VOL. 31, NO. 48
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Friday, December 4, 1987
FALL RIVER, MASS.
Papal honors awarded to 3 monsignors
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58 Per Year
Bishop brings end to siege
Last Sunday afternoon, before a packed St. Mary's Cathedral and in the context of sung Advent Vespers, papal diplomas were presented to Rev. Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, PA; Rev. Msgr. John J. Oliveira, VE; and Rev. Msgr. John J. Smith, VE. The diplomas, read to the con-' gregation by Rev. Michael K. McManus as notary, cited the outstanding service rendered the church by the three honored priests. The diplomas were formally presented by Bishop.Daniel A. Cronin, who invested Msgr. Gomes with a floor-length purple cape, known as a feriola, and Monsignors Oliveira and Smith with white surplices. Applause greeted each presentation. In a following prayer, Bishop Cronin expressed the hope that the lives of the monsignors would inspire young men to consider the priestly vocation. The vesper service included a homily by the bishop during which he paid tribute to Msgr. Gomes as pastor of Our Lady of Angels parish, Fall River, and diocesan director ofthe annual Bishop's Ball and the Catholic Charities Appeal. Msgr. Oliveira's service as Episcopal Vicar for Administration, Chancellor and Episcopal Secretary was noted. The bishop com- . mented especially on the vicar's devotion to the office of master of ceremonies at liturgical functions in every part of the diocese. Msgr. Smith, pastor ofSt. John the Evangelist parish, Attleboro, was praised for his years as diocesan director of vocations and his guidance of scores of young men 1'0 the priesthood. Saying "It is a source of deep encouragement to me personally to know that the work of these priests has been singled out by the pope," Bishop Cronin added that since "the pope is the symbol and source of unity in the chu~ch, papal honors serve as a challenge to us to look on the Holy Father with respect and obedience and as a means of strengthening our faith." The bishop also commented on the season of Advent and the opportunity it affords to prepare for the coming of the Messiah and explained the importance of the Vesper service and the place it holds in the Liturgy of the Hours, recited daily by priests. He also expressed gratitude to those who prepared the cathedral ceremony and to the schola of diocesan priests who led congregational participation in the service. , Permanent deacons Lawrence St. Onge' and Robert Faria were participants in the liturgy and diocesan seminarians were minor Turn to Page Six
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly
WASHINGTON (NC) - For IS a moment of peace. It is a day Auxiliary Bishop Agustin A. Ro- which must be a beginning for man of Miami, settling the siege of ,you. This is what I desire. I want the detention center 'at Oakdale, you to release the prisoners who La., was "a moment of peace." . are in your custody and I want you Cuban detainees took hostages to demonstrate to the world ''the at the center and in the Atlanta good will that every Christian federal prison after hearing that should have in his heart." the United States and Cuba had He said he had reviewed the resumed an agreement that could agreement with the government "and I can tell you there is nothing have meant their deportation. But after a videotaped message missing in it." "Sign the document," the bishfrom Bishop Roman, who was op said. "You can be sure that forced into exile from Cuba in 1961, the Oakdale detainees reach- what you will have done is good." In its agreement with the Cubans ed an agreement with the government Nov. 29 and released the 26 the government said it will not rehostages they had been holding for scind parole decisions it had already made for Cuban detainees with eight days. or sponsors in the United families According to a translation of his message Bishop Roman said, "This
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New T,.aunton pastor
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TOP TO BOTTOM, Monsignors Gomes, Oliveira and Smith are invested by Bishop Cronin; they stand with the bishop after the ceremony. (Gaudette photos)
Bishop Daniel A. Cronin has announced appointment of 'Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington as pastor of St. Joseph parish, Taunton. The appointment is effectiv~ Dec. 8. Msgr. Harrington has been engaged in sabbatical studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. A New Bedford native, the n'ew .pastor of St. Joseph's is tge son of the late Atty. Edward J. and Esther (Yates) Harrington. He graduated fro'm Holy Family grammar and high schools in New Bedford, then from Holy Cross College, Worcester, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree magna cum laude. After preparation for the priesthood at Catholic University, Msgr. Harrington was ordained May 30, 1964, then was parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier parish, Hyannis, and Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 'before returning to Catholic University for studies leading to a licentiate in canon law, which he was awarded in 1969. The same year he was appointed diocesan vice-chancellor and episcopal secretary to Bishop Connolly. In February 1971 Bishop Daniel A. Cronin named him cannon law consultant to the Diocesan Committee for Divine Worship and in March 1971 appointed him defender of the bond for the Marriage Tribunal and chancellor. While holding these offices he also served as chaplain at the Rose Hawthorne Lathrop Home in Fall River. June 3D, 1974, Msgr. Harrington was designated a papal chamllerlain by Pope Paul VI. In 1978
he was named rector of St. Mary's Cathedral while remaining chancellor. In 1983, in conformity with provisions of the new Code of Canon Law, he was also designated Vicar for Finance and Administration. He has been at Catholic University since July 1986.