4.14.2021 by The Anchor

Bishop to celebrate Mass, consecration to St. Joseph on feast of St. Joseph the Worker Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, April 16, 2021

During Holy Week, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., several diocesan priests and deacons, and faithful safely gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River for the Chrism Mass, at which the bishop blesses the Sacramental oils to be used for the next year in the diocese, and when the priests renew their priestly promises. (Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu)

By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — On May 1 Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. will celebrate Mass at St. Joseph’s Chapel in Woods Hole, the oldest church on Cape Cod and the first dedicated to St. Joseph, at 10 a.m. for the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Pre-registration for inperson attendance is required, and that can be done at http://bit.ly/ StJosephWorker. The Mass will also be live-streamed. In an earlier message to diocesan faithful, Bishop da Cunha said, “Now more than ever we need his [St. Joseph’s] prayers and intercession and his example and model for us, individually and for our families.” In his message announcing the Year of St. Joseph from Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021, Pope Francis shared some personal reflections on St. Joseph the man, a model for

everyone to emulate. In his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), the pope said, “For, as Jesus says, ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Mt 12:34). My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic,” The pope went on to list how ordinary people were doing extraordinary things during the COVID-19 crisis worldwide. Quoting from a feature that ran in L’Osservatore Romano, “Meditation in the Time of Pandemic,” the pope shared, “People who do not appear in newspaper and magazine headlines, or on the latest television show, yet in these very days are surely shaping the decisive events of our history. Doctors, nurses, storekeepers and supermarket workers, cleaning personnel, caregivers, transport workers, men and women working to provide essential services and public safety, 8 Turn to page 14

Schools expand partnership with S.E.A.L. Foundation to provide special education services to more students FALL RIVER — It can often be difficult for families to find a school where their student with learning differences is welcomed and given an optimal opportunity to thrive, especially during the pandemic. The Diocese of Fall River Catholic schools, in partnership with the S.E.A.L. Foundation, offers state-ofthe-art special education programs through the implementation of the S.E.A.L. Foundation’s Pathways Approach Program which ensures students with learning differences can thrive, achieve and succeed. Every day this year, through the Pathways Approach Program, students with learning differences had full access to an in-person Catholic education with the accommodations and modifications needed to support

their unique learning profile. Under the expertise and leadership of Katherine Gaudet, executive director of Programming for the S.E.A.L. Foundation, the implementation and accreditation of the Pathways Approach Program is a rigorous two-year process. Each Catholic school offering these educational services commits to the state-of-the-art programming developed by Gaudet and the S.E.A.L. Foundation team. According to Kerry Peroni, founder and president of the S.E.A.L. Foundation, “Having spent the early part of my career as a classroom teacher, I witnessed first-hand the lack of school choice families encountered when trying 8 Turn to page three

Carolyn Shipp, Victims Assistance Coordinator for the diocesan Office of Safe Environment, offered a reflection at the Mass of Atonement at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on April 11.

Mercy Sunday provides fitting setting for Mass of Atonement By Dave Jolivet Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — In the 1930s, when Jesus appeared to Polish Sister Faustina Kowalska, He brought

a message of God’s great love for His people through His mercy and His Son’s ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. It is with this spirit that Bishop Turn† to page 16 April 16,8 2021

Bishop Hendricken administrator joins diocesan Catholic Schools Office

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., speaks to faithful who attended the recent annual Pro-Life Mass, held at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth. After the event, the bishop awarded the annual John Cardinal O’Connor Award to Father Richard D. Wilson (seated), Anchor executive editor, vicar general, and pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. The winners of the Pro-Life Essay Contest were also introduced and they read their winning essays at the event. The essays can be found on pages 12 and 13.

Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at: fallriverdiocese.org

† April 16, 2021

FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools Office is pleased to announce that, after a nationwide search, Vincent (Vin) Mancuso will join the CSO as assistant superintendent. Mancuso began on a part-time basis in early April while he completes his academic responsibilities at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, R.I, where he has served as teacher, coach, and administrator for the past 26 years. “Vin brings a breadth of experience and talent to the assistant superintendent role,” according to Daniel S. Roy, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. “As a school administrator at Bishop Hendricken, Vin has overseen and created educational programming, led professional development, engaged in strategic planning, and supervised the implementation of various strategaic initiatives. Coming from his experience of this unprecedented school year, Vin is ready to hit the ground running full-time starting July 1, and our school leaders are very excited to tap into his experience.” “The current pandemic has elevated the visibility of

Catholic education locally and nationally,” indicated Roger Sullivan, chairman of the Central School Board for the Diocese of Fall River. “We need strong leaders who are able to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape, in addition to the challenges faced by Catholic education

in general. Vin’s vocation to Catholic education is a testament to his strong faith, vision, and understanding of change management at a leadership level. We are fortunate to have him join our leadership team.” Mancuso added, “My career has been devoted to Catholic education at Bishop Hendricken, and I have been very blessed to spend 26 years with this wonderful organization. I feel that I am being called to expand on this experience at the di-

ocesan level and this opportunity as assistant superintendent is a perfect match. Catholic education is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and I am honored to contribute to the future success of the 20 schools in the Diocese of Fall River.” Concurrently for 16 years, Mancuso also served as an instructor of aspiring Catholic school educators at Providence College’s Alliance for Catholic Teachers (PACT). He has also worked extensively with the Congregation of Christian Brothers Edmund Rice Network of Schools, where he evaluated school leaders and led accreditation visits. In his spare time, Mancuso served as the board chair of his children’s Catholic elementary school and led many fundraising activities. Mancuso lives in Coventry, R.I. with his wife, Jill, and has a daughter, Bethany, and a son, Peter. He is an active member of the Saints John & Paul Parish in Coventry. For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to https://www. catholicschoolsalliance. org/we-have-a-place-foryou/.

Diocesan schools expand partnership with S.E.A.L. Foundation continued from page one

to find the best fit for their children who had learning differences. It was disheartening to witness the closed doors so many parents faced if they simply wanted the culture a Catholic or non-public school setting typically offers: including smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, an atmosphere that teaches the need for service and civic engagement, a college-preparatory curriculum, as well as the presence of passionate teachers and staff. That type of atmosphere, socialization, culture and family involvement can enrich both the lives of children and their families and should be available to any child, regardless of how they learn.” “Students with learning differences and their families deserve access to a Catholic secondary education with full support for their unique learning need,” said Peter Shaughnessy, president and principal of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. “The S.E.A.L. Foundation’s Pathways Approach Program at Bishop Stang High School is rooted in the Church’s mission to serve a diverse population and the conviction that education should be accessible to all children. The Pathways Approach Program integrates and provides the necessary support for young people to flourish and thrive as they prepare to excel in learning and life as a people of faith, integrity, knowledge and service. It is exciting to know that this program is gaining traction in the broader community with the increase in inquiries and enrollment.” Daniel S. Roy, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fall River, added, “The partnership

with the S.E.A.L. Foundation has been incredible. A key teaching of the Catholic faith is that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Part of our mission is to make our schools available to all families who desire a Catholic education for their children.” “The professional devel-

support them.” Sandy, who indicated she is a grateful parent of a child with an IEP, said, “As a parent of a child with a learning difference, I spent many years fighting to make sure my daughter received her educational accommodations. We moved our daughter to Bishop Stang

dents as well. Mackenzie, who is in third grade at Holy Name School in Fall River, said, “Thank you S.E.A.L for helping me read. I couldn’t read last year and now I can. And I’m so happy.” The following Catholic schools are accredited as Pathways Approach Schools: • Holy Family-Holy

Above, Lisa Smaldone, teacher at Holy Name School in Fall River, utilizes Orton-Gillingham techniques as she teaches reading. Orton-Gillingham is an instructional approach intended primarily for use with individuals who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing of the sort associated with dyslexia. At left, a diocesan student works with the technique. opment offered our faculty has resulted in teaching techniques that can benefit all students,” indicated Andrew Raposo, principal of Espirito Santo School in Fall River. “There has been such positive feedback from my staff, including the fact that teachers believe they are better educators because they have a clearer understanding of the frustrations from children with learning differences. Knowing how these kids feel is an important part of being able to rethink how we educate and

High School specifically for her to be part of the S.E.A.L. Foundation’s Pathways Approach Program. The special education teachers funded by S.E.A.L. are amazing and work with my daughter and her teachers to make certain that she has all the necessary tools to succeed. My daughter has not only benefited academically, but has also blossomed into a very confident young woman.” It is not only parents who are grateful for this partnership, but the stu-

Name School, New Bedford; • Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth; • Espirito Santo School, Fall River; • Holy Name School, Fall River; • Holy Trinity School, Fall River; • St. Michael School, Fall River; • St. Stanislaus School, Fall River. The following Catholic schools are in Year 1 of the accreditation process: • All Saints Catholic School, New Bedford;

• St. James-St. John School, New Bedford. The following schools will commence special education services for the Fall of 2021 utilizing the S.E.A.L. Foundation’s expertise and guidance, with the goal of being accredited by the 2022-23 school year. • St. Joseph School, Fairhaven; • St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet. Families who are interested in this program can go to www. catholicschoolsalliance. org/special-education-2/ for more information and an updated list of schools. We encourage families to contact the Catholic school directly for more information about their specific abilities to support IEP/504 accommodation plans. The S.E.A.L. Foundation’s mission is to create and fund educational and social opportunities in non-public school and camp settings for students who learn differently in order to ensure they maximize their potential. The goal of the S.E.A.L. Foundation is to fund the delivery of a range of special education services, staff development, advocacy support and technical assistance to a broad community of non-public schools and programs that share and honor our mission of serving learners of all types. We are taught to help those in need and our mission reflects this commitment to others. For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www. catholicschoolsalliance.org/ we-have-a-place-for-you/. For more information about the S.E.A.L. Foundation, please go to www.thesealfoundation. org.

April 16, 2021 †

Countering Catholic misinformation about vaccines

omeone recently mentioned to me that he was not planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine. He told me he was concerned that RNA vaccines could alter our DNA and he heard there were also risks to fertility. I replied that those particular concerns were unsubstantiated, and not scientifically correct, and encouraged him to be vigilant about various forms of misinformation, including “Catholic” misinformation that can spread rapidly on social media. In a January 2021 article in “Crisis Magazine,” for example, AnnaMaria Cardinalli repeats several errors regarding a cell line widely used in vaccine production and research. Her comments appear to be based on a problematic LifeSite News interview by John Henry Westen with former graduate student Pamela Acker: “Acker speaks about her research into the HEK-

293 cell line specifically, and talks about the number that’s at the end of that cell line name. ‘HEK’ stands for Human Embryonic Kidney and the ‘293’ actually reveals the number of experiments that a specific researcher did to develop that cell line. ‘It doesn’t mean there were two hundred and ninety-three abortions, but for two hundred and ninety-three experiments, you would certainly need far more than one abortion. We’re talking probably hundreds of abortions,’ Acker shares.” In reality, the HEK 293 cell line was obtained from a single fetus, and only one abortion occurred, not hundreds. Cells were removed from the kidney, modified, and grown subsequently for many years in the laboratory of Alex van der Eb in Leiden, the Netherlands. This cell line, generated in

† April 16, 2021

to vaccinations and perhaps more gullible when it comes to false scientific claims. We face a particular obligation to get our facts straight because “the establishment” will factcheck us very strictly even as it allows certain liberal distortions of truth to pass unchallenged, particularly when it serves the narrative that the Church is “anti-science.” In terms of COVID-19 vaccines, we spend a fair amount of time at the National Catholic Bioethics Center countering “Catholic” misinformation and/ or disinformation about cell line usage from to the overstated claims abortions, whether from about the number of aborthose who believe one can tions. This phenomenon is understandable, since there never get vaccinated, or are some Catholics who do from those at the other not seem to grasp the prob- end of the spectrum who believe there is no moral lem with abortion-derived cell lines at all, or minimize problem at all with the conit, which can generate frus- tinued use of these cell lines in research. tration among others who Cardinalli also offers may be tempted to overstate the claim that the HEK-293 their case. cell line was obtained from When Catholics disa living baby because once seminate incorrect meda child dies, the cells are ical, scientific or factual information in their disbasically no longer useful: cussions, or subscribe to ”HEK stands for human urban legends and conembryonic kidney. To spiracy theories, it raises harvest a viable embryonic serious concerns. Some of kidney for this purpose, this scientific fake news sufficiently healthy children comes from those who old enough to have adeare generally opposed quately-developed kidneys must be removed from the womb, alive, typically by cesarean section, and have their kidneys cut out. This must take place without anesthesia for the child, which would lessen the viability of the organs.” These claims are not correct, and there is no historical evidence that a C-section was ever done to obtain the HEK-293 cell line. Rather, procurement 1972 or 1973, underwent many ”passages” and purification steps, leading to the number “293.” Whether there were hundreds of abortions or just one is not the key issue, since harvesting cells from even a single abortion is still unethical. However, in Acker’s interview, the sense of outrage for the audience is ramped up in proportion

of the kidneys relied on standard abortion techniques. It is also noteworthy that extracted kidneys can survive and even function for many minutes following the death of an individual — that is how cadaveric kidney transplantation between adults originally took place — and cells can be successfully derived from kidneys quite some time after their removal from the body. The best response to these forms of misinformation from well-intentioned Catholics is to provide accurate guidance and scientific explanations to our Catholic faithful, hoping they will have ears to hear and hearts open to dialogue and reflection when presented with factually correct information. None of this is to reduce the obligation we have to object strongly to the continued use of abortion-derived cells in vaccine work and other forms of research, as I have emphasized in several recent essays available at ncbcenter.org and fathertad.com. But Catholics have to be on guard against anti-science prophets, no matter how well meaning, and the false witness they bear. We should give witness to the truth in all its forms, including in the important and highly influential worlds of science and medicine. Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org and www.fathertad.com.

Father Joseph Henchey: Jesus’ holy henchman

have been blessed to know hundreds of great priests whose friendship, words and example have made me a more faithful disciple and more fervent missionary. But the one who had the greatest impact of all, the one who never failed to inspire me — and countless other lay people, seminarians, priests, religious, and bishops — died on April 7, during the Year of St. Joseph, in the heart of the Easter Octave and the Novena to Divine Mercy. Father Joseph Henchey, CSS, was born in 1930 in Woburn, Massachusetts — just 20 miles, as he would often remind me, from my birthplace in Lowell. He grew up during the Great Depression and World War II wanting to be a professional baseball player. When he was 15, a group of seminarians came to the baseball diamond. He befriended one of them, from the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, and it didn’t take Joe long to discern that God had drafted him onto His own team. With the permission of his parents, he entered the Stigmatine high school seminary at 15-anda-half. Eleven years later in 1956 he was ordained a priest. He served for many years in formation work and in parishes in Massachusetts and Virginia. After obtaining his doctorate in Sacred Theology in Rome at the Angelicum, where he had previously studied under his theological mentor, the great Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P., Father Henchey taught there for more than 20 years, while simultaneously serving various periods in the Stigmatine leadership. I first met “the Henchman” in 1996, when he was appointed a spiritual director at the Pontifical North American College (NAC) in Rome, where I was a seminarian. We hit it off immediately, two Red Sox fans with enviable phonetics. He had an infectious self-deprecating sense of humor, loved to converse

about theology, history, Rome and practically any other subject, and brought joyful vivacity to any lunch table. He was our St. Barnabas, a son of encouragement (Acts 4:36), believing in us and confirming us in our call and mission. He would later do the same for seminarians at Pope St. John XXIII, Dunwoodie and Mundelein seminaries. From him I learned several seismic lessons. First, he taught me about the Sacrament of Confession and was the best confessor I ever had. When he arrived at the NAC, Confessions were formally offered one night a week. He started to open his door from 4-6 a.m. for anyone who would want to come by. Eventually so many started coming that a confessional was built in the chapel so that those waiting would at least be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. One morning I knocked on his open door asking if he’d be kind enough to hear my Confession. With a smile, he led me over to makeshift confessional in his room. I don’t remember exactly what I confessed, but I do recall my shame and sorrow that I was vulnerable to temptations to which I thought as a seminarian I should be impervious. He replied, “God is going to bring great good out of this humble Confession, Roger, and make you a kinder and more merciful confessor to others. God will use even our sins to make us better priests!” His whole approach taught me that penitents should be able to float joyfully out of the confessional rather than crawl, that every Reconciliation is meant to be a resurrection, and that God seeks to transform all our sins into happy faults. I learned how to be a confessor in his confessional. I told him once that he has gotten an “assist” on every

Confession I’ve heard. Second, he was a tireless prophet of hope. The theme of every homily, conference and retreat he preached, no matter how it started, ended on hope. The Henchman told me explicitly that that’s what he thought people need most. They have some faith, they have some desire for doing good, but often they’ve lost their hope. And so he, using the image of the Letter to the Hebrews, would always try to help them throw their anchor beyond the clouds (Heb 6:19). The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve seen his insight validated — and the more I’ve tried to echo his emphasis on

Christ our hope (1 Tim 1:1). Third, he was a great theologian who never stopped praying and studying to know God better and love Him more. He struggled mightily as a young student and later in life would humbly and readily compliment others, including seminarians, for being “much smarter” and “more gifted” than he was. But not only did he get his doctorate and teach at a Pontifical University and various seminaries for nearly five decades, but, applying himself steadily with diligence, he became the world’s greatest scholar of St. Gaspar Bertoni, his founder, and the author of so many incredible courses on theology, the notes of which many of us treasure and regularly use. Over the last two months, I have been listening during my morning walks to two 50-episode podcasts —on St. Peter and on the wounds of Christ — that he recorded in his late 80s with the assistance of his remarkable Spiritual di-

rectee and eventual caregiver, Professor Lisa Fortini-Campbell. I told Father Henchey with sincerity the last time I spoke to him, a week before he died, that listening to him was like listening to a doctor of the Church. I pray his enormous theological corpus will, in the decades ahead, nourish the Church as it has nourished me. Fourth, Father Henchey enfleshed the Stigmatine charism of Sanctified suffering. St. Gaspar was an invalid for the last 41 years of his life. The Henchman endured extraordinary suffering over the course of his life. He had polio as a child and spinal surgery that left him in a body cast for more than a year. He had so many bouts of pneumonia that his physicians thought for decades he had lupus. He contracted pancreatic cancer and the doctors didn’t think they could help him, but after surgery, he recovered. In later years he had terrible trouble with double-vision that left him barely able to see, atrial fibrillation, bowel obstructions, kidney stones, a heart attack, broken hip and finally congestive heart failure and renal failure. None of these sufferings, however, robbed him of his joy or made him withdraw inward: he kept teaching, serving and praying until the end. He showed how the roots of Christian joy are cruciform, how suffering is a great school of hope, and how Christ seeks to glorify our wounds. Once when he preached a parish mission where I was assigned, I wanted to give him a stipend but he characteristically refused. So to thank him I commissioned a painting by Sister Mary Grace Thul, O.P. It was an Emmaus scene with him and St. Gaspar as the two disciples who recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Lk 24:13-35). I knew he would have to keep it because of the presence of St. Gaspar!

Sister Mary Grace made Father Henchey, who resembled his founder in virtue, resemble him in physiognomy. They were both filled with joy toward Jesus’ self-gift in the Eucharist, as Jesus looked at Father Henchey with love. The tablecloth included the crest of the Stigmatine Order on which Father Henchey had written the definitive study. Close to the Henchman’s hand was a hammer covered in red velvet, a reference to the nickname his decades of students gave him, “the Velvet Hammer,” indicating his firmness in faith and tenderness in approach. But the hand next to the hammer was strangely feminine, to show the maternal love of the Church with which he would wield it. At Father Henchey’s 50th priestly anniversary in 2006, the painting was displayed and many came by to admire it, including Archbishop Timothy Dolan, his former student and close friend. Some religious Sisters present asked the future cardinal to decipher for them the painting’s symbolism and, seeing me present, he passed the buck, not having any clue that I was the one who had commissioned the work a few years earlier. I proceeded magisterially to explain every detail on the canvas that others thought I was seeing for the first time! The awed prelate —my former seminary rector — enthusiastically quipped, “Not bad, Roger!” Pointing to Father Henchey in the painting, I said, to his and the Sisters’ laughter and delight, “We all had a good teacher!” Indeed we did. I pray that, like in that work of art, Father Henchey is now united with St. Gaspar in beholding with joy the Risen Lord Jesus in the “Sanctuary behind the curtain” where he helped so many of us to cast our anchors. Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

April 16, 2021 †

Editorial

Witnesses to mercy

Last Sunday we were invited to meditate upon Divine Mercy and to seek it out through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ultimately (in the truest sense of that word, since the ultimate goal of our lives should be to die in God’s mercy), we are called to seek that mercy and live that mercy every day of the year. Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday at the Church of the Holy Spirit, which sits just a few blocks from St. Peter’s Square. The Sisters who staff the church are from the same religious order as St. Faustina, to whom Jesus revealed the secrets of the Divine Mercy, so that she could share them with us. Besides being a place of Spiritual Works of Mercy, it is joined to one of the oldest hospitals in the world, where Corporal Works of Mercy have been done for centuries. The Holy Father linked the Divine Mercy to the whole mystery of Easter. “The Risen Jesus patiently soothed their troubled hearts. Risen Himself, He now brings about ‘the resurrection of the disciples.’ He raises their spirits and their lives are changed. Earlier, the Lord’s words and His example had failed to change them. Now, at Easter, something new happens, and it happens in the light of mercy. Jesus raises them up with mercy. Having received that mercy, they become merciful in turn. It is hard to be merciful without the experience of having first received mercy.” This is true for all of us. The pope then enumerated how the Apostles received mercy “through three gifts. First, Jesus offers them peace, then the Spirit and finally His wounds. The disciples were upset. They were locked away for fear, fear of being arrested and ending up like the Master. But they were not only huddled together in a room; they were also trapped in their own remorse. They had abandoned and denied Jesus. They felt helpless, discredited, good for nothing. Jesus arrives and says to them twice, ‘Peace be with you!’ He does not bring a peace that removes the problems without, but one that infuses trust within. He tells them, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you’ (Jn 20:21). It is as if to say, ‘I am sending you because I believe in you.’ Those disheartened disciples were put at peace with themselves. The peace of Jesus made them pass from remorse to mission. It entails not ease and comfort, but the challenge to break out of ourselves. The peace of Jesus frees from the self-absorption that paralyzes. The disciples realized that they had been shown mercy: they realized that God did not condemn or demean them, but instead believed in them. God, in fact, believes in us even more than we believe in ourselves. ‘He loves us better than we love ourselves’ (cf. St. John Henry Newman, “Meditations and Devotions,” III, 12, 2). As far as God is concerned, no one is useless, discredited or a castaway. Today Jesus also tells us, ‘Peace be with you! You are precious in My eyes. Peace be with you! You are important for Me. Peace be with you! You have a mission. No one can take your place. You are irreplaceable. And I believe in you.’” After bestowing His peace upon them, then “Jesus showed mercy to His disciples by granting them the Holy Spirit. He bestowed the Spirit for the forgiveness of sins (cf. vv. 22-23). The disciples were guilty; they had run away, they had OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 65, No. 8

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† April 16, 2021

abandoned the Master. Sin brings torment; evil has its price. We need to open our hearts to being forgiven. Forgiveness in the Holy Spirit is the Easter gift that enables our interior resurrection. Let us ask for the grace to accept that gift, to embrace the Sacrament of forgiveness. And to understand that Confession is not about ourselves and our sins, but about God and His mercy. Let us not confess to abase ourselves, but to be raised up. We, all of us, need this badly. Like little children who, whenever they fall, need to be picked up by their fathers, we need this. Confession is the Sacrament that lifts us up; it does not leave us on the ground, weeping on the hard stones where we have fallen. Confession is the Sacrament of Resurrection, pure mercy. All those who hear Confessions ought to convey the sweetness of mercy. This is what confessors are meant to do: to convey the sweetness of the mercy of Jesus Who forgives everything. God forgives everything.” Then the pope described “a third gift of mercy: He showed them His wounds. By those wounds we were healed (cf. 1 Pet 2:24; Is 53:5). But how can wounds heal us? By mercy. In those wounds, like Thomas, we can literally touch the fact that God has loved us to the end. He has made our wounds His own and borne our weaknesses in His own body. In adoring and kissing His wounds, we come to realize that in His tender love all our weaknesses are accepted. This happens at every Mass, where Jesus offers us His wounded and Risen Body. His radiant wounds dispel the darkness we carry within. Like Thomas, we discover God; we realize how close He is to us and we are moved to exclaim, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (Jn 20:28). This is the starting-point of our Christian journey. But if we trust in our own abilities, in the efficiency of our structures and projects, we will not go far. Only if we accept the love of God, will we be able to offer something new to the world.” The Holy Father then said that in “receiving mercy, [the Apostles] in turn became merciful. The Acts of the Apostles relate that ‘no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common’ (4:32). It is all the more surprising when we think that those were the same disciples who had earlier argued about prizes and rewards, and about who was the greatest among them (cf. Mt 10:37; Lk 22:24). Now they share everything. How did they change like that? They now saw in others the same mercy that had changed their own lives. They discovered that they shared the mission, the forgiveness and the Body of Jesus, and so it seemed natural to share their earthly possessions.” Speaking to us Christians now, Pope Francis asked, “Do you want proof that God has touched your life? See if you can stoop to bind the wounds of others. Today is the day to ask, ‘Am I, who so often have received God’s peace, His mercy, merciful to others? Do I, who have so often been fed by the Body of Jesus, make any effort to relieve the hunger of the poor?’ Let us not remain indifferent. Let us not live a one-way faith, a faith that receives but does not give, a faith that accepts the gift but does not give it in return. Without works of mercy, it dies (cf. Jas 2:17). Let us ask for the grace to become witnesses of mercy.”

Daily Readings † April 24 - May 7

Sat. April 24, Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69. Sun. April 25, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18. Mon. April 26, Acts 11:1-18; Pss 42:2-3; 43:3-4; Jn 10:1-10. Tue. April 27, Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1b-7; Jn 10:22-30. Wed. April 28, Acts 12:24— 13:5a; Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8; Jn 12:44-50. Thu. April 29, Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:23,21-22,25,27; Jn 13:16-20. Fri. April 30, Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11b; Jn 14:1-6. Sat. May 1, Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 14:7-14. (for the Memorial: Gn 1:26— 2:3 or Col 3:14-15,17,23-24, Ps 90:2-4,12-14,16); Mt 13:54-58. Sun. May 2, Fifth Sunday of Easter, Acts 9:26-31; Ps 22:26-27,28,30,31-32; 1 Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8. Mon. May 3, 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14. Tue. May 4, Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13b,21; Jn 14:27-31a. Wed. May 5, Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:15; Jn 15:1-8. Thu. May 6, Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-3,10; Jn 15:9-11. Fri. May 7, Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10,12; Jn 15:12-17.

Which way Religious life? Editor’s note: This is part two of a twopart interview of Father Columban Crotty, SS.CC., by Father David Lupo, SS.CC. (Father Crotty was explaining the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts involvement with the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home.) Q5. So, the Enthronement does have value today. Father Crotty: Rightly understood, the Enthronement is a recommittal of the whole family to Christ and is a source of strength and blessing for the family. It assures parents of God’s love and assistance and calls them to assume their Christian responsibility for one another, for their children and for the wider community. It places a strong emphasis on Eucharistic Spirituality, and forms families to participate in Liturgical prayer. The image of Christ in a prominent place in the home is a reminder of the family’s commitment to Christ, and for many families a place where they gather not only to pray, but also to share joys and sorrows With the emphasis on the social reign of the Sacred Heart, it encourages families to become a leaven in our society. The concept of social reign also includes a call to family members to a commitment to share the Good News of Christ. Q6. So what happens at an Enthronement ceremony? What goes into it? Father Crotty: The Enthronement ceremony is a

commitment by the family nal ceremony is an expres- deeply saddened by their to the Lord. Consequently, sion of an interior convicown and others’ sins, and the ceremony may be held tion that grows through the ingratitude to God with only family members God’s grace to a deeper life and contempt of others present. The family is enof faith, love and confithat these sins reveal. They couraged to invite the par- dence in God, and service want to repair a broken ish priest to the ceremony, to the community. world, to offer a life of if his schedule permits. Q8. People may find fidelity to God, returning If he, or another priest is the Spirituality of the love for love. present, he may officiate Sacred Heart a little Q9. “Repair,” you at a family Mass mean as in reparaon the occasion of tion. What exactly the Enthronement, is reparation in or simply give a this spirituality? blessing. Father Crotty: You need a Reparation is an picture, icon, important compoor statue of the nent of devotion to Sacred Heart, the Sacred Heart of blessed ahead of Jesus. time by the priest. It includes not You need to obtain only the recitation an Enthronement of certain prayers certificate, which and individual acts represents your of atonement, but family covenant especially implies a with God, and spirit of reparation, is signed by the which develops family members from a realization present during the or awareness that ceremony. Some sin results from Father Kevin Columban Crotty, SS.CC. consideration ignoring or reneeds to be given jecting God’s love, to the place of honor in old-fashioned. What can Incarnate in Christ, and is your home where you inthis Spirituality say to us expressed in an active partend to enthrone the image today? ticipation in the mission of of the Lord. A living room Father Crotty: This Christ. Through a Spiriwall, a side table, or a Spirituality is concerned tuality of reparative love, fireplace mantle are of all with a renewal of our devotion to the Sacred suitable places. And, there hearts, our interior lives. Heart has led many to a is the order of the Family We are called to a thirst for a more just world Mass, incorporating all compassionate love for in solidarity with those these elements. We have all our brothers and sisters in who are marginalized and these resources available. imitation of Jesus. victimized by greed and Q7. The Enthronement He was anointed by consumerism. is more than just the cere- the same Spirit and sent to Q10. Alright! Are you mony, right? “bring Good News to the reading anything noteworFather Crotty: Sure. The poor, to proclaim release to thy, at present? ceremony of the Enthrone- captives, recovery of sight Father Crotty: I am ment is the first step. In to the blind and let the presently reading an a family dedicated to the oppressed go free.” People interesting book called Heart of Christ, it is “the of faith, reflecting on the “Return,” with the subbeginning of a new way of frightful consequences of title: “How to draw your life, more intimate in faith, sins of greed, oppression, child back to the Church.” more fervent in charity” exploitation, infidelity and The author is Brandon (Father Mateo). The exter- devaluation of life, are Vogt, a layman, married

and the father of seven children and presently senior content director for Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. “Return” is intended primarily for parents whose children consider themselves “former Catholics.” He uses the word “child” not as an indication of age, but rather to refer to the place that sons and daughters hold in the parents’ hearts. The author has had wide experience talking to parents and believes that there are few experiences that cause more pain to Catholic parents than having a child leave the Church. Q11. Do they eventually come back? Father Crotty: Waiting passively for the return of the child to the Church is no longer an option, according to the author; we need to understand the prevailing culture and the reasons why young people leave the Church. Only then can a work plan be developed that can help draw them back to the practice of the faith. The book is concerned with drawing up an effective game plan to help achieve this. Q 12. So, this might be a hopeful read for parents, you believe? Father Crotty: I believe that parents who are distressed because their “child” has abandoned the Catholic faith will find this book a great help in how to deal with “self blame” and enter into helpful and fruitful dialogue with their son or daughter. Father Lupo: Thank you for your time!

April 16, 2021 †

he house is no longer there, the cottage where my grandparents, Kate and Pat Fallon raised five children, the oldest being my mother, Mary. The fields once worked by my Uncle James, are now grazed by my cousin Tommy’s cattle. The road is still there, though now impinged upon by furze and other overgrowth. This was once the way to grandma’s house. Those of us who lived in the next village called it the Bog Road because it gave access to the turf banks where many

The road less traveled

in the parish harvested the peat which fueled their household fires and provided heat for the house as well as for cooking. Today oil has taken over with the result that this road is indeed less traveled. This I have reflected on for a few days, while I was working on a homily, and came upon a passage regarding a book by Scott Peck, a Christian psychiatrist. The book is titled “The Road Less

† April 16, 2021

Traveled,” and speaks about the road of life itself. Scott Peck echoes something that

Jesus said again and again, that passage on the road of life is not easy. Indeed, it can be costly. It may mean letting go of old standards,

old values, maybe even old memories. It may mean taking risks like getting the COVID vaccine. It may mean not conforming to something that our present-day society is promoting or advocating. It may mean taking on new responsibilities. We must be willing to pay the price as this Holy Week reminded us. We must be ready to take the road less traveled. Those who have visited Kalaupapa over the years have had the experience, and I hope the pleasure, of journeying over the twoand-a-half-plus miles of sand, gravel, and stones from this township of Kalaupapa to the original

Hansen’s Disease settlement in Kalawao on the east side of the peninsula. The ride may have been a bit rough because the daily traffic of tour buses or vans, as well as the rains have not been kind to the road. Now, as of about one year ago, the tours have ceased, complements of COVID-19 and the rocky road to Kalawao is smooth at least as of the last time I traveled on it. I will never forget that Bog Road that led to grandma’s house and I do hope to negotiate it again sometime as it was very much a part of my childhood years. Neither will I forget the rocky road to Kalawao, as it has been a part of my ministry here by way of the tours I have hosted and hopefully will get to do again when we have put the COVID in the rear mirror. I wish you a blessed Easter season and remember, in life be willing to take the road less traveled. Aloha. Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Church in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

State Legislators honor Espirito Santo School, others, for being Outstanding Corporate Citizens

BOSTON — On April 7, 10 companies, including the Espirito Santo School in Fall River, were honored by the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) for being an excellent employer and for choosing to diversify their workforce by employing residents of the Commonwealth who are recovering from a mental health condition. Those employed are residents of the Commonwealth, who participate in employment and recovery centers, which are funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Espirito Santo School has employed two members of Towne House Clubhouse, located in Fall River, operated by Fellowship Health Resources. The employees work after school hours to make sure the school is cleaned and disinfected, as extra cleaning is particularly important due to the extraordinary times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Representative Carole

Fiola presented the award to Principal Raposo and the school. The MCC Employment Celebration, typically held at the Statehouse in Boston, is organized by the MCC, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping make sure the community is accessible to those with psychiatric disabilities. This year’s award celebration, due to the pandemic, took place on Zoom. The honored employers were selected for recognition due to their dedication to creating a welcoming and diverse workforce. DMH-funded Clubhouses serve more than 5,500 residents of the Commonwealth annually, providing services designed to help “members,” all of whom have a mental health condition, to live successfully in the community. Clubhouses across Massachusetts offer a welcoming, productive place for members to come during the day and assistance in

gaining employment, an education, housing, dual recovery, peer and wellness support. Legislators presented the awards. Representative Fiola presented the award to the Espirito Santo School and its principal Andrew Raposo, who serves on Towne House Clubhouse’s Advisory Board. “One of the key teachings of our Catholic faith is to ‘love one another’ and supporting the Towne House program is one way for us to demonstrate this every day,” said Raposo. “There are so many people who struggle with mental illness who are blessed to participate in the programs offered by Towne House. I have personally gotten to know the TH members who work after hours at our school and realize that the act of working is part of the recovery process. They are grateful for the opportunity to work and contribute in a positive way to our school.”

Andrew Raposo, principal of Espirito Santo School in Fall River, displays the award given to the school by Massachusetts State Legislators for being an excellent employer and for choosing to diversify their workforce by employing residents of the Commonwealth who are recovering from a mental health condition.

Holy Family Parish 370 Middleboro Avenue East Taunton Register for Mass attendance online at hfparish.net and click on the ‘Sign up’ icon Weeknight Masses at Parish Center (438 Middleboro Ave.) at a variety of times, including Saturdays at 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. at the church April 16, 2021 †

A Joseph by any other name

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or waynepowers@ anchornews.org

† April 16, 2021

ere we sit (or stand, lie, or whatever position you’re in when reading this), just two weeks shy of the mid-point of the Year of St. Joseph. (This may be a record — only three words into my column and then a digression.) I have included in The Anchor a plethora of stories and features about local events marking this wonderful year, yet only now have I really thought about this remarkable man. I don’t have to tell you about all his remarkable traits — they’re well-known and revered. I believe the reason why I hadn’t given him much thought is because during the 20th century, the name Joseph, so callously trimmed to Joe, had lost is beauty and charm. I’m not sure why all of a sudden a cup of coffee became a cup of Joe; why someone who was unremarkable or even more dull became an average Joe or worse, Joe Schmo. As a young lad, I hated the name Dave, worse yet David. I still do to a degree. That’s why I keep telling my youngest pup, I prefer going by a variation of my middle name, Brian, which I have morphed into Brain; which draws myriad eye-rolls from aforementioned pup (again I digress). But in my youth, Joe was another name that I found simple, plain and dull — and both names are so Biblical, but I do believe society played a part in trivializing both. Even the impish cartoon character Dennis the Menace had a sidekick named Joey. As I grew, you couldn’t hear the name Joe or Joey without thinking of a movie with mafioso undertones, or a lame sitcom. But then, some years ago, I began to research my family tree, one which I’ve mentioned before, I fell out of and broke my arm, and discovered a very interesting pattern. Going back several generations, covering hundreds of years, the name Joseph pops up countless

times. Not Joe, or Joey or Jo-Jo. No, it was the dignified Joseph — on both sides of my lineage, particularly the Jolivets. I have grandfathers and uncles that go way back with either a first or middle name of Joseph. My father was Loridas Joseph. And I know that Catholic families back then preferred to use Biblical names (Where the Loridas came in, I have no idea, despite researching it. It was my pépère’s name too. My mother told my dad there was no way in the world any of his sons would be called Loridas — thanks, mom). The name Joseph began to bulldoze its way into my heart, knowing so many of my ancestors shared that name, and it was because of a reverence for good old St. Joseph. In fact I named my late youngest son David Joseph — for me, my dad, my ancestors and mostly for St. Joseph. I think it was the David that did him in. Today, David still bothers me — that was the name I was called when in trouble, which was not less than often. But I like Dave — I like Brain more, but Dave will do. But I assuredly have grown very fond of Joseph in honor of St. Joseph, whom I took on as a saint to go to for intercessory prayers. He is a big part of my heritage. In fact I was thrilled when in 2013 the Apostolic See added Joseph to the Eucharistic prayers used at Mass. I felt he should have been there all along. It’s very uplifting to have a year dedicated to such a humble, prayerful, obedient man of God — and such a large part of my family history. It’s time he reclaims the dignity of his God-given name. Good-bye Joe, Joey and Jo-Jo. And nothing personal to those who like those monikers, but a Joseph by any other name just doesn’t work for me. davejolivet@anchornews.org

T he C hurch

and

Y outh & Y oung A dults

We, like the early disciples, can proclaim the Gospel

he challenges to evangelization today can be daunting. How can we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and draw people into, or back into, to the Church today? Secularism is a powerful force and many choose to invest in communities organized or animated by things other than faith or religion. The Catholic Church, sadly, is not perceived as an attractive option to many. And yet the Catholic faith, the faith handed down by the Apostles, is not something for us to keep for ourselves. Rather, it is a gift to share according to the Great Commission of Jesus to “go make disciples of all nations.” The season of Easter is an important time to reflect on how to best evangelize in our current world. Regarding the Resurrection of Jesus, Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.” Without the cross there is no Christianity. Without the Resurrection there is no Christianity. We are called to be people of both the cross and Resurrection if we are to authentically bear witness to believers and nonbelievers alike. Like the earliest Christian disciples, we are called in both word and deed to proclaim the kerygma, the essential Gospel message that through the dying and Rising of Jesus Christ, we are saved. Sometimes we serious and committed Catholics tend to bemoan the fact that it is difficult to proclaim the Gospel in a world that has lost a sense of sin. Increasingly, we feel that we are living in a post-Christian culture. While this may be true, was it not more of a

challenge for the earliest Christians in their world? Was their task any less daunting than our own? Rather than complain about the world around them, they went about the task of transforming it. Some of those who heard the early Church evangelists were Jewish, but most were Gentiles who would have had very little sense of sin. And yet, they knew something was lacking in their lives. They knew that desire for fulfillment that no earthly or material thing, or human relationship, can fill. Many would have felt the void of a life spent searching for meaning in pleasure, power or material possessions. Are people today all that different? And yet the earliest Christians, small in numbers but great in faith, proclaimed Christ crucified and Raised. Why were they so successful? Their own faith in the Risen Lord had transformed their own lives. One can imagine that the earliest converts experienced something very different about the earliest Christians. They did not conform to that which was typical or ordinary, but stood out in some way. Perhaps it was

their total commitment to Jesus and His mission? Perhaps it was the love and unity

among one another in the early Church communities? Perhaps it was the novelty of the mercy they displayed? Perhaps it was their goodness that stood in contrast to the world around them? Perhaps it was the recognition of the truth they proclaimed? Perhaps it was their openness to being led by the Holy Spirit? Perhaps it was in the beauty and simplicity of their worship, and the power of the Eucharist? Perhaps it was their courage and willingness to be martyred for Christ? Of course, all of these characteristics were present in the early Church, leading to rapid conversions. Is there any reason to believe that it would be any different today if we displayed the same type of faith? The power to spread the Gospel is quite simple. Focus on the transformative power of the cross and Resurrection of Jesus, and led by the

Spirit, become people of commitment, love, mercy, goodness, truth and the Eucharist. Bear witness to the truth that the ugliness in our lives can be transformed into beauty, the hurt we experience can become joy, and the injustices we face can be made straight. If we live in this manner, and become utterly dependent on God’s grace like

the earliest disciples, we will proclaim the Gospel, make new disciples, and re-build the Church. Peter Shaughnessy is president/principal of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. He resides in Fairhaven with his wife, Anabela Vasconcelos Shaughnessy (Class of ’94), and their four children: Luke (Class of ’24), Emilia (Class of ’25), Dominic (Class of ’27) and Clare (Class of ’30).

Brother Damian Marie Day, O. P. (son of Liz and Fred Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk), was ordained to the transitional diaconate for the Dominican Order of Preachers on March 20 at The Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Brother Damian had the honor of baptizing his nephew, Jaxson James Day (son of Zachary and Victoria Day) after being ordained. Brother Damian will be ordained to the priesthood in May 2022.

April 16, 2021 †

2020-21 A nnual P ro -L ife E ssay W inners NORTH DARTMOUTH — The Annual diocesan Pro-Life Mass took place on March 25 at St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. and following the Mass the winner of the annual John Cardinal O’Connor Award was announced: Father Richard D. Wilson, Anchor executive editor, vicar general, and pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. The award is presented each year by the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, recognizing an individual who works tirelessly for the Pro-Life cause. Also recognized were the 2020-2021 Pro-Life Essay Contest winners, who read their winning essays at the event. This year’s theme was from Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.”

“L

ife is good.’’ This simple phrase is the battle cry of a generation of Catholics living in a world that doesn’t value God’s greatest gift. The society that we live in places the convenience of “choice” over human life. This sad reality is the result of the Jan. 22, 1973, Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade. This court case ruled that pregnant women in the U.S. had the right to choose to have an abortion without government interference. This Supreme Court ruling directly goes against how we are called to live as Catholics that follow in Christ’s footsteps. In Jeremiah 1:5 we are told that before we are even formed in the womb, God knows us and has a plan for us. This Scriptural teaching is our firm belief that before we are even born, God knows exactly how our lives will play out and knows how every second of our lifetime will play out. When abortion enters the picture, this master plan is destroyed. The baby within the womb is killed before it even has a chance to start its journey. This is simply an atrocity, as the baby has no way to defend itself and did not decide to be brought into this world. The baby that was brought into the world by its parents and by no decision of its own, is now thrown away like garbage. Christ teaches us that life is a

y name is Lillian and by the Grace of God and being born into my Pro-Life Catholic family, I am able to write this essay. Before I was born the doctors told my mother that it would be best to abort me. They told her I could be born with severe medical conditions since she was having seizures while she was pregnant with me. My mother put her hands over her abdomen and told the doctors, “No, this is my baby and I would never abort her.“ y grandmother is actively involved in Pro-Life activities. This includes the Marches for Life in Washington D.C. and Boston. My mother and aunt also joined her at these marches and were greatly influenced. It confirmed for them that life begins at conception and that no one has the right to take that life. he United States Supreme Court decision in 1973 of Roe v. Wade established the law to legalize abortion in all states. Also in 1973, in Roe v. Bolton they passed the law to allow late-term and partial-birth abortions at anytime. In 2000, in Stenburg v. Carhart they passed the law establishing that a live baby could be left to die. As a result of these laws over 62 million babies have been aborted and died. hen I was doing my research for this paper and looking through the articles I was very shocked and saddened to

† April 16, 2021

gift, and we don’t throw away gifts. As young Catholics, we are called to defend this gift of life and make sure that our greatest gift from God is allowed to develop and thrive. gospel verse that helps illustrate this point is Matthew 5:14-16. This verse says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.” What this verse means is that we all have powerful gifts from God that we should put to good use. These gifts include letting our light shine in God’s name. What better way to do this then to advocate for the gift of life? These are not just some words written down in a thousands of years old book, this is a cry for change. We must recognize this power instilled in us by God and become more responsible with bringing life into this world and defending this gift. We need to use this light within us as a beacon of hope for the unborn who have no voice and no power. s a society and as Catholics, we must work together to become a world that values unborn life just as much as we value the humans living around us, and fully embrace the responsibility of bringing life into this world. No matter who we are, what religion we are, or what we believe, we were all the unborn at one point, and were blessed to have our mothers choose life. Our mothers saw that life is good and gave us that opportunity. As people who come from this beautiful decision, we should bestow this gift upon the life that we create. Life is good, life is a gift, and this beautiful gift must be protected. Luke Cambra, Grade 11 Bishop Stang High School

learn the full extent of these laws and the millions of unborn children who were aborted as a result. It is very sad to think that among all those children lost through abortion there might have been legislators who could have fought to overturn these terrible laws and save millions of unborn children. n conclusion, I have realized it is more then just about aborting babies. It is about the lives being destroyed by human beings. I believe abortion, physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, and the death penalty should all be abolished. This requires that each and every one of us continue the fight to stop these unfair laws that are against God’s Holy Will. Lillian Ghilardi, Grade Eight St. Pius X School, South Yarmouth

2020-21 A nnual P ro -L ife E ssay W inners

first learned about abortion in my middle school theology classroom. Everyone around me seemed to know what it was, but I was completely naive to the epidemic. When I heard my teacher tell us that babies could be legally killed in the womb, I was speechless. Jumbled thoughts, questions, and emotions rushed to the forefront of my brain. I couldn’t physically express these feelings as my voice had become inaudible. At recess later that day, my friends were talking about the lesson that morning. I was shocked to hear people disagreeing with our teacher. How could anyone believe it’s okay to kill a baby? I decided to stay quiet, fearing what others would think of my seemingly “unpopular“ opinion. itting in a theology class was easy. I agreed with the lessons and felt as though I had a valid opinion. It wasn’t until after class that my ideals began to feel diminished. At first, I deemed it easier to ignore the conversation. But as I matured, I chose to wholeheartedly educate myself and realized that I didn’t have anything to be ashamed of. I began sharing my opinions, researching constantly, and supporting advocates who also respect life. After a great amount of prayer,

ince 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion through Roe vs. Wade, Pro-Life Americans stand up and show that their commitment will not waver. Over 1.3 million abortions happen each year and thousands of them happen when the mother is more than six months pregnant. As Catholics, we must show that abortion is wrong, and that there are many alternatives for women. We teach and follow the fifth Commandment, “You shall not kill.” This is a very important message from the Bible. We must cherish and hold value to all lives young and old. We must fight for the lives of poor innocent children that have no one and no way to fight. Over the years people have become more comfortable with the idea of abortion. Countless women have suffered Spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It is not just women that mourn their loss but also men. Some men carry the burden of persuading their wife, girlfriend, or daughter into carrying out an abortion. Year after year fewer doctors are willing to be involved in abortions however. n the United States, abortion is legal throughout pregnancy. Doe vs Bolton erased these limitations by creating a “Health“ exception so broad that it effectively allows abortion for any reason at any time. Every state in the U.S has at least one abortion clinic. The many states that allow abortion up until birth, are: New York, Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington D.C. From 2015 to 2019 roughly 121 million abortions have taken place each year.

God has given me the ability to stand up for what I believe is right unapologetically. At the end of the day, the only opinion worthy of attention is that of the Father. igh school has proven to be far more challenging. It is apparent that many of my generation have turned away from the Church’s teachings on theological values. When an opinion doesn’t conform with the overwhelming majority, it’s seen as “outdated” or “irrelevant.” It pains me to see so many fall captive to these fears and force themselves to internalize their thoughts. I have received my fair share of scrutiny for my stance. There have been multiple times where I’ve gathered the courage to speak up during difficult class discussions regarding these “controversial” topics. Because my beliefs may not represent the majority of the class, it often results in yet another heated debate. However, I will continue to take it on if it means I can make a difference. s I continue into college and through life, I will uphold the values my Catholic schools have instilled in me. I hope to share my beliefs with my peers and engage in meaningful service to better strengthen our movement. I plan to volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers, take part in Catholic extracurricular activities on campus, and bring this advocacy into my career. Though I’m still not sure exactly where my vocational calling will lead, I know I want to make a positive impact through my work. This way, I can spend the rest of my 1ife working to make a difference in our blemished world. With God on my side, there is nothing I can’t accomplish. Together, we have the ability to become the Pro-Life generation. Olivia Perriera, Grade 12 Bishop Stang High School

s a community, we try to educate those that are pro-choice and show them the value of each individual life. As life goes on we must try our best to teach and guide but also respect others’ choices. We would never judge someone for having an abortion, but we should also try to proactively educate our community so that less abortions take place. As an individual, you probably think that you can’t make a change but there are actually many ways. They can be as simple as telling a friend, sharing it on social media, to telling your neighbor. I hope that I have inspired you to make a change in your community and more importantly your life. hank you. Julia Dunton, Grade Eight St. Pius X School, South Yarmouth

April 16, 2021 †

Year of St. Joseph events continue in diocese continued from page one

volunteers, priests, men and women religious, and so very many others. They understood that no one is saved alone. “How many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to spread not panic, but shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers are showing our children, in small everyday ways, how to accept and deal with a crisis by adjusting their routines, looking ahead and encouraging the practice of prayer. How many are praying, making sacrifices and interceding for the good of all.” David Carvalho, senior director for Faith Formation, Youth, Young Adult, & Family Life Ministries in the diocese, told The Anchor, “Pope Francis makes reference to the unsung heroes and workers of the pandemic. During the May 1 Mass, we can honor frontline workers and even the diocesan social services that kept working during this time.” In his letter, the pope added, “Each of us can discover in Joseph — the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence — an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of Salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.” The May 1 Mass and consecration are the continuation or a year-long series of events celebrating the Year of St. Joseph. More events are scheduled in the coming months, including A Holy Hour for the Year of St. Joseph on June 8 at 6 p.m. led by Father Jay Mello, pastor of 14

St. Michael and St. Joseph parishes in Fall River, 1335 North Main Street, Fall River. Confession will be available (pre-registration is required); and a Holy Hour for the Family on July 12 at 7 p.m. at Holy Family Parish Center, 370 Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton, led by Father Richard Wilson, vicar general and pastor of

Holy Family Parish. Confession will be available, and again, pre-registration is required. For more information on upcoming events, to register, and for information on consecration to St. Joseph, visit the Office of Faith Formation website at fallriverfaithformation.org.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday,April 18 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from St. Anthony Church in Taunton

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass

on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant is Father Michael S. Racine, Pastor of the Whaling City Catholic Community

Sunday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m.

† April 16, 2021

Celebrant is Father Kevin A. Cook, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk

In Your Prayers

Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks: April 25 Rev. John J. Wade, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1940 Rev. Raymond J. Lynch, Chaplain, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Charles A. Murray, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 2017 April 26 Rev. Ubalde Deneault, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1982 Rev. James F. Greene, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford, 2002 April 27 Rev. James Murphy, 1869 Rev. Francis J. Bradley, D.D., Retired Rector, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River, 1925 Rev. Romeo D. Archambault, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1949 Rev. Edward F. O’Keefe, S.J., Retired, St. Francis Xavier, Boston, 1973 April 28 Rev. Stanislaus J. Goyette, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1959 Rev. Wilfrid J. Vigeant, S.J., 2011 Rev. John P. Cronin, 2014 April 29 Rev. James Leo Maguire, Pastor, Diocese of Monterey, Calif., 1987 Rev. Adolph Szelagowksi, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1989 Rev. Peter P. Mullen, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 1999 Rev. John M. Breen, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 2005 April 30 Rev. John A. Hurley, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1900 Rev. David F. Sheedy, Pastor, St. John Evangelist, Attleboro, 1930 Rev. John Moda, Pastor, St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ford City, Pa., 1993 May 1 Rev. Francis J. Quinn, Founder, Immaculate Conception, North Easton; Founder, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1882 Rev. Joseph F. D’Amico, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs, 1996 Rev. Walter A. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1997 May 2 Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.P. Leonidas Lariviere, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1963 May 5 Rev. Leo M. Curry, Retired Pastor, St. Dominic, Swansea, 1973 Rev. Albert Rowley, SS.CC., In residence, St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet, 1985 Rev. Raymond A. Robida, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, 2003, May 6 Rev. Thomas P. Elliott, Founder, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1905 Rev. Asdrubal Castelo Branco, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, New Bedford, 1980 Rev. Ernest E. Blais, Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1994 Rev. John P. Driscoll, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, Co-Founder of The Anchor, Former Pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes, New Bedord, 2019 May 7 Rev. Raymond P. Levell, S.J., Professor, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., 1958 Rev. Alphonsus M. Sutton, F.I., 2011

Mary Esther (Daley) Rodrigues, mother of Father William M. Rodrigues

HYANNIS — Mrs. Mary Esther (Daley) Rodrigues of Mashpee, passed away on Easter Monday, April 5 at Cape Cod Hospital. She was the wife of the late Leo L. Rodrigues. Mary was born in Fall River on Holy Saturday, April 20, 1935 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Mary Ellen (Foley) and William J. Daley Jr. She was baptized and raised in her faith at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Fall River. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy in Fall River in the class of 1953 and later

FALL RIVER — Joseph B. Medeiros, 68, of Fall River, beloved husband of Leonilde (Fernandes), passed away on April 3. Born in Capelas, Sao Miguel, Azores, he was the son of the late Albert and Odelia Medeiros. He was a dedicated father to Michele and her partner David Rudder; Amy and her husband Matt

went on to earn a bachelor’s degree with a major in Education from Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I. in 1958. She began her teaching career in Newport, R.I., but spent 35 of her 40 years as an elementary school teacher, in the Fall River Public School Department, retiring in 1998. Mary’s caring and nurturing nature as well as her kind smile, enabled her to be a truly great and much loved school teacher. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club of Fall River and served as

a Catechism teacher and special minister of Holy Communion at St. Thomas More Church in Somerset, and Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Over the years, Mary enjoyed travel with family and friends to destinations such as Florida, California, Canada, Ireland, France and Italy. Many memorable summers were spent boating on Mt. Hope Bay and vacationing on Cape Cod and the Islands. She always loved celebrating her Irish heritage, especially traditional Irish music. She

was an avid and life-long Boston Red Sox fan. In more recent years, Mary loved being a doting grandmother to her beloved girls. Mary and her husband Leo raised their family and lived the happiest years of their lives at their home on Fatima Drive in Somerset. She is survived by her son, Father William M. Rodrigues, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans, and daughter, Ellen Marie (Rodrigues) Zontini and her husband Michael G. Zontini of Yarmouthport, and granddaughters, Sophia and

Joseph B. Medeiros, brother of Father Arnold Medeiros

Cabral; Ryan and his partner Sebrina DeAlmeida; and Jason Medeiros; Joseph was the proud grandfather of Cameren, Ayanna, and Darien Joseph Rudder and Abigail and Connor Cabral. He was the brother of James and his late wife Angie; John and his late wife Mary; Mary and her husband Ed Mello; Father Arnold

Medeiros; and the late Henry Medeiros. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Joseph worked with Albert Medeiros and Sons for 50 years as a carpenter and painter. He learned the value of working hard at a young age and it was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, casino trips,

and watching football. He will be remembered for his genuine character and commitment to his family. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he has touched. His legacy of strength, hard work, and unconditional love will forever be cherished. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Santo Christo Church in

Sarah Zontini. She also leaves behind a sister, Sheila I. Vanasse of Fall River, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Since Mary was a great supporter of Catholic education, her family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory be made to the Scholarship Fund of St. Pius X Parish School 321 Wood Road, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 (508) 398-6112. https://www.spxschool.org/ give/. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joan of Arc Church,Orleans on April 10.

Fall River on April 8. Donation in Joseph’s memory can be made to either the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd #301, Framingham, Mass., 01701; 800-5864872; www.lung.org or the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, Mass., 02241-7005; 800-242-8721; www.heart. org.

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or visit fallriverdiocese.org/subscribe April 16, 2021 †

Bishop celebrates Mass of Atonement on Mercy Sunday continued from page one

A subscription to the would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our Church — locally and beyond. If you are not already a subscriber or are interested in giving an Anchor subscription as a gift, please consider subscribing for $29/year at www.fallriverdiocese.org/ subscribe or mailing a check to: Anchor Press, P.O. Box 318, Congers, N.Y., 10920. 16

† April 16, 2021

Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated a Mass of Atonement on Mercy Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River. The Mass was planned as part of the diocese’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In his opening remarks, Bishop da Cunha said, “The protection of children and youth is the responsibility of the entire Church, including the faithful. “During this Child Abuse Prevention Month we are reminded of the call to be instruments of justice working for the common good of all, which includes the protection of children. Child Abuse Prevention Month should lead to the heightened awareness of the need to be vigilant about providing a safe environment for all within the Church and for all in our communities.” The bishop relayed that statistics reveal that one-in-four girls and one-in-six boys have been sexually abused before they become age 18. “If those statistics are correct,” the bishop said, “every Sunday in our congregations there are people who have been abused and many still feel the pain of being abused. “Reaching out to all survivors of abuse is critical in bringing hope and the love of Christ to them.” In his homily, Bishop da Cunha told the faithful in attendance at the cathedral and those watching the live-stream of the Mass on the Catholic Community of Fall River Facebook page that the diocese is here to provide anyone suffering from abuse with steps toward healing. “We are all part of a larger culture of protection and healing in the Church. As members of this culture, we value the prevention of abuse and the support of those who have been abused. “Each one of us can play an important role in strengthening this culture of protection and safety.” He said the faithful can do this through knowing and acting on the signs of sexual abuse and reporting such occurrences. “When something doesn’t ‘seem quite right,’ it is our duty to report it through the appropriate channels.” In addition, victim outreach, support, compassion and prayers can “go a long way to create a culture within the Church that children, youth and vulnerable adults are safe and victims and survivors find healing.”

The bishop invited Carolyn Shipp, the Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Fall River’s Office of Safe Environment and a licensed clinical social worker, to share with the in-person congregation and those watching on Facebook. Shipp said she has long wanted to be able to help victims of sex abuse in the Church. “Like many Catholics, I have felt helpless as the waves of clergy sexual abuse scandals have crashed on our Church again and again.” Shipp shared that a mentor of hers described working with abuse victims as “treading on Holy ground.” “I can think of no better way to describe these experiences,” Shipp said. “It is profoundly moving when someone who has been so deeply wounded by the Church is willing to let me, someone representing the Church, into their pain; that they are willing to contemplate telling their story, usually after decades of secrecy, is an act of unbelievable courage.” Shipp shared the story of one survivor who allowed his ordeal to be told; a 57-year-old man who attended a Catholic high school in the diocese and who experienced the pain, shame and loss of faith through the actions of a priest at the school. Shipp told how the man after decades of reaching out, finally found a sense of worth and being through the people at the Office of Safe Environment. Through them he has begun a process of healing emotionally, physically and Spiritually. “Ask yourselves how is God calling you to be a channel of peace and healing,” Shipp told the faithful. “Whatever God is asking you, please join me in this important mission.” The bishop concluded by saying, “I just want to say to all the survivors, we are sorry for the pain and suffering you have gone through. And to all of us, I want to say let us continue praying and supporting survivors of abuse and let us work diligently and be constantly alert so that these mistakes of the past and the horrible suffering will never happen again.” To watch the Mass of Atonement, visit the Catholic Community of Fall River Facebook page at www.facebook.com/3CFallRiver. For information about signs of abuse and about reporting suspected abuse, visit fallriverdiocese.org.