Feb. 25, 2022 by Catholic News Herald

February 25, 2022

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

A Lent well spent

St. Patrick, Sacred Heart students take part in ‘50 Acts of Charity’

Seeking God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving

8-9

12-13

Community rallies after loss of Catholic Charities’ volunteer, Afghan refugee

ALSO INSIDE:

Ash Wednesday customs

4 FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Grow close to God and the poor this Lenten season CRS Rice Bowl program begins on Ash Wednesday

Holy Angels busca ‘héroes’ para cuidar ‘ángeles’

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

February 25, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 11

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

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

INDEX

Contact us.....................................2 Español....................................... 14-17 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese............................... 4-7 Scripture readings................. 3, 15 Arts & Entertainment............. 10-11 U.S. news.................................18-19 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news............................ 20-21

GET READY FOR LENT: It’s the perennial question: What to cook on Fridays during Lent? Go beyond cheese pizza and fish sticks this year! Check out our Pinterest board full of meatless recipes – everything from bean enchilada casserole and zucchini oven chips to shiitake mushroom pizza and coconut curry carrot soup (pictured at right).

704-370-3333

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

GO ON A DIFFERENT KIND OF RETREAT: Get your creative juices flowing. “Pottery, Plaiting, Poetry, and Prayer,” a unique sacred art retreat, will be held Friday-Saturday, March 18-19, at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. This “Art as Spiritual Therapy” retreat involves crafting prayer bowls, exploring poetry, weaving a traditional “Ojo de Dios” (“Eye of God”) from yarn, offering prayers for yourself and for others, and renewing your creative spirit. Attendance is limited, so sign up fast.

Go online to: www. pinterest.com/ charlottecnh/lentenrecipes

HONEST TALK ABOUT RACE: Join a courageous conversation on race led by Donna Toliver Grimes, assistant director, USCCB Office of African American Affairs; Toni Tupponce, Our Lady of Consolation Parish Black Cultural Commission; and Deacon Clarke Cochran, St. Peter Church Social Justice Ministry. 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28.

Subscribe today! Call:

things you need to know this week

For more info, contact: Rosheene Adams, diocesan African American Affairs Ministry, rladams@rcdoc.org. Register online: www.stpeterscatholic. weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/ Openwideourhearts

Details and registration info: www. catholicconference.org/art-retreat

LEARN ABOUT ST. KATHARINE DREXEL: Next Thursday, March 3, is the feast day of St. Katharine Drexel, a bold American saint who turned her back on life as a high society heiress to serve marginalized Black and Native American Drexel communities. She has a connection to several churches in our diocese.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

Registration and more info: www. catholicmenofthecarolinas.org

Check out the story “Saints who came among us” online at www.catholicnewsherald.com

Diocesan calendar of events CONFERENCES & TALKS ‘PERSON-CENTERED HEALTH CARE’: A program featuring Anna Halpine, CEO of FEMM Foundation, a research-based program committed to improving women’s health (www.femmhealth.org). 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the St. Patrick Cathedral Family Life Center, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Meatless dinner included in registration cost. RSVP: catholichealthcarecharlotte@ gmail.com. Sponsored by the diocesan Family Life Office and Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte. PRAY FOR LOVED ONES WHO HAVE LEFT THE FAITH: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Join the Legion of Mary in praying the Stations of the Cross using “Way of the Cross for Loved Ones Who Have Left The Faith,” by Father Jeffrey Kirby. Books available to use or to purchase for $5.50. ESPAÑOL

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

MEN: WHERE ARE YOU GOING? Spend a Saturday with other Catholic men, husbands and fathers at the Catholic Men’s Conference March 5. Enjoy dynamic speakers including Tim Staples, Keith Nester, Dr. John Acquaviva and Dr. Ray Guarendi. Attend Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis, go to confession and enjoy a quiet moment with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.

VIGILIA DE LOS DOS CORAZONES: 8 p.m. Todos los Viernes, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Únase cada primer viernes del mes a una vigilia nocturna para honrar los Corazones de Jesús y María, orar por nuestras familias, ofrecer penitencia por nuestros pecados y pedir por la conversión de nuestra nación. Para inscribirse a una hora de Adoración, visite www.ProLifeCharlotte.org/dos-corazones. PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS MARY’S SONS KNEELERS: Parishioners around the Diocese of Charlotte can pray for the men expected to be ordained – Deacon Darren Balkey and Deacon Aaron Huber – on special

kneelers they will receive when ordained on June 18. For more info, go online to www.MarysSons.org. Upcoming parishes hosting the kneelers: FEB. 28-MARCH 7: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte MARCH 14-16: St. Ann Church, Charlotte MARCH 28-APRIL 4: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury (Deacon Balkey’s home parish) DIVINE MERCY DAY OF HEALING: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at St. Matthew Church (8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte). Discover why Divine Mercy is so important. Father Jonathan Torres, Father Miguel Sanchez and Deacon Gary Schreiber will share their experiences with Divine Mercy. To learn more or register, visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/ ministries/spiritual-life-prayer/divinemercy. HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST LUKE MISSION OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: Divine Liturgy (Mass) is offered Sundays at 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. All are welcome. For info, 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: ARDEN: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 12, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road REIDSVILLE: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 26, Holy Infant Church, 1042 Freeway Dr. (En Español)

Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis: MARCH 5 – 10:25 A.M. Mass for the Catholic Men’s Conference St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte MARCH 8 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Virtual MARCH 10 – NOON Foundation Board Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte MARCH 12 – NOON Rite of Election St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Our faith

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Ash Wednesday customs Ash Wednesday – March 2 this year – signals the start of Lent. It is a day of fasting and abstinence, although not a holy day of obligation.

Pope Francis gives ashes to a cleric as he celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 17, 2021. Again this year, clergy in the Diocese of Charlotte will follow the custom of distributing ashes on top of the head, rather than the forehead.

ASHES

During Ash Wednesday services, ashes are sprinkled atop the head or marked on the forehead with the Sign of the Cross. The ashes are a symbol of penance and remind us that we are creatures of the earth and mortal beings: “For dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19). The ashes, which help us to develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice, are made from the blessed palms used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes are blessed with holy water. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, “they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts,” notes Catholic.org. The customary use of ashes as a sign of repentance is seen in the Books of Jeremiah, Daniel and Jonah of the Old Testament. In the Book of Judith, acts of repentance involved ashes being put on people’s heads: “All the Israelites in Jerusalem, including women and children, lay prostrate in front of the Temple, and with ashes on their heads stretched out their hands before the Lord” (Judith 4:1). The practice within the Church originated from a custom involving those who had committed serious sins. In the ancient Church, penitents expressed their humiliation by appearing in sackcloth and ashes. On Ash Wednesday, clothed in sackcloth and barefooted, they were presented to the bishop. After the seven penitential psalms were sung, the bishop laid his hands on them, sprinkled them with holy water, and poured ashes upon their heads, declaring “that as Adam was cast out of paradise, so they, for their sins, were cast out of the Church. Then the inferior ministers expelled them out of the doors of the church. At the end of Lent, on the Thursday before Easter, they were presented for reconciliation,” according to the “Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature” by John McClintock.

ALLELUIA

You might not have noticed, but the use of the word “Alleluia” is verboten during Lent. What is known as the “Alleluia verse” preceding the Gospel becomes known during Lent as “the verse before the Gospel,” with a variety of possible phrases to be used – none of which includes an alleluia. The Alleluia was known for its melodic richness and in the

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

early Church was considered to ornament the liturgy in a special way. In the spirit of the Lenten season of fasting, it was removed from Lenten Masses in the fifth or sixth century.

FASTING

Ash Wednesday is a day of abstinence and fasting; Good Friday is another. Abstinence means refraining from eating meat; fish is OK. Fasting means reducing one’s intake of food, such as eating two small meals that combined would not equal a full meal. Persons with serious health issues and dietary restrictions are encouraged to abstain from something else on the days of fasting and abstinence. Fasting during Lent follows the example of Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness. It also recalls the 40 days that Moses fasted on Sinai and the 40 days that Elijah fasted on his journey to Mount Horeb. In the second century, Christians prepared for the feast of Easter with a two-day fast. This was extended to all of Holy Week in the third century. In 325, the Council of Nicaea spoke of a 40-day period of preparation for Easter as something already obvious and familiar to all. — Sources: “Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature,” by John McClintock, Catholic News Service, www.catholic.org

Clergy may say “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” either to each person as they receive ashes or once to the entire congregation, a Feb. 18 instruction from the Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Divine Worship noted. The instruction also noted that face masks should not be worn during the imposition of ashes. — Catholic News Herald

Daily Scripture readings FEB. 27-MARCH 5

Sunday: Sirach 27:4-7, 1 Corinthians 15:5458, Luke 6:39-45; Monday: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Mark 10:17-27; Tuesday: 1 Peter 1:10-16, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday (Ash Wednesday): Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:16, 16-18; Thursday (St. Katharine Drexel): Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Luke 9:22-25; Friday (St. Casimir): Isaiah 58:1-9a, Matthew 9:1415; Saturday: Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 5:27-32

Alliance between young, old must be renewed

Heads up! Ashes are to be sprinkled again this year Parishes are being directed again this year to sprinkle ashes on the top of each person’s head rather than using them to make a cross on the forehead. The practice – customary at the Vatican and in Italy but not as common in the U.S. – is similar to what diocesan churches were instructed to do last year. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has left guidelines for the distribution of ashes this year to the discretion of each bishop.

Pope Francis

MARCH 6-12

Sunday: Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Romans 10:8-13, Luke 4:1-13; Monday (Sts. Perpetua and Felicity): Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, Matthew 25:31-46; Tuesday (St. John of God): Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday (St. Frances of Rome): Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29-32; Thursday: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25, Matthew 7:7-12; Friday: Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday: Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48

MARCH 13-19

Sunday: Genesis 15:5-12, Philippians 3:174:1, Luke 9:28b-36; Monday: Daniel 9:4b-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday: Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (St. Patrick): Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem): Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (St. Joseph): 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

he elderly, who are often cast aside, are a treasure trove of wisdom that can help one discover the true meaning of life rather than be consumed by the unrealistic goal of remaining forever young, Pope Francis said. “Youth is beautiful, but eternal youth is a very dangerous illusion,” the pope said Feb. 23 during his Wednesday general audience. “Being old is just as important – and beautiful – as being young. Let us remember this. The alliance between generations, which restores all ages of life to what is human, is our lost gift, and we must get it back. It must be found, in this culture of waste and in this culture of productivity,” he said. The day’s audience talk was the first of a new series dedicated to the meaning and value of old age. Noting that “there have never been so many of us in human history,” the 85-year-old pope said that now more than ever, the elderly face an increasing “risk of being discarded.” “The elderly are often seen as ‘a burden,’” he said. “In the dramatic first phase of the pandemic, it was they who paid the highest price. They were already the weakest and most neglected group: we did not look at them too much when they were alive, we did not even see them die.” The pope said that although the current demographic winter has led to a higher number of elderly than young people, the “dominant culture has as its sole model the young adult, that is, a self-made individual who always remains young.” “The exaltation of youth as the only age worthy of embodying the human ideal, coupled with contempt for old age as frailty, decay, disability, has been the dominant image of 20th-century totalitarianism. Have we forgotten this?” Instead of being “honored for the gifts they bring to everyone’s sense of life,” he said, old age, especially “in so-called ‘developed’ cultures,” is often disregarded “as an age that has no special content to offer, nor meaning of its own to live.” Pope Francis warned that the world will be robbed of love if “old age is not restored to the dignity of humanly worthy life,” and he encouraged Christians “to invest their thoughts and affections in the gifts” old age brings to one’s life. “Everything beautiful that a society has is related to the roots of the elderly,” the pope said. “For this reason, in these catecheses, I would like to highlight the figure of the elderly person, so people would understand the elderly are not something to be discarded; they are a blessing for society.”

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief Reid named interim principal CHARLOTTE — Dr. Alicia Reid, assistant principal, will serve as interim principal of St. Patrick School until the end of the school year, officials announced, after Principal Amy Tobergte stepped down effective Feb. 18 for a new opportunity outside the field of education. Tobergte, who served as principal for more than four years, expressed her gratitude for the “distinct privilege to lead such a special school.” “The staff is a family that cares deeply for one another, and I would be hard-pressed to find a group of educators who care more Reid for the spiritual and academic growth of the children in their care,” she wrote in a letter to parents. “Our parents are a close-knit community who consistently support our children, staff, and administration from the tiniest needs – like pencils in the classroom – to the most important undertakings – like being the primary educator of your children in your home.” Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of diocesan schools, said in a statement, “We are grateful to Mrs. Tobergte for her years of Tobergte faithful service to the St. Patrick community and the Diocese of Charlotte, and we wish her well as she begins her next endeavor.” “We are also grateful to Dr. Reid for her leadership and faith witness, and she will be supported by the Catholic Schools Office and the surrounding schools during this transition,” Monroe added. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Ukrainian Catholic bishop to visit Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, will make a pastoral visit to St. Basil the Great Church Feb. 26 and 27. The bishop’s visit coincides with the commemoration of “Forgiveness Sunday,” the last Sunday before Lent begins on the Byzantine Catholic liturgical calendar. During this celebration, the faithful hear about the Lord’s teaching on fasting and forgiveness, and they prepare for Lent by forgiving one another so that God will forgive them. At 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, Great Vespers will be offered, and the sacrament of confession will be available. Danylo On Sunday, Feb. 27, people are invited to attend Matins (Morning Prayer) at 9 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 11 a.m. After Mass, there will be a Pre-Lent gathering and “Forgiveness” Vespers, during which the faithful approach the altar for a special blessing from the priest and also ask forgiveness of each other. The St. Basil the Great Parish community worships at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. All Catholics of any tradition are welcome to attend these liturgies, which will be celebrated in English. — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

New confessional CHARLOTTE — Vincentian Father Hugo Medellin, parochial vicar, recently blessed a new confessional built inside the chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. — Facebook

Community rallies after loss of Catholic Charities’ volunteer, Afghan refugee LIZ CHANDLER AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — A week after their wives were fatally struck by a pickup truck as they walked along a sidewalk, Ahmad Rasoul and Peter Fernandez met for the first time. With two of his three children in tow, Ahmad attended the Feb. 21 visitation service for Dina Fernandez, the Catholic Charities volunteer who had been teaching English to his wife, Nabila. Ahmad wanted to meet Peter, he said, because “we are the same.” Two husbands who lost their spouses. On the same day, in the same shocking crash. Both fathers. Both deeply faithful. Both adoring of their wives, whom they’d met on a blind date or through family arrangement. At the funeral home, Ahmad and Peter locked in a long embrace and wept. When Ahmad introduced his children, energetic toddlers aged 3 and 4, Peter laughed and shared how much Dina had enjoyed visiting with them. As they talked, Ahmad and Peter agreed their families would remain connected. “We are heartbroken over the loss of Dina and Nabila, who were forming a special bond as Dina taught her English and they shared stories about their families,” said Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “Dina was a passionate volunteer who stepped up to help Catholic Charities in its efforts to resettle Afghan evacuees into our community. Nabila and her family were adjusting well.” The rosary and visitation service for Dina was followed Wednesday by a funeral Mass at St. Peter Church, where she was a member. She was 75. A week earlier, Nabila had been buried according to Muslim rituals in the Islamic section of a Huntersville cemetery. She had just turned 23. The 21-year-old driver police said was responsible for the crash Feb. 15 is facing multiple charges including felony death by vehicle, reckless driving and Driving While Impaired. Police said the car he was driving hit the pickup, sending it off the road and onto the sidewalk where Dina and Nabila were walking.

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT

Across the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond, people have rallied around the Rasoul and Fernandez families in the wake of the crash. A GoFundMe effort to help Ahmad Rasoul, 31, deal with the challenges of raising three children alone in a new country has drawn national attention. A five-star Charlottearea daycare has enrolled the children at a deep discount. The team at Hendrick Automotive Group, where Ahmad recently began working, has also generously donated to the family, some employees giving up their bonuses. Still others are reaching out to U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr in an effort to bring Ahmad and Nabila’s parents from Afghanistan to Charlotte – to reunite his family and help care for the three young children. “There is nothing more important to Ahmad than his family,” said Sam Hatcher, a retired salesman who owns the house where the Rasouls are living and is leading the GoFundMe effort. “It is critical now that the leadership of this country honor its commitment to the people of Afghanistan who were forced to flee their homeland when the U.S. suddenly withdrew forces. We need to bring Ahmad and Nabila’s parents here to be with their grandchildren.”

Ahmad Rasoul and Peter Fernandez comfort each other during a visitation for Fernandez’s wife Dina Feb. 21. Dina, 75, (left) and Rasoul’s wife Nabila, 23, (far left) were killed Feb. 15 while out for a walk together.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Dina’s family has also been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and is asking that contributions in her memory go to the Rasoul family or Catholic Charities’ Resettlement Program. Friends and fellow refugee mentors at St. Peter are planning other ways to continue Dina’s legacy of giving back – as a nurse, reading tutor, medical translator, and through volunteering typically for social justice causes. “She was a giver,” Peter Fernandez said of his wife of 54 years. “Her work as a volunteer with the community speaks volumes. I would like people to know that Dina was a great Catholic who loved her faith and always was looking to help people.” “She especially loved working with Nabila,” he said. “Dina was really proud of how much progress Nabila was making and how smart she was.”

COMING TO AMERICA

Ahmad and Nabila married in 2016. With his input, his parents invited Nabila’s family to accept a proposal. Ahmad was over the moon when they did. The couple’s connection was instant, he recalls. He remembers holding Nabila’s hand for the first time, LOSS, SEE PAGE 17

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Office of Family Life to co-sponsor women’s health event CHARLOTTE — The newly formed diocesan Office of Family Life, in partnership with Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte, is hosting a dinner event March 4 on the topic of “Person Centered Healthcare: Seeking Wholeness in Women’s Health.” The dinner will be held at the St. Patrick Cathedral Family Life Center, 1621 Dilworth Road East. Keynoting the event will be Anna Halpine, founder and CEO of FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management), a non-profit organization committed to women’s health and education. Halpine has a master’s in philosophy of religion from the Yale School of Divinity. She has been involved in human rights, women’s health and global partnership development for 18 years. FEMM offers a science-based reproductive health program for women that teaches them to identify, track and comprehend changes in their body relevant to their health and fertility. By helping women understand the crucial role of reproductive endocrinology in managing their health, FEMM empowers women to achieve their overall health and fertility goals. The March 4 dinner event will run 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person, $10 for students. To RSVP, email catholichealthcarecharlotte@ gmail.com. For inquiries, call Jessica Grabowski, Respect Life Program director, at 704-370-3229. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. FEMMhealth.org contributed.

Your DSA contributions at work The Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Family Life is funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

‘I’d much rather say hello than goodbye’ Oblate Father Joe Zuschmidt retires from IHM SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

“At the directives of my superiors and due to my age (I’ll by 85 shortly) and health, I have moved to the Oblate retirement home in Childs, Md. I have enjoyed my lengthy stay at Immaculate Heart of Mary. It has been life-giving. I have made many friends and I am grateful for all the love shown to me over the years.” Bullock, reflecting on Father Joe’s low key approach to his departure, says his note fits one of his well-known expressions: “I’d much rather say hello than goodbye.”

HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish has been home to Oblate Father Joseph Zuschmidt on and off for the past 33 years. Noted for being a humble priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales who has a way with homilies, the 84-year-old “Father Joe” recently retired as senior priest, completing his fourth assignment at the parish since 1989. During this 50th anniversary year of the diocese, it is noteworthy that Father Joe played a vital role in shaping many ministries during his time in western North Carolina. He was the founding pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte in 1978, serving there for 10 years, besides serving as campus minister for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte adjacent to the parish. After a year’s sabbatical, he moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for his first tenure as pastor, a threeyear assignment. Several years later he returned to serve as pastor for another seven years. He has also served as parochial vicar and as senior priest in residence. “He left and came back (over the years), and we’re happy he chose to come back to us,” says IHM administrative assistant Ann Marie Bullock, hired by Father Joe more than 25 years ago. “Father Joe did make IHM a much more vibrant church. He made us aware of the community and how we should help our surrounding community,” Bullock notes. “He has always loved IHM and did what was best for the parish (during his time here).” Deacon Wally Haarsgaard arrived at IHM around the same time as Father Joe in 1989. He also attests to Father Joe’s commitment to fellowship and fraternity. “He did so many good things here at the parish, and we really miss him already,” Deacon Haarsgaard says. Some of the popular social functions Father Joe instituted over the years include the FISH fellowship, “Fellowship In Someone’s Home” monthly small group meetings, donuts and coffee socials after Mass, Simplicity Meals during Lent and the parish picnics. “He also had a great love for RCIA,” Deacon Haarsgaard adds. “He loved to welcome people seeking the Catholic faith (through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). We’re certainly going to miss him in that area.” IHM’s current pastor, Oblate Father Peter Leonard, considers Father Joe a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend. “The people love him. He’s been involved in just about everything (over the years),” Father Leonard says, noting that Father Joe was at IHM in 1996 when 32 acres were purchased to build a new church. PHOTO PROVIDED BY IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH Father Joe was there in 2002 for the church dedication Oblate Father Joseph Zuschmidt celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination Nov. 21, 2015, by Bishop William G. Curlin. And, as senior priest, he at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point. He’d been a fixture at the parish over the was present in 2013 when a Parish Life and Education past 33 years until his retirement in January. Center was built to house parish education programs and Immaculate Heart of Mary School. “We appreciate and treasure his leadership and guidance in helping IHM become the church it is today,” Father Leonard says. Want to send Father Joe a note? His mailing address is: Father Joe In typical style, Father Joe insisted that no one fuss over his Zuschmidt, Attn: De Sales Center Oblate Residence, P.O. Box 43, Childs, departure. In a message to parishioners last month, he stated his Md. 21916-0043. Or email him at joezosfs@aol.com. reasons for leaving the parish in simple terms:

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Partners in Hope brings Piedmont Triad community ‘together for good’ March 10 WINSTON-SALEM — “As our community navigates the continued impacts of COVID-19, we know one thing is for certain, we are ‘together for good,’” says Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. That message is the theme for this year’s Partners in Hope event, which raises funds for Catholic Charities’ work in the Piedmont Triad. Set for Thursday, March 10, the event will be held at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem. The night will be a perfect time to come “together for good” in supporting the critical work the agency does in alleviating poverty and supporting families in Forsyth, Guilford and surrounding counties, organizers said. From food and baby clothing to counseling services and support for community college students, Catholic Charities helps thousands of people in need across the Piedmont Triad region – especially in providing a critical lifeline to people financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners in Hope attendees will hear inspiring stories of Catholic Charities’ impact over the past year and be invited to support Catholic Charities’ mission to “Strengthen Families, Build Communities, and Reduce Poverty” in the Piedmont Triad region. All funds raised through Partners in Hope are used to support local services and programs provided locally through the Piedmont Triad Office of Catholic Charities. During this year’s Partners In Hope event, the volunteers of the Piedmont Triad Office will be honored as the recipients of the 2022 Bishop William G. Curlin Partners in Hope Award. “Thanks to the generous support of donors and volunteers across our territory, we are bringing much needed comfort and services to the people we serve, our neighbors in need, and supporting the good work done every day by Catholic Charities,” Carter said. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Register now To register for the in-person event or to sign up to attend virtually, go to www.ccdoc. org/pih or call 336-714-3228.

Belmont Abbey College names Archbishop Chaput its 2022 Benedict Leadership Award recipient BELMONT — The Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College has recognized Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., as the recipient of the 2022 Benedict Leadership Award. This award highlights the incredible achievements of men and women whose lives reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict. Belmont Abbey College founded the Benedict Leadership Institute in 2016 to develop and inspire Catholic leaders to transform society in light of their faith. For its fifth recipient, the Benedict Leadership Institute recognizes Archbishop Chaput’s devotion to helping find ways to live meaningfully in light of the truth of the Gospel. “At Belmont Abbey, we live by the Benedictine hallmarks and believe that they are key in living a life of virtue,” Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey College said in the Feb. 21 announcement. “Archbishop Chaput embodies the qualities of St. Benedict through his passion to build greatness in his community, empowering others to be successful, and utilizing faith in leadership.” Archbishop Chaput said God’s call for his life became evident to him at a young age. He was born in 1944 in Concordia, Kan., to a French Canadian father and Native American mother and was part of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation early on. At 13, he decided that he wanted to become a priest and attended a Catholic seminary high school. In 1970, Bishop Cyril Vogel ordained him to the priesthood, and he went on to earn a Master of Arts in theology from the University of San Francisco. He taught at the collegiate level until he became pastor of Holy Cross Church in Thornton, Colo., in 1977. In 1988, he was ordained Bishop of Rapid City, S.D., where he served Chaput until 1997. He then went on to serve as Archbishop of Denver (1997-2011), and Archbishop of Philadelphia (2011-2020). In 2020, Archbishop Chaput retired at the mandatory age, but he has remained active in sharing the Gospel message with others. He is a leader that tirelessly encourages people to share God’s word with confidence and joy, said Conor Gallagher, executive director of the Benedict Leadership Institute. “The Benedict Leadership Institute exists to highlight Catholic leaders who impress upon society the importance of living by faith and encourage other leaders to live by this example. Archbishop Chaput has dedicated his life to this mission with seemingly boundless energy,” Gallagher said. In retirement, Archbishop Chaput published his third book “Things Worth Dying For,” where he tackles life’s most important questions such as why we’re here, the important things that Christians should be willing to die for, and how we can seek to live and die meaningfully. As Archbishop Chaput told Catholic News Service, he hopes that after reading his latest book that “anybody who is a serious Christian will take the Gospel more seriously, their lives more seriously and the world around more seriously.” His work is an inspiration to believers and non-believers alike, as well as other Catholic leaders, Gallagher said. “Archbishop Chaput’s enthusiasm, evangelization, and wisdom have impacted the faithful on both a global and personal level. From the American prairies to Rome, Archbishop Chaput has engaged and mobilized the laity, tirelessly worked to right the wrongs and heal deep wounds in the Church, and fought for religious liberty at home and abroad,” he said. — Belmont Abbey College

Please pray for the following deacons who died during the month of February: Joseph Garavaglia George McMahon J. Daniel Carl Louis Rinkus Nicholas Fadero Franklin Manning John Burke Michael LeVon Stout Charles Brantley

2/25/2002 2/15/2007 2/12/2010 2/17/2010 2/10/2011 2/13/2011 2/29/2012 2/4/2020 2/27/2020

Catholic Men’s Conference set for March 5 CHARLOTTE — The 12th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas will take place Saturday, March 5, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road. Attendees can opt to participate in person or view the conference online. Speakers for this year’s men’s conference, themed “Quo Vadis (Where Are You Going?),” include EWTN television host Dr. Ray Guarendi; author and apologist Tim Staples; author and convert Keith Nester; and professor and author Dr. John Acquaviva. Jugis Guarendi, a clinical psychologist, is noted for his Ave Maria Radio show, “The Doctor Is In,” and his EWTN television series, “Living Right With Dr. Ray.” He has given more than 3,000 talks around the country on topics such as smart parenting, happier marriages, successful Acquaviva families and a variety of motivational themes, for both personal and professional life. Staples, a convert to the Catholic faith, is director of Apologetics and Evangelization at Catholic Answers. A former Marine who also spent time in seminary, Guarendi he is a renowned Catholic evangelist who has written many inspiring books about the faith. Nester converted to Catholicism in 2017. His book “The Convert’s Guide to Roman Catholicism: Your First Year in the Church” is a realistic look at the transitions, obstacles, Nester joys and challenges converts face during their first year in the Church. Acquaviva is known in his classes and talks for enthusiastic presentations that relate the concepts from the catechism, the Bible and Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body with topics in the world of Staples sport, health and fitness. He hosts “Faith and Sport” on Radio Maria and “The Fitness Doctor” television program on Time Warner Cable in Union County. Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass for conference participants. The conference runs 8 a.m.-3:15 p.m. with a break for lunch. Tickets cost $40 (in person) or $25 (online), with discounts for Knights of Columbus members and high school or college students. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

For more information At www.catholicmenofthecarolinas.org: Buy tickets or find out more about the 12th annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Grow close to God and the poor this Lenten season CRS Rice Bowl program begins on Ash Wednesday BALTIMORE — Catholic Relief Services invites Catholics across the country to pray, fast and give through its annual Lenten program CRS Rice Bowl – an important part of CRS’ mission to serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their sisters and brothers around the world. “When Catholics take part in CRS Rice Bowl, they’re reaching across physical distances and bringing themselves closer to their global family,” said Beth Martin, director of Mission and Mobilization Campaigns at CRS. “At the same time, they’re bringing themselves closer to God.” By using CRS Rice Bowl materials, families and educators can teach children about the season of Lent, about Jesus’ sacrifice and about how they can help their sisters and brothers around the world while living out their faith. As part of the Rice Bowl program, 75% of all donations goes to CRS programming in targeted countries. CRS Rice Bowl

relationship with God,” Martin said. “It gives us the opportunity to strengthen our connection to Him, and we hope that CRS Rice Bowl provides families with the tools to help every person fully experience and understand the season.” The CRS Rice Bowl campaign, which began in 1975, launches Ash Wednesday, March 2. Every year, families from across the United States fill nearly 3 million Rice Bowls with their Lenten alms. While these donations make a difference around the world, they also help in the United States, as 25% of all donations stay in the donors’ home diocese. “By making a small sacrifice during Lent, Catholics in the U.S. can be a part of the larger movement of CRS Rice Bowl,” Martin said. “Not just around the world, where the help is needed, but also here at home, where families might also be struggling to put enough food on the table.”

More online participants also have access to meatless Lenten recipes from different countries, along with other resources for Holy Week, including the Stations of the Cross. CRS will also host virtual events throughout the Lenten season, including prayer nights in Spanish and English. “Lent is a time for Catholics to reflect on their personal

At crsricebowl.org: Download Rice Bowl materials and get more information about this Lenten program that aids people around the world At www.crs.org: Learn more about Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S.

STORIES OF HOPE: Where your Rice Bowl contributions go Noornobi’s niece and nephew – Shima, left, and Ador – attend a nearby coaching center. Their school has been closed because of the pandemic, but they are continuing their education through a private tutor. Ador is in the sixth grade, and Shima is in the fifth grade.

Gloriose, right, supplies water to people in her community in Kigali, Rwanda. The water kiosk where she works was provided to the community as part of a CRS-led project designed to reduce childhood malnutrition. PHOTO BY MUSSA UWITONZE FOR CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

Noornobi and his father, now farmers, previously worked as fishing laborers but struggled to earn enough money to provide for their family. Then Noornobi participated in a CRS project implemented by our partner Caritas Bangladesh. Through it, families reduce their vulnerability by learning improved techniques for vegetable cultivation, ways to make their homes more disaster resilient and how to prepare for hardships through micro-savings groups. Noornobi learned disasterresilient gardening and received support to build a vegetable plot. He gradually expanded his crop yield, which increased his family’s income. Noornobi now produces vegetables commercially while meeting his household needs and supporting the children’s education.

In 2017, Gloriose Uwamahoro’s daughter Nshutinziza Laetitia was suffering from moderate malnutrition. Motivated by her husband Karekezi Jean Pierre, Gloriose joined a CRS-led project designed to reduce childhood malnutrition. The project works with the Rwandan government to improve community health services, educate families on healthy diets, train farmers to grow nutritious food, encourage saving money and invest in better sanitation. Gloriose learned how to prepare a balanced diet for her daughter, Nshutinziza recovered and Gloriose continues feeding her well. Gloriose also joined a micro-savings group that taught her how to manage her income.

RECIPES: Tuck into these delicious dishes in solidarity with families in need Dahl (A vitamin-rich lentil stew from Bangladesh) 2 C. dried red lentils, rinsed 4 C. water 2 tsp. ground turmeric 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced 2 cinnamon sticks 2 tsp. ground cardamom 3-4 bay leaves 1 1/2 tsp. salt Vegetable oil 1 small red onion, chopped 1 tbsp. garlic, chopped Chopped cilantro In a large pot, add the lentils with 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the turmeric powder, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and bay leaves to the lentils and cook for 15 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove the pot from the stove and add the salt. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they turn light brown. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the lentils. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with rice. Makes 4-6 servings.

Agatogo with Collard Greens (Rwanda’s favorite plantain dish) 1 large onion, chopped 1 tbsp. olive oil 5 cloves garlic, sliced 6 oz. tomato paste 4 plantains, mostly green, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 3 C. thinly sliced collard greens 1 qt. vegetable broth or water Salt to taste 1/2 C. peanuts, measured then crushed In a large pot over medium-high heat, fry the onion in the olive oil until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until the onions begin to turn brown on the edges. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the plantains, collard greens and vegetable broth. Salt to taste. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the plantains are tender and no longer white. Sprinkle on the crushed peanuts and serve immediately. Serve with rice. Makes 4 servings.

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MORE TAKE PART IN THE ‘50 ACTS OF CHARITY’ CAMPAIGN

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:

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH Through Sunday morning, Feb. 27 537 N.C. 16 Business, Denver, N.C. 28037

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH Sunday afternoon-Friday, Feb. 27-March 4 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C. 28277

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE Saturday, March 5 St. Thomas Aquinas Church 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28213 The pilgrim statue will be present at the 12th annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas. For info, go to www. CatholicMenoftheCarolinas.org.

ST. LUKE CHURCH March 5-9 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, N.C. 28227

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH March 9-11 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28227

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH March 11-16 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28215

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fifth-graders lend a hand at Charlotte food pantry CHARLOTTE — Fifth-graders from St. Patrick School recently pitched in at the Catholic Charities’ food pantry in Charlotte – organizing and stocking shelves and packing bags of food to be distributed to people in need. The students volunteered in two groups – one on Jan. 31 and the other on Feb. 4 – to help out at the food pantry, which is one of Catholic Charities’ largest operations in Charlotte. It typically distributes over 100,000 pounds of food to more than 2,000 people each year. “We are grateful to the students at St. Patrick School,” said Sylvia Sekle, the food pantry supervisor. “Getting involved in charitable work such as feeding the hungry is an integral part of our Catholic faith – something they’re appreciating already at a young age.”

The food pantry is just one of the ways Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte serves people in need in the Charlotte region. The social service agency provides “wrap-around” services to individuals and families through its Transition Out of Poverty program – providing people with a customized path out of poverty. This transformative service helps individuals and families develop a long-term plan to overcome obstacles that keep them from achieving their dreams. In addition to food and other emergency aid, Catholic Charities case workers help people with job searches, referrals for health care, guidance on educational needs, support with accessing affordable housing, connection to local community resources, and more. Learn more how you can get involved: www.ccdoc.org.

The future of healthcare is here. Together with CaroMont Health, we’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Prayer for the 50th anniversary

Opening their hearts: Sacred Heart students embrace several acts of charity

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:

SALISBURY — From collecting toothbrushes for the homeless to raising money for heart research, students at Sacred Heart School took on several acts of charity this month as part of the diocese’s 50th anniversary “50 Acts of Charity” campaign. Students and families raised $583 for the American Heart Association’s “Kid Heart Challenge 2022” with their monthly Dress Down Day for Charity. The money will go to support the research and education that the AHA does to help prevent and treat many pediatric congenital heart defects and diseases. All students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade then came together to collect hygiene items for the homeless. Each grade level was assigned a different hygiene item: toothbrushes, shaving cream, washcloths, etc. Their total was: 252 toothbrushes. 75 tubes of toothpaste, 98 bars of soap, 44 cans of shaving cream, 388 washcloths, 23 bottles of shampoo, 114 disposable razors and 24 bottles of lotion. Then the students made bags and assembled “hygiene kits” to distribute to people in need at the local homeless shelter run by Rowan Helping Ministries. “This was a way to show students that bringing in one or two items can amount to something bigger when combined with the efforts of others,” Principal Erin Brinkley said. And they didn’t stop there! The school community also collected dozens of glasses to donate to the local Lions Club. Third-graders made watercolor paintings with messages that were distributed to a local rehabilitation facility, and the middle school club “Our Blessings Bunch” read books to the younger students.

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. PHOTOS PROVIDED

Prayers & Devotions

MARIAN ART SERIES

‘Adoration of the Magi’ Vatican Museums (c. early 4th century)

The 50th anniversary theme, “Faith More Precious Than Gold” (1 Peter 1:7), encourages use of the Church’s tried-andtrue 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!

February prayer intention For religious vocations. May God grant an increase to all religious orders who serve in the Diocese of Charlotte and grant zeal to all who are being called to a life of religious consecration.

TRICIA KENT SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Gospel narrative surrounding the Magi is not at all the fixation of medieval art that many modern scholars imply. In addition to the historical accounts of their journey found in Sacred Scripture, the Magi story is recounted in some of the earliest art and literature of the Christian Tradition, and its oldest depictions further solidify the Church’s consistent witness to Mary’s honored role in the redemptive life of Christ. Among the treasures of the Vatican Museums is this small slab (late third to early fourth century) from the cemetery of Priscilla. It is likely from the tomb of a child and bears an inscription wishing for the deceased to “Live in God!” Three figures in Eastern apparel, traveling in haste with their capes flying, are led by the star to Mary, who is seated on an elaborate

high wicker chair, with the baby Jesus in her arms. Behind her seat is not St. Joseph, but the prophet Bàlaam, indicating the star, and thus the Messianic prophecy: “A star shall rise out of Jacob, a scepter shall spring up out of Israel” (Num 24:17). In this image, kings from afar themselves are paying homage to the newborn King in the arms of His Queen Mother. Mary is not merely the mother of the human child Jesus, but part of a divine plan for salvation prophesied from the earliest of Scripture. TRICIA KENT is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Get started on your future in healthcare with us. Learn more - www.bac.edu/programs.

Saint of the Month St. José Sánchez del Río Feast day: Feb. 10

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about “St. José Sánchez del Río, teenage martyr for the faith”

Arts & Entertainment 10

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Our Lady of Lourdes.” The history of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to St. Bernadette Soubirous at the grotto of Massabielle in France in 1858. It was here that Mary proclaimed her Immaculate Conception and called for penance and prayer for the conversion of sinners.

In theaters

n Sunday, Feb. 27, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of the Angelus live from Rome. n Sunday, Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Three Passionist Saints.” Young and old alike have come to know Jesus in a deep, intimate way through the example of Gemma Galgani, Maria Goretti and Gabriel Possenti – three Passionist saints who died at an early age.

‘Don’t Look Up’(Netflix) Clever comedy in which an astronomy grad student (Jennifer Lawrence) discovers a comet that her mentor (Leonardo DiCaprio) soon calculates is on a collision course with Earth. Teaming with a government official (Rob Morgan), they try to alert the president (Meryl Streep) and later the public at large that this is a potential extinction event. But the chief executive is too focused on politics and the media (personified by feel-good newscasters Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry) too anxious to look on the bright side of doomsday for anyone to respond appropriately. Even those who may not appreciate writer-director Adam McKay’s parable about global warming or his putdown of Trumpian populism may enjoy his skewering of pop culture. As for religion, sincere faith is celebrated in the unlikely figure of a believing skateboarder (Timothée Chalamet) even as its counterfeit is satirized while family values, represented by the professor’s much put-upon wife (Melanie Lynskey) triumph in the end. Brief full nudity in a nonsexual context, an adultery theme, drug use, about a dozen profanities, several milder oaths, pervasive rough and much crude language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

St. Jude Novena St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us, St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Published in gratitude for prayers answered. Thank you, K.D.

PROVIDED BY FATHER MICHAEL T. MITCHELL

“By Mercy’s Light” is the third book written by Father Michael T. Mitchell, parochial vicar of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. It is a compilation of reflections which takes the reader through the 40 days of Lent and into the Easter season, concluding on Divine Mercy Sunday.

‘By Mercy’s Light’

n Wednesday, March 2, 3:30-5:15 a.m. (EWTN) “Holy Mass With the Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.” Pope Francis celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass from the Basilica of St. Sabina in Rome, marking the beginning of Lent. The liturgy will be rerun 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Daily reflections on Divine Mercy for Lent SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Father Michael Mitchell has a personal connection with the Diary of St. Faustina. Now the parochial vicar of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, he says it helped him get through his last years in seminary and has had a profound impact on his priesthood. “It really was the book that helped me see and embrace my vocation,” Father Mitchell admits. “I preach often on it and lead retreats on the message of Divine Mercy.” Father Mitchell says there is very little written on how to bring the message of Divine Mercy into your life. His latest book, “By Mercy’s Light: Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy from Ash Wednesday to Divine Mercy Sunday,” is geared toward what he describes as the typical layperson and tells readers how to live it in their daily lives. “There are beautiful things (in the Diary) about how to pray, what the sacrament of reconciliation is about, about the Eucharist, what happens at Mass, how to be merciful in your own life and how to be merciful to others,” he says. Designed to be a daily Lenten devotional, “By Mercy’s Light” offers a spiritual reflection about Divine Mercy for each day of Lent into the Easter season, finishing on Divine Mercy Sunday. In the book, Father Mitchell lays out a spiritual journey through the Diary of St. Faustina. The reflections follow the themes of

preparation for Divine Mercy, the revelations of Divine Mercy, living out Divine Mercy in our lives and being a Church of Mercy. “It’s very easy, as a Christian, to say that God has forgiven us, or God has forgiven me. It’s easy to say but it’s hard to actually live that way. We can be hard on ourselves and very aware of our sinfulness,” Father Mitchell notes. “I hope by reading these reflections, people will live out the truth that they are mercifully loved by God. At times in our culture we have a misunderstanding of God’s Divine Mercy. It makes us feel good, but we don’t change our lives; it just makes us feel good. “The truth of it is that we need to understand the beauty of God’s mercy for what it truly is.” Father Mitchell hopes readers gain a love for St. Faustina and Father Michael Sopoko, the priest who assisted her in bringing the message of Divine Mercy to the world, as they move through Lent into the Easter season.

Get a copy “By Mercy’s Light: Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy from Ash Wednesday to Divine Mercy Sunday” is available at From the Heart Gift Shop (located next to the daily chapel inside St. Gabriel Church at 3016 Providence Road). The gift shop is open 3-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and after the 5 p.m. Masses on Saturday and Sunday. The book is also available online for $14.99 on Leaflet and on Amazon.

n Friday, March 4, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “They Might be Saints: Montse Grases.” “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neil examines the saintly life of Venerable Montse Grases. This cheerful 17-year-old faced cancer with extraordinary faith and joy, and could become the first woman of Opus Dei to be declared a saint. n Friday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Tokimane.” A documentary profiling the efforts and remarkable people of the Diocese of Tshumbe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who are working to rebuild their community in the wake of a catastrophic war.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

CANCEL CRUSADE: How gossip and scandal ruined a rare Renaissance treasure CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis often warns about the dangers of gossip, likening tattlers to terrorists who “drop a bomb with their tongue” and “destroy the reputation of others.” But hearsay and slander also pose a problem in the world of art and once led to the destruction of an extremely rare composition in the Apostolic Palace by the Renaissance master Bernardino di Betto, better known as Pintoricchio. During a lecture Feb. 15 in Rome, Francesco Buranelli, president of the Commission for the Protection of Monuments of the Holy See and former director of the Vatican Museums, presented a picture of what can happen when fierce family rivalries, a CounterReformation “cancel culture” and 500 years of “fake news” find the perfect target in a problematic pope. Corruption, nepotism, having mistresses and fathering children were unfortunately common in the lives of several popes during the Renaissance as the temporal role and powers of the papacy grew. However, it was the papacy of Pope Alexander VI, the infamous Rodrigo Borgia, that became synonymous with the abuses of the time. One successor was so disgusted by his predecessor’s reputation, he abandoned the brand-new Borgia Apartments, decorated between 1492 and 1494 by Pintoricchio, and moved into a different suite of rooms spruced up by Raphael. The Spanish Borgia family was a focal point of hostility in Rome, and “it’s easy to imagine how many stories that were true, partially true, falsely interpreted and pure fantasy” were fabricated and rehashed by their enemies and reformers, Buranelli said. One particular story was that Pintoricchio used the pope’s young and beautiful mistress, Giulia Farnese, as the model for Our Lady in a scene painted over a door in the pope’s bedroom of the Borgia Apartments. The 16th-century Italian artist and historian, Giorgio Vasari, immortalized the rumor in his 1568 edition of the “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects,” saying the scene also featured the face of Pope Alexander, “who is adoring the Madonna.” Buranelli said this claim also brought “long-lasting and obvious embarrassment” to the Farnese family, whose ascent

to power was due to Giulia’s forcibly arranged relationship with the powerful Cardinal Borgia. Responding to the Protestant Reformation, Pope Pius V brought his churchwide cleanup efforts to the Vatican’s art collection, too, sending countless pieces that seemed “too pagan” into exile, Buranelli said. They even risked losing the Vatican Museums’ prized ancient sculpture of Laocoön, he said; but thanks to “the intelligence and farsightedness” of many cardinals, many pieces were saved by hiding them behind paneled niches or by “clothing” naked forms. Pope Alexander VII, who sought to rehabilitate his papal namesake with his election in 1655, decided the “scandalous” scene in the Borgia Apartments had CNS | COURTESY FONDAZIONE GUGLIELMO GIORDANO to go. But he saved A fresco fragment by the Renaissance master Bernardino di Betto, better known as two large, detached Pintoricchio, shows baby Jesus. Created during the papacy of Pope Alexander VI, fragments depicting the infamous Rodrigo Borgia, it was part of artwork preserved by a successor pope the “Head of Our when he dismantled artwork in the Borgia Apartments. Lady” and “The Baby Jesus of the Hands,” and sent them off to the art It was an accurate copy of Pintoricchio’s collection of his family, the Chigi. long-gone wall fresco disparaged by Vasari, In 1940, three descendents of the Chigi and it explained the original context of family visited a home in Mantua where these disjointed fragments. the owner showed them a 17th-century In an unexpected twist, the painting in painting of a pope kneeling before baby Mantua had been secretly commissioned Jesus and Mary. The Chigi relatives in 1612 by a rival family of the Farnese to immediately recognized the resemblances taunt them, Buranelli said. This tool of between the Our Lady and Christ Child ridicule ended up being the only accurate in the painting and the fragments in their documentation of the complete fresco’s collection. The painting solved several mysteries:

“Get your ducks in a row!”

existence and composition. However, 21st-century experts still had a hard time proving or disproving the legend that the Our Lady was modeled after Giulia Farnese, since no official portraits of the noblewoman existed, Buranelli said. Primary written sources, however, described Giulia as having a round face, black eyes and dark coloring – features that do not match the narrow face and fair features Pintoricchio chose for this and his other depictions of Our Lady, making the legend “absolutely preposterous,” he said. Unfortunately, Buranelli said, 500 years of fuss over a presumed scandal meant most of the art world missed the real rarity portrayed in the original fresco. Traditional portraits show popes or patrons kneeling in adoration before the baby Jesus. But he said this is the only work he knows about that shows someone other than Mary or her mother, Anne, touching the Christ Child. “It is an extremely rare iconography that I have never found” elsewhere, he said. The only remotely similar example he was aware of, he said, was the ninth-century mosaic Pintoricchio certainly saw in Rome’s Church of St. Cecilia; it shows Pope Paschal I kneeling and caressing Mary’s foot. Buranelli said he believes Pintoricchio was showing with this “very important detail” of touch that one could have “a tangible relationship” with God after following “the story of humanity’s salvation” mapped out in the rooms’ frescoed images. The journey of faith leads to this image of a loving Mary with Jesus, who holds the “cross-bearing orb” of His dominion over the earth and imparts His blessing, he said. The kneeling, newly elected Pope Alexander VI has one hand over his heart and the other holding the child’s foot to symbolize becoming the universal vicar of the Church, accepting the Petrine ministry and recognizing the divine origin of the papacy, he said. This reading, Buranelli said, should “definitively sweep away” the many “more prosaic interpretations” and myths “that led to the destruction of a work that today we can only piece together with the few fragments left.” A “little breeze of calumny” meant to malign an artist, Giulia and a pope, he said, ended up making a piece of precious art pay “a steep price.”

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iiiFebruary 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com

A Lent well spe

Seeking God through prayer, fasting and alm SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

ent begins Ash Wednesday, March 2 – the start of 40 days marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It’s a time to seek a deeper prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. Make the most of your Lent this year:

Encounter God’s mercy in prayer Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, going to confession, praying a little more often – it’s all part of opening our hearts to God’s mercy. Commit to doing one extra thing this Lent, such as: n CONFESSION – In the confessional, the Lord swings wide the doors of mercy for us. Just like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, He rushes to embrace us and envelop us in His love. Haven’t been in a while? Don’t worry! A handy guide using the Ten Commandments is online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. Guides geared to children, young adults, singles and married couples are at www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-andsacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience. n HOLY HOUR – Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament – in a church or watching a livestream from a chapel somewhere around the world – and sit at the Lord’s feet. Hear His voice and receive the grace He wants to pour into your heart. Refer to your parish’s Adoration schedule or check out one of the many webcams at www.virtualadoration.home.blog. n STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Like no other prayer, it can be emotionally stirring to pray the Stations of the Cross – imagining yourself walking beside Jesus in His suffering, death and resurrection. Catholic Online has an easy step-by-step guide: www.catholic.org/ prayers/station.php n ROSARY – Meditating on the life of Christ, sifting the rosary beads through our fingers while contemplating the deep love God has for His children in sacrificing His only Son, is one way we can slow down and give God a chance to warm our hearts. Download an interactive rosary app to your smartphone to pray and listen anywhere. n CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY – Shared with the world by St. Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish nun, this powerful prayer recited on rosary beads can illuminate God’s mercy in our lives. A how-to guide is online at www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/praythe-chaplet.

reflections or a book about a saint. Better yet, spend the time in prayer. n FASTING FROM ENTERTAINMENT – Instead of attending a sporting event, movie, theatrical performance or concert, use the time t be still with God or participate in a charitable project at your parish. n FASTING FROM MALICIOUS SPEECH OR GOSSIP – We should never spread words that harm the reputation of others, but this Lent, w not try making a more concerted effort? Say only good things, change the subject or walk away from hurtful conversations. n FASTING FROM UNHEALTHY FOODS – Fuel your body, mind and soul: Give up foods loaded with salt, sugar, preservatives and too many calories. Instead, opt for fresh, healthy foods.

Help others find God’s mercy through giving

Marian Father Chris Alar, a former parishioner of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, says, “When you put love and faith in action, you have mercy.” Now a priest at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass., he reminds us all that each one of u can be an agent of God’s mercy. This Lent, consider:

Make room for God’s mercy through fasting Yes, most Catholics are called to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday, but fasting can take many forms. Get creative! Think of it as an opportunity to give something to God, rather than about giving something up. Need ideas? Try:

— Sources: USCCB,

Get more ideas

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Dow you have “a Lent well spent”

n FASTING FROM ELECTRONICS – Skip binge-watching television, surfing the internet, playing video games or talking on the phone. Instead, crack open the Bible, read Lenten

Note

What are the rules for fasting and abstinence?

n ACTS OF CHARITY – Volunteering being the hands and feet of God in assisting others, not only helps those in need but helps you grow in love and faith. Shelters for people experiencing homelessness, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, pregnancy centers, food pantrie youth mentoring – volunteer opportuniti abound in our community, especially because of the pandemic. Contact your parish or connect with Catholic Charities (www.ccdoc.org) to find the right fit for y n DONATIONS OF GOODS – Do you r and drawers, and give away gently used i good for your home and for your soul, an n MONETARY DONATIONS – Giving way to help a charity you like. Charities r their mission, and your financial gift just their work in the community.

On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays in Lent: Everyone 14 and older must abstain from eating meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone aged 18 to 59 must fast – eating no more than one full meal, and

two smaller meals that together do not Exemptions: people who are physically including those suffering from chronic i diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant o

HE COVER

ent

msgiving

r relationship with God and

why

es, ies

PHOTOS BY AMY BURGER, SUEANN HOWELL AND JAMES SARKIS s you. really need all that stuff? Clean out your cabinets, closets items to help people in need. The “spring cleaning” is nd you can make a huge difference in someone’s life. money, whatever is within your means, is a practical rely on the kindness and generosity of donors to fund t may be the act of mercy they need right now to do

, Catholic News Agency, Catholic Online and AboutCatholics.com

wnload a 2022 Lenten calendar featuring an idea each day to help

t equal a full meal. or mentally ill, illnesses such as or nursing women.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 14

Pope Francis

Amen y custodien a la iglesia aun con sus incoherencias

l mismo amor que le dio a San José, la fuerza para proteger a Jesús y María, debe inspirar a los cristianos a amar a la iglesia, especialmente cuando denuncian sus pecados y defectos, dijo el papa Francisco. El amor “nos hace capaces de decir plenamente la verdad, de forma no parcial; de decir lo que está mal, pero también de reconocer todo el bien y la santidad que están presentes”, dijo el papa el 16 de febrero durante su audiencia general semanal. “Hoy es común, es de todos los días criticar a la Iglesia, subrayar las incoherencias —hay muchas—, subrayar los pecados, que en realidad son nuestras incoherencias, nuestros pecados, porque desde siempre la Iglesia es un pueblo de pecadores que encuentran la misericordia de Dios”, dijo el papa. “Preguntémonos si, en el fondo del corazón, nosotros amamos a la Iglesia así como es”. Reflexionando sobre San José como patrono de la iglesia universal, el papa dijo que estaba concluyendo su serie de charlas de audiencia sobre el padre adoptivo de Jesús. Las historias del Evangelio que involucran a San José dicen que lleva a Jesús y María con él y obedece los mandatos de Dios, destacando así su papel como su protector, dijo el papa. Agregó que “un aspecto muy hermoso de la vocación cristiana” es proteger la vida y “proteger el desarrollo humano”. “El cristiano es, podemos decir, como San José: él o ella debe custodiar”, dijo. “Ser cristiano no es solo recibir la fe, confesar la fe, sino custodiar la vida, la propia vida, la vida de los otros, la vida de la iglesia”. Los cristianos, continuó, “también nosotros debemos preguntarnos siempre si estamos protegiendo con todas nuestras fuerzas a Jesús y María, que están misteriosamente confiados a nuestra responsabilidad, a nuestro cuidado, a nuestra custodia”. “José, a la vez que continúa protegiendo a la iglesia, sigue amparando al Niño y a su madre, y nosotros también, amando a la iglesia, continuamos amando al Niño y a su madre”, dijo. Amar a la iglesia, agregó, significa proteger y caminar con todos sus miembros. “La iglesia no es ese grupito que está cerca del sacerdote y manda a todos, no. La Iglesia somos todos, todos. En camino”, dijo. “Es una bonita pregunta, esta: yo, cuando tengo un problema con alguien, ¿trato de custodiarlo o lo condeno enseguida, hablo mal de él, lo destruyo? ¡Debemos custodiar, siempre custodiar!” El papa Francisco animó a los cristianos a pedir por la intercesión de San José, especialmente en “precisamente en los momentos más difíciles de vuestras vidas y de vuestras comunidades”. “Allí donde nuestros errores se convierten en escándalo, pidamos a san José la valentía de enfrentar la verdad, de pedir perdón y empezar de nuevo humildemente. Allí donde la persecución impide que el Evangelio sea anunciado, pidamos a san José la fuerza y la paciencia de saber soportar abusos y sufrimientos por amor al Evangelio”, dijo el papa. La intercesión de San José, añadió, es también fuente de consuelo para los pobres y los que sufren y de aliento para los “que sirven a los más pequeños, a los indefensos, a los huérfanos, a los enfermos, a los rechazados de la sociedad”. “¡Cuántos santos se han vuelto a él! ¡Cuántas personas en la historia de la iglesia han encontrado en él un patrón, un guardián, un padre!” dijo el papa. — Catholic News Service

FOTO PROPORCIONADA POR HOLY ANGELS

Cassandra Houston, directora del programa de equipamiento de cuidados intermedios para pacientes con discapacidades intelectuales, aparece en la foto con Greg, residente de Holy Angels.

Holy Angels busca ‘héroes’ para cuidar ‘ángeles’ SHAWN FLYNN ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BELMONT — Tanya Sadler comenzó su misión en Holy Angels hace cuatro décadas. “Me enamoré de estos residentes. Sabía que era mi vocación”, dijo. Amaba su trabajo y desarrolló fuertes relaciones con algunos de los residentes, a menudo llamados “ángeles’’. Sadler ha trabajado en varias posiciones, incluida la de técnica de atención médica y supervisora del campus, pero su pasión es la atención directa a los residentes. “Tanya es un regalo para Holy Angels. Siempre va más allá y ayuda donde y cuando se la necesita”, dice Paula Atkins, Directora de Programas.

65 AÑOS DE ALEGRÍA

Holy Angels comenzó hace 65 años, cuando una madre desesperada acudió a las Hermanas de la Misericordia en Belmont y les pidió que cuidaran a su hija de 3 meses. Paralizada con severas discapacidades físicas, los profesionales médicos ofrecieron un sombrío pronóstico de que esta niña no viviría mucho tiempo. La niña no solo sobrevivió, sino que floreció durante 54 años. Maria Morrow es la razón de la existencia de Holy Angels. Seis décadas después, Holy Angels ha crecido hasta convertirse en una instalación residencial de 10 hogares que ofrece atención las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, para personas con discapacidades del desarrollo intelectual y médicamente frágiles. Holy Angels cree en la posibilidad que se encuentra dentro de cada individuo, independientemente de su capacidad física y mental. La organización sin fines de lucro opera cuatro negocios que brindan importantes oportunidades de empleo para algunos de sus residentes. Los negocios incluyen: Cherubs Café, Cotton Candy Factory y Bliss Gallery en Belmont y Spruced Goose Station en McAdenville.

DESAFÍOS DE CONTRATACIÓN

Al inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19, Holy Angels decidió cerrar sus puertas a todos los visitantes, incluidos cientos de voluntarios. Ello puso una carga adicional en los 350 empleados que cuidan a sus 85 residentes. “No usamos la palabra ‘héroes’ a la ligera, pero describe perfectamente a nuestros empleados que continúan viniendo a trabajar diariamente para cuidar de nuestros ángeles”, dijo la Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Holy Angels, Regina Moody. “A pesar del miedo y la incertidumbre que rodea la pandemia, nuestros empleados continuaron practicando desinteresadamente la fe y sirviendo a los residentes”. Al igual que el resto de la industria del cuidado de la salud, la contratación de personal enfrenta serios desafíos. “Entre tanta gente que deja la fuerza laboral y los temores por la pandemia, se han creado desafíos importantes para tratar de satisfacer las necesidades de nuestros residentes”, dijo la Vicepresidenta de Recursos Humanos, Donnie Thurman. “Tenemos una gran necesidad de contratar enfermeras, profesionales de apoyo directo y varios otros profesionales”. Holy Angels está reclutando personas calificadas para todos los turnos, incluidos los de tiempo completo, medio tiempo o fines de semana alternos.

AMOR POR LOS ‘ÁNGELES’

Después de trabajar en Holy Angels durante nueve años, Sadler se fue para formar una familia. Regresó 18 meses después. “El buen Dios me dijo que volviera a Holy Angels”, explicó. No solo regresó, sino que optó por trabajar en el tercer turno. El verano pasado celebró sus 30 años HÉROES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 17

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Lecturas Diarias FEB. 27-5 DE MARZO

Domingo: Eclesiástico 27:4-7, 1 Corintios 15:54-58, Lucas 6:39-45; Lunes: 1 Pedro 1:3-9, Marcos 10:17-27; Martes: 1 Pedro 1:10-16, Marcos 10:28-31; Miércoles (Miércoles de Ceniza): Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corintios 5:20-6:2, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves (St. Katharine Drexel): Deuteronomio 30:15-20, Lucas 9:22-25; Viernes (San Casimiro): Isaías 58:1-9a, Mateo 9:14-15; Sábado: Isaías 58:9b-14, Lucas 5:27-32

6-12 DE MARZO

Domingo: Deuteronomio 26:4-10, Romanos 10:8-13, Lucas 4:1-13; Lunes (Stas. Perpetua y Felicidad): Levítico 19:1-2, 11-18, Mateo 25:31-46; Martes (San Juan de Dios): Isaías 55,10-11, Mateo 6,7-15; Miércoles (Santa Francisca de Roma): Jonás 3:1-10, Lucas 11:29-32; Jueves: Ester C:12, 14-16, 23-25, Mateo 7:7-12; Viernes: Ezequiel 18:2128, Mateo 5:20-26; Sábado: Deuteronomio 26:16-19, Mateo 5:43-48

“San José con el Niño Jesús” de Guido Reni (hacia 1635)

13-19 DE MARZO

FOTO CORTESÍA VICTORIA MERAZ, PARROQUIA SANTO NIÑO

Jóvenes de la Iglesia Santo Niño conocieron Las Cuatro Verdades REIDSVILLE — Casi 50 jóvenes entre 14 y 16 años participaron en un retiro organizado en la parroquia Santo Niño en Reidsville a mediados de enero pasado. El tema que los congregó en un día completo de reflexión, canto y alabanzas fue “Las Cuatro Verdades”. Según nos informó el Diácono Nino Aquino, coordinador del ministerio hispano del Vicariato de Greensboro, estas verdades son: Dios te ama, El pecado existe, La redención es posible y Estás llamado al apostolado. Las actividades iniciaron a las 7 de la mañana con el rezo del Santo Rosario y concluyeron a las 6 de la tarde.

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Domingo: Génesis 15:5-12, Filipenses 3:17-4:1, Lucas 9:28b-36; Lunes: Daniel 9:4b-10, Lucas 6:36-38; Martes: Isaías 1:10, 16-20, Mateo 23:1-12; Miércoles: Jeremías 18:18-20, Mateo 20:17-28; Jueves (San Patricio): Jeremías 17:5-10, Lucas 16:19-31; Viernes (San Cirilo de Jerusalén): Génesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a, Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46; Sábado (San José): 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Romanos 4:13, 16-18, 22, Mateo 1:16, 18-21,24a

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

50 ACTOS DE CARIDAD

Estudiantes de quinto grado ayudan en la despensa de alimentos de Charlotte

Peregrinación Mariana Una estatua de María, Madre de Dios, encargada especialmente, visitará más de 100 locaciones en la Diócesis de Charlotte durante el año del aniversario, realizando una peregrinación espiritual para visitar a los fieles en toda nuestra diócesis, tal como lo hizo en su visita a Santa Isabel. A través de la participación en esta memorable Peregrinación Mariana, nuestra familia diocesana se agrupa, uniendo parroquias, misiones, escuelas y otras instituciones Católicas en oración a Dios a través de la intercesión de nuestra patrona:

CHARLOTTE — Los estudiantes de quinto grado de la Escuela St. Patrick colaboraron recientemente en la despensa de alimentos de Caridades Católicas en Charlotte, organizando y abasteciendo los estantes y empacando bolsas de alimentos para distribuirlos a las personas necesitadas. Los estudiantes se ofrecieron como voluntarios en dos grupos, uno el 31 de enero y otro el 4 de febrero, para ayudar en la despensa de alimentos, que es una de las operaciones más grandes de Caridades Católicas en Charlotte. Por lo general, distribuye más de 100 000 libras de alimentos a más de 2000 personas cada año. “Estamos agradecidos con los estudiantes de la Escuela St. Patrick”, dijo Sylvia Sekle, supervisora de la despensa de alimentos. “Involucrarse en obras de caridad, como alimentar a los hambrientos, es una parte integral de nuestra fe católica, algo que ya están apreciando a una edad temprana”. La despensa de alimentos es solo una de las formas en que la Diócesis de Charlotte de Caridades Católicas sirve a las personas necesitadas en la región de Charlotte. La agencia de servicios sociales brinda servicios “integrales” a individuos y familias a través de su programa Transición para salir de la pobreza, brindando a las personas un camino personalizado para salir de la pobreza. Este servicio transformador ayuda a las personas y familias a desarrollar un plan a largo plazo para superar los obstáculos que les impiden alcanzar sus sueños. Además de alimentos y otra ayuda de emergencia, los trabajadores sociales de Caridades Católicas ayudan a las personas con la búsqueda de empleo, referencias para atención médica, orientación sobre necesidades educativas, apoyo para acceder a viviendas asequibles, conexión con recursos comunitarios locales y más. Obtenga más información sobre cómo puede participar: www.ccdoc.org. — Fotos de cortesía

ARTE CON MARÍA

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 a la vez que celebramos la fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte. ¡Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros!

Hasta el domingo 27 de febrero 537 N.C. 16 Business, Denver, N.C. 28037

IGLESIA DE SAN MATEO Domingo a viernes, 27 de febrero al 4 de marzo 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C. 28277

sábado, 5 de marzo Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Aquino 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28213 La estatua peregrina estará presente en la 12ª Conferencia Anual de Hombres Católicos de las Carolinas. Para obtener información, visite www. CatholicMenoftheCarolinas.org.

IGLESIA DE SAN LUCAS 5-9 de marzo 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, N.C. 28227

IGLESIA DE SAN JUAN NEUMANN 9-11 de marzo 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28227

IGLESIA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ASUNCIÓN 11-16 de marzo 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28215

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

IGLESIA DEL ESPÍRITU SANTO

CONFERENCIA DE HOMBRES CATÓLICOS DE CHARLOTTE

Oración Para el 50 Aniversario

Adoración de los Magos Museos Vaticanos (c. principios del siglo IV) TRICIA KENT ESPECIAL PARA EL CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

La narración evangélica que rodea a los magos no es en absoluto la fijación del arte medieval que implican muchos estudiosos modernos. Además de los relatos históricos de su viaje que se encuentran en las Sagradas Escrituras, la historia de los Magos se relata en algunas de las obras de arte y literatura más antiguas de la Tradición cristiana y sus representaciones más antiguas solidifican aún más el testimonio constante de la Iglesia sobre el papel de honor de María en la vida redentora de Cristo. Entre los tesoros de los Museos Vaticanos se encuentra esta pequeña losa (finales del siglo III a principios del IV) procedente del cementerio de Priscila. Es probable que provenga de la tumba de un niño y tiene una inscripción que desea que el

difunto “¡Viva en Dios!”. Tres figuras con atuendos orientales, que viajan a toda prisa con sus capas al viento, son conducidas por la estrella hasta María, que está sentada en una silla alta de mimbre elaborado, con el niño Jesús en sus brazos. Detrás de su asiento no está San José, sino el profeta Bàlaam, indicando la estrella, y por tanto la profecía mesiánica: “Una estrella se levantará de Jacob, un cetro se levantará de Israel” (Núm 24,17). Los propios reyes de lejos rinden homenaje al Rey recién nacido en los brazos de Su Reina Madre. María no es meramente la madre del niño humano Jesús, sino parte de un plan divino para la salvación profetizado desde las Escrituras más antiguas. TRICIA KENT es feligrés de la iglesia St. Thomas Aquinas en Charlotte.

Intención de oración en febrero Por las vocaciones religiosas. Que Dios conceda un incremento del número de vocaciones a todas las órdenes religiosas que sirven en la Diócesis de Charlotte y conceda devoción y entusiasmo a quienes están siendo llamados a una vida de consagración religiosa.

Santo del mes San José Sánchez del Río Santoral: 10 de febrero En www. catholicnewsherald. com: Lea más sobre “St. José Sánchez del Río, adolescente mártir de la fe”

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

HÉROES

LOSS

FROM PAGE 14

FROM PAGE 4

durante un turno de noche, cuando casi todos duermen. Hay docenas de otros empleados en Holy Angels como Sadler. Hicieron una carrera allí durante décadas, todo en nombre del amor por los residentes. “Trato esta casa como si fuera mi casa. Trato a los residentes como si fueran mis hijos. Amo lo que hago y cuando amas lo que haces, es muy natural”, dice Sadler. “Es muy gratificante cuando ves que los residentes alcanzan sus objetivos”.

as the wedding celebration began with a trip to the beauty salon. “I drive the car and I am very happy we are together,” he said. “We are both very smiley.” Unlike with some arranged marriages, Ahmad said, neither pined for somebody else. “Nabila was a kind girl, and she loves just me. No one else. And I loved her – just Nabila.” But life in Kabul was punctuated by violence. The couple would hear bombing or see news reports of destruction and call to check on each other. The Rasouls fled Afghanistan last August, worried about a Taliban takeover after the withdrawal of U.S. forces. With two toddlers and Nabila six months pregnant, the family flew to Qatar, then Dulles International Airport in Virginia, then to El Paso, Texas, where they spent several months living in a tent with six other Afghan families on a U.S. military base. They moved to Charlotte Oct. 11 through Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program. Catholic Charities and the refugee community in Charlotte flocked to help Nabila. A Bosnian couple took the family into their home while Nabila awaited the birth of her baby girl, born an American citizen on Oct. 30 at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Days later, the family settled into a neat and modest home, furnished by Catholic Charities and well-wishers, off W.T. Harris Boulevard. Ahmad, who has a master’s degree in business management, was thrilled to land a job with Hendrick Automotive. The company heard about the needs of the

Oportunidades de trabajo Holy Angels necesita héroes que no solo quieran un trabajo, sino una misión: Enfermeros(as) Técnicos Médicos Trabajadores sociales Personal de limpieza Ferias de trabajo todos los viernes de 10 a.m a mediodía. Para una lista completa de trabajos disponibles o para aplicar, visite www.holyangelsnc.org/careers.

Apoye la misión de Holy Angels La pandemia ha cobrado su precio en las oportunidades de recaudación de fondos de Holy Angels. Las donaciones se pueden hacer de forma segura en línea en www.holyangelsnc.org/donate. Contacte a Matthew Falencki, Vicepresidente de Desarrollo, matthewf@holyangelsnc.org para obtener más información. Holy Angels está ubicado en el campus de las Hermanas de la Misericordia: 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, N.C. 704-825-4161.

Canonization Anniversary Celebration of Saint Philip Neri and Saint Ignatius Loyola Saturday, March 12, 2022

These two men, along with Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Isidore the Farmer, were canonized on this date in 1622. We will celebrate this 400th anniversary with two informative programs and a commemorative mass. Program Schedule 9:30 – 11:30am St. Ignatius Loyola – presented by Fr. John Michalowski, S.J. 12:00 Noon Mass in the Oratory Church 12:45 – 1:30 pm Lunch Break 1:30 – 3:30pm St. Philip Neri – presented by Fr. Joe Pearce, C.O.

Afghans and reached out to offer a job with good pay, benefits and a career path. Ahmad obtained his North Carolina driver’s license in February, and a donor provided a car. Nabila focused on raising the children and was committed to learning English and building a new life for their family.

A CALL TO ACTION

The same month the Rasouls arrived in Charlotte, Dina Fernandez felt called to help after hearing Afghan evacuees were being resettled here. She went into training to become a volunteer for Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program. It was so like her to respond to people in need, friends and family said. “She lived her faith every day,” said Leslie Tesch, who with Dina facilitated a local JustFaith group, examining the intersection of faith, social justice and action. A lifelong Catholic of Puerto Rican descent, Dina’s first job was working as a church secretary at age 16 at St. John Chrysostom Parish in the South Bronx, where she grew up. She went on to become a registered nurse and also worked at IBM and as an English translator for Hispanic immigrants during medical appointments. Then, volunteering: tutoring, comforting AIDS patients, teaching Sunday School. The mother of two adult children and two grandchildren, she was active in the community and the Church as a member of St. Gabriel Parish and more recently at St. Peter Parish, both in Charlotte.

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT

Nabila became Dina’s first student in the resettlement program. The pair started in November with twice-weekly English lessons at the Rasouls’ new home in northeast Charlotte. Dina loved Nabila, her sister Carmen Quesada said. Dina spoke frequently

Across the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond, people have rallied around the Rasoul and Fernandez families in the wake of the Feb. 15 crash. about their visits, marveling at Nabila’s intellect and laughing when her 3-yearold daughter rooted through Dina’s pocketbook for goodies. Nabila spoke of Dina, too, Ahmad said. Nabila was already thinking about nursing school, like Dina. On Feb. 1, Nabila celebrated her 23rd birthday with her family, enjoying cupcakes and balloons in their cozy and immaculate new home. On Valentine’s Day, a day before the crash, Nabila and Ahmad marked the day with a big hug and a special meal that evening. Across town, Dina and Peter Fernandez celebrated, too, on a double date at Aqua e Vino with Dina’s sister and her husband. Before the darkest of days, both husbands say, it was a beautiful night.

How you can help At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Find links to donate to the GoFundMe page for the Rasoul family and to Catholic Charities in Fernandez’s memory

A Retreat with the Gospel of John Presented by: Dr. Peter Judge

Thursday, March 24, 2022 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This retreat with John will be not simply an intellectual exercise in learning about Jesus in this Gospel but a guided opportunity to enhance a deeply personal relationship with Jesus. As the “Word made Flesh” Jesus also communicates the Wisdom of God, the feminine figure of intimacy with God that appears in several Old Testament traditions. By exploring discipleship through the characters and episodes of the Gospel, especially the authoritative witness behind it, we too can become “beloved disciples” who embrace the Word and Wisdom of Jesus. The day includes Eucharist and lunch. Dr. Peter Judge is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. He earned degrees in theology and religious studies at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. He has published several articles on the Gospel of John, which is one of his chief areas of research.

To register please visit the Oratory website: www.rockhilloratory.org

Go to Center for Spirituality / Events -OR-

By email to oratorycenter@gmail.com

By email to oratorycenter@gmail.com with Retreat with John in the subject line

with Canonization Celebration in the subject line.

Cost: $40

Cost: $20/half day $35/full day

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

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Atlanta-area priest named Bishop of Charleston CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C., and named as his successor Scalabrinian Father Jacques E. Fabre, currently administrator of San Filipe de Jesus Catholic Mission in Forest Park, Ga., in the Atlanta Archdiocese. Bishop Guglielmone, 76, has headed the statewide diocese since March 2009. As required by Church law, he turned in his resignation to the pope when he turned 75, on Dec. 30, 2020. Bishop-designate Fabre, 66, was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and immigrated to New York while he was in high school. He was ordained a priest Oct. 10, 1986, for the Scalabrinian order, known formally as the Missionaries of St. Charles. He currently serves as the local superior of Scalabrinian priests in Atlanta. The resignation and appointment were announced in Washington Feb. 22 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio. Bishop-designate Fabre will be the 14th bishop of Charleston and the first Black prelate to head the diocese. “I wish to offer my sincere congratulations and blessings to the people of the Diocese of Charleston, S.C.,” Atlanta Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer said in a

statement. Bishop-designate Fabre’s “devotion to those on the margins – especially refugees, immigrants and detainees – tells you a little something about his commitment to the work of the Church,” the archbishop said. “He encouraged and accompanied the members of San Felipe de Jesus (Mission), in Forest Park, Ga., as they raised their own funds to build a sanctuary for their congregation.” “While we will miss him here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, this appointment is great news for the Diocese of Charleston and the Church in America,” he added. Born Nov. 13, 1955, the future priest and bishop completed high school in New York City and enrolled at St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y. He then went to St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and the Scalabrini House of Theology, also in Chicago. He received a master’s degree in divinity and a licentiate in human mobility (migration) from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., by then-Auxiliary Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Chicago. Now cardinalarchbishop of Washington, Bishop Gregory headed the Diocese of Belleville, Ill., 1994-2004, and was Atlanta’s archbishop,

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered? Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

For more information on how to leave a legacy gift to your parish, Catholic school, Catholic agency, the Diocese of Charlotte or the diocese foundation, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at / gmrhodes@rcdoc.org or Foundation of the 704-370-3364 Heidi Kelley, Planned Giving Officer at Diocese of Charlotte 704-370-3348 / hmkelley@rcdoc.org.

Scalabrinian Father Jacques E. Fabre, currently administrator of San Filipe de Jesus Catholic Mission in Forest Park, Ga., is seen in this undated photo. On Feb. 22, Pope Francis named Father Fabre to succeed the retiring Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C. CNS | MICHAEL ALEXANDER, THE GEORGIA BULLETIN

2005-2019. Then-Father Fabre’s assignments after ordination included being parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Immokalee, Fla., 1986-1990; chaplain to the Haitian refugees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 1990-1991; and pastor at San Pedro de Macorís Parish in the Dominican Republic, 1991-2004. Arriving in the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2006, Father Fabre served as parochial vicar at two Georgia parishes, first at St. Joseph Church in Athens and then at Holy Trinity Church in Peachtree City. The bishop-designate has served as administrator of San Felipe de Jesus

Mission since 2008. He also served as spiritual director to the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal in Atlanta. Since 2010, Bishop-designate Fabre has been a member of the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Finance Council, the Budget and Operations Committee and the Projects Review Committee. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Creole. The Diocese of Charleston has a Catholic population of about 193,000 out of a total population of more than 5.1 million. — Contributing to this story was Nichole Golden, editor of The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Supreme Court to hear arguments on immigration policy WASHINGTON, D.C. — The justices on the country’s highest court have agreed to hear a case that could decide the fate of a Trump-era immigration policy that Biden administration officials have been trying to end. On Feb. 18, the U.S. Supreme Court said it would hear arguments on whether the Biden administration can put an end to the Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP, a policy that demands asylum-seekers to the U.S. to stay in Mexico until their cases can be heard in U.S. immigration courts. The policy has been a headache for the administration as President Joe Biden promised to end it, but it proved much more difficult to do so once he took office.

Advocates call for help for Black migrants from Biden administration WASHINGTON, D.C. — Faith-based organizations called on the Biden administration Feb. 17 to combat “anti-Black racism in the U.S. immigration system.” In a news release, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, a network of more than 55 national faith-based organizations that advocate for migrants and refugees, said it wanted officials to hear its concerns and “stop the detention and deportation of Haitians and other Black migrants.” They said Black migrants

have faced racism, not just through immigration policies that fail to protect them, but also at the hands of U.S. immigration authorities and officials who mistreat them. Not only have they been mistreated by U.S. authorities, but some were sent back to the mayhem in politically troubled Haiti without a chance to apply for asylum, advocates said. “The Biden administration must wake up to this reality and acknowledge their role in continuing this inhumane status quo,” said Peniel Ibe, co-chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition and policy engagement coordinator at American Friends Service Committee.

FDA head criticized for role in expanding abortion pill access WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pro-life leaders criticized the U.S. Senate’s Feb. 15 confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf as President Joe Biden’s commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, taking issue with Califf’s role in the agency expanding the availability of the drug protocol used for chemical abortions. The FDA head, a cardiologist who also was the agency’s commissioner in 2016 and 2017, faced other criticism over his handling of the nation’s opioid crisis and his ties to the pharmaceutical industry. New rules announced by the FDA March 30, 2016, effectively expanded how pregnant women can use RU-486, a drug that induces abortion, allow them to use it later into pregnancy and make fewer visits to a doctor. Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, said in a Feb. 15 statement, “Under his leadership in 2016, the FDA recklessly loosened reporting requirements associated with these dangerous drugs at a time when increasing health and safety oversight was needed. Women deserve better than an FDA that prioritizes politics over their health and safety.” — Catholic News Service

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

Construction Project Manager The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting resumes for the position of “Construction Project Manager” to work within the Office of Diocesan Properties. The Construction Project Manager is responsible for providing professional Owner representation and guidance on Diocesan construction projects. The Construction Project Manager will work closely with Pastors and Principals, acting as their “Project Advocate” through the Diocesan Capital Construction Team process, assisting in all aspects of the planning and execution of construction projects from initial concept through final project completion. REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Bachelor’s degree or greater in associated field preferred. • 5+ years minimum related experience. • Strong inter-personal communication skills – both written and verbal. • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. • Ability to work both independently and with a team.

Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

Bob Gordon Field Agent

516-551-7838 robert.gordon@kofc.org

Knights of Columbus One Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

• Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of proper project management. • Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Project, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. • Strong knowledge of project delivery methods such as Negotiated GMP, Lump-Sum Competitive Bidding, and Design-Build methods. • Strong knowledge of church and school building construction preferred. • Ability to read and interpret Architectural / Engineering drawings and submittals. • Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. • Working knowledge of building codes, construction materials, and means and methods. • Working knowledge of accounting principles, and the reporting of financial data.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and salary history to: PropDirector@RCDOC.org. The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope amends Church laws to give greater authority to bishops, conferences CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

“2021 XD7,” an object orbiting the sun beyond Neptune, is seen in this NASA image. Jesuit Father Richard Boyle, an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, and two other astronomers discovered “2021 XD7” using the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope in Arizona. CNS | NASA

Vatican astronomers are part of two new discoveries in outer space CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Two Jesuit astronomers from the Vatican Observatory were part of recent discoveries: one finding a new member of the solar system and another finding evidence for a long-lost galaxy “eaten up” by the Milky Way. Jesuit Father Richard Boyle discovered the existence of a new object, named “2021 XD7,” in the outer solar system

past Neptune, and Jesuit Father Richard D’Souza co-authored a new study identifying a previously unknown dwarf galaxy, named Pontus, that merged with Earth’s home galaxy of the Milky Way. The Vatican Observatory made the first announcement Feb. 2, saying Father Boyle discovered the new object in early December after his observations were analyzed by Kazimieras Cernis, a Lithuanian astronomer and astrophysicist. Peter Vereš, who works at the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center, computed the object’s orbit, it said. Vereš is an alumnus of the Vatican Observatory’s 2007 summer school program and its “super” summer program for alumni in 2009. Father Boyle, who specializes in observational astronomy, made the discovery using the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham in Arizona. “2021 XD7” is a “trans-Neptunian object,” which is any minor or dwarf planet in the solar system whose orbit is outside the orbit of Neptune, the system’s outermost planet. The new body takes nearly 287 Earth years to make a complete orbit around the Sun and it follows an elliptical path ranging from 3.2 billion miles from the sun at its closest point, to 4.8 billion miles from the sun at its furthest away. For comparison, Neptune, which is the eighth and farthest-known solar planet from the Sun, takes about 165 Earth years to make a complete orbit with an average distance of 2.8 billion miles from the sun. Not much is known yet about the object’s size other than it is smaller than Pluto – the first “trans-Neptunian object” (TNO) to have been discovered.

The International Astronomical Union downgraded the status of Pluto from planet to “dwarf planet” in 2006 because it is not “gravitationally dominant” enough to clear away bodies of comparable size in its vicinity. Discovering TNOs adds to building a model of how the solar system may have formed, and some scientists believe these objects may point out the location of “Planet Nine,” a hypothetical planet about the size of Neptune farther away than Pluto. The Vatican Observatory announced Feb. 21 that Father D’Souza was one of 10 astronomers contributing to a study led by Khyati Malhan of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. The team used new data from the Gaia spacecraft to study the remains of smaller galaxies that merged with the Milky Way, which began forming 12 billion years ago. Mapping out these mergers is like making the Milky Way’s “family tree” and reconstructing how it was formed. The astronomers confirmed evidence of five previously known mergers with former dwarf galaxies and found evidence for a sixth merger with a dwarf galaxy the authors called Pontus, the name of one of the children of the Greek goddess Gaia, as well as a “new candidate merger,” said the study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Feb. 20. Detecting such mergers in new ways is now becoming possible “due to the amazingly rich” batches of data being sent by the Gaia space mission, the study said. “This places us in a very exciting position to disentangle the merging events of the Milky Way halo” and to explore the chronological history of the galaxy.

VATICAN CITY — Saying he wanted to promote a “healthy decentralization” of some aspects of Church life, Pope Francis made several changes to Church law, granting greater authority to individual bishops, bishops’ conferences and synods of bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The changes, the pope said, should “foster a sense of collegiality and the pastoral responsibility” of bishops and religious superiors who are closest to the matters being decided and therefore have a better understanding of what is appropriate. Pope Francis’ amendments to both the Code of Canon Law of the Latinrite Church and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches were published by the Vatican Feb. 15, the day they also went into effect. The modifications, the pope said, “reflect even more the shared and plural universality of the Church,” which includes many legitimate differences, but preserves its unity in communion with the pope. At the same time, he wrote, the changes “encourage a more rapid efficacy of the pastoral action of governance by the local authority, which is facilitated by its very proximity to the persons and situations which require it.” For setting up an interdiocesan seminary, drafting a program for the formation of priests or publishing a national catechism, with the new law the bishop or bishops’ conferences involved simply need to obtain a “confirmation” from the Vatican and are no longer required to seek the “approval” of the Vatican. In Church law, “‘approval,’ as opposed to ‘confirmation,’ entails a greater commitment and involvement” of the Roman Curia. “Therefore, it is evident that the shift from requiring ‘approval’ to requiring ‘confirmation’ is not only a terminological change, but a substantial one, which moves precisely in the direction of decentralization,” Bishop Marco Mellino, a member of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, explained. In another change, Pope Francis gave local bishops the authority to determine when there is “a just and necessary cause” for reducing the number of Masses to be said in fulfillment of a will or legacy left to the Church. Previously such a decision was reserved to the Vatican. Pope Francis also added a new paragraph to the canon dealing with consecrated virgins to make clear that a bishop may establish an association for consecrated virgins in his diocese and a bishops’ conference may do the same on the national level.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Sisters of Mercy celebrate release of clean-water activists MEXICO CITY — The Sisters of Mercy celebrated the release of six anti-mining protesters in Honduras, who spent nearly twoand-a-half years in pre-trial detention – in a case the country’s supreme court said should have never proceeded. “We celebrate the release of the #Guapinol Water Defenders who were wrongly imprisoned and tried for protecting their communities from destructive mining,” the Sisters of Mercy tweeted Feb. 11, two days after the court’s decision. Six men were convicted Feb. 9 on charges of causing criminal damage and the illegal detention of the mining company’s security chief, according to the Guardian newspaper. Two of the accused were found not guilty. A day later, the Honduran Supreme Court overturned the convictions and annulled the trial. The charges – along with the lengthy pretrial detention and the brief convictions – had drawn international condemnation.

Colombian bishops express ‘deep pain’ over abortion vote MEXICO CITY — Colombia’s bishops expressed “perplexity and deep pain” after the country’s constitutional court decriminalized abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. The court handed down its ruling Feb. 21, continuing a trend toward abortion decriminalization in large Latin American countries – following Mexico in 2021

and Argentina in 2020. Before the court decision, abortion penalties included a prison sentence of up to 54 months, according to Colombian media. In a statement Feb. 22, the Colombian bishops’ conference said in cases of sexual violence, abandonment and economic hardship, “when the woman is the victim, it’s reasonable that civil society and the legal system seek her defense and protection. (But) one cannot hide or minimize the fact that every pregnancy implies the existence of another human being, other than the mother, in defenseless and vulnerable conditions, who in turn has the right to be part of the human family.”

Pope: Holy Year 2025 should ‘fan flame of hope’ after pandemic VATICAN CITY — A Holy Year set for 2025 should focus on “restoring a climate of hope and trust” after the coronavirus pandemic and helping people repair their relationships with God, with each other and with the Earth, Pope Francis said. “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision,” he said in a Feb. 11 letter. A formal “bull of indiction” proclaiming the Holy Year will be released closer to 2025. Held every 25 years since 1470, a holy year or jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, repentance and acts of mercy, based on the Old Testament tradition of a jubilee year of rest, forgiveness and renewal. The pope noted that “in the last two years, not a single country has been unaffected by the sudden outbreak of an epidemic that made us experience firsthand not only the tragedy of dying alone, but also the uncertainty and fleetingness of existence, and in doing so, has changed our very way of life. Together with all our brothers and sisters, we Christians endured those hardships and limitations.” — Catholic News Service

Day of Faith and Fellowship including keynote speakers, Mass, rosary, confessions, adoration and lunch included.

SPEAKERS

BISHOP PETER JUGIS

Diocese of Charlotte

TIM STAPLES

Apologist, Author, Speaker

KEITH NESTER

Convert, Author, Speaker

DR. JOHN ACQUAVIVA

Author, Speaker, Motivator

DR. RAY GUARENDI

TV & Radio Host, Speaker, Author

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Robert Barron

‘The Ten Commandments’ and our short attention span

like to watch old movies. Over the past several months, I’ve watched (or revisited) a number of Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, some screwball comedies from the ’30s and ’40s, and a couple of film-noir classics. Recently, over the course of three evenings, I managed to get through the three hours and 40 minutes (yes, you read that correctly) of the 1956 version of “The Ten Commandments” with Charlton Heston. With delight, I took in the still marvelous technicolor, the over-the-top costumes, the wonderfully corny faux-Shakespearean dialogue, and the hammy acting that is, one might say, so bad that it’s good. But what especially struck me was the sheer length of the film. Knowing that it required a rather extraordinary act of attention on the part of its audience, it is astonishing to remember that it was wildly popular – easily the most successful movie of its time. It is estimated that, adjusted for inflation, it earned a box office of roughly $2 billion. Would moviegoers today, I wondered, ever be able to muster the patience required to make a film like “The Ten Commandments” equally popular today? I think the question answers itself. The coming together of daunting length and popularity then put me in mind of a number of other examples of this combination from cultural history. In the 19th century, the novels of Charles Dickens were so sought after that ordinary Londoners waited in long lines for chapters as they were published in serial form. And let’s face it: not a lot happens in Dickens novels, by which I mean very few things blow up; there are no alien invasions; no snappy one-liners uttered by the heroes before they blow away the bad guys. For the most part, they consist of lengthy conversations among fascinating and quirky characters. Much the same can be said of the novels and stories of Dostoevsky. Though there is indeed a murder and a police investigation at the heart of the plot of “The Brothers Karamazov,” for the vast majority of that famous novel, Dostoevsky arranges various characters in drawing rooms for pages and pages and pages of dialogue on matters political, cultural and religious. During that same period, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates on the vexed issue of slavery in America. They spoke for hours at a time – and in an intellectually elevated manner. If you doubt me, look up the texts online. Their audiences were not cultural elites or students of political philosophy, but rather ordinary Illinois farmers, who stood in the mud, gave their full attention, and strained to hear the orators’ unamplified voices. Could you even begin to imagine an American crowd today willing to stand for a comparable length of time and listen to complex presentations on public policy –

and for that matter, could you imagine any American politician willing or able to speak at Lincolnian length and depth? Once again, the questions answer themselves. Why this look back at modes and styles of communication from another age? Because by contrast ours seem so impoverished! I certainly understand the value of social media and I readily use them in my evangelical work, but at the same time, I am acutely aware of how they have lessened our attention span and capacity for sophisticated conversation and real advance toward the truth. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and especially Twitter specialize in flashy headlines, misleading titles, simplistic characterizations of an opponent’s position, sound bites in place of arguments, and meanspirited rhetoric. Just dip into the comment boxes on any of these sites, and you’ll immediately see what I mean. A favorite technique on social media is to take a phrase or even a single word of a person’s argument, wrench it out of context, give it the worst possible interpretation, and then splash one’s outrage all over the internet. Everything has to be fast, easily digested, simple to understand, black and white – because we have to get clicks on our site, and it’s a dog-eat-dog world. What worries me is that an entire generation has come of age conditioned by this mode of communication and hence is largely incapable of summoning the patience and attention required for intelligent engagement of complex issues. I noticed this, by the way, in my nearly 20 years of teaching in the seminary. Over those two decades, it became increasingly difficult to get my students to read, say, a hundred pages of St. Augustine’s “Confessions” or of Plato’s “Republic.” Especially in more recent years, they would say, “Father, I just can’t concentrate that long.” Well, the listeners of the Lincoln-Douglas debates could, and so could the readers of Dickens, and so could those who sat through “The Ten Commandments” 60-some years ago. So as not to end on a down note, permit me to draw your attention to what I consider a real sign of hope. In just the past couple of years, there has been a trend in the direction of long-form podcasts that are attracting huge audiences of young people. Perhaps we’re turning a corner. Perhaps young people have tired of vituperative sound bites and superficial pseudointellectualism. To encourage this trend, I would like to invite all of you to use much less social media – and maybe pick up “The Brothers Karamazov.” BISHOP ROBERT BARRON is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, online at www.wordonfire.org.

Jesuit Father John Michalowski

The attitude of Christ

ne of the most powerful passages in St. Paul’s epistles is from the second chapter of the letter to the Philippians: “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus. Who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (2:5-6).

‘It seems almost inconceivable that anyone would trade freedom for slavery – but love of God and neighbor empowers people to follow Christ even in the giving of their lives for others.’ During the Middle Ages, a religious order was formed that took this Scripture passage not just to heart but into their lives. This was a time when war between Muslims and Christians in the Mediterranean was common, and captives would often become slaves rowing on the warships of the day. The men of this order would trade themselves for the captives so that they could go home to their families, and these religious would take their place as slaves. It seems almost inconceivable that anyone would do this – trade freedom for slavery – but their love of God and their neighbor empowered them to follow Christ even in the giving of their lives for others. Perhaps deep in their hearts they heard the same words that Jesus heard at His baptism in the Jordan River: “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.” Jesus stood in the waters and was baptized by John for the forgiveness of sins. Though sinless, Jesus stands with us sinners, not ashamed to be called our brother. Through Jesus and His taking of our sins to the cross, our sins will be forgiven and He will offer us the way to eternal life.

As Paul says in his letter to Titus, Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for Himself a people as His own, eager to do what is good” (2:14). He did this “not because of any righteous deeds we have done but because of His mercy. He saved us through the bath of rebirth (baptism) and renewal by the Holy Spirit … so that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life” (3:5, 7). Though that group of religious has long ago passed away, there are still many who place their lives at the service of others. Certainly, this is true of the Missionaries of Charity, the group of sisters and brothers who serve the poorest of the poor in so many places around the world. But it is not only men and women religious who have done this. There are those lay persons who have followed Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in living a life of voluntary poverty and service to the poor in a Catholic Worker Community. My favorite Catholic Worker Community for some years has been the Houston Catholic Worker. Some 40 years ago Mark and Louise Zwick returned from El Salvador and, recognizing the poverty and hardships faced by immigrants from Mexico and Central America in Texas, founded the Houston Catholic Worker, also known as Casa Juan Diego. Over the years it has grown from a single house to a number of houses in Houston that provide shelter to men, women and children, and also house two clinics and a food distribution center. There is also a refugee center in Matamoros, Mexico. There are no salaries given to those who give their lives at a Catholic Worker House. “All funds go to the service of the poor.” There in Houston over the years, thousands have been housed, millions of meals have been given to the hungry without a lot of questions, thousands of prescriptions have been given to the sick poor by the doctors and dentists who volunteer, and assistance has been given to refugees to visit their families. (See the Houston Catholic Worker, Oct.-Nov. 2020.) In a recent Christmas issue of the Houston Catholic Worker, Louise Zwick wrote: “Christmas asks much of us. Caryll Houselander described what the event of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem asks of His followers even today: ‘To surrender all that we are, as we are, to the spirit of love in order that our lives may bear Christ into the world – that is what we shall be asked.’” Christ gave Himself to us first. What will we give in return? JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is the parochial vicar of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

February 25, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Dr. Jem Sullivan

Where am I this Lent? T

he author of Genesis offers an intriguing detail in the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. Soon after they ate of the forbidden fruit and realized the consequences of their disobedience, Adam and Eve hid from God among the trees in the garden. Then, in His first words to Adam after the fall, God asked him: “Where are you?” Did God not know where Adam and Eve were in the same garden that God had created? Was God simply asking for their physical location, as when we look for GPS directions? Or was the question “Where are you?” meant to point to the fundamental spiritual state of Adam and Eve – now alienated from their Creator by a sinful choice to refuse friendship with God?

‘Christian discipleship is the way of the cross. And the power of self-sacrificial love, revealed by Jesus on the cross, is stronger than worldly powers that pass from age to age.’ On this First Sunday of Lent, perhaps God’s question to Adam – “Where are you?” – is a good place to begin our spiritual journey. We might ask ourselves, “Where am I spiritually?” “What really counts in my life?” “Does my relationship with God inform my decisions, thoughts and actions?” Taking stock of our spiritual state at the start of Lent reveals the attitudes, things and relationships that keep us away from God. We turn in repentance and trust in God’s mercy that cleanses from sin and frees us to live a new life of grace as disciples of Jesus. In the Gospel, the temptations Jesus faces in the desert unmask the things that can keep us from God. First, Jesus is tempted to turn stone into bread to satisfy His physical hunger. Jesus responds that no one lives on bread alone. The Word of God nourishes and sustains us spiritually. Without God’s Word, we lose our way easily on the path of life. In the second temptation, Jesus is offered control over the whole world. But His kingdom is not of this world, He replies. It is eternal, transcending every earthly kingdom. Christian discipleship is the way of the cross. And the power of selfsacrificial love, revealed by Jesus on the cross, is stronger than worldly powers that pass from age to age. In the third temptation, Jesus is challenged to throw Himself down from a high place to test if God will rescue Him. Jesus rejects the temptation to make God an object of our control, to exploit God’s power for our own plans and purposes. The psalmist points to attitudes of humility and confident trust in God that we seek to grow in this Lent. Our Lenten practices strengthen us to face daily temptations to self-love, harsh judgment of others and the tendency to place ourselves, rather than God, at the center of life. The psalmist praises God’s work: “Because he clings to me, I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress; I will deliver him and glorify him.” Only God is God. We are not God! Lent is a graced time when we set things right in our relationship with God and our neighbor. By putting God first, we grow in the trust of a disciple of Jesus as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.” As you prepare for Lent, reflect on this question: How will Jesus’ response to His temptations guide your spiritual practices this Lent? DR. JEM SULLIVAN serves as associate professor of practice in catechetics in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the history and theory of catechetics. She contributes commentaries to Catholic News Service and is the author of “The Beauty of Faith.”

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‘It seems like this is the Lent we’re most prepared for; we’ve all sacrificed so much. The desert experience of Lent has already been lived out and with so many people exhausted from the past two years.’ Jen Sawyer, editor-in-chief of Busted Halo

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 25, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

THE BISHOP’S YOUTH

PILGRIMAGE

Faith More Precious Than Gold

APRIL 9, 2022 9:00AM-3:00PM

REGISTER ONLINE AT GOEUCHARIST.COM Bishop Peter J. Jugis invites middle and high school youth to join him at Belmont Abbey for a day of prayer and adoration of our Eucharistic Lord. The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage is graciously hosted by Belmont Abbey College and Monastery and provides youth with an experience of the Catholic faith with uplifting music and dynamic speakers. The Youth Pilgrimage is the perfect

GOLD

$15/person, includes lunch

CIO P R1EPETER 1:7 US T AN

COST

opportunity to prepare the way for the Eucharistic Congress. FA I T H MO

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