Strengthening the Church in Latin America, Providing Hope and Pentecost Sunday

70 Years of CELAM: A Call to Solidarity and Renewal

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 40th General Assembly of CELAM—the Episcopal Council of Latin America and the Caribbean—in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of CELAM, which made it especially meaningful to return to the very city where it began in 1955. Representatives from nearly every country in Latin America and the Caribbean were present, along with bishops from the United States, Canada, Asia, Africa, and a representative of the Vatican. The presence of bishops from all over the world as well as a Vatican official, signals the importance of the Latin American and Caribbean region to the universal Church. 

The assembly focused on several pressing issues, including the challenges facing our Church and society across the region—economic hardship, political instability, religious tensions, and the urgent call to care for our environment. (The challenges facing those in Latin America reflect some of those here in the United States.) Specific focus was on those countries facing particularly difficult situations, such as Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. What a wonderful witness to the strong sense of unity and shared mission among the bishops. One of the key themes was solidarity—not just within each country, but across the entire Church in Latin America and beyond.

We also reflected on the importance of hope and the future of the Church. A central part of our discussions centered on the possibility of another CELAM conference. These conferences are rare, but critical to the Church and its people in this region. Only five CELAM Conferences have taken place in its 70-year history. Each has helped shape the direction of pastoral and evangelization efforts across Latin America. From Medellín in 1968 to Aparecida in 2007, these conferences have produced significant guiding documents that continue to inform the Church’s mission today.

Although it’s still in the early stages, there’s growing enthusiasm for organizing a sixth CELAM conference. If it moves forward, it would likely take place after the conclusion of the current global Synod process in 2028 and could coincide with the anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Such a conference would be a powerful moment for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the Church’s mission in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Being part of this gathering reminded me of the importance of listening, collaboration, and faith-filled dialogue. It was a beautiful expression of the Church’s unity amid diversity, and I returned home (from another country, which I also call home) with renewed hope and gratitude for the work God is doing across our hemisphere.

Will You Provide Hope that Lights the Way?

The 84th Annual Catholic Appeal, Hope Lights the Way, is off to a strong start with nearly 8,000 donors contributing over $2 million to date.  These generous gifts—large and small—are already making a meaningful impact across the Diocese, supporting ministries that provide food, shelter, spiritual care, and hope to those in need throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Yet, we know we still have a ways to go in order to provide for the many in our communities with both material and spiritual needs.

Our goal is to serve others by raising $5 million by June 30 to fund essential programs, including the Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford, the Ascension House emergency shelter in Attleboro, pastoral ministry in hospitals, and pro-life outreach through the new Faustina Center. Each donation helps the Church fulfill its mission of compassion and accompaniment, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

There’s still time to join this vital effort. Making a gift is easy, secure, and can be done online at www.catholicfoundationsema.org/appeal, where donors will find all the necessary information. Whether it’s providing emergency assistance, visiting the sick, or walking with mothers in need, your support ensures that hope continues to light the way for others.

Come, Holy Spirit

When pilgrims enter the center doors of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee Year, they are immediately drawn to the Baldacchino—a 100-foot-tall bronze canopy over the main altar—then above to a  66-foot stained glass window depicting the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. Crafted with glass of light colors, the window captures sunlight and casts a glow that fills the basilica.

That stained glass window represents the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and in the Church.. As Catholics, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles on Pentecost Sunday, which takes place this Sunday, coming 50 days after Easter and bringing to a close the Easter season in the liturgical calendar. 

Happy Pentecost to all!

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha