FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSEnS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS VOL. 39, NO. 43
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Friday, November 3, 1995
F ALL RIVER, MASS.
Southeastern Massachusetts'Largest Weekly
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$11 Per Year
Diocesan pro-life convention: success By Christine Vieira At 12 weeks aftl~r conception, his heart is beating and brain waves can be detected. He can make a fist, has fingerprints and can kick hard enough to make his mom feel it. He is sensitive to heat, touch, light and noise and can assurely feel pain. All his body systems are working, he weightsjust an ounce, and could fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. He even sucks his thumb. He's a growing baby who, after his birth, could giggle and fingerpaint, re'ad and write, teach and have children of his own. He could change the course of history, discover a cure for disease, or aid world peace. He won't though. He and more than 4,000 others who might have been his classmates, friends, maybe even his wife, will die today at the hands of abortionists. More than 250 people gathered last weekend at St. Julie Billiart Church and Bishop Stang High School, both in North Dartmouth, to discuss the horror of abortion and the Church's stand against it, euthanasia. and capital punishment at the first diocesan pro-life convention. The theme of the conference was "to reverence lIlnd honor the dignity of human life," said coordinator Rev. Stephc~n A. Fernandes, director of the diocesan ProLife Apostolate office. "The purpose of the convention is to promote an awarenes:; of and perpetuate the pro-life movement." Bishop Sean O'Malley began
the day with prayer and scripture readings. He was followed by the keynote speaker, . Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, president of the Institute on Religion and Public Life, NY, who spoke with passion on the importance of the pro-life movement as it moves into the 21 st century. "The third millennium will be the springtime to the Christian tradition," he said. "We need to appreciate the excitement of this cause and not get Qogged down in the mundane or the frustrating aspects of what we are doing." "We can never despair," he added, his voice echoing throughout the church. "We have not the right or the reason to ~espair, for the cause of which we are a part will prevail." On January 23, 1973, headlines read the the Supreme Court 'had settled the abortion issue with the Roe vs. Wade decision. Today there is no more unsettled question in American'life, he said to the audience which varied in age from high school students to senior citizens. "We are inextricable embroiled in the pro-life movement by vitue of our baptism. So much rests on this cause for which you have been signed up for the duration." On euthanasia and capital punishment, he asked, "How can we debate about who belongs to the community for which we will accept common responsiblity? By what measure will you e'fclude humans? Turn to Page 13
HELEN ALV ARE, ESQ. spoke to clergy and laity during last weekend's Pro-Life Convention. (Vieira photo)
FROM LEFT, Deacon John Moniz of St. Michael's, Fall River, Bishop Sean O'Malley, and Father Stephen Avila prepare to begin the Migration Mass Oct. 29. (Vieira photo)
Migration Mass unites many diocesan ethnic groups by Christine Vieira Children in brightly-colored ethnic costumes processed down the long center aisle of Bishop Connolly High School auditorium, Fall River, carrying statues and pictures of the Blessed Mother to adorn the altar at last Sunday's Migration Mass. Bishop Sean O'Malley celebrated the Mass, designed to recognize the contributions of immigrants to our society and to emphasize that almost everyone is a descendant of immigrants and should be tolerant of other cultures. In his homily, Bishop O'Malley reflected on the story of Christ's birth. "Three kings came to worship the Christ Child; one African, one Asian, and one Caucasian," he said. "It's a beautiful tradition that represents the universality of the Church because all three migrants brought gifts that were graciously
received by the Holy Family. So too, all immigrants have talents to offer the Body .of Christ." "We are part of something bigger than ourselves," he continued, noting that all the Church is dear to God and unconditionally loved. "We are called to be color blind. Racism and prejudice are learned and evil. They disfigure the Body of Christ." Reflecting traditions of other countries, Scripture was read in Portuguese and French and the Prayer of the Faithful was offered in Polish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Spanish, Lebanese, Italian, French and English. The celebration was also enhanced by the rich harmonies of the 22-voice choir of St. Stanislaus parish, Fall River, singing in several languages and accompanied by piano, organ and guitars. The bearers of the gifts were
preceded by seven young Cape Verdean women in traditional costumes who danced to the altar carrying candles. At the close of the Mass, Ayana Pilgrim, a senior at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, and president of its Multicultural Club, told the congregation that "as members of the Multicultural Club, we are working to promote awareness among students and the community that we all, regardless of cultural background, have values and worth in common." The celebration continued after the Mass with Portuguese folkloric dancers, musicians, several ethnic vocalists, and no shortage of pastries from around the globe. More importantly, though, the event was a time of camaraderie for those of differing ethnic backgrounds but the same faith in Christ.
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