84th Annual Catholic Appeal “HOPE LIGHTS THE WAY”
Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, June 6, 2025
Pope Leo XIV Elected as the First U.S. Pope: A new era for the Church and the world
Since being elected on May 8, Pope Leo XVI has not only united the Catholic community, he has begun to unite the world with his message of peace. ‘‘The pope has a powerful microphone By Joan D. Warren and the biggest camera on him. The world is Editor joandwarren@anchornews.org watching his every move and every word. Since being made pope, peace has been the theme, FALL RIVER — On May 8, 2025, Cardibuilding bridges not walls and bringing people nal Robert F. Prevost was elected as the 267th together,” Bishop da Cunha said. Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, the name Pope Leo XIV. Illinois, Robert Francis Prevost joined the To mark this historic occasion, Bishop EdOrder of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was gar da Cunha celebrated a Mass for Pope Leo ordained a priest in 1982. He dedicated much XIV at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral of his ministry to Peru, serving in various caon Friday, May 16. pacities, including as bishop of Chiclayo from “In this extraordinary and joyous moment, 2015 to 2023. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed I offer my prayers—and those of the entire him as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and Diocese—for the Holy Father as he embarks President of the Pontifical Commission for on the path chosen for him by the Lord and Latin America. Prevost was elevated to cardientrusted to him by the College of Cardinals. nal in 2024 and was elected pope following the May God grant him the strength and grace death of Pope Francis in April 2025. needed as he assumes the office of Bishop of Global reactions and support of the first Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church,” American Pope has been more than favorable. Bishop da Cunha said. 8 Turn to page three
FALL RIVER — Across the Diocese of Fall River since 1942, the Catholic Appeal has served as a bedrock of support for the Catholic faith in the region and countless good works aiding thousands of individuals and families each year. In his video message announcing this year’s Catholic Appeal, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., reminds the faithful of the Diocese about the “powerful programs and services” that the Appeal supports. These vital ministries, providing food, shelter, education, faith formation, support for priests and parishes, and more, are made possible thanks to contributions from thousands of donors who heed the call to give. These gifts of all sizes provide sustenance and support across southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Donors to the Appeal and recipients of the many programs that its funds support are both tied to the power of hope. As this year’s theme reminds us, Hope Lights the Way: “They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Miriam Finn Sherman, CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts that manages the Appeal’s fundraising efforts, said, “The Catholic Appeal is a beacon of hope 8 Turn to page three
Changes announced
impacting five parishes Turn to page 7 for details June 6, 2025 †
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