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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , July 17, 2015

Diocesan faithful donate record amount to Charities Appeal

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., asked faithful across the Diocese of Fall River to imagine abundance and they responded, heeding the call to “Feed the Hungry, Shelter the Homeless and Comfort the Sorrowful In His Name.” The simple declarative: “It’s what we do,” was borne out in a recordsetting degree of generosity for the 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal.

The books have closed on the 2015 Catholic Charities Appeal for the Diocese of Fall River, and the results were more than $4,526,000.

The total was the highest in the 74year history of the Appeal. This total exceeded last year’s total by more than $300,000, and surpassed the previous record set in 2013 by more than $200,000.

Although figures for the number of donors in each of the 83 parishes are not yet complete, it appears that more than

32,000 individuals and businesses were moved to support those in need in the diocese. The Appeal proved compelling enough to inspire sacrificial giving once again. “We are enormously grateful for the hard work and week -by -we e k advocacy that our pastors and parish leaders put into this annual appeal,” said James Campbell diocesan director of the Catholic Charities Appeal Office. “Without their example and the strong message of encouragement from our bishop, we would have far less success.”

The results of the Appeal showed some amazing accomplishments across the diocese. Twenty-eight parishes had double-digit increases over last year’s Appeal total, with seven parishes exceeding 30 percent increases, and two with more than 40 percent.

Seventy-five percent of the 83 parishes (62) had increases more than their 2014 total.

“I believe there are several factors that distinguish our Appeal in the mind of our donors,” continued Campbell. “First, there is a genuine respect for the work being

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done on behalf of the poor by the Diocese of Fall River in meeting the needs of those to whom it ministers through the various agencies and apostolates. Also our pastors are the most important link in connecting Catholic Social Teaching with the imperative to help. Lastly, we are very proud of the sound stewardship which has always been a benchmark of the Appeal.”

Bishop da Cunha, as he reflected on this wonderful result commented that “I am so proud of our priests and the lay leaders in every parish who worked so diligently on behalf of the poor. The response of a great number of people, parishes, and businesses in the Diocese of Fall River to our annual Appeal demonstrates an abiding love of neighbor expressed in thought, word and deed.”

To see Bishop da Cunha’s complete remarks, see the Charities Appeal supplement in this week’s Anchor edition.

Legacy, heritage of Bishop da Cunha’s late father will live on in family, friends

Diocesan faithful invited to Memorial Month’s Mind Mass July 23 in East Sandwich

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

It was announced at the recent St. Mary’s Education Fund Summer Gala fund-raiser at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee that the fund has changed its name. Displaying the banner with the new name are, from left: Kylie Hyde and Grace Davis from St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis, and Victoria Burgess from St. Margaret’s School in Buzzards Bay. With the students are Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and James A. Campbell, diocesan director of Development. (Photo by John E. Kearns Jr.)

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha told The Anchor that although his father recently died, “there are so many who will carry on his legacy; the legacy of a simple, humble, hard-working man who taught not with words but by example.”

Manoel Antonio da Cunha died June 23 in Brazil at the age of 91, after bat-

tling several maladies for many years.

The “many” who will carry on Mr. da Cunha’s legacy include his 13 children; his wife of 68 years, Josefa; 36 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, six greatgreat-grandchildren; and the friends and neighbors of the “simple man who was very well liked” by those who lived with and near him in Nova Fatima, Bahia, Brazil.

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St. Mary’s Education Fund receives a FACE-lift

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — At last week’s annual summertime event that helps raise money for the St. Mary’s Education Fund, a fund that provides money for scholarships for students who attend Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese, James A. Campbell, director of Development for the diocese, revealed that the fund had changed its name to the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, and that not only

would FACE continue to help raise money for students, schools would also become the beneficiaries of any money raised.

“The St. Mary’s Education Fund has been around for 20 years, and it grew out of the closing of the St. Mary’s Orphanage in New Bedford,” explained Campbell of the history of the fund. “The assets of that orphanManoel Antonio da Cunha, front row, second from right, was the father of Bishop Edage were then transferred over to cre- gar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., second row, center, and his 12 siblings; and husband of Josefa, ate the scholarship fund. Since it was front row, center, for 68 years. Mr. da Cunha died in Brazil at the age of 91 on June 23.

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(Photo courtesy of Bishop da Cunha)

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News From the Vatican

July 17, 2015

‘Remember your roots’: Pope goes off-the-cuff to priests, religious

Quito, Ecuador (CNA/ EWTN News) — In his last encounter during his visit to Ecuador, Pope Francis warned priests and religious against career ambitions that lead to “Spiritual Alzheimer’s.”

“When a seminarian or priest thinks too much about his career, he starts to suffer from Spiritual Alzheimer’s and he loses his memory and forgets where he came from,” the pope said. “Never forget where you came from; don’t forget your roots.”

The pope spoke off-thecuff to a gathering of clergy, men and women religious, and seminarians at the shrine of Our Lady of Quinche, the patroness of Ecuador. The shrine, located fewer than 30 miles northeast of Quito, is home to a statue of Our Lady of the Presentation to which various apparitions and miracles have been attributed.

Arriving at the shrine, the pontiff venerated the statue of Our Lady of Quinche, and was greeted by Bishop Celmo Lazzari, Vicar Apostolic of San Miguel de Sucumbios, a missionary to Ecuador from Brazil. He also listened to testimonies from Father Silvino Mina, a representative of the Afro-Ecuadorian culture, and from Sister Marisol Sandoval, an Augustinian.

Setting aside his prepared remarks, the pope then said that he was inspired by the location of the Marian shrine and wished to speak from the heart.

Emphasizing that “everything is a free gift,” he pointed to the example of Mary.

“She was never a protagonist. All her life she was a disciple. Mary knew that everything she had was a freely given gift from God,” he said.

“And God’s free gift is shown in you, religious men and women, and priests and seminarians.”

“We need to go back to that free gift of God,” he continued. “You paid no entry ticket to be who you are or to be where you are in the seminary or in religious life.

You did nothing to deserve it.”

The Holy Father encouraged the clergy and religious to recognize that everything is a free gift from God and to “give back to the Lord.” He invited them to look at Christ

each night before bed and thank Him for the free gift of everything in their lives.

Even things that may be difficult, such as being sent to a new location as a priest or religious, is part of the freely given gift from God, he said.

“We are the objects of those freely given gifts and we are important only insofar as we never forget that,” he stressed, warning against those who say, “Oh look at this one, look at that one, look at this bishop or that one they’ve made a monsignor.”

“If we do that we slowly move further and further away from the example of Mary, the example of the gift.”

Pope Francis lamented situations when a priest or religious abandons the use of their native tongue — especially in Ecuador, where there are more than 20 indigenous languages spoken by the nation’s diverse cultures.

“It’s sad when priests or religious forget their local dialect, or don’t want to speak them anymore — it means they’ve forgotten where they came from.”

In addition, he exhorted the crowd to remember that “yours is a life of service: God chose you to serve. Service is for others — not for me, my time, my things.”

He cautioned against a priest insisting his office close at a given time, or who complains about house blessings because he’s tired; or saying there’s a soap opera on TV — “I say this to the nuns,” he jested. These examples, he said, “are not service.”

“Service means doing what you have to do, even when you’re tired. Even when people irritate you, service means dedicating ourselves to others.”

“Please, do not ask to be paid for having received grace,” the pope added. “May our pastoral work be a free gift.”

He said a consecrated person who lives out their free gift, who is aware of their memory, can be recognized by their joy. “Joy is a gift of Jesus, which He gives us if we ask for it.”

“We have to pray that we never lose our memories, never forget, that we never feel we’re more important than others.”

Carmelite nuns wait for a glimpse of Pope Francis as he arrives for a meeting with representatives of civil society in the Church of St. Francis in Quito, Ecuador, recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Educate young to care for others, for the earth, pope tells teachers

QUITO, Ecuador (CNS) — Education is a right and a privilege that should impart not only knowledge and skills, but also a sense of responsibility for others and for the earth, Pope Francis told representatives of Ecuadorean schools and universities.

“God gives us not only life, He gives us the earth, He gives us all of Creation,” the pope told an estimated 5,000 educators and students gathered for an outdoor meeting at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador.

God created man and woman for each other and gave them huge potential, the pope said, but He also gave them — and gives each person — a mission to be part of His creative work.

“I am giving you seeds, soil, water and sun,” the pope said God tells human beings. God gave people hands and gave them one another; He gave everything as a gift, the pope said.

Quoting from and explaining some of the principles in his encyclical letter on the environment, “Laudato Si’,” the pope said God created the world and everything in it not “so He could see Himself reflected in it,” but in order to share it.

“Creation is a gift to be shared,” Pope Francis said. It is the place God gives humanity to exercise its creativity and to build a community of care and concern.

“We are invited not only to share in the work of Creation and to cultivate it, but to make it grow and develop it,” he said. At the same time, “we are called to care for it, protect it and be its guardians.”

The balance is delicate and caution is urgent “because of the harm we have inflicted (on the earth) by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed it,” the pope said, quoting his encyclical.

“The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor,” he said, still quoting.

As he insisted in the encyclical, Pope Francis told the educators and students that care for the environment is not an isolated moral issue. “There is a relationship between our life and that of mother earth, between the way we live and the gift we have received from God.” Selfishness, consumerism, a desire for money and power, a lack of respect for God’s design for all of creation — human beings included — have a negative impact on people and on the environment, he said.

“Just as both can ‘deteriorate,’ we can also say that they can support one another and can be changed for the better.”

Pope Francis said people cannot ignore what is happening around them or pretend that it has no impact on them. Rather, he said, “it is

urgent that we keep reflecting on and talking about our current situation” and take action.

Without action, the pope said, people are like the Old Testament Cain, who killed his brother Abel, and when God asked Cain where Abel was, he replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

“I wonder if our answer continues to be ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’” the pope said.

“We have received this earth as an inheritance, a gift, in trust,” he said. “We would do well to ask ourselves: What kind of world do we want to leave behind? What meaning or direction do we want to give to our lives? Why have we been put here?”

Those questions should be part of the educational process, the pope said.

“How do we help our young people not to see a university degree as synonymous with higher status, money and social prestige?” he asked. “How can we help make their education a sign of greater responsibility in the face of today’s problems,” especially responding to “the needs of the poor, concern for the environment?”

The pope spoke at the university at the end of his second full day in Ecuador. After visiting a home for the aged and meeting with religious, he flew to Bolivia, then onto Paraguay, before returning to the Vatican.

July 17, 2015

The International Church Pope sets record straight on family synod remarks

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — During a press briefing on the return flight from South America, Pope Francis clarified that his call for prayer ahead of the upcoming Synod on the Family referred to today’s family crisis generally — not, as some media have sources speculated, to “any point in particular.”

“The family is in crisis, you know,” the pontiff told journalists in reference to remarks made near the beginning of his week-long voyage to the continent of his birth, stressing that he was speaking about this crisis “in general.”

The pope explained his words were a call for prayer “that the Lord would purify us from the crises” among families, such as are described in the Instrumentum Laboris — or “working document” — for October’s synod.

“The family is in crisis: May

the Lord purify us, and let’s move forward!” he said.

The wide-ranging press briefing on the papal plane en route to Rome came at the conclusion of Pope Francis’ trip to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

The journalist’s question about the Synod on the Family was in reference to the pontiff ’s July 6 Mass, the first major event of his visit to Ecuador, in which he prayed for Christ to turn what seems “impure, scandalous or threatening” about the synod into a “miracle.”

In the same homily, the pope said the synod would examine “concrete solutions to the many difficult and significant challenges facing families.” Some media outlets have interpreted these remarks as heralding changes in the Church’s teaching on family issues. These speculations include a more “welcoming” approach to gay

couples, and the allowance for divorced and remarried couples to receive the Sacraments.

However, on the plane Pope Francis explained the context of his remarks were in reference to the Gospel account of the wedding feast of Cana, in which Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into “fine wine” at the request of His mother.

The pontiff said he was showing how Jesus had the power to turn the “dirty” water of purification into the finest wine.

“The jugs of water were full, but they were for the purification,” Pope Francis said. “Every person who entered for the celebration performed his purification and left his ‘Spiritual dirt.’ It was a rite of purification before entering into a house or the temple, no?”

“I said that precisely Jesus makes the best wine from the dirty water — the worst water.

Pope Francis places a rose at the base of the statue of Our Lady of Caacupé before celebrating Mass outside the Caacupé Marian Shrine in Asuncion, Paraguay, recently. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Spanish court recognizes pharmacists’ conscience rights

Madrid, Spain (CNA/ EWTN News) — Spain’s Constitutional Court has issued a ruling protecting the conscience rights of pharmacists who decline to sell the morning after pill on the basis of religious belief or other conscientious objection.

The court’s finding was based on freedoms of religion and conscience found in article 16 of the Spanish constitution.

The decision concerned the case of a pharmacist in Seville who was sanctioned with a 3,000 euro ($3,300) fine by the city council of Andalusia because he decided to not sell the potentially abortioninducing morning after pill,

though local laws obliged him to do so.

In the court’s judgement, the imposed sanction infringed on his right to conscientious objection.

Nevertheless, the judges rejected the pharmacist’s decision to not sell condoms, since in their opinion in this case, there is “no conflict of conscience relevant to the constitution.”

José Antonio Díez, general coordinator for the Association for the Defense of the Rights of Conscience, described the decision as “historic and pioneering not only in Spain, but in all of Europe.”

The Professionals for Ethics

association of Spain said the decision puts an end to a situation of ambiguity in the law by which the freedom of conscience of those professionals was not sufficiently safeguarded.

As for the pharmacist’s alleged non-compliance to have the morning after pill available at his store, the Spanish daily ABC reported that the judges did not consider the decision to put at risk a woman’s right “to access contraceptive medicines authorized by the current legal system.” Nor was a woman’s access to the pill prevented, because the pharmacy is located downtown and she could go to another one.

In general, I thought of making this comment.”

The Synod on the Family, to be held on October 4-25, will be the second and larger of two such gatherings to take place in the course of a year. Like its

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2014 precursor, the focus of the 2015 synod will be the family, this time with the theme: “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the modern world.”

The Church in the U.S.

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July 17, 2015

California assisted suicide bill appears dead for 2015

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) — The primary sponsors of legislation legalizing physician-assisted suicide pulled the bill hours before a recent state Assembly hearing, with its authors saying the bill was dead for this year.

A group of Southern California Latino Democratic Assembly members broke ranks with their party to oppose the bill, a move assisted suicide advocates attributed to the intervention of the Church, specifically Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles created a website, ahardpill.org, with information and advocacy tools. The bill had passed the state Senate, with votes largely along party lines.

“The compassion that doctorassisted suicide offers is hollow.

And this legislation has dangerous implications for our state, especially for the poor and vulnerable,” Archbishop Gomez wrote.

Effective lobbying by the coalition of all opponents was key, said Steve Pehanich, director of communication and advocacy for the California Catholic Conference, the bishops’ public policy arm.

The bill’s authors, Democratic Senators Lois Wolk of Davis and Bill Monning of Carmel, had already postponed a vote by the Assembly Health Committee in June, because they did not have sufficient support from Democrats on the committee.

“We are very pleased at the outcome and grateful for the hard

work done by the assembled coalition at Californians Against Assisted Suicide,” said California Catholic Conference executive director Ned Dolejsi in a statement.

He credited the bill’s withdrawal to the work of a long-standing coalition of physicians, health care workers, disability advocates and religious groups.

“Those of us advocating on behalf of disability rights organizations understand that choice is a myth in the context of our health care reality,” said Marilyn Golden, senior policy analyst for Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross had attributed the bill’s dwindling prospects to lobbying

by Catholics. The pair wrote: “The lawmakers’ hesitancy comes as the Catholic Church in Los Angeles, which is home base for many of the Assembly members and strongly opposes the bill, is urging parishioners to call legislators and voice their objections.”

Three states have laws permitting physician-assisted suicide: Oregon and Washington, where it passed by voter initiatives, and Vermont, where the Legislature approved it. In 2015, assisted suicide bills were defeated in states including Connecticut, Maryland, Colorado, Maine, Delaware and Nevada. Similar legislation is currently stalled in New York and New Jersey. In California, a similar bill failed in 2007.

Jesuit Father John Hatcher, president of St. Francis Mission, blesses the chalice in front of children attending Body, Mind & Soul Camp on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. (CNS photo/courtesy St. Francis Mission)

Reservation’s summer camps combine Bible study, Lakota cultural lessons WASHINGTON (CNS) — Every summer hundreds of kids on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in south-central South Dakota participate in a day camp where they learn about God and their Lakota culture.

This camp is run through St. Francis Mission, which is an outreach ministry headed by the Society of Jesus for the 20,000 Sioux people on the Rosebud Reservation.

The mission was founded in 1886 by Bishop Martin Marty with the intent of reevangelizing Catholic Lakota people, immersing them in the Lakota tradition and bringing the Gospel to those who have not heard it.

The Lakota tribe is slightly smaller than other American Indian tribes. Currently, there are only 70,000 registered Lakota Indians, and only half of them are fluent in their ancestral Lakota language.

The Lakota people are strong cultural and Spiritual people, and they make efforts to preserve their way of life.

All adolescent members of the tribe receive instruction on the values and history of the group from their parents.

Body, Mind & Soul Camps, headed by Jennifer Black Bear, who is the director of Religious Education at St. Francis Mission, are another way of immersing youth ages six-14 into the culture of their ancestors.

This year the camps were held in five different locations from June 1 to July 3, with the theme “Everest: Conquer-

ing Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.”

“Over the years, we’ve found that there are a lot of children attending Body, Mind & Soul Camps on the Rosebud Reservation that have heard very little about their own culture.

Our new program is a way for us to educate them about the Lakota culture through stories, personal experiences and crafts,” said Black Bear.

Every morning at nine the campers eat breakfast together, and then kick off the day’s activities with songs and a daily Bible verse. All activities, such as their snack, stories and crafts, center on the day’s verse.

The kids move through each activity station in groups, and some of the stations are KidVid Cinema, where the Lakota youth are able to watch videos of real kids who show how God is working in their lives, and Critter Cafe, where the kids prepare their own themed snack and talk about the day’s Bible verse.

After lunch the Bible school activities end, and the rest of the afternoon focuses on the Lakota tradition. A large portion of time in the afternoon is dedicated to storytelling, which is a key component of the Lakota tribe.

“We hope to foster a love of learning in our campers,” Black Bear explained.

One of the stories that the Body, Mind & Soul camps focus on, she said, is the Lakota creation story. Black Bear told Catholic News Service

that the Lakota creation story, while similar to the traditional Christian view of the seven days of creation depicted in the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis, differs slightly.

Essentially the Lakota story is about Iyan, a rock in the void, which was lonely and wished to have other objects in existence with it so that it would not be lonely and could have power over something other than itself. Iyan brought others into existence by piercing itself and blue blood flew from the wound and it formed Maka Ina, which is now Earth.

The power that moves all things is Taku Skan Skan, which is the energy given up by the rock, now powerless.

Anpetu Wi is the sun of the day and Hanhepi Wi is the sun of the night. Humans, Pte’ Oyate’, were created and their purpose was to serve the gods, and they became the Lakotas.

Many of the volunteers for the Body, Mind & Soul Camps come from around the United States; they are not just Rosebud Reservation residents.

This year students from Xavier Jesuit High School of Cincinnati and Tampa Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., and their chaperones came to help with the camps.

Black Bear noted that several of the campers have returned to volunteer as a way of giving back what they have received.

She told CNS she feels that the camps are part of the Catholic Church’s evangelization efforts.

5 The Church in the U.S. Okla. ruling against Ten Commandment statue blasted as extreme, inconsistent July 17, 2015

Oklahoma City, Okla. (CNA/EWTN News) — Responding to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling that a Ten Commandments monument on capitol grounds violates the state constitution, critics say that the decision is a legal outlier that ignores the Commandments’ historic importance.

“It’s a really unusual decision. A lot of states have somewhat similar provisions, but to my knowledge all of them don’t interpret them in an extreme way,” said Jon Scruggs, legal counsel with the religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom. “I think it’s a misinterpretation of the Oklahoma constitution.”

The Oklahoma legislature’s involvement endorsed “the historical message of what the monument conveyed,” Scruggs

recently told CNA. “Throughout our history there have been religious people, religious ideas, religious principles, and it’s OK to acknowledge that.”

The Oklahoma City Supreme Court recently ruled 7-2 that the six-foot-tall granite monument of the Ten Commandments on the capitol grounds violates the state’s constitutional ban on the use of public property to benefit a religion.

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt had argued that the Ten Commandments monument was constitutional on the grounds that it was historical in nature. He also said it was almost identical to a Texas version that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled constitutional, the Associated Press reports.

The state’s highest court said that the Ten Commandments

are “obviously religious in nature and are an integral part of the Jewish and Christian faiths.”

Scruggs suggested this decision contradicts the U.S. Supreme Court’s conclusions.

“Although the Ten Commandments have a religious message, it also has an overwhelming historical message that conveys principles about not killing and not lying that really serve as a foundation for a lot of laws.”

He also questioned claims that the monument benefits religion.

“It’s not like a religion owns the monument. It’s not like a religion put up that monument,” he said.

Scruggs said that under an extreme application of the court’s reasoning, a government-run fire department

Pope Francis goes to Washington and will reach an even bigger crowd than planned

Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — The setting for Pope Francis’ address to Congress in September just grew by giant proportions as the public will be able to watch the telecast from outside the U.S. Capitol building.

Pope Francis also wishes to make a “brief appearance” on the West Front of the Capitol building after he addresses a joint meeting of Congress on September 24, House Speaker John Boehner’s office recently announced.

The speech will be broadcast live to the public outside the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building, and an “inauguration-like setting” on the steps of the Capitol is planned for the event, the Washington Post reported.

The outdoor telecast will be a ticketed event open to the public. Tickets will be managed by the “Members of Congress and Officers of the U.S. House of Representatives,” Speaker Boehner’s office confirmed to CNA. More information on how to procure tickets will be made available to the public on July 30.

In a recent press release, Speaker Boehner’s office called the papal visit to Capitol Hill “unprecedented” and “a historic moment for the country.”

“We look forward to welcoming Pope Francis and Americans from all walks of life to our Capitol on September 24,” Speaker Boehner’s office said.

The address to Congress comes in the middle of Pope Francis’ whirlwind tour of Washington, D.C. from the evening of September 22 until September 24.

On the morning of September 23, he will visit President Obama at the White House with a welcoming ceremony for him on the South Lawn. Then he will meet with the U.S. Catholic bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in a prayer service.

Later in the afternoon at 4:15 p.m., he will celebrate the canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are approximately 25,000 seats available for the ticketed mass, which will be celebrated in Spanish.

On the morning of September 24, Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress at 9:20 a.m. He will then visit St. Patrick Catholic Church in downtown Washington, D.C. and appear at Catholic Charities, D.C. for their weekly St. Maria’s Meals program for the homeless, before he departs D.C. for New York City, followed by Phila-

delphia for the World Meeting of Families.

Speaker Boehner first extended the invite to Pope Francis in March of 2014. The Vatican accepted the invitation in February.

“It is with reverence and admiration that I have invited Pope Francis, as head of state of the Holy See and the first pope to hail from the Americas, to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress,” Speaker Boehner stated in a formal invitation.

Both Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed their anticipation of the papal visit.

“Pope Francis has renewed the faith of Catholics worldwide and inspired a new generation of people, regardless of their religious affiliation, to be instruments of peace. In the spirit of the namesake of San Francisco, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis’ universal message of love and compassion speaks to millions around the world,” Rep. Pelosi stated.

“In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds.

His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another,” Speaker Boehner stated.

could not put out a church fire because that would benefit religion.

“That’s exactly why other state courts have taken somewhat similar language and interpret it accordingly,” he said.

“We don’t have to go on a ‘seek and destroy’ mission to wipe away history, to wipe away religious people’s contribution to our country, to faithfully comply with the Establishment Clause (of the U.S. Constitution).”

Pruitt, the state’s attorney general, said that the Oklahoma Supreme Court “got it wrong” and that its decision contradicts its previous rulings. He said his office would ask for a rehearing and that the constitution might need to be changed.

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City also criticized the decision.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to remove the Ten Commandments monument from the capitol grounds ignores its historical significance in the formation of our state and as an ancient law code having prominence at the place where lawmakers work to enact wise and just laws,” he said. “The Court’s dismissal of these established facts is deeply concerning and disappointing.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma repre-

sented the plaintiffs in the case.

Brian Henderson, the ACLU group’s legal director, said that the monument “created a divisive and hostile Oklahoma” and sent the message that “some religious beliefs are more valued than others.”

The original monument was set up at the capitol in 2012. In October 2014, a man who said he was mentally ill and said he was under the influence of the devil smashed his car into the monument, damaging it. The monument was then replaced in January.

The monument was funded by the family of State Rep. Mike Ritze, a Republican from Broken Arrow, Okla. whose bill authorized it. His family paid about $10,000 to build the monument.

Other groups have asked to put up monuments. These include a Hindu leader, the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and a group that wants to put up a depiction of Satan.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin said the Ten Commandments would stay on capitol grounds. She cited the effort to ask the state Supreme Court to hold another hearing on the monument and proposed legislation to allow voters to amend the constitution.

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July 17, 2015

Anchor Editorial

Thoughts before vacation

During the next two weeks there will be no Anchor, as our staff takes a well-deserved break from presenting the news to you. Before we leave, we would like to address the controversies of the last several weeks.

In the last month Marriage has been redefined by the Supreme Court, a massacre occurred in a church in Charleston, S.C., and the so-called Islamic State continues its killing- and kidnapping-spree in many countries of the world (with hopes to bring it to this country). All three of these events continue to reverberate and will have impacts far into the future.

Two weeks ago in the editorial we presented Pope Francis’ teachings on Marriage (which are not “new” teachings, just presentations made by him over the last year, in which he reaffirmed that Marriage is between one man and one woman, but he did present “new” challenges which the spouses face). On March 27, three months before the Supreme Court’s decision, we presented an editorial, “Respecting Religious Freedom Domestically,” in which we discussed threats to the freedom of religion (as opposed to the “freedom to worship,” to which many claim the Obama Administration would like to reduce the First Amendment Freedom).

The majority opinion of the Court in the Marriage case did acknowledge that concerns about religious freedom would arise from its decision. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by Divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.

The same is true of those who oppose same-sex marriage for other reasons.

In turn, those who believe allowing same-sex marriage is proper or indeed essential, whether as a matter of religious conviction or secular belief, may engage those who disagree with their view in an open and searching debate.”

However, since the decision was handed down last month, many on the victorious side have tried to claim that the debate is over and that those who do not believe in same-sex marriage should not be allowed to expound their beliefs. One newspaper even announced that it would no longer allow opposition to same-sex marriage to appear in its pages (although it later partially backtracked). The editorial board of PennLive/The Patriot-News of Harrisburg wrote, “As a result of Friday’s ruling, PennLive/The Patriot-News will no longer accept, nor will it print, op-eds and letters to the editor in opposition to same-sex marriage.” Faced with complaints about quashing free speech (although, as a non-government run newspaper, it is free to be as choosy as it might like to be), the paper announced a new policy, which would only allow legal objections to same-sex marriage. “And we would not entertain such criticisms that these unions are morally wrong or unnatural any more than we would entertain criticisms of interracial marriage or those

claiming that women are less equal than men in the eyes of the law. We will, however, for a limited time, accept letters and op-eds critical of the high court’s decision and its legal merits.”

At the same time bakers, florists, wedding photographers and civil marriage officials are being placed in the position of either quitting their jobs (or changing them to no longer include any Marriage work) or going along with something that they see as a collaboration with evil. A State of the First Amendment Survey released on July 3 (although conducted before the Court’s decision) found that 55 percent of Americans “would not require vendors with religious objections to same-sex marriages to serve same-sex couples,” according to Charles Haynes, writing in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle. Haynes noted that that was an increase of 10 percent compared with 2013. He observed, “as support for gay marriage has grown so, apparently, has support for finding ways to address religious claims of conscience.” One would hope that opinion leaders would come to see this, since their actions seem more similar to those of the editorial board of PennLive/The PatriotNews.

Meanwhile, in Charleston, an abridging of religious freedom that was obvious to everyone occurred — the murder of nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Here it was much easier to see the difference between the work of the devil (placing such hatred in the killer’s heart, as well as many other psychological problems) and the work of the Lord (how the last thing the victims did was pray and offer hospitality; how the victim’s family members forgave the killer).

One of the victims, Rev. Clementa Pickney (also a state senator), said in a 2013 speech, “Could we not argue that America is about freedom — whether we live it out or not — but it is really about freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, and that is what the church is all about. Freedom to worship, and freedom from sin, freedom to be fully what God intends us to be, and freedom to have equality in the sight of God. And sometimes you gotta make noise to do that. Sometimes you may have to die. Sometimes you have to march, and struggle, and be unpopular to do that.”

The unpopularity that Rev. Pickney was referencing was the unpopularity she had faced in her life for being African-American. Our country still needs to deal with our history of racism (see our April 3 and May 1 editorials on this topic). We need to be one with each other, while being able to respectfully air our differences on issues such as Marriage.

Meanwhile, while our country hotly debates these issues and others, ISIS has us in its sights. May God protect us (and all other people on earth, especially their fellow Moslems, who have been the most numerous amongst their victims — and have been even more cruelly killed than us Christians

by ISIS) and may God help them to convert from such evil. He did so with Saul and Augustine. We pray, as did SS. Stephen and Monica, that He will prevail again.

Pope Francis’ Angelus of July 12 (Editor’s Note: The pope delivered his Angelus remarks in Asuncion, Paraguay this Sunday).

I thank the Archbishop of

Asuncion, the Most Reverend Edmundo Ponziano Valenzuela Mellid, and the Orthodox Archbishop of South America, Tarasios, for their OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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kind words.

At the end of this celebration we look with trust to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our mother. She is the gift that Jesus gives to His people. He gave her to us as our mother at the hour of His cross and suffering. She is the fruit of Christ’s sacrifice for us. And from that moment, Mary has always been, and will always be, with her children, especially the poor and those most in need.

Mary has become part of the tapestry of human history, of our lands and peoples. As in so many other countries of Latin America, the faith of the Paraguayan people is imbued with love of the Virgin

Mary. They approach their mother with confidence, they open their hearts and entrust to her their joys and sorrows, their aspirations and sufferings. Our Lady consoles them and with tender love fills them with hope. They never cease to turn with trust to Mary, mother of mercy for each and every one of her children.

I also ask the Blessed Mother, who persevered in prayer with the Apostles as they waited for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13-14), to watch over the Church and strengthen her members in fraternal love. With Mary’s help, may the Church be a home for all, a welcoming

home, a mother for all peoples.

Dear brothers and sisters: I ask you please not to forget to pray for me. I know very well how much the pope is loved in Paraguay. I also keep you in my heart and I pray for you and your country.

Let us now join in praying the Angelus to the Blessed Virgin.

Final Blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine upon you and give you His mercy. May He look upon you and grant you peace. May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit come upon you and remain forever.

July 17, 2015

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n July 11 we celebrated the feast of St. Benedict, which annually provides an occasion for the Church to focus on the Benedictine principle of ora et labora, of “prayer and work,” in the path of holiness taken by so many Benedictine monks, nuns and oblates.

Within the context of our series on the plan of life, the crucial significance of prayer is rather obvious. The pivotal importance of work is not so straightforward. But insofar as most us will spend at least 40 hours a week, from the age of five through 65 or older, doing some form of intellectual, manual or interpersonal work, it’s key that we learn how to unite our work to God. Many today are confused about how important work is for our growth as disciples and apostles. Some behave as if work is merely a necessary evil to endure until we’ve earned enough dough or arrived at the magical age when we can spend the rest of life on the golf course or at the pool. Others fail to see in the crisis of unemployment that we’re dealing not just with an urgent economic problem, but a profoundly dehumanizing one that can gradually deprive millions of a sense of moral worth through feeling useless.

And sometimes we can see a combination of both of

O

ne of the most satisfying smells that I have memory of was walking by the Continental Bakery on a Sunday morning on our way to Mass at St. Michael’s Church in Ocean Grove and all of a sudden getting a sniff of fresh bread. What a distraction! All during Mass I kept thinking of breaking open a loaf and eating a warm piece of bread slathered with butter. Are you getting hungry?

Jesus is like that fresh bread.

He gives us His Body as warm food that tastes good and gives us life. Life forever, now and in Heaven. Jesus is the Bread we eat and the Wine we drink.

He is with us and we are with Him. The Eucharist is true food and drink but at the same time it is very different from every other food and drink. We

Anchor Columnists Holy work

these issues when those who “carpenter” — in St. Joseph’s can work refuse, choosing workshop. He built houses, instead to take advantage made tables and wheels and of the generosity of family produced lots of other needmembers or other workers ed items. Jesus entered the in society so that they can world of human work not basically remain on perpetual as a “cover” until His “real vacation. work” of preaching, miracles, But the Lord Who gave and leading us through the us the vocation to be saints new and eternal Passover also gave us the vocation to work and to cooperate with Him in the perPutting Into fection of ourselves and of all Creation. the Deep Before the fall, He commanded us to

By Father “increase and mulRoger J. Landry tiply,” “fill the earth and subdue it,” and “have dominion” over all living creatures. After would begin, but precisely to Original Sin, this three-fold redeem noble human work work became arduous: there in His process of redeeming would be pangs in childbirth, the human person. The early working the fields would saints taught that whatever become toilsome and sweaty, Jesus didn’t assume He didn’t and animals would often redeem, and He assumed our rebel. But the vocation to human work in order that we work remained and would might be able through our now become a means of our work to participate in the redemption, helping us to work of redemption. overcome our selfishness by So great is the imporlaboring for others, for the tance of human work in family we’re supporting, and God’s saving plan that Jesus for the persons receiving the could not stop using it as fruits of our efforts. an analogy for the Kingdom There’s no greater illusHe had come to establish. tration of the importance Jesus praises the work of of work in the pursuit of shepherds, farmers, doctors, holiness than Jesus’ own sowers, householders, serexample. Jesus spent the vast vants, stewards, merchants, majority of His saving life laborers, soldiers, cooks, as a construction worker — tax collectors and scholars. the Greek word tekton (Mk He compares the work of 6:3) means much more than evangelization to the man-

ual work of harvesters and fishermen. He calls us as His disciples to be “laborers” in His vineyard.

Most of us are called to live out our Christian lives not in monasteries, convents and rectories but in the family and the workplace, through “increasing and multiplying,” “subduing” and “having dominion” in a holy way. One’s desk, sewing machine, keyboard, stove, classroom, operating room, workbench, or boat is meant to become an altar that sanctifies not only what is given to God in work, but the giver as well. Honest work done well in any of those settings is an opportunity for a triple sanctification: the sanctification of the work itself by offering it to God like the sacrifice of Abel; the sanctification of the worker doing the work virtuously; and the sanctification of others through contact with one’s coworkers, clients, customers and vendors.

Work is not principally about earning a paycheck, but about serving and loving God and others. It’s meant not only to produce something but to perfect someone, by bringing out the various hidden talents and potentials God has implanted in the worker, which are far greater than the hidden

potentials God has inscribed in things. The interior effect of work is even more important than its external outcome; St. Gregory of Nyssa would even say that through our work we become our own parents, through forming our character through work well or shoddily done.

There are various tips to sanctifying work. The first is to try to pray it, doing it for God and consciously with God, beginning each hour with an aspiration invoking God’s help. The second is to offer different hours of work for specific people who need prayer. The third is to imagine Jesus, or St. Joseph, or the Blessed Mother or a favorite saint doing what we need to do, and learn from their example. The last is to do it with all the love and human excellence we can for those who will benefit from the work.

God gave us the vocation to work because through labor we can become more and more like Him, Who Himself worked in Creation and, as Jesus would later say, “works still” ( Jn 5:17). And each day a diligent construction Worker from Nazareth, Who came to save us and build us up in holiness, waves to us with calloused hands and says, “Come, follow Me!” Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

AGE, LE VISAGE DU SEIGNEUR. JE CHERCHE SON IMAGE, TOUT AU FOND DE ton COEUR. (I am looking for the Face, for the Face of the Lord, I am looking for His image, in the depth of your heart.)

Vous êtes le Corps du Christ, Vous êtes le Sang du Christ, Vous êtes l’Amour la paix, la joie du Christ, Alors? Qu’avez-vous fait de Lui? (You are the Body of Christ, You are the Blood of Christ, You are the love the peace, the joy of Christ.

So then? What have you done with Him?) When Jesus says, “Remember Me” in the Mass, He wants us to celebrate. Like a birthday,

we gather together, sing songs, and eat special foods: bread and wine. And like a birthday, we celebrate the new birth of a person who is with us. The Person is Jesus. The new birth is His Resurrection from the dead.

Let us begin today to approach the Eucharist with a more expressive faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, recognize Him in the Eucharist in all those around us who are receiving and let our posture and our behavior image that into a real “breaking of the bread.” Then maybe we shall experience God’s saving power and God’s transforming love.

Father Canuel is a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River living at the Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River.

The Fresh Bread of our existence transform ordinary food into our own bodies but the food of the Eucharist transforms us into the Body of Christ. The statement, “We become what we eat,” is never more true than in the Eucharistic experience.

Why then do many of us who receive the Eucharist not experience more of this radical transformation? Maybe this story will throw some light on the question: A team of Russians and Americans were on a space expedition. Among their cabin foodstuff was Russian black bread. It was tasty but hard on the teeth. It happened during a meal that an American bit into a piece and snapped a tooth.

He threw the bread overboard and growled: “Lousy Com-

munist bread.” The Russian countered: “Is not lousy communist bread. Is rotten capitalist tooth.”

Guest Columnist Father Paul E. Canuel

If we do not experience the transforming power of the Eucharist, it is probably not on account of a lousy Eucharist but on account of our weak faith.

There is a beautiful old French hymn called: “JE CHERCHE,” and it goes like this: JE CHERCHE LE VIS-

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July 17, 2015

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n last week’s Gospel we heard how Jesus sent His disciples out two-bytwo to preach repentance.

In this week’s Gospel we see them upon their return as they gather with Jesus to report all they had done and taught. At that time, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Jesus knowing that they were tired suggested that they go someplace to rest and share their experiences.

But things did not go as planned. As they were departing the crowds that had gathered followed them and spotted them leaving in a boat. The people realizing where they were heading, proceeded to go there on foot. Jesus had wanted to spend some time alone with His Apostles,

Going the extra mile

but upon seeing the vast like a feeding frenzy! There’s crowd, the Gospel tells us pushing and shoving and “His heart was moved with each reporter is firing away pity for them, for they were with question after question. like sheep without a shepJesus must have been herd and so He began to tired and probably felt as teach them many things.” though His own privacy was Jesus was going the extra mile, going the extra distance for His Homily of the Week people.

Sixteenth Sunday I can pretty much in Ordinary Time imagine what it must have been like. The

By Deacon scene must have Paul M. Fournier been very much like the paparazzi and the press of today being invaded. He probably seeking a news story or an even thought, “Won’t these exclusive photograph. We’ve people leave Me alone just seen many times how the for a minute?” But Jesus media simply camps out in didn’t complain, instead He front of the homes of people chose to minister to them. and the places where they The Gospel tells us that He work just waiting for them proceeded to teach them to come out. When the at great length. Jesus was person is finally spotted it’s performing His role as our

Shepherd. He manages to get beyond His own tiredness and has pity on them knowing that they were sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus was teaching us by His action and example.

He asks us to go the extra mile even when we may be tired.

So we need to ask ourselves the question, “Do we?” When someone bothers us at the end of a long day, what do we do?

How do we respond?

Do we complain or do we silently hold our feelings in and proceed to help them?

Do we become two-faced about it? Do we act nicely in their presence and then proceed to gossip and complain as soon as they can’t hear us?

Jesus calls us to become

like the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd sees the pain of others and acts to alleviate it. We need to be sensitive to people, and sensitive to their needs so that we can bring healing to their situation. It’s not always easy. It can be very difficult. It may try our patience to the limit, but we can do it.

This week we are challenged by God’s Word to recognize the needs of others and to respond. By partaking from the table of the Lord, we seek and will be given the strength to make this Scriptural word come alive in our lives and be good shepherds.

Deacon Fournier is a permanent deacon assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro. He also serves as a chaplain at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. July 18, Ex 12:37-42; Ps 136:1,23-24,10-15; Mt 12:14-21. Sun. July 19, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jer 23:16; Ps 23:1-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34. Mon. July 20, Ex 14:5-18; (Ps) Ex 15:1b-6; Mt 12:38-42. Tues. July 21, Ex 14:21–15:1; (Ps) Ex 15:8-10,12,17; Mt 12:46-50. Wed. July 22, Ex 16:1-5,9-15; Ps 78:18-19,23-28; Jn 20:1-2,11-18. Thurs. July 23, Ex 19:1-2,9-11,16-20b; (Ps) Dn 3:52-56; Mt 13:10-17. Fri. July 24, Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 13:18-23.

Sat. July 25, 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1b-6; Mt 20:20-28. Sun. July 26, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2 Kgs 4:42-44; Ps 145:10-11,15-18; Eph 4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15. Mon. July 27, Ex 32:15-24,30-34; Ps 106:19-23; Mt 13:31-35. Tues. July 28, Ex 33:7-11,34:5b-9,28; Ps 103:6-13; Mt 13:36-43. Wed. July 29, Ex 34:29-35; Ps 99:5-7,9; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 38-42. Thurs. July 30, Ex 40:16-21,34-38; Ps 84:3-6a,8a,11; Mt 13:47-53. Fri. July 31, Lv 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34b37; Ps 81:3-6,10-11b; Mt 13:54-58.

Sat. Aug. 1, Lv 25:1,8-17; Ps 67:2-3,5,7-8; Mt 14:1-12. Sun. Aug. 2, Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Ex 16:2-4,12-15; Ps 78:3-4,23-25,54; Eph 4:17,20-24; Jn 6:24-35. Mon. Aug. 3, Nm 11:4b-15; Ps 81:12-17; Mt 14:13-21. Tues. Aug. 4, Nm 12:1-13; Ps 51:1,3-7,12-13; Mt 14:22-36 or 15:1-2,10-14.

Wed. Aug. 5, Nm 13:1-2,25–14:1,26-29a,34-35; Ps 106:6-7b;13-14,21,23; Mt 15:21-28. Thurs. Aug. 6, Dn 7:9-10,13-14; Ps 97:1-2,5-6,9; 2 Pt 1:16-19; Mk 9:2-10. Fri. Aug. 7, Dt 4:32-40; Ps 77:12-16,21; Mt 16:24-28.

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Hatched, matched and dispatched on Molokai

s we checked in at the former Pau Hana Inn, I received a warm welcome capped by a big hug from graphic designer, Laura Pilz. She had come all the way from Colorado for this evening’s celebration.

Now instead of hiking down and up the steep Kalaupapa trail in order to cover our monthly settlement meeting, she faces the might and the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. I had taken the previous day’s 2:15 p.m. flight

their thirst after a hard day’s from Kalaupapa to topside work, and talk story. Tonight Molokai, entrusting my life to Makani Kai Air’s Captain we would join in celebratSean.

Now in the company of Sacred Hearts Father Mike Kelly, known in his days in the Bahamas as the mayor

By Father of Nassau, we took Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. our seats at table in this historic place.

Here under that ing 30 years of news service great banyan tree, locals to Molokai by the Molokai would often gather, quench Dispatch.

It did not take long for me to notice editor-in-chief, Catherine “The Great” Cluett, gliding gracefully amongst the tables of invited guests. She must have grown up on ice skates on those ice ponds in the great state of New Hampshire. Catherine not only acknowledged the sponsors of her paper and all its contributors, she also

Visit us online at www.anchornews.org

Moon Over Molokai

gave praise to the founder of the Dispatch, Myrtle Florea, who had started the paper from humble beginnings in her home in Kalae. It was here that the Dispatch was hatched, in a manner of speaking.

Then because of the dedication of Myrtle, the paper grew and her commitment was matched by others down through the years to the present owner-president, Todd Yamashita.

The featured speaker of the evening was Richard Schuman, owner of Makani Kai Air, which sponsored the evening’s delicious dinner. He spoke of his company’s commitment to Molokai and made reference to his welcome by the residents of Kalaupapa who are served by Makani Kai Air. In congratulat-

ing Molokai Dispatch on its 30th anniversary, he also mentioned that he himself was celebrating a 30th anniversary. It was 30 years ago that his lovely wife and chief financial officer, Diane, had asked him to marry her. Can you believe that?

Richard doesn’t need to kiss that famous Blarney Stone!

I am always happy to be invited to dinner, and I thank Catherine for her kind invitation. Father Mike and I really enjoyed the evening and we say congratulations to the Dispatch. I am always happy also to make a contribution to the Dispatch — in the form of a newsbrief of course — and I hope that Catherine “The Great” doesn’t edit this one too much.

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

July 17, 2015

Wednesday 15 July 2015 — Nantucket Sound — Night of the New Moon he statistics are in.

Independence Day here in Falmouth broke all records.

Father Raymond and I were, between the two of us, able to provide Mass for some 2,000 worshipers. At the end of the day, we were both tired, but with a Spiritual satisfaction. So many faithful Catholics! We had only done what we were ordained to do, but it was a very good feeling indeed.

The opening Mass of the season at our little chapel by the sea was vibrant and joyful.

“Little” is the appropriate word.

St. Thomas Chapel has a capacity of only about 200 people.

We opened all the windows and pinned back the doors because there were an additional 200 worshipers standing on the lawn. Young families with children were everywhere.

This year, our contemporary music group was assigned to Masses at the chapel for the first time. We suspected that the style of music would fit the age of the worshipers and the ambiance of the place. It did. The chapel “rocked,” as the young people say these

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veryone is talking about Pope Francis’ latest encyclical, Laudato Si’, “On Care for Our Common Home.” Theologians, politicians, scientists, Hindus, Muslims; there is no shortage of opinions. Many will rely solely on the media’s interpretation of what they think the encyclical says, and others will pull it apart and look for nuggets of wisdom within. Even if reading papal missives is not on your summer reading list, the topic is one that we all have thought about in this age of super-storms, heat waves and drought.

Some will look at this clarion call for change with a feeling of triumphant satisfaction, others will respond with indignant denial that the Church dares to speak out on such issues. One Catholic news agency remarked that even if people don’t like something in the encyclical it is no excuse to dismiss the whole document. The presumption is that its message is going to make many people uncomfortable.

Regardless of where one stands, Laudato Si’ is ripe with themes that deserve careful inspection, and probably introspection.

Anchor Columnists My Cape Cod life interested worshipers (includdays. The assembly sang with ing parishioners and guests) as gusto. A joyful sound spread they left Mass. It was intended throughout the neighborhood to be summer reading. The cottages and echoed across the Sunday morning stillness of the name of the book is “The Four harbor. Even people out on the Signs of a Dynamic Catholic”

by Matthew Kelly. The comboats were well-aware that the Catholics of Falmouth Heights plimentary books went like the proverbial hotcakes. The parhad gathered for worship. ticipation in dynamic Liturgy, One well-dressed woman, a visitor, approached me after Mass and remarked, “Father, this The Ship’s Log was the most SpirituReflections of a ally uplifting Mass I Parish Priest have experienced since my wedding day!” As

By Father Tim she reached out and Goldrick shook my hand, she slipped me a wad of paper. It was a hunaccompanied by a hardcopy dred dollar bill. It’s not often “take-home” was our parish’s one hears such a compliment modest contribution to the on the Fourteenth Sunday in ongoing effort called the New Ordinary Time and it’s even Evangelization. Our outreach rarer to be slipped a hundred was timed purposely for the dollar bill. I deposited the Fourth of July weekend. money in the parish fund to There is usually a bad side repair the leaking chapel roof.

The work should be completed to any good news. On Cape Cod, it’s traffic. At Falmouth by the time you read this, dear readers, because of the generos- Heights, its pedestrian traffic, but most of the pedestrians ity of many such people. drove here in their cars. They Speaking of generosity, this had crossed the canal on one of year a parishioner donated two bridges. several cases of a book to be There was persistently heavy distributed free-of-charge to all

traffic onto the Cape from Thursday through Saturday morning. Sunday afternoon, the tide changed (as it always does) and people started heading off-Cape. We were all delighted to hear that traffic at the Sagamore Bridge was gridlocked for only 12 miles this year. Two years ago, the bridge traffic was at a standstill for 25 miles.

I suspect more people decided to stay a bit longer on the Cape this year. The weather was perfect. Whatever the reason, a 12-mile backup is a considerable improvement.

The record has been broken — but by decrease, not increase.

During the winter, the sun seems to be in a hurry to get daylight over with and to bring on the darkness. In the summer, however, the sun lingers in its setting. When I have an opportunity, I like to watch the summer sunset from the eastern-most shore of Falmouth Harbor, across the decks of boats anchored there for the night to Nantucket Sound beyond. For some reason, the colors of sunset have been

9 spectacular lately. On my right, I see the lights and hear the pleasant sounds of a harborside restaurant.

A lifetime ago, as fate would have it, it was to that very restaurant that I brought my date to impress her with a fancy after-theater dinner. First, we saw a production by the Oberlin College Players of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado.” Afterwards, I ordered grilled swordfish steak for dinner — the first swordfish I had ever eaten in my life.

I wanted to appear urbane. It tasted horrible. This was due to the simple fact that I was eating the skin. I told you I never had swordfish before. I was a senior in high school at the time. It was very difficult to act the part of the sophisticate with such a bitter fishy taste in one’s mouth, but I gave it my best shot.

To my left is the chapel I now pastor. I can see the stunning stained glass window of Christ calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. It’s backlighted so that it shines out over Falmouth Harbor at night.

And so ends another day in my Cape Cod life.

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

Protecting mankind from self-destruction take notice next year when the On its broadest level this enOlympics are staged in Rio de cyclical raises the question about Janeiro. Guanabara Bay, the 2016 the meaning and responsibility Olympic venue for sailing, has of power. “We are not God. The been described as an “open sewearth was here before us and it has been given to us.” The Judeo- er.’’ Fifty tons of rotting carcasses were floating in the Rodrigo de Christian concept of “dominion” over the earth has been distorted into “unbridled exploitation” rather than cultivation and reaping what the earth gives freely. Dominion is not a license to destroy.

Dominion, in God’s

By Claire McManus plan “implies a relationship of mutual responsibility between human Freitas lagoon in April. Pope beings and nature” (67). This Francis is highlighting the need concept of mutuality gives to the to see the world’s pollution as our earth as much responsibility for problem, not theirs. “We need to us as we have for it. We can take strengthen the conviction that what we need, but not in excess. we are one single human family.

As we reflect on our actions and There are no frontiers or barriers, attitudes do we treat the world political or social, behind which like it belongs to God? We live amidst the beauty and we can hide, still less is there room for the globalization of awesome expanse of ocean on our shorelines, and we are careful indifference” (52). In our country we bring all resources to bear on to regulate how it is used. Elsefinding a solution if we are enwhere in the world the oceans gulfed by the disastrous impact of collect trash that is carelessly pollution. The clean up of Boston dumped offshore by individuHarbor came about because of a als and industry. The world will

The Great Commission

federal mandate. The legendary smog of California led to strict emissions control in cars that has been adopted as the national standard. Do we care enough about the pollution in emerging countries to share our knowledge and resources?

Water is not a commodity; it is essential to life itself. “Access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights. Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity” (30). Are we as concerned about protecting this human right as we are about other life issues?

Laudato Si’ brings into focus the forgotten victims of the exploitation of nature — the poor. This is not a radical idea that Pope Francis espouses, but has been driven home by his predecessors. Pope St. John Paul

II wrote, “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favoring anyone” (Centisimus Annus).

Every decision that we make has an impact on the poor, even if we never encounter one another in person. “Twenty percent of the world’s population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive” (95). The principle of subsidiarity teaches us that even the biggest problem can be addressed at the smallest and closest level. Can we cut our own waste and consumption to allow the poor in our region to have what they need?

Pope Francis makes it clear that “the work of the Church seeks not only to remind everyone of the duty to care for nature, but at the same time she must above all protect mankind from self-destruction” (79). Those who have been blessed with knowledge and resources will be asked to join this crusade.

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

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July 17, 2015 Revised and updated ...

The 2015-16 Diocesan Directory

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11

July 17, 2015

Long before encyclical, women religious focused on the environment

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Long before Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” that ties care for earth with care for humanity was promulgated, congregations of women religious were stepping out to protect Creation.

Inspired by the call of the Second Vatican Council to engage the world and Biblical passages on the beauty of God’s world, members of religious congregations began considering as early as the 1970s how human life affected the planet and set out on a path that included education and practical actions with the goal of connecting more deeply with the natural world.

From opening small-scale environmental centers to a summer program teaching kids to build an alternative energy system that uses a bike to charge a cellphone, women religious are charting a new path to the future, one based, they say, on a Spiritual connection with Creation.

Representatives of several congregations told Catholic News Service their actions serve as an example for others, Catholic or non-Catholic. And they welcomed Pope Francis’ teaching in his recent encyclical, citing a “new language” that hopefully will inspire people to better understand their relationship with the world.

In Park City, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City, a group of 10-year-olds this summer is learning about energy. Holy Cross Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski, who oversees the summer program, told CNS the kids are converting the bike so it can generate electricity. “We wanted to do something educational with the kids. One of the things they

really like to do is ride bikes. We thought, ‘Let’s see how to build a project around alternative energy and generate power with a bike,’”

Sister Mary Ann, director of Holy Cross Ministries, explained about the program partnering with the Park City School District.

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July 17, 2015

Please note The Anchor’s annual summer break is for the next 2 weeks.

We will not publish on July 24 and July 31.

The Anchor will return to your mailbox with the August 7 edition.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, July 19, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Edward A. Murphy, pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish in New Bedford

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, July 26, 11:00 a.m.

Apologia!

The Catholic Charities Office regrets that the figure for St. Francis Parish, Acushnet was not accurate in this week’s supplement. Their actual total was $40,663. We congratulate all the people of St. Francis for a great example of sacrificial giving on behalf of the needy in our diocese. Well done!

Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, August 2, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Freddie Babiczuk, pastor of St. John of God Parish in Somerset

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July 17, 2015

Experience God’s love and healing at Hispanic Pilgrimage

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Anchor Correspondent

ATTLEBORO — Pilgrimages to holy shrines help us recall the journeys and work of our ancestors in planting seeds and helping the faith take root in our lives.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is a holy place for those whose journeys are unique, yet similar. Unique are our ethnic customs and language. Similar is our focus on Jesus as Healer and Savior.

One of 13 pilgrimages at the shrine this year, the sixth annual Hispanic Pilgrimage with the theme “Love Is Our Mission — The Family Fully Alive” will be held August 1 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All are welcome.

“The Hispanic pilgrimage is a great opportunity for families to come together for the day to get inspired, to celebrate Mass together and experience God’s love and healing,” said Silvio Cuellar, coordinator of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for

ebrate their faith as a family cese — fills me with delight.” and in a Spirit of pilgrimage, Some 500 to 600 Hispanic sharing and faith enrichment,” pilgrims are expected this year. she said. “It fills my heart with “This event was initially the joy to see those buses roll in, idea of Father John Sullivan, a priest at La Salette,” added Sister Lazarus. “So many of the other cultural groups do this kind of thing every year, and so he invited us to get on board — and it has been wonderful.”

Father Sullivan served as a missionary in South America from 1985 to 2003.

“Part of my reason for coming back is I felt we were getting more vocations,” he said.

“The native Argentinians and Bolivians could serve their own people, and there was a real need for bilingual priests Worshippers praise God during an Hispanic Pilgrimage at the shrine. (Photo courtesy of the National to speak in our parishes.”

After a year’s sabbatical, Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette) Father Sullivan arrived at the shrine in September 2004. ter, Springfield, Boston, Provi- director of the Hispanic Apos- the long Confession lines, “This is a beautiful place, dence, Norwich, Manchester tolate in the Diocese of Nor- families gathered together and there are so many possibilin prayer and at their picnic ities for what you can do here,” and Portland. This will be a wich, Conn. day for the whole family with “This event gives them an lunches. Just to be with them he said. “I immediately started workshops for adults, youth opportunity to do both — cel- — especially those of my dioTurn to page 14 the Diocese of Providence, R.I. “In the past this annual event has been very well-attended with participants from the dioceses of Fall River, Worces-

and children.”

Family and pilgrimages are very important to the Hispanic people, according to Sister Mary Jude Lazarus, S.C.M.C.,

Changing my body to ‘match’ my ‘identity’?

T

he famous Olympian Bruce Jenner made headlines recently when he told ABC News, “For all intents and purposes, I’m a woman. That female side is part of me. That’s who I am.”

He has been receiving hormonal treatments to acquire feminine traits, and is not yet sure whether he will undergo surgery to “complete” the process. His dramatic case raises important ethical and medical concerns about properly understanding our identity and respecting the given order of our bodies.

Suppose a man were to declare that his real identity, in his innermost self, was that of a pirate, and that he had always been aware of it from his earliest childhood. If he were to decide, in order to more fully conform to that inner identity, to have his hand surgically removed so that he could have a hook installed in its place, this would surely indicate a serious mental condition on his part, and counseling, along with other psychiatric interventions, would be appropriate, rather than encouraging medical mutilation.

Or we might consider the strange case of ChloeJennings White, a 58-year-old woman from Salt Lake City,

her spine, even with her Utah, who, although perfectly consent, broad condemnation healthy, has a deep-seated dewould quickly follow from sire to become paralyzed, even inside and outside the medito the point of being willing cal profession, given that her to pay a surgeon to sever her spine to make her a paraplegic. limbs are healthy, and she is really battling a mental disAs a young girl, whenever she saw somebody with leg braces, order. Various commentators have reacted strongly to her she asked why she couldn’t have her own set. Ever since, she has dreamed Making Sense of being paralyzed from the waist down Out of and says that she Bioethics sometimes goes skiing

By Father Tad in the hopes that an accident will render Pacholczyk her paraplegic: “I ski extremely fast, and story, noting the irony of so aim for the most dangerous many people who have become runs.” She likewise fantasizes crippled due to tragic accidents about having a car accident and yearn for even the most to make her paralyzed. In the basic forms of mobility, even meantime, she lives her life as White seeks to mutilate her as if she were a paraplegic, body and do violence to her putting braces around her own functional integrity. It legs, and riding around in a doesn’t take much reflection to wheelchair. She suffers from appreciate how the powers of what has been termed “Body Integrity Identity Disorder,” or medicine are meant for healing our bodies, not for harming BIID, a rare disorder in which and maiming them. individuals lack a proper sense Yet this kind of clear of bodily identity and reject thinking seems to get easily their own limbs. Some experts believe it is caused by a neuro- sidelined when people discuss medical interventions for logical disorder in which the brain’s mapping system fails to individuals who are convinced that they are actually members recognize particular parts of of the opposite sex. Dr. Paul the body.

McHugh, who served as psyIf a surgeon were to sever

chiatrist-in-chief at the Johns Hopkins Hospital for more than two decades, was one of the first to raise concerns about transgender approaches that rely on hormones and surgeries. He noted that even though follow-up studies of sex-change patients may have indicated satisfaction with the outcome on the part of the patients, the numerous psychological problems they experienced prior to their surgeries, problems with emotions, relationships, work, and self-identity remained unchanged.

McHugh concluded that “to provide a surgical alteration to the body of these unfortunate people was to collaborate with a mental disorder rather than to treat it.” Indeed, although some people may clamor to have their spine severed, to have a healthy limb removed, or to have sex change operations, the recognition of the seriousness of the underlying psychiatric issues should only strengthen our resolve to protect the human dignity and authentic personal identity of these patients by declining their requests for any form of medical mutilation.

Nonetheless, misguided notions about personal identity

continue to gain a foothold in our society. The opening line of the recent Supreme Court decision legalizing gay “marriage,” to cite but one example, declares that liberty means “specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity.” This kind of confused language about allowing people to “define their identity” ignores the crucially important truth that numerous aspects of our identity, especially those related to our bodily and sexual identity, are predetermined, objective goods that we are called to recognize and respect in the choices we make.

Respecting objective goods stands at the heart of the project of moral reasoning. Whether considering the integrity of our arms and legs or the integrity of our sexual constitution, proposals for chemical or surgical mutilation of these faculties will understandably raise concerns among reasonable and caring people.

Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, and serves as the director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org.

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July 17, 2015 the youth of the diocese are the future of the Church, and that parishioners must work to preserve that future.

“It’s the bishop’s imperative that the Catholic schools belong to every parishioner in the diocese,” said Campbell. “Whether your particular parish supports a school or not, we collectively have an obligation to support Catholic education. The bishop has five points in that Catholic education pays high dividends: it can help break the cycle of poverty; it can prepare better citizens for our country; it can prepare better Catholics for our Church; to build a better world for the future; and that contributing

Enjoying the recent St. Mary’s Education Fund Summer Gala fund-raiser at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., were, from left: Jane M. Robin of the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education Office of Cape Cod; master of ceremonies Natalie Jacobson, former anchor and reporter at WCVB-TV in Boston; and event chairmen Louise and Louis Di Meo. (Photo by John E. Kearns Jr.)

to this foundation helps not only the children and their families, but the lifeblood of Catholic culture. Without children educated in the faith, we don’t have much of a future.”

Parents of those receiving aid continually express their gratitude to Campbell, and he said he is humbled by the appreciation: “It’s extremely rewarding in the sense that many fathers and mothers will reach out and say thank you to me,” he said, “and as much as I’d like, it’s not money from my pocket. It’s really accepting thanks on behalf of the donors who have made giving to Catholic schools a priority.”

Experience God’s love at Hispanic Pilgrimage continued from page seven

saying the Spanish Healing Mass on the first Sunday of the month, but I wanted to do more.”

St. Mary’s Education Fund receives FACE-lift He decided to reach out to continued from page one parents at the Healing Mass the St. Mary’s Home, it be- dovetailed very nicely” with The task force was a timely and host retreats for families.

“I also wanted to start a came the St. Mary’s Fund.” the new mission of the schol- addition to the new restrucSpanish Pilgrimage,” he said.

Though always a success- arship fund, said Campbell, turing of the scholarship “From that group we began ful endeavor, having the name “This task force would be fund, and the task force will “St. Mary’s” in the title some- meeting for 18 months to two be able to create a process for to dream dreams of having times confused those willing years to really study and come schools to apply for their own it once a year, always with a to contribute. Campbell said up with the right way to move funds, “whether it be physical theme of family. Last year we he was encouraged by his pre- forward for our schools.” improvements to their build- had it outdoors. There were so decessor, Michael Donly, that The task force will con- ing, technological or infra- many people, we couldn’t have maybe a new name would tinue to issue regular prog- structure improvements, or it inside; but it was quite comhelp clarify things. ress reports, and are still in professional development for fortable out there.”

Father Sullivan said that “He had mentioned to me, the “data collection” phase, their teachers,” said Campand others had mentioned said Campbell. “It’s complex bell. “Those are all things that Hispanic Catholics are a to me, that there was a cer- because the issues for the the task force is looking at, source of hope and new life for tain degree of confusion in schools on the Cape are dif- and hopefully the task force our Church in America.

“I’ve been to several parishthe overall community about ferent than the issues for the will come up with a price tag.” es that would be closed in the what St. Mary’s stood for, in schools in Taunton, or in othThe task force will continProvidence Diocese if not for that people would often asso- er areas.” ue to figure out how to disthe Spanish community,” he ciate St. Mary’s with a particSeeing an increase in dis- pense money to schools and said.

“In a way, I prefer saying ular either parish or school,” tribution will create new determine a vetting process: said Campbell. “There was strategies in raising a larger “It’s still to come. We have to Mass in Spanish more than a desire to come up with a sum of money every year, not set goals. We’re raising about English, speaking more from name that was more universal just through the two annual $700,000 a year and I think my heart and being engaged and descriptive of the intent dinners but “in addition to that it’s not near enough,” he with the people. There is something attractive about the culand mission.” that, we’re going to be more said.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, aggressive in reaching out to The need has grown ture of South America — the S.D.V., suggested creating a local companies and corpo- through the years, said focus on the family and their catchy acronym, “and we went rations and asking for grants Campbell, and even as each deep faith.”

Having just returned from through a ton,” said Campbell that are not necessarily related year sees more money raised, Argentina, where he celebratbefore they landed on FACE to an event,” said Campbell. each year sees more families ed the 50th anniversary of the — the Foundation to Advance “There are a number of foun- apply for aid, and without parish he served, Father SulCatholic Education. dations around the country that money, “the students litlivan also credits native son “With the bishop, the that are interested in helping erally could not go” to school, Pope Francis with reinvigoratproof is in the pudding,” said innovative Catholic schools he added. Heading into the Campbell, “a name change is implement their plans.” school year of 2015-2016, 750 ing our faith.

“I love that guy. He is a gift nice, but what are you going He added, “We’re very students received scholarship to do with it? How are we go- grateful for the leadership aid, with some siblings-stu- to the global Church,” he said, ing to reenergize the people of the Carney Foundation dents receiving aid, a boon for citing the pontiff ’s love for the who support it?” in spearheading this initia- families who would not have poor, his humility, simplicity of Earlier this year, the bishop tive to revitalize the schools. to choose who among their style and way of relating to the initiated a task force made up They have been an invaluable children would be the one to people. “He is a man without of priests, laity, education ex- resource already in pointing receive a Catholic education. fear of the opinion of others. perts and outside consultants out innovative ways to colEven as Campbell and That’s what we need so much.”

Recognizing the richness to weigh in on the future of lect data and approach issues his team work to spread the Catholic education in the of enrollment, recruitment, as word, Bishop da Cunha has and diversity of the Hispanic diocese, “and we felt that it well as scholarships.” embraced the philosophy that culture here in our own coun-

try, Father Sullivan urges folks of Spanish heritage to go on pilgrimage.

“One reason to come is to experience that sense of fraternity and solidarity by meeting people from other cultures who are proud of their Hispanic roots,” he said. “It is also an opportunity to meet our new bishop, go to Confession, celebrate Mass, and pray the Rosary at a Marian shrine.”

The schedule for the day will include: 9 a.m. — Registration in the Welcome Center and Music for Praise and Worship; 9:30 a.m. — Workshops for different age groups (parents in the church, young adults in the Chapel of Reconciliation, youth in the Welcome Center and children in the cafeteria); 10:30 a.m. — Preparation for Mass; 11 a.m.

— Mass with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.; 12:30 p.m. — Lunch, Confession, Songs of Praise; 1:30 p.m. — Holy Rosary around the pond; 2:30 p.m. — General conference with Deacon Jorge Gonzalez of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., who will speak about why “Love Is Our Mission”; and 3:30 p.m. — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is located at 947 Park Street in Attleboro.

Advance registration for the Hispanic Pilgrimage is a $3 donation per person; $5 at the door. Youngsters age 16 and under are free. Lunch costs $8 for a chicken and rice dinner with salad or $6 for pizza and a drink. For more information, email scuellar@ dioceseofprovidence.org or call 401-421-7833, extension 233.

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July 17, 2015

B

Going the distance

eyond the doors of our to fully experience a love with no day-to-day lives, there is boundaries. so much hatred and mistrust of These teen-agers will now go our fellow brothers and sisters, out into their communities with yet we experience moments in a new sense of hope, of comour lives that show us that we mitment and a very different really are no different under the view of the world around them. skin.

They, like the Apostles in this Recently I experienced Chris- Sunday’s Gospel reading from tian Leadership Institute for the Mark (6:30-34), will go out not sixth time, and with all honesty, I only teaching with their words, can say it does not get old. It was but by their actions as well. They, an amazing week surrounded like each and every one of us, are by youth from around our great asked to help gather up the flock, diocese. These were young help find those who are lost and women and men who would are in desperate need of a shepgenerally not have come together under normal circumstances. Individuals whose paths would most likely never have crossed; yet, here was a

By Rose Mary group of teen-agers who not only worked together Saraiva to accomplish all that was required of them as leaders, but who also recognized each herd and lead them into the fold. other as family (or as some of the Shepherds who not only take on teens would say “fam”). the responsibility of leading, but We often wonder if the Holy who willingly take on the scent Spirit is too busy to intervene of the very flock they shepherd. in our lives, does God really get This is by no means an easy involved in the small details or task, but one that is so very is He more present in the larger needed in this world we live in. picture or scheme of things?

A world that has chosen to see After spending a week with individuals by their race, creed, an incredible team, and even color, etc., scattering and driving more incredible youth, I have no the flock away, misleading them doubt in my mind that God is with their narrow-mindedness in everything. His Holy Spirit and biases. In this Sunday’s first was very much a part of every reading from Jeremiah (23:1little nuance, from the immedi4), God warns us against such ate coming together of a very actions, and promises to develop diverse group, to the interactions leaders from among His people of every person from team and who will provide for His flock. support to youth.

These young teen-agers who CLI was a week of glimpscame together during the CLI ing the love Christ had shown experience are such as these, to all He encountered when they are the shepherds who will He walked with us upon this step forward from their flocks to earth, and continues to shows lead not only other youth into us through those we encounter. the fold, but adults as well. Their An opportunity to see through a love, compassion and empathy, lens of acceptance, warmth and will move even the most steadlove; of recognizing the child of fast of mountains. They are the God within, without judgment arms and legs, eyes and ears, or prejudices, allowing ourselves heart and soul, of the One true

In the Palm of His Hands

Body of Christ; allowing the Spirit to move through them for the benefit of all those they encounter.

Are we willing to put aside our own misconceptions and pride? Are we willing to look into the eyes of our family, friends, neighbors and the strangers we meet along the way, and allow ourselves to see the child of God within? Are we willing to step out of ourselves and view others through the lenses of compassion and love?

There is a Native American poem, "Walk a Mile in His Moccasins” that reminds us of the need to be kindhearted to others.

The final verses of the poem sum up beautifully all that God expects and wants from us, and what these teen-agers so beautifully demonstrated during their week together.

“Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I. Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions And see the world through his Spirit and eyes Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.

Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.

We will be known forever by the tracks we leave In other people’s lives, our kindnesses and generosity.

Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.”

The flock of God waits for those willing to “Go the distance.”

Anchor columnist Rose Mary Saraiva lives in Fall River and is a parishioner of St. Michael’s Parish, and she is the Events Coordinator and Bereavement Ministry for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation. She is married with three children and two grandchildren. rsaraiva@dfrcs.com.

Our readers respond Preach Humanae Vitae I just read the article in The Anchor on vocations, all I can say is the problem is contraception.

1. The only families who can reasonably afford to send their children to Catholic school these days are parents with one or two children.

2. Many of these families sending their children to the school do not follow what the Church teaches. Many then do not believe magisterium; and therefore do not encourage their children towards a religious vocation.

3. Parents with one boy and one girl, typically want the boy to carry on the family name, and the girl to have a big wedding.

4. Only a very small percentage of Catholic school children receive a formal education in the faith beyond ninth grade. They then go on for master’s degrees in secular subjects.

5. The majority of school-age children cannot afford to attend the school, to look only there for vocations is like the man who lost his keys on a long dark road and went to the nearest lone streetlight on that road to find his keys (and then wondered why he could not find them).

If you are serious about vocations, then preach Humanae Vitae.

(The same for abortion, divorce and now what Marriage means.)

David Sharples Attleboro EXECUTIVE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letter, although I must defend both the diocesan vocations office and Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Fall River.

In terms of your first point, as you can read in the story on pages one and 14, the people of the diocese do work hard to make Catholic schools affordable. The St. Mary’s Education Fund has helped many children and the individual schools also work hard to make it possible for middle- and lower-income children to attend.

The three schools with which I have worked since I became a pastor have done yeomen’s work to help families with multiple children attend. Yes, the tuition on the face of it can be daunting, but the individual schools and the diocesan fund try to make it possible for more than one- or twochildren families to attend.

I do know that schools in the Diocese of Fall River do have (on average) lower tuitions than the schools in the neighboring dioceses.

One must also remember that we do need to pay our teachers

(this would get back to your line of thought — the lack of fidelity to the magisterium led to the decline of teaching orders of Sisters [who provided cheap labor, which allowed for very inexpensive Catholic schools], which led to the more expensive tuitions of today.

I do acknowledge this historical reality). Our teachers do make a financial sacrifice so as to provide a Catholic education to more than just to wealthy children.

In terms of the judgments presented in your second and third points, I won’t argue them, although statistically that would be true for all Catholics, not just Catholic school parents. However, working with Catholic schools, we do see how it is an opportunity to evangelize the parents through the children. The children bring home to the parents what they learn and the school’s programming also affords us opportunities to connect with the parents, so as to bring them back to the practice of the faith.

In terms of your fourth point, even if the students do not have more formal education in the faith beyond ninth grade (which is a shame and is something which the Vatican and the U.S. bishops have said that we should address — that we need adult education on a grand scale), statistics do show that adults who had a Catholic school education do practice the faith more than those who did not go to a Catholic school.

Regarding your fifth point, I don’t believe that the diocesan Vocation Office only looks for potential vocations from Catholic school alumni (your analogy would be true if they did that).

Among the priests of the diocese there are men who went to public schools (Diman Regional Vocational School in Fall River has given us a number of vocations) and others who went to Catholic schools.

I know that you think that I (and other priests) do not speak enough about Humanae Vitae from the pulpit or in my editorials. You have warned me in person that I will be held to account

by God when I die about this. I do take this warning seriously and truly do pray about how I should present these teachings (which I do believe in — I do admit that you are right in thinking that many priests do not believe in them). As I have said in person and in my editorials, I think that we need to win the people over first to believing in the basics (the Resurrection, the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the need to enter into a love relationship with Him) or else they’ll never be able to accept these teachings.

16

Youth Pages

July 17, 2015

Pope Francis tells sick children of Paraguay they are close to Jesus

Asunción, Paraguay (CNA/EWTN News) — There is one way to annoy Jesus, Pope Francis said: Keep the children from coming to Him. The Roman Pontiff was speaking as part a question and answer session with a group of children receiving treatment at the “Niños de Acosta Ñu” pediatric hospital in Ascuncion, the Paraguayan capital. The visit was the first stop on his first full day in the South American nation.

“Dear children, I want to ask you a question; maybe you can help me. They tell me that you are Pope Francis greets children during a meeting with representatives of civil society at the Leon Condou all very intelligent, and so I want Stadium at St. Joseph’s School in Asuncion, Paraguay. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) to ask you: Did Jesus ever get annoyed?”

The pope answered that the only time Mark’s Gospel records Christ being “annoyed” was the to the testimony of Manuel, who instance in which the disciples try Asunción, Paraguay heart,” he said.

(CNA/EWTN News) — Pope “Hunger, drug addiction, sad- described growing up in poverty to prevent the children from comFrancis tossed aside his prepared ness: all of these things take our and being taken to the city, where ing to Him. “We would say that He was reremarks in a talk to thousands of freedom from us,” he lamented, he was exploited and beaten as a Paraguay’s young people — urg- leading the young people pres- worker, fell into the trap of ad- ally ‘ticked off.’”

“Do you get annoyed every ing the crowd to go against the ent in praying for a transformed diction, and eventually found support in a parish group. now and then?” he asked. “Jesus cultural current and to live for heart.

Manuel’s life was not easy, the felt that way when they wouldn’t Jesus with a “free heart.”

“Lord Jesus, give me a free “I wrote a speech for you, but heart that is not a slave to any evil Holy Father said. “But instead of let the children come to Him. He prepared speeches are boring,” in the world, that is not a slave to taking the wrong path, he went was really mad. He loved chilthe pope said as cheers erupted the community, that is not a slave to work. He didn’t try to steal, dren.”

The pediatric hospital was one from the scores of young people to a comfortable life, that is not a even in his conditions. He is tryof the stops on Pope Francis’ visit who packed the “costanera” or slave of vice, that is not a slave to ing to go forward.”

Like Liz and Manuel, he con- to Paraguay, the last country in his beach front of the Paraguay river a false liberty that is the desire to in Asuncion. do whatever we want, whenever tinued, we can all draw strength tri-nation visit to the continent and hope from knowing Christ. of his birth from July 5-13. The The inland nation is the last of we want to do it,” he prayed. the three stops on the pope’s trip Much of the pope’s off-the- He encouraged gratitude among journey has also included visits to to South America. He visited cuff remarks came in response those who live comfortably, with Ecuador and Bolivia.

The pope clarified that it was Ecuador July 5-8 and spent a few to the stories shared by young the opportunity to eat every day and pursue studies. not that Christ didn’t like adults, days in Bolivia before heading to people present at the event.

“If your life is easy, there are but rather He was especially happy Paraguay on July 10 to finish his One young woman, Liz, ofothers for whom it is not easy,” being in the company of children, visit. fered her testimony of caring for “We don’t need young people her mother, who has dementia he said, reminding them to reach and “being friends with them.”

More than this, however, who waste their lives,” he said and believes herself to be her out and say to their struggling brothers and sisters, “We are Christ wanted children to be an enthusiastically. “We need young daughter’s child. people with hope! Because they The pope noted that Liz, here. We are with you. We want example to others, telling His disciples that “unless you become know Jesus and they have a free while saddened by the sickness to give you hope.”

Pope Francis concluded with like children, you will never enter heart.” of her mother, drew strength The idea of a liberated heart from her aunt and a community a call for the young people to “go the Kingdom of Heaven.” against the current” and follow the “The children kept coming was central to the pope’s address. of young people.

“Liberty is a gift that God “This is what we mean by soli- path of Christ, not being afraid to to Jesus, and the adults kept trydream big and “make a mess.” ing to keep them away, but Jesus gives us, but we must know how darity,” he said.

“Keep making noise,” he said. called them, embraced them and to receive it. We must have a free Pope Francis also responded

Pope Francis off-the-cuff to young people: Don’t waste your lives

brought them forward, so that people us could learn to be like them.”

Pope Francis said Christ has the same message for us today.

“We need to learn from you,” he told the children. “We need to learn from your trust, your joy, and your tenderness. We need to learn from your ability to fight, from your strength, from your remarkable endurance.”

“Some of you are fighters. And when we look at young ‘warriors’ like you, we feel very proud,” he said.

“Looking at you gives us strength, it gives us the courage to trust, to keep moving forward.”

Pope Francis then turned to the parents and grandparents of the children receiving treatment at the hospital, and the “moments of great suffering and uncertainty” they experience.

“There are times of heartrending anguish but also moments of immense happiness. These two feelings often collide deep within us,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, there is support which comes from the community of families, doctors, and hospital staff.

“There is no better relief than your tender compassion, your closeness to one another. It makes me happy to know that as families you help, encourage and support each other, so that you can keep going in these difficult moments.”

The Roman Pontiff expressed his gratitude in particular to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital.

“I thank them for their vocation of service, for helping not only to care for, but also to be there, for these young brothers and sisters of ours who suffer,” he said.

Pope Francis once again reminded those present of Christ’s closeness to children.

“He is very near, in our hearts.

Never hesitate to pray to Him, to talk to Him, to share with Him your questions and your pain. He is always with us, He is ever near and He will not let us fall.”

The pope concluded by encouraging those present to turn to Mary.

“Wherever there is a son or daughter, there is always a mother.

Wherever Jesus is, there is Mary, the Virgin of Caacupé,” he said.

“Let us ask her to wrap us in her mantle, to protect and intercede for you and for your families. And also, please don’t forget to pray for me. I am certain that your prayers are heard in Heaven.”

July 17, 2015

D

uring the closing ceremonies of Christian Leadership Institute I challenged the graduates to “now, go out and make a difference in the world.” As the director of this year’s CLI experience, I had the honor of participating in the closing ceremony for our 2015 graduates. Seated in the audience, as CLI grads conducted their own graduation ceremony, I reflected on the week that we had just spent together. On Saturday afternoon, these young people gathered as strangers, not knowing what to expect from each other or from the team. They bid farewell to their parents and began a process that would most likely foster their leadership potential and heighten their awareness of leadership and ministerial roles and responsibilities as Catholic Christian disciples. By Thursday, they had bonded such that I’ve not seen in 27 years of CLI closings. What an awesome group!

Every CLI begins with a reading from Paul’s Letter to Timothy. As we know from Scripture, Paul went from town to town sharing the message of Jesus with everyone. Before he left each town, however, he always left behind a new teacher, someone whom he had

Youth Pages They have gone the distance

enabled as a minister, an elder who was respected as a leader in the community.

But in one town, he could not find such an elder, so he called a young man named Timothy. This young Timothy became the first youth leader of the New Testament. As Paul continued his ministry in other towns, he supported Timothy through letters.

Here is part of

By Deacon Paul’s message Frank Lucca sent to Timothy, “Let no one look down upon you because you are young, but be an example to all in speech and behavior, in love, faithfulness and purity.

Devote your attention to the public reading of the Scriptures, to teaching and to prayer. Do not neglect the Spiritual gifts you possess, which was given to you through the laying on of hands by the elders as a body. Make these matters the most important things in your life, so that your progress may be seen by all. Keep strong in them, with a close watch on yourself and your teaching, for by doing so you will

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 or vacation Bible schools have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org

Eileen Desmarais, center, who has dedicated the last 16 years to the education of firstgrade students at Holy Name School in Fall River, retired at the end of the school year.

She will be greatly missed by faculty, parents, and students. Pictured are Father Jay Maddock, school director and pastor of Holy Name Parish; Desmarais; and Dr. Patricia Wardell, school principal.

further your own Salvation and that of the people who listen to you.” Before he left, Paul designated Timothy as leader and teacher by laying his hands on Timothy. This is a powerful message and the basis of what CLI is all about.

With the message of Timothy in mind, the elders of the CLI community, the team, worked with the candidates throughout the week-long experience.

Daily sessions focused on the art of leadership; communication skills, leadership styles, group dynamics and planning skills.

Other sessions explored various aspects of Catholic Christian discipleship, and how that is embodied through prayer and Liturgy, moral decision-making, Sacramental living and service. CLI participants were challenged to use their skills and talents in planning sessions for specific portions of the daily program: morning wake-up, morning and night prayer, meal blessings, daily Liturgy and evening socials. Despite this full schedule, there was still time for relaxation and recreation, which provided the opportunity to build a strong, vibrant community. Candidates were encouraged to reflect each day and to consider what the materials presented and their own experiences tell them about themselves, their gifts, skills, and their faith and community identity. The graduates of this particular CLI were probably one of the most enthusiastic and caring groups we’ve encountered in the 27 years of the program. The Church and our world are in good hands with these young leaders.

Now as we return the graduates of CLI 2015 to their parents and parishes, we thank God for the gift of these young people in our diocese. We have prepared and challenged them to go out and make a difference in the world. We hope and

17 pray that their schools, churches and communities will welcome them back with open arms and will support them in their continued development as leaders.

They are a treasure that has been discovered. Let not the treasure be wasted nor squandered. Let us continue to invest in this treasure. May the elders of the communities, our parents, our priests, our teachers, reach out to these and all young people — not just with lip service but with action. They can and should be lectors, special ministers of Holy Communion, catechists, youth ministers, in the choir and on the parish council. They can and should be involved in every ministry of the parish — not just youth group or youth council. They should be an integral part of every parish and included in every aspect of parish life. They should be asked and consulted on all things that affect them. I have heard too often the statement, “Where are the young people?

Why aren’t they in church? Why do they disappear after Confirmation?” The answer to these questions is our challenge as elders. They are the Church of today, not tomorrow. May we encourage them to develop their gifts and talents and to exercise their leadership potential now. Our world and our Church will be better for it.

To paraphrase the CLI theme song, graduates — remember, “Don’t look back — stay on track — don’t accept defeat. It will be an uphill slope but don’t lose hope — till you go the distance, and your journey is complete!” Congratulations to the graduates of CLI 2015.

Anchor columnist Deacon Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth.

He is married to his wife of 36 years, Kristine, and the father of two daughters and their husbands, and a 16-month-old grandson. Thanks to the incredible CLI team for all you did for our young candidates! Comments, ideas or suggestions?

Email him at DeaconFrankLucca@ comcast.net.

Students from St. Michael School in Fall River recently celebrated a field day on the campus of Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River to mark the end of the school year.

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July 17, 2015

Pope says he’ll read critiques of his economic thought before U.S. trip

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM PARAGUAY (CNS) — Before arriving in the United States in September, Pope Francis said, he will study American criticisms of his critiques of the global economy and finance.

“I have heard that some criticisms were made in the United States — I’ve heard that — but I have not read them and have not had time to study them well,” the pope told reporters traveling with him from Paraguay back to Rome.

“If I have not dialogued with the person who made the criticism,” he said, “I don’t have the right” to comment on what the person is saying.

Pope Francis said his assertion in Bolivia that “this economy kills” is something he believes and has explained in his exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” and more recently in his encyclical on the environment.

In the Bolivia speech to grass-roots activists, many of whom work with desperately poor people, the pope described the predominant global economic system as having “the mentality of profit at any price with no concern for social exclusion or the destruction of nature.”

Asked if he planned to make similar comments in the United States despite the negative reaction his comments have drawn from some U.S. pundits, politicians and economists, Pope Francis said that now that his trip to South America has concluded, he must begin “studying” for his September trip to Cuba and the United States; the preparation, he said, will include careful reading of criticisms of his remarks about economic life.

Spending almost an hour answering questions from journalists who traveled with him July 5-12 to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, Pope Francis also declared that he had not tried coca leaves — a traditional remedy — to deal with the high altitude in Bolivia, and he admitted that being asked to pose for selfies makes him feel “like a great-grandfather — it’s such a different culture.”

The pope’s trip to Cuba and the United States September 19-27 was mentioned

frequently in questions during the onboard news conference. U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro publicly thanked Pope Francis and the Vatican last December for helping them reach an agreement to begin normalizing relations.

Pope Francis insisted his role was not “mediation.” In January 2014, he said, he was asked if there was some way he could help. “To tell you the truth, I spent three months praying about it, thinking what can I do with these two after 50 years like this.” He decided to send a cardinal — whom he did not name — to speak to both leaders.

“I didn’t hear any more,” he said.

“Months went by” and then one day, out of the blue, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, told him representatives of the two countries would be having their second meeting at the Vatican the next day, he said.

The new Cuba-U.S. relationship was the result of “the good will of both countries. It’s their merit. We did almost nothing,” the pope said.

Asked why he talks so much about the rich and the poor and so rarely about middle-class people who work and pay taxes, Pope Francis thanked the journalist for pointing out his omission and said, “I do need to delve further into this magisterium.”

However, he said he speaks about the poor so often “because they are at the heart of the Gospel. And, I always speak from the Gospel on poverty — it’s not that it’s sociological.”

Pope Francis was asked about his reaction to the crucifix on top of a hammer and sickle — the communist symbol — that Bolivian President Evo Morales gave him. The crucifix was designed by Jesuit Father Luis Espinal, who was kidnapped, tortured and killed in Bolivia in 1980.

The pope said the crucifix surprised him. “I hadn’t known that Father Espinal was a sculptor and a poet, too.

I just learned that these past few days,” he said.

Pope Francis said that he did know, however, that Father Espinal was among the

Legacy, heritage of bishop’s dad will live on continued from page one

The extent of Mr. da Cunha’s influence could be measured by Latin American theologians the large pile of cards on the in the late 1970s who found bishop’s desk in his office in Marxist political, social and Fall River.

“I have hundreds of economic analysis helpful for thank yous to send to people all understanding their countries over the world,” explained the and their people’s struggles bishop.

“I’ve received condoand that the Jesuit also used Marxist theories in his the- lences and Mass cards, emails ology. It was four years after and phone calls from priests, the Jesuit’s murder that the my fellow Vocationist Fathers, Congregation for the Doc- bishops and lay people in Afritrine of the Faith said plainly ca; Asia; South America; Newthat Marxist theory had no ark, N.J.; and across the Diocese place in a Catholic theology, of Fall River. It’s overwhelming the support my family and I the pope pointed out.

Father Espinal, he said, have received. One of my sisters “was a special man with a told me that our father has so many Mass cards that we could great deal of geniality.”

The crucifix, the pope said, offer some for those who have obviously fits into the cat- no one to pray for them.”

Bishop da Cunha was at his egory of “protest art,” which dad’s bedside, as was the rest some people may find offenof his immediate family, when sive, although he said he did the patriarch passed away in not.

“I’m talking it home with the early morning hours. The bishop explained that it’s cusme,” Pope Francis said.

In addition to the crucifix, tomary in Brazil for the funeral Morales had given the pope Mass to take place shortly after two honors, one of which a person’s passing. “My father was making him part of the died at about 1:30 a.m. and Order of Father Espinal, a we celebrated his funeral Mass designation that comes with at 5 p.m. that day. There were a medal bearing a copy of the 800 people at the Mass. That’s a beautiful sign of just how loved hammer-and-sickle crucifix.

Pope Francis said he’s nev- my father was.”

Mr. da Cunha was born er accepted such honors; “it’s in 1924 and his mother died just not for me,” he said. But during childbirth. “My father Morales had given them to was raised by his grandparents the pope with “such goodwill” and such obvious pleasure at on a farm not far from where doing something he thought he spent most of his life,” said would please the pope that Bishop da Cunha. “He worked the pope said he could not hard on the farm and was accustomed to manual labor.” refuse.

It was that great inner strength “I prayed about this,” the that helped his father “bounce pope told reporters. He said back” from several occasions he did not want to offend Morales and he did not want when he was near death. “He was the medals to end up in a a very strong person, and did not Vatican museums storeroom. give up easily,” the bishop added.

So he placed them at the feet “When the time came, we knew, of a statue of Mary and asked and we were prepared, but when that they be transferred to it happens, you’re never comthe national shrine of Our pletely prepared.”

Bishop da Cunha told The Lady of Copacabana.

Pope Francis also was Anchor that the Mass of Chrisasked about his request in tian Burial was “a sad time, but Guayaquil, Ecuador, that it was also a celebration of a people pray for the Octo- great man’s life. My father was ber Synod of Bishops on the a man who respected his family family “so that Christ can and his neighbors, was simple take even what might seem and unassuming and did not to us impure, scandalous or project himself as something threatening, and turn it — by he was not. He was very wellmaking it part of his ‘hour’ — liked.”

Bishop da Cunha expressed into a miracle.” those sentiments during the The pope told reporters, “I homily at his dad’s funeral. wasn’t thinking of any point “There were several times in particular,” but rather the during the Mass when I choked whole range of problems afup and asked those in attenflicting families around the dance to bear with me.

I told world and the need for God’s them, ‘We’ll get through this,’ help for families.

and we did,” the bishop said.

The bishop said he later gave a PowerPoint presentation set to music with pictures from his father’s long, fruitful life to go along with the lyrics.

“There was not a dry eye there,” the bishop said. Some of Mr. da Cunha’s grandchildren also prepared a PowerPoint presentation as a tribute to their loving grandfather.

“While it is very difficult to lose a parent, we are all very grateful to God for giving us a great father and husband for 91 years,” the bishop continued.

Manoel Antonio da Cunha

“He was a model for all of us and we’ll carry on his legacy and heritage.”

Bishop da Cunha told The Anchor that his dad was an influence and very supportive of his decision to answer the call to the priesthood.

“One of my sisters once told me that at my first Mass in Brazil after I was ordained a priest, she watched my father as he sat there, never saying a word, but she could see the pride and joy in his eyes,” said Bishop da Cunha.

“A priest friend once told me that my father is an ‘irreproachable person. There is nothing bad to say about him,’” the bishop added.

“I’m grateful I was able to be there with my father when he died,” said Bishop da Cunha.

“There were times when I didn’t think that would happen, but God allowed it to happen.”

Bishop da Cunha and the priests of the Diocese of Fall River will be celebrating a Month’s Mind Mass, a customary Mass on or near one full month since a person’s death, on July 23 at Corpus Christi Church, 324 Quaker Meeting House Road in East Sandwich, at noon. “Faithful from the Diocese of Fall River are invited to attend this Mass,” said the bishop.

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July 17, 2015

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.

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 Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on N. Main St. 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 a.m. to 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 — Espirito Santo Parish, 311 Alden Street, Fall River. Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

Falmouth — For July and August St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to noon Benediction at St. Thomas Chapel, Falmouth Heights.

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 takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. 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 7 to 8 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.

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.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

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 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. 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.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks July 18 Rev. Adalbert Szklanny, Assistant, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1968 Rev. Lionel G. Doraisi, SSS., 1984 Rev. Joseph Quinn, C.S.C., Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2007 July 19 Most Rev. Daniel F. Feehan, D.D., Second Bishop of Fall River, 1907-34, 1934 Rev. Francis M. Coady, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1975 Msgr. Joseph R. Pannoni, Retired Pastor, Holy Rosary, Fall River, 1992 July 20 Rev. Joao Medeiros, Retired Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 1983 July 22 Rev. Francis L. Mahoney, Retired Pastor, Holy Name Fall River, 2007 July 23 Rev. Patrick F. Doyle, Founder, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1893 Rev. George B. McNamee, Founder Holy Name, Fall River, 1938 July 25 Rev. Michael J. Cooke, Pastor, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1913 Rev. Raymond R. Mahoney, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1984 July 26 Rev. Msgr. Alfred J.E. Bonneau, P.R. Retired Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1974 July 27 Rev. Damien Veary, SS.CC., Former Pastor, St. Anthony, Mattapoisett, 1981 Permanent Deacon James J. Meloni Jr., 2011 July 29 1913, Rev. Mathias McCabe, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River 1947, Rev. Charles P. Trainor, S.S., St. Edward Seminary, Seattle, Washington July 30 Rev. Francis Kiernan, Pastor Sandwich, New Bedford, Wareham, 1838 July 31 Rev. Daniel Hearne, Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1865 Rev. Hugh J. Munro, Chaplain, Marian Manor, Taunton, 2003 Aug. 1 Rev. Marc H. Bergeron, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford, 2014 Aug. 5 Rev. Martin J. Fox, Founder, St. Paul, Taunton, 1917 Rev. Thomas A. Kelly, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1934 Aug. 6 Rev. Joseph P. Lyons, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1961 Aug. 7 Rev. John F. Hogan, Pastor, St. Julie Billiart, North Dartmouth, 1986 Very Rev. Roger L. Gagne, V. F. Pastor, St. Mark, Attleboro Falls, 1987

Around the Diocese COURAGE is a support group for Catholics dealing with same-sex attractions who would like to live out the Church’s teachings. They will have a meeting on Wednesday, July 22 at 6 p.m. at the hospitality center of St. John the Evangelist Church, 1 St. John’s Place in Attleboro. All are welcome.

St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth will be hosting a Summer Parish Mission. In anticipation of Pope Francis’ declared Year of Mercy starting in the fall, the theme of the mission will be “The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.” The mission preacher will be Bishop Herbert A. Bevard of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mission talks will be given at the 9 a.m. Mass and 7 p.m. Mission Presentation on July 23 and July 24. All are most welcome to attend.

The newly-installed pipe organ in the loft of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River is to be celebrated with a Dedication Recital on July 26 at 4 p.m., with David Carrier as guest organist. All are welcome to attend. Pipes from the instruments at the former Sacred Heart and St. Louis churches form the core of the new instrument. Fund raising continues and donations in any amount will be recognized in the recital program and on the parish website. Donations may be sent to: St. Mary’s Cathedral Pipe Organ Fund, 327 Second Street, Fall River, Mass. 02721. For more information about the organ, visit the parish website at www.cathedralfallriver.com.

The third annual Cape Cod Bus for Life Awards Dinner will be held August 1 in the church hall of Corpus Christi Parish, 329 Quaker Meeting House Road in East Sandwich. It will begin at 6 p.m. and will end approximately 9 p.m. This year’s speaker will be Janet Morana, the executive director of Priests for Life and co-founder of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. The Silver Foxes Swing Band will also entertain during dinner. You can reserve tickets online at www.ccbfl.org, or you can contact Kevin Ward at 508-291-0949 or email him at kevin@ccbfl.org. All proceeds will go to the Cape Cod Bus for Life to be used to keep the travel costs of the 2016 trip to the March for Life in Washington D.C. reasonably priced.

The Diocesan Health Facilities will be hosting its Eighth Annual Golf Classic to benefit the more than 900 adults serviced in its skilled nursing and rehab care facilities and community programs on August 24 at the LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville.

Participation opportunities include corporate sponsorships, golf foursomes, prize donations for raffles and advertising on tee signs and in the event program book. For additional information on the various levels of participation, a member of the golf committee will be happy to assist when you call the Diocesan Health Facilities Office at 508-679-8154. Printable registration forms are also available at www.dhfo.org.

A Healing Mass and Blessing with St. André’s Relic and Anointing with St. Joseph Oil will be held at St. Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington Street, at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton on September 13 with Rosary at 1:30 p.m. and Mass at 2 p.m. All are welcome to join either or both. St. André was known as the “Miracle Man of Montrèal” for healing thousands of the faithful at the St. Joseph Oratory in Montreal through his intercession. More than two million people visit his shrine each year. St. André’s relic will be available for blessing and veneration. For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095, x. 2027 or visit www. familyrosary.org/events.

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July 17, 2015

‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (Mt 4:19)

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., delivers the homily during the presbyteral ordination Mass celebration for Deacon John Michael Schrader, seated, inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River on July 11. The newly-ordained Father Schrader, better known as “Jack,” celebrated his first Mass the next day at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, where he will temporarily reside for the summer before returning to Rome to complete his studies. (Photos by Kenneth J. Souza)

Above, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., anoints the hands of Father John Michael Schrader with holy chrism during his presbyteral ordination Mass inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River on July 11. The anointing of Father Schrader’s palms signifies the new priest has been consecrated to God’s work. Below, Father John Michael Schrader is greeted by his proud mom, Diane, just after his presbyteral ordination Mass celebration inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption while the other members of his immediate family, from left, dad Steven, brother Samuel and sister Anna, look on.