Four men to be ordained as priests for Diocese of Fall River June 4 Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, May 27, 2022
Families helping families: Appeal assists Pro-Life efforts FALL RIVER—The end of May marks the halfway point of the 81st Catholic Appeal of the Diocese of Fall River and as of press time, the annual campaign has raised $2.1 million. The Appeal is nearly halfway to its $4.8 million goal to support the agencies, programs, and ministries of the diocese. One of the largest
diocesan pastoral ministries funded by gifts to the Catholic Appeal is the Office of the Secretariat for the New Evangelization (formerly the Office of Faith Formation). Contributions to the Appeal help the Office of the Secretariat serve parishes, schools, and college campuses by equipping Catholics of 8 Turn to page seven
By Dave Jolivet Editor
davejolivet@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — June 4 will be a day the Fall River Diocese hasn’t seen in 20 years. On that day, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is scheduled to ordain four men to become priests for the Fall River Diocese. It is the largest ordination in the diocese in two decades. “I’m encouraged that this is the largest ordination class that we have in 20 years,” Bishop da Cunha told The Anchor earlier, “adding that the number of men in formation to become permanent deacons is very good as well. I hope that’s a trend that will continue, but it’s going to take a lot of work to continue building our vocation efforts. We can’t be complacent about the need to promote vocations, because the need for priests still is very great.”The four men, all of whom
attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, are: Deacons Matthew F. Laird, William O’Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. Deacon Matthew
Francis Laird Deacon Matt is 29 years old and is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. The Lairds live in Sandwich. Deacon Matt has 8 Turn to page three
Deacon Matthew F. Laird
Deacon William O’Donnell III
Deacon Gregory Quenneville
Deacon Laurent M. Valliere
Four diocesan seminarians ordained transitional deacons By Dave Jolivet Editor
davejolivet@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — Unusually warm temperatures and humid conditions greeted hundreds of faithful to St. Mary’s Cathedral on May 21 to witness Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. ordain four men as transitional deacons, bringing them one step closer to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fall River. That milestone is scheduled to occur sometime in 2023. This marks the second year in a row that the bishop has ordained four new transitional deacons, the
last being in May of 2022. Those same four men will
be ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral
on June 4 by Bishop da Cunha.
The four men ordained last Saturday, all entering Fourth Year Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J., are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Christopher Hughes, and Thiago Menezes Santos. In his homily at the ordination, Bishop da Cunha thanked the ordinandi and their families for having said “Yes” to the Lord. He told the men, “You are here because God called you to life, life called you to serve, service calls you, and you said here I am.”
Bishop da Cunha prays during the May 21 diaconal ordination at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. Kneeling are the four new transitional deacons of the Diocese of Fall River: (LR) Rev. Deacon Brian Connors, Rev. Deacon John Garabedian, Rev. Deacon Christopher Hughes, and Rev. Deacon Thiago Menezes Santos. (Photo by John E. Kearns Jr.) 8 †Turn to page 10 May 27, 2022
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FACE Summer Gala celebrates its 25th anniversary on Cape Cod OSTERVILLE — The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, which raises money for scholarships to assist with the costs of a Catholic education, works very closely with every Catholic school in the Diocese of Fall River to help make a Catholic education a reality. The Foundation has announced that the 25th Anniversary FACE Summer Gala on Cape Cod will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Wianno Club in Osterville.
Marilyn and Richard Colman, parishioners of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Osterville will serve as co-chairs for this evening. During the event, the Al Makkay Sr. Award in recognition of outstanding contributions by an educator or staff member in the Catholic Schools of Cape Cod will be presented. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the Exclusive Gift Raffle, Live Auction and Fund A Mission, all while raising critical scholarship dollars for students in need. A special guest appearance by Hyannis Sound, Cape Cod’s wellknown a cappella group, will also be part of the program. To learn more, purchase tickets, become a sponsor or donate, visit www. FACEsummergala.org or Scan the QR code below with your mobile device to go directly to the FACE Summer Gala page.
First-graders from the Whaling City Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Lawrence Martyr and Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated their First Communion on May 1 at St. Lawrence Martyr Church. They are here pictured with Father Michael Racine, pastor, right, and Deacon Maurice Ouellette, back left.
† Diocese of Fall River † OFFICIAL Appointments
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Reverend German Correa Agudelo, from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes in New Bedford, to Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, from Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport and Co-Pastor and Moderator of St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford Reverend Paul A. Bernier, from Pastor of St. George Parish in Westport and Co-Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport, to Co-Pastor of Our Lady of Grace, St. George and St. John the Baptist Parishes in Westport Reverend Peter R. Scheffer, Jr., from Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in East Falmouth, to Co-Pastor and Moderator of Our Lady of Grace, St. George and St. John the Baptist Parishes in Westport Effective: June 15, 2022 Reverend Steven A. Booth, from Parochial Vicar of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth, to Parochial Administrator of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans Effective: June 29, 2022
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Four to be ordained as diocesan priests on June 4 continued from page one
two younger sisters and his family are parishioners at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee (where his mother works for the parish). His parents sought to foster the living of the faith with their children and that has been a major part of Deacon Matt’s spiritual growth. Deacon Matt went to St. Francis Xavier Prep in Hyannis and then graduated in 2011 from Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. These schools also had a big impact on his growing in the knowledge and living of his faith. He was in the first graduating class of Pope St. John Paul II. Also, during that time, he went with others from his parish on a mission trip to Honduras and to see the joy, gratitude, and faith of the people there had a great impact on him and stirred the sense of a calling. He went to college where he got his degree in biology from College of the Holy Cross in 2015. During his college years Deacon Matt was able to work an internship at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pocasset, which helped strengthen his sense that the Lord was calling as a priest. He entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton where the formation has helped him grow. Due to some underlying health issues, Deacon Matt took a year away from the seminary to serve at Holy Family Church in East Taunton, which was a great blessing for him and the parishioners there. Like Deacon Larry Valliere, Deacon Matt has a gift for playing musical instruments and he is part of a jazz band with Deacon Larry and two priests which they call Vatican III. Last summer and
Taunton this last year and he has finished his studies of on weekends throughout the O’Donnell III theology at St. John’s Semiyear, Deacon Matt served at Deacon O’Donnell is a nary. Our Lady of Grace Church 44 year-old from Harwich Deacon Gregory and St. John the Baptist and is the son of William Quenneville Church in Westport. He has and Patty O’Donnell. His Deacon Greg, 37, grew finished his studies of theol- home parish is Holy Trinity up in South Attleboro and is ogy at St. John’s Seminary. Church in West Harwich. a parishioner of St. Theresa’s “Bill, Greg, Larry and I Deacon Bill has a youngChurch in South Attleboro. have a strong friendship, one er brother and a younger He has an older sister and developed over many years sister. His parents had run younger sister. His parents of shared formation,” Deaa restaurant (A&W) on the are Donald and Elizabeth con Matt told The Anchor Cape for a number of years Quenneville. His family regarding the upcoming until after his father died is very close and supportordination. “We are brothin 2015. Deacon Bill was ive. Greg graduated from ers in the truest sense. This raised in the Catholic faith Attleboro High School in makes the ordination day and while at Harwich High 2003 and received his assoall the more meaningful. I School his faith grew much ciates degree from Massasoit look forward to seeing how stronger after a powerful Community College, his our friendship, soon to be experience on an ECHO re- Bachelor of Science in psystrengthened by a common treat. He has been involved chology from University of consecration to Christ and with the ECHO retreats Massachusetts in 2007 and to His Church, will continue on the Cape ever since. He his Masters in Social Work to grow and evolve over our graduated from Harwich from Rhode Island College years together. High School in 1996, and in 2012. Deacon Greg was “I think I speak for the afterward went to Stonehill a psychologist working in four of us when I say that College where he graduated. Brockton for the Veterans we are very much looking Over the years he grew Association. forward to a full cathedral. in his faith through prayer, After college, he said, Our diaconal ordination, the sacraments, and espehis Catholic faith became still in the peak of COVID, cially through the Mass, he much greater. His sense of a was limited to immediate said. Friends and priests calling to the priesthood infriends and family. Now encouraged Deacon Bill to tensified beginning in Lent with space regulations lifted, consider the priesthood. Af- of 2014, especially through it will be so fulfilling to ter a journey of discerning a his experience of attending share the special moments calling, wavering back and daily Mass. In his profession with our ‘extended families’ forth about when to enter of counseling people, he if you will: the many parish- the seminary, then having to said he also discovered the ioners and individuals who care for the family business joy of working and guiding have journeyed with us in after his father’s death, he different personalities and our path to the priesthood took the leap of pursuing the age groups and is comfortduring our many summer priesthood and entered St. able with the thought of assignments.” John’s Seminary in Brighcarrying this out as a priest. “The four of us did not ton. Deacon Bill served at He said he is grateful to the make it to this point on our Holy Family Church in East many who have supported own: each of our vocations was assisted by countless individuals who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to affirm us in our vocational journey. The fact that this is the largest ordination class in 20 years speaks volumes of the generosity of God’s people here in the Diocese of Fall River and is a shining light of hope for the future.” Deacon William
him seeking to enter the seminary and becoming a priest. Deacon Greg entered St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. Throughout this last year he has served at St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth. He has finished his studies of theology at St. John’s Seminary. “My time in the seminary has been very positive. The seminary provides an opportunity to grow in the knowledge and love for the faith,” Deacon Greg told The Anchor. “It is a time of personal transformation where you come to recognize what is truly important and the specific way that God has called you to serve the Church. When approaching an extraordinary moment in life, such as the ordination to the priesthood, it seems natural to look back. To look back at how my understanding of the priesthood has changed and my relationship with God has matured. To consider how God has always planned for this moment even when I didn’t realize it. “One of the many graces of being ordained is that it allows for the opportunity to look back and recall the various ways that God has been working in your life to prepare you for this most profound moment. The moment when you resolve to become more fully incor8 Turn to page four
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omewhere in our childhood, surely, we encountered the image of a trick rider, who managed to stand on the backs of two racing ponies — a foot on each animal (and if you missed this phenomenon, I know you can imagine the feat). The horses are first trained to run in tandem, and then the rider exercises perfect balance (and fortitude!) to remain upright as they circle a ring, or even go through an obstacle course. That image came to mind as an illustration of the Christian call to perfection. The one pony we might call Tempus, for he
A precarious balance represents the daily work of applying the necessary virtues to life’s constant challenges. This usually requires a combination of patience, cheerfulness, and forbearance, grounded in charity and expressed through a lens of piety and gratitude. Sometimes more is needed — perhaps more wisdom, more kindness, more trust, or more humility — and yet the sacramental life to which we are called provides all the graces required to live the Christian life. Such is the task of Holy Mother Church, to hold the hands
of her children as they struggle through this vale of tears. The other pony we might call Eternity and the name implies the unchang-
ered his heart was focused more on music and playing instruments. Deacon Larry graduated from Tollgate High School in Warwick, R.I. in 1999 and graduated from Fairfield University in 2003 with a BA in religious studies. In his college years he drifted away from the living of his faith, but when he was hired to teach at Bishop Stang High School, his faith was rekindled. In that period of teaching at Stang his awareness of the need for grace and love for the Lord deepened, he said. Over the years he had a growing sense that the Lord was calling him to be a priest. He entered St. John’s Seminary and after a few years he took some time away from the seminary because, he said, the clarity of the calling to the priesthood was not there. He returned to teaching high school. After teaching for a few years he still had that sense the Lord was still calling. He returned to seminary. He still fosters his talent for mu-
sic and along with Deacon Matt as they are part of the (soon to be complete) clergy jazz band Vatican III where Deacon Larry plays the bass guitar. Deacon Larry served last summer at St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet and through the last year served weekends at Holy Name Church in Fall River. He has finished his studies of theology at St. John’s Seminary. “I tell everyone that, please God, we will have four new priests this year and four more next year,” Deacon Laurent told The Anchor. “It is a blessed time for the Diocese of Fall River, indeed. The deacons and seminarians are so very thankful for all of the prayers, rosaries, holy hours, and all of the support for vocations. My ability to say ‘yes’ to God’s call has been facilitated by the prayers of the people.” The biographical information came from the diocesan Vocations Office.
ing truths connected to our faith: that God is three in one, the Alpha and Omega, and the very ground of our being; He Who set the stars in motion has made us in
Four men to be ordained to the priesthood on June 4 continued from page three
porated into living life as the man that God has created you to be. “It has been a pleasure to be apart of this ordination class. It has been a great blessing to prepare for the priesthood with my three classmates. We have gone through the transformative years in the seminary together which is something that I will always value.” Deacon Laurent Michael Valliere Deacon Larry is 40 years old and originally from West Warwick, R.I. He is a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. Deacon Larry is the only child of Laurent and Maureen Valliere. He grew up having his parents foster his faith, but in his teens years he discov-
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love for Himself, and this proving ground in time will pass away. Ultimately, we are made for communion with Him, which, although beyond our comprehension, is foreshadowed in myriad ways here on earth. Jesus, both Savior and Exemplar, promises that pursuing the narrow path of charity and sacrifice is eminently worthwhile, and St. Paul (echoing Isaiah) writes: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1Cor 2:9, cf. Isaiah 64:3). But how do we maintain a healthy balance? How do we love those around us with the proper intensity and gift of self if this world is passing? And how do we focus on the timeless truths without neglecting the mundane details and people in such need of our attention? This has been one of the most important questions in all religions, and is beautifully answered by our faith — for the singularity of Catholicism is its reliance on the Incarnation to illustrate the relation between Creator and creation, materiality and spirituality, and ultimately time and eternity. As we hear in the Mass, God devised a plan through which we may “come to share in the divinity of Christ Who humbled Himself to share in our humanity” (Roman Missal). In the words of the Athanasian Creed: “Although He is God and human, yet Christ is not two, but one. He is one, however, not by His divinity being turned into
flesh, but by God’s taking humanity to Himself.” While we can never fully unpack that idea, we have before us a lifetime of embracing that incarnate truth — hour by hour, day after day. We love others as icons of God, attend properly to the materials entrusted to us in this fleeting world, and work to order affairs for the good, while understanding that it is for God ultimately to direct humanity to its proper end. The two pressing temptations are to become too absorbed in the finite affairs and material concerns, or to be so otherworldly that we neglect what is right in front of us. The balance has challenged every generation, demanding both a firm prayer regimen and a sense of humor to get it right. Loving each person for God’s sake, and seeing the eternal backdrop to our daily slog is like the trick rider with reins in hand and ponies beneath the boots. In all seriousness, straddling two animals would be a madcap enterprise, but if we discipline ourselves to stand upright and keep our weight perfectly balanced between heaven and earth, we may eventually look down to see a single animal beneath us. The landscape may be crashing in, but with a truly incarnational view, we will let Tempus fugit go as he will, knowing full well that he bears Eternity in every step — with God’s own path beneath him. Thus all will be well if we simply keep our balance and remember the destination. Anchor columnist Genevieve Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-genius. typepad.com.
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The most beautiful church in the world
ope Benedict XVI has often said that the most effective apologetic for Christianity are the lives of the saints and the art that the Church has grown in her womb. For that reason, the Church must always take both seriously: forming disciples to be saints and creating a culture in which beauty is cultivated and appreciated. When and where the Church has thrived, both have normally come together, like the masterpieces in human life as well as in music, art and architecture that have come in monasteries or in Catholic countries in their zealous zenith. When the Church has grown lukewarm or cold, mediocrity can quickly set in with regard to expectations both for human virtue as well as for artistic expression. Beauty in life and art inspire; blandness or ugliness depress and deflate. One of the most important means, therefore, of calling people to transcendence, to lifting up hearts to the Lord, to tasting and seeing the possibility of eternal human excellence, is through beauty in sacred art. I remember the time when this insight first captured me. I was deep in the bowels of Widener Library at Harvard, the largest academic library in the world and third largest in the U.S., after the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library. Several floors underground doing research for a paper, I accidentally — or, more precisely, providentially — found a section with various histories and guidebooks of the world’s great cathedrals and churches. Partially out of undergraduate procrastination, but mostly out of fascination, I spent several hours browsing through the photos of great sanctuaries in the United States, Europe, Latin Amer-
ica and elsewhere. Visiting many of those to which I was introduced that afternoon soon became a priority, initiating an adventure that has not ceased. One of my prized possessions is a collection of guidebooks from across the globe of the great churches I have visited, something that allows me frequently to make virtual pilgrimages to those sites and be repeatedly inspired by the munificent faith that has built and preserved them. As a priest, I have enjoyed trying to infect others with this same passion for sacred beauty, especially for the great churches, because I have found that form of beauty more accessible to everyone and more readily life changing than listening to polyphonic masterpieces or visiting museums housing sacred art. During my years as a seminarian in Rome, I had the awesome privilege to serve as a guide to St. Peter’s and several other great basilicas, introducing tens of thousands of pilgrims to the truths underneath the beauty. After ordination, I have had a chance to lead dozens of pilgrimages to the great churches of the world — in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Southern Germany, Malta, Prague, Mexico, French Canada and beyond. As a parish priest in Massachusetts, in addition to welcoming many pilgrims to St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford, the most beautiful church in New England where I was pastor for seven years, I have loved to take people on pilgrimage to the extraordinary churches throughout the New England: Holy Cross Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston, St. Anne’s in Fall River, St.
John’s in Clinton, SS. Peter and Paul in Providence, R.I., and in Lewiston, Maine, Immaculate Conception and St. Anne in Waterbury, Conn., St. John’s Basilica in Stamford, and others. During my years serving the Church in New York, I have also guided many walking tours to the most beautiful churches in Manhattan and to the great churches in the other boroughs. I have also transported various
carloads across the Hudson to Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica in Newark, N.J., what I call “the second most beautiful church in the country,” predictably and intentionally enticing my co-travelers to ask what’s at the top of the list. That, for me, is clearly the “new” St. Louis Cathedral in St. Louis, Mo., a treasure few in the northeast have ever had the privilege to see. It’s been great, too, to accompany various groups to the world’s most beautiful church dedicated to Our Lady, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C., as well as to some of the other extraordinary Churches throughout the country, like the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul and St. Agnes in Minneapolis, the Cathedral of St. John in Savannah, and the plethora of extraordinary Churches in Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans and other cities made great by Catholic immigrants. Recently, however, I had the joy to accompany a group of pilgrims to the most beautiful church in the world. I was serving as a chap-
lain for a pilgrimage to Malta and Sicily for the Napa Institute and during our 10 days together had visited some incredible churches, like the co-Cathedral of St. John in Valletta. I told my fellow pilgrims that those were just like an appetizer to the incredible feast for our eyes and souls that would come later, when we would visit the Cathedral of Monreale, just outside of Palermo. A few of the pilgrims joked that nothing could live up to the astronomical hyperbole I was employing, but, after visiting it themselves on May 10, they thought that my words had somehow even fallen short. Similarly, my words here, or even visiting the Cathedral virtually on the Internet, will not do it justice; like the difference between watching a movie on an old TV and seeing it in an IMAX theater, to grasp what sets Monreale apart, to appreciate it adequately, one must stand within it, enveloped by its beauty. Built mostly by the Norman King William II in the late 12th century, it has 68,243 square feet of gold mosaics, with two-and-a-half tons (4,850 pounds) of gold used. That in and of itself communicates a powerful impression of God’s resplendent glory, but it’s what the mosaics depict that overwhelms more. In the apse, there is an extraordinary image of Christ the Pantocrator (the omnipotent Lord of All) blessing us, with an open book preaching to us the message, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). Around the nave, there are 42 huge mosaic scenes from the Book of Genesis, detailing the days of Creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, reminding us of whence we came and preparing us for the “even more wondrous” gift of redemption. There are also 54 scenes of Christ’s life and miracles, 44 images of saints and angels, 10 images of the prophets, two series of five images of the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, an image of our Lady (to whom the Cathedral is dedicated) holding the baby Jesus and two mosaics about the crowning of William II by Christ and another of William II presenting the Cathedral to Our Lady. The overall impression left is to be encircled by the glory of creation and the redemption, of God’s holiness and holy ones, and reminded of our place in that greatest and most important drama of all. I could describe the ornamental floors, rich decorative capitals, the incredible wooden vault, the Renaissance side chapels, the exterior walls featuring the fusion of the best of Norman, Byzantine and Arabic styles in the exterior, the state-ofthe-art sound system (since it is still very much used for worship), the tomb of St. Louis IX, and much more in the 334-by-131-foot temple dedicated to, and reflective of, God’s glory. But you really do have to see it to believe it. It has been called the “most beautiful Credo in the world.” Seeing this visio divina, the visual depiction of Sacred Scripture from the beginning of Genesis through the end of Revelation in the new heaven and new earth, you will be brought to stronger faith. Sacred art like it remains, even centuries later, one of the most powerful and effective apologetics for the faith. Father Roger Landry is Interim Executive Editor. fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.
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Editorial Daring to do all we can
In the epic Lauda Sion Salvatorem Gospel Sequence he wrote for the inaugural celebration of Corpus Christi in 1264, and still used today, St. Thomas Aquinas touched upon the spirituality that should motivate Catholics in their approach to the Holy Eucharist. “Quantum potes, tantum aude,” he wrote in the second of 24 Latin verses, “However much you can do, so much dare to do,” before noting that reality of the gift of the Eucharistic Jesus far exceeds the capacity of all human praise and action. This spirit of “daring to do all we can,” while it is meant to characterize our approach to the Eucharist in general and to the celebration of Corpus Christi in particular, should mark in a special way the attitude of Catholics toward the U.S. bishops’ three-year Eucharistic Revitalization initiative, which will commence on June 19, the 2022 observance of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord. The U.S. bishops have established this initiative to increase Catholics’ Eucharistic faith, amazement, love and life in response to a crisis in Eucharistic faith and life. Many Catholics no longer show a lavish gratitude toward the Eucharistic Lord. Many seem to believe they love Him “enough.” Some outright take Him for granted. This Eucharistic crisis is shown, for example, in the fact that only one out of five Catholics in the United States comes to Mass each Sunday and far fewer attend Holy Days of Obligation, like yesterday’s celebration of the Lord’s Ascension. It’s also evidenced in recent surveys that show that only three of 10 Catholics, and only half of those who attend Mass each Sunday, believe what the Church boldly professes about the Eucharist: that the Eucharist actually and astonishingly is Jesus — His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity — under the appearances of bread and wine; that after the words of consecration, God Himself is really, truly and substantially present on our altars, in our tabernacles and within us who receive Him. As the Second Vatican Council famously described, the celebration of the Eucharist is the source, summit, root and center of Catholic faith and life. If, therefore, Eucharistic faith and practice are weak, then all of Catholic life is enfeebled. Hence the urgency and importance of the Eucharistic Revitalization. This has become even clearer as we continue to emerge and recover from the pandemic. The 2020 Eucharistic lock-downs, during which there were no public celebrations of the Mass for months and all but a few Catholics were prevented from receiving the Eucharist, spurred some priests and faithful to dare to do all they could to try to make the Eucharist accessible: celebrating Masses outdoors even in inclement weather, leaving Church doors ajar for their “private Masses” and Eucharistic adoration, arranging for Holy Communion outside of Mass for spiritually starving faithful, taking the Eucharist on procession throughout parish neighborhoods, and live-streaming Masses so that people could unite themselves virtually at least to the Eucharistic sacrifice. For some who may have been tempted prior to take the importance of the Eucharist for granted, the pandemic helped jolt them to far greater appreciation for God’s supreme daily gift. The lock-downs, however, simultaneously led some others to draw different practical conclusions and to grow colder in their Eucharistic habits. How important can the Eucharist be, some asked, if during at least the initial stages of a pandemic when many were fearing sudden death, Catholics were prevented from receiving the Eucharist and were being encouraged, as if they were almost equivalent, to substitute virtual Masses and OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 66, No. 11
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Published biweekly except for one week in autumn by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720, Tel. 508-675-7151; FAX 508-675-7048; email: davejolivet@anchornews.org. To subscribe to The Anchor online visit https:;;www.fallriverdiocese.org;subscribe Subscription price by mail, prepaid $29.00 per year for U.S. addresses. Please send address changes to The Anchor, PO Box 318, Congers, NY 10920, call or use email address.
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spiritual communions? How could the Church speak of a Sunday Mass “obligation” when Church leaders seemed so quickly and eagerly not only to dispense people from Mass but to make Mass attendance, even with all proper precautions to impede transmission, impossible? Many of those who out of necessity began to watch live-streamed Masses from their home have since maintained the habit, reluctant to return either out of fear of being in crowds or because of the convenience of fulfilling one’s obligation without leaving home. The lessons communicated and drawn, in contrast to the spirituality of the Eucharistic martyrs like those of Abitene in 304, were that some realities — including physical health, fear of death, and cooperation with government restrictions — were more important than Mass attendance and receiving the Eucharist. The ongoing impact of this confusion, and even scandal, makes a Eucharistic Revitalization more pressing. Back in 2004-5, the Church universal tried to rekindle Eucharistic fire with the Year of Eucharist, convoked by St. John Paul II and completed by Pope Benedict. To mark it, John Paul wrote an encyclical, Ecclesia de Eucaristia, describing how the Church draws her life from the Eucharist and engagingly representing the Church’s Eucharistic understanding; he penned an exhortation, Mane Nobiscum Domine, in which he sought to foster greater Eucharistic amazement; and he planned a Synod of Bishops, to address various issues facing Eucharistic understanding and practice across the globe, over which his successor presided. Pope Benedict, reflecting on the deliberations of that Synod, wrote a 2007 Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis, geared to helping the Church believe, celebrate and live this great sign and means of divine love. The U.S. bishops have likewise sought to catalyze Eucharistic renewal through their 2006 pastoral letter Happy Are Those Called To His Supper, dedicated to what it means to be and grow in communion with Christ in the Eucharist, and their 2021 document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church, pondering Christ’s self-gift in the Eucharist and our fitting response. All of these documents are excellent doctrinal pillars for Eucharistic renewal. The U.S. bishops, however, are focused on helping the Church make the Church’s Eucharistic faith practical by concentrating on improved Eucharistic preaching, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration, various expressions of Eucharistic piety (like Corpus Christi processions and 40-hours devotions), Eucharist-inspired charity, and a July 2024 national Eucharistic Congress. They’re encouraging all Catholics to come on board and dare to do all they can to express the Church’s Eucharistic faith, gratitude and love, through personal, familial, and parochial initiatives and through participation in diocesan and national events. The Diocese of Fall River kicks off its efforts at Eucharistic Revitalization on the Vigil of Corpus Christi, June 18, with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha at 4 p.m. at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, followed by a Eucharistic procession and adoration. All those in the diocese are not just invited but strongly urged to come. The hope of the Revitalization is for every Catholic, in daring to do all he or she can, to become a Eucharistic missionary and, through a life gratefully centered on the Eucharistic Lord, infectiously draw others to Him, as He lovingly remains with us always until the end of time in this greatest of sacraments and seeks to nourish us each day with Himself.
Daily Readings † June 4 — June 17
Sat. June 4, Acts 28:16-20,30-31; Ps 11:4-5,7; Jn 21:20-25. Sun. June 5, Pentecost Sunday, Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a,16-20b or Ez 37:1-4 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2a,24,35c,27-28,29bc-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39. Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1,24,29-30,31,34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7,12-13 or Rom 8:8-17; Sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16,23b-26. Mon. June 6, Gn 3:9-15,20 or Acts 1:12-14; Ps 87:1-3,5-7; Jn 19:25-34. Tue. June 7, 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5,7b-8; Mt 5:13-16. Wed. June 8, 1 Kgs 18:20-39; Ps 16:1b-2b,4-5b,8,11; Mt 5:17-19. Thu. June 9, 1 Kgs 18:41-46; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-26. Fri. June 10, 1 Kgs 19:9a,11-16; Ps 27:7-9c,13-14; Mt 5:27-32. Sat. June 11, Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 98:1-6; Mt 5:33-37. Sun. June 12, Holy Trinity Sunday, Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15. Mon. June 13, 1 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3b,4b-7; Mt 5:38-42. Tue. June 14, 1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-6b,11,16; Mt 5:43-48. Wed. June 15, 2 Kgs 2:1,6-14; Ps 31:20-21,24; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thu. June 16, Sir 48:1-14; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:715. Fri. June 17, 2 Kgs 11:1-4,9-18,20; Ps 132:11-14,17-18; Mt 6:19-23.
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the Diocese of Fall River to take active roles in the Church. The office’s vision is “for people of all ages to engage as disciples of Jesus;
”It’s my first time at the Pro-Life Boot Camp. You learn things and you hear things that are really important to know in order to face different problems that are going to appear in life. Every single life is important. Loving each other and caring for others are ways to respect life, to respect each person’s dignity — it’s the main thing we need to do for each other.” — Maria Leticia 2021 Pro-Life Boot Camper and St. Stanislaus Class of 2021
for Catholic communities to be evangelically capable; for married couples and families to live as the domestic Church; and for every human life to be protected and loved from conception to natural death.” The Secretariat works to achieve this vision through parish evangelization, consultations and general support, talks and workshops, and life-long formation efforts across a number of ministries. One of these ministries is the Office of Family and Respect Life. “The family, the bedrock of society, must have strong roots if it is to withstand all that comes its way,” said Irina DeLucca, Director of Family and Respect Life. “This means as parents we must do our best and then let the Holy Spirit do the rest. We must speak with authority and provide clear direction for our children so they may navigate today’s society. Come Holy Spirit, You are welcome here.” For nearly 30 years, the Diocese of Fall River
has provided life-changing support to expectant mothers, the unborn, married couples, and families. Diocesan-wide Pro-Life events include the chance to participate in the March for Life in Washington,
“I always try to give good advice, especially when it comes to Pro-Life. And I always try to remember that God loves everyone. At Pro-Life Boot Camp, I’ve learned that in all the stages of life, we should respect life. I also enjoy the games — they’re really fun!” — Joseph J. Brandao 2021 Pro-Life Boot Camper and Bishop Connolly High School Sophomore
D.C., a Pro-Life Mass with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, a Pro-Life essay contest for junior high school and high school students at all our diocesan schools, and the annual Pro-Life Boot Camp for Catholic youth. Family and Respect Life also includes Project Rachel and marriage enrichment offerings and activities. Last summer, the annual Pro-Life Boot Camp returned to action after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Students from across the diocese came together on the Bishop Connolly High School campus to participate in a day filled with activities, education, and friendship. Thanks to the generous support of Appeal donors, this July the Pro-Life Boot Camp will once again be
offered as a multi-day event at Stonehill College for the first time in three years. Additionally, the diocese will sponsor a group to attend the 2023 March for Life in Washington, D.C. for the first time since before the pandemic began in 2020. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal, which runs through June 30, may be made either through a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. Donations may be mailed to the Catholic Appeal office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass., 02720; made online at www. GiveFRDiocese.org, or dropped off at any parish in the diocese. Contact the Catholic Appeal office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.
It’s a girl!: Office of Family and Respect Life holds baby shower FALL RIVER — On May 12, the diocesan Office of Family and Respect Life held a baby shower for a local mom in need as part of The Lighthouse Keepers of Christ in Action Program. This initiative encourages diocesan employees and friends to engage in the Spirit of Christ through service by assisting local ministries in need of essential items to fulfill their missions.
Director of Family and Respect Life Irina DeLucca, along with Coordinator of Family and Respect Life Deborah LeDoux, greeted guests and led a celebratory “gender reveal.” May 27, 2022 †
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Lumen Christi Gala to Support Diocesan Cathedral, June 8 at White’s of Westport On June 8 at White’s of Westport, the Lumen Christi Gala to support the historic Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River will take place. Leading up to the event, Richard Grace compiled a synopsis of the church’s rich history. St. Mary of the Assumption was a parish church for a half century before it became a Cathedral. It was a beautiful neo-Gothic structure with a very plain interior for several decades, until the windows and stations and sculptures began to appear toward the end of the 19th century. It might be said that the building was well-dressed by the time of its consecration in 1901. Among the new devotional appointments of the stately
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building was a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, created in France, that was placed on a granite pedestal situated between the Lady Chapel and Second Street. On Thanksgiving Day, 1900, with five thousand people thronging the street, the statue was formally blessed by Bishop Harkins of Providence. A month later, a new marble altar, with a relief sculpture of the Last Supper, was installed against the wall of the apse in time for the Masses on Christmas Day. Elevated by three marble steps from the floor of the sanctuary, the altar included a tabernacle with a golden door, and a mosaic reredos (background for the altar). The solemn consecration, which is not a normal event in the life of every
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church building, occurred on Sept. 7, 1901. The celebrations were spread over three days and, in the words of Msgr. Barry Wall, Cathedral and diocesan historian, they amounted to a “ceremonial extravaganza.” The early morning ceremony of consecration was followed later in the morning by a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Northrup of Charleston, S.C., one of the many bishops in attendance for the ceremonies. Solemn Vespers were sung that evening and repeated on the following evening, with a choir of 80 voices and an orchestra of 28 pieces. No celebration on this scale had ever been witnessed in the city prior to this moment in 1901. Thus, consecrated and recently beautified with new windows and sculptures and painted ceiling, St. Mary’s was ready for its next great event — its designation as Cathedral of the new Diocese of Fall River, in 1904. Having been part of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., for the past 32 years, the new diocese was created by Pope Pius X on March 12, 1904. A German-born priest of the Providence Diocese, named William Stang, was chosen to be the first bishop of the new diocese. He took possession of his new See on May 8, 1904, with St. Mary’s being the location of his ca-
thedra (the bishop’s chair). At the Solemn Pontifical Mass that morning, the church was bulging with attendees, while thousands stood outside. From a reviewing stand erected in front of the Cathedral rectory, Bishop Stang watched a parade of memorable proportions march by for nearly an hour that afternoon, with people from all over the diocese taking part in what one local newspaper called a “monster demonstration.” Solemn Vespers were sung that evening, and the day came to a roaring conclusion with a display of fireworks in the rectory yard. Bishop Stang died at age 53, in 1907, less than three years after his consecration as Bishop of Fall River. At that time he was buried in the church yard, but now rests in the episcopal crypt under the Bishop’s Chapel. Since his death, seven successors have ascended the cathedra at St. Mary’s: Bishops Daniel Feehan (1907-1934); James Cassidy (1934-1951); James Connolly (1951-1970); Daniel Cronin (1970-1992); Sean O’Malley, O.F.M., Cap. (1992-2002); George Coleman (2003-2014); Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. (2014-present). Since becoming the Cathedral, the interior of the Cathedral has undergone major changes, most no-
tably in 1912 and in 1951. In the first instance, during the time when Father Cassidy was rector, the sanctuary, which was very small, was enlarged to accommodate the needs of episcopal ceremonies. Seven rows of pews were removed from the front, so that the space was extended slightly more than the width of one arch. A new bronze altar rail was installed, and the beautiful carved wooden screens were installed in the sanctuary, with the bishop’s chair attached to the screen on the left side. The next major renovation occurred in 1951, when the church was closed for eight months, with the parish services being held at the Casino arena on Morgan Street. Preliminary studies revealed that delaying the necessary maintenance was impossible, for the foundations under the sanctuary and the main altar were decaying. In the course of this restoration of the building, the side galleries, by now a century old, were removed. The effect of that work was to brighten the interior of the church by allowing light to stream through the stainedglass windows along the aisle walls. In addition, the choir loft was extended from wall to wall, and when a new organ was installed, the casework was divid8 Turn to page 13
Forty-three teens receive Pope St. Pius X Youth Award FALL RIVER — Forty-three young persons from across the Diocese of Fall River were honored with the Pope Saint Pius X Youth Award for their service to their parish in a May 9 evening prayer service in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., presented the annual awards that recognize teens who serve their parish community with selflessness, commitment, and dedication. The annual award is named for the pontiff who created the Fall River Diocese in 1904. Recipients, who are nominated for the award by their pastor, support their parish through a variety of ministries and activities.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., with the recipients of the Pope St. Pius X Youth Awards following a ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on May 9.
we want to say thank you for all that you do and all you will continue doing.” The Pope Saint Pius X Award itself is a medal bearing the image of St. Pius X along with his motto, “Restore all things in Christ.” Award recipients must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be at least a sophomore in high school and not older than 19. Those honored with the 2022 Pope St. Pius X Youth Award and their parishes are listed below by deanery. Attleboro Deanery Erica N. DiCorpo, St. Citing in his homily Mary Parish, Mansfield; their service as lectors, Thomas Field, Our Lady Eucharistic ministers, Queen of Martyrs Parish, religious education teachSeekonk; Marisa R. Guerers, youth group leaders, tin, Our Lady of Mount ministry volunteers, and more, Bishop da Cunha en- Carmel Parish, Seekonk; Andrew McDonagh, St. couraged them to remain John the Evangelist Parish, committed and involved. Attleboro; Mathieu C. Sa“You can find true joy lois, St. Theresa of the Child and happiness in helping others and working for the Jesus Parish, Attleboro; and Matthew F. Williams, St. greater good,” said Bishop da Cunha. “In acknowledg- Mary Parish, Norton. Cape Cod Deanery ing you tonight, in acEmilia Alliegro, Christ knowledging your service,
the King Parish, Mashpee; Anna M. Bangs, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Mark C. Clements Jr., Good Shepherd Parish, Vineyard Haven; Daniel Cordeiro, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; Jonathan T. King, St. Margaret Parish, Buzzards Bay; Emma Krzeminski, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; Nathali B. Lopez Mejia, St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish, Nantucket; Emma M. Meehan, St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Falmouth; Olivia Prisco, Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich; Katherine M. Sanborn, St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth; and John Szucs, Jr., Our Lady of the Cape Parish, Brewster. Fall River Deanery Lauany Borba, St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Fall River; Mark Desbiens Jr., St. Joseph Parish, Fall River; Jayden L. Ferreira, Santo Christo Parish, Fall River; Sophia R. Fortin, St. George Parish, Westport; Alec Gagnon, St. John the Baptist Parish, West-
port; Camille Gendron, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Westport; Makenzie L. Jacob, St. John of God Parish, Somerset; Nathan D. Kuznar, Holy Name Parish, Fall River; Leah J. Medeiros, St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River; and Brandon Silva, St. Michael Parish, Fall River. New Bedford Deanery Lauren Antao, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford;
Ava R. Borges, St. Joseph Parish, Fairhaven; Jorge R. Carrillo III, St. Rita Parish, Marion; Julia O. Farias, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford; Madison Fiano, St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, New Bedford; Sarah Furtado, St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth; Andrew P. Martin, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; Natalie D. Morrison, St. Patrick Parish, Wareham; Marc F. Pothier, St. Anthony Parish, Mattapoisett; Jeffrey Radek, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; and Samantha H. Simon, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, New Bedford. Taunton Deanery Caitlin J. Brawley, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Anthony M. Calisi II, Holy Cross Parish, South Easton; Gabrielle Fielding, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; Victoria Hart, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; and Colin L. O’Leary, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton.
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Four ordained as transitional deacons continued from page one
He told the four that they had three major duties as deacons; to be a minister of the word, to serve at the altar, and to be a minister of charity.“During the rite of ordination I will hand you the Book of the Gospels as I say to you: ‘Believe what you read; Teach what you Deacon Brian believe; Practice what you Connors teach.’ “That is a challenge in itself,
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especially the command to practice what you teach. Know that you will teach with your words, but even more with your actions. “As servant at the altar you will prepare for the celebration of the Sacrifice. You will distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood. You will be teacher the faith by word and example. You are to be servant of all. You will be leaders of prayers, but in order to be a leader of prayer you must be men of prayer. “As you embrace the ministry of charity, you are called to imitate Jesus. Wash the other people’s feet. As He has done, so you must do. “Pope Francis spoke to dea-
cons recently and told them that ‘they were chosen by the Lord Jesus not to have a career, but to do this service.’ “As deacons you ‘are to go about your duties in such a way that you will be recognized as a disciples of him who came not to be served but to serve’ (Rite of Ordination). “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, to be human, to be imperfect, to be vulnerable.” The bishop concluded by saying, “Like the men the apostles chose for works of charity, you should be a man of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit.” Brian Patrick Connors, son Michael and Janice Connors, is a parishioner of Holy Family Church in East Taunton. He has two brothers. Brian graduated from Dighton Rehoboth High School in 2009 and briefly went to Bristol Community College but found college was not for him at that time. In his 20s Brian underwent a conversion and in 2015 received the sacraments of initiation. Continuing with his growth in the faith he became very involved in the parish by teaching the faith to children and helping at the Deacon John parish on a Garabedian regular basis. He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. The sense of being called to the priesthood became clearer and stronger over the years. In 2017 Deacon Brian was accepted to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River and was sent to Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. Over the summers he has served at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport and St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Fall River. John Garabedian was born in
1991, the son of John and Claire Garabedian, and he grew up in a close family in Mansfield. He has an older sister and younger Deacon sister. His Christopher home parish Hughes is St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield. Though the family always lived the faith, his faith deepened late in high school and college, especially when his family had visited the Vatican and other famous Christian sites in Rome. Deacon John graduated from Mansfield High School in 2009 and went to college at Bridgewater State University, from which he graduated. After college Deacon John worked in the area of graphic design (and coached baseball for four years). During college and afterward, he said he grew deeper in knowing and living his faith, especially in his living of the sacramental life (regular Confession, daily Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration). Deacon John played baseball for Bridgewater State University which, he said, taught him teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. As he grew closer to the Lord so did the sense of being called by the Lord to be a priest. He applied to the Diocese of Fall River and was accepted as a seminarian and sent to Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. Some of his parish assignments have been serving at St. Ann’s Parish in Raynham, St. Anthony Parish in Deacon Thiago Falmouth, Menezes Santos Our Lady of Grace in Westport, and Holy Name in Fall River. Deacon John told The Anchor, 8 Turn to page 11
Four ordained as transitional deacons continued from page 10
“I am humbled, joyful and grateful to God for giving me this gift of the transitional diaconate so that I may draw more closer to Jesus, who is the ultimate servant. I an excited to be giving my life to the service of the Church, the people of God and to Our Lord in anticipation for priesthood next year. “I feel like a paintbrush in the Divine Artist’s hand and trust that God will work through me and use me as an instrument to accomplish His plans. “Although there will be unknown challenges ahead of me — as well as many joys — I am consoled and have a sense of peace knowing that it is God Who called me, is forming me and will continue to guide and take care of me along the way.” Christopher Daniel Hughes, son of Daniel and Joanna Hughes, is from Sandwich and is a parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. He has one younger brother and one younger sister. Growing up he was very involved in the church life (as an altar server; lector; extraordinary minster; sacristan; taught in faith formation; on the parish council; and was involved in youth ministry). He also participated in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. For many years, he said, he gave thought and prayer to whether he was being called to the priesthood. After graduating from Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis, Deacon Chris went to St. Joseph’s College in Maine, graduating in 2017. Upon graduating he was accepted by the Diocese
of Fall River and began his studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. Over the summers he has served at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. Deacon Chris is entering his last year of theology. “It is a very exciting time, and I am grateful to God for the work He has done in my life during my time in seminary,” Deacon Chris shared with The Anchor. “It has been a time of growth. I realize that ordination as a transitional deacon is very important, as it is then that the promises of obedience, celibacy, and commitment to the Liturgy of the Hours are made, and I feel ready to hand my life over to God and to His Church to serve His people. “I have been blessed with great role models growing up in the parish, Msgr. Daniel Hoye and Father Edward Healey, and I can honestly say it was their example and encouragement that made me fall in love with parish life. I am humbled, blessed, and very excited to spend this next year in Diaconal Ministry — preaching the Word of God, baptizing, witnessing marriages, and assisting at Mass. Growing up, I had the example of dedicated permanent deacons in my home parish of Christ the King, and I was inspired by the way that they selflessly lived out — and continue to live out — their diaconal ministry in a selfless, committed, and joyful way. The joy that they exert in serving God and His people in
the parish make me truly excited for the year ahead. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences serving in parish ministry thus far, and have really encountered the Lord in His people in profound ways, so am excited to deepen that ministry as a deacon, and next year God-willing, as a priest.” Thiago Menezes Santos was born in 1996 in Aracaju, Brazil, where his family still lives. His father is Sergio Santana Santos and his mother is Laura Teles Menezes Santos. He has an older sister. Deacon Thiago comes a from a very religious family. As a child he joined the children’s choir at his parish and was a member of it for six years. He says that played a large role in his growing in his faith. After his first communion in 2006, he joined The Missionary Childhood, a
group that helped him to learn how to evangelize other children. Doing this awakened within the possibility of a divine calling. He started to have the desire to be a missionary and it was then that he first felt the desire to be a priest and to give all his life to Jesus and the Church. Before he entered the seminary, Thiago was a catechist for two years and also as an altar server. He also served in the childhood missionary and was a member of the parish youth group. In 2015 he was approved to study philosophy at Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju, where he was for three years. In 2018 he spoke with Bishop da Cunha and sensed the Lord may be calling him to possibly serve as a priest in the U.S., in particular in the Diocese of Fall River. He
saw this as a call from God to go into deeper waters. After prayer and speaking with his spiritual director, his rector, his archbishop, and his parents, he decided to say yes. Deacon Thiago was sent to Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. for his continuing formation. Deacon Thiago has served at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Fall River and St. Jude Parish, St. Anthony Parish, and St Mary’s Church in Taunton last summer. Last fall Deacon Thiago’s mother and cousin died in a car accident in Brazil and through this tragedy he has found the Lord giving him and his family great strength and consolations, as well as a deeper awareness of trust in the Lord. The biographical information came from the diocesan Vocations Office.
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T he C hurch and Y outh & Y oung A dults Let no one look down upon you because you are young!
O
ne of the great privileges that I have had is working in the diocese in various youth programs that are near and dear to my heart. One program that specifically is important to me not only helps young people develop their faith, but also leaves them with very important life skills. The Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) helps young people develop their natural and supernatural selves. CLI seeks to foster the leadership potential of young men and women and to heighten each young person’s awareness of leadership and ministerial roles and responsibilities in the parish and high school and work settings. CLI daily sessions focus on the art of leadership, communication skills, leadership styles, group dynamics and planning skills. Other sessions explore various aspects of Catholic Christian discipleship, and how that is embodied through prayer and liturgy, moral decision making, sacramental living and service. CLI participants are challenged to use their skills and talents in planning sessions for specific portions of the daily
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program: morning wake-up, morning and night prayer, meal blessings, daily liturgy and evening socials. Despite this full schedule, there is still time for relaxation and recreation on the grounds Stonehill College in Easton. CLI is a blast. In fact CLI has been rated by graduates as nearly a perfect 10 year after year. You may feel that you are not ready for leadership. You may feel that you are too young to be an influence in your environments! Nothing could be further from the truth. Young people have such an opportunity to shape and influence their work, school and church communities. CLI seeks to give you the skills to help you accomplish that. One of my favorite Bible passages we use on CLI is the one in which we hear about Paul who went from town to town sharing the message of Christ with everyone. Before he left each town, however, he always left behind a new teacher, someone whom he had enabled as a minister, an elder who was respected as
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a leader in the community. But in one town, he could not find such an elder, so he called a young man named Timothy. This young Timothy became the first youth leader of the New Testa-
ment. As Paul continued his ministry in other towns, he supported Timothy through letters. Here is part of Paul’s message sent to Timothy, a message that is also sent to us. “Let no one look down upon you because you are young, but be an example to all in speech and behavior, in love, faithfulness and purity. Devote your attention to the public reading of the scriptures, to teaching and to prayer. Do not neglect the spiritual gifts you possess, which was given to you through the laying on of hands by the elders as a body. Make these matters the most important things
in your life, so that your progress may be seen by all. Keep strong in them, with a close watch on yourself and your teaching, for by doing so you will further your own salvation and that of the people who listen to you.” During CLI, the team shares with the candidates a number of Bible stories in which a young person is called to a role of leadership. Here are a few examples of what they’ve said in the past. Remember David (of David and Goliath fame)? Imagine David’s fear as he came face to face with this strong and powerful warrior, armed only with a slingshot and five stones. Yet, God responded by giving David courage and strength. David slew Goliath, and saved God’s people from certain death at the hands of the Philistines. There was Esther, a young woman, who became King Xerxes’ queen, called by God to plead to the king to save the Israelites from death at the hands of Haman. And there was Jeremiah, called to remind
the Israelites of God’s faithfulness to them at the very time of their unfaithfulness to God. Many other young men and women were called by God to share the special message. Among these was a young woman named Mary., called to conceive and bear God’s own Son. And of course there was Jesus Himself: a young Jewish boy who studied and worked and played. He grew in the awareness that He, too, was to spread God’s message that we are good and we are created to love God and one another. All are living examples of what youth can accomplish with God’s help. Is there any doubt that all young people can be called to be leaders? The 15 adult leaders that conduct the CLI experience believe that each and every young person can develop the skills that are necessary to make a difference in this world. I would encourage all of you, whether a young person, or an adult, to take a look at CLI. CLI will be held on June 27-July 1 at Stonehill College in Easton. More than 1,000 young people have lived the CLI experience! You are now being called to leadership. Respond! For more information, please contact Oscar Rivera at orivera@dioc-fr.org. Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a deacon in the diocese of Fall River assigned to St Mary’s Parish in Dartmouth, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of nearly 44 years, Kristine, and the father of two daughters and their husbands, and five grandsons (with number six on the way). So blessed!
Order the 2022 Diocesan Directory
Cathedral rich in history; gala to support it is June 8
The 2022 Diocesan Directories are now available to order. Send a check for $30 (includes shipping) for each, made payable to Anchor Publishing to The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Include your name and mailing address.
ed so as to expose three lancet windows which had been previously obstructed. Additional restoration and renovation occurred in 1979 and 2000, which included removing the altar from its location against the apse wall in order to establish the new altar in the middle of the sanctuary so that the celebrant would be facing the people and relocating the bishop’s cathedra in the place where the old altar had been. Among the many modernizations of the building, one of the most consequential occurred during the years when Father Christopher Hughes was pastor (1887-1907), when electric lighting was installed in the sanctuary and the nave, replacing the old gas lamps, at a time when the country was in the early stages of a revolution in energy sources. In the 118 years since St. Mary’s became the Cathedral, the church has been home to the parish for its normal life, but also the site of major events drawing people from all over the diocese. The installations of the bishops were to be among the most dramatic ceremonies, for all eight of the bishops to date, but there have been many memorable occasions of local or diocesan importance, such as the dedication of a new day nursery in 1910 at the White Sisters Convent one block from the Cathedral, when Bishop Feehan celebrated Mass and joined the procession down the street to dedicate the new building in the name of the late Bishop Stang. Other instances include bishops’ being consecrated at St. Mary’s for the episcopacy elsewhere, such as Father Frederick Donaghy,
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, May 29 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, June 5 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Espirito Santo Church in Fall River
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Ryan J. Healy, parochial administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet
Sunday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father James M. Fitzpatrick, pastor of St. Anne Parish in Raynham
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a New Bedford native and a member of the Maryknoll order, who was consecrated at the Cathedral in 1939 by Bishop Cassidy, Bishop (later Cardinal ) Cushing of Boston and Bishop Walsh of Maryknoll. He served in the missions in China. Similarly, Msgr. Humberto Medeiros, a native of Fall River, was ordained by Bishop Connolly as Bishop of Brownsville, Texas, in 1966. He returned to Massachusetts four years later as Archbishop of Boston. The Cathedral welcomes people from throughout the city and the diocese on a yearly basis — such as the recipients of the Marion Medal each autumn, the Romeiros pilgrims on Good Friday, the St. Pius X Youth Awards honorees each year during the Easter season, or people of various faith communities for the service of Tenebrae during Holy Week — as just some of the special occasions. As the mother church,
St. Mary of the Assumption is a home for the faithful of the whole diocese, and serves that mission with great frequency, with all the attendant costs of maintenance and repair. To learn more about attending and supporting the event and to purchase tickets visit: www. catholicfoundationsema. org/Cathedral-gala or scan the QR code with your mobile device. Richard J. Grace is Professor Emeritus at Providence College, where he has been a member of the faculty for 56 years. He holds a Ph.D. in history from Fordham University, and he has been a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral parish for his entire life.
My Brother’s Keeper Family Walk is June 11
EASTON — On Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. My Brother’s Keeper will be hosting its 12th Annual Family Walk on the campus of Stonehill College. Walk a beautiful 1.5mile route through the Stonehill College campus, followed by family fun activities, food, games, music, and much more! No registration fee. Free T-shirts for all who register on-line by May 31.
Since March 2020, My Brother’s Keeper has completed 39,500 deliveries and served more than 130,000 children and adults. Demand for assistance in our community remains extremely strong. Contact: Jennifer Murphy, My Brother’s Keeper, Event Coordinator and Development Associate, Easton; 508-297-9050; jmurphy@ mybrotherskeeper.org.
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Archbishop Cordileone bars Nancy Pelosi from Communion until she ends abortion support WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNA) — Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone recently announced that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should not be admitted to Holy Communion in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, nor should she present herself to receive the Eucharist, until she publicly repudiates her support for abortion. Cordileone said on May 20 that the step was “purely pastoral, not political” and came after Pelosi, D-Calif., who has described herself as a “devout Catholic,” repeatedly rebuffed his efforts to reach out to her to discuss her abortion advocacy. Cordileone said that he sent the notification to Pelosi, “a member of our archdiocese,” on May 19. The Democratic leader did not immediately respond publicly to Cordileone’s announcement after it was released to the media on May 20. In a 2008 interview with C-SPAN, Pelosi said being denied Communion would be “a severe blow,” describing herself at the time as a “regular communicant.”
Cordileone’s instructions apply only within the San Francisco Archdiocese. Other bishops have jurisdiction over such matters when Pelosi is Washington, D.C., and other dioceses around the U.S. and abroad. In a May 20 letter addressed to lay Catholics, Cordileone explained that he issued the instruction in accordance with canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law, which states that “Those obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.” “After numerous attempts to speak with her to help her understand the grave evil she is perpetrating, the scandal she is causing, and the danger to her own soul she is risking, I have determined that the point has come in which I must make a public declaration that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion unless and until she publicly repudiate her support for abortion ‘rights’ and confess and receive absolution for her cooperation in this evil in the Sacrament of Penance,”
Cordileone wrote in the letter. In a separate letter to priests of the San Francisco Archdiocese also released Friday, Cordileone responded preemptively to criticism that he was “weaponizing the Eucharist.” He insisted that his decision was “simply application of Church teaching.” “I have been very clear all along, in both my words and my actions, that my motive is pastoral, not political,” he said in the letter. The archbishop described his repeated attempts to meet with Pelosi — who represents San Francisco, California’s 12th District, in Congress — since she announced in September 2021 that she would seek to codify Roe. v. Wade into U.S. law. He said that he wrote to the Speaker in April this year, “detailing the extreme position to which she has moved on the abortion question and explaining the scandal that it is causing and the danger to her own soul.” “I asked her to repudiate this position, or else refrain
Events in and around the diocese Pentecost Taizé Service On June 5 at 7 p.m., St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, will host a Pentecost Taizé Service. The topic will be “Enkindle in us the fire of Your love ... every flame, every color, a gift.” A reception will follow in Neumann Hall. Summer Fair, Brewster The 42nd Summer Fair at Our Lady of the Cape Parish is set for Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parish Center, 468 Stony Brook Road. This ”Whale of a Fair” fundraiser helps support local charities and its sister parish in Haiti. The fair will feature sales of baked goods, antiques, jewelry, crafts, books, toys, theme gift baskets and much more including cash and lottery tree raffles, refreshments at the cafe and barbecue, and a visit from Brewster Firefighters for the kids. Admission is free. Christian Leadership Institute CLI is a five-day leadership training experience for high 14
school age youth, seeking to foster the Catholic faith and leadership potential in the young church for various ministerial roles and responsibilities in their parishes, schools, and greater communities. CLI will take place June 27-July 1 at Stonehill College in Easton. Cost for the four night, five day stay, including meals, is $350 per participant. For more information or to register, email orivera@dioc-fr.orgor. Pro-Life Summer Bootcamp The Pro-Life Bootcamp will take place this year from July 2124 at Stonehill College. Geared toward high schoolers, the week feature a varied of activities, talks, team building, Mass and outreach. To register, email dledoux@dioc-fr.org. Diocesan Health Facilities Annual Golf Classic The Diocesan Health Facilities will be hosting its 13th Annual Golf Classic to benefit the more than 700 adults served in
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its skilled nursing communities. On August 22 at LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville. Participation opportunities include: sponsorships, golf foursomes, prize donations for raffles, advertising on tee signs and advertisement in the event program booklet and more. For additional information call the Diocesan Health Facilities Office at 508-6798154 or email Debra Medeiros DebraM@dhfo.org for more. Lecture on Art in the Church On May 28 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 74 Simmons Road, Little Compton, Barbara Nicolosi, Ph.D., will be giving a lecture entitled “Why Art and Stories Matter: How to Support the Arts in the Church.” Nicolosi is Director of Screenwriting Programs at Regent University and is the founder of Act One, which trains and mentors Christians for work in Hollywood. All invited. Refreshments will be served.
from referring to her Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion,” he wrote. “I also advised her that if she refused to do this, I would be forced to make a public announcement that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion.” He said that he received no response, but contacted Pelosi again a month later when she described herself as a “devout Catholic” while explaining why she supported abortion, in the wake of the leak of a draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court could strike down Roe v.
Wade. “In consequence of all this and all that has led up to it,” Cordileone told priests, “it is my determined judgment that this resistance to pastoral counsel has gone on for too long, and there is nothing more that can be done at this point to help the Speaker understand the seriousness of the evil her advocacy for abortion is perpetrating and the scandal she is causing. “I therefore issued her the aforementioned Notification that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion,” he wrote.
In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks: June 4 Rev. Louis J. Terrien, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1920 Rev. Jose P. d’Amaral, Parochial Vicar, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1949 Rev. George Daigle, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1979 June 5 Very Rev. Thomas J. McLean, V.F. Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1954 Rev. Msgr. Louis Prevost, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. George Daigle, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleborough, 1979 Rev. Msgr. Edmund R. Levesque, Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 2011 June 8 Rev. John S. Czerwonka, Assistant, St. Stanislaus, Fall River, 1961 June 9 Rev. Timothy J. Calnen, Pastor, St. Joseph, Woods Hole, 1945 Rev. Joseph S. Larue, Pastor, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1966 Rev. Cornelius J. Keliher, 1993 June 10 Rev. William H. Curley, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1915 Rev. George A. Meade, Chaplain, St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1949 June 11 Rev. Msgr. Augusto L. Furtado, Retired Pastor, St. John of God, Somerset, 1973 Rev. Richard J. Wolf, S.J., Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1986 June 12 Rev. Thomas H. Taylor, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1966 June 13 Rev. Edward F. Donahue, S.J., Boston College High School, Dorchester, 1974 Rev. Henry F. Bourgeois, C.S.C., 2004 Rev. Roland Bousquet, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 2010 Permanent Deacon Robert William Alence, 2021 June 14 Rev. Msgr. George E. Sullivan, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1980 Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Cournoyer, Retired Pastor, St. Michael, Swansea, 1982 Rev. James H. Coughlin, S.J., Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn., 1992 Rev. Justin J. Quinn, Chaplain, Madonna Manor , North Attleboro, Former Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1996 Rev. Ambrose Forgit, SS.CC., 2010 June 16 Rev. James McDermott, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1975 June 17 Permanent Deacon Claude A. LeBlanc, 2011
The heart of the matter
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had been attempting to entertain the accompanying nurses when the anesthesiologist stuck this gadget in my mouth, presumably to keep me quiet. Then he told me to take a deep breath and then to exhale which I did. He then repeated the command which I obeyed and I swiftly slipped into the land of nod, trusting my heart to my lovely cardiologist, Dr. Carol Lai. She would zap my ticker back into a normal rhythm and would take pictures of that same ticker. When I returned to wakefulness, she had disappeared but I saw an angel hovering over me in the person of a most tender loving care nurse. She helped me to dress which is something that has not happened since my mother rocked me in the cradle as a wee baby. It was Friday the 13th and all was well. It had all begun on the 11th of April when I had visited my pri-
I
mary doctor for a routine checkup. Dr. Arnold seemed quite happy with my overall condition until he began to search for my heartbeat. He declared, to my surprise, that my ticker was beating too fast and out of rhythm. I told him that this happens when I see a beautiful woman. His reaction was to throw his hands up heavenward. So, he sent me to the cardiology department for an EKG and an electrocardiogram and to visit with the aforementioned, Dr. Carol Lai, a lovely young cardiologist. I don’t doubt that my heart fluttered when I met her. Of course, after all, I may be 78 but my heart is a young 28! There followed the
promise of another encounter in cardiology….on Friday May 13. So it was written and so it would be done. The week of May 8 was a momentous week for me. It began here in Kalaupapa with a visit by our good bishop, Larry Silva, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. Then on Tuesday I participated with this same illustrious duo in a salute to St. Damien at Damien’s statue in front of the State Capitol. Many of our diocesan students sang and danced in honor of our great St. Damien. That evening Archbishop Pierre celebrated Mass in honor of St. Damien at the Basilica Cathe-
dral of Our Lady of Peace where Damien had been ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1864. At the end of Mass, the cause for the canonization of Joseph Dutton got officially underway in a special ceremony. It is good to be back on Kalaupapa soil after a pleasant week in Honolulu, including my day of adventure in the Straub Cardiology unit where my heartbeat had been restored to its normal cruise speed. Yesterday morning I had a video call from Dr. Lai who assured me that all went well in the procedure on the 13th. Dr. Lai can call me anytime she wishes. My ticker tells me that. So, the moral of this story is to talk to your heart doctor. After all it is the heart of the matter. Aloha. Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.
One is never too old to too young
’m still living in the afterglow of reading the books by Muscogee Creek caretaker of sacred ways, Native American Bear Heart and his wife Reginah WaterSpirit. Two months after reading the two-volume biography, “The Wind is My Mother,” and “The Bear is My Father,” I’m still amazed at how Bear Heart incorporated his love of Jesus with his Native American love of nature throughout his 90 years on earth. In fact, he made a very strong comparison to the lives, languages and thought processes of the Native Americans with the early Hebrews. He believes the Native Americans and First Nation tribes are part of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. As an aside, Bear Heart wrote that the word Indian is not a derogatory description that Columbus called Native Americans, because he thought he landed in India. He called the people whom he first encountered on this continent In Dios, children of God. It was shortened to Indio and later Indian. One of the most powerful
lessons he was taught and carried on to others was to respect elders. Whenever an elder came to visit they were immediately given the seat of honor in the house, and whether requested or not, they would be given food, if any was available, or at the very least a cold drink of water. A younger person, whether a child or not, was not to speak unless beckoned by the elder to do so. To do otherwise would serve as a great dishonor to the elder. That’s something I was brought up to do always. My parents would be mortified if I were to disrespect an elder — not that I ever recall doing so (otherwise I would recall the punishment). I live that to this very day. I do believe my children live by the same tenet, though with them all out of the nest, I can only hope.
But what I see and hear today makes my skin crawl. Many in the younger generation today seem to care first about themselves and then maybe about someone they love or like, but it seems to end there. Some cannot even find it within themselves to honor their own parents or grandparents. Heartbreaking. The Japanese culture still upholds this wonderful tradition, although tradition makes it sound too trite. It’s a duty, an obligation — one of respect and love. Elders have so much to offer their younger brethren. But the question to me looms: when does respect begin. How far apart in age does one have to be from another to gain that respect? In my mind, anyone who is older than I am is an “elder,” in the sense that they are more experi-
enced at life than I, no matter how little the age difference. I find today that it isn’t only the younger generations that have lost, or never had, that respect for elders. I find that money, power and ego have often superseded respect for elders. Whether it’s a work relationship, a business transaction, or a sense of pride in having or doing more than others, the respect for someone older is not even an option. I find it amazing that the natives of North America were considered “savages” by their often white counterparts — the ones who came and took everything they had, for themselves. Who were and are the real savages? I try to live by the rule to respect anyone who has more life experience than I, no matter how much or little. It saddens me when others don’t feel the same way towards me. You’re never too old or too young to respect or deserve respect. davejolivet@anchornews.org May 27, 2022 †
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Bishop da Cunha celebrates Mass for diocesan eighth-graders FALL RIVER — On the very windy and brisk morning of Tuesday, May 10, more than 325 eighth-graders from all Diocese of Fall River Catholic elementary schools gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River to celebrate Mass with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. The bishop’s Mass with all diocesan eighth-grade classes has been a long held diocesan tradition that was interrupted because of the pandemic. Lifetouch Portraits donated its time and expertise to afford each eighth-grade class a group photo in front of the altar. The music was provided by Phil and Sue Fortin from Seekonk who invited any student interested in singing to join, and a beautiful impromptu choir was created. Mass started promptly at 10 a.m. with a beautiful procession of deacons, school pastors, two student altar servers, and Bishop da Cunha. Ava Todd from St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, delivered the first reading, while students from St. Francis Xavier (Acushnet), St. John the Evangelist (Attleboro), St. Joseph School (Fairhaven), All Saints Catholic School (New Bedford), St. Mary Catholic School (Mansfield), and Espirito Santo Parochial School (Fall River) read the Prayer of the Faithful. The gifts were presented by Trinity Welter from 16
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St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro and Christopher Parillo from St. Michael School in Fall River.
much God loves them and desires each of them to become saints. In his remarks at the end of Mass, Superintendent of Dioce-
Bishop da Cunha addressed the students during his homily to con-
san Schools, Daniel Roy conveyed a similar message when he said,
“W
e are proud of all of you, your accomplishments, and most of all, how you have shown the tenacity and resilience needed for today’s ever changing world.” — Daniel Roy, diocesan Superintendent of Schools
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha accepts the gifts from Trinity Welter from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro and Christopher Parillo from St. Michael School in Fall River. tinue to be beacons of hope wherever their educational paths take them. Their respective Catholic elementary schools have provided them with the foundation of how
“We are proud of all of you, your accomplishments, and most of all, how you have shown the tenacity and resilience needed for today’s ever changing world.”
Many of the adults present said it was an amazing experience to see hundreds of Catholic school students from Attleboro to Yarmouth come together and celebrate Mass. Many students from different schools are friendly with each other and eagerly waved to friends and possible future high school classmates. The Catholic Schools Office told The Anchor that it prays that each student brings with them joy, faith, and a deeper sense of community imparted to them by teachers, principals, volunteers, staff and pastors to everyone they encounter in this next chapter of their education. The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Our schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students reach their God-given potential across the academic spectrum. With an emphasis on love of others through their service and respect, it prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society by helping to rebuild a culture of life and love. For more information about the work of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fall River, visit www. RediscoverCatholicSchools.org.