Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, October 6, 2023
Mass for National Mental Health Awareness is October 29 at Cathedral By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — To recognize the impact that mental health challenges have on individuals, families and caregivers, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will offer a special Mass on Sunday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. October is National Mental Health Awareness Month. A Book of Remembrance will be offered during the Mass for those who have died due to mental illness, suicide or substance use. The purpose is to invite, support and provide acceptance of those affected and
may feel isolated and alone due to mental health challenges. The Mass will also focus on those who are currently experiencing mental health challenges. The event is a kick-off to the beginning of a new Mental Health Ministry (MHM) Program in the Diocese, organized through the Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall River (CCDFR). Rose Mary Saraiva and Jack Weldon of CCDFR have teamed up as mental health coordinators for the diocese. They work collaboratively with the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) whose members see Christ in those who live with mental illness. 8 Turn to page five
At a reception following a Mass of Thanksgiving for several milestones in his life, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. speaks with Liz and Russell Ruggiero, whom he married in New Jersey in 1987. The couple rented a car and drove up from their home in New York City for the day. (Photo by Joan D. Warren)
Bishop’s journey of service to the Lord marked with Mass, reception By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — On Sunday, September 24, a celebratory Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., took place in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. Nine years ago to the day, he was installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Fall River. The Mass and reception that followed under a tent on the property was not only a celebration of his service as bishop of the diocese,
it also observed the 41st anniversary of his priestly ordination and the 20th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination. Many of his fellow priests and deacons participated and the pews were filled with faithful who braved the rainy remnants of tropical storm Ophelia to express gratitude to Bishop da Cunha. “We kept our plan for this celebration and so did mother nature,” the bishop said before his closing prayer, referring to the deluge of rain outside the cathedral. 8 Turn to page 11
Respect Life Mass and Conference to stress that vigilance is still needed By Dave Jolivet Editor
davejolivet@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — When on June 23,2022 the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the U.S., many in the diocese and across the country had the sense that the victory over the culture of death had been attained. But with only 13 states enforcing strict anti-abortion
measures, others have found ways around the decision. “There is still so much work to do,” Irina Robinson, diocesan Family and Respect Life Director told The Anchor. “Many don’t realize what is really going on behind the scenes across the country when it comes to allowing abortions.”
Bringing this to the forefront will be paramount at this year’s annu-
al diocesan Respect Life Month Mass and Conference to be held October 22.
The bishop is expected The Mass, which will be deliver a Pro-Life Month celebrated by Bishop Edmessage expounding the gard M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will take place at importance of remaining St. Mary’s Cathe- vigilant in the fight for life dral, 327 Second in this country. The conference will Street, at 10:30 take place following the a.m, and is free Mass at White’s of Westand open to the port. During the conferpublic. The conence, the bishop will again ference requires deliver a Pro-Life address an RSVP ticket for folks living in the diowhich costs $35 and includes lunch. Dead- cese. The guest speaker will line for RSVP is October 8 Turn to page five 1 11. October 6, 2023 †