called for “fervent dialogue” between Christians, Muslims and Jews. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

God is mercy: Holy Year affirms belief Christians, Muslims, Jews share

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis also hopes to open a year of “fervent dialogue” among Christians, Muslims and Jews, so that all who profess faith in a merciful God may be stronger in showing mercy toward one another.

The opening of the special jubilee year just a month after the terrorist attacks in Paris and at a time of continuing strife in the Holy Land and around the Middle East shows the size of the challenge facing those committed to interreligious dialogue, but it equally shows the need.

In his official proclamation of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis noted that the Christian profession of faith in God’s mercy “relates us to Judaism and Islam, both of which consider mercy to be one of God’s most important attributes.”

He prayed that the jubilee would “open us to even more fervent dialogue so that we might know and understand one another better; may it eliminate every form of closed-mindedness and disrespect, and drive out every form of violence and discrimination.”

“This jubilee of mercy is an inspiration,” said Shahrzad Houshmand, a Muslim scholar who teaches at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University. “At this difficult moment in history, it is time to return to the original Name of God Who, for all three of us, is mercy. We have lost so much on the way because of pride, because we have not recognized each other as brothers and sisters and some have even gone so far astray that they see each other as enemies. This jubilee can help us return to the roots of our religious existence which is based on the name of God, the merciful.”

For Rabbi Naftali Brawer, CEO of the Spiritual Capital Foundation in London, being religious means imitating God, particularly in the pursuit of justice and the demonstration of mercy.

Making the world a better place, he said, “is all about individuals, it is about bottom up, it is about little acts of mercy. It’s not going to happen through conferences of interfaith leaders making more proclamations about the meaning of mercy or theologians delving deeply into what mercy means, but it’s about people of different faiths living together and trying to see the other for who the other really is and responding accordingly.”

“It happens on the ground,” the rabbi said. “It happens in a million different little acts every day.”

For Jews, he said, God’s justice and mercy go together.

“There is a passage of Jewish teaching in the Talmud that states that if someone is merciful to the cruel, they will end up being cruel to the merciful. In other words, justice is important in Judaism; it is not just unadulter-

ated mercy.”

“But what we do in our Liturgies,” the rabbi said, “we are constantly asking God to temper His justice with mercy.”

It is a “bit of a caricature” to say the might of God in the Hebrew Scriptures is greater than His mercy, Rabbi Brawer said, because the Bible presents different images of God. “There are times in which He is angry and vengeful, but then there are times in which God is extraordinarily vulnerable, betrayed and almost astounded by the behavior of a people He loves who are not returning that love. So, yes, God can be vengeful and wrathful and demand justice, but then He very often allows humans to challenge that, invites humans to challenge that and I think that’s the fuller picture.”

For example, he said, after the Israelites worship the golden calf, God tells Moses, “‘I’m going to wipe this lot out,’ — that’s one snapshot — but what’s equally important is the following snapshot in which Moses intercedes and God gives way, and that’s an extraordinary thing.”

Houshmand said 113 of the 114 chapters of the Quran open with the phrase, “Bismillah al rahman al rahim,” usually translated as, “In the Name of God, the most gracious, most merciful.” Muslims begin their formal prayers with the phrase, they say it before meals, begin formal speeches with it and recite it at the beginning of wedding and funeral rites.

“Why does the Quran repeat this name so often?

Maybe it is because God knows that unfortunately the human heart needs to hear repeated, constantly and often, that God is mercy,” she said. “With our instincts and selfishness, our failures and pettiness, the human being tends always to flee from mercy, so the Quran repeats and repeats and repeats it.”

As in Catholicism, in Islam invoking God’s mercy is particularly tied to asking God’s forgiveness for one’s sins, she said. Islam teaches that “God, the fullness of love, knows and sees the mistakes, errors and sins of the human person. But His mercy never stops in the face of anything. His mercy embraces all of Creation — the good and the bad, saints and sinners — and He says, ‘I see you, I see your sins, but I am still merciful always.

And the doors of My mercy, of My forgiveness are always, eternally open to you.’”

Muslims, she said, believe that at different times of the year — such as the last days of the fasting month of Ramadan — the gates of Heaven open wider and God’s mercy flows more abundantly. “I see the jubilee as having this purpose, too, of healing deep wounds. We must welcome this call to mercy and remember than no one is perfect, no one is without need of mercy. Like Jesus said, ‘Let whoever is without sin throw the first stone.’”

3 The International Church U.S. Catholics’ support for Eastern Church ‘vital,’ says major archbishop

November 27, 2015

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — In 2009, Ukrainian Father Sviatoslav Shevchuk, a priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, was named a bishop and sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as an auxiliary bishop and administrator of the Eparchy of Santa Maria.

At that time he was just 38, the youngest Catholic bishop in the world.

Just two years later, despite his youth, his brother Ukrainian bishops meeting for a five-day synod in Lviv elected him major archbishop of Kiev-Halych, the head of the entire Ukrainian Catholic Church. The election was ratified by Pope Benedict XVI. During his brief administration in Buenos Aires, his mentor was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, then the archbishop of Buenos Aires, now Pope Francis. The two became friends.

“I think Pope Francis has deep religious Spirituality,” Major Archbishop Shevchuk observed during a November 13-15 visit to Philadelphia. “His special gift is to discern and appreciate each gift from the Holy Spirit, and he was an outstanding father and adviser to me, he introduced me to the council of bishops in Argentina and helped me with my orientation.”

More recently, he served on the preparatory commission for the October 2014 extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family and this October’s world Synod of Bishops on the Family. He recalls the first time meeting the now-Pope Francis while he was there. He started to talk to the pontiff in Italian.

“He said to me, ‘Did you forget your Spanish?’ so we talked in Spanish,” Major Archbishop Shevchuk told CatholicPhilly.com, the news site of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

While in Philadelphia, Major Archbishop Shevchuk was the main celebrant of a Divine Liturgy honoring consecrated life at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Concelebrants included Archbishop Stefan Soroka of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, metropolitan of U.S. Ukrainian Catholics, and Auxiliary Bishop John Bura of the archeparchy; retired Bishop Basil H. Losten of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, Conn.; Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre of the Latin-rite Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and clergy from Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

During his homily, based on the Gospel reading from St. Luke that includes the parable of the good Samaritan, Major Archbishop Shevchuk reminded the congregation that God Himself becomes not only our neighbor, but He is with us, within us.

Quoting St. Augustine, he said of God, “All the while You were more inside me than my most in most part; You were higher than my highest powers. God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.”

To the assembled men and women religious who renewed their vows during the Divine Liturgy, Major Archbishop Shevchuk said the entire Ukrainian Catholic Church is grateful “to you, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who gave all your heart, and your soul, all your strength and all your mind to service and love for God. Thank you for your service to the Church, especially here in the United States. And I call upon everyone here present to please learn how to love God and neighbor from our Sisters here present.”

After the recessional, the entire congregation carrying lit candles gathered outside on the cathedral grounds where Major Archbishop Shevchuk blessed a new bell tower which houses the “Stefan” bell from the original cathedral which was cast in 1919 in Baltimore. The congregation then prayed for Ukraine.

More than 1,200 faithful from parishes in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington and Virginia attended the Divine Liturgy, which was broadcast live by the Eternal World Television Network.

At the end of the Liturgy, Major Archbishop Shev-

chuk blessed new mosaics honoring Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska, foundress of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate and Major Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, who died in a Soviet prison in 1944. In July, Pope Francis signed a decree recognizing his heroic virtues and declaring him venerable.

The primary reason for the archbishop’s visit to the U.S. was to participate in the unveiling in Washington of the Holodomor-Forced Famine Monument, which honors the memory of millions of Ukrainians who starved to death in 1932-33 during forced collectivization instigated by the Stalin regime.

“We call it genocide,” Major Archbishop Shevchuk said. “In Ukrainian territory alone according to studies at least five million were killed.”

He recently blessed the monument, which was authorized by Congress in 2006.

Ukraine, which was ruled mostly by Russia and other neighboring countries for centuries, regained full independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union but relations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine deteriorated with the annexation of Crimea by Russia and incursions in other nearby Ukrainian territory in 2014.

“The desire of the Ukrainian nation is not to move back to the Soviet Union but forward to democracy to autonomy,” Major Archbishop Shevchuk said. “Right now there is a fragile cease-fire but we are concerned about re-escalation.”

While in Washington, the Catholic archbishop and other Ukrainian religious leaders representing the Orthodox, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim and evangelical Christian faiths, among others, held a news conference, calling on President Barack Obama and Congress to greatly increase the level of humanitarian aid for those suffering in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially as winter approaches. The group also met with officials of the Obama Administration at the White House to push for increased aid.

In a nation of 45 million, the Ukrainian Catholic population is about 4.5 million with an additional 2.5 million members abroad. “We are the largest Eastern Catholic Church in the world,” the archbishop told CatholicPhilly.com.

Although most other believers are Orthodox Christians along with Protestant, Jewish and Muslim communities, “Our (All-Ukrainian) Council of the Churches and Religious Organizations is our most powerful NGO, representing 85 percent of the people” Major Archbishop Shevchuk said. “The council enables us not only to listen to each other but to solve our problems.

We not only coexist, we cooperate.”

To be part of the Ukrainian nation, one does not have to be ethnically Ukrainian, Major Archbishop Shevchuk explained, pointing to the large number of Poles, Jews, Russians and other nationalities, with a large part of the army being Russian speakers. “We are a free people, a country with European values and respect for human dignity, which lays the foundation to the nation.”

Just as Ukraine is multi-ethnic, so too is the Ukrainian Catholic Church, which during communist rule was essentially an underground Church, according to Major Archbishop Shevchuk.

“We are a global Church,” he said “We are in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Western Europe, Siberia and even China. We pray in different languages. We are open to sharing our Eastern Catholic traditions, our Spirituality, our Liturgy with all.”

Although Ukrainian Catholics are a minority in the country of their origin and around the world, including the United States, the aim is always communion not

conformity.

“We always learn to think as a minority, but our authority goes beyond being a small community,” Major Archbishop Shevchuk said. “We learn how to overcome our limits, to be flexible, to present our treasures in a practical way so that people will appreciate them.”

In his visit to the United States and the various Ukrainian Catholic communities, Major Archbishop Shevchuk most desired to bring attention to the current situation in Ukraine. “We do need the help of the international community, not only to stop a war but to help those who have been injured by war,” he said. “I especially want to thank all Catholics in America who participate in the collection for Eastern churches. Right now, that is vital.”

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November 27, 2015 The Church in the U.S. Bishop disturbed by calls to end resettlement of Syrian refugees in U.S.

BALTIMORE (CNS) — The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration said he was disturbed by calls from federal and state officials for an end to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States.

“These refugees are fleeing terror themselves — violence like we have witnessed in Paris,” said Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the migration committee. “They are extremely vulnerable families, women, and children who are fleeing for their lives. We cannot and should not blame them for the actions of a terrorist organization.”

In a statement issued during the bishops’ general assembly in Baltimore, Bishop Elizondo offered condolences to the French people, especially families of the victims

of the November 13 attacks in Paris in which at least 129 people were killed and hundreds were injured. He said he supported “all who are working to ensure such attacks do not occur again — in France and around the world.”

But addressing calls from some governors and federal officials — including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) — to pause or halt refugee resettlement until the U.S. can ensure the safety of its citizens, Bishop Elizondo said refugees “must pass security checks and multiple interviews before entering the United States — more than any arrival to the United States. It can take up to two years for a refugee to pass through the whole vetting process. We can look at strengthening the already

stringent screening program, but we should continue to welcome those in desperate need.”

He urged public officials to work together to end the conflict in Syria so the country’s nearly four million refugees can return home.

“Until that goal is achieved, we must work with the world community to provide safe haven to vulnerable and deserving refugees who are simply attempting to survive. As a great nation, the United States must show leadership during this crisis and bring nations together to protect those in danger and bring an end to the conflicts in the Middle East,” he said.

In a separate statement, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence, R.I., said although refugees’ backgrounds must be checked carefully, “it would be wrong for our nation and our state to refuse to accept refugees simply because they are Syrian or Muslim.”

“Too often in the past, however, our nation has erroneously targeted individuals as dangerous simply because of their nationality or religion,” the bishop said. “In these turbulent times, it is important that prudence not be replaced by hysteria.”

The U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency, Catholic Relief Services, emphasized how carefully refugees are vetted in a five-point post called “Five Reasons Not to Punish Syrian Refugees for the Paris Attacks.”

“The refugees are not ISIS,” it said, referring to them as allies in the fight against Islamic State.

Syrian refugees wait on the Syrian side of the border near Sanliurfa, Turkey. Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, says the United States should welcome Syrian refugees and work for peace. (CNS photo/ Sedat/Suna, EPA)

The column, by Michael Hill, CRS senior writer, noted: “Since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, it’s estimated that more than 250,000 people have died.

Countless homes and places of work have been destroyed.

Refugees arriving in Europe have recounted in horrific detail the atrocities they witnessed within their homeland. As one mother told us, ‘You wouldn’t put a child on this boat unless it’s safer than your home. Imagine this desperation. We have nothing to lose.’

“These people should not be blamed for the actions of an extremist fringe group like ISIS. If anything, the Paris attacks should increase our sympathy for their plight,” the column said.

“While we recognize legitimate security concerns, our leaders and politicians must understand that refusing to welcome the stranger and failing to work together toward a solution to this refugee crisis only aids our enemies,” Hill wrote. “We understand the fear many American people, including members of our Catholic population, have that the senseless violence perpetrated in Paris, Beirut, and so many other places will find its way here. But as followers of Christ, we cannot allow our attitudes and our actions to be overtaken by this fear.”

In her recent report to the bishops about the work of Catholic Charities USA,

Dominican Sister Donna Markham, the organization’s president and CEO, said the refugee crisis is serious and Catholic Charities agencies want to do what they can to welcome these refugees in the United States.

She said she has met with White House officials about this but she has also seen a negative reaction to the agency’s offer to help with “disturbing mail” sent from people who don’t want the refugees in this country.

“We’re ready to help, if we can get them here,” she said, stressing that Catholic Charities agencies represent the Church’s ministry that Pope Francis described as a field hospital.

During a news conference at the bishops’ meeting in Baltimore, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, CRS board chairman, pointed out that the violent attack that took place in Paris is “precisely the brutality these refugees are fleeing.”

Rather than “further victimize the victims,” he called on Catholics and Americans — “as a nation of immigrants” — to treat Syrian refugees with “a certain compassion and understanding.”

The archbishop spoke of the need to “exercise prudence” and carefully vet incoming refugees, but he also said Syrian refugees are “being more vigorously vetted” than other refugees groups, noting that the immigration process can take from 18 to 24 months.

The Church in the U.S. Pope’s representative to U.S. stresses Catholic identity in schools

November 27, 2015

Baltimore, Md. (CNA/ EWTN News) — Catholic schools can embrace their identity through familiarity with Christ, devotion to the Virgin Mary and a commitment to Christian life and teaching, the apostolic nuncio to the United States told the nation’s bishops.

“Educational leaders should regain firm command of the helm of their institutions through the storms of the present times,” said Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano.

“The course must always be set by Christ and His Church, never allowing influence or wealth to dictate what might be an improper orientation for a Catholic school or a university.”

The nuncio spoke to the U.S. bishops’ recent fall general assembly in Baltimore.

“While each college or university has its own particular mission, together they ultimately have the solemn obligation to teach the same doctrine of the Universal Church and to define the moral obligation that marks us all as Catholic Christians,” he said.

The archbishop has served as apostolic nuncio — or papal representative — to the U.S. since 2011.

In his address to the bishops, he stressed that “our students should be taught how to pray, how to become familiar with Christ.”

“They should experience how enriching is the encounter with the poor, with the sick, with the elderly, and the immigrant, a reality often excluded from our privileged society.

They should also experience, along with a great quality education, the inspiring devotion to Our Lady and a love for the missions.”

Archbishop Vigano noted the bishops’ duties to pass down “the authentic teaching of Christ.”

“Like St. Paul, we are compelled to proclaim the Gospel message, in season and out of season.”

Despite the “many challenges,” he said, bishops have “a tremendous obligation to watch over and protect families and parishes and schools for the good of the people.”

“If we have to preserve a moral order in our society, we cannot fall prey to the enticement and allurement of a secularized and increasingly pagan civilization.”

Archbishop Vigano cited Pope St. Gregory the Great’s pastoral rule: “Imprudent silence may leave in error those who could have been taught.

Pastors who lack foresight hesitate to say openly what is right because they fear losing the favor of men.”

The nuncio also cited Pope Francis’ words to U.S. university leaders in January 2014. The pope voiced his

hope that Catholic universities will evangelization in America.” “continue to offer unambiguous testi“The Society of Jesus has had a mony of their foundational Catholic long and proud tradition of impartidentity, especially in the face of efing a rich Catholic faith and a deep forts to dilute that indispensable wit- love for Christ which in great part is ness.” The pope stressed the need for carried on through their mission of these institutions to defend, preserve education. It is my hope that, with and advance their Catholic identity. respect to their great tradition, after The nuncio emphasized the need the example of our Holy Father, they to care for would like Catholic hile each college or university has again to educational its own particular mission, together lead and institutions they ultimately have the solemn obligation to to reaffirm “so that they the Cathoteach the same doctrine of the Universal Church lic idenwould regain the lus- and to define the moral obligation that marks us tity of their ter of their all as Catholic Christians.” educational true identiinstituty.” Catholic tions.” colleges and universities “should be The nuncio said challenges to famencouraged to be faithful to the title ily life in the Western world are now of ‘Catholic’ that they bear.” at “a critical point,” as seen in the “In this way, their students can be recent Synod of Bishops. inspired to take their rightful place in “We know that a solid Catholic the world, teaching others what has family is the very first school for been the true Catholic family that learning,” he said. “Good and faithful God intends them to be.” parents are always the best of teachSince Baltimore was created the ers.” first Catholic diocese more than 225 The family forms a “domestic years ago, the American bishops have Church” that prepares children for worked in education to help spread Catholic education at every level, he the Gospel and to shape the growth said. The nuncio encouraged the U.S. of the Catholic Church, the nuncio recounted. The bishops built parish schools with the “dedicated support” of women religious whose exemplars included St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

These schools helped families find “identity, meaning and nourishment in a new world.”

“These schools became fortresses of solid Catholic Formation for all those young people who would take their place in America’s future,” Archbishop Vigano said. The early American bishops saw education “as an essential means for the Gospel mission to be woven into the very fabric of our people’s existence.”

He noted that at about the same time as the founding of the Baltimore Diocese, Georgetown University was founded in Washington under the direction of the Society of Jesus.

“While the Church in France was undergoing great suppression by a revolution that would remove God from public life, it was this order in this university that was meant to build up and preserve genuine Catholic teaching to be infused into the culture of America’s young society.”

Archbishop Vigano recounted with gratitude his education at a Jesuit secondary school in Milan and the Gregorian University in Rome, saying this education greatly helped his vocation to the priesthood. He chose the feast of the North American Martyrs, Jesuit saints, to publicize his appointment as nuncio. He said that the Jesuits have been “the leader of

“W

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bishops to look to this path to find renewed strength for evangelization, a strength that “must be solid and unwavering in its commitment to truth.”

Archbishop Vigano voiced gratitude to the bishops and others who helped plan and take part in Pope Francis’ U.S. visit in September. He praised the pope’s “powerful” catechesis, especially as it related to the family, its openness to life, and its “beauty and potential to form a vibrant and living Church.”

“What we have done as one Church, united and guided in the presence of Peter, and the people coming together as one in the Eucharist, we can continue to do and accomplish,” he said.

Archbishop Vigano had a special prayer for bishops: “May God give us, as teachers, and models in the faith, the grace we need to always be faithful to our own mission, to renew the Spirit of evangelization in our midst.”

With his 75th birthday on the horizon, he acknowledged that the end of his term as nuncio may be approaching and he assured the bishops that they will always be in his thoughts and prayers.

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November 27, 2015

Anchor Editorial

Piety in the darkness

This long weekend (although not a long weekend for retail employees) we are reminded of our need to be thankful to God for all of His generosity to us. Last November 29, while at an ecumenical service in Istanbul with the patriarch of Constantinople, Pope Francis said, “Each evening brings a mixed feeling of gratitude for the day which is ending and of hope-filled trust as night falls.”

This year we are much in need of hope — on the diocesan, state, national, and international levels. We face great economic challenges, an opioid epidemic (killing off many people throughout our state), terrorism in various countries, wars which continue (with our servicemen and women often forgotten), poverty, oppression and injustice spread throughout the world.

Advent reminds us that Christ has come and He will come again — and He comes to us each and every day, directly in our prayer and indirectly in our neighbors.

Among the Holy Spirit’s gifts, the gift of piety can help us move from gratitude to greater love for God and our neighbors. This movement also will give us greater hope, as we see Jesus walking with us in this vale of sorrows and we walk with our brothers and sisters.

Pope Francis gave a talk on piety back on June 4, 2014. He explained that piety “indicates our belonging to God and our profound relationship with Him, a bond that gives meaning to our life and keeps us sound, in communion with Him, even during the most difficult and tormenting moments.” Many people reading this editorial are in such situations at the moment.

“This relationship with the Lord is not intended as a duty or an imposition. It is a bond that comes from within. It is a relationship lived with the heart: it is our friendship with God, granted to us by Jesus, a friendship that changes our life and fills us with passion, with joy. Thus, the gift of piety stirs in us above all gratitude and praise. This is, in fact, the reason and the most authentic meaning of our worship and our adoration. When the Holy Spirit allows us to perceive the presence of

the Lord and all His love for us, it warms the heart and moves us quite naturally to prayer and celebration. Piety, therefore, is synonymous with the genuine religious spirit, with filial trust in God, with that capacity to pray to Him with the love and simplicity that belongs to those who are humble of heart,” Pope Francis said. What a grace when we live this out!

The Holy Father continued, “If the gift of piety makes us grow in relation to and in communion with God and leads us to live as His children, at the same time, it helps us to pass this love on to others as well and to recognize them as our brothers and sisters. And then, yes, we will be moved by feelings of piety — not pietism! — in relation to those around us and to those whom we encounter every day. Why do I say ‘not pietism’? Because some think that to be pious is to close one’s eyes, to pose like a picture and pretend to be a saint. In Piedmont we say: to play the ‘mugna quacia’ [literally: the pious or serene nun]. This is not the gift of piety. The gift of piety means to be truly capable of rejoicing with those who rejoice, of weeping with those who weep, of being close to those who are lonely or in anguish, of correcting those in error, of consoling the afflicted, of welcoming and helping those in need. The gift of piety is closely tied to gentleness. The gift of piety which the Holy Spirit gives us makes us gentle, makes us calm, patient, at peace with God, at the service of others with gentleness.”

What the pope said ties in well with the Spiritual and corporal works of mercy, something very timely as we are about to begin the Year of Mercy on December 8.

Pope Francis had a good prayer suggestion for us all: “Let us ask the Lord for the gift of His Spirit to conquer our fear, our uncertainty, and our restless, impatient spirit, and to make of us joyful witnesses of God and of His love, by worshipping the Lord in truth and in service to our neighbor with gentleness and with a smile, which the Holy Spirit always gives us in joy. May the Holy Spirit grant to all of us this gift of piety.” Amen!

Pope Francis’ Angelus message of November 22 On this last Sunday of the Liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. And in today’s Gospel we contemplate Jesus as He is presented to Pilate as King of a Kingdom “not of this world” ( Jn 18:36). This does not mean that Christ is King of another world, but that He is a King in another way, and yet He is also the King in this world. (We encounter here) a contraposition between two logics. Worldly logic rests on ambition, competition, fights with the weapons of fear, blackmail and the manipulation of consciences. The logic of the

Gospel, that is the logic of Jesus, instead expresses humility and selflessness, it proclaims itself quietly but effectively with the power of truth. The kingdoms of this world sometimes are built on arrogance, rivalry, oppression; the Kingdom of Christ is a “Kingdom of justice, love and peace” (Preface).

When did Jesus reveal Himself as King? In the event of the cross! Whoever looks at the cross of Christ cannot fail to see the amazing free gift of love. Some of you may say, “But, Father, this was a failure.” (You are) right in that OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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it is the failure of sin — sin is a failure — in the failure of human ambitions, there is the triumph of the cross, there is the free gift of love. In the failure of the cross we see love, this love that is free, that Jesus gives us. When speaking of power and strength, as a Christian, one means to refer to the power of the cross of Jesus and the power of love: a love that remains firm and intact, even in the face of rejection, and that looks like the fulfillment of a life spending in the total offering of oneself in favor of humanity. On Calvary, bystanders and leaders mock Jesus nailed to the cross, and throw the challenge: “Save Yourself and come down from the cross!”

(Mk 15:30). “Save Yourself!” But paradoxically, the truth of Jesus is flung out by His opponents who scoffed at Him: “He can not save Himself!” (V. 31). If Jesus had come down from the cross, He would have succumbed to the temptation of the prince of this world; instead He cannot save Himself precisely in order to save others, because He gave His life for us, for each of us. Saying “Jesus gave His life for the world” is true, but it’s more beautiful to say: “Jesus gave His life for me.” And

today in the square, let each of us say in our heart: “He gave His life for me,” to be able to save all of us from our sins.

And who has understood this?

One of the criminals who is crucified with Him did understand, the one called the “good thief,” who begs Him: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (Lk 23,42). But this was a criminal, he was corrupt and he was there condemned to death because of all the brutality he had done in his life. But he has seen the attitude of Jesus, the meekness of Jesus’ love. And this is the strength of the Kingdom of Christ: it is love. For this reason, the Kingship of Jesus does not oppress us, but frees us from our weaknesses and miseries, encouraging us to follow the paths of goodness, reconciliation and forgiveness. We look at the cross of Jesus, we look at the good thief, and let us say all along with the good thief: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” All together: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” Ask Jesus, when we see ourselves weak, sinners, defeated, to look at us and say to Him, “You are there. Do not for-

get me!”

Faced with so many wounds around the world and so many wounds in the flesh of men, we ask the Virgin Mary to support us in our efforts to imitate Jesus, our King, making present His reign with gestures of tenderness, understanding and compassion.

Yesterday, in Barcelona, Federico Berga and 25 martyr companions were beatified. They were killed in Spain during the fierce persecution against the Church in the last century. They were priests, young professed (religious) waiting for ordination and lay brothers belonging to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. We entrust to their intercession so many of our Brothers and Sisters who unfortunately still today, in various parts of the world, who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.

On Wednesday I will start the trip to Africa, visiting Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic. I ask you all to pray for this trip, so that for all these dear brothers and sisters, and even for me, it be a sign of closeness and love. Together we ask Our Lady to bless this beloved land, for there to be there peace and prosperity.

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November 27, 2015

‘Dei Verbum’ at 50: Where have all the Bibles gone?

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Fifty years ago, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (“Dei Verbum”) urged the faithful to nourish their faith by reading the Bible, putting an end to centuries of seeing direct access to the Scriptures as something reserved to the clergy.

Stating that “easy access to Sacred Scripture should be provided for all the Christian faithful,” the document stressed that frequent Bible reading allows the faithful another connection to “the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

Today, Pope Francis repeatedly asks the faithful to carry a pocket-sized Gospel or Bible and to read several verses a day.

The pope even had free copies of a pocket-sized edition of the Gospels given to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square at a number of his Sunday Angelus addresses.

“Take this Gospel; carry it with you, to read it often, every day,” he said in March. “Carry it in your purse, in your pocket, but read it often. A verse, a passage every day. The Word of God is a light for our path.”

The Bible is considered the best-selling book of all time with an estimated five billion copies sold and with versions in close to 350 different languages.

However, a question remains: With so many Bibles available worldwide, why are there still Christians with limited knowledge or access to the Word of God? In short, where have all the Bibles gone?

W

e see it seemingly every day. It could be in a restaurant, a hotel, a stadium, a theater, a bus, a subway, a plane, in school, at work, or simply walking down the street.

Before Friday the 13th in Paris, it was probably one of the furthest things on our minds.

But terrorist attacks are now becoming a painful way of life — one that should make us more vigilant and observant of our surroundings.

Our new way of life means that we never know what will happen when we leave home, or work or school, or walk to the corner store.

Every corner of the world is being infiltrated by people, and I use that term in the loosest form possible, who do not care about human beings, about God, about

The Biblical Center of told Catholic News Service by the three monotheistic reliAfrica and Madagascar recently telephone. gions, Father Najem says there hosted a conference in Rwanda As Middle East regional are still communities not acto reflect on “Dei Verbum,” and coordinator of the Catholic customed to reading the Bible participants agreed it placed Biblical Federation, Father Na- often. “the Bible at the center of jem believes that “Dei Verbum” “We are a religious people, Christian Spirituality.” but we need to help Access to Scripture our people be more is no simple task in acquainted with the Africa, a continent Scripture,” he said. known for its lin“That’s why we are guistic diversity with working more on the an estimated 2,000 pastoral level to reach languages. Conference the people.” participants commitThe Assembly of ted themselves to two the Catholic Patriarchs goals: finalizing the and Bishops in Lebatranslation of the Bible non has inaugurated in local languages and a “Biblical Week,” continuing to work Father Najem said, and so “that the faithful the Catholic Biblical may have access to the Federation organizes Word of God.” a regional conference But “Dei Verbum” every two years as also is relevant in areas well as annual weekwhere access to the long meetings to help Word of God is not Lebanese parishioners as challenging as in understand Scripture.

Africa.

The Holy Year of For Maronite Father Mercy, which begins Pierre Najem of Beirut, December 8, also Lebanon, physical presents an opporaccess to Scripture for tunity to help the the faithful does not faithful understand pose a significant chalGod’s love through lenge.

Pope Francis holds up a Bible as he promotes read- studying Scripture, the ing of the Bible during his Angelus delivered from the priest said. When Pope “The access to the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square Francis announced the intelligence of the at the Vatican in this file photo. (CNS photo/Paul HarHoly Scripture is the jubilee, he emphasized ing) problem, and we are the need “to live in trying to deal with it the light of the Word through preaching, through still has an important mesof the Lord” with mercy at its a lot of activities in order to sage, especially in a country as center. help our people, especially culturally and religiously diverse Cardinal Gerhard Muller, young people, to have access as Lebanon. prefect of the Congregation to the understanding of the While traditional religious for the Doctrine of the Faith, Scripture and to understanding devotions are prominent in the echoed the pope’s words, saythe tradition,” Father Najem Middle East, the birthplace of ing that the teachings of “Dei

We are our greatest allies to each other

Yesterday was Thanksgiving life, or anything but themselves. in the U.S., and I don’t know as In fact, I’m surprised they even I write this before our beloved trust each other.

The concept of killing all who holiday has reached us, if anything evil took place, but I can don’t agree with your ideologies is not new. My gosh, it started with Cain and Abel, and has escalated exponentially ever since.

Terrorism is the new buzz word. It’s on everyone’s mind and

By Dave Jolivet lips, thanks in large part to the saturating coverage it gets on electronic be sure that there was plenty of media. apprehension all over the world The perpetrators do not apin anticipation of the evil ones’ pear to be human, because no next move. child of God could ever have As I mentioned, terrorism such a cold, empty soul. There is now a way of life. But that are possible explanations for doesn’t mean we must stay that, but I’ll leave that up to away from restaurants, hotels, theologians and experts in that stadiums, theaters, buses, trains, field.

My View From the Stands

planes, school, work, or a leisurely stroll down the road. Life has to go on for us.

But what this new way of life should mean for us is to live in the here and now. Joni Mitchell once sang, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone.”

Our new world is one where we should cherish each moment, especially moments with family and friends.

Instead of deluxe vacations and trips, what should be enjoyed is the simple company of each other. Simple pleasures like sitting in the living room with your spouse, your children, your parents, and/or your friends.

Talking, laughing, sharing our

Verbum” shed a light on Divine revelation as a direct link between God and humanity.

This connection “teaches us above all that Divine mercy is not only found in some isolated act of forgiveness of our sins but places us in the most intimate communication with God Himself,” Cardinal Muller said during a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of “Dei Verbum” at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University.

The revelation of God’s love, mercy and plan for humanity through Sacred Scripture, the cardinal said, helps to unite Christians, while false interpretations or misunderstandings divide them.

“When we enter into the history of revelation, when we meet with members of the Body of Jesus Christ, the Word of God creates an internal unity, a communion between God and us. And we clearly know that no man, no philosophy, not even an elaborate and wellthought out ideology can save us,” Cardinal Muller told CNS. “It is God Who saves mankind and not mankind who saves God,” he said.

For the faithful to understand the Bible and faithfully interpret God’s Word, Cardinal Muller offered a simple piece of advice: “I recommend reading or having a Bible with scientific commentaries for this introduction (into Scripture), because all these texts come from a very different time, a very different culture than our own. One needs explanations in order to understand it.”

day, our fears, our hopes, our dreams, and our love.

There is no suicide bomber who can take that away.

A hug or a kiss to a loved one on their way out the door has never meant so much as it does now. One never knows what one may encounter once outside the warm confines of home.

A sincere and heartfelt “I love you,” should be our daily mantra.

Let’s not live in fear, let’s live in gratitude, in appreciation of one another, because we are our greatest allies to each other in the evil new world.

Actually, it warms my heart to think that such good can come from the barbaric action of others. Terrorism shouldn’t make us afraid — it should make us think — of each other. davejolivet@anchornews.org.

8

“I

can’t wait” is an expression parents often hear, especially as the days draw closer to Christmas. Young ones can grow anxious as they await myriad possibilities of what is to come.

Of course children are not the only ones who wait anxiously. Adults know all too well the pangs of waiting. Who among us cannot us recall a time anxiously waiting — perhaps at the terminal for a loved one to arrive; or in the chapel waiting for the bride to enter; or in the delivery room waiting for the birth of a child?

This weekend, the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Church year, we begin a period of waiting — waiting for the Lord’s other coming as we remember with joy His first coming as the Baby of Bethlehem.

Advent commemorates

November 27, 2015

It’s worth the wait

a joyful kind of waitcelebrate. The cartoons ing — a waiting for Jesus we see of the scraggly that contains promise, street preacher with his love, preparation, alertsign heralding the end ness, reflectiveness, of the world portray that prayer, new beginnings, day as an appointment and fulfillment. It is a special kind of waiting for the Homily of the Week God Who has Feast Sunday come, does come, of Advent and will come.

According to

By Deacon Arthur the “Catechism L. Lachance Jr. of the Catholic Church,” “When the Church celebrates with an angry God. As the Liturgy of Advent one bumper sticker puts each year, she makes it, “Jesus is coming — present this ancient and boy, is He mad!” expectancy if the MesBut look at this weeksiah, for by sharing in end’s readings. The first the long preparation for reading, from the book the Savior’s first coming, of Jeremiah, a joyful part the faithful renew their of his “Book of Consoardent desire for His sec- lation,” is full of hope. ond coming” (CCC,524).

Jeremiah speaks with a The most comforting voice of reassurance, of a thing that the Scriptures day when God comes to speak to us in this time fulfill His promises and of waiting is that the to provide security for coming of Jesus is not a those who wait for Him day to dread but a day to faithfully.

Writing to the Thessalonians, St. Paul, in the second reading, foretells a day when God will invite us into a joy-filled life with the saints. Paul exhorts us to do our part by growing in love, living in ways pleasing to God, and being faithful to the teachings of Christ.

The Gospel reading may seem to stand in sharp contrast to sense of hope and expectancy we are called to have as we prepare for Christmas. But the heart of Jesus’ message here is not doom and gloom.

Jesus wants us to be always ready to meet Him! Jesus tells us to approach the Day of the Lord by standing tall, lifting our faces toward God because our redemption is at hand.

And that is the core message of Advent. We

wait for God not with a sense of dread but with lively hope — like expectant parents as they wait to hear their baby’s first cry, like wedding guests waiting to glimpse the bride as she comes down the aisle.

We wait not for the end of everything but for the beginning of a new day, more beautiful than we could ever have imagined it.

Advent is a season to prepare. When we are called to meet the Lord, we don’t want to be unfamiliar to Him — or He to us. Much better if we can walk into the presence of a longtime friend. Advent calls us to reflect on that friendship and to foster it — to spend even just a few minutes a day in conversation with Jesus.

Deacon Lachance currently serves at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Nov. 28, Dn 7:15-27; (Ps) Dn 3:82-87; Lk 21:34-36. Sun. Nov. 29, First Sunday of Advent, 3: Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5,8-9,10,14; 1 Thes 3:12–4:2; Lk 21:25-28,34-36. Mon. Nov. 30, Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22. Tues. Dec. 1, Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24. Wed. Dec. 2, Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37. Thurs. Dec. 3, Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21,24-27. Fri. Dec. 4, Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31.

I

was shocked on that first day of retreat when one of our Sacred Hearts Brothers tapped me on the shoulder and said, “You know, Joyce passed away.”

I had chatted with Joyce at the Kalaupapa airport just a couple of days prior to this as she awaited the plane which would take her to Topside Molokai. Now she had taken another flight on angels’ wings to her Heavenly home. It is ironic that I

Joyce is the choice had hoped to have her share ha shirt, sandals and topped her story with me for this ar- off by my wide brimmed ticle. She was my choice for straw hat (I use this to this month and now she was protect whatever brains I the Lord’s choice to be summoned to the Pearly Gates.

Of course Joyce Kainoa’s story would not fit in a news

By Father brief. I had learned Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. this one day shortly after arriving in Kalaupapa in the summer of 2012. She was busy with her volunteer have left). She evidently got work at Hale Malama (our a kick out of my attire and museum to be) but she took I most certainly got a real time not only to greet me kick out of listening to her. but to chat with me. Let me Eventually I got a big hug make it clear that she was of welcome from her, which doing most of the chatting. almost took my breath away.

She chuckled when she said Born in Maui, Joyce spent that I didn’t look much like time in beautiful Halawa a priest. Of course this was Valley in the extreme northunderstandable since I was east section of Molokai. It attired in my tan shorts, alo- was in this same valley of

Moon Over Molokai

lush taro fields that Father Damien had built St. Ann’s Church. Joyce had no knowledge of this church since it had long fallen into disuse. The homes and rich taro fields of Halawa Valley were destroyed by the tsunami of 1946 and by subsequent flash flooding in the 1960s. However, we have the altar from this church, built

by Damien’s own hands, at St. Philomena Church in Kalawao.

It is interesting to note that Joyce took up residence and raised her family in the vicinity of another valley where Damien had built a church, St. Anthony. Pelekunu Valley opens onto the north side of Molokai not far from the original Han-

sen’s disease settlement in Kalawao. Joyce said that the hike from her valley to the south side of Molokai would have been a daunting one. So in recent years Joyce came to us by way of helicopter or occasionally by family boat.

As Joyce lived part of her time with her son, Lane, here in Kalaupapa, it was a joy to have her around. Though she had some medical ailments, she was still full of vim and vigor. She would speak her mind with humor and in an uplifting fashion. I will miss her. We will all miss her. She is my choice for November.

She is also the Lord’s choice.

A hui hou, Joyce. May you live on in eternal peace with the Lord.

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

November 27, 2015

Sunday 22 November 2015 — Port-O-Call: Paris (in my mind) — Anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy he first time I personally experienced the end of the world was on Nov. 22, 1963. I was a junior in high school, passing the time in a study hall. An announcement crackled over the public address system. Some anonymous voice of authority informed us that the President of the United States had been assassinated. School was dismissed. I was stunned. I thought the worst. Has the government of the United States fallen?

I wandered down the street in a daze, trying to wrap my mind around the news.

I grabbed a bus back to my parents’ home and turned on the television. It was difficult for me to sort out report from reality. The television stayed on for three days. Meanwhile, I was in another room, but within ear shot. I needed to keep myself busy, so I painted the kitchen a cheerful yellow.

Those days are deeply imbedded in my psyche. It was my first experience of the end of the world — or so it

T

“S

potlight,” the new feature-length film about The Boston Globe’s coverage of the priest sex-abuse scandal in the archdiocese that first hit the streets on Jan. 6, 2002, opened earlier in November to critical acclaim as one of the best movies of the year, and one of the best films of all time about the press. The Globe’s reporting won a Pulitzer Prize and led to the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law as Archbishop of Boston by the end of 2002, as well as deep reform in the way the Catholic Church handles such scandalous matters, not just here but around the world.

I share the general high regard for the movie and would urge all Catholics (at least those mature enough to understand: it’s rated A-III for adults, and R for sexual language) to see it at some point. The sensational story of priests preying on youngsters and being quietly transferred to other parishes to do it again, all because of a culture of denial and the

Anchor Columnists The world ends again Church are always open. Inseemed to me at the time. vite them to come and pray.”

My second experience of And so they did. the end of the world was The two of us then decided when I was a young pastor. to hold a community-wide It was a lovely autumn day. prayer service in his church.

I took my greyhounds down He would plan it. I would get to a local kennel so that the the word out. I phoned other dogs could run around. The pastors, Catholic and Protesdate was Sept. 11, 2001. tant.

As I stood in the field, the There was in the center kennel keeper approached with the shocking news that the United States was under atThe Ship’s Log tack. The World Trade Reflections of a Center had fallen and Parish Priest there were apparently other attacks still unBy Father Tim derway.

Goldrick I quickly loaded the hounds back in the truck and returned to the rec- of town one of those signs tory to turn on the television. with moveable letters. It was The images were overwhelm- used to announce various community events. I walked ing. What did it mean? down to the town hall and I telephoned the pastor of asked how to post a notice of the Protestant church in my village. It was a long distance an ecumenical prayer service to be held that evening. call. He lived out of town.

The secretaries informed me What to do? He said that that the sign was under the he had already received calls control of the town building from some of his parishioinspector. They would contact ners. They wanted to pray, him and get back to me as but the doors of their church soon as possible. To them, were routinely kept locked. a town-wide prayer service That was an easy problem to sounded like an approprisolve. “Tell your parishioners that the doors of the Catholic ate and patriotic response. I

returned to my rectory to sit by the phone. I didn’t have to wait long. Permission denied. The building inspector proclaimed that posting such a sign would be a violation of the separation of church and state. Back to the town hall went I. I’m a quiet man (I was born that way), but this situation was too much for me. I must confess, dear readers, I caused a big scene in the main lobby of town hall. I’m sure I could be heard throughout the building. I intended to be. To put it politely, I laid the town administration “out in lavender.” It’s a good thing I didn’t get arrested, but at least I got the attention of the town bureaucrats. Then I went home. The phone was ringing.

“Hello. This is Town Hall.

How do you spell “ecumenical?” We had a lovely prayer service that evening. The church was packed. Everyone was there. We realized, though, it marked the end of the world as we knew it.

It was Friday the 13th.

I turned to the news to see what was happening in the

Thinking about ‘Spotlight’

of a story about professionalveil of secrecy with which ism and integrity in some of such matters were handled the press and a correspondby the clergy and hierarchy, ing lack of professionalism without effective disciplinary and integrity (I would call it measures, is a cautionary tale clericalism) in some Churchfor institutions in general to put the protection of children men.

One of the good things first. The Church appears to about “Spotlight” is that the have learned this lesson the hard (and incredibly expensive) way, but it is important for everyone, priests, laity, press and public, to be perhaps sadder but definitely wiser on the subject of

By Dwight Duncan sexual abuse. We are learning that such problems afflict other groups blame is spread around, not in society, like teachers and just to the hapless cardinal coaches. and woefully inadequate To its credit, the film Church practices but to othseems quite fair to the hisers like diocesan and victims’ torical record, and strives for authenticity of place, person- attorneys who insisted on or agreed to secrecy clauses in alities, and context, though settlement agreements, comadmittedly some artistic pliant police and prosecutors, license has come to light regarding minor characters. The and, yes, even to a media that wasn’t paying much attensensational events are recoltion to what was happening. lected in tranquility, rather Intrepid reporters and courathan sensationalized in lurid geous victims are properly detail. It is a very compelrecognized for their role in ling, professional treatment

Judge For Yourself

bringing about necessary reform.

Now that the dust has partially settled on this matter, what are we to make of the whole sordid affair, as believing Catholics who love our Church? One lesson is to be grateful for freedom of the press, together with the rule of law, which allowed the truth to come to light and justice to hopefully prevail in the end.

It does seem to be the case that outside scrutiny was necessary in order to get the Church hierarchy to face up to its obligations of truth and charity towards victims and their families. Justice, rendering to everyone what is due them, should always be done and should be seen to be done. One-sided mercy to clerical perpetrators before justice is done and seen to be done is terribly misplaced compassion.

The other lesson is that there is really no substitute for holiness in our Church.

9 world. I could hardly believe it. “Breaking news: The City of Paris is under attack.

There are bodies everywhere.

Chaos reigns in the streets of the City of Lights.” It looked like the end of the world and, in a certain sense, it was.

What to do? Father Ray Cambra celebrated morning Mass as scheduled, but he used the Mass prayers in commemoration of several deceased persons. A memorial display (with flowers in the colors of the French flag) was set up in the church lobby.

The Bible readings assigned for the weekend happened to be about the end of the world, affording the opportunity to address the subject of the attack on Paris.

And so, you see, I’ve already experienced the end of the world several times.

Although it eventually turned out not to be so, it sure seemed that way at the time.

We all make mistakes, but being mistaken about the end of the world — now, that’s awkward.

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

In that regard, I would take issue with one fleeting impression that the film makes, which is that priestly celibacy is a root cause of the problem of sex abuse of minors. Of course, priestly sex abuse of any kind is a patent violation of priestly celibacy. The incidence of similar abuse in other denominations in which the religious ministers are married evidences the weak link between celibacy and unchastity.

What is needed is more, not less, holiness in the priesthood and among bishops, religious, and in every calling within the Church. Which is why I always say that we’ve got to try to come to the point where there are more cases of canonization in our Church than cases of priestly discipline or failed Marriages. Sadly, there are always plenty of the latter.

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

10

November 27, 2015

Vatican Nativity scene, tree to be unveiled early for Year of Mercy VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Christmas tree and Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will be set up and unveiled earlier than usual this year to be ready for the opening of the Year of Mercy.

In preparation for the extraordinary event, which begins December 8 with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican workmen broke through the masonry that had walled off the door.

Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the basilica, led a small ceremony that included prayers and a procession November 17, the eve of the anniversary of the basilica’s dedication in 1626.

Four Vatican workmen then used a pickax to break through a portion of the wall that covers the Holy Door from inside the basilica. They removed a sealed metal box that, in keeping with tradition, had been

embedded in the wall at the end of the Jubilee Year of 2000.

The zinc box, which was opened with a blowtorch, contained the keys and handles

Workers align the Christmas tree in its base in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican November 19. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

for opening the Holy Door, commemorative medals and a papal gold coin marking the last Holy Year.

The Vatican also announced that the traditional tree and Nativity scene that dominate the center of St. Peter’s Square would be ready by December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The 82-foot spruce fir comes from Germany’s Bavaria region.

The decorations this year were to include painted ceramic ornaments made by children receiving oncological care in a number of Italian hospitals.

The Nativity scene was donated by the northern Italian province of Trent. The 24 life-sized figures carved from wood include Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus, the Three Magi and a man bending over to help an elderly man in an act of mercy.

The surrounding scene and figures were to represent life in the Dolomites in the 1900s.

11

November 27, 2015

Dioceses encouraged to plan own Year of Mercy events beginning in December BALTIMORE (CNS) — From entering a diocesan Holy Door to undertaking the corporal and Spiritual works of mercy, Catholics can model a compassionate life during the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

The jubilee period, designated as December 8 through Nov. 13, 2016, can be observed in many different ways that allow every Catholic to be a “credible witness to mercy,” Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, Conn., explained during the second day of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall general assembly.

Repeatedly pointing to Pope Francis’ “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), which instituted the jubilee, the archbishop called on local bishops and parishioners to heed the pontiff ’s call to “gaze more attentively to mercy.”

Pope Francis will open the observance by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican December 8. Other Holy Doors at sites around Rome are to open in the following weeks. Archbishop Blair said local bishops can designate a diocese’s own Holy Door at a cathedral or at a shrine frequented by pilgrims.

In Catholic tradition, the Holy Door represents the passage to Salvation — the path to a new and eternal life, which was opened to humanity by Jesus.

The pope identifies the Church’s

primary task as introducing the faithful to contemplate the greater mystery of God’s mercy by reflecting on the life of Jesus and the jubilee can help people to be merciful in their lives, Archbishop Blair said.

“The idea is to have local events so all of the people can participate and adopt God’s merciful attitude,” he explained.

The Vatican is naming selected priests from around the world as special “missionaries of mercy.” The priests will undertake special activities, hear Confessions, preach the Church’s missionary message and “be welcoming signs of forgiveness.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., USCCB president, said he met with Vatican officials following the Synod of Bishops on the Family and learned that about 50 U.S. priests were to be designated a missionary of mercy.

Ideas for local observances are identified on the USCCB website at www. usccb.org/jubilee-of-mercy. The list includes prayer, participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Lenten activities and special events timed during World Youth Day festivities July 25-31 in Krakow, Poland.

The Vatican has its own website for the jubilee at www.im.va.

Numerous resources also have been developed by the USCCB. The archbishop told the general assembly that catechetical resources that focus on topics such as the psalms of mercy, saints in

Bishops at fall assembly approve USCCB priorities, plans for 2017-2020

BALTIMORE (CNS) — The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved priorities and strategic plans for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for 2017-2020 in a 233-4 vote.

The document, which was a revised version of a draft presented to them at their June assembly in St. Louis, focuses on five major areas: evangelization; family and Marriage; human life and dignity; religious freedom; and vocations and ongoing formation.

In June, after a presentation on the draft, several bishops said the document needed to be reworked to put more emphasis on helping those in need in light of Pope Francis’ emphasis on the poor. At that meeting, the bishops OK’d the draft so it could be reworked to incorporate the feedback.

At their general fall assembly in Baltimore, the bishops heard a presentation on the revised document and voted on it the following day.

The list of USCCB priorities was developed from survey responses from U.S. bishops and the National Advisory Council, a 48-member group that advises the bishops on various issues.

The priorities listed in the document are: — Family and Marriage: Urging Catholics to embrace the Sacrament of Marriage, providing formation for married couples and youths, and reaching out to broken families.

— Evangelization: Going out into communities with the message of Gospel and bringing healing to those who have left the Church or who don’t attend.

— Religious freedom: Defending it in the public square, advocating for those who have been persecuted and building a support movement beyond the Catholic community.

— Human life and dignity: Rejecting the “throwaway culture” of abortion and euthanasia and emphasizing Catholic social teaching.

— Vocations and ongoing formation: Helping dioceses develop a culture of vocations by providing ongoing formation and renewed awareness of prayer.

mercy and mercy in the teaching of the popes have been developed for local use.

Individual USCCB committees have additional resources and are planning special events. For example the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering for diocesan and parishbased social action staff will focus on

the theme “Called to Live Mercy in Our Common Home” when it convenes January 23-26.

Social media also will be part of the effort. Archbishop Blair encouraged Catholics to promote everyday acts of mercy under the #mercyinmotion designation.

12

November 27, 2015

Diocesan Vocations Office to sponsor Advent retreat for women

DIGHTON — The Fall River Diocese Vocations Office is seeking young women, ages 13 to 35, to embark on a special one-day, “Called By Name” retreat to kick off the Advent season.

Are you preparing for the best possible Christmas in 2015? To answer this question, you are invited to explore the possibilities on December 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation facility, 3012 Elm Street in Dighton.

What does the Advent wreath have to do with it? Come and discover the hidden significance of the Advent wreath by taking a nature walk to gather wreath materials, creating your own

Advent wreath, and getting ready to celebrate the Christmas season!

As Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B., noted in “Seasons of Your Heart”: “On tiptoe we stand, Lord Jesus, eagerly awaiting Your full revelation, always expecting You to come some more.”

All are welcome and a nominal fee of $7 (cash only) to cover the cost of lunch will be taken at the door. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP no later than December 1 to ensure an accurate head count.

For more information or to RSVP, email Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., at sr.paulina@dioc-fr.org.

Father Pat ushers in Advent with new Christmas CD

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

ATTLEBORO — The Thanksgiving holiday generally conjures images of family and friends gathered around a big table to celebrate with a homemade turkey dinner.

And in the Fall River Diocese, the subsequent Christmas holiday almost certainly brings to mind evening jaunts to La Salette Shrine in Attleboro to witness the annual Festival of Lights.

So it somehow made sense that one of the shrine’s most iconic figures — Father André Patenaude, better known to most as simply “Father Pat” — would debut his latest collection of Christmas music on Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving night is a surprisingly busy night at La Salette, even though some of the buildings and the gift shop are not open,” Father Pat said. “But people come to see the lights and maybe to walk around and get the turkey off their stomachs.”

On that inaugural evening of the 2015 Festival of Lights, Father Pat performed songs from his newest CD, entitled “Noël,” after the 5:30 p.m.

Mass in the shrine church.

“I’ll be performing pretty much every day after that, except for Mondays,” Father Pat told The Anchor. “I’ll be performing at 3 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. every day through January 3.”

Copies of Father Pat’s newest release, “Noël,” will be available for sale at all performances and also in the shrine gift shop.

Father Pat has been performing and recording music as part of his ministry for years and he has released more than 16 albums.

His most recent work appeared on a collection entitled “La Salette Throughout the World,” which contained 18 songs in different languages representing all of the countries where the La Salette Missionaries are working.

“I didn’t sing on all the songs — ­ it’s a compilation of songs from different countries where we serve as missionaries,” he said. “But I did four songs myself.”

With nearly 20 recording sessions under his belt, you can imagine this isn’t his first take on a Christmas album — he previously released a CD called “Simply Christmas” — but he said he’s very proud of the work he’s done on “Noël.”

“I thought it over and I wanted to record songs people always enjoy hearing during the season — songs like ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Silver Bells,’” Father Pat said. “Another one is ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ Some of the songs are secular, but they’re not overboard, if you know what I mean.

“Then I decided to do some more traditional songs that are very familiar to people — songs like ‘Adeste Fidelis’ and ‘O, Holy Night’ — and then there are a few original songs. One of the new ones is called ‘Let Bells Ring Out.’” Father Pat even tackled the Nat King Cole classic “The Christmas Song,” better known by its refrain “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” on this latest recording.

“I’m very happy with it and I think it will go over well,” he said.

Recorded and arranged by wellknown Liturgical composer, producer and musician Tom Kendzia in his Rhode Island-based home studio known as Top Floor Productions, Father Pat gives a great deal of credit to Kendzia for the way “Noël” turned out.

“Tom has done an excellent job putting them together and making them sound different,” Father Pat said. “He’s been arranging my music for the last 10 years. He’s done a wonderful job on this new CD. I’m very happy with it and usually I notice things and nitpick, but I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to being able to sing them (live).”

In addition to Father Pat performing all the vocals and playing his trademark guitar on the session, Kendzia utilized some of his regular choir singers and musicians to complement the wellknown “singing priest.”

“We used his choir of about five or six members, they’re all professional singers, so that helps,” Father Pat said.

“Then we had some of the musicians he knows help us record, but basically I performed the songs live in the studio and I had to sing some of the songs from scratch, if you will, with a very simple backing track. Then I had to come in again to record the guitar and everything gets mixed. It does take a lot of time to get things perfect.”

Father Pat said the most arduous part of the process was mixing the final recording to make sure everything sounds just right.

Turn to page 15

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November 27, 2015

Five religions in Thailand send powerful message to people of Paris

Emory Cohen and Saoirse Ronan star in a scene from “Brooklyn.” For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Twentieth Century Fox)

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

“Brooklyn” (Fox Searchlight) Dignified, meticulously understated story about a young Irishwoman (gracefully portrayed by Saoirse Ronan) who immigrates to America in the early 1950s with the help of a Roman Catholic priest ( Jim Broadbent) and who falls in love with a plumber of Italian descent (Emory Cohen). Look elsewhere for a litany of woes, harshness, or excoriating judgments. Free of manufactured tumult and melodrama, this adaptation of Colm Toibin’s novel offers a trenchant, compelling look at the subject of migration and the theme of dislocation from a woman’s perspective. Director John Crowley and screenwriter Nick Hornby neatly calibrate the pathos and humor; the result is elevated entertainment in which atonement is seen as possible because mistakes are measured in full context, not in isolation. The Catholic Church is shown to be a caring and constructive force that, without fanfare or hubris, provides Spiritual guidance and material comfort to its flock. A non-explicit premarital encounter, several uses of rough language, and some crude and crass language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents.

The Motion Picture Association

of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“The 33” (Warner Bros.)

The compelling true story of a group of Chilean miners who spent 69 days trapped underground in 2010 becomes a mostly admirable but less than absorbing drama under the direction of Patricia Riggen. The film’s wide focus takes in a number of those at risk — most prominently their unofficial leader (Antonio Banderas) and their duped representative with management (Lou Diamond Phillips) — as well as those trying to rescue them, including the country’s earnest minister of mining (Rodrigo Santoro) and an expert engineer (Gabriel Byrne). But the overcrowded scene, which also features Juliette Binoche as the understandably aggressive spokeswoman for the anguished families, hinders the

kind of detailed characterizations that would lead viewers to identify more deeply with the plight of the imperiled. The prayerful Christian faith that permeates the diggers’ lives, before and during their ordeal, fails to prevent one of them (Oscar Nunez) from carrying on an extramarital affair, a lapse ill-advisedly portrayed as a source of comic relief by screenwriter Mikko Alanne. Honorable themes highlighting corporate irresponsibility and the reconciling power of a life-threatening crisis remain undeveloped. A frivolous treatment of adultery, some mildly gory injuries, brief sexual talk, at least one use of profanity, a handful of crude and crass terms.

The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Bangkok, Thailand (CNA/EWTN News) — Uniting with other major faith groups at an interreligious “March for Peace,” Thai Catholics recently offered prayers for the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

“The world is tired of hatred and hungers for peace,” Msgr.

Vissanu Thanya-Anan told CNA. “This peace march, a symbol of solidarity with prayers for the victims, is also a chance to show that all religions can live and work harmoniously together and work for the good of the society and country as good citizens,” he said.

Msgr. Vissanu serves as deputy secretary-general for the Thai bishops’ conference. He formerly worked as undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

He recently joined Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut of Nakhon Ratchasima in leading the Catholic delegation priests, religious and a group of school children at the peace march in front of the French embassy.

The march was held to offer prayer and solidarity following the November 13 terrorist attacks throughout the city of Paris, France. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which left 129 dead and more than 300 injured.

Thailand’s five major religious groups were all represented at the event. Members of the Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities each offered prayers from their own faith tradition and signed a book of condolences.

Bishop Chusak, who is the head of the Thai Catholic bishops’ office for interreligious dialogue, led the Catholic portion of the prayer service.

Muslim leaders at the march voiced their pain and anguish at the news of terrorist attacks

and rejected the idea that their religion condones violence.

The religious leaders also presented French ambassador Gilles Garachon with a joint statement that read, “We join in prayer for the dead, the injured, and the families affected by this tragedy.

May the Merciful Almighty grant the victims eternal rest and offer consolation and hope to the injured and their families.”

“Our march for peace today is a symbol of the unity of the five major religious traditions in Thailand. Together we implore the Almighty above to inspire and strengthen us for the building of peace.”

“Violence resolves nothing, and we vigorously condemn every act of violence perpetrated in the name of religion,” they continued. “We invite all to join hands with us to build a sustainable peace through justice, solidarity, and non-discrimination with regard to nationality, religion, caste and color.”

Msgr. Vissanu stressed that the Catholic Church is very close to the victims of suffering, persecution and calamity.

Pointing to the Holy Father’s continued appeals for peace, he said, “We are inspired and take heed of the teachings of Pope Francis, to seek paths for resolving conflicts and to work for building peace and dialogue.”

He also emphasized that this is a joint responsibility, saying, “We need the cooperation and goodwill of every responsible citizen to uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of every human person.”

The monsignor recalled the Bangkok bombing in August that killed 20 people and injured 125.

“The world stood united in solidarity and prayer with Thailand,” he reflected, “and now it is also our reciprocal duty to pray for others during this difficult moment of grief.”

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, November 29, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Kevin J. Harrington, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford Bishop Joseph Chusak of Nakhon Ratchasima, right, at the Interreligious Peace March for victims of the Paris attacks recently in Thailand. (Photo by Msgr. Vissanu/CBCT)

14

November 27, 2015

Bishop da Cunha to open ‘Doors of Mercy’ at cathedral Dec. 13 continued from page one

opened doors with the Book of the Gospels.

“This symbolic pilgrimage will remind us of our Spiritual journey of faith from sin through the ‘Door of Mercy.’ representing Jesus Who describes Himself as the ‘sheep gate’ ( Jn. 10:7,9), to the forgiving mercy of God, the Father,” added Father Gallant.

Pope Francis has told the faithful that all who “experience the grace of the Jubilee” will receive Jubilee Indulgences as “a genuine experience of God’s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father Who welcomes and forgives, forgetting sin completely.”

The Holy Father instructed that in order to obtain the indulgence, “the faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every cathedral or in the churches designated by the diocesan bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. It is important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy.

“It will be necessary to

accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the Church and the entire world.”

In keeping with the Holy Father’s desire to make pilgrimage sites available to those who cannot make the pilgrimage to Rome or to the diocesan cathedral, Bishop da Cunha said, “Taking advantage of the discretion given to local bishops by the Holy Father, I also wish to announce the following other churches in our diocese where ‘Doors of Mercy’ will be opened to allow a greater opportunity for those who cannot travel to the cathedral to make a pilgrimage to a church near them: — St. Mary’s, Taunton; — National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Attleboro; — Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford; — Corpus Christi, East Sandwich; — Holy Trinity, West Harwich.”

The doors of each of these pilgrimage sites will have been blessed and opened by delegates of Bishop da Cunha in the context of the celebra-

tion of the Mass earlier on December 13.

“These locations can also be used as places of celebration on the deanery level throughout the Year of Mercy,” said Father Gallant. “One such initiative requested by the Holy Father is a penitential celebration of ‘24 hours for the Lord,’ during Lent of 2016 (March 4-5) during which churches throughout the world will be opened with the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adoration and priests will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance for all who seek the Father’s mercy.”

Remaining true to his care for the poor and marginalized, Pope Francis has ensured that Jubilee Indulgences will be available to all Catholic faithful.

“Additionally, I am thinking of those for whom, for various reasons, it will be impossible to enter the Holy Door, particularly the sick and people who are elderly and alone, often confined to the home,” the pope said.

“For them it will be of great help to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of closeness to the Lord Who in the mystery of His Pas-

sion, death and Resurrection indicates the royal road which gives meaning to pain and loneliness. Living with faith and joyful hope this moment of trial, receiving Communion or attending Holy Mass and community prayer, even through the various means of communication, will be for them the means of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence.”

The pope also declared his own mercy to those who are incarcerated and those whose freedom is limited. “The Jubilee Year has always constituted an opportunity for great amnesty, which is intended to include the many people who, despite deserving punishment, have become conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wish to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it,” said the Holy Father. “May they all be touched in a tangible way by the mercy of the Father Who wants to be close to those who have the greatest need of His forgiveness. They may obtain the indulgence in the chapels of the prisons. May the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cell signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, because the mercy of God is able to transform hearts, and

is also able to transform bars into an experience of freedom.”

Pope Francis also said that Jubilee Indulgences can be obtained for the deceased.

“We are bound to them by the witness of faith and charity that they have left us,” he said. “Thus, as we remember them in the Eucharistic celebration, thus we can, in the great mystery of the Communion of saints, pray for them, that the merciful Face of the Father free them of every remnant of fault and strongly embrace them in the unending beatitude.”

In calling for this Holy Year, Pope Francis said, “I have asked the Church in this Jubilee Year to rediscover the richness encompassed by the Spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

The experience of mercy, indeed, becomes visible in the witness of concrete signs as Jesus Himself taught us.

Each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence.

“Hence the commitment to live by mercy so as to obtain the grace of complete and exhaustive forgiveness by the power of the love of the Father Who excludes no one.

The Jubilee Indulgence is thus full, the fruit of the very event which is to be celebrated and experienced with faith, hope and charity.”

There will be various celebrations and events throughout the diocese commemorating the Year of Mercy over the next 12 months.

As these events are made known, The Anchor will publish them so that all across the Diocese of Fall River may join with the Holy Father and the Universal Church in reflecting and acting upon the infinite mercy of God.

15

November 27, 2015

New pastor ignites parish with Faith on Fire continued from page one

times feel disconnected, and that’s one of the reasons they don’t make that strong commitment.”

After seeing the success of the family catechesis program in New Hampshire, he gathered a group together at Our Lady of the Cape Parish during the summer to create the blueprint for the program — now called “Faith on Fire” — at the Brewster parish. Team members included Kathy Russo, the new director of Adult and Family Faith

Formation, who chairs the Faith on Fire program; Priscilla Silva, director of Religious Education; Elin Slavin; Tina Labossierre; Heath Eldredge; Elaine Lomenzo; Peter Lomenzo; Chip Russo; and Jane Greene.

Russo earned a masters degree in Religious Education from Boston College with a concentration on total community catechesis, and was excited to help form the new program “which is Religious Education of the whole family, all ages,

Father Pat releases new Christmas CD continued from page 12

“We spent a lot of time listening to the different mixes and deciding what needs to be added or toned down — so it takes a lot of time,” he said.

“But it’s enjoyable to me.”

Boasting a simple cover image of an evergreen branch covered with snow, Father Pat said he resisted suggestions that he appear on the cover.

“They kept asking me: ‘Why don’t you put your picture on the front?’ I said, no it’s fine to have my picture on the back,” he said.

The front artwork is also appropriate given that the CD has been dedicated to Father Pat’s own appreciation for God’s natural world, keeping in line with what Pope Francis has been saying in ‘Laudato Sí.’”

In fact, Father Pat has a lot to be thankful for these days — especially after a serious health scare two years ago that could have been fatal. The priest contracted acute pancreatitis while visiting the original site of the La Salette apparitions in Grenoble, France, which resulted in multiple surgeries and having to be placed in an induced coma that lasted for weeks.

“It was very serious, but I’ve had no problems since then, thank God,” Father Pat said.

“Everyone has been calling me the ‘miracle man,’ and I think there’s some truth to that because doctors told me they weren’t sure if I would have made it. So I think that’s a testament to the power of prayer.

I look at it as I’ve been given a new lease on life, if you wish.”

In addition to the prayers, he’s also thankful for all the cards and letters of support he received from people here in the Fall River Diocese — much of which he credited to

the news of his illness being reported in The Anchor.

“I remember being in the hospital and seeing that I was on the front page of The Anchor and I thought to myself: ‘Who the heck did this?’ Some friends of mine had sent copies of the newspaper to me in France,” he said. “But I am very appreciative of all the prayers and support I received during that time. After an experience like that, if you don’t believe in the power of prayer, you better rethink it.”

Father Pat is looking forward to this Advent season with great anticipation and he is hopeful that his new CD and concerts at La Salette Shrine will help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

“I love this season of Advent — it’s a time where you can really reach and touch the people in a special way at La Salette Shrine,” he said. “And, of course, the shrine has been designated (by the bishop) as one of the sites for the Year of Mercy, so this will really give me an occasion to minister to the Word as well.”

For many who have grown up in and around the Fall River Diocese for the past 30 years, the images of Christmas lights at La Salette Shrine and Father Pat have become inextricably linked.

“I’m glad my head is not too high up in the air, I need to keep it grounded down here on earth,” he said, laughing.

And with an estimated 300,000 people expected to make the annual pilgrimage to the Attleboro shrine between Thanksgiving and January 3 to witness the spectacular Festival of Lights, it’s good to know that Father Pat will still be there to provide the soundtrack to the season.

together,” she said. “It’s a way of educating in faith that the whole family and everybody of all ages in the parish are able to come together, and learn together.”

Faith on Fire meetings focus upon basic Catholic teachings and Christian values, with parents being asked to participate in at least five of the six sessions being offered.

Our Lady of the Cape Parish will use Faith on Fire as a supplemental program to their already comprehensive Faith Formation program: “The goal was not to take away what the children were already receiving, but to add a dimension that included the family,” said Russo.

When there is Faith on Fire scheduled on that Sunday, regular Faith Formation classes are not held; everyone is encouraged to attend with their family. Broken into two age groups, grades kindergarten to five are held in the morning, with grades six and up held in the evening.

In the morning the families attend Mass, then the younger members of Faith on Fire head to the parish center to share in a light breakfast and take time for fellowship, “which is big piece of it,” said Russo. “Everyone wears name tags so people can get to know each other and foster a strong sense of parish community.”

Then there is a presentation and witness talks, and there is

a well laid-out lesson plan that is followed. The most recent lesson was on the Eucharist, while the next Faith on Fire will focus on Advent.

The older children of the Faith Formation will attend their Faith on Fire session later in the evening, and have the same experience including eating, taking time to get to know each other during fellowship, and see the same presentation.

“We have parents with feet in both camps,” said Russo, “so they’re able to choose [which session to attend]. We’re being as flexible as we can with our families in order to support them, and to invite them more deeply into the life of the parish.”

And that’s the most important aspect of the Faith on Fire program, said Father Kaliyadan: “I believe that parents are the first evangelizers of children, so their role in the development of their children is irreplaceable; we cannot do what they can do. Giving them, empowering them with that message, I thought that was important.

I am already hearing from parents here, telling me that it’s beautiful that we can learn these things together.”

The first Faith on Fire had 300 parents and their children in attendance. Parents were recently surveyed for feedback after the second session, and Russo said, “We were very pleased with the positive response, they had really liked what we had done so far.”

The most substantial recommendation from the parents

had been to have a Mass before the evening group. To offer Mass right before the evening Faith on Fire, instead of having families make two trips to the parish for Mass in the morning and then the program in the evening, is another way the parish is trying to accommodate and appreciate the busy schedules families have to endure.

“Father William has graciously agreed to make that formally part of the program,” said Russo of offering Mass before the evening Faith on Fire. “We want them to come and feel the love of their parish family, and feel a closeness with God and to receive the riches that our faith has to offer.”

Moving forward, Russo said she hopes to see a greater participation from families in the life of the parish as a product of the program. Father Kaliyadan added that he is already seeing the fruits of the program.

“It is connecting with the young and old, and that’s a pleasant surprise to me. I think it’s something they were longing to see in a parish on Cape Cod, where there are more elderly people filling the parish hall and the church. It’s a need of the parish and they are seeing it addressed,” he said, adding that he appreciates all the hard work the volunteers who help run the program are putting into the new venture.

“The whole parish is really excited about this program.

It’s brought new energy to the parish.”

Supply is nearly sold out!

16

Fifth-grade students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently followed lab instructions to make slime. They turned the slime into animal and plant cells locating the cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, which in the picture is a bouncy ball.

Youth Pages

November 27, 2015

American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 aided the Rehoboth Cemetery Commission locate graves of Civil War veterans and place flags and yellow ribbons for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. From left: Lily and Ashlyn McCormick and Sarah Baldini.

Angiolina Chessa of St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven, was a local winner in an International Peace Poster Contest. She will now be entered into the next level.

Recently several members of TriCat Youth Group, the youth ministry of St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro, visited several of the diocese’s seminarians at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. Pictured are several Students at St. Michael School in Fall River recently watched and learned about Futsal from members with leaders of the youth group Renee DePietro and Kevin Baker, and Bill Sampaio, the Catholic Youth Futsal League director. seminarians Matt Gill, Juan Carlos Munoz, Ryan Healy and Matt Laird.

Middle school students at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet recently enjoyed a walking tour in Plymouth to visit and learn about the many historical landmarks. Pictured are the eighth-graders with their teacher, Arthur Ferreira.

Third-graders at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth recently dressed as saints to share the knowledge they gained while reading a biography. In oral presentations to their classmates, these students communicated important facts in each saint’s life and the work the saint accomplished.

Youth Pages

November 27, 2015

L

We are not alone

ast week Father Jeff little while, pray and enjoy one another’s company.

Cabral and I went We are starting to see a to St. John’s Seminary to little less of the students take the Fall River semithis time of the semester narians to dinner. I recall as they prepare for the end my own time at St. John’s when priests would do the of the semester. The stress same. It was always a nice was evident in the faces of some of our first year stubreak from the routine, good to get to know the Fall River priests better and even though the food at the seminary was good, it

By Father was nice to get out.

David C. Frederici The end of the semester is within sight, a time of dents. My advice to them the year that can be quite was the advice someone stressful. In addition to gave to me in college: finals to prepare for, many classes will have papers due remember, it all gets done.

It seems a bit simple, but as well. This is in addition it is an important thing to to field education assignments, Spiritual Formation remind oneself of when up to your eyeballs in papers, and daily responsibilities. studying, and projects.

There are aspects from my With the workload and own time in the seminary the lack of sleep that usuthat I look back on fondly — the end of the semester ally accompanies this time of the semester, it is easy is not one of them. to become overwhelmed.

The next day I was at It may seem easier to walk UMass Dartmouth and away or to find some kind Bristol Community Colof escape. As someone lege. The same sense of who has been through it, I stress was beginning to just share with them what make itself felt. Each helped me to persevere.

Thursday evening at the That is an important Newman House in Dartpoint to keep in mind, not mouth we have a Mass just in school but in life. followed by a pasta dinner. It is a nice break from There are times when we will feel overwhelmed and the routine, a chance to stressed. It is quite easy to get away from the dorms, feel sorry for oneself or to the RAs and the stress of give up. It is important to academics to relax for a

Be Not Afraid

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

hear from those who have been there before. Yes the struggle will continue, the stress will be there, but it will help us keep the goal in mind. We will realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is very important in our life of faith as well. The more stressed or overwhelmed we are, the more likely our focus will be on ourselves. Our vision narrows and perhaps even darkens. Others help us to refocus on the light, to help us walk through those moments without losing hope or being overcome by the stresses and trials we will experience in life.

Whether it is finals, work, relationships, whatever, we must remember that we are not alone.

Throughout the Scriptures the Lord has called us to remain connected to one another. It is how we flourish as human beings in our growth and development and it is how we persevere in the times of stress and trial.

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

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Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently celebrated Mass for the Bishop Stang High School community at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth. Following the Mass, Bishop da Cunha toured the school guided by student ambassadors Lucas Payette and Elaina Alzaibak.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Program announced Bishop Feehan High School (Attleboro) senior Mike Geraghty as a state finalist in the Wendy’s® High School Heisman® Program. The program recognizes exceptional student-athletes who exemplify the Heisman ideals. Geraghty will receive a bronze medal, a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist patch and a $25 Wendy’s gift card. He will then continue on to the next round of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program, where only one male and one female student will advance to be named state winners. With Geraghty is Feehan principal Sean Kane.

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November 27, 2015

U.S. embassy: St. Peter’s Basilica a potential terrorist target

Rome, Italy (CNA/EWTN News) — St. Peter’s Basilica tops the list of potential targets for terrorist attacks in Rome and Milan, the U.S. Embassy in Rome said recently, in the wake of Islamic State militants’ November 13 attacks in Paris.

“Terrorist groups may possibly utilize similar methods used in the recent Paris attacks. The Italian authorities are aware of these threats,” the embassy said in a re-

cent security message.

Other potential targets include Milan’s cathedral and its opera house, La Scala. The embassy’s security message also noted venues such as churches, synagogues, restaurants, theatres, and hotels in both cities.

The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Italy to be “vigilant and aware of their surroundings,” and encouraged them to monitor news media.

Around the Diocese Our Lady of Grace Parish, 569 Sanford Road in Westport, will host its 29th annual Christmas Bazaar in the parish center on November 28 and November 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The event will include more than 30 craft tables and photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to noon. Pat Cordeiro and Judy Souza will also provide music from noon to 2 p.m., including a children’s Christmas sing-along.

The sixth annual Novena to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception will be held nightly from November 30 through December 8 at Holy Family Parish, 370 Middleboro Avenue in East Taunton. Each evening at 7 p.m. in the church, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a talk by a different priest, Confessions, praying of the Rosary, and Benediction. This year’s reflections will meditate on the gift of mercy and how to live it during the Year of Mercy, which begins December 8.

An Evening of Advent Song and Prayer will be held at Holy Cross Parish, 225 Purchase Street in Easton, on December 1 at 7 p.m. with Tom Kendzia and Val Limar Jansen, internationally-known composers, musicians, recording artists, performers and workshop presenters of Liturgical music with close to 40 recordings between them. A freewill offering will be much appreciated.

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will next meet on December 4 at St. Joseph Church on North Main Street in Fall River. Mass begins at 6 p.m. and will be celebrated

by Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet, assisted by Deacon Paul Levesque. In the 68-year history of this oldest First Friday Club in the U.S., this is the first time the group will have a “tandem duo” consisting of a priest and his deacon.

Following the Mass, the club will gather in the church hall next door for a hot meal prepared by White’s of Westport. Following the meal, the guest speakers will be Father Racine and Deacon Levesque. The Mass is open to the public, but any gentleman wishing to join the meal and listen to the speakers should reserve a seat by calling 508-672-4822.

The Catholic Women’s Club of Christ the King Parish, Jobs Fishing Road in Mashpee, will sponsor its Annual Christmas Fair on December 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parish center. Featured will be a variety of crafters selling handmade items to include old world Santas, nautical ornaments, jewelry, knitted hats and scarves, gel candles, glass cheese boards, porcelain tiles and more. There will also be handcrafted live Christmas wreaths and seasonal arrangements, gift and cash raffles, unique gift baskets, baked goods and a shopping room for children with face painting and games, and the popular Holly Café.

A Mini Advent Retreat for Women will be held on December 5 beginning at 8 a.m.

This Saturday morning retreat will include continental breakfast and presentations by Breadbox Media Radio host Allison Gingras and an opportunity for shopping! The event will wrap up by noontime. For reservations or more information, call 508-243-1133 or visit www.ReconciledToYou.com.

St. Margaret Regional School, Main Street in Buzzards Bay, will host its 10th annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair on December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attractions will include more than 40 tables of handmade crafts and catalogue vendors, fresh Maine wreaths, baked goods, concessions, and lots of raffle items (even a kid’s raffle table). The event is free with plenty of parking. For more information, call 774-269-4129 or email nutuck@ verizon.net.

St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset will hold its Family Christmas Celebration on December 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the welcome center. Local crafters will be highlighted in the “Vendor’s Village” with beautiful hand-crafted items and delightful gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy face painting and cookie decorating as well as delicious treats from the bake table. Santa Claus will also be arriving for a visit. Enjoy in the festivities with shopping, refreshments, raffles and more! For more information, please contact Jane at 508-759-3566.

A raid by French police killed Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian citizen about 27 years old who is believed to have been the ringleader. The Morocco-born Abaaoud was linked to several terrorist plots, including an April plan to attack a church in the Paris suburb of Villejuif, the New York Times reports.

During the raid, a woman opened fire on police and then detonated a suicide vest, killing herself. She was later identified as Abaaoud’s cousin. French police are seeking another suspect, and have arrested scores of suspected militants in more than 600 raids.

Last week Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, told French daily La Croix that the Paris attacks showed no one was safe.

“The Vatican could be a target because of its religious significance. We are capable of increasing the level of security in the Vatican and the surrounding area,” he said in a recently-published interview.

However, he added: “We will not let ourselves be paralyzed by fear.”

Cardinal Parolin said that Pope Francis will not change his agenda in the wake of the attacks.

The cardinal’s interview reaffirmed the need to stop unjust aggression and “blind violence.”

He said that ordinary Muslims must be involved in countering extremism. They too must be “part of the solution” to terrorism, he said.

In Your Prayers

Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Nov. 28 Rev. Adrien A. Gauthier, Pastor, St. Roch, Fall River, 1959 Nov. 29 Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, Former Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1902 Rev. Francis A. McCarthy, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1965 Nov. 30 Rev, William J McCoomb, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1895 Dec. 1 Rev. Phillipe Ross, Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1958 Rev. Edward J. Gorman, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1964 Dec. 2 Rev. Arthur Savoie, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford, 1917 Rev. Dennis W. Harrington, Assistant, St. Mary, Taunton, 1958 Rev. Stanislaus Basinski, Former Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1970 Dec. 3 Rev. John W. McCarthy, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1926 Dec. 4 Rev. Patrick Byrne, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1844 Rev. Charles Ouellette, Assistant, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1945 Rev. Edward C. Duffy, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1994

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.

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November 27, 2015

Blessed Teresa could be canonized September 4, if miracle approved

VATICAN CITY (CNS & CNA) — The Vatican calendar for the Year of Mercy deliberately set aside Sept. 4, 2016, as a possible date for the canonization of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, if her sainthood cause is concluded by then.

The canonization would be celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the end of a three-day pilgrimage of people who, like Blessed Teresa was, are engaged in corporal works of mercy.

“September 4 is a hypothesis or plan within the calendar for the jubilee year,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told Catholic News Service.

The Italian news agency AGI reported recently that a panel of physicians convoked by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes agreed there was no medical or natural explanation for the recovery of a Brazilian man suffering from multiple brain tumors.

His healing after prayers for the intercession of Blessed Teresa was submitted as the miracle needed for her canonization.

Father Lombardi urged caution, however. “The process is still underway and official communications will be given at the appropriate time.”

Members of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes still must review the physicians’ report on the healing. If the members have no further questions, Pope Francis would be asked to issue a decree recognizing the healing as a miracle worked by God through the intercession of Mother Teresa.

The Holy See Press Office told CNA later the same day (November 18) that the cause for sainthood has not concluded, and no date has been officially set.

Father Ciro Benedettini, vice director at the Press Office, confirmed to CNA that there is “a project, a study being carried out” on the potential future canonization.

However, he said, there is nothing in place yet.

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20

November 27, 2015

A caution from Archbishop Chaput: dishonest mercy helps no one Philadelphia, Pa. (CNA/EWTN News) — True mercy and trust in the transformative power of God’s grace are key to helping divorcedand-remarried Catholics, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia has said in a critique of proposals to admit them to Sacramental Communion without a change in their lives.

“Ironically, a pastoral strategy that minimizes sin in the name of mercy cannot be merciful, because it is dishonest,” the archbishop said in a December 2015 essay for the U.S. journal First Things.

Authentic mercy is evangelical and believes “God’s grace has the power to transform us.” This is relevant to the Church’s pastoral response to the divorced-and-remarried, he maintained.

“The divorced and civilly remarried remain welcome members of the believing community. But neither can the Church ignore the Word of God on the permanence of Marriage, nor mitigate the consequences of the choices that grown people freely make,” Archbishop Chaput said.

The archbishop recounted

the Gospel of John’s account the encounter between Christ “According to such proposof Christ and the woman and the woman is a reminder als, couples who are sexually caught in adultery, who was that “apart from God’s grace, active with people to whom about to be stoned. All persons they are not really married in all of us are misshapen by the need God’s mercy, including distorted desires of our hearts.” the eyes of the Church might those who consider themselves receive the Eucharist even He said truth is essential to righteous, the archbishop the Sacrament of Reconciliawithout Confession of their explained. sins, and without seeking to be tion. When truthfully received, “Only Jesus can free us. the Sacrament is “a steady path chaste while living as ‘brother Only He could have justly cast and sister,’” he said. to transformation and holithe first stone. But ness.”

He didn’t, saying “A sincere movehe Church can be truthful without instead, ‘Neither ment toward God being merciful, like the scribes who do I condemn you; always entails a wished to stone the adulteress who violated movement away go, and do not sin the Mosaic law. But the Church cannot be from sin and error,” again.’”

“God does not he continued. merciful without being truthful.” owe us forgive“The Church can ness or redemption be truthful without — or anything else. Nor does Such proposals are advanced being merciful, like the scribes God’s mercy license us to con- as “expressions of mercy” who wished to stone the adultinue in sin,” he said, repeating: and draw strength from “the teress who violated the Mosaic “It demands a response to ‘go, law. But the Church cannot be fact that many of the people and do not sin again.’” merciful without being truththey seek to help are decent, “In forgiving the woman, ful.” well-intending persons tied Jesus does by grace what the “A pastoral approach that to complex new relationships, moral law cannot do. He gives ignores this truth out of a often with children.” her a new life in God’s friendArchbishop Chaput rejected thinly veiled pastoral despair ship,” Archbishop Chaput and accommodationism will claims that Church practice added. result in less faith, not more,” punishes and excludes those in He reflected upon proposals irregular unions. He said the the archbishop said. to admit to Sacramental Com- Church “cannot confirm human “What ensues from an munion divorced-and-civillyuntruthful teaching about and beings in patterns of behavior remarried persons who have practice of the Sacraments is that separate them from God not made a change to their not a more zealous evangelical and remain faithful to her own lives and where annulments life but its collapse,” he continmission at the same time.” “are not deemed possible.”

The archbishop said Christ’s ued, suggesting this has happened in parts of Europe that mercy is not a “judgment have departed from Catholic against all judgments.” The teaching. damage of sin “cannot easily Archbishop Chaput noted be undone — adultery being Pope Francis’ exhortation that a perfect example.” However,

“T

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Christians accompany others in “the tangled realities of their lives.”

“This is a key aspect of mercy and a vital expression of Christian love. Sin’s bonds are strong, and God’s grace often unwinds them slowly,” he said.

“Sometimes, the most important word that another person needs to hear is best whispered gently and patiently. We must be close to those whom we love if we’re to do our part in lifting them up to the fullness of the Gospel.”

The archbishop warned that a “therapeutic age” misunderstands this effort and tries to affirm people “indiscriminately as they are.”

“This is not mercy. God’s mercy always moves us forward and upward. No sin places us beyond God’s forgiveness. His mercy endures forever,” he said.

He added: “It would be the opposite of mercy to say ‘come’ and then imply that we need not move, need not step out of our present romance with sin and toward obedience to God’s life-giving righteousness, the law of Jesus Christ.”

“Christians are sent into the world bearing the imprint of the mercy of the cross on our lives,” he said. This mercy is the preaching of “the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ.”

This is not “affirmation” but something more powerful: redemption.

“The Church in this Year of Mercy invites us to encounter anew the love of our Redeemer. She opens her doors to the world and invites all to enter and join the Marriage feast of the Lamb,” the archbishop concluded.