The Cursillo Convocation, Blessing of the Fleet, Support for the Cathedral and Independence Day 

Saints Peter and Paul and What Cursillo Teaches Us About Faith and Mission

This past weekend, I had the joy of celebrating the closing Mass at the Cursillo Convocation. The convocation was a time of renewal, fellowship, and deep reflection. Though it wasn’t planned this way, I  believe it was divine providence that our convocation took place on the Vigil of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two pillars of our Church whose lives continue to inspire us today. Did you know that in 1963, Pope Paul VI declared St. Paul the heavenly patron of the Cursillo Movement?

Saints Peter and Paul demonstrate what it means to live in partnership with God, to pour out our lives in so many ways in service to Him. Paul could boldly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He lived his life entirely for Christ, trusting that his life was a sacrificial offering on God’s altar. Likewise, Peter, despite his own weaknesses and failings, remained faithful to Jesus and ultimately laid down his life for the Gospel. Jesus’ promise to Peter, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” still stands firm today. Long after the Roman Empire crumbled, we continue to celebrate St. Peter and his successors.

Their example is especially meaningful in our own times, when so many people drift from faith or grow discouraged by secular culture. They teach us perseverance, generosity, faithfulness, and how to embrace suffering not as defeat but as something that can be transformed into an offering to God.

Cursillo gives us a way to live out this same courage and trust. It brings people to a deeper relationship with Christ and sends them back into their parishes, families, and communities renewed and ready to evangelize. When I see the joy of our Cursillistas, I am filled with hope for the future of our Church.

May we, like Saints Peter and Paul, become true disciples gathered around Jesus, listening to Him, nourished by Him, following Him unconditionally, and bearing witness in the world to the message He entrusted to us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and allow our lives to become a gift poured out in love. 

Blessing of the Fleet and Prayers for Those Who Sail the Seas

This past Sunday, I was pleased to celebrate the annual Fishermen’s Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown. The Mass was followed by the traditional Blessing of the Fleet at MacMillan Pier, the 78th year of this wonderful annual celebration.

Sunday was the conclusion of a Portuguese festival in Provincetown. The day began with a special Mass offered for the safety and success of those who sail and harvest from the sea, which this year also coincided with the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. After Mass, we processed to MacMillan Pier, carrying a statue of St. Peter with banners representing local fishing boats. It was a moving day of faith, tradition, and community that I enjoy each year.

Celebrating Faith, Family, and Our Cathedral at the Lumen Christi Gala

It was wonderful to gather with so many at our fourth annual Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala. Together, we celebrated our Mother Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the spiritual heart of our Diocese, where we come together for our most important liturgies and moments of faith. Thanks to the generosity of so many, this year’s Gala raised over $330,000, bringing us close to $1 million raised since these gatherings began. This vital support helps restore and preserve our beloved Cathedral for generations to come.

The evening was also a special time to honor many faithful servants of our Church. We recognized 15 priests marking significant ordination anniversaries between 25 and 60 years, including two who were present, Fr. Jay Maddock observing 50 years of priesthood, and Fr. Thomas Lopes, 60 years. It was my pleasure to present this year’s  Luminary Award to Madeleine and Richard Grace, whose decades of love, service, and music at St. Mary’s have deeply enriched our diocesan family.

The Grace’s story is woven into the recent history of St. Mary’s Cathedral. They met there in the choir and were married there nearly 50 years ago. Since then, Madeleine has shared her talents as an organist and music director at St. Mary’s since 1985, enriching our liturgies and nurturing the faith through music. Her involvement extends far beyond music, She has been active in the Women’s Guild, taught religious education, led the youth choir, offered organ lessons to young people, and served on the parish council.

Richard grew up just across the street from the Cathedral and attended grade school right next door. The Cathedral has been a part of every chapter of his life, from serving as an altar boy to decades of volunteering as a gardener, substitute organist, and choir member, roles he’s held since 1954. Richard also dedicated over 60 years to teaching history at Providence College.

I am grateful to all who helped make this evening possible, especially our dedicated Gala Committee and generous sponsors. Together, we are ensuring a future where our Cathedral will continue to be a beacon of hope, prayer, and community for all. 

An Immigrant’s Perspective on Independence Day

As an immigrant from Brazil, I enjoy a unique perspective on the celebration of Independence Day. Many early immigrants to the United States traveled here by ship, enduring a daunting trip across the ocean. Most would arrive in New York City and embark at Ellis Island, but would first be greeted by the Statue of Liberty. Imprinted upon the tablet Lady Liberty holds is JULY IV MDCCLXXVI, or July 4, 1776. 

When I arrived in the United States, I embraced the opportunity to contribute something to my new home. I carry that experience with me every day in my ministry, especially as I listen to the concerns of immigrants who now face fear and uncertainty in a country they have come to call home, some for many years.  As we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that this nation was built by the hands of immigrants and on the belief that all are created equal and endowed with God-given rights. In this spirit, I implore all of you to reflect on how we, as Catholics and as Americans, can honor that vision by protecting the dignity of every person, especially the most vulnerable and the stranger among us. 

Happy Independence Day.  

+Bishop da Cunha