D iocese of f all R ive R , M ass . † f R i D ay , M ay 2, 2025
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — Members of the Diocese of Fall River gathered to remember and to pray for the peaceful repose of Pope Francis at a Memorial Mass on Monday, April 28, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., was the principal celebrant of the Mass and homilist.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He was 88, and had suffered double pneumonia this year, but his death
came as a shock after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday, suggesting his convalescence was going well.
His funeral was held on Saturday, April 26, followed by nine days of official mourning, known as the ‘‘Novemdiales”.
Special Masses and prayers are offered each day for the repose of the pontiff’s soul.
At the Mass at the cathedral, hundreds of worshipers of all ages gathered to pray for Pope Francis, some openly weeping as others reflected on his papacy.
8 Turn to page eight
The 84th Annual Catholic Appeal, Hope Lights the Way, began on May 1. Turn to page 4 for details on the appeal.
Pope Francis: A Look Back
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and entered the Society of Jesus at age 21. Following his ordination in 1969, he served as a Jesuit provincial, seminary rector, and professor before St. John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992. He became archbishop of the Argentine capital in 1998 and was created cardinal in 2001.
The election of Cardinal Bergoglio on March 13, 2013, at age 76 marked several historic firsts: He became the first Jesuit pope, the
8 Turn to page nine
May 2, 2025
A Memorial Mass for Pope Francis on Monday, April 28 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption was a simple yet beautiful time for his followers to pay respects as a community. Bishop Edgar da Cunha lead the Mass that drew hundreds of mourners.
† Diocese of fall RiveR † official appointments
Diocese of Fall River OFFICIAL
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments:
Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Avila, V.P., from Pastor of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth, to Senior Pastor of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish in Falmouth
Effective April 1, 2025
Reverend John P. Garabedian, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, while remaining Associate Director of Vocations
Reverend Balaswamy Thippabathini, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, to Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville
Effective April 22, 2025
Reverend Marek Chmurski, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony-Saint Rita Parish in Mattapoisett, which includes Saint Anthony Parish in Mattapoisett and Saint Rita of Cascia Parish in Marion, to Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee
Reverend Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Martha’s Vineyard, which includes Saint Augustine Church in Vineyard Haven, Saint Elizabeth Church in Edgartown and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs, to Pastor of Saint Anthony-Saint Rita Parish in Mattapoisett, which includes Saint Anthony Church in Mattapoisett and Saint Rita of Cascia Church in Marion
Reverend Christopher D. Hughes, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, while remaining Chaplain at Saint John Paul II High School in Hyannis
Reverend Joseph Pasala, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Mary Parish in Norton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard, which includes Saint Augustine Church in Vineyard Haven, Saint Elizabeth Church in Edgartown and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs
Reverend William M. Rodrigues, from Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, to Pastor of Saint Anthony and Saint Jude the Apostle Parishes in Taunton
Reverend Christopher Stanibula, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony, Saint Jude the Apostle and Saint Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Norton
Effective June 18, 2025
Very Reverend Gregory A. Mathias, V.F., from Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, and Interim Dean of the Cape Cod Deanery, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Mansfield
Effective June 23, 2025
† Diocese of fall RiveR † official appointments
Reverend German Correa Agudelo, from Parochial Administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe at Saint James Parish in New Bedford, to Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Saint James Parish in New Bedford
Reverend Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Vicar at Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Good Shepherd and Saint Stanislaus Parishes in Fall River
Reverend Kevin A. Cook, from Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, to Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parishes in New Bedford
Reverend David C. Deston, Jr., from Parochial Administrator at Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton and Saint Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton and Saint Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton
Reverend Gerard A. Hebert, from Pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in Assonet, to Senior Priest at Saint Michael Parish in Fall River
Reverend Matthew F. Laird, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Ann Parish in Raynham, to Pastor of Saint Ann Parish in Raynham
Reverend Juan Carlos Munoz-Montoya, from Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Good Shepherd and Saint Stanislaus Parishes in Fall River, to Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford
Reverend Daniel M. Nunes, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford and Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, to Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River
Reverend William J. O’Donnell III, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Mary Parish in South Dartmouth, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in South Dartmouth
Reverend Gregory K. Quenneville, Parochial Administrator at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in South Attleboro, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk
Reverend Michael Racine, from Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parishes in New Bedford and Parochial Administrator of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford, to Pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in Assonet and Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown
Reverend John A. Raposo, from Co-Pastor in Solidum of Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish in New Bedford, to Senior Priest at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish in New Bedford
Reverend Laurent M. Valliere, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth, to Pastor of Saint Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth
Effective July 1, 2025
Diocese of Fall River OFFICIAL
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of:
Reverend Michael K. McManus, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Mansfield
Effective June 23, 2025
84th Annual Catholic Appeal “HOPE LIGHTS THE WAY”
Across the Diocese of Fall River since 1942, the Catholic Appeal has served as a bedrock of support for the Catholic faith in the region and countless good works aiding thousands of individuals and families each year.
walk and not grow faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Donors to the Appeal and recipients of the many programs that its funds support are both tied to the power of hope. As this year’s theme reminds us, Hope Lights the Way:
“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary,
In the video message to his “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ” announcing this year’s Catholic Appeal, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. reminds the faithful of the Diocese about the “powerful programs and services” that the Appeal supports.These vital ministries, providing food, shelter, education, faith formation, support for priests and parishes, and more are made possible thanks to contributions from thousands of donors who heed the call to give. These gifts of all sizes provide sustenance and support across southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
Miriam Finn Sherman, CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts that manages the Appeal’s fundraising efforts,shared
“The Catholic Appeal is a beacon of hope for our Diocese, shining a light on so many vital ministries and helping to make both corpal and spiritual works happen. Each year it is humbling to see the amazing response of donors who give so generously.”
This year’s goal is to raise $5 million to help fuel areas including basic needs assistance, food pantries, emergency shelters, ministry to the sick, campus ministry, faith formation and educational programs, and a variety of additional pastoral endeavors. New this year is a Parish Incentive Program that will reward those parishes whose parishioners respond strongly to the call for support. The winning parishes will be determined by the percentage of parishioners who contribute to the 84th Catholic Appeal. Within each Deanery, the top
three performing parishes will receive awards as follows:
1st Place; $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000
The awards are unrestricted—the parish may determine how to spend its award in any way to benefit the parish.
To watch Bishop da Cunha’s full message announcing the 84th Annual Catholic Appeal, Hope Lights the Way, and its importance please visit: vimeo.com/1064843868
For more information and to make a gift, please visit Catholic Appeal’s giving page: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/appeal.
What happens when the Pope dies? The Church’s ancient rituals begin anew
The papal transition is a deeply spiritual and highly ritualized process that ensures continuity and stability within the Catholic Church. From the first moments following a pope’s death to the election of his successor, every detail is imbued with centuries of tradition and reverence.
Day 1: The Death of the Pope
With the passing of the Holy Father, a centuries-old process unfolds. The Camerlengo, or Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, officially confirms the death of the Pope. In a solemn ritual, the Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring and official seal are destroyed to prevent any possibility of forgery.
This marks the beginning of the Sede Vacante—the period during which the See of Peter is vacant. Until a new pope is elected, the Catholic Church is without its spiritual leader.
Days
1–9:
Mourning and Funeral Rites
The body of the pope is placed in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. A funeral Mass is held four
to six days after death, followed by nine days of official mourning—known as the Novemdiales. Special Masses and prayers are offered each day for the repose of the pontiff's soul.
Days 1–15 (or up to 20): Preparing for the Conclave
Cardinals under the age of 80 are summoned to Rome—typically around 120 in total, but this year there are 135 who under 80 years of age. They meet daily in General Congregations to manage day-today Church affairs and prepare for the conclave. Meanwhile, the Sistine Chapel is cleaned, sealed, and secured to maintain the secrecy of the proceedings.
The cardinals take up residence in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House), a Vatican guesthouse.
Days 15–20: The Conclave Begins
No earlier than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the pope’s death (unless all cardinals are present and a decree permits an earlier start), the conclave begins. This conclave is scheduled to
begin May 7. The cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy, and the doors are locked behind them with the declaration, extra omnes—"everyone out."
The Voting Process
The cardinals cast up to four ballots per day—two in the morning, two in the afternoon. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. Black smoke signals no decision has been reached. White smoke announces the election of a new pope.
The Election of a New Pope
Once a candidate is chosen, he is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name, dons the traditional white garments, and steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The world then hears the historic words: “Habemus Papam!”—“We have a Pope!”
Sede Vacante: A Time of Prayer and Hope
As the Church awaits new leadership, the faithful pray for guidance and wisdom for the College of Cardinals.
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Pope Francis waves to his faithful followers and prays at a Christmas Mass.
Editorial
As all in the Church continue to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Pope Francis, give thanks to God for his life and witness, and assess his papal legacy, it’s fitting, indeed essential, to each all within the perspective of how he himself viewed his life and divine calling.
He summed it up at the very moment his pontificate began.
Immediately after he on March 13, 2013 received more than the two-thirds majority of votes and the senior cardinal asked him in Latin whether he accepted his canonical election as Supreme Pontiff, he didn’t reply with the normal, straightforward response of “Accepto,” but rather, in beautiful Latin, “I am a sinner, but having relied upon the mercy and infinite patience of our Lord Jesus Christ and in a spirit of penance, I accept.” His papacy literally commenced by a public confession of his sinfulness, his desire for penance, and his trust in divine mercy.
When he was asked in an early interview with Jesuit magazines to describe himself, he replied, “I am a sinner whom the Lord has looked upon” with mercy, adding, “I always felt my motto, Miserando atque Eligendo, was very true for me,” meaning that the Lord, having looked upon him with merciful love [miserando], chose him [eligendo] first to be a priest and religious, then a bishop, and finally the successor of St. Peter.
His motto takes us back to the recognition of his priestly vocation, which happened on Sept. 21, 1953, the Feast of St. Matthew, when he was 16. The young Jorge Bergoglio stopped into his parish church to say a quick prayer and saw a priest he didn’t know. On the spur of the moment, he asked to go to confession. Five minutes later, Jorge exited convinced — and shocked — that God was calling him to be a priest. Even though his request seemed spontaneous, he understood that God had already been waiting for him there to fill him with his mercy and to make him a messenger and minister of that mercy to others.
Reflecting years later on his call, he was moved by the commentary
† May 2, 2025
PoPE Francis: MisErando atquE EligEndo
of St. Bede the Venerable that the Church ponders every feast of St. Matthew: Jesus “saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him [miserando atque eligendo], he said to him: ‘Follow me.’” He saw the three words of his motto as the summary of his life, priesthood, episcopacy and papacy.
In a pre-papal interview, he elaborated, “For me,” he said, “feeling oneself a sinner is one of the most beautiful things that can happen, if it leads to its ultimate consequences. … When a person becomes conscious that he is a sinner and is saved by Jesus, … he discovers the greatest thing in life, that there is someone who loves him profoundly, who gave his life for him.” He lamented that many Catholics have sadly not had this fundamental Christian experience. “There are people who believe the right things, who have received catechesis and accepted the Christian faith in some way, but who do not have the experience of having been saved … and who therefore lack the experience of who they are. I believe that only we great sinners have this grace.”
On the first Sunday of his papacy, he said in his inaugural Angelus message from the papal apartment before a crowd of 300,000, that he hoped that we all we have that grace. “The Lord,” he proclaimed with joyful enthusiasm, “never tires of forgiving: never! It is we who tire of asking for his forgiveness. Let us ask for the grace never to tire of asking for what God never tires to give.”
Later in his papacy, he said that the “whole Gospel, all of Christianity,” is contained in the joy God has in forgiving us. The “most profound mission of Jesus,” he stated, “is the redemption of all of us sinners.”
Mercy is God’s “most powerful message,” God’s “name” and “identity card.” Mercy, he added, is “the very foundation of the Church’s life” and her “primary task.” It is the “force that can save man and the world.”
That’s one of the reasons why, from 2015-2016, he convoked a Jubilee of Mercy, to help the Church to “rediscover the meaning of the
mission entrusted to her by the Lord on the day of Easter: to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s mercy.”
That’s why he instituted the Missionaries of Mercy, originally about 1,100 of the 410,000 priests in the world, to be “persuasive preachers of mercy,” and “living signs of the Father’s readiness to welcome those in search of his forgiveness” through their dedication to hearing confessions, and eventually incorporated this work into the Constitution of the Church. That’s why, throughout his papacy, he sought to give greater attention to those he deemed in special need of God’s mercy, to those on the “existential peripheries,” to the lost sheep, rather than those still in the fold.
That preference for the one over the 99 (Lk 15:3-7) was often a source of frustration and confusion for many of the faithful, as the Pope often prioritized meeting with atheist reporters, fallen away Catholics, critics of the Church, LGBT activists, pro-abortion politicians, tarred ecclesiastical figures, and others, rather than with the devout members of the curia, episcopate and flock. This focus on the lost sheep, however, did not mean that he was unaware of, or indulgent toward, their sins. Several times he made a distinction between what he called “sinners” —those who recognized they had fallen and needed God’s forgiveness — and the “corrupt,” which he said referred to those who had become so hardened in sin that they treated vice as virtue and refused to repent. “Mercy exists,” he wrote, “but … if you don’t recognize yourself as a sinner, it means you don’t want to receive it.”
When asked, for example, about his well-known words, “Who am I to judge?,” made in response to a question about a priest caught in a samesex sexual scandal, he clarified, “I prefer that [practicing] homosexuals come to confession, stay close to the Lord, and that we all pray together.”
Most of the news sources that had given his question front page headlines, however, didn’t make room for his clarification.
Pope Francis often spoke and
acted in ways, it must be stated, that confused his message on mercy. While calling people to confession and telling them not to be afraid, he somehow couldn’t refrain from routinely begging priests publicly not to turn the confessional into a “torture chamber,” as if he believed that such words about imaginary sacerdotal sadists would somehow give sinners confidence rather than anxiety. He sometimes seemed to be indulgent toward the publicly corrupt and unrepentant, like certain notorious bishops and priests guilty of sexual abuse as well as dictators and regimes trampling the dignity of their people. And he often seemed merciless in general toward many members of his Curia, conservative political leaders and ecclesiastical figures, those who love the Latin Mass, and diocesan priests and seminarians, who regularly got criticisms that he seemed never to direct to his fellow Jesuits.
Even if, however, his message about mercy may have been muddled by occasional failures to practice what he preached, his emphasis on mercy will be without question one of his greatest legacies. As Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re preached at his funeral, “Pope Francis always placed the Gospel of mercy at the center … and called the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in order to highlight that mercy is the heart of the Gospel.” Pope Francis called the Church to prioritize that mercy, saying that the Church is called to be “above all to be a credible witness to mercy, professing it and living it as the core of the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Now, in the days after his death, we pray that God extend the fullness of his mercy toward Pope Francis and help the Church he led for 12 years — and especially the one whom the Cardinals will prayerfully select to be the successor of St. Peter and Pope Francis — become ever more the credible witness of mercy that will call the world to the Lord who is rich and mercy and through that encounter to conversion and holiness.
Bishop da Cunha shares personal reflections on the passing of Pope Francis
FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has shared the following reflection on the passing of Pope Francis.
Today, I ask all of the faithful of the Diocese of Fall River to join me in praying for the repose of Pope Francis, whom God has called home to his eternal reward. We remember with gratitude the extraordinary life and ministry of this faithful servant, the first Pope from the Americas, who was the 265th successor of St. Peter.
When Pope Francis was elected, the first impression he gave to the world was of a humble servant of God and the Church. At his first appearance on the balcony
of the Apostolic Palace in Rome to greet the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, and those watching all over the world, his actions already signaled that he was a profoundly spiritual and humble man. In a gesture that remains indelibly marked in people’s mind, he bowed down and asked them to pray for him. The next day, headlines around the world captured that gesture and focused on the virtue of humility.
I had the honor of meeting Pope Francis just a few months later when he presided at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July 2013. One of the events included his meeting and lunch
with all Brazilian Bishops. Since I am a Brazilian myself, I was able to get a ticket to take part in that meeting and luncheon. I was able to greet him personally and have a picture taken with him on that memorable occasion.
Another unforgettable experience I had was when the bishops of New England gathered with him at the Vatican during our Ad Limina visit in 2019. Seated in a circle with him, each of us addressed a question to him and he patiently answered each one, giving an in-depth answer no matter what the subject was. We spent well over an hour with him, and he was a real brother to all of us.
Then, as we concluded, each of us had the opportunity to offer a
personal greeting.
Pope Francis leaves a legacy that will remain with the Church and the world for generations to come. His emphasis on the mercy of God and the spirit of Synodality in the Church are trademarks of his papacy and his humble personality. He touched the hearts of countless people with his love, his faith, his humanity and his humility.
In thanksgiving, let us pray for Pope Francis and commend him to the Lord who chose him to serve as his Vicar on earth. May God grant him peace.
During this time of transition, let us also pray for the Church and for the next successor of St. Peter.
Bishop da Cunha converses with Pope Francis at World Youth day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 3013.
Bishop da Cunha and Pope Francis exchange greetings at the Vatican during the Ad Limina visit of New England bishops in 2019.
Faithful pay respects for soul of Pope Francis
8 Continued from page one at Casa Santa Martha, not only for the simplicity, but also for the fact that wanted to be with people, connected with them. The Apostolic Palace for him would be too isolated.
Rosemary DeVeer, a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish in Falmouth made the hour-long drive to the cathedral even though she could have viewed the Mass at home since it was live streamed.
‘‘I love Pope Francis and wanted to be here in person. This is so special and I appreciate the bishop for doing this Mass. The pope was genuine and loving. I admire his openness and acceptance of everyone. We need more of that,” she said.
In his homily, Bishop da Cunha spoke of Pope Francis as ‘The People’s Pope.’
‘‘He decided to live
Even in his final day, he was where he most wanted to be, among the people, to connect with people.”
Bishop da Cunha said.
‘‘What a sign of the simplicity, humility and generosity that touched the hearts of so many.”
The bishop spoke of the timing of the Pope’s passing on Easter Monday and that up until the end, he was full of surprises.
‘‘We mourn his passing while celebrating the joy of Easter and the resurrec-
tion of Jesus. Our time of mourning mustn’t be one of crying and lamenting but a time of remembering and giving thanks to his life and ministry and pray for his eternal rest,” he said.
College students
Hector Aponte and Allison Lee, both of Taunton, traveled to Fall River to pay their respects with the community in mourning.
‘‘It is important to us to be with the Diocese to come together to pray for the soul of the pope and for the whole world, especially at the time of Easter,” Aponte said.
The bishop spoke of the pope’s ability to communicate with groups
Jubilee of Hope and the Saints Pilgrimage with Fr Michael Monette
November 13-18, 2025
Leaving and Returning from St. Kathryn Parish, Hudson, NH
What better way to celebrate this Holy Year than by making a local pilgrimage to the Saints, Blesseds, and Servants of God who make up the history of our nation This six day, five night journey will combine faith and recreation as we visit and learn about those men and women in the Northeastern United States who have already been or who are on their way to being canonized as saints in the Church The saints are truly living witnesses to hope in the power of God! As the Letter to the Hebrews states, "We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses " (Heb 12:1)
Join us this November as we seek their company and intercession and as we ask the Lord to be renewed as pilgrims of hope! For more information, visit https://stkathryns org/skpilgrimage2025 or scan the QR code Registration and Initial Deposit due by May 30, 2025
outside the Catholic faith. He had a vision of a listening Church and a Church marked by synodality and inclusion.
‘‘He was known for his outreach to other religious and bring everyone together as children of God to have a Catholic church that is welcoming to everyone,” he said.
The bishop recalled something he read since the pope’s passing that he found profound.
‘‘‘The pope made the church more human, without making it less sacred’. What a challenge
and a sense of hope for all of us.”
‘‘The pope said that the beauty of being Christian is joyful and a good sense of humor is a certificate of sanity. His Jubilee Year of Hope - Pilgrims of Hope is that hope does not disappoint. Francis did not disappoint,” the bishop said. At the end of Mass before the final blessing, Bishop da Cunha said he thinks Pope Francis would have been happy with his memorial.
‘‘It was simple yet beautiful.”
8 Continued from page one first from the Americas, and the first to choose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s devotion to poverty, peace, and creation.
His 12-year pontificate was characterized by a focus on mercy, care for creation, and attention to what he called the “peripheries” of both the Church and society. He made 47 apostolic journeys outside Italy, though he never visited his native Argentina.
Pope Francis, God’s humble servant
His funeral Mass was held in St. Peter’s Square, in front of the 16th-century basilica. The funeral was presided by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Pope Francis had indicated a desire to be buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome. He was buried in a simple wooden coffin.
During his tenure, Pope Francis canonized 942 saints — more than
any other pope in history — including his predecessors John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. He published four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations while promulgating 75 motu proprio documents.
We mourn his passing – While celebrating the JOY of Easter. Our 9 days of Morning are more days to remember him with gratitude and in prayer.
Pray for him, for the Church and his successor.
May 2, 2025
Bishop da Cunha appointed chairman of USCCB subcommittee on the Church in Latin America
By Joan D. Warren Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. has been appointed as the new chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, a role that will see him lead efforts to support vital Church ministries across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Bishop da Cunha is the only liaison bishop from Brazil among the 10 bishops on the committee, bringing a unique perspective to its mission.
The subcommittee, which has been active since the collection was established in 1965, helps fund essential programs and ministries in regions that face significant barriers to access, such as remote rural areas, a rising secular culture, and a shortage of church leaders. Each year, millions of dollars are raised through the Church in Latin America special collection taken at parishes across the U.S. This collection typically raises around $6 million, which provides crucial financial support to strengthen the Church’s pastoral efforts in Latin America.
“We never have enough funding to support all the needs, and we try to support as many projects as possible,” Bishop da Cunha said. The subcommittee facilitates grants twice a year, ranging from as little as $4,000 to as much as $200,000, depending on the need. Typically, around 130 grant applications are submitted during each cycle, which are thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by staff members before being presented to the bishops for approval.
The grants support a wide range of pastoral activities, such as catechesis, evangelization, lay leadership development, and the formation of clergy and religious.
They also address socio-religious challenges in the region, funding programs that promote religious education and prepare individuals for the Permanent Diaconate.
As chairman, Bishop da Cunha will oversee the review and approval of these grants, helping to guide the subcommittee’s efforts to support the Church’s mission in Latin America and the Caribbean. The subcommittee meets twice annually, in June and November, to evaluate grant applications and determine the most effective ways to support regional projects.
Bishop da Cunha’s leadership will also involve him in fostering relationships between the U.S. and Latin American episcopal conferences.
In late May, he will travel to Rio de Janeiro to attend a meeting with the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM), the Latin American Episcopal Conference, which plays a crucial role in coordinating activities among the regional episcopal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The bishops’ subcommittee collaborates closely with CELAM and other Church-related organizations to strengthen intra-Amer-
tion to Christ,” he said.
Echoing Pope Francis’s call for the Church to “go to the peripheries,” Bishop da Cunha emphasized that this initiative provides a tangible way for Catholics in the United States to support their brothers and sisters in faith across the Americas, especially during challenging times.
For more information about the USCCB’s work in Latin America, visit the USCCB website at www.usccb.org/committees/ church-latin-america/subcommittee.
Pastoral Care of Migrant Refuges and Travelers
ican ecclesial relations and promote the annual collection.
“The projects funded through this program are truly inspiring and reflect the deep love of Christ and His Church throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” Bishop da Cunha remarked. “We’re supporting the Church’s mission on the peripheries, answering Pope Francis’s call to reach out to those who are suffering, especially in difficult times.”
Through its work, the subcommittee enables U.S. Catholics to contribute directly to ministries that might otherwise struggle due to financial constraints. The collection is a critical opportunity for U.S. dioceses to support the Church’s presence and impact in Latin America, offering a lifeline to pastoral initiatives in the region.
Bishop da Cunha encouraged U.S. Catholics to continue supporting this important initiative and to keep those in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti, in their prayers. “Your prayers and financial support are vital to strengthening the Church’s mission and helping our brothers and sisters deepen their connec-
While in Rio de Janeiro, Bishop da Cunha will participate, via Zoom, in a international symposium taking place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bishop da Cunha is the only bishop from Brazil on that list representing this country. He was asked to give a presentation on immigration in the United States.
There are 64 Brazilian communities and 2 million Brazilian faithful in the United States today.
The Subcommittee on the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers is under the direction of and assists the Committee on Cultural Diversity within the Church by working directly with the standing committee and collaboratively with other USCCB committees to support the pastoral care of migrants, refugees and travelers.
The subcommittee is responsible for assisting and supporting dioceses, national organizations, and movements in the pastoral care of migrants, refugees, and travelers. For more information, go to www.usccb.org/committees/migration/migrants-refugees-and-travelers.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will travel to Brazil in May for a meeting of the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM).
Is There Any Reason I Shouldn’t Do Yoga?
In the United States, there are roughly 30 million practitioners of yoga, alongside an expanding industry providing yoga-related products and services, classes, workshops and equipment. But many Christians ask whether Christians should be practicing yoga. Are there any spiritual issues raised by the practice?
The concerns regarding yoga largely revolve around whether one has a partial or a full understanding of what yoga is. A partial understanding of yoga is likely to support the notion that yoga is merely a physical posturing and stretching regimen with deep breathing intended to relieve anxiety and stress. A fuller understanding of yoga, however, recognizes that it is a spirituality, extending beyond mere exercises to certain aspects of Eastern spirituality ranging from meditation, to mantras, to physical posturing and symbolic hand gestures designed to “awaken the power of the divine,” where “divine” is often construed and pursued in a self-referential way.
Yoga is a philosophical and spiritual practice developed in India and has its roots in Hinduism. It is often associated with Eastern spirituality, even if it is not always practiced in an explicitly religious way.
Certain yoga traditions still retain strongly spiritual or religious components. Some yoga teachers or studios, additionally, may incorporate elements of Hinduism or other Eastern spiritual traditions into their practice, which can make it difficult to separate yoga from religion.
Dave Fetcho, formerly of the Ananda Marga Yoga Society, has argued, “Physical yoga, according to its classical definitions, is inheritably and functionally incapable of being separated from Eastern religious metaphysics.”
It is precisely those metaphysical and spiritual beliefs that raise concerns for faithful Christians. The Christian faith differs in fundamental ways from Eastern religious beliefs; ultimately, the two perspectives make highly divergent claims about the nature of God, the human person, their relationship, and the person’s ultimate destiny.
writes: “It was variable for many years, painful, obsessive…. I have passed through almost all the stages of…mediumistic, psychotic, and other types of mind; for some time I was hovering between sanity and insanity.”
One example involves the notion of “kundalini.” Yoga scholar Hans Rieker declares, “Kundalini [is] the mainstay of all yoga practices.” Researcher John White describes a problematic “elevation” of man and an intense focus on man himself through the kundalini experience, which he describes as something akin to “divinizing” a person: “The word itself may not appear…but the concept is there…as a key to attaining godlike stature.”
A popular image of kundalini is of a serpent slithering as divine energy from the lower regions of the spine through all the subtle body centers and making its way to the crown. This Kundalini energy is portrayed as an awakening of a dormant spirit, said to be coiled at the base of the spine waiting to be released through yoga.
Swami Vivekananda summarizes the experience of kundalini as follows: “When awakened through the practice of spiritual disciplines, it rises through the spinal column, passes through the various centers, and at last reaches the brain, whereupon the yogi experiences samadhi, or total absorption in the Godhead.”
In describing this kundalini awakening of the coiled snake energy in himself, Gopi Krishna
For Christians this may call to mind the biblical and cunning serpent who flattered our first parents by assuring them that through their disobedience they would “be like God” (Gen 3:5). The pursuit of kundalini through yoga can be mentally and spiritually dangerous, as these practices induce altered states of consciousness that can render practitioners more susceptible or available to demonic deception.
Approaching the question from another angle, the meditative dimensions of yoga also do not appear to be compatible with authentic Christian belief and prayer, which is a personal, communitarian, and transcendent, seeking of the person of Christ.
Yoga embodies an impersonal approach which concentrates on the interior self. For example, a common mantra repeated in yoga is "So'ham." which roughly translates, "I am the universal self." As noted in a 1989 Vatican Letter To The Bishops of The Catholic Church on Some Aspects of Christian Meditation, there is the risk that such forms of meditation “can create a kind of rut, imprisoning the person in a spiritual privatism” that excludes or locks out any real openness to the transcendent God.
Catholics ought to avoid yoga because of these many significant spiritual concerns. Yet some say that yoga helps them physically
and psychologically. Jenny Dubay, a fitness professional and former avid yoga practitioner, has pointed out how we can get the benefits of yoga-like physical activity without the risks or harms.
“Catholics,” she said, “can and should stretch their bodies. There are many stretching techniques and movements that help enhance flexibility, release muscle tension after an intense workout, and promote relaxation. There’s no need to engage in a yoga practice in order to gain these benefits.”
Among the alternatives to yoga are ballet, water ballet, simple stretching, Pilates, Barre classes (which uses modified ballet and Pilates movements), or low-impact or water aerobics, as well as newer approaches which rely on explicitly Christian spiritual angles, such as PrayerMotion (developed by a Catholic Physician who claims its roots come from Benedictine monastic practices), PraiseMoves, Pietra Fitness, SoulCore, and Catholic Fit.
Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as Senior Ethicist at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org and www. fathertad.com.
Bishop Stang High School Launches Spartan Global Academy
DARTMOUTH– Bishop Stang High School is proud to announce the launch of its new educational initiative, the Spartan Global Academy, an exciting global learning opportunity designed to engage students in cultural immersion and academic growth. The first trip, set for April 2026, will take students to Portugal, where they will explore Lisbon and Porto while earning academic credit.
The Spartan Global Academy aims to provide students with the chance to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, fostering deeper knowledge and appreciation for global
cultures, histories, and languages. Students will engage in pre-trip coursework, research projects, and reflective exercises to enhance their understanding of the destination, while also developing skills in leadership and communication.
“The Spartan Global Academy is a unique opportunity for Bishop Stang students to have rich and diverse cultural experiences,” said Dan Dias, Principal of Bishop Stang High School. “Our program will expose them to different languages, cultures, traditions, and history. This experience will be tremendously beneficial in our ever-changing world.”
The program, which offers 1.0 academic credit, integrates travel with coursework in subjects such as history, world languages, and social studies. Students will engage in structured research projects before, during, and after the trip, and will have the chance to present their findings to the school community. The program
also emphasizes personal development through teamwork, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.
“We are truly excited that we are launching the Spartan Global Academy for the upcoming school year because it will give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a community and culture that they have learned about or are interested in exploring. I am excited to have this opportunity to share my culture and explore Portugal with the students,” said Stephanie Silva, Program Director for Spartan Global Academy.
The trip to Portugal will include visits to cultural landmarks, historical
sites, and language immersion experiences, offering students an in-depth understanding of Portuguese culture. The program also emphasizes community engagement and encourages students to explore the global connections between cultures, histories, and social dynamics.
- Eligibility: Open to Bishop Stang students who have completed their 10th grade year, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Spartan Global Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to enhance their education and foster a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
For more information, including application details and program updates, please visit Bishopstang. org.
Cursillo Convocation 2025
Saturday, June 28 • Stonehill College,
Mark your calendars and please join us! Cursillistas from all across New England — along with adult friends and family interested in learning about Cursillo — are invited for this joyous event on the campus of Stonehill College in Easton. Together we will live a beautiful day in faith and energize all Cursillistas to be the spark of renewal in the Church! For information about Cursillo in the Diocese of Fall River visit www.RetreatHouse.org/Cursillo.
The event will feature welcoming remarks and celebration of the Vigil Mass by the Bishop of Fall River, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.V.D., D.D.
Keynote Speaker Brian Pusateri shares a life story woven together by faith, resilience, and a profound message of God's mercy. Visit BrokenDoorMinistries.com
The 2025 Convocation will include presentations by clergy and laypeople, panel discussions, music, and much more. Visitors can browse exhibits and vendor displays, and explore service opportunities with faith-based organizations.
Tickets and Registration
Regular Registration
$40 ea. by June 16th
Groups of 10 or More $20 ea. Lunch is included with registration
Event Sponsorships
A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, families, and individuals to support this joyous event.
To purchase tickets and sponsorships for this event scan the QR code or visit
www.FallRiverDiocese.org/Convocation25
Co-Host
Co-Host
Kevin
Paul Brooks Nancy Ferreira Crystal Hurley
Joseph Hyatt Maureen O’Rourke King Marty Reynolds
Kevin Kiley, Chancellor Diocese of Fall River
Holland, Lay Director Cursillo, Diocese of Fall River
In Your Prayers
Please pray for these bishops, priests and deacons during the coming weeks:
May 5
Rev. Leo M. Curry, Retired Pastor, St. Dominic, Swansea, 1973
Rev. Albert Rowley, SS.CC., In residence, St. Francis Xavier, Acushnet, 1985
Rev. Raymond A. Robida, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, 2003
May 6
Rev. Thomas P. Elliott, Founder, St. Mary, Mansfield, 1905
Rev. Ernest E. Blais, Pastor, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1994
Rev. John P. Driscoll, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, Co-Founder of The Anchor, Former Pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes, New Bedford, 2019
May 7
Rev. Raymond P. Levell, S.J., Professor, Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., 1958
Rev. J.E. Theodule Giguere, Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1940
Rev. John P. Clarke, Pastor, St. Mary, Hebronville, 1941
Rev. Lawrence Craig, SS.CC., 2007
Rev. Deacon Marcel G. Morency, 2016
May 12
Rev. John F. deValles, DSC, US Army Chaplain, 1920
Rev. Herve Jalbert, Retired Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1986
May 13
Rev. Msgr. Osias Boucher, USA Ret., Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955
May 14
Rev. Robert E. McDonnell, C.S.C., 2006
May 15
Rev. Eugene Robitaille, SS.CC., 1988
May 16
Rev. William McDonald, SS., St. Patrick, Falmouth, 1941
Rev. Msgr. J. Joseph Sullivan, P.R., Pastor, Sacred Heart, 1960
May 17
Most Rev. James E. Cassidy, D.D., Third Bishop of Fall River, 1951
Rev. Albert Evans, SS.CC., 2003
May 19
Rev. Ambrose Lamarre, O.P., 1940
Rev. Thomas Trainor, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1941
Rev. Arthur C. Levesque, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford, 1988
Rev. Thaddeus T. Swertz, C.S.C., 2006
Rev. Richard Czerwien, SS.CC., 2007
May 20
Rev. Antonio L. daSilva, Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 1952
May 22
Rev. Daniel L. Freitas, Retired, Former Pastor, St. John of God, Somerset, 2012
May 23
Rev. William F. Donahue, Assistant, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1944
Rev. Alfred J. Guenette, A.A., 1995
May 24
Rev. James F. Clark, Founder, St. James, New Bedford, 1907
Rev. Patrick Heran, SS.CC., Former Rector, Sacred Hearts Seminary, Fairhaven, 1985
Rev. Msgr. John J. Regan, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Patrick, Falmouth, 2015
Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Fall River, 2024
May 25
Rev. Michael P. Kirby, Former Assistant St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1925
Rev. James V. Mendes, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1961
May 26
Chorbishop Norman J. Ferris, Retired Pastor, St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, 2006
Rev. Thomas F. Murray, Assistant, St. Patrick, Falmouth and St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 2012
May 28
Rev. Lionel A. Bourque, Former Chaplain, Cardinal Cushing Hospital, Brockton, 1982
Rev. Kenneth J. Delano, Former Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford, and Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 2017
May 30
Rev. Jordan Harpin, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1929
Rev. Edmond J. Potvin, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1937
Rev. James M. Quinn, Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro, 1950 Rev. Robert T. Canuel, Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1993
May 31
Rev. Vincent A. Wolski, OFM Conv., Pastor, Holy Cross, Fall River, 1964
June 1
Rev. James A. Ward, Former Pastor St. Peter, Provincetown, 1911 Rev. Deacon Gregory Beckel, 2018
June 3
Most Rev. James J. Gerrard, DD. Auxiliary Bishop of Fall River, Retired Pastor St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1991
Rev. Luis A. Cardoso, Retired, Former Pastor, St. Michael, Fall River, 2011
June 4
Rev. Louis J. Terrien, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1920
Rev. Jose P. d’Amaral, Parochial Vicar, Santo Christo, Fall River, 1949
June 5
Very Rev. Thomas J. McLean, V.F. Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1954
Rev. Msgr. Louis Prevost, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1970
Rev. Msgr. Edmund R. Levesque,Retired Pastor, St. Anthony, New Bedford, 2011
May 2, 2025
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the Diocese to attend its Annual Meeting and breakfast on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The meeting will take place at Annunciation of the Lord Parish, 31First St, Taunton. It will begin with Mass at 9:00 a.m. followed immediately by a full catered breakfast in the church hall.
The presenter will be Allison
Around the Diocese
Gingras speaking on Mary, the Rosary and Our Well-Being.
The talk will be followed by a short meeting, a raffle and 50/50.
The cost is $28.00 and the check may be made payable to FRDCCW and mailed to Judy Corliss, 193 Tremont St., Unit 19, Taunton, MA 02780.
Please RSVP by May 8th. Please come and bring a friend.
If you have any questions, please call Ann Marie Melanson at 508-631-0533 or email frdccwannmarie@gmail.com.
Saint Vincent’s Services hosts Summer Celebration Gala Dr. Michal Szostak of Warsaw, Poland to perform at St. Anthony’s in New Bedford
Saint Vincent’s Services, a leading behavioral health provider for youth and families in Southeastern Massachusetts, will host its annual Summer Celebration Gala on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Shining Tides in Mattapoisett.
Funds from the gala will be used to renovate the on-site cafeteria used by youth receiving residential treatment on their campus in Fall River.
A concert is being planned for Sunday, May 25, 3:00-5:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave. in New Bedford
!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.
A group of 17, lead by Fr. Jim Mattaliano, SJ, from St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, recently traveled to Iceland. Pictured is Gerry Zeich in front of a turf church in Hofskirkja, Iceland with a copy of The Anchor.
† May 2, 2025
This year’s event will honor philanthropist Thomas M. Quinn, Bristol County District Attorney, with the 2025 Carlin Lynch Humanitarian Award recognizing his dedicated humanitarian efforts over many years.
Tickets are $175 per person, and sponsorships are available through June 2, 2025. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate an auction item, please contact Katie Rose Dawkins, Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising, at (508) 235-3228 or email kdawkins@stvservices.org.
Dr. Michal Szostak, an international concert organist and improvisation specialist, will be a guest performer for the Music at St. Anthony’s Concert and Recital series at St. Anthony of Padua Church. This recital is part of Dr. Szostak’s North American Tour for 2025. His program will include works by Buxtehude, Beethoven, Bach, Lefebure-Wély, and two improvisational pieces. Music at St. Anthony’s is an ongoing fundraising and cultural effort to restore the magnificent pipe organ that was designed for the French Canadian church. Preferred seating is available for this recital for $20, otherwise a suggested donation of $10 will be accepted at the door for general seating. All donations are designated for the pipe organ fund. Everyone is welcome to attend. Wheelchair accessible.
4th Annual Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala raising funds to restore the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
By Shawna Erickson Florio and Deacon Tom Palanza
FALL RIVER — Mark your calendars for June 25th at White’s of Westport. Now in its fourth year, the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala has become a treasured celebration drawing hundreds of attendees from across the Diocese of Fall River. The event is dedicated to raising funds for the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption’s needed repairs and renovations as well as shining a light on our Mother Church’s history, role, and importance to the Diocese of Fall River.
Funds raised through the Gala have been put to work making important repairs and improvements to this 19th centure structure, which has suffered from the effects of age and weather. The Palanza Group, under the leadership of Deacon Tom Palanza, has completed much of the work taking place to date.
Critical repairs were first made to sections of the high roof where missing slates were replaced to prevent further damage to the ceiling and choir loft organ ranks (clusters of pipes). One of the large east-side nave lancet win
dows was identified as in dire need of restoration due to extensive decay and structural instability. This task, completed in 2023 by New England Stained Glass and The Palanza Group, highlights what the restoration of the remaining stained-glass windows, frames and protective glazing will look like when completed.
Last year, the 17clerestory-stained glass window frames (upper windows below the high roof in the nave) developed multiple leaks over the organ and pews along both the east and west sides. The Cathedral staff referred to it as “a rain forest” inside the Cathedral and addressing these leaks became the focus of repairs for 2024.
“Once the scaffolding was erected and on closer examination, we found the most all of the clerestory window frames were deteriorated along the bottom portion creating gaps for the rain to flow freely into the ceilings above the side pews. The repairs are now approximately 90% complete and have successfully stopped the leaks,” Deacon Palan-
In addition to the clerestory
dral lighting had slowly given way to age and lack of available relamping. As a result, the Cathedral was becoming uncomfortably dark and dreary.
At the request of the Cathedral Rector, Fr. David Frederici, Bishop da Cunha approved upgrades to the lighting. The existing quartz up and down lights were replaced with energy efficient LED fixtures and lamps. Additionally, the electric panel was upgraded to allow both the Cathedral and Our Lady’s Chapel to be operated with separate toggle switches, eliminating the need to turn the lights on and off with the breakers inside the panel. “The increase in lighting level was substantial and celebrated by all,” Deacon Palanza said.
“Along with the efforts to enhance the overall lighting, appeal, and efficiency, we discovered a way to animate the stations of the cross, by installing a matching wood molding valence to conceal an LED up light.”
Funds raised through the Gala this year are poised to be used to complete the remaining 10% on the west clerestory windows and remove the scaffolding and repair any incidental slate damage to the
lower roof. The scaffolding will then be added to that needed to enclose the four sides of the Bell Tower up to the Belfry so that work can commence on repair and restoration to these structural elements.
In addition to raising funds, the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala will also include Bishop da Cunha’s presentation of the Luminary Award. Madeleine Grace, the Cathedral Choir’s Director, and Dr. Richard Grace, professor emeritus of history at Providence College and a historian of the Cathedral, are the 2025 honorees. Also parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Madeleine and Richard are being recognized for their dedication, commitment, and philanthropy— all of which have had a demonstrable impact on the Diocese of Fall River.
For tickets, go to www. catholicfoundationsema.org/cathedral-gala or call 508-675-1311.
Funds raised from the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala in 2024 paid to repair the clerestory window frames and restore casings around the beautiful stained glass windows. Left: A detailed description of work on the window frames. Right: the completed stainedglass windows, frames and protective glazing.
As is custom, the Diocese of Fall River observed milestone priestly ordination anniversaries during the Chrism Mass cdelebrated this year on April 15. Congratulations and deep gratitude to the following priests who have given so much of themselves to Christ, His People, and His Church and who continue to toil in the vineyard.
60 Years:
Father William P. Blottman; Father Thomas C. Lopes
50 Years:
Father Jay T. Maddock; Father Arnold R. Medeiros; Father Daniel O. Reis; Father Richard Roy
40 Years:
Father David A. Costa; Father Philip N. Hamel; Father Michael K. McManus
25 Years:
Father German Correa Agudelo; Father Paul Bernier; Father Ramon Dominguez, Y.A.; Father Carlos A. Patino-Villa; Father William M. Rodrigues; Father Thomas Washburn
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel
Sunday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, New Bedford
Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6
Sunday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Lawrence Martyr Parishes, New Bedford Sunday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Maurice O. Gauvin, Pastor of Espirito Santo and St. Anthony of Padua Parishes, Fall River
Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from St. Anthony Church, Taunton
Sunday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Broadcast from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Providence
Sunday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Santo Christo Church, Fall River
Sunday, June 1 at 7 p.m.
Broadcast from Espirito Santo Church, Fall River
Sunday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Bernard Baris, M.S., National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Attleboro
Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Jason Brilhante, Pastor of St. John of God Parish, Somerset
Sunday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrant is Father Marek Chmurski, Administrator of St. Anthony-St. Rita Parish, Mattapoisett and Marion
Sister Rita Marie Rose Teasdale, S.J.A., a cherished and devoted member of the Sisters of St. Joan of Arc, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 94. She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Alice Teasdale, and sister to the late Richard Teasdale, Doris Teasdale, Juliette Teasdale, and Germaine Lussier.
Sister Rita's calling to religious life began in November 1952, when she entered the religious order, answering the Lord's invitation to serve and dedicate her life in His name. She professed her First Vows in May 1955 and her Final Vows in May 1961, marking a life of unwavering faith, service, and compassion.
Early in her formation, Sister Rita traveled to Quebec, where she immersed herself in prayer, study, and the spirit of the religious community, deepening her commitment to a life of humility and grace.
For more than six decades, Sister Rita lived a life of profound dedication. She was known for her gentle nature, her unwaver-
ing faith, and her deep commitment to the service of others. Her role in the establishment of the Sisters of St. Joan of Arc Novi tiate in 1952 allowed her to share her wis dom with generations of novices. Through her nurturing mentorship, many were inspired by her example of kind ness, patience, and devotion. Her heart was always open to those in need, and her life was a testament to the love of Christ that she so generously shared.
Sister Rita's family, including her three nephews, one niece and seven great-nephews and great-nieces will remember her not only for her faithful service but also for the warmth and affec tion she showed to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Mass was held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River, on April 8, celebrated by Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha. Cardi nal Sean O’Malley, who worked with Sista Rita, also came to pay his respects.
FOR LIFE
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025
Event to take place at The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette 947 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703 from 8:00am 2:30pm
SP ECIAL GUEST SPEAK , S ONGWRITER , AND SINGER
ALICIA KO WALSKI
Come hear Alicia’s impactful story “My Baby Saved Me”
Hi! My name is Alicia Kowalski, I am the mother to three beautiful children. I am the founder of His Grace Ministries , where I seek to share the Healing Gospel of Jesus Christ through testimony, spoken word & worship. I believe that life is a precious gift from God. We need to not only protect it but also respect it. This ministry strives to bring hope and encouragement to all people by sharing how God's love has impacted my life.
BRING YOUR WALKING S HOES AND A BAGGED LUNCH.
This prayer filled day includes a full agenda at The Beautiful National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette: Rosary for Life, Keynote Speaker, Alicia Kowalski, Mass with Most Rev Edgar Da Cunha,S.D V., D.D., Prayer Walk to Cyril M. Angell Park and Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
To register yourself, family, friends, or a group visit our website at fallriverdiocese.org/events
May 2, 2025
Catholic Pilgrimage
“ T he Mission of the Family”
6-Day Pilgrimage to Montreal & Québec City June 17-22, 2025
Pilgrims will visit beautiful churches and shrines of Canada.
Daily Mass & Rosar y, spiritual enrichment and Reconciliation offered by pilgrimage chaplain, Father Boby John, C.S.C., with co-hosts, Craig & Amy Dyke.
