The Bishops Blog

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the generosity of Catholic Appeal donors, the Church’s call to welcome those in need, and upcoming opportunities for prayer, formation, and fellowship throughout the Diocese.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha reflects on a week filled with moments of faith, gratitude, and renewal — from celebrating the generosity that makes Catholic education accessible through the FACE Summer Gala, to gathering with his brother bishops for prayer and reflection, to marking 100 years of faith at St. Elizabeth’s Church on Martha’s Vineyard. Through each experience, Bishop da Cunha shares a message of enduring faith, the importance of community, and the call to inspire future generations.

From the mountains of New Hampshire to time with seminarians on Cape Cod, Bishop da Cunha reflects this week on faith, fraternity, and discerning God’s call. He also joins Pope Leo XIV in praying for peace throughout our troubled world and looks ahead to the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Strengthening the Bonds of Brotherhood on the Feast of Saint John Vianney.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on his annual pastoral visit to Nantucket, where he celebrated Mass, met with parishioners, and witnessed the vibrant faith of St. Mary’s Our Lady of the Isle Parish. From moments of fellowship and unexpected blessings to the inspiring witness of the island’s Hispanic community, his visit highlighted the people who make Nantucket’s Catholic community so welcoming and faith-filled. The blog also remembers the life and faithful ministry of Reverend James “Father Jim” Ferry, asking for prayers for the repose of his soul.

This week, Bishop da Cunha celebrates two remarkable examples of service and faith: Father Kaique Santos, who joyfully begins his ministry as a priest, and Patricia “Pat” Marmen, whose decades of dedication have strengthened Catholic education on Cape Cod.

Bishop da Cunha reflects on the joy of welcoming Deacon Vishal, SS.CC., into the Church’s mission and the profound call to serve others with humility and love. He also shares his reflections on the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s visit to the Diocese of Fall River, a grace-filled journey that brought the faithful together in prayer, procession, and renewed devotion to Christ in the Eucharist.

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 for God’s many blessings, and continue witnessing to Christ with hope and generosity.

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 in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as it travels through the region on June 29–30.