Called By Name, the Martyrdom of St. Valentine and Reflections on St. Stanislaus School and the Journey Home

How Called by Name is Inspiring Vocations in the Diocese

Many of you will recall the Called by Name campaign in our parishes last November. In brief, Called by Name is an initiative to help identify and accompany faithful young men who may have a calling to the priesthood. During Masses on the Nov. 9-10, 2024, weekend, parishioners were asked to submit -after prayerful consideration- the name(s) of young men in their parish whom they believe would be open to learning more about the priesthood. Before doing so, they were encouraged to think about a young unmarried man they might know who has qualities of faith, leadership, and a heart for service.

I am pleased to share that 160 names were submitted to our Vocations Office through Called by Name, with an occasional name still coming in. In response, I sent to each nominated man a personal letter with an invitation to opt-in to receive a monthly newsletter from our Vocations Office with information on vocational discernment along with upcoming events in which they might want to participate. (For any minors, parental permission was required.)

Diocesan Vocations Director Father Jack Schrader and Assistant Director John Garabedian join me in expressing gratitude to the faithful in our parishes for their help in identifying men in their midst who may have a calling to serve as a priest.

Father Schrader is quick to emphasize that “the work of the Vocations Office requires the collaboration of everyone. Men considering the priesthood need the support of their parish community and, for some, their school community.” He is right.

Father Schrader is encouraged to note that 10 adult men from our Diocese will take part in a regional “Come and See” retreat weekend later this month where they can join others exploring a vocation through learning more about the priesthood. While some of these men were already connected with our Vocations Office, Father Schrader said that others were introduced to it through Called by Name.

In another follow-up to the campaign, a number of the nominated young men are taking part in relaxed and informal small group discussions being led by members of a newly formed Vocations Team in the Diocese. Along with Fathers Schrader and Garabedian, the team includes Father Jason Brilhante, Father Ryan Healy, Father Matt Laird, Father John Murray, Father Chris Peschel, and Father Craig Pregana.

Let us all continue to pray for and promote priestly vocations and, if you know of someone who might make a good priest, please email Father Schrader at frjschrader@diocese-fr.org.

Wedding Anniversary Mass – March 2

There’s a reason why many New England couples opt to get married during the spring, summer and fall months. Snow. Due to last weekend’s storm, the Wedding Anniversary Mass was rescheduled to Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m. in St. Mary’s Cathedral. I hope the couples that registered for the Mass can attend on this new date. (Hopefully, we’ll have great weather for this new date!)

Grace on the Journey Home

After a restful trip to Brazil and spending much-needed time with family and friends, I am grateful to be home in Fall River as I reflect on my physical and spiritual journey. No matter how well-planned, travel is often accompanied by its share of challenges: long lines, unexpected delays, and the uncertainty of schedules. We are also mindful of the tragic accidents in Washington, D.C., Alaska, and Philadelphia. I have prayed for the souls of those lost and for their families and loved ones. 

During my 25 hour trip to Brazil, I was reminded of the grace and patience necessary while traveling, especially when flying. It is important to remember that airline employees are professionals doing their jobs. They cannot change the weather nor expedite unexpected maintenance. They are individuals with families and responsibilities just like you and me. Delays and inconveniences are rarely, if ever, within their control. Instead of responding with anger, kindness can transform a person’s day – and ours. 

Despite the unanticipated challenges of traveling, when we reach our destinations, we reunite with loved ones, return to familiar places, and create new memories of where we have been. This is often how life works, isn’t it? The challenges we endure pave the way for greater blessings. May our journeys, however unpredictable, always bring us closer to God and to one another.

The Martyrdom of St. Valentine

Who was St. Valentine? His story is impressive and is another example of Christian selflessness. (We think.) 

Much is not known about St. Valentine, but it is believed that the 3rd-century priest was martyred for secretly marrying Christian couples and helping those facing persecution from the Roman Emperor Claudius II in 269. He was made a saint for his bravery, deep faith, and dedication to the sacrament of marriage, a reflection of God’s enduring love and faithfulness.

So this weekend amid the flowers, dinners and chocolates, remember the sacrifice of St. Valentine!

St. Valentine, pray for us!

The Difficult Decision on St. Stanislaus School

Before I close the blog this week, I want to ask that you keep in your prayers the students, families, faculty, staff and principal of St. Stanislaus School in Fall River. Yesterday, we shared the difficult announcement that their school will need to close at the end of the school year. Despite significant financial investment by the Diocese into St. Stan’s School over the past two years and the best efforts of its pastor, principal, teachers and others to build up the school, its historical financial challenges and declining enrollment could not be overcome. It’s never easy to close a school; I realize how sad and disappointing it is for all members of the school community, especially the students. It is my hope that school families will choose to enroll in one of the four other Catholic elementary schools in Fall River, and I know our school leadership is committed to making that transition as easy as possible.

Sincerely, 

Bishop da Cunha