From the Pastor January 31/Feb 1

Leaving a Great Legacy

Last week the American Church was saddened to hear the news of the death in Rome of prominent and distinguished Vatican journalist John L. Allen, Jr. Allen died at age 62 after a lengthy case of cancer. Born and raised in rural Kansas, Allen became the dean of English language Vatican correspondents. 

A tribute printed by Zenit News referred to his career as, “one in which deep institutional knowledge, intellectual rigor, and narrative clarity combined to make the inner workings of the Holy See intelligible to a global audience.” 

Allen became prominent in Catholic media circles during a decades long career as the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter. NCR is considered a progressive publication, but the Zenit profile commented, “Allen’s authority did not stem from ideological alignment. On the contrary, he was trusted across the ecclesial spectrum precisely because he resisted easy categorization. Progressives, conservatives, and institutional insider alike recognized that his first loyalty was to accuracy and context.” The Zenit article observed, “The Holy See operates simultaneously as a sovereign entity, a spiritual authority, and a centuries-old court culture. Allen mastered this terrain.

Sebastian Gomes an editor for America Media pointed out that Allen was a must read because of three things. He said Allen’s writing was accessible. He said it wasn’t shallow or a dumbing down of topics. “John would write and speak to ordinary people interested in the goings-on at the Vatican with clarity and precision.”

Nuance, Gomes claimed, was another great quality of Allen’s. Gomes pointed out that Vatican journalists can become obsessed with drama that leads to sensationalism or become too cozy with the institutional Church. He wrote, “After reading John, you wouldn’t know exactly where he stood on the question-a testament to his capacity for nuance and understanding of the proper role of a Catholic reporter. 

Gomes said Allen was passionate. “As a Catholic, he didn’t feel the need to downplay or avoid challenging questions.” “He always had something insightful and trustworthy to say, without hesitation or defensiveness.”

Besides being a correspondent, John Allen was the author of many books on Church topics. He was very knowledgeable about Pope Benedict XVI of whom he wrote biographies. His book, All the Pope’s Men, described the inner workings of the Curia, Opus Dei took an intense expose of that controversial movement, and The Future Church predicted many of the issues the Church is dealing with today. I strongly recommend any of John Allen’s writings to every Catholic wishing to learn about the Church.

One final tribute paid John Allen is his willingness to work with other Vatican journalist and to mentor young and upcoming ones. Hopefully, Allen’s impact and legacy as a Vatican journalist will live on through them for many years.   

Parish Photographer Needed

The saying is “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Do you enjoy photography? The parish is seeking a volunteer to take photos at various parish events and liturgies. If you have talents and skills in this area, please give the Parish Office a call at 508-945-0677, and offer you skills to the parish. 

Baby Bottle Boomerang 

January is Sanctity of Life Month. Holy Redeemer has been conducting a Baby Bottle Boomerang as a fundraiser for Your Options Medical Centers. Your Options is an agency that offers pregnant women services such as free ultrasound tests and counseling to help women considering abortion to know all their options before deciding. 

Parishioners participating in the Boomerang should now begin to return their bottles filled with the loose change they receive during January. Baskets are available by the Welcome Desks at the doors of the church.

World Day of the Sick

Wednesday, February 11, is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It commemorates the apparition of Our Lady to St. Bernadette. As the result of her appearance a miraculous healing spring came forth and made Lourdes a place of healing. It is also World Day of Prayer for the Sick. On the weekend of February 14/15, the parish will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick. This is a sacrament of healing and not The Last Rites.

Who should receive the sacrament?

• People of advanced age.
• Those suffering from a chronic illness.
• Those anticipating an operation or medical procedure in the need future.

Parishioners fitting those criteria will be invited to come to the front of the sanctuary after the homily at all Masses.

Candlemas Day & Feast of St. Blasé 

Monday, February 2, is the Feast of the Presentation. It is forty days since Christmas and the day recalls the presentation of Jesus and Mary at the Temple to fulfill the Mosaic Law’s requirement for first born sons to be redeemed. It is one of the occasions in Jesus’ young life when he was revealed as the Messiah and the light of the world. Traditionally, it is the day to bless candles. This weekend we will bless a limited supply of candles and distribute them after Mass. 

Palms For Ashes

Beginning next weekend and for the next couple, bring last year’s palms to church. We are collecting them to burn to make this year’s Ash Wednesday supply. Collection baskets will be available in both lobbies.

Fr. Sullivan on Vacation

Fr. Sullivan will be on vacation this week. Fr. Rich Furlong, a retired priest of the diocese, will be subbing for him. Please welcome Fr. Furlong.

Catholic Appeal Honors

Earlier in January the parish was notified we received a $3,000 award as part of the Catholic Appeal Parish Incentive Program for the 2025 Catholic Appeal. Every May the Diocese of Fall River conducts its Catholic Appeal that helps support the ministries and charities of the diocese. Holy Redeemer won the award for having the second highest participation rate in the Cape and Island Deanery. Our rate was 14.1% of our parishioners contributing to the Appeal. Thank you to all those parishioners who contributed to the Appeal. Let’s shoot for #1 in 2026.