By Matt O'Brien

August 16, 2004

FITCHBURG -- Bishop Robert J. McManus stirred a celebrity-like reception Sunday, celebrating his first Mass in the city since he became prelate of the Worcester Catholic Diocese in May.

His appearance marked the closing day of the Feast of the Madonna della Cava, a festival once popular in the city and revived this year after a 40-year absence.

McManus struck a chord with many area Catholics of Italian descent as he delivered a homily inside St. Bernard's Elementary School with stories culled from his experiences in Rome, where he studied theology in the 1980s.

"I think he's wonderful," said Anna Mazzaferro of Leominster, advisory board chairwoman of the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State College. "Very interesting to listen to. He makes the gospel come to life."

Locals lined up to greet the bishop after the service, shaking hands and posing for photographs.

More than 150 people attended the morning Mass, which was moved inside because of the rain.

Sicilian immigrants brought the celebration to the city in 1926, but the event faded away in the 1960s.

Jim DiStefano, a member of the Order of the Sons of Italy, came from Watertown for the festival and found McManus to be a "very impressive speaker."

State Rep. Emile Goguen, D-Fitchburg, agreed.

Goguen introduced himself to McManus after the Mass, welcoming the bishop to Fitchburg and asking him to sit down with him during "better times" so they could discuss topics such as abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage.

McManus has made clear since before he was installed as bishop that he believes Catholic politicians who stray from church teaching in their public policy are causing themselves spiritual harm.

McManus later wrote an editorial letter in the "Catholic Free Press," the diocesan newsletter, pointing out "that Catholics, especially public officials, who willingly and with approval facilitate the legal sanctioning of same-sex unions are involving themselves in cooperation with evil."

Goguen, who has been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, said he wants the Catholic Church to be more clear about its positions.

"I would like to see them show some support for civil rights," Goguen said after his brief introduction to McManus. "Everybody deserves civil rights."

McManus is beginning to spend more time in North Central Massachusetts.

"I'm getting to know the area," he said after the Mass.

When he was installed as bishop in May, the Providence, R.I., native had never set foot in the Fitchburg area. Now he regularly comes here for religious meetings and other church functions.

The Rev. Robert Johnson, director of worship for the diocese, said McManus has 126 parishes across the diocese he plans to eventually visit.

"In September, the schedule picks up quite rapidly," Johnson said.