05 04 18

May —The Month of Mary Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, May 4, 2018

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Lk 1:46-47

Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on the Bishop Connolly High School campus in Fall River. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) The Anchor - May 4, 2018

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Fatima ministry offers day-long family event: ‘Joseph’s Yes: The strength and joy of encountering Joseph with Jesus and Mary at Fatima — Our Holy Family’

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — Bishop Connolly High School, which only last October hosted a major Fatima event that gathered hundreds of students, faculty and staff representing all of the diocesan schools, will again be the site of an event honoring Our Lady of Fatima and carrying out her “peace plan” through Mass, Living Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The event, titled, “Joseph’s Yes: The strength and joy of encountering Joseph with Jesus and Mary at Fatima — Our Holy Family,” will take place on May 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring

their own brown bag lunch.

The Marian event is coordinated by Living the Fatima Message, a volunteer grass-roots core group of clergy, religious and lay people of the Fall River Diocese, consecrated to the Mother of God individually and collectively.

“This focus on St. Joseph and his importance in the Fatima message came to our awareness when we [Living the Fatima Message] were doing presentations throughout the diocese on Our Lady of Fatima,” Jane Wilcox, a member of LFM, told The Anchor. “We realized that St. Joseph was key during the miracle of the sun as he appeared to the seers while holding the Baby Jesus and

having Our Lady at his side. We realized how this calls attention to St. Joseph and his role in the Holy Family and brings about at-

tention to family, especially in these days when family seems confused and adrift.”

Wilcox, Liz Montigny and the late Bea Martins, a very active Pro-Life ad-

vocate in the diocese for many years who died on March 5, coordinated the event.

“Sadly Bea passed away but not before she had helped out and put into place and formed the day of ‘Joseph’s Yes,’” added Wilcox. “Actually, it was Bea who had named the day.

She has been known as a champion of the family in this diocese and beyond for many years. I am sure she is interceding for us.”

Wilcox told The Anchor that after such a successful day to honor Our Lady of Fatima at Bishop Connolly High School last October, “we decided that now is the time to bring out St. Joseph’s role at Fatima and

in the family of all.”

Wilcox gave kudos to Connolly principal Christopher Myron and the staff for sponsoring the event and their support and assistance. “We also could not have gone forward without the support, counsel and prayer of the members of the apostolate and of Father Alan Wharton and the friars of Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford,” said Wilcox.

The day will begin with the celebration of Mass in the Bishop Connolly auditorium, followed by a break with refreshments.

There will be a children’s activity room that will provide an opportunity for parents and grandparents to spend some fun time with their youngsters.

“Students from Bishop Connolly will be offering a ‘kids room’ with activities and teaching that will call attention to Our Lady, the Rosary and St. Joseph,” added Wilcox.

The keynote speaker will follow. The scheduled presenter is Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, the founder and mother servant of Daughters of Mary of Nazareth.

Located in Quincy, the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, according to its website, “is an Apostolic and Contemplative Community of Religious Women. Our Spirituality is guided by Blessed Charles de Foucauld’s Spirituality of Nazareth. As he lived his life imitating the example of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth, so are we called to live in a daily intimacy with Jesus. Starting our daily life with Jesus in prayer and adoration will transform us so that we Turn to page 20

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The Anchor - May 4, 2018

Ryan Healy to be ordained a transitional deacon May 19

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

ville East Youth Conference, a summer youth retreat program that was ATTLEBORO — For held for many years on seminarian Ryan Joseph the grounds of La Salette Healy, these past five Shrine in his hometown. years of formation have “A close friend, who passed like the blink of an came from a very devout eye. family, invited me to at“It certainly feels surre- tend,” Healy said. “It was al,” Healy recently shared here that the faith was with The Anchor. “I look presented to me in a new back with great fondness and engaging way, where and gratitude to all those I witnessed so many peers who have contributed to on fire with a love for my formation over these Jesus Christ, and where years and to the many I first heard the Lord’s great men I have had call.” the opportunity to study One of the talks at alongside. This forthcom- Steubenville East focused ing day is the fruit of the on religious vocations, prayers, labors, and enwhich Healy said “incouragement of so many stantly attracted me to of my family, friends, and the idea of becoming a particularly the faithful of priest.” the Diocese of Fall River That notion remained who have accompanied with him and only me.” seemed to strengthen On Saturday, May 19, during his subsequent Healy will take the penhigh school and college ultimate step towards his years. priestly journey when he “Upon finishing eighth is ordained a transitional grade, I sought to attend deacon by Bishop Edgar Bishop Feehan High M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at School, thanks parSt. Mary’s Cathedral in ticularly to the financial Fall River during a Mass sacrifices of my family,” celebration at 11 a.m.

Healy said. “At Feehan, The 25-year-old Attle- I learned how to be a boro native who has most Christian disciple from recently been studying my teachers in theology at St. John’s Seminary in classes, my active involveBrighton said the roots of ment in campus ministry, his vocation were nurattending morning Mass tured by a family “where before school, and particifaith was essential to our pating in the Steubenville daily lives.” conferences each summer.

“My parents instilled During my freshman year in me the importance of I also began working in attending Sunday Mass, the Religious Education and faithfully brought office of my home parish me to Religious Eduwith Mrs. Meg Keenan, cation where I learned which was a transformathe fundamentals of the tive part of high school faith from my catechists,” for me.”

Healy said.

Still confident he By age 13, that upwould one day be enbringing helped him tering the seminary, he discern his vocation after decided to first attend attending the Steubencollege after graduating

from Bishop Feehan. He enrolled at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio where he “encountered a culture like no other, where the students put God first in their lives, with the

majority attending daily Mass, and living out radical discipleship,” he said.

During his sophomore year, Healy had an opportunity to study abroad in Austria, which also afforded him the opportunity to travel to many nearby pilgrimage sites in Europe.

“I had several prayer experiences that con-

vinced me God was asking me to follow this call to the priesthood in a more radical way by entering college seminary,” he said.

Once accepted as a seminarian for the Fall River Diocese, Healy went on to study at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Rhode Island and took courses at Providence College, where he graduated in 2015.

“Providence College provided me with an excellent education in the humanities, philosophy, and theology, in the Dominican tradition by dedicated professors like Dr. Anthony Esolen,” he said.

His remaining years of formation have been spent at St. John’s Seminary, where “being a seminarian has privileged me with many joyful experiences.”

“I have been able to see firsthand the intimate role of the priest in the lives of people, especially by getting to know families and parishioners,” he said. “Most importantly,

I have truly enjoyed the friendships I have formed with my brother seminarians. I confidently look forward to sharing the challenges of ecclesial ministry with their fraternity.”

As he prepares to enter that fraternity, Healy recalled with appreciation some of the priests who have inspired him along the way — people whom he considers “primary examples of what the priestly life looked like.”

“Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye was a great model of pastoral work, having diligently shepherded the parish for most of my childhood,” Healy said. “Father Richard Roy was my pastor throughout high school, a kind and faithful priest who I enjoyed getting to know greatly. At Bishop Feehan, Father Thomas Costa was my chaplain, with whom I became very close through my involvement in Liturgical ministry. He was witness to me of the loving heart of Christ. Each of them Turn to page 21

Anchor announces renewal and price changes

FALL RIVER — The Anchor, the official Catholic newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River, has announced a few changes of which current subscribers should be made aware.

At the renewal date for each subscriber, the annual cost for The Anchor will become $25. This is the first rate increase for The Anchor in more than 10 years. While we realize it may be an extra burden to some, the $20 cost did not cover printing and mailing overheads. At the new rate, it still works out to costing subscribers less than $1 per issue, far less than most publications.

The Anchor is also offering its readers the option to renew for two years at $45 for 52 issues, a savings of $5.

Beginning with this edition, May 4,

2018, the date in which the subscription will expire will be listed each edition above the name and address of the subscriber on page 24.

Subscribers are encouraged to renew their subscription by that date by sending a check or money order for $25 made payable to The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720. Subscribers may also renew via PayPal by visiting The Anchor website at anchornews.org and pressing the “Subscribe” button and following the on-screen directions.

If a payment isn’t received within 30 days of the expiration date, The Anchor will send out one reminder notice.

A sample of the new mailing labels appears in today’s edition on page 24.

The Anchor - May 4, 2018

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New prison chaplain sees ministry as ‘expression of mercy’

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

WAREHAM — If you ask Father Rowland Omuegbu, S.D.V., the new full-time prison chaplain serving the Fall River Diocese, prison ministry work is an expression of “the mercy of the Church.”

“I will tell you that the Church shows that mercy by having prison ministry, because if we see them as people who deserve no mercy, then no minister should go to them,” Father Rowland recently told The Anchor. “And for individuals, in their heart, I pray that they will also find the mercy to forgive them.”

Father Rowland, who first arrived in the diocese

in December but officially began his work in January, was appointed

by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., as the first full-time priest devoted to prison ministry work in some time.

Since arriving here, he has been dividing his time between the Barnstable Correctional Facility in Buzzards Bay and the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction in North Dartmouth, and also filling in as part-time chaplain at Cape Cod Hospital.

“It’s a new ministry for now, so a lot of things are still in discussions,” Father Rowland shared during a meeting in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham, where he resides most of the week. “I’m a tenant in this parish, and also at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, where I stay two days a week. Because if you’re not assigned in a parish, you are just like a resident.”

A native of Nigeria who was ordained there

eight years ago, Father Rowland probably never expected to be appointed prison chaplain for the Fall River Diocese when

he first met his fellow Vocationist, Bishop da Cunha, during a stint at St. Michael’s Parish in Newark, N.J. in 2012.

“For the first two years (after ordination), I worked in the formation house as the director of vocations,” Father Rowland said. “Then I was asked to come to the U.S. in 2012. I was assigned to the parish in Newark, and Bishop Edgar was living a few blocks away in a

property belonging to the diocese. That was the first time I got to know him.

From Newark I moved to the south and worked as a chaplain in a hospital for three years. Then I moved to Vermont, then back to New Jersey. Bishop Edgar had been made bishop here and asked a superior for someone to help in the prison ministry, because he wanted someone full-time, so they asked me.”

Even though Father Rowland had no prior experience with prison ministry work and he readily admitted it wasn’t something he felt drawn to do, he thought about it and prayed over it and decided to “give it a try.”

“The bishop has been very supportive and he often calls and emails to ask how my experience is and he’s been very willing to give me whatever I need to make the ministry work,” Father Rowland said. “So I am working and learning ... and the officers there are also learning what it means to accommodate a priest. So it is a whole new thing. I struggled with it at first, because it is my personal view that people think it is a bit like (Pope Francis). But when the pope is going to a prison it is

very different from when I am going into a prison.”

Father Rowland said the Holy Father will visit a prison with an entourage of security and media in tow and there’s usually never any impending danger involved.

But he typically goes to visit inmates one-on-one and is often alone with them, which was a bit unsettling at first.

“I’m there by myself,” he said. “It is these individuals and myself, and I have no radio to call — that’s just the reality of it. I know that the officers are watching and they try to make you feel safe, but it is an environment that evokes that fear — whether you like it or not.”

Now a few months into his tenure, Father Rowland has adjusted to the work and said he makes up his mind every morning to go there, knowing full well the possibility that “anything could go wrong at any moment.”

“And when I get in there, I see those who want to speak to me or with me or want me to pray for them or who need anything that a priest can help with ... or even just to listen,” he said. “And I give them the Turn to page 18

Turn to page 20

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The Anchor - May 4, 2018

Five Catholic ministries collaborate to ‘Celebrate the Beauty of Every Child’

tion Drive’ to assist new mothers” Ramos told The Anchor.

“The drive was very successful: ATTLEBORO — Bishop nine out of 20 parishes in greater Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in his Fall River participated. Each of vision for a stronger, more vibrant the participating parishes placed diocesan community has stressed a bulletin announcement in their unity as a key element; first adweekly bulletin requesting baby dressing it in his first diocesan products such as: Onesies, PJs, pastoral letter, “Rebuilding in Faith diapers, wet wipes and gift cards be and Hope,” in April 2017, and donated. Approximately $9,000 in reinforcing it in his “Introducing baby merchandise was collected and Strategic Planning,” earlier this distributed to needy families via year.

SVDP, MCFL and Catholic Social The bishop, and many others Services. across the diocese, know more can “The question that we asked be accomplished through teamwork was ‘if the drive was successful in and a unified effort. greater Fall River could it be sucIt is with this process in mind cessful in Attleboro, Taunton, New that five major Catholic ministries Bedford and the Cape?’ The answer got together to develop a plan of was yes; and so began the effort to action to assist the very youngexpand the campaign throughout est members of the diocese with the diocese.” needed material goods and more The two ministries approached importantly the prayers of the dioc- Marian Desrosiers, director of the esan faithful. diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, to The program, called “Celebrate join the effort. “Marian went to the Beauty of Every Child, Prayer Bishop da Cunha for permission, and Newborn/Toddler Campaign,” and the bishop was very much is a call for diocesan faithful to in favor of the plan, seeing it was donate much-needed new clothing exactly the type of unified effort he and items for babies and toddlers, has been advocating,” said Wenc. and to gather as families to pray for “But he wanted to include the those vulnerable young lives and prayer element to the project. Bishtheir families, who often struggle to op da Cunha is always promoting make simple ends meet. prayer in the family and this could The diocesan Pro-Life Aposbe a wonderful way to encourage tolate, St. Vincent de Paul Socisome families to pray together for ety, Catholic Social Services, the a wonderful cause. Instituting holy Knights of Columbus, and Mashours for children is also encoursachusetts Citizens for Life have aged. joined forces to make this a reality.

“The need for babies and tod“Last year Fred Ramos of the dlers is so great, even in working St. Vincent de Paul Society apfamilies. So we’re trying to do what proached Mass. Citizens for Life we can by gathering supplies, and about collaborating on an effort to by praying for those who are strugcollect clothing and supplies for gling.” babies and toddlers in need in the Desrosiers was thrilled with the Fall River Diocese,” Barbara Wenc, idea. “It has been my pleasure to chairman of the greater Fall River work with everyone on this camChapter of MCFL, told The Anchor. paign. Such an incredible collabora“The society had already held suction has taken place between our cessful drives and hoped to do more.” offices,” she told The Anchor. “Ev“The genesis of the uniting the eryone involved made a 100 percent five ministries began in March of commitment to this campaign. I am 2017 when the St. Vincent de Paul so proud and grateful to all of them.

Society, Fall River District and the Our diocese has been truly blessed.”

Massachusetts Citizens for Life The diocesan Catholic SoFall River Chapter co-sponsored cial Services was enlisted to help the first collection drive entitled because of the experience it has in ‘Newborn Baby Product Collecdelivering collected items to needy

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

families; and the Knights of Columbus were asked to join because of their successful “Culture of Life Masses,” where prayer is the key to promoting respect for life at all stages.

Wenc told The Anchor that the five participating ministries each bring a critical expertise to the project.

The campaign will take place at participating parishes on the weekends of June 2-3 and June 9-10.

The dates fall near the celebrations of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. A mailing went out to all pastors and parochial administrators explaining the program and seeking approval for the program to be held in their parishes.

“The more parishes that take part, the more people who can be helped,” said Wenc.

On the designated weekends, parishioners are encouraged to bring items to weekend Masses such as diapers, wet wipes, bibs, teething rings, receiving blankets, onesies,

sleepers, and outfits for infants and toddlers (through 5T), and $5 or $10 gift cards for grocery or department stores.

Parishioners will also be asked to pray as a family for those for whom the items will be distributed. Thousands of prayer cards will be given out across the diocese as a means of being unified in prayer through this event and beyond.

“We must remember that these infants and toddlers in need are children of God,” Wenc told The Anchor. “And that we are all children of God.” Wenc also told The Anchor that the prayer aspect of the campaign is to continue the mission of when Bishop da Cunha dedicated the Diocese of Fall River to Our Lady of Fatima at last October’s gathering at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River celebrating the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The event drew students, staff and faculty Turn to page 20

The Anchor - May 4, 2018

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Anchor Editorial

Curiosity

This past Monday Pope Francis, in his daily Mass homily, asked that Christians beg God for the grace to be able discern between good and bad curiosities and to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.

In Monday’s Gospel ( Jn 14:21-26), St. Jude the Apostle posed a question to Jesus at the Last Supper: “Master, then what happened that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” The pope described this question and the resulting response from Jesus as a “dialogue between curiosity and certainty.”

The Holy Father said that Jude’s question reflected a healthy curiosity, like that of children who ask questions because they are trying to figure out why things are the way they are. This can develop into a “contemplative curiosity,” the pope said, “because children see, contemplate, do not understand and ask.”

An example of bad curiosity which the pope condemned was gossip, including being nosy about the lives of other people. This is not limited to children; rather it “accompanies us all our lives. It is a temptation that we will always have, to inquire about things which we have no right to know.”

Without citing the old TV show “Hogan’s Heroes,” the pope essentially said that at times we need to imitate the attitude of Sgt. Schultz. Pope Francis said that we should repeat to ourselves, “I’m not asking that, I’m not looking at that, I don’t want that.”

Children can stumble across bad curiosity via cell phones and the Internet, where the can encounter “many evil things. There is no discipline in that curiosity,” the pope warned and he lamented that many people become “prisoners of this curiosity.”

Meanwhile, the Apostles’ curiosity at the Last Supper about the future was a good one and Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, Who would satisfy their longings for truth.

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” at #2522, advises us: “Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet.” This virtue of modesty helps us to overcome unhealthy curiosity about other people.

Our human curiosity also is directed at Jesus. At paragraph 514 of the “CCC,” it is written, “Many things about Jesus of interest to human curiosity do not figure in the Gospels. Almost nothing is said about His hidden life at Nazareth, and even a great part of His public life is not recounted.

What is written in the Gospels was set down there ‘so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 62, No. 9

Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $25.00 per year, for U.S. addresses.

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The Anchor - May 4, 2018

life in His name’” ( Jn 20:31). Here our curiosity is not evil — although if we just focus on trying to find answers to these questions, instead of believing in Jesus and truly living in Him, then we are wasting the limited time we have on earth.

At paragraph 2115, the “CCC” advises us, “God can reveal the future to His prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility.” That last sentence warns us against doing nothing to prepare for the future, while trusting in God’s Providence means not demanding that God give us a road map for the future.

The following paragraph in the “Catechism” tells us, “All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil’ the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm-reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.”

Pope Pius XII in his encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu, said about the Bible: “For the Sacred Books were not given by God to men to satisfy their curiosity or to provide them with material for study and research, but, as the Apostle observes, in order that these Divine Oracles might ‘instruct us to Salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus’ and ‘that the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work’” (2 Tim. 3:15, 17).

St. Pius X, founder of the Diocese of Fall River, said in his encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis, that the sin of modernism was rooted in bad curiosity. “The remote causes seem to us to be reduced to two: curiosity and pride. Curiosity by itself, if not prudently regulated, suffices to explain all errors. Such is the opinion of Our Predecessor, Gregory XVI, who wrote: ‘A lamentable spectacle is that presented by the aberrations of human reason when it yields to the spirit of novelty, when against the warning of the Apostle it seeks to know beyond what it is meant to know, and when relying too much on itself it thinks it can find the fruit outside the Church wherein truth is found without the slightest shadow of error” (Encycl. Singulari nos, 1834).

We do not want curiosity to kill us cats (especially Spiritually). To paraphrase Dave Jolivet on page 13, we want to be good dogs, faithful to our Master Jesus, Who does not feed us scraps of information, but rather all the messages of love that we would ever need.

Daily Readings May 5 – May 18

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. May 5, Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:2,3,5; Jn 15:18-21.

Sun. May 6, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48; Ps 98:1-4; 1 Jn 4:710; Jn 15:9-17. Mon. May 7, Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-6a,9b; Jn 15:26—16:4a. Tues.

May 8, Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3,7c-8; Jn 16:5-11. Wed. May 9, Acts 17:15,22—18:1; Ps 148:1-2,11-14; Jn 16:12-15. Vigil for the Ascension of the Lord, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Eph 1:17-23 or 4:1-13 or 4:1-7,11-13; Mk 16:15-20. Thurs. May 10, Ascension of the Lord, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Eph 1:17-23 or 4:1-13 or 4:1-7,11-13; Mk 16:15-20. Fri. May 11, Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn 16:20-23a.

Sat. May 12, Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3,8-10; Jn 16:23b-28. Sun. May 13, Seventh Sunday of Easter, Acts 1:15-17,20a,20c-26; Ps 103:1-2,11-12,19-20; 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 17:11b-19. Mon. May 14, Acts 1:15-17,20-26; Ps 113:1-8; Jn 15:9-17. Tues. May 15, Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11,20-21; Jn 17:1-11a. Wed. May 16, Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30,33-36b; Jn 17:11b-19. Thurs. May 17, Acts 22:30;23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a,5,711; Jn 17:20-26. Fri. May 18, Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2,11-12, 19-20b; Jn 21:15-19.

L

ast Saturday, April 28, Alfie Evans died, 12 days short of his second birthday, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

In his 720 days of extra-utero life, he became the most wellknown and prayed-for infant in the world.

Alfie died ultimately because of the consequences of an undiagnosed neurodegenerative condition, but his death was expedited by a decision of Justice Anthony Hayden of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales.

Hayden decided on February 20, in agreement with the Alder Hey medical team, that “continued ventilator support is no longer in Alfie’s best interest” and therefore would have to be removed.

Justice Hayden also decided that Alfie would not be permitted to be transported out of the country where his life could be sustained, other forms of treatment could be attempted, and perhaps a diagnosis actually made, because, he said, the journey would be burdensome, there were no prospects for treatment of the underlying condition, and therefore it was “irreconcilable with Alfie’s best interest.”

Alfie’s best interest, in his judgment, was to die, sooner rather than later, without medical equipment, and with palliative care to lessen any potential pain in the dying process.

After several unsuccessful appeals by Alfie’s parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, to overturn the judgment, the ventilation was removed on April 23. To the embarrassment of the medical and judicial establishment that had previously seemed so sure Alfie would not be able to self-respirate, the little boy began to breathe on his own and lived for five days, during which food and water were able to be given to him lest he die of starvation or dehydration instead of asphyxiation.

The eyes of the world were on Liverpool as, at any given time, eight to 30 police officers stood guard lest Tom

The Euthanasia of Alfie

he said in an interview with and Kate, or anyone else, try Crux. “It’s incomprehensible. to save Alfie’s life.

I cannot understand the logic.

Pope Francis got directly Or maybe there is [a logic], involved. On April 18, he and it’s a terrible one.” met with Tom Evans in the The terrible logic that Vatican. He instructed the the Holy See’s top diplomat Vatican Secretariat of State was hesitant even to whisper to seek a diplomatic soluwould seem to be that of tion, which was facilitated state-mandated euthanasia by the Italian Government, of those whose lives were which granted Alfie Italian deemed unworthy of livcitizenship (and placed him simultaneously under another legal jurisdiction). He arranged Putting Into for Dr. Mariella the Deep Enoc, President of Bambino Gesù (“Baby

By Father Jesus”) Hospital in the Vatican, to fly to Roger J. Landry Liverpool, to intervene with the doctors ing. In his decision, Judge to bring him to Rome on a Hayden didn’t cite Alfie’s medical military helicopter pain or even possible pain that had similarly been ardue to future treatment as ranged. The pope published tweets appealing that “every- the legal ground, because he conceded that none of the thing necessary may be done doctors knew whether Alfie in order to continue compascould experience any pain sionately accompanying little at all. What he cited was Alfie Evans,” and that “the Alfie’s brain damage and the suffering of his parents may doctors’ determination that be heard and their desire to there were no prospects that seek new forms of treatment treatment would work. That may be granted.” was the ultimate reason he None of these appeals — decreed Alfie’s death sentence and the many others that by omission. came from throughout the Alfie’s case wasn’t unique. world — mattered. Justice Last July 28, Charlie Gard Hayden, who had cited Pope died just short of his first Francis in his February 20 birthday at Great Ormond decision with regard to how Street Hospital in London we are not morally obliged after the hospital and the to therapeutic obstinacy or High Court refused his “overzealous treatment,” parents’ request to transport showed himself zealously him to New York for experiobstinate in refusing any mental treatment. Four years and all appeals, as contrary ago there was the infamous to Alfie’s “best interest.” No pope, president, parents, per- case of Ashya King, the fiveyear-old boy whose parents son or multitude could shake wanted him to receive proton Hayden’s conviction that he, and Alden Hey doctors, knew therapy treatment in Prague rather than conventional better than each and all. radiation and chemotherapy After Alfie’s death, Carat Southampton General dinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Hospital. They removed him Francis’ Secretary of State, from the hospital without summed up the “enormous telling the medical team and sadness” of Pope Francis and millions across the world. “In boarded a ferry for France. the face of openly manifested An international manhunt commenced. Brett and Naavailability, repeatedly and ghemeh King were caught in with great commitment of resources — doctors from our Malaga, placed under arrest, kept in prison for a day and hospital Bambino Gesù went then returned to the United to Liverpool three times — there was the refusal to allow Kingdom. The High Court decided, thankfully, to alAlfie to be brought to Italy,”

low the proton therapy in the Czech Republic. And it worked. Ashya, now eight, is cancer free.

Alfie’s, Charlie’s and Ashya’s cases all reveal a trend that it seems most people, except some in the United Kingdom, find profoundly disturbing. It’s the bulldozing of the rights of parents with regard to their children. In most jurisdictions throughout the world and in international law, parents decide what is in the best interests of their children. Laws exist for those situations when parents are obviously negligent, abusive or in irreconcilable disagreement. In the U.K., however, laws governing situations of when parents are not on the same page are now being used even when united and resolute parents disagree with doctors. Who decides among parents, doctors and judges?

The judges have decided that the courts decide.

It’s excruciating enough when parents see their children suffering and spending their infancy in hospitals. It’s all the more painful — not to mention unnatural and unethical — when judges determine like despots that parents cannot do everything possible to save their child’s life, or face police at the hospital and arrests on foreign soil for simply trying.

Everyone recognizes that in national health care systems like in the U.K., tough decisions need to be made about where medical resources will be allocated; but when it’s not going to cost a penny to the system, as in Alfie’s situation, the fact that parents are not allowed to make decisions they believe to be in their child’s best interest is profoundly disturbing. Bioethics has long recognized the problem with “paternalism,” the idea that “doctor knows best,” not only because doctors can obviously occasionally be wrong, but also because it fails to recognize the need for the consent of the patient.

What is happening in Britain

is paternalism on steroids.

Closely associated with this is a problem of class.

Many in England have commented that if we were dealing with the son of another Kate — Kate Middleton — and a High Court were deciding about the life or death of Prince George or Louis in a situation similar to Alfie, Charlie, Ashya, a High Court Justice would be far humbler in arrogating to himself the quasi-Divine power over life and death.

The biggest bioethical issue, however, has to do with the aforementioned euthanasia, which is an act or omission that, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering (CCC 2277). In Alfie’s case we clearly have an omission that manifestly intended his death. Alfie was eventually going to die, just like all of us. Knowing that fact, sometimes treatments can be given that we know will speed up the dying process — like giving higher doses of morphine to treat pain in a terminally ill patient — but as long as patients are given non-lethal doses and the intention is to treat the pain and not hasten death, they’re ethical. In Alfie’s case, however, breathing equipment was removed with the explicit intention to precipitate death. A minor crisis happened when Alfie didn’t die; it was clearly intended, and not just anticipated, that he would die once the ventilators were removed.

Euthanasia by omission is still euthanasia — and this trampling of human life and dignity must concern us all.

Alfie’s life on earth is now over. Since he was baptized, we are certain he is now embraced by God. Let’s pray for Tom and Kate, who have experienced not just the death of their beloved son but a legal trauma that no parent ought ever to endure. And let’s work to make sure that what happened to Alfie and Charlie happens no more.

Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

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Cowboys, infertility and deeper moral questions

ost people still remember the story of Nadya Suleman, dubbed “Octomom,” a single woman who used in vitro fertilization to become pregnant with eight babies simultaneously. Suleman had asked her fertility specialist, Dr. Michael Kamrava, to implant at least a dozen embryos into her uterus, leading to the birth of the famous octuplets in 2009.

Dr. Kamrava’s medical license was later revoked by the California Medical Board. In commenting on the case, Judith Alvarado, Deputy Attorney General in California, concluded that Dr. Kamrava had acted “like a cowboy” in ignoring fertility industry guidelines.

When it comes to the “wild west” of infertility — a field of medicine with little oversight and unbridled profit margins — there are a lot of cowboys out there.

Recently there was the case of Kelli Rowlette who, after having her own DNA analyzed in 2017 through a genealogy website, shockingly dis-

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covered that her biologihave relied on sperm from cal father was actually a Mr. Wiesner himself. fertility specialist who had There was also the trouonce treated her mother. bling story of Dr. Cecil Without her mother’s Jacobson of Fairfax Counknowledge or consent, ty, Va. He was accused of the specialist had used his a “purposeful pattern of own sperm to impregnate deceit” during the 1980s her, while falsely claiming when he fathered up to he was using a mixture of 75 children using his own sperm from her husband sperm for artificial insemi(who had low sperm count) and Making Sense a donor who was supposed to have Out of been an anonyBioethics mous univerBy Father Tad sity student with Pacholczyk features similar to her husband.

Another infamous case involved Bertold nation with his female paWiesner who, back in the tients. He was eventually 1940s, established a fertil- sentenced to five years in ity clinic in London to prison and had his medihelp women struggling to cal license revoked. conceive. His clinic supAnother notorious posedly relied on a small episode relied on DNA number of highly intellitesting and other evidence gent men to serve as sperm gathered by police in Bradonors for artificial insem- zil. They discovered that ination, with more than many of the 8,000 babies 1,500 babies being born. born after IVF treatMore than 70 years later, ments at the clinic of Dr. based on DNA testing Roger Abdelmassih in Sao of people who had been Paulo were not geneticonceived at the clinic, it cally related to the couples turned out that as many as who were raising them.

600 of the babies born may Authorities believe that Abdelmassih misled many of his clients during the 1990s and early 2000s and impregnated them with embryos formed from other people’s eggs and sperm, in a bid to improve his clinic’s statistics for

successful implantations and births.

Yet another nefarious incident involved doctors Ricardo Asch, Jose Bulmaceda and Sergio Stone, three fertility specialists and faculty members at the University of California at Irvine who ran a campus fertility clinic during the 1990s.

They were accused of fertilizing eggs they had harvested from women and implanting the resulting embryos into unrelated women, as well as selling some of the embryos to scientists and researchers. Dozens of women and couples filed lawsuits against the doctors and the university.

One of the reasons these acts of deception by fertility specialists are so offensive to us is that we realize how the procreation of our own children is meant to involve a strict exclusivity between husband and wife. Whenever we violate that exclusivity by hiring outsiders to produce our offspring in clinics, or engage strangers to provide their sex cells for these procedures, unthinkable outcomes become possible.

The plethora of these cases also reminds us how many of the cavalier ap-

proaches to human procreation being promoted by the fertility industry are unethical at their core.

We are witnessing an unprecedented burgeoning of laboratory techniques for manufacturing human life, many of which are deeply antagonistic to human dignity and contrary to the parental obligations assumed by spouses when they marry.

The natural exclusivity intended in parenthood is meant to afford protection, security about our origins, and the safety of the home hearth. In the headlong rush to achieve a pregnancy at any price, many couples, regrettably, are allowing hawkish businessmen to manipulate their sex cells, create their children in glassware, store them in frozen orphanages, and even discard them like medical waste.

The tragic fallout of these decisions should reignite our natural moral sensibilities, and point us back in the direction of the Creator’s plan for human procreation. Our children are truly safeguarded in the dignity of their origins when they are brought into the world exclusively within the marital embrace of husband and wife. Turning to the lawlessness of modern day fertility “cowboys,” meanwhile, is a quick study for violation and heartache.

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.

Old and new covenants Editor’s note: This begins a series of columns by Father Martin L. Buote on Catholic worship. atholics are sometimes challenged that the Mass is not mentioned in the New Testament and is not based on the Bible. It is further pointed out that the title of priest is not attributed to any of the Apostles or other leaders of the Christian movement by the writers of the New Testament.

Those who have become experts in the history of worship know the answers to these questions and challenges, but few people can afford the time or the effort to find those answers on their own. Let us begin an exploration of our religious roots! For this investigation, I shall mention several passages from the Bible besides the verses which I quote. I encourage you to read those passages as well.

Two concepts must be examined to make those roots understandable: covenant and sacrifice.

While covenants existed for many different social relationships in the Ancient Near East (ANE), our concern will be only for covenants the Bible mentions with God. A working definition for these covenants would be: An agreement between a superior (God) and an inferior (man) in which the superior dictates the terms, and the blood of sacrifice ratifies the bond.

The very first time the Bible uses the word covenant is in Genesis when God promises to establish a covenant with Noah (Gen 6:18). Noah offered sacrifice of birds and animals and God gave a

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blessing of fertility to the all the words and ordiearth. A future with no nances of the Lord, they universal flood was prom- all answered with one ised by God (Gen 9:11), voice, ‘We will do everyand man was prohibited thing that the Lord has from shedding human told us.’ Moses then wrote blood (Gen 9:5,6). down all the words of the Moving from the reliLord and, rising early the gious pre-history of Noah next day, he erected at to the historic period in the foot of the mountain which Abraham lived, we an altar and 12 pillars for find several times in Abraham’s life How Catholic that the Bible records a covenant Worship Came promised or instito Be tuted. The most formal setting

By Father for the covenant Martin L. Buote with Abraham is found in Genesis, chapter 17. God promthe 12 tribes of Israel. ises fertility to Abraham’s Then, having sent certain progeny and demands the young men of the Israservice of circumcision. elites to offer holocausts The blood sacrifice was and sacrifice young bulls mentioned in chapter 15. as peace offerings to the The covenant God Lord, Moses took half of made with Abraham the blood and put it in was recalled in Exodus. large bowls; the other half “God said to Moses, ‘I he splashed on the altar. am the Lord. As God the Taking the book of the Almighty I appeared to covenant he read it aloud Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to the people who anbut My name, Lord, I did swered, ‘All that the Lord not make known to them. has said, we will heed I also established My cov- and do.’ Then he took the enant with them, to give blood and sprinkled it on them the land of Canaan, the people saying, ‘This is the land in which they the blood of the covenant were living as aliens. And which the Lord has made now that I have heard the with you in accordance groaning of the Israelites, with all these words of whom the Egyptians are His’” (Ex 24:3-8. You are treating as slaves, I am encouraged to read Exomindful of My covenant’” dus chapters 19 and 20).

(Ex 6:2-5, see also Ex The Sinai covenant is 2:24). sometimes expressed in The covenant was rees- the vocabulary of a contablished under Moses at ditional form, “... if you Mount Sinai. This Sinai hearken to My voice and covenant defined the keep My covenant, you relationship between God shall be My special posand His people throughsession, dearer to me than out the rest of Old Testa- all other people, though ment times, but it had to all the earth is Mine. You be renewed as the people shall be to Me a kingdom strayed. of priests, a holy nation” “When Moses came (Ex 19:5-6. See also Lev, to the people and related chapter 26 and Deut,

chapter six).

In the New Testament, Jesus announced a new covenant, “This cup is the new covenant in My Blood, which I will shed for you” (Lk 22:20. See also Mt 26:28, Mk 14:24, 1 Cor 11:25). Jesus gave terms for this new covenant in Jn 14:15-23 and Jn 15:12-14. A further explanation of this particular form of love called agape is found in 1 Cor, chapter 13. Please read these three passages from the Bible.

The connection between this new covenant and the Sinai covenant was explained in the writings of Paul, and especially in his Letter to the Ephesians, chapters two and three.

Through the Sinai covenant, the people of Abraham’s stock were called to be God’s people. Through the new covenant, all people are called to be God’s people, and even more. By the new covenant, we become living temples of God, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for

the temple of God, which you are, is holy” (1 Cor 3:16,17). And if that were not enough, we become members of the living, Resurrected, ascended Christ (1 Cor 12:12-31.

This is the doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ).

By virtue of this new covenant, when God’s people worship, it is actually Christ, the Son of God worshipping.

The first letter of St. Peter takes up this same theme in chapter two and connects it to the Sinai covenant of Exodus 19 with direct quotations.

The Biblical covenants give us a great unifying theme for our consideration of worship, even if it is a bit heady. The Letter to the Hebrews further explores the relationship of the Old and New Testament covenants, and give us an introduction to our next topic: sacrifice.

Father Buote is a retired priest of the Fall River Diocese and a frequent contributor to The Anchor.

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aster season still surrounds us; its scent lingers in the churches as we walk with the Risen Christ through our Sunday readings. For newly-initiated Catholics, it is the period of “mystagogy;” a time to derive a new perception of the faith, the Church, and the world. It is also a time to catechize the newlyinitiated on what it means to be a Catholic, a lesson we should re-examine on a regular basis. Pope Francis delivered a simple refresher course on the essentials of Christian holiness in his recently promulgated exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate.

“Rejoice and Be Glad” is a call to holiness for all people in the world, and is firmly rooted in the lessons Jesus gave us in the Gospels. Pope Francis explains that the path to holiness is guided by two important and complementary texts from the Gospel of Matthew: the Beatitudes (Mt 5: 3-12) and the Final Judgment (Mt 25). The Beatitudes are the platform on

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Gaudete et Exsultate which Jesus built the road ized and abstract faith, to the Kingdom of Heaven. preferring “a God without The Final Judgment, or as Christ, a Christ without the Pope Francis calls it, The Church, a Church without Great Criterion, is the only her people.” Pope Francis place in Scripture that gives also warns those with an us a clear criterion for how obsession with doing unimwe will be judged by God. Mercy and care for the vulnerable define our mission; The Great failure is not an opCommission tion.

By Claire McManus Living the Beatitudes is how we are identified as Christians, thus Pope portant actions as a means Francis cleverly calls them, to reaching holiness that “Christian ID cards.” is only attained through Whether our ID cards are the Beatitudes. “Our Lord brand new or well worn, made it very clear that holithey should be on display ness cannot be understood as we journey on our paths or lived apart from these to holiness. We can be demands, for mercy is ‘the easily misdirected on our beating heart of the Gosjourney when we stray from pel.’” the Beatitudes and focus In his reflection on the on nonessential elements Beatitudes, Pope Francis of the faith. Pope Francis placed each into a contemreminds us “the path to porary context to help us holiness flows through the understand how one can Beatitudes, not through derive Spiritual gifts from anything we deem impordifficult situations. The poor tant.” He rebukes people in spirit gain the Kingdom embracing an intellectualof Heaven because they are

free from attachments to created things. Pope Francis draws on the “Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius” when he describes Spiritual poverty as having an attitude of indifference to the things of the world.

This frees us from that “need to have it” attitude that distorts our decisions. The meek will inherit the earth by their humility. Nobody wants to be meek in our society, but humility is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that Jesus insists will help us to experience God’s promises in our lives.

Pope Francis reminds us that mourning is personal and global. Those who are on a path to holiness will see the struggles of others and sincerely mourn for them, whether they are friends or strangers.

Those who “weep with those who weep” are given special insight into their needs, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, will find a way to bring relief. Those

who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

They seek justice with an urgency that won’t be satisfied until the vulnerable and marginalized are protected.

Seeking justice for the least among us is a non-negotiable of Christian faith.

If we are to carry the ID card of Christianity, then we must breathe justice into all of our decisions in life.

The merciful will receive mercy because it is the lens through which we see God at work in our own lives.

“Giving and forgiving means reproducing in our lives some small measure of God’s perfection, which gives and forgives superabundantly.” The pure in heart will see God because they act with sincerity and are genuine in their pursuit of love for neighbor. The peacemakers will be called children of God, but we have to begin by making peace within our smallest circles. If we begin with the little conflicts that plague our lives, then we order our small corner of the world toward peace.

When Jesus gave us the Beatitudes He knew that it was going to run counter to the way the world operates.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Accepting the daily path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.” Being a Christian in this world is not meant to be easy, but we have been given what we need from the Holy Spirit in order to walk this path. Together with the new members of the Church we can renew our commitment to finishing the journey.

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

Sunday 22 April 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Earth Day ou’ve heard, dear readers, of Superman, Spiderman, and Batman, but have you ever heard of Terracotta Man? Sure you have. You know him as Adam. “Adam” is the Hebrew word for reddish-brown clay — what we call “terracotta.”

God formed the first man out of clay and named him “Adam”— that is, “Terracotta.” This gives you some idea of how deeply we are connected to the earth. It’s the stuff of which we are made.

I am writing this on Earth Day, the unofficial environmental celebration.

Earth Day doesn’t date back to Adam and Eve. No. Earth Day originated in 1970. The credit goes to the honorable senator from the great state of Wisconsin, the late Gaylord Nelson.

Earth Day has struck a chord with some. People observe the day by collecting litter, planting trees, holding marches, delivering rousing speeches, and signing petitions. Earth Day appropriated some of its tactics from the anti-war movement.

This year, I decided to spend Earth Day digging deeper. I asked myself, “How do we as Catholics relate to the earth?” My musings went far beyond Earth Day. Start on the mountain.

Humans have always favored high places as the location for worship sites. If we can’t find a high place, at least we can build a steeple reaching to the sky.

Heaven is not a physical place and therefore cannot possibly be located in the sky, but still we naturally want to reach up to God. We seem to be more in

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It’s so easy being green

touch with God on moun- — in the same way that taintops. Google “Biblical John the Baptist chose to mountains” and you will decrease in order for the get 35 million results.

Lord to increase. This is Then there is the matter not coincidental. of the physical orientation Summer passes and we of our churches. When reach the first of the harthe Lord returns, His glory will shine from one end of The Ship’s Log the sky to the other.

Reflections of a Still, Catholics Parish Priest historically prefer to

By Father Tim worship while facGoldrick ing in the direction of the rising sun (ad orientam). This is not vest festivals, the Assumpalways possible due to the tion of the Blessed Virgin topology and to the fact Mary. The Blessed Mother that in our current Liturgy, is the first of God’s harvest priest and people face in of souls. God’s harvest of opposite directions. In this souls will be completed parish church, for example, when the Lord returns in the people face south but glory.

I face north. Well, it’s the The days grow short thought that counts. Ad when we reach September, orientam is a state of mind. as Frank Sinatra famously The calendar of our wor- crooned. On September, ship, its feasts and seasons, 14 we lift high the cross is especially aligned with against the encroaching the natural world. darkness.

Lent, for example, means In the month of Novem“spring.” Our holiest day, ber, as the natural world Easter, is determined by withers and dies around us, the phases of the moon. we remember our beloved The phases of the moon are dead. The nights grow the most ancient way to longer still. We sit in the mark the passing of time. darkness of Advent and

By Pentecost, the earth light candles. is green and vibrant again.

The date of Christmas In fact, some people call approximates the winter Pentecost the “green” holy solstice. At the darkest day. time of the year, we celAt about the time the ebrate the birth of the Son summer solstice is obof God. Then the wheel served, so is the Nativity of the year turns and so of John the Baptist. It’s does the cycle of our Litthe longest day. Thereafter, urgy. The world grows ever however, days grow shorter brighter. Ad aeternam.

And consider, if you please, the “all-natural ingredients” we use in our ritual spaces: water, olive oil, wheat, grapes, beeswax, fire, precious metals and gems, stone, wood. These are all things of the earth. Anything plastic or artificial is unworthy. It’s not good enough for Sacred usage.

Catholics who are attuned to both the Liturgy and to the natural world have a year-round prayer life that is rooted in the earth. This connectivity, unfortunately, is mostly lost to industrial and technological societies.

Dig deeper still. The Catholic Church has been “green” much longer than today’s ecological movement. For us, respect for the earth goes back to the

beginning — literally. We respect the earth because God created it. God appointed us stewards of the earth and all it contains.

We are responsible for each other, for “all creatures great and small,” for the whole planet. Catholic ecology is about relationships. In the last 40 years or so, under the leadership of the popes, the Church has been ever more clearly addressing this fraying web of relationships.

Catholic ecology is human ecology. It is more than a hot-button political issue. It’s a reflection on who we are; on our way of being in the world.

It’s not good to forget who we are and what we’re made of.

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

Visit us online at www.anchornews.org The Anchor - May 4, 2018

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Father Rocco Puopolo to speak on Nonviolence at La Salette

ATTLEBORO — On Tuesday, May 22 at 7:15 p.m., Father Rocco Puopolo will give a presentation entitled: “The Challenge of Nonviolence: Promoting Peace in a Violent World.”

This event is sponsored by the La Salette chapter of Pax Christi Mas-

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sachusetts and will be held in the Welcome Center at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park Street in Attleboro.

Father Puopolo, S.X. is a Xaverian Missionary priest who served the people of Sierra Leone, West Africa

during the country’s many years of civil war. More recently, Father Rocco was the executive director of the African Faith and Justice Network in Washington, D.C., an advocacy and education agency focused on Africa. He is a current

board member for Pax Christi Massachusetts.

Pax Christi is a Catholic peace movement which witnesses to the peace of Christ through prayer, study and action.

In a press release, the La Salette chapter of Pax Christi noted, “During a time when gun violence, societal conflict and threats of war are daily news stories, it is important that we reflect on nonviolence, which is not the mere absence of violence, but an active and valid strategy for finding common ground, promoting understanding and building relationships of respect.”

Father Rocco will address the Gospel roots

of nonviolence, recent nonviolence initiatives

by Pope Francis and the pastoral letter of Bishop William Lori of Baltimore, “The Enduring Power of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Principles of Nonviolence: A Pastoral Reflection.”

The local Pax Christi volunteers also wrote that Father Rocco “will lead participants to reflect on what we can learn from those who practice nonviolent resistance to violence, and how we can use nonviolent methods to affect positive change.”

The presentation is free of charge and open to all.

No registration is required.

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few weeks back I wrote a column about this old dog being able to learn new tricks — dealing with the losses of my dad and my good friend Tommy.

While I have been able to adapt and “learn new tricks,” when it comes to that, sometimes the old dog in me is a bit more resistant.

I don’t think many people, at least my peers, like change.

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet

We prefer to do things we know and with which we are comfortable.

Recently, I had to have a couple of minor surgeries, one on my shoulder and the other on my calf.

Both procedures required the physician to sew me back together, and both procedures drew the advice from said doctor, “Don’t overdo things.”

“Right,” was my automated response. I did have to shelf my three/four-mile walks, either at the gym or outside.

No golfing, heavy lifting (yay), or extreme stretching of the affected areas — until the stitches were removed.

I was vigilant — for the most part. But the old dog lie lurking.

After a few weeks of heeding my medic’s advice, I grew tired of babying myself.

The leg was feeling good and the shoulder was in another half of the body so I began walking again, shorter distances and more slowly, but it felt good.

One Sunday morning after Mass, on a rare sun-splashed April day, I opted to go to one of my favorite walking spots, Horseneck Beach in Westport.

Just trying to keep me in stitches I got there and it was gorgeous as usual. I walked for a while and decided to sit and watch and listen to the waves lap upon the shore. I spied a large pile of rocks up the beach that would be a perfect nesting area for me.

I climbed the rock pile, but being rocks that come from the ocean, they were well eroded and round. The pile gave way and took me with it.

I was swept away by an avalanche of beach stones.

When I came to rest after the rock slide I immediately checked my stitches, top and bottom. Phew! Neither opened. That would have been quite the sight walking back to my car a bloody mess.

Bad dog!

Then, a week later, I was watching the Boston Bruins in game seven against the

Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs.

I don’t have to tell anyone how maniacal I am when watching my Boston teams.

Luckily that night, the Bs scored seven goals. Unluckily for me, I, like countless others, throw my arms into the air when a goal is scored.

For the first four Bruins’ goals I did just that. And four times I had to check my shoulder wound to make sure I didn’t pop any stitches.

Nope. Got away with it each time. Bad dog!

By the fifth goal I was conditioned to celebrate with one arm. Not much fun, but

it was better than the alternative.

There are no more strings attached now, but I still have to be careful until the wounds are fully healed. Piece of cake.

I love the old dog in me, but with him around, it was a task keeping me in stitches. davejolivet@anchornews.org

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Parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford recently participated in a retreat titled: “Discipleship: a Stewardship Way of Life.� The retreat is given twice a year, by parishioners, for parishioners in the church hall on Friday and Saturday, culminating at the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Coordinators were Sister Marianna Sylvester, Jennie Antunes, Bernadette Sousa, and pastor Father Sudhir Nayak, SS.CC.

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hat is friendship?

Often we will make reference to someone we know as a friend, we hear children speaking about their best friend, and even couples will refer to their significant other as not only their spouse, but their closest friend as well.

According to the dictionary a friend is “a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.”

In this weekend’s Gospel, we hear Jesus referring to His disciples as His friends, chosen by Him. Individuals whom He selected to be His confidants, His closest friends, and who He knew and trusted to carry out His mission and continue the work He had begun — even if they didn’t. Jesus saw something in them, that they did not know they possessed or were capable of.

Like Jesus, those individuals we allow into are lives are ultimately our

One another

choice. We befriend inditinues to have for us. Jesus’ viduals who exemplify our friendship went beyond beliefs, enjoy doing the the mere constraints of our same things, and who we humanness, to our whole feel confident that have being. Jesus, like many of our best interests in mind our closest friends, sees or as they say, “have our beyond our physical apbacks.” These are the indipearance, recognizing the viduals in our lives who will stop everything to help us In the Palm in time of need, or of His Hands when we just need someone around to

By Rose Mary listen to us. They Saraiva see in us something that mirrors who they are, and together we beauty of the Spirit within. learn to discover new or Jesus truly loves us for hidden talents, helping who we are, not what we each other to shine. There look like, what position we is a song that exemplihold in life, or how much fies this type of friendship money we have stashed and love — “Wind Beaway. He sees us through neath My Wings” by Bette the lens of love, a love that Midler, which speaks of wants only the best for the love and strength of a their beloved. friendship, and what one Jesus is inviting us to will do in the name of that be His friend, to trust in love.

Him, to rely on Him, and Which brings us back to to go to Him whenever Jesus and the love He had we are happy, sad, feel acfor His disciples and concomplished or despondent, and every other time in between. Like our friends, He wants us to come running every time we have good news or just need a

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

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Celebrant is Father Jason Brilhante, chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital and in residence at St. Mary’s Cathedral, both in Fall River.

May 13, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Robert J. Powell, pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford.

shoulder to lean on. He wants us to know He is always there for us, regardless of what is happening in our lives. And like any true friend, even if distance prevents us from spending more time with each other, He is there waiting for us with open arms every time we return.

Jesus, like any true friend, wants to be an integral part of our lives, being there throughout life’s ups and downs; at times in the forefront of our lives, and at others, the supporting arm holding us up when we feel lost and alone.

But one thing we must remember is that every friendship has its requirements. Before we can befriend another person, we must allow them in, we must be willing to allow them to see every aspect of who we are. We must become vulnerable, trusting that they will become the strength that makes up for what we lack, and we in turn fill in the voids in their lives.

Jesus fully understood the strengths and weakness of the disciples, as He knows ours, and it was the strengths He saw that led Him to them. They chose to follow Jesus because they recognized something in Him they were lacking in their lives. This bond allowed them to feel His presence in their lives, giving them the fortitude they needed to persevere after His death and Resurrection. For this trust and willingness to follow and believe in Him, Jesus allowed us to see His vulnerabilities, humbling Himself for us, and ultimately sacrificing Himself in the final act of true friendship — of laying down one’s life for a friend.

We are challenged to truly love one another, to see beyond the surface, and to acknowledge that we are all sisters and brothers, all children of God. The message of the Gospel is to love as Jesus loves us, to put another’s need before our own, and to recognize that we are not complete without the love of each other. In a world that insists that we take, that we should only look out for our own best interests, put our needs first, and to seek out only what is gratifying, it is slowly becoming shallow and lonely. Yes, sometimes it hurts to put ourselves out there, and not all relationships bear fruit, but yet, if we do not dare to love, and care for others, how do we expect to find love and friendship? Jesus’ mission is pretty clear — “remain in My love — and love one another.”

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva is Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

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For and About Our Church Youth

I

have not been able to switch over to putting my schedule online. I tried it for a year using Google calendar and I missed more appointments than I remembered. It just did not feel natural typing my schedule so I still carry a planner around with me.

It is not one of those small weekly planners either.

About a year-and-a-half ago, someone recommended a startup company to me named Passion Planner. It not only has a the month at a glance and the weekby-week set up, but it has a spot to journal, monthly reflection questions, to-do lists and not-to-do lists. I use it for everything. It is my personal calendar, my school planner and my journal. Every week it also gives a quote for the week with a personal challenge.

The quote for this week is, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it” (Edith Wharton). This made me think of the moon. It shines brightly

Candle and mirror

in our darkened sky because Ever since I started workit reflects the light of the ing in ministry, I have been sun. It was made not to be told and reminded that we the candle, but to be the cannot give what we do not mirror but its impact is still have so if we are not in a regreat. lationship with Christ, then Imagine for a second a world where there was no moon to brighten up the night sky, a world where there

By Amanda was just darkness Tarantelli for a good portion of a day. We’ve seen those nights where we we are not sharing Christ. have storms and we cannot For us to bring Christ to see the moon because of what can often seem like a the clouds and how bleak darkened world, we must that makes the night. But first be connected to Him. It we know that the moon is is like putting gas in our car. there, just biding its time We must regularly fill our before it comes out to retank with fuel in order for flect the sun. our vehicles to go anywhere.

I think the same holds We must regularly “fill up” true for our lives. We all on Christ through Mass, face those moments where prayer, Confession and we cannot see the light in adoration in order to share the night sky. But like the the true Christ with othmoon, we know that there ers. In order to be the light is a light in the darkness of Christ in the world, we even if for a moment we cannot see it. And sometimes, we are that light in the darkness.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth.

If schools, parish Religious Education programs or homeschoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org 16

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Be Not Afraid

have to be connected to the source or close to the source to reflect its goodness.

I think of being the candle as the moments when we are most tied to Christ.

The moments in our lives when things are going well and we are strong in our prayer lives and Mass attendance is consistent, we shine so brightly to the world around us. There are other times, however, that life takes a front seat and faith gets pushed back. It is in those moments that I think we become more of the mirror. And that is OK. If we find ourselves in the role of the mirror, we are still close enough to the source to be able to reflect its image. No matter how complicated or dark our lives become, as long as we can keep ourselves within mirror range of the God Who loves us,

then we are still able to bring His light to the world around us.

The challenge about being the candle is that we now become the image and the light that others sometimes reflect. This is a scary place to be. I was recently humbled by a huge compliment of one of the parents here at Stang. While it was such an enormous honor to be told this, it is also terrifying to be looked at in that way. To be the candle means we need to make sure that we are setting that right example. We need to be connected to Christ to shine the light and love of God to all we meet.

Anchor columnist Amanda Tarantelli has been a campus minister at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth since 2005. She is married, a die-hard sports fan, and resides in Cranston, R.I. She can be reached at atarantelli@bishopstang.org.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has selected three entries from St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven as winners of the 2018 Curiosity Challenge. The university received more than 3,900 entries from students ages four-14, making the selection process extremely competitive. Lavina Burman (grade eight), Katie Manzone (grade six), and Sorraya Mahmoud (grade seven) received invitations along with their families and teacher, Mrs. Nordstrom, to attend the awards ceremony and brunch at MIT. Their winning entries will be published in the “2018 Curiosity Challenge Book.” Each winner will receive a copy of the book with their award.

For and About Our Church Youth

Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and the K-9 Unit came to visit St. James-St. John School in New Bedford.

Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth participated in a Prayer Service on Holy Thursday. The Stang community prayed the Stations of the Cross and prayed for each of the 17 victims of the Parkland school shooting. “Shadow Stations” were projected and a candle for each victim was lit, with musical accompaniment by the Bishop Stang A Capella Choir.

The St. Lawrence Parish Youth Group in New Bedford recently hosted its first annual Easter Egg Hunt. Texas Roadhouse was kind enough to supply plastic eggs and kids’ meal vouchers.

The pre-k students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently had a “shopping trip” with “money” earned from doing good deeds. The money lesson involved counting and sorting the coins and the students shopped for items using their earned money. Shown here are some of the students at the register with their teacher, Tammy O’Malley.

Students, families, and catechists at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth recently participated in the 9 a.m. Family Mass. Children were readers and honored the parish patroness with a fourth-grader, Juliet Pulkowski, dressed as St. Julie. She spoke after the homily about her life and the message that this good saint reminds all of us to emulate today.

Students in kindergarten through grade three of Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford recently gathered for “The Easter Experience” focusing on the events of Palm Sunday through Easter. The celebration ended with the “Dance of the Butterflies.”

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New prison chaplain sees ministry as ‘expression of mercy’ continued from page four

opportunity to be human. So I see that aspect of them, the humanity in them. I see them cry, I see them regret the things they have done, the choices they have made in the past, and they make promises to themselves.”

Sadly, many of those incarcerated have spouses and children at home, and they often will talk about their families and share that they “worry so much about the impression that it gives.”

“I am there to give them a listening ear without judging them,” Father Rowland said. “I have never had any discussions with any of them about what crime they committed. I just go in there and ask: ‘How are you today?’

It’s a ministry of presence — just being there for them.”

Although his ministry involves administering the Sacraments, including hearing Confessions and celebrating four weekend Masses — one for each of the male and female inmates, and two more for those being detained by immigration services on the Barnstable campus — Father Rowland said some prisoners aren’t even Catholic.

“They just want a religious leader, a religious figure whom they can trust and speak to,” he said. “So it’s been positive because at the end of my encounter, it has taught me so much.”

Father Rowland recalled being moved during a recent Sunday Liturgy when he asked the inmates what they wanted most from God. “All of them mentioned forgiveness,” he said. “It 18

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was moving, it was powerful.”

Despite their own predicament, Father Rowland said most of the time the inmates will be thinking about others.

“They will even pray for people outside,” he said. “When they follow the news, they will often pray for people who may be hurt, or maybe those who are going through experiences outside, or maybe relatives who are going for surgery. That is an aspect that touches me so much. Most of them will tell you that their relatives have forgotten them, that nobody wants to connect with them — but you’ll see them praying for people on the outside.”

While he has encountered prisoners with no religious interest or affiliation, Father Rowland said he is often surprised by the level of devotion and faith in others.

“Some of them will tell you that they abandoned God for a long time; only to come to prison to meet Him again,” he said. “I have a poem written by an inmate that he gave as a gift to the ministry and I wish that people could read it. It’s such an amazing write-up because he’s been in prison — in and out, in and out — and he’s writing about Jesus as his friend who never makes parole. He’s always there in the prison, and when he goes out to mess up again and he comes back, he’ll get to meet Him again.”

Ironically enough, Father Rowland noted that many of the hardened inmates refuse to speak about God or religion

outside the walls of the prison.

“I think it’s because we’ve removed the Bibles from schools and we’ve removed religion and any moral teaching from our formation,” he said. “But the only thing I’m allowed take into the prison with me is the Bible. So they may have abandoned God outside, only to find Him inside.”

Prior to his arrival, in recent years most of the prison ministry in the diocese was done by deacons and a dedicated group of part-time volunteers under the Residents Encountering Christ (REC) program, and Father Rowland said they will continue to support and assist each other.

“The REC ministers, they are all wonderful people who devote their time to go there every Monday evening and every Tuesday evening — even if it is on Christmas, even if it is on a holiday,” Father Rowland said. “They give up their own time to make sure that they have that two hours. So they have

been doing that.

“I do attend their meetings with the residents, because it is a way of encouraging them.

And they are so happy when they see me because I let them know that the bishop is aware that they do this for the Church.

So my presence is that connection between this ministry and the Church.”

As a new transplant to Cape Cod and the Fall River Diocese, Father Rowland is finally settling in and looking forward to a busy season — although he is a bit concerned about the threat of summertime “Cape traffic.”

“I spend a long time driving from here to the prison,” he said. “I’m always driving back and forth because I have no office in the prison — I am just a contractual worker. So what I do is I come in only when I am allotted time to be there.

So if it is 30 minutes, after 30 minutes I have to drive back here, and sometimes after one hour I have to go back again.

So sometimes I will be on that road for six (trips) in one day.”

But he remains optimistic that the ministry is well worth the time and effort.

“Guilt does not preclude human rights — no matter how guilty someone is, they still have human rights,” Father Rowland said. “And if you go to visit them, it doesn’t mean you are approving of what they’ve done.”

To that end, Father Rowland recounted a young inmate’s story about his mom coming to visit.

“He wanted to get out so quickly, and she told him, ‘you know, why not wait? Because I think God wants you to use this opportunity to fix yourself before you come out,’” he said. “And he was so happy to hear that from his mom. The mom said she didn’t support what he did, but she promised to visit him all the time.

So abandoning them and saying: ‘no, I disconnect’ doesn’t help because if one day they get out, they come out and into an environment where they feel that everybody rejected them, and that can make them relapse and fall back into their old ways.”

Pope begins meetings with Chilean abuse survivors

Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) — Pope Francis recently began individual meetings with three survivors of clerical sexual abuse from Chile following a major apology last month. The encounters, which had no time limit, went on throughout the weekend and on Monday.

The survivors — Juan Carlos Cruz, James Hamilton and Andres Murillo — were invited by the pope to stay at the Vatican’s St. Martha guesthouse, where he has lived since his election in 2013.

In an recent statement from the Vatican, spokesman Greg Burke said there will be no official communique on the encounters, as Pope Francis’ primary intention is “to listen to the victims, ask them for forgiveness and respect the confidentiality of these meetings.”

“In this climate of trust and of reparation for suffering,” Burke said, “the desire of Pope Francis

is to allow those invited to speak for as long as needed, such that there are no fixed schedules or predetermined content.”

Cruz, Hamilton and Murillo were each victims of abuse carried out by Chilean priest Fernando Karadima, who in 2011 was found guilty by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of sexually abusing several minors during the 1980s and 1990s, and sentenced to a life of prayer and solitude.

The pope invited the three men to come to the Vatican after receiving a 2,300-page report from Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who is highly-regarded as the Vatican’s top abuse investigator and who traveled to the United States and Chile in February to investigate allegations of cover-up.

Initially the investigation was centered around Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, who was ap-

pointed to the diocese in 2015 and who has been accused by Cruz and several others of not only covering up Karadima’s abuses, but at times also participating.

Allegations were also made against three other bishops — Andrés Arteaga, Tomislav Koljatic and Horacio Valenzuela — who Karadima’s victims accuse of also covering the abuser’s crimes.

While on the ground Scicluna interviewed some 64 people, most of whom were victims, but the scale of the investigation went beyond Barros. It is said to be much more extensive, including details from other cases, such as the Marist Brothers, who are currently under canonical investigation after allegations of sexual abuse by some of the members surfaced in August 2017.

Pope Francis had previously defended Barros, saying he had received no evidence of the bishop’s

guilt, and called accusations against him “calumny” during a trip to Chile in January.

However, after receiving Scicluna’s report, Pope Francis issued a major “mea culpa” April 11, saying he had made “serious errors in the judgment and perception of the situation, especially due to a lack of truthful and balanced information.”

He invited Cruz, Hamilton and Murillo to meet with him privately at the Vatican, and summoned all of Chile’s 32 bishops to Rome in the third week of May, where they will discuss the conclusions of Scicluna’s report as well the pope’s own conclusions on the matter.

In recent comments made to the New York Times, Cruz, who met with Pope Francis on the Sunday, said he was looking forward to speaking with the pope with “an open heart” and hearing

what the pontiff has to say.

Above all, Cruz said he wanted to convey “the pain and suffering of so many people,” many of whom, he said, suffered more than he has, and “I’ve suffered a lot.”

Cruz said at times he has been mad at Pope Francis, but does not want to be. Though understands that “people make mistakes,” Cruz said he still grapples with the fact that the pope didn’t act sooner, and that for him, the meeting will be a waste “if it doesn’t result in concrete actions.”

“And firing a few bishops won’t do the trick,” he said, voicing hope that Barros will be relieved from his post in Osorno.

But despite the disappointment and “shattered” vision of the pope that he had going into the meting, Cruz said the pope is still the pope, and “I hope we all get some kind of healing out of this, for ourselves.”

Alfie Evans dies amid outpouring of prayer, support Liverpool, England (CNA/EWTN News) — Ailing toddler Alfie Evans, whose plight has tugged at the world’s heartstrings throughout the past week, died in the early hours of April 28 morning after being removed from life support.

In a Facebook post, Alfie’s father, Tom Evans, said: “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30 — absolutely heartbroken. I love you my guy.”

Just shy of two years old, Alfie had been in what physicians described as a “semi-veg-

etative state” due to a mysterious degenerative neurological condition that doctors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England had not been able to properly diagnose. He had been hospitalized since December of 2016.

Although Italian officials earlier granted Alfie citizenship and a Vatican-linked hospital offered to take the toddler for further diagnosis and treatment, UK courts repeatedly refused to allow the transfer, ruling that it is not in the child’s best interest.

With permission of the

court, but against the will of Alfie’s parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, the hospital earlier last week removed Alfie’s ventilator and withheld food and water from the child.

Although the toddler was only expected to live for a few minutes, he was able to breathe on his own for a number of hours, until doctors administered oxygen and hydration. They later administered nutrition as well, after the boy went almost 24 hours without food, according to Alfie’s father.

Life support was again

removed from Alfie after a last-minute appeal by his parents was struck down Wednesday. After the ruling, the toddler’s parents released a statement thanking the doctors and hospital staff who cared for their son, saying they wanted to “build bridges” with Alder Hey. Rallies in support of Alfie’s parents had been held throughout the week in London, Washington, D.C., New York and the Vatican, with pilgrims gathering to pray the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square each night leading up to the toddler’s death.

Pope Francis has also been outspoken about supporting the child’s parents.

The pope, who met with Alfie’s father last week, has offered public prayers for Alfie and his family several times, including at a general audience and in several Twitter posts.

“Moved by the prayers and immense solidarity shown little Alfie Evans, I renew my appeal that the suffering of his parents may be heard and that their desire to seek new forms of treatment may be granted,” he recently said on Twitter.

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Diocesan ministries to ‘Celebrate the Beauty of Every Child’ prayer presentation utilizes a wonderfully touching video of the journey of an 11-year-old boy who was born blind, at barely two pounds. The video can be viewed on YouTube, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” (Duffley).

The sessions were held in each of the five diocesan deaneries: at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, St. John the Evangelist in Attleboro, and St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth.

The presentations were coordinated by Wenc representing MCFL; Desrosiers, Pro-Life Apostolate; Susan Mazzarella of CSS; Ramos of SVdP; and prayers and prayer cards provided by the Knights of Columbus.

“The Knights have donated 10,000 prayer cards that are being dispersed throughout our diocese dur-

need for prayer and action.

Families struggle with the high cost of clothing and ing this campaign through other needs for their chiltheir representative in this dren. This campaign allows campaign, Paul Devin,” said Desrosiers. “We are so us to joyfully respond, first and foremost with our grateful.” prayers and then with items The presentations were given by Desrosiers, Ramos that can put to good use.

Everyone was happy to help and Wenc. “The presentations were very well received us get the word out.”

Wenc added, “In the by those who attended,” Acts of the Apostles, it said Wenc. says, ‘All the believers were “Our children need our one in heart and mind. prayers and action more No one claimed that any than ever,” said Desrosiers. of their possessions was “Children in the womb their own, but they shared and children of all ages are everything they had. With suffering not only in this country but throughout our great power the Apostles world. Evil has many forms continued to testify to the Resurrection of the Lord and has spread. Many Jesus. And God’s grace was children are afraid to go to school because of the recent so powerfully at work in them all that there were tragedies. Our diocesan no needy persons among schools will be invited to them. For from time to time join us in prayer.

“Our visits to each dean- those who owned land or ery have allowed us to greet houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and meet people who are and put it at the Apostles’ excited to take part in this feet, and it was distributed campaign. They expressed to anyone who had need.’ and reaffirmed the urgent

“That’s the idea behind this campaign. That’s the idea of a unified diocese.”

“In essence, the synergy of the five ‘Spirit-based’ organizations created a ‘Catholic Coalition’ for the purpose of helping the youngest of our diocese,” Ramos told The Anchor.

“Catholic Social Services is delighted and honored to collaborate with the four other ministries on the Celebrate the Beauty of the Child campaign,” Mazzarella told The Anchor. “The goal of this unified effort within our diocesan family is to generate prayers and resources for the youngest members of our collective communities.”

In a letter to pastors, a letter from the five ministries said, “Our children are our roots to the past and the hope for our future. Please join us and celebrate the beauty of every child as we continue to restore and rebuild Christ’s Church with faith, hope and love.”

will include Eucharistic Adoration when faithful can concentrate on the prayer the Angel of Peace gave to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta at Fatima in the spring of 1916: “My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You. Pray in this way. The hearts of Jesus and Mary are ready to listen to you.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is an important part of the day since Our Lady requested the faithful to make Confession a monthly practice.

The afternoon schedule includes two sessions where reflections from a diocesan

priest, permanent deacon, and lay people will be given, followed by a questionand-answer period.

Speakers include: Father Thomas M. Kocik, a parochial vicar at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River on “No Ordinary Joe: St. Joseph, Splendor of the Patriarchs”; Permanent Deacon Peter Cote, who ministers at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Catholic Memorial Home, both in Fall River, on “What Are We Made For? A Theology of the Body Perspective”; Haley Ketschke, a third-grade teacher at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet, and a student of the Theology of the Body Institute preparing to enter the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R., of the Penance of the Sorrow-

Lady of Fatima and a procession to the auditorium with benediction.

“We hope and pray that Our Lady’s call to all will bring many to come and celebrate the love that comes to us from Heaven.”

The event is handicapped accessible and parking is free. Donations will be graciously accepted and there will be religious books and reminders in the cafeteria.

For more information on the event, visit fb.com/ livingfatima and click “events” for full schedule; email livingfatima@gmail. com, or call 781-521-3677.

For more information on Living the Fatima Message ministry, visit its website at livingfatima.com and click “Apostolates,” or visit Facebook.com/livingfatima.

continued from page five

from every parochial school in the diocese.

“At the celebration Bishop da Cunha encouraged the young people to pray with their families; the Rosary, prayers of intercession to St. Michael the Archangel, all tied to Our Lady’s message at Fatima — ‘Pray, pray, pray,’” said Wenc.

On the weekends of the campaign, parishioners will be given a packet which includes a sign-up sheet to pledge prayers, and also to give Faith Formation programs the opportunity to have their students become involved in the prayer element of the campaign.

To prepare for the June weekend parish campaigns, the five ministries offered training sessions to individuals who were recommend by their pastors.

The training sessions included two PowerPoint presentations; one on prayer and the other on action. The

Fatima ministry offers ‘Joseph’s Yes,’ family event in Fall River continued from page two

may become little vessels of His presence wherever we serve. Our prayer life is nourished by daily Communion, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacred Scripture, and Marian devotions. Our vocation is to be the leaven in the dough. It is a call to be the leaven in society, in the Church and in the world. Our call is to incarnate the unity and peace of the Holy Family of Nazareth, God’s love for all His people, and the gracious and kind motherhood of Mary for the Church and all her children.

A very special time will later take place in the chapel where attendees will be able to “Answer the Call,” at which time they can consider how they can answer Our Lady’s call. This period 20

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ful Mother, on “Absolute Truth: Defending a Culture Seeped in Moral Relatism”; and Jim Orcutt, founder of My Brother’s Keeper in North Easton, on “Following the Urging of the Holy Spirit.

The day will conclude with a Living Rosary to be prayed at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima on the Connolly campus; a Eucharistic procession from the statue to the auditorium; ending with Benediction.

“Families are strongly encouraged to attend and avail themselves of important messages from Mary and Joseph as to how have holy families and to stand out as light in darkness,” said Wilcox. “We will end with a Living Rosary outside at the statue of Our

Ryan Healy to be ordained a transitional deacon May 19 continued from page three

contributed to the very positive image that I held of the Catholic priest.”

He also cited Fathers Richard Wilson and Riley Williams, who were both serving at his home parish during his college and seminary years.

“They were most encouraging of my choice to enter the seminary, involving me in many aspects of parish life,” he said. “I looked forward to each weekend in college seminary, coming home on Sundays to serve in the parish with Father Wilson and Father Williams. The support of each of these priests has been integral to reaching this stage of my journey.”

One of Healy’s greatest role models, however, was probably his grandfather, George Broughton, who shared that he once had discerned a calling to the priesthood himself.

“When I was a child, he often brought me with him to daily Mass at St. Mark’s Parish in Attleboro Falls,” he said.

“His example greatly contributed to my ultimate choice to pursue the priesthood.”

As he enters this final stretch towards a religious life of service to Christ and His Church, Healy reflected on his first quarter-century of preparation and how these years of formation have “formed me into a better man of God and prepared me well for upcoming ministry.”

“The faithful I have met in my home parish, at summer assignments, and across the diocese have overwhelmingly humbled me by their kindness and encouragement as I have continued this journey,”

Healy said. “It has been most joyful to be present to friends and family in a new way at important moments — such as altar serving at weddings, First Communions, and funerals. And unique pastoral experiences in the seminary have strengthened my excitement for priestly ministry, particularly helping at a homeless shelter, assisting at campus ministry at Harvard, and working in youth ministry.”

With three men preparing for their priestly ordinations less than a month after his own diaconal ordination, Healy is also excited to be part of “the growing number of vocations in the diocese,” which he attributes to the efforts of Bishop da

Cunha and the Vocations Office.

“I think that the witness of these young men being ordained will have a huge impact in their parishes, especially in encouraging those who may be interested in the priesthood,” he said.

“Since his arrival in the diocese, Bishop da Cunha has strongly emphasized the important work of fostering and promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, most especially by the creation of the diocesan parish vocation committees. Let us pray that God may continue to raise up many more faithful men to serve God’s people.”

Healy is filled with joy and excitement for the May 19 diaconate ordi-

In Your Prayers

nation, which will take place in the presence of his parents, Richard and Christine, his two sisters, Jennifer and Meghan, and many more family members and friends.

During the Mass he will be vested by his cousin, Father Patrick Healy, O.M.I., who is 97 and legally blind.

“Father Pat is one of the most incredible priests I have ever met,” he said. “He is a missionary priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and has spent years of devoted service as a missionary in Japan, for several decades as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Vietnam War, and later as chaplain of West Point. He is currently serving as active chaplain at the Soldier’s Home in Chelsea, Mass.”

Newly-ordained Dea-

con Healy will celebrate his first Masses as homilist the following day, May 20, at his home parish of St. John the Evangelist during the 8, 10 and 11:30 a.m. services.

During his final year of formation, Healy will be serving weekends at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, alongside pastor Father Kevin A. Cook, who is also diocesan director of Vocations and Seminarians.

“I look forward with great excitement to my final year of seminary with the ultimate goal of the priesthood drawing ever closer,” he said. “I will certainly strive to prepare as best as possible during this year for priestly life after the seminary. I will also definitely cherish the time that I have with my classmates and brothers at St. John’s.”

Please Please pray pray for for these these priests priests during during the the coming coming weeks weeks

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 May 7 Rev. Raymond P. Levell, S.J., Professor, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., 1958 May 9 Rev. J.E. Theodule Giguere, Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1940 Rev. John P. Clarke, Pastor, St. Mary, Hebronville, 1941 Permanent Deacon Marcel G. Morency, 2016 May 12 Rev. John F. deValles, DSC, U.S. Army Chaplain, 1920 Rev. Herve Jalbert, Retired Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1986 May 13 Rev. Msgr. Osias Boucher, USA Retired, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955 May 14 Rev. Robert McDonnell, C.S.C., Pastor, Holy Cross, South Easton, 2006 May 16 Rev. William McDonald, SS., St. Patrick, Falmouth, 1941 Rev. Msgr. J. Joseph Sullivan, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, 1960 Rev. Arthur dos Reis, Retired Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1981 May 17 Most Rev. James E. Cassidy, D.D., Third Bishop of Fall River, 1934-51, 1951 Rev. Albert Evans, SS.CC., 2003

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Around the Diocese VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for A Prayer Celebration for Families, Sunday, June 10, for the historic celebration of Pope Francis’ decree recognizing Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., as Venerable and another step closer to sainthood. The day will consist of Eucharistic Procession, Rosary Prayer, and the Holy Mass. Volunteers needed for hospitality, parking, logistics, etc. The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, North Easton,02356. Call Ashley at 508-238-4095 for more information or to sign up. May God bless you for sharing your gifts of time and talent.

Find our event on www.Facebook.com/FamilyRosary.

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet on May 4 at St. Joseph Church on North Main Street in Fall River. The celebration of Mass begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Following Mass, members will gather in the church hall for a hot meal prepared by White’s of Westport. After the meal there will be a presentation by member Larry Silvia. New members are always welcome. For more information, call Norm Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

The 20th annual Blessing of the Bikes to benefit St. Joseph School in Fairhaven will take place Sunday, May 6 (rain date: May 20) beginning with sign-up at 10:30 a.m. in the rear parking lot of Fort Phoenix. The run will leave promptly at noon and travel past St. Joseph Church on Spring Street in Fairhaven for the blessing. After a two-hour ride, bikers will return to the Ice House Bar and Grille on Route 6 for food and entertainment. Cost is $15 per bike. For more information, contact Tracy at 508-996-1983.

A one-day silent retreat entitled “Spring Day of Silence with the Masters” will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the camphouse on the grounds of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown. Come spend a day of springtime quiet with the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower of Jesus.” Bring a bag lunch, beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Karen Howard at klhoward@aol.com or 508-947-0193.

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street in Attleboro, will host a three-day Holy Angels Mission on May 7-9. On Monday and Tuesday night there will be Adoration and Confessions at 6 p.m. and Benediction at 7 p.m. Topics will include “The Trial of the Angels and the Battle of the Human Family” (Monday); “The Revelation of the Immaculate Heart at Fatima and the Importance of this Devotion” (Tuesday); and “The Angel of Fatima and the Role of Our Guardian Angel in Our Lives” (Wednesday). Consecrations to the Guardian Angel by those who have completed their year of formation will be held, along with interviews for those who would like to begin the year-long formation process towards this consecration.

Join St. John the Evangelist School for its 12th annual SJE Golf Tournament on Monday, May 14 at 8 a.m. at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth. All fees include golf, cart, breakfast and lunch. The day will start with a continental breakfast followed by a shotgun start on the course. All money raised from the event will support the students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro. Visit www.sje-school.com to register.

A Healing Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 17 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 19 Kilmer Avenue in Taunton, beginning at 6 p.m. with recitation of the Holy Rosary. It will include the Sacrament of Confession. Holy Mass begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include healing prayers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome. For more information, email standrewtaunton@comcast.net or call 508-824-5577.

The Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Nurses will present “All About Spirituality and Service” with Sister Callista Roy, C.S.J., Ph.D., RN on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at White’s of Westport. Sister Callista is a professor emeritus at Boston College and adjunct professor at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. Admission is $45 and includes morning refreshments, presentation and lunch. To register or for more information, contact Betty at 508-678-2373.

St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, will host a Pentecost Taizé Prayer Service on Sunday evening, May 20 beginning at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend, with a patio reception to follow.

On Pentecost Sunday, May 20 from 2-3 p.m., a celebration of the birthday of the Church, with Rosary, Prayer and Adoration of our Lord in front of the Tabernacle will take place at Holy Name Parish, 709 Hanover Street, Fall River.

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Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Main Street, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

EASTTAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m.

Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St.Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.,with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction.

Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street.

Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day.

Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes.

All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Krakow, Poland (CNA/EWTN News) — Hanna Chrzanowska, a 20th-century Polish nurse and laywoman who was recently beatified in Krakow, is a model of how to give of oneself for the good of others, said a priest involved with her canonization cause.

“The laity know well the reality of everyday life,” Father Pawel Galuszka said.

“Hanna, as a nurse, knew in person and from experience the problems of the sick, alone, abandoned and disabled.”

A Polish priest responsible for the pastoral section of the beatification cause of Hanna Chrzanowska, Father Galuszka told CNA that “in today’s culture the logic of the market prevails.

In every aspect of life we tend to calculate profit or utility.”

Chrzanowska, on the other hand, “teaches us how important it is to make a sincere gift of oneself, even sacrifice, for the good of the other. This is, and will be, the very legacy of Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska.”

Galuszka noted that St. John Paul II, then-Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, knew Chrzanowska during her life, and when he presided over her funeral said: “We thank you, Miss Hanna, for having been among us — a particular incarnation of Christ’s

Beatified nurse, laywoman lived for others

blessings from the Sermon on the Mount, above all that He said ‘blessed [are] the merciful.’”

“The bishop of Krakow [St. John Paul II] had no doubt that Hanna in a heroic way fulfilled the Commandment of love of neighbor,” Father Galuszka noted.

Meeting Cardinal Wojtyla was one of the special moments in Chrzanowska’s life, the priest recounted, adding that the then-bishop of Krakow gave her “real moral and material help” during her organization of various parish infirmaries throughout the city and archdiocese.

“Equipped with a charismatic personality, she concentrated a significant group of collaborators and volunteers around her work, among them nurses, nuns, seminarians, priests, doctors, professors and students,” Father Galuszka said.

“With their help, she

organized retreats for her patients that brought back the joy and the strength to face everyday life. Thanks to her efforts, the tradition of celebrating Holy Mass in the homes of the sick, and going to visit patients during pastoral visits, spread.”

Chrzanowska was born in Warsaw on Oct. 7, 1902 to a family known for their charitable work. She finished high school at a school run by Ursuline Sisters in Krakow and after graduating in 1922 attended nursing school in Warsaw. She became an oblate with the Ursuline Sisters of St. Benedict.

From 1926-1929 she worked as an instructor at the University School of Nurses and Hygienists in Krakow. For 10 years she held the position of editor of the monthly “Nurse Poland” magazine, also publishing her own work in the field of nursing.

During this period, she

also grew closer to God, joining in the work of the Catholic Association of Polish Nurses in 1937.

In 1939, Poland saw the outbreak of World War II. After the war and after the opening of a university school of maternity and nursing in Krakow, she worked as the head of the department dedicated to home nursing.

Chrzanowska was especially dedicated to the proper formation and preparation of her students, including offering advice and assistance while accompanying her students on visits to patients confined at home.

In 1966 she contracted cancer. Despite operations, the disease spread and eventually led to her death on April 29, 1973 in Krakow.

Her cause for canonization was opened Nov. 3, 1998, and her beatification Mass took place at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

in Krakow April 28.

Father Galuszka said that the miracle which paved the way for Chrzanowska’s beatification was the healing of a 66-year-old woman, who had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and mild heart attack.

The woman had become paralyzed in both legs and a hand and was considered to have no chance of surviving.

While in a coma, she had a dream that Hanna Chrzanowska appeared to her and said, “Everything will be fine.” Waking soon after, she surprised the doctors, because not only could she speak normally, but she could move her limbs, Father Galuszka said.

It was later discovered that on the same day she was miraculously healed, the woman’s friend, a nurse, had attended a Mass and prayed for her healing through the intercession of Venerable Hanna Chrzanowska.

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New Anchor labels identify expiration date

FALL RIVER — On page three of this Anchor edition is an explanation of the new mailing labels (above) beginning this week on all Anchor publications, along with the notice of a $25 subscription amount beginning at renewal time.

Below is a sample of the label that shows when the subscription expires allowing readers to renew before then to keep their subscriptions active. If no payment is received in 30 days, The Anchor will send one reminder notice at a later date.

Subscriber name Subscriber Street Address Subscriber City/Town/Zip Code

A subscription to The Anchor 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 beloved Church — locally and beyond.

One-year subscription — $20 Name: Address: City:

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if given as a gift, the card should read: From: Street:

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Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720

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The Anchor - May 4, 2018