From the Philippines to Our Diocese, a Church United in Faith and Love

What the Filipino People Taught me About Faith

Over the past week, I traveled to the Philippines for the priesthood ordination of four men from my religious order, the Society of Divine Vocations. It was a meaningful experience and one that stayed with me after the celebrations ended.

There were many beautiful moments throughout the trip, but what I think I will remember most is the spirit of the people. Everywhere I went, I encountered warmth, joy, and generosity. The people welcomed us not as strangers or visitors, but as family. Even in communities where many live with very modest means, there was an unmistakable sense of happiness, faith, and gratitude.

For example, after the ordination, we gathered for a large communal meal with hundreds of people. I learned that much of the food had been donated and prepared by volunteers from the parish community. It was another reminder that the Church is strongest when people come together to care for one another and share what they have.

The Ordination Mass itself was a tremendous source of hope. These newly ordained priests are part of a larger class that will now serve in different parts of the world, including the Philippines, France, Ireland, and the United States. Seeing young men respond generously to God’s call is always encouraging, particularly at a time when many parts of the Church continue to pray for more vocations.

What impressed me throughout the visit was the vitality of the faith among young people. I spent time with seminarians who were energetic, prayerful, and deeply committed to serving others. Their enthusiasm was evident not only during the liturgies, but also in the simple moments afterward, during meals, conversations, songs, and community gatherings.

The celebrations surrounding the ordinations stretched over several days and included parish festivities and the renewal of vows for members of the community. There was music everywhere. Singing seemed to happen naturally and often. People celebrated with an openness and joy that was both sincere and contagious.

I was also struck by how deeply connected people are to the Church and how important parish life remains within their communities. Faith is not something separate from daily life there. It is woven into family, friendship, celebration, and service.

Before returning home, I had the chance to visit members of Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, A community of Religious Sisters serving the poorest of the poor in the outskirts of Manila. They run a school for poor children living in the slums of Manila whose only hope for the future is to get a good education. The sisters are giving them hope. My connection with these sisters is because we have sisters from this same Religious community serving here in our Diocese at St. Anthony and Immaculate Conception in New Bedford.

Even during a brief stop in Manila, I was reminded once again how universal the Church truly is and how connected we are to one another across countries and cultures.

Please keep these newly ordained priests in your prayers as they begin their ministry. May they serve with humility, compassion, and fidelity, and may we continue to pray for vocations throughout the Church.

Ascension Thursday Calls us to Hope

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo — The Ascension of Christ (1754)

The Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation, is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, and falls on Thursday, May 14 this year. This solemnity recalls Christ’s return to the Father and reminds us that, as His disciples, we are sent to carry His hope and Gospel into the world. Please check your parish bulletin or website for Mass times.

Help Share the Good News Throughout the Diocese

The Church observes World Communications Day this Sunday, inviting  Catholics to reflect on the power and responsibility of communication in today’s world. The day reminds us that our words (whether shared in person, online, or through media) should always promote truth, compassion, understanding, and human dignity. World Communications Day is usually celebrated on the Sunday before Pentecost. A special shared collection is taken up at Masses this weekend to support the Church’s  communications efforts at the national and diocesan level to help us continue sharing the Good News with the faithful.

Sincerely,

Bishop da Cunha