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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, December 1, 2017

‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’ Artwork by Emilie Jolivet

Mt 1:20

Photo by Dave Jolivet The Anchor - December 1, 2017 1

‘Let There Be Light’ is theme for shrine’s 64th annual display

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

ATTLEBORO — From politics to mass killings to the latest in sexual harassment allegations, it could be argued that 2017 hasn’t exactly been the best of times, to borrow a phrase from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.”

So Father Ted Brown, M.S., director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, is hoping people will take the opportunity to come visit during this Christmas season to escape and bask in the lights.

“Our theme this year is ‘Let There Be Light,’ and the inspiration for that came from the idea that people think it’s kind of a dark time,” Father Brown told The Anchor. “With so many issues happening (in our world), God speaks into the darkness and says: ‘Let There Be Light.’”

The shrine’s 64th annual Festival of Lights celebration is now open to the public and began, appropriately enough, with the welcoming of the Bethlehem Peace Light — transferred from a perpetual candle burning at the site of Christ’s birth — on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

“We will keep the candle going — we have a special spot, along with a little scene depicting Mary, Joseph and Jesus in their home in Nazareth — we’re going to put it in there and keep it out of the elements, but people can still see it when they come to visit,” Father Brown said.

“It will remain burning through the Christmas season. And weather-permitting, every Saturday and Sunday night there will be a candlelight procession from the church after the 4 p.m.

Mass to the outdoor manger scene.”

Dating back to 1953, when the shrine opened on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the

Thousands of lights illuminate the Attleboro night during La Salette Shrine’s annual Festival of Lights, now through Jan. 1, 2018. (Photo from La Salette’s Facebook page)

yearly Festival of Lights display began with a simple outdoor crèche scene and has grown into a spectacular attraction with more than 300,000 lights, inspiring displays, concerts and special events that highlight the Advent and Christmas season for faithful throughout the Fall River Diocese and beyond.

“I didn’t know this, but we’re listed as the number one attraction for Attleboro on Trip Advisor,” Father Brown said.

In fact, visiting the shrine to see the colorful display has been an annual tradition for thousands of families for more than 60 years.

“It’s hard for us to take an accurate count, but we estimate maybe a quarter-million people visit every year,” Father Brown said. “We kind of guess, but it may be higher. The only definite way is by the number of candle sales. And that tells us if we have a real good night. On a good night, we can sell close to 10,000 candles. That’s really the only measure to tell us how many people come to visit.”

Located on the 10-acre shrine property, the outdoor display is illuminated and open to the public daily from 5 to 9 p.m. through January 1.

“What impresses me the most is all sorts of people come to the shrine,” Father Brown said. “There are people you can tell are struggling financially, and they’re not going to be able to take the family to Orlando the day after Christmas; but by golly, they brought their kids to La Salette. And maybe they buy them a hot chocolate or a souvenir, and the father can walk out with some pride that he did something nice for his children for Christmas.

“The other nice thing we did this year for the first time since I’ve been here is we invited families to come help us set up the outdoor manger scene. We had four families show up and they helped us push the big sculptures around and the kids helped throw all the hay down and we gave them all Advent Calendars.”

Many will be happy to learn that “Clopper” the donkey has made his welTurn to page 19

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

Maronite Sister to profess perpetual vows December 8

in our habits, and see that we are young and relatable and ‘normal,’ so-to-speak, they get a sense that nuns DARTMOUTH — are not from an alien The joy and excitement world,” Sister Therese said. in Sister Therese Maria “To be able to laugh with Touma’s voice is apparent them and to share Jesus as she talks about preparwith them is important. ing to make her final vows As Maronite Servants of next week.

Christ the Light, we’re “I’m definitely very called as Spiritual mothers excited,” she recently told to radiate His love, His The Anchor. “I was telling warmth and His mercy. my confessor this mornJust by us listening and ing before Mass that I feel being present and attendan overwhelming sense of ing these events in the gratitude for all the blessdiocese, we really get that ings and the good things opportunity to share His that the Lord has done love and His light — esin our community, in my pecially when so many heart, and in our misyoung people don’t see sion. I’ve just been giving Sisters or consecrated thanks to God for all I’ve Brothers in habits. received.”

“I think that’s really a On Friday, Decemmissing element. I feel ber 8 at 6:30 p.m., Sister like we need a revival of Therese will profess her authentic religious life so perpetual vows as a Mathat young people have ronite Servant of Christ that sense of ‘Wow, we’re the Light during a Litnot so distant from these urgy celebrated by Bishop nuns and priests, and we Gregory J. Mansour, can really aspire to holiness and see it lived joyfully.’”

“Sister Therese Maria is one of those extraordinary blessings,” Bishop Mansour told The Anchor. “She prays, works, and offers her life in witness to the radiant joy of the Gospel.

She coordinates all youth and young adult ministries in the eparchy, and we are very well served. I look forward to witnessing her perpetual vows.”

Sister Therese first discerned her calling back in 2005 in her native Sydney, Australia. Her vocation was well-timed, as a new religious congregation was about to be formed here in Sister Therese Maria Touma will profess her perpetual the United States.

“My friend was telling vows as a Maronite Servant of Christ the Light during a Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, Bishop me about this new comof the Eparchy of St. Maron, at St. Anthony of the Desert munity and she encouraged me to check it out,” Church in Fall River on December 8.

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

Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron, at St. Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall River.

As a Maronite nun and member of the newlyformed religious order, Sister Therese hopes to set an example for others to follow.

“I think consecrated life in the Maronite Church for so long has been non-existent here within America,” she said.

“We’ve had the Antonine Sisters in Ohio, who were originally from Lebanon, come here to staff a nursing home. But for us to be within the parish setting, evangelizing and sharing the faith has been inspiring.”

In order to foster vocations, Sister Therese believes it is important to maintain a visible and active presence within the community.

“I think the fact that young people can see us

she said. “So back home in Australia, I got onto the computer and read about the mission, the Spirituality and the charism of the Maronite Servant community and that is what drew me in.”

Established in 2008, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light was seeking young women “to be Spiritual mothers within the Maronite tradition,”

she said.

“It really spoke to my heart, because I felt that was what was missing back home in Sydney, because we really didn’t have that consecrated presence within the parish setting, serving alongside priests, cultivating faith Turn to page 18

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Mansfield K of C council holds annual Thanksgiving pie sale MANSFIELD — The Knights of Columbus, George C. Shields Council 420 at St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield recently completed its third annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale.

Parishioners ordered 290 freshly-baked pies from Montilio’s Baking Company in Brockton and in turn generously donated 45 percent of the pies to other local charities.

The pie donations were directed to the North Cottage Program in Norton, a

residential substance abuse treatment facility for 250 men. The donated pies were and will be served as dessert for the residents’ Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day dinners.

Council members and their family’s pie donations were directed to the 31st annual Friends of the Elderly Thanksgiving Dinner in Mansfield. All proceeds from the sale will be used to support the ongoing charitable efforts of the Knights of Columbus.

Guests attending this year’s 31st annual Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted by the Friends of the Elderly at the Congregational Church, Mansfield, enjoyed delicious pies from Montilio’s Baking Company in Brockton, thanks to the St. Mary’s Mansfield Knights of Columbus’ annual pie sale. From left: Chris Herrick, Deputy Grand Knight of Mansfield; George Montilio of Montilio’s Baking Company; Randy Pickus, representative from the Friends of the Elderly; and Brian Healy of Easton, K of C trustee.

Postulator of cause for canonization attends Father Peyton Guild meeting

NORTH EASTON — A group of local faithful learned about the Vatican and how a person becomes a saint during a special discussion held recently at the Father Peyton Center in North Easton. The public was invited to this talk by Dr. Andrea Ambrosi as he shared his experiences on the canonization of the “Rosary Priest,” Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton.

Dr. Ambrosi, who lives in Rome, is the postulator

of the Cause for Canonization of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. He leads the study of the Spirituality of one of the most influential American Catholic priests of the 20th century.

Father Peyton prayed the Rosary with millions of people at rallies worldwide and produced programs and films with scores of Hollywood stars.

The “Rosary Priest” is often recalled for his two memorable messages: “The

family that prays together stays together” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

The event was sponsored by the Father Peyton Guild, a worldwide community of people who meet to pray the Rosary together and learn about Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton while supporting his ongoing mission and his cause for beatification.

To learn more about the Rosary Priest, visit www.

FatherPeyton.org.

Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, at the podium, postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., the “Rosary Priest,” spoke recently at a gathering of the Father Peyton Guild at Holy Cross Family Ministries in North Easton.

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

New Bedford parish to host Encuentro gathering December 16

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

NEW BEDFORD — Much has been written and spoken by experts and self-proclaimed experts about how many young people are losing interest in the Catholic Church in the United States.

While some of those deductions are true, there is also a resurgence of the faith in other areas of the Church in this country — primarily in parishes with growing Hispanic populations.

“There’s a vibrancy with young Hispanic couples,” Father Craig A. Pregana, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church in New Bedford, and diocesan director of the Hispanic Apostolate told The Anchor. “Not only are the young couples active in their parishes, but they are bringing their children and educating them in the Catholic faith and that’s important for the future.”

The zeal with which Hispanic Catholics approach the faith has not been lost on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who in 1972 convened the very first Encuentro, a process for Hispanic/Latino Catholics to raise their voices, lend their ears, and act on where the Hispanic Church is going in the U.S.; what gifts they bring; and what challenges they face.

Since then, there have been four more Encuentros, the most recent beginning in January 2017, the V Encuentro.

According to a recent press release from the

ENAVE, the National Team of Accompaniment which is a representative group of national Catholic organizations committed to advancing the call to the Encuentros program,

the Encuentros gatherings are processes of “evangelization, consultation and mission to discern ways for the Church in the United States to better respond to the ever-growing Hispanic presence, and to help Hispanic Catholics to strengthen their Christian identity and their response as missionary disciples for the entire Church.”

Since the beginning of the year, 163 dioceses in the U.S., including the Fall River Diocese, have been engaged in the process of the V Encuentro.

On December 16 individuals from diocesan Hispanic parish communities will gather at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, at 6 p.m. to “celebrate the Hispanic culture with a Mass and a concert,” said Father Pregana. The event is free of charge.

Part of the Encuentro process is for the participants to develop a document expressing hopes, concerns, ideas and ways to

enliven the faith in those whose faith is lukewarm or non-existent.

“Members of the Hispanic parishes have been meeting, discussing with and listening to their peers to come up with input for the diocesan document that will be given to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., upon completion,” added Father Pregana.

He said the document won’t be entirely completed for the December 16 event at St. Anthony of Padua, but “the night is more to celebrate and lift up the folks who attend.”

In addition to a Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha, there will be a concert by the Jon Carlo Band.

The Oregon Catholic Press website (ocp.org) writes of Carlo, “Serving God through music is the driving inspiration for Jon Carlo García, a young Catholic producer and songwriter. Born in the Dominican Republic,

he grew up in the Catholic Church and moved to New York in the early 1990s.

After this, he was inspired to form a band that would become known as the ‘Prime Minister of Worship and Youth Worship’ in New York. Now known as ‘Youth Anointing,’ this group has inspired a new generation of charismatic worshippers in the city.

“An accomplished musician, Jon Carlo is very active in contemporary

Hispanic Catholic culture.

His music reflects a deep personal encounter with Christ.

“Jon Carlo has toured extensively, including a 2013 appearance at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Currently he lives in McAllen, Texas, in the southernmost tip of the state.”

Father Pregana further described Encuentro as “a ground up process,” meanTurn to page 21

Assisting Father Craig A. Pregana, left, coordinate the upcoming Encuentros event at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford on December 16 are Elvin Diaz and Jose Carranza.

The Anchor - December 1, 2017

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Anchor Editorial

The Church and peace in Asia

Tuesday, during his visit to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Pope Francis addressed government officials. Some observers (safely in other lands) criticized the Holy Father for not speaking directly about the persecution of the Rohingya (Moslem) minority in that country, which has led to a refugee crisis in neighboring countries (especially povertystricken Bangladesh). The pope had been warned by Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon (formerly Rangoon) and former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan that he needed to be delicate in dealing with this crisis, so as to not provoke further bloodshed (not that the pope’s telling the truth would morally justify the killing of innocent people in response, but that evil people often “blackmail” others into silence).

The pontiff began by mentioning our fellow Catholics. “I have come, above all, to pray with the nation’s small but fervent Catholic community, to confirm them in their faith, and to encourage them in their efforts to contribute to the good of the nation.” Myanmar is majority Buddhist, with a Christian population of 6.2 percent and a smaller Moslem population.

“I would also like my visit to embrace the entire population of Myanmar and to offer a word of encouragement to all those who are working to build a just, reconciled and inclusive social order. Myanmar[’s] greatest treasure is its people, who have suffered greatly, and continue to suffer, from civil conflict and hostilities that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions. As the nation now works to restore peace, the healing of those wounds must be a paramount political and Spiritual priority. I can only express appreciation for the efforts of the government to take up this challenge, especially through the Panglong Peace Conference, which brings together representatives of the various groups in an attempt to end violence, to build trust and to ensure respect for the rights of all who call this land their home.” In saying this, the Holy Father acknowledged the conflict and urged the Burmese to resolve it, for the good of everyone.

“Indeed, the arduous process of peace building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights. The wisdom of the ancients defined justice precisely as a steadfast will to give each person his due, while the prophets of old saw justice as the basis of all true and lasting peace.” Here Pope Francis was echoing the long-held Catholic teaching, which Blessed Paul VI summarized as, “If you want peace, work for justice.”

Pope Francis added, “The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group — none excluded — to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good.” What the pope said here was a hint about the need to respect the minority groups in the country, including the Moslem population.

The pontiff continued, “Religious differences need not be a source of OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation building. The religions can play a significant role in repairing the emotional, Spiritual and psychological wounds of those who have suffered in the years of conflict. [T]hey can help to uproot the causes of conflict, build bridges of dialogue, seek justice and be a prophetic voice for all who suffer. It is a great sign of hope that leaders of the various religious traditions in this country are making efforts to work together, in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect, for peace, for helping the poor and for educating in authentic religious and human values.”

Last Friday hundreds of Moslems were killed by other Moslems (the members of ISIS) in Egypt in a massacre at a mosque in the Sinai peninsula. This mass murder, evil in itself, also serves to promote the atheistic claim that religion always leads to war, while atheism supposedly leads to peace (e.g., John Lennon’s song, “Imagine”). The religious dimension to the conflict in Myanmar (Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” recently discussed the stereotype of peaceful Buddhists being destroyed by radical Buddhists directing and supporting the killing and expulsion of the Moslem population) also furthers the atheistic narrative.

However, atheists throughout history have killed countless people (just look at the millions killed by the Communist regimes in the last 100 years, since the “triumph” of the Russian Revolution in 1917), putting the lie to the claim that “if you get rid of religion, you’ll get rid of war.”

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines said in May, “I believe in God but I do not believe in religion, period.” Earlier he attacked the Catholic Church, which he claimed cowed its members by using fear of hell. He said, “Be careful about religion, it is about gold.” He has used strong swears (inappropriate to use in this newspaper) to threaten the leaders of the Church.

Duterte also throws back at the Church the sexual abuse scandals when we criticize his extra-judicial killings of thousands of supposed drug dealers or users. “You criticize the police, you criticize me. For what?

You have the money. You are all crazy — when we were making Confessions to you, we were being molested. They are touching us. What is your moral ascendancy, religion? What is the meaning of it?”

Duterte’s vile criticisms do touch on an important point for us to remember. As we call other people to peace and justice, we always need to repent of our own lack of peace, of our own participation in injustice. As the Holy Father tries to advocate for peace and justice in Asia, we need to Spiritually enter into the desert (as Father Healey reminds us on page eight), so that we can hear the voice of the Lord (as Blessed Solanus Casey did — see page seven) and respond to it concretely, with our fellow Catholics and with all people, of any religion or no religion. May they “know we are Christians by our love,” as the old song says, and may that love help to bring peace to our world.

Daily Readings Dec. 2 — Dec. 15

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Dec. 2, Dn 7:15-27; (Ps) Dn 3:82-87; Lk 21:34-36. Sun. Dec. 3, First Sunday of Advent, Is 63:16b-17,19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37. Mon. Dec. 4, Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:19; Mt 8:5-11. Tues. Dec. 5, Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Lk 10:21-24.

Wed. Dec. 6, Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37. Thurs. Dec. 7, Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27a; Mt 7:21,24-27. Fri. Dec. 8, Immaculate Coneption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38.

Sat. Dec. 9, Is 30:19-21,23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35—10:1,5a,6-8. Sun. Dec. 10, Second Sunday of Advent, Is 40:1-5,9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8. Mon. Dec. 11, Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26. Tues. Dec. 12, Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde,19; Lk 1:26-38 or 1:39-47.

Wed. Dec. 13, Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4,8,10; Mt 11:28-30. Thurs. Dec. 14, Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1,9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15. Fri. Dec. 15, Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4,6; Mt 11:16-19.

O

n Dec. 8, 1896, now Blessed Solanus Casey (18701957) was in a vocational crisis. He had been asked to leave the diocesan seminary in Milwaukee because his grades — C’s, B’s and a couple A’s — were considered signs that somehow portended, in the opinion of his priest formators, future inadequacy as a seminarian and parish priest. Nevertheless, because they couldn’t help but note his virtuous character and intense piety, they (condescendingly) suggested that someone of his intelligence might have a vocation to be a religious. So he wrote to the provincial superiors of the Jesuits, the Franciscans and the Capuchins, and as all were willing to give him a chance, he didn’t know which to choose.

Together with his mother and sister in Superior, Wis., he prayed a Novena to Our Lady prior to the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception, and on her feast he distinctly heard her say to him, “Go to Detroit.” This was, first and foremost, an indication that he should become a Capuchin, because their provincial headquarters and novitiate were located there. Those three words, however, became a recurring geographical imperative that characterized the major moments of his life.

After his priestly ordination, he served in Yonkers, Lower East Manhattan and Harlem for 20 years until he got the word from his superiors in 1924 to “go to Detroit,” where his work as a door keeper and caring for the poor and sick would make him famous not just in his lifetime but for the

‘Go to Detroit!’

Solanus had “one little rest of time. After brief defect in his life,” namely, assignments in Brooklyn he was a “bad musician.” and Huntington, Ind., On the field, with he would receive word in big “VIP passes” — the obedience once more to tickets were printed by “Go to Detroit” where he the company that does all spent the last 18 months the concerts and sportof his life, suffering with various illnesses, entrusted ing events at Ford Field, himself to God in death and was buried.

Putting Into The command “Go to Detroit” the Deep now draws to the Motor City CathoBy Father lics throughout the Roger J. Landry United States and across the globe. and priests and everyone As we saw before, during and after his November 18 on the field had large lanyards saying “VIP” beatification, it draws us, physically or prayerfully, to like those on the sideBlessed Solanus. It calls us lines during Lions games — there were many of to a city that symbolizes Father Solanus’ special the renaissance that the friends, the homeless, Church must consistently undergo and that is chart- poor, blind, crippled and otherwise handicapped. ing the path to living and There was a well-dressed unleashing the Gospel boy with Down Synwith renewed ardor. drome who read one of I was so happy to be the Prayers of the Faithamong the nearly 70,000 ful and, while I was who filled Ford Field as distributing Holy ComBlessed Solanus was officially raised to the altars. munion, I was approached by what must have been I have been to bigger Catholic Masses — World a community of Down adults, all dressed to the Youth Days, mega-beatnines, who received the ifications and canonizaLord with heart-rending tions in Rome, and varidevotion. ous other papal Liturgies There was something — but never to a Mass so beautifully ordinary and big that retained a “small simple about a Liturgy feel.” Ford Field was like that was by its nature the first Blessed Solanus extraordinary and elaboCasey Parish. rate. There was a poised, Everyone sang with down-to-earth, “This is gusto the hymns and what we Catholics do” Mass parts. The lectors, sense about it, as if beatifiincluding a member of cation Liturgies were now his family, were normal, becoming routine enough unpolished, sincere, and on our shores that we can prayerful, like those you’d celebrate them like big find on any Sunday in a parish near you. Everyone weddings or ordinations rather than once-in-alaughed in unison — a lifetime events. It even had sign of how much everya hometown feel for me as body was paying attention — at Cardinal Angelo seated next to me, by coincidence, was a friend from Amato’s joke that Father

the Archdiocese of Boston, Father Bob Kickham.

Cardinal Angelo Amato, who has the coolest job in the Church as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and therefore Pope Francis’ delegate to celebrate beatifications throughout the world, always prays the Mass with noble simplicity and preaches in a way that does justice to the beatus and moves the heart.

At the beginning of his homily, he accentuated the local feel, noting that in contrast to Blessed Stanley Rother, whom he beatified in Oklahoma City in September and who was martyred as a missionary in Guatemala, “Blessed Francis Solanus Casey attained holiness, here, in the United States of America.” He stressed the “here,” as if to remind us all that we don’t have to be killed in hatred of the faith on foreign soil, or go to Italy, Poland, Calcutta, or back in time to become a saint. If Father Solanus could become holy here, through loving his needy neighbors, then each of us, he implied, can follow him up the ladder of sanctity.

He emphasized that Father Solanus’ sanctity flowed from the faith that was cultivated in his home and then later among his Capuchin brethren, a reminder that Catholic homes and religious communities can and are called to be schools of sanctity.

He underlined how Father Solanus excelled in the ordinary means God has given us to grow in holiness, especially through Eucharistic and Marian

piety: “He always used to pray, above all in front of the Tabernacle,” Cardinal Amato said, and “had a son’s devotion to Mary and recited the Rosary with devotion.”

I was so happy that with a sense of mischievousness and holy irony Cardinal Amato mentioned Blessed Solanus’ preaching, since in his lifetime the Church embarrassingly did not deem him qualified to preach doctrinal sermons.

“The preaching of Father Solanus was not a sterile and disincarnate announcement,” he said. “It was accompanied rather by the concrete practice of faith, hope and charity in his everyday life.” Saints are the living commentaries on the Word of God. Preaching with body language, they show us the Gospel. Father Solanus clearly did. He illustrated the words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi about preaching the Gospel always and, if necessary, using words.

“Go to Detroit.” Those words of Our Lady to young Bernard Casey on the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception 121 years ago still echo, beckoning us to draw near the new Blessed, whose life, Cardinal Amato said, “is an exemplary page of the Gospel, lived with human and Christian intensity, to [be] read with edification and emotion and to imitate with fervor.”

Blessed Solanus has now been given Heavenly faculties to preach, and he does so powerfully and an exemplary way, calling us to faith, trust, love, conversion and holiness.

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

The Anchor - December 1, 2017

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O

n November 16 as a group of pilgrims who had accompanied me to the Holy Land arrived home and exited customs in Logan’s Terminal E, we were greeted by the sight of two Christmas trees: one merely decorated in the lower lobby but another decorated and already lit up in the upper lobby.

Perhaps to some people these trees are a pleasing sight, but admittedly to me, they are a rather inappropriate one.

Why? Because it was only mid-November, and Thanksgiving had not yet even been celebrated and already Christmas was being displayed front and center. Of course, in some stores and commercial establishments Christmas has been on display even before the Halloween decorations were taken

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When and where is Advent?

and prepare is in danger down! of being missed when it Some Christians is needed most. may tend to argue that It is perhaps comChristmas trees in a mon even among many public place are a good Christians to assume that thing because this seems Advent is mainly a time to indicate that Christof preparation for the mas isn’t being forgotten celebration of Christmas in our increasingly secuand so all the decoralar culture or completely repackaged and marketed tions and jingles don’t necessarily strike them as to the many as a winter holiday that even unbelievers can enjoy. Yet Advent when Christmas themes start to Reflection predominate in

By Father advertisements, Edward J. Healey decorations, or music even before Thanksgiving and somehow out of place as remain so from “Black long as these don’t make Friday” to December 25, their appearance until then we run the serious risk of losing sight of the Thanksgiving day is just about over. However, Adshort but very important vent isn’t only about beseason of Advent. Ironiing ready for Christmas, cally, Advent’s message of watch, wait, be patient it’s primarily about being ready to meet the Lord when He comes again in glory at the end of time!

When we listen more closely to the message of the Scripture readings which are traditionally placed before us in this important opening season of our Church year, we can appreciate why Advent’s color isn’t yet red, green, silver or gold but must be the deep purple which signifies penance. Preparing to meet the Lord demands much more than shopping, card writing, decorating and entertaining; rather, preparing to meet the Lord requires a change of mind and heart that we call repentance and conversion. While on one level we are indeed preparing for the annual commemoration of the Lord’s first coming among us as a Child at Bethlehem in the celebration we call

The Anchor - December 1, 2017

Christmas, yet when He comes again someday it won’t be as a child in a manger but as the Lord of glory and so we are being called to prepare on a much deeper level for that inevitable and fateful final encounter.

Thus, while the preparation for Christmas has its place in Advent, it’s not really the main focus of Advent until the final week. Before the 17th of December we are urged to use this short but important season to do the Spiritual housework of purifying our minds and hearts so that we may be prepared not merely for an annual feast, but for that endless feast in God’s Kingdom to which we hope to be invited when, as promised, the Lord returns again in glory as judge of all.

The Advent Scripture readings have an urgent tone to them as they repeatedly remind us that because we can’t know the day of the Lord’s return, the time to prepare for that day has to be right here and now. We are warned not to be found asleep but alert and active in our readiness to meet Him. From the writings of the prophet Isaiah and the example of John the Baptist we learn that the how of this preparation is actually dependent upon the where, which is in the desert! The desert referred to in Isaiah and well known to John the Baptist is the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem and in the vicinity of Jericho and the Dead Sea, but that doesn’t mean

we all need to get on a plane and go there.

What we are being advised to find is what the desert naturally provides, which is time alone in a place where we will have few if any distractions and thus where we will be better able to re-appreciate our utter dependence upon God and the need we all have of regularly righting our relationship with Him. Ironically, this urgent message is always in peril of being drowned out by the holiday bells and jingles which are being blared on radios or televisions, in malls, and even through our own ear buds which focus our attention on Christmas far too soon and create the tendency to overlook this brief but critically important and sobering season of Advent.

When is Advent? It is now, but not only now, it should be always because the glorious Second Coming of Christ is the only event in Salvation History that remains to be fulfilled and so we need to be ever-prepared for that day. Ironically in our distracted lives, especially at this overly busy time of year, Advent runs the risk of never even being observed at all. Where is Advent? In truth it isn’t merely in days shaded purple on a Liturgical calendar, and sadly it will be nowhere to be found unless on those days (at least) we intentionally go to a desert of our own creation and there find time to be alone, undistracted and completely honest with ourselves before God. Father Healey is pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.

Friday 24 November 2017 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — National Day of Listening ong ago, I injured my big toe.

I dropped a cast iron garden planter on my left foot. The toe hurt a bit but I kept calm and carried on. You know me, dear readers.

In the middle of the night, my big toe woke me. It was now swollen and very painful. I drove to the emergency room and hobbled over to the nice nurse behind the desk. She asked me questions then kindly invited me to take a seat with assurances that the doctor would look at my left foot as soon as possible.

There were several patients needing more immediate medical attention that night. I waited a long time. Finally, my turn came. “I broke my toe,” I self-diagnosed. “Let me see,” said the doctor. “Yes, you did. Keep it elevated and take two aspirins.

Next patient!”

After a long night in the emergency room, I drove back to the rectory a bit disappointed. Is that all there is to breaking a toe?

This emergency room process is called “triage.”

Triage saves many more lives than just taking a number and waiting your turn (as one might do at the Registry of Motor Vehicles). Few people have ever died of a broken toe.

Using triage procedures, someone with appropriate medical qualifications assesses the immediate situation.

Is the patient in critical need of advanced life support? Would such extraordinary means

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My left foot

ultimately benefit the What is a parish’s patient or not? Is, instead, Spiritual, physical, and the patient in serious financial health? What condition requiring imparishes have flat-lined mediate and intensive Spiritually? What buildmedical care? Or maybe ings are literally collapsthe patient is not at risk ing? What parishes are in at all and can wait while critical financial condithe more urgent issues of tion? other patients are addressed. In my case, I had only to The Ship’s Log go home and take Reflections of a two pills.

Parish Priest Medical treatment these days

By Father Tim can involve a Goldrick plethora of options and procedures. In more serious cases, this might What parishes are in include a bevy of experts robust health? What in various medical fields. parishes will be just fine Years ago, I knew a young after a couple of aspirins? boy who had a brain What parishes need less tumor. He was operated intensive but still neceson by a team of 10 sursary healthcare? What geons headed by one who parishes require critical specialized only in left care? What parishes need frontal lobe tumors in to be placed on life-supchildren under eight years port (or not)? of age. Talk about specialWhatever the parish ization! The boy, by the health indicators may be, way, is now in his 40s and an underlying question is: perfectly healthy. He’s my “Why?” Besides the presnephew. ent and the future, attenIn the Diocese of Fall tion is due to past history.

River, we have been mon- What situations previousitoring the vital signs of ly encountered or actions our parishes for decades.

There have been surveys taken, statistical trends noted, and records carefully studied. There have been countless meetings.

The purpose of all this was to get the facts, listen to opinions, and evaluate circumstances.

No one can say the examination was halfhearted, but the discussions and studies cannot go on ad inf initum. At some point, decisions must be made and appropriate actions taken. As in medicine, the overall goal is patient wellness (in this case, not patients’ but parishes’).

taken (or not) may have contributed to the present condition? What can we learn from this moving forward?

If no decisions are made and no actions taken, some patients (or parishes) could die in the waiting room.

Not to decide is itself a decision.

When all is said and done, someone has to take decisive action. Tectonic pastoral decisions of this sort ultimately belong to every bishop of a diocese.

But these days a bishop of a diocese rarely acts unilaterally. Consultation is key and, of course, cooperation on the part of all. The goal is the health and well-being of individual parishes. This, in turn, leads to the renewed vitality of the Diocesan Church as a whole. In the Catholic tradition, the local Church is not the parish church. The local Church is the Diocesan Church.

The operation of the Diocesan Church itself

might need a wellness check. How can the diocese better serve the needs of its parishes?

How can diocesan operations be more transparent, more streamlined, and more efficient? How can Catholics throughout the diocese more actively participate in diocesan operations?

Based on national and local trends, some parishes might need to be suppressed, some of those perhaps remaining open as a kind of worship site.

Some may require merger, functioning as two or more parishes while sharing a single staff.

All would benefit from greater interparish collaboration.

How do we move beyond the walls of parochialism into more effective programs of ministry, service, and outreach?

How do we together grow the Church in this time and place?

Time will tell, I hope, sooner rather than later.

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

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Taking a knee In Kalaupapa

’m not exactly known as a movie buff and I have not gone to see a movie in more than 15 years, except here in Kalaupapa, but my favorite movie of all time is the classic, “The Court Jester,” starring Danny Kaye as the circus entertainer who masquerades as Giacamo, the king’s court jester. His mission is to protect the real baby king from the murderous designs of the king and his henchman, played by Basil Rathbone. It is a barrel of laughs and culminates in Giacamo presenting the baby king’s heinie, highlighted by a flower birthmark, proving him to be the rightful king.

Then all present, faithful followers and schem-

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ing enemies, take a knee cultures. Traditionally those of us who grew in loyalty and fealty to up as Catholics take a their baby king. knee in reverence to the As we all know, taking a knee has become something of a Moon Over controversy in the National Molokai Football League

By Father since San FranPatrick Killilea, SS.CC. cisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the singing Blessed Sacrament in of the National Anthem our church Tabernacles in a protest against per- in acknowledgement of the Real Presence of ceived aggrievances in the Lord in the Taberour country. nacles of our churches.

Personally I don’t I still do so myself get “all the to do” over though my knees are a this. After all taking a knee, or both knees, has little creaky and I ofbeen a sign of reverence ten place my hand on a nearby pew just in case for ages past. So also I have trouble getting a profound bow has back on my feet. been a sign of respect So then, even or reverence in many

The Anchor - December 1, 2017

though standing is the traditional posture during the playing or singing of the National Anthem, I do not regard taking a knee to be disrespectful unless it is intended to be so. The important thing in my opinion is that those who do so in protest back up their statement by giving back from their considerable resources to those in their communities whom they profess to champion.

Whether they stand or kneel, that is their responsibility.

Here in this land of Saints Damien and Marianne there is no platform for protest except perhaps at our

monthly community meeting at McVeigh Hall where on occasion the sparks may fly.

Taking a knee here in Kalaupapa happens in reverence in church or at work while tying a boot shoe lace that has come loose. Men and women in their various departments go about their work with dedication, unrushed and unfazed by the limitations of this settlement.

Outside opportunities may sometimes beckon them but they are resolute in their commitment. They need to take a bow. I take a knee to them.

Aloha.

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

Blessed Mother has a peaceful presence at Stonehill College

By Kim Lawrence EASTON — Past the grotto on the Stonehill College campus, the tranquility of Rhododendron Drive, through Holy Cross Cemetery, over the Father Feeley Bridge and the long brick walk from the Martin Institute to the foot of the Donahue Hall are a few favorite walking routes of Father Wilfred Raymond, C.S.C. A member of Stonehill’s Class of 1967, Father Willy, as he is known, is an early riser, most often walking to campus at 5 a.m. from his Holy Cross residence, referred to as the Barn.

Alive and Refreshed “My walks make me feel more alive and refreshed.

This campus is one of the most charming and naturally inspiring places,” says Father Willy, who serves as president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, which is nearby.

Even in the winter, whenever possible, he navigates the black ice, snow drifts and cold temperatures to get in his walk.

And when the conditions are too dangerous, he’ll head over to the W.B. Mason Stadium and walk or jog on the track.

While Father Willy walks for exercise, wearing a Fitbit to keep track of his steps, he has also picked up another habit from his days here as a seminarian at Holy Cross Center.

Focusing Mind and Heart “All the priests and Brothers used to pray the Rosary every day, often walking the property. Now I always carry my Rosary beads with me, and it helps to focus my mind and heart,” he says.

This isn’t the only way that Father Willy honors the Blessed Mother

through his walks. He has a route that he calls the Walk of Mary — passing by the many statues of her located throughout campus.

“Walk in from Route 138 and a stunningly beautiful statue of Mary graces the front of Holy Cross Cemetery. Continue to the grotto; there she is again, with St. Bernadette. Go up to Donahue Hall; she’s the Queen of the Summit.

Head towards the Chapel of Mary, and a dynamic bronze Mary greets you.

March over to Notre Dame du Lac; there is a striking Madonna and Child presiding over the parking lot,” he says.

“Walk to the other side of campus, and Mary greets you at the gate to the Holy Cross Center. Finally, go to the Peyton Center, and

the largest Mary in the area dominates the circle, welcoming visitors. Just to her right is the Rosary Walk with Servant of God Patrick Peyton’s statue bidding you pause to pray the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

Prayer and Reflection His daily walks allow for prayer and reflection that keep the most important relationship at the center of his life, Father Willy notes: “The friendship with the Risen Lord and His Mother Mary.”

Father Willy’s outings also remind him of what a blessing this campus is in his life, noting the sounds and sights of nature as he walks through all seasons. “I am delighted to call Stonehill my home,” he said.

Kim Wallace is an alumna of Stonehill College.

This is one of the many images of the Blessed Mother greeting students, faculty and guests on the Stonehill College campus in Easton.

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Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., left, of the Diocese of Fall River, presided at a service and Bishop James Hazelwood of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of New England preached the sermon at a recent ecumenical event held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. As they marked this significant anniversary of the pivotal moment in the history of Western Christianity, they also were making history as this fifth-century observance is taking place in the context of 50 years of ecumenical dialogue and cooperation. Protestants and Catholics can now gather in prayer together, not only to remember the origins of their divisions, but most especially to celebrate their ongoing progress along the path toward greater unity over the past five decades. All Christians throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Protestant and Catholic, and their clergy, were welcomed to participate in this special service which was historic and healing.

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

Westport parishes to host Sung Vespers

WESTPORT ­— The parishes of St. George, Our Lady of Grace and St. John the Baptist in Westport are collaborating on a Sung Vespers event to take place at St. John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road in Westport on three consecutive Sundays this Advent: December 3, 10 and 17 at 7 p.m.

The event helps faithful prepare themselves Spiritually for Christmas. Stop the hectic

pace of the pre-Christmas rush with time for yourself to sing praise with the Church.

On December 10 there will be a healing service as part of the Vespers Service.

Bring all your family to pray for those who are ill. Those who wish will be anointed.

Bring your family, your friends, and even non-Catholics. All are welcome.

For information, contact any of the involved parishes.

In the last Anchor edition the article, “Bishop to initiate adults into Church November 18” inadvertently combined the Adult Confirmation program with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Adult Confirmation is for those who have been baptized in the Catholic Church and received First Eucharist, but not received the Sacra-

ment of Confirmation. They are completing their initiation into the Church.

The RCIA process is for those who have never been baptized and seeking full initiation into the Catholic faith. RCIA is also for those who have been validly baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Clarification

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Office of Vocations is hosting Day of Reflection for Girls

DIGHTON — Girls ages 13 to 18 are invited to a Day of Reflection planned just for them, to take place December 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the midst of Advent, the day has as its theme, “A Season of Waiting,” and its sponsors have put

together a program that offers plenty to do while waiting: share faith, bake and decorate cookies, enjoy interactive activities, learn, explore, visit the elderly, worship and thank God, and, through it all, make friends.

Cost is $7 and is pay-

able (in cash only, please) at the door. Interested persons must RSVP by December 2.

Contact Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., of the Diocesan Office for Religious by email at Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr. org or by telephone at 909496-2022 or 508-675-1311.

St. Patrick’s Parish in Somerset recently celebrated Veterans Day with the dedication of a walkway in honor of veterans from their parish who served in the U.S. military.

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

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Visit us online at www.anchornews.org

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 December 3, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C., President, Holy Cross Family Ministries, North Easton.

December 10, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Edward A. Murphy, Pastor, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton.

Keep up the good work

to a couple of causes; my t doesn’t matter what favorite being St. Jude’s time of year it is, I Children’s Hospital, and we often cringe pulling into sponsor a child in Africa — the parking lots of retail stores. Not because it’s like both of which we’ve been hooked up with for years. driving on the Southeast But like my awkward Expressway at rush hour, exits from area retail stores, although it is like that. It’s I feel guilty tossing the rebecause I’m always leery quests into the circular file. of who is out front holding a container, asking for a Especially since I remove the enclosed free note pads donation.

Some of these solicitors, or address labels meant to spur me into action. whether children or adult, But we do struggle at indeed have legitimate and worthy causes. Others seem times to make ends meet.

Everything just keeps goa bit sketchy. But frankly, either way, it does irritate me.

My View My irritation doesn’t stem from From the fact that I don’t the Stands want to help those

By Dave Jolivet in need, it’s just that sometimes I can’t afford to give at that time, or I don’t have ing up in cost. There are times when my dollars any cash on my person. are stretched so thin that So when I walk past and George Washington looks I hear, “Would you like to like the Cheshire Cat. donate to fill in the blank But this column isn’t here?” I awkwardly respond, about my woes. We know “No thank you.” we have it so much better Really? No thank you?

What does that mean? No, than so many out there.

This long intro was but thank you for wanting meant to segue into an my money? What I’m tryencounter I had coming ing to say is that I’m very uncomfortable when I don’t out of a grocery market this week. give, and I don’t like being As usual the Salvation put in that situation.

Army is out in full force Actually, that issue arises during the Thanksgiving in my own home. Every and Christmas seasons. day, except Sunday, I go to It just so happened that the mail box (or the box of evil as I affectionately refer I did have cash available to shove into the red kettle. to it), and lo and behold, there they are: the plethora As an aside to the Salvation Army, I love the work you of envelopes from every charity imaginable — more do, but it’s so difficult to get the money into your kettles. so around Christmas, but Perhaps a slightly larger by and large it’s a very opening? common occurrence yearAnyway, back to my round. encounter. I crammed the I guess if one donates to money into the kettle and one charity, everyone else engaged in conversation wants a piece of your pie, even though your pie is not with the soldier keeping watch. that big.

I hate to admit that We do give monthly

sometimes I judge the people who are asking me for money. My mind goes through myriad scenarios of what these people are like. That is so not right to do. As Pope Francis once said, “Who am I to judge?”

I cut through my prejudices and spoke to this woman as if she were a human being — and she was!

After exchanging pleasantries and wishing each other a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and invoking God’s blessings on each other, I turned and walked away.

I stopped, and turned back and added, “Keep up the good work!”

Immediately, like in one of those Christmas cartoons from the 60s, I felt a warmth inside. I knew that hit a nerve with her, and a good one at that.

I could tell that she appreciated being appreciated.

I’m sure it’s not easy standing out there, sometimes in cold, wet, windy conditions, and I’m doubly sure it’s not easy to be the object of others’ judgments.

She spoke a quiet, but grateful, “thank you.”

Earlier in our conversation when wishing each other well, she said, “I’m sure I’ll see you again.” I hope so.

In the meantime, there’s a whole Army out there at scores of stores, ringing bells and seeking donations to help the needy.

I’m going to try to make a point of having a couple of dollars in my pocket to wedge into their kettles.

And just as importantly, I’m going to encourage them to keep up the good work.

It doesn’t cost a thing, but it’s priceless nonetheless. davejolivet@anchornews. org.

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For and About Our Church Youth

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently celebrated Mass at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in New Bedford with concelebrants Father Robert J. Powell, Father Lopes and Father Maximilian.

Deacon Leo Racine was also in attendance. The Mass was for the 25th year celebration of the Missionary Sisters of Charity. Students from Holy Family-Holy Name served as altars servers and a reception followed in the HFHN school gym.

Pre-kindergarten students at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton recently enjoyed stories from their Coyle and Cassidy volunteer Matt.

Two ambassadors at Holy Name School in Fall River presented two kindergarten students with star student awards as the kindergarten teacher looks on.

Students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently held a Penny War, a fund-raising effort for the hurricane victims. The fourth-graders Members of American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 recently wrote brought in the most coins and won a pizza party. The school raised $2,500 and thank you notes to veterans. Left, rear to front: Abi Eckerson, Mari- donated it to the island of St. Thomas. ana Lavigne, Ahnya O’Connor. Right, rear to front: Therese Lavigne, Julia Lavigne, Avy Conti and Zoe Kuczewski.

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

For and About Our Church Youth

Pictured are fifth-grade students at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet on a field trip to the Rotch Jones Duff House in New Bedford. Students are holding a honeycomb model which they built out of cardboard as a part of their learning activities in this special program that explored the exciting world of bees and beekeeping.

The Knights of Columbus Council #86 recently held is annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at White’s of Westport. Scholarships were awarded to six students attending Catholic high schools. Three Scholarships were also awarded to area seminarians. The Knights of Columbus, Council #86 has been giving these scholarships each year to help those children attending Bishop Stang and Bishop Connolly high schools. From left: Ray Duddy, treasurer; Paul Sardinha, Past Grand Knight; Jillian Mercer (Bishop Connolly); Jillian Aguiar (Bishop Stang); Nicholas Oliveira (Bishop Stang); Quinn Sullivan (Bishop Stang); Evan O’Connor (Bishop Connolly); Jorge Pais, Grand Knight; and David Pacheco, recorder. Also receiving a scholarship but not pictured were Mary Mahoney-Pacheco (Bishop Stang), along with seminarians Ryan Healy, Michael Santos, and John Pietruska.

A familiar face recently visited the Pre-K students at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford. Mrs. Vincent read a story to the students and engaged them in crafting a Thanksgiving story bracelet.

Bishop Stang High School announced the names of students who have been named Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program: Matthew Russo, Aisling O’Malley, Santiago Hirshmann and Amanda Vasconcelos. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

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Maronite Sister to profess final vows December 8 continued from page three

and Spirituality, especially among young people,” Sister Therese said. “I felt the Lord drawing my heart and saying: ‘Yes, this is where I want you to come and lay down your life and be a missionary within our beautiful tradition.’”

Although she did look into existing Roman Catholic religious communities, Sister Therese felt compelled to remain within the Eastern tradition of the Maronite rite in which she was raised.

“We have such treasures that I have come to really appreciate — especially our theology, our Liturgy, and our saints,” she said.

“They are all very unique.

We just have something that is very mystical and very deep and poetic. I’m not saying we’re better, but there’s something we have to share and cultivate

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to help our own Maronite people appreciate that beauty.”

Founded by Bishop Mansour and Mother Marla Marie Lucas, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light was initially established in the Boston area, where the congregation rented a temporary formation house in Weymouth from Immaculate Conception Parish. When property that was a former novitiate house for the Dominican Sisters on Tucker Road in Dartmouth became available in 2011, the Maronite order relocated to the Fall River Diocese.

“Our motherhouse is called the Mother of Light Convent,” Sister Therese said. “It’s on about five acres of land, so it’s very conducive for retreats

The Anchor - December 1, 2017

and prayer days. We have groups come and this year we’ll be having a discernment retreat from April 6-8, which will be a weekend for women who are discerning their vocation.

“I’m really praying that young women can be open and generous to see the beauty of this call to be a Maronite Servant of Christ the Light. I know that young women have so many options for careers and different things that attract their hearts.

But I feel it’s really a blessing if a young woman can have that courage to say ‘yes.’ That they can really listen with their hearts, because I feel like today’s world is so noisy and we go from one thing to the next.”

In addition to Sister Therese and Mother Marla Marie, the convent is also home to Sister Natalie Sayde Salameh, who assists at St. Anthony of the Desert Parish in Fall River and will be professing her first vows next year.

“It’s really been God’s providence, one step at a time,” Sister Therese said. “We’ve been in Dartmouth for nearly six years now and, bit-by-bit, we’ve been doing things to expand it. Right now we’re working on a study/ library/recreation center where we can have more space for prayer groups and where people can study and have classes.

We have a youth group called the Maronite Youth Organization of the South Coast, and we have monthly gatherings with them.”

Centrally located in an area near several schools, Sister Therese said she hopes the nuns’ pres-

ence will encourage more youth participation in the Church.

“Very simply, a lot of the things coming out from young people is they want this sense of belonging, they want a sense of being welcomed and taking ownership of (their faith),” she said. “That’s something we really need to work on — not looking down on our young people, but really embracing their ideas, their creativity, their energy and helping to channel them.

That’s where I’m going to be expending a lot of my effort, in helping our young people to connect with each other and their parishes and really grow in a deeper understanding of their faith.”

While the congregation serves the greater Eparchy of Brooklyn, N.Y., Sister Therese said they are also happy to assist with parishes and ministries here in the Fall River Diocese as needed. In fact, the three nuns, wearing their signature dark blue and grey habits, have become a common sight at recent diocesan events.

“We have seven Maronite parishes here in Massachusetts, but we have 40-plus parishes across the country,” she said. “We really are missionary — we’re on the go and obviously we combine our contemplative life with an active apostolate. We’re very fortunate each day we have time for morning prayer and meditation, daily Liturgy, daily adoration, we also have Spiritual readings and evening prayer in common, so we get about three to four hours of prayer every day. That refuels and gives us the impetus to go out and serve not only within the

Fall River Diocese, but within our own Maronite Eparchy.”

“The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light have been an extraordinary blessing for the Maronite Church,” Bishop Mansour said. “Their healthy balance of prayer and pastoral care for others is wellreceived by both priests and parishioners alike.”

Sister Therese admitted she is “super excited” that family members will be traveling from Australia to witness her profession of final vows next week, as will friends from around the country.

“My mom and dad will be coming, my brother and sister, my two nieces, and my uncle and his family are coming,” she said.

“I’m very happy to be seeing them all next (week), God willing.

“The fact that I have friends and family traveling from other states to be here with me to celebrate my perpetual profession of vows is really another sign of God’s grace and goodness in my life. Just to have great friends who want to continue to support me in my journey — because it really is a journey that we’re all walking together in our desire to live out holiness, to give God glory.”

And Sister Therese is eager to continue working with young people in the hopes that some might likewise answer the call to serve the Church.

“We just never know if a young person might be inspired by reading about my journey,” she said.

“We just don’t know how we can be that voice or that instrument that God uses to encourage others to look into a particular community or a particular calling in life.”

Festival of Lights runs through January 1 continued from page two

comed return to La Salette Shrine this year.

The animal, which is loaned to the shrine from a local farm and has become a highlight for visitors, was removed last year amid accusations that he was being mistreated and left outside during harsh weather conditions.

“I know they are wellmeaning people, but they just didn’t have all their facts straight,” Father Brown said. “Clopper is a rescue donkey and the woman who loans him to us is a rescuer — she’s not going to put that animal in any danger. We just feel that is an important part of the Nativity story and I think we’re cutting our children off more and more from nature. So for them to see a real live donkey is educational, I think. And we don’t take him out if it’s

horribly bad weather. They are desert animals, so they can handle the cold. I’ve done a lot of research about donkeys lately — much more than I want to know.”

Father Brown expressed his own fascination with the fact that the donkey appears twice at key points in Christ’s life — once just before His birth and then as He rides into Jerusalem before His death.

“The Gospel writers were brilliant,” he said. “We think these things were just happenstance, but they knew how to weave a good story. And to have that almost kind of parentheses is fascinating to me. I mean, who knows what He actually rode in on. But the story demands — if you’re going to really understand Who Jesus is — that the donkey is extremely important.”

Ever-expanding, the Festival of Lights will have some new additions this year, according to Father Brown.

“Around St. Francis there are now some light displays with outlines of animals that will be lit up along with a couple of big arches over the entryway coming in,” he said.

Fans of shrine fixture and famed “troubadour priest,” Father André “Pat” Patenaude, can also see him perform live in concert to help get them into the spirit of the season.

“Father Pat has changed his concert schedule — he’s been doing concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the 3 and 7 p.m. times,” Father Brown said. “But then, during the week, if he gets a request to do one and it’s more than 25 people, he’ll graciously do one. And we’ve been getting a fair amount of requests for him to perform.”

With the extended weather forecast through December looking promising, Father Brown anticipates a good turnout for this year’s annual Christmas display.

“I was looking at the Accuweather forecast for the next month, and every weekend looks decent — maybe cloudy, but not overly cold,” he said. “I know they’re only basing that on averages, but that’s good news for us.”

Father Brown also offered some advice for avoiding traffic delays during the busy holiday season.

“If people want to avoid the traffic, there are two tricks to it,” he said. “One, on a weekend if they get here between 4 and 4:30, they can drive right in; two, if they can come on a weeknight, they can drive right in almost any time. If they can avoid the weekend altogether, they’ll beat the

traffic.”

As always, there is no admission charge to attend La Salette’s Festival of Lights, but donations are most welcomed and much appreciated.

“That’s been the fascinating question that we get all the time over the Internet and on Facebook — people always ask how much does it cost and they are always surprised to learn it’s free,” Father Brown said. “We just want people to come and have a good experience and maybe think of the Church in a warm and friendly way, because this is something the Church provides. Yes, it’s a fund raiser for us, but it’s ultimately a way to bring people closer to God during the Christmas season.”

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is located at 947 Park Avenue in Attleboro. For more information visit lasaletteattleboroshrine.org.

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org

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Pope on migration: Peace isn’t possible unless we go beyond polemics

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — When it comes to migration, Pope Francis said the world, particularly Christians, must approach the issue with a “contemplative gaze” that goes beyond polemics and is guided by justice and solidarity, helping to build peace at the global and local level.

Quoting St. John Paul II’s message for the World Day of Peace in 2000, the pope said, “We all belong to one family, migrants and the local populations that welcome them, and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the earth whose destination is universal, as the social doctrine of the Church teaches.”

He referred to the Biblical prophecies of Isaiah and the Apocalypse, which describe the “New Jerusalem” as a city whose gates are open to people from all nationalities. And in this city, “peace is the sovereign that guides it and justice the principle that governs coexistence within it.”

Christians must also have this “contemplative gaze,” he said, noting that when we look at migrants and refugees, we see that “they do not arrive empty-handed.” Rather, they bring with them their courage, skills, energy and aspirations, as well as the gift of their own culture, which enriches the lives of the nations that receive them.

The pope also pointed to the “creativity, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice” displayed by the many people, families and communities around who “open their doors and hearts to migrants and refugees, even where resources are scarce.”

A contemplative gaze on migration, he said, will also help guide global leaders in their discernment on the issue, and will encourage them to pursue policies of welcome “within the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the common good,” while at the same time keeping in mind the needs of both the whole of humanity and the good of the individual.

“Those who see things in this way will be able to recognize the seeds of peace that are al20

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ready sprouting and nurture their growth,” the pope said.

And with this gaze, “our cities, often divided and polarized by conflicts regarding the presence of migrants and refugees, will thus turn into workshops of peace.”

Pope Francis’ reflection was part of his message for the 2018 World Day of Peace, which this year is titled “Migrants and Refugees: men

the death penalty and amnesty for prisoners convicted of political offenses.

This year’s message focuses largely on the four-point “action plan” the Holy See has developed for the migration issue and of which Pope Francis and his diplomatic representatives have spoken often, particularly at the level of the U.N. This plan consists of four

Pope Francis greets a migrant at a welcoming hub near Cesena, Italy.

(L’Osservatore Romano photo)

and women in search of peace.”

Signed on the November 13 feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the message was published November 24.

Instituted by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1968, the World Day of Peace is celebrated each year on the first day of January. The pope gives a special message for the occasion, which is sent to all foreign ministers around the world, and which also indicates the Holy See’s diplomatic tone during the coming year.

So far Pope Francis’ messages have focused on themes close to his heart, such as fraternity, an end to slavery, including forced labor and human trafficking and nonviolence as a political strategy.

His messages for the event have consistently included bold pastoral and political advice for ecclesial and international leaders, including his push for the abolition of

verbs: to welcome, protect, promote and integrate.

These are the four “milestones” for action, the Holy Father said, explaining in his message that to welcome means above all broadening access to legal pathways for entry into host countries. Doing this, he said, will no longer push migrants and displaced people “towards countries where they face persecution and violence.”

It will also help in terms of “balancing our concerns about national security with concern for fundamental human rights.”

When it comes to protecting migrants and refugees, this imperative reminds us of the need to recognize and defend “the inviolable dignity” of those who flee from precarious situations in search of safety and security, in order to prevent their exploitation.

On this point, the pope turned

specifically to women and children, who are often exposed to risks and abuses “that can even amount to enslavement.”

To promote migrants and refugees, he said, implies promoting an integral human development of migrants and refugees, particularly where education for children and young adults is concerned.

Integrating, then, means allowing refugees and migrants “to participate fully in the life of the society that welcomes them, as part of a process of mutual enrichment and fruitful cooperation in service of the integral human development of the local community.”

With more than 250 million migrants around the world, 22.5 million of whom are refugees, opening our hearts is not enough, the pope said, but action is needed.

The 20th century was marked by wars, conflicts, genocides and “ethnic cleansings,” he said, noting that this has not changed, but now other factors are contributing to the migration issue, such as an increase in the number of families seeking a better future with more professional and educational opportunities.

Referring to his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si, the pope noted that there is also a rise in the number of migrants fleeing growing poverty in their homeland caused by environmental degradation.

Most people migrate through regular channels, but some take more dangerous routes out of desperation when their own countries “offer neither safety nor opportunity, and every legal pathway appears impractical, blocked or too slow,” he said.

In many destination countries there has been a rise in rhetoric “decrying the risks posed to national security or the high cost of welcoming new arrivals.” And this rhetoric, he said, “demeans the human dignity due to all as sons and daughters of God.” “Those who, for what may be political reasons, foment fear of migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial Continued on page 21

Continued from page 20

discrimination and xenophobia, which are matters of great concern for all those concerned for the safety of every human being,” he said.

The numbers indicate that migrants will continue to play a major part in the international community in the future, Pope Francis said. And while some consider this a threat, he invited the world “to view it with confidence as an opportunity to build peace.”

Pope Francis then turned to the proposal for the 2018 U.N. global compacts on migration and refugees, which he said will provide a framework for policy proposals and practical steps to be taken.

These compacts “need to be inspired by compassion, foresight and courage, so as to take advantage of every opportunity to advance the peace-building process,” he said. Only by doing this can international politics avoid “surrendering to cynicism and to the globalization of indifference.”

He stressed the need for greater dialogue and coordination within the international community, saying that beyond national borders, “higher numbers of refugees may be welcomed — or better welcomed — also by less wealthy countries, if international cooperation guarantees them the necessary funding.”

Quoting St. John Paul II’s 2004 message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis said “if the dream of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more of a universal family and our earth a true common home.”

Throughout history many people have believed in this dream, he said, in-

cluding St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, a missionary who spent her life working with Italian immigrants in the United States.

“This remarkable woman, who devoted her life to the service of migrants and became their patron saint, taught us to welcome, pro-

tect, promote and integrate our brothers and sisters,” the pope said.

He closed his message praying that through her intercession, the Lord would “enable all of us to experience that a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

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

Dec. 2 Rev. Arthur Savoie, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford, 1917 Rev. Dennis W. Harrington, Assistant, St. Mary, Taunton, 1958 Rev. Stanislaus Basinski, Former Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1970 Rev. Stanley Kolasa, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford, Director Sacred Hearts Spirituality Center, Wareham, 2016 Dec. 3 Rev. John W. McCarthy, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1926 Dec. 4 Rev. Patrick Byrne, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1844 Rev. Charles Ouellette, Assistant, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1945 Rev. Edward C. Duffy, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1994 Dec. 5 Rev. Eugene J. Boutin, Manchester Diocese, 1986 Rev. Coleman Conley, SS.CC., Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford, 1990 Rev. James W. Fahey, Former Chaplain U.S.N., Former Pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Attleboro, 2016

V Encuentro event is December 16 continued from page five

ing that the input comes directly from the people in the pews.

This year’s fifth Encuentro follows the same format as its four predecessors. “There are five sessions during the year,” Father Pregana told The Anchor. “The people who attend have five reflections on which to meditate and five themes. The gatherings are about prayer and listening to each other.” From those five sessions come the ideas and concerns that may make it into each diocese’s document.

“The Church in the United States needs to be shaken up,” added Father Pregana. “And the Hispanic communities are doing just that.”

While many of the

Hispanics are immigrants, “They must know that they have a life to live in the United States and in the Catholic Church,” he said. “It’s important that Hispanics recognize how strong their presence is in the Church, how their enthusiasm is so needed. They belong to the Church, they have a place and a voice in the Church. Catholic means universal and these people are a blessing to the Church and they need to continue to educate their children in the faith.”

For more information on the V Encuentro, visit its website at vencuentro. org. For more information about the December 16 event at St. Anthony of Padua in New Bedford, contact Father Pregana at 508-992-5862.

Dec. 6 Rev. Joseph L. Cabral, Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 1959 Rt. Rev. Msgr. John H. Hackett, JCD, Chancellor, June-December 1966, 1966 Rev. Joseph K. Welsh, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 1971 Rev. John T. Higgins, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1985 Dec. 7 Rev. Thomas F. Daley, Retired Pastor, St. James, New Bedford, 1976 Rev. Ambrose Bowen, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1977 Rev. James W. Clark, Retired Pastor, St. Joan of Arc, Orleans, 2000 Dec. 8 Rev. John F. Broderick, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1940 Dec. 9 Rev. Rene Patenaude, O.P., Retired Associate Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1983 Dec. 10 Rev. Thomas C. Briscoe, Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1918 Rev. Andrew S.P. Baj, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1971 Rev. Leonard M. Mullaney, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony’s, Mattapoisett, 2014 Dec. 11 Rev. Edward L. Killigrew, Pastor, St. Kilian, New Bedford, 1959 Dec. 12 Rev. Paul F. McCarrick, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1996 Dec. 13 Rev. Reginald Theriault, O.P., St. Anne, Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Adrien L. Francoeur, M.S., La Salette Shrine, North Attleboro, 1991 Dec. 14 Rev. Msgr. John J. Hayes, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1970 Rev. Edward J. Burns, Retired Pastor, St. Mark’s, Attleboro Falls, 2015 Dec. 15 Rev. Mortimer Downing, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1942 Rev. John F. O’Keefe, Assistant, St. Patrick, Fall River, 1955

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Around the Diocese The Women’s Guild at St. John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, invites all to its One Day Only Barn Sale in the parish barn on December 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, offering a large variety of items from which to choose!

A Day With Mary will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, on December 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will feature instruction, devotion, and intercession, based on the message given at Fatima in 1917. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. and the day will conclude with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Our Lady of the Assumption Guild will present its annual Christmas Fair at Our Lady of Victory Parish Center, 230 South Main Street in Centerville on Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch being served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The center is handicappedaccessible and all are welcome.

The Catholic Women’s Club of Christ the King Parish located at 5 Jobs Fishing Road in Mashpee will sponsor its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parish center. The fair will offer a variety of crafters selling handmade items including nautical ornaments, jewelry, felted hats and scarves, holiday dresses for little girls, and more. There will also be handcrafted live Christmas wreaths and seasonal arrangements, gift and cash raffles, baked goods and a shopping room for children with face painting and games. Hungry shoppers can relax over lunch at the popular Holly Café.

To help celebrate and prepare Spiritually for Christmas, St. Anne’s Parish and Shrine at 818 Middle Street in Fall River will be offering special programs for the Advent season. From Tuesday, December 3 through Thursday, December 7, a three day-mission given by the three men to be ordained priests this year — Deacons Matthew Gill, Juan-Carlos Munoz, and Daniel Nunes — who will give a conference about the three secrets of Fatima at the 5:30 p.m. Mass. On weekdays from December 4 through December 22, an additional Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions will be held on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with Confessions daily from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Holy Cross Parish, 225 Purchase Street in Easton, will hold its Holly Fair on December 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. and December 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., including Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon that day.

Breakfast tickets are $5 per person (maximum $20 per family) and can be purchased at the door. The fair will feature wonderful baskets, silent auction, raffles and other prizes. There will also be a snowflake raffle, buck-a-bag for kids, cookie stroll and Pat’s famous homemade jams and pickles.

There will be a special celebration of Advent with prayer and reflection on Sunday, December 10 beginning at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish on Bedford Street in Fall River in the parish hall. Guest Speaker will be Dominican Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., Episcopal Representative for Religious and Associate Director of Vocations for the Fall River Diocese. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 508-673-2402.

A Holy Hour for Families will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church in New Bedford on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, beginning at 7 p.m. to pray for unity and peace in all families. It will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and meditation and will conclude with Benediction. Refreshments and pastry will follow in the parish center.

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

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participants of St. Mary’s Parish Faith Sharing Group in Fairhaven recently gathered for their final session in the six-week series, “Putting Your Faith To Work.” The group discussed the Book of James and learned how they may respond to Jesus’s call as His disciples.

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

A subscription to The Anchor would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself. It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our beloved Church — locally and beyond.

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

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

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

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The Anchor - December 1, 2017