The Bishops Blog

From welcoming the relic of St. Bernadette to remembering our departed clergy, this week offers opportunities to reflect on faith, hope and gratitude. I also share reflections on defending human life, supporting our priests through prayer and celebrating the bonds of faith and family across generations.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on renewed brotherhood among priests, a century of service through Catholic Charities and our call to faithful citizenship. As November begins, he also invites us to honor the saints and remember our departed loved ones in prayer.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the connections that strengthen our faith, from Catholic Youth Day and prayer with his brother priests to visits with Catholic school communities and invites support for Catholic education and those facing mental health challenges.

Like many, I was relieved to hear that Pope Leo’s surgery was successful, though the news of his lung cancer diagnosis and the removal of the lower lobe of his lung was difficult to hear. So many of us know someone who has faced cancer and understand the worry it brings. Please join me in praying for his full recovery and for the doctors, nurses, and all who are caring for him. May God give our Holy Father strength and comfort as he recovers.

Bishop da Cunha varies from his usual blog format this week to share an important letter.

Bishop da Cunha invites the faithful to encourage priestly vocations through Called by Name, renew their commitment to the dignity of human life, and gather for October Masses in support of those facing mental health challenges and grieving loved ones.

At the midpoint of our Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative, I am encouraged by signs of renewal among our priests and look forward to inviting parishes into the next phase. This week, I am also joining Brazilian Catholic leaders for their National Encounter and reflecting on our call, during National Migration Week, to welcome migrants as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

From inspiring lay leaders and celebrating Holy Cross Parish’s 60 years of faith to hearing from two seminarians discerning the priesthood, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the communities, witnesses and vocations that strengthen the Church.

This week, Bishop da Cunha shares reflections from three diocesan seminarians as they continue their journeys of formation and discernment. He also remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and invites the faithful to join him in prayer on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

As a new school year begins, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the gift of Catholic education, the impact of FACE scholarships, and recent celebrations of faith across the Diocese of Fall River.