The Bishops Blog

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Church’s call to respond with compassion by supporting earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, congratulates Sister Helen McPeak and the diocesan communications team on recent honors, and remembers the faithful ministry of Rev. Horace J. Travassos, inviting prayers for the repose of his soul.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the grace-filled visit of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Diocese of Fall River, the enduring tradition of the Fishermen’s Mass and Blessing of the Fleet in Provincetown, and the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. He invites the faithful to renew their Eucharistic faith, give thanks f...

Eleven men in the Diocese of Fall River have taken an important step on their journey to the permanent diaconate, as they continue years of formation in service, prayer, and pastoral ministry. This week’s blog also highlights the impact of the Annual Catholic Appeal, which supports vital ministries of care, education, and formation across the Diocese, and offers a final invitation to participate i...

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the U.S. bishops’ recent consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, shares highlights from the USCCB Spring General Assembly, invites the faithful to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage coming to the Diocese later this month, and offers a heartfelt Father’s Day reflection and prayer in gratitude for fathers and father fi...

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the joy of ordaining a new priest and transitional deacon for the Diocese, shares a message of hope and human dignity with this year’s Catholic high school graduates inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, invites the faithful to participate in the nation’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and highlights the importance of stewardship th...

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on upcoming ordinations, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, dedicated diocesan employees, and the gift of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, invites us to reflect on human dignity, relationships, and the role of technology in our lives, while recent celebrations in the Diocese highlighted the witness of young disciples and the timeless mystery of the Holy Trinity.

From preparations for the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala to reflections on Pentecost and Memorial Day, Bishop da Cunha invites the faithful to come together in prayer, gratitude, and hope. In this week’s blog, he reflects on the enduring importance of St. Mary’s Cathedral as the Mother Church of the Diocese, the work underway to preserve it for future generations, and the call to live as faithful wi...

During a recent trip to the Philippines for the ordination of four priests from the Society of Divine Vocations, Bishop da Cunha encountered a vibrant and joyful faith deeply rooted in community, generosity, and hope. In this week’s blog, he reflects on the warmth of the Filipino people, the inspiring witness of young seminarians, and the universal bond that unites the Church across cultures and n...

This reading is intended solely for People who are Blind and/or Print-Disabled. The Audible Local Ledger, a non-profit organization that is part of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network, reads local news, information and educational content to several hundred blind and print disabled listeners on the Cape, Islands and South Coast of Massachusetts. Along with the Sero iPhone app, smart speake...

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the dignity of every human life, the call to be a consistent witness to that truth, and the importance of honoring mothers in this month dedicated to Mary. He also invites the faithful to support the Catholic Appeal and help make a difference in our communities.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Catholic Appeal, the Diocese’s commitment to child protection, the Month of Mary, and the upcoming Diocesan Walk for Life as invitations to live faith through peace, prayer, generosity, and action.

At Confirmation, young people publicly profess the faith first given to them at Baptism and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit for what lies ahead. In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha considers what that means in everyday life. He also invites us to put our faith into action, including at the upcoming Walk for Life.

We live in a time that calls for clarity and compassion and we are reminded of the importance of speaking truth with respect, trusting in God’s mercy, and strengthening the bonds of community. From reflecting on the Holy Father’s call for peace to celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday and gathering across our Diocese, these moments point us back to faith, hope, and our shared responsibility to one anoth...

In this week’s Bishop’s Blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on how new priest fraternity groups are strengthening the bonds of brotherhood in the Diocese that sustain priestly ministry and shares information about Divine Mercy Sunday and new ways our diocesan community can stay connected to the life of the universal Church. He also invites the faithful to join Pope Leo in a prayer vigil for peace.

As we enter the sacred days of the Triduum, we are invited to walk more closely with Christ through His Passion, death, and Resurrection while also giving thanks for the gift of the priesthood and praying for those who faithfully serve God’s people.

As Holy Week approaches, Bishop da Cunha reflects with gratitude on his ordination 44 years ago, the strength of mothers united in prayer for their children, and the beauty of gathering as one diocesan family at the Chrism Mass. He also invites the faithful to enter more deeply into the sacred days ahead, walking with Christ in prayer, sacrifice, and hope. Fr. Matthew Laird also shares a Lenten re...

As we continue our Lenten journey, we reflect on the witness of St. Joseph, pray for our priests, and look ahead with hope to Easter. Bishop da Cunha invites us to deepen our faith through prayer, renewal, and trust in God’s grace during this sacred season.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha invites the faithful to pray for peace in a troubled world, celebrates the witness of those who support Catholic education, expresses gratitude for dedicated Catholic educators, reflects on the faith of St. Patrick, and welcomes Fr. Brilhante who shares a Lenten reflection.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s remarks to reject violence and embrace dialogue as the path to lasting peace, while we continue praying for those suffering from conflict and natural disaster. Closer to home, he shares information on our Diocese’s growing commitment to caring for our common home through renewable energy initiatives, and welcomes a guest to share a Le...

In this week’s Bishop’s Blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Rite of Election and the faithful “yes” of those preparing to enter the Church this Lent, while also celebrating the launch of The Anchor’s new fully digital website and e-newsletter to help share the Good News more widely.

In this week’s Bishop’s Blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the call to conversion during Lent and looks ahead to the Rite of Election, a powerful sign of the Church’s growth as catechumens and candidates prepare to enter fully into the Catholic faith

On World Day of Marriage, couples celebrating milestone anniversaries reminded us that love grows stronger when it is lived for others. As Lent approaches, Bishop da Cunha reflects on this same call to selfless love, inviting all of us to become the salt of the earth through prayer, generosity, and service as we journey toward Easter.

This week’s blog reflects on the vital role of lay leadership, the joy of Catholic Schools Week, updates on The Anchor’s digital transition, and a prayerful wish for a safe and joyful Super Bowl weekend.

Service, prayer, and education are powerful ways we answer God’s call. In this reflection, Bishop da Cunha highlights how Catholic Charities is helping young adults move from homelessness to hope, invites prayer for men and women in consecrated life, and shares a student’s witness to the transformative impact of Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week.