Prayers Amid Tragedy, St. Mary’s 100th, and the Gift of a Catholic Education

Prayers Amid Tragedy

We awoke Monday morning to the news of a tragic fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility that claimed nine lives and injured several others. As I shared on Monday, I hold in prayer all who are suffering: those who passed, their grieving families, the injured, and those now without a home. I am grateful for the courageous firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly during this tragedy, and I ask that we keep them in our prayers as well.

Our Catholic Charities has a drive underway to collect new clothing and bedding, toiletries and other essentials to support survivors of the fire. You can find the details here.

Celebrating 100 Years of Faith at St. Mary Star of the Sea

Last weekend, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Onset. The stucco mission church is part of St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzards Bay, and it was filled with those who are a living witness to the vibrant community built there over the past century.

The parish is staffed by the Vocationist Fathers, the religious community to which I belong. I was blessed to be joined for the Mass by Father Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., the Provincial Superior of the Vocationist Fathers, who traveled from New Jersey, along with Father Shiju (George) Chittattukara,S.D.V., Parochial Administrator of St. Margaret’s and St. Mary’s, and Father Patrick Nwachukwu, S.D.V., Parochial Administrator of St. Patrick’s in Wareham.

Anniversaries like this remind us of the countless prayers and sacrifices that have built up our parishes. May Our Lady, Star of the Sea, continue to guide the community and lead all its parishioners closer to Christ. 

Giving the Gift of a Catholic Education

Catholic education is one of the most transformative gifts we can offer our young people. It is a life-giving experience that shapes minds and hearts. 

I invite you to join me on Thursday, August 7, at the 28th Annual FACE Summer Gala at the Wianno Club in Osterville. This special evening brings us together as one community to ensure that families across our Diocese can continue to provide their children the blessing of a Catholic education.

Through the tireless dedication of the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), the Summer Gala  chairs Tom and Pat Marmen and their committee, and countless supporters, this evening will help raise needed funds for tuition assistance for families in need. Together, we are working to increase access to a Catholic education, making it possible for hundreds of students to continue their education rooted in faith, service, and love. 

Our Catholic schools prepare young people to become compassionate leaders, thoughtful citizens, and faithful disciples. Through this effort, you, too, can be a beacon of shining light in our Diocesan community.  Whether by attending, sponsoring, or simply keeping our efforts in your prayers, your support means so much to the families we serve. 

Monthly Day of Prayer and Fasting for Priests

I invite the faithful to join in the Monthly Day of Prayer and Fasting for Priests, which takes place on the third Thursday of each month. This special day is offered for the health, happiness, and holiness of our priests. Providing an opportunity to pray as a Diocesan community, a Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed at 3 p.m. on  Zoom (use passcode 352669) and is led by Matt Robinson, Director of Clergy Support in the Diocese. Feel free to also pray at a time that is convenient for you, and consider offering some form of fasting or sacrifice for our priests. You can receive updates and learn more about supporting our priests by texting “CLERGYSUPPORT” to 22828.

Thank you for lifting our priests in prayer!

Sincerely, 

+Bishop da Cunha