A Season of Gratitude, Hope, Vocations, and Service

Keeping Their Memory Alive in Faith and Hope

At Tuesday’s annual Mass for deceased bishops, priests, and deacons at the Cathedral, I reflected on the gift of remembrance. In particular, how it connects us to those we love and to the communion of the Church that spans heaven and earth.

This morning, one of my sisters shared a message in our family group chat reminding us that today would have been our mother’s 95th birthday. My brothers and sisters began replying, sharing memories, laughter, and affection. It reminded me of the power of keeping the memory of our loved ones alive. When we remember them with love, it is as if they come alive again in our hearts.

At the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples, “Do this in memory of me.” For more than 2,000 years, the Church has kept that memory alive in the Eucharist as a living act of faith that sustains and transforms us. In the same way, we remember those who have gone before us with gratitude for their lives and hope in the promise of eternal life.

As I think of my mother, father, and all those who have passed, I hold their memories and those of our former bishops, priests and deacons, with gratitude and with hope. May we always remember that love in Christ never dies. It only deepens. And one day, we will be reunited with those we cherish in the eternal joy of God’s kingdom.

Please join me in prayer to remember these servants of Christ from the Diocese. 

• December 31, 2024, Rev. Arthur K. Wingate
• January 7, 2025, Deacon Mark G. Shea
• January 20, 2025, Rev. Robert J. Powell
• March 15, 2025, Msgr. Edmund J. Fitzgerald

Let us also remember

• April 21, 2025, His Holiness Pope Francis

Responding to the Growing Need for Food, and Hope

Amid the recent government shutdown that halted funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), countless individuals throughout our Diocese are facing increased food insecurity.

Our Catholic Charities food programs and parish pantries are responding to record demand as more families turn to the Church for help. In response, Catholic Charities has launched “A Season of Giving and Hope,” an emergency food drive to support the Solanus Casey Food Pantry and others serving those most in need.

The campaign invites parishes, schools, and ministries to host food drives. The items in greatest demand include canned tuna, chicken, or soup; pasta and sauce; bottled water and juice; baby food and cereal; peanut butter and jelly; granola bars; canned beans and lentils; shelf-stable milk; and other nutritious, non-perishable items.

Donations of food, gift cards, or financial contributions are also welcome to help restock shelves before the holidays. Visit ccfrdioc.org or call (508) 674-4681 (Fall River) or (508) 997-7337 (New Bedford) for more information including drop off locations for donations.

Through this shared commitment, our Diocese can truly make this a Season of Giving and Hope, ensuring that our brothers and sisters experience the compassion of Christ, His Church, and His people. Together, let us bring hope and love to those who need it most.

Helping Young Men Discern a Vocation to the Priesthood

While many faithful men are in formation in the seminary, each year, the number of priests who retire or pass outnumber newly ordained priests. We need your help to encourage young men to open their hearts and minds to consider a vocation to the priesthood. 

I am pleased to once again share information about the Called by Name campaign, an important outreach initiative of our Vocation’s Office to promote vocations to the priesthood. Taking place this weekend, November 9 – 10, this effort invites parishioners to prayerfully consider and nominate individuals who show faith, leadership, and a heart for service. God often works through the encouragement of others, and Called by Name offers each of us an opportunity to help those discerning a vocation listen more deeply to that call. Together, let us continue to support and pray for those who may be called to serve as future shepherds of our Diocese.

Honoring Those Who Put Country Before Self

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice was signed to end what was then known as the Great War. At the time, it was one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Today, we honor that moment by observing Veterans Day, a time to pause as a nation and reflect with gratitude on all who have placed country before self in service to our nation. Their courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to peace and freedom continue to inspire us and remind us of the true meaning of service. Please consider saying this prayer on Tuesday in honor of those who served, and continue to serve, the nation. 

Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen. -USCCB

Sincerely, 

+Bishop da Cunha