Around the Diocese Author: The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Bishop's Blog 30 Sep 2020 Share Rosary for America The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is planning a virtual prayer event with the intent of uniting Catholics across the country in a moment of prayer for America—at this time when there is so much unrest and uncertainty. I encourage you to join in this virtual Rosary for America next Wednesday, October 7, at 3 p.m. ET, through either our diocesan Facebook page or the Bishops’ Conference YouTube channel. What a wonderful opportunity this will be to pray for unity for our country, to seek healing, and to ask our Lady—on her feast of Our Lady of the Rosary—to pray for us and help lead us to Jesus. The Bishops’ Conference will be using the hashtag #RosaryForAmerica on its social media channels leading up to the virtual Rosary and encouraging the faithful to share where they are praying from, post a photo of their rosary, and leave a prayer intention for our country. Peter’s Pence Pope Pius IX first approved the practice of collecting for Peter’s Pence in 1871. Peter’s Pence represents “a small offering, accompanied by grand desires and visions. It is an offering that each member of the faithful decides to give to the Pope so that he can provide for the needs of the whole Church, and wherever it finds itself most in need” (Peter’s Pence Vatican Website). The Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in all parishes in the Fall River Diocese on the weekend of October 3-4. Peter’s Pence allows every member of the faithful to participate in the activity of the Holy Father as Pastor of the universal Church. As Pope St. John Paul II stated about the collection in 2003, “Many expect the Apostolic See to give them the support they often fail to find elsewhere. In this perspective the Peter’s Pence Collection is a true and proper participation in the work of evangelization, especially if one considers the meaning and importance of concretely sharing in the concerns of the universal Church.” Traditionally, the Peter’s Pence collection occurs on 29 June, the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, or on the Sunday closest to that feast. However, due to the pandemic, Pope Francis chose to transfer to the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 4 October, the memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi. Our Retired Priests Typically, I am able to visit with the retired priests at the Cardinal Medeiros Home for Retired Priests twice a year. In the past, the retired clergy would join me for a meal and receive an update on the Diocese. What joy to spend time with these faithful men, listening to their stories and memories, which encourages my own priesthood. Also evident, the desire of many of these men to continue serving the Diocese of Fall River. Those who are physically able to provide priestly service to the people of the Fall River Diocese do so by offering Mass, hearing confessions, serving on parish and diocesan committees. Those unable to serve the community, especially in this time of the pandemic, minister through their prayers. Their generous service makes it possible for many of our priests to enjoy a day off or some vacation time. The Diocese, blessed by their active priesthood, is grateful for the good work offered in their retirement. I ask you; please remember them, especially the infirmed, in your prayers. Virtual FACE Fall Dinner As we have already experienced in so many ways, our usual way of doing things has to change (for now), including for us here in the Diocese—the outstanding fundraising work of the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE). This summer, FACE successfully offered their Un-Gala, and now in the fall, Face will be moving their Fall Scholarship Dinner online. You can view the full invitation and learn more on FACE’s website. I look forward to this inspirational evening featuring Catholic singer-songwriter Matt Maher on November 4th. I hope you will join us. Yours in Christ, Bishop da Cunha The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. 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