Joy, Charity, and Hope

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On Thursday, August 15th, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This special day commemorates the moment when our Blessed Mother was taken up into heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. The Feast of the Assumption is one of the six Holy Days of Obligation.

In 1950, Venerable Pope Pius XII affirmed this belief as a core teaching of our faith. He declared, using the authority of papal infallibility, that Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God and ever-Virgin, was assumed into heavenly glory. Papal infallibility means that the Pope, when speaking ex-cathedra (from the chair of St. Peter) on matters of faith and morals, is preserved from error. This doctrine has been invoked only twice: first by Pope Pius IX in 1854 to define the Immaculate Conception, and then by Pope Pius XII in 1950 for the Assumption.

While the Assumption is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, Catholic tradition links it to the “woman clothed with the sun” in Revelation 12:1. This passage describes a great sign in heaven, a woman with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars, symbolizing Mary as the mother of the Messiah. This imagery is often reflected in Catholic art depicting the Assumption.

We can always turn to the Blessed Mother for comfort, encouragement, and intercessory prayer. Her role is to lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ. As Pope Saint John Paul II beautifully expressed in his 1999 homily for this Solemnity, “Taken up into heaven, Mary shows us the way to God, the way to heaven, the way to life. She shows it to her children baptized in Christ and to all people of good will. She opens this way especially to the little ones and to the poor, those who are dear to divine mercy.”

Let us celebrate this Feast with joy and devotion!

 2024 Catholic Appeal

The 83rd Catholic Appeal, “Renew the Face of the Earth,” has closed with the annual campaign raising more than $4.5 million to support the work of the Church across the Diocese of Fall River. More than 15,000 individual donors made gifts and pledges to sustain the Appeal’s longstanding mission of serving those in greatest need.

The Holy Spirit’s work has a personal dimension, dwelling in each one of us. The Spirit inspires us to live virtuously and encourages us to make a positive difference in our communities. There is evidence of the impact of the Catholic Appeal everywhere in our diocese.

In addition to donations that came into individual parishes throughout the Diocese, over $1,000,000 in gifts to the 2024 Catholic Appeal was collected from friends and supporters consisting of individuals, corporations, and organizations unaffiliated with a specific parish.

I am deeply grateful to each and every donor to our 2024 Catholic Appeal. Their generosity will help us to renew the face of the earth -starting here in the Diocese of Fall River.

There is still time to watch this year’s Catholic Appeal video, which features the work made possible throughout the diocese thanks to donations to the Appeal. The full-length video can be viewed at www.catholicfoundationsema.org/video-gallery. The Catholic Foundation website also includes a series of “Ministry Moment” videos focused on individual diocesan programs.

The need for support of the many agencies, ministries, and programs of the Diocese of Fall River, and the demand for assistance remain strong. The Catholic Foundation encourages the faithful to show their support for our brothers and sisters in need throughout the year. Donations can be made online at any time at givefrdiocese.org or mailed to the Catholic Appeal office at 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720. They may also continue to be dropped off at any parish in the Diocese.

Year of Prayer and Jubilee of Hope

Pope Francis has dedicated 2024 as the Year of Prayer, calling for this year to be a “great symphony of prayer” as the Church prepares for the Jubilee of 2025. 

Pope Francis stated in his February 2022 letter announcing the Jubilee of Hope in 2025: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire…”

The Jubilee Year will offer Catholics worldwide opportunities to participate in a variety of celebratory events, both at the Vatican and within their local dioceses. This special year will commence with Pope Francis ceremonially opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition. Additional Holy Doors will be unveiled at Rome’s major basilicas. For those unable to travel to Rome, bishops around the globe will designate specific churches or shrines as focal points for pilgrimage and prayer. These sacred spaces will provide opportunities for reconciliation, indulgences, and spiritual renewal, fostering a deeper connection to faith.

More information about Jubilee events and materials can be found in the USCCB Calendar of Events at https://www.usccb.org/resources/jubilee-celebration-calendar-2025 or on the Vatican website here. 

Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha