Maintaining the Mother Church of Our Diocese, Cursillo Convocation, and Ascension Thursday

The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala

173 years ago, construction began on the church that would become the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.. Upon its completion, first as a parish church and since 1904 as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Fall River, the Cathedral has welcomed generations of the faithful for worship. It has been the site of many jubilant celebrations and some sorrowful farewells. Sitting atop a hill in the city, for nearly 200 years, the Cathedral has defined the landscape of Fall River, ever welcoming the faithful.

Time has taken a toll on the Cathedral, but the Diocese is committed to maintaining this local landmark and spiritual home for so many. On Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. at White’s of Westport, we will gather for the 4th annual Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala: Christ Our Light, Our Future. At the gala, we will honor Madeleine and Richard Grace for the countless ways they have shared their time, talent and treasure while at the same time raising critically needed funds to restore St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

All proceeds support vital repairs and renovations, helping the Cathedral continue to shine as a beacon of faith for generations to come. Maintaining the Cathedral is a costly but necessary endeavor. In the past few years, we have upgraded the lighting in the nave ceiling, sanctuary, and apse, providing a brighter worship space. The restoration of the clerestory windows is now underway. Much has been accomplished, and there is a lot more that needs to be done.

You can learn more about the extensive recent renovations and restorations that have taken place at the Cathedral here. 

Please consider joining us at White’s of Westport for an evening of celebrating and raising funds to maintain the Cathedral. Tickets can be purchased here, and I look forward to seeing and celebrating with so many of you.

Be the Spark of Renewal in the Church

June is always a busy month, and I want to share information with you on another upcoming event. I invite you to join Cursillistas from all across New England and those interested in exploring Cursillo at Cursillo Convocation 2025, a transformative event at Stonehill College in North Easton on Saturday, June 28, 2025. 

In addition to a Vigil Mass that I will celebrate, the Convocation will feature dynamic presentations by both clergy and lay leaders, engaging panel discussions, uplifting music, and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore exhibits, connect with vendors, and learn about service opportunities through various faith-based organizations. The keynote speaker, Brian Pusateri, will share his powerful personal journey of faith, resilience, and the transformative mercy of God. 

I hope you will consider this unique experience as part of your faith journey during this Jubilee Year. You can learn more here.

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Tomorrow, we will observe Ascension Thursday, when, following the Resurrection, Christ ascended to Heaven, 40 days after his Resurrection.

What role does the Ascension have in our own journey of faith? Christ’s return to the Father after the Resurrection is a reminder of our ultimate goal in the journey of faith: to be welcomed by the Father into His Heavenly kingdom. By no means is this an easy path, as we each face unique challenges while striving to perform the work of Christ here on Earth.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church shares,  “Only the one who ‘came from the Father’ can return to the Father: Christ Jesus…. Left to its own natural powers humanity does not have access to the ‘Father’s house’, to God’s life and happiness. Only Christ can open to man such access that we, his members, might have confidence that we too shall go where he, our Head and our Source, has preceded us.” 

There will be Masses in churches throughout the Diocese tomorrow to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. Please see your local parish’s website or bulletin for Mass times. 

Through the Ascension, we are reminded of the path taken by Christ and the same path before us. May we continue on the journey toward our Heavenly home and find strength in the Risen Lord.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha