FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River will celebrate the 5th Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala on June 3, at White’s of Westport to support the ongoing restoration of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River.

Last year’s Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala raised more than $333,000 and helped fund extensive rebuilding of the frames of the Cathedral’s clerestory stained-glass windows in the upper nave walls and repairs within Our Lady’s Chapel to its windows, walls and plaster.

Among highlights of the Cathedral Gala will be the presentation of the event’s Luminary Award to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will present the honor to Quinn, who in January will conclude three full terms of service as the county’s chief prosecutor following his decision to not run for re-election. Among his priorities as district attorney have been the prevention of elder abuse and domestic violence and support of positive programming for at-risk youth.

An active parishioner of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, Quinn has also been a supporter of several Diocesan initiatives for many years including the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala, serving as its inaugural emcee and a yearly member of the planning committee.

Proceeds from the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala over the past four years have underwritten the costs of several significant projects within St. Mary’s, targeting structural elements as well as improvements to the overall worship experience for the faithful. Currently, work is underway to repair the Cathedral bell tower.

Miriam Finn Sherman, who is CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, said, “The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala has not only raised funds that have been instrumental to the ongoing work taking place to restore the Cathedral’s grandeur, but has also raised awareness about the Cathedral’s special role as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Fall River and seat of its bishop. Diocesan-wide Masses and celebrations like priestly ordinations, the blessings of sacred oils at the Chrism Mass, the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration and more take place within its walls and gather priests and laity from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands.”

For more information on the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, or about the Cathedral restoration, please visit: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/cathedral-gala/

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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