Nov. 25, 2022

At a glance

things you need to know this week

REMEMBER, ‘EUCHARIST’ MEANS THANKSGIVING

Carry the spirit of Thanksgiving into the new year and beyond by showing gratitude for our greatest gift: Jesus in the Eucharist. In addition to Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, another way to do this is getting involved with the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative sponsored by the bishops of the United States to form, heal and unite the people of God through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the Greek word for thanksgiving. Find out more at www.eucharisticrevival.org

ENJOY PRAYER AND SCONES ON ST. ANDREW’S DAY

To honor the Nov. 30 Feast of St. Andrew – apostle, martyr and patron saint of Scotland – begin the traditional St. Andrew Christmas Novena found at www.christmasnovena.com and make Scottish scones such as the ones found at catholiccuisine.blogspot. com/2010/11/scones-for-st-andrews-day.html.

MAKE A MARY CANDLE

Celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Dec. 8 by setting out a Mary candle or by creating one. Use a white pillar candle and decorate it with symbols of Christ. For the remainder of Advent, cover the candle with a white cloth or lace to represent Mary and her purity. On Christmas Day, remove the cloth to reveal Christ, the light of the world. Light the candle throughout the Christmas season.

START SEASON 3 OF ‘THE CHOSEN’

If you aren’t able to make it to the theatrical premiere of “The Chosen” Season 3 by Dec. 1, be not afraid.

The episodes will be on the show’s streaming platform, www.angel.com, on Dec. 11.

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This season’s theme is based on Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” In it, Jesus gives a sermon that turns the world upside down, and all 12 disciples are ready to follow Him to the ends of the earth.

Diocesan calendar of events

ENTERTAINMENT

TROUBADOURS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Celebrate Christmastide with seasonal music from a variety of local artists performing in the historic Carolina Theatre. Stay for a dessert reception followed by a screening of Disney’s 2009 film “A Christmas Carol.” Sponsored by local businesses and churches, including St. Pius X Church, the concert benefits the work of Room At The Inn, a Catholic maternity home in Greensboro. To reserve seats, visit www.troubadourconcert.com.

SACRED MUSIC CONCERT FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS : 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road E., Charlotte. Performing at the concert will be the Cathedral Choir, Children’s Choir and High School Choir. The choirs will sing the “Magnificat in C major” by Benedikt Anton Aufschnaiter and works by Guerrero, Michael Haydn, Buxtehude and Casals. This concert is free, and all are welcome to attend.

‘VENITE ADOREMUS’: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. Join us for a meditation on the Eucharist with poetry, prayer and music. This is a perfect event to bring family and friends together in Advent-tide.

LECTURES

DEMENTIA EDUCATIONAL SERIES 10-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, virtually and in person at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. The series will cover general information about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, plus information on caregiving and effective communication strategies. For virtual registration, visit https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ skIaEsFQTR6hEeNGwFiXIQ. To register to attend at St. Matthew, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ ccdoc.org.

PRAYER SERVICES

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: After the 9 a.m. Mass every third Sunday at the Mother Teresa Pro-Life Memorial, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte.

LEAVE OUT YOUR SHOES FOR

ST. NICHOLAS ON DEC. 5

The patron saint of children, St. Nicholas is one of the most popular in the Church. In a custom that originated hundreds of years ago in Europe, children put out their shoes by their bedroom door, a window or the hearth on the eve of the Dec. 6 Feast of St. Nicholas. The shoes are then filled with candy, fruit and small gifts. Some children leave hay or carrots for the saint’s donkey to eat. For more: www.catholicicing.com/st-nicholas-day-shoe-stuffingideas

HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST LUKE MISSION (UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) : Divine Liturgy (Mass) is offered Sundays at 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. For details, email ucmcanton@gmail.com.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

PROTECTING CHILDREN: Protecting God’s Children (Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios) workshops educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register for online training, go to www.virtus.org. Upcoming workshops:

CHARLOTTE: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road (Sección en español)

SWANNANOA: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrews Pl.

BOONVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, Divine Redeemer Church, 209 Lon Ave. (Sección en español)

Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis:

DEC. 1 – 1 P.M.

Priests’ Advent Dinner

Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

DEC. 7 – 12 P.M.

Foundation Board Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte DEC. 9 – 6 P.M.

Advent Reception for Deacons and their Wives

St. Patrick Cathedral Family Life Center, Charlotte

— Annie Ferguson

The first Thanksgiving Mass in the New World

Thanksgiving honors the pilgrims and Native Americans who came together for a feast in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in 1621, to thank God for the abundance of crops.

However, did you know that 56 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, the first Thanksgiving Mass was offered in St. Augustine, Fla.?

As soon as the Spanish fleet landed in the New World, before anything else, they offered a Mass of thanksgiving on Sept. 8, 1565.

A rustic altar that still stands in the “Nombre de Dios” Mission recalls the Mass offered by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, diocesan priest and captain of the Spanish fleet. The Mass was attended by the founder of the city, Admiral Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, settlers, soldiers and the native Timucuan people.

Historian John Gilmary Shea asserts that the Mass was celebrated “to sanctify the earth and receive the blessings of heaven before taking the first step in building human habitation.”

At the end of the Mass, the Spanish soldiers stripped off their armor, the Indigenous Peoples their arrows, and both groups

Daily Scripture readings

NOV. 27-DEC. 3

Sunday (First Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44; Monday: Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Thursday: Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday: Isaiah 29:1724, Matthew 9:27-31; Saturday (St. Francis Xavier): Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

shared food.

The Spanish are believed to have contributed garlic stew with pork, chickpeas and olive oil, and the natives contributed wild turkey, fish, shellfish, squash, beans and fruit.

Currently in the mission stands the National Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Leche and Good Birth, a devotion brought from Spain in 1603.

According to the local historian Raphael Cosme, “The Spanish Thanksgiving Day tradition continued and spread throughout the missions of Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana” until 1763, when Spanish residents of St. Augustine left to the island of Cuba and other territories dominated by the Spanish crown.

— Catholic News Herald

Darkness, desolation invite people to draw closer to God

Moments of difficulty and desolation are opportunities for praying, drawing closer to Jesus and discerning the right path, Pope Francis said. “The spiritual state we call desolation can be an occasion for growth,” the pope said Nov. 16 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

“Indeed, if there is not a little dissatisfaction, healthy sadness, a healthy capacity to dwell in solitude ... we risk always remaining on the surface of things and never making contact with the center of our existence,” he said. “Desolation causes a ‘rousing of the soul,’ it keeps us alert, it fosters vigilance and humility, and protects us from the winds of fancy,” he said.

The pope said the dark, sad moments challenge complacency, prompt people to appreciate God’s graces and act as an incentive to grow in one’s spiritual life by drawing closer to Jesus. “For many saints, restlessness was a decisive impetus to turn their lives around,” he said. But, he said, when someone lives in a world of “perfect” and “artificial serenity” where they ignore or do not try to understand their true feelings, they will be “indifferent to the sufferings of others and incapable of accepting our own. Important choices come at a price,” the pope said, but it is “a price that is within reach of everyone.”

Also online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Did you know that Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, has a direct connection to the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Mass.?

It is a price paid with prayer, discernment and the effort of coming to a decision. Paying the price of making a decision is also needed “to get out of a state of indifference, which always drags us down,” he added. Experiencing desolation is an invitation to no longer take for granted the people in one’s life, he said, but rather to deepen those relationships, including with God.

DEC. 4-10

Sunday (Second Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12; Monday: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:1726; Tuesday (St. Nicholas): Isaiah 40:111, Matthew 18:12-14; Wednesday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:2830; Thursday (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Friday (St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin): Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-16; Saturday (Our Lady of Loreto): Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

DEC. 11-17

Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11; Monday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:26-38; Tuesday (St. Lucy): Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13, Matthew 21:28-32; Wednesday (St. John of the Cross): Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25, Luke 7:18b-23; Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-10, Luke 7:2430; Friday: Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8, John 5:33-36; Saturday: Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Matthew 1:1-17

“Let us think of our childhood,” he suggested. “As children often we look for our parents to obtain something from them, a toy, some money to buy an ice cream, permission.” Often people’s prayers also are like that – simply requests for favors without any real interest in Jesus, Pope Francis said. “It may seem strange, unreal, to ask the Lord, ‘How are you?’” the pope said. But “instead, it is a beautiful way to enter into a true, sincere relationship, with His humanity, with His suffering, even with His singular solitude.” It is good to learn to be with the Lord “without ulterior motives, exactly as it happens with people we care for: We wish to know them more and more, because it is good to be with them,” he said.

Don’t be discouraged by difficulties and “don’t be afraid of desolation,” he said. Move forward with perseverance, “seeking to find Christ’s heart, to find the Lord and the answer will come.”

Pope Francis

PROVIDED BY STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA/FLORIDA MEMORY

Our diocese

On Giving Tuesday, consider supporting Catholic causes

CHARLOTTE — As Advent quickly approaches, so does a day of great generosity. Save some money after shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give back to Catholic-related charitable efforts on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Giving Tuesday.” Catholics can focus their charitable giving on this day in numerous ways.

Campaigns such as #iGiveCatholic, originally launched in 2015 as a 24hour fundraiser to benefit the Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, have grown into a broader social media movement that resonates with people who want to combat the commercialization and consumerism that have attempted to overtake the true meaning of Christmas.

There are several local Catholic-related charitable efforts you can consider giving to this season, including Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. Thanks to your support, Catholic Charities helped almost 15,000 participants of all ages across the 46 counties in the diocese last year through more than a dozen services and programs to strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty – including food pantries, mental health counseling and veteran services. Find ways to help and donate to Catholic Charities at www.ccdoc.org/donate.

Another option to consider is St. Joseph College Seminary. This year the seminary is raising funds for a new vehicle.

“Our old bus is falling apart, and we do not want to continue putting the whole seminary on the same vehicle in case something bad happens,” said Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 for a new vehicle, an eight-seater Suburban.”

This year, St. Joseph College Seminary has 49 young men in formation, the most in its history.

Needing the vehicle to travel frequently throughout the diocese, the seminarians are hoping to meet their goal on Giving Tuesday to continue with their formation and apostolic activities. To donate, visit www.stjcs.org/donation.

Another option is the Airport Chaplaincy at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While the chaplaincy is nondenominational in its mission to serve airport travelers and employees, deacons of the diocese are closely involved in its work. The ministry has organized nearly 300 Masses and prayer services, ministered to 1,375 visitors and prayed hundreds of prayer requests from employees and travelers this year. Chaplains volunteered more than 2,600 hours ministering to people who travel and work at the airport, one of the nation’s busiest, and their work has been especially crucial in response to the economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Consider donating to this ministry by going online to www. cltairportchapel.org.

For more opportunities to “give Catholic” on Giving Tuesday, visit www. charlottediocese.org/development/waysto-give.

— Kimberly Bender

Thanksgiving prose from the penitentiary

S.C. inmates pen words of gratitude to Catholic Charities

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Amy Loesch received a letter in February that came stamped with an all-caps warning: “THE CHEROKEE COUNTY DENTENTION CENTER HAS NEITHER CENSORED NOR INSPECTED THIS ITEM. THEREFORE, THIS FACILITY DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS.” There was no telling what was inside.

What she found was indeed striking and something she’ll never forget. As chief of staff at Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, all kinds of letters addressed to the organization land on her desk. In this one, she found poignant prose thanking Catholic Charities for the Bible she sent:

“I am a detainee … and have been for 20 months waiting on a court date. I have been sharing my Bible with my roommate that he had gotten from your charity. It was very nice, by the way. He loved that Bible, and it got us through some tough times. Unfortunately, he went home a few days ago and took it with him. That Bible was special to him, as it should be. I would like to have one also if any way possible. One I can keep forever and call my own. I would love to have one. I also want to thank you for all you are doing. You are touching many lives out here I promise. God is good. Special thanks to everyone at Catholic Charities.”

What started as one simple request for a Bible has grown. Loesch has received 22 more letters like this one from inmates in the Gaffney, South Carolina, detention center, about 50 miles southwest of Charlotte. In the letters, the inmates share their desires to improve their lives and increase their faith. One man requested a Bible with a pink cover to give his daughter when he is released.

“It’s just so heartwarming and beautiful and deep,” Loesch said, her voice catching with emotion. “They are the sweetest, most honest, and real letters. It’ll make your day, and make you say, ‘This is why we work for Catholic Charities.’ This is what we do. We help the most vulnerable people. These men are at their lowest hour.”

WAYWARD SOULS SEEKING HELP

In some of the letters, the inmates say they are Christian. Loesch said one asked the people at Catholic Charities to pray for him because he didn’t want to return to the life of drugs that had led him there.

Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller says the Bibles do make a difference, and that some of the inmates spend more time

reading and studying the Bible and less time getting into trouble.

“The staff and inmates missed the churches doing ministry inside the detention center during Covid-19,” Sheriff Mueller said. “It has been refreshing to resume ministry in the detention center after dealing with Covid-19 for two-plus years.”

“We are thankful,” he added, “for all the churches who engage our inmates in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Many of the inmates come into the facility with little hope, and the churches who engage our inmates with ministry, care packages and Bibles help provide hope for the inmates. It shows the inmates people care, and it just might be the one thing they need to spark a turnaround in their lives.”

The letters from the men confirm that the Bibles bring about positive change. Another one reads:

“A lot of people here are Christian people that are going through tough times and are at a crossroads in their lives looking for some support and direction. I personally believe that you are helping people in choosing the right path. People are getting these Bibles in their darkest hours and at a pivotal moment when they need someone most, and I thank you for your services. These men have God in their

hearts, but you have found a way to remind them that He is still with us, and we will never be alone. Thank You. God Bless!”

SENDING LIFELINES IN A DARK HOUR

The Bible outreach cropped up outside of the diocese’s regular ministry to those incarcerated in some 67 detention centers across the western half of North Carolina.

Through Prison Ministries, led by Deacon James Witulski, inmates can regularly attend Mass, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, study the Scriptures, get to know their faith better, learn how to pray, meditate and contemplate, and have personal contact with the Church among many other benefits.

In the quiet hours, the Gaffney inmates enjoy time with God’s Word, which is there for them when others can’t be. Loesch said she will be sending Bibles in bulk to the detention center, making copies available as soon as the men request them.

“It was odd when that first letter got here. It wasn’t expected and then a second one came, and you realize they’re talking to each other, and they’re sharing their Bibles, so I think it’s cool,” she said. “It’s a really neat thing that they’re doing, and I’ll treasure receiving the letters for many years to come.”

Loesch

National Retired Religious Fund second collection provides critical support for our senior religious

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Without support from the faithful, thousands of consecrated religious seniors will lack resources for health care and other needs in retirement. The Diocese of Charlotte hopes to help bridge the gap with its participation in the Church’s annual Retirement Fund for Religious second collection, slated for Dec. 10-11.

in western North Carolina and gave of themselves, not for financial gain, but to selflessly serve the faithful and our community,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, in an appeal letter to the faithful.

The U.S. bishops started the collection in 1988 to address a significant lack of retirement funding among U.S. religious orders. Distinct from retired priest collections that dioceses must pay for the care of their retired diocesan priests, this annual collection benefits eligible religious orders to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses for nearly 25,000 aging religious.

Parishioners celebrate six African American Catholics on path to sainthood

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Praise, thanksgiving, personal testimonies and choral performances that “took the audience to church” were hallmarks of a Catholic cultural event that recently brought parishioners young and old, and of many races, together in fellowship at the MACS Fine Arts Center.

Our Lady of Consolation Church, a historically Black parish in Charlotte, hosted the Nov. 19 event as a tribute to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary this year and to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to the Church during Black Catholic History Month in November.

While the Church celebrates many Black saints worldwide, this was an opportunity to learn more about six African American Catholics under consideration for sainthood, with the screening of the documentary, “A Place at

the Table – African Americans on the Path to Sainthood.”

Organizers at the event proudly wore T-shirts with the images of the six Black Catholics being honored – Venerables Mother Henriette Delille, Father Augustus Tolton and Pierre Toussaint, and Servants of God Mother Mary Lange, Julia Greeley and Sister Thea Bowman.

A trio of African drummers welcomed more than 200 attendees to the event. Highlights of the event also included separate performances by members of Charlotte Catholic High School’s choir and men from Our Lady of Consolation Parish’s award-winning choir.

Among those who turned out were Edward and Gladys Hood, parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church for more than 50 years. The couple are happy to see these holy men and women being recognized for their sanctity and contributions to the Church.

Coordinated by the U.S. bishops’ National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), the national appeal assists hundreds of religious communities in providing for the ongoing needs of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests.

Since the late 1800s, western North Carolina has been home to hundreds of religious priests, brothers and sisters whose orders have sent them here to serve Catholics in this ever growing diocese. Upon retirement, many religious return to their monasteries, friaries, motherhouses or headquarters of their orders to live their vocation in a retirement setting until their passing.

“Many of these retired religious were instrumental in building up the Church

The 2021 appeal raised nearly $28.5 million, and this past June, the NRRO distributed $30 million in financial assistance to 271 religious communities across the nation. The Charlotte diocese contributed more than $232,452 to the collection last year.

“I think it is appreciation for the service and witness of senior religious that inspires such a heartfelt response to the annual collection,” said Sister Stephanie Still, PBVM (Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary), executive director of the NRRO. “Ultimately, our success rests not in strangers but in the brothers and sisters in Christ who share our vision of ensuring all religious can enjoy a secure retirement.”

The religious communities that benefit from the NRRO collection combine that funding with their own income and savings to help furnish day-to-day necessities, including medications and nursing care. The funds may be applied toward immediate retirement needs or invested for future eldercare expenses.

Monsignor Winslow enjoins the faithful to, “Please consider making a gift and pray for the retired religious who have given us so much and changed so many lives throughout the United States.”

— The USCCB and the National Religious Retirement Office contributed.

Learn more

At www.retiredreligious.org : Learn more about the Retirement Fund for Religious collection and who it supports.

Members of the Our Lady of Consolation choir and also a trio of African drummers performed Nov. 19 at the MACS Fine Arts Center prior to their parish-sponsored screening of the film “A Place At The Table – African Americans On The Path To Sainthood.”

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Guadalupana Torch travels to several parishes in Charlotte diocese

10 Charlotte seminarians instituted as acolytes

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Ten

seminarians became acolytes during a special Mass Nov. 10 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, where they are studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood. Seminarians receiving the ministry include (pictured, from left, bottom row to top): Anthony del Cid Lucero, Luke Martin, Joseph Yellico, Christian Goduti, Matthew Harrison II, Andrew Templeton, James Tweed, Christopher Angermeyer, Nicholas Kramer and Kolbe Murrey. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati celebrated the Mass in the Chapel of St. Gregory the Great. The new acolytes will assist the deacon and priest at Mass and distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister. The role of acolyte is now expanded to include the laity as a lay ministry. It continues to be an important step in preparing men for ordination as a priest or deacon.

— SueAnn Howell

After sudden loss, vespers returns to college seminary

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Solemn Vespers with the seminarians of St. Joseph College Seminary returned on Sunday, Nov. 20, at St. Ann Church for the first time since the sudden passing of beloved music director Tom Savoy on Oct. 24.

“The last thing Tom would want, is for his many labors now living in these men, to be lost. We will move forward knowing it will not be the same without him,” said Father Matthew Kauth, the seminary’s rector. “The treasury of the Church’s music in chant and polyphony has been opened to them, and that treasury will not close. We will build on what he left us and show our gratitude to him and his family by singing well the praises of the Lord.”

Going forward, seminarians who have become knowledgeable in the field through their studies with Savoy will take turns leading Vespers and other sacred music at the seminary.

Music often speaks where words fail, and that is certainly true when capturing the

CHARLOTTE — Celebrating 20 years as a symbol of hope for the immigrant Latino community living in the U.S., this year the Guadalupana Torch Run once again visited the parishes of the Diocese of Charlotte carrying its message of union between two nations divided by a border. The torch, escorted by images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego, was greeted with dances, songs, prayers, cheers and praise on the afternoon of Nov. 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte. From there, the torch was transferred to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville, Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville, St. Mary Church in Greensboro and Our Lady of the Highway Church in Thomasville. The race is organized by the Tepeyac Association, a non-profit organization founded in September 1997 and based in New York that brings together more than 40 community associations with the mission of promoting the social development and human rights of Latino immigrants in the U.S. The torch, which is carried by more than 7,000 runners from nine Mexican states and 14 from the U.S., started on Sept. 4 at 7 a.m. from the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The final destination of the Guadalupana Torch is Central Park in New York City, where it will arrive on Dec. 12, the feast day of the “Virgen Morena del Tepeyac.”

Seasonal music to fill hearts with peace and joy

expectant air of the season.

For more stirring musical moments, a variety of Advent and Christmas music performances are set to return this year with more faith and fanfare than ever:

CHARLOTTE

CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS : 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, Cathedral of St. Patrick, 1620 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. All are invited to attend this annual event at the cathedral. The Cathedral of St. Patrick Cathedral Choir, Children’s Choir and High School Choir will sing the “Magnificat in C major” by Benedikt Anton Aufschnaiter and works by Guerrero, Michael Haydn, Buxtehude and Casals. Admission is free. A freewill offering will be collected. For more information, contact Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca at 704-334-2283 or gdeluca@stpatricks.org.

VENITE ADOREMUS : 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. Join the seminarians of St. Joseph College Seminary for a meditation on the Eucharist with poetry, prayer and music.

LESSONS AND CAROLS : 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Enjoy 11 Advent hymns paired with Scripture from the Fall of Man through the Ascension and Great Commission. The St. Matthew Choir will lead the event with the congregation joining in on eight of the hymns. A reception will follow.

GREENSBORO TROUBADOURS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT TO BENEFIT

ROOM AT THE INN : 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro. Celebrate Christmastide with seasonal music from a variety of local artists performing in the historic Carolina Theatre. Stay for a desert reception followed by a screening of Disney’s 2009 film “A Christmas Carol.”

Sponsored by local businesses and churches, including St. Pius X Church, the concert benefits the work of Room At The Inn, a Catholic maternity home in Greensboro. To reserve seats, visit www. troubadourconcert.com.

ADVENT HYMN SING : 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11., St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. All are invited to sing familiar hymns and carols of the season at this annual music event put on by St. Pius X’s music ministry. The choir will also sing beautiful choral arrangements of wonderful texts of the Advent season. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to consider bringing a canned good or two for the good of the cause.

LESSONS AND CAROLS: 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2203 West Market St., Greensboro. Lessons and Carols at Our Lady of Grace will feature music and Scripture readings in English, Spanish and Latin. Each Scripture lesson is paired with an appropriate carol and tells the story of creation through the birth of Jesus

Christ. The Our Lady of Grace

choirs, children’s choirs and School Mass Choir will lead this service with opportunities for the congregation to join in on

MAGGIE VALLEY

LESSONS AND CAROLS : 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18., St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Drive, Maggie Valley. Come listen to St. Margaret’s instrumental and choral ensemble. Lessons and Carols is part of the church’s Advent event. It follows the 3 p.m. Jesse Tree ornament-making and precedes the 6 p.m. parish dinner.

parish

classic Christmas carols.

PHOTO BY MARKUS KUNCORO AND MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD St. Joseph College Seminary held Solemn Vespers at St. Ann Church in Charlotte for the first time since the passing of beloved music director Tom Savoy. Watch a clip at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER JOHN PUTNAM

of the Diocese of Charlotte’s

SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Noé Sifuentes

From: Salisbury Age: 23

Home parish: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury Status: Started Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, in August 2022

Favorite Bible verse: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior,” an excerpt from the Gospel of Luke and part of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s greeting to her cousin Elizabeth. Our Lady’s words here are known as the Magnificat, where she gives praise to God for all of His blessings.

Favorite saint: St. Dominic Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order. He has the same last name as my grandfather. I love that, and the fact that St. Dominic helped bring about devotion to the rosary.

Interests (outside of faith): Watching sports and attending theater and concert performances.

CHARLOTTE — Noé Sifuentes grew up like many boys: playing video games, reading comic books and fishing – a “normal” childhood.

In his teens he learned the value of hard work alongside his uncle, hauling wheelbarrows full of heavy debris from construction sites. During these years he also began serving as a sacristan at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, preparing the sacred vessels for Mass, where the seeds of his vocation were planted with the encouragement of his pastor.

Sifuentes credits attending Quo Vadis Days and the Bishops Youth Pilgrimage,

annual youth retreats held at Belmont Abbey College, as well as the Diocesan Youth Conference, as events that opened up his heart to hear God’s call to study for the priesthood.

His “new normal” of life in service to the Church began when he entered St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly in 2017. He graduated in 2021 and served a pastoral year at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Last August he and nine of his fellow seminarians began studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati. They are among 49 men currently in some stage of formation to serve as priests in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Sifuentes reflects on his journey to the seminary in a conversation with the Catholic News Herald:

CNH: Can you tell us about your life before you entered seminary?

Sifuentes: I was born in Salisbury but grew up in Mexico until I was 8 years old. I am the oldest of four siblings. I went to Catholic school in Mexico, then attended public school when I moved back to the United States. My friends at school did not go to church, and they did not understand my interest in my faith in my teen years.

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

Sifuentes: There were two times. My mom says when I was in Mexico in Catholic school, I first learned about the Eucharist and went home that day and told her I wanted to be a priest. In eighth grade, Father John Putnam, my pastor at Sacred Heart Church, encouraged me to attend a confirmation retreat, even though I had made my confirmation in Mexico. On that retreat I was in Adoration praying before the Blessed Sacrament and interiorly I heard a voice say, “Follow Me.”

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

CNH: What helped you discern your possible vocation?

Sifuentes: Besides attending diocesan youth events, just being at Mass with my parents and siblings, getting close to the priests at my church, and being around seminarians helped me see the priesthood as a possible vocation. Our priests and seminarians are normal people. Their example and mentoring helped me see they are genuine people I can look up to.

CNH: What is a fun hobby or skill you have acquired since attending major seminary?

Sifuentes: Pizza making! At Mount St.

Mary’s we have house jobs, or duties we fulfill at seminary. I was the “pizza master” and learned how to make pizza from scratch. If you had asked me five years ago if I would learn that skill in seminary, I would have said, “No way!” We have pizza nights some Wednesdays during the semester. I love to make a chicken and pesto pizza in the pizza oven we have there. One of our Charlotte seminarians makes the sauce and the dough, and we get to create our own pizzas. I really enjoy our pizza nights!

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

Sifuentes: I’m borrowing my advice from the book “To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood,” by Father Brett Brannen. He writes: “God cannot drive a parked car, so just go.” He means, just do something about it! If you think you have a vocation, talk to a priest, to your parents, to a friend – do something about it. That’s what helped me and continues to help me. It’s not a matter of waiting. Go and do something about it.

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Sifuentes

Father Riehl, former Waynesville pastor, passes away at 45

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Father Christopher Michael Riehl, former pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, passed away Nov. 10, 2022, from medical complications related to diabetes.

He had just celebrated his 45th birthday on Nov. 7, 2022, and he was a week shy of his 13th anniversary of priestly ordination.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 16, 2022, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, Tenn.

Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn.

He was born in Gowen, Mich., on Nov. 7, 1977.

After having moved around during his childhood, he settled in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he graduated from high school. While studying for – and subsequently earning – an associate degree with an emphasis in law at Walter State Community College, he began discerning a call to the priesthood. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., and a Master of Divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.

In May 2007, he shared the distinction of being ordained a deacon alongside his father, John Riehl, by the Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, archbishop of Louisville. They

were ordained at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City, their home parish.

On Nov. 14, 2009, Father Riehl was ordained a priest by the Most Rev. Richard F. Stika, bishop of Knoxville.

Father Riehl loved sports, regularly played golf, watched football with his family and friends, and frequently explored the outdoors. Though he was also an excellent cook who found immense joy preparing exceptional meals for those he loved, his true love was for Our Lord Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through his deep devotion to Mary, Mother of God, Father Riehl had recently published a book entitled “Listen to Our Lady” and was working on a second book.

Father Riehl spent several years in ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, including as administrator and later pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville and Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton from 2014 to 2017. Prior to that, he served at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Charlotte from 2013 to 2014.

Father Riehl is survived by his parents, Deacon John and Shirley Riehl; siblings Suzie, Jeff, Jennifer, Tony, Cindy and Tim; and 11 nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know a beloved son and brother.

Click Funeral Home & CremationsMiddlebrook Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Riehl

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: Unofficial Patroness of Greensboro

In honor of the Nov. 27 Marian feast, explore the history of devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Gate City.

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

A powerful and popular sacramental, the Miraculous Medal has roots in Greensboro that have grown and blossomed for well over a century, working miracles in souls and spreading the Catholic faith in the city.

For as long as anyone can remember, parishioners at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro have prayed the Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. However, devotion to Our Lady under this title likely began at the church before the novena was written in Philadelphia in 1930.

It may have started as early as 1899 when construction was complete for St. Benedict Church, the permanent home of the city’s first and only Catholic parish at the time. Photos show that the medal appeared above a statue of Mary in the original sanctuary and may have ties to the church’s benefactress, St. Katharine Drexel, also from Philadelphia. The popularity of the medal grew in 1906 when the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul arrived in Greensboro from Emmitsburg, Md., to open St. Leo’s Hospital and serve at St. Benedict.

The religious order, which was dedicated to the Blessed Mother from its founding, has strong ties to the Marian apparition depicted in the medal. Our Lady appeared three times in 1830 at the order’s Paris motherhouse to Sister Catherine Labouré, a Daughter of Charity and future saint whose feast day is Nov. 28.

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

In an apparition on Nov. 27, 1830, the Blessed Mother asked Sister Catherine to have a medal struck in the way she appeared during the vision. First the front of the medal was shown: Mary standing on a globe, with the head of a serpent beneath her feet. Rays representing graces beam from jeweled rings on her fingers. Encircling the oval shape around Our Lady is the signature, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” On the reverse, 12 stars surrounded a large “M,” surmounted by a cross. Below the “M,” were two hearts: one circled with thorns, representing Jesus, the other pierced by a sword, symbolizing Mary.

During this dazzling vision, St. Catherine heard a voice tell her: ‘Have a medal struck after this model. All those who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence.’”

The medal was struck and spread far and wide in a short amount of time as its wearers reported miracle after miracle, such as dramatic healings and conversions. Devotion to Our Lady under this title has worked subtler miracles too.

“It’s been a great source of comfort, especially after the loss of my husband George in July and my daughter just three years ago,” said Roberta Van Pelt after the Nov. 19 recitation of the Miraculous Medal Novena at St. Benedict.

Van Pelt has prayed the novena since 2015 and now leads the novena recitation

before the Sunday Vigil Mass each week.

“When my husband was in hospice, I prayed that I would be with him when he died,” she said. “I was there when he closed his eyes.”

FONT OF RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

Devotion to Mary under this title is known to foster religious vocations and has a famous example in Alphonse Ratisbonne, an Austrian Jew, who was intensely anti-Catholic. Ater reluctantly agreeing to wear the medal and pray The Memorare, he experienced an apparition of Mary as she appears on the medal and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest.

The people of St. Benedict parish have sought the intercession of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for decades. Some of them must have been praying for vocations because there have been an impressive number of them from the small parish.

Monsignor

Joseph Showfety, the first chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, was one of three examples of priestly vocations from the early days. He was ordained in 1955. Another was Father Thomas Berry, who was ordained in 1942 and had two sisters with religious vocations. In fact, eight young women at the parish went on to become religious sisters. More religious vocations sprang up, but somewhere along the way the parish lost count. There are records, however, of a boom during the 1985-1993 pastorate of Father Kimbrough. Nine men from St. Benedict went into the seminary, and three women became religious sisters.

SPREADING THE DEVOTION IN GREENSBORO

Devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal spread in 1928 to St. Mary’s, a mission of St. Benedict serving Black Catholics in Greensboro. The Emmitsburg motherhouse sent three Daughters of Charity to Greensboro to start a teaching apostolate at the mission’s Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School with the church also bearing this title from 1948 to 1972. Around this time, devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was skyrocketing in the United States, thanks to the work of Father Joseph Skelly, CM, who

commissioned a shrine to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia. On Dec. 8, 1930, Father Skelly started the perpetual novena at the shrine, now prayed at St. Benedict and many other churches throughout the world.

In 1952, something grand happened to grow the Catholic faith and Marian devotion in Greensboro: the dedication of Our Lady of Grace Church.

A memorial to St. Benedict parishioner Ethel Clay Price, the church’s patroness is the same as the one on the medal. She is seen in an array of colors in the stainedglass window behind the altar. A limestone carving of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal graces the main entrance to the church along with key figures such as St. Catherine in her religious habit and the words the Blessed Virgin spoke to her. The devotion continues to be passed down to new generations. Leading up to this year’s feast, children in all grades of Our Lady of Grace School learned more about the apparitions and created their own Miraculous Medals.

Today, the perpetual novena at St. Benedict is prayed before a statue of Our

Lady within a niche once again adorned with the Miraculous Medal. Parishioners come each week with their petitions seeking the Blessed Mother’s aid as well as her love and comfort. In the apparition, Our Lady told St. Catherine that the rings on her fingers that weren’t emitting rays of light represented unasked for graces, gentling reminding her children of what her Divine Son told us: “Ask, and it will be given you.”

— This article includes research the author conducted for her book, “Pioneering Spirit: The History of St. Benedict Catholic Church From Inception to Restoration.”

This Advent and Christmas set your heart and mind on the things above!

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PHOTO BY COPHIA KNICK, PROVIDED BY ST. BENEDICT CATHOLIC CHURCH

A statue of the Virgin Mary graces a niche adorned with the reverse side of the Miraculous Medal at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro. The perpetual novena prayed at the church includes two Marian hymns: “Immaculate Mary” and “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above.”

Marian Pilgrimage

A specially commissioned statue of Mary, Mother of God is visiting more than 100 locations across the Diocese of Charlotte during the anniversary year. Upcoming visits include:

ST. ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH Nov. 30-Dec. 4 921 2nd St. N.E., Hickory, N.C. 28601

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH

DEC. 4-7 1505 E. MLK Jr. Dr., High Point, N.C. 27260

DIVINE REDEEMER CHURCH

Dec. 7-11 209 Lon Ave., Boonville, N.C. 27011

OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Dec. 11-13 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, N.C. 27360

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PASTORAL CENTER Dec. 14-21 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL Dec. 21-Jan. 3 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

Jan. 7-12 22 Arctus Ave., Mount Holly, N.C. 28120

For more information about these pilgrimage stops, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary website, www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com

Do a good deed for Jesus Christmas crèche project for kids

Advent is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the importance of giving and of loving others by imitating Jesus. Just as “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16), so too can children prepare for Jesus’ birth by imitating God’s love for others.

The Diocese of Charlotte offers this 50th anniversary family project as a resource for families: a Christmas crèche (or manger) that children can make from popsicle sticks, then fill with straw to soften the bed where the Baby Jesus will lay – placing a piece of straw for each good deed, alms, prayer or sacrifice done for others they do during Advent.

Follow the steps below to make your own crèche, and start a new Christmas tradition to grow in holiness and prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Online

— Catholic News Herald

At www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com : Download and share instructions for this fun project with friends and family.

Supplies

12 popsicle sticks

Non-toxic glue or hot glue gun

Straw (sandwich bag amount)

Miniature plastic or wooden baby figurine

Fabric (little piece to wrap baby doll in)

Instructions

STEP 1

Glue 4 popsicle sticks together lengthwise.

Adult supervision recommended, and adults only should use a hot glue gun. Repeat.

STEP 2

Glue 2 separate popsicle sticks together in the shape of an X. Repeat.

STEP 3

Stand each X upright and lay the sets of 4 glued sticks across the top as shown in the photo. Secure using strong glue.

STEP 4

For each good deed done during the four weeks of Advent, lay one piece of straw in the manger.

STEP 5

Hand-craft or buy a 2to 3-inch baby figurine, and wrap it in the fabric as swaddling. On Christmas Eve, lay the Baby Jesus figure in the manger in celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

STEP 6 Share your creativity with other Catholic News Herald readers! Email a photo of your family’s Christmas crèche to us at 50years@rcdoc.org.

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50 ACTS OF CHARITY INITIATIVES CONTINUE

BMHS goes all in to support ‘Out of the Garden’

KERNERSVILLE — Students, families and staff at Bishop McGuinness High School have spent more than 250 hours this year supporting a local fresh and reclaimed food initiative called “Out of the Garden.” The Greensboro-based project provides meals to students in Guilford County for the weekend, as part of Operation Backpack. Out of the Garden also hosts fresh mobile markets and runs an urban teaching farm. Besides distributing fresh food, reclaimed food is donated from local grocery stores and businesses in an effort to prevent food waste. This aligns with Pope Francis’ call for everyone to reorient their lifestyles in a conscious, responsible manner to ensure that no one is left behind and everyone receives food, both in quantity and quality. “To throw food away means to throw people away,” the pope has said. Bishop McGuinness students have spent time sorting and packaging food for students in public school as well as families

who attend community shopping events. Beyond their support for Out of the Garden, the school community has also worked on two Habitat for Humanity houses in the Winston-Salem area, cleaning and laying wood floors. “The Family Association’s Service Committee has made it a priority to find and present opportunities for parents and students to serve the local community through organized days of service,” said Katie Williams, Bishop McGuinness High School’s director of advancement. “Out of the Garden Project, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and local parishes have been the beneficiaries of hundreds of hours of service already this year. We are grateful for the students and parents who have stepped up with their time, talent and treasure to make these initiatives a priority.”

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle. Vatican News contributed.

Prayer for the 50th anniversary

The 50th anniversary year will bear great spiritual fruit if we ask God for the graces we hope to receive. Please offer the 50th anniversary prayer daily for many graces to be poured on our diocese during this jubilee anniversary:

Heavenly Father, accept our humble prayer of praise and gratitude as we joyfully celebrate 50 years as the Diocese of Charlotte. Throughout our history the faithful of western North Carolina, under the watchful care of esteemed bishops and abbots, have been nurtured by Your providential hand. Confident that You invite Your children to implore Your constant blessings, we pray that You continue to pour forth Your heavenly grace upon us. With filial affection and devotion, we further ask that You look kindly upon the prayers we seek through the intercession of our venerable patroness, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who with motherly attention tends to the needs and concerns of the Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayers & Devotions

The 50th anniversary theme, “Faith More Precious Than Gold” (1 Peter 1:7), encourages use of the Church’s tried-and-true prayers, devotions and sacramentals, which for centuries have brought people closer to God. Let us confidently ask for the graces we hope to receive from God as we celebrate the founding of the Diocese of Charlotte. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

November prayer intention

For the faithful departed. May the Lord give eternal rest for all the faithful departed of the Diocese of Charlotte who lived and served faithfully united to the Church of God.

Asheville Catholic students make cozy blankets for neighbors experiencing homelessness

ASHEVILLE – In the cold winter months in western North Carolina, a blanket can be a lifesaver for people experiencing homelessness. Students at Asheville Catholic School in grades 1-8 teamed up last winter to create cozy fleece blankets for neighbors in their community who are without permanent shelter.

The students participated in this Act of Charity in honor of the 50th anniversary year of the Diocese of Charlotte during Catholic Schools Week. Over the course of a school day, classes rotated through the gymnasium in one-hour shifts to complete 60 blankets for delivery to Homeward Bound, a community partner that serves persons experiencing homelessness.

Religion teacher Yasmin Santschi recounts the day’s marathon of blanket-making: “In the morning, our middle school students came in and cut strips in the fleece. In the afternoon, our younger students came in with an older student ‘buddy’ and worked on tying the knots in the blankets. Lastly, our youngest students, who are still learning to tie

knots, assisted their big friends to fold the blankets and prepare them for delivery.”

Sixth-grader Victoria Arquez says she loved making the 5’ x 6’ blankets, “because we got to help people who don’t have shelter during the winter. Also, we got to do it with our little friends (younger children), so I’m happy that they were able to participate in this experience, too.”

Santschi says community service and giving of one’s time “is a key element in our learning and growing. Having students participate in these events helps them to build a sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles others may face in our community.” She wants Asheville Catholic students to feel empowered to help others, even if it is just through a blanket. “We can always do something to help others and it always makes a difference, no matter how small,” Santschi explains.

Principal Mike Miller agrees: “Children are not too young to be the difference for someone else. These blankets could literally save lives and bring some comfort to those who need it most.”

— SueAnn Howell

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Give thanks to God, now and always

SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

There are times when we might look heavenward and wonder, “What could there possibly be to be thankful for?” Amid a world full of problems, we might understandably feel despairing. Yet this Thanksgiving – and every day – let us give thanks to God for all the blessings He has given to us.

Ephesians 5:19-20

“Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts, always thanking God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Offered by Bishop Peter J. Jugis

We Catholics are called to be an Easter people, a people of rejoicing and praise for the Lord. While the day-to-day rhythm of life may seem mundane and sometimes overwhelming, remember to pause and put things in perspective. Take Job, for example: In the face of his darkest moments, when despair seemed the only path, Job continuously found hope in the Lord. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

It is easy to be thankful when things are going well in life and the path ahead is smooth. But to be grateful for all of life – moments both good and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow – requires great spiritual mettle and a lot of prayer. In Scripture, there are countless moments when, out of sorrow, God creates something good, though we can’t see it at first. Just as the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord” (Is 55:8), we must root our faith in God alone.

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday. Wedged between Halloween and Christmas, two times of the year when going out and buying things is most popular, Thanksgiving is a day when we should take time to contemplate – preparing our hearts and minds for Advent and the coming of our Savior.

For flowers that bloom about our feet, Father, we thank Thee.

For tender grass so fresh, so sweet, Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee, for all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky, Father, we thank Thee.

For pleasant shade of branches high, Father, we thank Thee.

For fragrant air and cooling breeze, for beauty of the blooming trees, Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light, Father, we thank Thee.

For rest and shelter of the night, Father, we thank Thee.

For health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends, Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yet the noise of our modern world is a constant din, making it difficult to see the many blessings God gives us. Some days it might seem easier to sleep and dream, than to face the ups and downs of life. It may feel easier to bury ourselves in our cell phone screens and forget about prayer. But if we stop for a moment and stand back from the great mad spin of it all, we can see just how beautiful our lives are and how much more we can grow in our relationship to God.

This holiday, let us seek to find solitude and peace through prayer. Let us not be afraid of the noises of the world but remember to pause and give thanks to the Lord for all He has given us. Family and friends, food and work, clothes and shelter, our very breath – it all comes from God. And if we see all we have, we might just remember those who have nothing. When we realize that all grace and love come from the Lord, we might fill our hearts with His strength, and go out to help those who are weak.

As the Dutch writer and theologian Father Henri Nouwen put it, “Let’s not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.”

We hope you enjoy these Scripture verses and prayers of thanksgiving this holiday and always. Clip them out and put them on your refrigerator, or share them with family and friends – a reminder to give thanks to God for all He has done for us.

“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before the great king over all gods, whose hand holds the depths of the earth; who who made them, formed them by hand. Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the

Dar gracias a Dios, ahora y siempre

SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

Hay momentos en los que podemos mirar al cielo y preguntarnos: “¿Por qué deberíamos estar agradecidos?” Con el tumultuoso mundo lleno de pobreza, hambre, guerras y rumores de guerra, es muy sencillo seguir la tendencia de la cultura popular y caer en la desesperación. Sin embargo, hoy, todos los días, debemos recordar dar gracias, incluso si las cosas nos Como católicos, estamos llamados a ser un pueblo de Pascua, un pueblo de regocijo y alabanza al Señor. Si bien el día a día de la vida puede parecer abrumador, es necesario recordar hacer una pausa y poner las cosas en perspectiva. Tomemos a Job, por ejemplo, frente a sus momentos más oscuros, cuando la desesperación parecía el único camino, Job continuamente encontró esperanza en el Señor. “Desnudo salí del vientre de mi madre, y desnudo volveré. El Señor me lo dio y el Señor me lo ha quitado; bendito sea el nombre del Señor” (Job 1:21).

Cuando las cosas van bien en la vida y el camino ante nosotros es suave, es fácil estar agradecido y la gratitud llega casi sin esfuerzo. Pero estar agradecido por toda la vida, momentos buenos y malos, momentos de alegría junto con momentos de tristeza, requiere un gran temple espiritual y mucha oración. En las Escrituras, hay innumerables momentos en los que, a partir del dolor, Dios crea algo bueno, aunque no podemos verlo al principio. Como escribió el profeta Isaías: “Mis pensamientos no son los tuyos, ni tus caminos son los míos, dice el Señor” (Isaías 55:8), debemos arraigar nuestra fe sólo en Dios.

El feriado de Acción de Gracias es único. Encajado entre Halloween y Navidad, dos épocas del año en las que salir y comprar cosas es la práctica común, el Día de Acción de Gracias es un momento en el que debemos comenzar una disposición más contemplativa, preparando nuestros corazones y mentes para el Adviento y la venida de nuestro Salvador. No debe ser un tiempo para salir y comprar más cosas, sino que debe ser un momento cálido y tranquilo para mirar las bendiciones que Dios nos ha dado.

Con el ruido de nuestro mundo moderno, haciendo un estruendo constante a nuestro alrededor, es difícil ser contemplativo y ver las innumerables bendiciones en nuestra vida. Algunos días puede parecer más fácil dormir y soñar, que enfrentar las luchas de la vida. Es más fácil enterrarnos en pantallas y olvidarnos de la oración. Pero si nos detenemos por un momento y nos alejamos de toda esta locura, podríamos ver fácilmente cuán hermosas son nuestras vidas y cuánto más podemos crecer.

A veces puede convertirse en algo cercano al orgullo, cuando nos quedamos allí y cuestionamos por qué debemos sufrir y por qué nuestras vidas son tan malas.

Pero la realidad es que el sufrimiento es parte de la vida, compartido por todos, y solo cuando podemos encontrar humildad podemos comenzar a vivir realmente. Como escribió una vez San Pablo de la Cruz: “De la humildad de corazón procede la serenidad de la mente, la mansedumbre de conducta, la paz interior y todo lo bueno”.

En estas fiestas, tratemos de encontrar esa humildad de corazón, esa quietud y paz en el silencio y la oración. No tengamos miedo de los ruidos del mundo, sino que recordemos hacer una pausa y dar gracias al Señor por todo lo que nos ha dado. La familia y los amigos, la comida y el trabajo, la ropa y el refugio, nuestro propio aliento, todo ha venido de Dios. Y si vemos todo lo que tenemos, podríamos recordar a aquellos que nada tienen. Cuando nos damos cuenta de que toda gracia y amor vienen del Señor, podemos llenar nuestros corazones con Su fuerza y salir en ayuda de aquellos que son demasiado débiles.

95: 1-7

Efesios 5:19-20

“Cuando se reúnan, reciten salmos, himnos y cantos espirituales, cantando y celebrando al Señor de todo corazón. Siempre y por cualquier motivo den gracias a Dios, nuestro Padre, en nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo”.

Ofrecida por el Obispo Peter J. Jugis

Thanksgiving Prayer

Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks. Thank you for all the graces and blessings

You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. — www.catholic.org

before Him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms. For the Lord is the great God, who owns the tops of the mountains. The sea and dry land belong to God, the Lord who made us. For He is our God, we are the people He shepherds, the sheep in His hands.”

Es justo y necesario dar gracias a Dios

Como en toda familia, muchas veces lo que tenemos en nuestras vidas lo vemos y tomamos por un hecho que siempre estará ahí. Y por eso en ocasiones se nos olvida el ser agradecidos con nuestros seres queridos. Es hermoso el poder experimentar amor tan incondicional que nos llena de paz, alegría, esperanza, amor.

De la misma manera, muchas veces también se nos pasa dar gracias, ser agradecidos, solidarios con nuestra comunidad de fe, como lo es nuestra Santa Madre Iglesia. Tomemos un momento, solo un momento, para reflexionar el por qué es justo y necesario dar gracias.

Una de las gracias del Sacramento del Orden es que te invita a acompañar a diferentes grupos, apostolados, ministerios de las parroquias en las que uno sirve.

En la vicaría que acompaño, tengo la bendición de servir en varias parroquias, y el Señor en su gran misericordia me ha permitido ser testigo de tantas bendiciones de ver hermanos y hermanas que casi incógnitamente hacen, interceden, sirven, asisten, visitan a todo aquel necesitado de la presencia de Dios en sus vidas. Y por ellos doy gracias a Dios.

Te cuento de algunos de estos hermanos y hermanas: grupos de adoradores nocturnos que están toda la noche en vela adorando frente al Santísimo Sacramento, que están ahí en nombre de todos nosotros dando gloria a Dios, ofreciendo su presencia por nuestras necesidades, mientras nosotros descansamos en nuestros hogares. Por ellos doy gracias.

He visto en las Misas del mediodía de mi parroquia a misioneros que traen al altar las oraciones de tantos enfermos a los que vienen de visitar, llevando a sus hogares la buena nueva de que no están solos, que su iglesia los acompaña en su enfermedad. Veo estos hombres y mujeres con rostros alegres y cansados que huelen a oveja, que no tienen miedo al dolor ajeno, a la soledad del prójimo.

Los veo en Misa, a donde vienen a dar gracias al buen Dios por una misión cumplida. Por ellos doy gracias.

He visto y soy testigo de legionarias/os) de María que hacen su apostolado con fidelidad y amor al prójimo, legionarios/as que responden al llamado de la necesidad de tantos hermanos y hermanas que gritan en su soledad y su grito es escuchado y respondido por los fieles legionarios de María. Por ellos doy gracias.

Doy gracias a Dios por la Renovación Carismática, Emaús, Cursillistas, que son frutos del Espíritu Santo y que evangelizan a tantos hombres y mujeres que necesitaban cambiar sus vidas. Por ellos doy gracias.

Doy gracias por los catequistas que lo dan todo sin quedarse con nada, pues saben que en la entrega está la vida y son como el sembrador del evangelio que tira semilla sin importar el tipo de terreno, pues para ellos todo terreno es digno de la palabra del buen Dios de la vida. Por los catequistas doy gracias.

Antorcha Guadalupana recordó importancia de estar preparados

Durante visita a la Diócesis de Charlotte

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Con vivas, oraciones, danzas, cánticos y alabanzas, feligreses de todo el Vicariato de Charlotte recibieron el pasado martes 8 a la Antorcha Guadalupana, procedente de la parroquia Santa María Magdalena, Simpsonville, Carolina del Sur, en su camino a Nueva York.

La Antorcha, que llegó apenas pasadas las seis de la tarde a la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, precedía a un vehículo que exponía tras gruesos cristales las imágenes de la Morenita del Tepeyac y San Juan Diego.

Después de ser llevadas en procesión desde la casa San Vicente hasta la puerta de la iglesia, las sagradas imágenes, la Antorcha Guadalupana y la delegación de corredores de Carolina del Sur recibieron la bienvenida en el patio de ingreso al templo.

El Padre Warner Díaz, vicario parroquial, en compañía de cientos de fieles, dio “una cordial bienvenida a todos nuestros hermanos que visitan esta parroquia y nos sorprenden con esta grata alegría de traernos la imagen de nuestra madre y de San Juan Diego”.

Luego, uno de los integrantes del equipo de corredores que entregaba la posta encendió el Cirio Pascual con el fuego proveniente de la Antorcha Guadalupana.

Antes de ingresar a la iglesia, el Padre Díaz bendijo a los corredores, “a sus familias, a sus proyectos, a sus hijos”. También pidió una bendición especial para “ese deseo de continuar y caminar contigo”, rogando a Dios Todopoderoso que les proporcione “la fuerza para que este sacrificio sea una ofrenda para tu amor; y por tu misericordia derrama sobre sus vidas y sobre sus familias una gracia especial en este día”.

Ya dentro del templo, se ofreció el rezo del Santo Rosario por el éxito de la Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana México - New York 2022, que debe concluir en esta última ciudad el 12 de diciembre, fecha en que se celebra la festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Luego se celebró la Sagrada Liturgia oficiada por el Padre Díaz.

ESTAR PREPARADOS

Durante su homilía, el P. Díaz dijo que muchos de los

Diácono Eduardo Bernal

La Antorcha Guadalupana, portadora de un mensaje de integración y esperanza para Estados Unidos y México, dos pueblos separados por una frontera común, derramó su luz y bendiciones a su paso por diversas parroquias del territorio de la Diócesis de Charlotte. La Antorcha llegará a Nueva York el 12 de diciembre.

FOTOS CORTESÍA PARROQUIAS NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE Y DIVINO REDENTOR

La historia tras el Día de Acción de Gracias

Primera Misa de Acción de Gracias se celebró en San Agustín en 1565

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — El jueves 24 de noviembre se celebrará Thanksgiving o el Día de Acción de Gracias, una fiesta que recuerda la cena que mantuvieron un grupo de peregrinos con nativos americanos en Plymouth, Massachusetts, en 1621, en agradecimiento a Dios por la abundancia de cosechas.

Los peregrinos, cristianos separados de la Iglesia de Inglaterra, habían llegado a Plymouth Rock en diciembre de 1620 a bordo del barco Mayflower.

Aunque hoy no falta el pastel de calabazas para el Día de Acción de Gracias, son muy pocas las posibilidades que ese alimento haya sido parte del menú de la primera celebración.

Las reservas de harina se habían usado, así que no había pan o pasteles de ninguna clase. Tampoco había leche, sidra, papas o mantequilla.

La cena probablemente incluyó pescado, bayas silvestres, berros, langostas, fruta seca, maíz, almejas, venado y ciruelas.

El Día de Acción de Gracias fue proclamado oficialmente por el presidente Lincoln en 1863, para ser conmemorado el último jueves de noviembre. En 1941 fue declarado oficialmente día festivo por el Congreso de Estados Unidos.

ANTECEDENTES

Cincuenta y seis años antes de Plymouth Rock, el 8 de septiembre de 1565, se ofreció la primera Misa de Acción de Gracias en San Agustín, Florida. Un altar rústico que se levanta en la Misión

‘Nombre de Dios’ recuerda la Misa ofrecida por el Padre Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, sacerdote diocesano y capellán de la flota española, a la que asistieron el Almirante Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, fundador de la ciudad, colonizadores, soldados e indígenas Timucuan.

El historiador John Gilmary Shea asegura que la Misa fue celebrada “para santificar la tierra y recibir las bendiciones del cielo antes de dar el primer paso para construir una habitación humana”.

Cuenta la historia que, al término de la Misa, los soldados españoles se despojaron de sus armaduras, los indígenas de sus lanzas y ambos grupos compartieron los alimentos.

Se cree que los españoles aportaron guiso de ajo con carne de cerdo, garbanzos y aceite de oliva y los nativos contribuyeron con pavo silvestre, peces, mariscos, calabaza, frijoles y frutas.

Actualmente en la Misión se levanta el Santuario de la Virgen de La Leche y el Buen Parto, devoción llevada desde España en 1603.

Los guías del recorrido por el histórico lugar aseguran que, “este es el sitio que Dios señaló con su dedo donde debía iniciar la evangelización de Norteamérica”.

Según afirma el investigador local Raphael Cosme, “la tradición del Día de Acción de Gracias de los españoles continuó y se expandió por toda las misiones de Florida, las Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi y Louisiana hasta que ocurrió la invasión de los británicos en 1763, que obligó a retirar a todos los residentes españoles de San Agustín hacia la isla de Cuba y otros territorios dominados por la corona española”.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Imagen de la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la leche ubicada dentro de la antigua Misión ‘Nombre de Dios’, donde se realizó la primera cena de Acción de Gracias en el continente americano, después de una Misa celebrada por el Padre Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales el 8 de septiembre de 1565, cincuenta y seis años antes de los hechos en Plymouth Rock

Misión del Santo Rosario celebró congreso

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

NEWTON — Un numeroso grupo de fieles de la Misión del Santo Rosario de la parroquia San José de esta localidad, se reunió a fines de octubre para celebrar su primer congreso y la finalización del mes del Rosario con procesión, música, oración y un compartir.

Durante la cita se realizó la procesión en exteriores de la Santísima Virgen, la renovación de las promesas de consagración de sus miembros, así como una ceremonia de adhesión de nuevos consagrados.

La fiesta se extendió a la parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles en Marion, donde el Mes del Santo Rosario concluyó con Eucaristía, procesión y la dramatización de las apariciones de la Virgen en Fátima.

Para algunos, según explica el Diácono Darío García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory y director espiritual de las devociones marianas, el mes del Santo Rosario termina el 31 de octubre, pero “para nosotros continúa porque seguimos con el Rosario Guadalupano” que inicia el 2 de noviembre y por treinta días se reúne en diferentes casas para seguir con una Novena que concluye en la víspera de la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”.

MÁS DE UNA DÉCADA

La Misión del Santo Rosario se estableció en 2011, después que un feligrés de la Iglesia San José presentó la iniciativa ante el Diácono García, quien de inmediato dio su aprobación al proyecto.

En 2014 la misión creció y se extendió a otras parroquias del vicariato utilizando como instrumento la consagración al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y el Inmaculado Corazón de María, un retiro espiritual de 33 días, donde se estudia la historia de cuatro santos que dedicaron sus vidas a la devoción del Santo Rosario.

Los años de pandemia supusieron un desafío para la misión, que utilizando recursos informáticos y redes sociales, mantuvieron “la misión del Santo Rosario activa y a sus misioneros sin descanso”, aseguró el Diácono García.

“Todos nos mantuvimos informados a través de videos, audios y escritos, y

permanecimos en oración con el Santo Rosario, la difusión de las ‘florecillas de María’, meditando en familia y compartiendo sugerencias y comentarios”, añadió.

DEVOCIÓN TEMPRANA

Para el Diácono García, la devoción mariana llegó a muy temprana edad en su natal Colombia. Más tarde, refiere, fue reforzada por su menor hija, quien encontró una pequeña estampita de la

Virgen María. Respecto a su esposa dijo que, “es una devota a tiempo completo”.

“El rezo del Santo Rosario, especialmente en familia, nos trae muchas bendiciones del Señor. Nos une más como hermanos de un mismo hogar, nos hace sentir miembros orantes de la Iglesia y nos protege de males, peligros y tentaciones malignas. Rezando juntos nos sentimos más hijos de Dios en compañía de la Virgen del Cielo. También lo podemos rezar individualmente, en voz

director espiritual

los grupos marianos,

la ceremonia

El equipo infantil

‘Santa Ana’ desfila ante los organizadores y padres de familia al término del torneo de fútbol no competitivo que organiza anualmente la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte. Todos los participantes recibieron un trofeo y certificado de participación.

CORTESÍA PARROQUIA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE

Procesión de la Santísima Virgen en exteriores, música, oración, Eucaristía, dramatización de las apariciones de la Virgen en Fátima y compartir fueron las actividades que se desarrollaron en las parroquias Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles en Marion, y San José en Newton, durante el Congreso y cierre del Mes del Santo Rosario.

baja o mentalmente mientras trabajamos, vamos de viaje, caminamos por el parque, etc., y estaremos protegidos y acompañados por el Señor y la Virgen”, afirmó el Diácono García.

En su trabajo pastoral, “la Virgen ha sido mi compañía” porque ella es la perfecta representación de la familia, y en esta misión “el diácono obra en compañía de la familia”, finalizó.

Torneo de fútbol concluyó con ceremonia y compartir

CÉSAR HURTADO

rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — El primer sábado de este mes se llevó a cabo la ceremonia de clausura del torneo Copa Mini Congregación de fútbol que organiza cada año la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Los 181 niños, entre 6 a 16 años, que se distribuyeron en tres categorías, participaron de este evento que reconoció su esfuerzo, dedicación y disciplina durante el campeonato.

Todos los equipos desfilaron en el campo de juego, tomaron ubicación frente al público y recibieron la bendición y felicitaciones del Padre Hugo Medellín, vicario parroquial.

Estuvieron presentes además los directores técnicos, el cuerpo arbitral, padres de familia y organizadores.

“En este torneo, que es recreativo y no competitivo, no se lleva un registro de partidos ganados, tablas de posiciones, goleadores ni vallas menos vencidas. A

todos los reconocemos como jugadores que ganaron, empataron y perdieron partidos. A cada uno de los participantes les entregamos un trofeo y su certificado de participación”, dijo Richard Sierra, administrador y organizador del torneo.

AGASAJO

Tras la entrega de los reconocimientos, niños y adultos recibieron un agasajo del Consejo 17501 de los Caballeros de Colón de esa parroquia.

“Fue un detalle muy bonito que tuvo este ministerio de la parroquia para con los niños participantes y todos los adultos presentes”, dijo Sierra.

Se sirvieron aproximadamente 800 raciones de alimentos entre hamburguesas, hot dogs y bebidas que hicieron las delicias de todos, en especial de los niños.

La liga deportiva infantil juvenil inició sus actividades el 15 de junio pasado y concluyó con la última fecha a finales del mes de octubre.

El Diácono Darío García, coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Hickory y

de

condujo

renovación de las promesas de consagración, así como de adhesión de nuevos consagrados a la misión del Sagrado Rosario en la parroquia San José en Newton.

FOTO CORTESÍA MISIÓN SANTO ROSARIO

FOTOS CORTESÍA MISIÓN SANTO ROSARIO

FOTO

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — La comunidad colombiana se prepara para celebrar ‘la noche de las velitas’, un festejo de vigilia a la conmemoración de la Inmaculada Concepción que tradicionalmente sirve de apertura a la temporada navideña.

La fiesta se celebra el siete de diciembre. “Solo esperamos la caída del sol para poner nuestras velitas”, dice Leonardo Fierro, colombiano radicado en Charlotte con su esposa e hijo desde hace 4 años, quien recuerda practicar esta costumbre desde que tiene uso de razón.

Fierro refiere que cada miembro de la familia enciende, al menos, una velita que coloca en el borde de la vereda o acera del frente de su vivienda. “Cada vez que

La Noche de las Velitas

Fiesta colombiana inicia temporada navideña

encendemos una velita expresamos un deseo, pidiéndole a la Virgen por nuestra salud y prosperidad”, añade.

El Padre José Camilo Cárdenas, párroco de la Iglesia Santísima Trinidad en Taylorsville, colombiano nacido en el departamento de Boyacá, afirma que la fiesta de las Velitas es una hermosa manera de esperar la celebración de la Inmaculada Concepción que se festeja mundialmente el 8 de diciembre.

“Se colocaba una bandera blanca con la imagen de la Virgen María y luego se encendían las velitas”, explica el Padre Cárdenas.

Aunque, explica, hoy en día el festejo en general se ha “distorsionado”, son muchas las familias que siguen la tradición.

“Luego de encender las velitas se reza el Rosario. Luego se ofrece una bebida

llamada ‘pico de gallo’, que contiene un té de panela, frutas picadas, canela y caña de azúcar. Además ya se sirven las hallacas o tamales, que son típicas de la temporada navideña”, dijo el P. Cárdenas.

Fierro recuerda que, como el día 8 es siempre festivo, la fiesta se extiende por varias horas y se celebra con gran alegría. “Cuando era niño (en su ciudad natal Neiva, departamento del Huila) la gente del vecindario se organizaba y decoraban las calles, la ciudad encendía el alumbrado especial instalado por navidad y quemaban mucha pólvora (fuegos artificiales). La casa también la decorábamos para la ocasión, poníamos el arbolito navideño, pero esperábamos hasta el 16 de diciembre, cuando comienzan las Novenas, para poner el nacimiento”, detalla.

Por otro lado, el P. Cárdenas afirma que, durante la Misa del 8 de diciembre por la Inmaculada Concepción, las niñas asistían, en su mayoría, vestidas de blanco y se les ofrecía la liturgia.

FIESTA DEL SIGLO XIX

El origen de esta práctica se remonta a la bula Ineffabilis Deus que fue emitida en 1854 por el Papa Pío IX y donde se afirma que la Virgen María fue concebida sin pecado original. Se relata que en ese día los católicos de todo el mundo encendieron velas y

antorchas para celebrar este acontecimiento.

En Colombia, desde 1854 el día de las velitas sirve para homenajear a la Virgen Inmaculada y es el comienzo oficial de las festividades navideñas.

En esta fecha las casas y calles de Colombia se iluminan con miles de velas multicolores, en medio de un gran ambiente de fiesta.

Celebre las velitas en casa

n Solo es necesario que consiga algunas velas para que las encienda esa noche. De preferencia, selecciones velas de base ancha para que se sostengan por sí mismas.

n Determine un lugar en su casa, de preferencia en exteriores, donde pueda encender las velas sin riesgos de ocasionar un fuego indeseado.

n Puede colocar una imagen de la Virgen María, o una banderola con los colores blanco/azul. n Espere las horas de la noche para iniciar la celebración.

n Permita que cada uno de los miembros de la familia prenda, al menos, una vela.

n Cada vez que encienda una vela, exprese un deseo de bienestar y prosperidad para usted y los suyos.

n Cuando estén todas las velas encendidas, inicie el rezo del Rosario.

n Finalmente, converse con los amigos y familia. Si desea, comparta alimentos y bebidas con ellos.

La Sra. Orleyda Fierro sostiene a su hijo Arturo para que encienda una velita durante la primera celebracion de esta manera, la Sra. Fierro, maestra de profesion, desa transmitir sus tradiciones, cultura e idioma a su hijo.

Please pray for the following deacon who died during the month of November:

John Zimmerle 11-27-2020

FOTO CORTESIA LEONARDO FIERRO

Cada 8 de diciembre, la Iglesia Católica celebra la Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María. Esto significa que los católicos celebramos aquel designio de Dios por el que la Madre de Jesús fue preservada del pecado original desde el momento mismo en que fue concebida, es decir, desde el inicio de su vida humana. Que María haya sido concebida sin pecado es algo que solo puede entenderse dentro del plan divino de salvación. La Inmaculada Concepción de María constituye, al mismo tiempo, un dogma de fe y, por lo tanto, todo católico está obligado a creer y defender dicha certeza, que la Iglesia preserva como un don único.

UN POCO DE HISTORIA

A mediados del siglo XIX, el Papa Pío IX, después de recibir numerosos pedidos de obispos y fieles de todo el mundo, en comunión con toda la Iglesia, proclamó la bula ‘Ineffabilis Deus’ (Dios inefable) con la que queda decretado este dogma mariano: “Que la doctrina que sostiene que la Beatísima Virgen María fue preservada inmune de toda mancha de la culpa original en el primer instante de su concepción por singular gracia y privilegio de Dios omnipotente, en atención a los méritos de Cristo Jesús, Salvador del género humano, está revelada por Dios y debe ser por tanto firme y constantemente creída por todos los fieles...”

El día elegido para la proclamación del dogma fue el 8 de diciembre de 1854, día en que habitualmente se celebra a la Inmaculada Concepción. En aquella ocasión, desde Roma fueron enviadas cientos de palomas mensajeras portando el

Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción

texto con la gran noticia. Se cree que unos 400 mil templos católicos alrededor del mundo repicaron campanas en honor a la Madre de Dios.

Unos tres años después, la Virgen María, en una de sus apariciones en Lourdes, se presentó ante la humilde pastorcita Santa Bernardita Soubirous con estas palabras: “Yo soy la Inmaculada Concepción”.

Actualmente son miles las iglesias en todo el mundo que están dedicadas a la advocación de “La Inmaculada” y millones los fieles que le profesan una particular devoción.

EN EL CORAZÓN DE NUESTROS PUEBLOS

La Inmaculada Concepción es patrona de España; mientras que en América, en muchos países ha quedado impostada en otras advocaciones marianas.

En Nicaragua la imagen de Nuestra Señora de ‘El Viejo’ es una representación de la Inmaculada Concepción, cuyos devotos llaman cariñosamente ‘La Purísima’. Algo similar sucede en Paraguay con la venerada ‘Virgen de Caacupé’.

Oración a la Virgen Inmaculada

Una vez más estamos aquí para rendirte homenaje a los pies de esta columna, desde la cual tú velas con amor sobre Roma y sobre el mundo entero, desde que, hace ya ciento cincuenta años, el beato Pío IX proclamó, como verdad de la fe católica, tu preservación de toda mancha de pecado, en previsión de la muerte y resurrección de tu Hijo Jesucristo.

¡Virgen Inmaculada!

tu intacta belleza espiritual es para nosotros una fuente viva de confianza y de esperanza.

Tenerte como Madre, Virgen Santa, Nos reafirma en el camino de la vida como prenda de eterna salvación. Por eso a ti, oh María, Confiadamente recurrimos.

Ayúdanos a construir un mundo donde la vida del hombre sea siempre amada y defendida, toda forma de violencia rechazada, la paz buscada tenazmente por todos.

¡Virgen Inmaculada!

Lecturas Diarias

concédenos celebrar y adorar con renovado y ardiente amor el santo misterio del Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo.

En tu escuela, oh Mujer Eucarística, enséñanos a hacer memoria de las maravillosas obras que Dios no cesa de realizar en el corazón de los hombres.

Con premura materna, Virgen María, guía siempre nuestros pasos por los senderos del bien. Amén.

Isaías 29:17-24, Mateo 9:27-31; Sábado (San Francisco Javier): Isaías 30:19-21, 23-26, Mateo 9:35-10:1, 6-8

DICIEMBRE 4-10

Domingo (Segundo domingo de Adviento): Isaías 11:1-10, Romanos 15:4-9, Mateo 3:1-12; Lunes: Isaías 35:1-10, Lucas 5:17-26; Martes: Isaías 40:1-11, Mateo 18:12-14; Miércoles (San Ambrosio): Isaías 40:25-31, Mateo 11:28-30; Jueves (Solemnidad de la Inmaculada

Concepción): Génesis 3:9-15, 20, Efesios 1:3-6, 11-12, Lucas 1:26-38; Viernes (San Juan Diego): Isaías 48:17-19, Mateo 11:1619; Sábado: Eclesiástico 48:1-4, 9-11, Mateo 17:10-13

DICIEMBRE 11-17

Domingo (Tercer domingo de Adviento): Isaías 35:1-6a, 10, Santiago 5:7-10, Mateo 11:2-11; Lunes (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Lucas 1:26-38; Martes (Santa Lucía): Sofonías 3:1-2, 9-13, Mateo 21:28-32; Miércoles (San Juan de la Cruz): Isaías 45:6-8, 18, 21-25, Lucas 7:1923; Jueves: Isaías 54:1-10, Lucas 7:24-30; Viernes: Isaías 56:1-3, 6-8, Juan 5:33-36; Sábado: Génesis 49:2, 8-10, Mateo 1:1-17

Condensado de Aciprensa

Peregrinación Mariana

Una estatua especialmente encargada de María, Madre de Dios, está visitando más de 100 lugares en toda la Diócesis de Charlotte durante el año del aniversario. Las próximas visitas incluyen:

IGLESIA CATÓLICA SAN LUIS GONZAGA

30 de noviembre al 4 de diciembre 921 2nd St. NE, Hickory, N.C. 28601

IGLESIA

CATÓLICA CRISTO REY

4 al 7 de diciembre 1505 E. MLK Jr. Dr., High Point, N.C. 27260

IGLESIA CATÓLICA DIVINO REDENTOR

7 al 11 de diciembre 209 Lon Ave. Boonville, N.C. 27011

IGLESIA CATÓLICA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS CAMINOS

11 al 13 de diciembre 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, N.C. 27360

CENTRO PASTORAL DE LA DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE

14 al 21 de diciembre 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203

CATEDRAL SAN PATRICIO

21 de diciembre al 3 de enero 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

SEMINARIO UNIVERSITARIO SAN JOSÉ

7 al 12 de enero

22 Arctus Ave., Mount Holly, N.C. 28120

Para obtener más información sobre estas paradas de peregrinación, visite el website del 50 aniversario de la Diócesis de Charlotte, www. faithmorepreciousthangold.com

Haz una buena obra por Jesús

Proyecto navideño para niños

El Adviento es la oportunidad perfecta para enseñar a los niños la importancia de dar y amar a los demás imitando a Jesús. Así como “Dios amó tanto al mundo que dio a su Hijo único” (Juan 3:16), así también los niños pueden prepararse para el nacimiento de Jesús imitando el amor de Dios por los demás.

La Diócesis de Charlotte ofrece este proyecto familiar del 50 aniversario como un recurso para las familias: una cuna (o pesebre) de Navidad que los niños pueden hacer con palitos de helado y luego llenar con paja para ablandar la cama donde se acostará el Niño Jesús, colocando un pedacito de paja por cada buena obra, limosna, oración o sacrificio ofrecida por los demás durante el Adviento.

Siga los siguientes pasos para hacer su propio pesebre e inicie una nueva tradición navideña para crecer en santidad, preparándose para el nacimiento de Jesús.

Online

— Catholic News Herald

En www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com : Baje y comparta las instrucciones de este divertido proyecto con amigos y familiares

Artículos

necesarios

12 palitos de helado

Pegamento no tóxico o pistola de goma caliente Paja (como una bolsa de sandwich) Miniatura del niño Jesús en madera o plástico Tela (Un pedazo de tela para envolver al muñeco)

Instrucciones

PASO 1

Pegue 4 palitos de helado a lo largo. Se recomienda la supervisión de un adulto, y solo los adultos deben usar una pistola de goma caliente. Repita.

PASO 2

Pegue 2 palitos de helado juntos en forma de X. Repita.

PASO 3

Coloque cada X en posición vertical y luego los juegos de 4 palos pegados en la parte superior como se muestra en la foto. Asegure con pegamento fuerte.

PASO 4

Coloque una paja en el pesebre por cada buena acción realizada durante las cuatro semanas de Adviento.

PASO 5

Haga a mano o compre una figura de bebé de 2 a 3 pulgadas y envuélvala en la tela como pañales. En Nochebuena, coloque la figura del Niño Jesús en el pesebre para celebrar el cumpleaños de Jesús.

PASO 6

Comparta su creatividad con otros lectores del Catholic News Herald. Envíenos una foto de su proyecto familiar de Navidad al correo electrónico 50years@rcdoc. org

Oración Para el 50 Aniversario

Padre Celestial, acepta nuestra humilde oración de alabanza y gratitud mientras celebramos con alegría los cincuenta años de la Diócesis de Charlotte. A lo largo de nuestra historia, los fieles del oeste de Carolina del Norte, bajo el cuidado de estimados obispos y abades, han sido alimentados por tu mano providencial. Confiamos en que invitas a tus hijos a implorar tus constantes bendiciones, te pedimos que sigas derramando tu gracia celestial sobre nosotros. Con afecto y devoción filial, te pedimos además que veas con buenos ojos las oraciones que pedimos por la intercesión de nuestra venerable patrona, la Santísima Virgen María, que con atención maternal atiende las necesidades y preocupaciones de la Iglesia. Te lo pedimos por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo, que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo, Dios por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

Oraciones y devociones

El tema del 50 Aniversario, “La fe es más preciosa que el oro” (1 Pedro 1:7), alienta el uso de las oraciones, devociones y sacramentales probados y verdaderos de la Iglesia, que durante siglos han acercado a las personas a Dios. Pidamos con confianza las gracias que esperamos recibir de Dios al celebrar la fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros.

Intención de oración de noviembre

Por los fieles difuntos. Que el Señor dé el descanso eterno a todos los fieles difuntos de la Diócesis de Charlotte que vivieron y sirvieron fielmente unidos a la Iglesia de Dios.

Santa del mes

Santa Inés Le Thi Thanh Fecha de la fiesta: 24 de noviembre.

Our nation

In Brief

As USCCB president, Archbishop Broglio says he welcomes meeting with Biden

BALTIMORE — The incoming president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he is willing to meet with public officials, including President Joe Biden, to discuss public policy issues of concern to the Church. “I don’t see my role as political, but if there is any way to insert the Gospel into all aspects of life in our country, I certainly will not miss any occasion to do that,” Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, told reporters Nov. 15, hours after he was elected during the bishops’ fall general assembly in Baltimore. He said his predecessor as president, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, had desired to meet with Biden, but that such an opportunity did not present itself since Biden’s election two years ago. “If he wants to meet with me, I’d be happy to meet with him,” Archbishop Broglio said. After Biden was elected in 2020, Archbishop Gomez announced the formation of a working group of bishops to address issues surrounding the election of a Catholic president and policies that may come about that would be in conflict with Catholic teaching and the bishops’ priorities. The outcome of that effort eventually led to the bishops’ issuing a statement on the importance of Holy Communion in the life of the Catholic Church and did not address any conflicts between the stances of Catholic elected officials and Church teaching on the dignity of life. “I intend to continue the good work that Archbishop Gomez began, I think, by giving us a good example of listening but then of leading. I think I will just try to continue in that same vein,” Archbishop Broglio said.

‘Fraternal dialogue,’ more prayer have place on bishops’ assembly agenda

BALTIMORE — Gathered in Baltimore for their fall general assembly Nov. 14-17, the bishops elected new leadership, heard about the crisis in Ukraine and what’s facing migrants at the U.S. southern border.

They also approved several liturgical items and OK’d the advancement of the sainthood causes of three Catholic women. The prelates also discussed whether they should update “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” their document on the political responsibility of Catholics that they issue every four years for the presidential election. By an overwhelming majority, the bishops voted to reissue the teaching document without revisions but to add supplemental materials and begin a process of reexamining the teaching document following the 2024 election.

Several bishops said it must include what Pope Francis has said on critical issues of the day in his nearly 10 years as the successor to Peter. But beyond the business agenda the bishops must attend to every year, there was a greater emphasis on prayer throughout their four days together and changes in seating arrangements to promote “fraternal dialogue.”

“The plenaries are business meetings, but they are not just business meetings,” James Rogers, the USCCB’s chief communications officer, told Catholic News Service. “The bishops are recognizing that it’s also about discernment, about group discussion, about listening to one another, and about listening to the Holy Spirit.”

Their first public session took place the afternoon of Nov. 15 and opened with an address by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio, followed by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, the outgoing president of the USCCB. The nuncio told the bishops that “as we live through a time of accelerated change,” spreading the Gospel message is particularly important. One way to determine if the Church is following its missionary role is to look at how local churches are functioning as evangelizing communities, something he said is especially evident in the current eucharistic revival in the United States.

In his final presidential address, Archbishop Gomez described images of conflict, changes and challenges he saw during his three-year term. He spoke of the pandemic, “a long season of unrest in our cities,” a contentious presidential election as well as “deepening political, economic and cultural divisions,” war in Europe, a refugee crisis and “the overturning of Roe v. Wade.”

CNS | BOB ROLLER

Protection of Children and Young People, said the past 20 years have been a time of growth, awareness, examination and conversion as the church has worked to provide a safe environment and restore justice.

During their public sessions Nov. 15 and 16, the bishops heard several reports, including:

Preparations for the next October’s world Synod of Bishops on synodality: Diocesan listening sessions concluded this fall. He said dioceses “managed to host over 30,000 listening sessions and other means of coming together.” Now comes “the continental stage” of consultations. The ongoing war in Ukraine: Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia asked his fellow U.S. bishops Nov. 16 to pray for Ukraine, and, if possible, to go to Ukraine and pray there for its people. What Ukrainians are facing amounts to genocide, he said. He thanked the bishops and their leadership for spearheading U.S. Catholic support for a nation under attack by Russia since February.

He raised alarm over what he saw as a U.S. society moving “hard and fast toward an uncompromising secularism,” adding that “traditional norms and values are being tested like never before.” But “it is not inevitable that our country will fall into secularism. The vast majority of our neighbors still believe in God,” he said. “Tens upon tens of millions of Catholics still serve God every day, and we are making a beautiful difference in the life of this country.”

The three-year National Eucharistic Revival, which is now under way at the diocesan level and will culminate in the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024: Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, which is spearheading the revival, said the revival has “incredible momentum.” The ultimate goal, he said, is that this “this encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist” will move Catholics who have been part of this experience to be missionary disciples who would in turn lead others to the faith.

D.C. Jan. 19-20

Annual National Prayer Vigil for Life will take place in Washington,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Prayer Vigil for Life held each January will continue even with the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade because there is “still a great need for prayer and advocacy”’ to end abortion and protect the unborn and their mothers, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Nov. 11. The vigil is hosted in Washington by the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-life Activities, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. Scheduled for Jan. 19-20 at the national shrine, the vigil has always coincided with the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of the 1973 decision of the court’s Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The 2023 March for Life is Jan. 20. “The National Prayer Vigil is a time to praise God for the great gift of the recent Supreme Court Dobbs decision, overturning the tragic Roe v. Wade decision made almost a half-century ago,” said Kat Talalas, assistant director of pro-life communications at the USCCB.

In their elections, the bishops chose Archbishop Gomez’s successor – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. In subsequent voting, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore was elected USCCB vice president. Archbishop Lori succeeds Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron as vice president. The outgoing USCCB officers completed their three-year terms at the conclusion of the assembly, and their successors began their three-year terms.

Archbishop Broglio told reporters a few hours after he was elected that he is willing to meet with public officials, including President Joe Biden, to discuss public policy issues of concern to the church.

“I don’t see my role as political, but if there is any way to insert the Gospel into all aspects of life in our country, I certainly will not miss any occasion to do that,” he said, adding that Archbishop Gomez had desired to meet with Biden, but that such an opportunity did not present itself since Biden’s election two years ago.

“I intend to continue the good work that Archbishop Gomez began, I think, by giving us a good example of listening but then of leading. I think I will just try to continue in that same vein,” Archbishop Broglio said.

The afternoon public session ended with an acknowledgement of the 20th anniversary of the drafting and passage of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” with prayer and reflection led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey.

Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, outgoing chairman of the Committee on the

The pro-life landscape after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade: Archbishop Lori, speaking as outgoing chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said that in a year when abortion has been front and center in U.S. politics –from the Supreme Court decision to recent state referendums – the Catholic Church faces a challenge of promoting its pro-life message to its own members and society at large. “We have more work to do,” he said, but stressed church leaders must remain united in their efforts to “proclaim the Gospel of life and defend human life at every stage.” Because he was elected USCCB vice president, his term as pro-life chair ended. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, was elected his successor as chairman Nov. 16. Among liturgical action items before them, the bishops approved English and Spanish versions of “Lay Ministry to the Sick,” a collection of texts taken from other liturgical books. They also approved new Mass texts for the feasts of Our Lady of Loreto (Dec. 10) and the recently canonized St. Paul VI (May 29).

The approved texts now advance to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Sacraments for a “recognitio” before they can be used in the United States.

The bishops also gave their assent in voice votes to the advancement of three sainthood causes: Mother Margaret Mary Healy Murphy, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, the first order of women religious in the state of Texas, Cora Louise Evans, a California laywoman who was a wife, a mother and possible mystic and North Dakota laywoman Michelle Duppong.

Bishops attend a Nov. 15 session of the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore.

world

‘Hurry up, Lord’ and bring peace to Ukraine, pope prays

VATICAN CITY — “We can pray for Ukraine by saying, ‘Hurry up, Lord,’” Pope Francis told visitors and pilgrims at his weekly general audience. The day after a Russian-made missile landed in Poland, close to Ukraine’s border, killing two people, and after Russia fired close to 100 missiles on Ukrainian targets, causing at least one death and leaving many people without electricity, Pope Francis made another appeal for peace Nov. 16. Polish President Andrzej Duda said Nov. 16 there was a “high probability” that Ukrainian forces had fired the Russian-made missile as part of its defense against the Russian barrage and it accidentally landed in Poland. Russia had not fired such a barrage in weeks but seemed to be targeting Ukraine’s electrical grid and other infrastructure ahead of the winter cold. After praying for victims of a terrorist attack Nov. 13 in Istanbul, the pope told people in St. Peter’s Square, “Our constant prayer is also for martyred Ukraine. May the Lord give Ukrainians consolation, strength amid this trial and give them hope for peace.”

Brazilian archbishop: Vatican is advancing cause of Hélder Câmara

SÃO PAULO — The Vatican has advanced the sainthood cause of the late Archbishop Hélder Câmara of Olinda and Recife, who may soon be called “venerable.” Archbishop Fernando Saburido of Olinda and Recife made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the 18th National Eucharistic Congress. Archbishop Camara, one of the founders of the Brazilian bishops’ conference, was named to Olinda and Recife in 1964, three weeks before the beginning of the military coup that started the 20-year dictatorship in Brazil. Days after the coup, the archbishop released a manifesto supporting the Catholic workers’ action in Recife. The new military government accused him of being a demagogue and a communist, and he was forbidden to speak publicly. “If I give bread to the poor, everyone calls me a saint. If I show why the poor have no bread, they call me a communist and a subversive,” the archbishop is said to have said during that time. Dom Hélder, as he was known, remained a strong critic of the regime, denouncing human rights violations committed by police authorities.

— Catholic News Service

Pope tells patriarch Catholics are ready for a common Easter date

VATICAN CITY — Meeting the U.S.-born patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, Pope Francis expressed his hope that Christians of the East and West could finally agree on a common date for celebrating Easter.

“Let us have the courage to put an end to this division that at times makes us laugh” with the ridiculous possibility that Christians could ask each other, “When does your Christ rise again?” the pope told Catholicos Awa III, the patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.

The catholicos, who was born in Chicago, was elected head of the church in September 2021 and made his first official visit to the Vatican Nov. 19, before Pope Francis left to visit his relatives in the northern Italian city of Asti.

“I wanted to share lunch with you,” the pope told him, “but I have to leave at 10:30. Please excuse me! I would not want it to be said that this pope is a bit stingy and does not invite us to lunch! I would love to share the table, but there will be other opportunities.”

The Assyrian Church of the East, which is not in full communion with any of the Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox churches, began a theological dialogue with the Vatican in the mid-1990s.

During their meeting, Catholicos Awa mentioned his hope and the hope of many other Christians to find a way to celebrate Easter on the same day.

Pope Francis thanked him and said, “I want to say – indeed, to repeat – what St. Paul VI said in his day: We are ready to accept any proposal that is made together.”

In 2025, the pope noted, Christians will celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and the Gregorian and Julian calendars will align that year so that Christians of the East and West will celebrate Easter on the same day.

Christian leaders should “be courageous and search together”

for a solution that will bring a common celebration of Easter every year, the pope said. “I’m willing, yet not me, the Catholic Church is willing to follow what St. Paul VI said. Agree and we will go where you say.”

Pope Francis was referring to an appendix to the Second Vatican Council’s 1963 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, promulgated by Pope Paul. The declaration “on revision of the calendar” said council members “would not object if the feast of Easter were assigned to a particular Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, provided that those whom it may concern, especially the brethren who are not in communion with the Apostolic See, give their assent.”

Since that time, the Vatican’s position consistently has been that if Eastern Christians agree on a way to determine a common date for Easter, the Catholic Church would accept it.

Before the Council of Nicaea, different Christian communities celebrated Easter on different dates; the council decided that for the unity of the Christian community and its witness, Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.

But the Julian calendar, which is what Christians used in the fourth century, was increasingly out of sync with the actual solar year, so March 21 – generally assumed to be the date of the Northern Hemisphere’s spring equinox – gradually “drifted” away from the actual equinox.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII, relying on the work of the best astronomers of his time, reformed the calendar, dropping 10 days and making the equinox fall on March 21 again. Most Eastern Christians did not adopt the new calendar, leading to a situation where Easter occasionally is on the same day, but Eastern Christians’ celebration can be as much as four weeks later.

— Catholic News Service

Pope Francis shakes hands with Catholicos Awa III, patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, at the end of a meeting Nov. 19, in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

ViewPoints

Our hope in the resurrection

Everyone in heaven is dead.” That was the shocking statement made by the retreat master on a retreat I recently attended. He quickly added, “except for Jesus and Mary.” That clued us in to the point he was making. What makes Jesus and Mary special among all the saints in heaven is that they have bodies. Jesus ascended bodily into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection, and Mary was assumed by God, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. Our retreat master could have added Enoch and Elijah to that list, as the Old Testament records both of them being assumed bodily into heaven (see Gen 5:24 and 2 Kgs 2:11). But apart from this very select group, no one else in heaven has a body, which is why our retreat master could say, “Everyone in heaven is dead.” They are disembodied souls.

We are used to thinking of the saints as being alive, even more alive than we are here on earth; and in a sense that is true. Our Catholic faith teaches us that our souls survive death, so in that sense they are still alive. And the souls in heaven have been perfected and enjoy a union with God more complete than anything we experience here on earth. So it’s not wrong to say that they are alive. But it’s also not wrong to say they are dead, and if we skip over that point we neglect an essential aspect of our Christian faith: the resurrection.

Human beings are composite creatures. We are physical, material, mortal bodies and spiritual, immaterial, immortal souls. We are not souls that have a body or bodies that have a soul: we are both of these things together. This is why the incarnation is so important. God did not simply communicate grace directly to our soul, but He took on a body like ours and suffered bodily death. He rose bodily from the grave and ascended bodily into heaven. Christ gave sacraments as ways to convey the grace of God to us in ways we can see and touch and taste. God made us body and soul and He redeems us body and soul.

When a human body and a human soul separate, we call that death. When the body is so damaged by illness or injury that it is no longer capable of giving expression to the soul, the soul leaves the body and the body dies but our soul lives on. After death, the Church teaches that we each face our particular judgment. We will know at that time whether we will spend eternity separated from God in hell or united in God’s friendship in heaven, perhaps after first undergoing additional purification in purgatory.

But wherever we spend eternity, God did not make us to be disembodied souls – not even disembodied souls in heaven. A ghost – even a ghost in heaven – is not a full human being. It may be a happy ghost, a blissful ghost, even a holy ghost, but it is still a ghost. That means everyone in heaven is still dead because they still await the resurrection of their bodies (except for Jesus, Mary, Enoch and Elijah). The hope of that glorious day to come is what separated the two largest Jewish sects in ancient times, the Pharisees and the

Sadducees. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection and the Sadducees didn’t (that’s what made them sad, you see). That’s why the Sadducees ask Jesus ridiculous questions about the fate of widows who consecutively marry seven brothers (see Lk 20:27-38). They are trying to set Jesus up by ridiculing the idea of the resurrection.

Most Jews, like Martha of Bethany, believed in the resurrection. That’s why when Jesus told Martha that her brother Lazarus would rise from the dead, Martha replied with, “I know he will rise with everyone else on the last day” (Jn 11:24). Jesus revealed that her hope was closer than she realized when He said, “I am the resurrection” (Jn 11:25); a claim He proved by Himself rising from the tomb as the first fruits of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20).

A major difference between Christians and pagans is the hope of the resurrection. The best the ancient pagans could hope for was a happy death somewhere in the pleasant fields of Elysium. But the Christian hope is more than a happy death. It is to conquer death.

The ancient Gnostics considered the soul to be the real person and the body just a shell. Salvation for them meant liberation from the body. Many in our culture – including professing Christians – seem to have adopted this same attitude. That’s why it’s important for us to not forget the final words of our Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come.” Our life’s end as Christians is not to die in a state of grace and go to heaven. As wonderful as that is, it’s an intermediate phase. We are meant to be more than happy ghosts. Our end is to be human beings fully alive, body and soul, reigning with Christ forever in the new Jerusalem.

On that great and final day, the last enemy to be conquered will be death (1 Cor 15:26). Christ will hand everything He has won over to the Father, and Death and Sheol (or Hades) will give up their dead for the final judgment (Rev 20:13). As Jesus describes it, “those in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn 5:29). This is the general resurrection and the final judgment after which the universe itself will experience death and resurrection. There will be a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with the human race and there will be no more tears, no more mourning, no more pain, and – most importantly – no more death (see Rev 21:1-3).

This is our faith. This is our hope; not for a happy death, but for eternal life. Let us pray for the hastening of that glorious and blessed day.

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

Jackie Kennedy’s veil and the weight of apocalypse

Fifty-eight years later, the images are still so very vivid. The funeral cortege; the deeply somber and silent crowds lining the streets; the riderless horse, named “Black Jack,” carrying a pair of highly polished, be-spurred boots in his stirrups to represent the fallen leader. The quietly respectful narration of the media, so unimaginable today, as a young matron, surrounded by the enormous Kennedy clan and appropriate members of the government leadership, walked behind her husband’s flagdraped casket. Most do not recall that Jaqueline Bouvier Kennedy had only months earlier lost her infant son, Patrick, born five weeks prematurely. Most do not consider that her post-natal chemistry and the terrible grief of losing a “preemie” (a subject less readily discussed or even acknowledged back in the day), had likely combined to lay its own silent burden on her, one to be carried in the face of public duties and endless scrutiny. And now here was Mrs. Kennedy, a 34-year-old widow with two small children, leading the funeral procession for her slain husband with remarkable composure and grace before the eyes of a still stunned world. With a child’s curiosity, I asked my mother why this beautiful young widow was wearing a veil over her face. My mother told me it was to hide the grim effects of grief from the cameras – to afford the First Lady a small measure of privacy. “It is a thin barrier between herself, in all of her sorrow, and the whole world.”

After that, while at Mass and still very young, I noticed that some people would return to their pews after receiving Holy Communion and would immediately cover their faces with their hands. When I inquired about it, my mother explained, “They are speaking privately to God, and they don’t want you staring at them while

they do it.”

Mulling it over through the years, it seems to me that people cover their faces whenever they are encountering something that is too big, too mysterious – simply too overwhelming – for their comprehension. Children cover their faces with sheets when their imaginations run away with them at night. Baseball fans cover their faces, oh, almost every ninth inning, during the season.

Face-covering, I have decided, is a response to a head-on encounter with a reality that goes beyond what we can fully take in. I am much older now, but I too return from receiving communion and cover my face as I pray. Because the Reality of Christ –of a God ready to become incarnate and die for us, ready to offer us mercy when we often cannot find it within ourselves – is a lot to take in, and I prefer to wrangle that out, or simply remain within the mystery, unobserved.

So too, often, the people around us. The daily face palms we fall into as we gaze into the ether of social media notwithstanding, most of us are covering our faces all the time, and not with a veil or our hands, but with another face entirely, one that is not real and is meant to give us a sense of self-protection from an increasingly intrusive and judgmental world whose realities are hard to take in. And to give us a hiding place as well.

But Advent is coming, and with it the reminder that – at a time not of our choosing – all of our veils are soon to be destroyed. The deliberate weave of the “cloud of unknowing” is about to be rent in two. And we will see, and be seen, and we’ll finally understand what love has been put forth for our sakes, at no cost to us beyond our willingness to be opened – uncovered before God or man, and facing reality too, no matter how big or

Deacon Matthew Newsome

Elizabeth Scalia

‘There is a feast, and it is an Eternal one, and the Lord of Hosts is the host, and we are nurtured by His whole and healing food.’

A season of gratitude

The beauty of nature during autumn has always been a great source of thankfulness in my life.

The other morning I happened to wake up just as the crimson sun was rising above the horizon. It lit up all the orange, yellow and red leaves plummeting wistfully to the ground. The entire woods outside my window was aglow with a magnificent light reminiscent of Moses’ burning bush. It was truly a “God Spot,” as Sister Mary Hugh used to tell us in Lay Ministry Class. God was surely revealing His deep love for me in that beautiful moment.

The Theophanies that come into our lives, those moments where God makes Himself known to us, need to be recognized and appreciated, but too often they are missed or ignored. These simple gifts God offers on a daily basis, such as hearing the ocean crash on the shore or a baby coo in his mother’s arms, cause me to want to sing out my favorite psalm from childhood, Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness and come before Him with

joyful song. Know that the Lord is God, He made us, we belong to Him, and we are His people, the flock He shepherds. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, enter His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good and His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness will endure to all generations.”

I love being part of the sheep of His flock, and I love to give Him thanks and bless His name. However, I also understand the deeper symbolism of the lamb and the sacrifice He made, the great gift He has given us all. I am thankful for the blessings and the opportunities He gives me to pick up my cross and follow Him, even when the path is not so beautiful and the way is dark. It is then that I am most grateful for the abiding love He has given us in the Sacraments, which provides me with the tangible gift, the proverbial hug I need to carry on. Thanks be to the Lord Our God.

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‘Ours is not an unknown God, up in the heavens, powerful and distant, but rather a God who is close. Closeness is God’s style; He is close with tenderness and mercy. Tender and compassionate, His open arms console and caress us. That is our King!’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Visiting his family, pope celebrates feast of Christ the King”

Through press time on Nov. 22, 22,453 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 31,547 pages. The top 10 headlines in November so far have been: n Why do we pray for the dead? 4,331

The Fathers of the Church

1,048

APOCALYPSE

FROM PAGE 22

incomprehensible.

We are told that within the veil that separates Heaven from Earth, there are “thin places.” One of the thinnest places in the world is a Catholic Mass, at the moment of Consecration, when the web is dissolved and Christ becomes present, and even the babbling babies seem to recognize it and go silent.

That thinning – that Eucharistic action of God penetrating the veil – happens daily, breaking into a world hungry for reality. And, as Scripture tells us, it is capable, there, that all can eat and be satisfied. (Matt 15:36)

This is reality. There is a feast, and it is an Eternal one, and the Lord of Hosts is the host, and we are nurtured by His whole and healing food. But first we must prepare ourselves, prepare our hearts and our minds – be willing to lift the coverings

with which we try to hide ourselves, protect ourselves from facing what is true of ourselves, of others, of God.

In myriad ways, a personal but real apocalypse can happen at any moment – a reality that rips away our shields and veils, leaving us exposed, bare, and as vulnerable and needy as a newborn infant heralded by angels and then lain in a manger – the place where creatures do eat.

Yes, Advent is coming, soon and very soon. And we must prepare ourselves, do the first things that we must, in order to better face the last things. Let us not cover our faces. Let us not put a veil before this reality. Let’s take it in.

ELIZABETH SCALIA is a Benedictine Oblate and author of several books including the award-winning Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life (Ave Maria Press) and Little Sins Mean a Lot (OSV). Formerly the Word on Fire editor-at-large, she also served as editor-in-chief of the English edition of Aleteia and as managing editor of the Catholic section of Patheos.com. Elizabeth blogs as “The Anchoress” at www.theanchoress.com. She is married and living on Long Island.

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Mail: Letters to the Editor

Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

DEACON CARL F. BROWN serves at Good Shepherd Mission in King.

Deacon Carl F. Brown

‘The Theophanies that come into our lives, those moments when God makes Himself known to us, need to be recognized and appreciated, but too often they are missed or ignored.’

ntroducing the Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehab Center I

COMING SOON!

The Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehab Center is Pennybyrn’s new, soon-to-be-completed, stateof-the-art facility serving all Piedmont Triad residents and surrounding areas. It will offer outpatient rehabilitation services in addition to our existing inpatient offerings. At Pennybyrn, we take a multidisciplinary approach to healing and recovery by incorporating a personalized plan that includes physical, occupational and speech therapy. Therapy services are available seven days a week, and progress is monitored daily.

The Lillian Congdon Transitional Rehab Center will have 24 private, one-bedroom suites. Each will have a bathroom with a walk-in shower. The brand-new facility will feature fine dining, a stateof-the-art gym, Kore Balance for assessments, Never2Late for cognitive training and standing tolerance, outdoor therapeutic space, POCket Pro for exercises at home and more.

ANTORCHA

asistentes se han estado preparando física y mentamente para esta próxima carrera portando la Antorcha Guadalupana. “Pero hay una carrera que es mucho más importante, es la carrera que nos conduce a nuestro Señor, es la que nos conduce a la vida eterna. Y la pregunta para nosotros es ¿cómo nos estamos preparando? ¿Cuál es la disciplina que estamos observando?”.

Luego añadió, “sólo un corazón dedicado, solo un corazón disciplinado, un corazón que se abre al Espíritu Santo, tiene la capacidad de autodisciplinarse para poder competir con integridad y con verdad”.

“Hay una carrera, hay una corona que todos estamos corriendo por alcanzar, y es la salvación… Hoy las lecturas nos dicen que hay que dedicarnos, que hay que estar atentos”, y para ello recomendó la

JUSTO

Por los ujieres en las Misas, porque son como esa sonrisa de Jesús que te recibe sin juzgarte y que te abre las puertas de la vida. Por ellos doy gracias.

Por nuestros jóvenes que se congregan y que quieren dar sentido a sus vidas dando frutos de misericordia, especialmente en el seno de sus familias. Estos jóvenes que quieren vivir la alegría del evangelio y que desean transformar sus comunidades y la sociedad en comunidades de fe, esperanza y amor. Por ellos doy gracias.

Por nuestras familias que luchan cada día la buena pelea y que mantienen la fe,

oración, la práctica de los sacramentos y, en especial, la participación constante en la Santa Eucaristía.

Al término de la Misa, el Padre Díaz agradeció nuevamente a los corredores que entregaron la posta desde Carolina del Sur, al grupo parroquial Frutos de Fe, equipo de jóvenes que organizó la recepción, al grupo de adolescentes ‘Vincenteens’ que organizó la Misa. Finalmente, ofreció una bendición especial al grupo de danza Nahuim Ollin, que bajo la dirección de la Sra. Mónica Cajero tuvo a su cargo la ejecución de las danzas indígenas para la Virgen.

La Antorcha Guadalupana también visitó las parroquias San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville, Divino Redentor en Boonville, Santa María en Greensboro y Nuestra Señora de los Caminos en Thomasville.

Más online

En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol : Vea más fotos y el video de la recepción de la Antorcha Guadalupana en Charlotte

que son levadura del Reino en la nuestra sociedad. Por ellos doy gracias.

Doy gracias por nuestros sacerdotes que lo dan todo sin medida por el bien de las almas, por nuestros diáconos que son bendición para nuestra Iglesia, por nuestros seminaristas y nuestras religiosas, buena nueva del evangelio encarnado en la realidad del pueblo.

Por esto doy gracias y te pido a ti hermano/a que des gracias conmigo por esta comunidad de fe en la que fuimos bautizados; porque en ella nuestro Dios se entrega a nosotros todos los días, aunque tú y yo no nos demos cuenta.

Y por eso, en esta celebración de Acción de Gracias, doy gracias a Dios.

SAINTHOOD

They had the opportunity to see Sister Thea Bowman in person when she visited North Carolina in the 1980s.

“It was amazing! To be near her, it was like God had brought her to us,” Gladys Hood recalled. “She always spoke about how she was a child of God. She was an intelligent woman. She was a teacher. She always taught about Jesus. She deserves to be a saint.”

Toni Tupponce, chair of the Black Culture Commission at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, served as the event’s emcee. She spoke about her experience growing up as a Black Catholic in a predominantly Baptist family and as a child attending Catholic school in her small community in Virginia during the time of desegregation.

She shared that her Catholic mother bought her books with saints in them to help satisfy her curiosity and assist her in picking a saint name for her confirmation. “I didn’t find a saint that looked like me...I picked St. Lucy because my grandmother’s name was Lucy,” Tupponce said.

She considers many of her ancestors worthy of sainthood, “considering all we have been through in this country and we’re still here. We have to be standing on the shoulders on some extraordinarily holy people!”

Our Lady of Consolation parishioner and St. Joseph College seminarian, James

Johnson, brought three of his brother seminarians to the event.

“I wanted to bring the seminarians along to see a different aspect of the Church. I thought it was important for them to see that as Black Catholics we do have ‘a place at the table,’ as the film is called,” Johnson said.

“For me, it is important to see others (saints) that look like me and who have had a similar upbringing as me. It gives me hope to continue my discernment process. I pray that I can have a great impact on the Church, too. I look to them as good examples to follow,” he added.

“I am really happy!” said Father Basile Sede, pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Parish. “It is historic to be part of this event. I see people from parishes around the diocese. This (film) gives us an opportunity to know that people like this existed and to go back and read more about their lives. It is very enriching.”

Tupponce added, “As an African American, I’ve realized that I’ve always learned to honor the ancestors and to know that they are in heaven looking down on all of us. That’s who these saints are. They are our exemplary ancestors looking down on us and interceding for us with the Father.”

Learn more

Find out more about Black Catholic History Month and see more photos and video from Our Lady of Consolation Parish’s 50th anniversary event at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

EL DIÁCONO EDUARDO BERNAL es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte.