Catholic Charities staff and volunteers mobilize to support Gabriel House fire survivors
Providing Hope: Bishop Edgar da Cunha paid a visit to Catholic Charities of Fall River to thank staff and volunteers for their hard work in collecting necessities for survivors of the Gabriel House fire that took place on July 13. Sheila Chasse, Catholic Charities of Fall River Director of Housing and Basic Needs, shows Bishop da Cunha some of the donated items.
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — In the aftermath of the devastating July 13 fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, which claimed 10 lives and displaced dozens more, Catholic Charities of Fall River has become a central hub for relief efforts— driven by compassion, urgency, and unwavering community support.
From the earliest hours after the fire, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to support the 59 displaced residents, many of whom are 60 and older. Gabriel House was their home.
Scott Gifford, Facilities Director, and Sheila Chasse, Director of Housing and Basic Needs, have been at the forefront of this humanitarian
response, supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Gifford has been working long hours to move, sort, and organize the abundance of donated items pouring in from across the region—and beyond.
In the days following the fire, the Catholic Charities building on Bay Street was transformed into a full-scale relief center. The former chapel now serves as a staging area for clothes and toiletries, while hallways are filled with medical equipment and stacks of clothing in bins. Volunteers have been sorting, folding, and preparing personalized care packages for each survivor—tailored to their specific sizes and needs. Donations have included everything from blankets and clothing to walkers, wheelchairs, and even an electric wheelchair. A local LPN volunteered to inspect all medical
devices for safety.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., visited the facility to show his support of the efforts of Catholic Charities.
“Following the tragic fire that caused the loss of many lives and displacement of many people in Fall River recently, I am so impressed with the response from the community who brought so many personal items for the victims of the fire who lost everything. I am also so grateful and proud of the staff of our Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River, for their tireless work in receiving, sorting out and distributing those items to the survivors of the fire,” Bishop da Cunha said.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said Susan Mazzarella, CEO of Catholic Charities. “We even received a box from someone in Florida. We’ve seen the greatness of this tragedy bring out extreme compassion—the good at the heart of people.”
On Monday, July 21, a large white truck from Arbors of Taunton, an assisted living facility, arrived filled to the brim with donated items. Handmade cards also arrived from Franklin Court Assisted Living in Bristol, Rhode Island. Residents there had experienced a small fire themselves and wanted to offer encouragement and solidarity.
When Duncan Hearing Health Center learned that some survivors had lost their hearing aids, they offered to provide new devices free of charge. At Transfiguration of the Lord Church in North Attleborough, Father David Costa made an appeal to parishioners, raising $400 in cash, $250 in gift cards, and collecting toiletries for survivors.
Many of the displaced residents were initially housed at the Timao Center, the city’s
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overflow homeless shelter typically used during the winter months. The process of rehousing them has been led by the City of Fall River’s Fast Track Team in partnership with Chasse, with survivors now relocated to 14 different locations—including hotels in Fall River, Taunton, Fairhaven, and Westport, as well as with family members.
“Sheila works closely with city agencies,” Mazzarella noted. “Her outreach skills reflect the strong relationship we have with the city.”
Even before donations began pouring in, Chasse and her team used the organization’s Basic Needs Fund to purchase three full outfits for each of the 24 individuals temporarily housed at the Timao Center. This fund is supported by the Diocese of Fall Riv-
Thank You! 8
er and the annual Catholic Appeal fundraiser.
“This is a concrete example of where Catholic Appeal money goes,” Mazzarella added.
Despite the initial chaos of an abundance of donations, progress has been steady.
“We’ve made headway,” Chasse said. “Each individual has received 10 to 15 outfits and shoes. We’ve made multiple deliveries to victims as donations continue to arrive and are sorted.”
Staff and volunteers have worked long hours daily. On Saturday, July 19, many were on-site from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. On Sunday, July 20, Gifford, Chasse, and a group of 15 volunteers from the Fall River Government Center packed and delivered 120 bags of essential items.
“Sheila and Scott
have worked seamlessly to organize the massive outpouring of donations,” Mazzarella said. “This has been the most severe disaster I’ve seen in my eight years at Catholic Charities. Thankfully, our training from last October’s Catholic Charities USA Disaster Academy helped us prepare for this.”
By Monday, July 21—just a week after the fire—the organization had reached full capacity for donations. Catholic Charities is now requesting gift cards instead of physical goods, to give survivors the dignity of choice as they begin to rebuild their lives. They are also in need of large storage totes,
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toiletries, and additional volunteers to help sort donations.
“When you lose everything you own, you lose hope. Providing something new symbolizes a new beginning—a fresh start,” Mazzarrella said.
At Catholic Charities, helping others is more than just a response—it’s their mission. With every shirt matched to size, every wheelchair inspected, and every life touched, the team continues to demonstrate what it truly means to care for neighbors in crisis—with dignity, compassion, and tireless resolve.
How to Donate
Catholic Charities of Fall River is asking for donations of gift cards and toiletries.
Please send or drop off at Catholic Charities of Fall River, 1600 Bay St., Fall River. Call 508-674-4681 for more information.
Rose Mary Saraiva (middle) of Catholic Charities of Fall River gives instructions to volunteers sorting donated clothing at their Bay Street headquarters.
With its church in need of significant repair, Taunton parish will close
TAUNTON — Parishioners of the three parishes of the Taunton Catholic North Collaborative received a letter in July regarding the future of St. Mary’s Parish and Church in that city.
St. Mary’s, St. Anthony and St. Jude the Apostle Parishes make up the collaborative, sharing resources, combined ministries and one ministerial leadership team.
Because of needed repairs and safety concerns, St. Mary’s Church has been closed and unused since November 2023.
The situation has been under study by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and diocesan officials since then. Concurrently, the Taunton Catholic North Unification Team, comprised of representatives from the three parishes and their pastor and deacons, has also been meeting with staff from the diocesan Office of Strategic and Pastoral Planning to
address the collaborative’s future.
In the July letter from Bishop da Cunha and the Unification Team, parishioners were informed that St. Mary’s Church and Parish will need to officially close.
The letter states, “After careful assessment, it is clear that the significant structural repairs and safety upgrades needed for St. Mary’s Church far exceed what is financially feasible. The $10+ million cost shared last year and required to make the space safe and sustainable for
continued use as a house of worship is simply beyond the parish’s current and projected resources.”
Bishop da Cunha and Unification Team members said that the decision was difficult and made “with heavy hearts.” It followed extensive consultation, prayer, and consideration for the well-being of the faith community.
“While the building may close, the spirit of the parish will live on at St. Anthony and St. Jude,” they share in the letter.
With regard to the future of the church building, they explain that the Diocese has been exploring potential buyers “who may be interested in preserving the building and maintaining it in a respectful and meaningful way. Our hope is to find a path forward that honors the historical value of the church, even if it can no longer serve as our place of worship.”
The Unification Team
is planning a special event to celebrate and honor the spirit and incredible legacy of St. Mary’s Parish, which dates to the 1830s.
St. Mary’s Church, which is a landmark in Taunton,
followed some decades later and was dedicated in 1872.
The letter may be read in its entirety on the diocesan website, www. fallriverdiocese.org.
August 1, 2025
Steubenville youth trip more of a transformation
By Oscar Rivera Jr. Director of Youth Ministry orivera@dioc-fr.org
FALL RIVER —What happens when over 2,000 high school teens gather on the hilltop of Steubenville, Ohio, seeking truth, healing, and a deeper encounter with Christ? Transformation.
From June 26–29, more than 90 teens from our Diocese joined thousands of young people from across the country at the Steubenville Youth Conference hosted by Franciscan University. It was a weekend of worship, powerful preaching, deep prayer, and Eucharistic Adoration. But beyond the lights and music, it was a weekend of personal conversion— of hearts softened, walls torn down, and identities rediscovered.
One of our participants, Maggie M., courageously shares her journey from spiritual numbness to renewed hope. Her words offer a window into what so many experience silently: the ache of distance from God, the weight of worldly distractions, and the slow rebuilding of trust in His love.
Maggie’s Testimony:
I’ve been struggling a lot in my prayer life recently. I have been acting like everything else in my life is more important and more worthy of my time than conversation with God. I have so much love for Jesus and my faith, and my heart was in the right spot, but my mind and worldly distractions were getting in the way. During the school year I made excuses, saying “oh I haven’t been praying because I have homework and sports and clubs, but once it’s summer I’ll be better” but than summer came and I was not better. I was continuing feeding into my bad habits of waking up without even thinking of the Lord, and going to sleep scrolling on my phone. I found myself feeling empty, but I covered up that emptiness
with more distractions, and more barriers. The barriers I have been facing in my faith are not God made at all…I built them up day by day with them growing every time I ignored His quiet calling for me. Almost every day I felt a nudge in my heart, basically saying why? Why am I surrounding myself with worldly distractions when the King of Creation and my loving Father is waiting for me?
Some days I would snap out of the haze, and I would set aside time to write my prayer journal or pray the rosary, but just when I would break one of the barriers in my heart down, I would build a new one. These walls are made of distraction, shame, doubt, regret, anxiety, comparison, and selfish thoughts and actions. I realized these things this weekend as I caught myself multiple times thinking “ I wonder what the people around me think about me” when in reality I should be saying “Father who am I to you?”
Yesterday afternoon I spent time in the chapel during break, and I wrestled with this question and struggled to answer it. Who
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am I? As I sat in the quiet chapel, I felt so much peace wash over me and i felt a true sense of calmness for the first time in a long time. I prayed and sat with the Holy Presence, and an answer to the question formed in my heart. I am the daughter of the eternal king, and I am someone who is once again attempting to open her heart, break down barriers, and to fully give my self to Jesus and his consuming love. I realized the I can’t do it alone, and I need the Lord more than ever.
At adoration last night, I found my thoughts once again drifting and I was distracted. I felt unworthy to be in the holy space, and I kept remembering all the times I had put God to the side for my own desires. I didn’t understand why Jesus gave up his life for me, when I had made so many mistakes and not given him the praise honor and love He deserved more than anything. I prayed a quiet prayer over and over, asking the Holy Spirit to help my disbelief, quiet my doubts, and keep me focused on the miracle happening right in front of me. When the
bishop brought the monstrance past my row, I once again felt the peace of God wash over me, and I felt a tug in my heart saying “I see you, I love you, and I am proud of you for trying again”. I knew in this moment that I have to never stop trying.
When we go home it’s going to be so easy to fall back into old habits when we’re not surrounded by hundreds of people praising. It will feel like we only can grow in our faith when we’re in settings like the conference. But that’s the thing: our faith is not about singing, or crying, or big dramatic moments, and as powerful as adoration was last night, it’s not always going to be like that.
But one thing will always be the same, that God is always present and he loves us unconditionally, and remembering that is what’s going to get us through every day. I am so grateful for this weekend and I leave knowing that I have to make changes in my daily life in order to break down the walls in my heart, but that will come with time and patience, and I’m ready to keep trying.
Recap
This testimony is more than just a reflection—it’s a call to perseverance. Maggie reminds us that faith is not just found in mountain-top moments, but in daily decisions to return to the Father, even when it’s hard, even when we fall.
As these young people return home from Steubenville, may we as a Church surround them with encouragement, accountability, and authentic community. Let’s walk with them as they tear down the walls of distraction and doubt, and remind them—again and again—that they are sons and daughters of the Eternal King. Because revival didn’t end at Steubenville. For many, like Maggie M., it just began.
More than 90 teens from the Diocese of Fall River traveled to the Steubenville Youth Conference hosted by Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio in June.
Cursillo Convocation a celebration of a deeper relationship with Christ
Cursillo Convocation 2025 was held on June 28 at Stonehill College. Many from the Diocese and around New England attended the all-day event. The Cursillo movement has awakened people’s faith and has led many to serve in parish ministries and charitable outreach and has encouraged vocations. For more information about Cursillo Retreats contact the Holy Cross Retreat House at www. retreathouse.org. Pictured (l-r): A welcoming sign greeted attendees; Bishop da Cunha celebrates Mass; Attendees worship at Mass.
Bishop reflects on Cursillo Convocation
From the July 2 Bishop’s Blog:
I had the joy of celebrating the closing Mass at the Cursillo Convocation. The convocation was a time of renewal, fellowship, and deep reflection. Though it wasn’t planned this way, I believe it was divine providence that our convocation took place on
the Vigil of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two pillars of our Church whose lives continue to inspire us today. Did you know that in 1963, Pope Paul VI declared St. Paul the heavenly patron of the Cursillo Movement?
Saints Peter and Paul demonstrate what it means to live in partnership with God, to pour out our lives in so many ways in service to Him. Paul could boldly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished
the race, I have kept the faith.”
He lived his life entirely for Christ, trusting that his life was a sacrificial offering on God’s altar. Likewise, Peter, despite his own weaknesses and failings, remained faithful to Jesus and ultimately laid down his life for the Gospel.
Jesus’ promise to Peter, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” still stands firm today.
Long after the Roman Empire crumbled, we continue to celebrate St. Peter and his successors.
Their example is especially meaningful in our own times, when so many people drift from faith or grow discouraged by secular culture.
They teach us perseverance, generosity, faithfulness, and how to embrace suffering not as defeat but as something that can be transformed into an offering to God.
Cursillo gives us a way to live out this same courage and trust. It brings people to a deeper rela-
tionship with Christ and sends them back into their parishes, families, and communities renewed and ready to evangelize. When I see the joy of our Cursillistas, I am filled with hope for the future of our Church.
May we, like Saints Peter and Paul, become true disciples gathered around Jesus, listening to Him, nourished by Him, following Him unconditionally, and bearing witness in the world to the message He entrusted to us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and allow our lives to become a gift poured out in love.
EDITOR; PRODUCTION
Joan d. WaRRen joandwarren@anchornews.org
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Wayne R. PoWeRs waynepowers@anchornews.org
August 1, 2025
Editorial
The Jubilee of Hope is now in full swing. This weekend in Rome, during the Jubilee of Youth — the major event for youth to flock to Rome to participate in the events of the holy year — a half million young people will surround Pope Leo at Tor Vergata to celebrate Christ Jesus as our hope (1 Tim 1:1).
Their presence in huge numbers — many originally booking their trip to be present for the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, which has been moved to Sept. 7 — is a sign of the interest among the young to grow in faith and to learn from the compelling way those like Pier Giorgio, who died a century ago at 24, have lived it.
The young are supposed to be full of natural hope, as they look ahead with eager expectation to the future, whether that be the next school year, sports season, birthday or milestone, as they grow taller, stronger, smarter and see their potentials actualize. Those natural hopes are often a great foundation on which supernatural hope — for the most important things of all, for the ultimate, for God and life to the full — can grow.
That’s why the results of a 2023 report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are especially relevant and worrisome. The Agency’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary for 2011-2021 revealed that 42% of U.S. high school teens in 2021 felt persistently sad or hopeless, 22% had seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, 18% had come up with a concrete plan on how they would end their life, and 10% tried to carry out that plan (and thankfully failed). If those figures are not alarming enough, the data for high school girls is much worse: 57% felt persistently sad or
hopeless, 30% seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year and 24% had come up with a concrete plan on how they would end their life. Each of these figures was a 60% increase since 2011.
The CDC stated that over the course of the previous ten years, bullying, drug use, promiscuity, sexual violence, housing and family crises, and school isolation had all decreased or remained the same, and so didn’t seem to be a factor in the skyrocketing rates of hopelessness and sadness. The report wasn’t able to assess the impact of social media, which barely existed in 2011, or the role of smart phones. But we know from other surveys that Generation Z, encompassing those born between 1999 and 2015, has been experiencing a rapid decline of faith in God. Since 2010, religious practice among high schoolers has dropped 27%, with 13% now self-defining as atheist and 16% as agnostic. When the inevitable difficulties and heartbreaks of human life come, how do such students cope if they do not have at least some hope that there is a God who desires to bring good out of suffering and that everything ultimately works out for the good for those who love him?
Hopelessness, as St. Paul and Pope Benedict have both underlined, is “living without God in the world” (Eph 2:12; Spe Salvi 2). Hope, we can say, ultimately comes from living with God, consciously, in day-to-day life. If we grasp that God-with-us is still with us, whispering to us in the midst of difficulties, “Don’t be afraid. I am with you. We will confront this together,” then whatever problems we’re facing will not seem nearly as overwhelming. They may be too much for us, but not, we know, for
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GrowinG in HopE tHis JubilEE
God.
The crisis of hope that our culture is experiencing — seen likewise in high rates of despair, the push for or recourse to physician assisted suicide, skyrocketing addictions to drugs, social media, pornography and other escapes, the loss of the desire to transmit life due, and the proven failure of secularism, materialism and consumerism to deliver happiness — can be seen as symptoms of the same disease of practical atheism, of living as if God is not there with us, regardless of whether we believe he exists.
Hope is a theological virtue, a moral muscle that helps us to relate to God. The Catechism describes it as the “theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (1817). It is, in other words, an infused power that helps us to desire God and to live with him now and forever, to trust in his promises especially in difficulty, and to rely on him rather than think we’re alone when confronting crushing hardships. The focus on eternal life, which Pope Benedict called our “great hope,” is an anchor for us when lesser hopes like health, worldly success, or cherished relationships, may seem lost.
As a moral muscle, however, hope must be exercised. The Jubilee of Hope is meant to help us to train and toughen that God-given spiritual muscle so that it is strong enough when the challenges arise. This happens through acts that strengthen our hope, since virtue is built by repeated virtuous acts. What are those acts that can help us grow in hope and help us help others, both young and
old?
The first action is prayer. The very fact that God enters into dialogue with us is already a cause of hope. In our prayer, however, it’s important to ask God to strengthen our hope. It’s similarly helpful to meditate about the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection, which shows us God’s response to what seemed to be the most hopeless day in history. It’s likewise key to ponder the Last Things: the more we pray about the call to heaven, the more we will be sustained on the journey; and if we have suffered injustices, the reality of future judgment buoys us in hope that malefactors will not get away with it.
The second action is gratitude. God’s past goodness is a ground of trust in his present and future care.
Third is participation in the sacraments, which are efficacious signs of the presence and action of God in life. The Sacrament of the Eucharist is a daily sign of just how much God will do for us and our salvation. The Sacrament of Confession is God’s great reset button by which he seeks to draw good even out of evil we’ve done.
Fourth is patience. A fruit of the Holy Spirit, patient endurance sustains our hope, strengthens it as a way of life and leads to perseverance.
Fifth is sound teaching. St. Peter calls us always to be ready to give an explanation of the reason of our hope (1 Pet 3:15). Our hope is reasonable, but we must know the reason. That requires getting to know our faith better. In 2008, Pope Benedict said in New York, “Only by ‘holding fast’ to sound teaching will we be able to respond to the challenges that confront us.”
Sixth is action for the
good. Just as those who in a minor depression can often improve by cleaning their house, running errands, and getting something accomplished, so spiritually every time we do something good for others, every time we make someone’s life or the world a little bit better, we grow in hope.
Seventh is devotion to Mary and the saints. Pope Francis wrote, “Hope finds its supreme witness in the Mother of God,” who shows us that “hope is not naive optimism but a gift of grace amid the realities of life.”
That’s why she’s called Mater Spei, “Mother of Hope.” She retained hope when Herod’s assassins were on the loose, the Nazarenes in the synagogue tried to murder her Son, and especially on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The saints are those who were heroic in hope — that’s what’s necessary for canonization — and through growing in friendship with them, especially the martyrs, we learn how to live by hope, even in the supreme tests.
In 1994, St. John Paul II gave a book-length interview entitled “Crossing the Threshold of Hope,” in which he stated, “It is very important to cross the threshold of hope, not to stop before it, but to let oneself be led.” Christ wants to lead us in his Church, through acts of hope, across that threshold. The Jubilee Doors in Rome, now open, are symbols of that threshold. In this holy year, we seek to cross it as pilgrims, spiritually and physically, and seek to bring as many people as we can, young and old, with us on that sacred passage, which is an image of the pilgrimage of life as the Church strives to cross the threshold of our “blessed hope,” the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem.
! CABH recognized for renovation project in New Bedford
NEW BEDFORD
The Waterfront Historic League of New Bedford (WHALE) presented Community Action for Better Housing with its 2025 Sarah R. Delano Preservation Award for its work to restore the Talbot Apartments following a fire that devastated the building in that city.
Community Action for Better Housing or CABH is a separately incorporated ministry of the Diocese of Fall River. CABH currently provides approximately 200 rental units ranging from lowincome housing for homeless veterans, elderly housing, and male and female transitional housing.
The Talbot Apartments building, one of CABH’s properties, was built in 1901 and was once a hotel. With its iconic turret, it is a landmark on Acushnet Avenue in the city’s North End. A November 2022 fire left the Talbot Apartments completely uninhabitable, displacing 26 residents.
CABH is committed to returning Talbot Apartments to service. The renovation project combines historic restoration with the continued stabilization of existing affordable housing. Upon completion, it will offer 26 mixed-income single-residence occupancy units.
In its presentation of the Delano Award, WHALE said, “When the building is open this summer, it will increase the much-needed supply of affordable housing and
The Waterfront Historic League of New Bedford recently presented Community Action for Better Housing or CABH with its 2025 Sarah R. Delano Preservation Award for its restoration of Talbot Apartments in New Bedford. Pictured receiving the recognition in late June are Victor Andreozzi, Director of Diocesan Facilities; Jeff Sherman, CABH Executive Director; and Amy DeSousa, CABH Property Manager.
complement the ongoing revitalization along the Avenue. The project not only preserves an important historic structure, it helps preserve much needed housing when the community needs it most.”
WHALE went on to commend CABH for its “commitment to their mission, the neighborhood and the historic importance of the building.”
Representatives of CABH received the award at the 2025 annual meeting of WHALE held on June 25, 2025.
Karen Plichta and her friend, Sharon Andrade, took a boat cruise in France from Marseille to Lyon. One of the stops was at Avignon, the palace of the popes. While there, they took a picture of themselves reading The Anchor in front of the church. Karen is a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. Bring The Anchor on your next trip and take a picture with it in front of a church, statue or other religious setting. The only stipulation is that the person(s) photographed must be from the Diocese of Fall River and the location be outside the Diocese.
Let’s see how far The Anchor can travel! Send submissions to joandwarren@anchornews.org.
August 1, 2025
St. Pius X School on Cape Cod expands early education with launch of Pre -K 3 program
SOUTH YARMOUTH — St. Pius X School is expanding its early education offerings with the addition of a new Pre-K 3 program, set to begin in the 2025–26 academic year. The initiative responds to growing community demand and reinforces the school’s commitment to nurturing children from their earliest learning stages.
To lead the new program, St. Pius X has hired the well-known Cape Cod early childhood education team of Elizabeth Arnold and Christina Peterson. The pair brings more than two decades of combined experience working with young children and are widely respected throughout the region.
Arnold, known affectionately as “Miss Biz,” has over 16 years of early education experience and holds an associate’s degree from Eastern Nazarene College. Fully certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as a Director I and Lead Teacher, she is recognized for her compassionate approach and ability to foster independence and social-emotional growth in young children.
“I know that the St. Pius Pre-K
3 program will allow parents to find comfort and a sense of security,” said Arnold.
“By the end of the school year, our goal is that each child will be able to separate from mom and dad with ease, follow directions, and begin developing essential self-help skills.”
Joining her is Peterson, or “Miss Christina,” who has worked alongside Arnold for the past four years. A Cape Cod native, Peter-
The expansion is enthusiastically supported by the school and parish leadership.
“As pastor, I see tremendous value in introducing children to faith-based learning early on,” said Father John Kelleher. “What a blessing it is to welcome these little ones into our beautiful school community.”
Principal Deacon Peter Schutzler emphasized the program's role in easing the transition to Pre-K 4 and beyond.
son brings seven years of early education experience, along with a background in child-focused recreation and therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and is also EEC-certified as a Lead Teacher.
“Although the Pre-K 3 program is new, the teachers are not,” said Peterson. “We’re excited to welcome even younger children into the St. Pius community and help them begin their journey in education, while being known, valued, and loved.”
“We’ve had waitlists for our Pre-K 4 class for years,” Schutzler said. “Families have been asking for more early education options, and this program—led by experienced, trusted teachers—demonstrates our commitment to meeting that need.”
Enrollment is currently open for the 2025–26 school year, with limited spaces available. Interested families are encouraged to contact the school at (508) 398-6112.
St. Pius X School serves students in Pre-K through Grade 8 and is committed to providing a faith-based, academically rigorous education that values diversity, community, and spiritual development.
For more information, visit www.spxschool.org.
Christina Peterson and Elizabeth Arnold will begin teaching at St. Pius X School this fall as part of a new early education program.
Reflection on the August 15th Solemnity of the Assumption of the
August 15, 2025 is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the Blessed Mother’s entrance into heavenly glory.
The Catechism explains that Mary “was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection,
Blessed
Virgin Mary
anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body” (CCC, 974).
Mary’s Assumption into heaven reminds us that life on earth is a pilgrimage to our ultimate destination. We prepare in hope for our own passage into eternal life by the choices we make today. When we choose to love and
follow God in our daily lives, we strengthen our relationship with Him, and this relationship is the true meaning of heaven: “To live in heaven is ‘to be with Christ’” (CCC, 1025).
We can see how, throughout her life, the Blessed Mother continually chose to go deeper into her relationship with God. She
modeled how to value and respect His precious gift of human life, from the moment of conception to its natural end.
In the Annunciation, through her “yes,” Mary witnessed to the undeniable humanity of pre-born children as she conceived and carried the Christ child in her womb.
After the Annunciation, having learned that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, she went in haste to her aid. Our Blessed Mother shows us how the way we live today can prepare us, in hope, to also enter into heavenly glory at the end of our lives. Are we open to God’s precious gift of new life? How do we support pregnant mothers and parents? Do we prioritize showing our love to those who are ill or aging? Do we care for them in a way that respects God’s gift of life?
Catholics are called to attend Mass on the Assumption (or its eve) as if it were a Sunday. Instead of viewing this as a mere obligation, may it instead be viewed as an opportunity to spend some extra time with God, in anticipation of being able to spend eternity with God and Mary one day.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
August 1, 2025
Father Salvador honored for lifelong commitment to Catholic Scouting
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
SOUTH DARTMOUTH — Father Stephen Salvador, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, was recently honored with the prestigious Brother Barnabas Founders Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS). The award celebrates his more than 45 years of service and leadership in Catholic Scouting—an integral part of his ministry throughout his priesthood.
Named after Brother Barnabas McDonald, F.S.C., a pioneer of Catholic Scouting in the U.S., the award honors individuals whose dedication has made a significant impact on the spiritual development of youth through the Scouting program. For Father Salvador, the honor is deeply personal and reflective of a lifelong commitment to faith and youth formation.
“We are honored to recognize Father Salvador’s lifelong dedication to forming young people in faith through Scouting,” said John Anthony, National Chair of the NCCS. “He truly embodies the spirit and legacy of Brother Barnabas.”
Though Father Salvador never earned the rank of Eagle Scout, his commitment to Scouting has remained unwavering.
“I left Scouting when I was about 15 to help with my family’s grocery store,” he recalled. “I was a Cub Scout in Pack 17 at St.
John the Baptist. For years, Catholic Scouting was common. Now, Scouting has become more secular, but its faith-based mission remains vital,” he said.
Ordained in 1974, Fr. Salvador served as pastor at several parishes across southeastern Massachusetts—including Holy Ghost Parish in Attleboro, SS. Peter & Paul at Holy Cross Church in Fall River, and St. George Parish in Westport—before retiring in 2017. Throughout his ministry, he remained a driving force in the diocese’s Catholic Scouting efforts.
Vicar General Father
David Frederici, another local priest involved in scouting, said Fr. Salvador is deserving of the award.
“Fr. Salvador has faithfully served the Diocese of Fall River as a priest for over 50 years, many of those years involved in Catholic Scouting. In addition to his service as the Diocesan Scout Chaplain, he has served as Region I Chaplain and National Chaplain for the National Catholic Committee on
very proud of him and his efforts.
‘‘Under the guidance of leaders like Fr. Salvador, Catholic Scouting programs have helped thousands of youth connect faith with service and leadership,” he said.
initiatives.
Scouting and as Chaplain for International Scouting. His commitment to using the Scouting program to bring youth to Christ is admirable and has made the difference in the lives of thousands of young people in the Diocese of Fall River. Even in retirement he continues to work to provide scouts the opportunity to use scouting to grow not only as good citizens, but as good Catholics. It is for this reason that he was honored by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and why we are
These programs, supported by the NCCS, offer religious emblems like “Family of God” and “Spirit Alive,” which complement sacramental preparation. Scouts also participate in faith-based activities—such as the Rosary and Marian series— designed to deepen their understanding of Catholic tradition.
Fr. Salvador’s leadership extended well beyond the Diocese of Fall River. He has held multiple national roles with the NCCS, including National Chaplain (2010–2013), Associate National Chaplain, Diocesan and Regional Chaplain, and advisor to the Conference Committee.
Currently, he serves as Chair of the Chaplain Committee and continues to advise on ke y NCCS
His service has also been global. Fr. Salvador has represented Catholic Scouting at international events, including the World Scout Jamboree in Japan, and serves as advisor to the NCCS’s International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) Committee. He regularly attends ICCS of the Americas meetings, promoting the values of Catholic Scouting worldwide.
His extensive contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, the St. George and Silver St. George Emblems, and the Brotherhood of Saint George Award from ICCS. Father Salvador remains deeply committed to his ministry and the mission of Catholic Scouting. Through his quiet service and steadfast faith, he continues to shape future generations—not just as Scouts, but as faithful, service-oriented Catholics.
Retired priest Father Stephen Salvador displays his Brother Barnabas McDonald Founders Award for Scouting in his backyard garden.
Father Stephen Salvador (second from right) is presented with the award by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.
In historic first, priests in Diocese to consecrate themselves to St. John Vianney
FALL RIVER — As part of the “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” underway in the Diocese of Fall River, priests from across the Diocese will gather on August 4 to consecrate themselves to the patron saint of parish priests, Saint John Vianney.
Together with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in the context of Evening Prayer, they will entrust themselves and their priestly ministry to the intercession of the saint who is seen as a model of holiness and remembered for his dedication to the priesthood.
“Saint John Vianney stands before us like a spiritual father,” Bishop da
Cunha wrote in a recent letter to his priests.
The consecration will take place on the Feast of Saint John Vianney, who lived from 1786 to 1859 and ministered in France, and during the ongoing celebration of the centenary of his canonization.
“This moment of consecration will be a time of renewal and commitment, entrusting our priesthood to his intercession so that we may become ever more faithful shepherds of God’s people,” the Bishop explained.
The three-year “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative,” launched last December, is an innovative effort to strengthen priests in the Diocese of Fall River so they can, in turn, renew its parishes and the whole Church. It specified “priest-centric priorities,” among them the need for priestly well-being and holiness. This entrustment is part of the response to that need.
Parishioners have been invited do their part to support their priests. The Diocese is urging the lay faithful to unite spiritually with their priests on August 4th by praying for them and their ministry.
“Their strength is our strength,” said Matthew Robinson, who is director of the Office of Clergy Support in the Diocese. “Their holiness is the seedbed of vibrant parishes. This is a moment of grace for our Diocese.”
Parishioners are encouraged to offer this prayer over the next few
weeks, but especially on August 4th.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, intercede for our priests as they consecrate themselves to you. Inspire them with your zeal, sustain them in their trials, and enkindle in their hearts the fire of Christ's love. May they be shepherds after the Heart of Jesus, leading their people to holiness. Strengthen them in their vocation so that, through their renewed priesthood, our parishes may flourish, and our Church may be made strong. Amen.
There is also another opportunity for parishioners to support priests in anticipation of their August 4th consecration to St. John Vianney.
The Office of Clergy Support has made available an online form for anyone to easily offer a message of congratulations and encouragement as a sign of gratitude for the ministry and service of priests in the Diocese. The message may be of any length. All of them will be gathered and given to priests after their consecration as a tangible reminder of the prayers and support from those whom they serve.
“It only takes a minute to make a difference. Your words mean much more to the men who have given their lives to serve Christ and His Church,” said Robinson of the Clergy Support Office.
Visit the Diocesan website at www.fallriverdiocese.org to submit your message.
August 1, 2025
Around the Diocese
Foundation to Advance Catholic Education summer happenings on Cape Cod
A summer tradition that raises funds to support student scholarships will be taking place again this August. The 28th Annual FACE Summer Gala on Cape Cod will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Wianno Club in Osterville from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The evening will offer a gourmet dinner, auction, raffle, student speaker as well as honor the recipient of the Al Makkay, Sr. Award. The evening will be hosted by Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., together with Event Chairs Tom and Pat Marmen of Cotuit.
The FACE summer committee has been hard at work planning this special event and coordinating prizes for the Auction and Raffle, including a Chatham Bars Inn Getaway, Nantucket Getaway, Ireland Getaway at the luxurious 5-star resort Dromoland Castle, Andrea Bocelli in Concert at TD Garden, and Savannah Southern Charm Getaway. To purchase tickets and reserve a seat for this fantastic night on Cape Cod or to donate or sponsor, please visit https://www.face-dfr.org/28th-annual-face-summer-gala
Shortly after the Summer Gala, Team FACE will be participating for the 5th year in the 2025 Numbers for Non-profits program as part of the 53rd annual Falmouth Road Race.
Team FACE participants are Dan Briand, Father Matthew Laird, Deacon David Laird, Jack McCormick, Chuck Papalia, Laura Russo, Gabby Roy, and Olivia Roy. Team captain Jane Robin and her daughter, Cassandra Robin, are also joining as well as fundraising for FACE.
The In Person Race will take place in Falmouth on Sunday August 17, 2025 and the At-Home Edition takes place from Saturday, August 9 through Saturday, August 16, 2025, during which time runners participate in the 7-mile challenge in their own neighborhood.
Support for Team FACE runners benefits student scholarships for children to attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River.
For more information, please contact Jane Robin, Team Captain, at jrobin@catholicfoundationsema.org or to donate, please view the link at https://raceroster.com/ events/2025/99641/the-2025asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/ team/754452
Fall River Diocesan Catholic Council of Woman sponsoring a trip to ride the Turkey Dinner Train in New Hampshire on October 10
Join the DCCW for the perfect Foliage Day Trip. Begin your day with a beautiful scenic drive up to Meredith, New Hampshire where riders will board the Winnipesaukee “Turkey Train” at the Hobo Railroad. This two hour scenic train ride through the countryside of New Hampshire is complete with a delicious full turkey dinner. This exceptional turkey meal is provided by Hart’s Turkey Farm.
Following the lunch train excursion, daytrippers will board the motorcoach and head to Moulton Farm, in the heart of the Lakes Region. The farm dates back to 1890’s and has so much to offer.
Cost is $140.00 and includes:
St. Julie's Parish Women's Conference to be held on September 6th
The Ladies Guild of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth invites women of the parish, the surrounding area, and the Diocese of Fall River to join them in the second Catholic Women’s Conference to be held in the St. Julie Parish hall on Saturday, September 6, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Early Registration (May 1st – August 6th) costs $40 and $50 for late registration (August 7th –August 30th)
The cost includes morning pastry and lunch. To register, go to www.saintjulies.org
round trip transportation, train ride and lunch.
For Reservations, Please Contact: in New Bedford: Sharon Vieira 508-889-2600; in Fall River: Laura Cousineau 508-674-3361; in Westport: Lynette Ouellette 508-6747036; in Taunton: Fran Brezinski 774-218-2693.
Checks should be payable to: Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women or FRDCCW. The last payment is due on September 3. Send checks to: Fran Brezinski, 1539 Stanzione Drive, North Dighton, MA 02764
A minimum of 40 adults are needed for this trip to take place.
Wanted: Marriage Ministry Mentors
Are you a Catholic married couple ready to inspire others? Become a Marriage Ministry Mentor in the Diocese of Fall River. Receive training, formation, guidance, and resources and help prepare engaged couples for their Sacrament of Matrimony. If interested, please contact Irina Robinson, Family and Respect Life Director, at irobinson@dioc-fr.org / 508-669-7966 or Deborah LeDoux, Family and Respect Life Coordinator at dledoux@dioc-fr.org / 508-658-2956.
Daily Readings † August 2 — September 5
Sat. Aug. 2: Lv 25: 1. 8-17/ Ps 67: 2-3. 5. 7-8/ Mt 14: 1-12
Sun. Aug. 3: Eccl 1: 2; 2: 21-23/ Ps 90: 3-4. 5-6. 12-13. 14. 17 (1)/ Col 3: 1-5. 9-11/ Lk 12: 13-21
Mon. Aug. 4: Nm 11: 4b-15/ Ps 81: 12-13. 14-15. 16-17/ Mt 14: 22-36; otherwise, Mt 14:13-21
Tues. Aug. 5: Nm 12: 1-13/ Ps 51: 3-4. 5-6ab. 6cd-7. 12-13/ Mt 14: 22-36 or Mt 15: 1-2. 10-14
Wed. Aug. 6: Dn 7: 9-10. 13-14/ Ps 97: 1-2. 5-6. 9/ 2 Pt 1: 16-19/ Lk 9: 28b36
Thurs. Aug. 7: Nm 20: 1-13/ Ps 95: 1-2. 6-7. 8-9/ Mt 16: 13-23
Fri. Aug. 8: Dt 4: 32-40/ Ps 77: 12-13. 14-15. 16 and 21/ Mt 16: 24-28
Sat. Aug. 9: Dt 6: 4-13/ Ps 18: 2-3a. 3c-4. 47 and 51/ Mt 17: 14-20
Sun. Aug. 10: Wis 18: 6-9/ Ps 33: 1. 12. 18-19. 20-22 (12b)/ Heb 11: 1-2. 8-19/ Lk 12: 32-48
Mon. Aug. 11: Dt 10: 12-22/ Ps 147: 12-13. 14-15. 19-20/ Mt 17: 22-27
Tues. Aug. 12: Dt 31: 1-8/ Dt 32: 3-4ab. 7. 8. 9 and 12/ Mt 18: 1-5. 10. 12-14
Wed. Aug. 13: Dt 34: 1-12/ Ps 66: 1-3a. 5 and 8. 16-17/ Mt 18: 15-20
Thurs. Aug. 14: Jos 3: 7-10a. 11. 13-17/ Ps 114: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6/ Mt 18: 21 19: 1
Fri. Aug. 15: Vigil: 1Chr 15: 3-4. 15-16; 16: 1-2/ Ps 132: 6-7. 9-10. 13-14/ 1 Cor 15: 54b-57/ Lk 11: 27-28. Day: Rv 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a. 10ab/ Ps 45: 10. 11. 12. 16/ 1 Cor 15: 20-27/ Lk 1: 39-56
Sat. Aug. 16: Jos 24: 14-29/ Ps 16: 1-2a and 5. 7-8. 11/ Mt 19: 13-15
Sun. Aug. 17: Jer 38: 4-6. 8-10/ Ps 40: 2. 3. 4. 18 (14b)/ Heb 12: 1-4/ Lk 12: 49-53
Mon. Aug. 18:Jgs 2: 11-19/ Ps 106: 34-35. 36-37. 39-40. 43ab and 44/ Mt 19: 16-22
Tues. Aug. 19: Jgs 6: 11-24a/ Ps 85: 9. 11-12. 13-14/ Mt 19: 23-30
Wed. Aug. 20: Jgs 9: 6-15/ Ps 21: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Mt 20: 1-16
Thurs. Aug. 21: Jgs 11: 29-39a/ Ps 40: 5. 7-8a. 8b-9. 10/ Mt 22: 1-14
Fri. Aug. 22: Ru 1: 1. 3-6. 14b-16. 22/ Ps 146: 5-6ab. 6c-7. 8-9a. 9bc-10/ Mt 22: 34-40
Sat. Aug. 23: Ru 2: 1-3. 8-11; 4: 13-17/ Ps 128: 1b-2. 3. 4. 5/ Mt 23: 1-12
Sun. Aug. 24: Is 66: 18-21/ Ps 117: 1. 2/ Heb 12: 5-7. 11-13/ Lk 13: 22-30
Mon. Aug. 25: 1 Thes 1: 1-5. 8b-10/ Ps 149: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6a and 9b/ Mt 23: 13-22
Tues. Aug. 26: 1 Thes 2: 1-8/ Ps 139: 1-3. 4-6/ Mt 23: 23-26
Wed. Aug. 27: 1 Thes 2: 9-13/ Ps 139: 7-8. 9-10. 11-12ab/ Mt 23: 27-32
Thurs. Aug. 28: 1 Thes 3: 7-13/ Ps 90: 3-5a. 12-13. 14 and 17/ Mt 24: 42-51
Fri. Aug. 29:1 Thes 4: 1-8/ Ps 97: 1 and 2b. 5-6. 10. 11-12/ Mk 6: 17-29
Sat. Aug. 30: 1 Thes 4: 9-11/ Ps 98: 1. 7-8. 9/ Mt 25: 14-30
Sun. Aug. 31: Sir 3: 17-18. 20. 28-29/ Ps 68: 4-5. 6-7. 10-11/ Heb 12: 1819. 22-24a/ Lk 14: 1. 7-14
Mon. Sept. 1: 1 Thes 4: 13-18/ Ps 96: 1 and 3. 4-5. 11-12. 13/ Lk 4: 16-30. Tues. Sept. 2: 1 Thes 5: 1-6. 9-11/ Ps 27: 1. 4. 13-14/ Lk 4: 31-37
Wed. Sept. 3: Col 1: 1-8/ Ps 52: 10. 11/ Lk 4: 38-44
Thurs. Sept. 4: Col 1: 9-14/ Ps 98: 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Lk 5: 1-11
Fri. Sept. 5: Col 1: 15-20/ Ps 100: 1b-2. 3. 4. 5/ Lk 5: 33-39
August 1, 2025
In Your Prayers
Please pray for these bishops, priests and deacons during the coming weeks:
Aug. 5
Rev. Martin J. Fox, Founder, St. Paul, Taunton, 1917
Rev. Thomas A. Kelly, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1934
Rev. Deacon Robert W. Pelland, 2016
Aug. 6
Rev. Joseph P. Lyons, Pastor, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1961
Aug. 7
Rev. John F. Hogan, Pastor, St. Julie Billiart, North Dartmouth, 1986
Very Rev. Roger L. Gagne, V. F., Pastor, St. Mark, Attleboro Falls, 1987
Aug. 8
Rev. William Bric, Founder, St. Joseph, Fall River, 1880
Aug. 12
Rev. Victor O. Masse, M.S., Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 1974
Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home; Former Pastor, St. Elizabeth Seton, North Falmouth; Former Executive Editor of The Anchor; Former diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate Office, 2018
Aug. 13
Rev. Edward J. Sheridan, Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1896
Rt. Rev. Leonard J. Daley, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1964
Rev. Gabriel Swol, OFM Conv., Former Associate Pastor, Holy Rosary, Taunton, 1991
Aug. 14
Rev. Raphael Marciniak, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1947
Rev. Conrad Lamb, O.S.B., Missionary in Guatemala, 1969
Aug. 15
Rev. Charles W. Cullen, Founder, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1926
Aug. 16
Rev. James O’Reilly, 1856
Aug. 17
Rev. Cornelius O’Connor, Former Pastor, Holy Trinity, Harwich Center, 1882
Aug. 18
Rev. Msgr. William H. Dolan, Retired Pastor, Holy Family, East Taunton, 1977
Rev. Joseph M. Quinn, C.S.C., 2007
Aug. 20
Rev. Bernard H. Unsworth, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1982
Rev. Thomas Cantwell, SSJ, Retired, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Washington, 1983
Aug. 21
Most Rev. Lawrence S. McMahon, Bishop of Hartford, Former Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1893
Aug. 22
Rev. Msgr. Manuel J. Teixeira, Pastor, St. Anthony, Taunton, 1962
Rev. William R. Jordan, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1972
Rev. Msgr. Joseph C. Canty, USN Retired Chaplain; Retired Pastor, St. Paul,
Taunton, 1980
Msgr. John F. Denehy, USAF Retired Chaplain, 2003
Aug. 23
Rev. Thomas F. Clinton, Pastor, St. Peter, Sandwich, 1895
Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of the Angels, Fall River, 1992
Aug. 24
Rev. Peter J.B. Bedard, Founder, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1884
Very Rev. James F. Gilchrist, CPM VG, Vicar General of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy, 1962
Rev. Msgr. James E. Gleason, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Falmouth, 1987
Aug. 25
Rev. Joseph F. Hanna, C.S.C, Founder, Holy Cross, South Easton, 1974
Rev. Thomas E. Lawton, C.S.C., Holy Cross Retreat House, North Easton, 2002
Aug. 27
Rt. Rev. Francisco C. Bettencourt, Pastor, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1960
Rev. Msgr. Hugh A. Gallagher, P. A., Retired Pastor, St. James, New Bedford, 1978
Rev James Tobin, C.S.C., 2008
Rev. Edward Callens, SS.CC., 2006
Aug. 28
Rev. Thomas L. Campbell, C.S.C., 2012
Aug. 29
Rev. Joseph DeVillandre, D.D., Founder, Sacred Heart, North Attleboro, 1921
Rev. Msgr. William H. Harrington, Retired Pastor, Holy Name, Fall River, 1975
Rev. William Dillon, SS.CC., 1993
Aug. 30
Rev. Frederick Meyers, SS.CC., Former Pastor, Our Lady of the Assumption, New Bedford, 2008
Aug. 31
Rev. Thomas M. Landry, O.P., Former Pastor, St. Anne, Fall River, 1996
Sept. 1
Rev. Jorge J. de Sousa, Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 1985
Rev. James F. Lyons, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 2008
Sept. 2
Rev. Paul O. Robinson, O.Carm., Former Diocesan Judicial Vicar, 2018
Sept. 3
Rev. Thomas J. McGee, D.D., Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1912
Sept. 4
Rev. Joseph P. Tallon, Pastor, St. Mary, New Bedford, 1864
Rev. John J. Maguire, Founder, St. Peter the Apostle, Provincetown, 1894
Sept. 5
Rev. Napoleon, A. Messier, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1948
† August 1, 2025
Maria (Machado) Mathias, mother of Father Gregory Mathias, dies
Maria Mathias was born in the village of Cedros on the Island of Faial, Azores, Portugal on May 22, 1934, to Joseph and Maria (Andrade) Machado. She was the oldest of seven siblings and came to the United States in 1950, where she became a naturalized citizen, ultimately settling in Seekonk with her family.
Maria married August "Gus" Mathias in 1959. After living for a short time in Providence and Rehoboth, they ultimately settled in Seekonk where they raised their family. They were married for 62 years.
Maria was a homemaker. but she also worked at a variety of jobs during her life. She was a skilled seamstress by trade, and she crafted many items of clothing and home decor over the years. She expressed her love for others through her cooking and baking and was known for her hospitality and for bringing the family together for the holidays and special occasions.
Along with her family, the most important aspect of her life was her Catholic-Christian Faith which she practiced through daily
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel
Sunday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Santo Christo Church, Fall River ***
Sunday, August 10 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Providence
Sunday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Anthony Church, Taunton
Sunday, August 24 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River
Sunday, August 31 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Michael Church, Fall River
devotions and as a long-time member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Seekonk. Her family commends her to the Lord to be received into the fullness of life promised in the Holy Gospel.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gus, her sister Connie Bienvenue, and her brother Manuel Machado.
She is survived by her son, Rev. Gregory A. Mathias, her daughter Lynn M. Rose (Gary), as well as her grandchildren, Matthew, Jaclyn and Shelley with whom she shared many joyful times during their growing years. She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph Machado Jr, Evelyn Fillo, Lucy Lusignan, and Christine Bolton.
In her later years she was especially grateful for the support of family, friends and neighbors who visited her and cared for her regularly.
Donations in Maria's memory may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 984 Taunton Ave. Seekonk MA 02771 or to the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern MA. www.catholicfoundationsema. org/appeal/
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Sunday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Laurent Valliere, Pastor, St. Julie Billiart Parish, Dartmouth
Sunday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Anthony V. Szakaly, CSC, Director of Campus Ministry, Stonehill College, Easton
Sunday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Aaron Morris, CSC, Campus Ministry, Stonehill College, Easton
Sunday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Ryan Healy, Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet
Sunday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Freddie Babiczuk, Pastor, St. Joseph and St. Michael Parishes, Fall River
August 1, 2025
