Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, September 6, 2024
FACE weekend raises more than $225,000 for Catholic education Stories on pages 10 & 11
Portrait of Bishop da Cunha unveiled on his birthday
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., stands beside his portrait with artist Catherine D. Hafer. The oil portrait was presented to the Bishop on August 21 at the annual Employee Appreciation Day at the chancery. It was also the bishop’s birthday. By Joan D. Warren Editor
joandwarren@anchornews.org
FALL RIVER — On the afternoon of August 21, as the sun shone down on a group of employees from the Chancery office of the Diocese of Fall River, an assuming object covered by a large burgundy colored fabric was off to the side of the lawn adjacent to Bishop Edgar da Cunha’s residence. Following a picnic luncheon to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, attention was rapt as the contents from under the fabric were
revealed - a portrait of Bishop da Cunha. The large oil portrait, 44 x 56 inches, is the work of Catherine D. Hafer, an award-winning Westport artist who specializes in capturing personality and bringing emotions to life in her creations. In the many hours she spent at the easel, she in fact, did capture the bishop’s personality and brought to life his love and devotion to the Lord. The portrait depicts Bishop da Cunha in red vestments at the altar of the small chapel at his residence. In front of him is a golden chalice and the Body of Christ on a paten. His
outstretched hand is a welcoming sign for the faithful to partake in the body of Christ. “I wanted to paint him capturing his spirit and connection to God. It is as though he is just about to speak, presiding over a Mass,” Ms. Hafer said. The idea for the portrait was a few years in the making. Ms. Hafer was invited to have dinner with the bishop in a small group setting at his residence. The two bonded over their love for soccer and port wine, she said. “As I was leaving, I mentioned I would like to paint his portrait. He liked the idea since 8 Turn to page two September 6, 2024 †
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