Fall River Diocese launches ‘Serving the Shepherds Fund’
Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, December 1, 2023
FALL RIVER — This December, the Diocese of Fall River is unveiling the “Serving the Shepherds Fund” as a designated fund to support its priests. The Fund is dedicated to ensuring that priests serving the Diocese of Fall River receive the necessary resources, mentorship, and financial assistance at every stage of their vocation. The Fund’s mission is to provide care for seminarians, active priests, and retired priests, starting with discernment and extending through their retirement years. Each year, diocesan collections to support these initiatives cover less than a quarter of their combined costs. This month, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will send a letter to supporters across the diocese asking for their support of this important fund.
Over recent years, hearing the call to the priesthood through all the noise in the world has become more complex — making it even more imperative to help muffle the noise and create space for those called. At the same time, active priests carry increased responsibilities, sometimes serving multiple parish communities and performing other diocesan duties. Retired priests have become one of the Diocese of Fall River’s most cherished resources — as many continue to give their time, talents, and dedication to sharing Christ’s love with new generations of the faithful. Gifts to the Serving the Shepherds Fund will be used in a variety of ways to assist at all stages of the priesthood. It will provide priests with opportuni-
By Joan D. Warren
The 23-suite residence is a communal yet independent living environment where each priest has his own suite and has the option to take meals together in the dining room. Tastefully decorated, the three-level res-
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Cardinal Medeiros Residence is a happy home for retired priests Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
All is calm All is bright Photo by Dave Jolivet
FALL RIVER — One plays the piano, another is busy walking the grounds. A white-haired man celebrates Masses regularly, another tends to the gardens, and a sage living on the second floor is reading the New Testament in Greek and Latin. Many are former classmates and have known one another for more than 60 or 70 years. Each has his own stories, hobbies, interests and memories, but they all have two definite things in common: they are retired priests of the Diocese of Fall River, and live at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence on Elsbree Street in Fall River. Priests in the diocese are fortunate to have retirement options after devoting their lives to serving God and his flock of faithful believers in Christ. Of the roughly 55 retired priests in the diocese, 22 former pastors live in the Cardinal Medeiros Residence on the campus of the former Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, which closed at the end of 2023 academic school year.
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Enjoying some music at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River, are from left: Msgr. Barry Wall, Father Tom Lopes, Father Henry Arruda, Father William ”Bill” Blottman and Father Jon-Paul Gallant. (Photo by Joan 1, D.2023 Warren) December † 1
Vatican astronomer leads UMass Dartmouth students, faculty on journey through the cosmos tying together faith and science By Dave Jolivet Editor
davejolivet@anchornews.org
NORTH DARTMOUTH — There is no escaping it. We are all surrounded by the cosmos as far as the eye can see and well beyond that. The
universe is endless and will never be fully understood by human minds. Only the Creator has that information, yet the study of the universe, cosmology, is the perfect vehicle to display just how truly connected are religion
and science. In fact, the Church has been scientifically studying the cosmos for more than 400 years. Many of the world’s premier cosmological experts are priests, including those who run the Vatican Observatory in Tuscon, Ariz.
On October 27, the director of the observatory, Brother Guy Consolmagno, visited UMass Dartmouth for a presentation in which he delved into stories about the different approaches to the greatest questions about the universe from St. Paul, St. Augustine, Galileo, Newton on up to Stephen Hawking. The event was made possible by Deacon Frank Lucca, a member of the university’s Campus Ministry Team and co-director of the Diocese of Fall River’s Permanent Diaconate Office. “I was on a retreat at La Salette and the topic of faith and science came up,” Dea-
con Lucca told The Anchor. “I learned that the Vatican Observatory, which started at the Vatican and later moved to Castel Gandolfo, was now situated in the United States, in Tuscon. “I also learned the director, Brother Guy, was sometimes available for lectures and presentations, so I contacted the observatory and heard back directly from Brother Guy, who said he’d be happy come to UMass Dartmouth.” Deacon Lucca explained that the observatory ultimately relocated to Arizona because the light pollution was too great in 8 Turn to page 15
Top photo, Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, leads a Question and Answer session at a recent UMass Dartmouth event. Below are, from left, Father Bill O’Donnell and Deacon Frank Lucca, both members of the UMass Dartmouth Campus Ministry team; Brother Guy; and David Carvalho, director of the diocesan Secretariat for the New Evangelization. 2
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FACE holds annual Fall Dinner, honors long-time teacher/principal WESTPORT — On November 9, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) held its 29th annual Fall Scholarship Dinner at White’s of Westport. More than 330 attended the event that honored Kathleen St. Laurent for her 32-year ministry serving Catholic school students including her tenure as principal at Bishop Connolly High School. Speakers included Logan
Reis, a senior at Bishop Stang High School and recipient of FACE scholarships and guest speaker Dr. Ernest Collamati. FACE is the primary source of financial assistance for diocesan Catholic school students. Each year, FACE provides scholarships to assist families with the cost of Catholic school tuition. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, FACE awarded more than $1 million
in aid for this school year alone to support Catholic school students throughout the diocese. The mission of FACE is to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity of attending a Catholic school in the diocese due to financial hardship. To learn more about the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, Kathleen St. Laurent receives an award of please visit www.face-dr. recognition from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., org or www.facebook. at the recent FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner. com;FACEhelpskids.
A happy home for retired diocesan priests continued from page one
idence has many amenities to make it comfortable for the shepherds of God. There is a multipurpose room with books, recliners, and a big screen television; an exercise room, community room, barbershop (a barber comes in once a month), access to the Memorial Chapel in the Bishop Connolly wing and more. The age range of the residents is from early 70s to 93 years young, with more than half over the age of 80. Some come and go as they please while others
stay close to home. Several of the Fathers are busy celebrating Mass as fill-in clergy at diocesan parishes — some on a regular basis. Others perform weddings, funerals, baptisms and other Masses when requested by former parishioners, friends and family. Many of the priests are happy to spend their time reflecting, reading, studying Scripture and enjoying a slower pace of life in contrast to 24/7 lifestyle they were accustomed to as parish priests. Father Jay T. Maddock has been busy as of late
presiding over weddings and funerals. “You’d never know I was retired,” the former pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River said. For many years, Father Maddock was at the diocesan Tribunal working as a canon lawyer and parish priest, serving in various parishes in the diocese. Retiring in 2021 from Holy Name in Fall River,
the 74-year-old, originally from Mansfield, said most of the men living at Cardinal Medeiros are long-time friends. “We all know each other. Our diocese is small enough so that we interact with one another. There is a good deanery system where we would have lunch and a meeting on a regular basis,” he said. Father Maddock pre-
sided over two funerals and celebrated a wedding in the past two weeks. “The son of my former secretary asked me to preside over the wedding in Newport. It was a lovely event,” he said. Father Maddock is a New England sports fan and enjoys going to Patriot and Red Sox games. When retired Father 8 Turn to page seven
† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has approved the nomination of the Very Reverend William V. Kaliyadan, M.S., Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of La Salette, and has made the following appointment: Reverend Joseph P. Gosselin, M.S., Senior Priest in Residence at Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster Effective: October 31, 2023
Priests at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River enjoy some time together after lunch. From left: Father William ‘Bill’ Blottman, Father Tom Lopes, Father Arthur K. Wingate and Bishop Emeritus George W. Coleman. (Photo by Joan D. Warren) December 1, 2023 †
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Taking captivity captive
espite her hardships and a horizon darkened by impending challenges, the Blessed Mother is always depicted as looking upon her beloved Child with a face suffused with peace. Since we cannot attribute to her the foresight of knowing that one day her Immaculate Heart would reign (she was too humble to look at herself ), her benign confidence must have been attributable to something else. Immersed in the holy Scriptures, Our Lady would have been familiar with the overarching reality of man’s woeful predicament and the reliable promise of our
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Creator. She knew that God “hath looked down from His sanctuary; out of the heaven did the LORD behold the earth; that He might hear the mournings of such as are in captivity, and deliver them that are appointed unto death” (Ps 102: 19-20). This promise, first revealed after our first parents were expelled from the Garden — from God’s presence — is repeated innumerable times, and so whatever trials she was called to undergo in God’s inscrutable plan,
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Mary had every reason to believe that in the fullness of time, the captivity of mankind would be taken captive (cf. Ps 68:18, Eph.
4:8). She was entirely familiar with the long history of the Jewish people, which oscillated between fidelity to God’s law and falling away from faith, which inevitably led to destruction and fragmentation. After each scourging, God gave His Chosen People another opportunity: “Then the Lord will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, wither the Lord thy God hath scattered
thee” (Deut 30:3). This saga, amply illustrated on the political level, is more importantly lived out in the life of every man and woman, as each person is invited to live a life of faith and integrity; sadly, many fail, as we read in Proverbs “the evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast (Prv 5:22). So when Our Lady pondered the psalmist’s question: “Who shall give salvation unto Israel out of Sion?” she knew the ready answer: “When the Lord turnest the captivity of his people, then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad” (Ps 14:11), and given her unclouded intellect she would have ascertained that the liberation at hand was a gift on more than one level. Acknowledging that sin is not only an affront to God and the corruption of our souls but also a form of captivity, we must approach God as the one who will free us from the degradation to which we have fallen. Having given in to various temptations and indulgences, we now struggle to exhibit mastery over our life, because the glitter of sin masks the dull rust of shackles, and frivolous pastimes eventually devolve into addictions, vicious habits, and toxic behaviors. Those who sauntered into forbidden realms just to prove their freedom from supposedly
petty moral constraints found themselves lost in a dark labyrinth that shattered their integrity, robbed them of joy, and reduced them to a life embarrassing appetites. The freedom that Christ offers to each of us came with a price, as the once tender limbs took on the bruises of our fetters, and the innocent flesh was given over to the lash. So rather than giving in to frothy distractions and seasonal tropes, take the time this Christmastide to kneel at the crib. The Christ Child, who came expressly to free the captive, wants you to hand over to Him your depraved desires and beg Him for the key to unlock the chains. He will point you to the confessional, wherein the divine key is bathed in His Blood and entrusted to the hand of His beloved priest. As St. Paul would proclaim: “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:2) — and that freedom awaits all who will but kneel and receive the gift. This is the source of Mary’s own joy, this is why she smiles at her Little One. The hardships are part of the plan, her share in the gift, and her only grief would be that you remained a captive when liberation was yours for the asking. Anchor columnist Genevieve Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-Genius. typepad.com.
Valley of peace and hope
I
was awakened by the loud “meow” of a cat in the near vicinity of my room. In my semi-wakefulness, I thought I was back in my own bed in Kalaupapa. I was surprised that one of my seven mousketeers would cry out in the middle of the night like that. They are very disciplined. Then it came clear to my feeble mind that I was not in my own bed but rather in another bed on a different island. A little Irish medicine may have affected my sleep mode as well as my awakening! This
was my first night in the retreat house on Oahu. It sits on a gradual incline in the rain forest of Kalihi Valley. It opened in 1909 as an orphanage and was constructed by our good Sacred Hearts Brothers. Since then, it has been enlarged and now serves as a retreat house run by our good Sacred Hearts Sisters. It is surrounded by lush green foliage and beautifully landscaped by the staff workers. Birds fill
the air with their heavenly music while the roosters make it known that they are lords of their territo-
ry. Meantime, the Kalihi Stream wanders lazily by the edge of the property. This is St. Anthony Retreat Center. Retreatants come to St.
Anthony for various reasons, some to renew their spiritual lives, some to get away from their hectic lives for a bit, some to share their lives with others and some to simply enjoy the heavenly beauty of the place itself. Some come to find peace and others to be renewed in the hope of a better future. Living as I do on my own in Kalaupapa, I appreciate being able to get together with my Brothers
of the Sacred Hearts on special occasions. We share some laughs and “talk story,” as the residents of these islands put it and we imbibe a little medicine to keep the vocal cords lubricated. For this I thank Sister Ivy, Sr. Jane Francis and Sister Marie who share this beautiful property with us for the better part of a week. Until the next time in the Valley of Peace and Hope, Aloha. Anchor columnist, Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.
Pope Francis launches novena to pray for peace ROME (Zenit News) — Pope Francis has asked the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network to organize a campaign of special prayer for peace in the world and in the Holy Land. “Let us pray — he says in a video made in Spanish and available with subtitles also in English, French, Portuguese, Ital-
ian, Arabic and Hebrew — “that the difficulties resolve themselves in dialogue and negotiation and not with a mountain of dead on each side.” In his request, Francis recalls, “We all feel the pain of the wars,” and that “there are two very near that force us to react: Ukraine and the Holy Land.” What is going
Please note the next Anchor will be published January 12. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 67, No. 15
www.anchornews.org
on in the Holy Land, he adds, “is very painful.” In addition, he remarks, “the Palestinian people, the people of Israel” are “two fraternal peoples” and “have the right to peace, have the right to live in peace.” This is not the first time that the pope has made a call for peace. Not a week passes that he does not ask for prayers insistently for peace in war-torn Ukraine, or for so many other countries, as most recently for Sudan. And how many times has he denounced war and the conflicts that are born in the hearts of men and women and in fear? “Understand that terrorism and war never lead
to a solution. War is a defeat. Every war is a defeat!” How often, on the contrary, in the midst of a divided and fragmented world, has Pope Francis asked for the promotion of the values of peace, living together and the common good? In this Novena he invites us again to pray with ever more insistence for peace in the world and in the Holy Land. Pope Francis asks us to pray for the grave situation in Palestine and in Israel, where very many persons have lost their lives. How often, with pain, has he asked that spaces be opened to guarantee humanitarian assistance and that the hostages
be released? On 17 October, he invited all believers to unite with the Church in the Holy Land and to dedicate the day to prayer and fasting, since “prayer is the meek and holy force to oppose the diabolical force of hatred, terrorism and war.” As we now approach Advent, the hope of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus, He again invites us to pray. Novena for Peace: https://clicktopray.org/ campaigns/902 Novena for Peace Booklet: https://issuu. com/popesprayernet/docs/ novena_-_blessed_are_ the_peacemakers_en
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December 1, 2023 †
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Editorial
A new Bethlehem
We live at a time in which Christmas crèches have become so much a part of Catholic piety that many believe that they must have existed from the first centuries of Christianity. But they are an “invention” of St. Francis of Assisi, who 800 years ago this December, created a living nativity in the mountainous Italian village of Greccio, located about half-way between Rome and Assisi. The topography and architecture of Greccio — where Francis would frequently stay in to preach and to pray — reminded him of Bethlehem, which he had visited four years before. So with the permission of Pope Honorius III who in the previous month had definitively confirmed in Rome the Franciscan rule, and the help of Giovanni Veleti, Greccio’s chief nobleman, Francis decided to try to bring the mystery of Bethlehem alive. His first biographer, Thomas of Celano, says that “of Greccio there was made as it were a new Bethlehem.” Per Francis’ instructions, Veleti arranged in a cave an ox, an ass and a manger full of straw. The townspeople came in huge numbers with tapers and torches that combined to illumine the night like the ancient star of Bethlehem. Directly over the manger, a makeshift altar was erected to celebrate Mass. It’s the only recorded time that St. Francis served as a deacon: he chanted the Gospel with “an earnest, sweet, clear and loud voice,” preached “mellifluous words concerning the birth of the poor King in the little town of Bethlehem” and with “exceeding love” called people to adore the “Bambino” of Bethlehem. Celano notes the impact the living nativity and the Mass had on the townspeople. “The Child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts of many, but, by the working of divine grace, He was brought to life again through His servant Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory.” Note that the details of the birth of Christ hadn’t been forgotten in people’s heads; they had, however, failed to penetrate their hearts and lives. While they still knew the facts, devotion had grown cold. The nativity scene and the Mass — the Gospel, the homily, and the living presence of Christ in the Eucharist — combined to revivify it. This Advent and Christmas, as the Church looks with gratitude to 1223, it’s important to remember the lessons of Greccio. The Child Jesus has similarly been forgotten in the hearts of many today and likewise many miss the connection between the manger and the Mass. For the last several years, Pope Francis has been trying to lead people to Greccio, through Greccio to Bethlehem, through Bethlehem to the Baby Jesus and from the Baby Jesus to Christ today. In honor of the octocentenary, the Vatican on November 21 published a book entitled, “Christmas at the Nativity,” compiling Pope Francis’ words over the last decade about Nativity scenes. In his introduction to the work, the Holy Father emphasizes that the crèche is a “living Gospel overflowing from the pages of Holy Scripture” and helps us to grasp that “the Incarnation of Jesus Christ remains the heart of God’s revelation, although it is easily forgotten.” Pope Francis has visited Greccio in 2016 and 2019. On the second occasion, four years ago today, he signed a beautiful Apostolic Letter, Admirabile Signum, on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scenes and encouraged the faithful to set them up not only in their homes but in workplaces, schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares. In the Letter, he noted that through the first nativity, “St. Francis carried out a great work of evangelization,” passing on the “beauty of our faith” and bringing the Gospel to life. He said that “setting up the Christmas crèche in our homes helps us to relive the history of what took place in Bethlehem,” “to imagine the scene,” and “to see and touch this unique and unparalleled event that changed the course of history.” After leading us through a meditation on various elements of the manger 6
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scene — the star, the shepherds, the Magi, the animals, the landscapes, Mary, Joseph, and especially the Baby Jesus — he focuses on the ongoing evangelizing importance of the presepio. “The Christmas crèche is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the faith. Beginning in childhood, and at every stage of our lives, it teaches us to contemplate Jesus, to experience God’s love for us, to feel and believe that God is with us and that we are with Him, His children, brothers and sisters all, thanks to that Child who is the Son of God and the Son of the Virgin Mary.” Just as in Greccio eight centuries ago, however, so today it is important to make the transition from the past to the present, from the manger to the Eucharist. In the cave of Greccio, there is a 14th-century fresco, showing on one side Mary’s breastfeeding the infant Jesus and on the other St. Francis adoring the Christ Child. Not only is it an image connecting Greccio to Bethlehem, but it points to the wondrous reality of how Jesus seeks to feed like Mary, on behalf of the human race, fed Him. In the midst of the ongoing Eucharistic Revival taking place in the Church in the United States, we note that one of the reasons why a Revival is necessary is because the Eucharistic Jesus “has been forgotten in the hearts of many.” Much like St. Francis, in addition to what he did in Greccio, led a Eucharistic Revival in the 13th century, we’re called to bring Eucharistic piety “to life again” so that it may be “stamped upon … the fervent memory” of Catholics today and tomorrow. The reality of the manifestation of the Incarnation in Bethlehem and on the altar has passed for many from the foreground to the background of their life. Just as many don’t ponder the meaning of the elements and figures of the Nativity, so many no longer grasp the meaning of the prayers and actions of the Mass. That’s why, at the same time we seek to revive wonder before the scene of the Nativity, we, like St. Francis did in Greccio, also need to “build an altar” over the manger, to show the connection between the Child Jesus whom Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds, Magi and animals adored in Bethlehem, and the Eucharistic Jesus that the Church in heaven and on earth continues to worship on the altar. As Pope Francis wrote in Admirabile Signum, when the priest in Greccio “solemnly celebrated the Eucharist over the manger,” he showed “the bond between the Incarnation of the Son of God and the Eucharist.” The One who would be called “Emmanuel,” or “God with us,” by His own supremely loving decision has in fact chosen to remain with us always until the end of time in the holy Eucharist. The One born in Bethlehem — literally “House of Bread” in Hebrew — came as the “Living Bread come down from heaven” (Jn 6:51), so that we might eat of Him and experience salvation over death. The Mass is the means Christ Himself implemented to perpetuate, revivify and advance the mystery of Bethlehem. So this Advent and Christmas, as we prepare to go to Bethlehem to see what the Angels announced has taken place, we do so with renewed gratitude for the tradition of nativity scenes begun by St. Francis eight centuries ago that help prayerfully transport us there. And within the Revival, we do so conscious that we have the privilege to do something that the shepherds, Magi, and even Joseph and Mary did not have the chance to do in Bethlehem: receiving within us to adore on the inside the One whom they adored in swaddling clothes. The connection between the two, palpably celebrated by St. Francis 800 years ago this Christmas, will make the significance of the ancient mysteries of Bethlehem a beauty and reality ever new.
A happy home for retired diocesan priests
continued from page three Martin L. Buote moved from his own home in Wareham to the Cardinal Medeiros Residence last year, he gave up some of his favorite things — his vast library of books, his own kitchen, and his fruit trees, to name a few. What he didn’t give up was his zest for knowledge and his undeniable sense of wonder in learning new things. At 90, Father Buote is reading the New Testament in both Greek and Latin, performing orchid hybridization, writing a book and in his spare time, watching classic TV on his computer. As former pastor of St. Anne’s Parish in New Bedford, Father Buote has no intention of slowing down. He said he is content at his present home, although he misses his kitchen. “I am a chef of Chinese culinary. For many years I would make a meal of thanksgiving for volunteers. There would be multi-courses that included everything from appetizers to dessert,” Father Buote said. Still driving, he likes occasionally to take meals at Little Chopstick in Fall River (the most authentic Chinese food in the area, he said). In his suite, artwork that he created hangs on the walls (a mountain scene painting and a wood relief depicting his beloved parents), and an older sewing machine (he sewed his own vestments for years) is set up for quick alterations. His age does not limit what he can do, nor will he let age get in the way of living life to the fullest, he
said. Father Thomas Lopes has lived at the residence for the past 12 years, retiring as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Easton. A native of Martha’s Vineyard, immediately following his retirement, he lived on the island for three years in a family home. “I was ready to come here for the social aspect. I don’t think many in the diocese know what is provided for us here. It is quite phenomenal,” Father Lopes said. Being an “islander,” he frequently goes to both the Vineyard and Nantucket to help fellow priests who need assistance from time to time and to visit family. The oldest of seven, he has 27 nieces and nephews and keeping up with family is a priority. Father Lopes said one of his favorite aspects of living at Cardinal Medeiros is putzing around in the garden and grow perennials, gladiolas being his favorite. “I like to go out at about 2:30 in the afternoon and play in the dirt. I enjoy decorating with flowers and take plants from others when they need some TLC,” he said. With no sign of slowing down, the 85-year-old said he is blessed to be at Cardinal Medeiros. “I hope to be here a good long time and not get sent to the ‘Big House.’” The big house is what the men call the nursing home. Msgr. Barry Wall has resided at Cardinal Medeiros for the past 15 years. At 87, he is spry and
pels for personal worship, small communal living spaces as well as a rooftop quick with an anecdote about things regarding the deck. The home is on the diocese. As the official diocesan Connolly campus attached archivist and historian, the to the school building. Under the umbrella of former pastor at Holy RoDiocesan Health Services, sary Parish in New Bedford can recite names, dates and the day-to-day management of Cardinal Medeiros places with ease. falls to Lisa Breton. He recalled days gone Upbeat and with a by when the diocese opersmiling face, Breton said ated two summer camps the priests are friendly with where seminarians acteach other. Some go out ed as counselors. He has for meals together, watch known many of his fellow residents from that time in the news after dinner, take walks and converse during history. mealtimes. “In the 1950s and “You’d never know they 1960s, St. John Camp in are retired. They have more Freetown and St. Vincent de Paul Camp in Westport energy than people half their ages,” she said. were vibrant and many of Breton, who has 15 us met there as seminariyears of employment at ans. We studied at differCardinal Medeiros, overent seminaries but came sees two full-time and 16 to know one another way part-time employees. back then,” Msgr. Wall Her tasks include paysaid. roll, supervision, ordering The residents are a and making meals a few family and respect local traditions, he said. “We all get along and that is something of we are proud. We know each NEW BEDFORD — The other well and share a Women’s Guild of the Holy wonderful spirit among Name of the Sacred Heart us,” Msgr. Wall said. of Jesus Parish is sponsorThe home for retired ing the 2023 Family Crèche priests officially opened on Festival, celebrating the art Sept. 18, 1996, blessed by and true meaning of the Bishop Sean O’Malley. It Nativity, on December 2 had previously housed the from 3 to 6 p.m. and DeJesuit Fathers who taught cember 3 from 10 a.m. to at and ran Bishop Connol1 p.m. in the Holy Name ly High School. Parish Center at 121 Mt. The original residence Pleasant Street in New had 17 suites and about Bedford. 10 years ago expanded on Families and individuals the second floor to add six from any parish or Catholic suites totaling 23 single school in the New Bedford occupancy living spaces. Deanery are invited to set Each has a bedroom, up and display their crèches bathroom and living area. for these two days, as well Every unit is configured as to provide some insight differently. The priests have as to the significance of access to three nearby chatheir crèche to family or
days per week. “I am very happy here. Our employees love it and the big draw for many of them are the priests. We have a few that are retirees who want to work parttime and have come from churches in the dioceses or word of mouth. They know this a kind, considerate place to work,” she said. There are housekeepers who double as CNAs for minimal care of the Fathers. A registered nurse comes in to check on them and they have laundry service one a week. Their suites are cleaned regularly as well. The brethren are offered three meals in the dining room each day and the staff are conscious of dietary restrictions. “We want to keep them here as long as possible and strive to make their retirement years happy,” Breton said.
Holy Name crèche festival is this weekend
heritage with a poster, a presentation or the wearing of period costumes. Due to potential space limitations, an application to reserve a space is available by contacting the Coordinator, Michael McCormack at mikemccormack@comcast. net or 508-965-1075. Admission of the public is free but the donation of one non-perishable food item is appreciated.
December 1, 2023 †
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t this time of year we see many signs of harvest festivals. Pumpkins and corn stalks, scarecrows and sprays of colorful leaves catch your eye as you pass along many streets. But that is about all there is left of those festivals: signs and decorations. In more rural areas where farming is still the main source of yearly income, festivals may still be found and enjoyed. For all of us, a bit of a change of pace is good for our emotional and mental health. There are three observances that come each year just about the same time as the rural harvest festivals. Those observances are Halloween, especially for children, All Saints Day, especially for the Church, and All Souls Day, especially for families. For the little children on Halloween there are often parties with games such as bobbing for apples and special foods like Holloweenies. If you have never prepared them before, here is the recipe. Boil one dozen
Happy days hot dogs until the skins split. Separate the meat and the skins. Add mustard, ketchup and sweet pickle relish to the skins and serve them in a casserole. Give the meat to the dogs: they love it. (I don’t know why the recipe never made it to Fanny Farmer’s Cook Book!) Now to get back to Halloween. When the parties are over, it is time for the trick-ortreaters to put on their costume parade and go out to get their stash of candy. Following those young children, there will sometimes be some older children bent on mischief; not a good idea. I remember one year, when I was no longer young enough to make the candy rounds of the neighborhood, I asked what time I had to be back in the house. I was told I did not have a curfew that night. Well! Come nine o’clock, my buddy and I were standing
under a street light freezing our hands and feet and we thought, “Forget the open curfew. It would be better to be home and warm, listening to the radio.” Enjoy your Halloween. All Saints Day is for the
Church. It is a Holy Day of obligation when we gather to celebrate all the blessed in heaven. Unfortunately, some people try to tell us that it is simply a Catholic attempt to Christianize a pagan feast. This simply shows their bias and their ignorance of history. This is an excellent opportunity to start making new friends who will be our companions for eternity. Perhaps you could start by looking up short biographies of saints with the same name as your various families members. Then, once you
are on a first name basis with that saint, to pray for the continued benefit of the work of that saint for the Church. We members of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church often think of our religious background as being in the language of Rome, which was Latin. The language known throughout the Roman Empire at the time of the early Church, however, was Greek. In each of the modern languages of lands of the former Roman Empire there are connections to the words that the early Christians used in Greek. I’ll give you a few of those connections for English: eucharist (English), eucharistos (transliterated Greek); priest, presbyteros; deacon, diaconos; bishop, episcopos; cemetery, koimeterion, etc. It is the last word in this short list of Greek connections that is important here. The modern English equivalent from the Latin translation is dormitory. Never
before Christianity was the place for placing the bodies of the dead so named. Each time Jesus raised someone back to life, He said the person was asleep. When Peter raised a young girl, he said she was asleep. When the deacon Stephen was martyred, the Acts of Apostles says, “He fell asleep.’’ So then, the very word cemetery is a testimony to our faith. It is a word of hope, resurrection, reunion, eternal life. A secular and pagan society over the centuries has tried to attack our faith by seeing the grave as the rotten and rotting end of a person rather than a place to sleep until called forth in the general resurrection. It might be useful to take the living family to the cemetery to join the deceased members in memory and future solidarity in the Happy Days to come. Father Buote is a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River and a regular Anchor contributor. Plante Jewelers collecting presents for the youth at Saint Vincent’s Plante Jewelers is again collecting presents for the youth at St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River. New gifts, unwrapped, with tags on, can be dropped off at Plante Jewelers, 147 Swansea Mall Drive in Swansea. All who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of handmade earrings. St. Vincent’s prefers to receive the donations by December 8, but donations will be accepted until Christmas.
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On November 1, faculty, staff and students of St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven attended Mass for All Saints Day. Many of the children dressed as saints and took part in the entrance procession. Some of the saints were: St. Joseph, Mary, St. Teresa, St. Damien and St. Stephen and they were asked to lead the prayer of the faithful. St. John Paul II, Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe presented the offertory gifts. Father Stephen Banjare, SS.CC., took a moment before the final blessing to “interview” some of the saints.
Members of the Massachusetts Army National Guard spoke to students at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven for Veterans Day.
Honoring those who serve
FAIRHAVEN — On November 8, in anticipation of Veterans Day, four representatives of the armed forces came to St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven to be recognized for their service to the United States. The guests were: Staff Sergeant Alex Barada, Sergeant Mary Barada and PFC Ewan Beauzil, all members of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and Captain Mike Banach, a member of the Air Force. The soldiers each spoke about their duties and kindly answered questions from the children. They also demonstrated how to fold the American flag and how to do a proper salute. It takes a lot of practice. At the end of the gathering,
class representatives presented each soldier with cards and delicious homemade cookies. Also recognized were the four children of first-grade aide Jayne Chouinard: Luc, Holley, Christian and Sophia were among hundreds of volunteers who placed American flags on the graves of veterans at the Bourne National Cemetery on Veterans Day. The armed service guests presented the students with beautiful gold medals to acknowledge their citizenship and their community service outside of school. Their actions illustrated St. Joseph’s School’s theme of “Holympic Athletes ~ Champions for Christ.” December 1, 2023 †
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Thousands come out to view relic of St. Jude By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
EAST SANDWICH — Before the altar at Corpus Christi Parish, a glass box on a pedestal was featured during a special Mass on November 11. Following the service, more than 250 patiently waited for their chance to touch, pray and experience the transforming presence of the relic of St. Jude the Apostle. The relic, part of the arm of the saint, was separated from the greater portion of his remains several centuries ago and placed in a simple wooden reliquary carved in the shape of an upright arm in the gesture of imparting a blessing. One of the Church’s most beloved saints, St. Jude is the one to whom Catholics traditionally turn when they are desperate and have tried everything else. When things seem lost
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or unbearable, St. Jude’s intercession can provide hope. He is known as the Apostle of the Impossible. The relic is on a tour of the United States and transported by Father Carlos Martins, CC, Director of Treasures of the Church. This is the first time in 500 years that the relic has left its home in Rome. It is housed in a shrine within the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro, a magnificent Roman church close to St. Peter’s Basilica. Although no count has been officially taken, thousands of visitors have viewed the relic at each parish on the current tour. Corpus Christi parish was the only stop in the Diocese of Fall River. Pastor Father Jack Schrader said the parish was chosen since Father Martins visited a few years ago on a different relic tour. “We were honored at
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Corpus Christi Parish to host the relic of St. Jude the Apostle, a man who walked with Jesus during His ministry and witnessed the Resurrection. Our parish staff, music ministry and nearly 50 volunteers rose to the occasion to provide a moving encounter with the power of God on November 11. I am grateful to the visiting priests who helped ensure that the Sacrament of Confession was available to everyone who came through the doors on that day,” Father Schrader said. Mary Eplett, 90, attended the veneration with her daughter Deverie Barrera, a parishioner at Corpus Christi. As a former teacher, she recalled a third-grade student in her class who died from leukemia. Although his death was many years ago, she still prays for him and other children battling cancer.
A relic of St. Jude’s arm bones recently visited Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. (Photo by Joan D. Warren) “It is a special joy to be here. I prayed for children with cancer and for my children and grandchildren,” she said. St. Jude was one of Christ’s most intimate collaborators, one of the 12 Apostles. Jude was a first cousin of Jesus (Jude’s mother Mary, wife of Clopus, is the Blessed Mother’s sister). In his homily, Father Martins said that the relic of St. Jude is significant due to the saint’s relationship with Jesus. “St. Jude was an Apostle but also family. This is how close we are to Jesus at this moment in time,” Father Martins said. Baskets were placed throughout the church for donations and books, medals and other mementos were on sale in the
vestibule of the church. Donations made at the veneration will be used for the restoration of the shrine that houses the relic. The dome of Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro has sustained damage from lightning strikes and storms and badly needs repair. Most of St. Jude’s relics are located below the altar of St. Joseph in the Basilica of St. Peter’s in the Vatican, within a tomb also holding the remains of the Apostle Simon. This resting place has become a popular destination for pilgrims who have a devotion to the Apostle of the Impossible. For more information on the life and ministry of St. Jude, go to: apostleoftheimpossible. com.
Diocese launches ‘Serving the Shepherds’ fund continued from page one
ties for ongoing professional development and bolster their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Donations will
Father Marcel Bouchard help sustain the work of the Office of Clergy Support, established two years ago by Bishop da Cunha, to support priests professionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Bishop da Cunha has called on the faithful to pray for the well-being of the dedicated priests in the Diocese of Fall River because, he said, “a flock will lose its way without able, alert, and healthy shepherds.” The office has called upon others to assist by praying, fasting, and thanking priests for their commitment and good work. Matt Robinson leads the office and coordinates its broad and relevant programs. “Priests face emotional and spiritual challenges throughout their vocation and retirement, and it is essential to support them. They have committed their lives to serving us,” shared Robinson. “Being a priest isn’t a job; it is a life,” Father Marcel Bouchard recently said while reflecting
on his five decades as a priest. Father George Bellenoit mirrored these insights stating, “It’s not a 9 to 5 (job), but you also have to realize you are not alone,” referring to the support that the priests provide to one another. These words also ring true for Father Jay Maddock, who has recently retired to the Cardinal Medeiros Residence and still enjoys assisting in many aspects of parish and school life. All three of these retired priests help in various ministries, celebrate Masses, administer Sacraments, and serve as mentors to younger priests in partnership with the Office of Clergy Support. In 2023, the work of the Office of Vocations has become increasingly challenging and the Serving the Shepherds Fund seeks to support the office’s critical mission. Father Jack Schrader
Father George Bellenoit is the Pastor at Corpus Christi parish in East Sandwich and serves as the diocesan Director of Vocations. Father John Garabedian also serves at Corpus Christi and is the Assistant Vocations
Director for the diocese. Fathers Garabedian and Schrader work hard to help young men hear the call to the priesthood in addition to the important work of running a busy parish. The Serving the
Father John Garabedian Shepherds Fund will assist in providing for the educational expenses of seminarians who are preparing for ordination in the Diocese of Fall River. Lucas da Costa, a third-year theologian at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, has found the Vocations Office and his work at various parishes helpful in providing opportunities to learn from many different priests across the diocese. These experiences are helping to form him as he moves through his education and prepares, God willing, for his future life as a priest. Da Costa’s grandparents highly influenced his faith. Participating in a robust and active parish, specifically through Adoration, amplified the quiet voice calling him to the priesthood. It was his pastor and the Vocations Office that helped identify the path he is currently
walking. While it is critical to continue to pray and offer gratitude for these men, gifts to the Serving the Shepherds Fund will also help address the financial need to support them. The increased costs of living, housing, and healthcare also affect retired priests. Supporters of this new fund also send a powerful message of a caring community that stands behind them at every stage of their journey. In the words of Father Bouchard, “It is wonderful to offer the opportunity for parishioners to dedicate a gift,” which will impact the future of the priesthood. The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern
Massachusetts administers this new campaign on Bishop da Cunha’s behalf. For more information or to give to the Serving the Shepherds Fund online, please visit www. catholicfoundationsema. org/shepherds or contact the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts at 508675-1311.
Lucas da Costa
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C
an you imagine living the life of a perpetual wanderer? Some may be very keen on the idea while others not so much. If I made a small change and replaced the word wanderer to adventurer, I may suddenly make both parties nod their heads either enthusiastically or contemplatively. Words have the power to change perspective and change lives. I want to focus on a word that can change your perspective on the Word, in the hope that you embrace who the Word is during this season. Advent is the fourweek period leading up to Christmas. It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “advenire,” which means “to come.” This is where we get the word adventure, aventura [Spanish/Portuguese], aventure [French], and avventura [Italian]. Although Advent has often been consumed with the commercialization of the Christmas season, in most families it is still a time to reflect on the coming of Christ and to prepare hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas. In our Catholic tra-
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From word to adventure
dition we celebrate six liturgical seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Sacred Paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. According to the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, “Holy Church celebrates the saving work of Christ on prescribed days in the course of the year with sacred remembrance.” Let’s simplify this by recalling in the beginning of Genesis: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth and, the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters. Then God said: ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Creation from the beginning of time was systematic and ordered, and it all begin with God’s words, “Let there be light.” Advent is the start of a new liturgical year, and it is no wonder why human innovation has made this a season of lights. Think about the work families put in to put up lights during the season, or how families travel to locations with synchronized lights
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to be in awe of light. Since we are created in the image and likeness of our Creator, naturally we are drawn to Him who is the source of eternal light. Advent as the beginning of the liturgical year
sets our spiritual feet into adventure mode to seek the light in the darkness. Think about how the Word of God, during each week in Advent, prepares and empowers our adventure. On the First Sunday of Advent Jesus says, “Be watchful! Be alert!’” (Mk 13:33). On the Second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist cries out, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Mk 1:3). On the Third Sunday of Advent, John declares, “but there is one among you whom you do not recognize” (Jn 1:26). On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Mary declares, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word” (Lk 1:38). These words are preparing the faithful for the adventure of Advent: An adventure that takes us through a journey of self as we explore within ourselves and our surroundings to bring light where darkness dwells. This can be done in four ways: repentance, acts of service, Adoration, and Marian devotion.
Repentance: Advent and Lent are two preparatory seasons that should lead us to repentance. The best way to prepare is to “Be watchful! Be alert!” Start the season by finding your parish’s reconciliation times and seek repentance. Repentance is a buzzword, but, like I said, the words we use can change perspective. “Repent!” is often heard as gloom and doom, but the etymology of the word literally translates to “very sorry.” Finding a time for Reconciliation is a time to state, “God, I am very sorry for…”, and allowing His infinite mercy to dispel the darkness of sin and shame and replace it with the light of grace and forgiveness. Acts of Service: Be a light to the world and “prepare the way” with the light of charity. Just as a house is decorated with lights for the season, allow your inner self to be decorated with the light of God, and those who see will be in awe of its beauty. Find a local shelter, soup kitchen, donation center, etc., give, give and give. These acts of service set our feet in the path of the adventure of Advent. Can you imagine our earthly home [Earth] being decorated by our lives shining and flickering the light of God’s grace and forgiveness? Adoration: Spend some time with the One “whom you do not recognize” in Adoration. This moment of loving gaze, thanksgiving, and prayer before our Lord Jesus is a great way to keep the season fixed on Him. Many want to fight the
battle of keeping “Christ in Christmas” but very few keep Christ close. Find a parish that has perpetual Adoration and find yourself there for sometime just gazing like you would at a festival of lights. Marian Devotion: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,” are the words of a brave young girl who was not afraid of adventure for the sake of salvation. Take some time as a family, with friends, parish community, or others outside the Church to pray a Rosary, or to prepare a holy place for a Marian statue on your property or in your home. Words can change perspective on life, but only one Word can change your life for eternity. As we will hear on Christmas morning from St. John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be. What came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Let us not just reflect this season, but let us live the Advent adventure and put into action the Word, because “without Him nothing came to be.” Anchor columnist Oscar Rivera Jr., is director of Youth Ministry in the diocesan Secretariat for the New Evangelization. orivera@dioc-fr.org.
Vatican astronomer takes UMD crowd on journey continued from page two
the areas of the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo. “There are many who think that science is not compatible with the Church, but in fact, faith and science work together, and Brother Guy brought that to life to the 75 students and faculty who gathered to hear him,” said Deacon Lucca. “Priest scientists are always on the side of truth, and science brings about truth.” Deacon Lucca went on to say that the presentation was of great interest to those there, but it was the Question and Answer session that sparked the most conversation and interaction. “Brother Guy is a gregarious and fun person and the attendees were totally engaged,” added Deacon Lucca. One of those in attendance was Jacqueline Hale, a Ministry Apprentice at St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth, a position she obtained through the Echo Program at the University of Notre Dame. “Space has actually played a huge role in my faith journey, particularly as it, in many ways, embodies the relationship between faith and reason,” Hale told The Anchor. “In college, I worked at the Astronomical Observatory at my school, Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, giving night sky tours to the public. Often spurred by the questions asked of me, I wrestled a lot with these questions of the cosmos and the way our faith informs, directs, and speaks into how we understand them. With that in mind, a lot of the content that Brother Guy talked about was familiar, but his presentation left me with several new avenues to tackle the subject. Not only did he speak from the basis of history and modern study on the beneficial and truly real relationship between the Catholic faith and science, but Brother Guy stands as tangible proof of that reality. “I came away inspired to ensure that encounters with nature and space play a role in my ministry. God has revealed Himself to us in Creation, and if we disregard that
reality, we disregard a major way God desires for us to know Him. As Brother Guy said to me as I spoke with him after the talk, space is an incredible avenue to teaching kids about God because it opens their minds up to a universe big enough and beautiful enough for there to be a God. Space forces us to open our minds beyond not only ourselves but even the visible and tangible world around us to trust in something greater and deeper and unseen with the naked eye. Faith asks us to do the same.” Following the presentation and the lively Q & A session, Hale learned she wasn’t alone in her impressions of Brother Guy. “As I stood in line to talk with Brother Guy after, I overheard a student say something along the lines of: ‘I didn’t know what to expect, but you were actually really cool.’ This struck me because I think many people may hear ‘Vatican Astronomer’ and think that is a cosmological confusion itself. How could a priest study science? But like this girl said, he was really ‘cool’ and very scientifically based and knew what he was talking about well enough to answer questions about the multiverse and Pluto without any preparation. He was approachable and immediately easy to grant respect to, even for someone outside the faith.” Brother Guy is a Jesuit Brother, a native of Detroit, Mich. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and later a Master of Science degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona. He was a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer at the Harvard College Observatory and was later the same at MIT. Brother Guy joined the Vatican Observatory in 1993 and was named director by Pope Francis in 2015. “Brother Guy brought to life the fact that science and religion do work together,” added Deacon Lucca. “Early man eventually figured the universe was created by God.”
On November 5 the St. Nicholas of Myra Knights of Columbus Council #14947 conducted an installation of its officers. The ceremony was held at the Taunton Yacht Club in Dighton. The new Warden, Patrick Miranda, presented the representative jewels of each office to the spouse or family member who then placed it around the officer’s neck. Brian Brown, Deputy Grand Knight, facilitated the proceedings, introducing South East District Deputy Ray Burke who led the swearing in ceremony. The proceedings concluded with a message from Grand Knight Ed Kremzier followed by a pot luck luncheon.
Please visit The Anchor website at www.anchornews.org December 1, 2023 †
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Senior football players at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth recently surprised a teacher who had a big impact on their lives and times at Stang. They all made custom shirts with their numbers on them for their favorite teachers and mentors to wear at the Thanksgiving football game. Senior Isaiah Poydras presented teacher Cheryl Paulo with a special jersey. The event was videoed and was a smash hit, and has more than 20,000 views across Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. To view the video, visit https://bishopstang.edlioschool.com/apps/news/article/1848398
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The St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in Attleboro student council donated 15 baskets and more than $700 in gift certificates to St. Edwards food pantry in Providence, R.I. to help fill the needs of families in the neighborhood.
Daily Readings † December 2 - January 12 Sat. Dec 2: Dn 7:15-27; (Ps) Dn 3:82-87; Lk 21:34-36. Sun. Dec. 3: First Sunday of Advent, Is 63:16b-17,19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37. Mon. Dec. 4: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11. Tues. Dec. 5: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Lk 10:21-24. Wed. Dec. 6: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37. Thu. Dec. 7: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1,8-9,1921,25-27a; Mt 7:21,24-27. Fri. Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38. Sat. Dec. 9: Is 30:19-21,23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35—10:1,5a,6-8. Sun. Dec. 10: Second Sunday of Advent, Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8. Mon. Dec. 11: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab,10-14; Lk 5:17-26. Tues. Dec. 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; (Ps) Jdt 13:18bc,19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47. Wed. Dec. 13: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4,8,10; Mt 11:28-30. Thu. Dec. 14: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1,9-13b; Mt 11:11-15. Fri. Dec. 15: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19. Sat. Dec. 16: Sir 48:1-4,9-11; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; 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; Ps 72:1-2,12-13,18-19; Mt 1:18-25. Tues. Dec. 19: Jgs 13:27,24-25a; Ps 71:3-6,16-17; Lk 1:5-25. Wed. Dec. 20: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38. Thu. Dec. 21: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Lk 1:39-45. Fri. Dec. 22: 1 Sm 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-7,8abcd; Lk 1:46-56. Sat. Dec 23: Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 25:4bc-5ab,8-10,14; 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 1:26-38. Mon. Dec. 25, The Nativity of the Lord, Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25. Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,11-13; 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; Ps 31:3cd-4,6,8ab,16bc-17; Mt 10:17-22. Wed. Dec. 27: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; Jn 20:1a,2-8. Thu. Dec. 28: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Ps 124:2-5,7b-8; Mt 2:13-18. Fri. Dec .29: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3,5b-6; Lk 2:22-35. Sat. Dec. 30: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40. Sun. Dec. 31: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6,12-14; Ps 105:1-6,8-9; Heb 11:8,11-12,17-19 or Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22,39-40. Mon. Jan. 1: Mary Mother of God, Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21. Tues. Jan. 2: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28. Wed. Jan. 3: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6; Ps 98:1-3,6; Jn 1:29-34. Thurs. Jan. 4: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1,7-9; Jn 1:35-42. Fri. Jan. 5: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1-5; Jn 1:43-51. Sat. Jan. 6: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38 or 3:23,31-34,36,38. Sun. Jan. 7: The Epiphany of the Lord, Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt 2:112. Mon, Jan. 8 The Baptism of the Lord, Is 42:1-4,6-7 or Acts 10:34-38; Ps 29:1a,2,3ac-4,3b,9b-10; Mk 1:7-11. Tue. Jan. 9 1 Sm 1:9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-8; Mk 1:14-20 or 1:21-28. Wed. Jan. 10: 1 Sm 3:1-10,19-20; Ps 40:2,5,7-10; Mk 1:29-39. Thurs. Jan. 11: 1 Sm 4:1-11; Ps 44:10-11,14-15,25-26; Mk 1:40-45. Fri. Jan. 12: 1 Sm 8:4-7,10-22a; Ps 89:16-19; Mk 2:1-12.
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In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:
Dec. 2 Rev. Arthur Savoie, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford, 1917 Rev. Dennis W. Harrington, Assistant, St. Mary, Taunton, 1958 Rev. Stanislaus Basinski, Former Pastor Holy Rosary,Taunton, 1970 Rev. Stanley J. Kolasa, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford; Director, Sacred Hearts Spirituality Center, Wareham, 2016 Dec. 3 Rev. John W. McCarthy, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1926 Dec. 4 Rev. Patrick Byrne, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1844 Rev. Charles Ouellette, Assistant, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1945 Rev. Edward C. Duffy, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1994 Dec. 5 Rev. Eugene J. Boutin, Manchester Diocese, 1986 Rev. Coleman Conley, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1990 Dec. 6 Rev. Joseph L. Cabral, Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 1959 Rt. Rev. Msgr. John H. Hackett, JCD, Chancellor, June-December 1966, 1966 Rev. Joseph K. Welsh, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 1971, Rev. John T. Higgins, Retired Pastor , St. Mary, Mansfield, 1985 Dec. 7 Rev. Thomas F. Daley, Retired Pastor, St. James, New Bedford, 1976 Rev. Ambrose Bowen, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1977 Rev. James W. Clark, Retired Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans, 2000 Dec. 8 Rev. John F. Broderick, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1940 Dec. 9 Rev. Rene Patenaude, O.P., Retired Associate Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1983 Dec. 10 Rev. Thomas C. Briscoe, Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1918
Rev. Andrew S.P. Baj, Former Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1971 Rev. Leonard M. Mullaney, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 2014 Dec. 11 Rev. Edward L. Killigrew, Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1959 Dec. 12 Rev. Paul F. McCarrick, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1996 Dec. 13 Rev. Reginald Theriault, O.P., St. Anne, Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Adrien L. Francoeur, M.S., La Salette Shrine, North Attleboro, 1991 Dec. 14 Rev. Msgr. John J. Hayes, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Edward J. Burns, Retired Pastor, St. Mark, Attleboro Falls, 2015 Dec. 15 Rev. Mortimer Downing, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1942 Rev. John F. O’Keefe, Assistant, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1955 Dec. 19 Permanent Deacon Eugene L. Orosz, 1988 Permanent Deacon Maurice LaValle, 2007 Rev. Gabriel (William) Healy, SS.CC., 2015 Dec. 20 Rev. Manuel S. Travassos, Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River, 1953 Rev. John A. Janson, OFM, Missionary in Brazil, 1996 Rev. William J. Heffron, SS.CC., 2017 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 Rev. Paul T. Lamb, Pastor. St. Rita, Marion, 2021 Dec. 24 Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1886 Rev. Timothy J. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1914 Dec. 27 Rev. Thomas J. Stapleton, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich, 1956 Rev. Msgr. Armand Levasseur, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1970 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 Rev. Msgr. John Smith, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, Former Pastor, St. Pius X, South Yarmouth, 2021
Jan. 4 Rev. Eugene L. Dion, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1961 Rev. Joseph L. Powers, Founder, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, No. Falmouth, 1999 Rev. Francis B. Connors, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 2003 Jan. 5 Rev. L. Octave Massicotte, 1922 Rev. William McClenahan, SS.CC. Former Pastor, Holy Redeemer, Chatham, 1994 Jan. 6 Rev. James F. Roach, Founder, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1906 Rev. Rene G. Gauthier, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1997 Permanent Deacon Antonio da Cruz, 2009 Jan. 7 Rev. Alfred R. Forni, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Gustave Gosselin, M.S., La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 1989 Rev. Jude Morgan, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet, 2003 Rev. Raymond Robida, 2003
Dec. 29 Rev. Rafeal Flammia, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford, 1993 Rev. Robert J. Kruse, C.S.C., 2015
Jan. 8 Rev. John Kelly, Founder, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1885 Rev. Alfred J. Carrier, Founder, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1940 Rev. Arthur C. Lenaghan, USA Chaplain, Killed in Action, 1944 Rev. Evaristo Tavares, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 2000 Rev. Louis Joseph, 2000
Dec. 30 Rev. Robert C. Donovan, Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Pocasset, 2016
Jan. 9 Rev. William F. Morris, Pastor, Corpus Christi, Sandwich, 1982
Dec. 31 Rev. Thomas C. Mayhew, Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Seekonk, 1991
Jan. 10 Rev. Jourdain Charron, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1919 Rev. George H. Flanagan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1938 Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Sousa de Mello, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1977
Jan. 1 Rev. Jose Valeiro, Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Antonio M. Fortuna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford, 1956 Rev. Francis R. Connerton, SS. STD., St. John’s Seminary, Plymouth, Mich., 1968 Rev. Leo T. Sullivan, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1975
Jan. 11 Rev. Robert Baker, C.S.C., 2021 Jan. 12 Rev. Thomas P. Grace , Pastor, St Patrick, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Retired Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown, 1930
December 1, 2023 †
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Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Sunday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Monday, December 25, Christmas Day
Celebrant is Father Bernard Baris, M.S., Retreat Facilitator, National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Attleboro
Special time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Celebrant is Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River
Sunday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Paul G. Canuel, a retired priest of the Fall River Diocese
Sunday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Jeffrey Cabral, J.C.L., Pastor of Santo Christo Parish in Fall River
Sunday, December 24 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Michael S. Racine, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Martyr parishes and Parochial Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, all in New Bedford
Sunday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton
Sunday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Jason Brilhante, Pastor of St. John of God Parish in Somerset
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Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel
Sunday, December 3, at 7 p.m. Broadcast from St. Anthony Church, Taunton *** Sunday, December 10 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, New Bedford *** Sunday, December 17 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Santo Christo Church, Fall River *** Sunday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Broadcast Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Providence *** Monday, December 25 Christmas Day - Time: TBA Broadcast Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Providence *** Sunday, December 31 at 7 p.m. Broadcast St. Francis Xavier Church, East Providence *** Sunday, January 7 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford
Upcoming diocesan events • Advent Women’s Retreat on Saturday, December 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. The retreat will feature speakers Danielle Bean and Allison Gingras, with music by Liz Cotrupi-Pfunder. The day also includes Mass, continental breakfast, keynotes, discussion, lunch, Adoration, and the opportunity for Confession. The cost is $15 per person. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/Joy129. • All are invited to a talk on Natural Family Planning with Monica Oliveira, and Irina Robinson in Portuguese. Come and learn what the Church says about birth control, how to use the natural method to get pregnant, and how to temporarily postpone pregnancy in necessary circumstances. Hosted Saturday, December 9, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 327 Second St, Fall River, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Free entry. For ages 15 and up. • “Let There Be Light” Advent Mission on Monday, December 11, Tuesday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 13, at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville. All nights begin at 7 p.m. • National Eucharistic Congress on July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis, Ind. • The Annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass, celebrated by the Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., on Sunday, February 11, at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Christmases and friends remembered and cherished
I
cannot believe today is December 1. I’ve mentioned before that each year seems to fly by more quickly than the last. It seems like yesterday that I was preparing the 2022 Christmas Anchor edition. Zoom! What you have in your hands, in the blink of an eye, is the 2023 Christmas Anchor edition, albeit as far from actual Christmas Day possible. But I’m going to concentrate on Christmas Day for this column. Hey, why not? Christmas commercials start right after Halloween, so by secular standards I’m way overdo. I like to think back over Christmases past (and no, I’m not a ghost), and this year I don’t have to time travel too far in the Wayback Machine ala Mr. Peabody and his boy Sherman. In fact, these recollections include my dog Igor. Ever since the first year we brought the little devil dog home from the farm in 2002, she embraced the Christmas season as much as anyone in this family. It warms my heart to think back to putting up the Christmas tree, dressing it up with warm lights and decorations made by my kiddies when they were in fact kiddies, wrapping it up with garland and topping it off with an two angels; one a tree-topper and the other an angel with the name and date of birth of my son David Joseph whom, as most of you know, we lost in 1996.
Once the tree was up and the tree skirt laid at its trunk, Iggy would circle the glowing branches, find just the right spot and nestle under the tree night after night — in the same exact spot. That first Christmas, 2019, after Iggy had crossed the Rainbow Bridge was a sad, sad first day. So much so, that I bought a stuffed dog that had the same coloring and looked much like my Border Collie-Australian Cattle Dog mix, and placed it under the tree for the season, along with a dog toy we had bought her for her final Christmas. We’ve done that ever since. And the memories of Christmas morning are still as bright and crisp as a chilly December night. Iggy would make a B-line for the tree as soon as it was sunup, find a new spot to plant herself that wasn’t covered with brightly wrapped parcels, and wait for us to get up and head downstairs. And she wasn’t a patient waiter. She would moan and sigh loud enough to make us giggle and get up. She would patiently wait for her gifts to be placed before her, and then she would gently, and I mean gently, tear the wrapping off. Iggy was rough on toys, so we made sure that we bought toys
that were “dog proof.” No such thing with her. After her gently dispatching the wrapping she would devour the toy until the white stuffing resembled clumps of snow on the floor. Not a single toy saw December 26. I so miss those Christmases. As I said time flies, and it was in 1995 that I started at The Anchor, starting a wonderful journey on which I met wonderful people, especially those readers of this column who would take the time to write to me — good or bad. Well, the time has come for me to call it a day. I will be retiring as of Jan. 31, 2024, and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all whom I worked with over the last nearly three decades — those still with us
and those who passed over their own Rainbow Bridges. But most of all I want to thank you, those who said so many wonderful, heartwarming things to me over the years. I love that so many of you feel that my family is yours. Be assured dear friends that you will always be part of my family. This Anchor journey went by far too quickly, but it is time that Denise and I get to enjoy each other full time. For the first time in our 45 years of marriage neither of us will have to work. This is my second-to-last My View from the Stands and second-to-last edition to edit. I will miss this, and I will miss hearing from you all. I send out a great big thank you, and be assured if I could give you a big old bear hug, I would. So consider this a virtual big old bear hug. Be well, Merry Christmas and all best in 2024. And once again, thank you. davejolivet@anchornews.org
Please support the TV Mass Donate online at www.GiveCentral.org/FRTVMass Or mail your check payable to: Diocese of Fall River — TV Mass, 450 Highland Ave. Fall River, MA 02720
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Please support the TV Mass
Donate online at www.GiveCentral.org/FRTVMass Or mail your check payable to: Diocese of Fall River — TV Mass, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720
Diocesan Catholic Schools Office announces Christmas Card contest winners FALL RIVER — The Catholic Schools Office recently announced the winners of the 2023 Diocesan Christmas card contest. First Place, which will be on the cover of the Catholic Schools Office’s Christmas card, was created by Mackenzie Barreria, grade five, from Holy Name School, Fall River. Second Place, to be featured on the inside cover of the Catholic School’s Office Christmas card, went to Julian Oliveira, grade four, from Espirito Santo Parochial School, Fall River. Honorable Mention, to be featured on the envelope was won by Olivia Rosas, grade six, from St. Teresa of Calcutta School, New Bedford More than 160 students took the time to share their creativity with the Catholic Schools Office. 20
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Winners of the Fall River Diocese’s Catholic School Office Christmas Card contest are, clockwise from top left: Mackenzie Barreria, grade five, Holy Name School Fall River, First Place; Olivia Rosas, grade six, from St. Teresa of Calcutta School, New Bedford, Honorable Mention; and Julian Oliveira, grade four, from Espirito Santo Parochial School, Fall River, Second Place.