Consecrating Priests to St. John Vianney and the September Parish Leader Convocation

Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes: A Consecration to St. John Vianney

On Monday, we had a very special gathering of almost all our diocesan priests currently in ministry, along with many retired priests, for a significant event of renewal and commitment. You’ll recall that in last week’s blog, I explained that August 4 is the Feast of St. John Vianney, a priest who ministered in Ars, France, during the mid-19th century. He is remembered as a model of holiness and of exemplary priestly service. Canonized in 1925, he is the patron saint of parish priests.  In what was a historic first, on Monday, our priests – individually and collectively as one body – consecrated themselves and their priestly ministry to their patron, St. John Vianney. We pray that through his intercession, our priests will become more faithful shepherds. This is one of the priorities of our “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” now underway.

I was pleased that Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., the Bishop of Providence, was able to join us to offer a reflection as we prepared for the consecration. He referenced our “Stronger Priests” initiative as a journeying together, “to celebrate the beautiful process of renewal.”

In brief, he focused his remarks on the important role of the elder in culture, the one who represents wisdom and faithfulness, the one who discerns wisely and carefully.  He encouraged our priests to understand their role as elders; he reminded us that in a broken world, priests must be the elder brother in all aspects of their ministry to God’s people. He said that priests should look to St. John Vianney as their elder, relying on his intercession for their own strength.

Our consecration to St. John Vianney took place in the context of solemn Evening Prayer. At its conclusion, I presented “10 Commitments as a Presbyterate” and urged our priests to follow them. I am certain they will foster stronger priests, stronger parishes, and a stronger Church. I then shared with them a surprise special message that I had received only three days ago from the current Bishop of Belley-Ars, France, the region where St. John Vianney ministered. In it, Bishop Pascal Marie Roland commended the priests of the Diocese of Fall River for turning to St. John Vianney as their model and entrusting their ministry to him and then encouraged them in their journey to grow in holiness and service. The timing of the arrival of the Bishop’s letter was perfect, and reading what was a genuine, heartfelt message was a wonderful way to end our prayer service.

The special celebration on Monday continued with a meal and an opportunity for conversation and fraternity.

The Parish Leader Convocation as a Time for Renewal

Each year, the Parish Leader Convocation offers a special opportunity for those who serve in our parishes (catechists, ministry leaders, and volunteers) to gather for spiritual renewal, professional development, and encouragement in their important roles. This year, however, will be even more meaningful.

As we journey through the Jubilee Year, the 2025 Parish Leader Convocation will also serve as our Diocesan celebration of the Jubilee of Catechists, reflecting the international celebration occurring in September at the Vatican. I invite those who serve in parishes to join me on Friday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann Parish Hall in East Freetown for this gathering. You may register here

Our morning will begin with Mass, which I look forward to celebrating, followed by breakfast, time for gathering, and a solid program that includes:

• Keynote presentations and workshops from our featured speaker, Jim Beckman, Executive Director of ImpactCenter and a nationally recognized leader in evangelization and catechesis
• An address from me on our mission and the road ahead during this Jubilee
• Resources and materials to support your continued formation
• Lunch, shared in community with fellow parish leaders across our diocese

Whether you are a seasoned catechist or new to ministry, this day is for you. Please register soon! This is a time for us to come together as one diocesan family during this Jubilee Year, to renew our shared mission and grow in the joy of the Gospel. 

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha