Living Our Faith with Love and Purpose

Renewing Brotherhood and the Call to Serving God’s People

Last week’s Presbyteral Convocation was a deeply encouraging experience for me. There was such a positive spirit among our priests. There was a real sense of brotherhood in the way they shared, prayed and enjoyed being together. At the beginning of our gathering, I encouraged our priests to take these days to heart. Pray together, spend time with one another, and listen to the reflections Archbishop Richard Henning of Boston would share. We don’t often have the chance to spend this kind of time together, and it was touching to see how happy and engaged our priests were.

Archbishop Henning’s talks connected our priesthood with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Drawing on his knowledge of Scripture, he helped us reflect on the heart of Jesus in ways that nourished us and spoke to our lives as priests. I believe we left feeling renewed and enthusiastic about continuing to grow together as a presbyterate.

At our closing Mass, I told the priests this was among the best convocations I’ve experienced. I could see the fruit of our work through the Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative over the past year and a half, and I encouraged us to keep building on it. I also repeated a message I had shared at the Chrism Mass, quoting the founder of my religious community, the Vocationists: “Nothing attracts people to God more than the holiness of the priest.” That reminder remains at the heart of our work together and our service to God’s people.

A Century of Charity, a Legacy of Love

Thursday evening, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River hosted its Centennial Gala to celebrate more than 100 years of service. In 1924, Bishop Daniel Feehan organized the Diocese’s charitable works into a formal agency. Today, Catholic Charities serves more than 28,000 individuals each year through programs that provide food, shelter, housing assistance, immigration legal services, and other essential support.

In my remarks at the Centennial Gala, I noted that where charity and love prevail, God is present. Charity is love expressed through action, through caring for others and responding to their needs. Catholic Charities carries out this mission every day by providing critical services through a wide range of programs across southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. It works quietly and effectively, day after day, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as a child of God, especially those who are less fortunate.

Much of this vital, life-sustaining work happens out of public view and is not widely known. In that sense, I described Catholic Charities as one of the best-kept secrets. I am deeply grateful to Catholic Charities CEO Susan Mazzarella, her leadership team, staff, benefactors, and all who contribute to fulfilling its mission.

I also congratulate Patrick Carney, who was presented with the inaugural Emmaus Award in recognition of his support through the Carney Family Charitable Foundation. In presenting the award, Susan Mazzarella noted that his generosity has often been offered quietly yet has had a profound impact on the agency’s ability to serve those in need. I join her in expressing gratitude to Pat for his steadfast belief in the ministry of Catholic Charities and for his longtime investment in its work.

How You Can be a Faithful Citizen on Election Day

As we prepare for Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 3, I encourage you to spend time reviewing Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, which outlines our responsibilities as citizens. It offers guidance for understanding the issues through Catholic teaching, forming our consciences, and bringing our faith into the decisions we make as voters. Its purpose is to help us make thoughtful, prayerful choices, with respect for the dignity of every human life and concern for the common good.

I encourage all eligible voters across our Diocese to exercise their right to vote. If you have not already voted, please make time to do so on Nov. 3. In the days ahead, take time to learn about the candidates and issues, pray for wisdom, and approach conversations with patience and respect. Let us also pray for those seeking public office and for all who will be entrusted with serving our communities.

Remembering the Saints and the Dearly Departed

On Sunday, Nov. 1, we celebrate All Saints’ Day, honoring all those who are with God in heaven. We remember the Saints whose intercession we often seek for many reasons, and the Saints whose quiet (but remarkable) lives of faith are known to God alone. We ask for their prayers as we try to follow Christ each day.

The next day, on Monday, Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, we pray for all the faithful departed, especially those in purgatory awaiting entrance into heaven. We remember loved ones we miss, especially those whose example continues to guide our lives. I invite you to attend Mass on this day, visit places of eternal rest for our loved ones who have passed, or take a few moments to pray for them on All Souls’ Day. Please also pray for those who have no one to remember them in prayer. As we begin November, may we find comfort in Christ’s promise of eternal life.

With my continued prayers for you and your families,

+Bishop da Cunha