The Bishops Blog

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 nations. He also invites the faithful to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord and support the Church’s mission of sharing the Gospel through World Communications Day.

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 speakers, specially tuned SCA receivers and cable streams, our podcasts are yet another channel we employ to bring our blind listeners their community and regional news and entertainment 24/7/365. More info is available at:  www.audiblelocalledger.org or by calling 508-539-2030.

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 another.

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 reflection from a retreat with those preparing to receive the sacraments at Easter.

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 Lenten reflection to realign our hearts with Christ.

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.

As he takes time in January to rest and reconnect, Bishop da Cunha shares reflections from Brazil, where he’s enjoying warm weather, cherished time with his large family, and the joy of celebrating his niece’s wedding. In this week’s Bishop’s Blog, he reflects on how family shapes our faith, values, and vocation, and offers a prayer of blessing for families across the Diocese of Fall River.

As we begin a new year, Bishop da Cunha reflects with gratitude on the blessings, challenges, and moments of grace experienced across the Diocese, while inviting all to move forward with renewed hope in Christ. From honoring the legacy of Pope Francis and welcoming Pope Leo XIV, to strengthening support for priests, forming future vocations, responding with compassion in times of tragedy, and building stronger parish communities, this blog offers a hopeful vision for the year ahead guided by faith, service, and unity.

As we conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope and begin a new year, we do so rooted in faith, unity, and prayer. From the closing Jubilee Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral and reflections on the Holy Family, to the annual St. Andrew Dinner supporting young men discerning a vocation, and a renewed call to pray for peace amid the darkness of war, this week’s blog invites us to carry the hope of Christ into the new year.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares his Christmas message.

Celebrate Kaique Santos’ ordination to the transitional diaconate, see how our Diocese is ensuring no one is forgotten at Christmas, and reflect with us as Advent draws to a close.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares that Seminarian Kaique Santos will be ordained a deacon on December 13, a joyful milestone as we enter Gaudete Sunday. Guest blogger Father Neil Wack reflects on the light and joy of Advent, reminding us to turn toward Christ as we await Christmas with hope.

This week, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the faithful service of our 2025 Marian Medal recipients and invites us to enter Advent with renewed hope. From honoring parishioners who embody Christ’s love to celebrating the Immaculate Conception and hearing John the Baptist’s call to prepare our hearts, let us look within and welcome the light of Christ this Advent season.

As Thanksgiving arrives and Advent begins, this week’s Bishop’s blog reflects on the generosity of Bishop Feehan students and the Church’s call to awaken our hearts for the coming of Christ. 

Bishop da Cunha reflects on key moments from the U.S. Bishops’ Meeting in Baltimore and invites the Diocese into a new series of reflections for Christ the King and Advent. A season of hope and preparation begins as we look toward Christ’s coming.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the 32st Annual Face Fall Scholarship Dinner and USCCB committee meetings held before the annual meeting in Baltimore.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares reflections on the Mass for deceased bishops, priests, and deacons; how the Diocese is responding to increased food insecurity; the Called by Name vocations campaign; and Veterans Day.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Mass of Thanksgiving for St. Mary’s in Taunton, the gift of Catholic schools and All Saints and All Souls Day.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on Catholic Youth Day’s theme “RENEWED,” urging young disciples to embrace faith, and highlights efforts to support those affected by mental health and addiction.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Mass for Peace, the upcoming FACE dinner featuring former Celtic Gordon Hayward and World Mission Sunday.

In this week’s Blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on faith and fellowship over lasagna, the Red Mass and the upcoming Procession and Mass for Peace.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares information on Mental Health Awareness and Respect Life Month; Pope Leo’s Call for a Rosary of Peace; and the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on a retreat for the Brazilian community, centennial parish anniversaries for St. Francis and St. Mary’s, and the Red Mass.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares a vocations update and welcomes guest blogs by the Diocese’s current seminarians in which they share inspiring insights from their journey toward the priesthood.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the Parish Leader Convocation, the upcoming FACE collection, and the Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares a reflection on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, the results of the 2025 Catholic Appeal, on the transition from summer to fall, and shares a reminder of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A weekly reading of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha's "Bishop's Blog". In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha discusses the Feast of the Holy Ghost, affordable housing in New Bedford, running for Catholic education and the start of a new school year.

Topics include a collection for Gaza, the St. Francis Mass of Thanksgiving, important Fall Events (You’re Invited), and the National Attention for the Consecration of Priests to St. John Vianney.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha discusses expanding access to Catholic education, the vocations update card, and a reminder about the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha reflects on the consecration of priests in the Diocese to St. John Vianney and shares information about the upcoming Parish Leader Convocation.

In this week’s blog, Father Bryan Bangs shares a reflection on his first year as a priest and Bishop da Cunha shares information on the upcoming consecration of priests to St. John Vianney.

Uniting After the Gabriel House Tragedy, the Jubilee Journey and a Pastoral Visit to Nantucket

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha discusses his prayers amid the tragedy at Gabriel House, St Mary Star of the Sea’s 100th anniversary, the gift of a Catholic education and an invitation to join in prayer for our priests.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha shares information about the role of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and accolades for the new Diocesan website.

Saints Peter and Paul and What Cursillo Teaches Us About Faith and Mission.

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha explores how laity are supporting their priests and parishes throughout the Diocese and offers a reminder of the final week of the Appeal.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35)

In this week’s blog, Bishop da Cunha discusses his message for the Class of 2025, upcoming travel and Father’s Day.

70 Years of CELAM: A Call to Solidarity and Renewal!