The Peace Papacy, the dignity of all human life, Stonehill Baccalaureate, and remembering the fallen

Not for Power or Privilege: The Papacy of Peace

Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he enters St. Peter’s Square on the popemobile before his installation Mass at the Vatican on May 18, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

At a Mass we held last Friday in St. Mary’s Cathedral for Pope Leo XIV, I reminded the congregation in my homily that the very first word Pope Leo spoke from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica was “peace.” He looked out over the square, and to the world, and said simply, “Peace be with you.” It was the same greeting Jesus gave his disciples after the Resurrection. I believe Pope Leo chose that word intentionally to signal a focus of his Papacy. Amid the many conflicts in the world, including those here in the United States, the Holy Father is grounding his Papacy in peace. The Gospel reading that day echoed the same message: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” The Holy Spirit is at work!

I also reflected on Pope Leo’s episcopal motto, In illo uno unum—“in the One, we are one”—taken from a sermon by St. Augustine of Hippo. It’s a beautiful expression of unity, and it tells us about his vision for the Church and the world. He has already spoken about his desire to build bridges, not walls—words that remind us of the very meaning of the word “pontiff,” which comes from the Latin for “bridge-builder.” Pope Leo clearly sees his mission as one of connecting people to each other and to God. In that way, he reflects the role of Christ himself, the ultimate bridge between humanity and the Father.

As I think about this new chapter for our Church, I am hopeful. Pope Leo has already shown us that he is not a man seeking power or privilege, but one who wants to serve, especially the poor and the vulnerable. He has said that the bishop is not a prince, but a servant. And in a world where the Pope holds perhaps the biggest microphone and stands under the biggest camera, I am encouraged that his ministry isn’t only words, rather, it is about actions. 

Publicly Proclaiming the Dignity of All Human Life

Photos: Irina Robinson, Director of Family and Respect Life

On Saturday, we had our second annual local Walk for Life here in the Diocese at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The walk was the centerpiece of a program that also offered opportunities for prayer, Adoration, and a speaker who shared her very powerful journey of conversion. Before the walk, I celebrated Mass for those participating. In my homily, I emphasized that it is the mission of the Church to speak to the dignity of every human being and that as members of the Church, it must be our mission too. The Church cannot be exempted from speaking the truth, and truth cannot be separated from charity. 

In his last words to his disciples, Jesus commanded them to go out and teach all nations; like those first disciples, we must also follow this command., We must continue Jesus’ mission by our words and by our deeds.. This prayerful Walk for Life along the streets near La Salette to demonstrate our firm conviction of the sanctity of all human life helps fulfill that mandate.

The program concluded with Adoration led by Fr. George Harrison. A word of thanks to Fr. George Chittattukara from St. Margaret Parish in Buzzards Bay for also joining us.  I want to express my appreciation to all who boldly proclaimed the dignity of human life in the public square through participation in this local Walk for Life. Throughout the year, the Diocesan Pro-Life office sponsors a number of programs. You can learn more here.

Blessings for the Stonehill College Class of 2025

Photos: Nick Pardo

On Saturday, I had the joy of presiding over the Baccalaureate Mass at Stonehill College, held on the eve of their 75th Commencement ceremony. This Mass is a meaningful moment for the graduates, their families, and all who witness these young men and women preparing to take their next steps in life. It is always a privilege to offer a blessing over them as they conclude their undergraduate journeys and move forward with hope, purpose, and faith.

The Mass is also a reminder of the vital role that Campus Ministry plays in a Catholic college community. It was great to reconnect with Father Anthony Szakaly, C.S.C., who serves as Stonehill’s Director of Campus Ministry. His leadership and presence are a gift to the students and to the broader Stonehill community.

Throughout the academic year, Fr. Anthony and his team provide students with many opportunities to deepen their faith, engage in prayer, and live out their Christian call to service. As our young people face an increasingly complex world, these experiences help ground them in the values that will guide their decisions and shape their futures. Let us keep all graduates in our prayers as they embark on new paths, and let us also give thanks for the educators, ministers, and mentors who walk alongside them.

Remember the Fallen

This weekend, our country will pause to observe Memorial Day, a day in which we as a grateful nation remember those who gave their lives in defense of the American ideals of freedom and Democracy.

God of power and mercy,

you destroy war and put down earthly pride.

Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,

that we may all deserve to be called your sons

and daughters.

Keep in your mercy those men and women

who have died in the cause of freedom

and bring them safely

into your kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen   (USCCB)

Please pray for the fallen and those serving our nation. 

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha