Faith Taking Root in Our Lives and Communities

Prayers for Our Holy Father

Like many, I was relieved to hear that Pope Leo’s surgery was successful, though the news of his lung cancer diagnosis and the removal of the lower lobe of his lung was difficult to hear. So many of us know someone who has faced cancer and understand the worry it brings. Please join me in praying for his full recovery and for the doctors, nurses, and all who are caring for him. May God give our Holy Father strength and comfort as he recovers.

Called to be Instruments of Peace

We were blessed on Monday evening with mild temperatures and a beautiful sunset as we held our annual Procession for Peace in Fall River, walking from St. Anne’s Shrine to St. Mary’s Cathedral, where I celebrated the Mass for Peace. The Diocese has sponsored these events on the Columbus Day holiday for more than 50 years, and each year it is encouraging to see so many people participate in the procession and fill the Cathedral for Mass. It is truly moving to witness such a large gathering united in prayer for peace.

In my homily, I explained that this year Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Franciscan Jubilee Year marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death. When we think of St. Francis, many of us recall the well-known prayer attributed to him that begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace . . .” That prayer reminds us, and even challenges us, to take personal responsibility for fostering peace. We cannot simply wait for others to act. We cannot rely solely on those in positions of authority or those serving in official capacities. Nor can we wait for governments or organizations to solve every conflict. As we meditate on that prayer, we should ask ourselves what we can do to become instruments of peace: to pray for peace, to seek forgiveness and extend it to others, and to work for greater justice in our communities. The prayer of St. Francis calls each of us to action.

We are all familiar with the words of Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Notice that Jesus does not speak of those who merely hope for peace or long for peace, but of those who actively work to bring it about.

At the Mass, I also shared information about a significant upcoming opportunity to pray for peace, and I want to pass it along to you. Holy Cross Family Ministries, headquartered here in our Diocese in Easton, is inviting Catholics around the world to participate in the Global Rosary for Peace on Thursday, October 22, at 10 a.m. EDT. Imagine the power of countless people united in prayer, asking Our Lady to intercede for peace in our world. Families and parishes are encouraged to register and participate online at https://PrayForPeace.org.

A New Home to Grow in Faith in Attleboro

I was recently in Attleboro to bless the new location of the Little Flower Early Learning Center. Serving children from six weeks to 3.9 years, the Center is the only Catholic early education center in the Diocese of Fall River. It was established six years ago and since then, has outgrown the space at its former location, which was also in need of many repairs. In its new home, a building originally built as the parish center for the former St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, there are six spacious rooms: two for infants, two for toddlers, and two large preschool rooms. There are 50 students currently enrolled at the Center and now there’s room for more.

It was a joy to bless and celebrate the Center’s new home with leaders from our Catholic Schools Office, Center director Donna Paris and some of her staff, a few parents, and most especially some of the “older” children. They were full of smiles and enthusiasm for this special event.

I also saw staff who are deeply dedicated to caring for the children and helping them come to know they’re part of God’s family.  The Center’s move to its new location represents an important investment in our youngest students.

Journeying in Faith, Together

Last week, I was so pleased  to celebrate the first Ultreya Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland in Buzzards Bay. It was wonderful to see our Cursillo community continue to grow in this area and to see so many people come together in faith, fellowship, and prayer.

As a Cursillista myself, I know firsthand the impact Cursillo can have on one’s faith journey. It offers an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Christ, build lasting friendships, and strengthen our commitment to living out our faith in everyday life.

I encourage all Catholics to consider experiencing Cursillo at The Holy Cross Retreat House in Easton. It is a wonderful reminder that our journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone, but as part of a community that supports and encourages one another.

United in Mission and Ministry

This Sunday, I invite you to join Catholics around the world in celebrating World Mission Sunday. “One in Christ, united in mission” is the theme Pope Leo chose, reminding us that sharing the Good News of the Gospel is a responsibility we are all called to. I encourage you to pray for missionaries and the communities they serve, and to support the World Mission Sunday collection as your means allow. The prayers and generosity of others mean so much to those serving far from home and to those whom they serve.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha