Archbishop, Youth Initiative, and Church Renovation

Boston’s New Archbishop

This week brought significant news to the Archdiocese of Boston as it was announced that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., from the pastoral leadership of that Archdiocese and has appointed Bishop Richard Henning of the Diocese of Providence to succeed him.

Archbishop-elect Henning has only been serving in Providence since 2022, making his appointment a surprise to many. Yet, as Cardinal O’Malley mentioned in one of his numerous interviews, the soon-to-be Archbishop’s fluency in Spanish and current study of Portuguese, as well as his vast academic background, are just a few of the wonderful assets he brings to Boston.

Cardinal O’Malley is remembered fondly in our Diocese for his ten years of ministry as Bishop from 1992 to 2002. This Diocese experienced firsthand his qualities of holiness, intelligence, and humility with which he has served the Church so well throughout all his ministry.

I extend on behalf of the Diocese – priests, religious, and laity- our heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal O’Malley for his dedicated and faith-filled service and not only here but also in the Archdiocese of Boston for the past 21 years and in his many other responsibilities through the years. Let us keep Cardinal O’Malley in our prayers, that his well-deserved retirement may be a long and healthy one.

I also want to congratulate Archbishop-elect Henning, whom I’ve come to know over the past two years from his ministry in our neighboring Diocese of Providence, as well as our shared work on the Sub-Committee for the Church in Latin American of the USCCB. I look forward to welcoming him to Massachusetts when he becomes archbishop at the end of October. He will bring to his new archdiocese his own gifts along with a very warm and personable manner. 

USCCB Launches National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and with Young Adults: Learn, Teach, Send

As I mentioned in my recap from the June USCCB Assembly, the final version of the Learn, Teach, Send framework has been approved and is now available for use. This national pastoral framework “gives guidance to the Catholic Church in accompanying and evangelizing young people: youth (in junior high and high school) and young adults (in their late teens, 20s, and 30s). The methodology is rooted in the Gospel story of the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35) and invites pastoral leaders and families, in their engagement with young people, to imitate Jesus who listens attentively, teaches from the heart, and sends disciples into the world. The document begins with a preface letter addressed directly from the U.S. Bishops to youth and young adults and continues with the three-part framework text for pastoral ministers, families, and young leaders in the Church.”

In his foreword, Bishop Robert Barron noted, “Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit (2019), which was the Holy Father’s own response to a synodal process of listening and journeying with youth and young adults, has been a significant source of inspiration for the bishops as we have explored how pastoral ministries with younger generations can be both effective and fruitful in our country.” As a Church, it is critical we continue to listen and learn from each other and work together to move the Church forward, especially for youth and young adults — often underserved Catholic communities of faith. 

The entire document is available on the USCCB website, here.

Annual Pastoral Visit to Nantucket

Last weekend, I made a pastoral visit to St. Mary/Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket, where I enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate some of the weekend Masses. On Saturday, I was joined at the Vigil Mass by Father John Murray, the parish pastor, and Father Marcel Bouchard, a retired pastor of the parish who had served there for eight years. After the Mass, the Knights of Columbus hosted a lovely reception outside, right next to the church. 

On Sunday, I celebrated the weekly Mass at the Sconset Chapel located at the eastern end of the island, and then the evening Spanish Mass back at the church, concelebrated by Fathers. Murray, Marcel, and parochial vicar Fr. Carlos Patino Villa. Another reception followed that Mass as well. Through the Masses and the receptions, it was wonderful to meet so many people, both residents, year-round and seasonal, and vacationers who visit this beautiful island in the summer. I am grateful for the warm welcome I received. It is also always heartening to see so many faithful Catholics making time during their vacation to attend weekly Mass.

Over the past winter, St. Mary/Our Lady of the Isle Church underwent several renovations, and my weekend visit allowed me to see all the improvements. I congratulate Father Murray and his parishioners on the project.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha