Cheverus Stories

Dear Cheverus Community,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the outpouring of kindness and support as we have mourned the death of our beloved Fernanda Darrow. The wake and funeral were emblematic of Fernanda’s life, rich in joy and love. When we celebrated Fernanda’s life, the pews were filled with students and friends dressed in vibrant colors, and the altar was overflowing with garden flowers. The light of our faith was unmistakable.

In these last few days, I have recognized the grace of community. During these difficult times, we have offered words of encouragement to one another, supported and listened to one another, fed and cried with one another. We belong to one another. This is the essence of our Christian community. In our great sadness, we have experienced God’s love.

In the coming weeks, I ask that you continue to hold Fernanda’s family and our entire community in your prayers for support, guidance, and healing. Let us all recognize that God’s love is ever-present in our community.

“If we open the door to Jesus and allow him to be part of our lives, if we share our joys and sorrows with him, then we will experience the peace and joy that only God, who is infinite love, can give.”

Pope Francis
World Youth Day, 2014

For Cheverus,

Fr. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J.