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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently blessed and dedicated a newly-installed statue of Our Blessed Mother that now adorns the entrance to the chancery office building on Highland Avenue in Fall River.

The statue, which previously belonged to the former SS. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church in the city and had been a longtime fixture within the courtyard entrance to SS. Peter and Paul Church and School, will now greet all who come to the diocesan offices. The bishop asked the Blessed Mother’s intercession to keep watch over the diocese and all who work for it. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza) The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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My Brother’s Keeper expanding facility, outreach in Dartmouth

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

DARTMOUTH — If you ask Erich Miller, president of My Brother’s Keeper, there’s no greater example of Divine Providence than the fact that when they first decided to expand their ministry into the greater Fall River-New Bedford area four years ago, they leased a building that would lead them to purchasing a buildable lot just steps down the road.

“When the Dartmouth building came to our attention, it was ideal in that it was close to the highway and smack dab in the middle between New Bedford

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and Fall River,” Miller said. “I firmly believe that had we not leased that building, we never would have found or explored this option. Again, it’s another example of God leading us to where we need to be, one step at a time.”

Although their original lease agreement would allow them to buy and remain at the former warehouse facility at 999 Reed Road, Miller said they started to evaluate their options two years ago and found they needed a much larger facility with more volunteer parking and better access for delivery vehicles.

Little did they know that a nearby house lot with adjacent

From left, Erich Miller, president of My Brother’s Keeper, and Josh Smith, director of the ministry’s Dartmouth location, stand outside the sprawling new facility they will soon occupy on Reed Road in Dartmouth. Since expanding its operations into the area more than two years ago, the charitable organization has provided furniture, food and Christmas assistance to families in the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas, and the need continues to grow. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

conservation land totaling 22 acres would be available to purchase.

“One of our volunteers is a developer and we brought him in to talk about potentially buying property,” explained Josh Smith, director of the Dartmouth location. “He found this property while looking on the MLS listings. I remember him saying: ‘I’m pretty sure it’s close to here on Reed Road. When we punched it into the GPS we realized it was two lots down!”

Like Miller, Smith can’t help but see the Hand of God in all this.

“This is how God works, you know? Quietly, subtly, but kind of nudging us in that direction,” he said.

After purchasing the property in November 2015, My Brother’s Keeper spent the last 22 months raising money and working with area contractors and tradesmen — many of whom donated their in-kind services — to design and construct a new 18,200-squarefoot pre-engineered metal building on the site that will virtually double the organization’s storage capacity, increase its total deliv-

eries by more than 200 percent, and allow them to accommodate new programs like a food delivery service.

“The new facility will have a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, so we will have the ability to expand and offer a food delivery service, much like we do in Easton — delivering nonperishables, fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ homes locally,” Smith said. “We think that will also open up some more volunteer opportunities.

Not everyone is passionate about or ready to move furniture, or physically can.”

And there’s little doubt that My Brother’s Keeper has quickly outgrown its current home.

Since first setting up shop in Dartmouth in the fall of 2013, the ministry has grown by leaps and bounds, steadily expanding its charitable outreach in providing furniture, food and Christmas assistance to area families in need.

“We now assist in New Bedford and have expanded to 18 surrounding communities within a half-hour radius from the facilTurn to page 20

Cape Summer Gala to support Catholic schools scholarship fund

MASHPEE — The 20th annual FACE Summer Gala to support Catholic school students in the Fall River Diocese is set for July 14, at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee.

With a delicious multicourse dinner, entertainment by the BobKat Celtic Trio, an auction and more, an enjoyable evening for all is planned with proceeds going to FACE, or the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Education.

FACE provides needbased scholarships to children attending Catholic schools on Cape Cod and throughout the Fall River Diocese.

Boston TV personality Billy Costa, host of WGBH-TV’s “High School Quiz Show,” and NESN’s “Dining Playbook,” will serve as master of ceremonies for the Summer Gala, which will

begin with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception featuring flutist George Machon and harpist “Cy” Cynthia Gordon O’Neill.

This year’s gala program will include the inaugural presentation of two awards established in memory of two longtime dedicated supporters of FACE and its predecessor, the St. Mary’s Education Fund. To recognize the “commendable years of service” offered by each, this year the first annual Sheila Dunne Feitelberg Award and first annual Al Makkay Sr. Award will be presented to their respective spouses, Joseph H. Feitelberg of Westport and Maureen Makkay of Centerville, and their families.

Going forward, on an annual basis, the Sheila Dunne Feitelberg Award will be presented to honor a volunteer or

philanthropist from Cape Cod who has contributed in an extraordinary way to Catholic education. The Al Makkay Sr. Award will be presented each year to recognize meritorious service of an educator or student from a Catholic school on Cape Cod. Marstons Mills resident and longtime Summer Gala planning committee member Kelley J. Spodris is serving as chairperson for this year’s event.

In his letter of invitation, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., writes that the FACE Summer Gala is an opportunity for friends “to come together and demonstrate their love and support for Catholic education.”

He points out that through the generosity of supporters of FACE, the Fall River Diocese “has been able to provide

scholarships to many children who would otherwise not be able to attend a Catholic school,” adding that, “the need continues to grow.”

For ticket informa-

tion or to f ind out about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jane Robin of the FACE Cape Cod off ice at 508-759-3566 or by e-mail: janer@dioc-fr. org.

New Bedford streets ready to welcome Blessed Sacrament and worshipers June 18

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

NEW BEDFORD — The streets of the historic Whaling City will once again welcome the Blessed Sacrament in a procession honoring the Body of Christ, to be held on June 18.

For many years now hundreds of diocesan faithful have lined the streets of New Bedford, or have walked along with the Eucharistic procession, in prayerful honor of Our Lord and Savior.

The procession is organized by dedicated members of the Perpetual

Eucharistic Adoration program at Our Lady’s Chapel, along with other faith-filled volunteers and the friars at the chapel.

“The procession is important because it is a public witness to the faith,” Father Matthias M. Sasko, F.I., of Our Lady’s Chapel told The Anchor. “Our Lord belongs in the public domain — a Eucharistic procession is an opportunity for Catholics to give witness to their faith, especially to Our Lord’s true presence — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, hidden under the appearances of bread — and for spectators to experience the presence

of God in the world and hopefully in their personal lives.

“In a world where God’s presence is being excluded in a systematic way, a procession is a beautiful way to make that presence erupt anew in places (or lives) where it has been forgotten or excluded.”

The annual procession will begin at Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street in New Bedford at 2 p.m., and embark on a journey visiting three station churches during the afternoon.

The stations are: Our Lady of Purgatory MaTurn to page five

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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Young diocesan priests appointed first-time administrators

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

FALL RIVER — There was a time not too long ago when newly-ordained priests would have the luxury of serving as parochial vicars, assistant pastors and curates for some time before they took over the administrative responsibilities of running a parish.

Until about the mid1980s, the average stretch between ordination and becoming a pastor in the diocese was 20 years.

But with the shortage of priests and an increasing number of retirees in the Fall River Diocese and beyond, it’s clear those

FALL RIVER — A licensed social worker with a 30-year career in human services in positions ranging from clinician to senior manager will become the next executive director of Catholic Social Services of the Fall River Diocese.

Susan Mazzarella of Riverside, R.I., will take the helm of CSS, a regional leader in the provision of social and human services, on July 10. She will succeed Arlene McNamee who will retire after leading the agency for 23 years.

“After a lengthy search process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mazzarella and to welcome her to the Diocese of Fall River,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “She comes well prepared to lead CSS with a resume indicative not only of extensive experience and skills from a variety of positions in social services, but also of a deep personal 4

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

days are gone.

Williams, ordained in Father Peschel said he was Amidst the latest batch 2011, was appointed paro- still “a bit surprised” by of retirements and transchial administrator of St. the appointment. fers announced last month Francis Xavier Parish in “I wasn’t expecting to

by Bishop Edgar M. da Acushnet. take over the administraCunha, S.D.V., tion of such a big two young priests operation — two were appointed parishes, a gramfirst-time adminmar school, and istrators relatively a cemetery — at early in their only three years ministries. of ordination and Father Chris29 years old,” topher M. PePeschel recently schel, ordained told The Anchor. just three years “One pastor in ago, was named the diocese apparochial admin- Father Christopher proached me at a Father Riley J. istrator of St. recent cathedral Williams M. Peschel John the Evangeevent and asked: list and St. Vin‘Who do you cent de Paul parishes in Even though he’s keenly pray to? It took me 27 Attleboro. aware of the factors neyears to become a pastor!’”

And Father Riley J. cessitating these changes, Father Williams like-

Diocesan Catholic Social Services appoints replacement for retiring Arlene McNamee

commitment to serving and helping those in need.”

Mazzarella moves to CSS from Justice Resource Institute, a large human services agency based outside Boston with an array of programs in several New England states. There, in her most recent position as division director, she oversaw a multi-component JRI unit including intensive foster care and adoption; teen parenting and young adult programs; and FOCUS, which provides services to the homeless or those at risk of becoming so in southeastern Massachusetts. She was promoted to that post in March 2016 after serving for five years as director of the JRI foster care and adoption program.

Prior to JRI, she was for eight years vice-president at Community Care Services in Taunton, where she was responsible for multiple programs covering a wide

spectrum of human services from a day health center for frail and elder adults to rehabilitative care services for adults with mental illness, from homeless prevention to homeless shelters.

Susan Mazzarella

She began her career at ComCare, then also based in Taunton, first as a senior clinician in its alternative high school for 11 years, and then as director of its specialized foster care program for six years.

Mazzarella holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Scranton and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Boston College.

In commenting on her selection to the CSS post, Mazzarella described the diocesan agency as “deeply committed to the well-being of our communities. It has provided care, support, and resources for generations, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

CSS now sponsors more than 30 diverse programs that aim to improve the quality of life for the poor and those in need, to strengthen individuals and families, and to advocate for social justice.

The agency has grown exponentially during McNamee’s tenure as executive director.

CSS is currently the largest provider of social and human services to im-

wise said he wasn’t expecting to be transferred, much less being put in charge of a parish and school in Acushnet.

“When (the bishop) asked me whether I felt ready to take on this new responsibility, I told him that while I feel somewhat prepared from my experiences in past assignments, I knew I could also turn to my brother priests for help with questions that lay outside my previous experience,” Father Williams said.

Although he said he felt humbled to be asked to take on this added responsibility so soon after ordination, Father Peschel Turn to page 18

migrants in the southeast region of the state. It is also the largest provider of food outside Boston, and the largest provider of beds for the homeless outside of the Greater Boston area.

“On my own behalf as well as on that of the previous two bishops of Fall River under whom she worked, and our clergy and laity, I express deep gratitude to Ms. McNamee for her tireless work to make CSS what it is today,” said Bishop da Cunha.

“Always attentive to the needs in our communities, particularly those impacting the poor or vulnerable, Arlene has been able to find ways for CSS to respond with assistance in the name of our diocesan Church, sometimes working on its own, sometimes in partnerships, to better the lives of countless individuals and families in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.”

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff beckyaubut@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — We broke the news to our readers in the Nov. 13, 2015 edition that word had come down that The Anchor was losing its principal funding after a new diocesan assessment was being put forth to help with “the operations of the diocese’s central administration which supports all diocesan parishes and institutions.” The staff at the paper had only a few months to generate cost-savings ideas before the Jan. 1, 2015 deadline, when all income from diocesan parishes would cease.

Fast-forward to the year 2017, and The Anchor is still publishing, though we continue to work hard to meet our financial obligations. In the past, parishes would help us with subscription notices — sometimes even covering their parishioners’ subscription costs — by making envelopes available to subscribers. It is important to note: parishes are no longer paying for, or offering an envelope for subscription renewals.

Instead, a new envelope is making the rounds, and is now being delivered directly to subscribers’ mailboxes. The Anchor has begun sending out invoices to subscribers whose subscription is past due.

Because the paper only consists of a handful of staff members, small batches of invoices are slowly but surely making their way into the hands our readers, with many immediately sending his or her invoice back with payment; The Anchor yearly subscription continues to stay at $20.

Some invoices have notes of appreciation, while others have a donation included with their subscription payment. We have subscribers paying their subscriptions while also covering the subscription payment for their friend, or giving The Anchor as a gift.

Some invoices are accompa-

The invoice is in the mail

nied with a note apologizing for not being aware of any payment being due, while others have stated they thought their parish had continued to cover the cost.

No worries, say The Anchor staff; now that you know, we appreciate your prompt payment.

While living in an age where the Internet has become the goto source of information, some may question the need for a printed newspaper. The Anchor is not just any printed newspaper, but a comprehensive source of information for Catholics of the Fall River Diocese, from local reporting within the borders of the diocese to international coverage of the Vatican and beyond.

The Anchor connects all five deaneries — Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro and Cape Cod and the Islands — with inspirational and faithfilled stories that are often overlooked by secular papers. The paper helps highlight individuals living in the Fall River Diocese, who are working hard to live the Gospel with his or her actions, and those stories often motivate others to do the same.

Recent articles include celebrating the Fatima centennial and highlighting how the faithful throughout the Fall River Diocese solemnly observed the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. The Anchor also covers the youth in the diocese, from Faith Formation programs to events being held at the diocesan schools.

Columnists continue to contribute their to writing columns, with routine favorite Father Tim Goldrick filing “The Ship’s Log” on a regular basis and offering a comedic spin on priesthood, while former executive editor of The Anchor and current member of the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, Father Roger Landry, offers a more academic view on the Gospel in his column, “Putting Into the Deep.”

The Anchor also ties the deaneries together with the written word from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.; most notably this past Easter when the bishop issued his pastoral letter that was published in book form in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

If you’d like to head-off any invoice, you can clip out the renewal notice we feature in The Anchor, f ill it out and send it back with payment ($20) — we will credit your account accordingly.

Please mail it to The Anchor, 887 Highland Ave., Fall River,

02720.

Or you can go online to www.

AnchorNews.org, and pay through PayPal (cost is $21; the additional dollar is for a processing fee).

If you’re unsure if your subscription has expired, you can always call us at the off ice: 508675-7151.

As always, the staff at The Anchor appreciates your love, prayers and support, thanking everyone wholeheartedly for his or her dedication to the paper!

Eucharistic procession is Sunday in New Bedford continued from page three

ronite Parish, 11 Franklin Street; St. Lawrence Martyr Parish,565 County Street; and the Missionaries of Charity convent, 566 County Street. The priests (or religious) from each church will be participating in some part of the procession. Other clergy are welcome to participate and have done so in the past.

During the procession, priests will take turns carrying the monstrance as faithful sing Eucharistic hymns and pray the Rosary.

Following the last station at Missionaries of Charity convent, the procession will return to Our Lady’s Chapel.

For more information call 508994-5035.

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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Anchor Editorial

Fortnight for Freedom 2017 — part one

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to ask all Catholics in this country to spend two weeks (a fortnight) praying and reflecting on religious freedom, from June 21 (the eve of the memorial of SS. Thomas More and John Fisher) to July 4 (Independence Day). This is a way to shift our focus from hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and fireworks and over to what made this country great — freedom to live out the inalienable rights which God has inscribed into every human soul.

This year the USCCB suggests a theme — this year’s is “Freedom for Mission.” On its website, http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religiousliberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm, the bishops suggest 14 things to pray and meditate on during the Fortnight.

1) Freedom to serve migrants and refugees: through your computer, you can click on this page, which has Our Lady of Guadalupe in the background. As for each of the days, this page has a prayer suggestion, a reflection (“Christians are committed to caring for the vulnerable, and migrants and refugees are some of the most vulnerable. The Church has long sought to serve the unique needs of ‘people on the move,’ from providing for basic needs, to assisting with resettlement, to offering legal services to helping newcomers navigate the system of their host country. In recent years, new laws and regulations have been proposed that have the effect of restricting the Church’s ability to serve.

The Church is called to serve the vulnerable, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to solidarity with migrants and refugees”), and a request for action (here the bishops request that people get involved through their justiceforimmigrants.com website).

2) May we be God’s servants first: day two brings a page with SS. Thomas More and John Fisher in the background, two men who were killed in King Henry VIII’s persecution of the Catholic Church. In the prayer, we ask the saints to pray that we serve our country, but God first. The reflection acknowledges that it is good to love one’s own country, “but ultimate loyalty is due only to Christ and His Kingdom. Nationalism becomes idolatrous when loyalty to the nation is more important than loyalty to Christ. When [Thomas More and John Fisher] were forced to choose between God’s Church and the king, they were faithful to the Church.” The action suggestions include “celebrat[ing] religious freedom with a parish picnic or barbeque. Hand out religious freedom conversation starters as a way to spur discussion about our first, most precious liberty. Or, host a movie night, and watch ‘A Man for All Seasons,’ about the martyrdom of St. Thomas More.”

3) Freedom to care for the sick: with Our Lady of Lourdes as a backdrop, we pray “That nurses, doctors, therapists, and all ministers of healing would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their imitation of Christ’s compassion and care for the sick.” For the reflection, the USCCB wrote, “Acts of healing were central to the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. The Church invented the hospital as we know it. Catholic hospitals today are often attacked for not performing abortions and other harmful procedures. Catholic medical professionals — like nurse Cathy DeCarlo —- have been forced to violate their OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 61, No. 12

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

Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

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

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The Anchor - June 16, 2017

consciences and participate in abortions.” As an action step, it is suggested that we contact our “representatives in Congress and [voice] support for conscience protection. Check out Human Life Action and the USCCB Action Alert Center for updates on bills like Conscience Protection Act (H.R. 644 / S. 301) and the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 7 / S. 184).”

4) Freedom to Bear Witness to Truth: We pray “That the Holy Spirit would give us the courage to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of social and legal pressure.” Reflecting on this, the USCCB suggests, “We must stand up for the civil right to be free from government coercion. A state that coerces the conscience of its citizens radically oversteps its proper boundaries. Rather than resist as a revolutionary, the Christian bears patient witness to the truth, even if that witness leads to punishment. The martyrs are great examples of this. The key to martyrdom is witness to truth. In this respect, we are all called to be martyrs.” For action, “Start speaking up today! Reflect on how to respectfully engage in conversation about religious freedom [the website in the second paragraph of this editorial gives helpful hints]. Share with others why religious freedom is good for all people.”

5) Freedom to serve God with our whole lives: We pray that all Christians might do this “with boldness and compassion.” The reflection notes that so much of living out the faith is done in small, simple actions. “Sometimes, our culture urges us to think of our faith as a strictly interior matter. The culture says that we are free to worship, or to be Spiritual, but our faith should not be expressed publicly. A culture in which faith is never visible tends to be one that constricts religion.” The action step here calls for more prayer and suggests the gamut of devotions one could do.

6) Freedom to seek the Truth: We pray “that the Spirit of Wisdom would illumine our minds and open our hearts, as we seek to know the truth about God and to live in the fullness of that truth.” The reflection notes that “a natural desire compels each one of us to reach out and grasp the truth about God. Because God has created us for communion with Him, we have a corresponding duty. The right to religious freedom flows from this duty to seek the truth.”

For action, we are called to study the Church’s teachings on religious freedom.

7) For Christians in the Middle East: We pray “for our sisters and brothers in the Middle East; that through the intercession of the Apostles, who established these most ancient churches, Christians and all religious minorities would be freed from violent persecution.” The reflection quotes Pope Francis from July 2015: “Today we are dismayed to see how in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world many of our brothers and sisters are persecuted, tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus. A form of genocide — I insist on the word — is taking place, and it must end.” As an action step, we can get in touch with one of Catholic agencies which help in the Middle East (Catholic Relief Services, Aid to the Church in Need, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, and the Knights of Columbus) and see what we can do to help.

We will look at points eight to 14 in the next Anchor.

Daily Readings June 17 — June 30

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. June 17, 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 103:1-4,8-9,11-12; Mt 5:33-37. Sun. June 18, Corpus Christi Sunday, Dt 8:2-3,14b-16a; Ps 147:12-15,1920; 1 Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58. Mon. June 19, 2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98:1-4; Mt 5:38-42.

Tues. June 20, 2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146:2,5-9a; Mt 5:43-48. Wed. June 21, 2 Cor 9:6-11; Ps 112:1-4,9; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs. June 22, 2 Cor 11:1-11; Ps 111:1-4,7-8; Mt 6:7-15. Fri. June 23, Dt 7:6-11; Ps 103:1-4,6-8,10; 1 Jn 4:7-16; Mt 11:25-30. Vigil St. John the Baptist: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-4a. 5-6ab,15ab,17; 1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17 Sat. June 24, Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1b-3,13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66,80. Sun. June 25, Jer 20:10-13; Ps 69:8-10,17,33-35; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33. Mon. June 26 Gn 12:1-9; Ps 33:12-13,18-20,22; Mt 7:1-5. Tues. June 27, Gn 13:2,5-18; Ps 15:2-4b,5; Mt 7:6,12-14. Wed. June 28, Gn 15:1-12,17-18; Ps 105:1-4,6-9; Mt 7:15-20. Vigil SS. Peter and Paul, Acts 3:1-10; Ps 19:2-5; Gal 1:11-20; Jn 21:15-19. Thurs. June 29, Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8,17-18; Mt 16:13-19. Fri. June 30, Gn 17:1,910,15-22; Ps 128:1-5; Mt 8:1-4.

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The exclamation point of the Fatima apparitions

n the first article of this mini-series in celebration of the centenary of the apparitions in Fatima, we looked at how the Church, in approving private revelations as worthy of belief, does not oblige the faithful to believe in them with the faith with which they believe in Sacred Scripture and tradition, or even at all. Rather, it calls them to evaluate claims on the basis of the natural faith with which we believe things that we don’t strictly speaking “know,” like, for example, the veracity of facts from the present or previous ages that we must accept on the testimony of others.

We examine their credibility with common sense, and then, if we find them reliable, we incorporate their contents into the way we live out our faith, as many of us do in accepting the private revelations that led to the particulars of the celebration of the Eucharist on Corpus Christi revealed to St. Juliana, or of Jesus’ compassion and humanity in His Sacred Heart given to St. Margaret Mary, or of His Divine Mercy, disclosed to St. Faustina.

The truths about Jesus’ real presence, Sacred humanity and mercy are part of the deposit of faith; the ways of celebrating and relating to those realities, found in private revelations, are something different. They’re given to us as a help to live the truths of the faith better; we’re not obliged to use that help, although we should not blithely disregard it either.

Rather, we should weigh it and if we find it credible, incorporate it into the way we live our faith.

For many Catholics who are disposed to accept with Catholic faith whatever is passed down by their families, parishes and priests, it may be initially disconcert-

ing to grasp that the Church then perform a miracle so that all may believe.” When doesn’t ask us to believe in Lucia related to others that the apparitions of Mary response, suspense quickly in Guadalupe, Lourdes or began to build. In August, Fatima with the same faith the Lady reiterated, “In the with which we believe, for last month I will perform a example, in the Annunciamiracle so that all may betion, Resurrection and Aslieve,” and in September, she sumption. But this reliance, said again, “In October I will on the part of the Church, on reason to evaluate whether a private Putting Into revelation is consistent with the faith, the the Deep recipients are credible, and people are

By Father authorized prudently Roger J. Landry to accept it, is one of the things that makes perform a miracle so that all private revelations particumay believe.” larly engaging for believers By the time October 13 and skeptics alike. Accepting arrived, a vast throng of private revelations doesn’t about 70,000 had assembled first depend on the “gift of around the Cova d’Iria in faith” — although faith can open us up to the possibility Fatima as the children arof supernatural action— but rived to pray the Rosary. The crowd included secularists, on a consideration of the anticlerical forces, journalists evidence. That’s why private and skeptics, all of whom revelations can be especially useful in engaging those who wanted to be eyewitnesses of the ongoing “fraud” when don’t presently have faith to no miracle took place. It open themselves up to that had been raining incessantly gift. since the previous night, the We see this in a particufields were soaked and mudlarly powerful way in what dy, and despite umbrellas, the I like to call the “exclamapeople were drenched. tion point” of the Fatima When the children arapparitions: the “Miracle of rived, slightly before 1 p.m., the Sun” that took place on the woman appeared, seen Oct. 13, 1917. The miracle again only by the shepinvolved a clear prediction, herd children. She said she a solar phenomenon, and wanted a chapel built, asked a miracle of dessication, all three of which combine in a them to continue to pray the Rosary every day, revealed compelling way. herself as “the Lady of the First, the prediction.

Rosary,” divulged that World During the third of six War I would soon end, and apparitions in July, 10-yearcalled on everyone to amend old Lucia, prompted by their lives and ask God’s the advice she had received forgiveness. Then she rose tofrom others, said to the ward the east and turned the woman from Heaven, “I palms of her hands toward would like to ask who you the dark clouds that were obare and whether you will do scuring the sun. Immediately a miracle so that everyone the sun broke through the will know for certain that clouds and appeared to be an you have appeared to us.” opaque grey disk that turned The woman replied, “In to silver. “Look at the sun,” October, I will tell you who Lucia shouted, and people I am and what I want. I will

found to their surprise that they could peer directly at the intense sun without being blinded.

Over the course of the next 10 minutes, the sun whirled madly, “danced” like a giant circle of fire, careened toward earth and zig-zagged back to its normal position. People shrieked, wept and dropped to their knees in the mud and water. The colors of everything — the air and ground, trees, faces, and clothes — changed yellow, blue, amethyst, red and white. Soon the cry “miracle” started being heard everywhere.

Some assert that it was a mass hallucination. Atheist Richard Dawkins, in his book “The God Delusion,” admits, “It is not easy to explain how 70,000 people could share the same hallucination,” but then he went on nevertheless to propound that they all had to be hallucinating collectively because it would be “even harder to accept that it really happened without the rest of the world, outside Fatima, seeing it too — and not just seeing it, but feeling it as the catastrophic destruction of the solar system.” But it’s not scientific or even reasonable to dismiss out of hand the data to which about approximately 70,000 all attest and pretend as if they were all simply deceived.

Many of the defenders of the miracle readily concede that the rest of the world didn’t witness anything different from the sun that day; those in Fatima, however, including scores of previous skeptics, all say they did.

There are various explanations given as to how those present saw something that others didn’t, ranging from refraction based on the moisture in the air to a psycho-Spiritual

phenomenon similar to how the shepherd children could see Mary and others couldn’t.

Here’s why the third part of the miracle is important.

Many of the eye-witnesses described the intense heat of the sun as it careened toward earth. After the sun had returned to its place, they recognized that their soaked clothing and the drenched ground were all completely dry as if it had never rained.

That physical reality doesn’t happen by mass hallucination or a Spiritual vision.

Engineers and physicists say that an extraordinary of amount of energy would have been necessary to dry up that much water so fast.

Regardless of our incapacity to explain the data, it’s impossible to dispute the data. Our finite minds cannot always fathom miracles.

Seventy-thousand people, however, clearly saw — and felt — something, and the earth itself transitioned within minutes from saturated to dehydrated.

All of this has led faithful and skeptics present to conclude that the pre-announced miracle had in fact occurred and has moved so many others since, including the hierarchy of the Church, to find their testimony credible.

And if that part of the children’s testimony proved true, doesn’t that lend far greater believability to everything else that the children say that “the Lady of the Rosary” told them?

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

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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L

ast month we watched Pope Francis travel to Fatima for the centenary of Our Lady’s apparitions to the three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

Much has been said and written about Fatima this year. I’ve learned a great deal about how the Fatima message encapsulates the essential elements of Christian life — prayer, sacrifice, redemptive suffering and holiness of life.

I also discovered that the last apparition at Fatima, which took place on Oct. 13, 1917, is the only approved apparition in the history of the Church in which the Holy Family appeared together. While the immense crowd that day witnessed the miracle of the sun, the children

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The Anchor - June 16, 2017

The greatest mission for parents

wrote in her book entitled saw Our Lady standing “Calls from the Message with St. Joseph and the Child Jesus, both of whom of Fatima.”

Lucia wrote that parwere blessing the world. ents’ greatest mission is Lucia, the oldest of to instill in their children the visionaries, became a the knowledge of God Carmelite and spent her life spreading the message and His Commandments.

“Nothing can dispense of Fatima. She felt that parents from this sublime through the vision of the Holy Family, God wished to remind us of the Guest true purpose of the family in the Columnist world.

By Sister “In the message Constance Veit, LSP of Fatima, God calls us to turn our eyes to the Holy Family of Nazareth, mission,” she wrote, for into which He chose to be God has entrusted it to born and to grow in grace them and they are answerable to God for it. and stature, in order to “Parents are the ones who present to us a model to must guide their children’s imitate, as our footsteps first steps to the altar of tread the path of our pilgrimage to Heaven,” Lucia God, teaching them to raise their innocent hands and to pray, helping them to discover how to find God on their way and to follow the echo of His voice.”

What remains most engraved in the hearts of children, Lucia wrote, is what they have received “In their father’s arms and on their mother’s lap.”

These words touched me in a very personal way as I paused to recall the memories of my parents

most deeply engraved in my heart, especially those of my dad. As a stay-athome mother who was outgoing and talkative by nature, my mom played the more prominent role in the life of my family, but my father was a quiet, strong and faithful presence as well. For this I am very grateful.

My father fulfilled what Pope Francis wrote in his recent apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (n. 177), “A father helps the child to perceive the limits of life, to be open to the challenges of the wider world, and to see the need for hard work and strenuous effort.”

These words remind me of the quiet yet consistent way my father helped me to succeed in math and science, and of the efforts he made to help me explore college and career possibilities.

God sets the father in the family, Pope Francis wrote, “to be close to his children as they grow — when they play and when they work, when they are carefree and when they are distressed, when they are talkative and when they are silent, when they are

daring and when they are afraid, when they stray and when they get back on the right path. To be a father who is always present.”

When I read these words I remembered the time my father showed up, silent and stern, at a cast party my sister and I were attending following our high school musical.

He had come to bring us home rather than let us ride with another teen in the middle of a blizzard.

Although we were quite embarrassed at the time, I later appreciated the fact that my father cared enough to inconvenience himself.

Finally, I thought of my father when I read these words from Pope Francis: “Some fathers feel they are useless or unnecessary, but the fact is that children need to find a father waiting for them when they return home with their problems. They may try hard not to admit it, not to show it, but they need it.”

How often, over the years, my siblings and I tried to assert our independence, trying hard to hide the fact that we needed dad’s help or advice, yet he was always there to share his knowledge, skills and wisdom with us.

As we continue to honor Our Lady during this centenary year of her apparitions at Fatima, let’s also thank God for St. Joseph, and for our own fathers, who faithfully fulfilled their vocation in the heart of our families, whether they are still with us or have already passed on from this life to the Father’s house.

Sister Constance Veit, L.S.P., is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

H

appy June everyone!

A lot has transpired since the last time you’ve heard from me! Perhaps one of the most transformative experiences since starting my new job, even. I recently moved into my first place since I completed my graduate degree. After living at home while I interviewed and job-searched, it was time to branch out and start a new journey of independence and self-discovery once I took my job at Bridgewater State.

After a brief stint searching for somewhere that would allow me a doable commute to work and family, scouting out some gems and steering very clear of the less shiny options, I came upon the apartment that I now call my own. Now in my second month, I can say I’ve learned some lessons that I’d like to share.

First, be brave. For me, being brave is being OK with silence. It’s learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. It’s understanding that being alone is not synonymous with being lonely. Before I moved, my biggest apprehension was

Be brave. Be bold. Become.

that I would be just that, immediately Psalm 46:10-11 lonely. For those who know comes to mind, “Be still, and me, I’m a self-proclaimed ex- know that I am God!” Just travert. I get my energy from that simple phrase is so easily being around other people transformed into a mantra and thrive on human interac- for those who need support tion. The idea of living alone in welcoming the still. was liberating and terrifying.

The more I looked into I am responsible for me, my decisions, my comings and goings.

Radiate No one else depends on me, nor am I acYour Faith countable to another

By Renee person in my space.

Bernier There is a certain amount of relief that comes with that. A profound freedom. other passages that could However, images of getprovide comfort, I was struck ting home from work and

by Isaiah 41:10-13, in which sadly turning the key into an we read, “Fear not, for I am apartment that was silent, still with you; be not dismayed, and dark plagued me. Except for I am your God; I will here’s what really happens. strengthen you, I will help Every day I come home and you, I will uphold you with open my door and my apart- My righteous right hand, it is ment is exactly how I deI Who say to you, ‘Fear not, I scribed it. It is silent and still am the One Who helps you.’” and sometimes dark. And Instead of provoking our yet, instead of feeling plagued anxieties, our faith is with us by this, more days than not, to abate them. Knowing we I am comforted. When I are not truly alone reminds think about the times that us that when we are still, we silence and the idea of being are at rest with something still is referenced in the Bible, greater than we can even

imagine.

Second, be bold. I am spending a lot of time being selective about how to make this place my own. I know what I like, what I don’t like, what I’m willing to purchase, and what will remain on the list of “things to buy in the hopefully near future.” I envision certain colors, certain patterns, and I sat on entirely too many couches before settling on just the right one. In a nutshell, I’m putting a lot of effort into saying yes to what I want — down to the groceries I buy each week to the art that goes up on my walls.

In a similar way, I’m also choosing right now, this moment in time, to be bold with my faith. How do I come to recapture something that in a different phase of my life felt very different? At the heart of the matter, it’s time to make choices. It’s time to boldly ask the questions that are difficult, that are challenging, that are uncomfortable and be just as selective about owning what I choose

for my faith life as I am with the adornments of my apartment.

Finally, it is in being brave and being bold, that we become. We become all that we are meant to be, perhaps all that we already are but has simply gone unrealized, that is until something awakens it within us. By spending time with myself, by sitting in the quiet, I’ve learned that being brave means knowing that even when something is difficult or frightening, that I have the will to persist. Being bold is asking for what you need. It is believing what Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Now, becoming. Well, becoming is the process of recognizing that in the silence, the still, and the darkness I am not alone.

Anchor columnist Renee Bernier is the coordinator for Academic Coaching at Bridgewater State University. reneebernier17@gmail. com.

Bishop to join Santo Christo parish in celebrating its 125th anniversary

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — On June 18, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will join with the parishioners and staff of Santo Christo Parish, civic authorities, and other clergy and friends to mark the 125th anniversary of the Fall River parish located in the historic Portuguese District.

A special bilingual Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. celebrated by the bishop.

Following the Mass a family style lunch catered by nearby Sagres Restaurant will be served in the parish auditorium.

Fall River in the 1870s, was rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most industrialized cities in the country. As a result, many Portuguese families living in New Bedford came to Fall River in search of work in the cotton mills, bringing along with them a strong devotion to the Catholic faith.

To meet the Spiritual needs of the Portuguese families, a mission was established in 1876 by Father Antonio M. Freitas, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford.

St. Anthony of Lisbon, more commonly referred to as St. Anthony of Padua, was

chosen as the patron saint of the mission.

In the late 1800s the Portuguese community bought a Baptist temple located at the corner of Columbia and Canal streets, where eventually Masses were celebrated.

With the ever-growing Portuguese population needing a permanent house of worship, Bishop Matthew Harkins of the Providence (R.I.) Diocese, of which Fall River was then a part, elevated the mission to a parish on June 26, 1892.

The fledgling parish was renamed Santo Christo dos Milagres (Holy Christ of the Miracles).

In 1906 then-pastor Father Francisco Silveira Mesquita obtained permission to build a new church and on May 5 of that year the basement of the church was dedicated and Masses were celebrated there.

It took many years before the entire church could be completed. The Gothic-style Santo Christo Church was dedicated on June 13, 1948.

Through the years repairs and restorations took place at the historic church, leading to the beautiful structure that is such a landmark on Columbia Street.

Father Gastão A. Oliveira took over the parish in 1995

and has been pastor since.

Father Oliveira has been pastor for nearly one-quarter of the parish’s history; second only to Father Francisco C. Bettencourt, later Msgr. Bettencourt, who took over the reins at the parish in 1928, remaining there for 32 years.

Currently Father Thomas M. Kocik is a parochial vicar at the parish; Deborah Cândido-Pavão is the secretary and Anchor columnist Osvaldo Pacheco is the parish director of Faith Formation.

The parish website is www.santochristo.com and the parish email is office@ santochristo.com.

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God’s plan of Salvation in the light of the second apparition of the Angel of Peace Editor’s note: This guest column by Grace Small, a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro and a high school teacher, is the second in a nine-part series on the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. n Sacred Scripture Jesus tells us, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3).

If we want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, then of course we need to be obedient and submissive children of God. Real love for Jesus, consists, as He tells us, in doing His will, the will of His Father ( Jn 14, 23; 15,10).

He speaks to us through His Church: “Whosoever listens to you listens to Me” (Lk 10:16). Yet knowing the truth of revelation does not always help us discern how best to implement it in our lives.

Here we need prayer and we need to foster interior silence so we can hear the voice of God, speaking to us through Mary, and through our guardian angel in our heart. In a similar way, God speaks to the whole Church prophetically by sending His mother and His angels with His admonitions and warnings, so that we can better read the signs of the times.

Fatima is an excellent example of this, where Mary and the Angel remind us of the urgent truths of Salvation, we already know through the Church. Still we need to understand the Fatima message in our own historical context and embrace it with holy zeal.

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to relish this sweetness Let us not remain inand not lose this intimate different or cold to their experience of God’s love. appeals and exhortations This experience is remibut be diligent in folniscent the first stages of lowing these for our own the Spiritual life when good and the Salvation one experiences ferof souls. Such was the vor, sweetness and deep response of these three recollection. Silence is so shepherd children. necessary to prayer and to The first manifestamaintaining recollection. tion of the Angel left a How we need to credeep impression on the ate Sacred spaces in our three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos, and the homes in order to nurture now-canonized St. Jacinta our prayer life either in the early morning or in and St. Francisco Marto. the evening. But most esThe three children were filled with the presence of God and their response was silent awe and Living Our adoration. Lucia Lady’s Message speaks of this in her memoirs:

By Grace Small “The supernatural atmosphere which enveloped pecially in Church where us was so intense, that God is always present in we were for a long time scarcely aware of our own the Blessed Sacrament, do we maintain a Spirit existence, remaining in of prayer and recollection the posture in which he after we receive Our Lord had left us, and continuin Holy Communion. Do ally repeating the same we offer our thanksgiving prayer. The presence of to so great a Guest even God made itself felt so for a quarter of an hour as intimately and so inlong as the Sacred species tensely that we did not remain within us? This is even venture to speak to one another. The next day, the most precious time we we were still immersed in can spend with Jesus after this Spiritual atmosphere, we receive His Sacred Body and Precious Blood which only gradually bein Holy Communion. gan to disappear.”

After the solemn The children’s response blessing, do we maintain to the first apparition of the Angel was one of awe silence because Our Lord still remains present for and deep recollection. us hidden in the TaberThe Angel had guided them through prayer into nacle? Are we respectful of those still in prayer the presence of God, and consciously take our Who is transcendent. conversations outside? To The children remained those who were irreverin a state of silence and secrecy even into the next ent in God’s temple, Jesus said, “It is written, ‘My day. The Angel brought house shall be called a each child into a deeper union with God than they house of prayer,’ but you had ever experienced and make it a den of robbers” (Mt 21:13). Indeed so they kept silent so as

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

when we are talking, we rob God of the reverent silence which is His due and break charity with our brothers and sisters in the pews who are still trying to pray. We must study how we can eliminate the tyranny of noise and nurture silence to maintain recollection so we can walk in the presence of God. Let us examine ourselves. Do we truly relish a desire to hear God’s voice and ponder His word in the silence of our heart, like Mary who pondered the words of the Angel Gabriel or do we easily abandon the great graces God gives us by our worldly conversation and dissipate those graces like an open bottle of perfume that easily loses its fragrance?

The children had returned to their daily playing, singing, dancing and playing games under the fig trees. By the second apparition of the Angel, much of the initial fervor had worn off. They had gone off to their daily duties of taking their sheep out to the fields when the Angel visited them again. “What are you doing? Pray! Pray a great deal. The hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy for you! Offer prayers and sacrifices unceasingly to the Most High.”

Just as the Angel asked the children what they were doing, so too we should ask the same of ourselves what are we doing with the time God has given us, with the graces with which He has filled our souls?

Are we squandering our time with useless pursuits or are we immersed in prayerful acts of love and thanksgiving? The Angel seeing the children’s lack of Spiritual seriousness to his previous counsels exhorted them to pray!

Pray a great deal. St. Alphonsus de Liguori in his “Treatise on Prayer,” states: “Let us pray, then, and let us always be asking for grace, if we wish to be saved. Let prayer be our most delightful occupation; let prayer be the exercise of our whole life.

And when we are asking for particular graces, let us always pray for the grace to continue to pray for the future; because if we leave off praying we shall be lost. There is nothing easier than prayer. What does it cost us to say, ‘Lord, stand by me! Lord, help me! Give me Thy love!’ and the like? What can be easier than this? But if we do not do so, we cannot be saved.”

We should strive always to spend more time in prayer –— vocal prayer, personal meditation, the family Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration but especially the Holy Mass “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). Why? St. Alphonsus de Liguori says that if we do not pray we will not be saved. The Angel assures the children, and us by extension, that we should pray because the “hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy for us.” Here we see the part God wants us to play in the co-redemption of our brothers and sisters. In Christ’s cry from the cross, “I thirst” we Continued on page 15

Port-O-Call: Centerville, Cape Cod — f irst cookout of summer s we all know, dear readers, the Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. It rained that weekend. It’s still raining.

The television weather map shows the sun breaking through everywhere but on Cape Cod, where “there will be torrential rain all week,” according to the forecaster.

In spring, the weather on the Cape isn’t controlled by high or low pressure systems, but rather by the ocean. Cape Cod sticks 65 miles out into the sea. The Federal Emergency Management Agency actually considers Cape Cod to be an island.

That makes us one of the largest barrier islands in the world, bravely protecting the mainland from the brunt of Atlantic storms.

What do visitors to Cape Cod do when it rains? The answer in just one word — eat. The beaches are empty and the quaint streets are deserted. Clerks in the shops stand around idly with their arms folded.

But the restaurants are full of patrons. Even the local movie house serves a compete menu.

A

Home alone

Everyone is anxious to had expired,” commented have the first cookout of the clerk. “No, I mean the season, but unstable the dog expired,” I clariweather makes such plans fied. “Oh, then how can I risky. My grill stands help you?” “I would like a ready and the porch dog license,” I explained furniture is out, but they succinctly. “You want a liremain unused.

Today Bishop Edgar M. da The Ship’s Log Cunha, S.D.V., Reflections of a hosted a cookout Parish Priest for the priests of Cape Cod. It was

By Father Tim a technical cookGoldrick out. The hotdogs and hamburgers were cooked outside on the grill, but cense for a deceased dog?” we priests and bishops ate queried the clerk. “No. inside on folding tables No. I have another dog set up in the parlor, wellnow. Here are his papers.” protected from the cold She read the documents. drizzle. No matter. “A “So, Mr. Rescue, what good time was had by all,” is your address?” “My as they say. Meals shared name isn’t ‘Rescue.’” “But together are more about it says right here your social interaction than name is ‘Rescue.’” “It’s a anything else. rescue dog,” I elucidated.

One rainy afternoon “Oh. What is your adrecently, I decided to dress?” “511 Main Street,” run some errands. It was I responded with what a chance to go down to I thought was sufficient the Town Hall and get clarity. “Do you have any a license for my latest other address?” the clerk greyhound, Lurch. He is, inquired. “Why, yes I do.

I have decided, “a keeper.” No. 569.” “At which ad“Did you get a letdress does your dog live?” ter from us about your “No. 569 is a Post Office dog?” asked the clerk. box. The dog lives at my “Yes, I did. It expired,” house, not the post ofI answered, summarizfice,” I explained patiently. ing the situation in a few “I see your dog’s name words. “I know the letis “Lurcher,” observed ter said your dog license the clerk. “That’s not his

name; that’s his training.

He was raised for hunting purposes.” “Oh, I see,” said the clerk, having found the dog’s name on the document. “Says here his name is Ronnie.” “Well, it used to be,” I clarified.

Now his name is Lurch.” “Lurcher?”

“No, Lurch, not Lurcher.” This was taking longer than I expected.

“Here’s your dog license, Mr. Rescue. That will be $8, please.” I paid the fee.

“Notice it expires in three weeks. You need to come back to renew the license after Lurcher gets his booster shot.”

And this is how we spend rainy days and Mondays in Falmouth (when we’re not hanging out at the Quarterdeck Restaurant or scoffing strawberry shortcake at the bishop’s cottage).

Between the rain drops, I try to visit the nursing home every day to check on Father Frank Wallace. He spends most of the day sleeping. I never wake him. Sometimes, though, especially in the afternoon, I’ll find him alert and we chat briefly (if he’s wearing his hearing aides).

Father Ray Cambra is

busy packing in preparation for his transfer. He is excited to be named a pastor in Seekonk. I’m happy for him, but, in a certain sense, I’m also a bit sad. I will miss his priestly companionship and our collaboration in parish ministry.

His transfer will also mean I am home alone.

Alone is how the majority of priests live their lives, so it is not unexpected. In fact, the Parish Pastoral Council and I planned for the eventuality of a onepriest parish years ago.

Here, there’s a housekeeper’s room (there hasn’t been a live-in housekeeper in decades), a guest room (used once a year when the missionary visits), a senior curate’s suite (in which I live), a junior curate’s room (we have no junior curate), and a spacious pastor’s suite (unused).

Maybe I could rent out rooms to parishioners whose homes are overflowing with summer house guests. Maybe not.

There’s actually nothing wrong with living alone.

Of course, it helps if you have a dog — even if his name is Lurch.

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

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The Hawaiian welcome sign

S

ome of you may be familiar with the story about the little old lady, a pious and very innocent little old lady, who found a bumper sticker at a local church bazaar that said, “Honk if you love Jesus.” Being very religious, she immediately put it on her car bumper and set out for home.

On the way, she stopped at a red light and became totally absorbed in thought of how good the Lord is. So she didn’t notice the light change to green until the motorist behind her began to honk his horn and she

Moon Over Molokai

By Father Patrick Killilea, SS.CC.

was so happy that he honked his horn for Jesus. Actually, several motorists were now honking their horns for Jesus which made her so very, very happy that she leaned out the window and waved and honked her horn. Then she noticed that one motorist was waving with only one finger (naughty fellow). So she asked her grandson who was in the back seat what this sign meant and he said that it was a Hawaiian welcome sign.

Now she figured it was the Shaka sign she had heard about, so she gave the motorist a welcome sign in return. Then she noticed a few people getting out of their cars and beginning to walk toward her, but just at that moment the light turned green again. So she gave them one last wave with the Hawaiian welcome sign and drove off. She was such a pious old lady.

Now here in Kalaupapa Township it is customary to give a welcoming sign to 12

those we meet on the road or the street, be that a five finger wave or the Shaka. After all, welcoming is part of our local culture and we do this whether we last saw this person last week, two days ago, or earlier this day. We even do it to our animals, like my oldest cat, Maka Reilly, who at this very moment is asleep at my feet.

Of course, welcoming often demands more than a friendly wave and we here in Kalaupapa had the opportunity to show such a welcome some weeks ago when Bishop Larry and his pilgrims found themselves stranded at our airport.

They had come to visit this land of St. Damien and St. Marianne and had done so under skies which had watered the settlement for most of the day.

Indeed, it had rained “cats and dogs” from morning to evening. Then when they had gathered at the airport, expecting to leave for Oahu, the dark clouds closed in and the planes were unable to land. So eventually it was determined by our venerable administrator, Kenneth, that we should feed our stranded guests and put them up for the night. Keahi, one of our great tour guides, cooked a hearty meal for them and also entertained them with song. At some time that night they then retired in the visitors’ quarters.

The next morning we saw them off at Terminal One. There were hugs and kisses all around as usual and then the final goodbye waves — and the Shaka of course. Aloha.

Anchor columnist Father Killilea is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

The fifth class of permanent deacons recently came together at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford, to celebrate its 20th ordination anniversary. Of the 22 men ordained on May 24, 1997, 16 were present, coming from parishes all over the diocese, a few from Florida and one from Arkansas. Three were unable to attend. Three deceased deacons were remembered at the Mass celebrated by the assistant deacon director Father Robert A. Oliveira. The deacons and their wives gathered for a meal and a time to reminisce and socialize following the Liturgy. Front row: Deacons Mark Shea, Antonio Cipriano, Eduardo Pacheco, Eugene Sasseville, Joseph Mador, James Barrett, Joseph Medeiros, and Frank Fantasia. Back row: Deacons David Aiken, Abilio Pires, Walter Thomas, Edward Hussey, Thomas Palanza, Norman McEnaney, and Leonard Dexter.

Newly-elected officers of the Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women were recently installed by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. From left: Bobbie Dwyer, vice president; Bea Pereira, president-elect; Beth Mahoney, president; Bishop da Cunha, Ann Melanson, secretary; and Helen Stager, treasurer.

Cape Cod couple experiences refugee crisis struggles firsthand

Written by Steve and Diane Schrader. Steve and Diane are members of the Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich. Diane recently completed RCIA at Corpus Christi at the Easter Vigil Mass. Their son, Father Jack Schrader, is a parochial vicar at St. Mary’s in Mansf ield.

My wife, Diane, and I recently volunteered for three weeks at a Syrian refugee camp in Northern Greece. The refugee camp was near a town called Veria where St. Paul had preached in his early efforts to convert the Gentiles. We worked with a wonderful group called Bridge2 (www. bridge2.gg). Bridge2 operates a small grocery store, a clothes shop, and a shoe shop that supplements the meager items provided them by the Greek government. It also provides a room for men to watch sports, a women’s beauty shop, and activities for the kids. All these items or services are supplied at no cost to the residents. Our main goals while working with Bridge2 were to assist as needed and spread kindness.

We will always cherish our time with and remember the big-hearted refugees that met us with warm smiles. About 60 families and 20 single men live at the camp. They mostly are from Syria with a few from Iraq and Palestine. The refugee children were fun loving and absolutely adorable. The adults were all very friendly and very appreciative. They were incredibly generous with what little they had.

We loved the gesture they used to greet you or to show appreciation. It was a slight bow and with a

selves “How would I feel All we could do was just simultaneous right-hand if it was me?” And also express our regrets at movement to their heart. admit to ourselves that It made us feel like family. their situation and offer but for the grace of God, them a hug.

Many of the About half-way it could be. through the stay, approxi- residents have been in They would say “our these rooms for a year or mately 25 new refugees house bomb, bomb,” “the more while waiting for arrived. They had been market bomb, bomb,” “my on the island of Chios for approval to relocate to friend’s months daughbefore ter gone arriving bomb, in Veria. bomb” They — heartarrived breaking.” after a 25We met hour bus refugees ride with from all nothing differbut a suitent walks case with of life, a clothing. hospital It was worker, a great to builder, a see the farmer, a camp Steve Schrader, third from right, spends time with some volunjuice makresidents teers and a refugee family at a Syrian refugee camp in Norther, among come ern Greece.

(Photo courtesy of Steve and Diane Schrader) others. out en All were masse to driven out of their homes their new home country. greet the new arrivals. by the terrible and brutal While some people might The Bridge2 volunteers conflict in Syria. They say they should be happy met them with a warm universally told us how to have anything, it must welcome and provided a beautiful Syria is and snack. We also gave them be remembered it really how much they longed wasn’t their choice to a welcome package conto return. They told us depart from Syria.

They sisting of food, cooking about how before the certainly did not ask for utensils, and other basic war, the Sunni, Shia, this life situation.

We household items like shampoo. We then joined have to honestly ask our- and Christians in Syria the camp’s current residents in helping the new residents move into their rooms.

The rooms are very cramped. The heat goes out in the winter and there is no air conditioning in the summer. The bathrooms and kitchen facilities are all communal. Imagine being in a small dorm room with three or four children for months at a time. Although the new arrivals were happy to be at the camp, you could feel the disappointment as they saw their latest home.

We saw several women break down into tears.

were all good friends.

The refugees had a novel way to indicate a friend was Christian. They would make a sign of the cross while simultaneously saying “my friend, my friend.” Sadly, the one English word they all seemed to know was bomb.

We were really impressed by their resilience after such trying experiences. They were enthusiastic about moving forward to a new place and new life. We pray God will guide them and protect them during their journey.

This was our first experience with this kind of volunteering. We could not have had a better experience than working with Bridge2. Its efforts embodied Pope Francis’ words “Let us help each other, all together, to remember that the other is not a statistic or a number. The other has a face. The ‘you’ is always a real presence, a person to take care of.” It was great to see an organization so committed to this and to Turn to page 15

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., made his first-ever visit to the centuries-old Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles) on the Azorean island of São Miguel (St. Michael) last month, and told The Anchor it was a very moving, uplifting and unique experience.

“I was asked to attend when I was Bishop of Newark (N.J.), but I had too many commitments to be able to,” he said. “Then my first year as Bishop of Fall River I was asked, but again, so much to do prevented me. Then I was asked the next year, but

Bishop prays for people of Azores, Diocese of Fall River at moving Santo Christo feast Bishop João Lavrador was just installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Angra, so I wanted to wait. But this year was the perfect opportunity to be able to attend.

“I was so impressed by all the people there, whether they are Catholic or not, there was a reverence as the procession made its way through the streets of Ponta Delgada.

“Nearly everyone had their homes decorated and the streets were adorned with flowers and colored sawdust, giving the effect of a carpeted road — all to honor Jesus Christ.”

Bishop da Cunha went on to say that, although it’s a Spiritual event, “it’s also a great cultural event for the people there as well.

Even the secular bands that

processed played hymns to honor Our Lord.”

The three-day celebration took place from May 19-21 and the bishop, along with Deacon Alan Thadeu, arrived on the 17th.

“I got to see the triduum preparations and I was so amazed at the large number of volunteers who took the time to make it a beautiful, Sacred event,” the bishop added.

Bishop da Cunha preached at the Saturday Mass, and the main Mass on Sunday, the culmination of the feast.

“There were thousands of people lining the streets and processing, but I didn’t expect the large congregation gathered for the Sunday Mass,” the bishop told The Anchor. “It was very inspiring. While venerating the statue is good, it is a statue, a representation of Christ. But the true Jesus Christ is present at the Mass in the Eucharist.”

With Bishop da Cunha at the Mass on May 21 was Bishop Lavrador and his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus AntÓnio Braga.

Bishop da Cunha greeted his brother bishops, attending priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, civil and military authorities, and “the people of God.” He began, “Thank you for the invitation to preside at this great feast. It is a joy and a great honor for me, to be here in your midst and to experience closely the faith and devotion of this people, faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. I bring with me the greetings, the prayers, the faith and devotion of so many Azoreans of the Diocese of Fall River, where God has placed me to guide His flock.

“When I arrived here, the first thing that I did and the first place I visited was the Chapel of Santo Cristo. Upon visiting it, I took a good look at His

face, I looked into His eyes and I asked Him to bless all of these devoted and faithful people, full of faith and confidence in Our Lord Santo Cristo. I petitioned Him for so many Azoreans here in the islands, as well as for those in the diaspora, who left this land in search of opportunity so as to construct a new life with dignity for themselves and their families.”

Bishop da Cunha told The Anchor that while the nearly-400-year-old statue is a representation of Christ, as he prayed before the statue, he had a sense that “the Church is alive and well and there is hope for the future. There is just something about the eyes and the expression. You cannot duplicate the original.”

The bishop also marveled at the fact that it is the very same statue that has made its way through the streets Turn to page 19

Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., blesses people who gathered in the Convent of Our Lady of Hope, at the sanctuary of the Lord Holy Christ of the Miracles to pray before the Santo Cristo statue during the annual feast on the Azorean Island of St. Michael.

(Photo by Deacon Alan Thadeu)

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The Anchor - June 16, 2017

Continued from page 10

can understand not only Christ’s cry for our love, but also for other disciples like His mother Mary, St. John and St. Mary Magdalene who will offer themselves as Spiritual sacrifices to God for the Salvation of the whole world.

St. Paul exhorts us in the same spirit, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your Spiritual worship”

(Rom 12:1). This is the heart of the offertory of the Holy Mass, when we offer ourselves with the gifts of bread and wine to be offered to God. The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary look to us, the Mystical Body of Christ to help bring about the Kingdom of Heaven by uniting our lives to theirs by continual prayer and sacrifice for the Salvation of souls. Like the Angel of Peace, St. Alphonsus exhorts us, “Let us, then, in our prayers always

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 June 18, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father John M. Sullivan, pastor, St. Patrick’s Parish, Wareham.

June 25, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father André “Father Pat” Patenaude, La Salette Shrine, Attleboro

invoke Jesus and Mary; and let us never neglect to pray.”

Notice the Angel exhorts the children to “offer prayers and sacrifices unceasingly to the Most High.” We might justly inquire how to offer prayers and sacrifices without ceasing, and so did the children. Lucia asked the Angel, “But how are we to sacrifice?”

The Angel responded, “In every way you can, offer sacrifice to God in reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for sinners.

In this way you will bring peace to our country, for I am its guardian angel, the Angel of Portugal. Above all, bear and accept with patience the sufferings God will send you.”

We learn in this message that the Angel identifies himself as the nation’s guardian angel, “the Angel of Portugal.” We can thereby understand that just as the children were asked to offer sacrifices to God for peace in their nation we, too, need to pray continually for peace in our nation. We also learn that the Angel gives us a formula of how we are to “sacrifice” or “make holy” the offerings we make to God to repair the sins committed against Him and to bring peace to our country. “In every way you can.” Many Catholics offer to God a “Morning Offering” which encompasses this intention: “O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions

of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.”

Though there are many variations of this prayer the main idea is to begin your day by giving everything to God, such as one’s responsibilities at church, at work, at home, at school and with other people. By exercising Christian virtue the Angel reminds us to keep silence instead of gossiping, go the extra mile unseen by others, work without complaint and do all things with love and with the intention of making reparation to God for the sins in which He is offended and for the conversion of sinners.

This is how we can make of everything we do a sacrifice pleasing to God. St. Jacinta and St. Francisco lived lives of heroic virtue. After this second apparition the children took the Angel’s words seriously. They would give their lunch to the sheep and later to the poor as an act of self-denial in reparation for sins.

They would delay drinking while thirsting for

water in the hot summer sun. These small renunciations and mortifications made up of small daily sacrifices are the greatest proofs of love for God: they are how the children consoled His Heart. These continual acts of mortifications in our daily acts and duties are difficult because we tend to be impatient. Accepting the sufferings God sends like a sickness, a contradiction, bad weather, or a negative turn of events in our lives are certainly more difficult than other forms of selfimposed penances.

The Angel teaches that with silence and prayer we can conquer our selflove. To combat our own self-will relentlessly in everything we do is not easy and neither is accepting the sufferings God sends.

Yet these small daily sacrifices are the very “treasures” and the means by which the children of Fatima so quickly climbed the heights of sanctity. So too can we, by following in their little way of loving prayer and sacrifice, thereby saving souls and becoming great saints in this third millennium!

Cape couple helps Syrian refugees continued from page 13

be a part of it. The benefits to the camp’s residents were readily apparent and their gratitude palpable.

Our only regret was that we could not stay longer.

We already have plans to go back next year.

St. Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

So when done lovingly, even the smallest of actions is a beautiful way to assist these displaced people. Those wishing to help can do so in many ways.

Keeping the refugees in

our prayers and spreading awareness about the refugee crisis are good ways to start. Donating your time or money to Catholic Charities, Bridge2, or any of the many refugee support groups worldwide are other excellent opportunities. If you decide to help out, you can rest assured your gifts will provide much needed assistance to those God has called us loudest to focus our Spiritual efforts towards, and that they will be greatly appreciated by these faces so in need of our love.

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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For and About Our Church Youth

I

want to say “Happy spring” but I am beginning to think that we do not have a spring in New England any more. We seem to have winter, then fall, then summer, then back to fall. However, we are technically in the season of spring so, Happy spring!

I love spring and fall even though I am allergic to both of them. I love the color changes of fall, the crisp air and the need for sweatshirts after the uncomfortable heat of summer. Then, after the cold and dead of winter, I love the new life that spring brings. I love seeing the trees bud to life, hearing the chirping of the birds that have returned from the trips to warmer weather, and the blossoming of new flowers. Despite being a first-degree plant murderer, I love the smell and look of new flowers in bloom. It is such a reminder of the Paschal Mystery. Though we have the suffering and death of winter, spring reminds us that Christ can make all things new through His defeating of death. We can be made new and bloom into something beautiful.

Bloom where you are planted

Flowers can bloom anywhere we want to be does where. Sometimes they are not mean we are not where in pretty gardens and some- we are supposed to be. times they are stuck in the Wherever we are, we are crack that develops in the called to bloom where we concrete sidewalk. Floware planted. ers are not given a choice Like most people in where they bloom. I often my generation, when feel bad for the ones that faced with exactly what are given to me because something means, I typed they are doomed by my black thumb of death. We, too, do not always get to choose where we are planted.

By Amanda Sometimes we are Tarantelli stuck in the middle of the crack in the concrete and other times we are planted in a “bloom where you are beautiful garden, and some- planted” into Google. I times we are in these places was surprised to find out all in the same week. there was an entire WikiOne of my favorite inspi- How page dedicated to rational quotes is, “Bloom how we can bloom where where you are planted.” I we are planted. First it have this quote hanging on defined “bloom where you my dining room wall. It is are planted” as “a person a constant reminder to me should take advantage of that I need to be an imthe opportunities they have age of Christ’s saving love in their life and be grateful no matter where I am. We for the present situation.” may have big dreams to be I really like this descripa famous singer, athlete, tion. Just because you may or artist or even a national be planted somewhere you speaker, and maybe our did not necessarily choose time has not come yet, or does not mean you have to maybe it may never come. be miserable and unproJust because we are not ductive. We need to take

Be Not Afraid

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, parish Religious Education programs, home-schoolers and Vacation Bible Schools and summer programs have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org 16

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

advantage of every opportunity that is presented to us and be thankful for what we do have. Even if we are planted in the crack in the concrete, it is better than being planted under the concrete and never getting the chance to bloom.

Whenever I have a blank piece of paper and crayons, I always draw a flower and write that quote.

It has a good deal to do with the fact that I cannot draw anything besides a flower but also as a reminder to anyone who will see it. St. Paul reminds of the same thing.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called” (1 Cor 7:20).

In a sense, St. Paul was the first to remind us that we need to bloom where we are planted. He reminds us that wherever God calls us, we are called to be who He created us to be.

Whether we are at school, at work, in the grocery store, in a job we

hate, in a class that we do not understand, or with strangers, we are called to be the person God formed us to be. Just because a flower may grow between the broken concrete of a sidewalk, it does not make it any less beautiful. As a matter of fact, that flower can add beauty to what otherwise would have been seen as another flaw. That is what we are called to do; to make our world more beautiful by being the person that God called us to be no matter where we may be.

Our dignity and worth are not changed by our surroundings. When we bloom where we are planted, we make our world more beautiful and we allow the love of God to reach into even the cracks in our foundation. Happy “spring.”

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.

In this photo that ran in the June 2 Anchor, the pre-school students crowned a statue of the Blessed Mother and sang to honor her was erroneously identified as taking place at St. Michael School. It was actually at Espirito Santo School in Fall River. The Anchor apologizes for the error.

For and About Our Church Youth

First-graders from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro learned about Rosary beads. Each year teachers Sally Sullivan and Denise Piette teach the children about the tool used to help aid in prayer and meditation to God. Then each student makes their own Rosary which is blessed by the school director Father David Costa, shown here during the Ascension of Our Lord Mass.

Eighth-graders at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro learned about bridge construction, force and strength. They concluded the lesson by engineering bridges out of wooden craft sticks and then attempted to destroy them. Bragging rights were won by the group whose bridge took the most amount of weight to break. Shown here are Jacob Gorman, Nick Roy and Josh Lancaster looking on as Eric Nelson adds weight to his bridge.

St. James-St. John School in New Bedford raised money for the American Heart Association through “Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart.”

Pre-kindergarten students at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton recently enjoyed a fun day at Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro.

Students from three Catholic middle schools tested their knowledge in the recent St. John Paul II High School “Middle School Quiz Bowl.” Students from Coyle & Cassidy Middle School in Taunton, St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis participated.

Students of all ages at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet joyfully sacrificed their normal lunch recess times to raise their hearts and minds in prayer for others during “Recess Rosary,” which was offered each Wednesday during the month of May. The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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For and About Our Church Youth Diocese of Fall River announces Hope and Opportunity Initiative

FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River Catholic Schools and Foundation to Advance Catholic Education are pleased to announce the Hope and Opportunity Initiative. This initiative will provide 100 new low-income students with scholarships up to $2,000 to attend a Catholic elementary school either in Fall River or Greater New Bedford area.

Additional aid from schools and parishes is also At the annual Massachusetts Association of Student Councils spring conference recent- available. This initiative has ly held in Hyannis, Bishop Stang High School was recognized as a MASC Gold Council of been made possible by a Excellence Award winner for 2016-2017. This award is presented to student councils that donation to FACE from MASC determine to be the most outstanding in the state. Bishop Stang has been hon- the Carney Family Foundaored to achieve this award in four out of the last seven years. Also at the annual spring tion.

Bishop Edgar M. da conference, three Bishop Stang students were recognized as Commonwealth Award winners for their leadership and citizenship in and out of school. These students were Cunha, S.D.V., has echoed Pope Francis’ call to make seniors Megan Alberto, Charlie Markert, and Ryan Torres.

Catholic education accessible to all those who desire it.

FACE and the Diocese of Fall River Catholic schools are grateful to donors, like the Carney Family, for responding to this call enthusiastically.

Through their generosity FACE will give out $1.2 million in financial aid to students in the Diocese of Fall River’s 22 schools for the 2017-18 school year.

Many of the schools have open seats for the 2017-18 school year.

Families interested in learning more about the Hope and Opportunity Initiative should contact Sarah Heaton at 508-678-2828 or sheaton@dfrcs.org.

Young priests appointed as first-time administrators continued from page four

said Bishop da Cunha also made it clear to him that such appointments are becoming more common out of necessity.

“I don’t think there is a ‘normal’ anymore,” Father Peschel said. “I think the appointment of younger priests to administrative positions is inevitable, simply given the number of priests available. I’ll be the first one to admit, it’s less than ideal. One might typically think priests would have a much longer period of time before these appointments — but that’s operating out of a mentality from decades ago that simply doesn’t exist as an option anymore.”

Father Williams echoed Father Peschel’s sentiments, adding that the situation is not at all unique to the Fall River Diocese.

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“Most of my seminary classmates are already pastors, and one is already on his second pastorate,” Father Williams said. “I think that this is simply a reality of where we are at as a Church and diocese at this point in time — creating a situation in which the lay faithful will be called to embrace more fully their share in the life of the Church for more fruitful collaboration in the future.”

Even though he has had just one assignment since ordination — as parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth — Father Peschel said the experience has certainly helped prepare him to run a parish.

“I was privileged to have been assigned to work under the guidance of Father George Bellen-

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

oit,” Father Peschel said.

“I can’t express enough gratitude to Father Bellenoit, who has been nothing but kind and supportive to me in my initial years of priesthood.

He embodies the qualities of a great pastor and as much as the people of St. Pius will miss him, I too, will miss him and the sage wisdom he was able to offer me in the three years I spent with him.”

In the six years since his ordination, Father Williams likewise said he has “been exposed to nearly the full gamut of parish experiences” that will give him some insight into his new administrative role.

“One of the things I have come to love about being a parish priest is that there is no one apostolate to which we are dedicated — rather,

we get to participate in many,” he said. “This also has the personal benefit of stretching me in areas in which I needed to grow further, as well as getting satisfaction from doing what comes most naturally.”

Despite the formidable challenge of taking on two parishes and a school, Father Peschel said he was happy to know he would be returning to Attleboro, where he previously served during his final year in the seminary.

“The year I spent in Attleboro, including the five months that I served as a transitional deacon, really helped me to understand what life in busy parishes with a school was all about,” Father Peschel said. “I learned a great deal in that year from my predecessor, Father Rich-

ard Wilson, and I’m very grateful for some of the frank and open conversations we’ve have. I really am overjoyed to be returning as parochial administrator.”

In addition to Fathers Bellenoit and Wilson, there’s a good chance Father Peschel will be seeking advice and counsel from Father George Harrison, whom he cited as being a mentor and who has been his Spiritual advisor since 2014.

“I wouldn’t be a priest today if it wasn’t for him,” Father Peschel said. “I always look forward to the chances I have to talk and pray with him about being a parish priest. He has kept my life firmly rooted in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Blessed Mother, and Continued on page 20

Bishop da Cunha prays for faithful in Azores, Fall River Diocese continued from page 14

of Ponta Delgada for four centuries. “No one knows who originally carved it, but through the years it has led so many to think about Jesus and His sacrifice for us,” said Bishop da Cunha.

“I just marveled at the faith of the people there.

There was a synchronicity; many people connecting with something transcendent. I was amazed at the penitents who walk on bare knees, fulfilling a promise made for a favor granted by the Lord.”

The Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres was simply beautiful and inspiring Deacon Thadeu, told The Anchor. “The faith of the people was just a wondrous sight to behold.

If you take a good look at the statue, it’s not pretty — it’s clear Jesus has suffered — and suffered a lot.

“On the night before the grand procession, the people were allowed to walk past the statue as it sat, fully adorned in the plaza of the shrine — and it took a couple of hours.

Peopled walked by in the street, eight to 10 rows deep. We guesstimated at least 10,000 people. And everything was so reverent and peaceful. Police were present — but there wasn’t a hint of any bad behavior.

People only came to revere and pray in the front of the statue.

“During the grand procession, as the statue made its way through the streets, hats would come off heads — cigarettes would be extinguished — talking would stop — there was just such a feeling of reverence. And everyone would be pulling out their phones to take pictures — it was a great example of the old world joining the new world. As the statue passed

through the narrow streets, it was such a beautiful sight to see so many people — and their bedspreads hanging out their windows, all decorated with beautiful floral displays.”

Bishop da Cunha also said that the feast garnered a great deal of media coverage. “The Masses could be seen around the world,” he said, “People in the Fall River Diocese watched.

There were TV and newspaper interviews to give, and when I returned, I was sought out by O Jornal, the Portuguese newspaper in Fall River. The interest is universal. I would be happy to go again.”

“As beautiful as all this was, I unexpectedly found the trip very emotional for me personally,” added Deacon Thadeu. “My paternal grandparents were originally from Agua del Alto, about 10 miles east of the shrine.

One of my goals of the trip was to visit their neighborhood. When we arrived, the bishop was kind enough to mention to the rector of the shrine who was organizing the festas that I wanted to see my grandparents’ homestead. As it turns out — and in a story as only the Holy Spirit could write — the rector has two brothers, twins, who are also priests.

It turned out that one of his brothers was the pastor of my grandparents’ church, São Lazaro. Through his generosity, I was able to get into the church and see where my grandparents worshiped and see their Baptismal records and their Marriage record. It turned out they were the fourth Marriage at the church in the new century (1900) and my grandparents were married on Valentine’s Day. “I never knew my grandfather and I barely remem-

as for those in the diaspora, who left this land in search of opportunity so as to ber by grandmother who construct a new life with died when I was only five. dignity for themselves and But I recall my dad telling their families. me how my grandfather’s “Upon looking on that greatest regret was not face of Our Lord Christ, being able to see me grow He seemed to say to me, up. And I can tell you I had ‘Do not be afraid. Don’t tears welling up in my eyes fear. I am with you.’ as I served Mass, thinking “He seemed to tell me to about them and how his communicate to the people grandson, now a deacon, the wonders of the Lord. had come with his bishop Communicate all that God to his homeland and was did and continues to do serving Mass as part of for His people. How much the Festas do Senhor Santo He loves us, how He wants Cristo dos Milagres, a Mass good for us, how He blesses that my grandparents very us and how He protects us. likely attended many times Remember everyone, what before they immigrated to the Lord promised us, ‘I the United States. It was will be with you. I will not very humbling and I simply leave you orphans.’ cannot express my thanks “This we can say, ‘I to God — and our bishop believe, Lord, but help my — for granting me this very unbelief.’ special grace.”

“For more than 300 The following is Bishop years this feast of Our Lord da Cunha’s homily at the Santo Cristo of the Miracles May 21 Mass at the chahas been celebrated. Many pel of the Convent of Our miracles have been done by Lady of Hope in Ponta the Lord in the lives of so Delgada: many people. Even just the “Thank you for the preservation of faith and invitation to preside at devotion for such a long this great feast. It is a joy time and transmitted to so and a great honor for me many people is a miracle. to be here in your midst But the bigger miracle is and to experience closely that which the Lord conthe faith and devotion of tinues to want to have hapthese people, faithful to the pen in our lives and in our Lord Jesus Christ. I bring world, which is our converwith me the greetings, the sion and our Sanctification. prayers, the faith and devo“Everything that we do tion of so many Azoreans here: our prayers, our Euof the Diocese of Fall River, charistic celebrations, our where God has placed me devotions, our processions, to guide His flock. hymns, decorations, all of “When I arrived here, this must have an objecthe first thing that I did tive, an end: our converand the first place I visited sion, our union with Christ, was the Chapel of Santo conforming our life to His Cristo. Upon visiting it, I plan, doing His will, maktook a good look at His ing ourselves true disciples face, I looked into His eyes of Jesus, and finally, our and I asked Him to bless all Sanctification. of these devoted and faith“None of this happens ful people, full of faith and without great faith. Faith is confidence in Our Lord the foundation of all that Santo Cristo. I petitioned we need so as to arrive at Him for so many Azoreans Sanctity. here in the islands, as well “I believe, Lord, but help

my faith to grow.

“Sometimes we think that being holy is not for us, that it is just for those who were already born with this gift and already destined by God to be saints.

We all received this gift in our Baptism. So do not give up, do not be discouraged, do not lose hope, do not lose confidence. The Lord Himself has promised us, ‘I will not leave you orphans, I will not leave you alone.’ He is with us on this journey, as He Himself promised us: ‘Behold, I will be with you until the end of the age.’ No matter how difficult our journey is, or how bad the situation may be, He is with us.

“Thus we say, I believe, Lord, but increase my faith.

“Recognizing that He is with us is a privilege and at the same time a great responsibility. This means that we must live in the presence of the Lord. And if we have the Lord present in our lives, we must comport ourselves in accord with His presence. Therefore, this requires behavior which is according to the will of God. Jesus, having fulfilled His mission here on earth, knowing that He was going back to the Father, gave us the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the Consoler, our Teacher, our Guide, Our Helper, our Advocate, our Defender.

“The Spirit of Truth the world cannot recognize.

You know Him because His lives in you and is in you.’ How can I know that the Holy Spirit truly lives in me? If my life has present in it His fruits, which we encounter in St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, 5:22: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

“The return of Jesus to the Father left the disciples Continued on page 23

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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My Brother’s Keeper expanding Dartmouth facility continued from page two

ity,” Smith said. “We now go out as far as Marion, and up to the Taunton area where our Easton facility kicks in, so we’re covering most of southeastern Massachusetts at this point with the furniture assistance program.”

Smith estimated they are now making about 800 furniture deliveries a year from the Dartmouth location and requests continue to come in.

“Our wait list has grown and we’ve done a good job of trying to limit the amount of time that people are waiting, but that is certainly one of the challenges and one of the reasons this new facility is needed,” Smith said. “We hope and expect it will also attract more volunteers so we can try and keep pace with what is a very significant need in this community.”

Founded nearly 30 years ago by Jim and Terry Orcutt, who modestly began the charitable work in the cellar of their Taunton home back in 1988, My Brother’s Keeper soon expanded to a facility located adjacent to Stonehill College and Holy Cross Family Ministries in Easton.

The Christian ministry’s unique mission, inspired by Christ’s Words in Matthew 5:15, is simple: “To bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those we serve” by delivering furniture, free-of-charge, to local families in need.

Although it doesn’t attempt to evangelize and there are no religious requirements to participate, with each furniture delivery My Brother’s Keeper offers a crucifix with the message: “We’re 20

just the delivery people; this is the Man Who sent you the furniture.” Families receiving help are free to accept or decline the cross and anyone living in the service area is eligible to receive help, regardless of religious beliefs.

To that end, the new Dartmouth site will also include key Spiritual components such as a larger prayer room and future plans for an outdoor Rosary walk on the property that will be open to all.

“One of the things we’re excited about in the new building will be a larger prayer space,” Miller said. “Right now we can get about 25 people in there, but they’re packed in like sardines.

“I think (the lot) is 22 acres in total, and we’re only using about 4.5 acres, something like that. So there’s quite a bit left out back and what we have planned there is a Rosary walk. I’m hoping to have a life-sized crucifix installed and our intention is to have it look like a Rosary from the aerial view. We’ll add some benches and a kneeler — that type of thing.”

Modeled after its Easton counterpart, the new Dartmouth base of operations for My Brother’s Keeper will have the same look and layout by design, including the exterior red brick façade and even the iconic statue out front known as “The Divine Servant.” This telling depiction of Christ washing Peter’s feet at the Last Supper has become symbolic for My Brother’s Keeper.

“It’s a wonderful teaching tool and it really speaks to who we are as a ministry and we like to

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

have it right out front,” Miller said. “It really sets the tone. In Easton we have a little boulder next to it that says: ‘To lead is to serve.’”

The bigger Dartmouth building will be about 50 percent larger — 23,000 gross square feet as opposed to 15,000 square feet in Easton. This extra space will accommodate a larger entrance foyer, more mezzanine storage area and more efficient loading docks.

“It’s not uncommon for us having a group of volunteers come in and we’re giving an orientation to 15 or 20 people, so the entrance of the new facility is much more open so there’s space for us to greet them,” Smith said.

“The mezzanine is about 5,000 square feet that can be used for storage and to host some seasonal programs, like Christmas assistance. We also don’t have a proper loading dock currently — it’s all street-level loading. We have to lift every piece of furniture up and down 42 inches. Here, we’ll be able to slide it right on and off the truck.”

Noting that My Brother’s Keeper’s success is only possible thanks to the countless hours that volunteers give to the ministry every year, Miller said it has been “very affirming to us as a ministry” to see how quickly the Dartmouth facility has grown in such a short time.

“I’d say on an average year we see between 1,000 and 1,200 volunteers come through the facility and about two-thirds of them are students,” Smith added. “We’ve been very impressed with the will-

ingness of this community to really engage in service and to want to help their neighbors in need. That’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to confidently move forward, expanding what we’re trying to do because we know people will continue to get involved and help us serve others.”

With the new facility nearing completion, Miller anticipates having a formal blessing and dedication sometime in August or September and he plans to invite Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha,

S.D.V., to celebrate Mass for the occasion.

And as for future expansion plans to service the remaining areas of the diocese like Cape Cod and the Islands, Miller prefers to leave that in God’s Hands.

“We don’t have plans at this point in time, but who knows what God has in store for us? I never say no to anything,” he said.

To donate, volunteer or learn more about My Brother’s Keeper, visit www.MyBrothersKeeper. org or call 774-305-4577.

Continued from page 18

he said. “I see my new role as an administrator being that of a father of a rather large family and it is the role of a father to create a vision and set the course for his family.”

“For me, the experience of Spiritual fatherhood will be more profound as an administrator,” Father Williams agreed. “Being actually responsible for God’s people in a parish — really, the souls of all the people in a given area — is an awesome charge, and a challenge to which I will strive every day to prove myself equal.”

As associate director of vocations and seminarians for the diocese, Father Peschel added that laity can certainly help reverse this trend in the future by praying for vocations and encouraging young men to consider the priesthood.

“I think this is a clarion call to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood,” he said. “I’m encouraged by the numbers of vocations in this diocese over the last couple years, and I know there are several guys applying for the (seminary) this fall, but we are still in a pinch from a numbers perspective.”

I’m forever indebted to him for introducing those devotions into my life.”

Father Williams similarly cited Father Harrison, with whom he has been serving at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, as someone whose “example and guidance have been a great influence on my perspective of parish leadership,” he said.

Father Philip Davignon, who was pastor at Father Williams’ home parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville during the time he was studying to become a priest, is also someone he hopes to emulate.

“Seeing his humble dedication to his people and ministry is a model to which I continually aspire,” Father Williams said.

As he leaves Cape Cod for Attleboro, Father Peschel said he is “looking forward to getting to know the families that make up the larger family of the Church and leading as head and shepherd towards a shared vision.”

“The only title in my life that I have ever aspired to have is ‘Father,’”

I

Just jibe talking

can officially express When I’m shopping, I realpublicly that I am an ize I take nearly-90-degree America’s Cup fanatic. I find turns down the aisles. I find myself recording the sailmyself wanting to tack and boat races from the Great Sound of “The My View Rock,” the beautiful tiny island in the From middle of the Atlanthe Stands tic Ocean, Bermuda, then watching them

By Dave Jolivet when I get home.

While I’m still trying to convince myself it’s jibe with the car in front of actually sailboat racing and me on the highway. I’m just not oceanic blade-running, hoping that I don’t get the the strategies, maneuvering, overwhelming urge to jump and dare-devil competition from the driver’s seat to the among sailing friends from passenger’s seat on one of other nations is still very my tacks or jibes for better much alive. control.

The finals begin tomorrow There are some who feel with New Zealand trying to this is just a “rich man’s steal the ancient trophy from sport,” with the boat garnerthe Americans. ing the most sponsorship But so far, the races, including the two aforementioned countries, along with Finland, France, Japan and England, all since eliminated, have been breath-taking.

The boats now glide at speeds up to and past 50 m.p.h. (40-plus knots) on foils that lift the twin hulls above the water, allowing the crafts to virtually fly across the sound.

There have been collisions, men overboard, equipment damage and failures, and a boat that completely toppled over — all that before things really get serious in the finals!

But I do believe I’m overdosing on these contests.

having the best shot. But that’s the case in all sports these days.

These sailors are incredible athletes, expending virtually every ounce of energy in their bodies for seven or so minutes several times a day, all while trying to out-think the crew on the spaceship just meters away from them — and all while flying at unheard-of sailing speeds.

This has been great fun for me, and I’ll miss it when I have to wait three or four years for the next sea wars — and God knows what the boats will look like then.

But whatever crafts are out there, I hope I’ll be watching.

And that ain’t no jibe! davejolivet@anchornews.org.

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

June 17 Deacon Claude A. LeBlanc, 2011

June 18 Most Rev. William B. Tyler, First Bishop of Hartford, Founder of the Sandwich Mission, 1849 Rev. James M. Coffey, P.R., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton,1935 Rev. Declan Daly, SS.CC., Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Fairhaven, 1984 Rev. Henri Laporte, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1992 June 19 Rev. Hormisdas Deslauriers, Founder, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1916 June 20 Rt. Rev. Msgr. James J. Coyle, P.R., LL.D., Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1931 June 21 Rev. Owen F. Clarke, Former Assistant, St. Mary, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Desire V. Delemarre, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1926 Rev. Francis D. Callahan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1948 Rev. George A. Meade, Chaplain, St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1949 Rev. Clement Killgoar, SS.CC., Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 1964 Rev. David A. O’Brien, Retired Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1976 June 22 Rev. Alexander Zichello, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, 197 Rev. Richard A. Delisle, M.S., Former Superior, La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 2016 June 23 Rev. Finbarr B. McAloon, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich, 1980 Rev. George Wichland, CSSR, St. Wenceslaus Church, Baltimore, Md., 1992 June 24 Rev. Bernard F. McCahill, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1907 June 25 Rev. Msgr. Louis A. Marchand, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1941 Rev. Raymond J. Hamel, Chaplain, St. Joseph Orphanage, Fall River, 1960 June 26 Rev. William Moran, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich, 1891 Rev. Charles P. Gaboury, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1931 Rev. Msgr. Albert Berube, Retried Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1973 June 27 Rev. John Corry, Founder, St. Mary, Taunton; Founder, St. Mary, Fall River, 1863 Rev. Dario Raposo, Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton, 1933 Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Walsh, Retired Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro, 1980 Rev. Msgr. Bernard J. Fenton, USA Retired Chaplain, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, North Dighton, 1984 Rev. George F. Almeida, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, Swansea, 2012 June 28 Rev. Thomas C. Gunning, Assistant, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1947 June 30 Rev. Simon Pease, SS.CC., Administrator, Sacred Hearts, Fairhaven, 1952 Rev. Alphonse M. Reniere, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1961

The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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Around the Diocese A Holy Hour will be held every Monday (with the exception of holy days or holidays) beginning at 7 p.m. at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River. It will include Benediction and Confession (once a month) and every week will feature the Rosary, Novena, and prayers for vocations to the priesthood will be recited along with a short meditation.

All are welcome.

The La Salette Retreat Center in Attleboro is the location for a new biweekly support group for separated and divorced persons. The next meeting is June 20 and will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every other Tuesday evening (No meeting Monday, July 3 due to the holiday). For more information or for directions, contact Dottie at 508-642-1928 or dojale@icloud.com.

St. John Neumann Parish is hosting a series of silent, outdoor retreats that introduces participants to the writings and life of one saint or master in the Catholic tradition. “A Day of Silence with the Masters” takes place on the church grounds, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The first retreat will be held on June 24 and will focus on Thomas Merton. Subsequent retreats will be dedicated to Julian of Norwich (August 12) and St. Bernard of Clairvaux (October 14). The days begin at the camp house with an introduction to the master and an opening prayer or reading. Participants are then invited to silently move among outdoor stations to reflect on the posted readings from the master.

Lunch is on one’s own, although the group gathers for midday prayer and a brief discussion at 1 p.m. and then goes back into silence until 3:30 p.m. All are invited to attend the regular 4 p.m. Mass at St. John Neumann Church if desired. Beverages are provided, but participants should bring a bag lunch. For more information, contact Karen Howard at 508-947-0193 or email klhoward@aol.com.

The 71st Annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby this past fall offered a prize for the largest fish caught from a kayak. Margaret Mayhew Pénicaud caught a 23.58-pound striped bass and won a 15.5-foot motorized Bass Yak fishing kayak, which she has donated as a prize in a benefit raffle to help the children of Haiti. Pénicaud has been assisting Haiti since 1997 and is founder of Little Children of Mary, a tax-exempt, charitable organization which is home to the Martha’s Vineyard Fish Farm Haiti Project. Chances are $25 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the children of Haiti. The drawing is set for July 29, and the raffle chances are available online at www.fishfarmhaiti.org or by mailing a check made out to “Fish Farm Haiti” and to P.O. Box 1803, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - June 16, 2017

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

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

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

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

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street.

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

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

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

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

FALL RIVER — St. 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.

God’s plan for us. Thus, we “How many people are need to discover what God just Catholics in name wants of us. only? The Church today “What does God want goes out to encounter them. of me in this life? To what It doesn’t sit and wait. It goes out to the peripheries, is He calling me? For this to happen, we need to hear as Pope Francis reminds the voice of God. Many us: ‘The Church exists to times God talks to us, but evangelize.’

“I would like to make an we are busy and we don’t hear His voice. He speaks appeal to families: dedito us through the Sacred cate time to your children.

Scriptures, through the Pray together as a family. happenings of our lives, Don’t leave your children through other people alone with the TV, the and nature, among other Internet, social networks. means.

Some parents give a lot of “And now, heading presents to their children to out from this feast, what compensate for their own will be my resolution of absence. Instead of giving Bishop João Lavrador of the Diocese of Angra in the Azores, chats with Fall River Bishop them presents, be present. change? What will be the Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., during the procession for the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo Hug your children every legacy of this feast in my dos Milagres in Ponta Delgada on the Island of St. Michael in the Azores last month. day and tell them that you life? What am I going to (Photos by Deacon Alan Thadeu) change in my life beginlove them. ning today?

“Now I would like to Continued from page 19 would we hold, what would of the Apostles, they also “I hope that starting make an appeal to young sad, a little lost and disilwe lean on? How would we encountered much oppositoday we will dedicate more people: don’t let yourself lusioned. But the Spirit confront sufferings and dif- tion, selfishness, and indiftime to prayer and less to be influenced by social ference. They fought a lot comes to change everyficulties in life? television; more time with networks, by the Internet, to evangelize! Today, we thing.

“The faith changes our the family and less to perare the Apostles of the 21st by friends. Life is more “In two weeks we will vision of ourselves, of the sonal interests; more time than your smartphone, century. celebrate that great event world and of life. It helps of silence to hear the voice computer, tablet, Facebook “It’s enough to just conof the coming of the Holy us see things as God sees of God and less time with or Twitter. Listen to your nect with the news of each Spirit. It is because He them. It helps us see ourthe racket of life; more time parents, grandparents and came that we have the selves, other people and the day and see a world torn by with Jesus and less with the teachers.

Don’t think that war, injustice, violence, lack Church, the Sacraments, world as God sees. social networks. I am goGod, religion, Sacraments, of respect for life and digthat we have this faith “And with faith comes ing to let myself be guided the Church and prayer are which has been transmitted hope. We cannot lose hope nity of the human person; more by the Holy Spirit Christians being persecuted things of the past and only for 2,000 years. The Holy that we can improve, that and less by the gossip of for old people.

I know that for the simple fact that they Spirit transforms. Now it people can convert.

Twitter and Facebook. you want to be happy in are Christians. Governis our time to live the faith, “Thus we say, I believe, “Lord, I do believe, but to practice the faith, to Lord, but increase my faith. ments and political systems this life. Happiness consists increase my faith.” in conforming our lives to give witness of the faith, to “When we are surround- want to eliminate the values of our faith. transmit the faith. ed by evil and sin, we walk “They take God out of “Thus we say, I believe, guided by the light of faith the world and see what will Lord, but increase my faith. and hope. Let us not be “What would our world beaten down by the proph- become of Him. Christ came and suffered, not bebe without the presence of ets of evil, by those who cause He liked to suffer, but the Holy Spirit, without wish to sow doubts, terbecause only then did man faith in Jesus and in His ror, hatred, selfishness and teachings, without people darkness. Let us walk in the become convinced of how much God loves us and who live according to the light, guided by the Holy faith, people who are com- Spirit. We have to maintain thus could accept the message of God and change his mitted to following the the flame of faith and the life. teachings of Jesus? People fire of the Holy Spirit. We “Now, brothers and siswhose lives, actions and are going to meet many decisions are guided by the who wish to extinguish the ters, it is our turn to kindle faith? fire. In any group, there are the fire of God’s love and to renew the face of the earth.

“Thus we say, I believe, always some people who If everyone said, ‘I’m going Lord, but increase my faith. light the fire and others to take a person to church,’ Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., greets the President of “What would we be like who extinguish the fire. it would make a big differ- Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during last month’s without our faith? How Never give up continuing Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres on the Azorean would our lives be? To what to light the fire. In the time ence.

Island of St. Michael.

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

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The Anchor - June 16, 2017