One Nation Under God: Eucharistic Faith, Blessings at Sea and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Are We One Nation Under God? The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Journeys Through Our Diocese

One of the highlights of the past week was welcoming the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Fall River. As hundreds of the faithful gathered for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and  public processions through the streets of Easton, New Bedford, and Fall River, we offered a joyful witness to our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It was a grace-filled reminder that Christ continues to walk with His people, calling us to deeper faith, renewed hope, and a greater commitment to sharing His love with the world.

Photos from the Easton portion of the Pilgrimage.

At the Opening Mass of the Pilgrimage at the Father Peyton Center in North Easton, I reflected on what a grace-filled, inspiring, and I prayed for what I hoped to be a transformative week for the Diocese as we welcomed this historic journey of faith and renewal. As the Pilgrimage traveled through three communities in our Diocese, we were blessed with many opportunities for participation in Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and processions, all supporting its mission of revival and unity for our Church and our country, rooted in the Eucharist as we celebrate the milestone of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in the beautiful outdoor grotto on the grounds of the Father Peyton Center, I spoke about how their lives offer a powerful lens through which to understand the Eucharist and this Pilgrimage. Both Saints Peter and Paul experienced transformative, life-changing encounters with Jesus. St. Peter being called to help transform the world through Christ’s invitation, and St. Paul moving from opposition to becoming one of the Church’s greatest missionaries, leading many others to faith.

Photos from the New Bedford portion of the Pilgrimage

In my concluding Mass for the Pilgrimage in the Diocese at the Cathedral, I invited the faithful to reflect honestly on our nation’s history and to recommit ourselves to living as “one nation under God.” While we give thanks for the many blessings of freedom, faith, and religious liberty, I also acknowledged the ways in which we have fallen short of that ideal and urged a renewed turning to the Lord in trust and humility.

I emphasized that the Eucharist is the source of our gratitude and transformation, reminding us that thanksgiving opens our hearts to conversion and deeper discipleship. As we hear in Scripture, “We will do everything that the Lord has told us,” I encouraged the faithful to embrace that call through lives marked by gratitude, service, charity, and generosity.

Reflecting on the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, I reminded everyone that Christ is able to multiply even our smallest gifts when we place them in His hands. I concluded by urging all of us to remember and pass on the gift of the Eucharist to future generations, so that we may continue to live and proclaim with faith that we are truly a people under God, sustained always by His presence and love.

Photos from the Fall River portion of the Pilgrimage

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage offered us an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ. My hope is that this experience will make a lasting difference in our lives and rekindle our faith in a deep and enduring way. While such transformation is often not immediate or dramatic, small and steady movements of the heart can lead us to deeper holiness over time. I invite the faithful to reflect on how this Pilgrimage has touched their lives, and how we might pass that experience on to others. Or, becoming, like Saints Peter and Paul in our own way and time, witnesses who help leave a legacy of faith for generations to come.

A Prayer for Safe Passage: Fishermen’s Mass and Blessing of the Fleet

Each year, it is a joy to travel to Provincetown for one of the community’s most meaningful traditions, the Fishermen’s Mass at St. Peter’s Church, Provincetown, followed by the 79th Blessing of the Fleet at MacMillan Pier. The annual celebration is a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and solidarity with those who work on the water, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to pray with the fishing community and bless the vessels that sustain so many families.

Under the Care of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

As our nation celebrates the semiquincentennial of the United States on Saturday, July 4, we give thanks for the many blessings of liberty while recognizing our continued need for God’s grace. It was especially fitting that the bishops of our country consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during this anniversary year, entrusting our nation to His boundless love and mercy. May the Sacred Heart guide our leaders, strengthen our families, inspire us to seek the common good, and help us become ever more faithful witnesses to the Gospel as we begin our nation’s next 250 years.

May you all have a happy and blessed Fourth of July,

+Bishop da Cunha