Getting to Know Pope Leo XIV and Recognizing Youth Service to the Church

“Keep going. Keep giving. Keep living your faith through action.”

On Monday evening, we celebrated young adults from throughout the Diocese with the Pope St. Pius X Youth Awards. This annual award presentation recognizes selfless service to parishes. The award is named for the pontiff who, in 1904, created the Diocese of Fall River, Pope St. Pius X. The Holy Father recognized the contributions of youth to the future of the Church making it easier for them to engage with their faith. For example, it was Pope St. Pius X who, through his 1910 decree Quam singulari, lowered the age of First Communion from 12 to 7 years old. 

In my homily, I shared a reflection on purpose and gratitude, reminding the honorees—and all of us—that each person has a unique and meaningful role to play in the world. I encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own God-given calling. Even when we don’t fully understand our path, we can trust that God has placed us here for a reason and that each of us has a specific purpose according to His plan.

God also had a plan for Robert Prevost. Since his election to the Papacy, his brothers have provided a glimpse into who he was as a child. While other kids were playing sports, the future pope could be found pretending to celebrate Mass on an ironing board with cookies or wafers. Now, it is probably much clearer to him the plan God had for him, and how, during his whole life, God was preparing him for this important role.

I concluded by sharing the lyrics of Do Something by Matthew West. When we look around at a world in need and ask, “Why doesn’t God do something?”—God’s answer is: “I did. I created you.” And in creating the honorees of the Pope St. Pius X Award, he created individuals who are serving others and building the future of the Church. I pray that the award recipients do not grow weary in doing good, even when the work is hard. Happiness and peace are not found in self-interest, but in giving, serving, and making a difference.

During the prayer service, Hannah Tadros, an award recipient from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Seekonk, offered a courageous and inspiring reflection on faith, perseverance, and purpose. She reminded her fellow honorees that the award is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of service and urged them to live their faith boldly, stay rooted in their identity as children of Christ, and surround themselves with supportive friendships. Quoting Psalm 46, she encouraged all to carry their light forward with courage and conviction.

To the award recipients: Keep going. Keep giving. Keep living your faith through action. For in doing so, we not only fulfill the purpose for which God created us, we help transform the world. (See the list of all award recipients here.)

The First Week of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV

“…we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.”

After a relatively brief conclave last week, the election of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has instilled a renewed sense of hope for the Church. Already, the new Holy Father has begun to share glimpses of the vision that will shape his pontificate. In speaking of a synodal Church, Pope Leo invokes the spirit of Pope Francis—a Church that listens, walks together, and is open to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This approach is consistent with the Augustinian values that have shaped his life, especially the order’s emphasis on community, friendship, and charity.

We also witnessed an interesting conversation between Pope Leo and the media who covered Pope Francis’s passing and the recent conclave. In his address on Monday, the Holy Father emphasized the need for a culture of peace in communication, stating: “…the way we communicate is of fundamental importance: we must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images, we must reject the paradigm of war.” These words ring especially true given today’s divisive climate—not only in the United States but across many countries suffering from conflict. 

While Pope Leo echoed sentiments of Pope Francis, it is important to remember that his papacy will be unique to the new Holy Father. We trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide Pope Leo XIV. May his leadership inspire us to continue building a Church rooted in community, friendship, and charity in our journey of faith.

Saturday: Diocesan Walk for Life

I hope you can join us this Saturday for a new tradition in the Diocese of Fall River, a local Walk for Life that begins with a Mass. This year’s Mass and walk are scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette. Please join us for this public display of support for all life.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha