Sept. 27, 2013

September 27, 2013

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

In wide-ranging interview, Pope Francis says focus on morality can obscure Gospel message:

The Feast of St. Francis Read Pope Benedict XVI’s meditation on this noted saint and learn more about the San Damiano Cross,

2-3 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 4-12 Schools..............................13 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................21 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 24-25 Year of Faith.................... 2-3

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‘Make us shine as a beacon of hope’ Thousands gather at Eucharistic Congress to open their hearts to Jesus,

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For Holy Cross families, church is ‘home’ Smiles abound at 40th anniversary celebration for Kernersville parish,

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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St. Francis of Assisi Pope Francis

Catholics must demonstrate unity

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ackstabbing and gossip hurt people and harm God’s desire for a united human family, Pope Francis said.

Unity is a gift from God, “but often we struggle to live it out,” he said.

The pope also asked people to pray for persecuted Christians in the world and to be genuinely concerned about their plight, just as one would be for a family member in distress.

At his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 25, Pope Francis continued his series of audience talks about the creed, focusing on the Catholic belief in “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”

Catholics of every culture, language and part of the world are united in their common baptism and in sharing the Church’s one faith and sacramental life, the pope said.

This unity in faith, hope, the sacraments and ministry “are like columns that support and hold together the one great edifice of the Church,” he said. And it also helps Catholics feel like members of one family, “united no matter the distance” between them.

But the pope asked people to reflect upon whether they live out this unity or are they uninterested – preferring to be closed off from others, isolated within their own community, group of friends or nation.

“It’s sad to see a ‘privatized’ Church because of egoism and this lack of faith,” he said. It’s especially sad when there are so many fellow Christians in the world who are suffering or being persecuted because of their faith.

He asked everyone to be honest with themselves and respond in their hearts: “How many of you pray for Christians who are persecuted” and for those who are in difficulty for professing and defending the faith?

People within the Church have not always lived this unity, he said.

“Sometimes misunderstandings, conflicts, tensions and divisions crop up that harm (unity), and so the Church doesn’t have the face we would want, it doesn’t demonstrate love and what God wants. And if we look at the divisions that still exist among Christians, Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants, we feel the hard work (needed) to make this unity fully visible.”

He asked people to have the humility to repair the divisions in one’s life “with patience and sacrifice” and follow the Prayer of St. Francis to be instruments of God’s peace.

“Humility, gentleness, magnanimity and love for preserving unity are the real pathways of the Church,” he said.

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he feast of St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated on Friday, Oct. 4, is extra special this year because of our new Holy Father. To mark the occasion, here is an excerpt from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s meditation on St. Francis, during his general audience on Jan. 27, 2010:

Dear Brothers and Sisters, “A sun was born into the world.” With these words in “The Divine Comedy,” the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri alludes to Francis’ birth, which took place in Assisi either at the end of 1181 or the beginning of 1182. As part of a rich family ... Francis lived a carefree adolescence and youth, cultivating the chivalrous ideals of the time. At age 20, he took part in a military campaign and was taken prisoner. He became ill and was freed.

After his return to Assisi, a slow process of spiritual conversion began within him, which brought him to gradually abandon the worldly lifestyle that he had adopted thus far. The famous episodes of Francis’ meeting with the leper to whom, dismounting from his horse, he gave the kiss of peace, and of the message from the Crucifix in the small Church of St. Damian date back to this period. Three times Christ on the Cross came to life, and told him: “Go, Francis, and repair my Church in ruins.”

This simple occurrence of the word of God heard in the Church of St. Damian contains a profound symbolism. At that moment St. Francis was called to repair the small church, but the ruinous state of the building was a symbol of the dramatic and disquieting situation of the Church herself. ...

Yet, there at the center of the Church in ruins was the Crucified Lord, and He spoke: He called for renewal, He called Francis to the manual labor of repairing the small Church of St. Damian, the symbol of a much deeper call to renew Christ’s own Church, with her radicality of faith and her loving enthusiasm for Christ.

This event, which probably happened in 1205, calls to mind another similar occurrence which took place in 1207: Pope Innocent III’s dream. In it, he saw the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the mother of all churches, collapsing and one small and insignificant religious brother supporting the church on his shoulders to prevent it from falling.

On the one hand, it is interesting to note that it is not the pope who was helping to prevent the church from collapsing, but rather a small and insignificant brother,

‘It has been said that Francis represents an ‘alter Christus,’ that he was truly a living icon of Christ. He has also been called ‘the brother of Jesus.’ Indeed, this was his ideal: to be like Jesus, to contemplate Christ in the Gospel, to love Him intensely and to imitate His virtues.’

— Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI whom the pope recognized in Francis when he later came to visit. Innocent III was a powerful pope who had a great theological formation and great political influence ... (but) he was not the one to renew the Church... It was St. Francis, called by God. On the other hand, however, it is important to note that St. Francis does not renew the Church without or in opposition to the pope, but only in communion with him. The two realities go together: the successor of Peter, the bishops, the Church founded on the succession of the Apostles and the new charism that the Holy Spirit brought to life at that time for the Church’s renewal. Authentic renewal grew from these together. ...

When his father Bernardone reproached him for being too generous to the poor, Francis, standing before the bishop of Assisi, in a symbolic gesture stripped off his clothes, thus showing he renounced his paternal inheritance. Just as at the moment

of creation, Francis had nothing, only the life that God gave him, into whose hands he delivered himself. He then lived as a hermit until, in 1208, another fundamental step in his journey of conversion took place. While listening to a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ discourse to the Apostles whom He sent out on mission, Francis felt called to live in poverty and dedicate himself to preaching. Other companions joined him, and in 1209 he traveled to Rome to propose to Pope Innocent III the plan for a new form of Christian life. He received a fatherly welcome from that great pontiff, who, enlightened by the Lord, perceived the divine origin of the movement inspired by Francis.

The Poverello of Assisi understood that every charism as a gift of the Holy Spirit existed to serve the Body of Christ, which is the Church; therefore, he always acted in full communion with the ecclesial authorities. ...

Actually, several 19th-century and also 20th-century historians have sought to construct a so-called historical Francis, behind the traditional depiction of the saint, just as they sought to create a socalled historical Jesus behind the Jesus of the Gospels. This historical Francis would not have been a man of the Church, but rather a man connected directly and solely to Christ, a man that wanted to bring about a renewal of the People of God, without canonical forms or hierarchy. The truth is that St. Francis really did have an extremely intimate relationship with Jesus and with the word of God, that he wanted to pursue ... just as it is, in all its radicality and truth. ... Furthermore, he knew that Christ was never “mine” but is always “ours,” that “I” cannot possess Christ that “I” cannot rebuild in opposition to the Church, her will and her teaching. Instead, it is only in communion with the Church built on the apostolic succession, that obedience to the word of God can be renewed.

It is also true that Francis had no intention of creating a new order, but solely that of renewing the People of God for the Lord who comes. He understood, however, through suffering and pain that everything must have its own order and that the law of the Church is necessary to give shape to renewal. Thus he placed himself fully, with his heart, in communion with the Church, with the pope and with the bishops. He always knew that the center of the Church is the Eucharist, where the Body of Christ ST. FRANCIS, SEE page 28

Your daily Scripture readings SEPT. 29- OCT. 5

Sunday: Amos 6:1, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, Luke 16:19-31; Monday (St. Jerome): Zechariah 8:1-8, Luke 9:46-50; Tuesday (St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus): Zechariah 8:20-23, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (The Holy Guardian Angels): Nehemiah 2:1-8, Matthew 18:1-5, 10; Thursday: Nehemiah 8:1-12, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (St. Francis of Assisi): Baruch 1:15-22, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Luke 10:17-24

OCT. 6- 12

Sunday: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14, Luke 17:5-10; Monday (Our Lady of the Rosary): Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11, Jonah 2:3-5, 8, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday: Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday (St. Denis and Companions, St. John Leonardi): Jonah 4:1-11, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday: Malachi 3:13-20, Luke 11:5-13; Friday (BIessed John XXIII): Joel 1:1315, 2:1-2, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday: Joel 4:12-21, Luke 11:27-28

OCT. 13-19

Sunday: 2 Kings 5:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:813, Luke 17:11-19; Monday (St. Callistus I): Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:29-32; Tuesday (St. Teresa of Jesus): Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:3741; Wednesday (St. Hedwig, St. Margaret Mary Alocoque): Romans 2:1-11, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Ignatius of Antioch): Romans 3:21-30, Luke 11:47-54; Friday (St. Luke): 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:1-9; Saturday (St. John de Brébeuf, St. Isaac Jogues and Companions): Romans 4:13, 16-18, Luke 12:8-12

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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The San Damiano Cross The San Damiano Cross is the one St. Francis was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild His Church. All Franciscans cherish his cross as the symbol of their mission from God. It is an icon cross, meant to teach the meaning of the crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ – thereby strengthening the faith of the people at a time when most were illiterate. The painter is unknown, but the tradition of such crosses began in the Eastern Catholic Church and was transported by monks to the region of Umbria in Italy in the 12th century.

It is painted on walnut, to which cloth had been glued. More than likely, it was painted for San Damiano to hang over the altar because the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved in non-parish churches of those times, especially those that had been abandoned and neglected as San Damiano had been. In 1257 the Poor Clares

The most striking element of the San Damiano Cross is the figure of Christ.

It is not the body of a corpse, but of God Himself, incorruptible unto eternity and the source of life, radiating the hope of the Resurrection. The Savior looks directly at us with a compassionate gaze, regal, triumphant and strong. He does not hang on the cross, but rather seems to be supporting it, standing upright. His hands are not cramped from being nailed to the wood, but rather spread out serenely in an attitude of both supplication and blessing. This crucifix does not express the brute horror of death by crucifixion, but rather the nobility and gentleness of eternal life.

The central figure of Christ also dominates because Christ is a figure of light dominating the scene and giving light to the other figures: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The eyes of Jesus are open, and He looks out to the world, which He has saved. He is alive, the One who is eternal. Jesus’ vestment is a simple loincloth – a symbol of both High Priest and Victim. His chest, throat and neck are very strong. The shadow over His face is increased by the fact the halo and face are tilted forward. The humanity of Christ veils the true glory of the Word, who lives in the super luminous darkness of the Godhead.

Behind the outstretched arms of Christ is His empty tomb, shown as a black rectangle.

Christ is alive and standing over the tomb: the red of love overcomes the black of death.

The gestures of the unknown saints at His hands indicate faith. Could these be Peter and John at the empty tomb? (See John 20:3-9.)

Around the crossbar of the cross we see a company of holy angels, looking in awe upon the Divine Sacrifice. Their hand gestures indicate their animated discussion of this wondrous event.

To the left of the central figure of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist – “His Mother and the disciple whom He loved” – stand together at the foot of the cross. Mary’s mantle is white, meaning victory (Rev 3:5), purification (Rev 7:14), and good deeds (Rev 19:8). The gems on the mantle refer to the graces of the Holy Spirit. The dark red worn underneath indicate intense love, while the inner dress is purple, symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 26:1-4).

Mary’s left hand is raised to her cheek – signalling her acceptance and love of John. Her right hand points to John while her eyes proclaim acceptance of Christ’s words, “Woman, behold your son... “ (John 19:26).

The blood drips on to John at this moment. John’s mantle is rose color, indicating eternal wisdom, while his tunic is white, indicating purity. His position between Jesus and Mary is fitting for the disciple loved by them both. He looks at Mary, “Son, behold your Mother,” but points to Christ.

The shape of the cross has changed to enable the artist to include all who participated in the drama of the Passion. Note that the arms of the cross lift to Christ’s right – indicating that the Good Thief, traditionally called Dismas, went to Heaven – while the left hand dips, as the other thief did not.

The icon has 33 figures, representing the 33 years of Christ’s earthly life: two Christ figures, one Hand of the Father, five major figures, two smaller figures, 14 angels, two unknown at His hands, one small boy, and six unknown saints at the bottom of the cross. There are also 33 nail heads along the frame, just inside the shells, and seven around the halo.

left San Damiano for San Giorgio and took the San Damiano Cross with them. They carefully kept it for 700 years.

It was placed on public view for the first time in modern times in Holy Week of 1957, over the new altar in San Giorgio’s Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Chiarra (St. Clare) in Assisi, Italy.

An icon is a representation of the living God, and by coming into its presence it becomes a personal encounter with the sacred, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The San Damiano Cross is then a personal encounter with the transfigured Christ – God made man. It contains the story of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension into glory. It expresses the total and universal Paschal Mystery of Christ.

It invites us all to take part in it with a lively and lived faith, just as St. Francis did.

Here’s a closer look at this famous icon:

From within the semi-circle at the very top of the icon, He whom no eye has seen reveals Himself, extending His right hand in benediction. His extended fingers connote the Holy Spirit, given by the Father to all because of the merits of Christ’s Passion.

Above His head is a portrayal of the Ascension. Christ emerges from a red circle, holding a golden cross which is now His scepter. A host of angels welcome Him into heaven. His garments are gold, a symbol of royalty and victory. His red scarf is a sign of His Dominion and Kingship, exercised in love.

IHS are the first three letters of the name of Jesus. The little bracket above indicates it is shorthand. “NAZARE” is “the Nazarene,” “REX” is “king” and “IUDEORUM” is “of the Jews.”

Around the cross are various calligraphic scrolls which may signify the mystical vine (From John 15: “I am the vine, you are the branches...”). The seashells are symbols of eternity – a mystery hidden in the vast and timeless sea of eternity is revealed.

To the right stand St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary Cleophas and the Centurion.

Mary Magdalene is next to Christ, making her very special, and her hand is on her chin, indicating a confided secret (“He is risen”). She wears scarlet, a symbol of love, and her blue mantle deepens this.

Some authorities make Mary Cleophas the mother of James. She wears garments of an earthen color, a symbol of humility, and her light green mantle, a symbol of hope. Her admiration of Jesus is indicated by the gesture of her hand. The Centurion holds a piece of wood in his left hand, indicating his building of the Synagogue (Luke 7:1-10). The little boy beyond his shoulder is his son healed by Jesus. The three heads behind the boy show “he and his whole household believed” (John 4:45-54). The Centurion extends his thumb and two fingers, a symbol of the Trinity, while his two closed fingers symbolize the hidden mystery of Jesus Christ as both fully human and fully divine in nature.

In the lower right-hand and left-hand corners are small figures of the Roman soldier Longinus and the Jewish temple guard Stephaton – one holding the lance that pierced the Savior’s side, the other holding a stick with a vinegar-soaked sponge.

Near the border of the cross on the right, just below the level of Christ’s knees, is a small rooster. This recalls the denial of St. Peter, who wept bitterly, and reminds us that we should not be presumptuous of the strength of our faith. The rooster also proclaims the new dawn of the Risen Christ.

At the base of the cross there appears to be a section that looks like a rock, the symbol of the Church.

At the very bottom of the cross, the original artist depicted six saints. Their visages were damaged over the centuries and are now unrecognizable. Scholars theorize they are Sts. Damian, Rufinus, Michael, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul – all patrons of churches in the Assisi area. St. Damian was the patron of the church that housed the cross, and St. Rufinus was the patron of Assisi.

— Sources: Father Michael Scanlon, T.O.R., Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, USA; www.monasteryicons.com

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE ST. EUGENE CHURCH, 72 CULVERN ST. — El grupo de oración se reúne todos los sábados a las 7 p.m. en la iglesia

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

BElMONT Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: SepT. 28 – 10:30 A.M. Mass for Carolinas’ Catholic Family Day at Carowinds Charlotte OCT. 4 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Frances of Rome Church, Sparta

OCT. 12 – 5 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville OCT. 16 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville

OCT. 18 – 10 A.M..

Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

— Room at the Inn’s 19th Annual Fundraising Banquet, “Miraculous Ways”: Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Crown Ball Room at the Charlotte Convention Center. Annual banquet helps provide material and emotional assistance to mothers and children in need. Guest speaker Teresa Tomeo, a best-selling author and internationally syndicated Catholic talk show host.

For details or to make reservations, call Helen Williams at 704-543-1441.

ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 PARK ROAD

OCT. 20 – 2 P.M. Mass for Jubilee Wedding Anniversaries St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

OCT. 30 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Eugene Church, Asheville

CHARLOTTE

Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 S. Church St. — Inaugural Carolinas Catholic Family Day: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Carowinds. Come and celebrate with the three bishops of the Carolinas. For details, go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com or email pjkym@ymail.com.

OCT. 17 – 6 P.M. Friend to Seminarians Dinner Bishop’s Residence

OCT. 28 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville

— Blessing of the Animals: Following 8 a.m. Mass Sunday, Oct. 6. For details, call Marilyn Whitney at 704-830-4484.

— Faith Formation Group, “Triple B”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. All parishioners 45 years old and younger are welcome. For details, e-mail qoatripleb@gmail.com.

OCT. 6-11 Priest Retreat Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, Maggie Valley

OCT. 22 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Barnabas Church, Arden

Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St. — Women’s Autumn Evening of Retreat entitled, “Nurturing Community”: 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

Please bring a dessert to share. For details or to register, email Trish Vasil at pavasil@carolina.rr.com

— Living the Faith Book Club: Second Thursday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Everyone welcome.

St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Sept. 28. Topics include: Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives, Church teaching on responsible parenting, and how to use NFP. Offered by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, at 704-3703230 or bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.

— Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wednesdays.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Topics include: Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives, Church teaching on responsible parenting, and how to use NFP. Offered by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, at 704-3703230 or bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.

— Adult Education Series, “The Virgin Mary and the Communion of Saints”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10.

Hosted by Father Patrick Winslow. For details, visit www.stacharlotte.com.

— “Divine Mercy Holy Hour”: Exposition and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska: 7-8 p.m. every first Friday. For questions, call Paul Deer at 704-948-0628.

CLEMMONS HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 KINNAMON ROAD — Charismatic Prayer Group: 7:15 p.m. Mondays

GASTONIA

— A Vigil for Life: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Mass followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. A prayer procession to the abortion mill on Latrobe Drive follows, where Father Reid will lead prayer. For details, call Mary Richardson at 704-813-0519.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 Providence Road — Blessing of the Animals: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

For details, call the parish office at 704-362-5047.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 iDLEWILD ROAD — Family Bingo: After 5 p.m. Mass, Saturday, Sept. 28.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Everyone invited.

For details, contact Al Tinson at 704-575-6898.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Protecting God’s Children workshop: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17, in the Banquet Room. All volunteers must attend. Register at www.virtusonline.org.

— Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) meeting: Held on the third Monday of every month. RCIA will provide information about the entire conversion process and include detailed Q&A sessions. For details, call Tom Lindemuth at 704-543-7677.

ST. Michael CHURCH, 708 St. Michael’s Lane — Feast of St. Michael: Forty Hours of Eucharistic Adoration From Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept.

29. Military and law enforcement personnel are encouraged to attend for a special blessing and gift in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, the parish’s patron.

For details, call the parish office at 704-867-6212.

— Healing Retreat for Mothers: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. All mothers who have experienced the loss of a child are welcome to attend this healing retreat.

HIGH POINT — Pro-Life Rosary to pray for an end to abortion: 9 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5, rain or shine, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive in High Point. Parking available on site. For details, contact Jim Hoyng 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman 336-848-6835.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON ST. — Eight-week Spanish language classes: 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3. For details, contact Nancy Skee at 336-884-0522.

— Red Cross blood drive: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

28. For details, call Lisa Hubbard at 336-306-0606.

HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 Stumptown Road — New Ministry for Mothers of Children with Special Needs: Meets the first Wednesday of the month. If interested, contact Laraine Nicklaw, 704-875-3041.

— Young Adult Gathering: 8:30-9:30 p.m. every Sunday, Room 200 of the Msgr. Kerin Family Center. These weekly gatherings include fellowship and study.

For details, contact Scott Fisher at 704-773-2664 or stfishe22@ncsu.edu.

— Catholic Athletes for Christ youth ministry: First and third Wednesdays of the month. Ministry provides an evening of fun, athletic activities, meals and featured speakers who address faith and athletics. For details, teens and parents can contact Tim Flynn at 704-9480231 or stmarklifeteen@gmail.com.

MAGGIE VALLEY St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr. — Holy Spirit Charismatic Prayer Meeting: 7-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. For details, call the rectory at 828-926-0106.

WINSTON-SALEM OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH, 1730 LINK ROAD — Blessing of the Animals: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

For details, contact Kris Jonczak at 336-682-0653.

St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Avenue — Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University: 6-8 p.m.

Sept. 29-Nov. 17. For details, contact Dan and Pam McVicker at 336-734-9415.

GREENSBORO ST. MARY CHURCH, 812 DUKE ST. — Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group “Servants of Light”: 10 a.m. Saturdays. Everyone welcome.

St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St. — Seasons of Hope: 1:45-4 p.m. Meets for six consecutive weeks, Sept. 29-Nov. 3. Any parishioner mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend. To register, call the parish at 336-272-4681.

— Blessing of the Animals: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. For details, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

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September 27, 2013 Volume 22 • Number 24

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocese found compliant with child protection audit

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant greets his parishioners during Holy Cross Church’s 40th anniversary celebration Sept. 22 in Kernersville.

John Bunyea | Catholic News Herald

For Holy Cross families, church is ‘home’ Smiles abound at 40th anniversary celebration SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

KERNERSVILLE — When you step into the narthex at Holy Cross Church, you get a sense of what it’s like to be a part of a large Catholic family. You’re immediately welcomed by greeters with warm smiles and the kindness of people who only seconds ago were strangers.

Founding parishioners of the 40-year-old congregation say it has been like that since the beginning.

“It just feels like home, it really does,” Frances McGowan said.

McGowan, her late husband Mac and their five children were one of the five founding families of the parish. “It’s always been that way, since the first day. I’m proud to be old enough to still be around and that I’ve lived this long.”

Nina Ribet, who was in her teens when the mission was founded, was there with her father, who is a founding member and a retired deacon from the parish.

“God is so good. He’s so full of love and He keeps showering it on our parish!” Ribet said.

The McGowans, Ribets and much of the Holy

Cross Parish family were there Sept. 22 to greet Bishop Peter J. Jugis, who came to celebrate the 40th anniversary Mass. They joined with him and their pastor, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant, in praising and thanking God. Holy Cross Church began as a mission of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem in the late 1960s, at the request of Catholic families in Kernersville via Father William Pharr, then pastor of St. Benedict the Moor.

Bishop Vincent S. Waters gave permission after local residents, including 41 children, signed a request for the church, and the bishop agreed, thereby establishing the mission in 1969.

The first Mass at Holy Cross Mission was celebrated on Sept. 7, 1969. The building, a former antique shop with residence, was furnished with pews, an organ and other items collected from other churches in the diocese and local Kernersville donations.

“When the mission started out in the antique shop, one of the things they did was set up a coffee pot. It brewed throughout Mass and they had the smell of coffee and the percolating sound during Mass,” Bob Hoover said.

Hoover, the youth minister of the parish, served as the coordinator for the anniversary celebration handling all the logistics for the special day. He has been at the parish for about 10 years and enjoyed learning the parish’s history HOLY CROSS, SEE page 12

sueann howell | Catholic News Herald

Above: Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Holy Cross Church parishioner Pat Henderson look at parish historical information she helped gather that was displayed in Salesian Hall for the 40th anniversary celebration.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from Holy Cross Parish’s 40th anniversary celebration and read more about its history

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s child protection measures complied fully with standards set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, an independent review in August found.

Reviewers with StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., collected information from the diocese for the fiscal year July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. StoneBridge Business Partners is contracted by the USCCB to audit the efforts of U.S. dioceses in implementing the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other Church personnel. The diocese’s child protection measures are reviewed annually.

The diocese’s efforts to ensure the protection of children include criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse.

Last fiscal year, the diocese processed 3,844 criminal background checks, which are required for all clergy, religious, employees and volunteers.

It held 193 “Protecting God’s Children” workshops for 3,632 participants.

“Protecting God’s Children” helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims, families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help to prevent abuse.

The cost of these various child protection measures and the compliance review totaled $74,229 during the fiscal year ending June 30.

— Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Join hands and pray for life Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged gather on Sunday, Oct. 6, to kick off Respect Life Month and form “Life Chains” as a public witness for the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.

Life Chains are being organized in the following communities:

BRYSON CITY Everett Street at Mitchell Street, 2:30-3:30

p.m.; Marzena Bradley, 828-477-4148

CHARLOTTE Ballantyne Commons Parkway at Rea Road, 2-3 p.m.; John and JoAnn VanCamp, 980-3079835 East Boulevard at Buchanan Street, 2-3 p.m.; Tina Witt, 704-846-7361 Pineville-Matthews Road (Hwy. 51) at Rea Road, 2-4 p.m.; Deborah Ware, 704-650-6095 Hillside Ave at Park Road, 2-3 p.m., Mary Beth Richardson, 704-813-0519

Park Road at Old Reid Road at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 12:45-1:45 p.m., Susan Collis

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS Hwy. 29 (Concord Parkway) at Centerview Road, 2-3 p.m.; Leigh Ann Loyd, 704-938-HOPE

GASTONIA Garrison Boulevard at Chester Street (from the St. Michael’s Thrift Store to Garrison Boulevard), 2-3 p.m.; Linda Mooney, 803-8312022 or vpmooney@aol.com

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Battleground Avenue, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Bernie and Elaine McHale, 336-292-1118 or elainem559@gmail.com; or Dianne Rzewnicki, 336-887-7303

KANNAPOLIS Cannon Boulevard (Hwy. 29) at First Street near overpass, 2-3:30 p.m.; Timothy Brennan, 704-938-7393

LINCOLNTON East Main St. at Hwy. 321 Business, 2-3:30 p.m.; Alan Hoyle, 704-732-3011

MOCKSVILLE Hwy. 601/Yadkinville Road, 2-3 p.m.; David Taylor, 336-751-2973

MOORESVILLE Hwy. 150 at Williamson Road, 2-3:30 p.m.; Terri Geraci, 704-493-8439

SALISBURY Main Street at Innes Street, 2-3 p.m.; Barbara Franklin, 704-636-2117

HENDERSONVILLE U.S. 25 (Asheville Hwy.) at Patton Park (Clairmont Street), 2-3 p.m.; Sharon Asbury, 828-697-6188 or sasbury@morrisbb.net Hwy. 64 at Howard Gap Road at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2-3 p.m.; Sue Kuchler, 828-6920170 or sue@ebcnc.org

SHELBY Gidney Street at Dekalb Street, in the lower lot of Bethel Baptist Church, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

SYLVA/JACKSON COUNTY

HICKORY

Main Street at the old courthouse, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; David and Allene Ramsey, 828-586-8822

Hwy. 70 at Robinson Road, 2-3 p.m.; Roger Stewart, 828-324-2923

WAYNESVILLE/HAYWOOD COUNTY

HUNTERSVILLE

Walnut Street at Russ Avenue, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Cynthia Hall, 828-926-9706

Stumptown Road in front of the new Memorial for Life at St. Mark Church, 2-3 p.m.; Dexter and Mary Louise Koehl, 704-894-9420 or dkoehlgrp@yahoo.com

WINSTON-SALEM Hanes Mall Boulevard, west of Stratford Road, 2 -3:30 p.m.; Lori Bowser, 336-655-9479 For details about the Life Chain events, go online to www.lifechain.net.

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September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

Theft reported at Immaculata School HENDERSONVILLE — An employee of Immaculata School in Hendersonville has been fired after an investigation into embezzling.

A Sept. 20 police report said $7,031 was embezzled from both the school and Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

The police were called in after the school principal and parish officials noted an accounting irregularity at the school and began an internal investigation.

According to diocesan Chief Finance Officer Bill Weldon, the embezzlement of some cash tuition payments that were dropped off at the school had been going on for approximately one year.

“School and parish staff worked quickly to address this problem. Diocesan policy requires us to notify local police whenever we discover an accounting irregularity like this,” Weldon said.

Last weekend, the former employee made full restitution to the school and the parish. No charges were filed in the case.

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication

OUR PARISHESI

7

Pro-life advocates, RATI leaders gather to support Feminists for Life Gretchen Filz Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Room at the Inn’s new college-based maternity home, the first of its kind in the nation, recently opened on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. Behind that successful venture is another organization from which Room at the Inn has drawn inspiration: Feminists for Life of America.

Leaders from Room at the Inn and other pro-life advocates came together Sept. 21 to welcome the president of Feminists for Life, Serrin Foster, to Charlotte for a reception, fundraiser and talk at the Charlotte City Club.

The event was hosted by Cindy Brown, who is vice chairwoman for Feminists for Life, former executive director of Room at the Inn, and a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Founded in 1972, Feminists for Life is a nonprofit, pro-life organization that continues the pro-life work of the early American feminists.

Its motto, “Women Deserve Better than Abortion,” underscores its commitment to helping women facing pregnancies in difficult circumstances.

Feminist’s for Life’s mission is to provide “creative, life-affirming, women-centered solutions” that don’t include the violence and injustice of abortion, and it particularly reaches out to help and educate college-aged women – a group that disproportionately resorts to abortion when faced with unexpected pregnancy, statistics show.

That mission is what inspired Room at the Inn to build a maternity center for college-aged pregnant women and partner with Belmont Abbey College.

According to Jeanie Wray, executive director of Room at the Inn, “Feminists for Life’s data helped us know how little resources there are.

They provided the inspiration behind Room at the Inn. They were the only group looking at resources available to pregnant college women – information not available anywhere else.”

Room at the Inn accepted the challenge to fill in the gap and reach those at-risk women with an innovative solution: a maternity home available on a college campus, so that young women don’t have to choose between

continuing their education or continuing their pregnancy.

Feminists for Life, under Foster’s leadership, supported Room at the Inn’s project the entire way.

Brown noted that the connections between Room at the Inn and Feminists for Life run deep because of their shared missions.

“It all began with ‘The Feminist Case Against Abortion’ speech that Serrin Foster gave at Belmont Abbey 10 years ago,” she said.

Foster is nationally known for that landmark speech, which she has delivered on numerous college campuses. She has also testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in support of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act as well as received an honorary doctorate from Belmont Abbey College.

“I have supported Feminists for Life for nine years for four reasons,” Brown said. “The first is its women-centered message. They tell women, ‘You deserve better than abortion.’

The second is its college outreach program, delivering speeches across the country which impact future generations, changing hearts and minds. The third reason is its work with our current leaders on Capitol Hill. The fourth is that Feminists for Life is a bridge-builder – communicating with the other side. The proabortion groups show up, (and) women need support and resources – this is where we can agree. We can change hearts and minds even when we can’t change the laws.”

Foster is passionate about educating audiences on the historic connection between the early American feminist movement and the pro-life cause.

“Properly defined, feminism embraces the life of all human beings without exception,” Foster said. “It rejects the use of force to dominate and destroy one another.”

In her remarks to the Charlotte group, Foster explained that the early American feminists were strongly pro-life. They did not merely fight for the right of women to vote and own property. They also stood for the dignity of the human person in their stance as slavery abolitionists and abortion abolitionists.

They saw both slavery and abortion as evils, taking up as their banner the three-fold motto

of non-violence, non-discrimination and justice for all.

Foster said the modern pro-life movement continues the legacy of feminist leaders such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul. These women, whom Foster calls our “Feminist Foremothers,” saw abortion rightly as being fundamentally anti-woman.

“Early feminists condemned abortion in the strongest possible terms,” she said. They identified abortion as a form of infanticide and insisted that “the cause of these abuses lie in the degradation of women.”

The feminist movement was “hijacked by proabortion activists who don’t respect women” during the 1960s, Foster said. One of these pro-abortion groups, National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL), successfully “convinced leaders in the feminist movement that they needed to fight to be more like men.” When this occurred, “a disgusting and degrading crime became a right” for women.

Feminists for Life seeks to reverse this understanding, to continue the pro-life legacy of the early feminists, and to show that to be pro-woman entails respecting their fertility and their children, understanding that “pregnancy is not a disease but a beautiful office of nature” and that “abortion is a failed experiment,” she said.

“Abortion betrays the basic principles of feminism,” Foster emphasized.

The Charlotte fundraising event drew many pro-life supporters who wanted to learn more about the connection between the feminist movement and the pro-life cause.

“When I think of feminists, I think of the National Organization for Women,” said Hal Cline. “I thought ‘feminists for life’ was an oxymoron – feminists are pro-abortion.”

Pleasantly surprised to learn the pro-life feminist connection, Cline continued, “Feminists for Life is delightful. This is the first event like this I’ve been to.”

St. Patrick parishioner Betty Cona added, “This is my first event with Feminists for Life.

I’m here because I’m interested in the group and I’m interested in how I can become more involved in the pro-life movement in Charlotte.”

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

October 18-20, 2013

Marian Eucharistic Conference

St. Joseph’s Catholic School

100 St. Joseph’s Drive Greenville, SC 29607

Our featured speakers will focus on seeking to anchor ourselves to the two pillars of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Featured Speakers

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. Ignatius Productions Fr. Bill Casey, CPM The Fathers of Mercy

Mother Assumpta Long, O.P. The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

General Admission: $30, Youth: $15

Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers All are required to register by Nov.8 by mail.

Catholic Evangelist and Saturday and Sunday lunches are included.

Speaker No registration at the door.

For more information, call (864) 354-7160 or go to www.meconferencesc.net

8

catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Be Not Afraid celebrates Respect Life Month with second-annual 5K Oct. 12 Tracy Winsor Special to the Catholic News Herald

O Holy St. Jude!

Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, come to my assistance.

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

St. Jude pray for us who invoke your aid.

(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s 3 Glory Be)

Invites you to our

19th Annual Fundraising Banquet

“Miraculous Ways”

CONCORD — The second annual Be Not Afraid 5K Run for Life, Love and Hope will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, at Frank Liske Park in Concord.

BNA is a Charlotte-area ministry which offers comprehensive support to parents around the country who choose to carry their baby to term following a prenatal diagnosis.

Their services and support are informed with a Catholic perspective. Bishop Peter Jugis serves on its board of trustees.

Parents served have been told their unborn child has a medical and/or intellectual disability such as Down syndrome, anencephaly, complex heart defects, Potter’s Syndrome and various other conditions.

Prenatal diagnosis and abortion is an often overlooked aspect of prolife advocacy. Statistics indicate that 80 percent of parents abort following a prenatal diagnosis, but when offered comprehensive prenatal support like that offered by BNA 80 percent will carry to term.

Last year’s 5K was a success with almost 100 runners and walkers participating.

The event promises to be family-friendly and strollers are welcomed on the grassy course.

“Our Charlotte area 5K is an important part of our ongoing efforts to fund our service,” said BNA board chairwoman Monica Rafie. “Our primary funders are

the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, but we also have ongoing funding from the tithing fund at St. Gabriel Catholic Church and we often receive heartfelt memorial donations around the babies we have welcomed.”

The 5K is BNA’s largest fundraising event, although several smaller events will be initiated this year.

Susan Guilfoyle, 5K chairperson, is a mom who was served by BNA. Her son Aidan was stillborn Aug. 1, 2010, after having been prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 18.

“When my husband and I were given Aidan’s diagnosis, we pretty quickly realized that we needed practical information, advice and support,” Guilfoyle said. “We needed someone who understood what we were going through and was willing to journey with us as we sought to welcome Aidan. We were blessed to be referred to BNA by our genetics counselor.

“Because I love running, I brought this idea to BNA. Knowing first-hand how important it is that parents find support, I want to make certain this service is available to the parents who get a diagnosis next month or next year.”

Proceeds from the 5K will go directly toward referral-based expenses.

Runners or walkers, including parishwide teams, interested in registering for the 5K can visit the BNA website, www. benotafraid.net.

FINDING YOUR MONASTIC HEART: A WAY TO GOD October 25 – 26, 2013

Saint Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117

Featuring Teresa Tomeo

Presenter:

Teresa Tomeo is a syndicated Catholic talk show host, author, speaker, and former network TV news anchor. She was a delegate to the 2008 Vatican Women’s Congress in Rome. Her latest best seller, Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ, Not Conformed to the Culture, was praised by Dr. Laura Schlessinger as “required reading.”

Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB

Teresa’s amazing personal story began after two decades as a rising star in television journalism, when she walked away from the secular media, resolved to put God first, and then embarked on her own “Miraculous Way.” She discovered the true meaning of femininity and became passionate about exposing the modern culture’s role in distorting women’s authentic beauty. She is equally passionate about addressing the importance of family and the sanctity of life, and is changing hearts and minds around the globe.

Teresa’s story is one of insight and inspiration; having achieved everything the world promised would bring happiness, she found only “misery.” Come hear what she has learned along her Miraculous Way.

Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom Thursday, October 24, 2013 Registration/Reception, 5:30 pm ~ Seating for Dinner, 6:15 pm Don’t miss our EXCITING announcement to be made that night!

Reservations are free but REQUIRED. To make a reservation or to host a table of 8-10 contact Banquet Reservations at (704) 525-4673, ext. 10 OR online at http://ratibanquet19.eventbrite.com by October 10, 2013.

Room At The Inn, Inc. is a Catholic non-profit maternity and after-care program. All material support and services are offered free of charge to clients. Please visit our website, www.rati.org, for more information.

Sister Wiederkehr is an author of eight popular books on prayer and spirituality and a regular contributor to Living Faith, the Catholic Devotional published by Creative Communications. Her most recent book is, Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God. She is a member of the St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

COST: $20 per person

October 25 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm Refreshments will be served October 26 from 10:00am – 5:00pm Boxed Lunch provided Mass at 5:30pm For more information or to register please visit: www.sainttherese.net/macrina

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Priest assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announces the following appointments from Bishop Peter J. Jugis: n Effective Aug. 15, Father Andrew J. Nowak, O.F.M. Cap., has been appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, and St. Jude Mission in Sapphire.

Father Nowak had been serving the parish already as parochial administrator. n Effective Sept. 16, Father Francis Xavier Arockiasamy has been appointed chaplain of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville while remaining in residence at Christ the King Church in High Point.

— Catholic News Herald

Deacon assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announces the following deacon assignments: n Deacon Richard Voegele is joining Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

He was previously assigned to St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. He was ordained in 1999 for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and came to the Charlotte diocese in 2007.

Voegele n Deacon Ramon Tejada, of the Archdiocese of

Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, has been granted faculties by the diocese and assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem. He was ordained in 1989 and comes to the diocese from the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., where he served for a time.

He will be assisting with the ministry to the Latino community.

Tejada n Deacon Myles Decker has been assigned to St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Mooresville. He returns from a leave of ministry while on a job assignment outside the diocese. Ordained for the Archdiocese of Denver in 1978, he came to the diocese in 2006 via the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., where he was in ministry for several years. He had been serving at St. Joseph Decker Church in Kannapolis prior to taking leave.

— Deacon Ron Steinkamp

Money raised for mission FOREST CITY — Members of the youth group at Immaculate Conception Church in

Forest City recently held several fundraisers to benefit a mission in the Diocese of Comayagua, Honduras. “Friends of Olancho,” led by Father Paul Kersey, provides general financial support to the Comayagua diocese and, more specifically, support for seminary education in the region. Father Kersey’s father, Paul Kersey, is a member of immaculate Conception Parish.

Pictured, youth group members present Father Kersey with a $8,000 donation that is going towards repairing a school roof at the mission in Honduras.

— Michael Daigle

CNH names new Hispanic communications reporter CHARLOTTE — Rico De Silva has joined the staff of the Catholic News Herald as a reporter covering the Latino Catholic community in the Diocese of Charlotte, reporting in both English and Spanish for print, online and broadcast media as well as social media.

Originally from Panama City, Panama, De Silva has lived in Charlotte since 1993 and considers himself “almost” a native who has not forgotten his Latin De Silva roots.

“I feel I’m not only bilingual, but also bi-cultural because I know and I’m comfortable among Latinos as well as among Anglos,” he said.

De Silva has a degree in journalism and freelanced for local publications since 2004, including a recent three-year stint as a “Viewpoints” columnist for the Catholic News Herald.

“We are pleased to welcome Rico aboard and look forward to expanding our coverage of the

OUR PARISHESI

Latino community in the Charlotte diocese,” said Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle.

Healing retreat for grieving mothers planned GASTONIA — Mothers whose children have died as a result of miscarriage, abortion or other causes are encouraged to attend a healing retreat Saturday, Oct. 19. The retreat will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Michael Church in Gastonia. Call the parish office at 704-867-6212 for details.

St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish holds annual festival CHARLOTTE — At the annual parish festival at St. Joseph Vietnamese Church in Charlotte Sept. 20-22, youths demonstrated traditional Vietnamese dance. The troop of 56 young people comprised a band and flag team, explained director Thinh Tran, who started the group to bring the parish’s youth together.

Anthony Do played the head of the lion in the traditional dance, and David Nguyen, the tail. Pictured, Nguyen demonstrates the “shoulder stand.” The festival also featured traditional Vietnamese food and carnival games that attracted hundreds of people over the weekend, said Father Tri Vinh Truong, pastor.

— Mary B. Richardson

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10

catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Forty Hours Devotion planned in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Forty Hours Devotion will take place at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road Tranel in Charlotte, Oct. 20-22.

Guest homilist, Father Don Tranel of the Glenmary Home Missioners, will be speaking each evening at 7 p.m. on “The Power of the Eucharist in Forming the Body of Christ.” Beginning with Exposition and Solemn Evening Prayer, Forty Hours Devotion is an opportunity to gather as a community in prayer and solemn adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Judy Erb at 704-708-6750 or momerb@yahoo.com.

author, blogger, and pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Greenville, S.C. The theme for the event is “An Evening with St. Benedict,” and Father Longenecker will speak on “St. Benedict for the Modern Man.” Also featured will be Father Matthew Buettner, pastor of St. Michael Church in Gastonia, who will lead a Holy Hour in the abbey basilica and offer a reflection.

All men of the diocese are welcome to the free event, which will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Belmont Abbey College’s Haid Ballroom.

For details and to register, go online to www. belmontabbeymensforum.eventbrite.com.

The men’s forum is sponsored by Catholic Men’s Fellowship of the Carolinas and Regnum Christi.

— Daniel J. Trapini

— Al Tinson

October men’s forum to feature Fr. Longenecker

Longenecker

BELMONT — A forum for Catholic men in the Diocese of Charlotte on Tuesday, Oct. 15, will feature Father Dwight Longenecker, a national Catholic speaker,

John the Evangelist Catholic Women’s Circle in Waynesville, raised a record amount for charitable uses.

“It was group effort to produce the event for more than 500 happy bingo players,” said cochair Cherry Stone. “The success of the event helped the CWC in its continued support of local Haywood County charities.”

Some of the organizations the fundraiser has helped include Haywood Christian Ministry,

Parishioners celebrate Mexican Independence Day Waynesville charity bingo a success WAYNESVILLE — The seventh annual “Baskets and Bags Bingo” charity event at the Haywood County Fairgrounds Sept. 13 was a success. The event, sponsored by the St.

LEXINGTON — Mexican Independence Day was celebrated by more than 1,000 people at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington Sept. 15. Festivities included a live Mariachi band, dancers, piñatas for children of all ages, face painting, drawings for a laptop and iPad mini, as well as a wide variety of Mexican food to satisfy all tastes. There was also a contest held for the young niñas to see who would carry the title of “Queen For A Day.” She was crowned

MERCY - The Stuff Saints are made of . . .

Divine Mercy Day of Healing

October 5, 2013 From 9:00a.m. ’til 3:00p.m.

St. Matthew Catholic Church HEAR Robert Stackpole, STD

Dir. John Paul II Institute, Asst. Dir. St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission

Present the “Spirituality of St. Maria Faustina”

DIVINE MERCY A Guide from Genesis to Benedict XVI

Dr.

Book Signing Event Bryan Thatcher Mercy

Haywood County Department of Social Services, MedWest-Haywood Hospice, The Open Door, KARE, REACH, The Community Kitchen, Good Samaritan Clinic, Mountain Projects, Camp Ability, Haywood Public Transit, and Meals on Wheels.

Pictured is committee member Ruth Simoson with one of the Longaberger baskets given as a prize.

— Paul and Carol Viau

8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Charlotte, NC 28277 Vice Postulator Sheila Carney, RSM, on “Venerable Catherine McAuley’s Cause for Canonization” Deacon Mark J. King on “MERCY - Jesus & His Saints’ Greatest Attribute” Mass, Anointing of Sick, Chaplet, Benediction

by Our Lady of the Rosary’s pastor, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Albert J. Gondek.

Mass was concelebrated by Father Gondek and Father Fidel Melo, vicar of the diocesan Hispanic Ministry.

The celebration brought both young and old alike from many nationalities and varying walks of life to show support as well as appreciation for their brothers and sisters in Christ.

— Julia Fredrica Foy Michaels

Registration Form: Limited Space Please accept #____ registration(s) for “MERCY, The Stuff Saints Are Made of,” October 5, 2013 St. Matthew Catholic Church 9-3pm. $35 per registrant. Early Bird registrants (Sept. 15) $30. Seniors ( 62+) $25.

Attendee #1___________________________ #2___________________________ #3___________________________ Ordered by_____________________________ Address ________________________________ City________________ St_____ Zip_________ Email: __________________________________ Phone__________________________________ Amt. Submitted: $________ Make check payable to: St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Place in envelope and mark: “MERCY. . . “The Stuff Saints Are Made of “ Mail or drop off at Church Office www.stmatthewcatholic.org Includes Continental Breakfast and Box Lunch

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

11

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pennybyrn raises over $2,000 for Alzheimer’s Association HIGH POINT — Residents and staff of Pennybyrn at Maryfield recently teamed up for several fundraisers to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, raising more than $2,000.

In their first “fun” raiser for the Alzheimer’s Association Aug. 6, they organized a hotdog boxed lunch and bake sale in the Independent Living Community and the Maryfield Healthcare Households Neighborhood. Residents and staff also had the opportunity to take the “fun” raiser a step further and purchase pies to throw at leadership staff of the community. Pennybyrn resident Strupe Lackey, a High Point native, unexpectedly got involved when his wife Betty chose to pie him in the face. Strupe gladly participated as “it was going to a good cause,” he laughed.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects more than 5 million Americans today, and is estimated to affect almost 14 million by 2050.

“We are calling for an end to this disease as soon as possible. With such a monstrous disease, there’s only one way we know how to disrupt it, and that is by standing together as one. We are so fortunate that communities like Pennybyrn understand the importance of raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research, care and support. We ask that you consider starting a team or join the Pennybyrn team on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the High Point Country Club for our 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer’s!” said Eric Durham, Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter Senior Development Manager.

— Pamela Olson

2013 South Carolina Catholic Charismatic Conference October 25 - 27

Denver parish hosts Totus Tuus DENVER — Youth at Holy Spirit Church in Denver had fun learning more about the faith during Totus Tuus camp over the summer.

— Doreen Sugierski

We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HOLY CROSS: FROM PAGE 5

as the day of the event grew closer, noting that he has seen many things that have come full circle over the years.

“A few years ago we started a faith formation class. We called it ‘Coffee with Christ’ and we had coffee during our class, and I said, ‘See, it all comes around!’”

Pat Henderson and her family joined the parish during the early 1970s when Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Leon Bolich became resident pastor, and they were thrilled when in October 1973 the mission was officially named Holy Cross Church.

“It’s been such a blessing; the Oblates have been wonderful,” Henderson said. She personally gathered up four decades’ worth of photos and memorabilia to put on display in Salesian Hall after the Mass.

Holy Cross continued to grow and in October 1982, Charlotte Bishop Michael J. Begley blessed the new church area, expanded to accommodate 500 churchgoers.

Hispanic ministry was established in the early 1980s and is presently staffed by one pastoral care assistant and 35 volunteers. Approximately 600 Hispanic families attend the weekly Mass in Spanish.

“They are good people here,” Jose Garcia said. He is an usher and has been a parishioner at Holy Cross for almost 20 years. He was married at the parish 15 years ago and has three children aged 4, 8 and 14.

As the continued growth of the parish dictated the need for more space, a 14-month construction process of an almost 14,000-square-foot facility took place. On Sept.

14, 2003, then Bishop William G. Curlin dedicated a new church building with seating for almost 800 people – the largest facility that could be built on the existing property.

In his bilingual homily at the 40th anniversary Mass Sept. 22, Bishop Jugis read from the 1973 decree by Bishop Begley establishing the parish, and he reminded Holy Cross parishioners of their mission.

“Your mission as a parish can be summed up in one word: salvation,” he said. “The salvation of souls. Holy Cross Parish exists to extend Jesus’ mission of salvation.”

“The mission of the parish is also salvation to all of

John Bunyea | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis and Deacon Carlos Medina receive the gifts from parishioners during Mass at Holy Cross Parish’s 40th anniversary celebration Sept. 22.

New and long-time parishioners filled the church for the bilingual Mass. the people throughout the whole territory of Holy Cross Parish,” he added. “We know there are so many people who do not know Jesus right within the boundaries of this parish.”

He encouraged parishioners to live their mission to tell the truth of the Gospel and live the truth of the Gospel.

After Mass parishioners and guests toured Salesian Hall, where exhibits on parish ministries, history and artifacts were displayed. Bishop Jugis toured the exhibits and signed the 40th anniversary book.

There was also a huge parish picnic for the more than 1,300 families with an abundance of food and live entertainment. Parishioners brought chairs and blankets and sprawled out over the lawn around the picnic pavilion

active

adjacent to Salesian Hall to enjoy the festivities.

Jean Dion, a fourth degree Knight of Columbus who assisted at the Mass in full regalia, said he and his wife love “the family atmosphere. It’s a nice, close community.

We love it here.”

“It’s a big family,” added parishioner Carol Avery. “It really is! We are a hugging parish. Everybody knows everyone else.”

Father Dechant said the secret of the parish’s success is simple: “We try to celebrate the Eucharist – wholly, actively participating in the Mass. We’re very blessed. It’s an active community. We’ve really worked to be one parish and I think it shows today.

“I’m very blessed.”

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Our schools

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Our Lady of Grace School looks to the future with new building Kate McMullen Special to the Catholic News Herald

OLG students go on climbing trip GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School seventh-graders recently returned from a threeday field trip to Green River Preserve in the North Carolina mountains, where students hiked, learned about environmental biology and participated in a ropes and climbing exercise. Pictured, an OLG student completes a climbing wall challenge.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School is adding another new chapter to its 61-year career as a community of faith and education in Greensboro. The school, which serves children in pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade, has started construction of a new classroom building and parish center.

The $4.575 million project will enable current and future Our Lady of Grace students, parents and parishioners to come together more through education and faith.

The new three-story school building will house 16 classrooms, designed to provide a 21st-century education to Our Lady of Grace School’s student body. The new building will give the school more flexibility with open classrooms, rooms wired for upgraded technological use, and specialized classrooms for art, music and science. The latest technology will be integrated into all subject areas with the use of laptops, SmartBoards and other advances. The open-classroom design will also enable greater cross-curriculum collaboration.

It will replace the school’s current lower school building, which was built in 1953.

“We are excited all the possibilities that this

new building will offer us,” said Principal Kurt Telford. “With this new building, we are able to look at new ways to utilize space and personalized instruction to better prepare our students for the 21st century.”

Currently, approximately 250 students are enrolled at Our Lady of Grace School.

The old lower school building will be converted to a parish life center for Our Lady of Grace Church, creating a new space to come together as a faith-filled community.

The parish life center’s first floor will be a large open space for wedding receptions, social events and large meetings. It will include a fully-equipped kitchen and will ultimately open out onto an outdoor terrace. The second floor of the center will house the parish offices, which have been temporarily moved into an adjacent structure. The third floor will be a flexible series of rooms for meetings and conferences.

“I just can’t wait to see what our new buildings are going to look like,” said Irma Arias, who is a school staff member, parent and OLG parishioner. “It’s such an exciting time in our history of our school and church and I am thrilled my family is going to be a part of it!”

The building is projected to be completed by next summer.

A Charlotte Catholic High School student takes a breathalyzer test before entering the football stadium Sept. 13. Charlotte Catholic has instituted random sobriety checks at all athletic events.

SPX students learn with iPads GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School faculty, staff and students are excited about the new iPad program launched at the start of the school year.

Pictured, middle school students Marina Essa, Rachel Trego, Connor Hudson and Ethan Mount demonstrate Discovery techbook learning using their iPads.

— Anne W. Knapke

Anthony Perlas | Catholic News Herald

St. Gabriel School gets blessing CHARLOTTE — Members of the St. Gabriel School Praying Mothers Group and their families met for their second-annual blessing of the school Aug. 18. Deacon Larry O’Toole joined the group as the children read prayer intentions for the students, teachers, staff and families of the St. Gabriel School community. They blessed each school door with holy water and offered this prayer: “O God, we ask you to bless all who use this classroom. May all who come here know the presence of Jesus, experience the joy of His friendship and grow in His love.”

— Darby McClatchy

CCHS students undergo random sobriety checks at games Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School has began random sobriety checks at all athletic events, starting with the first home football game Sept. 13.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police will conduct random breathalyzer tests on Charlotte Catholic students as they arrive and present their student activity cards at the gates to enter the stadium. Police will not check other visitors or students, said Principal Jerry Healy.

Healy said the increased security

was prompted by an increase in cases of underage drinking on campus over the past several years, particularly by a “small minority of students” at the varsity football games. Not doing something to stop the illegal activity, Healy said, was not an option.

“It’s dangerous,” he said, “not only to themselves, but to the whole community.”

He said he wants to instill a “healthy fear” into students and send the message that “if you cannot come to the game the right way, then don’t come at all.”

SOBRIETY, SEE page 28

13

Fall open houses at diocesan Catholic schools planned SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Open houses at all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will be held this fall.

Open houses are a time when parents and prospective students may visit a school, meet the principal and teachers and learn more about how a Catholic education can enrich their lives.

More than 7,700 students are already enrolled in the diocese’s 19 Catholic schools.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte strive to fulfill the mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel, providing a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting citizen.

The diocese’s Catholic schools adhere to the five marks of a Catholic education as outlined in “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools” by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. These marks are: inspired by a supernatural vision; founded on Christian anthropology; animated by communion and community; imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum; and sustained by Gospel witness.

Fall open house locations, times and dates are: n Charlotte: All MACS elementary schools (which range from Kindergarten to Grade 5 and Kindergarten to Grade 8), 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27; and 9 a.m.noon Tuesday, Oct. 29; Holy Trinity Middle School (Grades 6-8), 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; and 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28; Charlotte Catholic High School (Grades 9-12), 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 16 n Greensboro: St. Pius X School (Kindergarten to Grade 8), 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and (Kindergarten to Grade 2) 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27; Our Lady of Grace School (Kindergarten to Grade 8), 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15; and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 n High Point: Immaculate Heart of Mary School (Pre-kindergarten to Grade 8), 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 n Huntersville: Christ the King High School (Grades 9-11), 10 a.m.noon Saturday, Nov. 23 n Kernersville: Bishop McGuinness High School (Grades 9-12), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 n Winston-Salem: St. Leo School (Preschool to Grade 8), 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25; and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 For details, go to www.schools. charlottediocese.org or call the diocesan Education Office at 704370-3265.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 iiiSeptember 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE27,COVER

FROM TH

‘Open the Door to Christ’ – Th

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

The Eucharistic Procession for the ninth-annual Eucharistic Congress makes its way down South College Street in uptown Charlotte Sept. 14. Deacon Paul McNulty processes with the Blessed Sacrament behind Bishop Peter Jugis. They are surrounded by Knights of Columbus from across the Diocese of Charlotte. Thousands of people attended the two-day congress at the Charlotte Convention Center.

‘Make us shine as a beacon of hope to the world’ Thousands of Catholics gather at Eucharistic Congress CHARLOTTE — More Catholics than the police could count gathered inside the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 13-14 for the ninth-annual Eucharistic Congress, where they focused on the call to “open the door to Christ.”

The annual gathering of Catholics is the largest of its kind in the Carolinas, and this year’s event echoed the Year of Faith theme. The day featured a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of uptown Charlotte, led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis and the clergy and religious of the Diocese of Charlotte; followed by educational programs for adults in English, Spanish and Vietnamese as well as programs for kindergartners through high school seniors.

During the congress, participants also had the opportunity to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, seek the sacrament of reconciliation, and gather to worship during the closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Jugis and priests of the diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis encouraged the faithful to open their hearts and make time for Jesus, who loves us so much.

“There must be time to be with the Lord, to rest with

Him in prayer. Jesus wants you to know Him, and to spend time with Him,” Bishop Jugis said. He asked everyone: how often do we spend time with Jesus?

Take time to go to church during the week, such as for daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, he recommended.

Away from the busyness of our day-to-day activities, these moments of prayer and silence before the Lord refresh us, he said, and the time we spend in worship helps us to keep our attention – and our priorities – oriented rightly to God. Just as Peter told Jesus on Mt. Tabor at the Transfiguration, “Lord, it is good that we are here,” Bishop Jugis explained, the time we spend with Jesus is good.

Thousands of people heeded that advice during the two-day congress. Besides the highlight of the congress – a magnificent and joyful Eucharistic Procession from St. Peter Church to the convention center – the Adoration Chapel remained full all day, and the Blessed Sacrament was processed through all of the tracks for even more people to have time to spend in prayer before the Lord.

The fact that we are all called to holiness – to open our hearts to God – was reiterated by all of the congress

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch the Eucharistic Procession, Bishop Jugis’ homily at the closing Mass, a time-lapse video behind the scenes of the Eucharistic Congress. Also check out hundreds of more photos.

At www.goeucharist.tumblr.com: Watch short video clips from Congress participants and speakers, and see more coverage from the Eucharistic Congress blogged as the events unfolded.

speakers, especially the youth programs.

Even little ones can start on the path to being saints, said Sister Mary Sheila Maksim of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia in a session for kindergartners through fifthHOPE, SEE page 15

27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.comiii FROM THE COVERI 15 HE COVERSeptember

he 2013 Eucharistic Congress Bishop Peter J. Jugis

The blessing of the Eucharistic Congress

T

Photos by SueAnn Howell and Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

(Above) Bishop Jugis greets youth after the sacred music concert Sept. 13, the traditional start of the Eucharistic Congress.

(Far left) High school students take part in prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, during the Sept. 14 program for teens at the congress.

(Left) Bishop Jugis distributes Holy Communion during the closing Mass of the congress Sept. 14.

HOPE: FROM PAGE 14

graders.

“To become a saint we want to let Jesus into our heart.” That means asking Jesus what He wants us to do, she said.

“All day long you’re going to turn to Jesus and ask Him, ‘What do you want me to do right now?’” When we do Jesus’ will, we please Him. “Jesus made us and He knows what we’re made for,” she said.

“And when we do what we’re made for, it makes Him happy.”

Set aside sports, music and Facebook and put Jesus first, speaker Russell Hoyt told students in the middle-school track.

“If you want Jesus in your life, it’s either everything or nothing,” Hoyt said. “You can’t have it all. It’s Christ first, then everything else.”

Hoyt said he empathizes with the struggles of pre-teens, but he also pointed to three holy men whose early lives set the stage for sainthood: Blessed Pope John Paul II, Blessed Maximilian Kolbe and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

“If these guys can live as saints and be your age, you can, too,” he told the teens.

“The choices that these men made at an early age are the choices that achieved them greatness.”

Look beyond material successes and look to the heavens, he said: “What are you going to do so you can be holy?”

Act on our faith and keep the door open to Christ, Bishop Jugis also urged students in the high school track, many of whom were recently confirmed.

When we receive the sacrament of confirmation, he explained, “we’re taking on that serious responsibility to keep the door of faith wide open in our lives.”

And we must act for others as well, he emphasized: “We have a responsibility to help others keep open that door,” in ways like inviting a friend to church.

The entire congress was energizing and faith-filled, attendees said.

“I love the sense of community, it’s bonding. It’s encouraging to see so many Catholics coming to celebrate their faith.

It’s like a big family reunion!” said Kathy Sims.

St. Ann parishioner Susan Webster, who recently moved from Massachusetts and was attending the congress for the first

time, said she was impressed by the public display of faith.

“This is special because you don’t get this in any other part of the country,” Webster said. “We need this, especially for the youth and young families to connect to, to know that there are other Catholics living their faith.”

Sherine Blackburn, a member of St. Michael Parish in Gastonia and another first-time Congress attendee, exclaimed, “I was really surprised at how enormous it is!”

In the conclusion to his homily at the closing Mass of the congress, Bishop Jugis prayed that the thousands of Catholics who had gathered inside the convention center – leaving their busy lives behind to spend time with Jesus – would be reenergized in their faith and go back out into the world as witnesses to the Gospel.

“Fill us with your love, O Jesus, so that everything we do flows from You. Make us shine as a beacon of hope to the world.”

— Catholic News Herald. Correspondents Gretchen Filz, Mary B. Richardson and Marian Cowhig Owen contributed.

hank you for participating in the Eucharistic Congress earlier this month. This year’s congress was an opportunity for us to come together as one diocesan family to celebrate the Year of Faith.

The theme, “Open the Door to Christ,” reminds us during this Year of Faith that we must open the door to Christ every day.

We must always keep the door to Christ open in our lives.

God first opened the door to Christ for each one of us at our baptism, when we began to live the new life of grace. We entered through that door and discovered the joy of life in Christ, and set out on the road to eternal life. We must make sure that this door of faith and love for Christ always stays open, and that it never gets closed through neglect of the practice of our faith. We must also with a generous spirit try to open the door to Christ for others, so that others can enter through that door and come to know and love Christ.

During this Year of Faith we also thank God that He has opened for us the door to faith in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is a great Mystery of Faith. The Risen Lord is physically present with us, though His Presence is hidden behind what appears to be bread and wine, but which no longer is bread and wine.

At World Youth Day in July, Pope Francis told the young people: “I want the Church to go out into the streets…. Parishes, schools, institutions are made in order to come out.” The Church must be taken into the streets.

At our Eucharistic Congress, we followed the Holy Father’s instructions in a very unique way. Our Eucharistic Procession took the Church into the streets of Charlotte, with Our Blessed Lord with us.

We were very identifiable as the Church, present on the streets of the largest city of the Carolinas, in a prayerful, devout procession – praying for the city, praying for the world, and witnessing to Jesus and His truth and His love.

When we are dismissed at the end of every Mass, we take Jesus, whom we have just received in Holy Communion, and bring Him with us “into the streets” as our Holy Father has asked. We take the Church into the streets to protect the right to life of the unborn, to teach the sanctity of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, to serve the needy, and to work for peace and reconciliation.

Through our Eucharistic Congress, and through the strength that the Eucharist gives us, may we shine with the holiness of Jesus Christ as a beacon of light, to bring His hope to the world.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis is the Bishop of Charlotte and the founder and host of the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 FROM THE COVER

‘Open the Door to Christ’ – The 2013 Eucharistic Congress

Photos by Doreen Sugierski, SueAnn Howell and Vicki Dorsey | Catholic News Herald

The faithful, religious and clergy process, pray and adore the Blessed Sacrament during the Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour on Sept. 14. The Eucharistic Procession is a highlight of the annual congress, giving people from across the Diocese of Charlotte the opportunity to walk with Jesus in the streets of Charlotte, coming together with their parishes and religious organizations as public witnesses to the faith.

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

17

‘Open the Door to Christ’ – The 2013 Eucharistic Congress

Photos by Doreen Sugierski and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

(Top) Children who receive their first Holy Communion each year are personally invited by Bishop Jugis to participate in the Eucharistic Procession at the congress. (Middle) Of the thousands of Catholics who participate in the congress each year, approximately half are Latino families. (Above) Bishop Jugis carries the Blessed Sacrament in the procession.

Photos by Doreen Sugierski and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Children are a big focus of the annual congress. They participate in the procession, they are encouraged to participate at Mass and during the Holy Hour, and they take part in games and educational activities in tracks designed especially for kindergartners through fifth-graders, middle school students and high school students. The Blessed Sacrament is processed to each of the tracks during the congress, as well, so that the youths can spend time in Adoration.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 FROM THE COVER

‘Open the Door to Christ’ – The 2013 Eucharistic Congress

Eucharist ‘a foretaste of heaven’ Bishop Oscar Cantú delivers keynote address Sept. 13 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — In an engaging, sometimes humorous and thoughtful opening address, Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, New Mexico, took the Catholic faithful on an insightful journey about the mystery of the Eucharist on Sept. 13 during remarks at the 2013 Eucharistic Congress.

Bishop Cantú, who was ordained to the episcopate in June 2008, is a native of Houston, Texas. He was invited by Bishop Peter J. Jugis to deliver the Friday night keynote address Sept. 13 and the Holy Hour homily Sept. 14.

At the beginning of his remarks, he shared some humorous stories of his family, being the fifth of eight children whose parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, and having a large extended families with many nieces and nephews.

His keynote address, entitled “Nourishing Our Faith at the Table of the Eucharist,” took listeners on a journey of how Jesus came to announce the Kingdom of God, how God has spoken to His people as is found in Scripture, how God wants to have a relationship with us as we journey in this life toward eternity, and how the Eucharist nourishes us and opens a sacramental window in our relationship with God. “When the world was longing for light, for truth, for compassion, Mary brought forth Jesus and placed Him in

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

During his keynote address Sept. 13, Las Cruces, N.M., Bishop Oscar Cantú reminds the faithful that the Eucharist is a “mystery that transports us.”

a manger, the place where animals would come to feed,” Bishop Cantú explained. “Not so that the animals would come to feed, but so the world would be nourished by the Bread come down from Heaven.”

He noted that at the Last Supper, Jesus transformed the meaning of the Passover.

“When He took the bread He pronounced new words that gave new meaning,” Bishop Cantú said. “He wanted to be nourishment for a world that was hungry for truth, thirsty for justice, that was looking for direction, friendship with God.” “This mystery that we celebrate transports us, transports us halfway across the world, transports us beyond time and space, into mystery, into the actions of God toward His people, toward His Church. We return back to the here and now. We’re returned strengthened for our journey today. Our hope is strengthened. Our faith and vision is clarified. Love is incarnate. The Bread came down from Heaven. So the Eucharist becomes a school for us, learning how to identify Heaven.”

Bishop Cantú reminded those attending the Congress that in celebrating the Eucharist, Catholics experience a foretaste of Heaven because we gather as the Church, the very Body of Christ, with Christ as the Head that gives life to the Church.

“May we look to Christ, that He may become for us the lens to see the Father.”

Photos by Anthony Perlas and Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis holds the Blessed Sacrament during the Holy Hour which occurs after the Eucharistic Procession into the Charlotte Convention Center, where the thousands of faithful gather for prayer and Adoration.

(Top) The sacrament of reconciliation was offered in Vietnamese, Spanish and English by priests of the diocese and religious order priests who attended the congress. (Above) Middle school students take part in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

19

‘Open the Door to Christ’ – The 2013 Eucharistic Congress Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Ceremony, music and insightful talks are hallmarks of the annual congress.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Youths in the middle school and high school tracks enjoyed a varied program of prayer, games, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, talks and music.

Photos by Vicki Dorsey and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

(Left) Bishop Jugis celebrates the closing Mass of the congress, the culmination of the two-day event in which the faithful gathered to pray and learn together, encouraged to “open the door to Christ.”

(Above) Mother Dolores Hart, who left behind a successful career in Hollywood to enter a Benedictine cloister, was one of the featured speakers at this year’s congress.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 FROM THE COVER

Photos by Doreen Sugierski, Annette Tenny, SueAnn Howell and Vicki Dorsey | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis visits each of the tracks every year during the congress, encouraging the faithful to make Jesus the center of their lives.

Entertainment and Catholic vendors are also popular parts of the annual event.

Mix

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “The War of the Vendee.” Deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, as preached generations earlier by St. Louis de Montfort, the people of the region of Vendée rose against the French Revolution, clamoring for their faith and throne.

In theaters

n Sunday, Sept. 29, 10-11 p.m.

(EWTN) “Beloved: The Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia.” A look at the history of the Nashville, Tenn.-based Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia and at how they live out their call to religious life.

‘Prisoners’ After his 6-year-old daughter and a playmate are kidnapped, and the prime suspect (Paul Dano) is released for lack of evidence, a seemingly decent family man (Hugh Jackman) turns vicious vigilante in his desperation to force the mentally challenged loner to reveal the little girls’ whereabouts.

But the lead detective on the case (Jake Gyllenhaal) doggedly pursues other angles, eventually uncovering a hidden web of evil events and relationships. Though it presents the facade of a thriller, director Denis Villeneuve’s powerful drama is primarily a richly symbolic exploration of morality, the human condition and the role of religious faith in a fallen world. Still, its unflinching portrayal of the measures to which Jackman’s character is driven – together with such seamy details as an incidental priest figure who is both a sex offender and an alcoholic – make this bleak foray into psychological darkness anything but casual fare. Harrowing violence, including torture and a gory suicide, mature themes, negative treatment of Catholic clergy.

CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

‘Battle of the Year’ A trite underdog story provides the framework for a series of energetic breakdancing scenes in director Benson Lee wide-eyed fictional variation on his 2007 documentary “Planet B-Boy.” Anxious for the American team he sponsors to win the international competition of the title, a hip-hop mogul (Laz Alonso) hires an old friend (Josh Holloway) from his own groovebusting days to put together an all-star line-up (featuring singer Chris Brown and Jon Cruz among others) and mold them into a cohesive unit. Aided by a young assistant (Josh Peck) and by a choreographer (Caity Lotz), the coach struggles to instill notions of unity and teamwork into his ego-driven charges, even as he battles the drinking problem he developed following the tragic death of his wife and teenage son. Though the street vocabulary deployed by all sets this subculture exploration off limits to younger moviegoers, grown-ups will find little to bother them in its predictable Hollywood homilies about the need for self-confidence, hard work and tolerance. Mature references, a few uses of profanity, obscene gestures.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Additional reviews: n ‘The Family’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘The Spectacular Now’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

21

n Monday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Francis of Assisi: Perfect Joy.” A brief overview of the life of St. Francis with a list of famous Secular Order Franciscans in history.

‘Faith, love, fun and learning’ abound in ‘aka. Genius’ St. Mark parishioner, busy mom of 3 pens debut novel SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — Marilee Haynes has a lot on her plate. She is a wife, mother of three small children and now a published author. In fact, it wasn’t until her third child was born three years ago that she began her writing career.

Most people would have put their writing on the back burner until more free time was available, but Haynes claimed a corner of her kitchen to devote to her writing.

Haynes, who is a parishioner at St. Mark Church in Huntersville and whose two older children attend St. Mark School, moved from Michigan to North Carolina with her husband nearly eight years ago. In 2010, she wrote a novel that helped her learn how to write a book before starting her newest work of fiction, “aka.

Genius,” which is the first of her books to be published.

“I completed my first two books, including ‘a.k.a. Genius,’ in a corner of my kitchen,” Haynes explains. “I created a writing space high enough off the ground so that not one of the three sets of little hands that live in my house could reach. Since that time, I have graduated to an actual desk in the multi-purpose room we call our family library.”

Haynes, who spends her days taking care of her young family, typically waits until later in the evening to write.

“My writing routine is to work on my current project after the kids have been tucked in for the night. I try to steal a few minutes here and there during the day to deal with non-writing related tasks, so that I’m able to focus on getting the words down in the evenings. Now that my youngest has started preschool, I plan to try writing in the daylight. “

Her writing is guided by the same four principles that guide her parenting. “In any story I write, you will find faith, love, fun and learning. If I tried to write about any one of these principles without the others, my story would be incomplete.

“For me, writing about faith without incorporating love and learning and fun – yes, fun, lots of it – wouldn’t work. Faith and love and learning bring joy, and joy means fun! And laughter. Lots of laughter.

“Just as I couldn’t write a character who didn’t appreciate and experience humor, I also couldn’t write one who didn’t value and appreciate his faith. Faith, love, fun and learning. For me – and for the characters in my stories – all are essential.”

She hopes that young readers enjoy her story about an intelligent 13-year-old boy and are able to relate to the characters.

“I hope they respond to both the humor and the heart of the situations Gabe is faced with.

And I hope that they see in Gabe a person like themselves who has struggles and triumphs and whose faith, along with his family and friends, helps to guide him through both.”

Haynes reiterates that being a Catholic writer means that her faith is at the core of her work.

“For me, being a Catholic writer simply means that my faith is an intrinsic part of what I write,” she says. “That doesn’t mean I’m necessarily trying to teach our faith through my stories, but rather that my faith is so much a part of who I am that it can’t help but be a part of who my characters are, too. Their journeys are impacted by their faith.

“I don’t think I could write a story that didn’t reflect our faith and what we value. I am a writer and I am a Catholic, therefore I am a Catholic writer.”

To learn more about Haynes’ debut novel published by Pauline Books or to order a copy, call 800-876-4463 or go to www.pauline. org/genius. It is also available online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and The Catholic Company.

n Thursday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Little Flower in Africa.” Follow the first tour of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in South Africa, a review of the life of Saint Thérèse and her “Little Way” to holiness; an overview of Carmelite spirituality, and a brief history of the Church in South Africa. n Friday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.

(EWTN) “Lives of the Saints – St. Francis of Assisi.” A docudrama on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced everything for God. n Friday, Oct. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.

(EWTN) “Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour.” Live broadcast from Washington, D.C.’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of a Eucharistic and Marian Holy Hour in which children will be united throughout the world praying for families and for peace. Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington will preside. n Sunday, Oct. 6, 9 p.m. (EWTN) “Bloodmoney: The Business of Abortion.” Dr. Alveda King exposes the truth behind the abortion industry from the pro-life perspective, and hosts an examination of the history of abortion in America. n Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Poor Clare Nuns: A Life For God.” An inside look at the thousands of nuns who today still follow the way of St. Clare, spending their lives in prayer and sacrifice behind convent walls. n Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Road Up to the Kolyma River.” Millions of Russians suffered in the gulags of the 20th century, A moving look inside the struggle of an Eastern Siberian town that once served as a gulag.

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Idaho lawmaker introduces Marriage and Religious Freedom Act in House WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill introduced in the U.S. House to keep the federal government from discriminating against churches, religious groups and businesses that uphold marriage as being between one man and one woman is “of fundamental importance,” two U.S. Catholic bishops said Sept. 20. A day earlier, Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, introduced the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act, known as H.R. 3133.

Dozens of lawmakers have co-sponsored the measure.

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, called the measure significant, noting that individuals and organizations that uphold traditional marriage are increasingly being targeted for discrimination by state governments – this must not spread to the federal government. An example of discrimination at the state level cited in background materials released by the U.S. bishops’ conference pointed to a New Mexico Supreme Court ruling that said a husband and wife who own and operate a photography studio “must act against their religious beliefs” and take photographs of a same-sex commitment ceremony, “if they want to do business in the state.”

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, also expressed strong support for the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act. “In a growing climate of intolerance against individuals and organizations who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, this act is an important step in preserving their religious liberties at the federal level,” he said.

Military archbishop guides chaplains on ministering to same-sex couples WASHINGTON, D.C. — Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued guidelines on ministering to same-sex couples for military chaplains and other priests and deacons who serve Catholics in the military, U.S. Foreign Service personnel and those at Veterans Affairs facilities. The document, “Renewed Fidelity in Favor of Evangelization,” highlights the need to “reiterate with clarity the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding homosexuality” but also points out that, as St. Paul reminds believers, “it must never be forgotten that the human condition occasions many failings.” In the Sept. 18 statement, Archbishop Broglio said he felt obligated to emphasize Catholic teaching in light of “recent changes in interpretations of the laws of the federal government.” He also said he was pleased Congress renewed conscience-protection language, specifically for chaplains in the Armed Forces. He outlined what Catholic priests or deacons cannot be forced to do in their ministry. For example, he said they cannot be forced to witness or bless the union of same-sex couples or assist at a marriage retreats for same-sex couples.

Malia Clearwater shovels debris Sept. 12 into a dike to funnel water down a street as heavy rains cause severe flooding in Boulder, Colo. Flash flooding caused by torrential downpours in Colorado killed eight people and forced hundreds to flee to higher ground as rising water caused buildings to collapse and stranded cars.

CNS | Mark Leffingwell, Reuters

Many Colo. flood victims have lost all, but ‘still have the Lord’ Priya Narapareddy Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mary Jurgensmeier, a member of St. Peter Church in Greeley, Colo., said she knows people in her community who have lost everything.

“We still have the Lord,” said Jurgensmeier, who was evacuated from her home Sept. 13. “We will never lose him.”

Jurgensmeier is one of thousands of Colorado residents displaced from their homes in the flooding caused by several days of torrential rains that began Sept.

11. She said she and her husband returned to their farm, which is located about three miles east of Greeley. Jurgensmeier said there was no flood damage to their home.

“We are one of the lucky ones,” she said, but floodwater is still covering their pasture.

Jurgensmeier said St. Peter has been working to aid families since the onset of flooding in Colorado. She said her church has gathered clothing for victims.

“They loaned a freezer to a family who lost everything,” Jurgensmeier said. “They have been reaching out on a personal level.”

Father Matthew Hartley of St. Peter said the church is trying to help as many families in the area as they can. He said St. Peter has opened up its food bank.

“The big thing is meeting immediate needs,” he said.

Father Hartley said four families at St. Peter have lost their homes because of the flooding. “It’s a very difficult time,” he said.

The priest said many organizations have worked to help victims, including Catholic Charities of Weld County, which is in the Denver Archdiocese.

“The city of Greeley has rallied together as well,” he said. “People have been extremely generous.”

Colorado Governor John W. Hickenlooper declared a state of disaster emergency in response to massive flooding across 15 counties, from south of Colorado Springs to the Wyoming border, caused by several days of heavy rain fall that began Sept. 11.

As of this week, authorities confirmed at least eight people died in the disaster, which an AP story described as covering “an area nearly the size of Connecticut.”

Flooding along the Front Range was moving east across the prairie to Sterling, about 128 miles northeast of Denver.

With Hickenlooper’s declaration, the state began making resources available to search and rescue flood victims, help flood survivors, provide emergency services and begin help to assist with flood recovery.

On the federal level, President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration and ordered federal aid for Colorado.

Obama also sent the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the state, and on Sept. 24 Vice President Joe

Biden toured the devastated area.

Enita Kearns-Hout, regional director of Catholic Charities of Weld County, said Catholic Charities brought blankets to displaced families at the Greeley Recreation Center shelter.

“We’re trying to do tangible things,” Kearns-Hout said. “This will not be resolved in a short time and we will be here for the long run to provide support and show Christ’s love and compassion to those who lost so much.”

Kearns-Hout said one will see devastating sights around Weld County.

She said many families have lost everything.

“One individual had just made his last payment on his family’s home the morning of Sept. 13,” Kearns-Hout said.

“The flood took his home that afternoon.”

Kearns-Hout said Catholic Charities is a go-to center for those of any faith. “One of the blessings is that we have collaborative partners,” she said.

Red Cross employee George Sullivan is also part of the Denver Metro Area Knights of Columbus Second Responders Program. Sullivan said the program’s volunteers have helped care for flood victims in northern Colorado. Sullivan, who lives in the Denver metropolitan area, said the flooding was not confined to any one area.

“It’s a dynamic and evolving disaster,” he said.

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Archbishop: ‘Terrible loss of life’ at Navy Yard shocking and sad WASHINGTON, D.C. — As military, police and federal investigators searched for answers as to why lone gunman Aaron Alexis, 34, opened fired Sept. 16 at the Washington Navy Yard, killing 12 people and wounding at least eight more, religious leaders and public officials offered prayers for the victims and their families.

Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who heads the Washington-based Archdiocese for the Military Services, both issued brief statements offering prayers for the victims and their families.

USCCB continues moral, legal analysis of HHS mandate WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Sept. 17 letter to U.S. bishops, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues to study the legal and moral implications of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act. The USCCB also continues to “develop avenues of response that would both preserve our strong unity and

protect our consciences,� he said. The letter from Cardinal Dolan, president of the USCCB, was a follow-up from the bishops’ Sept. 10-11 Administrative Committee meeting where they discussed the HHS mandate, among other topics.

The HHS contraceptive mandate, part of the Affordable Care Act, will require most employers, including religious employers, to provide coverage of contraceptives, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs free of charge, even if the employer is morally opposed to such services.

Bishop tells House: Cut in food aid has ‘moral consequences’

23

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — How the U.S. House “chooses to address our nation’s hunger and nutrition programs will have profound human and moral consequences,� said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “This is a crucial time for our nation to place a circle of protection around programs that build a more just framework and put poor and hungry people first,� said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif. “I respectfully urge you to reject efforts to reduce or restructure SNAP, and to pursue instead the common good in agriculture and food policy that works from a genuine preferential option for the poor.� The bishop’s comments about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, came in a Sept. 11 letter to members of the House is response to a House proposal that would cut food assistance program by $40 billion over a period of 10 years.

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Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Comments on the pope’s interview from the Catholic blogosphere Make no mistake about it folks, the Catholic Church matters. Why? Because, whether they will admit it or not, even those who deny its power, who try to re-write history to obliterate its influence, who talk about how it is “dying” (in the face of all objective evidence to the contrary) who flat-out hate the Church – even those people – know that the Catholic Church is the one great unified moral voice in the world today. ... Who else on this planet can give an interview and have it quoted and misquoted to “prove” this or that point in every major news venue? ... Who else, but the pope? The answer is no one.

— Oklahoma Rep. Rebecca Hamilton Suffice it to say that Pope Francis did not turn 2,000 years of moral teaching on its head. The few paragraphs in a 12,000-word story that everyone has focused on are simply the sexy topics that the U.S. news media can’t get enough of. They were not the whole story, except that now they are.

— Greg Erlandson, Our Sunday Visitor president and publisher Through interviews – and the coverage of interviews – a “virtual Francis” is being created. ... We have to make sure that, with all the media attention, with all these interviews, that the “virtual Francis” is not stronger than the real Francis. ...

— Father John Zuhlsdorf His interview reveals a simple man of the poor – a compassionate and humble man who has people as the heart of his concern. He wishes for a Church that is outgoing, creative and risk taking. He wants a gospel that is lived in a compassionate, forgiving and Christ-like manner. ...

All this is well and good, but I have some worries. ... Francis’ message of forgiveness, acceptance and embrace of all works well enough in a Catholic culture where people know they are sinners and have a basic understanding of confession, reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. The problem in translating Francis’ message to post-Christian Europe, Liberal Protestant America and other developed countries is that most of the population either have no concept of sin in their lives or they deny the idea completely. Therefore Francis’ message of forgiveness, acceptance and embrace simply comes across as condoning whatever lifestyle people happen to have chosen.

— Father Dwight Longenecker Nothing in the pope’s words undo any Catholic teaching. What’s more, he intends no change whatsoever. What he is bringing to these hot-button issues is a humane clarity that reflects an aspect of Catholicism that is frequently overlooked in the world at large. It is the most common perception in the world today that Catholicism is nothing more than a strict set of life rules and the Church herself operates as the moral judge and inquisitor not only over its members but over the society at large. ... But the truth is that this view of Catholicism is just wrong. ... What’s more, all Catholics know it to be untrue. We know it mainly from the confessional.

— Jeffrey Tucker, New Liturgical Movement One of the reasons I cried while reading Pope Francis’ stunning and inspiring interview with America magazine last week was because I have been starving for what he’s calling the Church to be. I have been desperate for a shepherd, for someone who wants to meet me in my darkness and walk with me spiritually, for someone who gets up there and tries to meet people where they are – in the real world, struggling with real problems, in a way that actually has some meaning in their lives.

— Mary DeTurris Poust Something has changed in the air. The media is positive towards the Church once again. People are returning to the faith because of the sincerity and joy they see in Pope Francis. ... He speaks of the mercy of God and of the acceptance of God. Constantly. He doesn’t need to add a ‘but’ or an ‘unless’ after that statements. God loves us because He created us. He loves us no matter what our sins are. If that truth doesn’t bring joy to your life, then I don’t know what will.

— Father Michael F. Duffy Personally, I’d rather not think about what I’m not giving or doing.

I’d prefer to focus on Francis’ choice of words in his interview: what I liked, what I didn’t like, what I would have done differently.

It’s so much easier to deconstruct an interview than change a life.

Deconstructing an interview, however, won’t get me to Heaven.

— Emily Stimpson

Pope says focus on morality can obscure Gospel message Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — In a lengthy and wide-ranging interview with one of his Jesuit confreres, Pope Francis spoke with characteristic frankness about the perils of overemphasizing Catholic teaching on sexual and medical ethics; the reasons for his deliberate and consultative governing style; and his highest priority for the Church today.

The pope’s remarks appeared in an interview with Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, editor of the Italian journal La Civilta Cattolica. The interview, conducted in August, was the basis for a 12,000-word article published Sept. 19 in the U.S. magazine America, and simultaneously in other Jesuit publications in other languages.

According to the editor of America, Jesuit Father Matt Malone, Pope Francis personally reviewed the article and approved its publication.

“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods,” the pope said in the interview, noting that he had been “reprimanded” for failing to speak often about those topics. “It is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.

“The dogmatic and moral teachings of the Church are not all equivalent,” the pope added. “The Church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.

“Proclamation in a missionary style focuses on the essentials, on the necessary things,” he said. “We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the Church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.

“The proposal of the Gospel must be more simple, profound, radiant. It is from this proposition that the moral consequences then flow.”

The pope reaffirmed one of his major themes: the need for mercy rather than judgment when approaching sin.

“The thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful. It needs nearness, proximity.

“The Church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in smallminded rules. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you.

“The confessional is not a torture chamber, but the place in which the Lord’s mercy motivates us to do better.

“Those who today always look for disciplinarian solutions, those who long for an exaggerated doctrinal ‘security,’ those who stubbornly try to recover a past that no longer exists – they have a static and inward-directed view of things. In this way, faith becomes an ideology among other ideologies.”

Pope Francis also spoke extensively about his approach to Church governance.

“Many think that changes and

CNS | Paul Haring

Pope Francis blesses a sick man inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria in Cagliari, Sardinia, Sept. 22. reforms can take place in a short time. I believe that we always need time to lay the foundations for real, effective change. And this is the time of discernment. “Sometimes discernment instead urges us to do precisely what you had at first thought you would do later. And that is what happened to me in recent months,” he added, though without specifying the action in question.

The pope described the evolution of his governing style, starting with his appointment at age 36 as superior of the Argentine province of the Jesuits.

“My authoritarian and quick manner of making decisions led me to have serious problems and to be accused of being ultraconservative,” he said, adding, “I have never been a rightwinger. It was my authoritarian way of making decisions that created problems.”

Later, as archbishop of Buenos Aires, he adopted another approach, meeting often with his auxiliary bishops.

“I believe that consultation is very important,” the pope said, noting his establishment as pope of the so-called Group of Eight advisory panel of cardinals. “I want to see that this is a real, not ceremonial consultation.”

With respect to the Vatican bureaucracy, whose reform he has made a clear priority of his six-monthold pontificate, Pope Francis pointed to the need to devolve more authority to local Churches.

Some Vatican offices “run the risk of becoming institutions of censorship. It is amazing to see the denunciations for lack of orthodoxy that come to Rome. I think the cases should be investigated by the local bishops’ conferences, which can get valuable assistance from Rome. These cases, in fact, are much better dealt with locally. The Roman congregations are mediators; they are not middlemen or managers.”

In matters of belief rather than

governance, Pope Francis said the pope and bishops share authority with the laity.

“The Church is the people of God on the journey through history. Thinking with the Church, therefore, is my way of being a part of this people. And all the faithful, considered as a whole, are infallible in matters of belief.”

The pope quickly added that “we must be very careful not to think that this ‘infallibilitas’ of all the faithful I am talking about in the light of Vatican II is a form of populism. No; it is the experience of ‘holy mother the hierarchical Church,’ as St. Ignatius called it, the Church as the people of God, pastors and people together.”

Among the other topics the pope addressed in the interview was the challenge of finding a more visible role for women in a Church with an all-male priesthood.

“I am wary of a solution that can be reduced to a kind of ‘female machismo,’ because a woman has a different makeup than a man. The Church cannot be herself without the woman and her role. The woman is essential for the Church. Mary, a woman, is more important than the bishops. I say this because we must not confuse the function with the dignity.”

Pope Francis, whose simple way of celebrating Mass has attracted criticism from traditionalist Catholics, also took up the controversial subject of liturgy.

Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 decision to lift most restrictions on celebrating the Tridentine Mass “was prudent and motivated by the desire to help people who have this sensitivity,” Pope Francis said. “What is worrying, though, is the risk of the ideologization of the (old Mass), its exploitation.”

The pope also said the liturgical reform that followed in the wake of the 1962-’65 Second Vatican Council is “absolutely irreversible.”

September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Pope condemns abortion as product of ‘throwaway culture’ VATICAN CITY — In his strongest public words to date on the subject of abortion, Pope Francis affirmed the sacredness of unborn human life and linked its defense to the pursuit of social justice. “In all its phases and at every age, human life is always sacred and always of quality. And not as a matter of faith, but of reason and science!” the pope said Sept. 20 to a gathering of Catholic gynecologists.

Pope Francis characterized abortion as a product of a “widespread mentality of profit, the ‘throwaway culture,’ which has today enslaved the hearts and minds of so many.” That mentality, he said, “calls for the elimination of human beings, above all if they are physically or socially weaker. Our response to that mentality is a decisive and unhesitating ‘yes’ to life.”

The pope grouped together unborn children, the aged and the poor as among the most vulnerable people whom Christians are called especially to love.

Pakistani bishops’ head calls church attack ‘shameful act of cowardice’ KARACHI, Pakistan — The president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference called the suicide bomb attack Sept. 22 at All Saints’ Church in Peshawar a “shameful act of cowardice,” adding that all Christian educational institutions in the country would be closed Sept.

23-25 in mourning and protest. Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi also demanded that the Pakistani government take immediate steps to apprehend those responsible for the attack and to take measures to protect the worship sites of all religious minorities in Pakistan.

“We condemn this act in strongest terms,” Archbishop Coutts said Sept. 22. The death toll in the bombing had reached 85 by early Sept. 23. Authorities expected it to increase because many of the 150 who were injured were in critical condition. Police said two suicide bombers, each wearing more than 13 pounds of explosives, detonated themselves following a Sunday service as 600 members of the Protestant church gathered on the church lawn for food distribution.

Kenyan Catholic leaders praise citizen reaction during hostage crisis NAIROBI, Kenya — As Kenyan security forces worked to end a standoff at an upscale mall, the nation’s Catholic leaders praised their fellow citizens for “the Kenyan spirit.” In a statement released Sept. 23, two days after the attack and hostage crisis began, the bishops praised

Let’s keep talking.

security officers for their service, ordinary Kenyans for donations of blood, “the sacrifices of those working in health services; all who have volunteered in any way to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in danger.”

The statement said Catholics sent condolences to all Kenyans, “especially those who have lost loved ones and friends in the Westgate (mall) hostage crisis. It is a time of great pain and sorrow for all Kenyans as the innocent people brutally lose their lives.”

Extremists from al-Shabab, an affiliate of alQaida, stormed Nairobi’s Westgate mall Sept. 21, throwing grenades and firing on civilians.

Syrian Christians targeted by outsiders, Syriac Catholic leader says JERUSALEM — Christians in Syria are continuing to be targeted by outside fundamentalist groups who have joined the country’s long civil war, said the head of the Syriac Catholic Church in Jerusalem. Bishop Boutros Melki, Syriac Catholic patriarchal vicar, said Christians fear that the situation in Syria will become like that in Iraq, where half the Christian population has fled since the American-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

In a Sept. 18 interview after returning from Montreal, where he met with Syriac Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan, the bishop said the historic city of Maaloula, with its ancient churches and monasteries, became the site of fighting between rebel and government forces.

Attacks against churches and Christian homes occurred and Christian icons and crosses were destroyed and defamed, he said.

“We can’t accuse anybody, but when we know about such actions we ask ourselves what does all this mean and why?” he said.

“We always remember what happened in Iraq. Unfortunately, Iraq is still in a bloody nightmare.”

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Curia meeting seen as way to give pope more input from ‘entire Church’ NEW ORLEANS — Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, one of eight cardinals appointed

by Pope Francis to advise him on possible reforms of the Roman Curia, said Sept. 18 he has received extensive feedback from cardinals and archbishops in the U.S. and Canada in preparation for an Oct. 1-3 meeting with the pope.

In New Orleans to celebrate Mass and preach at the Louisiana Priests’ Convention, Cardinal O’Malley said he did not know what to expect as a result of the gathering in Rome. Cardinal O’Malley said the group of eight cardinals will meet first among themselves at the end of September and then with Pope Francis, before accompanying the pontiff to Assisi Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Asked what his expectations were for the cardinals’ deliberations, Cardinal O’Malley smiled and said: “I don’t know. Obviously, there’s been many surprises in the last few months, and I think there’ll be more of the same.”

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Open your hearts to life’ October is Respect Life Month CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte participates in the annual Respect Life program, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that takes place every October.

This year’s theme, “Open your hearts to life,” features a photo of Pope Francis embracing a disabled child, as well as images of families and the unborn.

In the materials published by the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, the theme for this year’s program which takes place during the Year of Faith is explained: “‘Opening our hearts to life’ means that we reject the killing of human beings from the moment of conception to natural death – by abortifacient ‘contraceptives’ and abortion, in destructive embryo research and IVF procedures, by denying life-saving treatment to those with disabilities and by ‘hastening death’ of the elderly and dying in assisted suicide and euthanasia. “‘Opening our hearts to life’ means opposing the death penalty, as well as slavery, human trafficking, terrorism and unjust war and that we work to eradicate the conditions that prevent our brothers and sisters from realizing their full human potential.”

As part of the “Open your hearts to life” campaign, parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte will again participate in Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 6 ,to lend witness to this national pro life awareness campaign. See our related story on page 6, and go to www.nationallifechain.org for additional information.

The faithful are also encouraged to participate in the 40 Days for Life fall campaign Sept. 25-Nov. 3.

It features opportunities to give silent, prayerful witness in front of abortion facilities nationwide in hopes of saving the lives of babies by encouraging mothers to choose life. For a list of participating locations in the Charlotte diocese, go to www.40daysforlife.com.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Our Church is an immigrant Church After attending the beautiful concluding Mass of the Eucharistic Congress Sept. 14, I overheard a distressing comment. Two women were expressing their distaste for the bilingual Mass, and they intended to speak with someone about their displeasure.

I wished I had been able to remind them that most Catholics in the United States are descendants of immigrants. I wish I could have told them that so many of the generous practices associated with the Catholic Church in the United States come from our need to minister to our own people who were the victims of systematic discrimination – one important example being the Catholic school system, which is the direct result of an overt effort on the part of the public school administration to enculturate Catholic immigrant children into a Protestant American culture.

I also wish I could have expressed to them how important language and culture are intertwined with our Catholic faith. As a matter of fact, Pope John Paul II, who spoke and read eight languages, frequently spent more time greeting assembled people before and after his talks than he spent giving the talk.

And lastly, I wish they knew and could celebrate the fact that at the first International Eucharistic Congress to be held in the United States, in Chicago in June 1926, between 200,000 and 400,000 worshippers from more than a dozen nationalities attended meetings in their own languages.

Danita Ostasiewski is a teacher at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

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September 27, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Deacon James H. Toner

Peggy Bowes

Pray a pro-life rosary “Every child that isn’t born, but is unjustly condemned to be aborted, has the face of Jesus Christ, has the face of the Lord.” — Pope Francis

O

ctober is the Month of the Rosary, and the 40 Days for Life campaign began on Sept. 25. I urge every Catholic to pray not only for an end to abortion, but also for healing and forgiveness for those who have been affected by abortion. I also ask you to pray that the pro-life community will do God’s will to change hearts and minds through love and prayer.

I often pray the rosary for pro-life intentions, especially during the spring and fall 40 Days for Life campaigns. Usually I pray the sorrowful mysteries, which somehow seem more appropriate, but recently I was inspired to pray the joyful mysteries. As I meditated, I thought of how each mystery gives a wonderful pro-life message: At the time of the Annunciation, Mary was a young, unwed girl who faced the prospect of death if her impending pregnancy were made known. Yet she trusted in God’s will for her, even though it would drastically change her life.

An unplanned pregnancy can be very frightening. We can pray that women in this situation will be open to God’s plan and trust in His heavenly aid.

At the Visitation, Mary brought the unborn Jesus out into the world as she journeyed to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

Even in the womb, Our Lord was able to affect others, causing Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit and her own unborn baby to leap for joy. Let us pray that more people will realize an unborn child is a unique person who will make an impact on the world.

The Nativity gives us a scene of the joy of new life. Jesus was born in the most humble circumstances, but He was surrounded by love and joy. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, the animals and even kings from far away bent down to worship the newborn Savior. God chose to be very humble, very helpless and very little.

Pray that expectant parents will see their baby as a gift from God, regardless of how desperate and hopeless the circumstances of their lives may seem.

When Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem at the Presentation, they must first offer a sacrifice. Raising a child involves many sacrifices. Unfortunately, our modern culture emphasizes selfishness and comfort, and many people are not accustomed to sacrifices and selflessness. We can pray that parents will willingly make sacrifices for their children – not to give them everything they desire, but to teach them the virtue of temperance and self-control.

At the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, Jesus is becoming a young man with His own ideas and dreams, yet He still obeys His parents. We can pray that parents will encourage their children’s dreams and desires while helping them to discern their vocations through frequent prayer.

Peggy Bowes is a parishioner at Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy. She is a motivational speaker and author of “The Rosary Workout” (online at www.rosaryworkout.com).

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Catholic: Always and everywhere

n the judgment of many Catholics, it is time for the Church to withdraw from the bedroom. Questions about physical intimacy are not within the competence of the Church, these dissidents – people who disagree publicly with defined Church teaching – tell us.

It is also time for the Church to withdraw from the boardroom.

Questions about economics and finance are not within the jurisdiction of the Church, the dissidents tell us. The Church must also withdraw from political expression. Besides, the Church hierarchy is merely doing the bidding of the Democrats – or the Republicans, depending upon which dissident one asks. Everyone knows, after all, that “Church” and “State” are completely separate.

The Church must offer nothing regarding military matters, for priests are rarely soldiers and have nothing of value to offer, the dissidents say, about strategic issues.

Modern education should not be controlled or “compromised” by the Church, either. What goes on in the classroom has nothing to do with what happens at the altar or the ambo.

And someone can be “personally opposed” to abortion but, really, we would not want to “force our morality down other people’s throats,” would we?

But suppose all of these matters aren’t just about “our” morality. Suppose they are rooted in Christ Himself and in His Church?

Is it just possible that the Church really is the Body of Christ, and that when the Church speaks authoritatively we are hearing the Will and Word of God? If that is true – and all who proclaim themselves Catholic are at least implicitly saying exactly that – should we not listen, learn and lead in the light of the Gospel?

But the adverb “authoritatively” disturbs us, doesn’t it?

However, Jesus taught “with authority.” Authority means “the right to command,” and no believer in God can deny the Divinity that right. When we Christians hear the Word of God, we obey “because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 144, also see CCC 1269 and 2039).

The secular world delights in limiting Christ and His Church.

Increasingly, we have freedom of “worship” rather than freedom of “religion.” Increasingly, the Voice of Truth is dismissed as only one truth among many. Increasingly, the mission of the Church is regarded as restricted to one hour per week, and then only on church grounds.

The timeless mission of the Church, however, is to proclaim Christ’s message to all who have the ears to hear. “To the Church belongs the right always and everywhere to announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required for the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls” (CCC 2032).

When an ideology or a practice jeopardizes the salvation of souls, the Catholic Church must speak. Those of us who have the honor to call ourselves Catholic have the duty to form our convictions in keeping with the commands of the Gospel, of which the Church is the herald (see CCC 1783-1785).

When we deny, dismiss or denigrate Catholic truth in sexual, economic, political, military or educational matters, we are saying to Our Lord: “I give you one hour every Sunday! I listen to you then! You are my Lord and Savior every Sunday morning!

What more do you want from me? You and Your Church have nothing to say to me at any other time, on any other issue, for any other reason! Leave me alone until next Sunday! And by the way, don’t expect me to support anything You say outside of Mass!”

“Catholic” means “universal,” but it also means “in respect to” or “through” the whole. We are Catholics not just at Mass, but always and everywhere, and in everything we think, say and do – through the whole of who we are.

After all, we do not hope that God will guide and guard us only one hour a week, but for all 168 hours a week. Similarly, we should pray that He will also graciously govern us in all our choices 168 hours a week (see CCC 2044).

Christ’s priests are rarely biologists, diplomats or financiers, and one can readily agree that routine public administrative matters or political decisions do not call for ecclesiastical or episcopal advisories. The Church hierarchy does not and should not, for example, make fiscal policy, decide national security issues or otherwise act as an interest group. By contrast, “it belongs to the laity to seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will” (“Lumen Gentium,” 31).

However, there are overarching, intrinsic and enduring moral principles which are foundational to the faith which comes to us from the Apostles. Political power always plays out against a moral horizon (see CCC 1918-1923), and the Church (meaning we who are its baptized and confirmed members) must know, love and serve the Truth.

The Church does not make instrumental – that is, daily, practical or routine – policy. But the Church (meaning we who are its baptized and confirmed) must always be Christ’s ambassadors in and for moral goodness. For example, the Church should not tell a surgeon how to conduct an operation, but all Catholics must seek to end such operations if they are aimed at killing children in the womb.

Being Catholic is not like being a member of a club, or cultivating a hobby, or rooting for a favorite baseball team. Being Catholic doesn’t mean only that we pray for an hour on Sunday, then promptly forget the One to whom we pray. Being Catholic doesn’t mean we keep our convictions to ourselves.

Our Catholic social duty is “to be the light of the world. Thus, the Church shows forth the kingship of Christ over all creation and in particular over human societies” (CCC 2105).

As Scripture tells us, there will be those who scoff and waver and those who cause division, “but you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith ... as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in His mercy to give you eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21). Amen!

‘Being Catholic doesn’t mean only that we pray for an hour on Sunday, then promptly forget the One to whom we pray. Being Catholic doesn’t mean we keep our convictions to ourselves.’

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 27, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SOBRIETY:

ST. FRANCIS:

FROM PAGE 11

FROM PAGE 2

Healy added that he hopes the new security will get parents’ attention as well, saying, “I hope this helps parents do their job.”

Any student who registers a bloodalcohol concentration of any amount will be cited by police, Healy said, and their parents will be called. If they act belligerently to police, he said, the student will be taken to jail.

The school has already been conducting breathalyzer tests at school dances and at the prom, Healy said.

There will be no additional cost to the school for this increased security, Healy said. The school will use two breathalyzer machines that it bought approximately four years ago, and they will work with the police who already patrol the athletic events, he explained.

Police have also started patrolling the school property on Saturday and Sunday nights, Healy said, following incidences of weekend drinking parties on campus.

In an email to all CCHS parents, Healy wrote, “Anyone found on the campus will be subject to the full enforcement of the law.”

Healy met with the students and parents Sept. 12 to explain the new security measures and address any questions. He said the responses he received were very positive.

“Several students came by to say thanks,” he said.

Charlotte Catholic has 1,434 students enrolled this fall, and is among three high schools in the Diocese of Charlotte schools system.

and His Blood are made present through the priesthood, the Eucharist and the communion of the Church. ...

The real historical Francis was the Francis of the Church, and precisely in this way he continues to speak to non-believers and believers of other confessions and religions as well.

Francis and his friars, who were becoming ever more numerous, established themselves at the Portiuncula, or the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the sacred place par excellence of Franciscan spirituality. Even Clare, a young woman of Assisi from a noble family, followed the school of Francis. This became the origin of the Second Franciscan Order, that of the Poor Clares, another experience destined to produce outstanding figures of sainthood in the Church.

Innocent III’s successor, Pope Honorius III, ... in 1218 supported the unique development of the first Friars Minor, who started missions in different European countries, and even in Morocco.

In 1219 Francis obtained permission to visit and speak to the Muslim sultan Malik al-Klmil, to preach the Gospel of Jesus there, too. I would like to highlight this episode in St. Francis’ life, which is very timely. In an age when there was a conflict underway between Christianity and Islam, Francis, intentionally armed only with his faith and personal humility, traveled the path of dialogue effectively. The chronicles tell us that he was given a benevolent welcome and a cordial reception by the Muslim sultan. It provides a model which should inspire today’s relations between Christians and Muslims: to promote a

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sincere dialogue, in reciprocal respect and mutual understanding. It appears that later, in 1220, Francis visited the Holy Land, thus sowing a seed that would bear much fruit: his spiritual sons would in fact make of the sites where Jesus lived a privileged space for their mission. It is with gratitude that I think today of the great merits of the Franciscan custody of the Holy Land.

In 1224 ... Francis had a vision of the Crucified Lord in the form of a seraph and from that encounter received the stigmata from the Seraph Crucifix, thus becoming one with the Crucified Christ. ... The death of Francis, his “transitus,” occurred on the evening of Oct. 3, 1226 ... After having blessed his spiritual children, he died, lying on the bare earthen floor. Two years later Pope Gregory IX entered him in the roll of saints.

It has been said that Francis represents an “alter Christus,” that he was truly a living icon of Christ. He has also been called “the brother of Jesus.” Indeed, this was his ideal: to be like Jesus, to contemplate Christ in the Gospel, to love Him intensely and to imitate His virtues. In particular, he wished to ascribe interior and exterior poverty with a fundamental value, which he also taught to his spiritual sons. The first Beatitude of the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3) found a luminous fulfilment in the life and words of St. Francis.

Truly, dear friends, the saints are the best interpreters of the Bible. As they incarnate the word of God in their own lives, they make it more captivating than ever, so that it really speaks to us. The witness of Francis, who loved poverty as a means to follow Christ with dedication and total freedom, continues to be for us too an invitation to cultivate interior poverty to grow in our trust of God, also by adopting a sober lifestyle and a detachment from material goods.

Francis’ love for Christ expressed itself in a special way in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. In the “Fonti Francescane” (“Writings of St. Francis”) one reads such moving expressions as: “Let everyone be struck with fear, let the whole world tremble, and let the heavens exult, when Christ, the Son of the living God, is present on the altar in the hands of a priest.

Oh stupendous dignity! O humble sublimity, that the Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He Hides Himself under an ordinary piece of bread.”

From love for Christ stems love for others and also for all God’s creatures.

This is yet another characteristic trait of Francis’ spirituality: the sense of universal brotherhood and love for creation, which inspired the famous “Canticle of Creatures.” This too is an extremely timely message. As I recalled in my recent encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” development is sustainable only when it respects creation and does not damage the environment... Francis reminds us that the wisdom and benevolence of the Creator is expressed through creation. He understood nature as a language in which God speaks to us, in which reality becomes clear, and we can speak of God and with God. Dear friends, Francis was a great saint and a joyful man. His simplicity, his humility, his faith, his love for Christ, his goodness towards every man and every woman, brought him gladness in every circumstance. Indeed, there subsists an intimate and indissoluble relationship between holiness and joy. A French writer once wrote that there is only one sorrow in the world: not to be saints – that is, not to be near to God. Looking at the testimony of St. Francis, we understand that this is the secret of true happiness: to become saints, close to God!

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