The Conclave, an “Appeal” for Those in Need, Praying for Vocations, Mother’s Day and an “Island of Mercy”

Come, Holy Spirit: The Election of a New Pope

This morning, the College of Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave that will elect the next Holy Father. Please join me in prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide their proceedings, and may Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for them in this sacred responsibility. For more information about the conclave, I invite you to visit the Diocesan website for extensive information about the process to elect the next Pope. 

Providing Hope for Those in the Greatest of Need

With hearts full of gratitude, we launched the 84th Annual Catholic Appeal under the theme “Hope Lights the Way.” In this Jubilee year, the late Pope Francis calls each of us to be Pilgrims of Hope, embracing the light of Christ even amid uncertainty and challenges. The light of Christ always shines, even when the world feels dark or overwhelming. Through the Appeal, you can be that light in the life of someone who is struggling. In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing with you how the Appeal makes a difference in our Diocese.

The Catholic Appeal supports vital ministries and programs throughout our Diocese—each one is a beacon of hope for the people they serve. Whether it’s helping families in need with housing or food, supporting our schools and parishes, caring for the sick, or forming future priests, every gift helps to shine the light of Christ for others. As the late Holy Father shared, we are called to “open up glimmers of light wherever we can, with whomever we meet.”

Your generous support makes this work possible. No matter the size of your gift, your generosity helps light the way for others, offering comfort, opportunity, and the enduring hope of the Gospel message. Please prayerfully consider contributing to this year’s Appeal between now and June 30. Together, let us be a light for those who need it most—bringing hope, healing, and love in Christ’s name.

Global Effort to Pray for Vocations

“A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in the heart,” the pope wrote. “It is a call to go out of ourselves and begin a journey of love and service.” The Late Pope Francis

This Sunday, we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations (also known as Good Shepherd Sunday), an international event to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In March, the late Holy Father shared his message for this important day of prayer, writing, “the theme reflects the need for Christians, especially youth, to live their faith courageously amid economic, social, and spiritual challenges.” In that same message, the late Pope reminds us that discerning a vocation is not a journey of solitude, but rather one that is supported within our communities of faith. It is also, reflecting the Catholic Appeal, something that one does “in love and service to others.”

As we pray for new vocations, please also remember in prayer our seminarians, priests, and religious throughout the Diocese. 

Providing an “Island of Mercy” for Local Families

It’s been the long-time hope of Irina Robinson and Deborah Ledoux, the director and coordinator, respectively, of our Family and Respect Life Ministry within the diocesan Secretariat for the New Evangelization to have a special place set aside to serve as a resource center for families in need. I am so pleased to share that on Monday, this special place came to be. It was my pleasure to bless the new Faustina Center, “an island of mercy for families,” in Fall River. The center is making wonderful use of available rooms in a building belonging to Holy Name Parish in Fall River.

Services offered at the Faustina Center will endeavor to support the dignity of the family by strengthening families in need in all our communities, particularly those facing difficult pregnancies with material resources, spiritual support, education, and community referrals.

In brief remarks, I expressed my gratitude to all involved in making the center possible, as it will help us carry out the mission that is ours as Catholics to reach out to those in need. I think it is especially imperative that we be ready to offer material help along with spiritual counseling to any woman reaching out with uncertainty about continuing a pregnancy. We need to recognize the very difficult situations that underlie despair and the sense of not knowing what to do.

For more information on the Faustina Center, you can contact Irina Robinson at irobinson@dioc-fr.org or by phone 508-669-7966.

A Blessing, a Challenge, and a Calling: Honoring Mothers

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, I give thanks for all mothers who so generously share their love, strength, and faith. Having watched my own mother raise thirteen children, I witnessed first hand both the beauty and the challenges of that vocation. Just as we pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life, we also recognize motherhood as a sacred calling, as moms form hearts and shape lives in profound ways.

I am also mindful that this day can be difficult for many, especially those who have lost their mothers, for those who long to be mothers, and for those whose experience of motherhood is marked by grief or separation. Please know of my prayers for all of you.

May the Blessed Mother Mary, who lovingly stood at the foot of the Cross, intercede for all mothers and bring comfort to those in sorrow.

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Mother’s Day.

Sincerely, 

Bishop da Cunha