Lumen Christi and Corpus Christi Author: The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Bishop's Blog 15 Jun 2022 Share The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala I was pleased to join with laity and clergy from around the Diocese for the inaugural Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala last Wednesday, June 8, at White’s of Westport. The proceeds will help to start funding the cost of making critical repairs to the structure in several areas including its roof, bell tower, and stained-glass windows. The evening included awarding the first Lumen Christi award to Bob and Christine Long, proprietors of Long Built Homes in New Bedford and members of St. Mary Parish in South Dartmouth. The couple was honored for their work on the board of the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts and for their overall support of the Diocese of Fall River. The Gala was entitled Lumen Christi because it is a Latin phrase meaning Light of Christ which very aptly describes the role the Cathedral plays in our Diocese. During the evening, a video was presented featuring our Cathedral Rector, Fr. Tom Washburn, and myself discussing the current condition of the Cathedral and the many repairs and updates needed. Please take a few moments to watch that video below: My gratitude to all those who attended, as well as a special word of thanks to co-chairs of the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala: Nick Christ, who is president of BayCoast Bank and co-chair of the Catholic Foundation of SE Mass. board, and Maryellen Sullivan Hughes of Mattapoisett, also of the Catholic Foundation board. This is a wonderful start to raising the necessary funds to restore our grand cathedral to its proper state. Feast of Corpus Christi The Catholic Church has celebrated the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi Sunday, with a procession since 1264. Inspired by a Eucharistic miracle, Pope Urban instituted Corpus Christi for the Universal Church and celebrated it for the first time in Orvieto. Pope Urban commissioned a Dominican friar, St. Thomas Aquinas, to compose the Mass and Office for the feast of Corpus Christi. Aquinas’ hymns in honor of the Holy Eucharist, Pange Lingua, Tantum Ergo, Panis Angelicus, and O Salutaris Hostia are the hymns the Church continues to sing to this day during Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. National Eucharistic Revival Launches A reminder, the Eucharistic Revival will launch across the country this weekend, the Feast of Corpus Christi 2022, and all are invited to a special event to inaugurate the Revival in the Diocese of Fall River. Please consider being a part of this special Mass to be followed by a Eucharistic Procession and Adoration, beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River. The high school is located at 373 Elsbree St., in Fall River. [maxbutton id=”7″ url=”https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDUSHuyiQGDA5EH7OzYuIVSe3aC_kJEtyS7L8SYGpN-HEcgA/viewform” text=”PLEASE RSVP HERE” window=”new”] Happy Father’s Day Please know of my ongoing prayers for each of you and your families and in a particular way this week, for all fathers. Yours in Christ, Bishop da Cunha The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. The Bishop of Fall River Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Previous Next Related Posts In the News 17 May 2023 Lumen Christi Gala Will Support Restoration of Cathedral FALL RIVER —The restoration of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River is underway, and the second annual Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala set for next month aims to raise funding to … Read More In the News 10 May 2022 Inaugural Lumen Christi Gala Will Support Restoration of Cathedral FALL RIVER — A first-time-ever event will take place next month both to celebrate St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River and to help restore the iconic 166-year-old church. The inaugural … Read More Bishop's Blog 14 Jun 2023 Restoring and Preserving Our Mother Church 2023 Lumen Christi Gala On Wednesday, June 7, the Diocese held its second annual Lumen Christi Gala to raise awareness and the necessary funds to restore and preserve our Cathedral … Read More