10.05.23

Mass for National Mental Health Awareness is October 29 at Cathedral

By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — To recognize the impact that mental health challenges have on individuals, families and caregivers, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will offer a special Mass on Sunday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.

October is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

A Book of Remembrance will be offered during the Mass for those who have died due to mental illness, suicide or substance use. The purpose is to invite, support and provide acceptance of those affected and

may feel isolated and alone due to mental health challenges. The Mass will also focus on those who are currently experiencing mental health challenges.

The event is a kick-off to the beginning of a new Mental Health Ministry (MHM) Program in the Diocese, organized through the Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall River (CCDFR).

Rose Mary Saraiva and Jack Weldon of CCDFR have teamed up as mental health coordinators for the diocese. They work collaboratively with the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) whose members see Christ in those who live with mental illness.

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At a reception following a Mass of Thanksgiving for several milestones in his life, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. speaks with Liz and Russell Ruggiero, whom he married in New Jersey in 1987. The couple rented a car and drove up from their home in New York City for the day. (Photo by Joan D. Warren)

Bishop’s journey of service to the Lord marked with Mass, reception

By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — On Sunday, September 24, a celebratory Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., took place in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. Nine years ago to the day, he was installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Fall River.

The Mass and reception that followed under a tent on the property was not only a celebration of his service as bishop of the diocese,

it also observed the 41st anniversary of his priestly ordination and the 20th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.

Many of his fellow priests and deacons participated and the pews were filled with faithful who braved the rainy remnants of tropical storm Ophelia to express gratitude to Bishop da Cunha.

“We kept our plan for this celebration and so did mother nature,” the bishop said before his closing prayer, referring to the deluge of rain outside the cathedral.

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Respect Life Mass and Conference to stress that vigilance is still needed

By Dave Jolivet Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — When on June 23,2022 the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the U.S., many in the diocese and across the country had the sense that the victory over the culture of death had been attained. But with only 13 states enforcing strict anti-abortion

measures, others have found ways around the decision.

“There is still so much work to do,” Irina Robinson, diocesan Family and Respect Life Director told The Anchor. “Many don’t realize what is really going on behind the scenes across the country when it comes to allowing abortions.”

Bringing this to the forefront will be paramount at this year’s annu-

al diocesan Respect Life Month Mass and Conference to be held October 22.

The Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Edgard M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 327 Second Street, at 10:30 a.m, and is free and open to the public. The conference requires an RSVP ticket which costs $35 and includes lunch. Deadline for RSVP is October 11.

The bishop is expected deliver a Pro-Life Month message expounding the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight for life in this country.

The conference will take place following the Mass at White’s of Westport. During the conference, the bishop will again deliver a Pro-Life address for folks living in the diocese.

The guest speaker will

October 6, 2023

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Sole to soul: Supporters take the FACE’s message of hope and faith across the diocese

FALMOUTH — Thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteers, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education’s mission of educational access was shared in an novel way across the Diocese of Fall River this summer and is continuing to be spread this fall.

In August, a team of eight runners joined a field of thousands to participate in the historic ASICS Falmouth Road Race Numbers for Non-Profits Program. Team Captain Jane Robin led Team FACE’s race participation. Fellow runner and President of Bishop Stang High School, James Benson, reflected, “The race was a

wonderful experience considering the positive energy brought by the 9,000plus runners, but what made it more wonderful is using our legs to raise approximately $15,000 for families who need the assistance. I look forward to running it again next year to raise even more.”

Also running were Diocese of Fall River School Superintendent Daniel Roy, Father Matthew Laird and his father Deacon David Laird, Diocese of Fall River staff member Noelle Preston, St. Mary’s Mansfield parishioner Brian Healy, and former Chancery finance staff member Jim Bouchard.

Just as the financial assistance that FACE provides to families helped to welcome back to school approximately 1,000 students who receive support, in September more volunteers were also out and about as guest speakers and ambassadors for FACE’s Second Collection that took place the weekend of September 9 and 10 in parishes throughout the diocese. The goal for this second collection, newly introduced to the diocese in the fall of 2022, is to

raise funds and awareness about FACE’s important role. According to Andrew Raposo, Principal of Espirito Santo School in Fall River, “Having the ability to speak to our parishioners at Espirito Santo about the importance of FACE is critical to the mission of making Catholic education affordable to our families. Many of our students come from the parish and benefit from the generous donations to FACE. The response was positive, and we are

thankful for the support of our mission to educate the whole child.” Sean Kane, principal at Bishop Feehan High School, also addressed his parish of Holy Cross in Easton.

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Students from St. John Paul II School in Hyannis were on hand for the recent special Foundation to Advance Catholic Education collections at St. John the Evangelist in Pocasset and St. Anthony in Falmouth. At right above, Brian Healy, a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield, and bottom, Father Matt Laird ran for Team FACE in the Falmouth Road Race.

Annual Candlelight Procession and Mass for Peace takes place Monday

FALL RIVER – Members of the Fall River Diocese are invited to join Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in the annual Procession and Mass for Peace on Monday, October 9, the Columbus Day holiday.

Participants in the procession should meet by

5:30 p.m. in the area of St. Anne’s Shrine, across from Kennedy Park on South Main Street in Fall River, to march approximately one-half mile to St. Mary’s Cathedral. The procession will begin at 6 p.m. Marchers will carry candles, recite the Rosary, and sing Marian hymns.

Upon arrival of the procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral, located at the corner of Second and Spring Streets, Bishop da Cunha will celebrate the Mass for Peace. The bishop will be homilist at the liturgy as well. Those who are handicapped or disabled should

proceed directly to the Cathedral, where a special area will be designated for them.

“I invite our diocesan faithful along with all citizens of good will to join us either in person or in prayerful solidarity,” said Bishop da Cunha. “Pope Francis once said, ‘Peace

is a gift from God but requires our efforts.’ The one thing that we can all do, that we must all do, is pray for peace. In a world beset by war, conflict, violence, division, and injustice. The challenges to peace are many. Our prayers are greatly needed.”

Diocesan Red Mass, presentation of St. Thomas More Medallions is October 14

FALL RIVER — The 25th Red Mass in the Diocese of Fall River will be celebrated on Saturday, October 14, at 4 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.

The Red Mass is the popular name for the Mass

40

ATTLEBORO —

Dr. Haywood Robinson, former abortion provider and director of medical affairs and education of the peaceful, prayerful, effective 40 Days for Life project, will tell the story of this groundbreaking effort in Attleboro on Saturday October 14. Robinson will speak at Attleboro 40 Days For Life which, is set for 9 a.m. at the vigil site, Angell Park 150 Emory St. Attleboro.

“People in Attleboro have made extraordinary sacrifices to expose the abortion industry and to protect pre-born children and their mothers from abortion,” Robinson said. “I’m honored to be able to join these folks in prayer. Their efforts illustrate why we’re seeing historic changes — more mothers choosing life, more abor-

of the Holy Spirit offered to invoke God’s guidance and strength on those working in the areas of law and justice. Its origins go back to 13th-century Europe; its name is derived from the color of the vestments customarily worn by the celebrants. Today, the Mass

is widely celebrated in dioceses throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Judges, attorneys, court personnel and others working in the justice system throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands are invited to attend.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, will be principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass.

In a tradition unique to the Fall River diocesan celebration, the Red Mass will conclude with the presentation of the St. Thomas More Medallions to members of the area legal community in recognition of dedicated service.

tion workers experiencing conversions and leaving the abortion industry, and more abortion centers closing their doors for good.”

“We are tremendously pleased that Haywood will be here to support our 40 Days for Life effort,” said Ron Larose, spokesperson for the local 40 Days for Life campaign in Attleboro.

“He’s an energetic, enthusiastic speaker, and we know he will be an inspiration.”

Attleboro is one of hundreds of communities around the world conducting simultaneous 40 Days for Life campaigns from September 27 to November 5.

40 Days for Life is an intensive campaign that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. Since 40 Days

for Life began, more than 20,000 mothers have chosen life for their children; more than 200 abortion workers have quit their jobs; and more than 100 abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have been held have gone out of business.

Robinson is a former abortion provider who has participated in numerous campaigns throughout the world — including across the United States and Africa.

To learn more about 40 Days for Life, visit: www.40daysforlife.com. For information about the Attleboro campaign, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/ attleboro

For assistance or for more information, please contact Ron Larose at 40dflattleboro@comcast. net or 508-736-9813.

Selected to receive the award this year are, as distinguished jurist, Judge Thomas J. Perrino, Massachusetts Superior Court; as distinguished attorney,

Maryclare Cushing, Assistant District Attorney Superior Court, Bristol County District Attorney’s Office; as distinguished court employee, Jennifer A. Sullivan, Clerk of Courts, Bristol County Superior Court; as distinguished recipient of the ecumenical award, Attorney Aaron J. Bor, New Bedford; and as distinguished recipient of the Joseph P. Harrington Founder’s Award, Attorney Daniel M. Rich, Norton. Award recipients were nominated for the

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† Diocese of fall RiveR † official appointments

Interim Deans

Effective: September 1, 2023

6, 2023

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointment :

Very Reverend David A. Costa, V.F. — Attleboro Deanery, while remaining Pastor of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in North Attleboro

Very Reverend Christopher M. Peschel, V.F. — New Bedford Deanery, while remaining Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in New Bedford and Member of the Committee of Priests for the Accompaniment of Seminarians

Days for Life national leader brings message of ‘the beginning of the end of abortion’ to Attleboro

Once upon a time, I was the director of music ministry in a very large parish in northern New Jersey. The parish choir numbered in excess of 30 voices, and they were a very good group of singers. But like most groups, they were not without problems and a couple of difficult personalities. Anytime a new soprano would join, one of the male singers always joked about how the other sopranos would be “sharpening their elbows.” He said it in jest, but it wasn’t too far from the truth. But it was a bass who caused an incident that I shall never forget.

Like so many choirs, our numbers were always

All are welcome?

thin in the tenor section. So, imagine my delight when a new parishioner, “Tim the Tenor,” came to me and asked about joining the choir. He was a good singer, he read music, and was very enthusiastic about becoming a part of the parish music ministry. What could go wrong with this scenario? I was about to learn — plenty! I invited “Tim” to the next rehearsal, and the Sunday morning before that rehearsal I told the choir about our newest member. I reminded them that we should welcome him and make him feel at home.

The following Wednes-

day evening, Tim showed up at what was to be his first — and last — rehearsal. Tim was a slight man in his late 40s or early 50s; like many men of that age, he was balding. I introduced Tim to the group and everyone greeted him warmly with words of welcome — everyone except for “Bill, the Crabby Bass.” When the “hellos” had faded away, Bill said loud enough for everyone to hear, “I thought all tenors had hair!” After an audible gasp, there was dead silence.

Bill went home to God several years ago, so I’m told. As for Tim the Tenor, I never saw him again. I never saw him at choir and I never saw him in the parish. I called him several times and left messages

of apology, but he never responded. I can’t say I blame him. He may not remember exactly what was said at that choir rehearsal and he probably doesn’t even know who said it. But I guarantee the one thing he does remember is how he felt that evening, and how he was “welcomed” to the parish choir.

I recently had an experience that gave me insight into some of the difficulties people face when returning to church after being away for a long time. I had a conversation with an acquaintance, Katie, the other day. She’s a cradle Catholic, received all her Sacraments in her local parish and she still lives in that same town. She told me she wants to return to church and became very animated when describing her feelings when attending a wedding or funeral Mass. In short, she’s uncomfortable. She’s been away from the church for a number of years and there have been changes. While the recent changes to the liturgy happened years ago, they are still brand new to her. She doesn’t know the responses, and when she responds incorrectly, people give her “dirty looks.” But wait, there’s more! Because she would like to return to the parish in which she grew up, she fears that she’ll be judged by people who know her. She’s pretty well known in her town and she’s afraid that there will be prying questions about why she’s not been to Mass or comments like, “I didn’t know you were Catholic.”

It’s no secret that many parishes throughout our country are struggling with declining attendance at Mass. One study suggests that a primary reason for people leaving their parish is that they just don’t feel welcome. There’s a takeaway here. We only get one chance at first impressions. How we treat people, how we welcome people to our parish family matters. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a new parishioner, someone who’s been away from church for many years, or even someone who’s only now returning to church after the COVID pandemic. If and how we recognize the face of Christ in every person we meet will determine how that person perceives us as disciples of the Lord. A simple smile, a nod, and a “welcome to our parish family” doesn’t require much effort but it can make a world of difference to a newcomer or someone who’s been away from church for a long time. The truth is, there are no strangers in our midst because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Christian witness is reflected in how we treat one another and how we welcome the stranger. Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). That, my friends, is the Good News.

Anchor columnist Ada Simpson is former editor of Ministry and Liturgy magazine, holds an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and is the director of Music Ministry at St. Francis and St. Dominic parishes in Swansea.

Mental Health Awareness Mass is October 29 continued from page one

“There is a lot of negativity around mental health issues,” Saraiva told The Anchor . “The silver lining that has come out of the pandemic is that mental health has been brought into the light. There is no judgment in our ministry.”

One of the biggest challenges for those suffering with any type of mental health issue is the stigma placed on them and their situation. In many cases, it is not malicious or intentional, but rather a misinformed and often myth-laden understanding of mental health challenges and mental illness.

Pope Francis said that it is necessary to take ac -

tion “fully [to] overcome the stigma that mental illness is often tainted with” (June 25, 2021).

Mental Health Ministry (MHM) teams practice a ministry of service and presence; like the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-37), they do not look the other way or walk past those living with a mental illness but instead pour the oil and wine of the Gospel into their lives.

The group is a lay association of the Christian faithful whose members are called to be a healing presence in the lives of people with mental illness.

Being an active member of a close-knit faithbased community can

provide structure, support and a sense of acceptance, all of which are beneficial to mental health.

No matter the situation, physical health, relationship issues, mental health or substance use concerns, Christians share the common knowledge that we are all children of God, and are deserving of compassion, understanding and love.

Saraiva and Weldon are working with pastors and staff at parishes in the dioceses facilitating mental health first aid and companionship training to implement active MHM teams. They will provide support and education for parish teams on an ongoing basis.

The Diocese of Fall River MHM Diocesan team can be reached at 508-674-4681.

Those who would like to submit a name or names of loved ones for the Remembrance Book can email FR-Reception@ ccfrdioc.org, with the subject line: Name for Remembrance Book. People may also call Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall River at 508-6744681 Ext. 1101.

Respect Life Month Mass is October 22 continued from page one

be noted author and speaker, Peter Kreeft, Ph. D, a professor of philosophy at Boston College since 1965, and the author of more than 100 published books, with topics including God, Christianity, Pro-Life arguments, philosophy, culture wars, theology and logic, Heaven, children, J.R.R. Tolkien, and even surfing.

The Mass is sponsored by Michael DeBenedetto, FDD, life director along with the Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus.

The conference is hosted by Irina Robinson, diocesan Family and Respect Life Director; and Deborah Ledoux, diocesan Family and Respect Life Coordinator, part of the Diocese of Fall River’s Secretariat for the New Evangelization.

“We are encouraging Pro-Life leaders from parishes across the diocese to attend the Mass and Conference,” said Robinson. “They and their parishes will be recognized at the conference. Our hope is that one day every diocesan parish will have a Pro-Life organization.”

Robinson also told The Anchor that she will make attendees aware that the fight is far from over in the quest to respect life from conception to natural death.

“We’re going to talk about the Walking with Moms in Need program in the diocese, which is part of the national program initiated by the United

States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Our diocesan and parish Walking with Moms in Needs programs provide assistance to moms and dads who are in need of assistance. We help them financially, psychologically and spiritually.

“We provide diapers, wipes, and sometimes even cribs and mattresses. Even with the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still a great need out there for mothers, dads and their young children.”

Robinson told The Anchor that with the increase in immigrants in the area, the needs are very much present.

She said that all of the items given to the families come from donations from across the diocese.

Robinson also shared that the need to be there for women who are contemplating abortion is still present as well. ”Just this year, we’ve talked to two women who thought abortion was the proper solution, and we counseled them throughout the pregnancies,” said Robinson.

“We also want to reach out to young people and continue to stress that respect life means all life, from conception to natural death,” she added.

To obtain tickets for the conference, visit fallriverfaithformation. org. Ticket sales will cease one week prior to the event.

“

M any don’t realize what is really going on behind the scenes across the country when it comes to allowing abortions.”

Praying to Mary for and with the Synod Editorial

In Catholic piety and tradition, October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The month gets its identity from the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. It marks the date in 1571 when the outnumbered Christian fleet triumphed over the Muslim Turks in the Battle of Lepanto. The victory was credited to Our Lady’s intercession as Pope St. Pius V had summoned all Christians to pray the Rosary as he was doing so with the members of the Church of Rome. In anticipation of the first anniversary of the triumph, he established the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, but died before its celebration. His successor, Pope Gregory XIII, changed the title of the feast the following year to the “Feast of the Holy Rosary,” focused on the particular means that had brought the Church to victory. This year is the 450th anniversary of that first liturgical commemoration.

It is therefore a very important occasion on which to grow in devotion to Our Lady, gratitude for her intercession, and prayer of the Rosary. Various popes and saints have called the Rosary the school of Our Lady in which we ponder the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious moments of her and her Son’s life. Through praying the Rosary, we follow in the footsteps of the members of the early Church, who huddled around her for the 10 days of prayer between Jesus’ ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit, as she doubtless filled the early Church with details about the early hidden life of the blessed Fruit of her womb and led them to ponder with her contemplative gaze the deeper meaning of his public ministry and passion, death and resurrection. Saints Paul VI and John Paul II called the Rosary the “compendium of the Gospel,” not only because its mysteries take us through the life of Jesus into eternity but because through them Mary shows us how to respond faithfully and prayerfully to the totality of her Son’s saving work.

It’s particular fitting that the Church this October pray the Rosary for the Synod on Synodality for a Synodal Church taking place October 4-29 in the Vatican. Pope Francis himself asked for this after his Angelus meditation on October 1, when he said to the crowds assembled in St. Peter’s Square: “Today begins the month of October, the month of the Rosary. … I encourage everyone to experience the beauty of praying the Rosary, contemplating the mysteries of Christ with Mary and invoking her intercession for the needs of the Church and of the world. Let us pray for … the Synod of Bishops during this month in which the first Assembly on the theme of synodality in the Church takes place.”

While the preparation for the Synod on Synodality has involved the largest formal consultation of Catholics throughout the world in a process involving individual dioceses, national episcopal conferences, and multinational regional assemblies — nearly 5,000 Catholics participated in the process in the Diocese of Fall River from January through April 2022 — many Catholics are still not quite sure what it means.

Synod comes from a Greek expression for “journeying together” — syn means “together” and hodos “way” — and is meant to signify how the members of the Church convene to seek to follow the Lord. The word “synod” itself is ancient, referring to the collegial structure by which bishops, particularly in the East, regularly come together to help govern the churches entrusted to them, for example, the many Synods in the early Church that met to resolve doctrinal disputes.

After the Second Vatican Council, St. Paul VI established a Synod of Bishops in order to “foster closer unity between the Roman Pontiff and bishops, to assist the Roman Pontiff with their counsel in the preservation and growth of faith and morals and in the observance and strengthening of ecclesiastical discipline, and to consider questions pertaining to the activity of the Church in the world” (CIC 342). The Church also provided norms for Diocesan synods, comprised of “selected priests and other members of the Christian faithful” to assist him with its counsel for the good of the diocese when circumstances suggest it (CIC 460-468). Many dioceses have hosted Synods to catalyze diocesan renewals.

Even though Synods have taken slightly different forms, the general concept of a synod as an ecclesial assembly either of bishops to govern in a permanent way (East) or of bishops, priests and others to provide counsel when needed (West) has become stable and widely understood. What’s new and somewhat ambiguous are the expressions “synodality” and “synodal Church,” both of which are involved in the title of the present “Synod on Synodality for a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The terms aren’t clearly defined and therefore presently mean different things to different people. In general, they’re understood to mean a pilgrim Church journeying together, or a listening Church in permanent assembly, but how these presently elastic expressions fit with the Church’s previous ecclesiological understandings and what they denote in terms of the destination of the common journey or the voices being heard still await clarification.

Those clarifications are important because some are trying to use the “Synodal Process” to try to challenge and change the faith of the Church with regard to the Church’s fidelity to revelation, the Church’s hierarchical constitution, the Sacrament of Holy Orders, sexual morality, theological anthropology, and more. We have seen this tendency play out over the last few years in the Catholic Church in Germany’s 2019-23 “Synodal Way,” which Pope Francis and the Vatican Dicasteries for Bishops and the Doctrine of the Faith have repeatedly needed to correct. We have seen similar problems in recent national Synods in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Some in the Church are treating “synodal” and “synodality” as if they mean “everything is up discussion,” including the deposit of faith, much like some after the Second Vatican Council used the so-called “spirit of the Council” as a green light to try to dismiss anything in the faith they didn’t like or found contradictory to the spirit of the world. Some who have been invited to participate in the Synod on Synodality are already troublingly on the record hoping that the Synod will pave the way for changing Church teaching on various matters condemned by both Scripture and Tradition, in imitation of various Protestant Churches that have lost both their Biblical moorings and most of their members.

That’s one of the reasons why prayer for the Synod participants — the pope, the organizing team, and the delegates — in general is important, but also why prayer through Our Lady’s intercession, like in the Rosary, is particularly essential. Our Lady was the one chosen by God to help the members of the early Church get ready for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads us to life according to the Spirit not according to the flesh, reminds us of all Christ taught us, gives us the courage to put to death in us whatever is earthly and to seek the things that are above. Mary can help the Church today, just like at her beginning, to discern the true voice of the Holy Spirit and not be deceived by graceless ventriloquism from within or below.

Throughout this month and beyond, we can pray through Mary’s intercession that the journeying together of the Church today will mean faithfully following the footsteps of her Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life. We can pray with her that the listening Church will truly attune to God’s voice, not to polls of faith preferences of those who are thinking not as God thinks but as human beings do. We can pray through her maternal heart that the Church will grow in its capacity and zeal not just to welcome all God’s children but help them to welcome Jesus and all His teachings, including those that require deepest conversion. We can ask the Lord that the Synodal Church will ultimately become more thoroughly Marian as it responds faithfully to those trying to manipulate Synodal structures to push for things — like ecclesiastical power and unchaste love — that would doubtless make the sinless Mother of God blush.

For the Synod on Synodality for a Synodal Church to fulfill the hopes Pope Francis has placed in it, for it to reinvigorate ecclesial communion, participation, and mission, we need Mary’s intercession and guidance. She remains the Star of the Sea as the Church journeys together toward the eternal port, assailed not by Turkish battleships but by forces more subtle and potent. Let’s take up the beads and invoke her help.

St. Mary-Sacred Heart School celebrates 100 years

NORTH ATTLEBOR-

OUGH — “If you build me a school, I will build you a church.” These are the words that ignited the urgency for building a Catholic elementary school in the town of North Attleborough to evangelize and educate the Franco-American families of the area. These words were spoken by Father Louis Dequoy as part of his pulpit announcements shortly after his arrival as the second pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. By Jan. 21, 1923, Bishop Daniel Feehan had approved plans for the new school building. Construction commenced on April 12 of that same year, with all the major work on the eight classrooms and convent wing completed by August 1923.

Father Dequoy knew that he would need a faculty to staff the school, at which time he approached Mother Marie Helena and the Religious of the Holy Union of the Sacred Hearts in Fall River. On Sept. 15, 1923, led by Mother Adrienne Cecile, a native of France, five Sisters arrived in North Attleborough. Because desks and chairs had not yet arrived, and finish work in the school was not completed, the Sisters gathered the first students in the church (the present parish hall) for a three-day retreat.

On Sunday, Sept. 23, 1923, Father Dequoy asked for volunteers to help assemble the desks and chairs that had arrived the previous week. That afternoon, armed with screwdrivers and hammers, men

and boys from the parish gathered in the school and ably completed this task. The following morning, after renewing their religious vows in the newly assembled convent chapel, Mother Adrienne Cecile and the first Sister faculty welcomed 211 students in grades one through five.

Catholic education expanded in North Attleborough the following year when Father Patrick McGee, longtime pastor of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, built St. Mary School and invited the Sisters of Mercy from Mount St. Mary Convent in Fall River, to serve as the faculty. On Saturday, Aug. 29, 1924, the first seven Sisters arrived led by Sister M. Delores Daily, superior and Sister M. Cletus Sullivan principal and grade seven teacher. A beautiful school building had just been constructed, but the convent building was still a work in progress. The Sisters lived on the third floor of the school until the convent was completed in February of 1925.

When the first St. Mary School registration was taken on Sunday, Aug. 30, about 250 students were enrolled, necessitating additional faculty. Scrambling in the

week before the opening of school, two additional Sisters were missioned to North Attleborough. Over the years, St. Mary School grew to be one of the largest elementary schools in the Diocese of Fall River, at one time enrolling more than 800 students.

With the decline of religious vocations and

community.

rising costs of education, the future of the two schools was bleak. In 1972, in an effort to ensure the successful future of Catholic education in the town, the Diocese of Fall River proposed a merging of the two schools. Overcoming many challenges, St. Mary-Sacred Heart School opened in the former St. Mary School building in September of 1972, led by Holy Union Sister Jeanne Poirier, with a faculty of Sisters of Mercy, Holy Union Sisters, and lay men and women. After a few years, the school was transferred to the present Richards Avenue campus on the Sacred Heart Church property. This past June saw the 50th graduation ceremony of the St. Mary-Sacred Heart School

“St. Mary-Sacred Heart School is an integral part of the parish,” indicated Father David Costa, pastor of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish and director of SMSH. “Imagine the many young lives that have been shaped and formed over these many decades. The impact and influence of our graduates continues to make a difference not only in North Attleborough, but I dare say, across the globe. We would not be here today without the vision, the courage, the determination and the many sacrifices of families, parishioners, and benefactors. While we no longer have Holy Union Sisters or Sisters of Mercy on our faculty, their dedication to the formation of our children lives on in the wonderful work of our lay faculty, administration, and staff. We are blessed with their commitment to Catholic education!”

Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fall River, added, “There are several schools in the Diocese of Fall River that have reached their centennial. We are excited to celebrate St. Mary-Sacred Heart’s achievement! Catholic education has been a cornerstone of this country’s

educational landscape since the late 18th century. Despite the investment and updates to technology and curriculum, the core of Catholic education has remained the same — to evangelize young people to develop a relationship with God. There has never been a better time for Catholic education to serve families and children. We encourage all families in the North Attleboro area to strongly consider investing in your child with a Catholic education.”

Lisa Serak is St. Mary-Sacred Heart’s newest principal. After teaching at the school for 15 years, during the summer of 2022 she was tapped on the shoulder to take the reins and lead the school. “The role of school principal had never been on my agenda” she said. “After prayerful reflection, I just knew I needed to say yes. I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of a long line of inspirational leaders including Denise Peixoto, who has been the principal from 1996 to 2016. This is such a proud moment in the rich history of the SMSH community and I look forward to serving new families while growing the relationship we have with both current and legacy families.”

The kick-off celebration was a September 27 Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha, followed by planned events throughout the school year.

Refer to the schools website www.smshschool. com for more details.

As a volleyball coach, or a coach of any sport for that matter, we know that we need to teach our athletes the skills of the game. We practice these skills over and over (and over) again. We trust that the skills that we have taught them and worked on will prevail in the competition. We know, however, that the other coach has also taught his or her ath-

Getting gritty

letes and sometimes it is a hard-fought competition. In these games, we know what can set one team apart from another is its ability to push through those more difficult moments. Perseverance. Fortitude.

Grit.

Grit has been the theme of my season with my volleyball team. It was the focus of our retreat.

Angela Duckworth wrote a fantastic book entitled, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” She writes about how she spent time at West Point trying to help them to figure out what made some cadets succeed and some fail. All of them were top scholars, highly recommended and in good shape. The difference was some of them had the ability to push through the struggles, the hard workouts, the tough classes, the early mornings, and long days and some of them did not have that drive. Grit. The dictionary defines grit as “strength of character” but I think the title of her book is a better definition: the power of passion and perseverance.

Grit is not something

DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS

Decree of Citation

Since his present domicile is unknown, in accord with the provision of Canon 1509.1, we hereby cite Luis A. Sousa to appear in person before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River (887 Highland Avenue in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts) on October 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM to give his testimony regarding the question: IS THE CLEARY-SOUSA MARRIAGE

NULL ACCORDING TO CHURCH LAW?

Anyone who has knowledge of the domicile of Luis A. Sousa is hereby required to inform him of this citation. Given at the offices of the Diocesan Tribunal in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts on September 28, 2023.

left for sports or school or activities. Grit is essential to our faith. In her book she writes, “One form of perseverance is the daily discipline of trying to do things better than we did yesterday.” We all know that we are going to have times of doubt, times of spiritual laziness, and times when we just outright say no to what God is asking us to do. But those are not moments that we just call it quits. Those are the moments that we promise ourselves and God that we will do better tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be kinder with our words, we will reach out in love instead of anger, we will be thankful to God for all He has given us, and most importantly, we will reach out for God’s grace in the Sacraments.

Listening to KLOVE radio the other day, I heard a new song from TobyMac that spoke so richly or grit in our faith. He sang:

“Cause when my world broke into pieces

You were there faithfully

When I cried out to

You, Jesus

You made a way for me

I may never be the same man

But I’m a man who still believes

When I cried out to You, Jesus

You were there faithfully.”

Grit in our faith is recognizing we need to cry out to Jesus. It’s reaching out to the one who is love, to remind us what love is. He is there, faithfully, waiting for us to reach out for the strength to keep growing. Duckworth reminds us, “It isn’t suffering that leads to hopelessness. It’s suffering you think you can’t control.”

His suffering reminds us that there is grace in suffering. It does not matter how many times we fail; it matters that we keep trying to do it right.

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

Family Rosary’s Rosary Festival is tomorrow all ages praying and singing together, some new to the Rosary and some not so new, fellowship, and refreshments.

NORTH EASTON —

Apple cider, donuts, and a candlelit Rosary procession are all part of Family Rosary’s Annual Rosary Festival on Saturday, October 7, at 6 p.m.

The night will feature many flickering candles lighting the way, voices of

The event is at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, North Easton.

(Very Rev.) Jeffrey Cabral, J.C.L. Judicial Vicar (Ms.) Ana M. Pimentel Ecclesiastical Notary

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., celebrated Mass at St. Teresa of Calcutta School in the newly-renovated annex building on September 14. He also blessed the building. Mass was concelebrated by Father Chris Peschel (shown in picture) and Father Mike Racine. All students attended the Mass. Here the bishop speaks with the students.

On September 9, the diocesan Secretariat for the New Evangelization hosted a Parish Leader Convocation at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown. Some of the topics discussed were how to engage and convey the importance of Jesus to young people, who struggle to fit in, as well as the training and formation of volunteers.

A Eucharistic Prayer for Our Priest

Thou Art A Priest Forever To live in the midst of the world, Without wishing its pleasures; To be a member of each family, Yet belonging to none; To share all sufferings; To penetrate all secrets; To heal all wounds; To go from men to God And offer Him their Prayers; To return from God to men To bring pardon and hope; To have a heart of fire for charity And a heart of bronze for chastity; To teach and to pardon, Console and bless always-- What a glorious life! And it is yours, O Priest of Jesus Christ!

O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests, for your unfaithful and tepid priests, for your priests laboring at home, or abroad in distant mission fields; for your tempted priests; your young priests; for your dying priests; for the souls of your priests in Purgatory.

But above all, I commend to you the priests dearest to me: the priest who baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and eternity Amen

Veterans and first responders honored in ‘Folds of Honor’ Stang football game

DARTMOUTH — On Friday Night, September 15, Bishop Stang High School opened its home football slate versus Old Rochester Regional High School.

A packed house and a winning home record weren’t the only goals the Spartans set for the evening. Finley DeMarco of Wareham, a junior, reached out to Stang Athletic Director Nate Greene with a request leading up to the home opener: to honor our country’s veterans, active military, and first responders by dedicating the game to “Folds of Honor.” Folds of Honor is an organization that provides

scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders.

Veterans, active military, and first responders received free admission to the game, where they joined the teams on the field during the singing of the national anthem.

The DeMarco Family set up a Folds of Honor table behind the end zone to sell T-shirts and accept donations for the foundation. Their efforts certainly paid off, raising $1,414 for Folds of Honor.

To learn more about the foundation, visit https://foldsofhonor.org/ about-us/

Catholic Footprints Pilgrimage

Bishop’s journey of service marked with Mass, reception continued from page one

During his homily Bishop da Cunha said this is truly a special year when adding up the milestones — the three anniversary dates together, equal his age. The bishop celebrated his 70th birthday August 21.

He recalled portions from the homilies and remarks he made during those important ceremonies where memories came flowing back and his unwavering faith in God, he said, has remained steadfast.

“It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me,” he said, quoting St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

“From my first Mass, I learned the priesthood does not transfer my littleness to greatness. It is in my littleness that God called me to serve.”

“To my God and creator may this song of Thanksgiving be strong and true.”

Among those at the celebration was a couple the bishop has known for many years. Liz and Russell Ruggiero rented a car and drove up from their home in New York City for the day.

Although they hadn’t seen the bishop in many years, they have followed his pastoral path closely (most recently through the bishop’s blog). Bishop da Cunha holds a special place in their hearts.

In 1987, while a new pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Palisades Park, N.J., Father da Cunha not only married the couple, he also baptized, gave first Holy Communion to and confirmed Mrs. Ruggiero. He also confirmed her betrothed that day.

“He did my conversion at the wedding. He per-

formed all my Sacraments that day. It was a long wedding,” Mrs. Ruggiero said. She and the bishop hit it off from their first meeting when she told him she was a native of his home country of Brazil.

“‘You must be Portuguese’, he said to me. In addition to our wedding, he baptized our two sons — the first on St. Valentine’s Day in 1988 and the second on the Vigil of Easter in 1989. Baptizing an infant at the Easter Vigil is rare. He was wonderful to us,” Mrs. Ruggiero said.

The couple presented the bishop with a compilation of photos from the wedding day, where he can be seen with a full head of dark hair and his signature beard — also dark and neatly trimmed.

When asked about the past nine years as head of the Diocese of Fall River, the bishop was clear to point out that it is not all about him. He credits his staff, clergy and the faithful for working together towards the goal of doing God’s work on earth.

“I just returned from a convocation for parish leaders. We realize that we are doing this together — all of us, not just me as bishop. We are all instruments of God’s love,” he said.

He is humble when speaking of the good work taking place under his leadership.

“There have been so many accomplishments — we strive for quality in our growth with more people and accountability, more transparency, supportive priests, the work of finance and the chancery, the work of assertive managers using our assets wisely. I am

blessed to have the gift of faithful people who have faith in me,” the bishop said.

Life is full of adversities, he said, and through adversities, he has sought to rise above with God’s grace.

“I am in a partnership with God. And I couldn’t have made it on my own. By the grace of God, I am here among you and continue to serve you,” he said.

“The past nine years have been a challenge, more than I thought, but I have encountered staff who have met these challenges and risen above. There will always be challenges. Through the administration, ministries and services we are rebuilding faith and hope.”

His dream of a diocese

where all are welcome is an ongoing process.

“It is becoming a reality, but not a done deal. The nine years of service has been dedicated to welcoming but it always has its challenges.

The pandemic was a hurdle we have had to overcome and are now reconnecting with people. We are proactive and don’t wait for them to come to us,” he said.

At the reception, a large cake was presented to the bishop and was enjoyed by those in attendance in addition to other baked goods and cold drinks.

In fitting with the wet weather, he recalled the message in a card he received years ago.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Always know God’s rain is enough for us.”

Diocesan deacon, wife celebrate 65th wedding anniversary

SWANSEA — On August 20, Deacon Leo Racine and his wife, Marguerite, had a celebration for their 65th wedding anniversary, Deacon Leo’s 90th birthday as well as Marguerite’s 85th birthday. They celebrated with Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Parish at St.

Louis de France Church, Swansea.

Father Tim Reis, pastor; parish Deacon Robert Craig, along with visiting priests, Father Daniel Nunes and Father Alan Wharton, Fl, shared in the celebration with Deacon Craig offering a marriage blessing for

them.

The Liturgy was followed by a luncheon with family and friends in Somerset, where the couple also received a Papal Blessing. Deacon Leo and Marguerite were married Sept. 1, 1958, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford.

Pictured from left are Deacon Leo and Marguerite’s children; John Racine of Lakeville, Peter Racine of Rockland, Leo Racine of Holliston, Marguerite and Deacon Leo of New Bedford, Anne Cabral of Somerset, Jacqueline Shook of New Bedford and Sister Marie Therese Racine, OSB.

October 6, 2023

Pilgrimages: Old and new, big and small

Pilgrimages are like the various creatures of land and sea: they come in various shapes and sizes. While they all involve travel, the goal of that travel can vary greatly. A literary pilgrimage might take in places involved with Shakespeare such as Stratfordon-Avon and the Globe Theater; closer to home (in the vicinity of Boston), places like Thoreau’s Waldon Pond and the literary commune at Brook Farm.

A patriotic pilgrimage might take in the government buildings in Washington, D.C., or the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

It is often difficult, however, to determine if these are truly pilgrimages or simply tourist trips. I want to discuss some religious pilgrimages. While the destinations of religious pilgrimages could likewise be tourist destinations, the religious aspect of these travels is foremost, and therefore we can call them religious pilgrimages. Here we shall look at certain religious pilgrimages in the context of different religions.

Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, the religion of Muslims. It is a central pillar of Islam that every able-bodied Muslim should carry out a hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once in his lifetime. Wikipedia says that this is at the rate of two to three million pilgrims per year.

Buddhist tradition has it that Gautama Buddha sat under a bodhi tree about 2,600 years ago in what is now Bodh Gaya, India, and attained enlightenment. Up to four million pilgrims come each year.

While there is no obligation, religious Hindus often make a circuit of four particular shrines in northern India as either a religious pilgrimage or religious tourism. Much more impressive is the crush of humanity to bathe away their sins in the Ganges River by Hindus, up to 120 million over a short

period of time, which is determined by the alignment of stars and planets. This is known as the Kumbh Mela.

Jews had three pilgrimage feasts at which all men were called upon to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate. This practice ended with the destruction of the Temple in the year 70. There is a connection to these pilgrimages to be seen in the wistful pledge, “Next year in Jerusalem.” We shall take another look at Jewish pilgrimages later.

Catholics have many sites for religious pilgrimages or for religious tourism. Locally, there are pilgrimages to the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. St. Anne Church in Fall River used to be a great draw for pilgrims. Area laypeople are working hard to keep that tradition.

If you leave early, a one-day pilgrimage can be made to the Shrine of the North American Martyrs and the birthplace of the first indigenous saint of North America, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, at Auriesville, N.Y.

It would be a three-day pilgrimage to take in some of the sites in nearby Canada: Ste. Anne du Beaupre, Cap de la Madeleine, and St. Joseph’s Oratory.

Again, a three-day pilgrimage would be necessary to take in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and certain other sites connected to the Holy Land to be found in Washington, D. C.

Pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe are the largest of any in the Americas, and among the largest Catholic pilgrimages in the world. Typically this is a six- or eight-day pilgrimage.

Prior to the destruction of

the Temple of the Jews by the powers of Rome, there were three pilgrimage feasts which the Bible prescribed to be observed by Jewish men: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Booths). Passover commemorated the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Shavuot was a thanksgiving festival for the wheat harvest in the spring. Sukkot was a thanksgiving festival for the barley harvest in the fall.

After the destruction of the Temple these festivals became family festivals observed in homes or synagogues without a pilgrimage.

After the Resurrection of Jesus, His followers began to meet on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the Resurrection.

This is attested to by both numerous passages in the Bible and also by the writings of various Roman officials and historians. A prominent part of these gatherings was given to thanksgiving (in Greek, eucharistein).

In the Book of Exodus when Moses enacts the obligatory pilgrimage feast of Passover he also speaks of it as a memorial feast. At the Last Supper Jesus instituted a new pilgrimage feast when He enjoined us to “do this in memory of Me.” Thus we have one obligatory pilgrimage feast for Christians to go from their homes each week to the Sunday celebration of Thanksgiving at a church.

I encourage all of you to take this weekly pilgrimage to your parish church to offer thanks to God seriously!

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

DCCW will meet in New Bedford November 18

NEW BEDFORD — The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the Diocese to attend a meeting at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford, on November 18, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The presenter will be Lisa

Ouellette Kurowski from Bristol County Elders, and the topic will be Elder Abuse and Elder Services. Light refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions, please call Ann Marie Melanson at 508-631-0533 or email frdccwannmarie@gmail.com.

Sister Donald Kerr extends her contributions to Catholic education into her 80s

TAUNTON — Every morning at 9:10 a.m., Sister Donald walks across Spring Street to Our Lady of Lourdes School (OLOL) in Taunton, where she checks in with the elementary teachers to see if they need some additional help. Whether it is cutting objects or shapes, correcting papers, or gluing items together, this has been Sister Donald’s morning routine since she retired from teaching in 2015. Her afternoon schedule includes watching 25-35 students from 3-5 p.m. in the extended care program. Although other staff members are at the school, Sister Donald manages all of the Pre-K to grade four students in her charge alone.

Sister Donald is 80 years old and has no intention of changing this routine any

Sister Donald Kerr is surrounded by some of the countless students she has taught over 47 years at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton.

time soon. “The kids in extended care are (mostly) well-behaved,” said Sister Donald.

Elaine Gloria Kerr

(Sister Donald’s baptismal name) first became in-

trigued with religious life when she saw a group of nuns as a young girl and could not figure out why they were dressed differently than everyone else. She entered the convent at age 18 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Salve Regina. Her first two years of teaching grade

one were at St. Lawrence School in New Bedford and Holy Trinity in West Harwich. The next 47 years would be spent teaching first grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton.

Along the way, Sister Donald was offered an opportunity to earn a Master’s degree in Educa-

tion at Bridgewater State University. While she was not initially keen on continuing her education after just completing a bachelor’s degree, she figured the offer may not come around a second time.

“My favorite reason for choosing the religious life is being able to bring God and His love to others,” says Sister Donald. “Families today encounter so many challenges and it is a privilege to serve God by planting the seed of Christ’s love into these students’ little hearts and souls.”

Mary Turner, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School, added, “Sister Donald brings such joy and calm to this beautiful school. Every child should experience the beauty and love brought forth from religious Sisters as it is a very unique gift from God. OLOL is so blessed with her presence and many contributions.”

On November 9 at White’s of Westport, Dr. Ernest Collamati will step up to the podium to address hundreds of community members anticipated to gather again this year at the 29th Annual FACE Fall Scholarship Dinner.

Dr. Collamati is a longstanding and revered Professor of Religion at Regis College and a thought-provoking speaker on issues relating to the Church, God, and humanity. Co-chairpersons John Feitelberg of HUB International and Janna Lafrance of Lafrance Hospitality are leading a committee of more than 20 volunteers to make this evening a memorable celebration of

Catholic education. Kait Walsh, WPRI news anchor and Bishop Stang High

School alumna, will again serve as Emcee.

A highlight of the evening, which will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and program, is the presentation of the Timothy J. Cotter Award. Bishop da Cunha will present the award to honoree Kathleen St. Laurent for her decades of loyal service to shaping the hearts, minds, and souls of thousands of school children in the Diocese of Fall River.

Team Captain Jane Robin and her daughter Cassandra led Team FACE’s participation in the Falmouth Road Race.

To learn more about the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, please visit www.face-dr.org or www.facebook.com/ FACEhelpskids

FACE Fall Dinner will be November 9 at White’s in Westport continued from page two

Dr. José Andrade visits with Santo Christo Parish Senior Group

FALL RIVER — The Azorean culture has been an integral part of the Diocese of Fall River since its beginning. Parish life and communities found their roots in the traditions that many of the Azorean immigrants brought to nearby shores. In Fall River the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit was celebrated, which gathered Portuguese immigrants from across the nation, the Azores and Canada.

Every year the feast is held, special guests are invited to be part of this great celebration and homage to the Holy Spirit. This year, Dr. José Andrade, Director of the Regional Communities of the Azores, was one of the three guests invited. Dr. Andrade, whose agency has ties with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (formerly Catholic Social Services), decided not only to participate in the great feast, but also to take the opportunity to visit one of the programs his agency funds in Fall River.

More than 20 years ago, the office for Regional Communities of the Azores sponsored the Santo Christo Senior Group located at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River served as the liaison and point of contact for the group

then and continues in this capacity to date. The goal of the initiative was to create a space where seniors could socialize, find resources and give them a renewed sense of purpose and well-being.

The Santo Christo group, which meets once a week, offers a safe gathering space where local immigrant Portuguese seniors can find welcome, comraderie and a break from their often isolated lives. It is an initiative of the Azorean government, recognizing the often lonely and isolated lives that many of the elderly lead once they lose family members, become widowed, or adult children move away or lack the time to spend with aging parents and grandparents because of life’s demands. The main objective of the group, which is only one of two found in the U.S. (the other in California), is to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of older adults, while giving them an opportunity to share a meal, as well as their passion and talents, and a chance to experience new adventures.

A few days following the feast, Dr. Andrade visited the Senior Group at Santo Christo Parish. There he was greeted by Vidalia Medeiros, whose leadership has kept the group not only on task

Dr. José Andrade, (second from right), Director of the Regional Communities of the Azores, was presented with a plaque commemorating his visit with the Senior Group at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River. Vidalia Medeiros (second from right), has lead the group for the last 17 years. With them is pastor, Father Jeff Cabral (third from left), and Susan Mazzarella, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River (third from right).

for the past 17 years, but has also ensured that the group adheres to its mission and purpose. Dr. Andrade quickly reminded the group of its vital role in the community and how it impacts the lives of so many elderly in area communities. He shared with the group how his 88-year-old mother looks forward to the gatherings every week in the Azores and found it a place of welcome and comfort after losing her husband.

and use the parish hall.

The Senior Group presented Dr. Andrade with a plaque commemorating his visit, as well as its appreciation for not only coming to visit their humble group, but for the Azores’ recognition of this vital service to those who are often forgotten by society.

Annunciation

Lord

in Taunton recently held a parish

sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council #82. Parishioners of Annunciation of the Lord and St. Nicholas of Myra in North Dighton, and friends, gathered for a feast of burgers and hot dogs and other side dishes. The Knights offered a 50/50 raffle and the winner, an AOL parishioner, graciously donated it back to the Knights. Father David Deston, parish administrator, joined in on the fun and food and mingled with his flocks from both parishes.

As the meeting progressed, Dr. Andrade asked Medeiros what some of her hopes and dreams were for the group. Without hesitation, she shared how she would love to have a van for the group, as transportation costs, more specifically bus rentals, are often prohibitive. This would allow them to pick up members who lack transportation of their own, take them to appointments and even plan day trips, opening up more opportunities for its membership — which currently has about 30 members.

Dr. Andrade was very pleased with his visit and expressed their continued support of the group. He also thanked pastor Father Jeffrey Cabral for his support of the group and allowing them to meet

Susan Mazzarella, Director of Catholic Charities, presented Vidalia Medeiros with a Certificate of Nomination from Catholic Charities USA in recognition of her contribution to the communities it serves, echoing the words of the certificate, which state: “We are grateful for your outstanding contributions to your local community.” Dr. Andrade was very impressed with the work that Medeiros and the group have accomplished, and was proud of the recognition Medeiros and the group received from Catholic Charities USA. His comment to Medeiros was, “What a prestigious honor to be recognized for the dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others.”

For more information on the Senior Group, contact Vidalia Medeiros at 508-330-1942 or via email at vidaliascorpio@hotmail. com.

of the

Parish

cookout

Oct. 7

In Your Prayers

Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

Rev. Caesar Phares, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 1951

Rev. Msgr. Arthur G. Dupuis, Retired Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1975

Rev. Andrew Jahn, SS.CC., Sacred Hearts Seminary, Wareham, 1988

Rev. Lawrence Pratt, 2021

Rev. Thomas R. McNulty, 1875

Oct. 8

Rev. Roger P. Nolette, O.S.B., Former Chaplain, Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, 2006

Oct. 9

Rev. Paul J. Dalbec, M.S., La Salette Shrine, Attleboro, 2000

Oct. 10

Rev. James C.J. Ryan, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1918

Rev. Boniface Jones, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1987

Rev. Joseph A. Martineau, Retired Pastor, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1990

Oct. 11

Rev. James A. Downey, Pastor, Holy Ghost, Attleboro, 1952

Permanent Deacon Chester O. Cook, 2016

Oct. 12

Rev. Felician Plichta, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Corpus Christi, East Sandwich, Former Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1999

Oct. 13

Rev. David I. Walsh, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 1999

Rev. James J. Doyle, C.S.C., Holy Cross Residence, North Dartmouth, 2002

Rev. J. Marc Herbert, C.S.C., 2006

Oct. 14

Rev. Dennis M. Lowney, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1918

Rev. Msgr. Edward B. Booth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1972

Rev. Frederick G. Furey, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our lady of Assumption, New Bedford, 1999

Rev. Andre P. Jussaume, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 2003

Oct. 15

Rev. Msgr. Raymond T. Considine, PA, Retired Pastor, St. William, Fall River, 1996

Oct. 16

Rev. Raymond M. Drouin, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1987

Oct. 17

Rev. Gerald E. Lachance, M.Afr., 1984

Oct. 19

Rev. Manuel A. Silvia, Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1928

Oct. 21

Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Carr, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River; Chancellor 1907-21, 1937

Rev. Francis E. Gagne, Pastor, St. Stephen, Attleboro, 1942

Rev. Walter J. Buckley, Retired Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1979

Oct. 22

Rev. John E. Connors, Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1940

Rev. Jerome F. O’Donnell, OFM, Our Lady’s Chapel, New Bedford, 1983

Oct. 23

Chorbishop Joseph Eid, Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 1970

Oct. 24

Rev. Marc Maurice Dagenais, O.P., Retired, Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1982

Most Rev. Joseph W. Regan, M.M, Retired Prelate of Tagum, Philippines, 1994

Oct. 25

Rev. Reginald Chene, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1935

Rev. Raymond B. Bourgoin, Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1950

Rev. James W. Connerton, CSC, Founder, Stonehill College, North Easton, 1988

Rev. Msgr. John J. Steakem, Pastor, St. Thomas More, Somerset, 1999

Rev. Henry J. Dauphinais, M.S., 2018

Oct. 27

Rev. Francisco L. Jorge, Assistant, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Bedford, 1918

Rev. Edmond L. Dickinson, Assistant, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1967

Rev. Joseph F. O’Donnell, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1990

Oct. 28

Rev. Alfred E. Coulombe, Pastor, St. George, Westport, 1923

Rev. Stanislaus Kozikowski, OFM Conv., Pastor, St. Hedwig, New Bedford, 1956

Oct. 30

Msgr. Robert L. Stanton, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1992

Rev. Denis Sughrue, CSC, Director of Postulancy, Holy Cross Novitiate, North Dartmouth, 2002

Rev. Conrad Salach, OFM., Conv., 2021

Nov. 1

Rev. William H. McNamara, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1924

Rev. Louis N. Blanchet, Assistant, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1927

Rt. Rev. Msgr. John F. Ferraz, Pastor, St. Michael, Fall River, 1944

Rt. Rev. Msgr. George F. Cain, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1953

Rev. William F. Gartland, C.S.C. Stonehill College, North Easton, 1988

Rev. John F. Sullivan, SS.CC., Retired Pastor, Holy Trinity, West Harwich, 1994

Rev. Manuel T. Faria, 1999

Nov. 2

A memento for the repose of the souls of our bishops, priests and permanent deacons not on this list

Rev. Joseph S. Fortin, Founder, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1923

Rev. Michael V. McDonough, Chaplain, St. Mary’s Home, New Bedford, 1933

Rev. William E. Farland, Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1987

Rev. John F. Andrews, 2021

“There is a season for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Eccl. 3).

It was the time for police recruitment in a small town and the story goes that the police sergeant was in the process of interviewing a candidate for a position in the town police department. He asked the candidate, “If you had to arrest your wife for reckless speeding, what would you do?” The applicant replied, “I would call for backup, sir.” The sergeant followed up with, “What’s your biggest weakness?” and the applicant replied, “My principle weakness is my problem with reality. Sometimes, I can’t say what’s real and what isn’t.” “Well OK,” said the sergeant, “then what are your strengths?” To which the candidate said, “I’m Batman.”

Now I do not know whether the Hawaiian

The new recruits

Board of Health had this much fun while interviewing for the many job openings in Kalaupapa in recent times. For some time, we had been operating with a near skeleton crew.

Too Tall Andrew had taken his many skills to Topside Molokai. Shantel had graduated from our main office to one on Topside. Jessica had switched from managing our grocery store to the outdoor life with the park service and Me-Lee went from patrolling the halls of the Care Home to joining the Rat Patrol (pest control). To cap it all, Kenneth had retired as administrator, leaving Wonder Woman, Kanani, to run the office and the store.

Thank the Lord that the reinforcements have been coming. There is the carpenter,

There is Kevin from heaven, our new car service man. There is Tricia, our friendly office clerk and Viisha, our equally friendly

store manager. There is lovely Maya caring for the patients at the Care Home and chef Ashley, slaving over a hot stove in the kitchen.

Yes, we still await our new administrator, whoever he or

she is.

As for myself, I hope it is not Batman. I would happily welcome Superman, or even better, Supergirl. Aloha !

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

St. Joseph and all-purpose man, Raymond.

Director of Vatican Observatory to give ‘Cosmological’ presentation at UMass Dartmouth

NORTH DARTMOUTH — From angels and demons to photons and quarks, people have always been curious about how the universe works. But every cosmology, from materialism to Catholicism, is based on assuming things that people may not even realize they are assuming: things they take on faith. Therefore, cosmologies can be as fun and quirky as the people who invented them.

no, Director of the Vatican Observatory, at UMASS Dartmouth on October 27, he will look into the stories behind how St. Paul, St. Augustine, Galileo, Kepler and Newton, up to Stephen Hawking, have all cast their own peculiar take on the big questions of the universe.

Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, S.J. was born in 1952 in Detroit, Mich. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1974 and Master of Science in 1975 in Earth and Planetary Sciences

from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona in 1978.

From 1978-80 he was a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer at the Harvard

College Observatory, and from 1980-1983 continued as postdoc and lecturer at MIT.

The event will take place in Room 149 of the Charlton College of Business. Seating is limited.

For more information contact Deacon Frank Lucca at flucca@umassd. edu.

RSVP at https:// diocesefr.wufoo.com/ forms/cosmologicalconfusion-rsvp/

Fairhaven school holds ‘Holympics’ event to open year

FAIRHAVEN — On September 7, St. Joseph School in Fairhaven, held

its Official Kick-off for the “Holympics-Training to be Champions for Christ.”

All students, holding team-colored pennants, gathered around the flagpole for the raising of the American flag and for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

,

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6

Sunday, October 8 at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel

Sunday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m.

World Mission Sunday

Sunday, October 8, at 7 p.m. Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, New Bedford ***

Sunday, October 15 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Anthony Church, Taunton ***

Sunday, October 22 at 7 p.m.

The “Holympic Fire” was lit from the Christ Candle and then passed down the line to each class representative from pre-school through grade eight.

Principal Heidi Kuliga, along with the assistant superintendent, Denise Pexeito, cut the ribbons leading into the “Holympic Stadium.” Students entered while the “Hornpipe” from “Water Music” was playing.

Eighth-grader, Grant Sullivan carried the Holympic Flame and from its fire the “Holympic Torch” was lit by Sister Muriel. “Let the Torch be a reminder of how we are to be lights for Jesus as we begin the race of our educational year here at St. Joseph’s School,” said Sister Muriel.

Kuliga called out the Holympics Team colors, encouraging the students to wave their pennants and cheer, “Go Team, Go!”

Sunday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Broadcast from Espirito Santo Church, Fall River ***

Sunday, October 29 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford

October 6, 2023

A PowerPoint was shown explaining the meaning of the Olympic rings. A challenge was given to the students to train hard and to play every game with their best effort and with excellence.

Celebrant is Msgr. John J. Oliveira, P.A., Director of the diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and a retired priest of the Fall River Diocese

Celebrant is Father Brian P. Connors, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parishes in Seekonk.

Celebrant is Father Ryan J. Healy, Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown.

Celebrant is Father Maurice O. Gauvin, Pastor of Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River.

In a presentation by Brother Guy Consolmag-

Students at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven wave their flags during a ‘Holypics-Training to Champions for Christ’ event to open the school year.

Forty-five years ago, on October 2, one swing of a bat saved me from potentially having to share my wedding reception with a Red Sox World Series game. With the most infamous home run from a nondescript Yankee shortstop, the Sox never got the chance to reach the promised land.

Denise and I were to be married on October 27, and depending on the amount of playoff games played and the weather, there could have been a Red Sox World Series game during our reception.

I so wanted them to make it, but I also had visions of sitting with my friends at the bar watching the game while Denise wished she had a bat to take a swing — at me.

All that is mute now. Oct. 27, 1978 was a glorious sunny, chilly autumn afternoon and evening. We were married in the old Notre Dame de Lourdes Church building with all 3 billion lights welcoming us and our guests. I imagine the neighbor homes had a bit of a brown out for about 90 minutes at that time.

Neither Denise nor I came from any type of wealth. Our parents were hard-working middle class people and Denise and I had

‘What did we just do?’

decent jobs at not-so-decent wages. Our reception was a catered event at a Knights of Columbus Hall in Fall River.

We didn’t go to Hawaii or on a cruise for our honeymoon. We drove to North Conway, N.H., one of our favorite destinations. We stayed the first night in Boston so as not to travel four hours post-reception. What stands out most to me, and Denise as well, was the feeling we had the next day. We left Boston for North Conway and for the whole three-hour drive we would look at each other and get a whoosh of panic. We didn’t say it during the ride, but later that day we both shared that internally, we were thinking, “Did we really just commit to each other for the rest of our lives?” It was one of the weirdest feelings I’ve ever experienced.

We laughed about it that night and from then on. We still do.

Forty-five years is a long time, but it has flown by like a rocket

Diocesan Red Mass and award presentation is October 14 continued from page three

recognition by the Red Mass planning committee, headed by New Bedford attorney Michael J. Harrington.

It was then-Bishop of Fall River now Cardinal Archbishop of Boston Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., who inaugurated the Red Mass in the

Diocese of Fall River in 1997 and expressed his hope that it would become an annual tradition.

All are welcome at the Red Mass. A reception and dinner will follow for which a ticket is required.

For more information about the Red Mass and reception, please contact Red Mass Committee chairman Attorney Michael J. Harrington at 508-994-5900 or by email harringtonpc@aol.com.

on jettisoning to the International Space Station.

There are many people who were at our wedding who are no longer with us, including my parents, some aunts and uncles and a couple of dear friends of mine and a couple of Denise’s, too. That’s to be expected. But there are also some dear people with us today who weren’t there, especially our children.

I am so grateful for having spent the last 45 years married to the little cutie I met at a New Year’s Party at the end of 1976.

Ours has not been a storybook wedding, nor the wedding of people I see on Facebook who are all lovey-dovey. Frankly I don’t buy that image for one second.

To paraphrase a Led Zeppelin

verse, “Good times, bad times, you know we’ve had our share.” As I mentioned, we’ve had four wonderful children, one of whom we lost way too early. We’ve struggled financially and never stopped plugging along. We loved and hated, laughed and cried.

Juxtaposed against the feelings I had that day after the wedding, were the feelings I had after Denise broke her hip and had hip replacement surgery. She was hospitalized for several weeks. And that girl I rode from Boston to North Conway with, the one who gave me whooshes of panic, was greatly missed for all those weeks when she wasn’t with me at home.

Those two kids who questioned what they had done in October 1978, have sure had a great ride together. To quote another Rock band, the Grateful Dead, “What a long strange trip it’s been.” One I don’t regret. Happy Anniversary Denise. Whoosh!

davejolivet@anchornews.org

Atty. Aaron J. Bor

Atty. Maryclare Cushing Judge Thomas Perrino Atty. Daniel M. Rich Jennifer A. Sullivan

NAME: _________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________

CITY: __________________________________ STATE: ____________ ZIP: ________________ October 22, 2023