High School Commencements, Traveling, and Father’s Day

Turning a Page: Congratulations, Class of 2025

As the calendar turned to June, Catholic and public high schools began to recognize the accomplishments of this year’s graduation class. Their accomplishments, spirit, and faith give me great hope for our Church, our communities, and our world.

When speaking at Catholic high school graduations, I share a message of gratitude with the graduates for their gifts, energy, and generosity. They have grown academically, but also spiritually and personally, and developed skills that will serve them well in life. This includes critical thinking, collaboration, and compassion. Most importantly, I hope they deepened their relationship with God through prayer and service.

I also remind them that as they begin the next chapter of their lives, to take with them their faith. It should guide their choices and provide strength. I close with some reminders that I hope the graduates will carry with them in life: 

• Build a meaningful life—not just for themselves, but for others.
• Be grateful and generous.
• Let the Holy Spirit lead them, especially when taking risks.
• Not to be afraid to step outside their comfort zone.
• Count their blessings every day.

As Scripture says, “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 5:5)

Congratulations, Class of 2025. May God bless you and guide you always.

On the Road to Maryland and California

On Thursday, I will travel to Baltimore to celebrate the closing Mass for the newly-established USA Province of the Vocationist Fathers. This Religious congregation is also known as the Society of Divine Vocations and uses the initials SDV after the names of its members. Vocationist Fathers first came to minister in the U.S. in the early 1960s; the congregation’s presence has grown since with members now numbering approximately 40 in active ministry in this country, including Massachusetts.. In light of that, a USA Province has been officially formed and the Baltimore meeting will hold the election of its first provincial council. As you know, I am a member of the Vocationists and am pleased with the expansion of our community in the United States. It will be a quick stop in Baltimore. After the Mass, I will fly to California for the annual Spring Meeting of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, with an agenda that features the usual committee meetings but also opportunities for spiritual retreat and renewal. I’ll be sharing more details on the trip in next week’s blog. 

Celebrating Fathers

This Sunday, we will celebrate Father’s Day, a day to offer thanks to fathers and those who fulfill the role of a father. On this Father’s Day, I offer my prayers and gratitude for all fathers who share God’s love through their compassion and guidance. May Saint Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, be their role model and intercessor.

I invite you to include the below intercessions from the USCCB in your prayers as we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day.

For expectant fathers: May they find courage in the example of St. Joseph, as they prepare to love, protect, and provide for their child; We pray to the Lord.

For all priests: That through the intercession of St. Joseph, they will be filled with the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus; We pray to the Lord.

For all married couples struggling to have a child: May the Lord grant them peace and comfort; We pray to the Lord.

For all those longing to welcome a child through adoption: May the Lord guide their journey and grant them peace along the way; We pray to the Lord. 

For fathers who mourn the loss of a child: May they find peace and consolation in the heart of God the Father; We pray to the Lord.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha