Revival and a Rededication

National Eucharistic Congress

On Wednesday, July 17, the long-awaited National Eucharistic Congress began in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you were unable to attend in person, all of the events taking place in Lucas Oil Stadium during the 10th National Eucharistic Congress will be live for free. Learn more here: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/livestream-sign-up.

Since many of our parishioners were not able to attend the Congress in Indianapolis, I am so grateful that the Diocese of Fall River will be hosting a Diocesan Eucharistic Encounter on September 7, right here at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, to celebrate the National Eucharistic Revival. You can learn more and register for the event here: https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/releases-and-statements/diocesan-day-of-eucharistic-encounter.

The Anchor News

Joan Warren, who is the editor of our diocesan paper, The Anchor, traveled to Indianapolis for the Eucharistic Congress; I have asked her to share some of her experiences thus far:

The Holy Spirit was at work blessing the pilgrims from the Diocese of Fall River on the first day of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After arriving on Monday, the start of the five-day Congress, more than a dozen of us local pilgrims attended the procession with the Blessed Sacrament in Lucas Oil Stadium, joining the more than 30,000 faithful from around the country and beyond.

Deacon Joe Harrington (of the Diocesan Office of Strategic and Pastoral Planning) said the first day was an experience he is blessed to be taking in.

“We saw many pilgrims arrive from all over the country for the procession of the Eucharist into Lucas Stadium. The Holy Hour was amazing. It is so hopeful to see so many people united in our love of Jesus and the Eucharist,” he said.

Retired priest Father George Harrrson is among the pilgrims here from our diocese. Many of us traveled here on a bus with pilgrims from our neighboring Diocese of Providence, including seminarians from Providence College.

HOLY REDEEMER PARISH

On Sunday, July 7, I traveled to Chatham to celebrate a Mass of Rededication of Holy Redeemer Church. It was a pleasure to be with Father John Sullivan, the pastor, and his parishioners to bless the recently renovated church and to consecrate the new altar that was installed as part of improvements made to the sanctuary.

Other major work included an addition to the building in which an elevator was installed and through which, now, there is easier access to the parish hall in the basement. Modifications made to the ceiling of the church provide a more open and airy space, and the larger narthex makes a welcoming entrance. There is also a new organ, audio system, and bathroom. I am so pleased that a stained-glass window of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from the former Sacred Heart Church in Fall River was able to be repurposed as part of the project. It is now featured in the addition made to the church.

The work took approximately eight months to complete, and the church had to be closed, with parishioners using the parish’s seasonal summer chapel for Masses. I know they are pleased and grateful to return now to worship in a beautiful church that is more open, brighter, and fully accessible to all.

I pray you are all having a blessed summer and finding ways to enjoy the warm weather we’ve been experiencing. Please know of my continued prayers for you and your families.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha