FALL RIVER — Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Fall River will administer a Placement Examination for new students on Saturday, December 7, with a make-up exam scheduled for most schools on Saturday, December 14. Current eighth-grade students wishing to enter any of these schools next September should report to the school in which they are interested in attending no later than 7:45 a.m. The exam will begin at 8 a.m.

Students should bring two sharpened #2 pencils to the test. They need not bring any records with them and a parent(s) need not accompany them, although some schools offer tours and information sessions for parents at the same time of the test.  Information regarding courses, activities, and financial aid, etc. will be given at the time of the examination, or can be obtained by contacting the school at any time.

There is a required $20.00 Placement Exam fee at many of the schools. Payment may be made either by cash or a check made payable to the school.

Students planning to take the make up exam on December 14 should notify the Admissions Office of the school before that Saturday.

For details specific to each school, please visit the website of the school of interest:

Bishop Connolly High School
Bishop Feehan High School
Bishop Stang High School
Coyle and Cassidy High School
St. John Paul II High School

Celebrating Mass at St. John Lateran

My recent ad limina visit in Rome included the great honor of being the celebrant of a Mass in the Basilica of St John Lateran. Walking into this magnificent Basilica brought memories of my first Papal Mass at St John Lateran, Holy Thursday of 1975, with Pope Paul VI. Now, 44-years later, for the honor of offering Mass in that same Basilica, among the breathtaking art and architecture, with my brother Bishops, the feeling is almost indescribable.

Bishop da Cunha, celebrant, St. John Lateran. Photo credit: Bishop Robert Reed

When I walk through the doors of St. John Lateran, I am always struck by the beauty of the art, the enormity of the space, and the grandeur of the artwork and statues. This Basilica is the most important in the world, as it is the mother church. The church of the Pope—the See of Bishop of Rome; having the unique distinction of being the only church with a feast day within the Liturgical calendar for the whole world. St. John Lateran can not only boast a rich history, including being the first Catholic church in Rome, but also continues to create history within its walls. 

Maintaining Balance

During my homily to the Bishops, I made a reference to something we hardly notice while inside this magnificent church. Beyond the beauty of the art is the awe-inspiring technical feat found in engineering the structure. The thoughtful design, solid foundation, and strong columns have kept St. John Lateran in perfect balance for centuries. That perfect balance protects it from tipping, sinking, or collapsing regardless of the forces pushing or pulling against it.

Basilica St. John Lateran. By Livioandronico2013 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39798586

The same need for a solid foundation can be said about our spiritual life, as well. Although we may be pulled in different directions—sometimes pushed ahead or other times held back—our Catholic faith keeps us connected to God. Making time for personal prayer, conversation with God, keeps us grounded. It helps us maintain a perfect balance to keep going with a life of faith.

The Power of Beauty

While at the recent meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (more on that in next week’s blog), Bishop Robert Barron commented on the power of the beauty of our grand churches to draw people into discovering the Catholic faith. For centuries people have been drawn into churches by the beauty of its art or architecture, but their lives were truly changed within those walls by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. He went on to say fewer people are walking into those Cathedrals for these life-changing encounters; we now need to share that beauty with others, particularly through our social media.

Closer to Home, Building Community

This beauty of the Church and its people working on building strong foundations came during my visits to the new Taunton Catholic Churches South and Taunton Catholic Churches North collaboratives. I was very moved by the enthusiasm and hope of the people I met there. I had a great sense of the collaboration between each of the churches, sensed their successful efforts of breaking the history of parishes living in silos and building a true new Parish together. 

Blessing Taunton Catholic Churches South during the celebration of their new strategic plan.

Furthermore, there was a clear coming together, a sense of “us,” growing within these new collaboratives. I was so encouraged by an emerging spirit of collaboration evident not only in what I heard but also saw. The parishioners of St. Andrew the Apostle, Annunciation of the Lord, St. Anthony, St. Jude, and St. Mary understand what collaboration can do for their churches going forward, and what a blessing it can be in building a stronger church for the future

Taunton Catholic North celebrates the presentation of their new strategic plan to Bishop da Cunha.

Next week’s Building Faith will include my experiences at the fall gathering of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will award the Marian Medal to 72 laypersons from parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second Street, Fall River.

First presented in 1968, the annual award recognizes members of diocesan parishes for their dedicated service to the Church.  Recipients are nominated for the award by their pastor.

The medals will be blessed and presented in the context of Evening Prayer of the Church and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Made of sterling silver, the Marian Medal is embossed with a Miraculous Medal on one side and the Fall River Diocesan coat-of-arms on the other.

The Marian Medal Awards Ceremony will be streamed live on the diocesan Facebook page beginning at 3 p.m. on December 1. Please visit www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese.

The Marian Medal recipients for 2019 are listed below by deanery or area.

Attleboro Deanery

Norman A. Bowlin, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk; Thomas J. Davis, Sr., St. Mary Parish, Mansfield; Mary Gill, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro; Robert Goodreau, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, South Attleboro; Carol Machado, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Attleboro; and James B. McEnaney, St. Mary Parish, Norton.

Cape Cod & Islands Deanery

Ignatius Alfano, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; Judith Barclay, St. Margaret Parish, Buzzard’s Bay; Sally Bold, Christ the King Parish, Mashpee; Peter Codinha, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Provincetown; Mary Doolin, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Osterville; Gracieta Duarte, St. Anthony Parish, East Falmouth; Margaret-Anne Fleming, St. Mary/Our Lady of the Isle Parish, Nantucket; Margaret Frederick, St. Patrick Parish, Falmouth; Rebecca Pierce Gallerizzo, St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth; John J. Hagenbuch, Jr., Our Lady of the Cape Parish, Brewster; Arlene LeJava, Our Lady of Victory Parish, Centerville; James Schermerhorn, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wellfleet; Joan B. Smith, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pocasset; Eileen Sullivan, Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich; Wendy Tillman, Good Shepherd Parish, Vineyard Haven; Michael Walker, Corpus Christi Parish, East Sandwich; Howard F. Whelden, Holy Redeemer Parish, Chatham; and Steven Withrow, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, North Falmouth.

Fall River Deanery

Mary Amaral, St. John of God Parish, Somerset; Norma R. Brandt, Good Shepherd Parish, Fall River; Susan Brillo, St. Patrick Parish, Somerset; Donna Carney, St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Fall River; Donna Costa, Holy Name Parish, Fall River; Paula Cullen, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Fall River; Luis DaPonte, St. Michael Parish, Fall River; Ruth Farias, Holy Trinity Parish, Fall River;

Also, Ann Fennessey, St. Dominic Parish, Swansea; Mary Ferry, St. George Parish, Westport; Emma Fournier, St. Joseph Parish, Fall River; Laurie J. LaRoche, St. Louis de France Parish, Swansea; Susan Lima, St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset; Carlos Machado, Espirito Santo Parish, Fall River; Roger Michaud, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Westport; Sandra L. Sevigney, St. Bernard Parish, Assonet; Maria do Rosario Soares, Santo Christo Parish, Fall River; Denise Toohey, St. John the Baptist Parish, Westport; Mary Anne Tuttle, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Swansea; and Cecilia M. Wroebel, St. Stanislaus Parish, Fall River.

New Bedford Deanery

Suzanne Beaulieu, St. Mary Parish, New Bedford; Kevin Bellavance, St. Joseph-St. Therese Parish, New Bedford; Debbie Caron, St. Lawrence Parish, New Bedford; Joyce L. Clough, St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth; Russell Correia, St. Joseph Parish, Fairhaven; David R. Dion, St. Rita Parish, Marion; Laurent Duhamel, St. Mary Parish, South Dartmouth; Isabel Fortes, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, New Bedford; Gerva Halle, Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Bedford; Rachel Jupin, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Bedford;

Also, Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, New Bedford; Susan M. LeBoeuf, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New Bedford; David Medeiros, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford; Maria de Deus Melo, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford; Alda Tavares Pacheco, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford; Kathleen A. Saunders, St. Anthony Parish, Mattapoisett; Virginia Shaughnessy, St. Mary Parish, Fairhaven; Susan Silva, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; Donald St. Gelais, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Acushnet; Janice Viera, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, New Bedford; and Francis K. Ward, St. Patrick Parish, Wareham.

Taunton Deanery

Brian Barry, Immaculate Conception Parish, North Easton; Rosemary Burke, Holy Cross Parish, South Easton; Manuel DeSousa, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Stanley Koss, St. Nicholas of Myra Parish, North Dighton; David LeClair, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; Edward Merritt, St. Ann Parish, Raynham; and Phillip Roberts, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Taunton.

FALL RIVER — The Fall River Diocese has announced today (November 22, 2019) that an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor made against Father Michael F. Kuhn, Y.A., has been found to be unsubstantiated.

The Diocese received the accusation in October 2018 and, in accord with its policies, placed Father Kuhn on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation of the accusation.

The incident of sexual misconduct was alleged to have occurred in 1975 in Manassas, Virginia, when Father Kuhn was approximately 18 years old, more than 20 years before he was a priest.

Father Kuhn was ordained as a priest of the Fall River Diocese in 1997 for service in the Youth Apostles Institute and had been ministering under the direction of that community outside of the Diocese, in Virginia and Maryland, since 2004.

Manassas City Police were informed of the allegation and declined to prosecute.

The Youth Apostles Institute engaged the services of an investigator in Virginia to investigate the allegation. The information gathered during that investigation was presented to the Fall River Diocese Review Board, and the Review Board determined that, based on the available evidence, a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor had not been made against Father Kuhn. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., accepted the Diocesan Review Board’s determination.

Following the decision, Bishop da Cunha has restored the priestly faculties –or the authority to minister as a priest- of Father Kuhn. The specifics regarding his return to ministry will be determined by Father Kuhn and leadership of the Youth Apostles Institute.

November has been an unusually busy travel time for me. Earlier this month, the 2019 ad limina visit with Pope Francis brought me to Rome. The following week, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Fall General Assembly, I traveled to Baltimore. Finally, an invitation from Archbishop Jose Gomez had me on the West Coast as a special guest of the Brazilian community in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. This week’s Building Faith blog will share more about the latter two.

A bishop is responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying, primarily, of course, within his assigned diocese. However, there are great blessings and benefits to our diocese when I can connect, dialogue, and pray with fellow Catholics in the Church at large. In those encounters, I gain invaluable experiences to bring back to all of you here in the Fall River Diocese.

USCCB Fall 2019 General Assembly (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

2019 USCCB General Assembly

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for the 2019 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-14. The bishops meet twice a year; the other meeting held in June is usually more spirituality focused. In addition, a retreat is offered every third year instead of the usual business meeting. During the conference, along with the general sessions, I attended meetings for the four different committees on which I serve—Administrative Committee; Committee on Priorities and Plans; Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers; and Subcommittee for the Church in Latin America.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, a longtime friend, was elected president of the USCCB during the Fall General Assembly. It is the first time a Latino Bishop was elected president of the USCCB.

Archbishop Gomez had this to say about his election,

“I entrust these next three years to the maternal care of Our Lady of Guadalupe and I ask the prayers of my fellow Catholics — all our priests, deacons, and seminarians; all our consecrated men and women; and especially our lay people, who are so vital in carrying forward the Church’s mission” (Angelus News/L.A. Archdiocese).

Mass at Holy Family Parish- Archdiocese of Los Angeles

A Special Eucharist Celebration

Archbishop Gomez invited me to Los Angeles in my role as Episcopal Liaison to the Brazilians in the United States. In L.A., I presided at a special Eucharistic celebration with Brazilian Catholics of the Archdiocese, as well as supported their efforts to organize a Brazilian Apostolate there.

I visited the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as a member of the Sub-Committee for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugee and Travelers, of the USCCB. We believe it is very important that Immigrants find a way to express and practice their faith in their own native language and cultural expressions.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

“It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful”  (David Steindl-Rast).

Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible (Unknown).

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

FALL RIVER — The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be taken up Dec. 7-8 in parishes in the Diocese of Fall River. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), and proceeds help hundreds of U.S. religious communities to care for aging members. Some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit.

Last year, the Diocese of Fall River donated $123,331.22 to the collection. In 2019, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts received financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.

The 2018 appeal raised $27.7 million, and 360 religious congregations across the nation received funding.  Distributions are sent to each eligible congregation’s central house. Communities combine this assistance with their own income and savings and apply it toward various retirement expenses, such as medications and nursing care.

“We are humbled and profoundly grateful for the countless Catholics who honor the service and witness of senior religious through their prayers and generosity,” said Presentation Sister Stephanie Still, the NRRO’s executive director.

Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious in 1988 to help address the profound lack of retirement savings among U.S. religious communities. Since the collection’s launch, U.S. Catholics have donated $872 million to the annual appeal.

Despite this generosity, many congregations still struggle to provide for aging members. Most older religious served for low wages that did not include retirement benefits. Today, numerous communities face a critical shortage in retirement savings. Moreover, retired religious now outnumber wage-earning members, resulting in declining income and a rising cost of care.

Proceeds from the annual collection allow the NRRO to offer assessment tools, educational programming, services and resources that enable communities to evaluate and prepare for long-term retirement needs. The NRRO also coordinates an extensive network of volunteer consultants, including experts in eldercare and financial planning, to help congregations lower costs while enhancing care.

“Donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious enable our office to provide financial assistance for an array of direct needs,” said Sister Still. “They also underwrite education and resources that help religious communities stretch retirement dollars and plan for the future.”

Visit retiredreligious.org to learn more.

A Message for Advent

Advent is a season of joyful preparation for, and expectation of, the coming of Christ into our lives, our homes, and our world. Advent is a time to direct our hearts and minds to the approaching celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas. Advent is not only a time for remembering the infant Jesus’ first coming but also a renewal of our desire for his second coming. 

May we heed the powerful words in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 3:11). 

Advent for me is a time filled with hope. I find joy in the beauty, poetry, and hope of the Advent readings, especially when reading the Prophet Isaiah.  I can’t help but be lifted up, my heart rejoices when I read and meditate on these beautiful words. 

They were meant to give the Israelites and us, hope end encouragement in the midst of the struggles and difficulties of life. My wish is that during these Advent days, we take the time to listen and reflect on these encouraging words of scripture, to allow them to take root in our hearts and minds, and fill us with new hope.

Waiting with the Words of the Prophet Isaiah

I include here four of my favorite verses from the Book of Isaiah. Perhaps you may wish to pick one each week of Advent to add to your personal prayer and reflection.

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks;

one nation shall not raise the sword against another,

nor shall they train for war again.” (Isaiah 2:4)

“A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,

and from his roots a bud shall blossom.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him” (Isaiah 11: 10)

“In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!

Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!

Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill shall be made low;

The rugged land shall be made a plain,

the rough country, a broad valley.” (Isaiah 40:3-4)

“Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;

in his arms he gathers the lambs,

Carrying them in his bosom,

and leading the ewes with care.” (Isaiah 40:11)

Local Advent Activities

We are blessed in the Fall River Diocese by many events and activities which may help you and your family keep Christ at the heart of your Christmas preparations and celebrations.  To learn more, visit the Fall River Diocese website; pick up a copy of our diocesan newspaper — The Anchor; or follow the diocese on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram).

Click Calendar for an Interactive Version of this Advent Calendar as well as More Advent Ideas from the USCCB

My prayer this Advent is to keep our focus upon the Lord, by embracing a spirit of prayer, contemplation, and action. In doing so, the message of Jesus will be brought to life through us—by word and deed—to this world in need. During this busy time, let us slow down and listen to His voice. 

May this Advent help us to open our hearts to truly welcome Christ into our hearts, homes, and world this Christmas. 

May God Bless You,

Bishop da Cunha

December 13 marks the 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of our Holy Father Pope Francis. Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has asked Bishops across the country, to encourage their dioceses to honor the jubilee during Advent with special prayers and Mass petitions.

Here are two petitions that could be used at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, or in private prayer:

• For our Holy Father Pope Francis as we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his
  ordination to the priesthood, that Jesus the High Priest will continue to renew,
  increase, and strengthen in him the graces received at ordination as he carries out his
  sacred ministry in the Holy Church.
• That the example of the many years of faithful priesthood of Pope Francis will be a
  source of inspiration for all priests, and awaken in young people their own call to
  service in the Church for the salvation of souls.

Celebrations Closer to Home

On December 1, the first Sunday of Advent, I had the honor of presenting 72 Marian Medals to dedicated, faithful lay men and women from across the Fall River diocese. Moved by their commitment and dedication to the Church, I offered these words during the ceremony.

So while some people are leaving the Church, you are doing something to keep the Church alive, vital, and prosperous. While there are many who spend time and energy criticizing the Church, you are saying, “I am showing with my actions that I love the Church, and I love God.”

While some are abandoning the Church, you want to stay with it and make it more relevant and effective for our times and for generations to come. While some are walking away from God, from their faith, and from the Church, you are here to say these are too important for me, for each one of you, to walk away from.  And for that, we are here, as the Church of Fall River, represented here by all of us, to say thank you for what you have done and for your faith, for your commitment, for your service, and for all that you continue to do to make the Church vibrant in our diocese.

 

Click Image to Watch 2019 Marian Medal Ceremony

 

Blessing the New Offices of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts

Right before Thanksgiving, I attended the open house for The Catholic Foundation’s new location in Fall River. Surrounded by staff and Catholic Foundation partners, I offered a blessing of the space which until recently housed the Catholic Schools offices, which moved to Bishop Connolly High School.

As the reading from the Prophet Isaiah tells us this 3rd Sunday of advent:

Be strong, fear not! Here is your God.

 

Continued Advent Blessing to all of you.
Bishop da Cunha

FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will be the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass for Christmas to be broadcast on Christmas Day from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on WLNE-TV, Channel 6. The one-hour televised liturgy is sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Television Mass Apostolate.

The Portuguese Channel will air Christmas Mass in Portuguese at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas night. The Rev. John J. Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, will be celebrant and homilist for the Mass. The Portuguese Channel is carried by most cable systems in the Fall River Diocese.

Christmas is Nearly Here

With only a week until we celebrate the joyous occasion of our Lord’s birth, I am sure you are all very busy with your preparations. Please know of my prayers for each and every one of you, especially for those who will find their day marked with some sorrow.

The overarching message of Christmas is hope. In both my Advent and Christmas messages, you will find encouragement to hold onto the hope Christ’s birth brings to us all. Remember, my brothers and sisters in Christ, December 25th marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Let us enjoy the blessings of the season for the entire octave of Christmas. 

Bishop da Cunha Celebrates Mass with Taunton Catholic Schools, 2014

Annual Christmas Message

The Christmas custom of presenting the diocese with a Christmas message is one I look forward to each year.  This year, I included words from the Gospel of St. John to contemplate and consider in light of the context of Christmas.  I invite you to take the remaining days of Advent to prepare your heart for Christmas.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. ~ John 1:14

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ~ John 3:16-17

Additionally, I would like to share these words from my 2019 Christmas message,

“If we think of the time and place Jesus came, those weren’t much better than our time and place. Darkness, doubt, confusion, violence, and wars were all around. It was exactly to that situation that God sent Jesus to bring light and peace. 

As we celebrate Jesus’ coming this Christmas, let us pause to reflect, remember and recognize that He comes in the midst of all this brokenness, darkness, confusion and sin, to rescue us. He did just that in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago and He still does it today, if only we open our hearts to welcome Him.”

 I invite you to read my 2019 Christmas message in its entirety in the Anchor newspaper, in your church bulletin, or on the Fall River Diocese website. 

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is preparing the Christmas Manger. I remember, as a child, how my family would join all of us to prepare the manger at our home. We’d keep it out through the Christmas Season, which ends with the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. When I was Pastor in New Jersey, I also used to spend considerable time with parish volunteers putting together the manger, which we created to look like a real cave-manger representing the poor and simple place where Jesus was born.

Christmas Mass Schedule

It is always a great privilege to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass, not only at the Cathedral but at parishes around the diocese. This year my Christmas schedule is:

• Christmas Eve at 4 pm, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River (English)
• Christmas Eve at 7 pm, Holy Rosary, Taunton (Portuguese)
• Christmas Day at 9 am, Good Shepherd, Fall River (English/Portuguese)

On Christmas Day, December 25, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. I will be the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass for Christmas, which will be broadcast on WLNE-TV, Channel 6.

The Portuguese Channel will also air Christmas Mass in Portuguese at 7:30 p.m. on Christmas night, December 25. The Rev. John J. Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, will be celebrant and homilist for the Mass. 

Merry Christmas!  Feliz Natal! Feliz Navidad!  Joyeux Noel!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop da Cunha 

Dear Friends in Christ,

During these dreary, cold and dark days of December, we long for light and warmth. As we are affected by the darkness of these winter days, we also feel the impact of what is happening in the world around us. If we pay attention to what is happening in our political discourse and even what is happening in the Church, we have reason to be discouraged. We long for light, wisdom and guidance in times of turmoil, uncertainty and confusion.

This is why God sent His Son Jesus, and this is where faith comes in. If we think of the time and place Jesus came, those weren’t much better than our time and place. Darkness, doubt, confusion, violence, and wars were all around. It was exactly to that situation that God sent Jesus to bring light and peace.

As we celebrate Jesus’ coming this Christmas, let us pause to reflect, remember and recognize that He comes in the midst of all this brokenness, darkness, confusion and sin, to rescue us. He did just that in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago and He still does it today, if only we open our hearts to welcome Him.

This year, more than ever, we need the light, guidance and presence of Jesus in our lives and in our world. We recognize that we need the presence of Jesus, we recognize that without His presence the world is in trouble and we are going to pay the price. But the problem is that sometimes we say we need Jesus but we may not be ready to make room for Him. We may be too busy with too many preoccupations of this world and we may keep the doors of our hearts closed.  Unless we open the door, allow Him to come in and make room for Him, we will not experience His presence. What is Christmas without the presence of Jesus? Take Jesus out of Christmas and it will not be Christmas at all. It will just be another social event that comes and goes and the world remains in the same darkness.

So let us truly make this Christmas all about Jesus, all about the celebration of His birth, all about His coming and becoming human like us; about His emptying of Himself to take our human condition, so we may experience the love God has for us. I hope the words of Scripture will take a different meaning for us this year, that we will hear those words in a different way, in a manner that penetrates and transforms hearts, minds and lives. Let us listen to the words of the Gospel of St. John telling us: “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14), or “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn 3:16-17). These beautiful, inspired and inspiring words from the Gospel of John can have a special significance when heard in the Christmas context.

So, my dear friends, I invite you to gather as families this year in faith, hope and prayer to make this a real celebration centered on Jesus, Who is the reason for the season. As you open the doors of your homes to welcome relatives and friends who come home or come to visit during this Christmastime, make sure you also open the door of your heart to welcome Jesus. I send you my prayers and sincere best wishes for a truly blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas!  Feliz Natal!  Feliz Navidad!  Joyeux Noel! 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River

Access the Bishop’s Christmas Message in pdf file

Christmas Wishes

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Fall River

My Dear Friends,

Right in the midst of these dark and cold days of the season is when we celebrate the coming of Jesus. 

Jesus comes to each one of us in the midst of this time of difficulties and challenges, but we also know that His coming is to bring us joy, hope, and peace. 

Bishop’s Christmas video

My wish to each one of you is that this Christmas will touch our hearts and will open the door of our hearts in welcome. So that Jesus can come in and give us this warmth — the light, the hope, and the peace that we all desire. 

And to you and to your family go my best wishes, my hope for a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and happy new year. 

A Christmas Message

As I mentioned in last week’s blog, preparing a Christmas message to share with Diocese of Fall River, is one of my favorite traditions. In case you have not had an opportunity to read it yet, it can be read on in the Anchor newspaper, your church bulletin, or on the Fall River Diocese website.

Merry Christmas!  Feliz Natal!  Feliz Navidad!  Joyeux Noel! 

God bless all of you, 

Bishop Edgar da Cunha

Happy New Year! ¡Feliz Ano Novo! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

May 2020 be a year filled with many blessings for you and your family. 

More than Just New Year’s Day

On the 1st of January, the Catholic Church celebrates not only the beginning of a new year but also Mary, as Mother of God.  

Pope Saint Paul VI, in his apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus, referred to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, as

a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels (Luke 2:14), and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace.

World Day of Peace

Contemplating Mary as a gift and icon of peace is a perfect way to mark today’s 2020 World Day of Peace.  On this 53rd World Day of Peace, Pope Francis offers the following in Peace as a Journey of Hope: Dialogue,  Reconciliation, and Ecological Conversion:

Peace is a great and precious value, the object of our hope and the aspiration of the entire human family. As a human attitude, our hope for peace is marked by an existential tension that makes it possible for the present, with all its difficulties, to be “lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey”. Hope is thus the virtue that inspires us and keeps us moving forward, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.

 

If anyone understood how to remain hopeful in difficult circumstances, it is our Blessed Mother. So despite our own obstacles and trials, there is still much to celebrate on this, the 1st of January, 2020. My prayer for you and your family continues to be one of the blessings of health, faith, and hope.

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a liturgical feast day honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary’s motherhood in the wake of the birth of the baby Jesus Christ. This holiday is also the 8th day of Christmas when we conclude the Octave of Christmas. It is a holy day of obligation. Please check with your parish for the schedule of Masses or visit MassTimes.org.

Happy New Year!

Bishop da Cunha

Greetings from Brazil; this month brings me the blessing of spending time visiting my mother, 13 sisters and brothers, 36 nieces and nephews, and eight great-nieces and nephews. My vacation in Brazil allows me to maintain that important connection with family, as well as provides me an opportunity to rest and recharge my batteries. In caring for myself, I can best continue to serve the people of the Fall River Diocese effectively.

New Year’s Eve Mass, Brazil

What a fantastic year the Lord has blessed us with here in the Fall River Diocese. As we begin a new year continuing our mission of rebuilding in faith and hope, I wish to share with you some of the many highlights of 2019 in the Fall River Diocese. 

Fall River Diocese 2019 Year in Review

“Rebuilding in Faith and Hope”
Strategic Planning Kick-Off and Diocesan Planning Commissions Celebration Mass

Nearly 400 Catholic faithful representing more than 70 of the 81 parishes across the Fall River Diocese gathered at White’s of Westport on Thursday, February 7, for the formal kickoff of the diocesan strategic planning effort. As I said at that meeting, we are going through a moment of transformation. We have been given a wonderful opportunity, as Jesus said, “Behold, I make all things new.’ 

After months of meetings and research, the Diocesan Planning Committees presented me with a thoughtfully prepared plan for “rebuilding in faith and hope.” The recommendations are being reviewed by myself and the newly-constituted Diocesan Pastoral Council to prioritize them and map out a strategy for their implementation. Once completed, these next steps will become part of the final version of the strategic plan for the Fall River Diocese.

Chancery Service Team 

In 2019, the Chancery Service Team continued its commitment to continuous quality improvement and strategic cost savings to our diocese. Changes made, for example by negotiating new agreements and leveraging initiatives to reduce costs, have yielded considerable savings that can be used for our ministries and programs.

Women and Men’s Conference

For More on this Uplifting Event: Fall River Diocese 2019 Women and Men’s Conference

2019 Lenten Message

Mass of Atonement, Prayer and Penance as part of the Child Abuse Prevention Month (April)

The Fall River Diocese offered a special Mass of Atonement, Prayer and Penance as part of its commemoration of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. I was not only the principal celebrant but also the homilist at the Mass, which included special intentions for the victims of sexual abuse. 

Every April, child- and youth-serving organizations — including many Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools — participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors from abuse. These efforts are part of the ongoing work of dioceses across the country to carry out the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”  The Anchor published a wonderful article highlighting not only this special Mass but also our diocese’s ongoing efforts to expand our Safe Environment efforts. 

Diaconate Ordination May 18, 2019;
followed in September with the Commencement of the next Diaconate Class

Complete coverage and a video of the ordination can be found here: http://www.anchornews.org/news/may-2019/05-03-19-3.html

Priestly Ordination of Ryan Healy

Complete coverage and a video of the ordination can be found here: http://www.fallriverdiocese.org/diocese-to-welcome-new-priest

The New Formed Catholic Foundation

Our newly formed Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts continues to grow.  Led by Co-Chairs, Patrick Carney, and Nick Christ, the Board includes George Agostini, Rev. Marcel Bouchard,  Richard LaFrance, Bob Long, Rev. John Murray, Maryellen Sullivan Shachoy, Rev. Richard Wilson and me. In addition, we welcomed Honorary Board member, Joseph Ciffolillo. 

Diocesan Catholic Youth Day

 The event featured speaker Joel Stepanek of Life Teen, who has traveled the world talking with young people about their faith. The day also included talks by diocesan teens, an oceanside service project, Mass with Bishop da Cunha, games,  and more! 

Fall FACE Celebration

A very successful 25th Anniversary Fall Dinner for the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) was held on October 1st. New England Patriot’s Special Teams Captain, Matthew Slater, shared his story of faith with over 400 supporters.

For More: http://www.anchornews.org/news/october-2019/10-18-19-2.html

How wonderful for families of the Fall River Diocese that in 2019, FACE distributed $1.3 million in scholarship support to help nearly 1000 students attend one of our Catholic Schools.

 Ad Limina visit with Pope Francis

The launch of my Building Faith blog offered me the unique opportunity to share the many wonderful experiences in Rome during my ad limina visit with Pope Francis.  My visit to Rome came with many blessed moments, including some unexpected encounters with Pope Francis.  As I stated in my blog, “My experience confirmed the image many of us have of Pope Francis, of a simple, humble, down-to-earth, compassionate, and caring person.”

2019 Christmas Message:

Continued prayers for the Lord’s blessing on our diocese in 2020.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop da Cunha

FALL RIVER– The annual Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) collection will be taken up at parish Masses in the Fall River Diocese during the weekend of January 18 and 19, 2020.

This yearly national campaign is designed as a shared collection, meaning half of the proceeds stay in the local diocese and the other half is forwarded to the Catholic Communication Campaign office of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference.

The portion remaining in the Fall River Diocese provides partial funding for a variety of communication endeavors including the livestreaming of events like Ordination to Priesthood and the Marian Medal Awards Ceremony from St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the weekly Masses that air on both WLNE-TV, Channel 6, and the Portuguese Channel.

The Diocesan Television Mass is broadcast on WLNE-TV, Channel 6, on Sunday at 11 a.m.; the Fall River Diocese covers production, airtime and closed-captioning costs. The Mass on the Portuguese Channel airs Sunday at 7 p.m. The diocese reimburses those diocesan parishes that participate on a rotating basis in the broadcasts for a percentage of the cost each incurs. The Portuguese Channel is carried by most cable television providers in the diocese.

In addition to proceeds from this weekend’s CCC collection, the Diocesan Television Mass is also supported by the Catholic Charities Appeal.

At the national level, the CCC helps the Church spread the Gospel message through television, radio, print, social networks and the Internet by the U.S. Bishops’ Conference staff and other grantee organizations here in the U.S. and abroad.

To learn more about the Catholic Communication Campaign and the important work it supports on the national level, please visit www.usccb.org/ccc.

March For Life

I am very proud of the work the Diocese of Fall River offers on behalf of the Pro-Life movement, some of which have been recognized nationally. In August 2019, during the annual Diocesan Pro-Life Leadership Conference, Marian Desrosiers was honored for her work as the diocesan Pro-Life director as well as the 25 years leading the diocese’s Project Rachel Ministry.

The Respect Life work in the Fall River Diocese is extraordinary including an annual Pro-Life Boot Camp for youth, sponsored by the Diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate. This 4-day camp is open to High school students, ages 14 to 17, who experience inspiring speakers, prayerful witness, and the Sacraments — all with fellowship and lots of fun thrown in! For many years, I have had the privilege of joining the group for a friendly soccer match and sharing a reflection with them.

Every year in attendance at the annual March for Life Rally in Washington, DC, our diocese is represented by a great number of clergy, students, and pro-life advocates. This year will be no different with numerous buses from our Catholic schools, parishes, and apostolates preparing for the 2020 March for Life on January, 24th.

For those who cannot attend the march in person, you are invited to follow along on social media.  The March for Life website provides links for the faithful to participate virtually from the national perspective, as well as our social media team, will also be sharing images from our diocesan pilgrims on the Fall River Diocese Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio “Aperuit illis,” published on 30 September, establishes that “the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study, and dissemination of the Word of God.”

In this Apostolic Letter, the Pope draws our attention to the scene of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples at Emmaus to demonstrate the connection between the Word and the Eucharist.  Since the Scriptures everywhere speak of Christ, he writes,

“they enable us to believe that His death and resurrection are not myth but history, and are central to the faith of His disciples.” When the sacraments are introduced and illumined by God’s Word, explains the Pope, “they become ever more clearly the goal of a process whereby Christ opens our minds and hearts to acknowledge His saving work” (VaticanNews.VA).

Please know, as I continue to enjoy this special time with my family in Brazil, you remain in my prayers.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

FALL RIVER – Almost 300 high school students and chaperones from the five Diocesan Catholic high schools will make the long bus trip to Washington, D.C., next week to celebrate their belief in the value of every human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. Our students will join tens of thousands of others from around the country at the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, the 47th annual March for Life. This year’s theme is Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman and includes the incredible history of women who pioneered the women’s rights movement and their pro-life beliefs.

Irina DeLucca, director of the Pro-Life Apostolate for the Diocese of Fall River comments, “It is amazing to witness the passion and dedication our students have in their pro-life beliefs. The March for Life offers them an opportunity to experience first-hand the importance of getting involved in order to make a difference. We dream of a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.”

“This is my third year attending the March for Life. Every year, the March for Life is an incredibly impactful experience. Being on the March for Life is more than defending babies in the womb. It is defending all life, from the moment of conception to our natural death,” indicates Thomas Canuel a senior at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton. “We cannot ignore our responsibility to stand up for life and what is right. For me, the March for Life allows me to remain in solidarity with the most vulnerable in society and pray for all those who cannot defend their own lives.”

Marie Carney, a senior from St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis adds, “The March is my favorite part of the entire event because we have an opportunity to listen to some amazing speakers, meet students from all over the United States, as well as play a small part in showing support for such a big issue. Our pro-life beliefs need to be heard and I am so impressed by the distance many schools travel to show their support.”

As the former director of the Pro-Life Apostolate, Marian Desrosiers concludes, “When we first started going to the Pro-Life March 26 years ago, there were a total of 84 pilgrims. Today, that number has tripled and continues to grow. What a blessing to have so many young people represent all of us at the March for Life events in DC. May our prayers, through the intercession of Our Lady, ask for His blessings on all our Diocesan Pilgrims. We are so grateful and proud of all of you.”

The buses will depart from Bishop Stang High, Dartmouth, Coyle and Cassidy High, and Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River early on Thursday morning and are expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., later in the day. Some students will attend an evening Mass at the Basilica while others will go to an Evening of Prayer at George Mason University. On Friday, January 24th, after a morning Pro-Life Rally at George Mason University, the entire group will join tens of thousands of other supporters in the March for Life on the National Mall and Constitution Avenue.

For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www.catholicschoolsalliance.org.

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About the Catholic Schools Alliance
The Catholic Schools Alliance comprises administrators, teachers, staff, parents and clergy joined in partnership to educate the children of the Diocese of Fall River in Catholic faith and values. Our schools have a demanding educational culture that helps students from across the academic spectrum reach their God-given potential. With an emphasis on service and respect for the dignity of every person, we prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s diverse world and become meaningful contributors to society.

January 19, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

I want to take this opportunity to make you aware of two deeply troubling legislative bills being considered by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary at the Massachusetts State House.

If enacted into law these proposals would significantly expand abortion access in Massachusetts well beyond what is currently permitted. To be clear, this legislation goes well beyond the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.

The specific details of the legislation are contained in this week’s bulletin insert (see link below). With your help, and the help of your family, friends and neighbors, we must do everything we can to make sure these bills do not become law in this state.

Your voice and the voices of all opposed to expanding abortion access is critically important and must be heard loud and clear at the State House.

Thank you, Happy New Year and God Bless.

+ Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.
Bishop of Fall River

Click here for Bulletin Insert: Let Your Voice Be Heard – Again

FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River has announced that two retired priests have been suspended from ministry due to separate allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, said to have occurred decades ago.

The suspended priests are Father James F. Buckley and Father Edward J. Byington.  The separate, unrelated claims of abuse were referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and remain under investigation by the Diocese. Both priests have denied the allegations. The suspension from ministry is required by Diocesan policies. The Diocese is committed to resolving both cases in a fair and expeditious manner.

Both priests are retired and are not assigned to a parish (see service records at the end of this release). However, both have assisted with the celebration of Masses in various parishes since their retirements.  The Diocese was informed that Father Byington has also taught German classes at St. Joseph’s School in West Warwick, Rhode Island and has, in turn, notified the Diocese of Providence about his suspension.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare of all members of our diocesan community, especially anyone who has been harmed or impacted by abuse in any way,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V.  “The Diocese of Fall River remains committed to resolving these matters in as fair and as transparent a process as possible and to ensuring the safety of all youth and vulnerable adults.”

As part of ongoing efforts to improve its Office of Safe Environment, the Diocese recently hired Carolyn Shipp, a licensed social worker, to focus on pastoral outreach to victims/survivors. “As a social worker, I am here to listen to anyone with concerns and to connect survivors to the resources they need,” said Shipp.

Anyone with information that they wish to raise regarding the conduct of any past or present member of the Diocese, is encouraged to contact Carolyn Shipp, the Diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 508-985-6508 or cshipp@dioc-fr.org.

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Background: Parish Assignments:

Father James F. Buckley
Ordained 1959
Assignments: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River; Sacred Heart Parish, Fall River; Immaculate Conception Parish, North Easton; St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans; St. Augustine Parish, Vineyard Haven; St. Margaret Parish, Buzzards Bay;  Holy Redeemer Parish, Chatham; 2001 retirement.

Father Edward J. Byington
Ordained 1970
Assignments: St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro; Sacred Heart Parish, Fall River; Sacred Heart Parish, Taunton; St. Patrick Parish, Fall River; St. Paul Parish, Taunton; St. George Parish, Westport;  Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk; Sacred Heart Parish, Fall River; St. Francis of Xavier Parish, Hyannis; St. Thomas More Parish, Somerset; 2006 retirement.

Statement of the Fall River Diocese in Response to January 21st Demonstration
January 21, 2020

An individual from a New Jersey-based group was present today (Tuesday, January 21, 2020) outside the administration offices of the Fall River Diocese to call on Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., to release a list of priests accused of abuse of a minor.

Last year, Bishop da Cunha announced his intention to publish a list of clergy against whom a credible allegation of abuse of a minor has been made in the past, and this remains his commitment. As the Bishop previously announced, the Diocese engaged the services of an outside consultant to review personnel files of all priests, living or deceased. The Diocese’s preparation of the list of accused priests is ongoing. Bishop da Cunha appreciates the concerns of the individual who was present today and wishes to assure the community of faithful that the Diocese is taking the time and diligence necessary to compile a list that is accurate and thorough.

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