Praying With Mothers, Recognizing Those Committed to Life and the Passing of Msgr. Fitzgerald

Joining Mothers Who Pray for their Children

At the invitation of Mothers Who Pray for Their Children, I celebrated a Mass in Portuguese this past Sunday at the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette. The group was hosting a retreat there for their New England Chapters and nearly filled the Church. They selected La Salette because Our Lady of La Salette is the patroness of the organization. 

Mothers Who Pray for Their Children is a faith-filled community where mothers come together to pray for their children and families. I enjoyed meeting the members of this vibrant and prayer-filled group, including the founder, Angela Abdo, who is from Brazil. The organization shares that it is built on the belief that a mother’s prayer has the power to bring comfort and change. Through regular gatherings, spiritual reflection, and mutual support, these mothers turn to God for strength and guidance as they face the joys and challenges of raising children, just like the parents in the parable of the prodigal son, which was central to last weekend’s Gospel. 

In my homily, I spoke about the destructive power of resentment and the transformative nature of divine love. The Gospel explores how both sons – one who squandered his freedom and one who remained dutiful but bitter—were lost in different ways. The younger son, though repentant,  struggled to recognize the full impact of his actions, while the elder son, consumed by anger, refused to embrace his father’s mercy. Ultimately, only the father understood the often difficult balance of freedom, duty, and love, demonstrating that forgiveness – especially parents’ forgiveness –  is the true path to reconciliation.

I challenged the mothers who gathered for the Mass to reflect on whether their own hearts hold onto anger or resentment, especially during Lent, and encouraged them to surrender these burdens just as they might give up other things during the season. Children who stray and those who remain can harbor unforgiveness. By choosing love, as the father in the parable did, we can welcome back the lost and experience true renewal. Isn’t that at the very foundation of parenthood?

I also reminded the congregation that God never shuts the door on us—He is always waiting with open arms. Lent, then, is a time to recommit to our baptismal promises. Will each of us  open our hearts to forgiveness, healing, and love and find mercy and compassion in forgiveness?

In Word and Deed, Witnesses for Life

In last week’s blog, I shared details about the Pro-Life Mass and the recognition of students’ whose essays were selected on the pro-life cause. During the Mass, we acknowledged those who were recognized for their commitment to life. 

We also announced the recipient of the John Cardinal O’Connor Annual Pro-Life Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies a strong commitment to the sacredness and dignity of human life. As promised, I am pleased to share the names of those who were recognized:

Pro Life Essay Honorees

Junior High School Division
First Place, Liam Rodriguez, St. Michael’s School, 6th Grade
Second Place, Olivia Rosas, St. Teresa of Calcutta School, 7th Grade

High School Division
First Place, Serena Fernandes, Bishop Stang High School, 11th Grade
Second Place Zachary Jones, St. John Paul II High School, 10th Grade

John Cardinal O’Connor Pro-life Award Honoree 

Michael Duarte, a parishioner of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, was honored as this year’s Pro-Life Person of the Year with the prestigious John Cardinal O’Connor Pro-Life Award. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Michael embodies the humility and faith reflected in the words of Saint Faustina Kowalska: “Nothing is difficult for the humble.” His service as District Deputy and Grand Knight of the 86th Council of the Knights of Columbus reflects a deep devotion to loving and serving others.

Michael’s dedication is manifested in his long-standing service to numerous ministries and organizations. For the past 10 years, he has volunteered at Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, supporting mothers facing difficult pregnancies. He has led the Holy Name Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference for 12 years and served for 47 years with the Fall River Lions Carousel Club, assisting the visually impaired. One of his most remarkable commitments to life is his 43 years as a blood and platelet donor, offering hope to those who are sick and dying. His collective service amounts to an extraordinary 185 years of dedication across various ministries. Michael’s quiet faith and generosity make him a true inspiration, and we were proud to recognize his steadfast commitment to the culture of life and trust in God’s plan.

The Mass and presentation of awards was a reminder that throughout our Diocese, there are many who demonstrate extraordinary courage by advocating for the protection of all human life.

Requiescat in Pace, Msgr. Fitzgerald

Our Diocese has lost a dedicated and compassionate priest. Rev. Monsignor Edmund “Jack” Fitzgerald, Jr. passed on March 15, 2025, at Catholic Memorial Home. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1968 in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

He served for decades in healthcare ministries in the Diocese, first as director of the Pastoral Care Department at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, and later, concurrent with that, as director of the Diocesan Department of Pastoral Care for the Sick. From 1988 to 2019, he was executive director of Diocesan Health Facilities, overseeing the five nursing and rehabilitative care facilities in the Diocese. In addition, he was a longtime pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Westport and then at  St. Thomas More in Somerset. His complete obituary can be found here.

A wake Service for him will take place next week on Thursday and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, April 11, at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church in Somerset.

Please join me in prayer for Msgr. Fitzgerald and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha