Responding with Mercy, Celebrating Excellence, and Honoring a Faithful Priest

Responding with Compassion to Those Impacted by Earthquakes in Venezuela

I invite you to join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Venezuela who are slowly beginning the process of rebuilding after two powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction and left many families without shelter. According to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the organization is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to provide emergency shelter, food, safe water, medical care, and other critical assistance to those affected. Your generosity can help provide urgently needed relief to families and communities as they begin the difficult days of recovery. Please consider making a gift to support this important humanitarian response.

Sister Helen McPeak Honored for Decades of Selfless Service and Ministry

Saint Vincent’s Services recently celebrated its annual Summer Celebration Gala, bringing together community members, supporters, and friends to recognize the organization’s mission of providing care, hope, and healing to children, youth, and families. One of the highlights of the Gala each year is the presentation of the Carlin Lynch Humanitarian Award, and this year it was presented to Holy Union Sister Helen McPeak in recognition of more than 35 years helping others at Saint Vincent’s Services. Sister Helen has touched countless lives, offering guidance, comfort, and hope to the children, families, and staff she has served over those many years. Her dedication reflects the quiet, selfless commitment to others that the award was created to honor. I congratulate Sister Helen on the award and extend my gratitude to her for her dedicated service at Saint Vincent’s.

The Gala also served as a reminder of the powerful impact when a community comes together in support of vulnerable children and families. Established in 1885 by the Diocese, Saint Vincent’s Services continues its mission of providing safe, comprehensive care that builds trust, encourages acceptance, and inspires hope.

Diocese Earns National Recognition for Communications Excellence

I was pleased to hear that the Diocese of Fall River was recognized with two 2026 Catholic Media Association Awards, recognizing excellence in diocesan communications.

These honors reflect the continued strength of our storytelling and commitment to clear, engaging, and faithful communication across platforms. We are grateful to all who contribute to sharing the life, mission, and ministry of the Diocese with such care and dedication.

I was honored to learn that the Bishop’s Blog, produced with the support of our diocesan communications team, received Third Place in the Best Blog – Social Justice Issues category from the Catholic Media Association. 

I was also pleased to learn that the Diocese received recognition for a press release, “In Historic Fire, Priests in Diocese to Consecrate Themselves to St. John Vianney,” written by Diocesan Communications Director John Kearns, which earned an award in the Best Press Release category. 

This recognition reflects our shared commitment to providing timely reflections, news, and stories that highlight the life of the Church, our Diocese, and the wider world.

Remembering Rev. Horace J. Travassos

Near the end of June, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Horace J. Travassos, who served the Diocese as a priest for more than 50 years. Father Travassos dedicated his life to the people of our Diocese through his pastoral ministry, leadership, and service in many roles, including rector of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption and pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport. I invite you to join me in praying for the repose of his soul and for comfort and peace for all who mourn his passing.

Thank you for your prayers,

+Bishop da Cunha