Yesterday, I visited Saint Anne's for the first time in my life after hearing many comments over…read morethe years about its beauty and importance, especially for the immigrant French-Canadians of the past. I came to visit Saint Anne's at this time because I knew the Church had been closed since November of 2018 because of falling debris from the deteriorating ceiling and the danger this presented to parishioners and others. When we arrived on Wednesday afternoon, July 31, 2019, the Church doors were all shuttered. We were about to abandon hope of a visit when a kind Sister of Saint Dorothy led us to one ground floor door that was open and allowed us to enter the shrine area in the crypt of the Church. There we met a woman who serves as a volunteer and a genial elderly parishioner who agreed to show us around the shrine. He spoke with poignant regret about the gradual decline of the parish and the Church building itself. In an earlier day, the Church was staffed by Dominican Friars from Canada. There was Saint Anne's Hospital across the way, staffed by Dominican nuns, an elementary school and a high school called Dominican academy. This solid city block of fortress-like faith expressed in granite, marble, stained-glass must have seemed eternal. Yet the late decades of the 20th century brought waves of descendants of immigrants to new levels of prosperity. These more prosperous children and grandchildren of immigrants moved up and out of the working-class neighborhood to the suburbs and to other parts of the country. The religious observances as he described them were grand, faith-filled affairs celebrated in a church filled beyond capacity to overflowing. We really hoped to visit the upper Church but that was not allowed and there was no one around who could open the way for us. Suddenly, Richie Costa appeared brandishing a full ring of keys. He was clearly delighted to fulfill our wish and to show off his beloved Church. The last wedding celebrated in Saint Anne's was his. With pride, he presented the expansive interior of the Church that immediately captures one's attention and compels the gaze heavenward. There the marble columns are topped on the clerestory level by saints, popes, and apostles on both sides of the nave. The stained-glass windows burnish the sunlight of late afternoon with a rich medley of color. I could go on and on about the majestic beauty of the nave, the marble sanctuary, the frescoes peeling off the high walls. But there is a sadness about a once-powerful testimony of faith in stone and glass now in danger of collapsing into rubble. Has faith disappeared from our families and neighborhoods? Is this why abortions, suicides, and opioid addiction abound while marriage and family life are on the decline. this seems too much like today's Gospel in which the Lord can work no mighty deeds in our midst because of the lack of faith? I hope not. I hope somehow new waves of faith-filled immigrants might arrive and fall in love with Saint Anne's beauty, restore its former glory and fill its nave with sweet hymns of glory to God. I pray for that. The beauty of the faith attracts us because it hints at the beauty of God Himself. Saint Anne, grandmother of the Savior, pray for us!

A wonderful sanctuary in the heart of Fall River. The shrine is in the basement and features…read moreseveral chapels and a lovely one dedicated to St. Anne. If you look to the right of her statue, you can see the collection of crutches that belong to people who have been healed through the intercession of Good Anne. In front of the statue is a stone from her home in Jerusalem. For more information and the Mass schedule, refer to the website....http://www.stanneshrine.com/

Christ the Rock church is a wonderful Church of all believers in Christ…read more My husband and I was was married there 14yrs ago and was baptized and ever since we have been serving the church and community, we are a family who welcomes everyone.. we have a wonderful worship team, kids and adult Bible study, men's and women's ministry. We baptize adults, youth group, Food pantry.. so much more. Come check us out 414 Rock Street Fall River, Mass Sunday service 9am, Portuguese svc 11am

From the owner: Welcome to Christ The Rock Church, where people from all walks of life come together to experience…read morethe hope and power of Jesus. We’re a family-focused, community-driven church with a heart for those who are hurting, in need, or just searching for something more. Our mission is simple: help people discover new life in Jesus, grow deeper in their faith, and live out His love in practical ways. You’ll find spirit-filled worship, down-to-earth teaching from God’s Word, and a church family that feels like home. Join us on Sundays for powerful services: English Service at 9 a.m. Portuguese Service at 11 a.m. Looking for more? Thursday nights are a highlight at Christ The Rock! Come early for a free meal and hangout time starting at 6:30. At 7 p.m., Rock Life kicks off with engaging classes for all ages, including Ignite Youth for teens. Everything wraps up by 8, so it’s easy to make it part of your week. We’re not just a church for Sundays. From our food pantry to community outreach, we’re here to serve Fall River and beyond. Whether you’re new to faith, returning after time away, or looking for a place to grow, we’d love for you to be part of what God is doing here. Come as you are—you’re family already.

Beautiful Roman Catholic church in the downtown area on Canal Street. The entrance doors at the…read morefront may be locked during off hours, so you may have to use their side entrance & take the elevator/stairs to the Main floor. It was worth the trip from CT to see the inside.

From the owner: The Santo Christo Parish Community opens wide it's doors to you. We hope you feel at home and among…read morefamily. Our wish is that you might feel your time among us prayerful, inspiring and uplifting.