The Holy Spirit is Moving By David G. Carvalho
Diocesan Faith Formation Senior Director dcarvalho@dioc-Fatherorg
FALL RIVER — The Holy Spirit is moving. On May 18, Pentecost Sunday, the eastern route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage departed St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, CT, one of 4 routes across the country, which will all reach the same destination in the National Eucharistic Congress on July 18th. On May 23, Pope Francis approved the recognition of the second miracle attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis’ intercession, clearing the way for the canonization of this Eucharistic, not to mention the first millennial, saint to be celebrated in 2025. On June 1 and 2, Corpus Christi weekend, 17 different Eucharistic processions took place in our diocese. While some were a continuation of annual parish devotions, others were a new addition to their parish’s observance of Corpus Christi. Spanning from South Attleboro to Orleans and from Taunton to Nantucket, the Eucharist was adored in public acts of devotion throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape and the Islands. And parishes across the diocese continue increasing opportunities for Eucharistic formation and devotion in their parishes. While various parishes are concluding Eucharistic formation series, others are beginning. Parishes such as Annunciation of the Lord in Taunton, St. Nicholas in Dighton, Our Lady of the Assumption of Fall River, Espirito Santo and St. Anthony in Fall River, Holy Rosary Chapel in Taunton and St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family in Falmouth will all soon be commencing Eucharistic formation series during the summer, join-
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ing previous and similar efforts made by parishes across Norton, Taunton, Seekonk, Somerset, Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Mattapoisett and Marion, Wareham, Pocasset, East Sandwich, West Harwich and Chatham. Add to this that several parishes and locations have further increased efforts to promote the Eucharist in new ways. Parishes such as St Nicholas, Annunciation of the Lord, Our
sharing fruits, from increased sign-ups for adoration in their parish, to better – and consistent – attendance at formation efforts than anticipated, to the desire from parishioners for more formation. Certainly, there remains work to be done as to share the good news of the Eucharist and call individuals to a relationship with Christ. It will always be the ordinary Mass-going Catholic who
Lady of Mount Carmel in New Bedford, or Holy Trinity in Fall River offering are Eucharistic books to Mass-goers. St. Anne’s Shrine held a Eucharistic Weekend on Corpus Christi, including a new Adoration Chapel open to the public. The Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit, first designed by Bl. Carlo Acutis, was on display at Corpus Christi in East Sandwich, Taunton Catholic North, and St. Anne’s Shrine, with summer exhibitions already scheduled for St. Pius X in Yarmouth, Holy Rosary in Taunton, and Good Shepherd in Fall River. In these and other ways, individuals have been invited to encounter, or re-encounter, the good news that Jesus desires to remain with us until the end of the ages, in particular through His Real Presence in the Eucharist. And parishes have been
has the greatest opportunity to reach those missing in the pews to reconnect with a family member or friend who has fallen away from the Church. That has been precisely what the aforementioned efforts have allowed for, as they have facilitated two important occurrences for this everyday evangelization to take place. First, they have allowed Catholics to have a renewed encounter with the Eucharistic Lord and delve deeper into devotion. Second, they have provided Catholics, who have engaged in formation efforts, with language to explain and discuss this good news with others. Both of these are necessary for good, day-to-day evangelization that can continue well beyond the Eucharistic Revival.
This is the precisely the hope; that aided by a time set-aside with a particular focus, a wave of Catholics will be more confident to seek the Lord and aid others in doing the same, using the habits, knowledge, and devotion gained during this period of revival. Rather than a one-and-done, it is a continuous work; an on-going revival. This is because in every age the Lord raises up individuals for the work of sharing the Good News in word and action. By Baptism, God has called each and every one of us to this work. And parishes continue in this work, as our diocese continues to celebrate 120 years of engaging in this work, and as the Church around the world observes a Year of Prayer, we are led to the Upper Room where we pray the Spirit will move, albeit we do not yet know how. On September 7th at Bishop Connolly High School, our diocese will gather in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, seeking to encounter the Eucharistic Lord and be filled with the Holy Spirit. As the day draws closer, and registrations continue to come in, individuals and families, young and old alike are invited to come to this Upper Room. What if we all join together, in one place, in one prayer? What if the Spirit moves powerfully that day? What if individuals are able to find the peace, healing, and conversion they seek? What if? And, just as importantly, why not? Why not now? Certainly, such an encounter, healing, and prayer are needed now more than ever. If you have not already, please visit https://bit.ly/Euch24 to register for the Diocesan Eucharistic Encounter. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is moving.