April 22, 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
MARIAN ART SERIES CONTINUES:
‘Salus Populi Romani’ 17, 24
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2022
FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!
A time to rejoice
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Un tiempo para regocijarse 18-20 CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEEK Providing help, hope and inspiration Brindan ayuda, esperanza e inspiración
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‘A great experience’ Hundreds of young people come together for the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey
Lighting the way Solar panels one way Catholics are caring for our common home
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‘Una gran experiencia’: Cientos de 4
jóvenes se reunieron en el Peregrinaje Juvenil del Obispo Jugis 21
At a glance 2
catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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April 22, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 15
things you need to know this week
EASTER LASTS MORE THAN ONE DAY: We may have fasted for 40 days in Lent, but now we feast for 50 days to celebrate Easter. The Easter season continues until Pentecost (June 5). In our joy over Christ’s resurrection, we acclaim “Alleluia!” Over the seven weeks of Easter, look for ways to continue celebrating His resurrection – take a walk to enjoy the spring weather; make a pilgrimage to see the diocese’s 50th anniversary statue of Mary, Mother of God; give thanks to God by organizing a family activity or helping a neighbor. Then on Pentecost, light a candle to celebrate the Holy Spirit’s descent upon Mary and the Apostles, and meditate on the words of John 1:5: “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
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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.......................................18-23 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese............................. 4-10 Scripture readings.................3, 23 Arts & Entertainment.................28 U.S. news................................30-31 Viewpoints.............................34-35 World news........................... 32-33
Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis: APRIL 22 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Elizabeth Church, Boone APRIL 25 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Ann Church, Charlotte
DON’T FORGET DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: April 24 is Divine Mercy Sunday. Don’t let this remarkable day get lost amid the busyness of Easter and spring break. Focus on the gift of God’s mercy and love we have thanks to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Take a moment to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet (learn how at www.catholicnewsherald.com/ourfaith).
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LOOK OUT FROM THE ROOFTOP: Listen to a new podcast by Father Matthew Kauth and Monsignor Patrick Winslow as they look out on the world from the rooftop of the Church. The podcast was born out of conversations they’ve had for years, starting back when they were seminarians more than 20 years ago. Their wideranging talks will make you smile and make you think. Find the latest links at www.facebook.com/ stjosephcollegeseminary.
APRIL 27 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Queen of the Apostles Church, Belmont APRIL 29 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Highways Church, Thomasville
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Subscribe today! Call:
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. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. 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.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY: May is National Foster Care Month. As Catholics, we believe every person is created in God’s image, deserving to be treated with dignity and respect. USCCB provides foster care services to unaccompanied, refugee and immigrant children. Learn how you
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“The Pentecost” by El Greco (circa 1600) in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
MAY 2 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Christ the King Church, High Point
can become a foster parent to an unaccompanied refugee or immigrant minor: www.usccb.org/ committees/migration/open-your-home-refugeeyouth-today.
MAY 4 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte
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BE GENEROUS: This weekend parishes will be taking up a second collection to aid Ukrainian refugees. Details are on page 5.
Diocesan calendar of events ESPAÑOL 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.
VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: 8 p.m. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. An overnight vigil is offered twice each month to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and to offer penance and pray for the conversion of our nation. To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration times, go to www.prolifecharlotte.org/ two-hearts. 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.
PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. Offered for anyone suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677. COMMUNAL DEVOTION PREPARATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 7, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. The First Saturdays is one of Our Lady of Fatima’s requests to bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. WOMEN’S 85TH CURSILLO WEEKEND: July 14-17, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte MEN’S 83RD CURSILLO WEEKEND: July 21-24, Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury
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: HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the diocese. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at 910-585-2460 or jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org, or Lorena Haynes at 828-585-0483.
MAY 6 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Trinity Mission, Taylorsville MAY 10 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte MAY 11 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville MAY 12 – 10 A.M. SEPI Board Meeting Virtual MAY 13 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville
Our faith
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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‘If you put all the love of mothers into one heart, it still would not equal the love of the heart of Mary for her children.’ — St. Louis de Montfort Pope Francis
May is devoted to Mary May is the month dedicated to Mary – an opportune time to think about why Mary is so special. Mary is held in high esteem for several reasons. We honor her as the Mother of God and our mother, we look to her as a model of perfect discipleship, and we ask for her prayers to God on our behalf. As the human being who said “yes” to God’s plan to give birth to the Son of God, Mary is “full of grace” and “blessed among women.” She has a unique position among the saints – indeed, among everyone. She is exalted as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, yet she is still one of us. Mary is also our mother, given to us by Jesus as He was dying upon the cross. “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26, 27). This tender scene speaks to us of the depth of the Love which inspires, informs and transforms all human love – the Love Incarnate who gives us His Mother. Mary’s obedience and unwavering faith in God also exemplify the perfect Christian disciple. She embraced God’s will and freely chose to cooperate with God’s grace – thereby fulfilling a crucial role in God’s plan of salvation. She did not understand the whole picture, but she trusted God every step of the way – from the moment the Angel Gabriel visited her until she saw her Son crucified. As Pope Francis wrote in “Gaudete et Exsultate”: “She is that woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, who treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us” (176). Mary is also our greatest intercessor. As we pray in the “Hail Mary”: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.” Her role has always been to bring us closer to Christ, as first illustrated in her admonition at the wedding feast of Cana: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). She is also Mother of the Church, present with the apostles when the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost. Throughout the centuries, the Church has turned to Mary to grow closer to Jesus. Many forms of piety toward the Mother of God help deepen our relationship with Jesus – the rosary chief among them. In these devotions to Mary, “while the Mother is honored, the Son, through whom all things have their being and in whom it has pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, is rightly known, loved and glorified and ... all His commands are observed.” While Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8, is not a liturgical holiday, it is a wonderful opportunity to meditate on Mary’s special role in the Church and in our lives, and to give thanks to all mothers. — www.catholic.org, USCCB
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“Madonna with the Sleeping Christ Child,” by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato (c. 1650)
Marian feast days In May n May 13 – Our Lady of Fatima n May 24 – Mary Help of Christians n May 31 – The Visitation
Learn more At www.catholic.org/mary: Learn more about the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary – as mother, model and disciple, as well as her appearances and messages for us today
Daily Scripture readings APRIL 24-30
Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday): Acts 5:12-16, Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19, John 20:19-31; Monday (St. Mark): 1 Peter 5:5b-14, Mark 16:15-20; Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37, John 3:7b-15; Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26, John 3:1621; Thursday (St. Peter Chanel, St. Louis Grignion de Montfort): Acts 5:27-33, John 3:31-36; Friday (St. Catherine of Siena): Acts 5:34-42, John 6:1-15; Saturday (St. Pius V): Acts 6:1-7, John 6:16-21
MAY 1-7
Sunday: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-9; Monday (St. Athanasius): Acts 6:8-15, John 6:2229; Tuesday (St. Philip and James): 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8, John 6:35-40; Thursday: Acts 8:26-40, John 6:44-51; Friday: Acts 9:1-20, John 6:52-59; Saturday: Acts 9:31-42, John 6:60-69
MAY 8-15
Sunday: Acts 13:14, 43-52, Revelation 7:9, 14b-17, John 10:27-30; Monday: Acts 11:1-18, John 10:1-10; Tuesday (St. Damien de Veuster): Acts 11:19-26, John 10:22-30; Wednesday: Acts 12:24, 13:5a, John 12:4450; Thursday (Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, St. Pancras): Acts 13:13-25, John 13:16-20; Friday (Our Lady of Fatima): Acts 13:26-33, John 14:1-6; Saturday (St. Matthias): Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, John 15:9-17
Honor, protect dignity of elderly
he fourth commandment does not only imply honoring one’s father and mother, but also the respect and care for the dignity of older generations, Pope Francis said. Sadly, the elderly, especially those in need of care, are often seen as a burden and, instead of being treated with “delicacy and affection, tenderness and respect,” are often abused, the pope said April 20 during his weekly general audience. “Encouraging in young people, even indirectly, an attitude of condescension – and even contempt – for the elderly, for their weaknesses and their precariousness, produces horrible things. It opens the way to unimaginable excesses,” he said. The audience was held in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since restrictions enforced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered all public gatherings in 2020. Greeting thousands of pilgrims, the pope rode around in his popemobile, waving and occasionally stopping to kiss babies. Pope Francis continued his series of talks on old age and reflected on the theme: “Honor thy father and mother, loving a life lived.” As life progresses, he said, love “descends,” and it is often not given or received in the “same strength that it once did.” However, the fourth commandment brings out a “special love” in the form of honoring not just one’s parents but those who came before. “It is not just about one’s own father and mother. It is about their generation and the generations before, whose farewell (from this life) can also be slow and prolonged, creating a time and space of long-lasting coexistence with the other ages of life. In other words, it is about the old age of life,” he explained. Yet, he also lamented that many times the elderly, including those who are sick or not self-sufficient, are mistreated. “This occurs when weakness is reproached, and even punished, as if it were a fault, and when bewilderment and confusion become an opening for derision and aggression.” Contempt for the old “dishonors us all” and while there have been some positive developments in elderly generations, “the struggle for the restoration of that special form of love which is honor still seems fragile and immature.” He urged Christians to not only support and encourage better care for the elderly, but also to transform the younger generations understanding “about life and its stages.” “Love for the human person that is common to us, including honoring a life lived, is not just a matter for the elderly. Rather it is an ambition that will bring radiance to young people who inherit its best qualities.”
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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(Left) Asheville Catholic School is the latest location in the Diocese of Charlotte to install solar panels. Principal Mike Miller says, “It is so important for our schools and churches to set the example for others when it comes to caring for God’s creation. Our solar panels are just one way that we are setting that example.”
In Brief Arrest made after Boone church entry vandalized BOONE — Police have arrested a man they say tried to vandalize St. Elizabeth Church in Boone over the Easter weekend. A church employee smelled gas upon arrival at the parish office the morning of April 16. Checking the security cameras, the employee saw a man pouring gasoline on the sidewalk and alerted the Boone Police Department. The police investigation found gasoline poured on a doorway and sidewalk at the church’s rear entrance. Father Brendan Buckler, pastor, said the church was not damaged. An anonymous High Country Crime Stoppers tip led police to speak with Thomas Jon Peluso, 44, of Boone. Peluso was arrested and charged with one felony count of aiding in the burning of a religious building. As of Tuesday, he was being held on $50,000 bond awaiting a May 24 court hearing. Peluso did not attend St. Elizabeth Church. “We are praying that God helps and delivers him from any problems and places peace in his heart,” Father Buckler said.
(Below) In the fall of 2020, the roof of the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte saw the installation of 272 solar panels – saving the diocese approximately 20 percent in energy costs. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BILL MALONEY AND THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES OFFICE
Lighting the way
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter
CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant applications now available CHARLOTTE — Does your parish help run a food pantry or have an emergency services program? Perhaps your parish or ministry provides food assistance for children during summer months, offers meals for those who experiencing homelessness, or sponsors a community garden for people in need. If so, consider applying for a Catholic Charities CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant for up to $1,000 in grant funds. For every $3 of Rice Bowl funds sent to CRS for overseas projects, $1 remains in the Diocese of Charlotte to help fund a local grant program that supports poverty and hunger fighting projects of diocesan Catholic entities. Projects must target hunger and poverty in communities in the diocese. Only one grant can be submitted per Catholic entity, and grant applications must be reviewed and signed by the pastor, principal or director of the entity applying for the grant. Completed application PDFs must be emailed by Friday, June 3. For more information and applications, go to www.ccdoc.org/cchdcrs. — Joseph Purello
Spring gala set for April 30 GASTONIA — St. Michael School will host “All The World’s a Stage,” a fun-filled spring gala to benefit the Catholic school, from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30, in the school’s gym. The Shakespearean theme of this semiformal fundraiser promises a festive evening celebrating the school and its 80th anniversary. The gala includes dinner, open bar, dancing and updates about the preK-8 school. Dr. Michael P. Foley will also speak about how classical education sets the stage for a meaningful life. Foley is a professor of patristics at Baylor University, Catholic theologian, “mixologist,” and author or editor of over a dozen books and 500 articles on topics including the liturgy, St. Augustine, and contemporary film and culture. Tickets are $75 per person or $500 per table. For details, go to www.eventcreate.com/e/ smcsgala. Questions? Call 704-867-6212. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Solar panels one way Catholics are caring for our common home SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — Across western North Carolina, churches and schools are lighting the way of environmental stewardship – installing solar panel arrays to produce renewable, clean energy and reduce the amount of harmful C02 being released into the atmosphere. It’s all part of the local Church’s response to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” Earth Day, April 22, is an occasion to shed light on practical ways we can do our part to protect the planet, as called for by the pope. Laudato Si’ is the appeal from
Pope Francis addressed to “every person living on this planet” for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our world. He calls on the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to embark on a new path of awareness and action. While Laudato Si’ is the first papal encyclical to focus comprehensively on the
environment, its foundation rests in a long history of Church teaching on creation. St. Stephen Mission in Elkin was the first to install solar panels on the roof of its fellowship hall in 2010. In 2015, St. Eugene Church in Asheville installed a 46-kilowatt array of 146 solar panels on its roof, aiming to cover nearly 20 percent of the church’s annual energy usage. The panels have outperformed expectations, saving the church 35.5 percent on its electricity costs. The $143,476 project was a joint effort of the parish’s Care of Creation committee, the pastoral council, diocesan officials and the pastor, Father Patrick Cahill. Parishioners raised the money through donations and matching grants, reaching their goal six months after a “Solar Sunday Weekend” appeal. St. Eugene Parish received a letter from Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, congratulating them on the project and their support of Pope Francis SOLAR, SEE PAGE 27
Diocese files appeal to protect Catholic education CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte filed an appeal in federal court April 18 seeking to protect the freedom of Catholic schools to hire teachers who will uphold Church teaching and support their Catholic mission. Lonnie Billard was a drama teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School, where he agreed to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church. He retired and continued to work a substitute teacher but in 2014 was removed from the school’s list of substitutes after he entered a same-sex union and made public statements on social media advocating against Church teaching.
He then partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to sue the school for alleged discrimination, and a federal court in September ruled in his favor. The diocese’s appeal was filed by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that is defending the diocese free of charge. Becket has won nine Supreme Court victories in the last 10 years, including two victories protecting the freedom of religious schools to choose their teachers in accordance with their religious beliefs. “The Supreme Court has repeatedly
protected the right of religious schools to choose teachers who uphold their religious values and support their religious mission,” said Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel at Becket. “If the First Amendment means anything, it means the Catholic Church has the freedom to hire Catholic school teachers who support Catholic teaching.” Billard’s lawsuit contends that releasing him for actions that contradicted Church teaching is a form of unlawful discrimination. APPEAL, SEE PAGE 27
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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‘A great experience’ Hundreds of young people come together for Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey PHOTOS AND STORY BY SUEANN HOWELL AND JAMES SARKIS
BELMONT — Hundreds of young people from across the Diocese of Charlotte gathered at Belmont Abbey College April 9 for the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage – the first such celebration held since the pandemic. Despite the chilly and overcast weather, participants said they were glad to back together for the day-long event designed just for young people. The teens sprawled out on the expansive lawn in front of the historic Belmont Abbey Basilica for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, music and fellowship, and inspirational talks. “It’s a great experience. Just seeing all of the different people from all the other parishes is incredible,” said
Thomas Conner, a ninth-grader who attends St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The outdoor Mass, offered by Belmont Abbey’s Abbot Placid Solari, “was beautiful,” he said. “It was amazing to be in nature.” The Mass also wowed ninth-grader Denise Meraz from Holy Infant Parish in Reidsville. This was her first time attending the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage, and she said the experience moved her. “When we were receiving (the Eucharist), it really got to me,” she said. The theme of this year’s youth pilgrimage mirrored the diocese’s 50th anniversary theme – “Faith More Precious Than Gold” – and teens enjoyed waving or wearing special 50th anniversary “rally flags” handed out at the beginning of the day. Bishop Peter Jugis reflected on the 50th anniversary theme in his homily during Eucharistic Adoration. The Scripture verse from 1 Peter 1:7 invites us all to value one’s faith over anything else, he said. “It’s a good message for you, too,” he told the young people. “St. Peter is speaking to all of us. Celebrate joyfully your Catholic faith. Be strong in the practice of your Catholic faith. Be constant in the practice of your Catholic faith.” Attending Mass, praying daily, going to confession, being charitable – in essence, imitating Jesus – “that is
our Catholic faith, and that is what we are celebrating this year, 50 years in the Diocese of Charlotte,” he said. Bishop Jugis also stressed the prime importance of the Eucharist to our Catholic faith. “The Holy Eucharist brings us together as one family,” he said. “We are one family in Christ – no matter which parish we come from, which part of the diocese or the state we come from. We are all gathered here together before the Lord.” Looking out at the hundreds of young people kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament, he remarked, “I am glad that you have come here on pilgrimage today to pray with me and with young people from across the diocese.” “May the Lord bless you and your families, and keep you always close to His Sacred Heart.”
Your DSA contributions at work The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
Special collection for Ukraine relief set for April 23-24 CHARLOTTE — A special collection will be taken up at Masses the weekend of April 23-24 to aid the Ukrainian people forced from their homes in their war-torn country, Diocese of Charlotte leaders have announced. Donations will go to short-term and longterm relief efforts for Ukrainian refugees, through a variety of Catholic organizations. The diocese-wide collection is intentionally scheduled for Divine Mercy Sunday, which focuses on the gift of God’s
mercy and love given through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. “Just as we all find refuge in God’s infinite mercy and compassion, we are called to extend that mercy and compassion to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who have been forced to flee their homes in a senseless war,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, in announcing the special collection. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has killed
thousands and displaced millions of people since February. The war has triggered Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II: 4.3 million people have fled to neighboring countries and another 7.1 million are internally displaced, according to the latest figures from the United Nations. “Events such as this create a situation of human suffering that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance,” Monsignor Winslow said.
Checks should be made payable to the donor’s parish, noting “Ukrainian Refugee Relief” on the memo line. Donations may also be sent directly to the Diocese of Charlotte. Mail checks to: Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, Attn: Ukrainian Refugee Relief, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. “Let us pray for all those impacted and for a generous response to those in need,” Monsignor Winslow said. — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘Lourdes to Linville’ Know before you go PARKING Please note that there is no on-site public parking at the church during the tour. Free off-site parking and shuttle services will be offered. People are encouraged to carpool. The free shuttle service will run daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (both directions) and from 8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (back to the off-site parking area). Shuttles will pause during the rosary procession in the evening. Groups and parishes planning on chartered bus transportation must contact St. Bernadette Parish at stbernadettelinville@rcdoc. org. Complete parking information can be found online at www. lourdestolinville.org/parking. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France receives more than 3 million pilgrims a year to the Marian shrine. The relics of St. Bernadette are making a pilgrimage from Lourdes throughout the U.S. and will be at St. Bernadette Church in Linville May 9-11.
DAILY SCHEDULE
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Relics of St. Bernadette on U.S. tour coming to WNC May 9-11 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
LINVILLE — St. Bernadette Church will host the relics of its patron, St. Bernadette Soubirous, next month – the only stop in North Carolina on the relics’ first tour of the United States. The western North Carolina church – and the picturesque mountain town of Linville – will be alive with the “Lourdes experience” May 9-11. Called “the seer of Lourdes,” the French saint witnessed 18 apparitions of Mary in 1858 when she was just 14. Lourdes, the site of the apparitions and a natural spring at the base of the grotto where Mary appeared, has become a renowned destination for pilgrims, some of whom have experienced miraculous healing after bathing in the waters. The national tour of St. Bernadette’s relics started earlier this month in Florida and ends in August. It is being organized by the Sanctuary of Lourdes in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, North American Volunteers, Hospitalité of Miami,
and the Order of Malta. Father Christopher Bond, pastor, believes his church was selected as a tour location because of its patron and his prompt response to an inquiry he received via email. “I think because I jumped on it, we got it,” he says. Father Bond visited the shrine at Lourdes 10 years ago before making a pilgrimage on the Way of St. James through southern France and Spain, better known as the Camino. The shrine features the grotto where Mary appeared to the young St. Bernadette, as well as springfed baths in which people may bathe to seek healing. The experience was unforgettable, he recalls. “I went into the baths, and in Lourdes I experienced and could truly feel the Blessed Mother’s presence. Something real happened there (to me) many years ago.” The relics of St. Bernadette that are traveling across the country are ex-carne relics (meaning “from the flesh”) that were given years ago to the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception (Fathers of Garaison). Since 1866, the congregation has overseen the Lourdes shrine. In 2018, they entrusted the relics to the Sanctuary of Lourdes. The reliquary, or container that houses the relics, was crafted in Spain by the Maison Granda workshop and unveiled in 2019. The church in Linville will host a series of events during the three days the relics are there. Public events begin at 11 a.m. daily with the
sacrament of anointing of the sick. In addition, the church will offer: public veneration of the relics; a talk by Megan Bean, who was healed in Lourdes; Mass with a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction (including sprinkling with water from the Masabielle Grotto in Lourdes); and a candlelit rosary procession each evening. Other points of interest on the parish grounds that visitors can enjoy include: an outdoor and an indoor Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, where people can light votive candles, and a unique painting of St. Bernadette commissioned from renowned artist Chas Fagan. Fagan also painted the official canonization image of Mother Teresa when she was declared a saint in 2016. “I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Lourdes, but for many, a trip to Lourdes is not possible,” Father Bond said. “Now that the holy relics of St. Bernadette and the ‘experience’ of Lourdes are coming to Linville, much of the activities, the mystery, the hopefulness and the peace experienced by millions in Lourdes can be experienced here. We welcome everyone to come May 9, 10 and 11.”
Go online At www.lourdestolinville.org: Besides the information listed at left, see the event’s official website for more information about the upcoming tour, including prayers, the plenary indulgence that’s available to pilgrims, Church teaching on relics, and more
n 9:30-10:30 a.m. (church): Private veneration of the relics (priests, deacons, seminarians and religious only) n 11 a.m. (church): Anointing of the Sick available n Noon-3:45 p.m. (church): Public veneration of the relics n 1-2 p.m.: “Healed in Lourdes,” a talk by Megan Bean n 4 p.m. (church): Mass with Asperges Rite (sprinkling with water from the Masabielle Grotto), concluding with a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction n 5:30-8 p.m. (church): Public veneration of the relics n 5:30-7:30 p.m. (dining tent): Dinner meals for purchase; bring bagged meals if preferred n 8:15 p.m. (church, grotto): Candlelit rosary procession (multilingual)
MEALS Dinner meals will be available for purchase. A bagged lunch is recommended for those visiting during the day.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST n Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (outdoor) n Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (indoor) for lighting votive candles n St. Anthony of Padua Chapel (outdoor)
OTHER ACTIVITIES n Short video “Lessons from Lourdes: Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Bernadette” n Children’s crafts/play area (times may vary) n Gift shop (times may vary)
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Brady Endowments have positive impact on Catholic education in Triad
Fraternity brings helping hands to Camp Hope BELMONT — Forty members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity from North Carolina universities came to Belmont in March to build, clean and renovate structures at Camp Hope, a recreational facility for Holy Angels. The weekend of work was this year’s first Ability Camp, a national service project of the Ability Experience, a philanthropic group that has raised more than $15 million to help people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. Camp Hope benefited from the work, but so did the 40 fraternity brothers who had a hands-on experience of servant leadership. One of them was Robert Lance, a sophomore at High Point University, who said, “The work really meant something this weekend – not just for the residents at Holy Angels but for all of us.” Holy Angels, founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy, provides residential services and programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. For more than a quarter century, the residents of Holy Angels have enjoyed the use of Camp Hope, located on the South Fork of Lake Wylie in Belmont. “Camp Hope provides an excellent opportunity for our residents to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Holy Angels President and CEO Regina Moody. “They love the warm feeling of the sun on their faces and the cool breeze of the wind as they take a ride on the pontoon boat, named ‘Spirit of Maria,’ after our first resident, Maria Morrow.” The camp is wrapping up a two-year renovation project. Holy Angels residents will return in the next couple of months to again enjoy fishing, nature walks, campfires and boat rides. Moody said she is thankful for Ability Experience’s history with Holy Angels. “We consider members of the Ability Experience our close friends,” she said. “Ever since our first experience with them in 1989, this organization has continued to support Holy Angels through their time, talent and treasure. We have built life-long friendships with many members of this fraternity.” She was on the board of directors for Ability Experience for 18 years. The assistant executive director of Ability Experience, Andrew Matznick, is on the Holy Angels board of directors. “We are
SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOLY ANGELS
excited to make an impact at Camp Hope through our Ability Camp program,” he said. “Holy Angels has been an incredible partner.” Members of the Ability Experience – then known as PUSH America – first came to Holy Angels in 1989 to help build a pavilion, called PUSH Place. The fraternity has returned several more times, building structures, trails, ponds and more. This year’s projects included rebuilding several bridges, fixing the nature trail and cleaning up debris. “It’s great to be a visual symbol of helping others and giving back, especially during this time of COVID,” said Landon Stewart, another student member of Pi Kappa Phi. “It means a lot.” — Jane Pope
Want to help? To help fund more Ability Camps, visit www.abilityexperience.org/ support. For more information, contact Andrew Matznick at amatznick@ abilityexperience.org or 980-318-5387.
St. Pius X Parish celebrates stewardship milestone GEORGIANNA PENN CORRESPONDENT
GREENSBORO — Parishioners, clergy and friends gathered for a “burning of the mortgage” celebration at St. Pius X Church April 9. “This mortgage burning represents all the debt we have retired,” said Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor. “This mortgage burning represents the retirement of all of our previous capital campaigns: the parish church, the chapel, the cloister, the Simmons Parish Center, the DeJoy Primary Education Center, the Connolly Athletic Center, the rectory, the columbarium, updates to our parish school, and everything we did to tie this entire campus together.” “To the very many people who helped us envision this moment and to the ones who helped us accomplish it, we are so grateful,” he said. April 9 was the date chosen for the celebration to coincide with Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week and the parish’s ongoing effort “to provide great hospitality as we continue to welcome people back to church after the pandemic,” Monsignor Marcaccio noted. As evidenced by all the building projects, the Greensboro parish has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. Through two capital campaigns, “Making a Place at the Table” and “Making a Place to Gather and Grow,” it built a 1,100-seat parish church, Simmons Parish Center and DeJoy Primary
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. PIUS X CHURCH
Education Center to complete its Elm Street campus. The extensive building efforts are a sign of the parish’s commitment to stewardship, Monsignor Marcaccio explained. St. Pius X Parish has been recognized internationally by the International Catholic Stewardship Council for its successful stewardship campaigns. “If you seek a representation of stewardship, look around and you will see our church and our buildings,” Monsignor Marcaccio said. “But these buildings are simply tools – the tools we need for worship, the tools we need to
gather together, the tools we need for evangelization and education, the tools we need for our labor, and the tools we need to be a church and to participate with God in the building of the Kingdom.” In planning for the parish’s future, Monsignor Marcaccio added, “St. Pius X was also the first parish to achieve assets of over a million dollars with the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation, as part of our ongoing effort to ensure the success and funding of its many ministries.” “With this mortgage burning,” he said, “we celebrate not the finish line, but a milestone as we journey forward in faith, hope and love.”
GREENSBORO — A couple’s love of their Catholic faith and a commitment to education has fostered the creation of two endowments to assist families in providing a Catholic education for their children. Don and Mary Gay Brady, members of Our Lady of Grace Church who raised five children, had a special affinity for Our Lady of Grace School and Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Before Don Brady passed away last year, he and his wife established the Brady Endowment Fund and the Mary Gay and Don Brady Family Endowment Fund to invest in future generations of Catholic school students. The Bradys invested $100,000 and $500,000, respectively, into these endowments. The Don and Mary Gay Brady Endowment Fund provides tuition assistance for Our Lady of Grace parishioners to send their children to Our Lady of Grace School. The Mary Gay and Don Brady Family Endowment Fund provides tuition assistance for the children of Catholic school employees of Triadarea Catholic schools who attend Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Matching gifts were collected totaling more than $1,000,000, of which $750,000 has been set aside for the endowment. Dr. Jared Rashford, head of school at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, noted, “Establishing or contributing to any endowment at Bishop McGuinness allows for current and future students in our region to benefit from an outstanding, Catholic education by providing long-term financial support to all aspects of school and community life.” “Mr. Brady was an avid supporter of Catholic education and accessibility to all who wished to attend Catholic schools in the Triad,” added Katie Williams, the high school’s advancement director. “He and Mrs. Brady loved Our Lady of Grace and Bishop McGuinness and always made it a priority in terms of giving back. We are so grateful for their commitment to our schools.” Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development says that more endowments in the diocesan foundation are being established in memory or in honor of individuals. “Currently over half of our 323 endowments are named endowments,” he noted. “We are grateful to have two Brady endowments. We encourage parishioners to consider establishing named endowments during life or in their estate plans to benefit their parish, Catholic school, Catholic ministry or the diocese.”
Fund an endowment Interested in setting up an endowment or adding to an existing endowment at your parish or Catholic school? Establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will; a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan; a gift of real estate; a gift of life insurance, cash or securities sufficient to set up an endowment; or a life income arrangement, such as a trust or annuity. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-3703364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2022
PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO, AMBER MELLON, JOE THORNTON, ANINA PUCCIO, MARYANN LUEDTKE AND PROVIDED BY PARISHES
The Easter fire at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone. (Right) Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor, baptizes Ada Flores at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.
(Left) St. Therese parishioners in Mooresville; Living Stations of the Cross outside St. James the Greater Church in Concord and Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville on Good Friday. (Below) Living Stations of the Cross by the youth at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte and parishioners at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2022
Bishop Peter J. Jugis
Let us rejoice this Easter and always
D PHOTOS BY JAMES SARKIS, DEACON JAMES WITULSKI AND PROVIDED BY PARISHES
(Clockwise from top) Bishop Peter Jugis blesses the palms before Palm Sunday Mass April 10 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Students at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem decorate Easter eggs. Father Josè Antonio Juya blesses palms before Palm Sunday Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. Families have their Easter baskets blessed in a special Polish blessing service at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
ear brothers and sisters in Christ, On Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus – acclaiming with the psalmist: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” (Ps 118:24). Jesus has died for our salvation, conquering death so that we may hope to have eternal life with God in heaven. Easter truly is a gift from God, a time for great rejoicing. And it is an occasion that we await each year with anticipation – particularly this year in light of the loss and challenges caused by the pandemic and conflicts around the world. Throughout the season of Lent, we have prepared for this day by purifying our hearts, purifying our minds and purifying our souls through prayer, fasting, penance, and almsgiving. Now, with the help of God’s grace, we are properly prepared to enter the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope and new life into which He has called us. But what are we to do now? Is Easter just a day to celebrate before we return to our usual routines? Not at all! No, Easter is a call to action: a call to love, and a call to missionary discipleship. First, we are called to love one another as Jesus loves us. Through His passion, death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His great love for us. And through the continuing gift of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, we are filled with His grace and called to love others. It is our vocation as Catholic Christians to demonstrate the love of God through our words and our actions. As Jesus tells us: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Second, we are called to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Just like the holy women who found Jesus’ tomb empty and ran in haste to tell the other disciples, we should be moved to tell others what Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, is all about. The Resurrection is an amazing and tangible sign of God’s boundless love for us – and the hope it bestows on our lives. It is the culmination of His saving work – calling us back to Him through the sacrifice of His only Son and freeing us from the slavery to sin (see John 3:16 and Romans 6:6). Now we are to share Jesus’ gift by being witnesses to the Gospel, witnessing to our experience of the love of God in Jesus. Filled with the joy of His love, we are called to extend that love to others as missionary disciples of Jesus. How we go about this work can take many forms and it is up to us, with much prayer and the help of God’s grace. Yet no matter what our situation in life, we all have a role to play in proclaiming the Kingdom of Christ. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, tells us, “Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey” (“Evangelii Gaudium,” 127). Especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlotte this year, under the protective mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, let us be inspired by her example. Like Mary, may the joy of the Resurrection dwell in our hearts – not just today, but every day. And let us share that Easter joy with our families, our friends and co-workers, and others we encounter. Let us strive to live every day as a gift from Jesus, proclaiming by our words and our actions, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
‘Easter is a call to action: a call to love, and a call to missionary discipleship.’
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D. Bishop of Charlotte
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catholicnewsherald,com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2022
‘One family in Christ’ Priests gather to renew promises at Chrism Mass SUEANN HOWELL AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
CHARLOTTE — Nearly 100 priests from across western North Carolina stood, shoulder to shoulder, inside St. Patrick Cathedral April 12 to renew their promises to the Church in a powerful sign of unity. It was the first time in two years that they had all been able to gather in person with their bishop during Holy Week for the traditional Chrism Mass – so named because it is also when the bishop blesses the sacramental oils used in churches over the next year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced all churches to close during Holy Week in 2020, and last year’s Chrism Mass attendance was restricted. Priests said they were happy to be back at the cathedral again. And for two of them, this year’s Chrism Mass was their first since being ordained last June. “It is a very exciting time for me, not only because I concelebrated Mass with Bishop Jugis and renewed my promises, but also, I had the opportunity to see many priests, whom now I am proud to call brother priests,” said Father Joseph Wasswa, who serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. “It was very difficult last year due to COVID. But now, I can’t hold the excitement. Thanks be to God!” “As a priest in my first year, every event that involves celebrating and sharing my ministry with other priests is exciting and joyful,” added Father Miguel Sanchez, who serves at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. “I am so glad and honored that I have the opportunity to finally celebrate what I have prepared myself for, and to share that blessing with others.” Father Marcel Amadi, who serves as a campus minister in the Triad area, described the Chrism Mass as “a beautiful celebration of unity under the guidance of the bishop.” “We come from various cultures, ethnic groups and ministries,” he said. “Just like branches of a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Each time we gather, we celebrate our foundation in Christ Jesus.” Unity in Christ was the theme of Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily to his brother priests. “We are one family in Christ,” he told them. “There is a tremendous spirit of unity and goodwill throughout the diocese. Your presence today is a sign of that unity and goodwill.” Jesus Christ binds them together in their
SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
ministry, he said. “Seeing all of us together is a very powerful, visible witness to the unity of the ordained priesthood. One heart, one mind with Christ and with the Church, we share in the priesthood of Christ the High Priest.” “In our renewal of promises, we resolve to strive to be more united to the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him,” he said. “During this Mass we resolve to live profoundly the mystery of Christ with whom we are identified, and to strive in all of our words and actions to live the charity of Christ.” Especially this year, when the diocese is celebrating its 50th anniversary, that unity of purpose is evident, the bishop noted. “We’re celebrating this year the gift of our Catholic faith here in western North Carolina and asking the Lord to help us proclaim the Kingdom of Christ by the witness of our lives,” he said. In a further expression of unity, all the priests stood during the consecration of the sacred chrism with their right hands extended, joining with Bishop Jugis in the prayer of consecration. The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination of priests and consecration of churches and altars. After Mass, deacons divided the blessed oils into smaller oil stocks that will be distributed to all 92 parishes and missions across the diocese for use in sacramental celebrations throughout the upcoming year.
PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO, SUEANN HOWELL, CONNIE RIES, AND PROVIDED BY PARISHES
(Above) First-grade students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point pray the Stations of the Cross. Our Lady of the Assumption School students prepare for Easter by reenacting the Last Supper. During the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Peter Church in Charlotte, parishioners’ feet are washed by the clergy in imitation of Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. (Left) Bishop Peter Jugis is pictured before the Chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral April 12. (Below) Children at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville enjoy an Easter egg hunt.
More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and watch Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily from the Chrism Mass
Priest jubilarians of 2020, 2021 and 2022 65 YEARS Father Thomas P. Clements (2020) Monsignor Joseph S. Showfety (2020) Father James K. Solari (2020)
60 YEARS Father Joseph C. Ayathupadam (2021) Father James P. Cahill (2021) Father David L. Hyman, O.F.M. (2020)
55 YEARS Father Joseph C. Zuschmidt, O.S.F.S. (2020)
50 YEARS Monsignor Richard M. Bellow (2020) Father Charles M. Donovan, C.Ss.R. (2022)
25 YEARS Father Innocent C. Amasiorah (2021) Father James M. Collins (2020) Father Mark S. Lawlor (2020) Father Fidel Melo (2021) Father W. Ray Williams (2022)
Recently retired priests Father Michael J. Buttner (2020) Father Francis T. Cancro (2020) Father Brian J. Cook (2020) Father Lawrence W. Heiney (2021)
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Faith more precious than gold. — 1 Peter 1:7 fe más preciosa que el oro. — 1 Pedro 1:7 Mark your calendar for the 18th Eucharistic Congress August 5 – 6, 2022 — Charlotte Convention Center
Marque su calendario para el XVIII Congreso Eucarístico O RO
Para información y voluntariado: www.GoEucharist.com
OSA E C1IPEDRO 1:7 QUE
EL
GOLD
For information and to volunteer: www.GoEucharist.com
PR
F E MÁ S
CIO P R1EPETER 1:7 US T
AN
FA I T H MO
E
H
R
Agosto 5 y 6, 2022— Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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Celebrating Catholic Charities Week Providing help, hope and inspiration Catholic Charities Week May 1-7
C
atholic Charities Week, coming May 1-7, highlights the tangible ways in which the people of western North Carolina are given help, a glimmer of hope, and inspiration to overcome the difficulties they are experiencing. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte served more than 15,000 people in 2021, as the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation created demand for food, housing and financial assistance. Catholic Charities also rose to the challenge as a surge of refugees fleeing war-torn Afghanistan were welcomed to the area, creating a significant demand for resettlement services. To date, more than 240 Afghan refugees have been resettled in Charlotte and Asheville since October. These families and individuals have received financial, medical, employment and housing assistance to enable them to start a new life in the U.S.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
Catholic Charities offers a comprehensive array of services, including pregnancy support and adoption services; individual, marriage, and family counseling; support for pregnant teens and teens in crisis; distribution of food and non-food donated goods to the needy; refugee resettlement and immigration services; disaster relief; economic opportunity development; and social concerns, education and advocacy – including justice and peace, Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. “Through the generosity of our donors and partnerships with funders, we are able to offer services either free of charge or on a sliding fee scale to all whose needs fall within our range of expertise and ability to serve,” says Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities. All of Catholic Charities’ services are available to clients regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
How can you help? Financial donations to enable Catholic Charities to assist participants and buy food
are an effective way to help serve people in need. Make donations online at www.ccdoc. org (click on “Donate”); or by mail to: Catholic Charities, Central Processing, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.
Asheville 828-255-0146 Charlotte 704-370-3262 Greensboro 336-288-1984
Need assistance?
People who need assistance can also call 2-1-1 to find up-to-date information on available community services that may be available. 2-1-1 helps connect people to information about local food pantries, medical resources and possible changes to government benefits.
Catholic Charities offers services to people across western North Carolina. Email info@ ccdoc.org or reach out to your local Catholic Charities office:
Lenoir 828-434-5710 Murphy 828-835-3535 Winston-Salem 336-727-0705
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Semana de Caridades Católicas Brindan ayuda, esperanza e inspiración Semana de Caridades Católicas, del 1 al 7 de mayo
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a Semana de Caridades Católicas, del 1 al 7 de mayo, destaca las formas tangibles en que las personas del oeste de Carolina del Norte reciben ayuda, un rayo de esperanza e inspiración para superar las dificultades que experimentan. Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte asistió a más de 15,000 personas en 2021, ya que los efectos residuales de la pandemia de COVID-19 y el aumento de la inflación crearon una gran demanda de alimentos, vivienda y asistencia financiera. Caridades Católicas también estuvo a la altura cuando una oleada de refugiados que huía de Afganistán devastado por la guerra fueron recibidos en el área, creando una demanda significativa de servicios de reasentamiento. Desde octubre y hasta la fecha, más de 240 refugiados afganos han sido reasentados en Charlotte y Asheville. Estas familias e individuos han recibido asistencia financiera, médica, laboral y de vivienda para permitirles comenzar una nueva vida en Estados Unidos.
SERVICIOS INTEGRALES
Caridades Católicas ofrece una amplia gama de servicios, incluyendo apoyo al embarazo y servicios de adopción; consejería individual, matrimonial y familiar; apoyo para adolescentes embarazadas y adolescentes en crisis; distribución de servicios y alimentos donados para los necesitados; servicios de inmigración y reasentamiento de refugiados; alivio en desastres; desarrollo de oportunidades económicas; asuntos sociales, educación y defensa, incluyendo justicia y paz, Servicios Católicos de Alivio y la Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano. “A través de la generosidad de nuestros donantes y aliados estratégicos, podemos ofrecer servicios de forma gratuita o con una escala móvil de tarifas a todos aquellos cuyas necesidades se encuentran dentro de nuestro rango de experiencia y capacidad de servicio”, dijo el Dr. Gerard Carter, director ejecutivo y CEO de Caridades Católicas. Todos los servicios de Caridades Católicas se encuentran disponibles sin importar raza, etnia o religión de los solicitantes. — SueAnn Howell, reportera senior
DONE Haga sus donaciones online en www.ccdoc. org, haciendo click en ‘donate’; o por correo a Catholic Charities, Central Processing, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003.
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
86
Refugees resettled
24
ANNUAL REPORT
2021
Refugees employed
292 Refugees assisted
191
12
Volunteers contributed
Apartments set up
11,796
hours of service
123
394
Elder Ministry participants
300
Marriage Preparation participants
699
Dignified burials
sessions 2,455 Counseling provided to 210 people
1,135
Respect Life and Social Concerns & Advocacy participants
Natural Family Planning participants
3,187
Transition Out of Poverty participants
276
Immigration participants
699
People received financial assistance
329
Bags of clothing and baby items given to
233
186
families
15 Students in Stay the
Veterans helped by Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Holiday assistance provided to
324
families
Course
9,918
Individuals provided with
4
Teen & young parents served
Get Involved
of 533,889 pounds food and of 9,262 pounds non-food supplies
15,177
TOTAL PEOPLE SERVED
Go to ccdoc.org to learn more about the impact of Catholic Charities and how you can help a neighbor in need by volunteering or making a donation today. Every gift of time, talent, and treasure helps strengthen families, build communities, and reduce poverty across the 46 counties served by our local offices. ccdoc.org
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Se logró el reasentamiento de refugiados
86
24
INFORME ANUAL
2021
Refugiados consiguieron empleo
292 Refugiados recibieron asistencia
191
Se logró establecer
Voluntarios contribuyeron
12
11,796
viviendas
horas de servicio Se realizaron de manera digna
394
Personas se beneficiaron del ministerio de personas mayores
300
123
enterramientos
Se ofrecieron
2,455
sesiones de consejería a perlsonas
210
1,135
Personas se beneficiaron de los servicios de atención a inquietudes sociales y de intercesión y respeto por la vida
Personas asistieron a cursos prematrimoniales
familiar natural
329
Bolsas de ropa y artículos para bebés fueron distribuidas a
233 familias
asistieron a 699 Personas cursos de planificación
3,187
15 Estudiantes participaron en
186
Personas participaron en el programa “Transition Out of Poverty”
Veteranos recibieron servicios de apoyo para familias de veteranos
276
Personas se beneficiaron de nuestros servicios de inmigración
699
324
Personas recibieron asistencia financiera
familias recibieron asistencia por los días festivos
el programa “Stay the Course”
9,918
4
Personas se beneficiaron de la distribución de
Adolescentes y padres jóvenes recibieron asistencia
Para ayudar
de 533,889 libras alimentos y de 9,262 libras no-comestibles
15,177
PERSONAS RECIBIERON ASISTENCIA
Visite ccdoc.org para informarse más sobre el impacto de Catholic Charities y cómo usted puede ayudar a un vecino necesitado por medio del voluntariado o haciendo una donación el día de hoy. Toda contribución de tiempo, talento, o dinero ayuda a fortalecer familias, crear comunidades y reducir la pobreza a través de 46 condados donde nuestras oficinas locales ofrecen asistencia. ccdoc.org
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
50 ACTS OF CHARITY PROJECTS CONTINUE
Diaper drives benefit Catholic Charities, community organizations
Marian Pilgrimage A specially commissioned statue of Mary, Mother of God is visiting more than 100 locations across the Diocese of Charlotte during the anniversary year. Upcoming visits include:
ST. JAMES THE GREATER CATHOLIC CHURCH & ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH April 21-26 139 Manor Ave. S.W., Concord, N.C. 28025 108 St. Joseph St., Kannapolis, N.C. 28083
HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH April 27-May 1 616 S. Cherry St., Kernersville, N.C. 27284
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE YOUTH CONFERENCE April 29-30 Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain
OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH & OUR LADY OF FATIMA MISSION May 1-5 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH May 5-8 4820 Kinnamon Road, Clemmons, N.C. 27012
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH May 8-12 4145 Johnson St., High Point, N.C. 27265 For more information about these pilgrimage stops, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary website, www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
CHARLOTTE — All through this diocesan 50th anniversary year, many diocesan parishes and schools are hosting diaper and baby wipe drives to benefit the charitable outreach ministries of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and other community organizations: n Parishioners of St. Ann Church collected diapers and baby formula throughout February to stock the Catholic Charities’ food pantry in Charlotte. The Charlotte parish plans to conduct a corporal and spiritual work of mercy each month during the jubilee year. n St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir recently hosted a Catholic Charities Wee Care Diaper and Baby Wipe Collection to benefit the Wee Care Ministry of Catholic Charities based in Lenoir, serving the counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba. n St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley collected diapers that were given to families in need in western North Carolina. n Immaculate Heart of Mary Church & School in High Point organized a Lenten Diaper Drive to benefit the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. They collected 10,135 baby diapers, 116.2 ounces of baby formula, 12 tubes of diaper cream, 166 boxes of baby wipes, 4,382 period products, and 1,591 adult incontinence products. The Diaper Bank of North Carolina partners with local community agencies to distribute these items to ensure that those in need have access to basic necessities to support their dignity and quality of life. n St. Therese Church in Mooresville’s Community Ministries also collected diapers as part of a Lenten drive to benefit Fifth Street Ministries, Christian Mission and Kindness Closet. — Catholic News Herald
OLM students collect cereal for hungry children and families WINSTON-SALEM — Breakfast cereal. It’s something we all take for granted, but for families experiencing food insecurity, cereal can be an expense that’s hard to afford on a regular basis. Students at Our Lady of Mercy School have been determined to help families in need as part of the school’s year-long 50 Acts of Charity initiative. For National Nutrition Month in March, the school community collected boxes of breakfast cereal – 110 boxes in all! – that they then donated to Crisis Control Ministry. The Wee Care! Cereal Drive helped to stock the ministry’s food pantries in Winston-Salem and Kernersville that serve more than 200 families a month. “It is heartwarming to see how much our families care and are willing to help those in need,” said the school’s principal, Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ. PHOTO PROVIDED BY OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH
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April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
‘Salus Populi Romani’ (c. 8th century) TRICIA KENT SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Heavily painted over, often crowned and frequently jeweled, the image of Our Lady known as “Salus Populi Romani” (“Protectress of the Roman People”) conveys even more an image of faith than it does of art. After the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., in which Mary was acclaimed as the “Theotokos” (“God-bearer”), Pope Sixtus III erected at Rome a basilica dedicated to her honor. Now known as St. Mary Major, it is the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition asserts that this image was made by St. Luke and brought from Crete at that time, but studies and style point to its likely oldest date as the post-iconoclastic period of the 700s and it has no tracible provenance before the 13th century. It is one of many, many images attributed to St. Luke in this period. Why is St. Luke’s name attached to so many Marian icons painted so long after he lived? If Luke did paint these portraits of the Virgin, this meant that these images had an apostolic origin and could be seen as a visual representation of Luke’s own Gospel message – thus explaining and protecting these beloved paintings during times of
iconoclasm. Our Lady, the greatest of saints, was assumed into heaven and thus had no bodily relic left behind for veneration – making her portraits even more important to the faithful. “Salus Populi Romani” has grown even more beloved over the centuries. Clement VIII (1592-1605), Gregory XVI (1838) and Pius XII (1954, during the Marian Year for the centenary of the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception) all crowned the image. These papal coronations recognize prayers answered in association with the icon and honor Mary for her share in Christ’s Incarnation and saving work. St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis of Borgia all had a particular devotion to the “Salus Populi Romani.” The icon has long been called upon in times of plague and illness and associated with several miraculous cures. After extensive restoration in 2018, it was most recently displayed and publicly venerated during prayers associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. TRICIA KENT is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
History video premieres From our earliest days of circuit-riding priests to our roots in the Carolina Gold Rush, the Diocese of Charlotte stands on the shoulders of countless missionary priests, consecrated religious, and faithful lay men and women who built up the Church in western North Carolina. Thanks to their sacrifices, hard work and devotion, our diocese was born and has been blessed by God over these past 50 years. A brief video summarizing this history has premiered in time for Easter. Produced as part of the diocese’s 50th anniversary celebration, it is the latest in a series of commemorative materials the diocese is creating this year to inform and inspire the faithful as we celebrate our “Faith More Precious Than Gold.” Watch the video on the diocese’s YouTube channel or on the special 50th anniversary website, www. faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
Get started on your future in healthcare with us. Learn more - www.bac.edu/programs.
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Prayer for the 50th anniversary The 50th anniversary year will bear great spiritual fruit if we ask God for the graces we hope to receive. Please offer the 50th anniversary prayer daily for many graces to be poured on our diocese during this jubilee anniversary: Heavenly Father, accept our humble prayer of praise and gratitude as we joyfully celebrate 50 years as the Diocese of Charlotte. Throughout our history the faithful of western North Carolina, under the watchful care of esteemed bishops and abbots, have been nurtured by Your providential hand. Confident that You invite Your children to implore Your constant blessings, we pray that You continue to pour forth Your heavenly grace upon us. With filial affection and devotion, we further ask that You look kindly upon the prayers we seek through the intercession of our venerable patroness, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who with motherly attention tends to the needs and concerns of the Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers & Devotions The 50th anniversary theme, “Faith More Precious Than Gold” (1 Peter 1:7), encourages use of the Church’s tried-and-true prayers, devotions and sacramentals, which for centuries have brought people closer to God. Let us confidently ask for the graces we hope to receive from God as we celebrate the founding of the Diocese of Charlotte. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
April prayer intention For the homeless. May Christ, who had nowhere to lay his head, act in and through all the faithful in the diocese to provide for the needs of their brothers and sisters who lack housing.
Saint of the Month St. Gianna Beretta Molla Feast Date: April 28 At www. catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about St. Gianna Beretta Molla and her extraordinary pro-life witness
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 18
Padre Julio Domínguez
¡Jesucristo ha Resucitado!
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ueridos hermanos, ¡Alegre la mañana que nos habla de ti! ¡Verdaderamente ha Resucitado el Señor! ¡Jesucristo ha Resucitado! Estas son algunas de las expresiones que la Iglesia canta en la maravillosa mañana de la Resurrección. En la persona de María Magdalena, que esperaba con tantas ansias la Resurrección del Señor, llevándola hasta la tumba muy temprano, se refleja la actitud orante de la Iglesia Universal, que despierta muy temprano en este día con las miles de celebraciones en todo el mundo para festejar el domingo de los domingos, el domingo tan especial de la Pascua en la que todos los cristianos nos regocijamos. En este día, nos alegramos al saber que Cristo venció la muerte para darnos la esperanza de la vida. ¿Dónde está muerte tu victoria? ¿Dónde está muerte tu aguijón? ¡Se rompen las cadenas del infierno y en los labios renace la canción! Es aquí donde nace la sana alegría, en donde todos los cristianos nos regocijamos y hacemos eco de lo que nos proclamaba el profeta: Este día está consagrado al Señor, no hagan luto ni lloren, que la alegría del Señor sea nuestra fortaleza. En este día tan hermoso, he tenido la dicha de poder celebrar la Santa Eucaristía en el sitio Santo de la Resurrección. Una experiencia única y que pensé que nunca podría realizarla. He querido llevar todas las intenciones de nuestra diócesis, sobre todo en estos 50 años de su aniversario. En ella estamos los miles de católicos que fielmente vamos perseverando en la vida cristiana. Que la gracia de la Resurrección nos anime a todos a seguir dando lo mejor de nosotros en la consecución del Reino de los cielos. En nombre de nuestro obispo, de nuestro vicario general, de todos sus párrocos, del equipo diocesano del Ministerio Hispano, del equipo de comunicaciones de Catholic News Herald y, por supuesto, de este humilde servidor, les deseamos que hayan pasado un excelente domingo de Pascua y un feliz inicio del tiempo Pascual, que va desde el Domingo de Resurrección hasta la celebración del Domingo de Pentecostés. ¡Felicidades y muchas bendiciones! EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es Vicario Apostólico del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.
SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
(Arriba) Más de 100 sacerdotes que sirven en la Diócesis de Charlotte se reunieron con el Obispo Peter Jugis en la Misa Crismal anual que se celebró el 12 de abril en la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte. Renovaron sus votos sacerdotales y participaron en la bendición de los santos óleos que se usan en los sacramentos del bautismo, confirmación y unción de los enfermos, así como en la ordenación de sacerdotes y consagración de iglesias y altares. (Izquierda) El Obispo Peter Jugis sopla el aliento del Espíritu Santo sobre los aceites sagrados.
‘Una familia en Cristo’ Sacerdotes renovaron sus promesas en Misa Crismal SUEANN HOWELL Y KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
CHARLOTTE — Casi 100 sacerdotes del oeste de Carolina del Norte se reunieron, hombro a hombro, en la Catedral San Patricio el 12 de abril para, en una poderosa señal de unidad, renovar sus promesas a la Iglesia. Fue la primera vez en dos años que todos pudieron reunirse en persona con su obispo durante la Semana Santa para la tradicional Misa Crismal, llamada así porque es también cuando el obispo bendice los aceites sacramentales que serán utilizados en las iglesias durante el próximo año. La pandemia de COVID-19 obligó a cerrar todas las iglesias durante la Semana Santa de 2020, y el año pasado se restringió la asistencia a la Misa Crismal. Los sacerdotes dijeron estar felices de volver a la catedral. Y para dos de ellos, esta Misa Crismal fue la primera desde que se ordenaron en junio pasado. “Fue un momento muy emocionante para mí, no solo porque concelebré la Misa con el Obispo Jugis y renové mis promesas, sino que también tuve la oportunidad de ver a muchos sacerdotes, a quienes ahora me enorgullece llamar hermanos sacerdotes”, dijo el Padre Joseph Wasswa, quien sirve en la iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Greensboro. “Fue muy difícil el año pasado debido al COVID. Pero ahora, no puedo contener la emoción. ¡Gracias a Dios!” “En mi primer año de sacerdote, cada evento que involucra
celebrar y compartir mi ministerio con otros sacerdotes es emocionante y gozoso”, señaló el Padre Miguel Sánchez, quien sirve en la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte. “Estoy muy contento y honrado de tener la oportunidad de finalmente celebrar aquello para lo que me he preparado y compartir esa bendición con los demás”. El padre Marcel Amadi, quien sirve como ministro de campus universitario en el área de Triad, describió la Misa Crismal como “una hermosa celebración de unidad bajo la guía del obispo”. “Venimos de varias culturas, grupos étnicos y ministerios”, dijo. “Al igual que las ramas de un árbol, nuestras vidas pueden crecer en diferentes direcciones, pero nuestras raíces permanecen unidas. Cada vez que nos reunimos, celebramos nuestros cimientos en Cristo Jesús”. La unidad en Cristo fue el tema de la homilía del Obispo Peter Jugis dirigida a sus hermanos sacerdotes. “Somos una familia en Cristo”, les dijo. “Hay un tremendo espíritu de unidad y buena voluntad en toda la diócesis. Su presencia hoy es un signo de esa unidad y buena voluntad”. Jesucristo los une en su ministerio, agregó. “Vernos a todos juntos es un testimonio muy poderoso y visible de la unidad de los ordenados sacerdotes. Un solo corazón, una sola mente con Cristo y con la Iglesia, compartimos el sacerdocio de Cristo, el Sumo Sacerdote”. FAMILIA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 27
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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SEMANA SANTA Y PASCUA 2022 Obispo Peter J. Jugis
Alegrémonos esta Pascua y siempre
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CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
(Arriba) El Padre Leo Tiburcio, párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, celebra la liturgia de Jueves Santo, recordando la Última Cena y la institución del Sacramento de la Eucaristía por Jesucristo.
(Izquierda) En símbolo de humildad y servicio, imitando a Jesús, lava los pies de doce fieles que representaron el papel de los doce apóstoles.
CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Doce fieles, entre hombres, mujeres, niños y niñas, fueron seleccionados para ocupar el lugar de los doce apóstoles a quienes Jesús lavó los pies antes de celebrar la Última Cena. Dos Misas se realizaron el pasado Jueves Santo en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la primera celebrada por el P. Leo Tiburcio a las 5 p.m. y la segunda a las 7 p.m. oficiada por el P. Hugo Medellín, vicario parroquial.
ueridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, En la Pascua celebramos la Resurrección de Jesús, aclamando con el salmista, “Este es el día que hizo el Señor; regocijémonos y alegrémonos” (Sal 118, 24). Jesús murió por nuestra salvación, venciendo a la muerte para que podamos esperar tener vida eterna con Dios en el cielo. La Pascua es verdaderamente un regalo de Dios, un tiempo de gran regocijo. Y es una ocasión que esperamos cada año con anticipación, particularmente este año a la luz de las pérdidas y desafíos causados por la pandemia y los conflictos en todo el mundo. A lo largo de la temporada de Cuaresma, nos hemos preparado para este día purificando nuestros corazones, mentes y almas a través de la oración, ayuno, penitencia y caridad. Ahora, con la ayuda de la gracia de Dios, estamos debidamente preparados para ingresar a la celebración de la resurrección de Jesús, y la esperanza y la nueva vida a la que Él nos ha llamado. Pero, ¿qué vamos a hacer ahora?, ¿es la Pascua solo un día para celebrar antes de volver a nuestras rutinas habituales? ¡De ninguna manera! No, la Pascua es un llamado a la acción, al amor y al discipulado misionero. Primero, estamos llamados a amarnos unos a otros como Jesús nos ama. A través de Su pasión, muerte y resurrección, Jesús demostró Su gran amor por nosotros. Y a través del don continuo de Jesús en la Sagrada Eucaristía, estamos llenos de Su gracia y llamados a amar a los demás. Es nuestra vocación como cristianos católicos demostrar el amor de Dios a través de nuestras palabras y acciones. Como nos dice Jesús: “En esto conocerán todos que son Mis discípulos, si se tienen amor los unos a los otros” (Juan 13:35). Segundo, estamos llamados a compartir la buena nueva de la resurrección de Jesús.
‘La Pascua es un llamado a la acción, al amor y al discipulado misionero.’
Al igual que las santas mujeres que encontraron la tumba de Jesús vacía y corrieron a toda prisa a contárselo a los demás discípulos, debemos sentirnos motivados a contarles a los demás de que la Pascua se trata de la resurrección de Jesús. La Resurrección es una señal sorprendente y tangible del amor ilimitado de Dios por nosotros y la esperanza que otorga a nuestras vidas. Es la culminación de Su obra salvadora, llamándonos de regreso a Él a través del sacrificio de Su único Hijo y liberándonos de la esclavitud del pecado (ver Juan 3:16 y Romanos 6:6). Debemos compartir el don de Jesús siendo testigos del Evangelio, dando testimonio de nuestra experiencia del amor de Dios en Jesús. Llenos con el gozo de Su amor, como discípulos misioneros de Jesús estamos llamados a extender ese amor a los demás. La manera en que realizamos este trabajo puede tomar muchas formas y depende de nosotros, con mucha oración y la ayuda de la gracia de Dios. Sin embargo, no importa cuál sea nuestra situación en la vida, todos tenemos un papel que desempeñar en la proclamación del Reino de Cristo. El Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, nos dice: “Ser discípulo significa estar constantemente dispuesto a llevar el amor de Jesús a los demás, y esto puede suceder de forma inesperada y en cualquier lugar: en la calle, en una plaza, en el trabajo, en un viaje” (“Evangelii gaudium”, 127). Especialmente mientras celebramos el 50 aniversario de la Diócesis de Charlotte este año, bajo el manto protector de la Santísima Virgen María, Madre de Dios, inspirémonos en su ejemplo. Como María, que la alegría de la Resurrección habite en nuestros corazones, no solo hoy sino todos los días. Compartamos esa alegría de la Pascua con nuestras familias, amigos, compañeros de trabajo y otras personas con las que nos encontremos. Esforcémonos en vivir cada día como un regalo de Jesús, proclamando con nuestras palabras y nuestras acciones: “Este es el día que hizo el Señor; regocijémonos y alegrémonos”. Sinceramente vuestro en Cristo Jesús,
Reverendísimo Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D. Obispo de Charlotte
Aniversarios sacerdotales de 2020, 2021 y 2022 65 AÑOS Padre Thomas P. Clements (2020) Monseñor Joseph S. Showfety (2020) Padre James K. Solari (2020)
60 AÑOS Padre Joseph C. Ayathupadam (2021) Padre James P. Cahill (2021) Padre David L. Hyman, O.F.M. (2020)
55 AÑOS Padre Joseph C. Zuschmidt, O.S.F.S. (2020)
50 AÑOS Monseñor Richard M. Bellow (2020) Padre Charles M. Donovan, C.Ss.R. (2022)
25 AÑOS Padre Innocent C. Amasiorah (2021) Padre James M. Collins (2020) Padre Mark S. Lawlor (2020) Padre Fidel Melo (2021) Padre W. Ray Williams (2022)
Sacerdotes retirados recientemente Padre Michael J. Buttner (2020) Padre Francis T. Cancro (2020) Padre Brian J. Cook (2020) Padre Lawrence W. Heiney (2021)
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
SEMANA SANTA Y PASCUA 2022
FOTOS POR SUEANN HOWELL, CÉSAR HURTADO, AMBER MELLON, ANINA PUCCIO, JOE THORNTON Y PROPORCIONADAS POR LAS PARROQUIAS
El Obispo Peter Jugis aparece antes de la celebración de la Misa Crismal el 12 de abril en la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte. Via Crucis viviente en la Iglesia Santa María Madre de Dios en Sylva.
Via Crucis viviente en los exteriores de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos el Viernes Santo. Fuego Pascual en la Iglesia Santa Elizabeth en Boone. El Padre Jason Christian, párroco, ora durante la Vigilia Pascual en la Iglesia San Juan Bautista en Tryon.
El Jueves Santo se celebró el Día del Sacerdote ¿Te acordaste de tu sacerdote? CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO
CHARLOTTE — El Jueves Santo, día en que Jesús instituyó el Sacramento del Orden sacerdotal, se celebra el día del sacerdote. Regularmente en esta fecha muchos sacerdotes del mundo son invitados a concelebrar la Eucaristía con sus obispos y a renovar sus compromisos sacerdotales. Nuestra diócesis efectúa la ceremonia anualmente durante la Misa Crismal, la que celebró el Obispo Jugis el pasado martes 12 de abril en la Catedral San Patricio. La vida de los sacerdotes es una vida dedicada a los fieles que le han sido puestos a su cuidado. No es nada fácil, tienen que dejar a sus padres, privarse de tener una familia propia, formar a miles de fieles, administrarles los sacramentos y muchas veces estar a merced de los comentarios de su propio rebaño. Los misioneros incluso pasan hambre, sed, frío y calor. Otros incluso son maltratados y hasta asesinados al llevar el Evangelio a los lugares más alejados y peligrosos del planeta. En la Diócesis de Charlotte contamos con numerosos sacerdotes de origen hispano que atienden a una creciente comunidad de fieles latinos. Ellos nos dedican sus vidas y enfrentan desafíos en sus labores.
DESARROLLO ESPIRITUAL
El Padre Nohé Torres, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción en Hendersonville, destaca que su vida espiritual ha crecido en todo sentido después de su ordenación. Sin embargo, señala que le apena que algunos feligreses no entiendan el carácter que confiere la ordenación. “Somos sacerdotes siempre, en la casa, en la iglesia, en la calle. Eso nos hace ser mejores personas y estar siempre dispuestos a ayudar”, anota. Para el Padre Leo Tiburcio, párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, “es una bendición ser sacerdote”, pues si siendo feligrés “uno se llena del amor de Dios, al estar ordenado este sentimiento es más pleno”. “Desde mi ordenación ha cambiado profundamente la alegría y paz interior que siento”, añade. El Padre José Juya, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Miguel en Gastonia y coordinador del ministerio hispano de la vicaría de Gastonia, asegura que “después de ordenarse y continuar estudiando mucho”, se ha “sentido más productivo intelectualmente”. Desde Thomasville, el Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos, dice que ser sacerdote le causa felicidad al “poder santificar al pueblo con los sacramentos, especialmente con la eucaristía”. Asegura que el sacramento de la ordenación lo sintió en el corazón y le dejó una marca indeleble, “soy el mismo pero no lo mismo”, dice con el humor que lo caracteriza. Por otra parte, para el Padre José Camilo Cárdenas,
CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
De izquierda a derecha, los padres Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos en Thomasville; Fabio Marín, párroco de la Iglesia San José en Kannapolis; y José Camilo Cárdenas, párroco de la Iglesia Santísima Trinidad en Taylorsville. Los tres comparten un momento previo a la celebración de la Misa Crismal. párroco de la Iglesia Santísima Trinidad en Taylorsville, ha sido hermoso ver el cambio en “cómo se viven los sacramentos directamente en el trabajo pastoral con los fieles”. Confiesa que con el tiempo ha ganado seguridad, “especialmente perder el miedo al manejo de la audiencia”. CELEBRÓ, PASA A LA PÁGINA 27
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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‘Una gran experiencia’ Cientos de jóvenes se reunieron en el Peregrinaje Juvenil del Obispo Jugis FOTOS Y REPORTAJE DE SUEANN HOWELL Y JAMES SARKIS
BELMONT — Cientos de jóvenes de la diócesis se reunieron el sábado 9 de abril en Belmont Abbey College, convocados por el llamado del Obispo Peter Jugis, en la primera celebración de este tipo desde el inicio de la pandemia. A pesar del clima frío y nublado, los participantes dijeron que estaban contentos de volver a estar juntos en este evento diseñado para ellos. Los adolescentes descansaron en el extenso césped
frente a la histórica Basílica de la Abadía de Belmont para la Misa, Adoración Eucarística, música, compañerismo y charlas. “Ver a las diferentes personas de todas las otras parroquias es increíble”, dijo Thomas Conner, estudiante de noveno grado que asiste a la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte. La Misa al aire libre, ofrecida por el abad de Belmont Abbey, Placid Solari, “fue hermosa”, dijo. La Misa también cautivó a la estudiante de noveno grado Denise Meraz de la parroquia Santo Niño en Reidsville. Esta fue la primera vez que asistía a la Peregrinación Juvenil del Obispo y dijo que la experiencia la conmovió. “Cuando estábamos recibiendo la Eucaristía, realmente me conmovió”, dijo. El tema de la peregrinación juvenil de este año reflejó el tema del 50 aniversario de la diócesis: “La fe más preciosa que el oro”, y los jóvenes disfrutaron ondeando o usando las hermosas banderolas del 50 aniversario que se entregaron al inicio del día. Durante su mensaje en la adoración Eucarística, el
Obispo Peter Jugis dijo que el versículo bíblico de 1 Pedro 1:7, que refleja el tema del 50 aniversario, nos invita a todos a valorar la fe de uno por encima de cualquier otra cosa. “También es un buen mensaje para ustedes”, les dijo a los jóvenes. “San Pedro nos está hablando a todos. Celebren con alegría su fe católica. Sean fuertes en la práctica de su fe católica. Sean constantes en la práctica de su fe católica”. También enfatizó la importancia primordial de la Eucaristía para nuestra fe católica. “La Sagrada Eucaristía nos une como una sola familia”, dijo. “Somos una familia en Cristo, sin importar de qué parroquia, de qué parte de la diócesis o del estado venimos”. “Me alegro de que hayan venido aquí en peregrinación hoy para orar conmigo y con otros jóvenes de toda la diócesis”. “Que el Señor los bendiga a ustedes y a sus familias, y los mantenga siempre cerca de Su Sagrado Corazón”.
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘De Lourdes a Linville’
FOTO CORTESÍA DEL SANTUARIO DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOURDES
El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Francia recibe más de 3 millones de peregrinos cada año en su santuario Mariano. Las reliquias de Santa Bernardita están realizando un peregrinaje desde Lourdes a través de Estados Unidos, y estarán en la Iglesia Santa Bernardita en Linville del 9 al 11 de mayo.
Reliquias de Santa Bernardita llegan del 9 al 11 de mayo SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR
LINVILLE — La Iglesia Santa Bernardita albergará las reliquias de su patrona, Santa Bernardita Soubirous, el próximo mes, la única parada en Carolina del Norte en la primera gira de las reliquias por Estados Unidos. La parroquia del oeste de Carolina del Norte, y la pequeña ciudad de Linville, vivirán la “experiencia de Lourdes” del 9 al 11 de mayo. Llamada “la vidente de Lourdes”, la santa francesa fue testigo de 18 apariciones de María en 1858 cuando tenía solo 14 años. Lourdes, el lugar de las apariciones y un manantial natural en la base de la gruta donde se apareció María, se ha convertido en un destino de renombre para los peregrinos, algunos de los cuales han experimentado curaciones milagrosas después de bañarse en esas aguas. La gira nacional de las reliquias de Santa Bernardita dio inicio a principios de este mes en Florida y finalizará en agosto. Es organizado por el Santuario de Lourdes en asociación con
la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, los Voluntarios de América del Norte, la Hospitalité de Miami y la Orden de Malta. El Padre Christopher Bond, párroco de la Iglesia de Linville, cree que su parroquia fue seleccionada como lugar de visita debido a su patrona y su pronta respuesta a la consulta que recibió por correo electrónico. “Creo que lo conseguimos porque me lancé sobre él”, dice. El Padre Bond visitó el santuario de Lourdes hace 10 años antes de realizar el Camino de Santiago, más conocido como ‘El Camino’, a través del sur de Francia y España. El santuario cuenta con la gruta donde María se apareció a la joven Santa Bernardita, así como baños alimentados por manantiales en los que las personas pueden bañarse para buscar curación. La experiencia fue inolvidable, recuerda. “Fui a los baños, y en Lourdes experimenté y pude sentir verdaderamente la presencia de la Santísima Madre. Algo real me sucedió allí hace muchos años”. Las reliquias de Santa Bernardita que viajan por todo el país son reliquias ex-carne (que significa “de la carne”) que fueron entregadas hace años a la Congregación de los Misioneros de la Inmaculada Concepción (Padres de Garaison). Desde 1866, la congregación supervisa el santuario de Lourdes. En 2018, confiaron las reliquias al Santuario de Lourdes. El relicario, o recipiente que alberga las
reliquias, fue elaborado en España por el taller Maison Granda y presentado en 2019. La parroquia de Linville albergará una serie de eventos durante los tres días en que las reliquias estarán presentes. Los eventos públicos comenzarán diariamente a las 11 a. m. con el sacramento de la unción de los enfermos. Además, la parroquia ofrecerá: veneración pública de las reliquias; una charla de Megan Bean, quien fue curada en Lourdes; Misa con Procesión Eucarística y Bendición (incluida la aspersión con agua de la Gruta de Masabielle en Lourdes); y una procesión nocturna del rosario a la luz de las velas. Otros puntos de interés en los terrenos de la parroquia que los visitantes pueden disfrutar incluyen: gruta interior y exterior de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, donde las personas pueden encender veladoras, y una pintura única de Santa Bernardita encargada al renombrado artista Chas Fagan. Fagan también pintó la imagen oficial de canonización de la Madre Teresa cuando fue declarada santa en 2016. “Fui bendecido con la oportunidad de ir a Lourdes, pero para muchos, un viaje a Lourdes no es posible”, dijo el Padre Bond. “Ahora que las sagradas reliquias de Santa Bernardita y la ‘experiencia’ de Lourdes están llegando a Linville, gran parte de las actividades, el misterio, la esperanza y la paz experimentada por millones en Lourdes se podrán vivir aquí. Todos están invitados el 9, 10 y 11 de mayo”.
Detalles importantes del recorrido No hay estacionamiento público en el lugar debido a las multitudes anticipadas. Sin embargo, la parroquia ha organizado estacionamiento público gratuito y servicio de transporte desde lugares cercanos, con alojamiento especial para asistentes discapacitados. Se alienta a las personas a compartir el viaje. Habrá alimentación a la venta. Se recomienda llevar una merienda a quienes programen una visita durante el día.
Más online En www.lourdestolinville. org: Obtenga todos los detalles que necesita conocer antes de efectuar su visita
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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San Marcos Evangelista “Mi hijo”, lo llamaba San Pedro San Marcos Evangelista, judío de Jerusalén, es patrón de los abogados, notarios, artistas de vitrales, cautivos, de Egipto, Venecia, contra la impenitencia y las picadas de insectos. Parece que su familia era la dueña de la casa donde Jesús celebró la Última Cena, donde estaban los apóstoles reunidos el día de Pentecostés cuando recibieron al Espíritu Santo en forma de lenguas de fuego. Era un niño cuando Jesús predicaba y, probablemente fue uno de los primeros bautizados por San Pedro el día de Pentecostés. San Marcos acompañó a San Pablo y a Bernabé, su primo, a Antioquia en el primer viaje misionero de estos. En el segundo viaje, Bernabé quiso llevar consigo otra vez a su primo Marcos, pero San Pablo se opuso, diciendo que no ofrecía garantías de perseverancia para resistir los peligros y las dificultades del viaje. Esto hizo que los dos apóstoles se separaran y se fueran cada uno por su lado a misionar. Después volvería a ser otra vez muy amigo de San Pablo. San Marcos llegó a ser el secretario y hombre de confianza de San Pedro. Como le escuchaba siempre sus sermones, que no eran sino el recordar los hechos y las palabras de Jesús, Marcos fue aprendiéndolos muy bien. Juntos con Pedro fueron a Roma. San Pedro por su parte se refería a San Marcos como “mi hijo”. Y se cuenta que a pedido de los cristianos de Roma escribió lo que acerca de Jesucristo había oído predicar al apóstol. Esto es lo que se llama Evangelio según San Marcos. Se debate la fecha en que lo escribió, quizás fue en la década 60-70 después de Cristo. A veces el Nuevo Testamento lo llama Juan Marcos. El evangelio de San Marcos es como una repetición de lo que el Apóstol Pedro predicaba. Es el más corto de los 4 evangelios. El de San Lucas tiene 1,140 frases. El de Mateo 1,068. El de San Juan 879 y el de San Marcos solamente tiene 746 frases. Son 16 capítulos llenos de narraciones muy vivas, gráficas, salpicadas de detalles interesantes. Un sabio afirmó que “el evangelio de San Marcos es el libro más importante que se ha escrito”, pues parece que fue el primer evangelio que se escribió y que de él sacaron mucho material los otros tres evangelistas. San Marcos evangelizó y estableció la Iglesia en Alejandría, fundando allí su famosa escuela cristiana. Murió como mártir aproximadamente el 25 de abril del año 68 en Alejandría y sus reliquias se encuentran en la famosa catedral de Venecia. Su símbolo es el león alado. Tanto este símbolo como el de los otros tres evangelistas son muy antiguos. De ellos hablan San Jerónimo y San Agustín, explicando que San Marcos, en su primer capítulo, habla de Juan el Bautista en el desierto y el león es el rey del desierto. En Venecia se veneran, en la preciosa catedral de su mismo nombre, los restos mortales del evangelista, cuyo traslado de Alejandría se remonta al siglo IX.
“El Evangelista San Marcos”, óleo en lienzo de Francisco Sans Cabot. (Barcelona, España 1510 - Madrid 1881). Imagen cortesía del Museo del Prado, Madrid.
— Condensado de Aciprensa y www.catholic.net
Lecturas Diarias ABRIL 24-30
Domingo: Hechos 5:12-16, Apocalipsis 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19, Juan 20:19-31; Lunes (San Marcos Evangelista): 1 Pedro 5:514, Marcos 16:15-20; Martes: Hechos 4:32-37, Juan 3, 7-15; Miércoles: Hechos 5:17-26, Juan 3:16-21; Jueves (San Luis María de Montfort y San Pedro Chanel): Hechos 5:27-33, Juan 3:31-36; Viernes (Santa Catalina de Siena): Hechos 5:34-42, Juan 6:1-15; Sábado: Hechos 6:1-7, Juan 6:16-21
MAYO 1-7
Domingo: Hechos 5:27b-32, 40b-41, Apocalipsis 5:11-14, Juan 21:1-19; Lunes (San Atanasio): Hechos 6:8-15, Juan 6:22-29; Martes (Santos Felipe y Santiago Apóstoles): 1 Corintios 15:1-8, Juan 14:6-14; Miércoles: Hechos 8:1-8, Juan 6:35-40; Jueves: Hechos 8:26-40, Juan 6:44-51; Viernes: Hechos 9:120, Juan 6:52-59; Sábado: Hechos 9:31-42, Juan 6:60-69
MAYO 8-14
Domingo: Hechos 13:14, 43-52, Apocalipsis 7:9, 14b-17, Juan 10:2730; Lunes: Hechos 11:1-18, Juan 10:11-18; Martes (San Juan de Ávila): Hechos 11:19-26, Juan 10:22-30; Miércoles: Hechos 12:2413:5, Juan 12:44-50; Jueves (San Pancracio): Hechos 13:13-25, Juan 13:16-20; Viernes: Hechos 13:26-33, Juan 14:1-6; Sábado (San Matías Apóstol): Hechos 1:15-17, 20-26, Juan 15:9-17
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
‘Salus Populi Romani’ (Siglo VIII) TRICIA KENT ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Peregrinaje Mariano Una estatua especial de María, Madre de Dios, está visitando más de 100 lugares a lo largo de la Diócesis de Charlotte durante este año de aniversario. Las próximas visitas incluyen:
IGLESIA SANTIAGO EL MAYOR E IGLESIA SAN JOSÉ 21 al 26 de abril 139 Manor Ave. S.W., Concord, N.C. 28025 108 St. Joseph St., Kannapolis, N.C. 28083
IGLESIA SANTA CRUZ 27 de abril al 1 de mayo 616 S. Cherry St., Kernersville, N.C. 27284
CONFERENCIA JUVENIL DE LA DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE 29 al 30 de abril Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain La estatua peregrina estará presente en la conferencia juvenil anual de la Diócesis de Charlotte (DYC) en Black Mountain. La DYC reúne a los jóvenes estudiantes de escuela secundaria provenientes de toda la diócesis en un fin de semana con reuniones de trabajo lideradas por jóvenes y jóvenes adultos, conferencias, entretenimiento, Misa diaria, Adoración de Nuestro Señor en el Bendito Sacramento de la Eucaristía y confesiones, todo un tiempo para crecer en la fe católica.
IGLESIA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA MISERICORDIA Y MISIÓN NUESTRA SEÑORA DE FÁTIMA 1 al 5 de mayo 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103
IGLESIA SAGRADA FAMILIA 5 al 8 de mayo 4820 Kinnamon Road, Clemmons, N.C. 27012
IGLESIA INMACULADO CORAZÓN DE MARÍA 8 al 12 de mayo 4145 Johnson St., High Point, N.C. 27265 Para más información, visite www. faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
Muchas veces representada, a menudo coronada y frecuentemente enjoyada, la imagen de Nuestra Señora conocida como ‘Salus Populi Romani’ (‘Protectora del pueblo romano’) transmite más una imagen de fe que de arte. Después del Concilio de Éfeso en el año 431 después de Cristo, en el que María fue aclamada como la ‘Theotokos’ (‘portadora de Dios’), el Papa Sixto III erigió en Roma una basílica dedicada a su honor. Ahora conocida como Santa María la Mayor, es la iglesia más antigua de Occidente dedicada a la Santísima Virgen María. La tradición afirma que esta imagen fue hecha por San Lucas y llevada de Creta en ese momento, pero los estudios y el estilo apuntan a una fecha más antigua, probablemente el período post-iconoclasta de los años 700 y no tiene origen rastreable antes del siglo XIII. Es una de las muchas, muchas imágenes atribuidas a San Lucas en este período. ¿Por qué se relaciona el nombre de San Lucas a tantos iconos marianos pintados mucho tiempo después de que él viviera? Si Lucas pintó estos retratos de la Virgen, significaba que estas imágenes tenían un origen apostólico y podrían verse como una representación visual del mensaje del propio Evangelio de Lucas, explicando y protegiendo así estas amadas pinturas durante tiempos de iconoclasia. Nuestra Señora, la más grande de las santas, fue asunta al cielo y, por lo tanto, no quedó ninguna reliquia corporal para ser venerada, lo que hace que sus retratos sean aún más importantes para los fieles. La obra ‘Salus Populi Romani’ se ha vuelto aún más querida a lo largo de los siglos. Clemente VIII (1592-1605), Gregorio XVI (1838) y Pío XII (1954, año mariano del centenario de la definición dogmática de la Inmaculada Concepción) coronaron la imagen. Estas coronaciones papales reconocen las oraciones respondidas en asociación con el ícono y honran a María por su participación en la Encarnación y obra salvadora de Cristo. San Estanislao Kostka, San Ignacio de Loyola y San Francisco de Borja tenían una devoción particular por ‘Salus Populi Romani’. Durante
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
mucho tiempo se ha invocado el icono en tiempos de plagas y enfermedades y se lo ha asociado con varias curaciones milagrosas. Después de una extensa restauración en 2018, recientemente se exhibió y veneró públicamente durante las oraciones asociadas con la pandemia de COVID-19. TRICIA KENT es feligresa de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.
El tema del 50 Aniversario, “La fe es más preciosa que el oro” (1 Pedro 1:7), alienta el uso de las oraciones, devociones y sacramentales probados y verdaderos de la Iglesia, que durante siglos han acercado a las personas a Dios. Pidamos con confianza las gracias que esperamos recibir de Dios al celebrar la fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros.
Intención de oración de abril
Estreno de video histórico Desde los tempranos inicios con sacerdotes recorriendo nuestros territorios a nuestras raíces en la Fiebre del Oro de las Carolinas, la Diócesis de Charlotte se funda sobre los hombros de incontables sacerdotes misioneros, religiosos consagrados, y hombres y mujeres fieles que levantaron la Iglesia en el oeste de Carolina del Norte. Gracias a su sacrificio, trabajo duro y devoción, nuestra diócesis nació y ha sido bendecida por Dios en estos 50 años. Un breve video que resume nuestra historia se estrenó justo a tiempo para celebrar la Pascua de Resurrección. Producido como parte de la celebración del 50 Aniversario de la diócesis, es el último de una serie de materiales conmemorativos que la diócesis está creando este año para informar e inspirar a la feligresía mientras
Oración Para el 50 Aniversario
Por quienes no cuentan con una vivienda. Que Cristo, quien no tenía donde recostar su cabeza, actúe en y por intermedio de los fieles de la diócesis para proveer las necesidades de sus hermanos y hermanas que carecen de vivienda.
Santo del mes Santa Gianna Beretta Molla Día de fiesta: 28 de abril
celebramos nuestra “Fe Más Preciosa Que El Oro”. Vea el video en el canal YouTube de la diócesis o en el website especial por nuestro 50 Aniversario, www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
En www.catholicnewsherald. com: Entérese sobre la vida de Santa Gianna Beretta Molla y su misión por la vida.
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
DUC IN ALTUM JUNE 27 — JULY 1, 2022 AT BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE RETREAT FOR YOUNG WOMEN, 15 -19 YEARS OF AGE REGISTER BY JUNE 18, 2022
WWW.CHARLOTTEVOCATIONS.ORG
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Where are you going? QUO VADIS DAYS 2022
June 13 -17, 2022 Belmont Abbey College Retreat is open to young men 15 thru 19 years old Registration Opens April 25 A camp for Catholic men to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives.
www.charlottevocations.org
PHOTO BY : Anina Puccio.
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
APPEAL
CELEBRÓ
FROM PAGE 4
VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 20
The diocese counters that Catholic schools exist to help form students in the Catholic faith, and many parents make tremendous sacrifices to ensure their children receive a Catholic education. But Catholic schools cannot provide an authentically Catholic education if they are forced to hire teachers who publicly oppose Church teaching. Enrollment is up across the diocese, which provides academic and religious education to more than 7,500 students in 19 schools across western North Carolina. Teachers sign an annual employment contract affirming they will uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church. The diocese’s appeal comes as other Catholic dioceses are defending similar lawsuits. A federal court in Indiana in 2020 ruled in favor of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, recognizing that it had a constitutional right to dismiss a high school guidance counselor who entered a same-sex union in violation of her contract and Church teaching. The Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome also recently released guidance on the identity of Catholic schools, emphasizing that “teachers must be outstanding in correct doctrine and integrity of life” and “have the obligation to recognize and respect the Catholic character of the school from the moment of their employment.” A ruling on the diocese’s appeal is expected in 2023. — Catholic News Herald
DIFICULTADES
Pero, al igual que en la vida de cualquier persona, nuestros sacerdotes atraviesan por dificultades de las que muchas veces ni siquiera nos damos cuenta. El Padre Nohé Torres, sin pretensiones de resaltar su trabajo, dice que muchas veces no se valora lo que el sacerdote hace, y “cuando se equivoca, todo el mundo ‘se lo come’ con comentarios, pero cuando hace cosas buenas nadie lo nota”. Para el Padre Leo Tiburcio, la dificultad radica en “mantener un balance entre el ministerio, la vida personal, los amigos, el ejercicio, el sueño. Si no hay un
balance, el sacerdote, por querer servir, se desatiende mucho y cae en el estrés, llevando consigo otras enfermedades más”. El Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar también resalta el balance, pero entre el área pastoral y administrativa. “Se nos prepara para ser pastores, y por nuestra parte debemos capacitarnos en la parte financiera y administrativa”. Respecto a la soledad, afirma que “la he sabido llevar”, y de ella hay que sacar provecho. “Bien llevada lleva a otras salidas altruistas, pero siempre hay que tener cuidado”, añade. Para el Padre José Camilo Cárdenas la soledad es un punto importante si no se sabe manejar. En su congregación lo invitan frecuentemente a comer, “pero prefiero que me inviten a hacer deporte”. Confiesa que le es complicado solicitar el aporte económico de la comunidad,
“aunque no sea para uno”, pero “eso se me hace difícil con la emoción del Evangelio”. Ahora que ya conocemos algunos de los problemas que atraviesan nuestros sacerdotes, es momento, como comunidad, de dar respuestas que alivien sus cargas y permitan que su trabajo pastoral como ordenados a la vida sacerdotal sea fructífero. El Papa Francisco dijo el Jueves Santo de 2013, que el sacerdote debe hacer “que nuestra gente nos sienta discípulos del Señor, sienta que estamos revestidos con sus nombres, que no buscamos otra identidad; y pueda recibir a través de nuestras palabras y obras ese óleo de alegría que les vino a traer Jesús, el Ungido”. Estamos seguros que nuestros sacerdotes, sin excepción, nos hacen sentir de esa manera.
FAMILIA
Installers from MB Haynes Energy Solutions of Asheville placed solar panels on the roof of St. Eugene Church’s parish hall in September 2016.
VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 18
“En nuestra renovación de promesas, determinamos esforzarnos por estar más unidos al Señor Jesús y ser más semejantes a Él”, dijo. “Durante esta Misa, resolvemos vivir profundamente el misterio de Cristo con quien nos identificamos, y esforzarnos en todas nuestras palabras y acciones para vivir la caridad de Cristo”. Especialmente este año, cuando la diócesis celebra su 50 aniversario, esa unidad de propósito es evidente, subrayó el obispo. “Estamos celebrando este año el regalo de nuestra fe católica aquí en el oeste de Carolina del Norte y pidiéndole al Señor que nos ayude a proclamar el Reino de Cristo a través del testimonio de nuestras vidas”, dijo. En una nueva expresión de unidad, todos los sacerdotes permanecieron de pie durante la consagración del sagrado crisma con la mano derecha extendida, uniéndose al Obispo Jugis en la oración de consagración. Los santos óleos bendecidos en la Misa Crismal se utilizan en los sacramentos del bautismo, confirmación y unción de los enfermos, así como para la ordenación de sacerdotes y la consagración de iglesias y altares. Después de la Misa, los diáconos dividieron los aceites bendecidos para distribuirlos a las 92 parroquias y misiones de la diócesis para ser usados en las celebraciones sacramentales durante el próximo año.
Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea más fotos y vea la homilía del obispo Peter Jugis en la Misa Crismal
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. EUGENE CHURCH
SOLAR FROM PAGE 4
and his environmental encyclical. “It was a thrill to receive a letter of congratulations from Cardinal Turkson the very day we turned them on and officially ‘went solar,’” Father Cahill said. St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte installed a 230-kilowatt solar panel array on the roof of St. Gabriel Parish Center and School in the spring of 2020. The 622 solar panels are projected to produce approximately 345,000 kilowatt-hours per year – about 40 percent of the parish center/elementary school’s annual energy consumption. The parish made a net investment of approximately $238,000 after savings and incentives. “This PFI solar project is a win-win, allowing us to care for our common home, per Laudato Si’, conserving our natural resources and saving money,” said St. Gabriel Parish building committee member Tim Dixon in 2020. “We were encouraged by the St. Eugene Parish project and hope our project will encourage other parishes as well.” A 100-kilowatt solar array was installed on the roof of the Diocesan Pastoral Center in the fall of 2020. The uptown Charlotte building installed 272 panels to
save a significant amount on energy costs – approximately 20 percent. The $150,000 project was funded in part through a $75,000 Duke Energy grant, and diocesan leaders expect the panels to pay for themselves within eight years. The panels have a 25-year lifespan before they will need to be replaced. It is estimated that 26,000 pounds of carbon emissions are not emitted into the atmosphere each month because of the energy saved through these solar panels. “We should be proud of all the things we do every day to care for our common home, to be good stewards of our planet and our resources,” said Anthony Morlando, diocesan properties director, when the solar array was installed. Now, Asheville Catholic School is the latest location in the diocese to go solar – installing an array on the rooftop of its new, eco-friendly, 12,000-square-foot addition. The 49-kilowatt solar array of 152 panels is expected to completely power the entire school, producing approximately 49,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The $120,000 project was funded by St. Eugene Parish, Asheville Catholic School and private donors. “Installing solar is caring for the Earth and for our children and grandchildren,” said Bill Maloney, who served as both the St. Eugene Church and ACS solar panel project coordinator.
Learn more At www.catholicnewsherald.com: For Earth Day this year, read Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home” and dive deeper with educational resources provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. At www.ccdoc.org/careofcreation: See Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s website for more information about caring for creation.
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com
On TV n Friday, April 22, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “The Martyrs of La Florida.” The extraordinary faith of the Spanish priests and Apalachee natives that were killed while evangelizing and defending their Catholic faith in La Florida.
In theaters
n Saturday, April 23, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Beatification of Sister Faustina.” Devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus came from war-torn Poland through the message of Sister Faustina. On April 18, 1993, millions gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness Pope John Paul II beatified Sister Faustina and to proclaim her feast day as Oct. 5. Relive this historic event. n Saturday, April 23, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Explore with the Miracle Hunter: Assisi.” The Italian city of Assisi gave rise to two of history’s most celebrated saints. “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill follows the trail of St. Francis, the first to bear the stigmata, and St. Clare, his wonderworking follower.
‘Father Stu’ Hard-edged yet deeply moving dramatization of the life of Stuart Long (Mark Wahlberg). With the continuance of his somewhat successful boxing career rendered too dangerous by a medical condition, he moves to Los Angeles and tries to reinvent himself as a Hollywood star, winding up instead as a directionless supermarket clerk. But things begin to turn around for him when he falls at first sight for a devout CCD teacher (Teresa Ruiz). To please her, he goes through the motions of becoming Catholic, his conversion only becoming real after a near-death experience that also sets him on an unlikely path toward the priesthood, much to the consternation of his emotionally abusive father (Mel Gibson) and caring but unbelieving mother (Jacki Weaver). A tribute to a future cleric who showed dogged determination and grit in the face of a series of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, writerdirector Rosalind Ross’ profile also showcases his unconventional but effective approach to preaching the Gospel. Some physical violence, a bloody accident, offscreen premarital sexual activity, profanity, pervasive rough language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ In this follow-up to the film franchise’s 2020 kickoff, their mix of animation and live action makes no more demands on its audience than a session of playing the Sega videogames on which both movies are based. Lip service may be given to the need for enduring connections with others since the title character (voice of Ben Schwartz) is a cosmic expat always looking for a permanent home. Yet pride of place goes to hyperkinetic instant travel, explosions and slapstick as he embarks on a quest to find a magic emerald that grants whoever possesses it immense powers. Intense action sequences, a single scatological reference. CNS: A-II (adults); MPAA: PG
‘Ambulance’ Crime drama centers on an Afghan War vet (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who gets caught up in a bank heist masterminded by his mentally unstable adoptive brother (Jake Gyllenhaal). When the crime goes awry, they hijack an ambulance in which a paramedic (Eiza González) is struggling to treat a policeman (Jackson White) the ex-soldier accidentally shot. A few mild oaths, pervasive rough language. CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R
BOOK COVER ART PROVIDED BY MEGHAN HADER
A local Catholic school teacher’s experiences with generosity inspired her to pen “The Story of One,” a children’s book which illustrates just how far one small act of kindness can go.
One act of kindness St. Gabriel teacher pens children’s book about being kind SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
CHARLOTTE — It took over seven years for St. Gabriel School fifth-grade teacher Meghan Hader to pen her first children’s book, “The Story of One.” “It started out as a poem, and then more and more stanzas and ideas came to me,” Hader says. As with any good book, there is a story behind the story, and this book is no exception. Hader, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been Hader teaching at St. Gabriel School for the past 14 years. She shares “Feel Good Friday” videos with her class each week that offer inspirational or funny stories highlighting a positive message. During the 2014-’15 school year, she shared a video about a Cincinnati Bengals football player, Devon Still, whose daughter, Leah, had just been diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer.
“At the end of the video, it showed that the Cincinnati Bengals were selling Still’s jersey for $100, and all proceeds were going to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital,” Hader recalls. “One of my students raised his hand and said, ‘I think we should get one for the class.’” Hader says the student went to his lunch box and pulled out roughly $2. A few other students followed suit, and by the end of the day the class had about $9 toward the jersey. “Without prompting, the students must have talked after school because the next day, over $130 showed up on my desk,” Hader recounts. “I still proudly have our class jersey displayed behind my desk from that class of 2014-’15.” Hader believes that this simple act of giving on behalf of her students, in helping a child they would never meet, prompted her story writing. “I just wanted to illustrate just how far one small idea can go,” she explains. “It was easy to fill in the rest of the pages (of my book) from other wonderful things I have seen through teaching, through my family, and just in everyday life.” Hader says she doesn’t plan on a second book but hopes the universal message of doing or giving “just one” continues to carry on.
Get a copy Meghan Hader’s book, “The Story of One,” is available online from Amazon or Warren Publishing, or in Charlotte at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, in the Park Road Shopping Center.
n Sunday, April 24, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Regina Caeli with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis recites the glorious prayer to Our Lady Queen of Heaven: The Regina Caeli. n Wednesday, April 27, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Heart of a Missionary: The Story of Pauline Jaricot.” To mark her beatification, an inspiring documentary explores the life of Pauline Jaricot. Expert interviews, archival footage and dramatic recreations tell the story of this remarkable French laywoman who faithfully served others. n Friday, April 29, 5 a.m. (EWTN) “St. Catherine of Siena.” Discover the prolific work and life of one of the Doctors of the Church, St. Catherine of Siena, as told through interviews and reenactments in this EWTN original docudrama, filmed on location in Italy. n Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Holy Sepulcher.” In the heart of Jerusalem, see how archeology, history and religion converge in this fascinating look at the famous Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, long a major pilgrimage center for Christians all over the world. n Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Barbara.” A cinematic look at St. Barbara, who became a Christian and suffered martyrdom in the early Church.
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Eucharistic revival called ‘a movement’ that gets to core of Catholic faith JULIE ASHER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Catholic Church’s three-year Eucharistic revival about to get underway “is not a program but a movement” that is an invitation to the faithful from God to go on mission and be compelling witnesses of our faith, said Tim Glemkowski, the new executive director of the National Eucharistic Congress. “We the Church have to be clear about telling our story, getting to the core” of our faith, that “God is not just some distant someone who is not engaged,” he told Catholic News Service April 5. “He’s alive and real and can be encountered in the Eucharist, source and summit of the faith. This is where God is with us.” The National Eucharistic Revival begins June 19, the feast of Corpus Christi, and culminates with the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024. Along the way, there will be parish, diocesan and regional events to increase Catholics’ understanding of the Eucharist. The first year will get underway at the parish and diocesan levels with initiatives such as Eucharistic adoration and processions, the development of parish teams of revival leaders and conferences on the Eucharist. The following year there will be regional revival events, leading to the Eucharistic
congress in Indianapolis in 2024. It is expected to draw at least 80,000 from across the country. The U.S. bishops approved plans for the revival and the congress last November. Both are being spearheaded by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, chaired by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn. As chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., Bishop Cozzens announced Glemkowski’s appointment April 4. “Tim is a real leader with a heart on fire for Jesus Christ and a desire to invite people to encounter his love in the Eucharist,” Bishop Cozzens said. “He brings a unique blend of skill sets to this important role – from strategic vision and operational excellence to theological insight and a missionary mindset. ... He lives and breathes the call of Pope Francis for a pastoral and missionary conversion of the Church,” the bishop added. National Eucharistic Congress Inc. was instituted earlier this year, and a national search was conducted for an executive director to lead the newly established entity. “God is doing something important in His Church through this multiyear national Eucharistic revival,” Glemkowski said. “At its core, I believe the congress is a critical moment for how we fulfill Pope Francis’ vision of becoming a more missionary Church. “It is the fire of charity, born in our
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hearts from the reception of Jesus in the Eucharist, which impels us on mission. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our Church to draw closer to Christ and to be prepared to better share Him with our postmodern world.” Until he was chosen for his new position, Glemkowski had been working for the Archdiocese of Denver in evangelization and strategy. Before that, he was founding president of the Chicago-based L’Alto Catholic Institute, which works with parishes to meet “the challenges and opportunities” of the new evangelization. A Chicago native, Glemkowski has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and a master’s in theology from the Augustine Institute in the Denver Archdiocese. He and his wife Maggie have three children and are members of Light of the World Parish in suburban Denver. “The heart of Vatican II is the universal call to mission, to holiness. All of us are called to give our entire lives to Christ and surrender to God and go on mission,” he said April 5. “It’s not optional ... baptism is an invitation calling for each of us” to step up and share the joy of Christ and our faith with others. He sees the revival and the congress as “a milestone moment” for the Church and also “a generational moment” that can really change lives. Glemkowski said that as a lay consultant to the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, he has been “engaged and involved with the genesis of (the) project for a while,” and when he watched via livestream Bishop Cozzens’ Nov. 17 presentation to the bishops, “I felt God moving my heart and I
For more At www.eucharisticrevival.org: Learn more about the U.S. Catholic Church’s National Eucharistic Revival and National Eucharistic Congress
Please pray for Deacon Robert Kratchman who died during the month of April 2017
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wanted to be a part of it.” In his presentation and later in interviews, Bishop Cozzens said the Church can deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Eucharist with the revival and the congress by remembering that Christ said a lighted lamp does not belong under a bushel basket. “Set it up on a hill so that people can see it and be attracted to it,” the bishop said. “And I think that’s what we want to do with our teaching on the Eucharist.” Glemkowski noted that “the original vision” for the revival began to be discussed when Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of Los Angeles was the bishops’ evangelization chairman, shortly after the results of a 2019 Pew survey showed just 30% of Catholics understand the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Bishop Barron also is founder of the Catholic evangelization organization Word on Fire. In the Pew survey, 69% of all selfidentified Catholics said they believed the bread and wine used at Mass are not Jesus, but instead “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” The results struck a nerve with many U.S. bishops, who saw a catechetical crisis in this lack of fundamental understanding about the Eucharist. In November, in addition to approving the plans for the revival and Congress, the bishops also approved a statement on “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.”
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April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief S.C. inmate chooses death by firing squad, calls choices unconstitutional WASHINGTON, D.C. — Richard Moore, a South Carolina death-row inmate, chose death by firing squad over electrocution but described both methods as unconstitutional. Moore, who is 57, is scheduled to be executed April 29 for the death sentence he received nearly 20
years ago for the 1999 murder and robbery of a South Carolina store clerk. His execution had been scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because prison officials said they did not have the necessary lethal injection drugs. On April 15, two weeks prior to Moore’s new execution date, he was given the choice for how he wished to be put to death. A South Carolina law passed a year ago made the electric chair the state’s primary method for executions since drugs for lethal injections have been difficult to obtain. The law also stipulates that prisoners have the option of choosing to be executed by firing squad. Moore said in court records filed April 15 that he disagreed with the requirement to even make the decision about his form of execution.
Fla.’s 15-week abortion ban now law TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis April 14 signed into law a measure that limits
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most abortions in Florida to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The state’s Catholic bishops praised DeSantis for his “commitment to defend unborn children and their mothers” and for his leadership in encouraging the Legislature to take up the bill and pass it and for his own support of the measure. About a week earlier, the bishops welcomed a judge’s ruling upholding a 2015 state law that gives women 24 hours to reflect on information provided by physicians before proceeding with abortions. Regarding the 15-week abortion ban, the “historic law,” as the bishops termed it, takes effect July 1 and includes provisions to improve infant health and to analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. It replaces a previous law that allowed abortions until 24 weeks of pregnancy. In a statement released April 14 by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the prelates commended the state’s legislative leaders, especially Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Erin Grall who sponsored the bill, known as H.B. 5.
Donnelly presents credentials as U.S. ambassador to Holy See VATICAN CITY — The new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, officially began his duties April 11, presenting his letters of credential to Pope Francis. Donnelly, 66, is a former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. U.S. President Joe Biden nominated him to the Vatican post in October, and the Senate confirmed him in January. Meeting other ambassadors to the Vatican and members of the media after his meeting with the pope, Donnelly said, “To meet the Holy Father, to stand with him and spend time with him – that’s something you never dream of. It’s just unthinkable to have that chance.” — Catholic News Service
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Christ’s resurrection brings hope amid ‘Easter of war,’ pope says JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — The joy of Christ’s resurrection is needed now more than ever in a time when war in Ukraine and other parts of the world makes the hope for peace seem like an illusion, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing. Like the disciples who were at first doubtful of Jesus rising from the dead, “our eyes, too, are incredulous on this Easter of war,” the pope said as he prepared April 17 to give his Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (“to the city and the world”). “We have seen all too much blood, all too much violence. Our hearts, too, have been filled with fear and anguish, as so many of our brothers and sisters have had to lock themselves away in order to be safe from bombing,” he said. Nevertheless, Christ’s victory over death “is not an illusion” and the world needs “the crucified and risen Lord so that we can believe in the victory of love, and hope for reconciliation.” Earlier in the day, the Vatican said an estimated 55,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the first outdoor Easter Mass since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. A vast floral arrangement adorned the steps leading to the basilica, highlighting the festive atmosphere. According to Vatican News, the display of flowers, imported from the Netherlands, featured more than 40,000 individual flowers, plants and trees, including tulips,
‘Peace is possible; peace is a duty.’ — Pope Francis daffodils, and birch trees that accented the joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Pope Francis did not deliver a homily during the Mass; instead, a hushed silence filled the packed square for several minutes of quiet, prayerful reflection. As Mass progressed, tens of thousands more began lining the streets outside the square. The Vatican said police estimated 100,000 people were present for the post-Mass blessing. Before the blessing, the pope, standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressed the crowd. However, due to knee problems that have caused him difficulty walking and standing for long periods of time, the pope sat and spoke for part of his address. In his address, the pope said the joyous announcement of Jesus’ resurrection is sorely needed “at the end of a Lent that has seemed endless.” “We emerged from two years of pandemic, which took a heavy toll,” he said. “It was time to come out of the tunnel together, hand in hand, pooling our strengths and resources.” However, the pope said that instead of unity, the world has shown that “we still
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Pope Francis greet the crowd during his Easter message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 17. have within us the spirit of Cain, who saw Abel not as a brother, but as a rival, and thought about how to eliminate him.” Only Christ, who bears the wounds inflicted “upon Him by our sins, by our hardness of heart, by our fratricidal hatred” has the right “to speak to us of peace.” “The wounds on the body of the risen Jesus are the sign of the battle He fought and won for us, won with the weapons of love, so that we might have peace and remain in peace,” he said. Continuing his address, Pope Francis prayed for peace in Ukraine and for its
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people who have been “sorely tried” by the “cruel and senseless war into which it was dragged,” and he urged world leaders to listen to the “people’s plea for peace.” “May there be an end to the flexing of muscles while people are suffering,” he said. “Please, let us not get used to war! Let us all commit ourselves to imploring peace, from our balconies and in our streets!” The pope also prayed for the countless Ukrainian refugees forced to flee the horrors of war, especially children who were left orphaned. “As we look at them, we cannot help but hear their cry of pain, along with that of all those other children who suffer throughout our world: those dying of hunger or lack of medical care, those who are victims of abuse and violence, and those denied the right to be born,” he prayed. Pope Francis also prayed that the war in Ukraine may make the world more aware of the suffering caused by war in other parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, which has been “racked by years of conflict and division.” He prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, as well as the Holy Land. “May Israelis, Palestinians and all who dwell in the holy city, together with the pilgrims, experience the beauty of peace, dwell in fraternity and enjoy free access to the holy places in mutual respect for the rights of each,” he said. He also called for peace in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, a country he said “suffers from a conflict forgotten by all, with continuous victims.” The pope prayed that Jesus would bring peace to the African continent “so that the exploitation it suffers and the hemorrhaging caused by terrorist attacks – particularly in the Sahel region – may cease, and that it may find concrete support in the fraternity of the peoples.” Standing up from his seat before delivering his blessing, Pope Francis said that while the world suffers the consequences of war, the resurrected Christ who conquered death “exhorts us not to surrender to evil and violence. “May we be won over by the peace of Christ! Peace is possible; peace is a duty; peace is everyone’s primary responsibility!”
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief Pope: Temptation of power, money can obscure Easter joy VATICAN CITY — The allure of power and money can be used to proclaim falsehoods and obscure the joyous announcement of Christ’s victory over death, Pope Francis said. “Falsehoods – in words and in life – taint the announcement, they corrupt within, leading back to the tomb,” the pope said before reciting the “Regina Coeli” April 18 with visitors in St. Peter’s Square. “The Risen One instead wants us to come out of the tombs of falsehood and dependency. Before the risen Lord, there is another ‘god’ – the god of money that dirties and ruins everything, that closes the door to salvation,” he said. The pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew, which recalled the resurrected Christ telling the women who were at His tomb to not be afraid and instructing them to “go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Jesus’ words, he said, are “two pieces of advice that would be good also for us to welcome as an Easter gift.”
Jerusalem archbishop: Welcome Resurrection with trust and love JERUSALEM — The mystery of the Resurrection is difficult to understand or explain and can only be welcomed into one’s heart with trust and love, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, said in his Easter homily at the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher. “Today in Jerusalem, as in any other part of the world, the mystery par excellence, the core of our faith – that is, the Resurrection – is placed before our consciousness,” he said April 17. “What have we done with this mystery? How much has the consciousness that Christ is risen and alive changed and determined our existence? Let us not retreat or lock ourselves in our fears. Let us not allow death and its subjects to frighten us. That would be to deny with our lives our faith in the Resurrection,” he said during the first Easter Mass following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions imposed in 2020. Holy Week, which this year coincided with the Muslim holiday of Ramadan and the start of the Jewish Passover, saw the beginning of a return of pilgrims to the Old City, though not to the pre-pandemic levels, which included more than 4.5 million visitors in 2019.
Pope says Church’s mission is about evangelizing, not numbers ROME — The Catholic Church in Europe and other places will, as retired Pope Benedict XVI had said, be smaller and less influential, but the Church’s mission and joy is not to increase numbers but to share the Gospel, Pope Francis told Jesuits in Malta. “What is the vocation of the Church? It is not numbers. It is to evangelize,” the pope told his Jesuit confreres April 3. “The real problem is not whether we are few, but whether the Church evangelizes.” The pope met with 38 Jesuits from Malta during his two-day visit to the island nation. According to a transcript of the meeting, a Jesuit asked the pope if he thought the Church would be smaller, but “humbler and more authentic.” “Pope Benedict was a prophet of this Church of the future, a Church that will become smaller, that will lose many privileges, will be humbler and more authentic and will find energy for what is essential,” the pope responded. — Catholic News Service
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Deacon Matthew Newsome
Did Jesus go to hell?
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hen most of us hear the word “hell,” we think of the place of the damned, what the Catechism defines as the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed” (CCC 1033). So it might be a bit confusing, if not outright shocking, to find in the Apostles’ Creed the statement that Jesus “descended into hell.” If hell is the definitive state of exclusion from communion with God, how could this apply to Jesus, who is “God from God, light from light, true God from true God?” To solve this puzzle, we must understand that “hell” doesn’t always mean what we think it means. Our usage of the word in English has shifted over the centuries. Today we commonly understand it to mean eternal damnation, but when the Apostles’ Creed was first being translated into English, “hell” was being used synonymously with “hades,” the Greek word for the realm of the dead, which was referred to as “Sheol” by the Jews. Most ancient Near Eastern societies, including Judaism, conceived of creation in three parts: the heavens, the earth and the underworld. The underworld is where the souls of the departed went after death, and it was not necessarily a place of punishment. Job 21:13, for example, speaks of souls going to Sheol in peace. This is quite different from the “Gehenna” Jesus describes as a place of everlasting torment. Nevertheless, Sheol was considered a realm where the departed were further removed from God than we are here on earth. The Psalmist asks, “For in death there is no remembrance of you. Who praises you in Sheol?” (Ps 6:6) When we profess in our creed that Jesus descended into hell, what we are saying is that He went to the realm of the dead. In fact, some modern English translations of the Apostles’ Creed simply say, “He descended to the dead.” This creedal statement is an important affirmation that Jesus truly died on the cross. He did not swoon. He did not faint. He was not “only mostly dead,” to borrow a phrase from “The Princess Bride.” His soul departed from His body and went to the place human souls go when they die. Without this affirmation of Jesus’ death, our profession of His resurrection would be meaningless. Easter only comes after Good Friday. That’s why we call it “good.” But this raises another question: What did Jesus do among the dead? The Catechism instructs us that “the gospel was preached even to the dead” (CCC 634). It goes on to say that Jesus’ “descent into hell brings the Gospel message of salvation to complete fulfillment. This is the last phase of Jesus’ messianic mission, a phase which is condensed in time but vast in its real significance” (CCC 634). By His descent into hell, the redemptive work of Christ was extended not only forward in time to us, but backward in time to benefit all of the righteous souls who had gone before Him in the hope of a Savior. This would have included even our first parents to whom the promise of a messiah was first made (see Gen 3:15). There is a beautiful passage from an anonymous second-century homily describing this that is read during the Office of Readings on Holy Saturday. “Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, He has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve … the Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won Him the victory. At the sight of Him Adam, the first man He had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ Christ answered him: ‘And with your spirit.’ He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the death, and Christ will give you light.’” The God who made Adam became a son of Adam to undo Adam’s curse. What a glorious moment of reunion that must have been! Jesus descended into hell – into the realm of the dead – not as a prisoner but as a liberator. This is referred to as “the Harrowing of Hell,” often depicted in art with Jesus as a victorious conqueror bursting through the doors of death to lift up those who had been confined there. Sometimes He is shown pulling their souls out of Satan’s gaping maw. This is the limbo of the Fathers, a realm that has been closed to us who now have access to something much better, as well as the potential for something much worse. Jesus descended from heaven to the earth, and even further from earth to the underworld, in order that He might be Lord “of those in heaven and on the earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10), rescuing all of us from the threat of eternal death and giving hope – even to the dead – of eternal life. DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.
Kathryn Evans Heim
Our Lady of La Leche speaks beautifully of mothers, babies and God
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hen one thinks of making a pilgrimage, it’s easy to think of such far off places as the Holy Land, Rome or Fatima. When you think of going to see great sites of religious history, it’s not surprising if the mind first ventures to the Middle East or to Europe, where great dramas of history have played out for so many centuries and in so many ways. But those of us who live here in the southeastern United States are gifted with our own history, our own memorials, and moments of religious significance. On Sept. 8, 1565, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Spanish settlers sent by King Philip II landed and celebrated the first Catholic Mass on North American soil, in what is now St. Augustine, Fla. They had first sighted the land on Aug. 28, the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo, and in thanksgiving named their new settlement after that great Catholic saint – a testament that stands more than 450 years later. These Spanish settlers brought with them a deep love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin, and in particular to the image of Our Lady of La Leche, Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto, Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery. They established what is now the oldest Marian shrine in North America, and in 2019 Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios in St. Augustine was declared a national shrine. On the land known as the “sacred acre,” the memorial sits on the very site where that first Mass was celebrated by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales in 1565. If you have never seen an image of Our Lady of La Leche, it’s a truly beautiful depiction of the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin: Mary sits, robed and crowned, with one breast bared to nurse the infant Christ. She is cloaked in stars as she nurses the King of the Universe. She is regal and motherly, an epitome of womanhood. We live in a time when people seek to redefine family, parenthood – even what it means to be a woman. Babies are kept out of sight or kept as a separate part of life, treated as commodities that one may or may not have the time or the means to afford. They are kept at a distance even from their own parents, because as a culture we have forgotten how to incorporate children into our everyday lives. They have become accessories, and we question whether they are appropriate for the season or if they should be hidden away until a more acceptable time. We treat children as if they were different creatures than ourselves, rather than the remarkable individuals of nascent humanity that they are. The image of Our Lady nursing the infant Jesus is a beautiful testament to the sanctity of motherhood and how God chose to enter this world as a newborn baby. There is something powerful about the idea of the Son of God nursing at the breast of the Virgin Mary – the fact that God chose a form so helpless that it
required sustenance from a human creature. In his book “The Everlasting Man,” G.K. Chesterton talks about how mother and child cannot, and should not, be separated. “You cannot chip away the statue of a mother from all round that of a newborn child. You cannot suspend the newborn child in mid-air; indeed you cannot really have a statue of a newborn child at all. Similarly, you cannot suspend the idea of a newborn child in the void or think of him without thinking of his mother.” This is as true of modern mothers and their babies as it is for the mother of God and the Christ Child. The ability of a woman to bear new life – to sustain a new creature with her own body – should be awe-inspiring. It should not be seen as a nuisance, a burden, something to be “treated” medically. Our fertility is a gift, just as every human life is a gift. It is a gift that God gives to us, and a gift that we can give back to God by dedicating our families to Him and raising up new generations of Christians to give Him glory. This is not to negate the value of spiritual motherhood. When the Holy Family is taken all together, we are given the example of St. Joseph as a model of the significance of spiritual parenthood. We must accept and embrace the role God gives to us, and we must acknowledge that all paths have value if they are the will of God. By devoting ourselves to raising the next generation, whether they be our own physical children, our godchildren, or simply the children of our community, we are doing the most work possible to ensure a better future for all the world. This reverence for the Mother of God, specifically in her role as mother, does not take away from our worship of God Himself. In truth, the image of mother and Child highlights the great mystery of the Incarnation. As Chesterton said, it emphasizes that contrast of “the idea of a baby and the idea of unknown strength that sustains the stars.” That contrast is important, as we declare in the Creed that Christ was true God and true Man, and there are few depictions that capture it so well as the image of the Son of God nursing at the breast of His mother. When the Spanish settlers established themselves, it is worth contemplating the fact that they chose this image of the nursing Madonna to accompany them. The infancy of God, the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin, and the beauty of the body and its life-giving force. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend making the pilgrimage to St. Augustine and the national shrine. It’s a place rich with history for Catholics and all Americans. KATHRYN EVANS HEIM is an author and wife living outside Salisbury, where she gardens, raises chickens, experiments with cooking and reads too many books. Find her work at www. evanswriting.com
April 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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‘Grandparents are the living memory of a people, and young people and children ought to listen to their grandparents.’
Sr. Constance Carolyn Veit
The elderly and the victims of war
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any years ago, I watched an older woman making Ukrainian Easter eggs at an international crafts fair. The complex process, intricate patterns and bright colors fascinated me, so I purchased a kit and spent time during Lent trying to master the traditional art of “Pysanky,” as the eggs are called. I learned that Pysanky symbolizes Christ’s resurrection, hope, new life and prosperity. They are traditionally made during the last week of Lent by the women of the village, who work at night as their children sleep. Prayers are said as the intricate designs are drawn on eggs with beeswax, each line bearing an intention for the person destined to receive the egg. In this way, one author noted, the creation of Pysanky becomes a contemplative practice similar to praying the rosary. Egg dyeing is just one of many traditions of which millions of Ukrainians will be deprived this Easter. The same author suggested that the making of Pysanky would be a good way for people around the world to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Although it’s a little too late for me to get started on a big Pysanky project, it’s never too late to pray and offer sacrifices for the suffering people of Ukraine. It is often said that women, children and the elderly are the first victims of war. As a Little Sister of the Poor, I naturally focus on the plight of seniors. My heart aches as I think of the Ukrainian grandmothers who should be busy at home making Pysanky, Paska – Easter bread – and other traditional dishes for their families. I can’t imagine where they find the strength to endure as they hide in basements or board refugee buses bound for unfamiliar destinations, carrying their possessions in sacks and plastic bags. The worn, tear-stained faces of these women follow me throughout the day. Every day I see media reports in which elders weep at the loss of their sons and daughters, their homes and everything they hold dear. After surviving the second World War and a Soviet-inflicted famine in their youth, they cannot believe that such carnage is again visiting their homeland. In March of this year Pope Francis suggested that as much as they are
suffering, the elderly have an invaluable contribution to make during tragic times. Like Moses, he said, “The elderly see history and pass on history.” “An old age that is granted this clarity is a precious gift for the generation that is to follow. Listening personally and directly to the story of lived faith, with all its highs and lows, is irreplaceable. Reading about it in books, watching it in films, consulting it on the internet … will never be the same. There is a tone and style of communication to direct, person-to-person storytelling that no other medium can replace. An older person, one who has lived a long time and receives the gift of a lucid and passionate testimony of his or her history, is an irreplaceable blessing.” The pope asserts that great social challenges and peace processes call for dialogue between the keepers of memory – the elderly – and the young, who move history forward. “Each must be willing to make room for others. ... Encounter and dialogue between generations should be the driving force behind a healthy politics.” “I can give a personal testimony,” the pope said. “I learned hatred and anger for war from my grandfather, who fought at the Piave in 1914, and he passed on to me this rage for war. Because he told me about the suffering of a war. And this isn’t learned in books or in other ways … it’s learned in this way, being passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. And this is irreplaceable. The transmission of life experience from grandparents to grandchildren. “Today, unfortunately, this is not the case, and we think that grandparents are discarded material: No! They are the living memory of a people, and young people and children ought to listen to their grandparents.” It is clear from the abundant media coverage that Ukrainians do not discard their elders. Families are suffering together, and they will rise from the rubble together. Let us thank God for their heroic example and pray that their resurrection may come as quickly as possible. SISTER CONSTANCE VEIT is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States and an occupational therapist.
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catholicnewsherald.com | April 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
