Catholic Youth Day Inspires the Next Generation of Disciples

Last Saturday, we held our annual Catholic Youth Day. With over 400 young people from across our Diocese taking part, there was a lot of energy. I was pleased to celebrate Mass to begin the day, which was themed, “RENEWED.”

In my homily, I asked the Youth Day participants why they were there, and to consider not only simply just at the event but also as beings in the world. I explained that God called all of us to life. He gave us the gift of life through our parents. He also gave us another gift: the gift of faith, and with that gift comes the mission of helping to spread that faith. I encouraged them not to keep their gifts and talents to themselves but instead to use them to make a difference in the world. That’s something that’s good for all of us to remember.

Saturday was the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, who gave us the Gospel of St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke is also the patron saint of doctors.  The concelebrants and I at the Mass wore red vestments to celebrate this great evangelist. He was a faithful, generous, and courageous apostle who fell in love with the message of Jesus. I shared with the young people that like Luke, we are called to be disciples; to share the faith so others may come to know Christ.

I also talked about an issue in our modern life that I think challenges many people, especially youth. Right now, we’re living through what I call a pandemic of isolation. We may be connected to our smartphones and social media, but we are often disconnected from one another and from God. That’s why I was happy to be with these young Catholics at Youth Day. Their presence showed that they want to be part of a community that celebrates faith together. That’s a sign of hope for our future.

I was not the only bishop on the program for Catholic Youth Day. New York Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Espaillat was there too. He is the youngest Catholic bishop in the U.S. and the first Dominican-American bishop. He has a lively, engaging style and I’m sure our young people were captivated by his keynote talks. I am grateful he was able to make time in his schedule to join us.

Bringing Hope and Healing to Those Affected by Mental Illness and Addiction

In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, I recently celebrated two Masses to help shine a light on mental health and substance use struggles and the ways they affect individuals, their loved ones, and those who care for them. In my homilies, I reflected on the importance of faith and prayer in responding to the growing mental health crisis. Just as Jesus urged us to “pray constantly without losing heart,” we too are called to persevere in prayer and compassion for those who face mental health challenges. Prayer sustains us, and faith reminds us that no one walks alone in their suffering.

More than 50 million people in our country experience mental illness, yet fewer than half receive treatment. That is often due to stigma or shame. Through our expanding Mental Health Ministry in the Diocese, Catholic Charities and local parishes are forming teams dedicated to offering compassion, prayer, and guidance to those in need. Our goal is to ensure that every parish can be a place of welcome and support, where individuals and families can find understanding, encouragement, and the strength to seek help.

Mental illness, like any other illness, requires care and treatment. We are never ashamed to seek medical help for a physical condition, so we must not be ashamed to seek help for the mind and spirit. Our ministry exists to break down barriers of silence and misunderstanding, to remind everyone that they are loved, valued, and never alone. Faith and community can work hand in hand with professional care to bring healing and hope.

Healing often requires a balance of professional help, family and community support, and faith. As a Church, we are called to accompany those who struggle, to be sources of love, patience, and light in moments of darkness. We are all vulnerable, but none of us is alone. When prayer, community, and care come together, they become powerful instruments of healing, and true signs of God’s presence among us.

Sincerely, 

+Bishop da Cunha

O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River