WESTPORT — All are invited to gather as great faith and energy come together to shine the Lumen Christi, the Light of Christ, on one of the oldest and most well loved structures in the Diocese of Fall River—the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. On Wednesday, June 8, at White’s of Westport, the Lumen Christi Gala will be an evening that celebrates the Cathedral’s history and helps chart a renewed future in service to all diocesan parishioners and the wider community.
More than 165 years ago, the Cathedral’s first stones were laid. Since then, it has served as a parish and, since 1904, as the Diocese’s Cathedral. Mother church, the seat of the bishop, and the Spiritual home where diocesan Liturgies take place, so much has been celebrated and memorialized within the Cathedral’s walls. Given the Cathedral’s age, many repair and renovation projects are becoming critical — including work needed on the roof, the bell tower, and the stained-glass windows.
The inaugural Lumen Christi Gala will help raise awareness of the Cathedral’s history and significance as well as funds to address repairs and renovations. Event co-chairs Nicholas Christ and Maryellen Sullivan Hughes, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and Rector and Pastor Thomas Washburn will gather with attendees to celebrate the Cathedral’s past, present, and future. This special evening will also honor a couple that has stood as a pillar of support to our diocese, Bob and Christine Long of Long Built Homes. The evening will also feature the musical stylings of Vatican III, which includes Diocese of Fall River priest Father Matt Gill, seminarians Matthew Laird and Larry Valliere, and Father Patrick Fiorillo from the Archdiocese of Boston.
Seminarian Matthew Laird shared, “With three members of the band being from the Fall River Diocese, the night will be a real home-coming of sorts, having not played in the diocese since July of 2019. It will be a honor to perform in front of so many who have helped us on our vocation to the priesthood. We so look forward to this exciting night.”
To learn more about attending and supporting the event and purchasing tickets at: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/Cathedral-gala or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
