12 15 17 by The Anchor

Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Dear Friends in Christ,

Bishop da Cunha’s Christmas Message December 2017

n September 20th of this year, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, leaving the Caribbean Island without electric power and water and affected by an unprecedented path of destruction. Still today many people are without the basic necessities of life. Because many still don’t have electricity, Internet, TV, or cell phone service, families are spending more time together, family members are communicating with each other and rediscovering the value of family time.

esus came to reconnect us with God and with one another. He came to reestablish the links that were broken and rebuild the bridges that were destroyed by sin. No tie is more powerful in this world than the bond between family members. Our family and our faith are the most precious gifts we have.

esearch shows that people who are disconnected from the real world and from real people suffer serious consequences and are less happy than people who are connected with other people, especially with family. We were not made to live alone or to live with virtual connection. We were made to live in a family, in society and connected with each other. Research has also shown that children of families who spend time together and who share meals together, do better in school and are less likely to get in trouble or get involved with alcohol or drugs. Imagine how many more benefits it would bring to families and children if they prayed together, went to church together and spent real quality time together sharing their values and celebrating their faith!

hat we do in this life, good or bad, impacts the lives of others. Therefore, we are responsible for each other. Our attitudes and our behavior affect our relationship with God and with humanity. Being part of a family and of a social group is a privilege and responsibility. Loving and being loved is the essence of the human existence. It is in the family that we learn how to love and consequently how to live. It is the key to the meaning of life itself. “The family lives its Spirituality precisely by being at one and at the same time a domestic Church and a vital cell for transforming the world” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia # 324).

he coming of Jesus made it possible to reconnect ourselves with God and with each other. He gave us the tools to help us break the barriers of separation and division. He wants to make of us one family, living as brothers and sisters. Obviously, we have a long way to go. There are still separations, divisions, hatred and discrimination. All of these are the effects of original sin, but we have been redeemed. Therefore, we are called to resist the temptations of isolating ourselves from our families or of fostering divisions among God’s people. We are more alike than we are different. We must find and affirm what we have in common rather than what is different in us. Christ is our peace. He broke the barriers of hostility that kept us apart. “The pleasure of belonging to one another leads to seeing life as a common project, putting the other’s happiness ahead of my own” (Amoris Laetitia #220).

s we celebrate Christmas this year, let us pause and remember the family of Nazareth, the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and acknowledge the importance of families in our own lives. We live in a time when everyone is very much influenced and affected by the power of modern communication tools such as smartphones, tablets and many others. We are impacted by the Internet, social and virtual communication. Many, especially the younger generation, are so attached to the virtual world that they end up disconnected from the real world and from real people. My hope and prayer is that we will make this Christmas a real celebration of family and of unity. “For a Child is born to us, a Son is given us; upon His shoulder dominion rests. They name Him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (Is 9:5).

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Bishop FallJolivet River Photo byofDave

Artwork by Emilie Jolivet

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Many of the nearly 120 faithful who help maintain a constant vigil with the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford gathered for a group picture at a recent holy hour and reception marking the 15th anniversary of Perpetual Adoration at the Whaling City site. (Photo courtesy of Father Matthias M. Sasko, FI)

Perpetual Adoration reaches 15-year mark at New Bedford chapel

have defended Christ’s physical presence against non-believers. Through the years devotion to NEW BEDFORD — When the Blessed Sacrament has inChrist instituted the Eucharist at creased: with the Eucharist having the Last Supper nearly 2,000 years a special place in monasteries and ago, He was making sure that He seminaries for a relatively small would always be with His faithful, number of adorers; then with not only in Spirit, but in a concrete, Pope Clement VIII’s institution tangible way. of Quarant’ Ore (Forty Hours), a Over that span, the Real Presdevotion began consisting of 40 ence of Our Lord in the Eucharist hours of continual prayer before has been challenged and outright the Blessed Sacrament exposed; to denied, but there have always been the advent of Perpetual Adoration, devoted, faithful Catholics who where the Eucharist is adored and

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

prayed before for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Within the Diocese of Fall River, the practice of Eucharistic Adoration has become increasingly relevant in parishes over the past 20 years. Today scores of diocesan parishes hold special times when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, for worshipers to spend time with the Lord. This practice was an important part of Our Lady’s Chapel in downtown New Bedford when the chapel reopened in 1992. A dedicated group of laypeople and Friars kept vigil with the Blessed Sacrament at the chapel more frequently as time passed. On Oct. 6, 2002, the chapel opened its doors to Perpetual Adoration for the first time, and just recently, the Friars and a group of dedicated worshipers gathered together for a special Holy Hour and then a reception, celebrating 15 years of Perpetual Adoration at the inner-city chapel. “These are all wonderful, amazing people who are part of this devotion,” Father Matthias M. Sasko, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, and Vicar to the Superior of the Friary Chapel told The Anchor. Nearly 120 individuals, including laypeople and Friars, are responsible for maintaining a 24/7 presence with Our Lord at the chapel. “The people who come here run the full

spectrum of individuals. They are unique in their characters, gifts and talents.” Yet they all have one thing in common: a sincere and deep devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. “Some people who come are within walking distance, some drive, some are from New Bedford, and others from nearby towns,” added Father Matthias. “So many of our worshipers have grown to realize just how special spending quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament is. I receive many comments from people about blessings they’ve received and the feeling of God’s presence there in special ways. It’s a conviction of this great gift of the Eucharist. “Everybody who is part of the program somehow experiences the presence of God. They realize in a special way that God isn’t distant and indifferent. He’s in our lives in a special way in that Eucharist when you give time to Him. The more you give, then more you experience it.” Margaret McCormack has been an adorer since the beginning in 2002. “It makes such a difference in my life,” she told The Anchor. “I need it, I need to be in God’s presence as much as I can. There have been times over the years when it’s been a struggle to get there, but once I make it, I don’t want to Turn to page 24

At the heart of Adoption By Choice is love

FALL RIVER — Catholic Social Services in the Fall River Diocese has been a historical presence in the field of adoption since 1924. CSS’ Adoption by Choice program is now licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Through the devoted work of many social workers over the years, thousands of couples have found their way to be-

in the spring on the beautiful grounds of the CSS facility in Fall River. Adoption By Choice primarily focuses on open adoption in the direct placement of domestic infants up to one-year-olds. Expectant parents contact the program directly and receive pregnancy counseling to determine whether parenting or an adoptive placement is in

in building a meaningful relationship with each other that is in the best interest of the child. The prospective adoptive couples complete a comprehensive home study, which includes state and federal background checks and fingerprinting. The home study involves completing documentation, autobiographies, employment and personal references, and a parenting philosophy — to name a few components. This process usually takes four to six months to complete. Staff members admire the willingness of prospective adoptive couples in completing this comprehensive process. The couples also participate in 15 hours of adoption training. One couple, who wished to remain anonymous, recently wrote: “We quickly learned that a bond is not formed from sharing DNA. A Parents Anna and David happily welcomed Samantha into bond is created from the their family through Catholic Social Services’ Adoption By love and care that you Choice program. (Photo courtesy of CSS) give your child each and every day. The bond is coming a family through their best interest and strengthened when your adoption. that of the child. The baby is comforted by The program provides program provides guidthe sound of your voice pregnancy counseling, ance that is sensitive to and the love behind your intensive support services, the loss issues that are a embrace. I truly believe information and refercommon thread for all that the love we have for rals, parenting support, members in the constelour son is stronger than adoption/placement, lation: the birth parents, any bond we could have post-placement supervithe infant, and the adop- created with a biological sion, home study services, tive couple. child. We needed our son search and reunion serThe depth of a birth as much as he needed us vices, adoptive parent mother’s love for her and there is something so trainings, and post-place- child in making a couraspecial and unique about ment supportive services geous decision to place the love we all have for to birth parents. It also her child for adoption is one another.” hosts two annual events always understood. At Prospective adoptive for families, birth parents, Adoption by Choice, they couples also prepare a and prospective adopbelieve it is an empower- profile book and once tive couples: A National ing act for birth parents they are approved as an Adoption Month Family to choose an adoptive adoptive couple they Celebration in November couple for their child. may be considered by and an Easter Egg Hunt They support the families an expectant parent(s)

to parent their child. It is always Adoption By Choice’s hope, guided by current research, that the expectant parent(s) come to them early enough in the process to develop a relationship with the adoptive couple. Some adoptive couples have participated in prenatal visits, Lamaze classes, and even served as labor coaches present at the delivery. This significant sharing between the

expectant parent(s), the infant, and the adoptive couple are the building blocks of a successful placement. The work with birth parents is a signature Turn to page 23

Be sure to visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Keeping Christmas special for kids from one to 90-plus in New Bedford; Madonna Manor in North Attleboro; and Marian Manor in FAIRHAVEN — Taunton. There’s a line in the lyrics One simply needs to of the Christmas standard, stroll through the halls of “The Christmas Song any of these facilities at (Chestnuts Roasting on this time of year to find an Open Fire),” that accuresidents and staff exudrately sums up the warmth ing Christmas spirit, and and the joy the Christmas decorations throughout as season brings: “And so I’m a constant reminder of the offering this simple phrase joy of the birth of Baby to kids from one to 92: Jesus. Though it’s been said many Christmas has a way of bringing out the child in everyone who believes in the magnitude and hope of Christmas — the time when God fulfilled His promise to His people to send a Savior for the Salvation of all. It’s not only the residents, families and staffs who provide Christmas cheer. Each year dozens of area schools, ministries and organizations make sure the people being cared for in the nursing facilities are not forgotten, often sending gifts, cards, or showing up in person to carol and make merry. There’s a litany of events taking place at each of the homes. At Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven, events that have The Christmas tree in the lobby of Sacred Heart Home in taken place or will, include: New Bedford includes 100 ornaments all handmade by a Fairhaven Holiday Stroll residents and staff and using purple and gold as those col- which included pictures ors signify a centennial anniversary. with Santa, and staples of the season — cookies and hot chocolate; being serenaded by carolers and dancers; food platters from the Fairhaven Fire and Police departments; a Christmas breakfast; a children’s Christmas party with Santa; and a residents’ Christmas party. Not to forget the true reason for the season, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place daily in the chapel Monday through Friday during Advent

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.” The only correction would be extending the kids’ age well past 92. A shining example of helping “make the season bright,” lies in the five nursing facilities in the Diocese of Fall River that are part of the Diocesan Health Facilities: Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven; Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River; Sacred Heart Home

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

A resident of Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven gives a tug on Santa’s beard, just to make sure he’s not an imposter. The five diocesan nursing facilities do their best to keep the Christmas season Spiritual and playful for the residents, families, staff and friends there.

complemented by a Nativity scene there throughout the season. Our Lady’s Haven also takes part in an “Adopt a Resident,” program where local groups donate gifts and the staff fill a stocking for each resident. Walking into Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River, everyone is greeted by an outdoor crèche at the main entrance. While the Christ Child is yet to be placed in the scene, it’s a wonderful reminder of why the season is celebrated and loved. For the second year in a row, the home and its residents entered a tree in the city’s Festival of Trees at Government Center. The theme this year played off the aforementioned “Christmas Song” reference of kids from one to 92. The residents made ornaments with frames of a picture of themselves as a child and now. The trees will be

judged tomorrow with a special event planned. Catholic Memorial Home also took part in Fall River’s annual Children’s Parade with staff “elves,” and the residents’ bus riding down Main Street handing our candy and Christmas spirit. As with the other homes, CMH is also the beneficiary of visitors who come to carol, play BINGO and distribute gifts and cards. St. Thomas More Parish in Somerset adds to the spirit of the season with its “Giving Tree,” providing a gift for all residents. Of course the chapel is home to daily Mass, keeping the focus on the Savior. Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford has a twofold celebration: its 100th anniversary and Christmas. A spirited Christmas tree greets all in the lobby. The tree includes 100 ornaments all handmade by Turn to page 20

After 20 years, Gift of Giving Program still making spirits bright

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

FALL RIVER — Even though she retired last October, it just wouldn’t be Christmas unless longtime volunteer Mary Lou Frias was organizing, bagging and wrapping presents for needy families. Without missing a beat, the former longtime coordinator of the Gift of Giving Program recently led a group of 15 students from Bishop Stang High School in how to select, arrange and wrap donated gifts destined to provide a Merry Christmas for a family of five who otherwise would go without. “Your job is not only to wrap, but to quality control,” Frias explained. “Your eyes are the last eyes that are on this — and this could be all that this child or family gets (for Christmas). Your primary goal is to make sure everything is OK and does it represent a good Christmas for this family?” For the past 20 years, the Gift of Giving Program under the auspices of Catholic Social Services has served to collect and store donations that come in from parishes, schools and organizations around the Fall River Diocese and then distribute them to needy families at Christmas. The program is something akin to a central clearinghouse for items obtained through charitable efforts such as parish Giving Trees and benefit clothing drives. Gift of Giving assists families and children from all over the Fall River Diocese. From mid-October through November, families of any religious denomination with needs that have not been met by any other organization may go to any Catholic Social Services office in the diocese to file a request for assistance from the program. Some supporting documentation is required.

According to CSS staff coordinator Dennis Canulla, the program’s continued success after two decades is due to the efforts of countless volunteers who keep giving back. “I couldn’t be happier,” Canulla said. “I’ll probably retire (myself ) next year but, God willing, I’ll probably still come back and help with Christmas. When you’ve been blessed, you’ve got to give back. And I find that’s what’s happening this year.” Even though Frias relinquished the reins to Canulla this year, she still felt compelled to pitch in and help coordinate the volunteers to make sure the program continues running like the well-oiled machine it has become. “Dennis is the (CSS) contact — we always have a staff contact, but they don’t do any of the volunteer coordination,” Frias said. “We’re really like the elves, and they are the ones who are the system.” Having been involved with the program pretty much since its inception, Frias recalled starting on Slade Street 20 years ago, at the former Diocesan Department of Social Services building, where they worked out of a much smaller conference room. “I think we had nine parishes that first year,” she said. “Then we went from there to St. Patrick’s Convent next door just before it was demolished. Then we went to the Donovan House before it was converted into housing. We also worked in the school building (across the street from St. Mary’s Cathedral) for a couple of years in one of the classrooms.” For the last 14 years, the Gift of Giving Program has been based out of the CSS offices on Bay Street in Fall River. “But we’ve outgrown it,” Canulla said. “It’s a blessing to have this space and it’s a good problem to have. But the need

Students from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth recently helped wrap and bag items for the annual Gift of Giving Program at Catholic Social Services in Fall River. Now in its 20th year, the program provides hundreds of needy families throughout the diocese with presents to ensure they have a Merry Christmas. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Turn to page 21

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Anchor Editorial

December, as painted by Christ

We have a number of columns and articles in this edition of The Anchor which remind us of how we should be living these December days of Advent, leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Genevieve Kineke on page nine reminds that in our world today there are “horrors where there isn’t the slightest hope of Norman Rockwell setting up an easel.” Father Healey on the previous page listed several examples of that in our local communities, while Father Landry on the page before him told us of the horrors our fellow Christians and other people have had to endure under ISIS. We can be so worried about “getting Christmas right” in a Martha Stewart way (sometimes going to lengths that she herself probably wouldn’t do) that we become a parody of St. Martha, to whom Jesus said, when visiting her home in Bethany, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Lk 10:41-42). During this time of Advent, we have the contrast of the people who have truly great things to worry about (illness, unemployment, persecution, death, etc.) and those who are worrying about the “little things” (getting, and receiving, the “right gift”; perfect decorations; etc.). Dwight Duncan on page 19 has some great quotes from people about the uselessness of worrying (not attacking people for doing so, but reminding us that we are to trust in God, Who always is with us, no matter how dark life becomes). St. Martha took Christ’s correction to heart and grew in her faith, so much so that when her brother Lazarus died, she understood that Jesus was “the Messiah, the Son of God, the One Who is coming into the world” ( Jn 11:27) and that He could even do something to help her dead brother. On page 13 Dave Jolivet reminds us of the centennial of the deaths of thousands of people in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the kindness of Bostonians, who immediately rushed to help the surviving Canadians there in their moment of need. A Canadian Protestant apologetic blogger named Bruce (no last name given) wrote online last month, “If you’re wondering how this ties in with Christian Apologetics, it doesn’t other than to demonstrate the unintended consequences of war and how quickly our fragile lives can be extinguished.” As Dave mentioned in his column (and as one of the books he cited explicitly mentions in its title), if it weren’t for World War I, this tragedy would not have occurred. This is something to ponder as we are tempted to start other wars. Christ did not bring people in Halifax physically back from the dead, but He did inspire the Bostonians who either sacrificed their own time OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 61, No. 22

Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses. Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza kensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - December 15, 2017

(to go to Halifax to help) or their money (Mayor James Michael Curley, together with Governor Samuel McCall, used his gift of oratory the next day to help raise a huge amount of money at a fund raiser at Faneuil Hall the day after the explosion, and many other people opened their wallets over the following days) to be able assist these Nova Scotians. The people of Nova Scotia reward us each year by giving an evergreen (a symbol of eternal life) to Boston for our Christmas tree. The actions of our ancestors a century ago inspire us to respond to people in need. Our newspaper today documents a number of ways people are doing so throughout the Fall River Diocese, be it by giving gifts, or visiting the sick, or spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament (as Christ reminded Martha in Bethany, we need prayer if we are going to have our actions [after prayer] truly reflect what He would like us to do to show His love to our neighbors). One of the things which can impede this Christian response is bitterness. Martha may have been tempted to be bitter (because she felt her sister was lazy), but she accepted her correction. Pope Francis this Monday said in his homily that some people like to stew in “a broth of resentment.” It’s as if someone said, “My treasure is my bitterness.” The pope cited as an example the paralytic at the pool of Siloam: “He was there 38 years, with his bitterness, always explaining, ‘It’s not my fault because when the waters are stirred, no one helps me,’” reasoning “negatively — For hearts [such as these], that which is bitter is more beautiful than that which is sweet.” The Holy Father said that these folks seem to treasure “the bitter root,” remembering “the sin which has wounded them” and they “do not let themselves be consoled.” He echoed the sentiments of St. Teresa of Avila, who bemoaned fellow nuns who were always complaining about supposed injustices done to them. Another quote from St. Teresa (not mentioned by the pope on Monday) which offers us good food for thought this Advent is: “We are brides of Christ, and as such, we share in the dishonors done to our Spouse, as is the case with husbands and wives. To want a part in His Kingdom and not a part in His dishonors and trials is nonsense.” Although we are not all religious Sisters (but the soul of every Christian is called to be the spouse of God in the Heavenly Marriage feast), we are all called to participate in His Kingdom (otherwise, this is all a big waste of time). May we trust in Christ Our Light this Advent and follow Him, even into the dark corners of our world, so as to share the love that He has given us.

Daily Readings Dec. 16 — Dec. 29

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Dec. 16, Sir 48:1-4,9-11; Mt 17:9a,10-13. Sun. Dec. 17, Third Sunday of Advent, Is 61:1-2a,10-11; (Ps)Lk 1:46-50,53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,19-28. Mon. Dec. 18, Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25. Tues. Dec. 19, Jgs 13:2-7,24-25a; Lk 1:5-25. Wed. Dec. 20, Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38. Thurs. Dec. 21, Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45. Fri. Dec. 22, 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56. Sat. Dec. 23, Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Lk 1:57-66. Sun. Dec. 24, Fourth Sunday of Advent, 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:2638. Mon. Dec. 25, The Nativity of the Lord, Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5,1617,27,29; Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25. Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:13,11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14. Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1,6,11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20. Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6;Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5,9-14. Tues. Dec. 26, Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22. Wed. Dec. 27, 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:1a,2-8. Thurs. Dec. 28, 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Mt 2:13-18. Fri. Dec. 29, 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35.

Helping the survivors of ISIS this Christmas

ne of the most rewarding aspects of my work for the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations in New York is the ability to organize conferences at U.N. headquarters to shine a spotlight on realities that we believe deserve greater attention and give a voice to those whose cries for help are not adequately heard. In the month of November, we were able to sponsor two conferences on what Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities have endured at the merciless hands of ISIS. Since ISIS has been militarily defeated in Iraq and is on the verge of defeat in Syria, there’s a serious risk that the attention of the world will basically move to other crises. But we cannot forget what happened or those who suffered. While we tragically didn’t prevent the barbarities Christians, Yezidis and others endured, we must act to bring them justice, help them rebuild, and prevent ISIS from achieving one of its main objectives, which is the liquidation of ethnic diversity and religious pluralism from the region. On November 2, we heard first-hand from survivors of ISIS atrocities and focused on what was needed to hold accountable the barbarians who carried out their sadistic rampage of murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, suicide bombings, enslavement, forced marriage, trafficking in persons, rape, sexual slavery and other forms of sexual violence — in short, what the United States, Iraq, Hungary, Lithuania, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others have termed a genocide. We heard from a courageous Yezidi girl, Ekhlas Khudur Bajoo, who on Aug. 3, 2014 was kidnapped by ISIS as they invaded her city of Sinjar. Her father was brutally executed, as part of a mass murder of males in the village. She, at 14, was sold into sexual slavery with hundreds of other girls and raped and humiliated

Christian refugees were each day for six months. Her welcomed, and Father Salar sufferings were so severe she Kajo, pastor of three affected tried, but failed, to take her life. Three times she attempted parishes in the north of Iraq, where Christians are now to escape but was caught returning. We also heard from by ISIS troops, beaten and tortured. Finally on her fourth ambassadors from countries and leaders of three organizaattempt, she succeeded. She tions — the Knights of Cocame to the U.N. — missing lumbus, Aid to the Church in the funeral of her brother — because of the urgency she felt to speak on behalf of all those women Putting Into who have suffered or are still suffering. She the Deep begged everyone present to “wipe our tears, By Father heal our wounds, bring Roger J. Landry back the smiles on our faces, and rescue the girls who remain in captivity.” Need USA, and the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee She finished by appealing, “I — that are heavily committed ask you not to remain silent. to the rebuilding effort. Stand with me and with all ISIS left many of the cities the survivors. Bring back our and towns of the region in smiles.” rubble, destroying homes, We also heard by video churches, schools, public from a Syrian Christian, utilities and infrastructure. Gaby, who was kidnapped by What’s needed is the equivaISIS and tortured for three lent of a “Marshall Plan” weeks before his family arthat was used to reconstruct ranged a costly ransom, and bombed out Europe after from Dr. Nezar Taib, a psyWorld War II. It begins by chiatrist and regional health clearing rubble, rebuilding or director in Dohuk, who refurbishing houses, reestabcatalogued for us the various lishing water and electricity, physical and psychological traumas among the thousands and reconstructing medical, educational and community fleeing from ISIS terror and infrastructure; next, creating captivity whom he and his jobs through microfinancing team have treated. so that a local economy can Everyone present, from be established and people can ambassadors, to NGO transition from dependency to delegates, to experts on the self-sufficiency; then providMiddle East were repeatedly ing physical and psychological moved to tears. One of the care to those in need, educatU.N. technicians approached ing the young and training me afterward to tell me that them to help rebuild their he has worked for 30 years at societies. the U.N. — helping to run This is not just to return several conferences a day, five to them in justice what ISIS days a week (an estimated sought to pillage from them. 40,000 conferences) — and It’s also to ensure the true said that this event was the defeat of ISIS. most compelling he had ever Carl Anderson, Supreme attended. On November 30, we held Knight of the Knights of Columbus, echoed the fear of another conference to focus the great Lebanese statesmen, on the rebuilding necessary Charles Malik, one of the auto help those who had been thors of the Universal Declaradriven from the Nineveh tion of Human Rights after Plain by ISIS to return. We World War II. “You may win heard from Archbishop every battle, but if you lose the Bashar Warda of the Chalwar of ideas, you will have lost dean Catholic Archeparchy the war. My deepest fear — of Erbil, where most of the

and your greatest problem — is only a small one now, please that you may not be winning do not forget the persecuted the war of ideas.” minorities of the Nineveh Anderson commented, Plain.” “While ISIS is now gone as a Pope Francis hasn’t formilitary force, so too are the gotten them and is trying to victims they forcibly evicted. stir the world to remember The philosophy behind their them. On November 15, as genocide — the idea of he was given a special edicleansing Iraq of religious tion Lamborghini Huracan, minority groups like he announced that it would Yezidis and Christians be auctioned off so that the — is on the cusp of proceeds could be given to success. Quite simply, the “Return to the Roots” if the religious miproject being coordinated by norities displaced by the Nineveh Reconstruction ISIS do not return to Committee (a unified effort their ancestral homes of the three major Christian in sizeable numbers, churches in the Nineveh ISIS will have won Plain) with the help of Aid to the battle of ideas. In that case, the Church in Need and the not just Nineveh, and not just Knights of Columbus. CardiIraq, but the entire world will nal Pietro Parolin, his secrebe poorer for that outcome — tary of state, called the work and threatened by it.” of the Nineveh ReconstrucThe only way to make sure tion Committee “praiseworISIS cannot claim any victory thy and greatly needed” and is to restore Christians, and expressed the “deep appreciawith them pluralism and dition and encouragement” of versity, to where ISIS ravaged. Pope Francis and the Catholic The Nineveh Plains had been Church “for this noble and home to more than 40 percent difficult effort.” of the Christian population of If you would like to help Iraq, but in most of the region, out in this noble, difficult only 12 percent of the Chrisrebuilding effort, I would tians have been able to return. urge you to go to www. Archbishop Warda stated, christiansatrisk.org, the site “One positive outcome that set up by the Knights of has followed the genocide by Columbus to channel support ISIS has been the denouncing directly to the Church’s efforts of their tactics by the entire in the region. The average world community — Chriscost to repair or rebuild a tians, Muslims and others. home for a family in the Now it is time for action as region is $2,000, and so your well as words. Not only the contributions will go a long West, but Islamic countries as way. well, who have been affected As we prepare for Christby terror of ISIS’ ideology, mas, meditate upon the genmust commit resources to erosity of the Magi who came save pluralism in Iraq as a from the East, and ponder manifestation of their opposi- with horror the slaughter of tion to this ideology of hatred the Holy Innocents soon after and genocide.” Christ’s birth, we have the Father Kajo spoke on beopportunity to do something half of his parishioners, who to help those who are striving “want only to live in peace in to keep the memory of the our historic lands where we Prince of Peace alive in the rehave harmed no one.” They gion where the Church is not are deeply afraid of more just a branch of Christianity violence, he said, and for that but a root, where the disciples reason “sleep with suitcases were not converted by St. already packed” and “only buy Paul, but baptized him. small amounts of food.” He Anchor columnist said that even though “there Father Landry can be are many tragedies in this contacted at fatherlandry@ world today, and our story is catholicpreaching.com. The Anchor - December 15, 2017 7

In the ‘meantime’ let’s keep Advent!

pletely ours. This is clearly to make things right. The dvent ,when apevident as we still suffer life’s prophetic approach then is proached as more imperfections in aging, illness instructive to us as it encourthan the weeks prior to and infirmity and its limitaages us to live in the meanChristmas and thus merely tions as those we love still die time with all its imperfection as preparation for it, can and so also must we one day. with that same confidence function as an annual rethat they tried to inspire in minder to us of just where we That is why Advent’s deep purple is symbolic of night their contemporaries; an are in the great plan of God reminding us that we are unshakable confidence that that we call Salvation HistoGod has promised Salvation ry. We might rightly call our still waiting in the darkness and He will deliver on that time “the meantime” because for the dawn of that new and endless day that we are promise. Thus the prophetic we live in the time after the promised at the final first coming of Christ in the and glorious second land of Palestine in the first third of the first century and coming of Christ. Advent When we underHis second coming in glory stand this very central at some unknown moment Reflection aspect of Advent as in an unforeseeable future. By Father locating us in the Each time we proclaim Edward J. Healey the Third Eucharistic Prayer meantime, we may understand its great at Mass we are clearly potential to bring comfort to message is one which enreminded that we are recourages waiting patiently membering Christ’s glorious people who are suffering or in any distress. Those in pres- in hope no matter what one Resurrection and wondrous may be facing at the moascension as we look forward ent difficulty or sorrow can better understand the truth ment. We know in hindsight to His return at the end of that such hope was not in time. So in the meantime we that the world in which we presently live, and life itself, vain because God did indeed celebrate in Sacred mystery are still in the realm of the act, and ultimately so, as He Christ’s continued presence imperfect. Our own indisent His Only Begotten Son among us and experience vidual redemption and that among us as one like us in the saving power of His of the whole world, while order to save us; that is what cross and Resurrection by progressing according to the we celebrate at Christmas. which He has redeemed the hidden plan of God, is not Thus we can’t fully apworld. Indeed Christ keeps yet complete. We are all still preciate the real Christmas His promise to remain with waiting and at times we learn without fully understandus until the end of time and the hard way that the waiting ing and observing Advent. does so in ways very real but can be painful. Although we may hear it not completely fathomable, During this season of said even in Church circles especially in the Sacraments Advent we customarily that we are waiting for “Baby and ultimately in the Sacrevisit the writings of Old Jesus,” yet the truth is that we rament of all Sacraments Testament prophets whose are not, rather at this point which is the Eucharist. location in Salvation History in Salvation History we are So in this meantime we awaiting the Risen Christ’s find ourselves living with the was very different than our own, yet their experience of return in glory. What then is “already but not yet” in that waiting is actually similar and Christmas but a celebration we know that Christ is ever of the Word made flesh, thus with us but we do not yet see thus relevant to our times. In the prophetic writings a remembrance of the Divine Him face to face. We know we can discern that they too intervention in human afthat by His life, death, Resurfairs that the prophets of old rection and ascension Christ were living in the midst of imperfect and challenging were anticipating? Christmas has already inaugurated His Kingdom which is a reign of circumstances which they be- reminds us that those in the lieved could only be corrected minority who had not ever justice, charity, and peace. by Divine intervention. The given up waiting or hoping, However, we do not yet prophetic approach in the people like Mary and Joseph live in a world completely face of situations that would or Zechariah and Elizabeth untainted by injustice, selfchallenge the faith and courand John the Baptist, memcenteredness, apathy, and disage of many is always a deep bers of a faithful remnant in cord. We know that Christ has already conquered death, and abiding certitude that in Israel, were surprised perhaps yet the fullness of life He has His Own time and Own way but certainly not disappointGod would execute a plan ed as they not only witnessed won for us is not yet com8 The Anchor - December 15, 2017

but also played a pivotal role in God’s amazing intervention. Thus stripped of all that has been heaped upon it culturally and commercially, Christmas is an important annual reminder to all who will listen that God keeps His promises; He did then, He is now, He will certainly do so again, so let us be ever ready! Yet in the meantime, let us not ever give up believing and hoping in His promises no matter what we might have to endure. Understood in that light, the AdventChristmas seasons can be a source of comfort to the sick and the suffering, to the poor and the oppressed, and those who are dying or those who must now mourn. Yet how completely left out do those for whom these seasons should be good news feel when Advent is completely eclipsed by the too early onset of a rather distorted, overly commercialized and sentimentalized Christmas? How can an interpretation of Christmas which is largely void of Christ and which encourages over-consumption of every sort remind anyone that God’s promises are to be trusted and that those who patiently wait in faith for the final fulfillment of these will not be disappointed? Ironically, the AdventChristmas seasons truly belong to the community of faith, but admittedly many even among the faithful cooperate without question as cultural and commercial interests redefine these seasons and exploit them for nonreligious and often less than noble purposes. Can we appreciate that there is great value in keeping the Christmas lights, trees, decorations, parties, and even the carols out of Advent’s

symbolic darkness as we find a renewed respect for what this endangered season really means and what it is trying to say especially to all who so desperately need its message? Can we wait in darkness with only the progressive lighting of four candles on a wreath as our decoration until Advent is truly over? Are we willing to wait in solidarity with those who have no choice but to wait in hope for something better as their present circumstances leave them with little to celebrate? As a marked contrast to Advent’s darkness can we wait until the real season of Christmas begins at sunset on the 24th of December to light the candles in our windows and on our Christmas trees and keep these lit until the eighth of January this year? Wouldn’t this go a long way in renewing lights as more than merely a “holiday decoration” but rather as a clear symbol of the presence of Christ Whose coming once in history, now in mystery, and again someday in glory is the true light which dispels all darkness? Can we learn anew how to keep Christmas as a season that lasts until the feast of the Lord’s Baptism and not merely as the eve and day of December 25? It is undoubtedly a rather lonely experience to swim against the cultural and social tide and refrain from doing what everyone else seems to be doing from “Black Friday” to December 24 which is celebrating Christmas instead of observing Advent. Yet, if as Christians we don’t try to recover and restore Advent’s importance and its impact by waiting until it is over to fully celebrate the real season of Christmas, then who will? Father Healey is pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

here is beauty and wonder in the season leading up to the Nativity, and a hushed reverence thereafter. We are called to embrace the God of True Light, Who entered our world of sin and darkness. Many great works of art have tried to capture this idea with a Christ-child Who irradiates the faces of the awed visitors surrounding His crib, and how gloriously accurate are those touching scenes. This being said, unfortunately there is a twofold temptation to add to that beauty in ways that actually diminish the reason for the Incarnation. Even among those who stop to recollect themselves amidst the shopping frenzy and social whirl that fill the holidays, we can bring up images that — while beautiful — may distort the real condescension of God. Any semblances of Mary and Joseph travelling on a beautiful starlit night, the Babe in fresh straw, or the fluffy sheep at His side might obscure the darkness He came to illuminate. Surely, despite the occasional glimpses of the shepherds’ dirty feet, the humility of the stable, and the hard-heartedness of the innkeepers who were unmoved by Mary’s condition, we often fall prey to a postcard charm that blankets the saga. This may be necessary for children, who are invited to draw near the manger to discover the God Who seeks them, but as we mature we must read between the lines of the narrative, and remember the dankness of the little cell, the layer of anxiety outside, and the real temptation to fret when plans are disturbed. Mary and Joseph

Let’s not airbrush the season

hung by threads, and were scene that is satisfied to strengthened every step of rejoice in our rejoicing the way by sheer grace. A must be discouraged. It is lesson for us all. true that in most sanitized Furthermore, we must public settings, we must ponder these same holitiptoe around Jesus, sin, days viewed from hospice and redemption. Moreover, and hovel — and amidst horrors The where there isn’t the slightest hope Feminine of Norman RockGenius well setting up By Genevieve Kineke an easel. Those trapped in diseaseravaged camps, violent streets, and addiction-raked chaos the secular climate around all seek the light, and are us often reduces the entire fitting backdrops to any holiday to sentiments of crèche we can imagine. family, generosity, and cheer The second temptation — but what do any of these is to gather for the feast, mean without God? Withto assemble our hearths, out recognizing our need and to lift the season to a for redemption, we lose the pinnacle of beauty — and real meaning behind the to airbrush God from it Holy Family’s difficulties, completely! Any festive and we tend to shrink from

the Passion, which was the culmination of their journey. When we reduce Christianity to a morality tale, casting Jesus as one more enlightened guru who walked the walk, we’ve lost the thread. The real beauty of the season is that the Author of beauty leapt down from Heaven into a dingy world, that He smiled His Divine smile on fallen mankind, and that He firmly trod the path that led to our Salvation along dusty roads, amidst the unlovely and unkempt.

Just as “in His light we see light” (Ps 36:9), we can rightly say that without His truth our beauty hangs limp, our songs fall flat, and our festivities ring hollow. How to evangelize this reality in a world that holds all opinions equal is a mighty challenge, but just be aware of the temptation to airbrush the whole story. We’ve come perilously close to making it a fable that fuels our economy instead of a truth that should shatter our darkness. Anchor columnist Mrs. Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-genius.typepad. com.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

ith only a few days left before Christmas there is little time to get those lastminute gifts, and parents are caught between anticipation and anxiety. Not only do parents have to worry about spending too much or too little; they also are overwhelmed with keeping alive the many myths and traditions that make this season so magical for the children. There comes a time when the myths take on ridiculous proportions, turning what should be cute into something bordering on terrifying, as in an elf on the shelf that flies back to Santa every night to report on the children’s behavior. The ad for the Elf on the Shelf sets the stage for a very traumatizing concept: “The elf is actually alive and moves around when you’re not looking. He’s watching you and you never know where he will turn up next. And if he sees you doing something wrong he reports directly back to Santa.” Myths are not a bad thing, in fact they are how young children access the world of ineffable mystery. James Fowler

Christmas theology

brought to light the vari- bad behavior. It can also ous stages of faith develbe harmful to a child if opment in his seminal their natural movement study reported in “Bethrough the stages of coming Adult, Becoming faith is interrupted by too Christian.” much harsh reality. “The preschool child Many years ago a who has access to the friend told me that she symbols, stories and had to tell her eight-yearshared Liturgical life of old son the truth about a religious tradition awakens to an expanded horizon of meanings,” he The Great wrote. The morphCommission ing of the Santa Claus story with By Claire McManus the image we have of God is a common perception that Santa Claus because he pervades our early stages was too smart to continue of faith. Santa Claus is to believe the myth. The a good and kind grandboy burst into tears when father-figure that judges he heard the news, looked our actions and rewards into his mother’s eyes and good behavior with gifts. asked, “But is the Easter Santa icons can be seen Bunny true?” Thirty years throughout the season, later this boy became a but every child knows that man who no longer takes the real thing resides in part in the religion of his some mystical place that youth; turning instead to we never get to visit until that which is tangible and we have attained the lofty verifiable. The unfortustatus of parenthood. This nate morphing of the two image fits in nicely with images was broken at a a child’s early concept of critical time in his faith God. journey. Myths and stories Fowler’s study led him can be misused, howto conclude that “we are ever, as when a child is creatures who live by told threatening tales of faith.” Parents should devils and goblins waitkeep this in mind as they ing to steal them away for accompany their children through their intuitiveprojective stage of faith

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

that is so “open to a world of reality beyond, around, and penetrating the everyday.” The symbols of our faith are powerful ways in which children learn Who God is, and certainly Who God is not. Their strong sense of fairness based on reciprocity, can readily be elevated to a cosmic understanding of reward for doing good or punishment for doing bad. Creating scenarios in which good behavior is rewarded with material goods distorts the reality of God’s love. Let us not throw away the Santa myth, but rather let us place it into its proper perspective. St. Nicholas of Myra, the fourth-century saint from whom the Santa Claus legend was formed, was known for his generosity toward the poor. He lived during an era of persecution and was saved from prison when Constantine accepted Christianity as the religion of the Roman Empire. In European countries the feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on its own, and in much the same way we do Christmas. Separating the feasts helps to teach children about how St. Nicholas was unconditionally gener-

ous toward those he loved, and those who did not have enough. Christmas could then be revered as the feast of the birth of the baby Savior. We may have to work harder at separating the competing narratives, but it can be done. In these remaining days before Christmas we can still redeem the feast and commemorate Santa Claus for the special deeds he did that earned his sainthood. Remind the children that gifts are given because they are loved, not because they are good. This properly centers their beliefs on our understanding of God’s gratuitous grace. Show children the generosity of giving to those in need that is so much a part of our Catholic culture. Teach the children that we do nice things for others because it is right, not because it will gain some material reward. And if we must demystify Santa Claus, tell them that we have been filled with the spirit of St. Nicholas and will do as he did as our way of honoring the Baby Whose feast we celebrate. Merry Christmas! Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Off ice of Faith Formation.

Wednesday 13 December 2017 — Main Street, Falmouth — St. Lucy Day n eclectic mix of people recently gathered on the front lawn of the church. It was the middle of the afternoon. What, pray tell, were all these people doing out there on the lawn? And why were they all looking down at their mobile phones? I was afraid to ask, but I was soon advised not to worry about this strange phenomenon. They were simply looking for HoHo. Really? Ho-Ho? You mean Santa Claus? They’re looking for Santa in the church shrubbery? The situation was getting even stranger. As it turns out, I had misheard. They weren’t looking for “Ho-Ho” after all. They were looking for Ho-Oh. Now, you know me, dear readers, I keep my thumb on the pulse of the popular culture. Even so, I wouldn’t know a HoOh if one bit me. After researching ancient manuscripts (meaning anything dated 2016 or earlier), I discovered that Ho-Oh was a Pokémon. He/she is a character in Pokémon Go, the augmented reality game based on the Global Positioning System. You need first to download the application to your mobile device. Then the virtual characters will appear on the screen with a background featuring your physical location. You gain points by locating, fighting, capturing, and training these virtual creatures. Much to the delight of Falmouth’s Pokémon Go aficionados, Ho-Oh had alighted in front of St. Patrick Church. Ho-Oh,

Ho-Ho-Ho

for those of you who may refined in Coca-Cola live a sheltered life, is a advertisements of the colorful cross between a 1930s. Stir it all together peacock and a phoenix. and you get the American The appearance of Ho- Santa Claus. Oh on the church lawn Here are some other came as no surprise to me, versions: dear readers. Other Pokémon, including Zapdos and ExegThe Ship’s Log gutor, have also apReflections of a peared on our lawn. Parish Priest Zapdos is a legendary bird that thrives By Father Tim on being struck by Goldrick lightning. Exeggutor looks like a walking palm tree with smiley The British Father faces on each coconut. Christmas is a merry We are living in a old soul, but his physical strange, strange world, appearance may vary. He dear readers. wears a crown of ChristNevertheless, I do mas greenery and carries believe that if you have a bowl of wassail (mulled Pokémon in your front wine). Sometimes he dons yard, it’s a sure sign that scarlet robes, but other yours is a very groovy times he prefers green. church. At least it gets During the reign of King crowds of young people to Henry VIII, when St. rush over to the church, Nicholas Day (December even if they don’t actually 6) was abolished, good St. go inside. Nicholas simply packed Not to be outdone up, slipped past the by these Pokémon, the king’s guard, and moved Great Ho-Ho-Ho himto December 25. There self passed in front of he entered the witness the church. Santa came protection program and to town in the annual assumed the alias “Father Christmas parade. He Christmas” — or somewas, of course, the Ameri- thing like that. can version of Santa So, on Christmas Day, Claus — a jovial, portly does old St. Nicholas, the character sporting a white Greek bishop, bring gifts beard and dressed all in to the children of Greece? red. Well, actually, St. Basil’s Did you know that Day (December 31) is the there are different verprimary celebration in sions of Santa? They’re all Greece. Somehow singloosely based on the Bish- ing “Here comes St. Basil, op of Myra, St. Nicholas. here comes St. Basil, Some portrayals are much laughing all the way” lacks looser than others. a certain je ne sais quoi. The American Santa In Poland, St. NichoClaus version is based on las comes bearing gifts descriptions found in an on his feast day, but on 1823 poem by the Rev. Christmas Eve another Clement Moore (“A Visit figure appears. He may from St. Nick”), mixed look suspiciously like your with sketches from the parish priest. This is due 1880s by the cartoonto the simple fact that he ist Thomas Nast, and is. Dressed in disguise,

he goes by the code name “Star Man.” Star Man tests children on their catechism and awards prizes for correct answers. Fortunately, Star Man never really caught on in the United States. I already have more than enough to do on Christmas Eve. Santa is literally something else when he visits Finland. He travels from the northernmost district, Lapland, in a sleigh drawn by reindeer and accompanied by a team of elves. Other than the fact that he is clean-shaven (in the Mongolian fashion), he reminds me of some-

one else, but I just can’t put my finger on it. With all these Santa characters running around, you can understand why in some countries the Christ Child cuts out the middleman and delivers the gifts Himself. Christkindle, by the way, was the preferred giftgiver of Martin Luther. So, perhaps it’s not so strange after all to have Ho-Oh, Zapdos, and Exeggutor on your lawn. We have seen far stranger things, if you know what I mean. Ho-Ho-Ho! Merry Christmas! Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Sister Therese Maria Touma kneels before Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, Eparchy of St. Maron, Brooklyn, N.Y., and Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo, pastor of St. Anthony of the Desert Parish in Fall River, during her profession of perpetual vows on December 8 at St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church. Sister Therese is now a member of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light congregation, based in Dartmouth.

Mother Marla Marie Lucas, superior of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light, helps Sister Therese Maria Touma to stand after professing her perpetual vows before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall River. (Photos by Kenneth J. Souza)

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

ast year I had the the good fortune of being able to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for the first time. I had a wonderful time there, mostly because of the warm, friendly Haligonians (residents of Halifax). What I didn’t know then, but since learned was of one of the most horrific manmade disasters in North

My View From the Stands By Dave Jolivet

American history happened there — the great explosion of Dec. 6, 1917, when a ship carrying three tons of highly volatile explosives destined for the Allied troops in Europe during World War I, was involved in an collision with another ship triggering a massive explosion, akin to one-fifth the magnitude of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in World War II. The blast wiped out three-square miles of the peaceful port city, killed more than 2,000, many instantly, vaporizing them into oblivion, and injured more than 9,000 men, women and hundreds of children. In less than one second, families, homes, businesses and lives were torn apart, never to be the same again. The blast occurred on a Thursday at 9:04 a.m., when many were at work, on the way to school, at home, or on the way to the docks to see what the commotion was before the blast occurred. In less than one second countless children were killed or left as orphans as mothers, fathers and siblings were killed.

A bittersweet centennial observance

The survivors were often left with ghastly injuries from flying glass, timber, plaster and any of a plethora of other projectiles. The blast also caused a tsunami in the Halifax waters that took the lives of hundreds more. I mention this story at Christmas time not as a downer, but to mention the incredible acts of love, kindness, unselfishness, valor, and bravery following the disaster. The event is not wellknown in the U.S., but Massachusetts played an important role in the aftermath of the catastrophic disaster. As soon as word reached Boston, teams of doctors, nurses, Red Cross volunteers were assembled, along donations of cars, money, clothing, medicine, blankets and any other basic need. Within hours trains and boats made a bee-line to the neighbors from the north, despite a roaring blizzard that hit that night from New England up to Halifax. At the time Canada and the U.S. were not the best of friends. But when disaster hit, politics went out the window. Help came not only from Boston, but from across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia and China. The stories of victims helping victims cannot be numbered, and for me to start to tell any of these stories would fall far short of the Christ-like events that were commonplace at and around Ground Zero in Halifax. When I learned of the horrific event last year I read the 2005 release, “The Curse of The Narrows: The

Halifax Disaster of 1917,” by Laura M. Mac Donald. Last month, N.Y. Times bestselling author John U. Bacon published “The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism,” in time for the 100th anniversary earlier this month. I finished that publication yesterday.

I’m not trying to promote either book, but I highly recommend reading one or both (particularly Bacon’s) to learn of the strength and determination of the human spirit, when today, it seems, that everyone is only into themselves. Should you read about this event, I’m willing to wager you’ll come away with a story or

two or more that will stay with you and within you, especially the efforts made to keep Christmas alive for hundreds of children who lost parents, siblings, homes, limbs, eyesight and a sense of normalcy and comfort in the blink of an eye — two weeks before Christmas. davejolivet@anchornews. org.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently celebrated Mass at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in New Bedford marking the 25th year celebration of the Missionary Sisters of Charity.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

A subscription to The Anchor would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our beloved Church — locally and beyond. One-year subscription — $20 Name: Address: City:

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The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 December 25, Noon to 1 p.m. Christmas Mass

Celebrant is Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 December 17, 11:00 a.m.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently awarded Marian Medals to 82 diocesan faithful at a ceremony at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral in Fall River. The medal is awarded to individuals nominated by their pastors, to recognize them for dedicated service to the Church. Some of the recipients were, from top to bottom: Jeanne Alves, St. Anthony Parish, East Falmouth; Paul Baptista, St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, New Bedford; and Nancy Simmons, St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Taunton. (Photos by John E. Kearns Jr.)

Celebrant is Father Rodney E. Thibault, pastor of St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish in South Dartmouth.

December 24, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Paul E. Canuel, retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

his is the time of the year that most of us think about getting and giving stuff. We make the list and we check it twice. We don’t want to disappoint or be disappointed by those who we love. We need to find the latest video or toy, iPhone X, Coach bag, Uggs boots, or any other item that we know we just can’t live without and that will truly make us happy — at least for this year, or month, or week or day! Then we also hear about those who are going without. We see that our parishes sponsor Giving Tree projects or collect food and money for those less fortunate. We have a food pantry on the UMass Dartmouth Campus to help our students, faculty and staff who are in need. We see people drop a dollar into those red pots staffed by those wonderful volunteers outside of the mall. We feel for those people who don’t have the stuff. We want to help — we really do — some day.

For and About Our Church Youth Not spoiled — Blessed! As a young person in with dozens and dozens today’s world, you are of presents underneath. pulled in many directions. Sometimes, Christmas You’re told that you need gift-opening went on for and should want stuff and hours. We wanted our you’re told by others that children and our grandyou shouldn’t want stuff. children to have everyThe difficulty is that you thing! Their aunt, uncle, get a mixed message. So whom do you believe? It is most unfortunate, for most, that the “you need and should want stuff ” By Deacon message is usually Frank Lucca stronger and better received than the “you shouldn’t want and grandparent wanted stuff ” message. them to have everything I’ve admitted to you too. And believe me, they all in the past that I have got everything! a lot of stuff. I’ve got However, I recall as the latest computer, the if it were yesterday, an newest car, the house, the important point in our “stuff ” of life. My daugh- lives. One day, my elters and their husbands, dest daughter (who was and my grandchildren young at the time) was have a ton of stuff, too. told by a friend that she We are not lacking was spoiled because of anything. Christmas, all of the stuff she had. until a few years back, I’ll never forget when she was another opportuturned to the person and nity to add to the stuff. said, “I’m not spoiled — Oh yeah! Family would I’m blessed!” Wow, what gather round the tree wisdom from the mouth of babes! And she was right. We are blessed. We have been given so much. It was at that point that we realized how much we had to give back. Over the years since that day, we have made an effort as a family to give back. We no longer exchange dozens of gifts, but rather give of ourselves to others and to each other. Finally, several years ago, for the first time, we cut back on gifts to other family members and offer those funds toward the needs of others. Of course, we all still want “stuff.” That new car, that new iPad Pro, but as

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Be Not Afraid

long as it doesn’t take top priority in our lives, as long as we don’t “worship” the stuff as more important that anything else, as long as the stuff doesn’t stand between us and others, especially our God; as long as we know that we’re “blessed” and that we work hard to help others, we know we’re OK with our God. Our family anthem, that we all adhere to, is taken from the Gospel of Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” We know that the more blessed we are, the more we’re expected to give back. Sometimes that is a daunting thought, but every day we strive to follow what God asks of us. He says that if He blesses us with anything — health, good families, or a roof over our heads — then we in turn must also think of others. Give some thought to where you are this Christmas season. The joy of giving and receiv-

ing is part of our lives. But remember, that it is not the only thing that is important. Christmas is the time to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given — the gift of God’s Own Son. We’ve received that awesome Gift. We are truly blessed. By that one Gift alone we have been given much. As a result of that one Gift alone, much is therefore expected of us. What more could we need or want? So what are you giving this Christmas? Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea and St. George Parish in Westport, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of 39 years, Kristine, and the father of two daughters and their husbands, and three grandsons. So blessed! Comments, ideas or suggestions? Please email him at DeaconFrankLucca@ comcast.net. We wish you a most joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bishop Connolly High School (Fall River) Spanish teacher Señora Patricia Coulombe and her Spanish I students display colorful skull masks they created to mark “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead), a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 to honor the memories of loved ones who have died.

For and About Our Church Youth

St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently announced its ReadA-Thon Winners. Students read more than five books in a month. Special thanks went to Mrs. Murphy, the school librarian, who encouraged this special project. The reward was extra recess.

For the second year in a row, the St. Mary-Sacred Heart School (North Attleboro) Student Council Board wanted to support the Ellie Fund, a nonprofit group that helps support breast cancer patients in Massachusetts and relieves them of some of the stresses of everyday life so they can focus on their family and getting better. The Student Council Board had a goal to raise $500 to give to the Ellie Fund. Last year they had raised $250, and they wanted to double the donation. During the collection an anonymous donor offered to match what was collected. The students took that goal and the donor’s words to heart and raised well more than their goal and were able to present a check of $3,287 to Natalie Kfoury, the fundraising administration assistant at the Ellie Fund, thanks to the generosity of the students and the donors. Kfoury said, “It is the little school with the big heart!” Pictured is the school student council and Kfoury holding the check for the Ellie Fund. From left to right, Beatrice DeTrolio, Matthew Powers, Ms. Kfoury, Yusef Kassem, Ian Guthrie, and Camryn Fauria.

unger Awareness Day at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton beH gan with a prayer service, followed by a simple rice meal at lunch. After school students made holiday baskets to distribute to those in need.

Students at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth now enjoy cutting edge, world class facilities in which to conduct labs and prepare for college in the completely renovated biology and chemistry labs. With the support of “Catalyst” donors — including alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and community partners — the project was able to be completed this summer. Thanks to the generous support of the Lafrance Family, the biology lab has been named in memory of Rita P. Lafrance.

How fast does a bacteria multiply? Seventh-grade students at St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven recently conducted an experiment using beans to represent one singular bacteria and how it multiplies itself exponentially. Students calculated math problems to predict how many bacterial cells would be produced in given amounts of time. The Anchor - December 15, 2017

For and About Our Church Youth

At St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro the Buddy Program teaches kids to respect and care for each other. This program provides interactive activities between grades K and seven, and eight and one, and the Service Program for grades seven and eight whereby students give back to SJE. Recently, the kindergartners and seventh-grade buddies got together and made placemats and enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast of fruits, cookies, apple cider and pumpkin bread. The kindergartners also dressed as turkeys. Shown here clockwise: Reese Leclerc, Jillian Brouillard, Kyleigh Arenas, Ruby Almeida, Caleb Smith, Nolan Rogers, Amaya Borden, and Kelsey Muehlberger.

Members of the National Junior Honor Society at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford gathered for a photograph. The have started the year ready to exemplify the five pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in all they say and in all they do.

St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet was excited to unveil to students the transformation of their computer lab space into a STEM Learning Lab. The addition of new floors, tech carts, Chromebooks, mobile tables, and a 70-inch touchscreen monitor allow the space to adapt more fluidly to the varied ways students explore and ultimately learn today in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Pictured above are fourth-graders captivated at various technology learning stations in the space.

The girls in American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 recently made fleece blankets to deliver to Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Attleboro. Explorer Leader Sharon Abbott helps Madison Burbank, Amanda Abbott (standing), Kriszel Dabi and Zoe Kuczewski complete a blanket.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Holy Name School in Fall River held its sixth annual ChipStrong walk-athon benefiting the soup kitchen at St. Bernadetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish.

e are now in the blessed season of Advent, when we wait eagerly to receive Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into our hearts on Christmas, as He was born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, and will come again at the end of time to mercifully judge the living and the dead. Hope is the characteristic virtue of the season, as it is the confident expectation, based on Jesus our Redeemer, to be happy with Him forever in Heaven, as He promised His faithful followers. Our hope, then, is in God and not in ourselves or our human resources. It is only if we place our hope in lesser things like money, power, success or health that we have grounds for discouragement and anxiety. Specifically, a number of modern saints have repeatedly urged us to not worry, because they had their priorities straight.

Hoping rather than worrying during Advent St. Padré Pio, who died ous enemy of our peace of in 1968 and was canonized soul. Instead, let us foster in 2002 by St. John Paul II, confidence in God, and famously said, “Pray, hope thank Him ahead of time and don’t worry. Worry is for whatever He chooses to useless. God is merciful and send us.” will hear your prayer.” Finally, that man for all St. Marianne Cope, who died in Molokai in Hawaii Judge in 1918 after decades For of ministering to lepers, cleaning their Yourself wounds and givBy Dwight Duncan ing them hope, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, had this to say: “I seasons, St. Thomas More, think life is all too short patron saint of statesmen to spend any part of it in and informal patron saint worry and anxiety.” of English-speaking lawAnd Blessed Solanus yers, and martyr, wrote on Casey, who died in Dethe eve of his execution troit in 1957 and was to his daughter Margaret: beatified last month (the “My own good daughter, first American-born man do not let your mind be to be beatified for “heroic troubled over anything that virtue”), wrote: “Worry is a shall happen to me in this weakness from which very world. Nothing can come few of us are entirely free. but what God wills. And I We must be on our guard am very sure that whatever against this most insidithat be, however bad it

may seem, shall indeed be the best.” That is the kind of hopeful trust in God that every true Christian should have. All’s well that ends well. Where there’s life, there’s hope. As Indian guru Meher Baba, who died in 1969, memorably said, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” But for Christians, the reason for that is Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. A consequence of this is that we should be ready to smile. As Pope Francis said in his first weekly audience in a year-long series on hope, “One of the first things that happens to people who distance themselves from God is that they are people who do not smile. Perhaps they can break into a loud laugh, one after another, a joke, a chuckle — but their smile is missing! Only hope brings a smile, it is the

hopeful smile in the expectation of finding God.” Mary Beard, British classical scholar, noted in her recent book, “Laughter in Ancient Rome” (2014), apropos of the apparent lack of a proper word for “smile” in classical Latin, “We see no clear evidence that smiling as such was a significant player in Roman social interactions in general.” “Keep smiling” and the like were sentiments unheard of in Rome. Of course, arguments from silence are always perilous. But it is hard to resist the suggestion of Jacques LeGoff that (in the Latin West at least) smiling as we understand it was an invention of the Middle Ages.” The Christian Middle Ages, I would add. Anchor columnist Dwight Duncan is a professor at UMass School of Law Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Christmas joy for kids from one to 90-plus continued from page four

residents and staff and using purple and gold as those colors signify a centennial anniversary. The greater New Bedford area takes great interest in the Sacred Heart Home at Christmas time, with groups providing music, treats, and donations of time and talents. The home celebrates its residents and employees as a family with decorations, music and Mass. “Christmas time at Sacred Heart Home becomes a very joyous time,” said Jennifer Davis, home administrator. “We are eternally grateful for all those who join our Sacred Heart Home family at this time of year to make our residents feel special and loved” and helps “our residents experience the happiness the celebration of Jesus’ birth

Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. As is the norm with the homes, many groups and individuals provide gifts to the residents. The North Attleboro Veterans’ Agency is remembering the home’s veterans with a special gift for them. St. Mary’s-Sacred Heart School in the town will be presenting a Christmas pageant. This year the staff is enjoying its second annual Nursing Unit Christmas decorating contest, whereby the residents tour the various units and vote for their favorite floor. The unit that emerges as the champion will be treated to pizza for each shift. Lucy Sousa’s husband has been a Madonna Manor resident for six years. “Christmas means everything

Staff and helpers from Catholic Memorial Home prepared to join the recent annual Children’s Parade in Fall River.

brings.” This year the home’s Pastoral Care Department planned a “Remembrance Tree,” for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The tree will be adorned with remembrance boxes, a small wrapped gift. One box is for remembering the living — individuals, family members, or friends and the other is for remembering those who have passed. Madonna Manor in North Attleboro is a beehive of activity during this cheerful season. An Advent wreath is one of the focal points at the facility to remind all of the season’s reason. One of the highlights for many of the residents is a trip aboard the home’s van to visit the Festival of Lights at the nearby National 20

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Volunteers provide Christmas music to resdients, family and staff at Marian Manor in Taunton — just a few of the many folks who make the Christmas season joyful at the home.

begins at Madonna Manor with our wonderful Christmas Fair. The whole place is beautifully decorated. Throughout the season we all anticipate the coming of Christ on His Birthday. “We celebrate all month long with choral groups, caroling, decorating contests, the Nativity scene is in the chapel and in the lobby, awaiting the return of the ‘baby’ on Christmas Day. The Christmas meal for us and our families is always delicious and festive.” Christmas celebrations at Marian Manor in Taunton kicked off on December 2 with the city’s “Lights On” festivities when musician Mike Higgins performed, enhancing the delicious cookies and hot chocolate. Staff from the home took part in the city’s Taunton parade. One van trip to La Salette wasn’t enough. Three excursions were

made for residents to experience the always-breathtaking Festival of Lights there. Carols were in the air when local Girl Scouts joined voices to entertain the Marian Manor residents and staff. In a different twist to a sleigh and reindeer, Brewster Ambulance brought Santa in to visit with the residents. Later this month the Youth Group from St. Anthony’s Parish in Taunton will visit with residents, spreading Christmas cheer, spirit and joy. Shortly before Christmas Day the residents, then the staff will enjoy a festive Christmas party/ luncheon. “And so I’m offering this simple phrase to kids from one to 92: Though it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.”

at Madonna Manor,” she said. “The staff knows the true meaning of Christmas and truly cares for all the residents and their families as well.” Charge nurse Christine Macho told The Anchor, “I have worked at Madonna Manor for a long time and I always request to work on Christmas. Christmas Day begins when I arrive to work and everyone greets each other and the residents with Merry Christmas wishes. “It is truly a joyous day for all of us. We are one happy, joyous family. There is a lot of hugging among all of us, our residents and visitors. Everyone is engulfed in joy as one family.” Mildred Ross, a resident and A poinsettia complements the inspirational Manger scene greeting folks president of the Resident Counentering Madonna Manor in North Attleboro. cil said, “The Christmas season

After two decades, gift-giving program still makes spirits bright continued from page five

gets bigger and bigger every year. We’re serving hundreds of families now in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro and Cape Cod.” Indeed, as the Stang students were busy filling large sacks reminiscent of the one jolly old St. Nick will be toting around on December 25, Canulla showed off another batch of already-filled sacks lining one wall of the chapel inside the CSS facility. Lining the other chapel wall was a string of new bicycles waiting for kids to claim them. “These will go out next week,” Canulla said, adding that they are still in need of boys’ bikes and large and extra-large boys’ coats if anyone is willing to donate them. Although coordinated through CSS, Canulla noted that the program has also continually received great support from groups outside the Church. In fact, a group of Mormons from Rhode Island have volunteered to wrap gifts for the first time this year. “There was a group of 20 Mormons here with their kids last night, and they worship in Rhode Island,” Frias said. “I’m guessing some of them may live close to us.” For those who donate their time and money to Gift of Giving, the compulsion to give this time of year is a no-brainer. “We’re all here to do one thing, and Jesus is the reason for the season,” Canulla added. It’s obvious that the Gift of Giving Program not only benefits the families on the receiving end, but also those who — as the name suggests

— get the “gift of giving.” “I think it’s important for (students) to realize that this season just isn’t about them,” said Kathy Ruginis, assistant principal of academics for Bishop Stang and coordinator of the school’s community service program. “The beautiful thing about this program — because most of these students have already done their community service requirement —

is they want to be here. They love doing this. If we can model for them what Christ is calling us to do, then hopefully they will continue to do it long after they leave Bishop Stang.” “I think it really puts things into perspective that there are a lot of needy people in the world, especially in our communities nearby,” agreed health and biology teacher Katrina Paiva.

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

Dec. 19 Permanent Deacon Eugene L. Orosz, 1988 Permanent Deacon Maurice LaValle, 2007 Rev. Gabriel (William) Healy, SS.CC., Former Pastor, St. Anthony’s, Mattapoisett, Former Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich, Development Director, Sacred Hearts Retreat Center, Wareham, 2015 Dec. 20 Rev. Manuel S. Travassos, Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River, 1953 Rev. John A. Janson, OFM, Missionary in Brazil, 1996

“I think it’s definitely a good experience for them to see the need to help others.” Maya Dube, a junior at Bishop Stang High School, said she wasn’t sure what to expect when she initially signed up for the Gift of Giving Program, but now she “loves it.” “To see people who are less fortunate makes me want to give more and be more appreciative of what I have,” she said. “I plan to come back again next year. It seems like something I want to donate to and come back to a lot.” Dube’s classmate, Maggie Steinhof, couldn’t agree more. “It’s good to know that these families will be getting all these nice gifts,” she said. “It makes me

feel better that they can have a nice Christmas too.” Anyone interested in supporting the Gift of Giving program can send donations to purchase items to f ill in the gaps for certain sizes and ages. Please forward a check payable to “Catholic Social Services” to that agency at 1600 Bay Street, Fall River, Mass. 02724. Kindly note “Gift of Giving” on the check’s memo line. You can also make donations online via the following link — https://www.cssdioc.org/ monetary-giftsonlinedonation/. For further information, please contact Catholic Social Services at 508-6744681.

Dec. 21 Rev. Henri J. Charest, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1968 Rev. Manuel M. Resendes, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes,Taunton, 1985 Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 1989 Dec. 22 Rev. Adriano Moniz, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1964 Rev. Armand P. Paradis, S.J., Psychologist, San Francisco, Calif., 1991 Dec. 23 Rev. Owen J. Kiernan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1901 Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS, St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, Wash., 1947 Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. William E. Collard, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1986 Dec. 24 Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1886 Rev. Timothy J. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1914 Dec. 25 Permanent Deacon Nicholas M. CaraDonna, 2015 Dec. 27 Rev. Thomas J. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich, 1956 Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Manuel Andrade, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 1995 Dec. 28 Rev. Charles R. Smith, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Edward J. Sharpe, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1987 Rev. Clement Paquet, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1987 Dec. 29 Rev. Msgr. J. Armand Levasseur, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1969 Rev. Rafeal Flammia, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford, 1993 Rev. Robert J. Kruse, C.S.C., Former Academic Dean and Vice President, Stonehill College; Counselor to the President, Stonehill College, Easton, 2015

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Around the Diocese Former New Bedford teacher and local composer Russell Campoli completed a Christmas cantata called “Honor, Glory and Praise.” The Spirit of Song Ensemble, under the direction of Cassandra Morgan, will premier this beautiful new work in a concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 17 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford. The Spirit of Song Ensemble is a choir and orchestra comprised of local singers and instrumentalists who join together each year in celebration and song at Christmas. The proceeds from the cantata concert will be dedicated to the handicapped access fund. In addition to general seating with a suggested donation at the door of $10, there are some preferred seats being offered pre-paid in advance for $15 on the website at www.musicatsaintanthonys.org. Donations to the fund can also be made through the website as well. A Holy Hour will be held every Monday (with the exception of holy days or holidays) beginning at 7 p.m. at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River. It will include Benediction and Confession (once a month) and every week will feature the Rosary, Novena, and prayers for vocations to the priesthood will be recited along with a short meditation. All are welcome. The Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program needs more team couples — both newly-married and veterans (age is not a consideration) who would like to enrich their Marriage while helping engaged couples prepare for their lifetime together. The Diocesan Marriage Preparation program meets in three locations: Mansfield, Dartmouth and Harwich on Cape Cod. In each location there is a team of volunteers that facilitate three to five sessions per year. If you are interested in serving in this ministry, email Claire McManus at cmcmanus@dfrcs.org or call her at 508-678-2828, extension 19. Have you suffered a reduction in income? Are you having difficulties making your mortgage or rent payment on time? Facing foreclosure? Have you made a late mortgage payment in the last six months? Need help budgeting? Catholic Social Services, a non-profit, approved housing counseling agency, is offering financial capability workshops and one-to-one counseling to all at its three locations: 1600 Bay Street in Fall River (508-674-4681); 238 Bonney Street in New Bedford (508-997-7337); and 261 South Street in Hyannis (508-771-6771). The counseling is confidential and free-of-charge. To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

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 8:30-11:30 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 — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m. FALL RIVER — St. 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. FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m. FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m. HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday. MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 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 is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance. NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession. NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time. NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 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. NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232. ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass. SEEKONK — Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549. Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass. Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m. WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~

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.

At the heart of Adoption By Choice is love continued from page three

component of Adoption By Choice, which truly sets the program apart from other adoption agencies. They assist birth parents for at least one year post-adoptive placement with counseling referrals, case management, obtaining learner’s permits and licenses, enrollment in vocational, GED and community college programs, and accessing additional resources in the community. An inspirational aspect of the Adoption By Choice Program is assisting adult adoptees and birth parents with contact and reunification. They have experienced many amazing reunion

stories and have had adult adoptees travel across the country to meet their elderly birth parents. They recently had the fortunate opportunity to reunite two adult adoptees with their 95-year-old birth mother! For many involved, these wonderful reunions have brought what had been an isolating secret for many years into the light and have provided hope for what adoption can become. One couple, Anna and David, recently adopted baby Samantha through Adoption By Choice and shared their thoughts on the experience: “Adoption by Choice not

only provided us with a way to grow our family, but it also gave us a strong understanding of what adoption means and how it works. Most importantly, the big difference between (Adoption By Choice) and other agencies out there is that the agency holds the best interests of the child at the center of the process. This is a key distinction and one that drew us to the program. “This is demonstrated by the fact that CSS helped us to create a strong bond with the other adoptive couples so that we could support each other while we waited for placements. Postplacement these same families have grown into an important support network that will con-

tinue to provide our children support from their adoptive peers. Finally, not only does CSS provide us with all of these things, but the social workers really care and that is something rare — they have truly become part of our extended family.” “At the heart of adoption is love.” This heartfelt sentiment is a guiding force in the social work adoption practice at the diocesan Catholic Social Services. The current Adoption By Choice staff includes program coordinator Kathleen Vena, MSW, LCSW; supervising social worker/consultant Phyllis Habib, MSW, LCSW; and Maria Botelho, support staff. For more information, visit www.adoption-by-choice.com.

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Perpetual Adoration marks 15 years continued from page two

leave. I feel that when I’m there I feel loved by God and strengthened. “When I come out from an hour with the Lord I can feel that I am different. It’s not something I can see, but I want to transmit that feeling to those around me. When not being with the Lord in adoration or at Mass, we’re all bombarded with choices and circumstances, many of which are opposed to what God teaches, so it’s necessary to spend time with Him.” When the program took off in 2002, there were about 300 people involved. Today there are 115 still coming routinely. “Through the years some faithful have passed away, others have become ill or unable to attend, and others have moved away,” explained Father Matthias. “While this has been

going on for 15 years, it isn’t always smooth. Right now we are basically at the minimum necessary to maintain full coverage.” Father Matthias, who has been at Our Lady’s Chapel since 2013 added, “There are times when this is in jeopardy, when the numbers go down. It becomes difficult when someone can’t make it for some reason and we have to find coverage,” he said. “We pray hard to get new people to sign up. We will be vigilant to what the Lord wants.” Father Matthias explained that the volunteers have one hour to cover, some covering more than one per week. Some choose the hour they can attend. “When someone has no particular preference, we see what hours need coverage, but people can sign up for anytime they choose,”

The Anchor - December 15, 2017

Father Matthias told The Anchor. “But people should know that everyone is free to come and adore at any time.” “When the numbers get down sometimes you feel an attempt to give up,” added McCormack. “But when I’m in adoration and someone comes in for five minutes, 10 minutes or a half-hour and they’re not a committed adorer, I walk away happy that if it weren’t for Perpetual Adoration they wouldn’t have had that chance to go there. “It is such a gift from

God. On earth when we want to get close to someone we spend time with them. It’s the same with God. We get to know Him better, and that makes us better and helps make our families and society better. “It’s such a great opportunity. How could someone not want to have an hour of holiness? When there, we get more hungry for it.” Father Matthias also told The Anchor that, “People don’t have to come as experts. We explain the simple process of spending an hour with Our Lord. No

one should feel daunted if they don’t know how to do it. There is always support.” “We need people to help support this Perpetual Adoration,” added McCormack. “There is such great power in His presence. I plea for people to consider an extra hour per week to spend with God. It’s beneficial to our community. Society needs to refocus with so much coming at us. There’s no better way than with Eucharistic Adoration.” There is a need for more people to become part of this amazing program that has been a presence in downtown New Bedford for 15 years. If anyone is interested in becoming a part of the dedicated worshipers, or would like more information, they are encouraged to call Martha McCormack at 508-994-5053 or Our Lady’s Chapel at 508-9968274. Our Lady’s Chapel is located at 600 Pleasant Street in New Bedford.