Our Connection to Latin America and La Festa di San Giuseppe

Evangelization in Latin America and the Caribbean

Throughout the year, several national second collections are held in our parishes to support ministries beyond our Diocese and country. One of these is the Collection for the Church in Latin America. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains, many people in this region face barriers to accessing church programs and ministries due to the rise of secular culture, challenging rural landscapes, and a limited number of ministers. This collection provides essential grants to strengthen the Church’s presence in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, allowing more people to engage with their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Since I became a Bishop, I have had the privilege of serving on the USCCB’s Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America. This year, I was elected to serve as chairman of this subcommittee, which among many responsibilities, evaluates grant applications and cultivates relationships with the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our subcommittee meets each June and November to review these applications and discern how best to support the Church’s mission in these regions. Later in the spring, as part of work for the subcommittee,  I will be traveling back to  Brazil, not for family visits, but to attend a meeting in Rio de Janeiro with the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano, which is the Latin American Episcopal Conference known as CELAM. CELAM was established to coordinate the activities with and among the regional episcopal organizations of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

 The Bishops’ Subcommittee facilitates the development of intra-American ecclesial relations among bishops of the United States and their representative entities, and the bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean through national episcopal conferences; the CELAM, and other church-related organizations; Coordinates the annual Collection for the Church in Latin America and collaborates with U.S. dioceses in its promotion; Manages a grants program designed to support the pastoral work of the Church in Latin America; Develops educational resources and opportunities for Catholics in the United States to learn about the reality of the Church in Latin America.

USCCB

The projects funded through this program are truly inspiring and reflect the deep love of Christ and His Church throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants are awarded for a wide range of purposes, including catechesis, evangelization, lay leadership, pastoral activities, preparation for the Permanent Diaconate, religious education, formation of clergy and religious, and socio-religious research. (You can learn more about the specific initiatives funded on the USCCB’s website.)

Please join me in praying for those living in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially those in Haiti and seeking the intervention of the Holy Spirit as we provide financial support to strengthen our faith. Your prayers and support are vital to sustaining the Church’s mission and helping our brothers and sisters deepen their connection to Christ.

 “The church is called to come out of herself and to go to the peripheries, not only geographically, but also the existential peripheries: the mystery of sin, of pain, of injustice, of ignorance and indifference to religion, of intellectual currents and of all misery.” –Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergolio prior to the conclave that would elect him to the Papacy

Our work in Latin America and the Caribbean answers Pope Francis’s call to “go to the peripheries.” This is just one example of the many initiatives of the Church in the United States to care for those in need. As members of the Church, each of us is asked to do what we can to help our sisters and brothers,s especially during uncertain times. Let us take inspiration from Pope Francis to be a source of love and support to those around us, especially those who are suffering in fear and silence.

The Feast of St. Joseph

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, a feast honoring the patron saint of the Universal Church, along with families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, craftsmen, engineers, and all working people. Many mark this day with cherished traditions. First and foremost, prayers to St. Joseph. In Italy, La Festa di San Giuseppe is also celebrated as Father’s Day, recognizing Joseph as the “earthly father” of Jesus. A unique tradition associated with this feast is Fuochi nella Notte—”Fires in the Night”—symbolizing both the end of winter and the loving warmth Joseph provided to Mary and Jesus. In towns across Italy, bonfires light up the night, recalling his care and protection for the Holy Family.

“Fires in the Night” — Symbolizing the end of winter and the warmth of Joseph’s love and protection for Mary and Jesus. Across towns in Italy, bonfires illuminate the night, honoring his care for the Holy Family.

Finally, a temporal tradition is zeppole, a delicious doughnut type of pastry often filled with ricotta and topped with a cherry. These treats appear in bakeries throughout New England, tempting even those who have given up sweets for Lent!

Last week, we reflected on the many parishes named for St. Patrick. Today, we focus our attention on the numerous churches dedicated to St. Joseph in the Diocese of Fall River, including those in Fall River, Fairhaven, Woods Hole, and East Falmouth. Throughout New England, especially in Italian communities, churches bearing his name are a testament to the deep devotion to this humble and faithful saint.

As we honor St. Joseph, may his example of faith, humility, and dedication inspire us in our own lives. 

Changing of the Seasons

Since moving to New England, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected with regard to the weather. In just the past few months, we’ve experienced warm, sunny days in the 60s to sudden snowstorms. But now, as April approaches, we know that spring is finally on its way. The days are getting longer, flowers will soon bloom, and the trees will once again be covered with fresh green leaves — all signs of renewal and new life.

Spring holds special meaning for me as it coincides with the sacred observances of Holy Week and the joyful celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. The promise of warmer days and the beauty of nature’s renewal serve as a fitting reminder of the hope and new life we find in the risen Christ.

Wishing you all a blessed Festa di San Giuseppe!

+Bishop da Cunha