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

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