A Collection for Gaza, St. Francis Mass of Thanksgiving, Fall Events (You’re Invited), and National Attention for the Consecration of Priests to St. John Vianney

A Call to Support Our Brothers and Sisters (Especially Children) in Gaza

With growing concern for the ongoing crisis in Gaza, I join Archbishop Broglio, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in asking our Catholic community to respond to those suffering. As the Holy Father has reminded us, “Gaza is starving.” 

“Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas who are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions.” Archbishop Broglio

Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are providing  emergency relief in the form of food, shelter, medical care, and support for those who are sick, wounded, or displaced. But the need persists.

Pastors are invited to take up a special collection for this urgent need. I invite the faithful to give what they can to support this humanitarian effort. Together, let us stand in solidarity and pray for peace in the Middle East.

A Mass of Thanksgiving for St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Last Friday, on the Feast of the Assumption, I celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford, the final Mass for this parish community. It was a time of prayer, remembrance, and gratitude for the many blessings God has bestowed there since its founding many years ago to serve the Italian-speaking Catholic community. We gave thanks for the generations of faithful who built and nurtured this parish, and we acknowledged the sorrow that comes with this transition.We prayed that the parish legacy of devotion will continue in the Whaling City Catholic Community, as parishioners of St. Francis are welcomed into Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Lawrence Parishes. This transition reminds us, as Mary teaches in her Assumption, to trust in God’s plan and to put faith and hope at the center of our lives. The Church is made not only of buildings, but of people, and that faith endures.

Respect Life and Parish Leadership Events this Fall

As we enjoy these final days of summer, I wanted to share information about two upcoming Diocese events this fall:

Register by Sept. 1 for the Respect Life Month Annual Mass and Conference

Join us for the Annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass on Sunday, October 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Fall River. Following the Mass, the Respect Life Conference will take place at 12 noon at White’s of Westport, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Joseph Meaney on “Ethics at the Beginning of Life.” Learn more and register through the Diocesan Family and Respect Life Office at (508) 658-2956 or on the Diocesan website.

A Jubilee of Catechists – Parish Leader Convocation Reminder

All parish leaders, catechists, and volunteers are invited to the Parish Leader Convocation on Friday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John Neumann Parish Hall in East Freetown. This year’s convocation, which also marks the diocesan celebration of the Jubilee of Catechists, will be a day of prayer, formation, and fellowship with Mass, workshops, and keynote speaker Jim Beckman, a nationally recognized leader in evangelization and catechesis. A Spanish-language session will be offered in the afternoon.
In honor of the Jubilee, each parish will recognize one catechist with the Pope Francis Catechist Award, presented during the convocation. Register today to take part in this special day of renewal and gratitude for those who share the Gospel.

Consecration of Priests to St. John Vianney Attracts National Attention

Photo: National Catholic Register

I’m happy to share that our priests’ consecration earlier this month has drawn national attention as a unique witness of faith, including on EWTN’s Register Radio. The National Catholic Register also published an article and followed it up with an editorial. I encourage you to read the pieces and continue to pray for our priests as they live out their mission of service.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha