Jan. 17, 2020

January 17, 2020

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2020

Year of Saint Joseph See pages 2-3

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

God’s word can never be ‘enchained’

A

true apostle is one who continues to be a courageous and joyful evangelizer even in the face of persecution and certain death, Pope Francis said.

By choosing to close the Acts of the Apostles not with St. Paul’s martyrdom but with his continuing to preach the Gospel even while under house arrest, St. Luke wanted to show that the word of God cannot be “enchained,” the pope said Jan. 15 during his weekly general audience.

“This house open to all hearts is the image of the Church which although persecuted, misunderstood and chained never tires of welcoming with a motherly heart every man and woman to proclaim to them the love of the Father who made himself visible in Jesus,” he said.

The pope concluded his series of talks on the Acts of the Apostles with a reflection on St. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

St. Paul’s treacherous journey and adventures to “the heart of the empire,” he said, did not weaken the Gospel he preached but instead strengthened it by “showing that the direction of events does not belong to men but to the Holy Spirit, who gives fruitfulness to the Church’s missionary action.”

During his imprisonment, the pope continued, the apostle would meet with notable Jewish people in his efforts to show “the fulfillment of the promises made to the chosen people” through Christ’s death and resurrection.

While not everyone was convinced by his preaching, St. Paul continued to welcome anyone “who wanted to receive the proclamation of the kingdom of God and to know Christ,” which is a grace that all Christians should pray for, he said.

May the Lord “enable us, like Paul, to imbue our houses with the Gospel and to make them cenacles of fraternity, where we can welcome the living Christ, who comes to meet us in every person and in every age,” Pope Francis said.

Bishop Jugis announces ‘Year of St. Joseph’ SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis officially declared 2020 as the “Year of St. Joseph” in the Diocese of Charlotte during a Jan. 1 Mass celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX proclaiming St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as the patron of the Universal Church, in his 1870 decree “Quemadmodum Deus.” Last fall, Bishop Jugis announced his intention to mark the anniversary by devoting the entire year to St. Joseph.

The Jan. 1 Mass at the cathedral was standing room only as visitors from other parishes, college seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary, members of the Fraternity of St. Joseph, and local clergy and religious gathered to celebrate the start of the special year.

“We can use this special anniversary year as an opportunity to honor this great and holy man, the foster father of Jesus and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Bishop Jugis said in his homily, “and in honoring him, draw attention to our own vocation to be holy.”

Every member of the Church Bishop Peter Jugis – no matter his or her vocation in life – must strive to be holy, the bishop said. Underscoring this universal call to holiness, “Be holy” is the theme he has chosen for the 2020 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress set for Sept. 11-12.

The emphasis on holiness with the Year of St. Joseph and the

‘Why is it so important to be holy? It is more than just something nice to do.’

upcoming Eucharistic Congress is particularly important at this moment in the life of the local Church, in response to the clergy sex abuse scandal and to the challenges of modern life, Bishop Jugis said.

“What does this holiness mean?” he asked. “It means practicing our faith. It means faithfully participating at Mass. It means conversion from sin. Going to confession. Being reconciled with others. Forgiving past offenses.”

“What a great way to start the new year. A new slate, a new page – forgiving past offenses. Being faithful to daily prayer. Practicing charity – the sign of holiness,” he said.

“Why is it so important to be holy?” he asked. “It is more than just something nice to do. To live in God’s love, practicing our faith, it is important to be holy because we are interested in our own salvation.

If we want one day to come into the presence of the All Holy One, Almighty God Himself, then we must be living in His presence even now, to be with God forever in the kingdom of heaven.”

It is also important to be holy, he said, so that we may be witnesses to others of the Gospel message – that Christ is alive, He lives in us, and we are His missionaries to bring others to Him. St. Joseph can be our model in holiness, he continued.

“St. Joseph was with Jesus every day – he lived with God in the flesh every day. He carried Jesus in his arms, he held Him. He took care of Jesus. He clothed Jesus, he taught Him, he fed Him – he did everything any father would do for his son. But this son is the Son of God. This continuous living with Jesus, being in Jesus’ presence constantly, made St. Joseph holy.”

“Just imagine,” he said, “being in the presence of the Holy One in the living flesh and blood at every moment – what holiness would be communicated to you.”

Bishop Jugis marveled at the crucial role St. Joseph was given

by God to protect and watch over Jesus as He grew. “What an awesome responsibility. He had a great influence over Jesus, being the man of the house. And Jesus had a great influence on St. Joseph, making him holy.”

“God chose St. Joseph to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and to be the legal father of the Son of God. His life with them made him strong in virtue and in God’s graces. He lived with the two holiest, sinless people of the face of the earth. What a blessing God gave to him,” he said.

In conclusion he prayed, “Let us ask St. Joseph to intercede for us, to obtain God’s blessing on us as we make our way in life this year.”

Daily Scripture readings JAN. 19-25

Sunday: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34; Monday (St. Fabian, St. Sebastian): 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday (St. Agnes): 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 2:23-28; Wednesday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday (St. Vincent, St. Marianne Cope): 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Mark 3:7-12; Friday (St. Francis de Sales): 1 Samuel 24:3-21, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday (The Conversion of St. Paul): Acts 22:3-16, Mark 16:15-18

JAN. 26- FEB. 1

Sunday: Isaiah 8:23-9:3, 1 Corinthians 1:1013, 17, Matthew 4:12-23; Monday (St. Angela Merici): 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Mark 3:22-30; Tuesday (St. Thomas Aquinas): 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19, Mark 3:31-35; Wednesday: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Mark 4:1-20; Thursday: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29, Mark 4:21-25; Friday (St. John Bosco): 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 1017, Mark 4:35-41

FEB. 2-8

Sunday (The Presentation of the Lord): Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Monday (St. Blaise, St. Ansgar): 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13, Mark 5:1-20; Tuesday: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday (St. Agatha): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Mark 6:1-6; Thursday (St. Paul Miki and Companions): 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13; Friday: Sirach 47:2-11, Mark 6:14-29; Saturday (St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita): 1 Kings 3:4-13, Mark 6:30-34

Our parishes

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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St. Joseph Vietnamese Church welcomes the lunar New Year CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTER

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Lighting the way to Christ Spectacular sacred art light show illuminates Pastoral Center for Year of St. Joseph CHARLOTTE — Spectacular images of sacred art were projected onto the Diocesan Pastoral Center in uptown Charlotte Jan. 5 through 12 to kick off a special year of celebrations devoted to St. Joseph.

The sacred art light show – using rare technology that’s considered a type of augmented reality – was first projected Jan. 5, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, onto the exterior of the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center facing Carson Boulevard.

The show featured images of St. Joseph, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary depicted in Catholic masterpieces through the ages.

Bishop Peter Jugis has declared 2020 the “Year of St. Joseph” in the Charlotte diocese. The year aims to inspire families to strive for greater holiness – serving God and one another with love, patience and kindness.

The light show was the first in a series of events planned to commemorate the year, which will also include pilgrimages to every church named for St. Joseph in western North Carolina, special Masses and prayers to St. Joseph, and more.

“It’s a wonderful event for the Diocese of Charlotte and the larger community,” said Father Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, The light show’s start on the feast of the Epiphany and continuing through the Epiphany Octave, is important, Father Winslow noted.

“It’s that part of Christmas where we focus not just on the fact that God came to us as a gift, as a man, but that we were able to receive Him. The Magi represent

that. They follow the light of a star – the image of Epiphany and the celebration of Epiphany have always been tied to the light of a star – so it’s beautiful to be able to see the light reflected on the building, especially specifically with images of St. Joseph.”

He prayed, “Father in heaven, we thank You for Your many continued blessings on this feast of Epiphany when You showed us the light of the star that leads to Your Son. We ask that You bless the light cast upon this building, that it lead more people to Your Son.” The unique 3-D laser projection, which uses digital mapping technology, was produced by Highland Mediaworks of Asheville.

Considered a version of augmented reality, 3-D projection mapping is a rare digital art form using video projectors to project customized media onto a target sculpture.

Owners Dale and Dawn McGiboney, members of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, are Catholic converts who were first drawn to the Church through the beauty of its sacred art and images.

“The architectural target of the Charlotte Catholic Diocese Pastoral Center is an especially meaningful Catholic ministry for the community,” says Dawn McGiboney.

“It gives the opportunity to share historical masterpieces using the modern digital art form of projection mapping to reach a very media savvy audience.

“The images that are projected onto the Pastoral Center are over 200 feet wide and 50 feet tall. Through this visual spectacle, there is an internal and solemn musing that connects the community with the artist, the Church and the ministry of Jesus Christ.”

“So many people from local Catholic churches came out and told us how much it meant for them to see the sacred art collection on their diocese building,” Dale the McGiboneys recalled after the show ended. “As new Catholics, this was so fun to meet them and know that we were family.

They were in awe of the visual display and we had one priest, Father John Putnam, comment that the subject and scale of the art, ‘Made demons flee.’ From then on, we

understood the importance of the work we were doing.”

The McGiboneys said they also interacted with people who live near the Pastoral Center. “We enjoyed all of the community locals who live nearby and walk their dogs.

They were shy at first, but began expressing how much they liked the display and began taking pictures of the art, as well as asked us to photograph them in front of the building.

“It was a delight in so many ways, visually and spiritually. Thousands of cars passed by over the time we were there and so many of them pulled over to watch and take photos,” they noted.

They recalled one group that came out on the final night of the light show, chanting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and kneeling to pray the rosary. “We had many families bring their children to run and play in the light, and they expressed that it was a nice attraction, to be able to bring their children downtown and pray, play and learn through art.

“The images, the community and the Church were at peace and you could sense the balance. We had several priests bless those in attendance, and all those around got to see and feel the power of the Holy Spirit through the clergy. We felt the relationship the between community and the diocese grow and many told us that they were thankful for sharing the artworks – some verbally and some told us through friendly honks!”

Dawn McGiboney noted that people are instinctively drawn to light, and through their unique ministry, they hope to draw people to the Light of Christ – “Light from Light, true God from true God.” “This is what we can do to help people be drawn to the story of Christ,” she said.

— Catholic News Herald

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and photos from the light show At yearofstjoseph.org: Find lots of information about upcoming events, prayers and other ways you and your family can grow in holiness this year through the example of St. Joseph

CHARLOTTE — All are invited to celebrate the lunar new year during St. Joseph Vietnamese Church’s annual Têt Festival, this year being held Friday to Sunday, Jan. 24-26.

The faithful will pray for God’s blessings in the new year during Masses on Sunday, Jan. 26. The weekend Têt Festival kicking off Friday night will include traditional Vietnamese cuisine, music, games and more. More than a hundred traditional dishes can be tasted only on this special occasion, including drinks and sweets.

Father Tri Truong, pastor, welcomes everyone to the parish for the festival as an opportunity “where we will be showing our Vietnamese culture and food that we wish to share with all of you.”

Foodies will be able to enjoy popular Vietnamese dishes including square rice cakes (bánh chung), sticky rice (xôi), Vietnamese ham/sausage (goi cha), Vietnamese soup (pho) and Vietnamese spring rolls (goi cuon).

The Têt Festival will feature performances by the parish’s Hidden Dragon Lion Dance team, a group of youth who perform the traditional acrobatic dances in elaborate lion costumes. The art requires tremendous physical effort, and members study and prepare for months in advance of each special performance.

The lion dance is one way the Vietnamese welcome the new year with joy and hope, Father Truong explained. “We, as humans, dance like other forms of God’s creation.

Therefore, even the lion also dances happily together with us, for the arrival of the new year that we firmly believe God will bless with greater abundance than last year.”

The year 2020 is the “Year of the Rat,” which in the Eastern tradition is a symbol of protection and prosperity.

The annual the festival represents a great effort for the entire Catholic community of St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish. The planning work began several weeks ago and “the beautiful thing is that everyone joins and works together,” Father Truong said.

“As a community it is a blessing for us to share our Vietnamese heritage and culture, as well as our Catholic faith, with all of you.”

The Têt Festival will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25. On Sunday, Jan, 26, the festival will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Joseph Vietnamese Church is located at 4929 Sandy Porter Road in Charlotte.

More online On the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page: Watch a video with Father Truong’s invitation to visit his parish during the 2020 Têt Festival

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: JAN. 23-25 National March for Life Washington, D.C.

JAN. 28 – 9 A.M. Mass for Catholic Schools Week Holy Trinity Middle School, Charlotte

FEB. 1 – 11 A.M. Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

JAN. 24 – 11:30 A.M. North Carolina Mass for Life Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

JAN. 30 – 10:45 A.M. Mass for Catholic Schools Week Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte

FEB. 6-17 Ad Limina Trip to Rome

Diocesan calendar of events January 17, 2020

ESPAÑOL

Volume 29 • NUMBER 8

VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Es usted o un ser querido que busca la curación de los efectos de un aborto anterior?

Los retiros de fin de semana son ofrecidos por Caridades Católicas para hombres y mujeres en todas las regiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Para obtener información sobre los próximos retiros, incluidos retiros en las diócesis vecinas, comuníquese con Karina Hernández: 336-267-1937 o karinahernandez@live.com.

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

STAFF 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 HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN: 6 p.m. los jueves, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Nos reunimos para una Vigilia de Adoración por la Paz y la Justicia en Nicaragua, que en estos últimos meses están pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos.

Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario, la hora santa de reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP methods, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting and marital sexuality. Sponsored

by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

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ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help pray for the end of abortion, and feel free to invite anyone who would be morally supportive of this very important cause. For details, email Jim Hoyng at Ajhoyng@hotmail. com or Paul Klosterman at Pauljklosterman@aol.com.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK MASS: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill.

Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical, mental illness, or someone who will be under-going surgery. Refreshments will be served following Mass. Sponsored by the HOPE Committee. For details, call Mary Forgach at 704-545-1224.

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR: 7 p.m. each First Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

The Divine Mercy Holy Hours are celebrated year-round (except for Lent) and consist of Eucharistic Adoration, readings from the diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the sung chaplet of Divine Mercy and benediction. For details, call Paul Deer at 704-577-3496.

24-HOUR ADORATION: First Friday of every month at

Good Shepherd Mission, 105 Good Shepherd Dr., King. For details, call the parish office at 336-983-2680.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING ‘Protecting God’s Children’ workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: CHARLOTTE: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 3, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 9 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the western, central and eastern regions of the Diocese of Charlotte. For details about upcoming retreats, contact Jackie Childers at 980-241-0251 or Jackie.childers1@gmail.com, or Jessica Grabowski at 910-585-2460 or jrgrabowski@ charlottediocese.org.

WORKSHOPS BUILDING BETTER CAREGIVERS WORKSHOPS: March 4- April 8, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte and March 10- April 14, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Building Better Caregivers is a free 6-week workshop for family caregivers. The workshop addresses specific needs for caregivers who care for someone with dementia, memory problems, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any other serious illness or injury. Participants will learn how to: apply practical ways to manage fatigue and stress, discover how to manage difficult behaviors and feelings, how to make good decisions and future plans for loved ones and themselves and will also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers who understand what you are going through.

To register for one of these locations, contact Sandra Breakfield, Program Director Elder Ministry, at 704-3703220.

YOUNG ADULTS

In the Spotlight January is Poverty Awareness Month The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops seeks to raise awareness of poverty across our nation, and to this end the USCCB highlights January as Poverty Awareness Month. “As disciples of Christ, we are invited to encounter those in our communities who experience poverty,” said Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, former chair of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. “Poverty in the United States is a reality. We must work together to put faith in action to work towards policies in our local communities, and nationally, that can help address it.”

Learn more about the USCCB poverty awareness campaign by visiting www. povertyusa.org (also available in Spanish at: www.povertyusa.org/es/). On this website, one can find educational resources on poverty in the USA (including videos and prayers).

Poverty Awareness Month materials are also available on the website of Catholic Charities USA at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/povertyawareness.

CCHD grants help fight poverty The annual CCHD national collection, which was held in November, provides grant funds to support non-profit organizations addressing the root causes of poverty. In the Diocese of Charlotte, the Local CCHD Grant Program is sponsored by Catholic Charities.

Information on this grant program, including grant guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be found at www.ccdoc.org/cchdcrs. The deadline for completed applications to be submitted via email is Monday, Feb. 17.

Thanks to the generosity of many donors across the Diocese of Charlotte who contributed to the CCHD Collection, last year Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte distributed 13 grants totaling $36,250.

Grantees came from 11 cities in the Diocese of Charlotte: Black Mountain, Brevard, Charlotte, Forest City (2), Greensboro (2), Hendersonville, Hickory, High Point, Jefferson, Lenoir and Winston-Salem.

— Joseph Purello

ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. St. Lawrence Basilica: www.saintlawrencebasilica.org/young-adult-ministry.

CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry.

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.

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Father Kloster passes away after 50-plus years in ministry HIGH POINT — Father George Martin Kloster Jr. passed away on Dec. 24, 2019, at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point.

A Memorial Service and Committal Rites will be held at a later date in Murphy.

He was born on Oct. 28, 1943, in Utica, N.Y., to George Martin and Helen Currier Kloster. At the age of 10, his family moved to Clayton, N.C., where his father was the manager of a textile mill. After graduating from Clayton High School, George attended St. Mary’s College in Kentucky. He studied theology at the Pontifical North American College and was ordained a Catholic priest on Dec. 20, 1968, (Class of 1969) at St. Peter’s Basilica Kloster in Rome. Father Kloster spent the next 45 years serving as pastor in seven parishes across North Carolina.

He served as pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville

for 15 years before retiring from ministry in 2013 and continuing to make his home in Murphy.

In 2018, he celebrated his 50th anniversary of priesthood.

Father Kloster was known for his charitable works and devotion to ecumenism. He served the North Carolina Council of Churches in many areas, including as president from 1986 to 1988, and he received its Distinguished Service Award in 1991. He was an advocate for social action and justice and was awarded the Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year in 2013. Also that year, a portion of U.S. Highway 64 in western North Carolina was named the “Rev. George Kloster Highway” to honor his commitment in church, civic and community affairs in Clay and Cherokee counties.

He loved to travel, both in the United States and worldwide. He led pilgrimages to Israel and throughout Europe and traveled with brother priests all over the world. Wherever he went, he visited churches and met with the people to understand what life was like there.

Family was very important to him. He regularly traveled to visit with relatives across the country and was excited to receive visits from family and friends at his home. He was

instrumental in organizing Kloster family reunions, which brought together relatives from across the United States and from the family’s ancestral village of Gross-Zimmern in Germany.

He is survived by a sister, Dolores Kloster Quinn, of Northglenn, Colo.; sister-in-law, Beverly S. Kloster, of New Hartford, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and greatgrandnephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, James “Jimmy” Kloster and Francis “Fran” Kloster, and his sister, Barbara Kloster Jones.

Father Kloster’s family appreciates the kind and loving care given to him while he was a resident at Pennybyrn.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the North Carolina Council of Churches (www.ncchurches.org) or Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org), two organizations that promote unity, justice and charity.

Condolences to the Kloster family may be mailed to Tim Kloster, 318 Murphy Road, Youngsville, N.C. 27596.

— Catholic News Herald

Former Winston-Salem deacon passes away, aged 84 ONEONTA, New York — Deacon Thomas P. O’Connell, 84, died Jan. 4, 2020, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 11, 2020, at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta with Father David Mickiewicz officiating.

He was born on Dec. 23, 1935, in Astoria, New York, the son of Michael and Lillian (West) O’Connell.

After graduating from St. John’s University in 1960 and earning a master’s degree in 1963 from Siena College, he taught at Christian O’Connell Brothers Academy (1960-1963), Wappingers Central School (1963-1970), and SUNY-Delhi (1970-1995). At Delhi he taught English and philosophy and in 1977 received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. From 1996 to 2000 he taught theology and served as the department chair at Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston-Salem. He also served on the Board of Education for the Delaware Academy Central School District.

In 1976 he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Albany, N.Y.

He served at St. Peter’s Church in Delhi, St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta and Cooperstown, and St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem. He also preached or lectured at various other area churches.

Born and raised in “The Big Apple,” he nevertheless truly enjoyed his “Thoreau Experience” living close to nature in his beloved hills of Delaware County.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katherine (Schuller) O’Connell; their four children, Eileen (Paul) Keating of Ithaca, Gregory (Vicky) O’Connell of Delhi, Kristen (Tom) Ford of Ithaca, and John (Michelle) O’Connell of Wallingford, Conn.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother Michael; a sister-in-law, Eileen Walker; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Kathleen and his brother Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delaware County Senior Meals Program, 97 Main St. Suite 2, Delhi, N.Y. 13753.

To offer condolences to the family, go online to www.grummonsfuneralhome. com.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Father Leonard passes away, aged 57 SWANNANOA — Father Matthew James Leonard, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Church, passed away on Dec. 28, 2019, in Black Mountain at the age of 57. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and parish community.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis Jan. 7, 2020, at St. Margaret Mary Church.

A Virginia native, Father Leonard was born on July 23, 1962, to the late Cdr. Warren Leonard and Johnnie (Cummins) Leonard. He was a TriLeonard State Golden Gloves boxing champion during his high school years. He joined the U.S. Navy at 17, and it was there while serving his country that he heard his true calling to follow the Lord. He read and studied

the Bible during his years in the Navy and credited his late father for teaching him faith through example.

After graduating in 1994 from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, he entered St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 6, 1998, by Bishop William G. Curlin. During more than 20 years of priestly ministry, Father Leonard served at four parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte, including St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir. He had served as pastor of St. Margaret Mary Church since 2009.

His priestly ministry centered on serving the Lord and his parishioners. On the 10th anniversary of his priesthood, he told the Catholic News Herald, “The greatest gift is to be able to know Christ better by serving people.”

With honesty, warmth and a heart as FR. LEONARD, SEE PAGE 20

Administrative Coordinator The Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting applications for a part-time Administrative Coordinator to support the Director of Planned Giving / Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte and the Office of Development staff.

This position requires a professional who can work independently, communicate well with donors, and can successfully work in an environment that requires extensive multi-tasking.

Knowledge and Experience: • Associates degree or greater in related field • Three years’ experience in administrative support • Proficient in Raiser’s Edge / Blackbaud / NXT • Competent in MS Office software • Strong planning and organizational skills • Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team • Strong written, verbal and inter-personal skills Please submit letter of interest and resume by February 15, 2020 to: Gina Rhodes – Office of Development gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org or by mail to 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating Epiphany

MARKUS KUNCORO AND MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

HUNTERSVILLE — There was a blessing of Epiphany water and then incensing and chalking all of the doors Jan. 4 at St. Mark Church, St. Mark School and Christ the King High School. Father Noah Carter returned to St. Mark to assist Father John Putnam, Father Brian Becker, Father Alfonso Gámez and Father Melchesideck Yumo with this traditional ceremony.

Also assisting were St. Joseph College seminarians Patrick Martin, Luke Martin, Bradley Loftin and Joseph Yellico. Thomas Martin, who is training for the diaconate, was also assisting. The long blessing which can only be celebrated at Epiphany included a litany of saints, the singing of psalms, and exorcisms of the salt and water to be blessed. Volunteers helped to make and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary handed out more than 1600 Epiphany water and chalk “kits” after all Masses that weekend so families could chalk and bless their own homes.

CHARLOTTE — A large crowd faithful joined St. Ann Parish and the Charlotte Latin Mass Community in celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany over two days on Sunday, Jan. 5, and Monday, Jan. 6. After Sunday Latin Mass on Jan. 5, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus and the vigil of Epiphany (Extraordinary Form calendar), St. Ann’s pastor, Father Timothy Reid, offered a blessing of Epiphany Holy Water, chalk and salt with a special Extraordinary Form blessing in Latin.

The next evening, Father Reid offered a special High Mass in the Extraordinary Form for the Feast of the Epiphany, which in the Extraordinary Form calendar is maintained on its original feast day. After Mass, the Charlotte Latin Mass Community distributed Epiphany home blessing kits to attendees, traditionally used to bless homes during the season of Epiphany, which lasts in the Extraordinary Form until Feb. 2, the Feast of the Purification. Additionally, the Charlotte Latin Mass Community celebrated the feast day with several Rosco de Reyes cakes (often known as Kings cakes), which is a Hispanic Epiphany tradition commemorating the Three Kings (Magi) as well as the feast of the Wedding at Cana, commemorated during Epiphany season. For more information about the Traditional Latin Mass, contact Chris Lauer at info@charlottelatinmass.org or go online to www.charlottelatinmass.org.

RECOGNIZE THE FACE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING JANUARY 31

Human Trafficking Forum

What is Human Trafficking and How Our Community Can Take Action St. Therese Catholic Church

Parish Life Center Multi-Purpose Room Mooresville, NC

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Featured Speakers Tammy Harris

Jessica Grabowski

Founder & Director of Ursus Institute

Respect Life Program Director; Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Scott Salley

Kara Griffin

Retired Law Enforcement/Corrections

Lay Member of US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking Free parking in The Green garage next to the church with validated ticket.

Hosted by St. Therese Peace and Justice Committee and CCDOC Human Trafficking Task Force

Soup supper will be served Fair trade market items will be available for purchase

Coffee in Biss Hall below the church from 8:15 ‐ 8:45 a.m.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

7

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

Padre Cory Catron

Marchando por la esperanza

H

oy marchamos en Charlotte. La próxima semana muchos de nosotros marcharemos en nuestra capital del estado, Raleigh. Y una semana después de ello, nos uniremos a muchos otros miles más y marcharemos en la capital de nuestra nación, Washington, D.C. Marchamos, y decimos que marchamos por la vida, porque hay muchas amenazas a la vida, amenazas que buscarán interrumpir el latido del corazón de los más vulnerables entre nosotros.

Marchamos por la vida porque muchos que no pueden marchar se ven privados de la vida.

Los no nacidos son literalmente la clase más vulnerable de personas, en el sentido biológico más estricto. Desde el momento de la concepción hasta el momento del nacimiento, el niño en el útero se encuentra entre las criaturas más frágiles, por lo que el cuerpo de la madre se convierte en un santuario para él, un lugar de refugio y subsistencia.

En lugar de defender la justicia, el estado de derecho ahora fomenta la injusticia contra los niños no nacidos, permitiendo la terminación del embarazo por prácticamente cualquier motivo en prácticamente cualquier etapa de gestación.

El útero de la madre, una vez sinónimo de atención y cuidado, ahora se ha convertido en un dominio de la muerte; alguna vez un santuario seguro, ahora es un lugar peligroso.

Marchamos porque no podemos soportar este cambio, permitir esta injusticia ni tolerar esta destrucción.

En primer lugar, marchamos por los no nacidos, por el recuerdo de aquellos que ya están perdidos y con esperanza por aquellos que están amenazados. Marchamos en nombre de sus almas preciosas y sueños incumplidos.

También marchamos por aquellas mujeres cuyas vidas se vuelven tan difíciles, dolorosas y desesperadas, que sienten que terminar con la vida de su hijo por nacer es la única opción.

Marchamos por aquellos hombres cuyas heridas y miedo les hacen negar su paternidad, o cuya paternidad les ha sido negada por la elección de otros.

Marchamos por aquellos que están entrenados en las profesiones médicas, que se han alejado del credo de su profesión de “primero, no dañar”, y han convertido las artes curativas en poder destructivo.

Marchamos por nuestra ciudad, estado y nación. Por sus líderes, legisladores y jueces, por aquellos que defienden la santidad de la vida y, de hecho, por aquellos que se oponen a ella.

Marchamos, entonces, por nosotros mismos y por aquellos que se unen por la causa de la protección de los no nacidos, el respeto de la vida y la preservación de la dignidad humana.

Marchamos con nuestros corazones enfocados hacia el bien, para que al marchar esa fuerza de voluntad por el bien aumente dentro de nosotros mismos.

Marchamos con nuestros pies para obedecer el mandato de Dios en nuestros corazones, para que nuestro corazón esté más en sintonía, para que podamos seguir marchando, actuando y trabajando por el bien de los demás con mayor valor y coraje.

Y así marchamos. Marchamos por la sanación y compasión. Marchamos por la justicia y la paz.

Marchamos por la gloria de Dios, el autor de la vida.

Nunca vacilemos, mientras marchamos decididamente por la esperanza.

Condensado del discurso que pronunció EL PADRE CORY CATRON, vicario de la Iglesia San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte, en la Marcha por la Vida Charlotte 2020.

FOTOS POR SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Defendieron la vida de pequeños inocentes CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El pasado 10 de enero, feligreses de la Diócesis de Charlotte marcharon junto a personas de otras denominaciones cristianas reclamando el respeto por la vida en la Ciudad Reina.

Llevando una imagen con el Señor de la Misericordia y portando mensajes a favor de la vida, los manifestantes caminaron desde el Centro Pastoral, ubicado en el cruce de South Church y Carson Boulevard, demostrando su apoyo por la dignidad de la vida en las calles del centro de Charlotte hasta llegar a Independence Square.

El Obispo Peter Jugis, poco antes de iniciar la marcha, saludó a los reunidos y les agradeció por su participación.

“Estamos aquí como defensores del derecho a la vida de los no nacidos y como testigos de la santidad de la vida del niño en el útero. Estamos defendiendo a los pequeños inocentes e indefensos que no pueden defenderse por sí mismos”, señaló.

Ya en Independence Square, cruce de Trade y Tryon, Andrea Hines, activista pro-vida, dijo que los esfuerzos conjunto en la ciudad han salvado a 560 bebés en 2019.

POR LA ESPERANZA

El Padre Cory Catron, vicario de la Iglesia San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte, dio el discurso de apertura.

En sus palabras, justificó las razones por las que se efectúa la marcha, en las que incluyó no solo a los no nacidos sino a las madres, padres, médicos, autoridades, legisladores y jueces a nivel local, estatal y nacional.

“Marchamos por la sanación y compasión. Marchamos por la justicia y la paz. Marchamos por la gloria de Dios, el autor de la vida. Nunca vacilemos, mientras marchamos decididos por la esperanza”, dijo.

El Reverendo Kevrick McKain, vicepresidente del Instituto de Liderazgo Douglass, siguió en el podio al Padre Catron.

En su discurso, el religioso afroamericano felicitó los diferentes esfuerzos de la Iglesia Católica en su llamado a una acción por el respeto y dignidad de la vida.

También señaló que, según estadísticas del condado Mecklenburg, de cada dos mujeres que se someten a un aborto una es de la minoría afroamericana.

Pero afortunadamente, añadió, “hay una marea creciente que va a cambiar lo que está sucediendo en esta ciudad”.

Melissa Pierce, coordinadora regional del oeste de Carolina del Norte de Silent No More, compartió su devastadora experiencia después que se le practicara un aborto.

Pierce dijo que su vida fue estremecida incluso muchos años después, cuando se convirtió en madre y abuela, debiendo recibir constante consejería para superar el trauma.

“No puedes lastimar a la madre sin lastimar al niño. Y no puedes lastimar al niño sin lastimar a la madre. Estoy parada aquí como prueba de que el aborto perjudica a las mujeres”, subrayó.

El programa concluyó con el rezo del Santo Rosario y la coronilla de la Divina Misericordia conducida por el Padre Catron.

OTRAS ACTIVIDADES

Una Misa por los defensores de la vida en Carolina del Norte se celebrará en la Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Inmaculada Concepción en el campus de la Universidad Católica de América a las 11:30 a.m. del viernes 24 de enero. El Obispo de Raleigh, Luis Zarama, será el celebrante principal, mientras que el Obispo Peter Jugis será el homilista.

Al término de la Misa, como es costumbre, el Obispo Jugis asistirá a la Marcha por la Vida 2020, deteniéndose a orar con los peregrinos en las inmediaciones de la Corte Suprema de Justicia.

Diversas parroquias de la diócesis están organizando peregrinaciones para asistir a estos eventos. Consulte con su oficina parroquial si desea integrarse a un grupo establecido de su comunidad u otra iglesia.

Las actividades de la Marcha por la Vida 2020 en Washington, D.C., las puede encontrar en www. marchforlife.org.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Encontrará videos sobre la Marcha por la Vida en Charlotte

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Inició nuevo curso de certificación para catequistas CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El pasado viernes 10 de enero dio inicio en la parroquia San Gabriel de Charlotte el curso básico, CRP 1, de certificación para catequistas, formales e informales, que se desempeñan como tales en las parroquias del Vicariato de Charlotte, según informó Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de ese vicariato.

Dos de los tres grados de certificación ya se dictan en español, precisó Bernal, gracias a que los coordinadores de los vicariatos se han tomado el tiempo de traducir el material originalmente publicado en inglés.

“Los cursos CRP 1 y CRP 2 se ofrecen en diferentes parroquias en este momento”, dijo Bernal, “y como se trata de una certificación que extiende la diócesis, se requiere que los participantes completen íntegramente todos los módulos para que reciban su diploma”.

Como se indicó, los cursos están dirigidos a quienes se desempeñan como catequistas, formales e informales. Por formales se entiende a cualquiera de las personas que ofrecen su servicio voluntario en las clases de formación en la fe, preparación para bautismo, confirmación, matrimonio y otros diferentes programas de preparación de sacramentales, como el de quinceañeras.

En el caso de catequistas informales, el coordinador precisó que se trata de todas aquellas personas, como padres y madres,

que enseñan la fe a sus menores hijos.

Bernal dijo que hay mucha confusión en la definición de quién es catequista y quién no lo es. “Hay gente interesada que me llama. Cuando les pregunto si son catequistas o no, me responden que no. Pero más adelante me cuentan que ayudan en Pre Cana o en los programas de quinceañeras. ¡Ellos son catequistas!, lo que pasa es que, en ocasiones, existe una desconexión entre los diferentes niveles de enseñanza de la fe católica, cuando en verdad todo es una continuidad”.

El curso CRP 1, el nivel básico, aunque para el coordinador “cuando lo tomas te das cuenta que en verdad es profundo”, cubre los siguientes módulos: el llamado a ser catequista, teoría y habilidades para preparar una clase, sagrada escritura, los sacramentos y la moral cristiana.

El segundo curso, CRP 2, cuenta con tres módulos de Cristología, liturgia, moral y justicia social, entre otros.

Los cursos son completamente gratuitos y para participar solo es necesario registrarse y presentarse a clases con una Biblia.

“No es indispensable contar con el certificado para seguir ejerciendo como catequista”, aclaró Bernal, pero sin embargo, dijo que la certificación es un instrumento valioso que “nivela el terreno”, nos pone a la par en el grado de estudio con la comunidad anglo y “abre las puertas de un reconocimiento y CERTIFICACIÓN, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

THE ORATORY 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586

(803) 327-2097

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Según cifras oficiales, casi tres de cada diez niños en Estados Unidos son víctimas de abuso físico que más adelante los podría afectar generando riesgos en su comportamiento, salud física y mental. Las iglesias podrían tomar un papel muy efectivo para sanar esos traumas.

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.net

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Racism, Prejudice and Bias

Friday, March 13, 2020 7:00pm-9:00pm Saturday, March 14, 2020 9:30am-4:00pm Presented by: Sr. Mary Priniski, OP and Matthew Cressler This will be an opportunity to look at some difficult but timely topics. In these sessions we will examine both personal and institutional responses to those located on what Pope Francis calls “the peripheries”. We will address both the historic and current realities in the U.S., with a particular focus on the South.

Sister Mary Priniski is an Adrian Dominican currently serving as Project Coordinator for Gathering for Mission in the Aquinas Center of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She has a Masters in Health Care Mission and a Doctorate in Missiology and has served in various justice ministries throughout her ministerial life, including several years in Rock Hill.

Matthew Cressler is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the College of Charleston.

Cost: $50 includes program and lunch Additional $40 for Friday night accommodations and breakfast

Iglesia trabaja en la ayuda para superar estrés tóxico CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Al menos 28 por ciento de los niños en Estados Unidos han experimentado abuso físico, reveló la Reverenda Cathy Hasty, magister en Teología, capellana, consejera certificada y capacitadora de Novant Health, que asiste a la Coalición de Fe y Salud a la que pertenece el Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte.

Hasty dictó una conferencia sobre Resiliencia y superación de estrés tóxico en las instalaciones del Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte el pasado martes 7 de enero, ante un auditorio conformado por miembros de la Pastoral de Salud del vicariato.

La resiliencia es la capacidad de una persona o grupo social de recuperarse frente a experiencias adversas ocurridas durante la infancia (ACEs, por sus siglas en inglés) y que posteriormente impactan sus vidas generando riesgos en su comportamiento, salud física y mental.

“Resiliencia es superar las heridas, recuperarse, sanar, volver a tocar base.

Y podemos, con cosas sencillas, resolver y apoyar la curación de los niños. Pero necesitamos resolver sus necesidades básicas”, dijo Hasty.

“Esto no es algo nuevo, desde 1995 aprendí de esto. Aunque no se tomó en serio en ese momento, ahora se considera una amenaza seria”, apuntó.

El problema, explicó, es que las experiencias adversas recibidas en la infancia son frecuentes y afectan a un gran

número de niños.

SERIO PROBLEMA

Según estadísticas de los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de Estados Unidos, 28,3% de los niños son víctimas de abuso físico, 20,7% de abuso sexual y 10,6% de abuso emocional.

La negligencia en los menores también es significativa. El 14,8% de ellos sufren de negligencia emocional, mientras que un 9,9% de negligencia física.

La disfunción en el hogar afecta también fuertemente a los niños. Por ejemplo, el abuso de sustancias, divorcio de los padres, condiciones de salud mental, abuso físico a la madre y encarcelamiento de miembros de la familia son elementos adversos que influyen negativamente en la mentalidad infantil.

De 17.000 participantes en el estudio realizado por CDC, 64% de los menores entrevistados tuvieron al menos una experiencia adversa infantil, lo que revela la gravedad del problema social.

A medida que aumentan las ACEs, se incrementa en la adultez los posibles efectos negativos para la salud. Por ejemplo, en comportamiento, aumenta la falta de actividad física, el tabaquismo, abuso de sustancias, así como las ausencias laborales.

En cuanto a salud física y mental, sube el riesgo de obesidad, diabetes, enfermedades coronarias, pulmonares, de transmisión sexual, derrames cerebrales, cáncer, depresión y hasta suicidio.

TÓXICO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Sto. Tomás de Aquino, ‘Doctor Angélico’ Este martes 28 de enero, la Iglesia celebra predicando y enseñando durante siete años. la fiesta de Santo Tomás de Aquino, doctor Incluso el rey San Luis le consultaba los de la Iglesia, llamado ‘Doctor Angélico’, asuntos de importancia. patrono de los estudiantes, de las escuelas En cuatro años escribió la ‘Suma católicas y de la educación, quien escribió Teológica’, su obra maestra de 14 tomos, la famosa obra medieval ‘Suma Teológica’. que se volvió tan importante que el Concilio Estamos seguros que muchos habrán de Trento utilizó tres libros de consulta: la escuchado de él, pero cuántos en verdad Biblia, los Decretos de los Papas y la ‘Suma conocen siquiera algún hecho de la vida del Teológica’ de Santo Tomás. santo.

Lo admirable de este santo es que la Tomás de Aquino nació en Roccasecca, sabiduría no la adquirió tanto de la lectura cerca de Aquino en Nápoles, en de libros, sino de rodillas y en oración 1225. Realizó sus ante el crucifijo. Además, primeros estudios con cuando exponía sus ideas, los benedictinos en lo hacía con respeto y total Montecassino, cerca al calma, aún cuando sus castillo de sus padres. Fue a contrincantes lo ofendieran. la Universidad de Nápoles, Compuso el ‘Pangelingua’ donde destacó por su gran y el ‘Tantum ergo’, así como inteligencia. otros cantos eucarísticos Al conocer a la naciente que se entonan hasta comunidad de Padres nuestros días.

Dominicos, se unió a ellos con la oposición de APARICIÓN DIVINA su familia. Huyó hacia La historia relata que Alemania, pero en el camino Jesucristo se le apareció y sus hermanos lo apresaron le dijo: “Tomás, has hablado y encerraron por dos años bien de mí. ¿Qué quieres en el castillo de Roccasecca, a cambio?”. El santo le tiempo que aprovechó para FOTO CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID respondió: “Señor: lo único estudiar Biblia y Teología.

‘Santo Tomás de Aquino’, por que yo quiero es amarte, Los hermanos, al ver que José Risueño. Granada, España, amarte mucho, y agradarte Tomás no desistía de su idea, cada vez más”.

1665-1732. le enviaron una mujer de mala Asimismo, su devoción a vida para hacerlo pecar, pero el la Virgen era tal que en sus santo, con un tizón encendido, la amenazó con cuadernos escribía “Dios te salve María” y quemarle la cara y la mujer salió despavorida. compuso un tratado sobre el Ave María.

Al final de su vida fue enviado por el Sumo ‘EL BUEY MUDO’ Pontífice al Concilio de Lyon, pero enfermó El santo obtuvo su liberación y fue en el camino. Fue recibido en el monasterio enviado a Colonia en Alemania donde cisterciense de Fosanova y, al llevarle la fue instruido por el sacerdote dominico comunión, Santo Tomás dijo: “Ahora te recibo San Alberto Magno. Sus compañeros a Ti, mi Jesús, que pagaste con tu sangre el lo tomaban por tonto al verlo robusto y precio de la redención de mi alma. Todas las silencioso y lo apodaron “el buey mudo”. enseñanzas que escribí manifiestan mi fe Pero cierto día, un compañero le pidió sus en Jesucristo y mi amor por la Santa Iglesia apuntes y se los entregó a San Alberto, quien Católica, de quien me profeso hijo obediente”. dijo: “ustedes lo llaman el buey mudo, pero Partió a la casa del padre el 7 de marzo de este buey llenará un día con sus mugidos el 1274 a los 49 años. Su cuerpo fue llevado con mundo entero”. No obstante, la devoción de mucha solemnidad a la Catedral de Tolouse Santo Tomás era lo que más resaltaba. Solía un 28 de enero. Fue declarado Doctor de la pasar mucho tiempo en oración y vivía un Iglesia en 1567. gran amor por la Eucaristía.

Santo Tomás de Aquino es representado El joven Santo Tomás se graduó como con el Espíritu Santo, un libro, una estrella doctor de teología en la Universidad de o rayos de luz sobre su pecho y la Iglesia.

París y a sus 27 años ya era maestro en — Condensado de ACIPRENSA esa ciudad. Más adelante recorrió Italia

Iglesia vietnamita da bienvenida al Año Nuevo lunar CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Para celebrar la llegada del Año de la Rata, según el calendario oriental lunar, la comunidad católica de la Iglesia Vietnamita San José organiza el Festival Tet, del 24 al 26 de enero, en su sede de la calle Más online Sandy Porter Road, al suroeste En www.facebook. de la ciudad de com/CNHEspañol,: Charlotte.

Vea un video con la El Padre invitación del Padre Tri Truong, Tri para visitar su pastor de la parroquia durante mencionada el Festival Tet iglesia, dijo que ante la llegada del nuevo año pedirán la bendición de Dios en tres Misas que se celebrarán el domingo 26 y “en el festival en el que habrá abundante cultura y comida vietnamita que deseamos compartir con todos ustedes”.

El calendario oriental es de tipo lunisolar, lo que quiere decir que indica el tiempo tomando como base las fases del Sol y de la Luna. Aproximadamente en 2697 antes de Cristo, se introdujo el calendario de cinco ciclos de doce años regidos por animales distintivos: Rata, Buey, Tigre, Liebre, Dragón, Serpiente, Caballo, Oveja, Mono, Gallo, Perro y Cerdo.

Como ya se mencionó, 2020 es el año de la rata, que contrariamente a la

percepción occidental, en la astrología oriental era bienvenida en tiempos antiguos como un protector y traedor de prosperidad material.

El festival Tet que celebra anualmente la Iglesia San José es reconocido por la gran variedad de comida vietnamita que ofrece. Más de un centenar de platillos tradicionales pueden degustarse únicamente en esta ocasión especial, incluyendo bebidas y dulces.

Desde los más conocidos como rollos de huevo y pollo frito, hasta los más sofisticados como el pastel de arroz; pho, una deliciosa sopa de varias carnes con fideos y algunos vegetales; goi cuon, un enrollado de vegetales, cilantro y carne servido con una salsa de pescado; y muchos otros sabrosos platillos más.

Los precios de los platillos están al alcance de todos los bolsillos y varían desde uno hasta quince dólares aproximadamente.

Los jóvenes de la parroquia tienen previsto representar la danza del león, un baile acrobático que requiere de gran esfuerzo físico por parte de los integrantes del grupo.

“Disfrutamos del baile de todas las creaturas”, dijo el Padre Tri. “Nosotros, los humanos, bailamos al igual que otras formas de la creación de Dios. Por ello, incluso el león también baila alegremente junto con nosotros por la llegada del año nuevo que creemos firmemente Dios bendecirá con mayor abundancia que el año pasado”.

VIETNAMITA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered?

Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

Lecturas Diarias ENERO 19-25

Domingo: Isaías 49:3, 5-6, 1 Corintios 1:1-3, Juan 1:29-34; Lunes (San Sebastián): 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Marcos 2:18-22; Martes (Sta. Inés): 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Marcos 2:23-28; Miércoles (Día de oración por la protección legal de los no nacidos): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Marcos 3:1-6; Jueves (San Ildefonso y Sta. Marianne Cope): 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Marcos 3:712; Viernes (San Francisco de Sales): 1 Samuel 24:3-21, Marcos 3:13-19; Sábado (La Conversión de San Pablo): Hechos 22:3-16, Marcos 16:15-18

ENERO 26- FEBRERO 1

Domingo:: Isaías 8:23-9:3, 1 Corintios 1:1013, 17, Mateo 4:12-23; Lunes (Sta. Angela Merici): 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Marcos 3:22-30; Martes (Sto. Tomás de Aquino): 2 Samuel

6:12-15, 17-19, Marcos 3:31-35; Miércoles: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Marcos 4:1-20; Jueves: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29, Marcos 4:21-25; Viernes (San Juan Bosco): 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17, Marcos 4:26-34; Sábado: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Marcos 4:35-41

FEBRERO 2-8

Domingo: (La Presentación del Señor): Malaquías 3:1-4, Hebreos 2:14-18, Lucas 2:22-40; Lunes (San Blas, Santa Claudina Thévenet): 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13, Mark 5:1-20; Martes: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3, Marcos 5:21-43; Miércoles (Sta. Agueda): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Marcos 6:1-6; Jueves (Santos Tito, Alfonso y Sta. Dorotea): 1 Reyes 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Crónicas 29:10-12, Marcos 6:7-13; Viernes: Sirácides 47:2-11, Marcos 6:14-29; Sábado (San Jerónimo Emiliani, Sta. Josefina Bakhita): 1 Reyes 3:4-13, Marcos 6:30-34

9

Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

10

iiiJanuary 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

PHOTOS BY JAMES SARKIS AND SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Together we can make a March for Life Charlotte draws Christian faithful to witness to life SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Catholics of the Diocese of Charlotte were joined by pro-life faithful from other Christian denominations for the March for Life Charlotte Jan. 10.

Hundreds of marchers carrying signs with prolife messages processed from the Pastoral Center on South Church Street through the streets of uptown Charlotte to Independence Square to give witness to the dignity of life.

Prior to the beginning of the march, Bishop Peter Jugis greeted those gathered, telling them, “Thank you for your participation in our March for Life today. We are here as advocates for the right to life of the unborn child and witnesses to the sanctity of the life of the infant in the womb. We are standing up for the innocent, defenseless little ones who

cannot stand up for themselves.”

The marchers then wove their way to Independence Square, through construction zones and curious onlookers. Upon arriving at Independence Square, they were greeted by Andrea Hines, a pro-life activist who had an abortion in college and now speaks about her experience as part of Silent No More and has helped coordinate 40 Days for Life campaigns. She acknowledged the hard work of a myriad of pro-life organizations that serve women in Charlotte.

“Together we have saved 560 babies in Charlotte in 2019,” Hines said. “Together we march for life.

Together we stand for the unborn. Together we are the voice of the unborn people who cannot speak for themselves. Together we can make a difference.

Together we have made a difference.”

Father Cory Catron, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, delivered the keynote address.

“We march because to march is to walk in step with the heartbeat that is the love of God made manifest in our world, crying out to us with each beat of His wounded heart to continue our march, aided by His grace and emboldened in virtue,” Father Catron preached.

“We march for the restoration of a just society that respects and protects the most vulnerable. We march for the conversion of those who misuse their

gifts of the healing arts towards using them to be a blessing in the world. We march for the fathers who have lost their fatherhood. We march for the mothers who are wounded, and for their healing.

We march for those precious unborn, those who have been lost and those whom we still have the hope of saving,” he said.

Also addressing the crowds was the Rev. Kevrick McKain, vice president of the Douglass Leadership Institute, a national faith-based grassroots organization that helps educate, equip and empower faith-based leaders to embrace and apply biblical principles to life and in the marketplace.

“I have witnessed firsthand people of compassion and faith stand together – black, white, Hispanic – who would say to the abortion industry: ‘You are not welcome in this place.’ I have seen that firsthand,” McKain attested.

Mecklenburg County is North Carolina’s abortion capital, with four abortion facilities including a new Planned Parenthood located in the historically black Cherry neighborhood of Charlotte. According to the latest available state data, there were 10,411 abortions performed in Mecklenburg County in 2018 – 38 percent of all abortions performed in North Carolina.

“I want to encourage you today that there is a rising tide that is coming up, that is going to change what is going on in this city,” McKain said.

“Because of the efforts that stood for in the past, it has d the largest black denominat Church of God in Christ. M said they will stand in front we will adopt any child. We will stand for life… Continu black community for this ri be our partners. Continue t McKain said.

Melissa Pierce, western N coordinator of the Silent No addressed the marchers and experience after her abortio “Abortion for me was like my life. When earthquakes devastation and despair. Ev different and there is much are aftershocks – days, week years after the abortion,” sh Pierce shared how her life until a school counselor hel her grief of ending her chil went through a post-abortio went on to marry and have grandmother.

“I am here today because has forgiven me and I am to am no longer silent,” she sa

HE COVER

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

‘There is a rising tide that is coming up, that is going to change what is going on in this city...’

a difference’

t many of you all have drawn the attention of tion in the country, the Millions of members have t of any clinic anywhere, will adopt them and we ue to join with us in the ising tide. Continue to to march and to pray,”

North Carolina regional o More witness, also d shared her painful on in 1987. e an earthquake in come, they leave verything becomes h disaster. And then there ks, months and even he explained. e spiraled downward lped her work through ld Levi’s life. She on recovery program, children and is now a

I know that my Savior otally free. That is why I aid. “I am here to march

Father Cory Catron

Boldly marching for hope

The Rev. Kevrick McKain

Vice president of the Douglass Leadership Institute

with you today because Levi’s life matters… The life of every child matters.

“You cannot hurt the mother without hurting the child. And you cannot hurt the child without hurting the mother. I am standing here as proof that abortion harms women,” she said.

Youth and parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury and Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem made the drive to Charlotte for the march.

Melannie Cardoso, 12, marched for the second time. She said she wanted to march again “so people can learn that we should give children a chance to live.”

First-time marcher Sophia Morales, 10, said she hopes “people will stop abortion so more people will live.”

Several St. Joseph College seminarians were also in attendance.

“It is good to be here to show that we in Charlotte are actively supporting this cause and actively fighting for the end to abortion,” said seminarian Nick Kramer, who was marching in Charlotte for the first time.

Seminarian Noe Sifuentes also a first-time marcher, shared, “This evil (of abortion) is growing in our diocese. It is good to fight against this evil on our own home turf. I hope that people (on the streets of Charlotte) are open to hearing us out.”

A longtime March for Life Charlotte participant, seminarian Patrick Martin, said he hopes “people see that the seminarians are here and we are in this battle and we want to show our support. And that someday, God willing, if we are priests, we can help even more in this fight.”

Pastor Jeffrey Ware of All Saints Lutheran Church south of Charlotte brought his family and 20 others from his congregation.

“At my previous parish in Houston, I was very involved (in witnessing to life),” Ware said. “We would stand in front of the largest abortion facility in Houston. I have been here for about five years and wanted to get our congregation here involved and we wanted to start local.”

Emily Kusz, a parishioner of All Saints Lutheran Church, attended the Charlotte march for the first time. “Hopefully this will bring more awareness, and like some of the signs say ‘Jesus heals and forgives,’ people need to know that. When you do read the Bible, it specifically says ‘Thou shall not kill.’ It is good to bring awareness. Now it’s time to walk the talk.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and photos from the March for Life Charlotte

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T

oday, we march here in Charlotte. Next week, many of us will march in our state capital of Raleigh. And the week after that, many of us will join many thousands more and march in our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. We march, and we say that we march for life because there are so many threats to life, threats will seek to disrupt the heartbeat of the most vulnerable among us.

We march for life because so many who cannot march are being deprived of their life.

The unborn are the most vulnerable class of people in the strictest, most literal biological sense. From the time of conception up to the time of birth, the child in the womb is among the most fragile of creatures, and so it is that the mother’s own body becomes a haven for it, a place of shelter and nourishment.

Rather than upholding justice, the rule of law now furthers injustice against the unborn child, allowing their termination for virtually any reason and virtually any stage of pregnancy.

The mother’s womb, once synonymous with nurturing and care, has now become a domain of death; once a safe haven, it has now become a perilous place.

We march because we cannot abide this reversal, we cannot allow this injustice, we cannot tolerate this destruction.

We march firstly for the unborn, for the memory of those who are already lost, and in hope for those who are threatened. We march in the name of their precious souls and their unfulfilled dreams.

We march also for those women whose their lives become so difficult, so painful, so desperate, that they feel that the choice to terminate their unborn child is their only option.

We march for those men whose woundedness and fear make deny their fatherhood, or whose fatherhood has been denied them by the choices of another.

We march for those who are trained in the medical professions, who have turned from their profession’s creed of “first, do not harm” and twisted the healing arts into the destruction.

We march for our city, our state, our nation and their leaders and lawmakers and judges, for those who uphold the sanctity of life, and indeed for those who oppose it.

We march, then, for ourselves, and for those who come together for the cause of the protection of the unborn and the respect of human life, the preservation of human dignity.

We march with our hearts aimed at the good, and that by marching that force of will for the good may ever increase within us.

We march with our feet to obey the command of God in our hearts, that our heart may ever be more attuned to that, so that we may march and act and work for the good of others with ever greater courage and boldness.

And so let us march. Let us march for healing and compassion. Let us march for justice and peace. Let us march for the glory of God, the author of life. Let us never waver, as we boldly march for hope.

Condensed from the speech delivered by FATHER CORY CATRON, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, during the 2020 March for Life Charlotte.

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Christ the King’s capital campaign closes in on $4.5M goal SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HUNTERSVILLE — Last year proved to be a time of generous giving for the community of Christ the King High School, and now the school is close to reaching a significant milestone in its $5.5 million “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign.

The campaign will fund a new Athletic & Activity Complex at the growing school, which is part of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system.

It all started last May, when benefactors helped the school quickly meet the campaign’s Level 1 pledge goal of $3.5 million.

That funding will pay for the gymnasium to be expanded to include a full-size court and two cross courts, plus expanded seating from 120 to 690 spectators. Also included are men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting teams,

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief St. Pius X School launches alumni association GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School recently started an alumni association to reach out to and honor all of those who have graduated and moved on to excel in higher education and beyond. More than 70 alumni have joined the group since last fall.

At a reception held Jan. 4 for graduates of 1955 to the present, alumni reconnected with old friends and previous teachers and marveled at the changes to their school since

coaches and trainer offices, space for a fitness center and a new main entrance from the school lobby into the gymnasium, which will also serve as an awards gallery.

Now, school officials announce they have reached $3.8 million towards the campaign’s Level 2 goal of $4.5 million.

The Level 2 funding will provide for a full-size stage, including lighting and a sound system to accommodate student performances, school-wide liturgies and awards ceremonies.

Adding wind to the campaign’s sails included $438,650 coming from surplus funds from the school’s Educational Extension Building Project. That project was finished under budget and school officials say they are thankful that the extra funds could be transferred to the Athletic & Activity Complex capital campaign.

Use of the surplus funds was approved by the MACS Board and by Father Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and

they graduated.

The school hopes that the alumni association will give graduates even more opportunities to stay connected by volunteering, connecting with current students and supporting future needs at the school they love.

Details on joining are on the school’s website, www.spxschool.com.

— April Parker

BMHS hosts Advent retreat KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School hosted an Advent Retreat in December for all of the sixth-grade students from the Catholic schools in the Triad.

The Bishop McGuinness Student Peer Ministry Team planned and organized a spiritual yet spirited day full of advent centered prayer, activities and games.

— Kimberly Knox

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chancellor. With the move, Father Winslow also challenged the school community to match those funds. So the campaign needs to raise $700,000 more to reach its Level 2 goal.

“I am so grateful to Father Winslow and the leadership team in the Diocesan Pastoral Center for allowing us to utilize the funds remaining from our Educational Extension for this campaign,” said Dr. Carl Semmler, Christ the King’s principal. “I am enthusiastic about working towards our Level 2 goal. In my opinion, the architectural elements of the second level are what really take this project and make it a communal gathering space.”

“I have been overwhelmed by the response of our community to building on the great foundation here at Christ the King and want to sincerely thank everyone for their generosity and support of our collective vision to continue to grow Catholic education in this area,” Semmler added.

The third and final stage of the school’s

$5.5 million campaign would fund construction of a pavilion to become the new main entrance to the Athletic & Activity Complex. It would include concessions, a Crusader ticket and spirit store and public restrooms. The campaign would also fund additional storage and completion of the fitness center, which is now located in the school building.

“The campaign is going very well and we are more than halfway to the final goal of $5.5 million,” Over the next year, campaign leaders will continue to contact potential supporters to ‘join the Crusade’ and take us to our ultimate goal.”

Learn more Information about the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign and how you can help is online at www.ctkchs.org.

Questions? Contact Dr. Carl Semmler at 704799-4400 or email CTKCampaign@ctkchs.net.

Interim principal named at St. Michael School GASTONIA — The St. Michael School community welcomed Kathleen Miller as interim principal Jan. 13.

Miller will serve as principal for the remainder of the school year after former principal Sheila Levesque took a new career opportunity in December to be closer to her home, in the new role as coordinator of accountability and Miller testing for York School District 1 in South Carolina.

“We remain grateful for Mrs. Levesque’s service to St. Michael Catholic School over the past four years,” said Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Parish, noting Levesque’s role in the school’s recently completed $1.6 million renovation.

Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in special education and a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. She also studied education leadership at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has more than 15 years of experience teaching and serving as principal in the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools system, and more than 40 years in education overall. She most recently served as principal of Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, retiring in 2018.

“We are excited to welcome Mrs. Miller as interim principal for the remainder of this school year,” Father Rossi noted.

“She is a very capable leader and she will provide expert help to our team during this leadership transition.”

The search process for a new principal will begin soon, and he said he expects that the position will be filled before the start of the next school year.

— Catholic News Herald

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January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Catholic Book Pick ‘The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola; With Points for Personal Prayer from Jesuit Spiritual Masters,’ edited and annotated

by Fr. Sean Salai, S.J. Is it time to take your spiritual pulse, re-orient yourself to your Creator, and seek His guidance to live your faith more seriously? The Spiritual Exercises outline the rigorous self-examination and spiritual meditations St. Ignatius set forth.

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

On TV Readers will learn how to make a new beginning on the path to holiness, repenting of their sins and attaining freedom from Satan’s power. Though St. Ignatius wrote The Spiritual Exercises as a handbook for a four-week guided retreat, this edition contains step by step explanations suitable for independent use over any time period.

This is the original TAN edition now with updated typesetting, a fresh new cover, new size and quality binding, newly annotated quotations from Jesuit spiritual masters with self-guided journal exercises, a full restoration of the translation to improve readability, a fresh historical preface, and the same trusted content.

This reverent updated edition, with hardcover binding and a ribbon marker, is the perfect gift for all admirers of Ignatius of Loyola, the soldier-saint.

At www.tanbooks.com: Order your copy of “The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”

‘Underwater’ Tedious survival slog follows an electrical engineer (Kristen Stewart) and some of her colleagues (led by Vincent Cassel) as they escape the severely damaged underwater drilling facility where they’ve been living and working and head for the shelter of a similar structure nearby. But the mysterious creatures that inflicted the destruction are not inclined to let them pass in peace. Like the ocean depths in which it’s set, director William Eubank’s monster movie is dim and murky as it alternates between the boredom of spending time in the company of one-dimensional characters and brief outbursts of nasty mayhem. Brief but intense scenes of violence with much gore, a few uses of profanity and a couple of milder oaths.

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

‘Like a Boss’

‘1917’ Gripping historical drama, set in the midst of World War I, in which two British soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) are dispatched across enemy territory to call off an attack by an officer (Benedict Cumberbatch) whose men are about to fall into a German trap, a mission made more urgent by the fact that the brother (Richard Madden) of Chapman’s character is among those facing slaughter if they fail. By turns harrowing and lyrically beautiful, and deeply humane throughout, director and co-writer Sam Mendes’ film displays both the horrors of trench combat and the endurance of fundamental decency and spiritual striving. Unsparing in its portrayal of misery and desperation, it’s also luminous in its affirmation of civilized values and the triumph of faith, broadly considered, over cynicism.

Much combat violence with gore, numerous gruesome sights, occasional crude and crass language.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

13

Sexual humor is the stock-in-trade of this comedy about two best friends and business partners (Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne) whose relationship becomes strained after their cash strapped cosmetics company is rescued by a domineering titan of the industry (Salma Hayek) intent on seizing control of the firm by driving them apart. A benign view of casual sex and marijuana use, frequent vulgar gags, a couple of mild oaths, much rough, crude and crass language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

‘The Grudge’ Drab second English-language remake of a hit 2003 Japanese horror tale about a haunted house whose malign influence infects and follows all who enter it. This time out, the most prominent of its ensemble of victims is a recently widowed police detective (Andrea Riseborough). Failing skillfully to interweave his various narratives, writer-director Nicolas Pesce bids for audience attention with ever bloodier deaths and ever more hideous sights. Excessive gory violence, gruesome images, mature themes, including the implicit possibility of an abortion, a couple of profanities, at least one milder oath, several crude terms.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

n Saturday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Unplanned: The 40 Days for Life Story.” A documentary on the real-life pivotal figures depicted in the film, “Unplanned,” who played a key role in the conversion of former Planned Parenthood employee Abby Johnston. n Monday, Jan. 20, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Who Was the Real Margaret Sanger?” A documentary on the life, work and beliefs of Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood. n Wednesday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “John Paul II: Be Not Afraid.” An animated biography on the early life of Saint John Paul II up to his election as Pope. n Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “NAPRO.” Groundbreaking documentary informing women of a natural alternative to mainstream women’s healthcare, vis-à-vis hormonal contraceptives. n Thursday, Jan. 23, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Gemma Galgani.” Bob and Penny Lord examine the life of Saint Gemma Galgani, an Italian saint and mystic who bore the wounds of Christ. n Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Transfigured: Patricia Sandoval’s Story.”

Patricia Sandoval shares her powerful testimony of Christ’s healing and saving grace after drug addiction and several traumatic abortions left her homeless for nearly three years.

n Friday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “March for Life.” Live and complete coverage of the most important pro-life event of the year: the annual March For Life in Washington DC. n Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Echoes of Our Choices.” With infertility on the rise, many couples are not fully educated on all the issues and risks involved in reproductive assistance. Neonatologist Robin Pierucci and Dr. Tom Hilgers of NaPro Technology address the risks of in vitro fertilization. n Saturday, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross.” Dr. Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina trace the observance of Passover in Israel’s history, and note its importance, purpose, and legacy in relation to the covenant God made with His people. n Saturday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Rose of Lima.” The faith journey of Isabel Flores de Oliva, whose great love for God and neighbor would lead to her canonization as Saint Rose of Lima, the first Saint of the Americas. An EWTN Original Movie. n Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1:40 p.m. “Pier Giorgio Frassati: Get to Know Him.” A brief introduction to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: a young, joyful man, whose devotion and charity towards the poor caused Pope Francis to encourage young people to look up to him as an example of holiness.

Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

USCCB president: ‘Violence in the name of God is blasphemy’ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

LOS ANGELES — Decrying the acts of religious violence that have taken place during the Christmas season, the president of the U.S. bishops declared: “Violence in the name of God is blasphemy.”

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chosen in November as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said: “The rise of anti-Semitic violence in this country and around the world must be condemned along with the ongoing persecution of Christians. Protecting religious freedom and freedom of conscience should be among the highest priorities of every government.”

Archbishop Gomez’s remarks, in a Dec. 31 statement, were prepared with the Jan. 1 observance of the World Day of Peace in mind.

He cited three incidents in particular: the Dec. 29 assault on worshippers in a Texas church by a gunman, which

left two congregants and the shooter dead; the Dec. 27 a stabbing rampage during a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi’s home in New York; and the Dec. 26 posting of a video by an Islamic State affiliate in Nigeria that showed the beheading of 11 Christians.

“In our neighborhoods and communities, violence and cruelty are a sad and ordinary reality of daily life,” Archbishop Gomez said. “Children in our country are killed each day in the womb and many of our neighbors do not have what they need to lead a dignified life. Our politics and cultural discourse are often marked by anger and a merciless and unforgiving contempt for others.”

Despite the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus as the Prince Peace, “our world and our lives are far from peaceful,” he added. “So many of our brothers and sisters are living in countries torn by war and injustice, terrorism and persecution; many suffer violence because of race,

religion, ideology or nationality. Many of our brothers and sisters, even children, are being bought and sold and living in slavery; millions in our world have no place to call home because of poverty and instability.”

The archbishop added: “Jesus Christ came as a child on Christmas to show us that every person is a child of God, made in His image. He came to show us that all humanity is one family, that we are all brothers and sisters no matter where we are born, the color of our skin or the language that we speak.”

He also noted that on the World Day of Peace, the Catholic Church in the United States joins Pope Francis and the Church around the world in praying for peace.

“We pray for peace in our hearts and peace in our world.

We pray for the conversion of every heart that hates and we pray for the courage to overcome evil with good and respond to hatred with love,” he said.

Catholic leaders join New Yorkers in march against hate CHRISTOPHER WHITE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn joined about 25,000 New Yorkers who took to the streets for a Jan. 5 “Solidarity March” in protest of anti-Semitism.

“When there’s an attack on you, there’s an attack on all of us,” Cardinal Dolan said in remarks at the rally in Brooklyn after participants had crossed the Brooklyn Bridge.

The march, which made its way from Lower Manhattan to Cadman Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn, brought together Jewish and non-Jewish residents alike from the New York area, along with a host of local leaders, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, and Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez -- all marching under the banner of “No Hate, No Fear.”

The march was organized by the AntiDefamation League, the American Jewish Committee and the interdenominational New York Board of Rabbis.

Bishop DiMarzio told the crowd it was a terrible thing that those who wear religious garb “are singled out for hatred or violence.”

“We cannot let that happen in this great United States of ours. We cannot stand by and not do something,” he said. The bishop also pledged to do all he could to “change minds and hearts within our communities so that we can truly stand together against any hatred, especially any anti-Semitism and its roots.”

In his remarks, Cardinal Dolan drew from the words of St. John Paul II, who often referred to the Jews as “our elder brothers and sisters in the faith,” meaning “we are one family.”

“We are united as we acknowledge that this dismal, scary hatred and violence that has afflicted the community we love can ultimately be solved only by a conversion of heart,” he said.

“From spitting at someone to blessing someone. From fists to embrace. From machetes to mercy. From looking at someone as a threat to looking at someone as a friend.

That’s conversion of heart,” he added.

The march and rally came on the heels of a spree of anti-Semitic attacks in New York, most recently on New Year’s Day when a 22-year-old Hasidic man was beaten and subjected to hate speech in Brooklyn – the 13th known attack against Jews in the New York area in less than 10 days.

The violence on Jan. 1 followed the Hanukkah attack at the home of a rabbi

CNS | ED WILKINSON, THE TABLET

A man carries the Israeli flag as he marches across New York’s Brooklyn Bridge Jan. 5 during the massive No Hate, No Fear March from Holy Square in Manhattan to Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn. More than 25,000 marched to protest the recent outbreak of anti-Semitic incidents in the area. in Monsey, where five people were stabbed in an incident that Cuomo labeled as “domestic terrorism.”

In response to the heinous attack, Bishop DiMarzio said: “Hate like this has no place in a civil society.

“Today we are reminded it is better to

light one candle than to curse the darkness.

Let us be that light as we pray for peace and practice tolerance today and always,” Bishop DiMarzio continued in a statement.

Bishop DiMarzio and Cardinal Dolan joined more than 130 faith leaders from across the state, in condemning the attack.

“Anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate of any kind are repugnant to our values and will not be tolerated in our state,” they said. “An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. Together we will continue fighting hate and intolerance with love and inclusion.”

The attacks in New York come at a time when people of faith are facing increased violence at houses of worship across the U.S. According to the latest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, hate crimes in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques rose 34.8 percent between 2014 and 2018.

On Dec. 29, in Texas, a gunman fatally shot two churchgoers at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, before he was killed by a security guard.

The past year proved particularly deadly for people of all faiths across the globe. Incidents included the Easter Day massacres in Sri Lanka that killed more than 250 people and attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, last March that killed 51 individuals.

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January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Mass. judge rejects right to physician-assisted suicide BOSTON — Patients who are terminally ill do not have a right to physician-assisted suicide, but their doctors can provide information and advise about medical aid in dying, a Massachusetts court has ruled. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Mary K. Ames said in her Dec. 31 decision that the legality of physician-assisted suicide is not one for the courts to decide. “The Legislature, not the court, is ideally positioned to weigh these arguments and determine whether, and if so, under what restrictions MAID (medical aid in dying) should be legally authorized,” Ames said in her ruling.

The ruling comes in a case filed by Dr. Roger Kligler, a retired physician from Cape Cod who has advanced prostate cancer, and Dr. Alan Steinbach, who treats terminally ill patients.

Patient rights groups welcomed Ames’ decision.

Government urged to boost funding, strengthen security at religious sites PIKESVILLE, Md. — U.S. Sens. Benjamin Cardin and Christopher Van Hollen, both Maryland Democrats, joined Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and other local faith leaders to call for increased federal funding to strengthen security at religious sites amid a recent rise in anti-Semitic attacks.

“We are deeply disturbed by the recent apparent rise in anti-Semitism, in particular, the violent attacks that took place last year during the Hanukkah celebration in New York and on the kosher market in Jersey City,” Archbishop Lori said at Jan. 13 news conference outside the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Pikesville.

“I commend our Senate leaders for calling us together today to condemn these acts, but also to take concrete and necessary measures to do everything we can to protect the rights of all people,” he said.

The senators are proposing to quadruple funding in next year’s federal budget for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides assistance to religious and other nonprofit institutions that are potential targets for terrorist attacks. They were joined by Rep. John Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat.

Stressing the need for the increase, Van Hollen said the FBI has reported anti-Semitic attacks rose 35 percent between 2014 and 2018. Speakers also cited attacks on mosques and Christian churches, including recent mass shootings in Texas. If the proposal is successful, the program would provide an additional $360 million in security assistance each year.

Texas Catholic leaders oppose plan to reject new refugees WASHINGTON, D.C. — Texas Catholic leaders were quick to take a stand against a Jan. 10 announcement by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that the state would no longer resettle refugees. The governor’s decision, announced in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, makes Texas the first state to reject refugee resettlement after last year’s executive order by President Donald Trump requiring governors to publicly say if they would accept refugees after June 2020. To date, governors in 42 states have said they will accept more refugees. Governors from five remaining states that accept refugees

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– Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina – have yet to respond to the Jan. 21 deadline.

Texas bishops responded individually on Twitter to the governor’s decision, urging him to reconsider. In a Jan. 10 statement, the Texas Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops, said the move to “turn away refugees from the great state of Texas” was “deeply discouraging and disheartening.”

The conference said it “respects the governor” but said his decision in this case was “simply misguided” because it “denies people who are fleeing persecution, including religious persecution, from being able to bring their gifts and talents to our state and contribute to the general common good of all Texans.”

Minn. Catholic, Lutheran bishops’ letter backs refugee admission MINNEAPOLIS — The Catholic and Lutheran bishops of Minnesota, in an open letter, urged support and prayers for those seeking shelter and protection. The letter was first published Dec. 23 in the Minneapolis Star Tribune – just before the Christmas Day deadline for state and local governments to tell the Trump administration whether they will authorize refugee resettlement in their area. The bishops stressed that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God and imbued with a sacred dignity that must be protected. “This is especially true when it comes to the poor and vulnerable,” they wrote.

President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued Sept. 26, “seems to unnecessarily politicize what has been a humanitarian program rooted in our nation’s long history of resettling families fleeing from life-threatening dangers,” the bishops wrote. “We are also troubled by the decision to set a limit of 18,000 refugees in 2020, the lowest in 40 years.”

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CNN settles suit with Covington Catholic student from viral video WASHINGTON, D.C. — CNN reached an undisclosed settlement Jan. 7 with Nick Sandmann, a Kentucky Catholic high school student who sued the cable news outlet for defamation over its coverage of an incident that occurred after last year’s March for Life.

Sandmann, a junior last year who was at the center of the viral video controversy, sought $275 million in damages in his lawsuit filed against CNN last March. He has also sued The Washington Post and NBC Universal. A federal judge let part of the suit against The Post continue after the paper filed a motion to dismiss it. Trial dates have not yet been set for these two cases. The amount of the CNN settlement was not made public. After the announcement, Sandmann tweeted: “Yes, We settled with CNN,” which gained more than 82,000 likes by the next day and hundreds of comments, primarily of support. Sandmann sued media outlets for what he claimed was biased coverage of what transpired at the Lincoln Memorial Jan. 18, 2019. That day, Sandmann, wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, smiled just inches away from Nathan Phillips, a Native American leader, as Phillips chanted and beat a drum. The day after that encounter, clips from a video of that encounter went viral almost immediately, which showed students surrounding Phillips while appearing to be mocking him. The clip caused immediate outrage. But by the next day, extended footage of how the situation unfolded revealed that another group had taunted the students and some responded back. The conclusion of a third-party investigation into the situation, released by the Covington Diocese Feb. 13, 2019, found no evidence that the students had issued “offensive or racist statements” that they had been accused of doing.

— Catholic News Service

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘No end in sight to the horror’: Australian bishops respond to fires

Pope sets special day to honor, study, share the Bible CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The newly established “Sunday of the Word of God” is an invitation to Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and His word, Pope Francis said.

By papal decree, the third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Jan. 26 this year – is to be observed as a special day devoted to “the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God.” A day dedicated to the Bible will help the Church “experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of His word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world,” the pope said in the document establishing the special Sunday observance.

Dioceses and parishes have been invited to respond with creative initiatives, helpful resources and renewed efforts for helping Catholics engage more deeply with the Bible at church and in their lives.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, said added emphasis on the importance of the word of God is needed because “the overwhelming majority” of Catholics are not familiar with sacred Scripture. For many, the only time they hear the word of God is when they attend Mass, he told Vatican News Sept. 30, when the papal document, titled “Aperuit Illis,” was published.

“The Bible is the most widely distributed book, but it’s also perhaps the one most covered in dust because it is not held in our hands,” the archbishop said.

With this apostolic letter, the pope “invites us to hold the word of God in our hands every day as much as possible so that it becomes our prayer” and a greater part of one’s lived experience, he said.

In his letter, Pope Francis wrote, “A day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event but rather a yearlong event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, who continues to speak His word and to break bread in the community of believers.”

“We need to develop a closer relationship with sacred Scripture; otherwise, our hearts will remain cold and our eyes shut, struck as we are by so many forms of blindness,” he wrote.

Sacred Scripture and the sacraments are inseparable, he wrote. Jesus speaks to everyone with His word in sacred Scripture, he said, and if people “hear His voice and open the doors of our minds and hearts, then He will enter our lives and remain ever with us.”

Pope Francis urged priests to be extra attentive to creating a homily each Sunday that “speaks from the heart” and really helps people understand Scripture “through simple and suitable” language.

The homily “is a pastoral opportunity that should not be wasted,” he wrote. “For many of our faithful, in fact, this is the BIBLE, SEE PAGE 20

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis kisses a child as he baptizes one of 32 babies during a Mass on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Jan. 12.

Pope: Baptism is first step on path of humility JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — In asking to be baptized, Jesus exemplifies the Christian calling to follow along the path of humility and meekness rather than strutting about and being a showoff, Pope Francis said.

Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 12, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the pope said that Christ’s humble act shows “the attitude of simplicity, respect, moderation and concealment required of the Lord’s disciples today.”

“How many – it’s sad to say – of the Lord’s disciples show off about being disciples of the Lord. A person who shows off isn’t a good disciple. A good disciple is humble, meek, one who does good without letting himself or herself be seen,” Pope Francis said during his midday Angelus address.

The pope began the day celebrating Mass and baptizing 32 babies –17 boys and 15 girls – in the Sistine Chapel. In his brief homily before baptizing the infants, the pope told parents that the sacrament is a treasure that gives children “the strength of the Spirit.”

“That is why it’s so important to baptize children, so that they grow with the strength of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

“This is the message that I would like to give you today. You have brought your children here today so that they may have the Holy Spirit within them. Take care that they grow with the light, with the strength of the Holy Spirit, through catechesis, through helping them, through teaching them, through the examples that you will give them at home,” he said.

As the sounds of fussy children filled the frescoed chapel, the pope repeated his usual advice to mothers of infants, encouraging them to make their children comfortable, and to not worry if they start to cry in the chapel.

Later, before praying the Angelus with pilgrims, Pope Francis said the feast of the Lord’s baptism “reminds us of our own baptism,” and he asked the pilgrims to find out the date they were baptized.

“Celebrate the date of your baptism every year in your heart.

Do it. It is also a duty of justice to the Lord who has been so good to us,” he said.

CANBERRA, Australia — Saying that “there is no end in sight to the horror which confronts us,” Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said the bishops have implemented a national response to months of wildfires.

The bishops have set up a national network, connecting people affected by the fires with “people who can help with tasks such as preparing meals, clearing properties, rebuilding communities, as well as pastoral and counseling support.” They are collaborating with other religious agencies and their institutes and will take up a special collection the last weekend in January, when Australia Day is celebrated.

Archbishop Coleridge said people who do not want to wait to donate to their parish collections can donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, known in Australia as Vinnies.

The bishops’ conference also set up a special page, www.catholic.org.au/bushfires, with a button for donation to the Vinnies, as well as resources such as prayers of intercession, prayers for those affected, and statements on the fire from other organizations.

“We have all seen the apocalyptic images, even if we are not in the areas most affected,” the archbishop said. “Lives have been lost, homes and towns have been destroyed, smoke has shrouded large swathes of our country.

“The efforts of firefighters have been heroic. The resilience of the communities affected has been extraordinary.”

Meanwhile, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered words of solidarity to Archbishop Coleridge. “Please know we are praying for you and your people in these difficult days,” Archbishop Gomez said in a brief letter dated Jan. 8.

“We pray in solidarity with you for those who have lost their lives and livelihoods and we pray for those whose homes and lives are still threatened,” Archbishop Gomez wrote. “We pray for the heroic firefighters and first responders and for all those working to provide relief and comfort to victims.”

At least 24 people have died in the fires, which began in August and now are in four states.

CNS | NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE VIA REUTERS

Firefighters from the Horsley Park Rural Fire Service carry the casket of volunteer firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer during his funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Sydney Jan. 7.

O’Dwyer died Dec. 19, 2019, when the truck he was traveling in rolled off the road after a tree fell in the town of Buxton.

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Retired pope wants name removed as co-author of book on celibacy VATICAN CITY — At the request of retired Pope Benedict XVI, his name will be removed as co-author of a book defending priestly celibacy, said Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Vatican official who coordinated work on the book.

“Considering the polemics provoked by the publication of the book, ‘From the Depths of Our Hearts,’ it has been decided that the author of the book for future editions will be Cardinal Sarah, with the contribution of Benedict XVI,” Cardinal Sarah tweeted Jan. 14. “However,” he said, “the full text remains absolutely unchanged.” The tweeted announcement came only a few hours after Cardinal Sarah had issued a formal statement accusing people of slandering him by saying that while Pope Benedict may have contributed notes or an essay to the book, he was not co-author of it.

Archbishop Georg Ganswein, personal secretary to Pope Benedict, phoned several German news agencies and spoke with the Reuters news agency Jan. 14, saying the retired pope had requested that his name be removed as co-author of the book, its introduction and its conclusion. The archbishop confirmed that the book’s first chapter, attributed to Pope Benedict, was the work of the retired pope.

Indian Catholics: Court ruling on madrassas will affect their schools NEW DELHI — India’s Supreme Court has allowed the government to control the appointment of teachers in educational institutions run by religious minorities, a ruling Church leaders say violates their right to manage such institutions. Ucanews.

org reported the country’s top court upheld a West Bengal state law that allowed a government commission to screen candidates to be appointed as teachers in governmentfunded madrassas, Muslim religious schools.

“The order definitely will have a bearing in the administration of Church-run education institutions, too,” said Salesian Father Joseph Manipadam, secretary to the Indian Catholic bishops’ office for education and culture.

The Jan. 6 verdict came while deciding on an appeal challenging a provision in the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act 2008, which said the government panel could screen teachers to be appointed to stateaided madrassas. The schools were declared minority education institutions in West Bengal state, just as thousands of Christian schools in the country. The Indian Constitution allows religious and linguistic minorities to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice to help with the social advancement of their people.

Spanish Church leaders concerned about secularization VALENCIA, Spain — Spanish Church leaders voiced concern for their country’s future after the government pledged to legalize euthanasia, secularize education and strip the Church of “improper assets.” “Spain faces a critical situation, a true emergency for our future,” Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera of Valencia told Catholics in a pastoral letter.

He asked that special prayers and Masses be help in Spain “as long as this uncertain future remains unclarified.” The letter, dated Jan. 4, was circulated just before Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez formally took office Jan. 8 at the head of a coalition government, the first since Spain’s 1978 restoration of democracy. Sanchez had been caretaker prime minister since early 2019.

Cardinal Canizares said his warnings were not “rhetoric or sterile drama,” but a call for the Church to “testify to Christ in words and deeds” and help “build a new mentality and a new Spain.” Another archbishop said he was asking Mary to “save Spain.”

New rules in China target unregistered Catholic, Protestant churches SIEM REAP, Cambodia — The Chinese government has targeted unregistered Catholic and Protestant churches with a new expansion of rules and regulations governing religious organizations. It will institute another raft of laws covering 41 religion-related topics Feb. 1, two years after the implementation of another set of restrictive laws for religious groups in the country. “The goal is to have all religious organizations brought into the open, registered in one way or another and thus end the duality of ‘official’ religious organizations and ‘underground’ (or unregistered), which in China means the government knows about them but (previously) let them be,” Francesco Sisci, a senior researcher at Beijing’s Renmin University, said. Observers have noted that, if widely implemented, Article 34 of the Chinese Communist Party paper – published in late December – would apply direct pressure on unregistered churches. It would cover “all matters involving money and finances. In practice, every significant move by a religious community should be submitted to authorities and carried out only if approved,” according to AsiaNews, a Rome-based missionary news agency. As many as 50 percent of China’s estimated 10 million to 12 million Catholics worship in communities not registered with the Chinese government.

Pope to diplomats: Amid threat of war, do not give up hope VATICAN CITY — Hope is the virtue needed to approach the coming year, especially when the looming threat of war surrounds a humanity scarred by violence, Pope Francis said. During

his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, the pope said that with heightened tensions and acts of violence on the rise, the “new year does not seem to be marked by encouraging signs.” Nevertheless, acknowledging the challenges confronting the world today and courageously finding ways to resolve them open a path to hope, he said in his speech Jan. 9.

“Precisely in light of these situations, we cannot give up hope,” the pope said. “And hope requires courage. It means acknowledging that evil, suffering and death will not have the last word and that even the most complex questions can and must be faced and resolved.”

Kenyan Catholic leaders alarmed at increase in terror attacks NAIROBI, Kenya — Catholic leaders in Kenya are sounding an alarm after a terror attack killed three Americans and forced local people to flee. The clerics feared the attack in Manda Bay in Lamu County – which occurred amid increasing tension in the Middle East – could be an act of revenge linked to the recent killing of the top Iranian military leader. It also could be retaliation for U.S. airtstrikes targeting al-Shabab fighters after a truck bomb in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killed at least 79 people. “We are condemning the attack, which has disrupted peace and tranquility in the region,” Father Wilybard Lagho, vicar general of the Mombasa Archdiocese, said. “I think the war on terror is redefining itself in the global scale. We are likely to see dormant terror cells reawakening.” On Jan. 5, al-Shabab, the Somalia-based al-Qaida affiliate in East Africa, raided a military base in Manda Bay, killing one U.S service member and two Department of Defense contractors. Two other Americans were injured, said the U.S Africa Command. U.S forces use the military base to provide training and offer counterterrorism support to East African countries.

— Catholic News Service

Planned Giving Officer The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time Planned Giving Officer who reports to the Director of Planned Giving. The successful candidate must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in fundraising; experience in carrying out gift planning programs preferred; extensive fundraising experience may be substituted for a completed undergraduate degree.

Responsibilities include assisting parishioners throughout the diocese to develop and implement long range financial plans for their benefit, the benefit of their family, their parish, diocesan entities and/or the diocese itself. Additional responsibilities include working directly with parishes to develop planned giving committees.

Please submit letter of interest and resume by February 15, 2020 to: Gina Rhodes – Office of Development gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org or by mail to 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

17

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VINEYARD OF HOPE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 Crowne Plaza Charlotte 5700 West Park Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217 Join us for Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and blessing of the meal at 6:45 p.m.

2020 Fruit of the Vine Award Recipients Mr. and Mrs. Joe & Carol Gigler At this complimentary event, you will be invited to make a generous gift to help raise our goal of $200k to Strengthen Families, Build Communities, and Reduce Poverty in the Charlotte area.

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ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Matt Nelson

Fred Gallagher

There’s more to life (and happiness) than social media

O

ne of the world’s biggest social media stars has publicly declared his hatred for Twitter.

Recently, Felix Kjellberg – known online as “PewDiePie” – released a YouTube video in which he explained his contempt for Twitter as a “cesspool of opinion” where even lies and falsehoods get rewarded. Staying true to his word, that very day Kjellberg deleted his twitter account which, at the time of its deletion, had amassed over 19 million followers.

Kjellberg’s chief concern is, first, the excessive moral posturing that takes place on Twitter (and other similar social media networks) and second, the arbitrary reward system tied into it. In the Twitterverse, for instance, little pats on the back in the forms of “Likes” and “Retweets” are a dime a dozen. Rewards come easy – even for the most blasphemous of sophists – whether one is right or wrong, good or bad, true or false.

Talk is cheap, the old adage goes. But on Twitter it seems everyone gets rewarded no matter how cheap their talk may be. You just need to be connected with people who like what you say.

Herein lies the problem, Kjellberg argues. He contrasts the online world with the wide world of sports where talk is especially cheap – and action is what counts.

On Twitter, even losers win simply by subjective approval. Compare that to, say, ice hockey, where there is no reward for the losers. The veracity of your opinion of yourself and your team will play itself out on the rink. Sports don’t lie. The winners win and get their due reward – and the losers have nowhere to hide. In sport, a clear line is drawn between the winners and the losers. The real problem with Twitter (returning to Kjellberg’s critique) is not the possibility of lying or misleading others. Social media provides a fertile environment for the nonvirtuous to be empowered and potentially even strengthened in their vices.

Why do people behave as they do on social media? Kjellberg boils it down to the fact that everyone is seeking happiness, on and offline. On Twitter, people seek social approval because they believe it will lead them closer to the happiness they incessantly seek. They want people to see, to think, they are good and virtuous. But no amount of social approval is enough for happiness, Kjellberg argues. Social approval comes to us passively. But real happiness can only be obtained actively – through virtue.

The world’s most popular YouTuber is correct: there is a deep-seated desire within every human being for happiness. This drives all intentional human behavior. He is also right that mere talk of morality and virtue divorced from virtuous action is futile.

Kjellberg seems to have a solid grasp of this notion that bodily action and language together form a natural synthesis. Thus, the world’s most popular YouTuber unblushingly admits that no amount of approval on social media will lead to the human thriving we all long for. Rather, it is the slow and steady execution of action married with truth – virtue – that is the path to happiness.

He ridicules today’s never-ending barrage of

The Child has come … now what?

T

self-help books, all of which attempt to answer a question that was answered over two millennia ago by the ancient Greeks, the first virtue ethicists.

That question is this: How can I be happy and stay happy?

Aristotle agrees with us that everybody wants to be happy. But really his position is subtler than that. He claims that everybody wants to achieve not mere happiness, but what he calls “eudaimonia.”

A direct translation would be something like “good soul.” Another is simply “flourishing.”

To be happy on Aristotelian terms, then, is not simply to be in a pleasant emotional state.

It involves the flourishing of more than simply his emotions. Because the human being is both sensible and rational – Aristotle calls man a “rational animal” – then true happiness includes the thriving of body and soul compositely. Simply put, happiness involves the flourishing of the whole human person.

To flourish is simply to excel at being what one is. A cow will flourish if it is permitted to act like a cow, grazing freely outdoors, eating grass and drinking water. A cow will not flourish if it is left to survive in the middle of a corralled-off parking lot, say, where it can no longer graze, eat and drink what it naturally needs and desires. A central principle thus arises: things must act and be treated according to what they are if they are going to be the best version of themselves. To put it another way, things must act and be treated according to their purpose, or what Aristotle calls their “telos.”

What determines something’s telos? Well, that which makes one entity substantially different from another – that which makes a cow a cow, and not a man, or chimpanzee, or tree – is the thing’s nature, says Aristotle. From a thing’s nature follows its purpose; and from a thing’s purpose follows the facts regarding how it must behave and be treated to flourish. Put another way, a nature determines what a thing is; and what a thing is determines what it is for; and what a thing is for determines what is good for it – that is to say, what will make it flourish.

For Aristotle, to be virtuous means to act in harmony with the human nature and thus in accordance with the human telos, to do it habitually, and to enjoy doing it. As Kjellberg points out in his video, one good act doesn’t result in virtue. Virtues like prudence, temperance, courage and justice aren’t formed by episodic successes. Rather, virtues are something like skills – they must be practiced and honed. Virtue is an acquired good habit.

How do we identify which habits are “good” for us? By identifying what exactly we are as humans.

Aristotle says man is a rational animal. Being a composite of body, intellect and will, then, we should seek to become habitually wise, temperate, courageous and so on. St. Thomas Aquinas agrees, but doesn’t think this goes far enough. He therefore draws together the Aristotelian theory of happiness and Catholic theology.

he great Irish writer James Joyce tried his best to distance himself from his Catholicism, but the Jesuits planted its spirit in his heart and, try as he might, he couldn’t get away from it. In each of his short stories, Joyce created a moment when his main character would come to see something about himself or the world he had not seen before. They were life-altering, eye-opening moments. And what did Joyce end up calling these instances? Why, epiphanies, of course!

The Christ Child has come to us on a starry night in Bethlehem.

The ragged shepherds have ventured in from the hills in wonderment, and Herod has leaked his devilish scheme. The divine plan has been set into motion. The most sacred moment in human history has been accomplished. And here we are, or should be, utterly changed by the joy of His presence. But it’s hard to settle in with that joy as we secularize the holy days, make them reflect our consumerist principles, render them little more than quaint in an English Victorian kind of way.

It’s sometimes hard to keep Bethlehem in our hearts. Eventually the Magi come bearing gifts. And the Holy Family begins yet another sojourn. And where are we? What do we do now?

Modernity’s hold on Christmas encourages a great letdown, but a liturgical view of the season keeps us in the sacred surroundings of God’s plan. We take this time to bless our homes. We bring ourselves as a gift to the Christ Child. We take Him out into the world. We make our own sojourn with Jesus, Mary and Joseph – walking with them over the lonesome hills and valleys of our own lives. We see the Holy Family in those around us, especially the poor and the suffering, and we bring to all we encounter the joy of a changed world.

How is my family different now? Do I infuse my work with the presence of the Christ Child? Does my life reflect this embrace of Jesus, His Mother, and Joseph, the silent, anonymous hero of the Nativity narrative?

What do we do now?

I will try to look for the small but wondrous epiphanies awaiting me, epiphanies that might just change my life bit by bit and bring me closer to my God and, thus, stronger in my faith. I find those opportunities right in front of me, in the people with whom I engage, the situations I discover and fret over, the challenges I face, the charity and passion I put forth. I quote my old standby, Rabbi Abraham Heschel, who said, “The higher goal of spiritual living is not to amass a wealth of information, but rather to find sacred moments.” We go out from the manger and the night sky, having just celebrated the most sacred moment in history, and we find other sacred moments. They are everywhere and all around us. Willa Cather says, “Where there is great love there are always miracles.”

The Christ Child comes with miracles as a part of His story. So we pay closer attention, and we look for His face in those around us and those who live in our hearts.

I don’t know how you might better recognize the epiphanies that show up in your life. They may come while walking the dog or doing the dishes; maybe in a family visit; in a hand-out and a hand up; in a prayer or at Mass; in confession; by showing love to those who are dearest to you. We find our own stars and we find our own way and, if we let her, Holy Mother Church is there to suggest a path, nudge us along, guide us, hold our hand.

Our eyes are opened also by art. Visual representations of the Nativity or the arrival of the Magi, as well as so many of the biblical scenes of the old masters, can be particularly moving. Poetry that gives God glory in ways only poetry has the capacity to is amazing: the turns of phrase or metaphor that touches the soul. One of the best poets I know in circulation today is a wonderful Catholic writer by the name of Dana Gioia – in his poems I encounter epiphanies. And the music of the soul – be it in the elegance of jazz, the divine complexities of sacred and classical, or the humbling honesty of country – takes us to places we can’t get to any other way.

Epiphanies are everywhere, waiting to be embraced.

What now? We do what is in front of us, but we do it infused with love of the Christ Child. Epiphanies are everywhere, waiting to be embraced. So look, and listen. The Child will appear to you, and you will be changed.

SOCIAL MEDIA, SEE PAGE 20

FRED GALLAGHER is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastonia-based Good Will Publishers Inc.

January 17, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Kathryn Evans

Middle Earth and St. John Henry Newman

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In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit.” These opening words to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” have been inscribed in my mind from my earliest memories. My father used to read the book aloud, long before I could read it myself, and the ideas of hobbits and elves, dragons and dwarves, adventures and heroism, were embedded in my imagination as firmly as my own family history. As I grew older, eventually reading “The Lord of the Rings” and then watching Peter Jackson’s movie adaptations, I fell in love with the world of Middle Earth that Tolkien created in his stories. I found a comfort in Tolkien’s stories unlike anything else I’ve read since; and, as an English major and dedicated bookworm, I’ve read quite a lot.

It wasn’t until I came into the Catholic Church when I was in my 20s that I began to really appreciate the deeper qualities of Tolkien’s work that were resonating so powerfully with me, and it wasn’t until I started diving into biographies about him and reading his personal letters that I began to appreciate how his upbringing in the Church influenced so much of his work.

A Catholic from his early youth, Tolkien had a sincere and devout faith that infused every aspect of his life, from his marriage and the raising of his children, to his conversations with students and fellow faculty at Oxford, to his writing and the imaginative world to which he dedicated so many years. In a 1953 letter to Jesuit Father Robert Murray, a good friend of the family, Tolkien wrote, “The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision… For the religious element is absorbed into the very story and symbolism.”

Tolkien received his faith as a great gift from his mother, who, as a young widow, sacrificed all her family relations and financial support to convert to the Catholic faith and raise her two sons in it. Ostracized by her Protestant relatives and friends, Mabel Tolkien was left nearly destitute. As the sole provider for her small family, the situation led her into illness and an early death. Yet, she never wavered in her dedication to the Catholic Church, instructing her young sons in the tenets of the faith herself.

When Mabel Tolkien and her boys settled in Birmingham, England, she explored all of the Catholic churches in the area to find a true spiritual home that could sustain them in their adversity and isolation.

They settled on the Birmingham Oratory, founded in 1848 by then Cardinal, now Saint, John Henry Newman. Newman had died in 1890, only two years before Tolkien’s birth, and when the Tolkiens began attending the Oratory in 1902 many of the priests there had directly known the future saint, who spent the last four decades of his life dedicated to the Oratory.

Prime among these priests was Father Francis Morgan, who became pastor of the Oratory and a dear friend to Mabel Tolkien, eventually taking on the guardianship of Tolkien and his younger brother when their mother passed away just a few short years after their move to Birmingham.

Just as we are each formed and affected by the generations that come before us in our family, Tolkien was greatly formed by his guardian, Father Morgan – by his good humor, humility and dedication to the faith. Father Morgan in turn had been formed by Newman, his own spiritual father.

Newman was canonized by Pope Francis last October. Hailed in his own time as a great evangelizer, theologian and preacher, Newman was also greatly beloved by his own community and was devoted to them in turn. When Newman was made a cardinal by St. Leo XIII, it would have been customary that he also be made a bishop and would then have been required to reside in Rome to advise the pope, but Newman requested that he forgo that honor and be able to return to Birmingham and live out the rest of his life at the Oratory. This love of place and home, and especially of the English country, would find great resonance in Tolkien and his work. Tolkien’s characters speak often of their love for home, and it is the greatest cause they fight for.

Newman and Tolkien would have also been bonded across the years in their great love for the University of Oxford, where both men in their time studied, lived and taught – the smell of books in the libraries, the late-night conversations in the rooms of the dons, the views of the spires reaching towards heaven.

Newman’s intellectual prowess and deep devotion to the faith would have echoed throughout the halls of the Birmingham Oratory, where Tolkien was nurtured in his most formative years. Tolkien learned his faith first from his mother, who discerned that the Oratory was to be their spiritual home, and then from the priests and religious brothers who had known and served under Newman, the great preacher and defender of the faith.

Where does our own faith come from and to what degree does it permeate the rest of our life?

Tolkien’s faith was first planted by the devotion of his mother, whom he considered a martyr for her beliefs due to the many hardships she suffered because of her conversion. That faith was further fed by the teaching and example of Tolkien’s guardian, Father Morgan, and the other priests and brothers of the Oratory, the community founded and nurtured in his time by Newman. It was with this great faith at its core that Tolkien was able to produce one of the greatest masterpieces in literature that the world has known. The themes of love, honesty, self-sacrifice, humility and perseverance still speak to the hearts of readers because these are the eternal truths spoken of in the Gospels.

KATHRYN EVANS is an author living on the outskirts of Charlotte, where she keeps chickens, experiments with cooking, and reads too many books. Find her work at www.evanswriting.com, including her book, “An Adult-ish Toolkit: 30 Things I Have Learned in 30 Years.”

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SOCIAL MEDIA FROM PAGE 18

Man is a rational animal, affirms St. Thomas, but he is also made in the image and likeness of God. He is made by God for God. So man’s ultimate good (and what all the virtues ultimately move him towards) is God. But complete, perfect, unbuffered communion with God cannot be attained in this life. Therefore, real and lasting happiness cannot be had in this life. It follows, then, that this life is only the antechamber to everlasting beatitude.

Kjellberg gets interestingly close to this conclusion in his video. But his lesson in ancient philosophy tapers off just as things get really interesting – that is, just as things get theological.

If you won a hundred dollars, Kjellberg asks, what would you do with it? Buy a car, perhaps. But why would you buy a car?

To get from point A to point B. And why would you want to do that? To achieve a certain goal: to be happy. The YouTube star identifies happiness as the motive behind all man’s actions. He’s right. But do we ever really achieve our goal? Do we ever really rest in total satisfaction and stay there? Never. Not in this life.

But why is it that we never rest and remain in complete happiness in this life?

And more importantly, why do we keep seeking it anyways? The most probable explanation, C.S. Lewis famously wrote and defended in his “Mere Christianity,” is that we were made for another world.

Now, let’s loop back and revisit Kjellberg’s critique one more time. He argued that Twitter and other social networks provide a fertile environment for virtue signaling and temperamental finger-pointing. More seriously, such moralizing is rewarded unjustly and arbitrarily on these networks. So, instead of merely calling ourselves moral or

virtuous, we should aim to actually be virtuous. By doing so, we will achieve what is really driving all our behavior in the first place: happiness. But this requires an understanding of the human nature and telos, both of which can only be adequately grasped once man has recognized that he is made by, like, and for God. It is significant that one of the world’s most popular social media personalities has provided the critique he has, and acted upon his critique by deleting his massively followed Twitter account.

Kjellberg’s appraisal is not without warrant to be sure. But perhaps what is more significant – at least from a Catholic point of view – is his turn to Aristotle and the Greeks for wisdom and guidance.

The Greek philosophers of antiquity, many of whom came to uncover significant metaphysical truths through the natural light of their own reason, have for centuries established themselves as acquaintances (if not friends) of Catholic thought.

The Catholic faith is suffused with mystery. We cannot know all there is to know about everything – at least, not in this life. But we can come to know a great deal here and now, as the Greeks of antiquity have proven. Indeed, ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle can teach us much about ourselves and the world, teachings that can serve as “preparations” for the Gospel. For this reason, we should be glad that the world’s most popular YouTuber (no matter what his personal religious sentiments may be) has turned the attention of millions of social networkers – if even for a moment – from the helter-skelter world of the Twitterverse to the serious but serene world of ancient Greek philosophy.

MATT NELSON is a husband, father, chiropractor and author who lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. He is also the assistant director of Word on Fire Institute, where this commentary was republished from his blog at ReasonableCatholic.com.

CERTIFICACIÓN VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 8

validez por los pastores y la comunidad en general”.

Debido a que son varias las parroquias las que acogen la capacitación de catequistas, es posible integrarse en cualquier momento, pese a que ya haya dado inicio el programa, y recuperar las clases perdidas en otras sesiones.

Bernal señaló que, a todo nivel, “hay mucho que aprender y en todas las clases

TÓXICO VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 8

Debido a ello, Hasty informó que localmente el condado Mecklenburg ha destinado cinco millones de dólares para ser distribuidos por cinco años en programas que aborden el problema, “pero los recursos en verdad no son suficientes”, aclaró.

“Se necesita un ejército de personas capacitadas en español para que lleven el mensaje a otros y puedan explicar el problema en su propio idioma”, por lo que “las iglesias podrían tomar un papel muy activo, ser lugares para sanar estas heridas y no dejar que las personas se aíslen”, señaló.

La especialista resaltó que hay soluciones posibles para reducir el estrés tóxico y mejorar el bienestar en los hogares.

Las relaciones interpersonales, como el

VIETNAMITA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 9

BIBLE FROM PAGE 16

only opportunity they have to grasp the beauty of God’s word and to see it applied to their daily lives.”

Pope Francis encouraged people to read the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, “Dei Verbum,” and Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic exhortation on the Bible, “Verbum Domini,” whose teaching remains “fundamental for our communities.”

The pope also suggested pastors provide parishioners with the Bible, a book of the Gospels or other catechetical resources, “enthrone” the Bible in order to emphasize the honor and sacred nature of the text, bless or commission lectors of the parish and encourage people to read and pray with Scripture every day, especially through “lectio divina.”

“The Bible cannot be just the heritage of some, much less a collection of books for the benefit of a privileged few. It belongs above all to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words,” the pope wrote.

“The Bible is the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division toward unity” as well as come to understand God’s love and become inspired to share it with others, he added.

The celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God also “has ecumenical value,

‘The Bible cannot be just the heritage of some, much less a collection of books for the benefit of a privileged few.’

Pope Francis

Durante el festival se presentarán una serie de reconocidos artistas vietnamitas, la mayoría procedentes de la costa oeste del país.

Celebrar el festival representa un gran esfuerzo para toda la comunidad católica de la parroquia vietnamita San José. Desde hace varias semanas comenzó el trabajo de planificación y “lo hermoso es que todos se unen y trabajan juntos”, como afirma el Padre Tri y se puede observar al término de la Misa dominical de las 12:30 de la tarde, cuando en el comedor todavía

FR. LEONARD FROM PAGE 5

since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity,” he wrote. The third Sunday in Ordinary Time falls during that part of the year when the Church is encouraged to strengthen its bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity.

The document was published on the feast of St. Jerome, patron saint of biblical scholars and doctor of the Church, who said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” The title, “Aperuit Illis,” is based on a verse from the Gospel of St. Luke, “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

The pope said it is impossible to understand the Scriptures in depth without the Lord who opens people’s minds to His word, yet “without the Scriptures, the events of the mission of Jesus and of His Church in this world would remain incomprehensible.”

big as he was, he shared the hardships and difficulties from his youth in his homilies and interactions with his parishioners – preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to encourage anyone who may be struggling in life. God is always present in our lives, he often said.

“We all need to discern the activity of God in history, in my life, in your life. We all belong to something greater than what’s here.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Patrick and Christopher. He is survived by his five siblings, Cynthia Ticknor, Cathleen Schmidt, Therese Merranko, Michael Leonard and Mary Roy; and many nieces and nephews.

His family wishes to extend sincere thanks to his parish family at St. Margaret Mary Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Pl., Swannanoa, N.C. 28778.

siempre se aprende algo, pese a que el participante se sienta bien preparado. Sólo hay que tener humildad, corazón abierto, mucha curiosidad y gusto de aprender”, puntualizó.

Para mayores informes contacte a Eduardo Bernal, coordinador Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte al teléfono 704-770-8342 o al correo hispmincharlotte@gmail.com.

Si usted pertenece a una parroquia de otro vicariato y está interesado en el programa, igualmente puede contactar a Bernal, quien ofreció dar el seguimiento a su pedido con los responsables de formación en su área.

encontrar un amigo o ser parte de un grupo de interés o proyecto de servicio; el cuidado del cuerpo con las horas correctas de sueño, ejercicio y nutrición; el trabajo de la mente con actividades creativas; y la relación transpersonal con Dios llevan a la sanación de las experiencias adversas en la infancia.

Participantes de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe aseguraron que, gracias a esta capacitación, pueden reconocer que algunos de los cerca de dos mil niños que asisten a las clases de catequesis tienen síntomas de experimentar estas experiencias adversas en la infancia.

“Tenemos la gran responsabilidad de capacitarnos, detectar el problema y empezar a brindar soluciones lo más rápido posible”, comentó uno de los asistentes.

Para informes sobre futuras capacitaciones, comuníquese con la coordinadora de la pastoral de salud del vicariato de Charlotte, Fravelin Cuesta, al teléfono 704-726-6397.

se encuentra a decenas de feligreses concentrados en la preparación de potajes que serán cocidos en los días del festival.

“Como comunidad es para nosotros una bendición poder compartir nuestra herencia y cultura vietnamita, así como nuestra fe católica con todos ustedes. Los esperamos para darles la bienvenida”, finalizó el Padre Tri.

Festival Vietnamita Tet Viernes 24 y sábado 25: 6 a 11 p.m.

Domingo 26: 9:30 a.m. a 1 p.m.

Parroquia Catolica Vietnamita San José 4929 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28273

Harwood Home for Funerals of Black Mountain was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald