May 21, 2021

ALERT: Mass obligation resumes Pentecost Sunday 3 La obligación de asistencia a la Misa dominical se reanuda el domingo de Pentecostés 17

May 21, 2021

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

Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools partner to reach college-bound students 6

‘You are a friend of God’s’ Record number of men graduate from St. Joseph College Seminary

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Número récord de graduados del Seminario Universitario San José

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INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español....................................... 16-21 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-8 Schools.................................... 10-11 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 13 U.S. news.....................................23 Viewpoints.............................26-27 World news............................ 24-25

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Mount Airy church celebrates 100 years of rock-solid grace, love and good humor

Mi experiencia viajando a la frontera 16

Celebrando 100 años de gracia, amor y buen humor sólidos como una roca

14-15

Ramkissoon named new assistant superintendent of schools; Two former students named Catholic school principals 10

Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Mary, Mother of the Church Pope Francis

Perseverance is necessary for prayer

T

hose who overcome distractions or obstacles when praying learn the value of perseverance in times of trial, Pope Francis said.

“True progress in spiritual life does not consist in multiplying ecstasies, but in being able to persevere in difficult times,” the pope said May 19 during his weekly general audience.

“Walk, walk, walk on and if you are tired, stop a little and then start walking again; but with perseverance,” he said.

In his main audience talk, the pope reflected on the difficulties that people may face when trying to pray, including “distractions, aridity and sloth” as well as the importance of recognizing and overcoming them.

Both in prayer and in everyday life, he said, the mind often “wanders all over the place” and some find it “hard to dwell for long on a single thought.”

“Distractions are not a fault, but they must be fought,” he said. “In the heritage of our faith, there is a virtue that is often forgotten, but which is very present in the Gospel. It is called ‘vigilance.’”

Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the pope said aridity occurs when one’s heart “is separated from God” and leaves him or her “with no taste for thoughts, memories and feelings, even spiritual ones.”

While the reasons for that sense of aridity may range from physical ailments to inner turmoil, the pope said that often, “we do not really know the reason.”

“Spiritual teachers describe the experience of faith as a continuous alternation of times of consolation and desolation; there are times when everything is easy, while others are marked by great heaviness,” he explained.

While life is often filled with “gray days,” the pope said the danger lies in “having a gray heart; when this ‘feeling down’ reaches the heart and sickens it.”

“This is terrible: one cannot pray, one cannot feel consolation with a gray heart!

Or one cannot emerge from spiritual aridity with a gray heart,” he said. “The heart must be open and luminous, so that the light of the Lord can enter. And if it does not enter, wait for it, with hope. But do not close it up in grayness.”

Lastly, the pope warned that sloth is not only one of the seven deadly sins, but also “a real temptation against prayer and, more generally, against Christian life” that can “lead to the death of the soul.”

Pope Francis said that at some point in their lives, “all the saints have passed through this ‘dark valley’” and would often recount “evenings of listless prayer, lived without enthusiasm.”

Nevertheless, believers, like the biblical figure Job, “never stop praying” even when their prayers may seem like protests to God.

In 2018 Pope Francis added a feast day for Mary, Mother of the Church to be celebrated on the Monday following Pentecost – and the date he chose was intentional. On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the birthday of the Church, and on the memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church, we celebrate the fact that Mary, as the mother of Our Lord, is intrinsically linked to the Church as her mother.

In issuing his decree to add this feast day to the Church’s calendar, Pope Francis wished to promote this devotion to “encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety.”

This year, the feast day is on May 24.

Why do we celebrate Mary as Mother of the Church?

While the popularity of the specific expression “Mother of the Church” has grown in recent centuries, the theological roots of this title for Mary go back to the early Church.

The Fathers of the Church often spoke of Mary as the New Eve. Just as the Woman Eve was “the mother of all the living” (Gen 3:20), the Woman Mary was mother of all those living in Christ. In Revelation 12:17, St. John says that this Woman’s offspring are “those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus.”

St. Augustine and St. Leo the Great also both reflected on the Virgin Mary’s importance in the mystery of Christ.

“In fact the former (St. Augustine) says that Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church, while the latter (St. Leo the Great) MARY, SEE PAGE 22

What does the Catholic Church believe about Mary?

The Catholic Church has four dogmas regarding the Blessed Virgin: n She is the Mother of God, also called “Theotokos” (Council of Ephesus, 431) n Her Perpetual Virginity, i.e. maintained throughout her life (Lateran Council, 649) n Her Immaculate Conception (Pope Pius IX, “Ineffabilis Deus,” 1854) n Her Assumption into Heaven (Pope Pius XII, “Munificentissimus Deus,” 1950)

Mural from the Church of the Visitation in Ein Kerem, near Jerusalem, depicting Mary protecting Christians with her mantle. The image was inspired by the oldest known hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, the “Sub tuum praesidium,” first written down in the third century. Photo taken

by Dominican Father Lawrence Lew, who has an extensive photography collection for people to enjoy on Flickr (search “Lawrence OP”).

“O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as He hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, to be our Mother also, grant, we pray, that with her loving help your Church may be more fruitful day by day and, exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.”

– Collect for the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church

Did you know?

“Mater Ecclesiae” is Latin for “Mother of the Church.”

Daily Scripture readings MAY 23-29

Sunday (Pentecost Sunday): Acts 2:1-11, Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13, John 20:19-23; Monday (The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church): Genesis 3:9-15, John 19:25-34; Tuesday (St. Bede the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi): Sirach 35:1-12, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday (St. Philip Neri): Sirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17, Mark 10:32-45; Thursday (St. Augustine of Canterbury): Sirach 42:15-25, Mark 10:46-52; Friday: Sirach 44:1, 9-13, Mark 11:11-26; Saturday (St. Paul VI): Sirach 51:12cd-20, Mark 11:27-33

MAY 30-JUNE 5

Sunday (The Most Holy Trinity): Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40, Romans 8:14-17, Matthew 28:16-20; Monday (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Tuesday (St. Justin): Tobit 2:9-14, Mark 12:13-17; Wednesday (Sts. Marcellinus and Peter): Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a, Mark 12:1827; Thursday (St. Charles Lwanga and Companions): Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1bvde, 9-17, 8:49a, Mark 12:28-34; Friday: Tobit 11:5-17, Mark 12:35-37; Saturday (St. Boniface): Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20, Tobit 13:2, 6-8, Mark 12:38-44

JUNE 6-12

Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26; Monday: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Matthew 5:1-12; Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Matthew 5:13-16; Wednesday (St. Ephrem): 2 Corinthians 3:4-11, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6, Matthew 5:20-26; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9, Isaiah 12:2-6, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, John 19:31-37; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Luke 2:41-51

Our parishes

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Mass obligation resumes Pentecost Sunday, May 23 Diocese: No more masks or social distancing required in most cases CHARLOTTE — Parishes are returning to near-normal operations, following state and federal officials’ moves last week to relax COVID-19 restrictions.

In light of these developments, the Diocese of Charlotte has announced Catholics’ obligation to attend Sunday Mass is also being reinstated effective Pentecost Sunday, May 23 – although some important exceptions will remain.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced May 13 that people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear face coverings or follow social distancing norms under most circumstances.

North Carolina’s requirements for masks and social distancing for vaccinated individuals in most instances were

similarly dropped May 14.

However, state and federal health officials urge people who are vulnerable or unvaccinated to continue wearing masks and following social distancing norms.

In response to the state and federal actions, the Diocese of Charlotte’s vicar general and chancellor, Monsignor Patrick Winslow, issued a decree May 14 announcing that mask and social distancing requirements at religious services are lifted “effective immediately.”

The instruction, emailed to pastors and posted on the diocese’s website, www. charlottediocese.org, calls churches to resume their pre-pandemic Mass and confession schedules by May 23 and states, “Religious services no longer require

social distancing or face coverings.”

The general dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation also “will be narrowed” starting May 23 to encompass only the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, it states. “Those who remain vulnerable are advised to continue wearing face coverings or attend Mass virtually.”

As a precaution against virus spread, the Sign of Peace handshake and congregants’ reception of Holy Communion from the chalice also remain omitted from the Mass until further notice.

— Catholic News Herald

In reinstating the Sunday obligation, we must welcome back to Mass all Catholics who are now engaging in other activities that would present a similar or greater risk of exposure, such as eating out at restaurants, traveling, partaking in non-essential shopping, and widening one’s circle of contacts. Returning to Mass is an acknowledgment of our need and desire for the Eucharist to nourish and strengthen us.

5. Was this decision made in consultation with healthcare experts?

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the directive from the Diocese of Charlotte

FAQ about returning to Mass 1. When will the obligation to attend Mass be reinstated?

The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation in the Diocese of Charlotte will be reinstated effective Sunday, May 23, 2021. However, some exemptions will continue (see #4 below).

2. Why is the exemption from Mass ending now?

4. Who is still exempted from attending Mass?

It is important that we begin returning to Mass, when and where possible, in recognition of the essential and central nature of the Eucharist in our lives.

In the challenging year since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, we all have adapted to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our communities. Safety precautions in place at our churches, such as capacity limits and rigorous cleaning protocols, have proven effective at making in-person worship possible without undue risk of spreading the virus.

And while livestreamed Masses have been a means to help us nourish our souls when we could not be physically present in church, we must remember that “virtual” worship is not the norm. God did not come to us virtually. He came to us – and continues to come to us – in the flesh.

For us Catholics, unmediated contact with the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Our Lord in offering this sacrifice to God the Father is irreplaceable and essential.

People who are ill or vulnerable to infection are still encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass virtually, on TV or online. If you live in the diocese (or are visiting within the diocese), you are not required to attend Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation if:

3. Does this mean everyone is now obligated to go to Mass again?

No. We know there remains concern about the spread of infection and we must remain vigilant to limit its spread, particularly among those most vulnerable. With this in mind, there are particular exceptions (called “dispensations”) granted to people in certain circumstances – including those who are ill and those who care for anyone who is at risk of serious complications from COVID-19.

n You are ill or your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category). n You exhibit flu-like symptoms. n You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (such as being in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID-19 or influenza). n You care for the sick, homebound or infirm. n You are pregnant, or caring for small children. n You are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals). n You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (such as no Mass is offered, you are infirm, or you are prevented for some reason you cannot control).

If you have questions about whether these exemptions apply to you, or if you have significant anxiety about returning to Mass, please contact your pastor or your parish office.

These categories will be reviewed and revised as needed.

Yes. We have monitored the guidelines and requirements from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, local health officials, and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. All decisions regarding our practices during the pandemic have been informed and guided by experts in the medical community.

6. Are some safety precautions still in place?

Yes. The health and safety of our communities has been and remains paramount as we continue to monitor local conditions. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommend social distancing or face coverings for those who are fully vaccinated, anyone who is vulnerable or not vaccinated is encouraged to continue wearing a face covering and to follow social distancing norms.

In addition, congregants’ reception of Holy Communion from the chalice and the Sign of Peace are to remain omitted. Each church has specific protocols adapted for its own particular circumstances, so please contact your parish office if you have questions.

7. Are there still capacity restrictions at churches in the diocese?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommend social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated.

Religious services in the diocese no longer require social distancing for people who are not vulnerable to the coronavirus. Churches may maintain a section of seating with social distancing/masking protocols depending upon pastoral needs.

FAQ, SEE PAGE 22

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

D

ear Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome you back to Mass and to a renewal of your spiritual life.

Our communities are beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will take time to heal from the pandemic’s toll on people’s health, welfare and economic well-being. I especially remember in my prayers the more than 7,000 people across the 46 counties of our diocese who have died from COVID-19, and the families and friends who grieve their loss.

‘Without the Mass, as we have witnessed over this past year, it has been challenging to stay focused on our spiritual lives. ‘ I also give thanks for our pastors, parishes, ministry and school leaders, and all of the faithful who have adapted to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our local communities. Their creativity, patience and perseverance have helped keep our parishes and schools safe and enabled people to remain connected to their faith digitally when in-person interactions were not possible.

Livestreamed Masses, online classes and messages, and video conferencing brought blessings to us all.

Yet it is in the Paschal Sacrifice that we receive the greatest blessing of all. God so deeply loves us that He gives us His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity truly present in the Eucharist. It is through our active participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that we are nourished and sanctified.

Without the Mass, as we have witnessed over this past year, it has been challenging to stay focused on our spiritual lives. We know the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, our North Star, enabling us to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus and stay on the path toward eternal life in heaven.

Thus, it is fitting we emerge from the pandemic at Pentecost, renewed and JUGIS, SEE PAGE 22

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: MAY 21 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte

MAY 25 – 2 P.M. Diocesan Building Commission Meeting Pastoral Center, 2:00 p.m.

MAY 24 – 5 P.M. Christ the King High School Baccalaureate Mass St. Mark Church, Huntersville

MAY 25 – 5 P.M. Charlotte Catholic High School Baccalaureate Mass St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

MAY 27 – 6:30 P.M. Bishop McGuinness High School Baccalaureate Mass Holy Cross Church, Kernersville MAY 29 – 10 A.M. Mass for the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

JUNE 1 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. James the Greater Church, Concord JUNE 3 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Luke Church, Mint Hill

Diocesan calendar of events May 21, 2021 Volume 30 • NUMBER 17

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Celebrate Laudato Si Week Laudato Si’ Week is being held May 16-25 in celebration of the sixth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical written for all people on the planet: “Laudato Si’: On Care of Our Common Home.” His opening words, “Laudato Si,” which quote from St. Francis of Assisi’s beautiful canticle, remind us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. The global celebration is sponsored by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and supported by the Global Catholic Climate Movement in collaboration with about 150 Catholic organizations. To mark this year’s anniversary, the Global Catholic Climate Movement is offering a series of workshops, trainings and events that anyone can join, including a live-streamed concert and cultural festival on World Biodiversity Day, May 22. This year celebrates the progress the Church has made in its ecological conversion journey over the past six years and offers a road map for the decade ahead. This year’s commemoration will also be a time to reflect on what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us and prepare for the future with hope.

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

At www.laudatosiweek.org: Learn more and get involved

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.

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY GLOBAL CATHOLIC CLIMATE MOVEMENT AND SISTER JULIE MARIE PETERS, SSM

ESPAÑOL UNA VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN POR LA PAZ Y LA JUSTICIA EN NICARAGUA: Los jueves a las 6 p.m., nos reunimos en la Catedral San Patricio para, que en estos últimos meses está 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 y la corona de adoración y reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel. La vigilia de oración es en español. Vigilias de mayo: 27.

VIGILIA DE LOS DOS CORAZONES: Primer viernes y sábado del mes, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Únase cada primer viernes del mes a una vigilia nocturna para honrar los Corazones de Jesús y María, orar por nuestras familias, ofrecer penitencia por nuestros pecados y pedir por la conversión de nuestra nación.

La devoción comienza el viernes 4 de Junio a las 8 p.m. con la celebración de la Santa Misa, seguido de Adoración nocturna y concluye con la Misa del sábado el 5 de Junio a las 8 a.m. Para más información o para inscribirse a una hora de Adoración, visite www.

ProLifeCharlotte.org/dos-corazones.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS MASS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL: 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. The Mass and rosary (to be recited at 9:30 a.m.) will be

offered for all military personnel who have died or retired and for those who are now serving. An all-American hotdog lunch will be served after Mass. All military personnel are invited and encouraged to come in uniform. Photos of those who have died, who are now serving in the military and retired military personnel will be displayed at the cathedral. To include your service member, preferably in uniform, please mail a photocopy of them with their name and military rank on the back to Michelle Maher, Office of the Bishop, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, to be received no later than May 26. Please do not send original photographs as they cannot be returned.

33-DAY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH: Just as Jesus and Mary entrusted themselves entirely to the care and protection of St. Joseph as head of the Holy Family, so too can we follow their example. Consider making a consecration to St. Joseph using “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Father Donald Calloway, MIC. Starting the 33-day series of prayers on Tuesday, July 20, would conclude on Saturday, Aug. 21, the feast of Our Lady of Knock. Learn more at www.yearofstjoseph.org.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: First Fridays and First Saturdays, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Next vigil will be June 4-5, with Father Melchesideck Yumo as Friday’s celebrant. Join each First Friday through First Saturday of the month in an overnight vigil to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and to offer penance and pray for the conversion of our nation. To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration times, go to www.ProLifeCharlotte.org/two-hearts.

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Devotion to St. Joseph leads to gift to college seminary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Nine young men graduating from St. Joseph College Seminary this month got an early start on celebrating May 9 – trading in their college “house cassocks” for new black cassocks and birettas that mark their upcoming move to major seminary. Seven of the men earned undergraduate degrees from Belmont Abbey College. All nine men will continue their studies and priestly formation for the Diocese of Charlotte at two major seminaries: Joseph Yellico, Nicholas Kramer and Kolbe Murrey will study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Christopher Angermeyer, Anthony del Cid Lucero, Luke Martin, Noe Sifuentes, Andrew Templeton and James Tweed will study at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the largest set of seminarians to graduate since the college seminary was founded in 2016.

‘You are a friend of God’s’ Record number of men graduate from St. Joseph College Seminary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

MOUNT HOLLY — The largest class to date graduated this month from St. Joseph College Seminary.

Nine young men are moving on to major seminaries to continue their formation as future priests for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Seven of the nine men received undergraduate degrees from Belmont Abbey College May 15. They join the ranks of nine other men who have graduated from the college seminary – a total of 18 men in just five years.

Joseph Yellico, Nicholas Kramer and Kolbe Murrey will study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Christopher Angermeyer, Anthony del Cid Lucero, Luke Martin, Noe Sifuentes, Andrew Templeton and James Tweed are headed to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Established in 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary has been a magnet for young men wanting to discern the diocesan priesthood. Enrollment growth has been faster than the diocese had anticipated, from eight students in its first year to 27 this year.

The diocese fast-tracked construction on a permanent home for the college seminary in Mount Holly, after the rising number of seminarians quickly filled four houses the diocese temporarily acquired for the burgeoning program. The new building opened last September and can house up to 40 college

seminarians.

The nine graduates spent only a year in the new building, but their formation over the past four years has been pivotal, they said.

“On a practical level, the establishment of St. Joseph College Seminary made going to seminary much more feasible,” noted Murrey. “Instead of traveling across country right after graduating high school, I have stayed in North Carolina and in the heart of the diocese. This has been a great blessing and given me a unified and focused first four years of seminary formation.”

In his homily for the graduates’ baccalaureate Mass, Father Matthew Kauth encouraged the nine young men to keep growing in their relationship with Christ.

“I think the greatest thing and compliment I can say to you in front of those who are here – in front of your brother seminarians and your families – is that (God) abides in you and you abide in Him, that you are a friend of God’s,” he said during the Mass, offered May 9 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. “I don’t know of any title in the world that is more desirous to have, than to say someone is a friend of God’s.”

As its largest graduating class moves out, St. Joseph College Seminary is preparing to welcome another large incoming class next school year.

At least eight new men are expected to enroll this fall, joining 18 others who are continuing their studies.

MOUNT HOLLY — St. Joseph College Seminary is the beneficiary of an unusual estate gift from someone who never visited the seminary or even set foot in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Mary Josephine “Jo” Pankowski, 94, of West Palm Beach, Fla., left the college seminary’s capital campaign $52,000 in her will when she passed away last May. Pankowski learned of the college seminary from her niece and goddaughter, Julie Trueman. Trueman and her husband Tom are parishioners of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.

The Truemans are very active in their community and are themselves supporters of the college seminary.

Pankowski did not have any children, so she entrusted her niece with helping her manage her charitable donations in her will. She often sought Trueman’s assistance in changing and adding charities to her list of those organizations she wanted to support after her death.

She had a deep devotion to her namesake, St. Joseph, so when Trueman told her about St. Joseph College Seminary, she surprised Trueman by adding it to her list of charities that would receive a percentage of her estate in her will.

Trueman said her aunt, born in Chicago in 1926, grew up near Mundelein Seminary and it was important to their whole family. Pankowski also left an estate gift to Mundelein Seminary, which is the principal seminary for the formation of priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

“She always told me she wanted to give 20 percent of her estate to charities in her trust,” Trueman said. “I think the name St. Joseph College Seminary really made her want to include it in her trust. She had a special devotion to St. Joseph, St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother.”

Trueman also believes that when her aunt learned about the priest shortage in parts of the growing South, she was inspired to triple her original financial gift – appreciating the college seminary’s mission to form future priests to serve the rising number of faithful in western North Carolina.

“It is wonderful to see someone from outside the diocese make an estate gift to the seminary capital campaign,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development.

“The good work we do in this diocese in many ways is being recognized by people across the country. This is just one example of that. Even though St. Joseph College Seminary is only five years old, a donor has already established an endowment for the seminary and several people have called us to say they are remembering the seminary in their estate plans.”

Help support St. Joseph College Seminary’s capital campaign The St. Joseph College Seminary capital campaign fundraising is under way, with $19 million of the $20 million raised so far. For information about the St. Joseph College Seminary capital campaign, go to www. stjosephcollegeseminary.org or contact Fredrik Akerblom, St. Joseph College Seminary development director, at 704-3026386 or fakerblom@stjcs.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 OUR PARISHES

Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools partner to reach college-bound students SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — In a joint initiative, the Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Campus and Young Adult Ministry is partnering with the Catholic Schools Office to help students stay connected to their faith after graduating from high school.

Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools, in collaboration with the Catholic Campus Ministry office, emailed a letter and survey May 14 to high school principals, chaplains and campus ministers. The survey is being distributed to students in the coming weeks. The joint effort aims to survey graduating high school seniors – collecting information about which colleges the students expect to attend, so that Campus Ministry staff at those schools can reach out to them and welcome them when they arrive on campus this fall.

Their goal: to support and engage students in continuing to practice their Catholic faith as they transition from high school to college.

“We are committed to working together to help our students maintain and grow their relationship with Christ when they leave our Catholic schools and head to college,” said Monroe.

“We want to make sure our youth know Campus Ministry exists and that there is a Catholic presence at college,” said Darien Clark, assistant director of Campus Ministry and Young Adult Ministry for the diocese.

Victoria Parker, a lifelong parishioner of Holy Family Church in Clemmons, is a recent graduate of Wake Forest University

and an enthusiastic supporter of Campus Ministry for anyone headed to college these days. Although she did not participate in her parish’s high school youth group, she became very involved in Campus Ministry when she went to college.

“When I came to Wake Forest, I thought I would still go to church with my parents. I didn’t see my faith transitioning with me to college,” Parker admitted.

She hungered for a way to connect and meet people who shared her Catholic faith, so on a whim, she and another student decided to try Campus Ministry one Wednesday night.

“We went to all the social offerings, as well as Mass. We became best friends, and even though she has moved to California, we are best friends still,” she noted.

During her years at Wake Forest University, Parker volunteered as vice president of peer ministry and president of campus ministry in 2020.

She said she found Campus Ministry to be a supportive place where peers share the faith, with seniors mentoring underclassmen. “That was great. It was a very welcoming atmosphere at college,” she said.

Parker landed a full-time job in Nashville and has already begun the search for a Catholic community of young adults to help ease her transition, as she has never lived away from Winston-Salem.

“I don’t know anyone in Nashville, so I am most worried about making friends and building a community,” she explained.

“One of the first things I looked for in Nashville were Catholic young adult Facebook groups. The parishes there have vibrant young adult ministries. I can go to

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Wake Forest graduate Victoria Parker (far right), and Class of 2021 Campus Ministry participants are pictured with Winston-Salem area Campus Minister Father Marcel Amadi after the May 15 baccalaureate Mass.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VICTORIA PARKER

one church on a Wednesday evening, then go to other churches for Mass and other events,” she said.

Her advice for college students about Campus Ministry?

“Go and give it a try. Go to the events they are hosting at orientation. Go to Mass and see if it’s something you may be interested in,” Parker said.

Learn more At www.catholiconcampus.com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry and the 21 campuses it serves in western North Carolina. Questions? Contact Darien Clark at dnclark@charlottediocese.org or call 704-3703243.

Your DSA contributions at work Catholic Campus Ministry is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

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May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Nicholas Kramer

CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation?

Kramer: I honestly have no idea who I first proposed the idea to, but I do know that the first people I mentioned my desire to enter St. Joseph College Seminary were my parents.

CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?

Kramer: When I first proposed the idea, they suggested I take a year and pray about it and continue talking with the promoter of vocations, who was Father Jason Barone at the time, which I did and having taken that year to grow in certainty, I entered the following year.

CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?

Kramer: For me, I spent time in prayer, especially in Adoration, and also I prayed the rosary a lot. I looked into a couple of missionary groups, but I never seriously discerned for any of them. My heart has always been here, and my desire has been to serve the people of my local community.

CNH: How and when did you reach out to the diocese’s Vocations Office at the diocese?

Kramer: I reached out to the Office of Vocations two weeks after my visit to St. Joseph’s, and then started the application process not long after that.

CNH: When did you enter seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte?

Kramer: Fall of 2018.

CNH: Tell us about the types of things you have been doing since you discerned you have a vocation to the priesthood with regard to your discernment throughout your time in seminary Kramer: We keep a very rigorous prayer

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yourself in that unchanging Being. It would be analogous to anchoring a ship in a harbor – first, you get your ship out of the storm as much as you can and into a safe harbor (this is the act of going to prayer), then you drop your anchor into the rocky bottom of the harbor (securing yourself to God), and you can weather whatever comes.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

CHARLOTTE —The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with 41 men currently studying for the priesthood in four seminaries.

On May 9, St. Joseph College Seminary in Belmont graduated its largest class: nine men, seven of whom earned undergraduate degrees from Belmont Abbey College May 15.

One of the graduates is Nicholas Kramer, a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, who is heading to Rome this fall to continue formation for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College. He will join four other diocesan seminarians studying at the NAC. To help the faithful of the diocese come to know him and how his vocation has unfolded throughout his discernment, the Catholic News Herald recently asked Kramer to talk about his faith journey.

CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?

Kramer: I began to be called to the priesthood at a young age, probably about 7 or 8. As a kid I was blessed to have good pastors that radiated the joy of Christ to those around them, and as a kid that was really appealing. And as I continued to grow in my faith and to grow in age, I kept getting drawn to Him. I began to serve as soon as I was able and go to daily Mass and Adoration when I was able, going out of my way to work in Mass and Adoration into my lunch break in high school. Yet I did not actively start discerning the priesthood until later in high school, even though the signs were there all along. It was not until I started going to Quo Vadis Days that I really started to take it seriously.

OUR PARISHESI

Is God calling you?

If you think God may be calling you to a vocation as a priest or religious, the Diocese of Charlotte has resources to help you! Go online to www.charlottediocese.org/vocations to learn more and connect with someone who can answer your questions and provide discernment guidance.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NICHOLAS KRAMER

Recent St. Joseph College Seminary graduate Nicholas Kramer (center) is pictured with his family after the baccalaureate Mass May 9 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. He is the son of Ken and Sarah Kramer. schedule here at the seminary. We pray the Liturgy of the Hours in common three times a day, as well as daily Mass and half an hour of mental prayer every morning.

Many men here at St. Joseph’s, myself included, keep a consistent flow of spiritual reading outside of the scriptures, as well as a daily Holy Hour, all of which is directed toward our primary focus, which is the development of devotions and practices that will serve us well in the priesthood.

CNH: What advice do you have for a man discerning a call to the priesthood?

Kramer: My advice to any man discerning the priesthood is this: develop a love for Our Lord, especially in the Blessed Sacrament, and a devotion to Our Lady. If you do that and actively discern (that is, ask God what He wants you to do in prayer and start looking into what you think He might be calling you to), you will be led in the right direction.

It is important to keep in mind this does not always mean you will have a “gut feeling” this is where you are supposed to be, but rather, that God will make you hungry for more, He will make you want something that you cannot get from what you are doing, and you will have to take that step and dive into the adventure – seminary or otherwise.

For anyone who is on the fence about your vocation or discernment, my advice is to throw yourself at it, and if God does not want you there He will make it manifest.

If ultimately it is not for you, you will not have lost anything. He will have used that time to give you something you need for your mission in life. So, pray, hope and don’t worry, and God will lead you to what He wants you to do.

CNH: Looking back on your discernment period over the years, what do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation to the holy priesthood?

Kramer: Prayer, definitely prayer – especially Adoration. Because after all, my desire is to know God, and to ultimately be with Him in heaven. So if that is my goal, then I must try to emulate that as much as I can here and now. I think people, especially young people, overlook the fact that to properly discern the voice of God you have to spend quality time with Him. If you don’t do that, you have no stability in life.

When we sit back and think, everything

is constantly in motion, everything is changing, time is slipping away, like water through the fingers, but what does not change is God. So you have to anchor

Your DSA contributions at work Seminarian education is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop Of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Diaconate Mr.Darren Phillip Balkey Mr. Aaron Zachariah Huber Saturday, the fifth day of June Two thousand twenty-one at ten o’clock in the morning Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, North Carolina Reception immediately following Parish Hall

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 OUR PARISHES

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In Brief Diocese names corporate finance veteran as new CFO

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CHARLOTTE — Matt Ferrante has been hired as the new chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the Diocese of Charlotte effective July 1. Ferrante succeeds Bill Weldon, who is retiring after 28 years of service to the diocese.

Ferrante has 17 years of experience in corporate finance, including seven years on finance councils for the diocese and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte.

Ferrante He has an extensive background in budgeting and forecasting and has worked in financial planning and analysis and investor relations for companies including Lowe’s and Shutterfly, most recently serving as senior finance manager for DaVita, an international provider of dialysis services. In that role, he facilitated the financial operations of more than 100 dialysis clinics across North Carolina.

He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree in business from Belmont Abbey College. At the Abbey he served as student government president, was named Student of the Year – and most importantly, met his wife Jessica. The couple has nine children ranging from 15 to 1 month old.

“Our Catholic faith is the foundation and focus for our family, so to be able to align that with my career is a valued opportunity,” Ferrante said. “At the heart of my approach to financial work is relationships, and having served on a parish finance council, I can say the needs and struggles of our parishes will be a priority for me, along with my firm commitment to continued financial transparency.”

Under Church law, the bishop must appoint a finance officer who is “truly expert in financial affairs and absolutely distinguished for honesty,” after having heard from the College of Consultors and the diocesan Finance Council.

Ferrante’s role as chief administrative officer including overseeing the diocese’s controller and directors of Technology Services, Planning, Properties and Risk Management, the Catholic Conference Center and Living Waters Retreat Center.

Weldon will continue working with the diocese over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am grateful to Bill for his deft management and years of dedicated service,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. “He is nationally regarded for his financial acumen and commitment to transparency, and he has won numerous financial awards. We are in his debt and grateful for his keen eye and good humor. He has strengthened the financial health of the diocese, and he’ll be a great help in our transition as he and the diocese prepare for a new chapter.”

— Catholic News Herald

New deacon assigned MiraVia, Inc. is a Catholic, 501 (c)(3) non-profit maternity and after-care program serving women and their children in the Charlotte area since 1994.

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CHARLOTTE — Deacon Thomas McMahon has received faculties and been assigned as a permanent deacon to St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, effective May 5, by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

Deacon McMahon, his wife Jutta (Nora) and IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 21

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Our schools 10

catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Two former students named Catholic school principals CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Sacred Heart School in Salisbury and St. Ann School in Charlotte are welcoming local Catholic school graduates as their new principals.

Erin Brinkley, a 1996 graduate of Sacred Heart School, will start as principal there June 19, succeeding Tyler Kulp, who is moving to become principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Brinkley Charlotte.

Michelle Kuhn has been named principal of St. Ann School in Charlotte, succeeding retiring principal Kathy McKinney. The Charlotte Catholic High School graduate will start in her new role July 1.

Brinkley is a Kuhn veteran teacher and administrator with over 17 years of experience in the field of education. She is currently in her fifth year with Sacred Heart School, where she’s held faculty positions in kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade and as dean of students.

“My leadership philosophy centers around collaboration, coaching, and clearly communicating with those around me to create an environment that will be transformational,” Brinkley said. “I recognize that transformation is created through example, recognizing the power of team through we statements, and understanding that our strength comes from Christ, who provides us with unconditional love.”

A member of Sacred Heart Church, Brinkley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North CarolinaGreensboro and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University.

“After our discernment of candidates from near and far, the search committee came to the unanimous decision that Mrs. Brinkley will be the perfect fit for our beloved school,” said Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church and School. “From her faithful participation in the Church, her academic accomplishments and credentials, her

dynamic and engaging way of interacting with students, families and staff, and her energetic devotion to our parish, it was clear that we have an incredible candidate right here within our community.”

“It was evident in the search process that Brinkley’s commitment to her faith and to the mission of Sacred Heart makes her the right leader to take the school to the next level,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of the diocese’s Catholic schools. “She has demonstrated her love for the mission and ideals of Sacred heart as a student, as a teacher leader, and now as the incoming principal. Her enthusiasm and creativity is apparent in the many projects she has helped implement or oversee during her tenure at the school. I have no doubt that Sacred Heart will continue to flourish under her leadership.”

Brinkley and her husband Damon have three children, all whom attend Sacred Heart.

Kuhn has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, most recently serving as an assistant principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville.

A member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, she holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame.

“My educational history, coupled with my own faith journey, has led me to a place where I feel that doing this work is my passion, my mission and my professional vocation,” Kuhn said. “I eagerly look forward to becoming a part of the St. Ann family as I get to know this gem in our diocese.”

Kuhn is married to fellow Charlotte Catholic High School graduate Jeremy Kuhn. Two of their four children are also graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School, and their third daughter is currently a 10th-grader at CCHS and their son is a seventh-grader at Holy Trinity Middle School.

“As a leader in Catholic education with almost two decades worth of experience, I am excited to work with Mrs. Kuhn to continue building up the vibrant Catholic identity and culture of St. Ann,” said Monroe. “Her commitment to her faith and mission of our schools to lead souls closer to Christ is evident in the ways she currently interacts with our Catholic school families, faculty and staff.”

Please pray for the following deacons who died during the month of May: John Doyle

5/16/1992

Josef Vandermeer

5/19/2000

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Ramkissoon named new assistant superintendent of schools CHARLOTTE — Allana-Rae Ramkissoon has been named assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Ramkissoon recently announced her retirement as principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte after 13 years. She will start her new role July 1 – bringing with her 34 years of experience in education, spanning three countries and multiple levels of Ramkissoon service.

She succeeds Debbie Mixer, who retired earlier this school year, and joins Crystal Koury as fellow assistant superintendent in the diocese’s Catholic Schools Office.

“I am grateful to our search committee – which consisted of principals, and office and diocesan stakeholders – who helped us discern the right leader to help us continue to serve our schools and Diocese well,” Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in a May 11 statement.

“Ramkissoon is a faith-filled leader whose experience, years of service and institutional knowledge highlight her investment to Catholic education and the mission of helping all students become followers of Christ.

“I look forward to working with her to joyfully promulgate and serve Catholic education in western North Carolina, and develop and empower school leaders in order to support a Catholic environment of true communion, vitality, and excellence,” Monroe said.

Ramkissoon’ s numerous years of experience as a Catholic educator and administrator is

testament to her commitment to the ideals and values of the Church.

“I am a fervent believer in the use of Gospel teachings to prepare our students to be productive faith-filled citizens,” Ramkissoon said.

Ramkissoon is also committed to the diocesan Catholic Schools mission and to the building of strong partnerships among stakeholders.

“We must inspire students to embrace their faith, treat others with dignity and respect, and use their talents to create a better world,” she said. “To support families, we must engage all assets of the Church, and embrace Her evangelization mission. We must also inspire teachers to reach their highest potential as educators, mentors and ministers.”

Ramkissoon holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in creative arts, and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of the West Indies.

Her career began with the Catholic Education Board and Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, as a classroom teacher.

She later served as a curriculum facilitator in her school district, charged with the training of teachers in the field on the infusion of fine arts into the core curriculum. She also spent two years in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where her passion for teaching students with limited English proficiency began.

After three years with CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, Ramkissoon returned to her roots in Catholic education when she joined the diocese as assistant principal at Our Lady of the Assumption in 2005. She became principal in 2008.

— Catholic News Herald

3 baccalaureate Masses to be offered this year CHARLOTTE — Graduates of the Class of 2021 at all three Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will be able to attend a baccalaureate Mass with Bishop Peter J. Jugis in person this year.

Last year, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, a single baccalaureate Mass was livestreamed from St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for all three diocesan high schools.

Christ the King High School in Huntersville will hold its Baccalaureate Mass at 5 p.m. Monday, May 24, at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte. Please note that this Mass will be open to the high school seniors only, to allow for social distancing.

It will be livestreamed on Facebook for parents and families to attend virtually.

Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us, St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the ninth day your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

L.D. Publication must be promised.

Southern Homes of the Carolinas David Fuller REALTOR / Broker

“Working For You is What I Do” davidfuller.broker@gmail.com 704-530-2632

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

MACS Fine Arts Center under construction CHARLOTTE — A long-awaited fine arts center for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is beginning to take shape on the campus of Charlotte Catholic High School. The site preparation is complete, concrete foundations have been poured, and pre-cast concrete wall panels are going up, reports Emmett Sapp, Diocese of Charlotte construction manager. The $21 million, 47,700-square-foot facility will house a 600-seat auditorium and a high-quality performance and exhibit space for MACS students. It will also house an art room and a band room, choral room, ceramics studio, dance studio, digital lab, stage and theater. Charlotte Catholic’s visual and performing arts classes will move to the new center, freeing up space inside the high school for other classroom use as well as space for a weight room, wrestling room and more.

Construction is expected to be completed by next spring.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

“Get your ducks in a row!”

Estate Planning | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS Plan to attend one or several of our unique summer camps where students will learn, create and discover while making new friends.

Carpentry Camp

Track and Field Camp

June 21 – 25 Ages 3 -15

July 12- 16 Rising 4th – 8th grade

This workshop will teach even wee woodworkers the tools of the trade and most importantly safety!

Campers will work to design and build a birdhouse to take home.

Cheer Camp June 21 – 25 Ages 3 -15 Students will learn 3-4 cheers for the week and a group cheer routine to be performed at the end of the week for parents.

Shakespeare Theater Camp June 21 – 26 Rising 2nd – 8th grade Campers will study acting, juggling, sword fighting, set design and costuming as they work to create their own production of Twelfth Night.

Reading Enrichment Camp June 29 – July 2 / July 12 – 16 / July 26 -30 Rising 2nd – 4th grade This is a fun program geared toward helping students become more confident readers.

Athletes will enjoy a week of fitness training while learning and/perfecting form in jumps, throws and sprints.

A week of the Classics July 19 – 23 Rising 5th – 8th grade Delving into the activities of Classical civilizations including poetry, philosophy, sports and preparing classical foods plus virtual museum tours.

Intro to Latin July 19 – 23 Rising 3rd – 8th grade An introduction to one of the world’s most ancient languages. Each day will be a mix of instruction, vocabulary and other fun activities including making your own Roman snack.

Choir Camp August 3 – 6 Rising 3rd – 8th grade During the week students will learn several new pieces of music, practice Gregorian chants and learn to sing parts of the Mass.

For additional information or to ask questions about any of the camps please contact: St. Michael Catholic School at 704- 865-4382 or school@stmichaelsgastonia.org To Register: https://tinyurl.com/4yz4m94r

Mix

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

explosive information he managed to share with his son before his death, comes under her protection. Though the local sheriff’s deputy (Jon Bernthal) and his wife (Medina Senghore), a trained survivalist, are also out to rescue the lad, his pursuers prove to be both ruthless and relentless.

Director and co-writer (with Michael Koryta and Charles Leavitt) Taylor Sheridan’s loose adaptation of Koryta’s 2014 novel benefits from an offbeat plot and the appeal of its central duo. But some slightly unsavory mentoring by Jolie’s character briefly sours the proceedings while the ribald banter she exchanges with her colleagues, the extremes to which the murderers are willing to resort as well as the graphic depiction of the mayhem they wreak makes this thriller strictly grown-up fare. Much violence with brief but vivid gore, pervasive rough and considerable crude language.

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

‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’

‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ Haunted by a forest fire tragedy for which she blames herself, an emotionally isolated, self-destructive smokejumper (Angelina Jolie) is forced to pull herself together when a young boy (Finn Little) being tracked by the assassins (Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult) who killed his father (Jake Weber), an accountant who uncovered

Visually dazzling animated comedy in which a collegebound aspiring filmmaker (voice of Abbi Jacobson) whose addiction to gadgets puts her at perpetual loggerheads with her nature-loving father (voice of Danny McBride) is dismayed when Dad turns her journey to campus into a cross-country family road trip. While her mom (voice of Maya Rudolph) tries to play the role of mediator and her little brother (voice of Michael Rianda, who also co-wrote and directed) pursues his obsessive interest in dinosaurs, their quarrels are suddenly dwarfed by the outbreak of a robot apocalypse, a worldwide mechanical rebellion led by a virtual assistant (voice of Olivia Colman) who’s angry that her inventor (voice of Eric Andre) is about to replace her with a more cutting-edge device. Rianda and his script collaborator, Jeff Rowe, use their seemingly ridiculous, yet absolutely hilarious, storyline to present a very relevant commentary on our society’s overdependence on technology while also showcasing the qualities of a resilient, cooperative clan working together to save the world. Some cartoon violence.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

Catholic Charities extends our deepest gratitude to the parishes, companies and individuals who sponsored the Spirit of Hope virtual fundraising event that supports services provided in Western North Carolina.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church – Hendersonville Susan and Mike Loveland Saint Eugene Catholic Church - Asheville Groce Funeral Home and Cremation Service Donna Bange via the 3-M Foundation Volunteer Match Program Discover Hometown Magazine TAB Associates Knights of Columbus Council 7184 – Hendersonville Knights of Columbus Council 8923 – Arden Knights of Columbus Council 11911 - Asheville Anonymous (2)

ccdoc.org

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On TV n Friday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.

(EWTN) “St. Teresa of Avila.”

An illuminating docudrama examining the life of the 16th Century saint and mystic Teresa of Avila.

Priests and religious reflect on the remarkable life of St. Mariana of Jesus, an Ecuadorean mystic whose deep love for Christ and selfless sacrifices for others led to her canonization.

n Saturday, May 22, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Rita.” The life of Rita of Cascia, the saint of the impossible and advocate of desperate cases, reveals the great faith of a woman who endured many hardships and difficulties on her journey to God.

n Friday, May 28, 11:30 a.m.

(EWTN) “St. Francis of Assisi.”

A docudrama on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced everything for God.

n Sunday, May 23, 3 p.m.

(EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Pentecost from Rome.” Pope Francis celebrates the Solemn Mass of Pentecost, live from St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Regina Caeli. n Sunday, May 23, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Meditations on the Pentecost.” Father Andrew Apostoli explores the events surrounding Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, and the graces bestowed upon Christians by the action of the Holy Spirit, particularly through the sacrament of Confirmation. n Sunday, May 23, 10 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Mariana of Jesus.”

n Friday, May 28, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “They Might be Saints: Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich.”

The short, impactful life of Teresa Demjanovich. Michael O’Neill presents the case for canonization for this Sister of Charity, which includes the only known cure of bilateral macular degeneration. n Saturday, May 29, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Rita, Pt.2” The life of Rita of Cascia, the saint of the impossible and advocate of desperate cases, reveals the great faith of a woman who endured many hardships and difficulties on her journey to God. n Sunday, May 30, 6 a.m.

(EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of The Angelus, live from Rome.

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iiiMay 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC N

HOLY ANGELS PARISH, MOUNT AIRY

Celebrating 100 years of rock-solid grace, love and good humor PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

MOUNT AIRY — It was a down-home family celebration May 8-9, as members of Holy Angels Parish gathered to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their church’s dedication.

The celebrations echoed the dedication a century ago.

Bishop Peter Jugis and Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari came up to offer Masses just as Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid did 100 years earlier, and families gathered afterwards for a group photo in front of the church. Of course, much was different: the liturgies were in English and Spanish, offered in the parish hall because the diverse and growing congregation cannot fit inside the original church. And in this time of pandemic, most worshipers wore masks and sat spaced apart at Mass and while enjoying refreshments on the church grounds.

But the spirit of unassuming gladness was the same: The Catholic families of Mount Airy, new and old, are right proud of their little church.

“Our parish is very active and very welcoming, with a real sense of community,” said Gloria Bunn. She and her husband Howard were married in the church in 1967.

Everyone knows her as the first Catholic to teach in Mount Airy’s public schools.

Also on hand for the celebration was guest of honor Frank Browne, now 91 and the oldest member of the parish.

Browne was the first baby to be baptized at Holy Angels, one of 10 children in his family. Browne and his wife Gay went on to raise their 12 children there, too.

“I’m just glad to be here,” Browne grinned when he was asked for his thoughts on the anniversary.

His daughter Therese Haselden happily reminisced about growing up in the close-knit congregation. And by closeknit, she was being literal.

Haselden and her 11 siblings had to get to Mass early when they were growing up so they could have a place to sit, she recalled, especially when another family with 16 children came down from New York each season.

“We would fill up about half the church,” she said, “but we were pretty skinny so we could just about all fit.”

Parishioners’ sense of humor nods to what made Mount Airy famous: the inspiration for native son Andy Griffith’s television show about life in the small town of Mayberry.

But Mayberry fame aside, Mount Airy is known for something even more enduring, and Holy Angels is made of it: granite, among the finest in the world.

The church on Main Street – plus 10 other churches in town and numerous other buildings – are built using the renowned white granite, quarried nearby from what everybody in town simply calls “The Rock.” The world’s largest open-faced granite quarry, “The Rock” is visible from space.

The sparkling white granite gives Holy Angels a character of warmth and permanence, and in his homily,

Bishop Jugis gave thanks to God for the church and its members being a steadfast beacon of God’s love over the past 100 years.

“We come in a spirit of thanksgiving for all of the graces that have been celebrated here over the past 100 years, by the many generations of people who have worshiped God in this place,” he said.

He quoted from the prayer of dedication for a church: “O God, make this church a house of salvation and grace, where your people will be gathered in fellowship and grow together in love.”

“That prayer is continuing to be fulfilled ever since 1921 until today,” he said, making Holy Angels “a place of salvation and grace, where your people gather in fellowship in order to worship God and grow together in love.”

This prayer is lived out at Holy Angels “week after week,” he said, adding, “I am grateful for all the parishioners who work to make Holy Angels a strong and vibrant parish, and I ask God to reward you for all that you do to make this a place of grace and salvation – contributing your time, your talents, your love and your presence.”

Father Lawrence Heiney, who has served as Holy Angels’ pastor for nine years, thanked Bishop Jugis and Abbot Placid for coming up to offer Masses for the anniversary weekend. And in true down-home Mount Airy style, he added in the parish bulletin’s “Pastor’s Corner”: “Their trip was much easier than Abbot Leo Haid. His trip included horses and trains.”

(At top, clockwise from left) The white granite cornerstone of Holy Angels Church, quarried nearby from “The Rock.” The interior of the historic church, one of the many churches designed by Benedictine Father Michael McInerney. Most of the interior features including the altar, pews and stained-glass windows are original. The current congregation is very diverse, with Hispanic and white Catholics coming together for food and fellowship. Families gathered for a group photo after the May 8, 1921, dedication Mass by Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid, and 100 years later, families recreated the moment after each of four Masses over the anniversary weekend. Pictured are families with Bishop Jugis after the May 8 Mass.

PHOTOS BY SERGIO LOPEZ AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

NEWS HERALD

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

PARROQUIA HOLY ANGELS, MOUNT AIRY

Celebrando 100 años de gracia, amor y buen humor sólidos como una roca PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

MOUNT AIRY — Fue una celebración familiar la ocurrida el 8 y 9 de mayo, cuando los miembros de la parroquia Holy Angels se reunieron para conmemorar el centenario de la consagración de su iglesia.

Las celebraciones hicieron eco de la consagración ocurrida hace un siglo. El Obispo Peter Jugis y el Abad Benedictino Placid Solari se presentaron para ofrecer Misas -tal como lo hiciera el Abad Benedictino Leo Haid 100 años atrás, y las familias se reunieron después para una foto frente a la iglesia. Por supuesto, todo fue muy diferente: las liturgias fueron en inglés y español, ofrecidas en el salón parroquial porque la diversa y creciente congregación

The large painting of the Crucifixion was done by the parish’s first pastor, Benedictine Father Alphonse Buss.

It originally hung in the church, and now hangs over the altar in the Duncan Center, where Father Lawrence Heiney offers Sunday Masses in English and Spanish for the growing congregation. no puede caber dentro de la iglesia original.

Y en esta época de pandemia, la mayoría de los fieles usaban mascarillas y se sentaron separados durante la Misa y cuando disfrutaron de un refrigerio en los terrenos de la iglesia.

Pero el espíritu alegre era el mismo: las familias católicas de Mount Airy, nuevas y antiguas, están muy orgullosas de su iglesia.

“Nuestra parroquia es muy activa y acogedora, con un verdadero sentido de comunidad”, dijo Gloria Bunn. Ella y su esposo Howard se casaron en la iglesia en 1967. Todos la conocen como la primera católica en enseñar en las escuelas públicas de Mount Airy.

También estuvo presente el invitado de honor Frank Browne, ahora de 91 años, el miembro de mayor edad de la parroquia.

Browne fue el primer bebé en ser bautizado en Holy Angels. Browne y su esposa Gay

también criaron allí a sus 12 hijos.

“Estoy contento de estar aquí”, sonrió Browne cuando se le preguntó qué pensaba sobre el aniversario.

Ariana Lizeth Hernández Andrade, originaria de San Felipe, Guanajuato, vive en Mount Airy desde hace varios años y atiende a la Iglesia Holy Angels. “Nos gustaría que más personas se unieran a todos nosotros y supieran lo hermoso que es trabajar aquí con la comunidad anglosajona. A ellos les encanta saber de nuestra cultura, de lo que hacemos como comunidad dentro de la iglesia. En los eventos siempre nos reunimos junto con ellos y de verdad lo agradecen”, dijo destacando la integración que se vive en la parroquia.

José Luis Jiménez Gonzáles, feligrés lllegado a la comunidad en 2014, extendió sus felicitaciones por el centenario de su parroquia, “y aunque hemos estado un poco bajos por la pandemia, esperamos que en el futuro podamos seguir mucho mas mejor y con más ganas”, dijo.

El sentido del humor de los feligreses refleja lo que hizo famoso a Mount Airy: la inspiración para el programa de televisión de su hijo nativo Andy Griffith sobre la vida en la pequeña ciudad de Mayberry.

Pero dejando de lado la fama de Mayberry, Mount Airy es conocido por algo aún más duradero, y Holy Angels está hecho de eso: granito, uno de los mejores del mundo.

La iglesia en Main Street, además de otras 10 iglesias en la ciudad y numerosos otros edificios, se construyeron con el famoso granito blanco, extraído cerca de lo que todos en la ciudad simplemente llaman “La Roca”.

La cantera de granito de fachada abierta más grande del mundo, “La Roca”, es visible desde el espacio.

El resplandeciente granito blanco le da a Holy Angels un carácter de calidez y permanencia, y en su homilía, el Obispo Jugis dio gracias a Dios por la iglesia y sus miembros que son un faro constante del amor de Dios durante los últimos 100 años.

“Venimos con un espíritu de acción de gracias por todas las gracias que se han celebrado aquí durante los últimos 100 años, por las muchas generaciones de personas que han adorado a Dios en este lugar”, dijo.

Citó de la oración de consagración para una iglesia: “Oh Dios, haz de esta iglesia una casa de salvación y gracia, donde tu gente se reunirá en comunión y crecerá junta en el amor”.

“Esa oración se sigue cumpliendo desde 1921 hasta la fecha”, dijo, haciendo de Holy Angels “un lugar de salvación y gracia, donde su gente se reúne en comunión para adorar a Dios y crecer juntos en el amor”.

Esta oración se vive en Holy Angels “semana tras semana”, dijo, y agregó: “Estoy agradecido por todos los feligreses que trabajan para hacer de Holy Angels una parroquia fuerte y vibrante, y le pido a Dios que los recompense por lo que hacen para que sea un lugar de gracia y salvación, contribuyendo con su tiempo, talentos, amor y presencia”.

El Padre Lawrence Heiney, quien ha servido como pastor de Holy Angels durante nueve años, agradeció al Obispo Jugis y al Abad Placid por ofrecer Misas durante el fin de semana del aniversario. Y, al estilo de Mount Airy, agregó en el ‘Rincón del Pastor’ del boletín parroquial: “Su viaje fue mucho más fácil que el del Abad Leo Haid. Ese viaje incluyó caballos y trenes”.

— Colaboró Sergio López, corresponsal

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Holy Angels Church stands steadfast in Mount Airy MOUNT AIRY — On Main Street is a welcoming little granite church: Holy Angels Church. Built in 1921, the church is a witness to the stability and faith of the Catholic community in Surry County.

In the early years of the 20th century, clergy from Winston-Salem ministered to the 10 or so Catholics living in Mount Airy at the time. Until 1919, local Catholics either traveled to St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem or welcomed clergy from the town into their homes and a local opera house for liturgies. By the mid1910s, sporadic visits by Benedictine priests since 1907 were being met with an increasing Catholic population. As the dawn of the 1920s approached, members of the faith had increased to a number warranting the construction of a new church.

Addressing the need for a permanent place of worship, Bishop Leo Haid, the Benedictine abbot of Belmont Abbey and vicar apostolic of North Carolina, purchased a site for a new church on Main Street on Nov. 26, 1919, from J.D. and Flora Sargent. The church, built with local white granite, was dedicated by Bishop Haid on May 8, 1921. Benedictine Father Alphonse Buss was named the first pastor.

Holy Angels Church gained parish status from Bishop William Hafey of Raleigh in 1930. The first resident diocesan pastor was Father Aloysius Adler, who made his home in a rectory built next door in 1929.

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought financial hardships to Mount Airy, and the granite quarry which sourced the stone used to build Holy Angels Church came close to shutting down. Many residents – Catholics among them – were forced to relocate to find work, and the congregation of Holy Angels Church dwindled.

The parish recovered, and by the 1950s a number of converts were adding to a growing population of Catholics in Surry County. Appointed pastor in 1953, Father Maurice Spillane also played a key role in the construction of a church about 35 miles to the southwest, St. Stephen in Elkin. Also during his pastorate, parishioners living along Highway 58/221 in Virginia began making their way to Mount Airy for Mass. Several years later, they began a parish centered in Woodlawn, Va., and built a church placed under the patronage of St. Joseph.

Acquisitions of property during the 1960s and ’70s broadened the church grounds in Mount Airy.

The church, rectory and a house for catechetical and social events were also refurbished.

Father Arthur Duncan arrived at Holy Angels in November 1980. For the 1921-1930 Father Alphonse Buss, OSB (interim) next 14 years, he ministered 1930-1937 Father Aloysius Adler, OSB to the growing congregation 1937 Father Stephen A. Sullivan and during his time there 1937-1940 Father Herbert A. Hawkins he was named a prelate of 1940-1942 Father Thomas F. Carney honor (monsignor) by then1942-1944 Father Paul G. Termer Bishop John F. Donoghue 1944-1945 Father Thomas J. Colgan of Charlotte. Monsignor 1945-1953 Father Paul G. Termer Duncan led efforts to build 1953-1962 Father Maurice Spillane a parish hall. Parishioners 1962-1969 Father Stephen A. Sullivan broke ground in June 1993 1969-1976 Father Henry J. Becker and the hall was dedicated 1976-1980 Father Vincent A. Erb in January of the following 1980-1994 Monsignor Arthur L. Duncan year. Named the Duncan 1994-1996 Father Richard C. Contiliano Center, the hall honors 1996-2001 Father Thomas D. Stott the pastor who served as 2001-2012 Father Eric L. Kowalski shepherd in Mount Airy 2012-present Father Lawrence W. Heiney until his retirement in 1994.

Following Monsignor Duncan’s retirement, the Holy Angels family continued to grow. A variety of parish programs and outreach efforts were added during the pastorates of Father Richard Contiliano and Father Thomas Stott.

Father Stott assumed responsibility for the parish in July 1996. A collection of about 200 saints’ relics, obtained by Father Stott over the years, is available for public veneration in the church.

The church received major renovations during the subsequent leadership of Father Eric Kowalski. Among the renovations: the church’s roof was replaced, the stained glass windows were covered with an exterior pane of glass to seal and protect them from damage, and a parking lot was added next door to accommodate the growing number of parishioners. The revitalization project caught the attention of locals and visitors to the city as well as the Mount Airy Appearance Commission, which honored the parish with the city’s Architectural Excellence Award.

— Catholic News Herald

Pastors of Holy Angels Church

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 16

Mi experiencia viajando a la frontera

Padre Julio Domínguez

HERMANA JUANA PEARSON ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Volver a casa

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ueridos hermanos en Cristo, como todos lo hemos experimentado, este año pasado ha sido un año bastante turbulento y lleno de temor y suspenso, pues no sabíamos adonde nos dirigíamos con todo lo que estaba pasando con la pandemia y las diversas situaciones que esta causó en la economía, en la casa, en la salud de muchos de nosotros y en las comunidades parroquiales.

Gracias a Dios estamos llegando a este momento en el cual estamos viendo una mayor apertura y las cosas poco a poco van volviendo a la normalidad. Ojalá que todos tengamos la prudencia de ir tomando las cosas con tranquilidad y no precipitarnos a querer hacer todo lo que hacíamos antes arrebatadamente, sino guardando siempre las debidas precauciones, recordando que el virus ha disminuido, pero que todavía continua presente entre nosotros y que puede atacar fuertemente, sobre todo a aquellos que no han podido recibir la vacuna.

A pesar de todo, muchas cosas buenas están pasando en estos días. Hemos visto un incremento de gente en la Santa Misa y con alegría estamos presenciando que la comunidad hispana está volviendo a casa. Es maravilloso ver que los latinos llevamos a Dios en el corazón y sabemos que en el domingo el Señor nos invita a compartir con Él, no en nuestra casa, pues estoy seguro que el 99 por ciento de nosotros estábamos sufriendo de tener que estar viendo la Misa virtual, sino en su casa, es decir, la Iglesia parroquial, pues tenemos muy arraigado la frase que el Señor nos dirige siempre: ¡Mi Casa es Tu Casa!

Quiero pedirles que nos ayuden a ir pasando la voz a todos sus conocidos que nuestro obispo está dando ya el permiso oficial de poder regresar a las Iglesias, siguiendo siempre las recomendaciones que nuestro Gobernador del estado nos da. Ya desde ahora las Iglesias están abiertas y podemos ir haciendo la misión de salir a buscar a aquellas ovejas que a lo mejor no se han enterado, a lo mejor se han extraviado, a lo mejor se han acomodado a ver la Misa por la pantalla o simplemente se les haya olvidado el gran valor que tiene Dios en nuestras vidas.

En el Domingo de Pentecostés, celebramos de una manera maravillosa el nacimiento de la Iglesia, en ese día, los apóstoles unidos a María Santísima recibieron llenos de gozo el Espíritu Santo y se llenaron de ardor, valentía y ganas de expandir el Evangelio por todo el mundo. Que así mismo pase con nosotros, que celebremos con entusiasmo ese gran día y que terminando la ceremonia salgamos jubilosos a proclamar el Evangelio y a ir a buscar a aquellos que sabíamos que venían ya a la Iglesia y también a todos aquellos que aún no han recibido la alegre noticia del Evangelio.

Cada bautizado, en virtud del Sacramento, recibe la gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo que nos invita a ser sus discípulos y seguirlo fielmente, pero también nos da el deber de ir y anunciar a todas las naciones la alegre noticia de la resurrección. Y con este envío nos asocia al grupo de los apóstoles que no perdieron tiempo en ir por todo el mundo y anunciar la buena nueva.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es Vicario Episcopal del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

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odavía estoy reflexionando sobre mi profunda experiencia en la frontera. No estoy segura de haber integrado completamente todas las gracias y desafíos que Dios me presentó en la frontera con mi ministerio aquí en nuestra diócesis.

Siento que he sido cambiada en formas que aún no comprendo del todo.

Vuelvo cansada y, mientras deshago las maletas, paso de los recuerdos felices de la buena gente con la que trabajé, a las lágrimas por las historias que los inmigrantes compartieron conmigo.

El trabajo fue duro, la gente estaba muy necesitada, la situación es desgarradora.

Sólo puedo hablar del Centro de Alivio de McAllen. Supongo que todos los centros fronterizos tienen algunos aspectos en común, pero las pinceladas que voy a compartir son específicas de mi experiencia en el Centro de Alivio Humanitario de Caridades Católicas en el valle de Río Grande.

La mayoría de las personas que pasaron por el centro durante mi estancia eran de países de Centroamérica. Después de hacerse la prueba de COVID-19, ellas fueron escoltadas por funcionarios desde su entrada por la frontera. Entre 250 a 350 personas ingresaron al refugio haciendo una sola fila. Sólo tenían un documento de una sola hoja, que es su “prueba” de entrada legítima a través del control fronterizo.

Lo primero que me llamó la atención fue su falta de equipaje, bolsas o mochilas. Solo se aferraban desesperadamente a sus hijos, no tenían nada más. Más tarde descubriría la razón. A lo largo de su peligrosísimo viaje a Estados Unidos lo habían perdido todo. Algunos habían sido robados y otros se vieron obligados a vender o intercambiar su ropa, medallas y joyas para llegar a la siguiente parada del viaje.

A juzgar por las penurias y los peligros que estas personas estaban dispuestas a soportar, sólo puedo suponer que debía ser muy peligroso quedarse donde estaban.

Después que entraron, les dimos una pequeña bolsa de ayuda de emergencia de la Cruz Roja con un cepillo de dientes, jabón y una pequeña toalla. Esas fueron sus primeras posesiones.

Se les indicó que se sentaran en una sección y se les dio un número para su familia. Uno a uno, los trabajadores de Caridades Católicas los ayudaron a ponerse en contacto con sus familiares aquí en los Estados Unidos y a organizar el transporte para reunirse con ellos.

FOTO CORTESÍA HERMANA JUANA PEARSON

(Arriba) La hermana Juana Pearson, adelante a la derecha, acompañada de otras religiosas con las que compartió misión humanitaria.

(Izquierda) Migrantes que buscan asilo en los Estados Unidos entran en un centro de alivio humanitario temporal dirigido por Caridades Católicas del Valle del Río Grande en McAllen, Texas, el 8 de abril de 2021.

FOTO DEL SERVICIO CATÓLICO DE NOTICIAS | GO NAKAMURA, REUTERS

A continuación, formaron fila para recibir comida. Las señoras y los voluntarios de la cocina hacen lo que pueden, a pesar de nunca saber cuándo llegará el siguiente grupo. Siempre parecían tener preparado un plato de sopa de pollo y arroz, con arroz extra y pan. La única bebida que vi fue agua.

La gente dormía por la noche en colchonetas azules de 4 pulgadas de grosor que se amontonaban durante el día y luego se colocaban en el suelo para pasar la noche.

Todos tenían la oportunidad de ducharse y refrescarse. No tengo ni idea de lo que utilizaban como toallas para secarse. Una vez que un voluntario es colocado en un lugar, no tiene oportunidad de ver otras áreas.

Como hablo algo de español, me asignaron al área de “farmacia”. Si alguna de las personas necesitaba leche en polvo para bebés -medimos y distribuimos cientos a diario- o

pañales, toallitas para limpieza, cepillos de dientes adicionales, peines, etc., siempre estábamos allí para darles lo que necesitaban.

Parte de mi trabajo consistía en dispensar los medicamentos sin receta. Casi todo el mundo venía con resfriados, tos, mocos o fiebre.

Cada vez que distribuía un jarabe para la tos o un tylenol o lo que fuera, preguntaba por las alergias, las complicaciones y explicaba la dosis y frecuencia. Ellos eran muy pacientes esperando su turno y tan agradecidos.

Un día recibimos una donación de mascarillas para niños de varios colores. Estas personas no tenían nada, ni el control de su propia vida en este momento de transición, y lo único que podíamos ofrecer era que los padres dejaran a sus pequeños elegir la máscara de su color favorito.

FRONTERA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 21

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Obligación de asistencia a Misa dominical se reanuda el 23 de mayo Diócesis: No más mascarillas ni distanciamiento social CHARLOTTE — Las parroquias están retornando a sus operaciones casi con toda normalidad, siguiendo las medidas estatales y federales de la semana pasada que redujeron las restricciones decretadas por la pandemia de COVID-19.

A la luz de estos acontecimientos, la Diócesis de Charlotte ha anunciado que la obligación de los católicos de asistir a la Misa dominical se restablecerá a partir del 23 de mayo, domingo de Pentecostés, aunque permanecerán algunas excepciones importantes.

Los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos (CDC), anunciaron el 13 de mayo que las personas que han sido vacunadas contra el Coronavirus ya no necesitan usar mascarilla o seguir las normas de distanciamiento social en la mayoría de los casos.

Los requerimientos de Carolina del Norte sobre mascarillas y distanciamiento social se

eliminaron de manera similar el 14 de mayo.

Sin embargo, los funcionarios de salud estatales y federales instan a las personas vulnerables o no vacunadas a seguir usando mascarilla y observar las normas de distanciamiento social.

En respuesta a las acciones estatales y federales, el vicario general y canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte, Monseñor Patrick Winslow, emitió un decreto el 14 de mayo anunciando que los requisitos de uso de mascarilla y distanciamiento social en los servicios religiosos se levantan “con vigencia inmediata”.

La disposición, enviada por correo electrónico a los pastores y publicada en la página web de la diócesis, www. charlottediocese.org, pide a las iglesias que reanuden sus horarios de misas y confesiones establecidos con anterioridad a la pandemia a partir del 23 de mayo y dice que, “los servicios religiosos ya

no requieren distanciamiento social ni cubrirse el rostro”.

La dispensa general de asistir a Misa los domingos y días de guardar también “se reducirá” a partir del 23 de mayo para incluir sólo a los más vulnerables al Coronavirus. “A quienes siguen siendo vulnerables se les aconseja que continúen usando mascarilla o que asistan a Misa virtualmente”, afirma.

Como precaución contra la propagación del virus, el apretón de manos del Signo de la Paz y la recepción de la Sagrada Comunión del cáliz por parte de los feligreses también permanecen omitidos de la Misa hasta nuevo aviso.

— Catholic News Herald

La obligación general de asistir a misa los domingos y días de guardar en la Diócesis de Charlotte se restablecerá a partir del domingo 23 de mayo de 2021. Sin embargo, algunas excepciones permanecerán vigentes (ver #4).

2. ¿Por qué termina ahora la excepción de Misa?

Es importante que comencemos a regresar a Misa, cuando y donde sea posible, en reconocimiento de la naturaleza esencial y central de la Eucaristía en nuestras vidas.

En el año de desafíos desde que surgió la pandemia de COVID-19, nos hemos tenido que adaptar para proteger la salud y el bienestar de todos en nuestras comunidades. Las precauciones de seguridad implementadas en nuestras iglesias, como el aforo limitado y los rigurosos protocolos de limpieza, han demostrado ser efectivos para hacer posible la adoración en persona sin riesgo de propagar el virus. Y, aunque las Misas transmitidas en vivo han sido un medio para ayudarnos a nutrir nuestras almas cuando no podíamos estar físicamente presentes en la iglesia, debemos recordar que la adoración “virtual” no es la norma. Dios no vino a nosotros virtualmente. Él vino a nosotros, y sigue viniendo, en carne.

Para nosotros los católicos, el contacto inmediato con la Presencia Real del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Nuestro Señor al ofrecer este sacrificio a Dios Padre es insustituible y esencial.

3. ¿Significa esto que ahora todos están obligados a ir a Misa nuevamente?

No. Sabemos que sigue existiendo preocupación por la propagación de la infección y debemos permanecer alerta para limitar su propagación, especialmente entre los más vulnerables. Teniendo esto en cuenta, existen excepciones particulares (llamadas “dispensas”) que se otorgan a personas en determinadas circunstancias, incluidas a las que están enfermas y a las que cuidan a

cualquier persona que esté en riesgo de sufrir complicaciones graves por COVID-19.

Al restablecer la obligación dominical, debemos dar la bienvenida a la Misa a todos los católicos que ahora están participando en otras actividades que pueden representar un riesgo de exposición similar o mayor, como salir a comer a restaurantes, viajar, participar en compras no esenciales y ampliar su círculo de contactos. Regresar a Misa es un reconocimiento de nuestra necesidad y deseo que la Eucaristía nos alimente y fortalezca.

4. ¿Quién está todavía exento de asistir a Misa?

A las personas enfermas o vulnerables a la infección se les sigue animando a que permanezcan en casa y asistan a Misa de forma virtual, por televisión u online. Si vive en la diócesis (o está de visita dentro de la diócesis), no está obligado a asistir a Misa los domingos o días de guardar si: n Está enfermo o su salud se vería significativamente comprometida si contrajera una enfermedad transmisible (es decir, tiene afecciones subyacentes o se encuentra en una categoría de alto riesgo). n Presenta síntomas similares a los de la gripe. n Tiene buenas razones para pensar que podría ser asintomático de una enfermedad contagiosa (como estar en contacto reciente con alguien que dio positivo en una prueba de una enfermedad contagiosa como COVID-19 o influenza). n Cuida a enfermos, confinados en casa o débiles. n Está embarazada o cuida niños pequeños. n Tiene 65 años de edad o más (según la recomendación de los CDC para personas de alto riesgo). n No puede asistir a Misa por causas ajenas a su voluntad (por ejemplo, si no se ofrece Misa, está debilitado o se le impide por alguna razón que no puede controlar).

Si tiene preguntas sobre si estas excepciones se aplican a usted, o si sufre de mucha ansiedad por el hecho de regresar a Misa, comuníquese con su párroco o con la oficina de su parroquia.

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ueridos fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte,

Los CDC y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte ya no recomiendan el distanciamiento social para quienes están completamente vacunados.

Los servicios religiosos en la diócesis ya no requieren un distanciamiento social para las personas que no son vulnerables al Coronavirus.

Que la gracia y paz de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo esté con ustedes.

Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar la fiesta de Pentecostés, me gustaría aprovechar esta oportunidad para darles personalmente la bienvenida a la Misa y a una renovación de su vida espiritual.

Nuestras comunidades están comenzando a surgir de la pandemia de COVID-19, pero llevará tiempo recuperarse del impacto en la salud, bienestar y prosperidad económica en las personas.

Tengo especialmente presente en mis oraciones a las más de 7,000 personas en los 46 condados de nuestra diócesis que han fallecido a causa del COVID-19, y las familias y amigos que lamentan su pérdida.

También doy gracias a nuestros pastores, parroquias, líderes ministeriales y escolares, y todos los fieles que se han adaptado para proteger la salud y el bienestar de todos en nuestras comunidades locales. Su creatividad, paciencia y perseverancia han ayudado a mantener seguras nuestras parroquias y escuelas, y permitido que las personas permanezcan conectadas con su fe de manera digital cuando las interacciones en persona no eran posibles. Las Misas transmitidas en vivo, las clases y mensajes online y las videoconferencias nos trajeron bendiciones a todos.

Sin embargo, es en el Sacrificio Pascual donde recibimos la mayor de todas las bendiciones. Dios nos ama tan profundamente que nos da Su Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad verdaderamente presentes en la Eucaristía. Es a través de nuestra participación activa en el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa que somos nutridos y santificados. Sin la Misa, como hemos sido testigos durante el año pasado, ha sido un desafío permanecer enfocados en nuestras vidas espirituales. Sabemos que la Eucaristía es la fuente y cumbre de nuestra fe católica, nuestra Estrella Polar que nos permite mantener la mirada fija en Jesús y permanecer en el camino hacia la vida eterna en el cielo.

Por lo tanto, conviene que salgamos de la pandemia en Pentecostés, renovados y con valentía para vivir nuestra fe, así como los discípulos, llenos del Espíritu Santo, se despojaron del temor y salieron con valentía a predicar el mensaje del Evangelio “hasta el último confín de la Tierra” (Hechos 1: 8). Pentecostés conmemora el nacimiento de la Iglesia y su misión en el mundo, y para nosotros marca un renacimiento de nuestra propia misión como discípulos de Cristo.

A partir del 23 de mayo, Domingo de Pentecostés, estaré levantando la dispensa general de asistir a Misa los domingos y días de guardar para aquellos que no son vulnerables al COVID-19, mientras que las dispensas particulares se mantienen para las personas enfermas y vulnerables a medida que las parroquias regresan a sus operaciones con mayor normalidad.

Los detalles se han compartido con

PREGUNTAS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 22

JUGIS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 22

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Lea las directivas de la Diócesis de Charlotte

Preguntas frecuentes sobre el regreso a Misa 1. ¿Cuándo se restablecerá la obligación de asistir a Misa?

Obispo Peter J. Jugis

Estas categorías se revisarán y modificarán según sea necesario.

5. ¿Se tomó esta decisión en consulta con expertos en salud?

Sí. Hemos monitoreado las pautas y requisitos del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, de los funcionarios de salud local y las recomendaciones de los CDC. Todas las decisiones con respecto a nuestras prácticas durante la pandemia han sido informadas y guiadas por expertos de la comunidad médica.

6. ¿Se siguen aplicando algunas precauciones de seguridad?

Si. La salud y seguridad de nuestras comunidades ha sido y sigue siendo primordial a medida que continuamos monitoreando las condiciones locales. Si bien los CDC y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte ya no recomiendan el distanciamiento social ni el uso de mascarillas para quienes están completamente vacunados, se alienta a cualquier persona vulnerable o no vacunada a que continúe usando la mascarilla y siga las normas de distanciamiento social. Además, la recepción de la Sagrada Comunión del cáliz y el abrazo de la Paz deben permanecer omitidos. Cada iglesia tiene protocolos específicos adaptados a sus propias circunstancias particulares. Comuníquese con la oficina de su parroquia si tiene preguntas.

7. ¿Sigue habiendo restricciones de capacidad en las iglesias de la Diócesis de Charlotte?

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Nueve estudiantes se graduaron del Seminario Universitario San José el 9 de mayo durante una Misa de Graduación en la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte. Antes de la Misa, los jóvenes eran todo sonrisas después que el Padre Matthew Kauth, rector del seminario universitario, bendijo los nuevos Rosarios, sotanas y birretas que utilizarán en el seminario mayor.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Eres un amigo de Dios” Número récord de graduados del Seminario Universitario San José SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

MOUNT HOLLY — La promoción más numerosa hasta el momento se está graduando este mes del Seminario Universitario San José.

Siete jóvenes están recibiendo sus diplomas de la Universidad Belmont Abbey y seguirán sus estudios en seminarios mayores, continuando su formación como futuros sacerdotes para la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Joseph Yellico, Nicholas Kramer y Kolbe Murrey estudiarán en la Universidad Pontificia Norteamericana en Roma. Christopher Angermeyer, Anthony del Cid Lucero, Luke Martin, Noé Sifuentes, Andrew Templeton y James Tweed se dirigirán al Seminario Monte Santa María en Cincinnati, Ohio.

Fundado en 2016, el Seminario Universitario San José ha sido un imán para los jóvenes que desean discernir el sacerdocio diocesano. El crecimiento de las inscripciones

ha sido más rápido de lo que había anticipado la diócesis, de ocho estudiantes en su primer año a 27 en 2021. La diócesis aceleró la construcción de un hogar permanente para el seminario universitario en Mount Holly, después que el creciente número de seminaristas ocupara rápidamente cuatro casas que la diócesis adquirió temporalmente para el floreciente programa. El flamante edificio abrió sus puertas en septiembre pasado y puede alojar hasta 40 seminaristas universitarios.

Los jóvenes que se están graduando pasaron solo un año en el nuevo edificio, pero su formación durante los últimos cuatro años ha sido fundamental, dijeron.

“En realidad, la creación del Seminario Universitario San José hizo que asistir al seminario fuera mucho más factible”, señaló Murrey. “En lugar de viajar atravesando el país después de graduarme de High School, me he quedado en Carolina del Norte, en el corazón de la diócesis.

Esto ha sido una gran bendición y me ha dado los cuatro primeros años de formación unificada y enfocada en el

seminario”, añadió.

Durante su homilía en la Misa de Bachillerato, el Padre Matthew Kauth animó a los jóvenes a seguir creciendo en su relación con Cristo.

“Creo que el mejor cumplido que puedo darles frente a los que están aquí, frente a sus hermanos seminaristas y sus familias, es que Él (Dios) permanece en ustedes y ustedes permanecen en Él; que son amigos de Dios”, dijo en la Misa ofrecida el 9 de mayo en la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte.

“No conozco ningún título en el mundo que se desee más, que decir que alguien es amigo de Dios”.

A medida que la clase más numerosa de graduados se muda, el Seminario Universitario San José se prepara para dar la bienvenida a otra gran promoción entrante el próximo año escolar.

Se espera que al menos ocho nuevos estudiantes se inscriban este otoño, uniéndose a otros 18 que continúan sus estudios.

Let’s keep talking.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request.)

St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.

There are none that can withstand your power.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times.)

Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us, St.

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times.)

ninth day your prayers will be answered.

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Published in gratitude for prayers answered.

Thank you, M.I.M.S.

Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the It has never been known to fail.

M.I.M.S. Publication must be promised.

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Líderes de pastoral hispana asumen rol de comunicadores CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Una decena de líderes de las diferentes pastorales del Vicariato de Charlotte asistieron a una charla informal en el Centro Pastoral de nuestra diócesis, con el objetivo de recibir capacitación básica que los convertirá en voceros de los sucesos que acontecen en sus ministerios y parroquias.

Existen, según se les explicó, muchos hechos que son “noticia” en sus parroquias, pero que lamentablemente por su regularidad pasan desapercibidos entre quienes participan u organizan los eventos. Por esta razón, en ocasiones no se llega a comunicar con eficacia los retiros, capacitaciones, sesiones de consejería u otros acontecimientos, y muchos fieles que pudieran haberse beneficiado de ellos pierden la oportunidad de participar.

En otros casos, la comunicación se realiza cuando el evento ya ocurrió con la finalidad de hacer conocer su éxito, sin notar que probablemente se hubiera podido lograr una mayor concurrencia en caso de promocionarlo con anticipación.

Durante la sesión, que se extendió por poco más de una hora, los asistentes conocieron aspectos básicos de la toma de imágenes en fotografía y video, así como la información indispensable para reportar sobre un acontecimiento.

Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte, resaltó la importancia de mantener una comunicación efectiva con los fieles del vicariato. Igualmente, informó que un equipo básico de iluminación, sonido y cámara de video se encuentra a

FOTO CORTESÍA EDUARDO BERNAL

Una decena de líderes de la pastoral hispana del Vicariato de Charlotte fueron convocados por su coordinador, Eduardo Bernal, con el objeto de recibir una charla instructiva que les permita convertirse en la voz de los sucesos que ocurran en sus parroquias. El entusiasmo de los participantes fue desbordante y asumieron el compromiso de llevar adelante el proyecto. disposición de los líderes de la pastoral hispana para esta tarea.

Los participantes se comprometieron a ser “ojos y oídos” de nuestro periódico diocesano para poder lograr una comunicación más efectiva, tanto en la

edición impresa como en las redes sociales que gozan de una importante difusión entre los fieles de la diócesis.

De igual manera, los líderes mostraron un especial interés en promover el contenido de sus muchas capacitaciones

en las pastorales de salud, familia y duelo que llevan a cabo regularmente de manera virtual y presencial.

“Tenemos mucho material de consejería que nos gustaría promover a través de videos cortos que podrían ser de mucho bien para los hermanos y hermanas”, dijo Gonzalo Pulgarín, quien junto con su esposa Adriana Plata participa como voluntario de la pastoral familiar en Charlotte.

Por su parte Gloria Restrepo, parte de la Pastoral de duelo, dijo que en su agrupación han identificado una serie de temas, posibles todos de realizar en video, por lo que trabajará prontamente para adelantar el proyecto. “En las redes hemos visto algunos ejemplos que nos servirán de inspiración”, agregó.

Ante el entusiasmo mostrado, se solicitó que los líderes de pastoral sirvan como voceros de este servicio para que otros fieles, comprometidos con el servicio al pueblo de Dios, sigan sus pasos y el servicio se extienda a todo el territorio que cubre el vicariato.

Mientras tanto los resultados ya se vienen mostrando en las páginas de Catholic News Herald y su página de Facebook en Español. En pasadas ediciones impresas, así como redes sociales se vienen publicando colaboraciones y fotografías enviadas por los líderes pastorales laicos.

“Esperamos que próximamente la capacitación se extienda a otros vicariatos de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Estamos deseosos de recoger y publicar historias que reflejen el gran trabajo de los líderes y del pueblo laico a lo largo y ancho de nuestra diócesis”, comentó un vocero de Catholic News Herald.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Santa María, auxilio de los cristianos Este domingo 24 de mayo la Iglesia conmemora a María Auxiliadora, advocación mariana que antiguamente se llamaba “María, Auxilio de los Cristianos”.

Los primeros cristianos en Grecia, Egipto, Antioquía, Efeso, Alejandría y Atenas acostumbraban llamar a la Santísima Virgen con el nombre de “Auxiliadora”, que en griego es “Boetéia” y significa “La que trae auxilios venidos del Cielo”.

El primer Padre de la Iglesia que llamó a la Virgen María con el título de “Auxiliadora” fue San Juan Crisóstomo en el año 345, en Constantinopla. El santo dijo: “Tú, María, eres auxilio potentísimo de Dios”. También la reconocieron con este nombre Proclo en el año 476 y Sebas de Cesarea en 532.

En Ucrania llamaron a la Virgen María como “Auxiliadora” desde el año 1030 por haber liberado aquella región de la invasión de tribus paganas. Desde entonces, en ese país, la Iglesia Ortodoxa celebra la fiesta de María Auxiliadora cada 1 de octubre.

En 1572, el Papa San Pío V, después de la victoria del ejército cristiano sobre los turcos musulmanes en la batalla de Lepanto, ordenó celebrar el 7 de octubre la fiesta del Santo Rosario, y que en las letanías se invocara a “María, Auxilio de los cristianos”. Ese año, Nuestra Señora libró prodigiosamente a toda la cristiandad de ser destruida por un ejército compuesto por 282 barcos y 88 mil soldados.

En 1683 los turcos atacaron Viena durante el Pontificado de Inocencio XI. Bajo el mando del rey de Polonia, Juan Sobieski, venció al ejército turco confiando en la ayuda de María Auxiliadora, inclusive con un ejército inferior en fuerzas. Al poco tiempo fundaron la asociación de María Auxiliadora, la cual existe hoy en más de 60 países.

La historia de la fiesta de María Auxiliadora se remonta algunos años antes de la Revolución Francesa, la cual había propinado un duro golpe a la Iglesia.

El Papa Pío VII fue apresado en el Palacio de Fontainebleau por el emperador francés Napoleón Bonaparte y dedicó sus oraciones a María Auxiliadora para que protegiera a la Iglesia.

Los ruegos del Papa fueron escuchados y en 1814 Napoleón firmó su abdicación. En

mundo la devoción a María bajo el título de Auxiliadora de los Cristianos.

El Papa San Juan XXIII cultivó una especial devoción a la Auxiliadora, cuya imagen, tomada de un número del Boletín Salesiano, colgaba en la pared cerca de su cama. La proclamó Patrona del Concilio con los títulos de Auxilium Christianorum y Auxilium Episcoporum.

El 28 de mayo de 1963, ya gravemente enfermo, bendijo con profunda emoción las dos coronas destinadas al cuadro de la Virgen en la Basílica del Sagrado Corazón de Roma.

Por su parte, San Juan Pablo II solía acudir y orar en la capilla de María Auxiliadora de la iglesia de San Estanislao de Kostka, Cracovia, entre 1938 y 1944.

En esta iglesia, el 3 de noviembre de 1946 celebró una de sus primeras Misas como sacerdote.

El Papa Francisco, durante su visita apostólica a Turín en 2015 por los 200 años del nacimiento San Juan Bosco, contó que durante su infancia fue educado en un colegio salesiano donde aprendió a amar a María Auxiliadora.

“Yo allí aprendí a amar a la Virgen, los salesianos me formaron en la belleza, en el trabajo, y esto creo que es un carisma suyo, me formaron en la afectividad y esto era una característica de Don Bosco”, dijo.

— Condensado de aciprensa

Oración a Maria Auxiliadora FOTO CORTESÍA CATHOPIC

Imagen de la cúpula de la Parroquia Universitaria San Juan Bosco en Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo, México.

1815, cuando la Iglesia había recuperado su posición y poder espiritual, el Papa instituyó la fiesta de María Auxiliadora el 24 de mayo para perpetuar el recuerdo de su regreso a Roma tras el cautiverio.

SANTO PROPAGADOR

San Juan Bosco fue un gran propagador del amor a esta advocación mariana, porque la misma Virgen se le apareció en 1860 para señalarle el lugar en Turín, Italia, donde debía ser construido un templo en su

honor. Asimismo, pidió ser honrada bajo el título de “Auxiliadora”.

En 1863 San Juan Bosco inició la construcción de la iglesia con unos cuantos centavos, pero con la intercesión de María Santísima, el 9 de junio de 1868, sólo 5 años después, tuvo lugar la consagración del templo.

El Santo solía decir que cada ladrillo de ese templo “corresponde a un milagro de la Santísima Virgen”. Desde aquel Santuario comenzó a extenderse por el

Santísima Virgen, Madre de Dios, yo aunque indigno pecador postrado a vuestros pies en presencia de Dios omnipotente os ofrezco este mi corazón con todos sus afectos.

A vos lo consagro y quiero que sea siempre vuestro y de vuestro hijo Jesús.

Aceptad esta humilde oferta, vos que siempre habéis sido la auxiliadora del pueblo cristiano.

Oh María, refugio de los atribulados, consuelo de los afligidos, ten compasión de la pena que tanto me aflige, del apuro extremo en que me encuentro.

Reina de los cielos, en vuestras manos pongo mi causa. Se bien que en los casos desesperados se muestra más potente vuestra misericordia y nada puede resistir a vuestro poder. Alcanzadme Madre mía la gracia que os pido si es del agrado de mi Dios y Señor.

Amén.

Lecturas Diarias 23-29 MAYO

Domingo de Pentecostés: Hechos 2:1-11, 1 Corintios 12:3b-7,12-13, Juan 20:19-23; Lunes (María, Madre de la Iglesia): Génesis 3:9-15, 20, Juan 19:25-34; Martes: Sirácides 35:1-15, Marcos 10:28-31; Miércoles (San Felipe Neri): Sirácides 36:1-2, 5-6, 13-19, Marcos 10:32-45; Jueves: Sirácides 42:15-26, Marcos 10:4652; Viernes: Sirácides 44:1, 9-13, Marcos 11:11-26; Sábado: Sirácides 51:17-27, Marcos 11:27-33

30 MAYO-5 JUNIO

Domingo (Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad): Deuteronomio 4:32-34, 3940, Romanos 8:14-17, Mateo 28:16-20; Lunes (Visitación de la Virgen María):

11:5-17, Marcos 12:35-37; Sábado (San Bonifacio): Tobías 12:1, 5-15, 20, Marcos 12:38-44

6-12 JUNIO

Sofonías 3:14-18, Lucas 1:3956 Martes (San Justino): Tobías 2:9-14, Marcos 12:13-17; Miércoles: Tobías 3:1-11, 16-17, Marcos 12:18-27; Jueves (Carlos Lwanga y compañeros mártires: Tb 6:10-11; 7:1, 9:17, 8:4-9, Marcos 12:28-34; Viernes: Tobías

Domingo (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo): Éxodo 24:3-8, Hebreos 9:11-15, Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26; Lunes: 2 Cor 1:1-7, Mateo 5:1-12; Martes: 2 Cor 1:18-22, Mateo 6:13-16; Miércoles: 2 Corintios 3:4-11, Mateo 5:17-19; Jueves: 2 Corintios 3:15–4:1, 3-6, Mateo 5:2026; Viernes (Solemnidad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): Oseas 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Efesios 3:8-12, 14-19, Juan 19:31-37; Sábado (Corazón Inmaculado de la Bienaventurada Virgen María): 2 Corintios 5:14-21, Lucas 2:41-51

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Colombiano inicia cadena de oración por su país

21

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 8

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Álvaro Alzate, colombiano residente en Estados Unidos por más de 25 años, urgió a sus paisanos y a “todas las personas de buena voluntad”, a unirse en una cadena de oración por el fin de la violencia en Colombia.

“Desde la historia de allá, cuando el narcotráfico, recuerdo que un grupo oraba todas las noches, le pedíamos a Dios por el cambio de Colombia.

Hoy en día, no hablemos solo del narcotráfico sino Alzate también de la corrupción y la aparición del comunismo, la violencia, etc. Necesitamos pedirle a Dios una guía”, explicó.

“No podemos tolerar esto. Somos muchos los hispanos que estamos alejados de nuestros países por la corrupción y violencia. Tenemos que orar y pedirle a Dios por el fin de este mal. La violencia no es la solución”, comentó.

Alzate solicitó la realización de una Misa en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la que se concretó el martes 11 de mayo a las 7:30 de la tarde, dentro de la Misa de propósitos comunitarios que regularmente programa esa parroquia.

Lamentablemente, debido a la poca difusión de este propósito, la asistencia de colombianos fue mínima. Sin embargo, Alzate no baja la guardia y se encuentra

en el proceso de solicitar otras Misas en diferentes parroquias de Charlotte con el propósito de continuar la cadena de oración por su país natal.

VIOLENCIA ARMADA

Según reportaron numerosos medios de comunicación, las protestas populares iniciaron el 28 de abril en Cali, la capital del Valle del Cauca, tercera ciudad en importancia de ese país, debido a una controversial ley de impuestos que el gobierno del presidente Iván Duque pretendía aplicar.

Hasta el momento se cuentan cerca de 40 personas fallecidas a causa de las protestas, de acuerdo al recuento realizado por la Defensoría del Pueblo. La ONG Temblores afirma que 35 ciudadanos han muerto en Cali, al menos 14 de ellos a manos de uniformados.

El gobierno, que asegura que las protestas están infiltradas y que hay un plan coordinado de vandalismo, dió marcha atrás en su propuesta tributaria ofreciendo beneficios para los jóvenes sin recursos económicos y asegura que las autoridades han iniciado 65 acciones disciplinarias, entre ellas ocho por homicidio, por la violencia policial durante las protestas.

Monseñor José Roberto Ospina Leongómez, presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal de Colombia (CEC), a través de un mensaje invitó a los jóvenes, protagonistas principales de las protestas, a no cansarse de soñar en la construcción de una nación reconciliada y en paz.

“Pidamos la reconciliación del pueblo colombiano y la gracia de afianzarnos

en la justicia, la libertad y la solidaridad fraterna”, dijo Monseñor Ospina.

El 9 de mayo, los líderes religiosos de Colombia publicaron un comunicado conjunto en el que piden levantar los bloqueos, rechazan cualquier abuso de parte de algunos miembros de la fuerza pública, y animan y agradecen la tarea que la misma ha hecho para garantizar las protestas pacíficas y la seguridad de los colombianos.

“Expresamos nuestro respaldo a la institucionalidad en la búsqueda de adelantar procesos de diálogo que permitan avanzar en la solución de las necesidades de los más pobres, así como su rechazo total a cualquier forma de violencia, provenga de donde provenga, y al uso de las vías de hecho que ha afectado severamente a los colombianos durante las últimas semanas”, señalaron.

REACCIÓN PAPAL

El pasado 9 de mayo, antes de rezar la oración ‘Regina Coeli’ con cientos de personas reunidas en la Plaza de San Pedro, el Papa Francisco expresó su preocupación por la situación en Colombia.

El Sumo Pontífice dijo que amar a los demás como Jesús les amaba significa servir a los demás, llegar y ayudar a los necesitados. “Deseo expresar mi preocupación por las tensiones y los violentos enfrentamientos en Colombia, que han provocado muertos y heridos.

Son muchos los colombianos que están aquí: oremos por vuestra patria”, dijo a las personas reunidas en la plaza.

Diócesis nombra a Ramkissoon como nueva asistente de superintendente CHARLOTTE — Allana-Rae Ramkissoon ha sido nombrada como asistente de superintendente de las escuelas católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Ramkissoon se jubila como directora de la escuela Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) en Charlotte después de 13 años y comenzará su nuevo cargo el 1 de julio.

Ramkissoon tiene 34 años de experiencia en educación en tres países y diversos niveles de servicio.

Sucederá a Debbie Mixer, quien se jubiló a principios de este año escolar, y se Ramkissoon une a Crystal Koury en la asistencia al superintendente.

“Estoy agradecido con nuestro comité de búsqueda, formado por directores y partes interesadas de la oficina y diócesis, que nos asistieron a discernir el líder adecuado que nos ayude a seguir sirviendo con excelencia a nuestras escuelas y Diócesis”, dijo el Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendente de las Escuelas Católicas, en un comunicado fechado el 11 de mayo.

“Ramkissoon es una líder llena de fe cuya experiencia, años de servicio y conocimiento institucional destacan en su dedicación en la educación católica y la misión de ayudar a todos los estudiantes a convertirse en seguidores de Cristo.

“Espero trabajar con ella para promover y servir con alegría a la educación católica en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, y desarrollar y empoderar a los líderes escolares para apoyar un ambiente católico de verdadera comunión, vitalidad y excelencia”, dijo el Dr. Monroe.

Los numerosos años de experiencia de Ramkissoon como educadora y administradora católica testimonian su compromiso con los ideales y valores de la Iglesia.

“Soy una ferviente creyente en el uso de las enseñanzas del Evangelio en la preparación de nuestros estudiantes para que sean ciudadanos productivos y llenos de fe”, dijo Ramkissoon.

Ramkissoon también está comprometida con la misión de las Escuelas Católicas diocesanas y la construcción de alianzas sólidas entre las partes involucradas.

“Debemos inspirar a los estudiantes a abrazar su fe, tratar a los demás con dignidad y respeto y usar sus talentos para crear un mundo mejor”, dijo. “Para apoyar a las familias, debemos involucrar todos los activos de la Iglesia y abrazar su misión evangelizadora. También debemos inspirar a los maestros para que alcancen su máximo potencial como educadores, mentores y ministros”.

La carrera de Ramkissoon comenzó como maestra de escuela en la Junta de Educación Católica y el Ministerio de Educación en Trinidad y Tobago.

Más tarde se desempeñó como facilitadora del plan de estudios en su distrito escolar, encargada de la capacitación de campo para maestros sobre la implementación de las Bellas Artes en el plan de estudios.

Ramkissoon también pasó dos años en las Islas Turks y Caicos, donde comenzó su pasión por enseñar a estudiantes con dominio limitado del inglés.

Después de tres años en las escuelas de Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Ramkissoon regresó a sus raíces en la educación católica cuando en 2005 se unió a la diócesis como subdirectora de la escuela OLA, la más diversa de la diócesis. Luego

se convertiría en directora en 2008.

Ramkissoon tiene una licenciatura en Inglés, con especialización en Arte Creativo y una maestría en Administración Educativa de la Universidad de West Indies.

Siendo directora de escuela en la diócesis, Ramkissoon ha desarrollado un conjunto de habilidades relevantes para su nuevo puesto, especialmente en el diseño de planes de estudios, uso de técnicas de instrucción, así como capacitación de maestros y evaluación de programas.

Su trabajo siempre se ha esforzado en hacer que la educación católica sea accesible y asequible para todos los que la deseen. Con este fin, implementó proyectos importantes en la educación de Inglés como segundo idioma (ESL), la transición del programa de OLA de PK-5 a PK-8, la adición de un programa de educación especial y proyectos importantes de mejoras escolares en las áreas de instalaciones y tecnología a través de subvenciones.

“Los padres querían que los niños volvieran a un entorno escolar pequeño”, dice Ramkissoon. Ampliar los grados de la escuela intermedia significó que los hermanos pudieran permanecer juntos por más tiempo, lo que preferían muchas familias.

“He aprendido tantas cosas, cómo hacer tantas cosas diferentes, y he cometido algunos errores”, admite Ramkissoon.

“Pero al final, el resultado es un lugar donde los padres se sienten cien por ciento confiados de que sus estudiantes están seguros y se están formando en la enseñanza del Evangelio”.

Ramkissoon y su esposo Dirk son padres de dos hijas adultas, Alexa-Rae y Dani. Es fanática del teatro y las artes, y disfruta de la cocina y los viajes internacionales.

— Catholic News Herald

the youngest of their three daughters Emily, Kathryn, and Sara, relocated to Mooresville last year.

A Massachusetts native, he was drawn from a young age to serving at the altar, as well as singing in the church choir.

When he was a teenager, Deacon McMahon met a deacon for the first time at a FIRE Catholic rally and felt God speaking McMahon to him. However, it wasn’t until 2003, through his conversations with another deacon and much prayer, that he renewed his interest in the diaconate. He continued his discernment and in the fall of 2008, he was accepted into the diaconate program for the Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

He was ordained Oct. 12, 2013, for the Diocese of Fall River by Bishop George W. Coleman. Upon ordination, he was assigned to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Seekonk, Mass. His duties included baptism preparation classes and performing baptisms, helping start a youth group, helping with the diocesan Catholic Leadership Institute, and organizing a Living Stations of the Cross. At the altar, his love for music found him singing the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil.

Deacon McMahon said he looks forward to continuing his ministry to God at St. Mark Parish.

— Deacon John Martino

FRONTERA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

En otra zona del centro las personas recibían una muda nueva de ropa donada, ¡y con una bolsa para llevarla!

En todo momento, con lo que observé, en cada interacción, me di cuenta de todas las gracias y beneficios que recibo y doy por sentados, y también de todas las libertades.

Mi servicio en McAllen no fue nada grandioso. Respondí a la llamada de ayuda. Todo lo que hacía era intentar hacer lo mejor posible las obras corporales de Misericordia. Enseño Catecismo y con frecuencia pido a los adultos de mis clases que nombren las obras corporales de misericordia.

Hacerlas es, en realidad, mucho más desafiante y cambia la vida.

Para mí, servir en el refugio me abrió más que los ojos. ¡Esta vez en McAllen me abrió el corazón! Viajé cómodamente en una aerolínea desde y hacia Charlotte. Me alojaron en un hotel limpio, en una habitación privada. Tenía dinero para elegir lo que quería comer.

Una de mis oraciones frecuentes se ha convertido en “Oh, querido Dios, gracias por todas las bendiciones que Tú me has dado.

Y perdóname si alguna vez soy desagradecida”.

LA HERMANA JUANA PEARSON es coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Salisbury.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FAQ FROM PAGE 3

8. Will parishes still livestream Masses?

Parishes are encouraged to continue offering the option of a livestreamed Mass to help nourish the souls of Catholics who cannot be physically present for Mass.

A list of livestreamed Masses is on www.catholicnewsherald.com and www. charlottediocese.org.

9. Will the general dispensation be reinstated if the pandemic worsens locally?

The diocese continues to monitor the incidence of coronavirus in North Carolina and the effectiveness of our safety protocols.

We will make any adjustments necessary to preserve the health and wellness of everyone in our community.

10. Why are Catholics normally obligated to attend Sunday Mass?

The command to “Remember the sabbath day – keep it holy” comes to us from God’s 10 Commandments to Moses (Ex 20:8-11). The

JUGIS FROM PAGE 3

emboldened to live our faith just as the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, shed their fear and went out with courage to preach the Gospel message “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Pentecost commemorates the birth of the Church and Her mission to the world, and for us marks a rebirth of our own mission as Christ’s disciples.

Effective Pentecost Sunday, May 23, I am lifting the general dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation for those who are not vulnerable to COVID-19, while particular dispensations remain for the sick and vulnerable as parishes transition back to more normal operations.

Details have been shared with pastors and are published online and in this edition of the Catholic News Herald. If you have questions or concerns about

JUGIS VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

los pastores y publicado online y en la presente edición del Catholic News Herald. Si tienen preguntas o inquietudes acerca de su regreso a Misa, los invito a que conversen con su pastor.

Al celebrar la venida del Espíritu Santo en Pentecostés, alégrense y recuerden las palabras de Nuestro Señor: “Yo estaré con ustedes siempre, hasta el final de los tiempos” (Mt 28: 20). De hecho, Dios está con nosotros, siempre presente en

Lord’s Day was moved from Saturday in the Old Testament to Sunday by virtue of Jesus’ Resurrection on this day.

We have a moral obligation to set Sunday apart from every other day of the week to worship God in gratitude and thanksgiving.

In fact, the word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.”

The most salutary way we do this is by participating at Sunday Mass. The Mass – particularly the Holy Eucharist – is the very heart and foundation of our Catholic faith. It is during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that the saving death and resurrection of Jesus are made present to us, our covenant with Our Lord is renewed, and God, in the person of Jesus Christ, comes to us and makes Himself truly present for us in His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. It is an irreplaceable gift, a foretaste of heaven itself.

We know the challenges of the Christian life are great and we need nourishment and community to successfully “run the race” (2 Tim 4:7). Gathering at Mass on Sunday to hear God’s Word and to offer our lives as spiritual worship (Rom 12:1) along with the Body and Blood of the Lord present on the altar are indispensable tools God gives us for our salvation.

Even if you meet the circumstances for being exempted (“dispensed”) from attending Sunday Mass, you can still observe the Lord’s Day. Refrain from unnecessary work and spend time in prayer on Sunday, perhaps reading the Scriptures and meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection. Daily and Sunday Mass readings are online. You can also participate in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass on television or via livestream, and make an Act of Spiritual Communion.

returning to Mass, I encourage you to speak with your pastor.

As we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, take heart and remember the words of Our Lord: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). God is indeed with us – always present in the Eucharist and eager to welcome us back into His Love. Let us make a special effort to do the same by inviting those who do not yet know the love of God to join us.

May the love and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D. Bishop of Charlotte

la Eucaristía y ansioso por recibirnos nuevamente en Su Amor. Hagamos un esfuerzo especial para hacer lo mismo invitando a unirse a nosotros a quienes aún no conocen el amor de Dios.

Que el amor y la paz de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo esté con ustedes y sus familias.

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,

Reverendísmo Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D. Obispo de Charlotte

MARY FROM PAGE 2

says that the birth of the Head is also the birth of the body, thus indicating that Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church,” Pope Francis’ 2018 decree noted. It said these reflections are a result of the “divine motherhood of Mary and from her intimate union in the work of the Redeemer.”

Scripture, the decree said, depicts Mary at the foot of the Cross. There she became the Mother of the Church when she “accepted her Son’s testament of love and welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters to be reborn unto life eternal.”

In 1964, the decree said, St. Paul VI “declared the Blessed Virgin Mary as ‘Mother of the Church, that is to say of all Christian people, the faithful as well as the pastors, who call her the most loving Mother’ and established that ‘the Mother of God should be further honored and invoked by the entire Christian people by this tenderest of titles.’”

What is the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Church?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (487) makes it clear that our beliefs about Mary are all tied to her relationship with

PREGUNTAS VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

Las iglesias pueden mantener una sección de asientos con protocolos de uso de mascarilla y distanciamiento social, dependiendo de las necesidades pastorales.

8. ¿Las parroquias seguirán transmitiendo Misas en vivo?

Se anima a las parroquias a seguir ofreciendo la opción de una Misa transmitida en vivo para ayudar a nutrir las almas de los católicos que no pueden estar físicamente presentes para la Misa.

Consulte nuestra lista de Misas transmitidas en vivo: www.catholicnewsherald.com.

9. ¿Se restablecerá la dispensa general si la pandemia empeora localmente?

La diócesis continúa vigilando la incidencia del Coronavirus en Carolina del Norte y la efectividad de nuestros protocolos de seguridad. Haremos los ajustes necesarios para preservar la salud y el bienestar de todos en nuestra comunidad.

10. ¿Por qué los católicos normalmente están obligados a asistir a la Misa dominical?

El mandamiento de “Acuérdate del día de

the Lord: “What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ.”

The Catechism also states (964-965): “This union of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ’s virginal conception up to his death”; it is made manifest above all at the hour of His Passion: Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. There she stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring with her only begotten Son the intensity of His suffering, joining herself with His sacrifice in her mother’s heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim, born of her: to be given, by the same Christ Jesus dying on the cross, as a mother to His disciple, with these words: “Woman, behold your son.”

After her Son’s Ascension, Mary “aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers.” In her association with the apostles and several women, “we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation.”

St. Paul VI, in “Credo of the People of God,” further explained, “Joined by a close and indissoluble bond to the Mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption, the Blessed Virgin, the Immaculate, was at the end of her earthly life raised body and soul to heavenly glory and likened to her risen Son in anticipation of the future lot of all the just; and we believe that the Blessed Mother of God, the New Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven her maternal role with regard to Christ’s members, cooperating with the birth and growth of divine life in the souls of the redeemed.”

— EWTN, CatholicCulture.org and the Vatican

reposo para santificarlo” nos viene de los Diez Mandamientos de Dios a Moisés (Éx 20: 8-11).

El día del Señor se trasladó del sábado en el Antiguo Testamento al domingo en virtud de la Resurrección de Jesús en este día.

Tenemos la obligación moral de apartar el domingo de cualquier otro día de la semana para adorar a Dios en gratitud y acción de gracias. De hecho, la palabra “Eucaristía” proviene de la palabra griega que significa “acción de gracias”.

La manera más saludable de hacerlo es participando en la Misa dominical. La Misa, en particular la Sagrada Eucaristía, es el corazón y fundamento de nuestra fe católica.

Es durante el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa que se nos hace presente la muerte salvadora y la Resurrección de Jesús, se renueva nuestra alianza con Nuestro Señor. Dios, en la persona de Jesucristo, viene a nosotros y se hace verdaderamente presente en Su Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad. Es un regalo insustituible, un anticipo del cielo mismo.

Sabemos que los desafíos de la vida cristiana son grandes y necesitamos alimento y comunidad para exitosamente “correr la carrera” (2 Timoteo 4: 7). Reunirnos en la Misa el domingo para escuchar la Palabra de Dios y ofrecer nuestras vidas como culto espiritual (Rom 12: 1) junto con el Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor presentes en el altar son herramientas indispensables que Dios nos da para nuestra salvación.

Incluso si cumple con las circunstancias para ser eximido (“dispensado”) de asistir a la Misa dominical, aún puede observar el Día del Señor.

Absténgase del trabajo innecesario y pase tiempo en oración el domingo, quizás leyendo las Escrituras y meditando en la pasión, muerte y Resurrección del Señor. Las lecturas de la Misa diaria y dominical están online. También puede participar en una transmisión de la Misa dominical por televisión o en vivo y realizar un Acto de Comunión Espiritual.

Our nation

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief High court to hear major Mississippi abortion case WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court said in a May 17 order that it will hear oral arguments during its next term on a 2018 Mississippi abortion law banning most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The case is Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The court’s term opens in October and a decision is expected by June 2022. Just after then-Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed the law March 19, 2018, a federal judge blocked it temporarily from taking effect after the state’s only abortion clinic filed suit, saying it is unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the block on the law. In commending Bryant for his signature, the state’s Catholic bishops, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson and Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III of Biloxi, said: “(We) wish to reaffirm the sacredness of human life from conception until natural death.

With Pope St. John Paul II, we recognize abortion as ‘a most serious wound inflicted on society and its culture by the very people who ought to be society’s promoters and defenders.’”

S.C. death penalty now includes electric chair, firing squad WASHINGTON, D.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has signed into law a bill requiring death-row inmates to choose between the electric chair or the firing squad for their executions if lethal injection drugs are not available. The measure, signed by the Republican governor May 14, was touted as a move to restart capital punishment in the state after a 10-year pause due to a lack of lethal injection drugs. Days before it was signed into law, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, a Catholic death penalty opponent, called the measure a “setback for South Carolina” and a move that “stands in stark contrast to powerful efforts elsewhere to abolish the death penalty.”

Brooklyn Diocese reports attacks on crucifix, statue BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Officials in the Brooklyn Diocese said May 17 they will be “notifying our churches to be on alert” to vandalism and hate crimes directed at Catholic church property following two such incidents in about a threeday period. “And we are asking the NYPD to increase patrols in and around the area of our churches,” the diocese said in a statement. Over the weekend of May 15-16, a statue depicting Mary holding Jesus was vandalized outside the diocesan administrative offices in Brooklyn. The child Jesus was decapitated. The diocese said the destruction was discovered by a facilities manager and immediately reported to the New York City Police Department. “The crime is currently being investigated as a hate crime,” it said, adding that the diocese “is already working toward repairing the statue to its original form.”

In the early hours of May 14, Msgr. David Cassato, pastor at St. Athanasius Church in Brooklyn, saw that a crucifix on parish property was toppled and damaged. He called it “truly an act of hatred” and said discovering it was “the saddest day of my 20 years here at this parish.”

— Catholic News Service

23

Washington cardinal leads worldwide rosary for end to COVID-19 pandemic RICHARD SZCZEPANOWSKI CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory led a recitation of rosary May 17, imploring Mary to “entrust to her Son” all those affected by the pandemic.

The rosary took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington as part of a worldwide prayer effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In communion with the Holy Father following the example of the first Christian communities in this time of great trial, we lift up to the Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, unceasing supplications for the end of the pandemic,” Cardinal Gregory prayed at the start of the rosary.

Recitation of the rosary at the national shrine was part of a worldwide marathon of rosaries for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic that was requested by Pope Francis. Each day during May at noon Washington time (6 p.m. at the Vatican) the rosary is prayed from a different Marian shrine around the world.

Pope Francis began the rosary marathon May 1 at the Vatican, and will conclude it there May 31.

The recitation of the rosary was livestreamed from the national shrine on various Vatican social media platforms. In addition, EWTN and other Catholic media outlets broadcast the prayer service.

Several hundred people – wearing face masks and spaced at social distances throughout the shrine’s Great Upper Church – attended the event in person. More than 3,000 others from around the world followed via various internet platforms.

Other Marian shrines that have participated or will participate in the month-long global rosary are those located in Ireland, Belgium, Algeria, Portugal, India, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, France, Turkey, Cuba, Japan, Canada, Malta, Mexico, Ukraine, Germany, Lebanon and Italy.

The overall theme for the worldwide event is “From the entire Church an unceasing prayer rises to God,” and comes from the Acts of the Apostles (12:112) account of how all members of the Church prayed for St. Peter’s miraculous escape from prison.

Each of the participating Marian shrines around the world prays the rosary for a specific prayer intention. The rosary at the National Shrine was offered for “all world leaders and for all heads of international organizations.”

“We entrust into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary the people touched by the pandemic and in particular for all world leaders and for the heads of international organizations, that she may entrust them to her Son,” Cardinal Gregory prayed. “May He hear and grant our petitions.”

Other intentions during the month include for an end to the pandemic, for all of humanity, for all who have died, for the sick, for pharmacists and other healthcare workers, for nurses and doctors and for essential workers.

People pray the rosary May 17 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The rosary, led

by Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, was part of a worldwide effort called by Pope Francis this month to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

CNS | ANDREW BIRAJ, CATHOLIC STANDARD

At the national shrine, the joyful mysteries of the rosary – the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple – were prayed. Each decade was preceded by a reading of the Scriptures pertaining to that mystery.

Prior to the rosary, candles were lit to “represent the 50 states of our nation and the District of Columbia and (to) remind all that we have been called to pray for the end of the pandemic, and in particular at this shrine for all world leaders and for the heads of international organizations,” said Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector of the National Shrine.

“The time of pandemic has deeply affected our lives,” Monsignor Rossi said.

“In this month of May, we gather around the Holy Father, who asks the entire Church, to raise together with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, supplications for the end of this trial.”

After the recitation of the rosary, Monsignor Rossi led people in praying of the “Litany of Loreto,” invoking Our Lady under her various titles, including Mother of Hope, Health of the Sick and Comforter of the Afflicted.

Monsignor Vito Buonanno, the national shrines director of pilgrimages, also led prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, saying, “In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you ... and seek refuge under your protection.”

He asked Mary to “turn your merciful

eyes toward us amid this coronavirus pandemic.”

“Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew,” he prayed.

“Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.”

Prayers also were offered for “those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the front line of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others.”

Prior to departing the national shrine, Cardinal Gregory prayed the Memorare, a prayer seeking the intercession of Mary, asking her to “despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.”

This was the third time the national shrine has participated in an international prayer effort to halt the pandemic. In addition to the May 17 recitation of the rosary and the rededication of the United States to Mary, on May 30 last year, the rosary was prayed there at the same time the pope led the rosary from inside the Vatican Gardens in Rome. That livestream was broadcast around the world.

As of May 17, Johns Hopkins University reported that worldwide more than 163.1 million people have contracted the coronavirus, resulting in nearly 3.4 million deaths. In the United States, about 33 million people have contracted COVID-19, and nearly 600,000 have died from it.

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope appeals for peace in Holy Land, says death of children ‘unacceptable’ CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The injury and death of so many innocent people, especially children, caused by escalating violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip is “terrible and unacceptable,” putting the area at risk of sinking into “a spiral of death and destruction,” Pope Francis said.

The pope launched an appeal for calm and asked leaders of both sides “to put a stop to the roar of weapons and to follow the paths of peace, even with the help of the international community,” he said May 16 after reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer with hundreds of people in St. Peter’s Square.

“Many people have been injured and many innocent people have died. Among them are even children, and this is terrible and unacceptable. Their death is a sign that one does not want to build the future, but wants to destroy it,” he said.

The growing hatred and violence in different cities in Israel “is a serious wound to fraternity and to peaceful coexistence among citizens, which will be difficult to heal if we do not open immediately to dialogue,” the pope said, asking, “Where will hatred and vengeance lead? Do we really think we can build peace by destroying the other?”

The pope appealed for calm, a cease-fire and constant prayers so that “Israelis and Palestinians may find the path of dialogue and forgiveness, to be patient builders of peace and justice, opening up, step by step, to a common hope, to a coexistence among brothers and sisters.”

He then led those gathered in the square in praying the Hail Mary for the victims, the children and for peace.

Meanwhile, the head of the Vatican’s press office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that Pope Francis spoke over the

CNS | MOHAMMED SALEM, REUTERS

Palestinian Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, is treated by a medic at a hospital after being pulled from the rubble of a building during Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City May 16. telephone May 17 with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

While the Vatican did not comment on the content of the conversation, the Turkish communications department said the two leaders discussed the ongoing attacks.

According to a written statement reported by Andalou Agency, Erdogan said Israel’s attacks were an atrocity and that the latest violations were putting regional security in

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danger.

Pope Francis’ appeal May 16 came as Israel escalated its assault on Gaza and it also faced growing civil unrest in its mixed Jewish-Arab cities.

Jewish mobs had destroyed Arab property, and Arab mobs attacked Jewish businesses and burned synagogues, with attempted lynchings on both sides over the past week.

The violence between Israel and Hamas was at its worst since the 2014 Gaza War with Israeli airstrikes and hundreds of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip killing at least 145 Palestinians and 10 Israelis, according to Reuters May 16. Efforts by the international community were underway to broker a cease-fire.

In a May 13 statement, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace also called on Israelis and Palestinians to end the violence in Jerusalem and Gaza that has claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds of people injured.

“The maiming and killing of one’s neighbor only serves to demonize one’s adversary and deepen passions that divide and destroy,” Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Ill., said in a statement released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In calling for peace between Israel and the Islamic political party Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, Bishop Malloy cited the earlier words of Pope Francis, who on May 9 also expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem.

“I invite everyone to seek shared solutions so that the multireligious and multicultural identity of the Holy City is respected and fraternity prevails,” the pope said then.

“Violence begets violence. Enough with the clashes.”

He also said bishops were “saddened that simmering tensions erupted into violence in the Holy Land.”

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In Brief Being a catechist is a vocation, pope says in establishing formal ministry VATICAN CITY — Calling for formal recognition of “those lay men and women who feel called by virtue of their baptism to cooperate in the work of catechesis,” Pope Francis has instituted the “ministry of catechist.” “The Spirit is calling men and women to set out and encounter all those who are waiting to discover the beauty, goodness and truth of the Christian faith,” the pope wrote in “Antiquum Ministerium” (“Ancient Ministry”), his document released at the Vatican May 11.

Pastors must support laypeople in answering the Holy Spirit’s call and “enrich the life of the Christian community through the recognition of lay ministries capable of contributing to the transformation of society through the ‘penetration of Christian values into the social, political and economic sectors,’” the pope said, quoting what he had written about the vocation of laypeople in his 2013 document, “The Joy of the Gospel.” Bishops’ conferences will need to determine the “process of formation and the normative criteria for admission to this ministry” and devise “the most appropriate forms for the service which these men and women will be called to exercise,” the pope said.

Pope thanks healthcare workers, urges equal access to care VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for all those who are committed

to caring for the sick and supporting those in great need. “All of us are grateful in these days to those working tirelessly to combat the pandemic, which continues to claim many lives, yet at the same time has represented a challenge to our sense of solidarity and authentic fraternity,” he said in a video message to an online conference on health care May 8. “For this reason, concern for the centrality of the human person also demands reflection on models of health care that are accessible to all the sick, without disparity,” he said. The pope’s message in Italian helped close a three-day virtual conference featuring more than 100 speakers presenting the latest advancements in medicine and innovative ways to deliver health care as well as discussing their theological, ethical and cultural impacts. Titled, “Exploring the Mind, Body and Soul – Unite to Prevent and Unite to Cure,” it was the fifth healthcare conference organized jointly by the Pontifical Council for Culture, its Science and Faith Foundation and the New York-based Cura Foundation and Stem for Life Foundation.

World Youth Day guidelines emphasize diocesan celebrations VATICAN CITY — The annual diocesan celebration of World Youth Day is an important event that emphasizes the role young people play in the Church, the Vatican said. In a document published by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life May 18, the Vatican issued a set of pastoral guidelines for local WYD celebrations “to ensure that younger generations feel that they are at the center of the Church’s attention and pastoral concern.

The celebration of these youth days at a local level is therefore extremely useful in keeping the Church mindful of the importance of walking with young people and of welcoming them and listening to them with patience while proclaiming the word of God to them with affection and power,” it stated. The document

was signed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, dicastery prefect, and Schonstatt Father Alexandre Awi Mello, dicastery secretary. Divided into six chapters, it said local celebrations offer young people “a personal experience of a ‘festival of faith,’” which is especially important for those who cannot attend the international event “because of studies, work or financial difficulties.” World Youth Day is celebrated annually on a local level and every two or three years with an international gathering with the pope. In November, Pope Francis moved the local celebrations of World Youth Day from Palm Sunday to the feast of Christ the King.

Keep focused on peace, unity, pope tells Myanmar Catholics VATICAN CITY — Celebrating a Mass for peace in Myanmar, Pope Francis urged the country’s Catholics to “keep the faith. To keep the faith is to keep our gaze lifted up to heaven, as here on earth, battles are fought and innocent blood is shed,” he said at the Mass May 16. “To keep the faith is to refuse to yield to the logic of hatred and vengeance, but to keep our gaze fixed on the God of love, who calls us to be brothers and sisters to one another.” Pope Francis had invited Catholics from Myanmar living in Rome to the Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. The congregation included about 100 women religious and about 70 priests and seminarians studying in Rome or working at the headquarters of their religious orders. Father Bosco Mung Sawng, a priest from Myanmar studying at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, spoke on their behalf at the end of the liturgy, thanking Pope Francis and telling him, “This Mass is a great occasion for healing, not only for those of us here, but for the thousands of Catholics in Myanmar and for the Myanmar diaspora throughout the world. Myanmar is now in God’s hands. Our tears, our bitter discouragement (and) our shattered peace, call for divine intervention,” he said.

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Pope: The Church and the world need Catholic Scouts VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis told a group of young women and men that as Catholic Scouts they have a “noble mission” to witness to the Gospel with their faith, service and care of creation. The French Scouts, with their commitment to helping others, are also “called to work for a more ‘outgoing’ Church and for a more human world,” the pope told the young people May 14 at a Vatican meeting celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the French national organization for Catholic scouting. “I urge you to be both dynamic Christians and faithful scouts,” he told them. In a world where interpersonal relationships seem to be difficult and where young people seem to lack “trustworthy role models,” he said, scouting helps. Scouting has been “a sign of encouragement to young people, because it invites them to dream and to act, to have the courage to look to the future with hope.”

Pope: Welcoming migrants is opportunity for growth VATICAN CITY — As countries become more culturally and ethnically diverse, their Catholic communities become more “catholic” and their societies can increasingly reflect the fact that all people are brothers and sisters, Pope Francis said. “In encountering the diversity of foreigners, migrants and refugees, and in the intercultural dialogue that can emerge from this encounter, we have an opportunity to grow as Church and to enrich one another,” the pope wrote in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be marked Sept. 26 in most countries.

“All the baptized, wherever they find themselves, are by right members of both their local ecclesial community and the one Church, dwellers in one home and part of one family,” the pope wrote in the message, released May 6 at the Vatican.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Deacon Matthew Newsome

W

Why it matters that you’re at Mass

ith restrictions on public gatherings lessening across the country, many Catholic dioceses are beginning to reinstate the obligation for the faithful to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days. But will Catholics come back?

While many eagerly returned to Mass as soon as public liturgies were available, some have delayed their return (at least until they are vaccinated) out of concern for their health. Still others have stayed home because they’ve grown accustomed to online worship, preferring to dial in to their favorite priest. And sadly, many have fallen away from Sunday worship entirely. This presents an opportunity for us to ask the question: Why does it matter if we’re at Mass?

The Sunday obligation has its roots in the Jewish observance of the Sabbath, itself rooted in God’s rest on the seventh day of creation, which He blessed and made holy (Gen 2:3). Sabbath observance has always included both rest and worship. Even before the establishment of the Ten Commandments, God instructed Moses to demand Pharaoh, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast for me in the wilderness” (Ex 5:1). Every seven days that Pharaoh refused to allow the Hebrews to worship God, a new plague was visited upon Egypt until the Jewish people were finally liberated at the first Passover. Once freed from their slavery, God gave His people the Ten Commandments; the first being to worship God alone, and the second to “remember the sabbath day and keep it holy” (Ex 20:8).

The early Church observed the Sabbath by gathering to break bread (celebrate the Eucharist) on “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2).

Sunday became the Lord’s Day (Rev 10:1), the day Christ rose from the dead and the first day of a new creation.

The rhythm of life for God’s people has thus always centered around a weekly day of rest and worship.

This is for our good. God doesn’t need our worship, after all, but we need to worship Him. “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath” (Mk 2:27). It is a weekly reminder that we are not made for toil but for relationship with God. Therefore it is “right and just” (to quote from the Roman Missal) that we pause from the work of serving our human masters to engage in the work of serving our Divine Master.

But do we need to congregate in

a church to do this? Can’t we give God praise at home? It’s true, the obligation for Christians to gather for corporate worship on Sundays is serious, but not absolute.

Church law recognizes that participation in Sunday Mass may sometimes be impossible “for grave (serious) reasons” in which case there would be no sin in missing it. Such reasons would include the unavailability of a priest, a physical inability to travel to church, illness, or the care of those who are ill. In these cases the Church recommends we “spend an appropriate time in prayer, whether personally or as a family” (1248).

So if it’s possible to keep the Lord’s Day privately, why does it matter if we participate in corporate worship at Mass? It has to do with that word “corporate,” from the Latin corpus meaning “body.”

By baptism we are incorporated (there’s that word again) into the Body of Christ. To call the Church the Body of Christ is not to speak metaphorically: it’s a sacramental reality. The Church extends the incarnation of God in Christ through space and time. St. Paul writes, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it” (1 Cor 12:27).

Therefore, it is fitting that we gather to worship as a body, especially on the Lord’s Day. The Body needs its members. When part of the Body is missing, the Body suffers.

Watching a livestreamed liturgy is akin to speaking to a distant loved one on the phone. You’re glad to be able to do it, but it’s not the same as giving them a hug. God left us His Real Presence – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – in the Eucharist so that we could commune with Him in both body and spirit. The Second Vatican Council speaks of the importance of Christians participating in the Eucharist intelligently, devoutly and actively as a means of sharing in Christ’s eternal sacrifice. “Offering the spotless victim not only at the priest’s hands, but also, themselves, offering it together with him, they should learn to make the oblation of themselves. Day by day through Christ the Mediator, they should grow into an ever more perfect unity with God and one another, until at last God becomes all things in all of them” (“Sacrosanctum Concilium,” 48).

St. Paul speaks of Christ being all in MASS, SEE PAGE 27

Kelly Henson

How can Latin Mass be enchanting?

W

hen was the last time you felt enchanted by the Mass? I don’t mean enchantment as a trick or illusion, but in a sense more closely aligned with the Latin from which the word is derived: “incantare,” an entrance into the heart of the music.

I’ll be honest, usually I have a toddler or two using me as a personal jungle gym during Mass, so sustained meditation often alludes me. Yet, as much as I love the familiarity and accessibility of the English Mass, I have come to appreciate deeply the beauty and mystery of the traditional Latin Mass. Perhaps it’s because it reminds me of poetry.

Surprise and disappointment was a common first reaction among my firstyear classical literature students. It never occurred to teens that most formal literature was composed, recited, passed down and eventually transcribed in verse. In the Western Hemisphere, prose writing as we recognize it today only became common in the past 400 years or so.

Now, the ability to write down imaginative or factual ideas in verse is not only a rare skill but an undesired one. Virtues of today are efficiency, brevity and clarity in writing. An unwilling consumer of poetry fears that he is likely to be confused by a string of words that is obscure, long or archaic.

Many perceive poetry as inaccessible, but those who take the time to access it find it can evoke an emotional and intellectual response beyond what prose alone can (usually) effect.

Poetry may be approached on several levels.

One can just love the rhythm and rhyme of a poem without particularly examining the precise meaning of every word. We do this frequently with song lyrics. Beauty entrances us, even when we cannot entirely understand its parts. When we slow down and enter into the agile turns of phrase and meter within a poem, new treasures of meaning and emotion await us. The engagement of the intellect serves a deeper purpose than mental gymnastics. We become vulnerable in the act of seeking understanding, and we encounter the theme of the poem in an individual way. A poem weaves images that evoke a personal response, bringing our own past and personality to grapple or to meld with the truths we find within the verse.

I find many parallels in my experiences of poetry and the traditional Latin Mass.

A couple decades ago, I was fairly sure this ancient form of worship was not for me. How could a dead language ever feel like home? How could I participate when I was struggling to understand the words and the emphasis was not on hearing everything the priest said and responding with my voice?

Gradual exposure and openness have changed my opinion.

Initially, as a choir member, I learned to love the rhythm and beauty of the sung Latin Mass. My children respond enthusiastically at this level as well. I didn’t understand all the parts or all the words, but I began to see the celebrant and servers in his wake moved reverently in a pattern that represented what

was happening in the Mass. The plain chant and polyphony lifted my heart in a way that pulled me out of myself and into prayer.

There’s a reason that movie music draws from these old, liturgical styles of music when a film score seeks to elevate a small character to a hero or a tragedy to a memorial. This way of singing and praying (since the words are nearly all derived from Scripture) reminded me that the veil between heaven and earth is thinner than we think and that God wants to draw us up towards Himself.

As I learned to navigate a missal and read along with the translations of the psalms and prayers, I found new depths to plumb. The language was richer and introduced more nuanced Biblical examples than I had been used to in the straightforward English Mass.

Layers of history, mission, connection and calling all pointed to the Person of Christ, made present in the Holy Eucharist so He could encounter each of us. This textured approach to worship challenged me to see my own small part in salvation history as meaningful and necessary.

After several month of attending Latin Mass, I no longer felt like a disconnected member of an audience watching an intricate and foreign ritual. The Latin words became familiar. Each shift in the chant became a harbinger of a new liturgical season and mood. Most importantly, I felt that with fewer demands on my outward participation, I could readily weave in and out of personal conversation with Jesus as the movement of the Mass carried my heart along its currents.

The height of prayer is contemplation, and the atmosphere of a Latin Mass makes room for that quiet, personal gaze between us and Christ to exist.

Poetry is not merely a game for intellectual elites or romantics. Similarly, Latin Mass is not an irrelevant relic treasured by obscurists. Perhaps not everyone will learn to prefer either. Yet I think there is more to be discovered about God and oneself through them than we may admit.

We are challenged to bring our whole selves to encounter this form of beauty because there is enough freedom to support our interior movement and conversation – and enough substance to call us to greater beauty, insight and self-gift than we may have chosen for ourselves.

I have traveled to Latin Mass communities in our diocese and in other states. Every time I have found a warm community full of people of all ages, but especially surging with active young families, engaged teens and reverent young adults. There are arguments to be made for trying the Latin Mass from the perspectives of history, liturgical development, theology, aesthetics and more, but my appeal is that there is something there to enchant everyone, if only you open your heart.

KELLY HENSON is a Catholic writer and speaker who explores the art of integrating faith into daily life. She and her family are parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro. She blogs at www.kellyjhenson.com.

May 21, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Kathryn Evans

A good read about Mary: ‘The Reed of God’

O

ne of my favorite books for meditating on Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary is Caryll Houselander’s “The Reed of God.” I was introduced to this book just a few years ago and it has since become one that I return to quite often for contemplation.

Houselander’s prose writing is as lyrical as her poetry, which is also sprinkled throughout the book, and makes for a beautifully slow and contemplative read.

The rhythms of the writing invite one to frequently pause and reflect; and the intimacy and depth of the ideas bring an immediacy and relatable quality to those reflections.

The aspects of Our Lady’s life that Houselander focuses on in this slim volume are simple ones, yet profound in the context of Divine Revelation. The simplicity of a young girl giving her “yes” to God, which on the surface meant only continuing to lead the ordinary life that she was already set to lead: to be married to a good man, to work in the home and to care for her family. Yet that “yes” changed the course of human history. The simple agreement to bear a child and to live the everyday life of a mother brought God Himself to humanity.

God did not even ask her to separate herself from the world as He came to dwell within her. As Houselander says, “No, He asked for her ordinary life shared with Joseph. She was not to neglect her simple human tenderness, her love for an earthly man, because God was her unborn child.”

The Blessed Virgin is the most beloved of all God’s creatures, given the supreme task of bearing Christ into the world, and that task primarily meant living the simplest and humblest of human lives.

Of course, not everyone is called to such lives of simplicity the way that Our Lady was. Some are called to be great leaders, reforming the world and bringing it back into alignment with God’s will. Some are called to go out like the Apostles, preaching with words and teaching the uninitiated.

Some are called to the priesthood or religious life, giving themselves entirely to God. These are perhaps the callings that we think of most often when we think of vocations, but by their very nature they cannot be the universal expectations. We need families, good mothers and fathers, to raise up great leaders, holy priests and faithful religious. St. Paul reminds us, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’ ” (1 Cor 12:21). All the members of the body are important; none is less

‘What if we talked to Mary in our prayers as if she truly were our mother?

Because she is.’

valuable than the others. And the humble life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she whom we also refer to as Queen of Heaven and Earth, is an important reminder that the greatest vocation is the one to which we are personally called. There is no small task in life, if it is the task that God asks of us.

Our Lady was asked by God to be a mother, and it is a role she continues to this day. Something I have deeply loved when reading about the various apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary – such as at Lourdes and Fatima – is how her demeanor is described: always very beautiful, but also radiating a maternal compassion towards the visionaries and speaking lovingly of all of us as her children.

One of my favorite accounts is when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared at Kibeho in Rwanda in the early 1980s. In her book “Our Lady of Kibeho,” Immaculée Ilibagiza relates the casual and relaxed tone which the visionaries would fall into when conversing with the Blessed Mother. She says of one of the visionaries, “She chatted with the Queen of Heaven as breezily as if she were sitting at a kitchen table gossiping with a favorite aunt.” What if we were all to converse with Mary this way? Bringing to her our troubles and concerns, but also our joys and amusements. What if we talked to her in our prayers as if she truly were our mother? Because she is. It might be difficult to imagine, depending on the relationships we have with our earthly mothers, but Mary loves each of us as her children and wants to hear us, console us and take our prayers to Jesus.

We might be tempted to hold her at a distance, thinking only of her supreme purity and perfection, but we must never forget that Our Lady was still human. She experienced hardship and grief just as we all do. In reflecting on the three days that Jesus was lost as a child, and why Mary had to undergo such a trial and loss, Houselander says, “Mary, being one with Him, would not be exempt from any human experience: she did not live the perfect Christ-life in privileged circumstances or ask for exemptions from the common lot.”

As we all experience times when we feel God is far away and has abandoned us, even Our Lady knew that pain and ache as she spent those three days searching for Jesus. In her earthly life, she experienced poverty, exile and heartache. The piercing of her heart was foretold when Christ was still so newly born and she herself was not much more than a young girl. She understands the trials of our own lives.

The relational quality of our faith is such a beautiful thing. We call God our Father, we call each other brothers and sisters, and we call Mary our mother; and because of God’s love for us these are all true statements. Let us always remember to turn to our Blessed Mother, to ask for her prayers, to seek her consolation and to remember her great love for us all.

KATHRYN EVANS is an author living in Salisbury, 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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MASS FROM PAGE 26

all in reference to how our life is hidden with Christ in baptism (Col 3:1-11). He speaks of God being all in all as everything is subjected to Christ (1 Cor 15:28). This is the mystical reality that is made manifest at every Mass. We who are incorporated by the Spirit into the Body of Christ offer to God the Father the Eucharistic Body of Christ at the hands of the priest who acts in the person of Christ, who is head of the Body. It’s all an action of Christ.

verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

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The Eucharistic liturgy is truly nothing less than the Son’s perfect self offering to the Father through the Spirit; an act of divine worship in which we are able to participate by God’s grace.

That makes the Mass the closest thing on earth to heaven. It is the wedding supper of the Lamb, to which we have been invited. Let’s not linger outside, watching through the windows, when we are able to enter and partake of the feast.

DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 21, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD