April 8, 2022

April 8, 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

Quiet places of prayer New outdoor Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk beckon you

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‘We stand on the shoulders of great women’ Sisters of Mercy leave legacy of Catholic education, healthcare and social services across our region

10-13 FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Holy Week events around the diocese 5

Eventos de Semana en la diócesis Charlotte diocese joins pope in consecrating Ukraine, Russia to Mary 5

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Familia Emaús realizó retiros de mujeres y hombres 14

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

April 8, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 14

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

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

INDEX

Contact us.....................................2 Español.......................................14-23 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese.............................. 4-9 Scripture readings................. 3, 16 Arts & Entertainment.................25 U.S. news.....................................26 Viewpoints.............................30-31 World news................................. 28

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704-370-3333

DRAMA OF HOLY WEEK BEGINS ON PALM SUNDAY: The commemoration and reenactment of Jesus’ final days begins with the blessing of palms and the Palm Sunday procession, which date back to the earliest days of the Church in Jerusalem. Palm branches have always been symbols of joy and victory, and in Christianity, are a sign of victory over the flesh and the world.

At this Mass, the Gospel of the Passion is read.

This dramatic reading by at least three people representing Jesus, the people and a narrator, is an ancient tradition.

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things you need to know for Holy Week

TUESDAY AND THE CHRISM MASS: Sacred oils used in the sacraments for the coming year are traditionally blessed during Holy Week. In our diocese, this blessing – known as the Chrism Mass – is held on Tuesday of Holy Week. Also at this Mass, the diocese’s priests come together to renew their priestly promises to the Church.

The Chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral will be streamed live starting at 10 a.m. on the diocese’s YouTube channel: www.youtube. com/dioceseofcharlotte.

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HOLY THURSDAY STARTS THE TRIDUUM: The Paschal Triduum consists of the three holy days preceding the Resurrection of the Lord

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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.

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“Ecce Homo” (“Behold the Man”)

by Antonio Ciseri (1871), Museo Cantonale d’Arte, Switzerland. Unlike most depictions of Jesus being presented to the Jews by Pontius Pilate, Ciseri’s almost photographic work places the viewer behind Pilate, not in the mob. Hardly any faces are shown, except for the wife of the Roman governor, shown leaning on her maidservant as if to whisper her conviction that Christ is innocent.

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at Easter. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated on Holy Thursday memorializes Jesus’ celebration of the Passover meal, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His betrayal and arrest. It also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the priesthood and the Mass that we still celebrate today in His memory. After the liturgy, the altar is stripped bare and the tabernacle is emptied.

GOOD FRIDAY BRINGS US TO THE FOOT OF THE CROSS: At 3 p.m., the hour Jesus died on the cross, we gather to recall the sacrifice of God’s only Son for our salvation. We read the Passion narrative and venerate the cross – following Jesus on His torturous journey from the

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Garden of Gethsemane to His crucifixion on Golgotha. After a simple Communion service, we depart the church in silence.

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: Holy Saturday moves us through the darkness of the Lord’s death into the light of His resurrection. Called the Easter Vigil, the Roman Rite liturgy has four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the rite of baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

It all starts after sunset, with the blessing of the Paschal fire and lighting of the Paschal candle.

The church remains dark until the thrilling moment when the Gloria is sung and the bells rung, announcing the Resurrection, and the lights inside the darkened church are turned on.

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Diocesan calendar of events PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS REGIONAL RESPECT LIFE MEETING: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the overflow room at St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrews Place, Swannanoa. The goal is for area parishes and Respect Life leaders to give updates on local pro-life activities and to increase communication and coordination among Catholic pro-life volunteers across the region. For details, email ashevilleprolifecatholics@gmail.com.

BLESSING OF EASTER FOOD BASKETS: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Deacon James Witulski will bless your Easter foods and treats in the church. This Eastern and Central European tradition is also called “The Blessing of the Easter Baskets” (“Swieconka” in Polish). The 30-minute blessing service will be conducted in both English and Polish. Traditional foods, such as sausages, eggs, bread, and butter in the shape of a lamb are brought to the church, neatly arranged in a basket. However, everyone is invited to use their imagination and include their own national foods. Children are invited to bring their own baskets of treats, including chocolate and Easter candy. For details, contact Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

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.

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

Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis: APRIL 8 – 10 A.M. Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

APRIL 15 – 3 P.M. Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

APRIL 9 – 1:50 P.M. Lenten Youth Pilgrimage Eucharistic Procession Belmont Abbey College, Belmont

APRIL 16 – 8:30 P.M. Easter Vigil Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

APRIL 10 – 11 A.M. Palm Sunday Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

APRIL 19 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion

APRIL 12 – 10 A.M. Chrism Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

APRIL 22 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Elizabeth Church, Boone

APRIL 14 – 7 P.M. Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Our faith

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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St. George, slayer of dragons?

Feast day: April 23 St. George is one of Christianity’s most popular saints, and is highly honored by both the Western and Eastern churches.

He was a soldier in the Roman army who was tortured and beheaded for his Christian faith in the year 303, in Lydda (in modern-day Palestine). He was likely born in Cappadocia, of a Cappadocian father and a Palestinian mother of noble rank. At the death of his father – possibly martyrdom – he moved with his mother to Palestine, where he joined the military and apparently served with some distinction, meriting several promotions in rank.

One account of the martyrdom of St. George is Eusebius’ “Ecclesiastical History,” which relates that when the emperor Diocletian issued an edict “to tear down the churches to the foundations and to destroy the Sacred Scriptures by fire…a certain man, of no mean origin, but highly esteemed for his temporal dignities, stimulated by a divine zeal, and excited by an ardent faith, took it as it was openly placed and posted up for public inspection, and tore it to shreds as a most profane and wicked act.”

This act of intransigence and audacity enraged the emperor, who had the man tortured and killed. This man “of no mean origin” – that is, of nobility – has been identified by more than one ancient source including Eusebius as St. George, though most modern historians of the period state that this is unlikely.

St. George is usually depicted in Christian art as a soldier on horseback killing a dragon with a lance. This image is a representation of a popular legend of St. George which first appeared in 1265 in a romance titled “The Golden Legend,” in which he saved a town terrorized by a dragon with one blow of his lance.

The image, however, is also – and more significantly – a powerful symbol of the victory of Christian faith over evil (sometimes interpreted more contextually in the early Church as “paganism”), personified by the devil, who is symbolized by the dragon according to the imagery in Revelation.

St. George is invoked as a patron of military causes – not only because he was a soldier, but primarily because of his appearance to the Christian armies before the battle of Antioch, in which they were victorious, and to King Richard the Lionheart of England during his crusade against the Saracens.

Devotion to St. George remains strongest in the Eastern Church, where he is venerated as “The Great Martyr.”

Accounts of early pilgrims identify the seat of the devotion to St. George at his burial site in Lydda. People have been praying for the saint’s intercession since the fourth century, soon after his death.

St. George is the patron of soldiers and the patron of many nations, including Palestine, Lebanon, England, Georgia and Malta. He is also the patron of Palestinian Christians and of Boy Scouts. He is also invoked by sufferers of herpes, skin diseases, skin rashes, syphilis and snakebites.

— Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis

Smaller nations must lead charge against ideology of the powerful

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(Above) “St. George and the Dragon”

by Briton Revière, 1914 or earlier (Left) The actual tomb of St. George in Lydda, located just south of Tel Aviv, Israel

Daily Scripture readings APRIL 10-16

Sunday (Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord): Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Luke 22:14-23:56; Monday: Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 49:1-6, John 13:21-33, 36-38; Wednesday: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Matthew 26:14-25; Thursday (Holy Thursday): Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15; Friday (Good Friday): Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42; Saturday (Easter Vigil): Genesis 1:1-2:2, Exodus 14:1515:1, Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18, Romans 6:3-11, Luke 24:1-12

APRIL 17-23

Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord): Acts 10:34a, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9; Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41, John 20:1118; Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday: Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday: Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday: Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

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

maller countries like Malta are called to set an example of true freedom in a world that can seem overwhelmed by powerful nations that seek to extend their own economic, military or ideological interests, Pope Francis said.

Reflecting on his recent visit to the Mediterranean archipelago during his weekly general audience April 6, the pope said Malta “represents the rights and power of the ‘small’ nations,” which exemplify the respect, freedom and coexistence that stands “opposed to the colonization of the most powerful.”

“After World War II, the attempt was made to lay the foundations of a new era of peace. But unfortunately – we never learn, right? – the old story of competition between the great powers went on. And, in the current war in Ukraine, we are witnessing the impotence of the United Nations,” he said.

Pope Francis told people at the audience that the motto of his April 2-3 trip described the “unusual kindness” of the people of Malta when St. Paul shipwrecked on the island nearly 2,000 years ago.

That “unusual kindness,” Pope Francis said, not only describes how countries should treat migrants today, but how countries should treat each other and everyone “so that the world might become more fraternal, more livable, and might be saved from a ‘shipwreck’ that menaces all of us.”

The pope also said Christians must never tire of listening to the testimonies of migrants so they can counter the “distorted vision that is often circulated in the mass media.”

“Every migrant is unique. He or she is not a number but a person,” he said.

“Each is unique just like each one of us.

Every migrant is a person with dignity, with roots, with a culture. Each of them is the bearer of a wealth infinitely greater than the problems they bring.”

The issue of migration, he said, is “a sign of our times” that can become either “a sign of conflict” or “a sign of peace.”

Before concluding his audience, the pope once again pleaded for an end to the bloodshed and violence in Ukraine after images of innocent civilians apparently executed in Bucha sparked outrage and horror around the world.

“The recent news of the war in Ukraine, instead of bringing relief and hope, attest to new atrocities, such as the massacre of Bucha,” he said.

The world is witnessing “ever-more horrendous acts of cruelty done against civilians, unarmed women and children, whose innocent blood cries out to heaven and implores, ‘End this war.

Silence the weapons. Stop sowing death and destruction,’” he said.

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Bishop Peter Jugis reverences the altar at the start of a White Mass for healthcare professionals April 2 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Concelebrating clergy included sponsors and speakers at the conference, “Sexuality and Fertility in Medicine.”

Shown in the foreground is the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary pilgrim statue of Mary, Mother of God, which was present for the conference.

Partners in Hope raises $305K WINSTON-SALEM — Catholic Charities raised more than $305,000 at its annual Partners in Hope fundraiser March 10. More than 400 people attended the event at the Benton Convention Center this year, with 50 more people participating via livestream. During the event, the volunteers of the Piedmont Triad Office were honored as the recipients of the 2022 Bishop William G. Curlin Partners in Hope Award. After two years of virtual fundraisers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers were thankful to “come together for good” to raise critical funds to support the work of Catholic Charities in the Piedmont Triad area.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Columbiettes host retreat CLEMMONS — The Columbiettes’ Bishop Greco Council 9499 hosted its annual Lenten Retreat March 19 for women of Holy Family Parish, led by Sister Betty Paul, S.P., and Sister Katherine Francis French, S.P. Attendees opened the day-long retreat with a remembrance and honor for St. Joseph on his feast day. By reading and discussing scriptures, they reflected on the example of the saint as supporter of the Holy Family. After lunch, the women continued with the theme “In the Image of God: The Joy of Living a Life in God.” The final part of the program was: “Women of God: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” All women present enjoyed the retreat and time together, and many were brought to tears of joy.

— Geri Rushing

Scholarship winners announced CHARLOTTE — Three Holy Trinity Middle School eighth-graders were recently awarded the Megan Healy D.C. Scholarship, covering their expenses for the class trip to Washington, D.C., provided by World Strides. Pictured are winner Maggie Myer (right), who received a full scholarship, and finalists Justin Sparks (left) and Lindsey Miller (center) who received funds for half the trip’s cost.

The Megan Healy Scholarship was established in 1996 in Healy’s memory after her death.

She attended St. Patrick School and graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School in 1990.

She earned a degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1995, and after graduation she worked with the local Kidney Foundation.

Each year, eighth-grade students have the opportunity to compete for the scholarship, based on how they answer the following essay questions: What does your faith life mean to you, and how has it molded your behavior? How have you, as a student, tried or succeeded in helping your community and family? Why do you value being part of Catholic school and this community?

— Kevin Parks

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Healthcare professionals gather for prayer, blessing and conference in Charlotte CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Healthcare professionals received a special blessing from Bishop Peter Jugis during a White Mass April 2, offered before the start of a Catholic healthcare conference at St. Patrick Cathedral.

The White Mass, which takes its name from the white coat commonly worn by physicians, was attended by more than a hundred people.

They bowed their heads as the bishop prayed: “Almighty God, whose beloved Son Jesus Christ went about healing all manner of illness and disease: continue, we beseech you, His gracious work among us. Grant to those here present and to all physicians, nurses and all healthcare professionals wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience; keep them safe and preserve them from all contagion. Cheer, heal and sanctify the sick, and send down your blessing on all who care for them.”

In his homily for the special Mass, the bishop welcomed the conference goers and reflected on the day’s Gospel from John 7:40-53, recounting how some people questioned and expressed confusion about Jesus’ identity.

“Thanks to the gift of faith, we know Jesus,” the bishop said.

“He is the Son of God who came to teach us, to save us, and bring us eternal life.”

That certain faith informs Church teaching on healthcare issues, he continued.

“The teachings of Christ inform the teachings of the Church on healthcare issues… Respect for the dignity of the human person, created in the image of God and redeemed by the passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. In healthcare issues the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit of Truth, and because of that the Church has tremendous wisdom to share with the world ¬– a wisdom born of our faith in Christ.”

The White Mass was offered in conjunction with the Converging Roads healthcare ethics conference, “Sexuality and Fertility in Medicine,” sponsored by the diocese, Belmont Abbey College and the St. John Paul II Foundation.

It was concelebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Father Peter Ascik, director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Family Life Office; Father Cory Catron, chaplain for Catholic Health Care Professionals of Charlotte and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson; and conference speakers Father Philip Bochanski, executive director of

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JESSICA GRABOWSKI

Pictured are sponsors and speakers from the Converging Roads healthcare conference in Charlotte: Amelia Arth (St. John Paul II conference coordinator), Father Philip Bochanski (presenter from Courage International), Dr. Marguerite Duane (presenter from FACTS), Dr. Lewis Lipscomb (presenter and OB-GYN), Theresa Farnan, PhD (presenter, author and moral philosopher), Father Cory Catron (Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte chaplain), Jessica Grabowski (diocesan Respect Life director), Batrice Adcock (diocesan NFP director), Susie Lopez (St. John Paul II staff), Dr. Stephen Blaha (presenter and medical director), Father Peter Ascik (diocesan Family Life Office director), and Dr. Evelyn Kelly Anderson (presenter and president/CEO of Anderson Family Medicine in Monroe).

Courage International Inc., and Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

“It has been wonderful seeing this Converging Roads Conference grow over the past five years, and now with the establishment of the group Catholic Health Professionals at the end of 2019, we continue to see the desire and need for conferences such as these,” said Jessica Grabowski of the diocese’s Family Life Office.

She said the Family Life Office, in partnership with Belmont Abbey, Catholic Health Care Professionals of Charlotte and the St. John Paul II Foundation, is already planning for next year’s Converging Roads conference, scheduled for March 25, 2023.

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Holy Week events around the diocese CHARLOTTE — The holy days leading up to Easter promise to be a time of prayer and communitybuilding as people gather at churches and missions across western North Carolina to commemorate the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection. Holy Week and Easter liturgies this year will be unhindered by the restrictions imposed the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following liturgies at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte during Holy Week: n Palm Sunday Mass: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 10 (palm blessing and procession at 10:50 a.m.) n Chrism Mass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 12 (streamed live on the diocese’s YouTube channel) n Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 14 n Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion: 3 p.m. April 15 n Easter Vigil Mass: 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16 Outdoor Living Stations of the Cross (Español) are planned at several parishes in the diocese, including: n Charlotte: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, noon and 3 p.m., 6212 Tuckaseegee Road n Concord: St. James the Greater Church, 6 p.m., 139 Manor Ave. S.W. n Mooresville: St. Therese Church, 4:30 p.m., 217 Brawley School Road n Swannanoa: 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, in Grovement Park across from St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrews Place In addition to the regular liturgies of Holy Week that nearly every church will host, other Holy Week events around the diocese include: n Byzantine Vespers, Procession and Burial of the Lord’s Shroud: 6 p.m.

Friday, April 15, at St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Church, on the campus of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte n Lenten Pilgrimage of Christ’s Passion: 7 p.m. Friday, April 15, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte. Christ’s Passion brought to life through music and prayer. n Tenebrae Service: 8 p.m. Friday, April 15, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte Easter basket blessings planned for Saturday, April 16, include: n St. Lawrence Basilica, 10:30 a.m., 97 Haywood St., Asheville n St. Matthew Church, noon, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte n St. Philip the Apostle Church, noon, 525 Camden Dr., Statesville n St. Pius X Church, 9 a.m., 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, along with an Easter egg hunt in the SPX Cloister n Polish and English blessing of Easter food baskets (“Swieconka” in Polish) at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1 p.m., 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. (See details, page 2.)

Of course, there’s a lot more going on than can be listed here, so be sure to check your parish’s website or bulletin. For a list of churches near you, go to www.charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Herald

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Catholic Charities bringing people together for Vineyard of Hope

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter Jugis leads the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, in union with the pope and Catholic churches around the world. The pope had called for the extraordinary worldwide prayer service to appeal for peace in Ukraine.

Charlotte diocese joins pope in consecrating Ukraine, Russia to Mary SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte joined their bishop and their pope March 25 in an extraordinary worldwide plea for peace.

Pope Francis consecrated Ukraine and Russia to Mary, leading a “Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary” at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican Friday at 6:30 p.m. Rome time that day. Simultaneously in the Charlotte diocese, Bishop Peter Jugis and priests across western North Carolina recited the same prayer in their churches.

Hundreds of people filled the pews inside St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for the bishop’s historic prayer service, which included Mass, the rosary and the Chaplet of Adoration and Reparation. Nearly 300 more tuned in live to watch the prayer service on the diocese’s YouTube channel.

“Today in a special way we pray for peace in Ukraine and an end to the war,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily.

Peace, the bishop said, can only truly be found in God. “God gives true peace,” he said. “The world gives peace as a negotiated settlement between warring parties – a truce that is fragile and sometimes only a temporary absence of conflict. But the peace that Jesus says He gives is not an absence, but a presence. The presence of God in one’s life.”

March 25, is a special day in the Catholic Church: it is the Feast of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her that she would be the mother of Jesus.

Bishop Jugis said Mary’s “yes” to God and His Will is an example for us today – and especially for the warring parties in Ukraine.

“This day we pray that those who are responsible for this war will also say ‘yes’ to God, and cooperate fully with God’s plan for peace and salvation,” he said.

Javier Lizarazu, a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, believes it was important

to join fellow Catholics with the bishop today because “it is an historic event and hopefully peace will come sooner than later.”

St. Ann parishioner Brion Blais echoed Lizarazu’s sentiment, saying, “I wanted to be present at this most important prayer that we have been waiting (to pray) for many years. It was very powerful. I could feel the Holy Spirit’s presence.”

Billie Mobley made it a point to drive to Charlotte from Winston-Salem to pray with Bishop Jugis.

Mobley runs the Te Deum Foundation, which works to increase devotion to Our Lady of Fatima and praying of the Chaplet of Adoration and Reparation. People attending the worship service prayed the chaplet just before the bishop led them in the Act of Consecration to Mary.

“I have been allowed to see the fulfillment… and all the work that has gone on through time (in fulfilling Our Lady’s request),” Mobley said. She believes it may take some time for peace to be achieved, but “Our Lady says her Immaculate Heart will triumph in the end.”

WHAT IS A CONSECRATION?

The prayer service at St. Patrick Cathedral was repeated in churches around the world, as Pope Francis invited all Catholics to join in the “Act of Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Consecration means “to make holy,” and an act of consecration is a prayer to become more united to God. This consecration prayer was an appeal for Mary to intercede with God and help the world bring peace and the cessation of war in Ukraine, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and displaced millions of people since Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24.

Watch online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch Bishop Peter Jugis’ full homily from the March 25 Mass

CHARLOTTE — The excitement is building as Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte plans to hold its annual Vineyard of Hope fundraiser in person this year – at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park Hotel.

This is the first time since 2020 that supporters of Catholic Charities in the Charlotte area will be able to gather to celebrate faith, enjoy some fellowship and have some fun.

This year’s fundraiser promises to be a spirited event, with elevated Southern cuisine at tasting stations throughout the venue, open seating, a hosted bar, DJ for dancing and a brief program to highlight the extensive work Catholic Charities does in the community.

Two annual awards will be given: the Fruit of the Vine Award to Coleman Russell, a Catholic Charities volunteer, and the Volunteer of the Year Award to the Homemakers of Mercy group.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with some time for fellowship, followed by a brief program and dancing until 9 p.m.

The Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park Hotel is located at 5700 Westpark Dr. in Charlotte, just off the Tyvola Road exit of I-77.

Registration is free but required. At the event you will be invited to make a gift to help impact the lives of our neighbors in need.

For more information or to register, go online to www. ccdoc.org/voh. Questions?

Email vineyardofhope@ charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

OUTDOOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS: QUIET PLACES OF PRAYER

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here are many Outdoor Stations of the Cross around western North Carolina, including these featured below in Charlotte, Hickory and Cullowhee. Inquire with a church near you to see if they have Outdoor Stations that you can visit. Go to www. charlottediocese.org for a directory and map of parishes.

PHOTOS BY BEN VIGIL AND JOHN ACKERMAN

New outdoor Stations of the Cross, Rosary Walk beckon you SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Boost your prayer life and unite yourself with the Lord’s Passion by making the Way of the Cross or contemplating the mysteries of the rosary at new outdoor Stations of the Cross and Rosary Walk at St. Gabriel Church.

The 14 Stations of the Cross and the 20 Mysteries of the Rosary are nestled behind the Marian grotto adjacent to St. Gabriel Church and School, located at 3016 Providence Road in Charlotte.

The one-third-mile path is dedicated to parishioner, St. Gabriel School teacher and Belmont Abbey College

alumna Ale Skinkle, who died after a seven-year battle with cancer on March 26, 2020.

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, blessed the Stations of the Cross March 26 – two years to the day of her passing. More than 50 people attended the blessing and dedication ceremony.

“Ale was unique. She was amazing in her love of her faith and how joyfully she shared it. So many people have grown closer to Jesus and the Blessed Mother because of her,” said Darby McClatchy, parish communications director.

A granite marker inscribed with Skinkle’s name greets visitors to the greenspace behind the grotto and St. Gabriel Preschool playground, which has been transformed

through generous donations from several parish families.

When the newly planted grass fills in, the landscaped greenspace will be a beautiful gathering place for all who visit the church during the day. A lighted gravel walkway illuminates the path to facilitate evening prayer.

McClatchy encourages all to “come pray and walk the pathway, asking our Blessed Mother to lead you to Jesus.”

More photos online At www.stgabrielchurch.org: See more photos of the blessing of St. Gabriel Parish’s new outdoor Stations of the Cross and Rosary Walk

WCU students can ascend ‘prayer trail’ for outdoor Stations of the Cross CULLOWHEE — Western Carolina University students looking to pray outdoors now have an updated “prayer trail” to hike behind the Campus Ministry center.

Thanks to donors from St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Sylva and the hard work of some WCU students, Campus Ministry now has new outdoor Stations of the Cross. There were even enough funds to replace the Stations of the Cross inside the center.

Deacon Matthew Newsome remembers praying the Stations of the Cross on the trail leading up the hill behind the center when he was in college there in the late ’90s. “But since then, it had fallen into disuse, and many of the Stations had been PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME damaged or were missing altogether,” he explained. He arrived at WCU as campus minister in 2008 and always had hopes of restoring the trail.

Students provided the labor to install the Stations along the trail before Lent, and March 4, the first Friday of Lent, Father Paul Asoh, pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Parish, blessed the Stations before that day’s Mass. Deacon Newsome noted that part of the ritual for blessing Stations of the Cross is that the Stations actually be prayed, so he and Father Asoh led a group of students through praying them on the newly restored outdoor trail for the first time.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “The trail goes up a hill, so you really feel like you are ascending Calvary with the Lord. I am so happy to see it brought to fruition through the support of our local parishioners and our students.”

He says there is still some work to be done. “My hope is to also be able to purchase a large crucifix to install at the end of the prayer trail and to get a bench or a couple of nice outdoor chairs to place by it for meditation.”

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

Pray the Outdoor Stations at the Catholic Conference Center The Catholic Conference Center in Hickory has a walking path featuring Stations of the Cross on its beautiful grounds. Experience the beauty of God’s creation while praying the Stations, reflecting on the last steps of Jesus on His way to Calvary. Enjoy the walking trails and two outdoor chapels also on the property. One of the paths begins in the grass by the center, while other stations were recently set up on a half-mile path in the woods.

They were donated by Holy Family Parish in Clemmons and installed by Deacon John Harrison. Call or email info@ catholicconference.org for inquiries and to inform them of your plan to visit. For more information about the center, its facilities and upcoming events, go to www.catholicconference.org.

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Robert Bauman CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has 45 men enrolled in various stages of study and formation for the priesthood.

Robert Bauman, a member of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, is among those studying at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

To help the faithful of the diocese come to know him and his discernment of the priesthood, the Catholic News Herald recently interviewed Bauman: CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?

Bauman: It was put on my heart to discern a possible call to the priesthood right after I Bauman graduated from college. After about a year of serious prayer and discernment, I had an experience on an eight-day silent retreat that provided clarity, peace and joy about pursuing the priesthood.

CNH: Who did you first talk to about your interest in the priesthood?

Bauman: My first conversation about this was with a priest named Father Michael Hendershott, who left a great impression on me as I was preparing to graduate college, regarding the beauty of the priesthood. His main counsel to me was to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd, to be docile to His voice of peace throughout discerning the possible call.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MOUNT ST. MARY’S SEMINARY

Charlotte seminarians instituted as lectors CINCINNATI, Ohio — Eight Diocese of Charlotte seminarians studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary were instituted as lectors during a special Mass March 26. Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr conferred the rite. All of the men attended the diocese’s St. Joseph College Seminary and graduated from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont. Pictured are (from left, top row): James Tweed, Nicholas Kramer, Christopher Angermeyer and Kolbe Murrey; and (from left, bottom row) Joseph Yellico, Andrew Templeton, Archbishop Schnurr, Anthony del Cid Lucero and Luke Martin. The ministry of lector is one of three important steps towards the priesthood: candidacy, acolyte and lector. The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings at Mass, except the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions during the Prayers of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Responsorial Psalm. He may also recite the entrance and communion antiphons when they are not sung.

Bauman: I read some literature on discernment, went to spiritual direction several times over the course of a year to seek guidance, participated in a weekend pilgrimage to a seminary with other guys discerning, and above all sought to faithfully pray to the Lord about it.

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

Bauman: I first had a conversation with Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, and other priests involved in the Vocations Office in the summer of 2020, and then began to apply to become a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte.

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

Bauman: I began as a Charlotte seminarian this past summer, in August 2021.

CNH: Tell us about your discernment process in the seminary.

Bauman: A big part of formation once a man is in the seminary is not to overthink discernment, and rather orient our time and energy to deeper union with God and fidelity to the commands and counsels of our superiors daily. It is in that context that God will speak heart to heart with the seminarian – to confirm him in his pursuit of the priesthood or slowly make it clear to him that He has other beautiful plans for his life. Along with this has been continuing to abandon myself daily to the providential love of God through a daily Holy Hour, the rosary, and frequent reception of the sacraments.

CNH: What advice do you have for a man who might be thinking about the priesthood?

Bauman: Be patient and unafraid! The Lord has a plan to make you a great saint if you let Him, but you have to let Him work in His timing, not anxiously grasping for an answer whether or not to go to seminary, but rather trusting that the Voice of Peace will guide you in His time and in His way.

Also, be faithful in seeking counsel from priests and good Catholic friends, learning more about what the priesthood really is, and taking active steps in discernment. Above all, continue to seek a deeper union with God regardless of whether or not He is calling you to the priesthood.

CNH: Looking back on your discernment journey to this point, what do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation to the priesthood?

Bauman: Fidelity to a daily Holy Hour, the rosary, and spiritual direction.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEACON BILL MELTON

St. Katharine Drexel Fellowship tours St. Joseph College Seminary

Your DSA contributions at work

MOUNT HOLLY — Members of the St. Katharine Drexel Fellowship, a new seniors ministry at St. Michael Parish in Gastonia, tour St. Joseph College Seminary March 9, led by the college seminary’s Fredrik Akerblom, advancement director, and Father Matthew Buettner, spiritual director. The tour included a walk-through of the seminary and newly constructed barn, interaction with seminarians, lunch and coffee in the refectory, and praying the rosary in the chapel. The St. Katharine Drexel Fellowship was recently created by seniors for seniors of the Gastonia parish. They are placed under the patronage of St. Katharine Drexel, who provided the money for the founding of the parish by the monks of Belmont Abbey.

Members gather monthly for meals and fellowship, plan outings like this one, and organize weekly Eucharistic Adoration at the parish. The college seminary welcomes groups for tours. Please contact Akerblom at fakerblom@stjcs.org or 704-302-6386.

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation announces $1M in grants to 24 organizations BELMONT — The Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $1,040,908 to 24 non-profit organizations. Of the 24 grants, 10 were in the area of education totaling $377,200; three supported health care for a total of $149,812; the remaining 11 were for social services totaling $513,896.

The organizations received grants for services in 12 counties: Alexander, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Mecklenburg, Union and Watauga counties in North Carolina, and York County in South Carolina.

These grants were awarded:

A community worth discovering.

EDUCATION

n Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County in Hendersonville: $40,000 to provide general operating support, primarily salary and benefits for membership services and maintenance/ custodial staff. n Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center: $55,000 to provide support for salaries of speech-language pathologists for the Community Language/Literacy Impact Program in Mecklenburg and Union counties. n Children of the World Learning Center in Charlotte: $25,000 for teachers’ salaries. n Gaston Literacy Council Inc. in Gastonia: $17,200 for the salaries of Reading Soul Mates coordinators and the purchase of books and supplies. n HEART Math Tutoring Inc. in Charlotte: $50,000 for operating support for math tutoring. n Literacy Together in Asheville: $30,000 to support its Youth Literacy program – specifically, part of the salaries for the program director and program associate, as well as internship stipends for young adults of color serving as tutors. n OurBRIDGE Inc. of Charlotte: $30,000 for salaries of staff and tutors and to assist with food costs. n Reach Out and Read Inc. of Asheville: $25,000 to provide operating support for programming in western North Carolina, including a portion of the program manager’s salary and the purchase of literacy materials. n Renaissance West Community Initiative in Charlotte: $50,000 for the salary of an education program officer. n YWCA of the Central Carolinas Inc. in Charlotte: $55,000 for the salary and benefits support for educators in its Youth Literacy program.

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HEALTH CARE

n Community Care Clinic Inc. of Boone:

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$50,000 to provide part of the salary for a full-time physician’s assistant and parttime nurse practitioner. n Florence Crittenton Services in Charlotte: $50,000 for the salaries of its maternity program staff. n Western North Carolina AIDS Project in Asheville: $49,812 to provide salary and benefits support for housing assistance program staff, including case managers and peer navigators.

SOCIAL SERVICES

n Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte: $25,000 to provide a portion of the salary of a full-time case management coordinator for its Wee Care Ministry. n Children’s Attention Home Inc. in Rock Hill: $50,000 to fund the salary and benefits of a social worker. n Children’s Council of Watauga County in Boone: $50,000 to support the Parents As Teachers program – specifically, the salary and benefits of an educator/home visitor. n Cleveland County Community Development Corp. in Shelby: $35,000 for the salary of one full-time equivalent housing counselor. n Community Link of Charlotte: $65,000 in operating support for the Homeless to Housing program in Mecklenburg and Union counties. n International House of Metrolina in Charlotte: $50,000 in operating support for its Immigration Law Clinic. n Loaves & Fishes in Charlotte: $49,000 for the salary and benefits of a social worker. n Mountain Housing Opportunities Inc. in Asheville: $45,000 to support its Emergency Home Repair program. n Pathways Community Center Inc. in Rock Hill, S.C.: $34,896 for the salary and benefits of an intake specialist. n Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Charlotte: $55,000 for the salary and benefits of a family advocate/forensic interviewer. n The Salvation Army of Charlotte: $55,000 in operating support for emergency shelter and housing services.

The Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation awards grants on behalf of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Their ministries are inspired by the legacy and commitment of their founder, Catherine McAuley, to serve those who are poor, sick and uneducated.

Since 1996, the foundation has awarded 2,170 grants totaling more than $97 million to organizations assisting unserved or underserved populations in the areas of education, healthcare and social services.

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Eagle Scout’s project beautifies Our Lady of Grace School campus GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace graduate and Boy Scout Owen Aufrance recently surprised his alma mater with a special gift: a set of picnic tables and benches to convert a terrace into an outdoor classroom. Aufrance and some of his former classmates worked on this as part of his Eagle Scout project.

“When it was time to choose my Eagle project, I really wanted to give back to a community that had given me so much – Our Lady of Grace School,” Aufrance said. “My sister and I each attended OLG from pre-K to eighth grade and we’re very thankful for the education we received.” The outdoor classroom space, he said, was a way to give students a place to enjoy the fresh air and spread out.

Thanks to generous support from family and friends, he was able to build four tables and eight benches – double his original plan.

Aufrance and fellow OLG alums Lance Farley, Josh Hanflink and Christopher Rozek, numerous friends from Bishop McGuinness High School, and several family members worked together to pressure wash and clean the space, install a bicycle rim sculpture, and build and install the tables and benches. Pictured at far left is Aufrance (center) with Farley and Hanflink.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PAOLA SCILINGUO-MENDOZA

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Music Coordinator PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CHANCERY

Diocese’s new CFO takes oath of office CHARLOTTE — Matt Ferrante, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the Diocese of Charlotte, took the oath of office and the oath of fidelity March 21.

Bishop Peter Jugis presided over the ceremony in the presence of Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor. Ferrante’s family – his wife Jessica and their nine children – were also present.

Ferrante assumed the role last July, succeeding Bill Weldon, who retired after 28 years of service to the diocese.

Ferrante has 17 years of experience in corporate finance, including seven years on finance councils for the diocese and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte. He has an extensive background in budgeting and forecasting and has worked in financial planning and analysis and investor relations for companies including Lowe’s and Shutterfly, most recently serving as senior finance manager for DaVita, an international provider of dialysis services.

“I am honored to serve the Diocese of Charlotte as the chief financial officer/chief administrative officer, and am grateful to Bishop Jugis and Monsignor Winslow for the responsibility they entrust to me,” Ferrante said. “I am blessed to work with a talented group of professionals at the Pastoral Center, who are charged with administering the operations of the diocese through the generosity of the faithful in western North Carolina.”

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Brevard, NC, is seeking a part time Music Coordinator to organize, rehearse, and participate in two masses per weekend, one on Saturday afternoon and one on Sunday morning, plus additional holy days.

Participation in funerals and weddings will include additional compensation.

Compensation will be based on qualifications.

Good keyboard skills (piano a must, organ a plus) and the ability to effectively engage a variety of groups in music ministry are necessary. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy is preferred.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard, NC, 28712, or to Jenni@sacredheartnc.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘We stand on the shoulders of great women’

Enduring impact The Sisters of Mercy have helped build up the Church in North Carolina through corporal and spiritual acts dating back more than 150 years, providing comfort and sharing God’s love with the most vulnerable among us. Among their good works: n Teaching black and white children in the segregated South n Caring for those afflicted with tuberculosis and AIDS n Educating nurses and staffing hospitals for both black and white people in growing areas of the state n Providing medical care to the poor and uninsured n Developing affordable housing n Providing a welcoming home for orphans, medically fragile children and adults, domestic violence victims, the homeless, and new moms in need n Providing jobs and life skills training for adults with intellectual disabilities

Sisters of Mercy leave legacy of Catholic education, healthcare and social services across our region SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

W

hen three Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy arrived in Wilmington to found a new community, they were stepping into unchartered territory for their order.

It was 1869 – the post-Civil War South.

Ulysses S. Grant had just become president, and the United States was on the brink of unprecedented industrialization and ingenuity.

The “golden spike” had been driven to finish off the Transcontinental Railroad, and women’s suffrage advocates Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were joining forces to campaign for the vote. But North Carolina, readmitted to the Union only a year earlier, remained under Reconstruction. There were about a thousand Catholics, most of whom lived in the eastern part of the state.

Over the next 153 years, this group of determined religious women lived the charism of service instilled by their Irish founder, Mother Catherine McAuley – blazing a path in education, healthcare and social service ministries that helped transform the Tar Heel State.

WOMEN, SEE PAGE 11

Who are the Sisters of Mercy?

The Sisters of Mercy is an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. They live a life of prayer and service, responding to the needs of people facing poverty, illness and a lack of education. They sponsor and serve in more than 160 service organizations – such as schools and hospitals – that address those needs. The community was founded in 1831 by Mother Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland.

Today more than 6,000 Sisters of Mercy serve in more than 30 countries. Find out more about them online at www.mercyworld.org.

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April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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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:

BISHOP’S YOUTH PILGRIMAGE Saturday, April 9 Belmont Abbey College 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont, N.C. 28012

CHRISM MASS Tuesday, April 12 St. Patrick Cathedral 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

EASTER VIGIL AND EASTER (Opposite page) The Sisters of Mercy opened Sacred Heart Junior College in Belmont in 1935.

Classes such as anatomy were taught by the Sisters of Mercy. (At left) The Sisters of Mercy opened St. Joseph Sanitorium for tuberculosis patients in Asheville in 1900.

It became a general hospital in 1938.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS, MERCY HERITAGE CENTER, BELMONT, N.C.

WOMEN FROM PAGE 10

BELMONT SISTERS THEN AND NOW

Known today as the Sisters of Mercy, the 32 women living at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont are counted among 2,142 members of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

They live within sight of Belmont Abbey and Belmont Abbey College, where their history in the Diocese of Charlotte began.

In the years following their arrival in Wilmington, some of the sisters moved inland to Hickory, Asheville, Salisbury and Charlotte to set up schools – desperately needed to heal the socioeconomic wounds of the Civil War and impart the faith to Catholic families in largely Protestant areas. In 1892 they established a convent in Belmont at the request of Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid of Belmont Abbey. They founded Sacred Heart Academy (later College), a boarding and day school for girls adjacent to the abbey. They also staffed nearby St. Benedict School, educating black children who, under North Carolina law, were not allowed to attend school alongside white children.

In the ensuing years they courageously resisted racial segregation and worked tirelessly to provide equal education,

healthcare and other assistance for the poor, the sick, and other vulnerable populations – establishing at least seven schools, an orphanage, a nursing school in Charlotte, and three hospitals (including what’s now Atrium Health Mercy in Charlotte and Mission Hospital in Asheville).

“We say that we stand on the shoulders of great women,” says Mercy Sister Lillian Jordan.

Professed for 58 years, she served primarily in education – first as a teacher and then as a principal in North Carolina, West Virginia and Kentucky. She is now the administrator of the Sacred Heart Retirement Center in Belmont.

Sister Lillian grew up in a military family, traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. She Jordan was taught in high school by the Daughters of Charity, who encouraged her to go to Sacred Heart College. There she encountered the Sisters of Mercy, and her desire was sparked for a religious vocation of service.

After high school she took a teaching position at St. Ann School in Charlotte, and four years later in 1964, she entered the Sisters of Mercy.

“My call, I had a sense, was to be in North Carolina where WOMEN, SEE PAGE 12

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April 16-17 St. Patrick Cathedral 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH April 18-21 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28210

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

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 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(At right, clockwise) Sisters of Mercy opened Mercy Hospital in Charlotte in 1906. They sold the hospital in 1995.

Mercy Sister Mary Andrew Ray taught at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte. The Sisters of Mercy opened Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont in 1892. The Sisters of Mercy are pictured with Maria Morrow, the first resident of Holy Angels in Belmont. (Opposite page, clockwise) Mercy Sister Eugenia Hartman is pictured with her students at St. Benedict School at Belmont Abbey. Two Sisters of Mercy spend some time outdoors at the Well of Mercy Retreat Center in Hamptonville. Sisters of Mercy celebrate the opening of a new playground at Catherine’s House in Belmont in 1999.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS, MERCY HERITAGE CENTER, BELMONT, N.C.

WOMEN FROM PAGE 11

Catholicism was little known and there was a great need to witness to the Church,” she says.

Sister Lillian emulated those first Sisters of Mercy who established one of the state’s first integrated schools, Academy of the Incarnation in Wilmington, by devoting 54 years of her career to education – 40 as a principal.

Working alongside her, serving the daily community and prayer life of the sisters, is Mercy Sister Carolyn McWatters.

A professed Sister of Mercy for 51 years, Sister Carolyn is no stranger to North Carolina. She taught 25 years at schools and parishes in Wilmington and in Charlotte.

She attributes her vocation to a love of reading fostered by her teacher – a Sister of Mercy, who made a lasting impression on her when she was 12.

“I remember distinctly in fifth or sixth grade, I was an avid reader of Nancy Drew books. Sister said to try reading the life of a saint, so I tried the Vision Books.

That got me hooked!” Sister Carolyn McWatters recalls. “I think that’s when I decided that maybe that was where God was calling me; that I was supposed to be a saint, too, and that the way I would do that would be in religious life.”

She believes her return to the diocese last summer, after serving for years in St. Louis, was led by the Holy Spirit.

“After 25 years, I am home,” she says.

LOVE OF SERVICE

The Mercy sisters’ commitment to service also attracted Mercy Sister Mary Andrew Ray. Sister Mary Andrew’s family was one of the founding families of St. Patrick Church (now Cathedral), her cousin was a Sister of Mercy, and the sisters were her teachers throughout her 12 years of Catholic schooling. There she

saw first-hand the sisters’ love and care for others.

“I volunteered at the cathedral, cleaning the marble, and helped around the school. I was around them a lot,” she recalls.

College did not interest her after high school, but she knew she wanted to help people. After receiving plenty of hints about joining the Sisters of Mercy, one day a sister did something that sealed the deal for her.

“I worked at the Sign of the Cross Catholic Information Center in high school. It was a bookstore, and a priest was also there to answer people’s questions. When Sister Cecilia was getting ready to go to school up north, she came by the store and left a note for me. It said, ‘What are you waiting for?

The Holy Ghost isn’t going to knock you down and drag you to the convent!’ It wasn’t long after that, that I entered. I Ray have laughed at that a lot,” she says.

When she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1952, she told the mother superior she wasn’t sure how she could serve the community.

“I told her, ‘I don’t want to nurse or teach,’ which was all we did in those days,” Sister Mary Andrew explains. “Mother Maura said, ‘There is always secretarial work.’ She said, ‘You can just give it a try. That is what the novitiate is for.’”

Sister Mary Andrew went on to teach for 15 years, at St. Michael’s School in Gastonia, the former Sacred Heart School on the Sacred Heart Campus in Belmont, St. Mary’s School in Wilmington, and Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte.

She also served in several leadership positions with the community before returning to college to earn a degree in teaching English as a Second Language after the sisters decided to open their own ESL program on the Sacred Heart Campus.

Teaching is fundamental for the Sisters of Mercy, she explains. “We know that as education is more than just going to classes, it is the whole environment and the living of our vows, just knowing that we are here to serve.”

After seven decades, Sister Mary Andrew is still serving the community – now as one of its historians.

“I have loved everything,” she says. “I have sometimes thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ But God says, ‘Oh yes, you can.’ He hasn’t taken no for an answer easily!”

“Here I am 70 years later,” she says, smiling.

Sister Mary Andrew isn’t the only local vocation inspired by the Sisters of Mercy over the past century. Dozens of women have been inspired to join the order, and each sister has had an impact on the Church in western North Carolina.

Among them is Mercy Sister Mary Robert Williams.

Professed for 72 years, her family is part of the Church’s foundation here: 13 of her relatives are buried at Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly, the oldest Catholic church in western North Carolina. She grew up going to picnics at the old church every Labor Day, when the family would get together to clean up the cemetery.

Her aunt joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1921 and moved in to the sisters’ convent located behind St. Peter Church in Charlotte. “The sisters were part of our life,” she says. “They were in and out of our house all the time.”

Her family helped the Sisters of Mercy with their everyday needs, and her father Williams helped drive the sisters to teach religious education classes at St. James Church in Concord every Sunday.

“The sisters didn’t drive, so my mother and father would take them grocery shopping,” she recalls. “My mother was always concerned they wouldn’t have enough money for food. They had maybe $20 to buy food for eight sisters. We didn’t have extra money, but she would take some just in case they needed money for food.”

“I grew up with the Sisters of Mercy, but I never thought I’d be one,” she says. “I thought I’d be a nurse. Here I am, 72 years later.”

WOMEN, SEE PAGE 13

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WOMEN FROM PAGE 12

She entered the novitiate with nine other young women in 1950.

First she taught kindergarten for five years at St. Michael School in Gastonia, and then first grade for 18 years, and then served as principal for 13 years at Our Lady of the Assumption School.

She had a change of pace when Father Richard Allen invited her to Salisbury to serve as a pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Church – an assignment that lasted for 31 years until her retirement in 2014 at 81.

Just like those pioneering Sisters of Mercy before her, Sister Mary Robert loves helping people in need. She was instrumental in starting Rowan Helping Ministries’ homeless shelter. She also worked with the battered women’s shelter and Operation Suitcase, which provides supplies for children in foster care. An outreach program based out of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury was named for her in gratitude for her years of service there.

Reflecting on her life with the Mercy sisters, she shares, “It’s been a real family, a real community and a union of charity as Mother McAuley would say. They are a great bunch of women.”

LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR

Key dates for the Sisters of Mercy in North Carolina:

1900

1955

Sisters begin staffing Charlotte Catholic High School.

facility for women and women with children who are homeless, opens in Belmont.

1869

1906

1956

1995

Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy establish a convent in Wilmington at the request of Bishop (later Cardinal) James Gibbons. Three sisters open Academy of the Incarnation there.

Sisters open St. Joseph’s Sanitorium in Asheville for tuberculosis patients.

Mercy Hospital opens in Charlotte.

1910

Sisters open St. Leo’s Junior Military School for Boys, which operates until 1962.

1880

1913

1887

1935

Sisters open Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Hickory, which they sell in 1888.

They open O’Donoghue School, forerunner of today’s St. Patrick School in Charlotte.

1892

Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid of Belmont Abbey requests the sisters’ presence in Belmont. The sisters establish a boarding and day school called Sacred Heart Academy.

Sisters in North Carolina join the Sisters of Mercy, founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831.

Sacred Heart Junior College in Belmont is founded.

1938

St. Joseph’s Sanitorium in Asheville becomes a general hospital.

1946

Three Sisters of Mercy leave Belmont for Guam, where they receive 10 women in the first year.

A young mother asks for the sisters’ help caring for her seriously ill infant daughter. Other parents of children with disabilities ask for help. In response, the sisters open a home for the children that later becomes Holy Angels in Belmont.

1957

Sisters establish Sacred Heart Grade School in Belmont, which runs until 1988.

1966

Sacred Heart College becomes a senior college. It closes in 1987.

1991

House of Mercy, a home for those living with advanced AIDS, opens in Belmont.

1992

Catherine’s House, a transitional

Mercy Hospital, known as Mercy Health Services, is sold.

1996

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation is established with proceeds from the sale of Mercy Health Services. As of this year, the foundation has awarded more than $97 million in grants supporting the work of selected tax-exempt healthcare, educational and social service organizations.

1997

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina join with Sisters of Mercy in Baltimore to form Mercy Housing Southeast that has developed 2,500 affordable homes for lowincome people.

Well of Mercy Retreat Center opens in Hamptonville.

1998

Sisters of Mercy sell St. Joseph Hospital to Memorial Mission Medical Center. Sisters retain ownership of Sisters of Mercy Services Corp., which oversees the operations of Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Inc.; Mountain Health Services Inc.; Mountain Health Contracting Services Inc.; and Catherine McAuley MERCY Foundation Inc.

2008

The Sisters of Mercy, Regional Community of North Carolina, joins with the regional communities of Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis to form the Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community.

2021

The Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community based in Belmont becomes the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, comprised of 2,142 sisters from North and South America, Central America, Asia and the Pacific.

Teaching black and white children in the segregated South. Caring for tuberculosis and AIDS patients. Educating nurses and staffing hospitals for both black and white people in growing population areas. Providing medical care to the poor and uninsured. Developing affordable housing. Providing a welcoming home for orphans, medically fragile children and adults, domestic violence victims, the homeless, and new moms in need. Providing jobs and life skills training for adults with intellectual disabilities. These are just some of the works of mercy the Sisters of Mercy are known for.

These are just some of the works of mercy the Sisters of Mercy are known for.

Today, though they no longer run hospitals and schools as they once did, the Sisters of Mercy continue to support education, healthcare and social services throughout our region thanks to the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, which has given out over $97 million in grants to local organizations since 1996.

Anyone who surveys the landscape of all that the Sisters of Mercy have accomplished across western North Carolina over the past century and a half understands that their motivation comes from a deep love of God and love of neighbor.

“There’s a real sense that it is all God’s work,” says Sister Carolyn. “Nobody could foresee what has happened would have happened, and perhaps that it would have even been possible. But that is a good indication that what happens is all God’s will.”

Every time she thinks about the work the Sisters of Mercy have been accomplished over the decades, “it makes me very proud,” she says. “We believe wherever there is one Sister of Mercy, we are all there.”

Sister Lillian agrees. “I can’t imagine that they (the earlier Sisters of Mercy) would think anything other than gratitude for the beginnings that they provided for us and what they see happening.”

Adds Sister Mary Andrew, “My father used to say sometimes that, ‘You have this today because of what the sisters sacrificed. When I was in school sometimes the sisters didn’t even have sheets to put on their beds.’ He would always remind me of this.

“We do have to keep remembering these things and know that we stand on the shoulders of great women.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 14

Eventos de Semana Santa en la diócesis

Padre Julio Domínguez

Semana Santa

Q

ueridos hermanos, con la celebración del Domingo de Ramos damos inicio a la Semana Santa. Quiero ir mostrando las maravillas de lo que celebramos para que podamos vivir este tiempo ampliamente y, sobre todo, fructuosamente.

El Domingo de Ramos es una celebración muy emotiva pues marca el inicio de la pasión del Señor. El Señor sabe que tiene que subir a Jerusalén para ser crucificado, de acuerdo a la voluntad de su Padre y predicho por los profetas.

Estamos ante este momento decisivo y misterioso. Si escuchamos con atención el recuento, son los niños los que empiezan a conmemorar la entrada triunfal de Jesús, y de allí toda la multitud empieza a celebrar con alegría.

Para nosotros como Cristianos, conmemoramos ese día y volvemos a tomar nuestro ramo de palma para acompañar al Señor en esta semana y vivir las fiestas anuales de la Pascua con mucha alegría.

Recordemos que la Semana Santa es, como su nombre lo dice, una semana consagrada al Señor. Tenemos que ser muy exquisitos en poner nuestro mejor empeño para vivirla plenamente a través de nuestra participación en las celebraciones y también con nuestras oraciones, sacrificios, abstinencias.

En todas las diócesis del mundo en esta semana se realiza la Misa Crismal, en donde se bendicen los óleos sagrados que serán usados para los sacramentos. En este día, todos los sacerdotes renuevan sus promesas de servir a Dios y al pueblo de Dios.

El Jueves Santo, conmemoramos con gran alegría tres cosas extraordinarias: la primera, la institución de la Eucaristía en donde el Señor se queda con nosotros para ser el Pan de Vida para nuestras almas.

La segunda, que Cristo instituye a los primeros sacerdotes, dejando en sus manos el divino misterio eucarístico y el cuidado paternal de las almas.

Por último, Jesús llama a todos sus discípulos, hombres y mujeres de toda raza, pueblo y nación a vivir el mandamiento nuevo del amor.

En este día, después de la Santa Misa, se queda el Santísimo expuesto hasta la medianoche para que todos vayamos a adorarlo y darle las gracias por tan admirable sacramento.

El Viernes Santo nos unimos a Jesucristo para vivir con Él su Pasión.

Es importante que todos los cristianos del mundo asistamos a la conmemoración, pues al escuchar todo el recuento de la Pasión y recordar lo que hizo en el leño SANTA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

Dos retiros de La Familia Emaús, uno de hombres y otro de mujeres, se realizaron durante el mes de marzo. “Ha sido un encuentro muy emotivo y edificador, pues tanto los participantes al encuentro como los servidores del retiro vivieron una experiencia muy profunda de encuentro con el Señor”, dijo el Padre Julio Domínguez, director espiritual del movimiento y vicario apostólico del Ministerio Hispano.

CORTESÍA FREDDY GARCÍA

Familia Emaús realizó retiros de mujeres y hombres CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

PICKENS — El pasado fin de semana del 17 al 19 de marzo se realizó un multitudinario retiro del grupo apostólico ‘La Familia Emaús’ para damas en Table Rock Wesleyan Camp and Retreat Center en Pickens, Carolina del Sur. El viernes 25 dio inicio el turno de los hombres en la misma ubicación.

A ambos encuentros acudieron participantes de las diversas parroquias de toda la diócesis con el objetivo de tener un encuentro personal con Jesucristo para luego colaborar y envolverse con mayor decisión en las actividades de sus respectivas parroquias.

El Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano y director espiritual del grupo, dijo que los encuentros los vivieron “llenos de alegría y entusiasmo después de la

pandemia que vivimos”.

“Ha sido un encuentro muy emotivo y edificador, pues tanto los participantes al encuentro como los servidores del retiro vivieron una experiencia muy profunda de encuentro con el Señor. La alegría se notaba en todos los servidores, hombres y mujeres, y cuando se les preguntaba cómo se sentían, su respuesta era de que ya les hacía falta esta actividad para poder reiniciar, con mucha esperanza, la actividad misionera de este grupo apostólico”.

Los participantes, por su parte, dejaron bien en claro que necesitaban este encuentro. Muchos de ellos, viniendo de experiencias frustrantes, como la muerte de familiares, el confinamiento y las tensiones financieras, daban las gracias por ayudarles a sobrepasar estos momentos de mucha incertidumbre y depresión.

Freddy García, coordinador asistente RETIROS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

CHARLOTTE — Los días santos que anteceden a la Pascua de Resurrección prometen ser un tiempo de oración y desarrollo comunitario, ya que las personas se reúnen en las iglesias y misiones de todo el oeste de Carolina del Norte para conmemorar la pasión, muerte y resurrección de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Las liturgias de Semana Santa y Pascua este año no se verán obstaculizadas por las restricciones impuestas los últimos dos años durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

El Obispo Peter J. Jugis participará en las siguientes liturgias en la Catedral San Patricio durante la Semana Santa: n Misa de Domingo de Ramos: Domingo 10 de abril, 11 a.m. (bendición de palmas y procesión a las 10:50 a.m.) n Misa Crismal: Martes 12 de abril, 10 a.m. n Misa de la Última Cena del Señor: Jueves 14, 7 p.m. n Viernes Santo de la Pasión del Señor: Viernes 15, 3 p.m. n Misa de Vigilia Pascual: Sábado 16, 8:30 p.m.

Vía Crucis al aire libre (en Español) están previstos en varias parroquias de la diócesis: n Charlotte: Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, mediodía y 3 p.m., 6212 Tuckaseegee Road. n Concord: Iglesia Santiago el Mayor, 6 p.m., 139 Manor Ave. S.W. n Mooresville: Iglesia Santa Teresa, 4:30 p.m., 217 Brawley School Road. n Swannanoa: Viernes 15 de abril, 5:30 p.m., en Grovement Park frente a la Iglesia Santa Margarita María, 102 Andrews Place.

Además de las liturgias regulares de Semana Santa, las que casi todas las iglesias realizarán, otros eventos de Semana Santa incluyen: n Vísperas Bizantinas, Procesión y Funeral del Santo Sudario: Viernes 15 de abril, 6 p.m. en la parroquia católica oriental San Basilio, en el campus de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, 1400 Suther Road en Charlotte. n Peregrinación de Cuaresma de la Pasión de Cristo: Viernes 15, 7 p.m., en la Iglesia San Mateo, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. en Charlotte. La Pasión de Cristo cobra vida a través de la música y la oración. n Servicio Tenebrae: Viernes 15, 8 p.m. en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, 1400 Suther Road en Charlotte Las bendiciones de canastas de Pascua previstas para el sábado 16 de abril incluyen: EVENTOS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Pastoral de duelo continuará con sesiones online CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CORTESÍA ANTONIO GARCÍA

Los encuentros de evangelización, “tienen la finalidad de acompañar a los hombres y mujeres que se encuentran en la búsqueda de una vida espiritual centrada en la experiencia de un encuentro especial con Jesús y María”, dijo Antonio García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano en Asheville.

Vicariato de Asheville desarrolla intensa tarea evangelizadora Tras dos retiros, anuncian actividad para mayo

CHARLOTTE — Continuando con sus labores de asistencia a las personas que sufren pérdidas sensibles en sus vidas, la pastoral de duelo del vicariato de Charlotte continuará brindando sesiones online que facilitan la participación de personas, no solo de Charlotte, sino de todo el país y Latinoamérica.

Así lo hizo saber Cecilia Jiménez, fundadora y coordinadora de esa pastoral, quien junto a otra de las miembros, Francy Villegas Mosser, sostuvo una reunión de trabajo con el Padre Julio Domínguez, la Hermana Juana Pearson y el Diácono Eduardo Bernal, afinando el calendario de Sus próximas actividades.

La Pastoral de Duelo ofrece, desde la fe católica, un trabajo de acompañamiento integral a las personas que han sufrido la pérdida de un ser querido y requieren de una red de ayuda que los apoye.

Durante la pandemia de COVID-19 la necesidad de asistencia creció enormemente y la imposibilidad de realizar sesiones presenciales, modalidad que hasta ese momento empleaban, detuvo momentáneamente sus operaciones. En breve, gracias a la aplicación de nuevas tecnologías de reuniones virtuales, pudieron retomar su importante trabajo.

Para Jiménez, lo que inicialmente fue un problema se convirtió en una ventaja.

ANTONIO GARCÍA ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ASHEVILLE — Con gran alegría en el Señor, el Ministerio Católico Hispano de la vicaría de Asheville llevó a cabo los primeros dos retiros de evangelización del año en curso, después de superar una sensible reducción de actividades por dos años debido a las restricciones sanitarias decretadas por las autoridades federales y estatales en prevención del contagio de COVID-19.

El retiro de varones tomó lugar del 18 al 20 de marzo, y el retiro de damas del 25 al 27 de marzo. Ambas actividades se realizaron en el centro Black Mountain Home for children, muy cerca a Swannanoa, localidad ubicada al este de Asheville.

El retiro de hombres contó con la participación especial del Hermano Francisco Arredondo, OFM Cap., fraile capuchino que se desplazó desde Wellington, Delaware, y estuvo presente para escuchar confesiones, dar consejería espiritual y celebrar la Santa Misa.

El Hermano Arredondo es director de vocaciones capuchinas de la Conferencia Capuchina de Norteamérica y el Pacífico (NAPCC, por sus siglas en inglés) de la provincia Stigmata que cubre los estados de Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Las Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia.

En el retiro de las mujeres se contó con la asistencia del Padre Brian Becker, párroco de Santa Margarita María en Swannanoa; el padre Nohé Torres, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción en Hendersonville y de la Basílica San Lorenzo en Asheville; y el Padre John Pagel de la parroquia Santa Juana de Arco en Asheville, quien celebró la sagrada Eucaristía al término del encuentro espiritual.

Estos retiros tienen la finalidad de

“Con las reuniones presenciales las personas debían de movilizarse, algunas desde largas distancias, hasta el punto de reunión en Charlotte. En algunos casos eso implicaba horas de desplazamiento, tanto para ellas como para nosotras”, dijo.

Sin embargo, gracias al uso de ordenadores, computadoras portátiles, tabletas y hasta teléfonos inteligentes, pudieron resolver el problema y “llegar a las personas hasta sus propios hogares”, lo que les permitió incluso ampliar el alcance de la pastoral a todo el territorio americano y países de Latinoamérica como México, Honduras, El Salvador y Colombia, entre otros.

“La pandemia, que trajo consigo el aislamiento, nos presentó el reto adicional de poder asistir también a personas que habían sufrido el trauma de la muerte inesperada. Muchas de ellas perdieron a varios familiares en pocos meses. En varios casos, los familiares enfermos fueron internados en un hospital donde no se podía siquiera visitarlos. Los familiares fallecieron y nadie se pudo despedir de ellos, por lo que el duelo se convirtió en algo complicado”.

La definición de duelo, explicaron, también se extiende a las personas que han perdido a una mascota muy querida, a los padres cuyos hijos finalmente han dejado el hogar, a las personas mayores retiradas, y otros casos.

SESIONES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

“MARK WAHLBERG DELIVERS ONE OF THE MOST SENSITIVE, RESTRAINED

PERFORMANCES OF HIS CAREER

BY BRINGING HIS IDIOSYNCRATIC CHARISMA TO AN INSPIRING TRUE STORY.” –LIAM GAUGHAN, DALLAS OBSERVER

acompañar a los hombres y mujeres que se encuentran en la búsqueda de una vida espiritual centrada en la experiencia de un encuentro especial con Jesús y María.

La oficina del Ministerio Católico Hispano está organizando también un retiro para jóvenes que tomará lugar el sábado 7 de mayo del corriente año en la misma localidad.

Si requiere de mayor información para inscribirse o registrar a sus hijos en esta actividad, por favor consulte al coordinador del ministerio hispano de su parroquia Este retiro se ha programado para iniciar sus actividades a las ocho de la mañana y concluirlas a las nueve de la noche del mismo día.

Damos gracias a Dios por la oportunidad que nos otorga para continuar caminando con el pueblo hispano y posibilitar la realización de retiros de evangelización al servicio de las nuevas generaciones.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Podrá encontrar más fotografías de los retiros de evangelización realizados en el vicariato de Asheville en 2022

MUSIC BY

COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS A MUNICIPAL PICTURES PRODUCTION A PALM DRIVE PRODUCTION PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH CJ ENM “FATHER STU” MEL GIBSON JACKI WEAVER THE SCREEN EXECUTIVE DICKON HINCHLIFFE PRODUCERS MIKY LEE COLLEEN CAMP PATRICK PEACH TONY GRAZIA ROSALIND ROSS BY MARK WAHLBERG STEPHEN LEVINSON JORDON FOSS WRITTENANDFOR DIRECTED

BY ROSALIND ROSS

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Encuentro de Coros en Winston-Salem SERGIO LÓPEZ CORRESPONSAL

WINSTON-SALEM — Para el próximo 11 de junio, la Vicaría de Winston-Salem planea un ‘Primer Encuentro de Coros’ de las diferentes parroquias locales de la misma vicaría. La invitación está hecha para todos los coros que participan en sus propias parroquias, iglesias y misiones, con el objetivo de tener un encuentro de músicos, y así aprovechar la ocasión para conocerse y compartir sus dones por medio de la música.

La iniciativa surgió desde la oficina del ministerio hispano diocesano con la misión de tener un encuentro de coros en todas las vicarías de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Cada coordinador de Ministerio Hispano tendrá la tarea de convocar a estos encuentros bajo dos modalidades: el encuentro de coros y/o audiciones por medio de la demostración y ejecución de la música de los diferentes coros que sirven en las diversas parroquias de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Our Annual Spring Sale Event!

March 15th thru May 15th

La finalidad esta actividad es escoger a un representante de cada vicaría para que, una vez así, los coros seleccionados puedan representar a su propia vicaría en un evento de coros diocesano.

Tal evento se dará a conocer después de haber tenido las debidas selecciones de los coros representantes de toda la diócesis. Se anima a todos los coros a participar y solo se tiene que contactar al coordinador de ministerio hispano de la vicaría y hacerle saber que su coro desea participar.

En la Vicaría de Winston-Salem se tendrá este encuentro y se aprovechará para hacer el lanzamiento de la representación de la vicaría en el mismo evento. Como coordinador de la Vicaría de WinstonSalem, conozco bien las realidades de los coros locales, pues he estado involucrado en la música desde hace 16 años en la Parroquia Divino Redentor en Boonville.

Esa parroquia estará representada por varios coros, dos de los cuales son femeninos.

La invitación ya ha sido enviada a todos los coros de la vicaría, y se espera que la parroquia anfitriona, Nuestra Señora de la Merced, también sea representada por todos sus coros parroquiales.

Mientras tanto, en San Benito El Moro el coro parroquial ya se está preparando para el encuentro. Asímismo se espera la participación de los diferentes coros de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Lexington, La Sagrada Familia en Clemmons, La Santa Cruz en Kernesville y Santos Ángeles en Mount Airy.

Alentamos a todos a participar. Por más pequeños que sean los coros, lo importante es conocernos y compartir.

Cabe mencionar que se está planeando aprovechar este evento para promover un Segundo Encuentro de Coros, pero esta vez para su formación litúrgica. En esa próxima ocasión buscaremos la manera de proporcionar formación o entrenamiento a los coros en la participación litúrgica. Este segundo encuentro lo realizaremos cerca a la fecha de la fiesta de Santa Cecilia, patrona de los músicos. Santa Cecilia es recordada en el santoral católico el 22 de noviembre.

Aprovechando este espacio se agradece al párroco Reverendo David McAnless, y al Vicario, Reverendo Alfonso Gámez, ambos de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, por el apoyo y asistencia para la realización de este evento.

El Primer Encuentro de Coros de la Vicaría de Winston-Salem se realizará el 11 de junio de 2022 a las 10 de la mañana en la Cafetería de la Escuela de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, 1730 Link Road, WinstonSalem, Carolina del Norte.

Para mayores informes, por favor escriba un correo electrónico a selopezgutierrez@ rcdoc.org.

Más de 200 renovaron sus vidas en el Espíritu BELISARIO SOLÓRZANO ESPECIAL PARA CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

en la Diócesis de Charlotte; el Padre Erick Sánchez; el Diácono Ramón Tapia, asignado a la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville y asesor espiritual de la Renovación Católica Carismática Hispana de Charlotte; el Diácono Margarito Franco, quien sirve en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe; y el predicador misionero laico Benny Ureña.

HICKORY — El pasado 25, 26 y 27 de marzo tuvimos la gran oportunidad de vivir y compartir nuestro ‘Seminario de Vida en el Espíritu’ en el Centro Católico de Conferencias en Hickory, Carolina del Norte.

Estos encuentros son organizados por la Renovación Católica Carismática en el Espíritu Santo de nuestra Diócesis de Charlotte.

Estos Seminarios han sido recomendados frecuentemente por el Papa Francisco por ser un gran instrumento de evangelización y una gran experiencia de la dulce presencia del Espiritu Santo en la vida de cada bautizado.

En estos Seminarios se proclama el amor de Dios, se anuncia a Jesús y se invita a todos los CORTESÍA PEDRO FALCÓN participantes a una vida El completo fin de semana de iniciación carismática contó con la nueva con la ayuda del participación de los sacerdotes Wilson González, Antoine Coelho, Leo Espiritu Santo.

Tiburcio, Erick Sánchez, los diáconos Ramón Tapia y Margarito Franco, En esta experiencia y el predicador misionero laico Benny Ureña. espiritual ocupa un lugar muy importante el ‘Bautismo en el Espiritu Santo’ o La Renovación Católica Carismática ‘Renovacion del Espiritu’, para darnos de Charlotte anuncia, especialmente cuenta de la gracia que Dios otorga al a las comunidades de Winston Salem, Hombre al vivir en nuestros corazones, Kernesville, Greensboro, High Point, para que sea Él quien nos guíe y conduzca Thomasville, a las personas que ya en todo nuestro largo caminar hacia la vivieron el ‘Seminario de Vida en el casa del Padre.

Espíritu’, y a los servidores de los grupos En esta oportunidad asistieron 243 de oración, que ha programado las católicos entre candidatos y servidores. clases de ‘Crecimiento Espiritual’ que Todos disfrutaron de un bello fin de darán inicio el 20 de abril. El programa semana con la compañía del Señor y en será impartido por el hermano José las cómodas instalaciones del Centro Rivas en 1281 Arcadia Community Road, Católico de Conferencias.

Lexington, NC 27295.

Contamos con la presencia del Padre Damos infinitamente gracias a Wilson González, miembro de los Dios por todo lo que hace en nuestras Misioneros Marianos en León, Nicaragua; vidas, por todos los testimonios de el Padre Antoine Coelho, conferencista sanación y conversión de muchos de los internacional de la Casa del Espíritu participantes.

Santo, una fraternidad católica localizada También damos las gracias al Padre en Toulon, Francia, cuya misión busca Julio Domínguez, vicario apostólico del asistir a todas las personas, en especial Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de a los jóvenes, a evolucionar a través Charlotte, por su continuo apoyo hacia de procesos de sanación, formación y todos los movimientos de evangelización. empoderamiento que los asistan en llegar a su plena vocación cristiana.

Más online También asistieron el Padre Leo En www.facebook.com/RCC.Charlotte: Tiburcio, sacerdote vicentino y pastor Podrá encontrar mayor información sobre la de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Renovación Católica Carismática Hispana de la Guadalupe, iglesia que congrega el Diócesis de Charlotte mayor número de católicos hispanos

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Monday thru Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Located in St. Leo’s Hall, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd., Belmont, NC 704.461.5100 CatholicShoppe@bac.edu www.BelmontAbbeyCollege.edu

Lecturas Diarias ABRIL 10-16

Domingo de Ramos: Lucas 19:28-40, Isaías 50:4-7, Filipenses 2:6-11, Lucas 22:14–23, 56; Lunes Santo: Isaías 42:1-7, Juan 12:1-11; Martes Santo: Isaías 49:1-6, Juan 13:21-33, 36-38; Miércoles Santo: Isaías 50:4-9, Mateo 26:14-25; Jueves Santo: Isaías 61:1-3, 6, 8-9, Apocalipsis 1:5-8, Lucas 4:16-21; Viernes Santo: Isaías 52:13–53, 12, Hebreos 4:14-16, 5:7-9, Juan 18:1–19, 42; Sábado de Gloria: Génesis 1:1–2, 2, Génesis 22:1-18, Éxodo 14:15, 15:1, Isaías 54:5-14, Isaías 55:1-11, Baruc 3:9-15, 32:4, Ezequiel 36:16-17a, 18-28, Romanos 6:311, Lucas 24:1-12

ABRIL 17-23

Domingo de Resurrección: Hechos 10:34a, 37-43, Colosenses 3:1-4, Juan 20:1-9; Lunes: Hechos 2:14, 22-33, Mateo 28:8-15; Martes: Hechos 2:36-41, Juan 20:11-18; Miércoles: Hechos 3:1-10, Lucas 24:13-35; Jueves: Hechos 3:11-26, Lucas 24:35-48; Viernes: Hechos 4:1-12, Juan 21:1-14; Sábado: Hechos 4:13-21, Marcos 16:9-15

ABRIL 24-30

Domingo: Hechos 5:12-16, Apocalipsis 1:911a, 12-13, 17-19, Juan 20:19-31; Lunes (San Marcos Evangelista): 1 Pedro 5:5-14, Marcos 16:15-20; Martes: Hechos 4:32-37, Juan 3, 7-15; Miércoles: Hechos 5:17-26, Juan 3:1621; 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

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

FOTO CORTESÍA FACEBOOK

Misa en Español para estudiantes de secundaria CHARLOTTE — El 24 de marzo se celebró una Misa en español en Charlotte Catholic High School. Participaron las clases de Lengua y Cultura Española AP y Literatura y Cultura Española AP. El Padre Juan Miguel Sánchez, capellán asistente de CCHS, celebró la Misa que se ofreció por todos los familiares fallecidos de los estudiantes, especialmente los que han fallecido este año escolar. Es muy agradable apreciar el interés de los estudiantes por el idioma y cultura Hispana.

FOTO FACEBOOK NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE

Se presentaron ante el Obispo Jugis CHARLOTTE — El sábado 12 de marzo, el grupo de RICA de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte se presentó ante el Obispo Peter Jugis para celebrar el Rito de Elección. Pocos días después, recibieron los sacramentos de iniciación: Bautismo, Primera Comunión, y/o Confirmación. Su congregación se unió a ellos en oración para desearles éxito en su caminar en compañía de Dios.

Controller The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting resumes for the position of “Controller”. This position is charged with managing the Accounting Department, which has responsibility for all accounting functions, financial reporting, accounting systems and internal controls, the annual budgeting process, the annual audit, tax compliance, and banking treasury operations.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; CPA. • Seven years’ experience in accounting, internal auditing, and/or as controller.

• Thorough knowledge of budgeting principles and practices, internal control systems, tax related legislation, treasury management, financial reporting methodologies, and of generally accepted principles as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

FOTO CORTESÍA FACEBOOK ESCUELA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ASUNCIÓN

Visitaron Washington, D.C. CHARLOTTE — Los estudiantes de octavo grado de la Escuela Nuestra Señora de la Asunción realizaron un viaje de aprendizaje y trasladaron las aulas a Washington, D.C. Estuvieron acompañados de su director, Tyler Kulp, la maestra Kristalyn Lanniello y la Sra. Sonya. Uno de los lugares que tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer es aquel desde donde el Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pronunció su famoso discurso “I have a dream”, “Tengo un sueño”. En la imagen se puede apreciar al fondo la Casa Blanca.

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Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to recruiting@rcdoc.org or mail to 1123 St. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 by March 28th. ** The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer **

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Las Siete Palabras “Padre, perdónalos porque no saben lo que hacen”

“Mujer, ahí tienes a tu hijo; hijo, ahí tienes a tu madre”

Jesús se ve envuelto en un mar de insultos, de burlas y de blasfemias. Lo hacen los que pasan por el camino, los jefes de los judíos, los jefes de los sacerdotes, los fariseos, los dos malhechores que han sido crucificados con Él, y también los soldados. Se mofan de Él diciendo: “Si eres hijo de Dios, baja de la Cruz y creeremos en ti”, “ha puesto su confianza en Dios, que Él lo libre ahora”.

La humanidad entera, representada por los personajes allí presentes, se ensaña contra Él.

“Me dejarán solo”, había dicho Jesús a sus discípulos. Y ahora está solo, entre el Cielo y la tierra.

Y Jesús, que no había hablado hasta entonces, que no había dejado salir de sus labios ni una sola queja, se vuelve ahora hacia su interior para hablar con Su Padre: “Padre, perdónales, porque no saben lo que hacen”.

En su muerte, Cristo revela su corazón compasivo, aún después de una vida de experimentar los peores tratos humanos.

Jesús no solo perdona, sino que pide el perdón de su Padre para Judas que lo ha vendido, para Pedro que lo ha negado, para los que han gritado que lo crucifiquen, para los que allí se están mofando.

También lo pide para todos nosotros, para los que con nuestros pecados somos el origen de su condena y crucifixión. Pide perdón porque el amor todo lo excusa, todo lo soporta. No hace otra cosa que poner en práctica lo que tantas veces había dicho: “amen a sus enemigos y oren

La tercera palabra de Jesucristo en la cruz nos la relata San Juan. Una palabra dirigida a dos personas.

Jesús, que está agotado, tiene todavía fuerzas para hacer una especie de testamento en el que se va a desprender de lo único que le queda en la tierra, de lo más valioso: su mamá.

Se dirige a ella y se dirige a San Juan, el discípulo predilecto, aquel jovencito de 16 años que valientemente acompañaba a la Santísima Virgen y a las otras mujeres que habían desafiado la ira y las amenazas de los fariseos y estaban con Jesús viendo el terrible espectáculo de su muerte.

Estamos ante un testimonio evidente de que la Santísima Virgen María no tenía más hijo que Jesús.

Sabemos que Juan era hijo del Zebedeo, por lo que no era hijo de María.

De hecho, el cuarto mandamiento se refiere precisamente a nuestros padres: honrarás a tu padre y a tu madre. Si María hubiera tenido hijos o hijas, esos que el Evangelio llama los hermanos y hermanas de Jesús, ella habría estado naturalmente acompañada por ellos, no la habrían dejado ir sola. Además, no hubiera sido bien visto, de acuerdo con las costumbres judías, en cuanto al cuidado de personas mayores o ancianos.

Creo que esto es muy importante, sobre todo porque los católicos estamos continuamente siendo objeto de ataques por nuestro amor a la Santísima Virgen. Al atacarla ofenden a Jesús, pues a ningún hombre le gusta que desmerezcan a su madre.

La Virgen María está sola y Jesús se la

por quienes los persiguen”.

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas, ¿alguna vez has perdonado? El amor sanador de Jesús puede actuar en cada uno de nosotros si se lo permitimos y lo sabemos invocar.

La causa más frecuente de heridas interiores es la falta de perdón. En la base de toda herida hay un perdón que dar o recibir. Las ofensas nos causan profundas heridas que se traducen en ira, falta de paz, resentimientos, enemistades, odio, venganza, y hasta pueden enfermarnos física, psíquica y espiritualmente. Para estos casos, no hay terapia más sanadora y liberadora que el perdón.

El perdón no es algo que nazca, no es esforzarse por olvidar lo qué pasó, no es negar la ofensa recibida, no es dejar que el tiempo borre lo ocurrido, no es apartar al ofensor de tu vida, no es ignorar lo que pasó o ser indiferente hacia ello, no es decir te perdono sin haber perdonado de corazón.

Perdonar es una decisión, y el primer paso es reconocer la necesidad de perdonar y decidir hacerlo. Uno tiene que llegar a decir en su corazón, aún cuando en el fondo sienta humana resistencia a hacerlo, “yo decido perdonar porque Jesús lo perdona”.

El perdonar nos ayuda a vencer al odio que es derrotado a fuerza del bien, a fuerza del perdón. Perdonar es decir como Cristo, “Padre, perdónales porque no saben lo que hacen”.

— Diácono Miguel Sebastián, parroquia San Carlos Borromeo, Morganton

“Hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso” Es muy importante ver el contraste en la actitud de los dos ladrones condenados a muerte con Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Por un lado, tenemos a un pecador que blasfema burlándose al no confiar ni tener fe en Jesús; y por el otro lado, a un pecador que en los últimos minutos de su vida se arrepiente de sus pecados, confía y tiene fe en Jesús.

Jesús, habiendo ya soportado el sufrimiento físico y espiritual de la cruz, recibe los últimos insultos de uno de los ladrones que estaba siendo ejecutado junto a Él. En los últimos minutos de su vida, este ladrón insultaba al Hijo de Dios, blasfemando contra Dios mismo y pidiéndole algo que no merecía. A pesar de estar siendo ejecutado justamente por sus pecados, demandaba de parte de Dios la salvación sin merecerla.

Eso mismo entendió el ‘buen ladrón’, como nosotros lo llamamos. Por eso lo reprendió diciéndole: “¿No tienes temor de Dios, tú que sufres la misma pena que él?”.

La falta de temor de Dios es una muestra de un corazón endurecido y alejado de Dios. Por eso, debemos examinar continuamente nuestro corazón para asegurarnos que no estemos demandando algo a Dios que no merecemos, por no habernos arrepentido de nuestros pecados.

En contraste, el ladrón que estaba a la derecha de Jesús comprendió que merecía morir en la cruz. Estaba cumpliendo con la pena que le correspondía por su crimen, reconocía su condición de pecador. En sus últimos momentos, tuvo una sincera contrición y arrepentimiento.

Lo más importante es que este ladrón creyó y reconoció que Jesús era justo y no merecía morir. Le dijo, “Jesús, acuérdate de

mí cuando vengas a establecer tu Reino”. En su declaración vemos los elementos de una verdadera conversión, arrepentimiento y fe, resultado de la gracia y misericordia de Dios.

Por eso Jesús le responde, “Yo te aseguro que hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso”.

Podemos percibir en esta escena el juicio de Dios hacia el pecador que no se arrepiente y la gracia de Dios hacia el pecador arrepentido.

Este “buen ladrón”, por el hecho de arrepentirse, no solo se estaba ‘robando’ un bien material, sino que, en el último momento de su vida, también se ‘robaba’ la salvación eterna.

Esta es una buena noticia de esperanza para todas las personas que sufren en la vida.

Todos los que están ‘crucificados’ por el dolor, la enfermedad, la pobreza, el sufrimiento y el desamor, pueden tener la confianza que Jesús está sufriendo con ellos y encontrar la vida plena con Él en el Paraíso.

En esta vida no hay pecado tan grande que Dios no pueda perdonar, ni nadie está tan alejado de Dios para no ser alcanzado por Su gracia. Debemos orar constantemente por las personas que no se acercan a Dios, y pedirle a Dios que transforme sus vidas, así como transformó la vida de este ladrón.

Este hombre merecía menos que nadie la salvación de su alma, pero Jesús se la concedió. Dios en su infinita misericordia nos perdona, salva y santifica. Hoy es el momento de arrepentirnos, pedir perdón por nuestros pecados y finalmente confiar y creer en el sacrificio de Cristo en la Cruz.

— Diácono Francisco Piña, parroquia San Luis Gonzaga, Hickory

encarga a San Juan. Pero no solamente le encarga a San Juan que cuide de ella, también le dice a la Virgen María que cuide de San Juan.

San Juan nos representa, es el católico, y la Virgen María tiene que cuidar de él y ser cuidada por él. Cuidar y ser cuidada, y nosotros, cuidar y ser cuidados.

Cuidarla, defenderla, honrarla, pero también dejarnos cuidar por ella. Cuidarla es rezar el Santo Rosario, es amarla, es visitar los santuarios donde ha aparecido, defenderla de los que la insultan. Dejarnos cuidar por ella significa mirarla y darnos cuenta de que ha pasado por lo mismo que nosotros y más, significa aprender a tener confianza en Dios.

Cuando te falte algo, cuando estés sufriendo, cuando te vaya mal, cuando pierdas un ser muy querido, cuando la angustia te oprima el corazón y parezca que vas a morir de dolor, piensa en María, déjate cuidar, déjate consolar y ponte como ella al lado de Jesús y dile: no te entiendo, no lo entiendo, pero confío en ti.

El otro día escuché algo que me gustó mucho.

Decía que ser mariano es llegar al cielo y oírle decir a Jesús, “mi madre me ha hablado mucho de ti”.

Nosotros tenemos que querer a María, tanto que, si algún día por la gracia de Dios llegamos al cielo, al encontrarnos con Jesús nos diga, “mi madre te ha estado preparando el camino, bienvenido a tu casa”, y sea la Virgen la que nos abra esas puertas para encontrarnos con Dios para siempre.

— Diácono Herbert Quintanilla, parroquia San Vicente de Paúl, Charlotte

“¡Dios mío, Dios mío!, ¿por qué me has abandonado?”

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo Jesús, Esta es una hora en la agonía de Jesús, a la que es necesario proyectar luz para disipar todas las tinieblas que pueden abatirse sobre ella.

Es la palabra que esconde el más alto de los misterios: la Redención del Hombre.

En esta hora de desolación, Jesús esta expiando ante Dios y obteniendo para la humanidad el perdón del pecado. Ayer, desde la creación. Hoy y siempre, hasta el final del mundo.

Estas afirmativas palabras son la verdad que todos profesamos y por profesarlas debemos estar dispuestos a derramar nuestra sangre.

Todo el misterio de la salvación se encierra en estas palabras y se proclama a toda la humanidad a través de ellas.

Nuestro Señor Jesucristo está cargando sobre su alma la soledad infinita del pecado

para expiarlo.

Estas palabras deberíamos de escucharlas de rodillas y con lágrimas, porque está ofreciendo a su Padre este abandono para expiar todos los pecados y rescatarnos de la muerte eterna.

En su abandono, Él experimentó el pecado, que es la ausencia de Dios. Es por eso que el abandono de Jesús en la Cruz es el vértice de la redención, porque el designio del Padre se ha cumplido.

“Dios amó tanto al mundo que envió a su Hijo único para que todo el que crea en Él se salve, no perezca y tenga vida eterna”.

Es por eso por lo que debemos de abrir el alma al Redentor de par en par, especialmente en este tiempo de conversión, de misericordia y de perdón.

— Diácono Margarito Franco, parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

“Tengo Sed” Ante Jesús crucificado, resuenan también para nosotros sus palabras: “Tengo sed”. La sed es, aún más que el hambre, la necesidad extrema del ser humano, pero además representa la miseria extrema. ¿De qué tiene sed el Señor? Ciertamente de agua, elemento esencial para la vida. Pero sobre todo de amor, elemento no menos esencial para vivir. Tiene sed de darnos el agua viva de su amor, pero también de recibir nuestro amor.

El drama del “corazón árido”, del amor no correspondido, un drama que se renueva en el Evangelio, cuando a la sed de Jesús el hombre responde con el vinagre, que es un vino malogrado. Así, proféticamente, se lamentaba el salmista: “Para mi sed me dieron vinagre”.

Las palabras de Jesús nos interpelan, piden que encuentren lugar en el corazón y sean respondidas con la vida. En su “tengo sed”, podemos escuchar la voz de los que sufren, el grito escondido de los pequeños inocentes a quienes se les ha negado la luz de este mundo, la súplica angustiada de los pobres y de los más necesitados de paz. Imploran la paz las víctimas de las guerras, las cuales contaminan los pueblos con el odio y la Tierra con las armas; imploran la paz nuestros hermanos y hermanas que viven bajo la amenaza de los bombardeos o

“Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu” son obligados a dejar su casa y a emigrar hacia lo desconocido, despojados de todo. Todos estos son hermanos y hermanas del Crucificado, los pequeños de su Reino, miembros heridos y resecos de su carne. Tienen sed. Pero a ellos se les da a menudo, como a Jesús, el amargo vinagre del rechazo. ¿Quién los escucha? ¿Quién se preocupa de responderles? Ellos encuentran demasiadas veces el silencio ensordecedor de la indiferencia, el egoísmo de quien está harto, la frialdad de quien apaga su grito de ayuda con la misma facilidad con la que se cambia de canal en televisión.

Que el Señor nos conceda, como a María junto a la cruz, estar unidos a él y cerca del que sufre. Acercándonos a cuantos hoy viven como crucificados y recibiendo la fuerza para amar del Señor Crucificado y resucitado, crecerá aún más la armonía y la comunión entre nosotros. Él es nuestra paz, el que ha venido a anunciar la paz a los de cerca y a los de lejos. Que nos guarde a todos en el amor y nos reúna en la unidad, para que lleguemos a ser lo que él desea: “Que todos sean uno”.

— Papa Francisco, condensado de su meditación ante líderes cristianos en Asís, septiembre de 2016

“Todo está cumplido” Son las tres de la tarde, la hora nona. Se oscurece el Gólgota y escucha una fuerte voz que dice, “Todo está cumplido”.

Jesús llegó al mundo para transformarlo con su amor siguiendo la voluntad de su Padre.

Esta es la más breve de las siete Palabras en la Cruz, pero tiene un significado muy profundo para toda la humanidad, porque estas palabras expresan que Él ha cumplido fielmente con la voluntad del Padre que para Él era su norma, su alimento.

No en vano nos enseñó a decir “Hágase tu voluntad en la Tierra como en el cielo”. Lo llevaba en la sangre, en un misterio profundo de obediencia. En pocas palabras, se hizo dócil y obediente a la voluntad de su Padre. ¿Qué significan esas palabras para nosotros?

Debemos darnos cuenta que estas palabras son de paz, de obediencia y de humildad que deberían resonar en nuestro interior y en el mundo, un mundo lleno de egoísmo, soberbio, rebelde, orgulloso y altanero.

Nosotros siempre, o la mayoría de las veces, no terminamos ningún proyecto. Este es el momento de contemplar al crucificado. ¿Podremos nosotros decir en el momento

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de nuestra partida, en el momento de nuestra muerte, todo está cumplido ahí donde fuimos plantados como hijos, padres, esposos, hermanos, o como amigos?

Como buenos cristianos, deberíamos pensar si estamos haciendo para lo que fuimos creados, para entregarnos al servicio de los demás, hacer felices a los que nos rodean, llevar la Buena Nueva a los más alejados, a los más vulnerables. ¿Podremos decir al final de nuestras vidas que todo está cumplido?

Quiero concluir diciendo que estas palabras de Jesús, “Todo está cumplido”, son palabras de esperanza y de seguridad que garantizan una salvación perfecta.

Podría referirme a lo que alguien dijo una vez, “el canto triunfante del calvario”. “Aquí tenemos las palabras más grandes pronunciadas por el hombre más grande en el día más grande”.

Algunos nos quedamos con el sufrimiento de Jesús. Pero tenemos que ver que Jesús tenía el control total de todo lo que sucedía en el Gólgota. Este es el canto triunfal de la vida sobre la muerte: ‘Todo está cumplido’.

— Diácono Enedino Aquino, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Greensboro

Así con esta frase hemos llegado a la última de las siete palabras que Jesús en la cruz expresa para el beneficio de todos nosotros.

Siete palabras que son como un mini-resumen de la Misión de Cristo en la tierra y que nos permiten reflexionar sobre nuestra propia misión como cristianos. Jesus comienza perdonando a los que no saben lo que hacen, es decir, la misión de Jesús comenzó con reconocer que necesitamos el perdón y por lo tanto su venida.

“Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu”, tiene que ser nuestra petición cada día. Buscando en la enseñanza de Cristo, utilizar sus palabras antes de su muerte, para que se vuelvan las primeras palabras de vida en nuestro día a día. Porque las últimas palabras de Cristo dieron comienzo a una vida nueva y con su muerte en la Cruz nos dio la certeza de la Salvación.

Pidámosle a Dios que nos ayude a reconocer los obstáculos, que consciente o inconscientemente, nos estamos poniendo para recibir la gracia de Dios. Danos Señor la fortaleza para poder dejar de lado los obstáculos que nos impiden confiar en tí, Dios y Padre nuestro. Y si en el proceso tenemos que sufrir, danos Señor la fuerza para hacerlo con amor y paciencia. Ayúdanos a realizar

lo que nos pides hacer por Ti en estos Días Santos. Muéstranos Señor lo que no te agrada y enséñanos a valorar con sinceridad la Preciosa Sangre que derramaste por nosotros en la Cruz.

Concluyo con las palabras de Santa Catarina de Siena en su Diálogo con Dios, “¡Oh Trinidad eterna! Oh deidad, que por la unión de la naturaleza divina hiciste que valiese tanto el precio de la Sangre de tu Hijo! Tú, Oh Trinidad eterna, eres un mar profundo, que cuanto más entro en él más hallo, y cuanto más hallo más te busco…El Espíritu Santo que procede de Tí y de tu Hijo, me ha dado Tu voluntad, la que me hace apta para amar, pues tú, Trinidad eterna, eres el hacedor, y yo la hechura. Por lo cual he conocido en la reparación que hiciste con la sangre de tu Hijo…Tú que lo diste, ten por bien de satisfacer y responder, infundiendo en mí luz de gracia, para que con esta misma luz te dé gracias y corra en esta vida mortal con verdadera obediencia y con la luz de la santísima fe, con la cual parece que embriagas ahora de nuevo mi alma”.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos ustedes y que les conceda vivir estos días Santos en la plenitud de su amor.

— Padre Miguel Sánchez, vicario parroquial en la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte

Sermón ‘Las Siete Palabras’ se emitirá el Viernes Santo al mediodía CHARLOTTE — En lo que se ha convertido en una tradición para el Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, el Viernes Santo se transmitirá una nueva edición de ‘Las Siete Palabras’, una reflexión sobre las últimas frases pronunciadas por Jesucristo durante de su pasión.

‘Las Siete Palabras’, una producción del centro audiovisual de Catholic News Herald, se realiza desde 2018. Los videos son publicados en las páginas de YouTube de la diócesis y de Facebook de Catholic News Herald en Español.

El programa contará con las reflexiones de seis diáconos y un sacerdote. Lo publicado en nuestra edición impresa es un resumen de sus disertaciones.

El Diácono Miguel Sebastián, ordenado en mayo de 2014, reflexionará sobre la Primera Palabra, ‘Padre, perdónalos porque no saben lo que hacen’. Nacido en el municipio San Rafael, La Independencia, departamento de Huehuetenango, Guatemala, llegó a Estados Unidos en 1989 y sirve en la parroquia Carlos Borromeo en Morganton.

Nacido en Querétaro, México, en marzo de 1971, el Diácono Francisco Piña emigró a los 20 años a Estados Unidos. Casado, con tres hijos, fue ordenado en 2021 por el Obispo Jugis, quien lo asignó a la parroquia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory. Tiene a su cargo la meditación de la Segunda Palabra, ‘Hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso’.

El Diácono Herbert Quintanilla, salvadoreño, quien reside en Estados Unidos desde 1981, presenta la reflexión sobre la Tercera Palabra, ‘Mujer, ahí tienes a tu hijo; ahí tienes a tu madre’.

Ordenado en 2021, se puso a las órdenes del Obispo Jugis en la parroquia San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte..

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol y www.youtube.com/dioceseofcharlotte: Vea el video de las Siete Palabras estará disponible el Viernes Santo al mediodía Nacido en San Miguel Tlaltetelco, Estado de Morelos, México, el Diácono Margarito Franco Torres, fue ordenado en 2021, sirviendo desde entonces en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe. Este año se encuentra a cargo de la Cuarta Palabra, ‘Dios mío, Dios mío, por qué me has abandonado’.

Nacido en San Salvador, El Salvador, en 1968, el Diácono Eduardo Bernal llegó en 1990 a Estados Unidos huyendo de la guerra civil desatada en su país.

Ordenado en 2021, fue designado por el Obispo Jugis a servir en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte. Tiene a su cargo la reflexión sobre la Quinta Palabra, ‘Tengo Sed’.

El Diácono Enedino Aquino reflexiona sobre la Sexta Palabra, ‘Todo está cumplido’. Nacido en Tampico, Tamaulipas, fue ordenado por el Obispo Peter Jugis en enero de 2011. Actualmente es coordinador del Vicariato de Greensboro.

Finalmente, el Padre Miguel Sánchez tiene a su cargo la palabra, ‘Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu’.

Nació en Ixtlahuacán del Río, México, en 1984. Fue ordenado en 2021 por el Obispo Jugis y se desempeña actualmente como vicario parroquial en la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte.

El Padre Julio Domínguez dijo que espera que tanto la publicación como el video sean de utilidad para los feligreses y les ayude en su reflexión sobre el sacrificio de Cristo para lograr la salvación de nuestras almas.

— César Hurtado, reportero

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

PEREGRINACIÓN JUVENIL DEL OBISPO Sábado 9 de abril Belmont Abbey College 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont, N.C. 28012

MISA CRISMAL Martes 12 de abril Catedral San Patricio 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

VIGILIA PASCUAL Y PASCUA 16 y 17 de abril Catedral San Patricio 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, N.C. 28203

IGLESIA CATÓLICA SAN VICENTE DE PAÚL 18 al 21 de abril 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28210

IGLESIA CATÓLICA SANTIAGO EL MAYOR E IGLESIA CATÓLICA SAN JOSÉ 21 al 26 de abril 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, Carolina del Norte 28025 108 St. Joseph St., Kannapolis, N.C. 28083

Las Hermanas de la Misericordia dejan un legado de educación católica, salud y servicios sociales en toda nuestra región

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SUEANN HOWELL Y PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

uando tres Hermanas de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia llegaron a Wilmington para fundar una nueva comunidad, estaban ingresando a un territorio desconocido para su orden.

Era 1869, el Sur después de la Guerra Civil.

Ulysses S. Grant acababa de convertirse en presidente y Estados Unidos estaba al borde de una industrialización sin precedentes. El “golden spike” había sido trasladado para la finalización del Ferrocarril Transcontinental, y las defensoras del voto femenino, Susan B. Anthony y Elizabeth Cady Stanton, unían fuerzas en la campaña por el sufragio. Mientras, Carolina del Norte, readmitida a la Unión hacía solo un año, permanecía en Reconstrucción. Había alrededor de mil católicos, la mayoría de ellos viviendo en la parte este del estado.

Durante los siguientes 153 años, este grupo de decididas mujeres religiosas vivió el carisma de servicio inculcado por su fundadora irlandesa, la Madre Catherine McAuley, abriendo camino en los ministerios de educación, atención médica y servicios sociales que ayudaron a transformar el estado Tar Heel.

HERMANAS EN BELMONT, AYER Y HOY

Conocidas hoy como las Hermanas de la Misericordia, las 32 mujeres que viven en el Convento del Sagrado Corazón en Belmont se cuentan entre los 2142 miembros del Instituto de las Hermanas de la Misericordia de las Américas. Viven en las cercanías de Belmont Abbey y Belmont Abbey College, donde comenzó su historia en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

En los años posteriores a su llegada a Wilmington, algunas de las hermanas se mudaron tierra adentro a Hickory, Asheville, Salisbury y Charlotte para establecer escuelas, las que se necesitaban desesperadamente para sanar las heridas socioeconómicas de la Guerra Civil e impartir la fe a familias católicas en áreas mayoritariamente protestantes. En 1892 establecieron un convento en Belmont a pedido del Abad Benedictino Leo Haid de Belmont Abbey. Fundaron la Academia del

PHOTOS PROPORCIONADAS POR LAS HERMANAS DE LA MISERICORDIA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, HERITAGE CENTER DE LA MISERICORDIA, BELMONT, N.C.

En esta foto sin fecha de los archivos de las Hermanas de la Misericordia, se muestra a la Hermana de la Misericordia Mary Gertrude Weldon enseñando una clase de anatomía en la Universidad Sagrado Corazón en Belmont, en el Campus del Sagrado Corazón. Las Hermanas de la Misericordia abrieron la escuela como colegio universitario en 1935. Se convirtió en colegio superior en 1966 y se cerró en 1987.

Sagrado Corazón (más tarde College), un internado y una escuela diurna para niñas adyacente a la abadía. También formaron parte del personal de la cercana escuela San Benedicto, educando a niños de color a quienes, en ese entonces bajo la ley de Carolina del Norte, no se les permitía asistir a la escuela junto con niños blancos.

En los años siguientes resistieron valientemente la segregación racial y trabajaron incansablemente para brindar educación, atención médica y asistencia igualitaria para los pobres, enfermos y poblaciones vulnerables.

Establecieron al menos siete escuelas, un Jordan orfanato, una escuela de enfermería en Charlotte, y tres hospitales (incluido lo que ahora es Atrium Health Mercy en Charlotte y Mission Hospital en Asheville).

“Nosotras decimos que nos apoyamos sobre los hombros de

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Oración Para el 50 Aniversario

(Izquierda) Las Hermanas de la Misericordia abrieron el Sanatorio San José en Asheville en 1900 para tratar a pacientes con tuberculosis. Se convirtió en hospital general en 1938. (Abajo, desde la izquierda) Graduadas de la escuela de enfermeras del Hospital Mercy en Charlotte aparecen en esta foto sin fecha de registro en los archivos de las Hermanas de la Misericordia. La Hermana de la Misericordia Mary Evangelist Nixon felicita a Belinda Adams tras su graduación de esta escuela, en esta foto sin registro de fecha.

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS POR LAS HERMANAS DE LA MISERICORDIA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, CENTRO MERCY HERITAGE, BELMONT, N.C.

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

Te lo pedimos por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo, que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo, Dios por los siglos de los siglos.

Amén.

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

Intención de oración de abril 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.

grandes mujeres”, dice la Hermana de la Misericordia Lillian Jordan.

Hermana de la Misericordia durante 58 años, sirvió principalmente en educación, primero como maestra y luego como directora en Carolina del Norte, Virginia Occidental y Kentucky. Ahora administra el Centro de Retiro del Sagrado Corazón en Belmont.

La Hermana Lillian creció en una familia militar y viajó por Estados Unidos y Europa. Fue instruida en la escuela secundaria por las Hijas de la Caridad, quienes la animaron a asistir al Colegio del Sagrado Corazón. Allí conoció a las Hermanas de la Misericordia, y se encendió en ella su deseo por una vocación religiosa de servicio.

Al concluir la secundaria, tomó un puesto como maestra en la Escuela Santa Ana en Charlotte, y cuatro años después, en 1964, ingresó a las Hermanas de la Misericordia.

“Tenía el pálpito de que mi llamado era estar en Carolina del Norte, donde el catolicismo era poco conocido y había una gran necesidad dar testimonio de la Iglesia”, dice.

La Hermana Lillian imitó a las primeras Hermanas de la

Misericordia que establecieron una de las primeras escuelas integradas del estado, la Academia de la Encarnación en Wilmington, al dedicar 54 años de su carrera a la educación, 40 de ellos como directora.

Trabajando junto a ella, sirviendo diariamente a la comunidad y la vida de oración de las hermanas, se encuentra la Hermana de la Misericordia Carolyn McWatters.

Hermana profesa de la Misericordia durante 51 años, la Hermana Carolyn no es una extraña en Carolina del Norte. Enseñó durante 18 años en escuelas y parroquias en Wilmington y Charlotte.

Atribuye su vocación al amor por la lectura McWatters fomentado por su maestra, una Hermana de la Misericordia, que le dejó una huella profunda cuando tenía 12 años.

“Recuerdo claramente que en quinto o sexto grado era una ávida

Santo del mes Santa Gianna Beretta Molla Día de fiesta: 28 de abril En www. catholicnewsherald.com: Entérese sobre la vida de Santa Gianna Beretta Molla y su misión por la vida.

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(Izquierda a derecha) Las Hermanas de la Misericordia abrieron el Hospital Mercy en Charlotte en 1906. Vendieron el hospital en 1995. La Hermana de la Misericordia Mary Andrew Ray enseñó en la Escuela Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en Charlotte.

Las Hermanas de la Misericordia abrieron la Academia del Sagrado Corazón en Belmont en 1892. Las Hermanas de la Misericordia aparecen en la foto con Maria Morrow, la primera residente de Holy Angels en Belmont.

SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS, MERCY HERITAGE CENTER, BELMONT, N.C.

lectora de los libros de Nancy Drew. La hermana dijo que intentara leer la vida de un santo, así que probé los libros de los santos. ¡Eso me enganchó!” Recuerda la hermana Carolyn. “Creo que fue cuando decidí que tal vez ahí era donde Dios me estaba llamando; que se suponía que yo también tenía que ser santa, y que la forma en que lo sería se encontraba en la vida religiosa”.

Cree que su regreso a la diócesis el verano pasado, después de servir durante años en St. Louis, fue guiado por el Espíritu Santo. “Después de 25 años, estoy en casa”, dice.

AMOR AL SERVICIO

El compromiso de servicio de las Hermanas de la Misericordia también atrajo a la Hermana de la Misericordia Mary Andrew Ray. La familia de la Hermana Mary Andrew fue una de las familias fundadoras de la Iglesia San Patricio (ahora Catedral). Su prima era una Hermana de la Misericordia, y las hermanas fueron sus maestras durante sus 12 años de educación católica. Allí pudo ver de primera mano el amor y el cuidado de las hermanas por los demás.

“Me ofrecí como voluntaria en la Ray catedral, limpiando el mármol y ayudé en la escuela. Los acompañé bastante tiempo”, recuerda.

La universidad no le interesó después de la secundaria, pero sabía que quería ayudar a la gente. Después de recibir muchos consejos sobre cómo unirse a las Hermanas de la Misericordia, un día una hermana hizo algo que selló el

trato para ella.

“Trabajé en el Centro de Información Católica Signo de la Cruz en la escuela secundaria. Era una librería, y también había un sacerdote que respondía las preguntas de la gente. Cuando la hermana Cecilia se estaba preparando para ir a su escuela en el norte del país, pasó por la tienda y me dejó una nota. Decía: ‘¿Qué estás esperando? ¡El Espíritu Santo no va a derribarte y arrastrarte al convento!’ No pasó mucho tiempo después de eso, hasta que entré. Me he reído mucho con ello”, dice.

Cuando ingresó a las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1952, le dijo a la madre superiora que no estaba segura de cómo podría servir a la comunidad.

“Le dije: ‘No quiero ser enfermera ni maestra’, que era todo lo que hacíamos en esos días”, explica la Hermana Mary Andrew. “La Madre Maura me respondió: ‘Siempre hay trabajo de secretaria’, ‘Puedes intentarlo. Para eso es el noviciado’”.

La Hermana Mary Andrew pasó a enseñar durante 15 años en la Escuela San Miguel en Gastonia, la antigua Escuela del Sagrado Corazón en el Campus del Sagrado Corazón en Belmont, la Escuela Santa María en Wilmington y la Escuela Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en Charlotte.

También ocupó varios puestos de liderazgo con la comunidad antes de regresar a la universidad para obtener un título en enseñanza de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL), después que las hermanas decidieran abrir su propio programa de ESL en el Campus del Sagrado Corazón.

La enseñanza es fundamental para las Hermanas de la Misericordia, explica. “Sabemos que la educación es más que solo ir a clases, es todo el ambiente y la vivencia de nuestros votos, sabiendo que estamos aquí para servir”.

Después de siete décadas, la Hermana Mary Andrew sigue sirviendo a la comunidad, ahora como una de sus historiadoras.

“Me ha encantado todo”, dice. “A veces he pensado: ‘No sé si puedo hacer esto’. Pero Dios dice: ‘Oh, sí, puedes’. ¡Él no ha aceptado fácilmente un no por respuesta!”

“Aquí estoy 70 años después”, dice sonriendo.

La Hermana Mary Andrew no es la única vocación local inspirada por las Hermanas de la Misericordia durante el siglo pasado. Docenas de mujeres se han sentido inspiradas a unirse a la orden, y cada hermana ha generado un impacto directo en la Iglesia del oeste de Carolina del Norte.

Entre ellos está la Hermana de la Misericordia Mary Robert Williams. Profesó durante 72 años, su familia es parte de los fundadores de la Iglesia local: 13 de sus parientes están enterrados en la vieja Iglesia San José en Mount Holly, la iglesia católica más antigua del oeste de Carolina del Norte. Creció asistiendo a picnics en la antigua iglesia cada Día del Trabajo, cuando la familia se reunía para limpiar el cementerio.

Su tía se unió a las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1921 y se mudó al convento de las hermanas ubicado detrás de la Iglesia San Pedro en Charlotte. “Las Williams hermanas eran parte de nuestra vida”, dice. “Entraban y salían de nuestra casa todo el tiempo”.

Su familia ayudó a las Hermanas de la Misericordia con sus necesidades diarias, y su padre ayudó a llevar a las hermanas a dar clases de educación religiosa en la Iglesia San Santiago en Concord todos los domingos.

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“Las hermanas no conducían, así que mi madre y mi padre las llevaban de compras”, recuerda. “A mi madre siempre le preocupaba que no tuvieran suficiente dinero para comprar comida. Tenían quizás $20 para comprar comida para ocho hermanas. No teníamos dinero extra, pero ella siempre llevaba algo adicional en caso de que necesitaran dinero para comida”.

“Crecí con las Hermanas de la Misericordia, pero nunca pensé que sería una”, dice. “Pensé que sería enfermera.

Aquí estoy, 72 años después”.

Entró al noviciado con otras nueve jóvenes en 1950.

Primero enseñó en jardín de infantes durante cinco años en la Escuela San Miguel en Gastonia, y luego primer grado durante 18 años. Posteriormente se desempeñó como directora durante 13 años en la Escuela Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Vivió un cambio de ritmo cuando el Padre Richard Allen la invitó a Salisbury para servir como asociada pastoral en la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón, una asignación que duró 31 años hasta su jubilación en 2014, a la edad de 81 años.

Al igual que las pioneras Hermanas de la Misericordia que la precedieron, a la Hermana Mary Robert le encanta ayudar a las personas necesitadas. Ella jugó un papel decisivo en el inicio del refugio para personas sin hogar de Rowan Helping Ministries. También trabajó con el refugio para mujeres maltratadas y Operación Suitcase, que proporciona suministros para niños en centros de adopción. Un programa de asistencia de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury recibió su nombre en agradecimiento por sus años de servicio.

Reflexionando sobre su vida con las hermanas de la Misericordia, comparte: “Ha sido una familia real, una comunidad real y una unión de caridad. Como diría la Madre McAuley, son un gran grupo de mujeres”.

AMOR A DIOS Y AL PRÓJIMO

Impacto duradero

(Arriba) La Hermana de la Misericordia Eugenia Hartman aparece en la foto con sus alumnos en la Escuela San Benedicto en la Abadía de Belmont. La Hermana de la Misericordia Therese Galligan dirigió el Mercy Hospital Glee Club en 1974 en Charlotte.

Las Hermanas de la Misericordia han ayudado a construir la Iglesia en Carolina del Norte a través de actos corporales y espirituales que datan de más de 150 años, brindando consuelo y compartiendo el amor de Dios con los más vulnerables. Entre sus buenas obras están: n La enseñanza a niños blancos y de color en el Sur segregado. n La atención de los afectados por la tuberculosis y el SIDA. n La educación a enfermeras y el dotar de personal a hospitales para personas blancas y de color en áreas en crecimiento del oeste de Carolina del Norte. n El proveer cuidado médico a los pobres y personas sin seguro de salud. n El desarrollo de viviendas asequibles. n El brindar un hogar acogedor para huérfanos, niños y adultos frágiles, a víctimas de violencia doméstica, a personas sin hogar y mamás primerizas en necesidad. n El proveer empleo y capacitación en habilidades para la vida a adultos con discapacidades intelectuales.

(Izquierda) Las Hermanas de la Misericordia celebran la apertura de un nuevo parque infantil en la Casa de Catalina en Belmont en 1999. (Arriba) Dos Hermanas de la Misericordia pasan un tiempo al aire libre en el Centro de Retiros Well of Mercy en Hamptonville en esta foto sin fecha.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS, MERCY HERITAGE CENTER, BELMONT, N.C.

Enseñar a niños blancos y de color en el Sur segregado.

Atender a pacientes con tuberculosis y sida. Educar a enfermeras y dotar de personal a hospitales para personas blancas y de color en áreas populosas. Proporcionar atención médica a los pobres y gente sin seguro médico.

Desarrollar viviendas asequibles. Proporcionar un hogar acogedor para huérfanos, niños y adultos de salud frágil, a víctimas de violencia doméstica, a personas sin hogar y a madres primerizas necesitadas. Proporcionar empleo y capacitación en habilidades para la vida a adultos con discapacidades intelectuales. Estas son solo algunas de las obras de misericordia por las que las Hermanas de la Misericordia son conocidas.

Hoy, aunque ya no administran hospitales ni escuelas como antes, las Hermanas de la Misericordia continúan apoyando la educación, la atención médica y los servicios sociales en toda nuestra región gracias a la Fundación Hermanas de la Misericordia de Carolina del Norte, que ha donado más de $97 millones en subvenciones a organizaciones locales desde 1996.

Cualquiera que examine el panorama de todo lo que las Hermanas de la Misericordia han logrado en el oeste de Carolina del Norte durante los últimos ciento cincuenta años comprende que su motivación proviene de un profundo amor a Dios y al prójimo.

“Hay una sensación real de que todo es obra de Dios”, dice la hermana Carolyn. “Nadie podía prever que hubiera pasado lo que ha pasado, y tal vez que hubiera sido posible. Pero eso es un buen indicativo de que lo que sucede es la voluntad de Dios”.

Cada vez que piensa en el trabajo que las Hermanas de la Misericordia han realizado durante décadas, “eso me enorgullece mucho”, dice. “Creemos que donde hay una Hermana de la Misericordia, todas estamos ahí”.

La Hermana Lillian está de acuerdo. “No puedo imaginar que ellas (las anteriores Hermanas de la Misericordia) podrían pensar en otra cosa que no sea gratitud por los comienzos que nos brindaron y lo que ven que sucede”.

Agrega la hermana Mary Andrew: “Mi padre solía decir a veces que, ‘tienes esto hoy por lo que las hermanas sacrificaron. Cuando estaba en la escuela, a veces las hermanas ni siquiera tenían sábanas para poner en sus camas’. Él siempre me recordaba esto”.

“Tenemos que seguir recordando estas cosas y saber que nos apoyamos sobre los hombros de grandes mujeres”.

Conozca más Hoy más de 6,000 Hermanas de la Misericordia sirven en más de 30 condados. Encuentre más información sobre ellas online en www.mercyworld.org.

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SANTA

RETIROS

SESIONES

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 15

de la Cruz, evocaremos esos sentimientos de pertenencia a Cristo que nos ayudarán a vivir mejor nuestra vida Cristiana.

Después del Rito de la Pasión del Señor, la Iglesia entra en ese momento de silencio en el que se espera la Resurrección de Cristo.

Antiguamente había una noble y hermosa costumbre entre los cristianos que sería bueno recuperar ahora. Es decir, no nos era permitido andar con ninguna clase de ruidos innecesarios como sería la música o la televisión, sino aguardar en la oración y el sacrificio el momento de la Resurrección del Señor.

Siempre con un noble sentido, acompañar al Señor.

El sábado por la tarde/noche, toda la Iglesia se pone en expectación pues estamos por celebrar el acontecimiento más extraordinario y grande que ha sucedido en el mundo: ¡Jesucristo ha Resucitado! Todos los fieles cristianos deberían asistir a la Vigilia Pascual y celebrar con alegría tan maravilloso acontecimiento.

Celebramos nuestra propia resurrección, pues el Señor nos ha mostrado que, aunque tuvo que pasar por la muerte, ahora, destruyendo el poder de la muerte, nos brinda a todos la resurrección.

Desde esa celebración tan hermosa, la Iglesia inaugura solemnemente el tiempo Pascual e invita a todos los cristianos del mundo entero a vivir llenos de alegría este momento.

Que Dios nos conceda a todos nosotros, vivir con mucho entusiasmo esta Semana Santa, de la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Cristo.

Que Dios les bendiga.

del Padre Julio Domínguez, dijo que los retiros de la Familia Emaús se basan en el tierno encuentro del hijo pródigo que está alejado de su casa y retorna al hogar de su Padre amoroso.

Los participantes, dijo, son atraídos por el testimonio de los servidores. “Cuando llegan, hombres y mujeres, todos dudosos, pueden ver la alegría que viven sus servidores y encuentran, gracias a ello, el sentido del amor de Dios”.

El mayor fruto que se aprecia tras el término del encuentro es que muchas parejas regularizan su estado matrimonial, lo mejoran y se integran a sus comunidades y parroquias. Luego, gracias a su acercamiento espiritual, se ofrecen como servidores en los distintos ministerios de sus parroquias.

En su caso, refirió García, vivió el encuentro hace once años y, aunque ya se encontraba trabajando por el ministerio de Dios, le sirvió para encontrar una vida cristiana más plena a nivel personal y familiar a través del servicio, la evangelización y la búsqueda de mayor formación. “Todos en casa, teniendo como base a Dios, hemos alcanzado un grado más íntimo como familia”, precisó.

Respecto a ‘La Familia Emaús’, uno de los movimientos apostólicos más activos de la diócesis, el Padre Domínguez dijo que “cada movimiento eclesial tiene su misión dentro de la iglesia y son una riqueza del Espíritu Santo”, pidiendo luego “que todos sigamos siendo parte de esta evangelización de nuestra diócesis, animándonos unos a otros en la extensión del Reino”.

‘La Familia Emaús’ se ha extendido desde Hickory a numerosas otras comunidades en las ciudades de Newton, Hickory, Lenoir, North Wilkesboro, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Salisbury y más. Es diferente al movimiento Emaús que tuvo sus orígenes en el estado de Florida a fines de la década de 1970, en la parroquia St. Louis en Miami.

Durante las sesiones ofrecidas, cuyo número varía entre diez a doce, la mayoría de las personas inician con sentimientos de ira, enojo o culpa. “Toda la familia se afecta, y se puede ver claramente que viven en tristeza y agonía”, luego “aprenden a desahogarse, a hablar y expresar lo más profundo de sus emociones, a pedir ayuda y vivir”.

Lo mejor para Jiménez es que, “al final del acompañamiento se les ilumina el rostro”. “Ese es el mejor pago que recibimos y que nos llena de felicidad”, añadió.

Los integrantes, subrayó la coordinadora, no ofrecen consejo psicológico, “solo acompañamiento”. Sin embargo, en las sesiones online grupales cuentan con la presencia de profesionales y sacerdotes que se conectan desde diferentes partes del mundo.

La Pastoral de Duelo lleva ya cuatro años de trabajo ininterrumpido en el vicariato de Charlotte. Para mayores informes sobre sus actividades contacte a su coordinador de ministerio hispano parroquial.

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

EVENTOS VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

n Basílica San Lorenzo, 10:30 a.m., 97 Haywood St., Asheville. n Iglesia San Mateo, mediodía, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. n Iglesia San Felipe Apóstol, mediodía, 525 Camden Dr., Statesville. n Iglesia San Pío X, 9 a.m., 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, junto con una búsqueda de huevos de Pascua en el Claustro de San Pío X. n Bendición de canastas de Pascua, tradición polaca e inglesa en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino, 1 p.m., 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

Hay muchos más eventos. Consulte el website o el boletín de su parroquia. Conozca las iglesias cercanas a usted en www. charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Herald

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

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Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

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Arts & Entertainment

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

about whether the superpowers the doctor gains along with his thirst for plasma are a gift or a curse are secondary to the depiction of his ability to zoom around and wreak destruction.

The combination makes for a grinding experience. Possibly acceptable for older teens. Mostly stylized violence with some gore.

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

‘Windfall’

‘Morbius’ Jared Leto stars in this drab Marvel Comics-based adventure. He plays the gifted physician of the title who, in attempting to cure the blood disease from which he has suffered since childhood, partially succeeds but with the rather

alarming side effect that he frequently transforms into a rampaging vampire.

His double-edged breakthrough has implications both for his lifelong best friend (Matt Smith), who is afflicted with the same illness, and his closest collaborator and potential love interest (Adria Arjona). Debates in the dialogue

Character-driven thriller about the hostage situation that develops after a tech tycoon (Jesse Plemons) and his wife (Lily Collins) pay a spur-of-the-moment visit to their lavish country house only to find it occupied by an armed intruder (Jason Segel). As the trio waits for the ransom money the mogul eventually agrees to pay to arrive, class conflicts emerge. So, too, does marital friction.

Director Charlie McDowell serves up a thinking person’s suspense drama that, while it lags somewhat in the middle, reaches a startling conclusion. Although the depiction of criminal mayhem is mostly restrained, there are a few disturbing moments to be endured and tension leads to much nervous swearing.

A gruesome death, other brief but intense violence with gore, a few profanities, a couple of milder oaths, pervasive rough language, a handful of crude terms.

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

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On TV n Friday, April 8, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Sister Marie De MandatGrancey.” The fascinating story of Sister Marie de MandatGrancey. Follow her extraordinary efforts to locate the house of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as she travels to Ephesus, Turkey, to bring this treasure to the Catholic Church. n Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor of the Poor.” The second in a two-part series about the life of St. Giuseppe, who dedicated himself to caring for the sick and forsaken, ultimately dedicating all of his possessions and sacrificing his very life in their service. Part 2. n Sunday, April 10, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of the Angelus live from Rome. n Sunday, April 10, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday from Rome with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis celebrates the Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday from Vatican City in Rome.

It’s followed by a live presentation of the Angelus, a special devotion commemorating the Incarnation of God. n Saturday, April 17, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Walk the Way of the Cross: San Giovanni Rotondo.” Meditate on the Passion of Our Lord and the Passion of Padre Pio with Bob and Penny Lord as you travel the Way of the Cross overlooking the Shrine of Padre Pio (reportedly the second most-visited Catholic shrine in the world) in San Giovanni Rotondo. n Saturday, April 17, 3 p.m. (EWTN) “Easter Vigil Mass.” Pope Francis presides over the Easter Vigil Mass live from Rome. n Sunday, April 17, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing, Easter.” Urbi et Orbi, the traditional Easter message and blessing to the city of Rome and to the world, is given by Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Our nation 26

catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Government instructs prosecutors to deprioritize some immigration cases WASHINGTON, D.C. — Biden administration officials have instructed lawyers for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to focus on prosecuting cases involving immigrants who pose a public safety, national or border security threat and set “low priority” cases

on a different track. The administration made public the memo sent to prosecutors April 4.

Some suspect it’s part of preparations for a possible influx of migrants at the U.S. southern border that may result from the May 23 lifting of a public health measure called Title 42 put in place during the Trump administration in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic was beginning. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the provision prohibits “the entry of certain persons who potentially pose a health risk, either by virtue of being subject to previously announced travel restrictions or because they unlawfully entered the country to bypass health screening measures.” Title 42 added to a growing backlog of cases in immigration courts estimated to exceed 1 million. The memo identified a variety of categories that could be deprioritized. But it’s unclear whether there’s a different system that will be put in place to

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of April:

Rev. Francis M. Cintula – 2014 Rev. Msgr. Charles Gable – 1977 Rev. Richard P. Hokanson- 2013 Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Kerin – 2014 Joseph J. Lash – 1999 Rev. Samuel Orlando – 2003 Rev. Msgr. William N. Pharr - 2008

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Accounting Clerk Administrative Assistant The Accounting/Finance Departments of the Diocese of Charlotte are accepting applications for an accounting clerk administrative assistant position.

Responsibilities include distributing mail, ordering supplies, processing daily deposits, maintaining files, composing routine correspondence, preparing minutes for board meetings, but also assisting with various accounting and finance related tasks and projects, including processing signature card changes for checking accounts, administering the corporate credit card program, processing stock gifts, following up with parishes about second collections, reconciling GL accounts, and other items as assigned.

Applicants should be proficient in data entry (ten-key), Word processing, Excel and have strong written and verbal communication skills. Other experience such as mail merge, Power Point and A/P processing would be a plus.

Send resume and salary history to: 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or email to recruiting@rcdoc.org. ** The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer **

process those who have been waiting months or years, kept out by Title 42 and what exactly will happen to the deprioritized cases. In an April 5 statement, Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Washington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ migration committee, while lauding the end of this “harmful policy,” referring to Title 42, also issued a warning.

HHS expected to propose health care rule on abortion, transgender services WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leadership at the Catholic Benefits Association believes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will soon announce new regulations that may pose an existential threat to religiousbased employers including Catholic hospitals.

Discovery of a 74-page legal memorandum attached to a court filing from a consortium of 30 sexual rights groups last year revealed that HHS has promised to revise its mandates on health plan coverage and performance to include surgical abortion, cross-sex hormones, gender-transition surgeries, gender-affirming cosmetic surgeries and voice modification – along with a host of expanded services dealing with fertility treatments, contraception, abortifacients and sterilizations. It is believed that sometime in April, HHS could announce the proposed regulations, which would not only disallow religious exemptions but would have a broad cost and compliance impact on all U.S. employers. “The memo prepared by the Leadership Conference provides the best forecast of what the new regulation will say. We

don’t know for sure what the regulation will say but there is good reason to believe that it will be quite similar to the memo signed on by 30 sexual rights activist groups including Planned Parenthood,” said attorney Martin Nussbaum of Nussbaum Speir Gleason in Colorado Springs, Colo., a legal firm which advises the Catholic Benefits Association. The expected rules change Nussbaum discussed with Catholic News Service would have to be published in the Federal Register by HHS, and once published, a period for public comment would begin. In general, agencies will specify a comment period ranging from 30 to 60 days.

Bridgeport priest named rector of U.S. seminary in Rome ROME — Monsignor Thomas W. Powers, vicar general of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., has been named rector of the Pontifical North American College, the U.S. seminary in Rome.

His appointment by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy was announced March 30 and goes into effect July 1. The current rector, Father Peter Harman, has completed a six-year term. In a press release from the college, Bishop Robert P. Deeley of Portland, Maine, and chairman of the board of governors of the college, which nominates the candidate, said, “Monsignor Powers is extremely well-suited to serve as our next rector, given his extensive experience in seminary formation, his many pastoral skills and his prior work in church governance and administration. We are very grateful for his acceptance of our nomination.”

— Catholic News Service

April 8, 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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Our world 28

catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief As 3 feasts converge, Holy Land Christians hope for peace, tourism JERUSALEM — With pandemic restrictions almost fully lifted, churches and shopkeepers alike are hopeful that the streets of Jerusalem will fill up once again as Easter, Passover and Ramadan converge. Joseph Hazboun, regional director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association-Pontifical Mission in Jerusalem, noted that the pandemic has left its mark not only on people in the tourism industry but also on some monasteries and convents that depend on the sales of their homemade products. Though there are signs of returning

pilgrims, he said, it is still a long way off from the high numbers of three years ago. And with the continuing unchecked vandalism attacks on church property, especially but not only in Jerusalem, Christians feel threatened, he said.

“It affects the presence of Christians and the Church,” he said. In addition to vandalism, in March, Israelis and Palestinians saw an increase in violence. In early March, seven Palestinians were killed in separate clashes with Israeli forces, and in late March three terrorist attacks that killed 11 people left Israelis reeling. On April 2, the patriarchs and heads of local churches of Jerusalem condemned the violence and called on Christians, Muslims and Jews to show mutual respect for one another at the rare confluence of the three major religious holidays.

U.S. nun kidnapped in Burkina Faso WASHINGTON, D.C. — Armed attackers broke into the convent at Holy Family Parish in Yalgo, Burkina Faso, and kidnapped an American nun sometime between April 4 and 5, said the

Office Manager

Diocesan Properties Office The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is currently accepting resumes for the position of “Office Manager” to work within the Diocesan Properties Office. The Office Manager will be required to perform a wide range of administrative and office support activities for the Office of Diocesan Properties to facilitate the productive and efficient operation of the department.

The Office Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining office procedures, communication protocols, streamlining administrative procedures, overseeing inventory control, and efficiently and effectively supporting all division leaders. The office manager shall be well organized, flexible, and professional in handling a wide range of administrative and executive support related tasks.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Associates degree or greater in associated field preferred.

• 5+ years minimum related experience.

• Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of proper office management.

• Advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. • Strong knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

U.S. head of the sister’s congregation. Sister Ann Lacour, U.S. congregational leader for the Marianites of Holy Cross, based in Covington, La., said 83-year-old Sister Suellen Tennyson was kidnapped “because she’s American.” The order has not received any demands for ransom, Sister Lacour told Catholic News Service late April 5. She said the order was working with U.S. Embassy officials in Burkina Faso.

Cardinal Turkson to head pontifical academies of sciences, social sciences VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has named Cardinal Peter Turkson the new chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, two groups of top-level scholars and experts who promote studies on issues of concern to the Vatican. Cardinal Turkson, a 73-year-old native of Ghana, had served a five-year term as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development from its establishment in 2017 until Jan. 1. Prior to that, he was president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

At the pontifical academies, he succeeds Argentine Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, who will turn 80 in September and had been appointed chancellor in 1998 by St. John Paul II. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which includes Nobel Prize winners, professors and researchers, traces its roots to the 17th century and was founded in its current form by Pope Pius IX in 1847. St. John Paul II established the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in 1994 to conduct similar studies and sponsor

conferences on social concerns.

Pope apologizes for treatment of Indigenous in Canada VATICAN CITY — Expressing “sorrow and shame” for the complicity of Catholics in abusing Indigenous children in Canada and helping in the attempt to erase their culture, Pope Francis pledged to address the issue more fully when he visits Canada. Saying he was impressed by their devotion to St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, the centerpiece of the popular Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage, scheduled this year for July 25-28, Pope Francis told them, “This year, I would like to be with you in those days.” The Shrine of St. Anne, on Lac Ste. Anne, is located in central Alberta, not far from Edmonton. “For the deplorable conduct of members of the Catholic Church, I ask God’s forgiveness and I want to tell you with all my heart, I am very grieved,” the pope told them April 1. “And I join my brother bishops of Canada in apologizing to you.” The pope had held separate meetings March 28 with representatives of the Métis National Council and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and met March 31 with delegates from the Assembly of First Nations. They were accompanied by six Canadian bishops. “Through your voices,” he told the delegates, “I have been able to touch with my own hands and carry within me, with great sadness in my heart, the stories of suffering, deprivation, discriminatory treatment and various forms of abuse suffered by many of you, particularly in residential schools.”

— Catholic News Service

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

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

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, and the reporting of financial data.

• Strong inter-personal communication skills – both written and verbal.

• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Ability to work both independently and with a team.

• Must have a service oriented attitude that actively looks for ways to help others

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

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

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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.

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ViewPoints 30

catholicnewsherald.com | April 8, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Jesuit Father John Michalowski

Deacon Bill Melton Jr.

T

Sisters of Mercy sowed many seeds of faith

he celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlotte is particularly meaningful to me. I’m a product of it and the labors of all those who have gone before us spreading the Gospel in North Carolina. Especially the Sisters of Mercy.

When this diocese was born, I was 5 years old and I wasn’t Catholic. I was born in Charlotte and raised in Mount Holly as a United Methodist.

No one in my family was Catholic. My introduction to the Church came in 1975 when my parents enrolled my brother Tommy and me in Sacred Heart Grade School in Belmont, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. I was in the fourth grade, and Tommy was in the first. My teacher was a lay teacher, and Tommy’s class had Mercy Sister Mary Kathleen McNamara.

Now, Tommy and I had never seen sisters before. So when Tommy walked into his classroom and saw Sister Kathleen standing in the front of the class dressed in black from head to foot, he like to have died. The only woman he knew who dressed in a black outfit was the Wicked Witch of the West, and he was deathly afraid of her! Poor Tommy went out of his mind. He made himself sick, ran a fever and everything that goes with it. During the first couple of weeks, by the time Mom got him to Sister Kathleen’s room, both of them were crying.

Then Sister Kathleen worked her magic – magic only an Irish sister can perform – and ultimately Tommy fell in love with her.

As for me, I loved it all. I was amazed at the Mass. We went every Friday. I was fixated on the Blessed Sacrament, which everyone except a few of us received, and I wondered why I couldn’t be part of it. And I was also in awe of the sisters. Their faith. Their devotion to Christ. Their sacrifice. Everything about them.

I attended Sacred Heart through the eighth grade, the highest grade the school offered. Then I went back to public school and later graduated from Belmont Abbey College. My last two years in college, I was a licensed United Methodist pastor serving two small churches in Union County. After college I began a career as a police officer, and shortly thereafter I married a girl from northwest Pennsylvania who’d moved here while we were in high school. We had become friends and both graduated from the Abbey, and we married in December 1990.

A couple of years later, I felt moved by the Holy Spirit to leave Methodism. The Spirit pointed me in the direction of the Roman Catholic Church. I attended RCIA at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont for two years, during which time I regularly returned to Sacred Heart Convent to seek the counsel of my friends, the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Kathleen spent many hours with me and my wife Laurie, and she would even become our daughter Kathleen’s godmother.

When I joined the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass in 1994, my mother flatly refused to attend. She said the worst thing she ever did was send me to Sacred Heart because that’s where all this nonsense came from. Laurie joined the Catholic Church several years later, and we raised our family in the faith.

But a funny thing happened one evening about four years back while I was visiting Mom, who by then was in her 80s. During our visit, she looked at me and said, “Bill, I want to talk to you about joining the Catholic Church.” And she did, four months later! The seeds of faith planted by the Sisters of Mercy in my life had grown to include an entire family. Which is the point.

The Sisters of Mercy began planting these same seeds of faith throughout North Carolina long before there was a diocese in this state at all. From Wilmington to Asheville, they founded schools and hospitals.

They accepted the invitation of Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid to come to Belmont to assist the Benedictines with their work spreading the Gospel in what was then mission country.

During their time here in the diocese, the Sisters of Mercy have also founded world class ministries such as Holy Angels, Catherine’s House and the House of Mercy, while also staffing schools and hospitals at the same time. And though they are few in number now, their legacy is that of the Parable of the Sower. The seeds they’ve sown from Murphy to Manteo continue to produce fruit in our state and this wonderful Diocese of Charlotte. All for the cause of Christ. Which gives us all a reason to celebrate!

DEACON W.S. “BILL” MELTON JR. serves at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

T

Communion, participation and mission in the Liturgy of the Eucharist

hrough the Church the Holy Spirit is calling us to communion, participation and mission.

As the holy People of God, we are called to walk together as a community in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus’ work in the world. As St. Paul says, we are

‘In the Eucharistic Liturgy, we learn who we are: a people transformed by grace into the Body of Christ for the life of the world.’ “ambassadors for Christ,” called to the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5). Through the Liturgy of the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, we come to see more clearly what our participation in the Christian community and in the world should look like.

But this is more than a call to action.

In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we are joined together “through Him, and with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,” so that we might become the Body of Christ at work in the world. In a certain sense, we are called to be communion for the world.

As St. John XXIII said, “The Christian is the eighth sacrament, the only one that nonChristians can receive.” By being who we are in Christ, we become a community of believers “‘of one heart and soul’ (Acts 4:32) establishing fellowship from every point of view: human, spiritual and material” (St. John Paul II, “Redemptoris Missio,” 26).

The Offertory of the Mass reminds us that God has given gifts to all of us, and by using these talents rightly as God would have us do, they can be transformed into a means of grace for the world. At each Mass, we pray: “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.” God has also blessed us with “the fruit of the vine and work of human hands” that become our spiritual drink.

When we accept our gifts and then offer them to God to do His will, they become a means of grace that will feed a hungry world. Our world hungers for reconciliation and community, for peace and hope, for an end to hunger and the recognition of

the dignity of all human life from conception to grave.

When the priest or deacon mixes the water into the wine, he prays: “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.” This prayer anticipates what we pray in the Third Eucharistic Prayer: “Grant that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ.” Note that I said, “we pray,” for though the priest leads the prayer and stands in the place of Christ, nonetheless as the Body of Christ we offer the Mass together and ratify the priest’s words with our amen. Note all of the uses of the word “we” in the Eucharistic Prayers: “we make humble petition,” “we offer,” “we ask,” “we pray,” “we celebrate” (Eucharistic Prayer I), “we celebrate,” “we offer,” “we pray” (Eucharistic Prayer II); “we implore,” “we offer,” “we are nourished,” “we rely,” “we hope” (Eucharistic Prayer III); “we give you praise,” “we pray,” “we celebrate,” “we remember,” “we proclaim” and “we offer” (Eucharistic Prayer IV).

As Cardinal Joseph Bernardin said about 25 years ago, “So this Eucharistic Prayer, too, is the work of the assembly. That must be clear in the way we pray it. … In every Eucharistic Prayer the whole assembly joins the proclamation of praise led by the priest. By singing the ‘Holy, holy,’ the Memorial Acclamation, and the ‘Amen,’ we claim the prayer as our own” (“Guide for the Assembly,” 57-58).

Vatican II’s “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” notes, “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people’ (1 Peter 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism” (14).

Particularly, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, we learn who we are: a people transformed by grace into the Body of Christ for the life of the world. In the Communion Rite, we call on God, our Father, to help us bring the inbreaking of the Kingdom by our living out God’s will in the world. We greet one another with peace, asking for the grace to be reconciled with all and to become ambassadors of reconciliation in our families, communities, workplaces and the world.

We then approach the Eucharistic Table to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Before coming forward, we admit that “Lord, I am not worthy.” But God’s great love calls us to receive the one whose Paschal Mystery works to make us worthy, calling us to become what we receive: the Body of Christ. Only His love and grace can LITURGY, SEE PAGE 31

April 8, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

31

Letter to the editor

Disability never kept deacon from serving, inspiring others The obituary about the death of Deacon Bob Desautels (March 25 Catholic News Herald) gave the kind of understated account that the humble deacon would have liked. But it did not come close to capturing the enormous inspiration he was to those who served with him in any of his ministries, and to many of those who just observed him from the pews of St. Leo the Great Church. Sometimes the work of a humble man needs to be set out as a light for all to see, not hidden under a basket (Matthew 5).

The article mentioned that he earned the Purple Heart in Vietnam. It does not explain that he was a disabled Vietnam vet, carrying the effects of his wounds from that war with him for the rest of his life. The most obvious effect of his service and wounds was that he gradually lost more and more of his sight. He could not read normal-sized script without magnifiers that he wore over his glasses, as can be seen in the picture accompanying the article.

The VA supplied him with an oversized laptop for when he needed to read anything beyond a few lines. He used it when he was proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, when preaching (as he did one Sunday a month until the pandemic struck), when leading worship services at the jail, and when leading the Stations of the Cross on Fridays in Lent. To lead the Stations, he also needed a movable platform to move the laptop from station to station; when he could not find anything to suit, he built it himself.

His eyesight eventually deteriorated to the point that he had to give up his driver’s license. When that happened, he purchased a motorized scooter that could move at around 10 miles per hour. He didn’t need a driver’s license for that, and it enabled him to get around to his various ministries and to visit the sick.

The article mentions that he led the jail ministry. He became involved at the Forsyth County Jail in 2002, when he was asked to substitute for two weeks. The person he was supposedly substituting for never returned, and Deacon Bob continued for 18 years, leading a service for Hispanic inmates more than 40 times a year until the pandemic shut it down. The jail calendar listed “Catholic Mass”; in fact, he led a service in Spanish except on the comparatively rare occasions when a priest could be present. He could not speak Spanish, despite spending time in Mexico to try to learn the language. So each week he would listen to a recording of the parts of the service that he would have to read. He also attracted a group of people to join him in the ministry, including some native Spanish speakers. Deacon Bob thought of his role as bringing the Eucharist, Jesus Christ Himself, to the jail.

The article mentions that he served as scoutmaster to his sons’ Boy Scout troop until they all earned the Eagle Scout designation. He continued as the Scouts’ chaplain after that, even though the troop met at a neighboring parish, well beyond walking distance, until the pandemic. He couldn’t drive, but there were usually volunteers to drive him. When no one else volunteered, his wife Peggy drove him. She, like the wife of every deacon, was his partner in service.

He never gave up. As Father Brian Cook, his pastor for 14 years, said during his eulogy at the funeral Mass, many people faced with his various ailments would have curled up on the couch. With the aid of the VA, he even worked to improve his eyesight, and shortly before the pandemic, he regained sufficient use of his sight to get his driver’s license back, although he was restricted to daytime use. He did not use the highway, only streets where he could drive slowly and safely, Besides all this, he participated in the “normal” life of the parish. He regularly led the Benediction that was celebrated at the end of Wednesday Eucharistic Adoration, which fortunately never shut down during the pandemic. He led a group that met each week, sometimes by Zoom, to reflect on the next Sunday’s Gospel. Finally, he served as the presiding deacon over monthly Ultreyas involving some 30 cursillistas.

His life of service should be an inspiration to anyone suffering from disabilities. To some people, a disability is a reason (or excuse) to stop contributing to society, tending only to their own situation. Deacon Bob took the opposite view. He figured out what he could do and how he could contribute, and then he did it in every way possible.

Above all, Deacon Bob cared for people. He was something of a magnet, drawing people to the ministries and programs he served. Parishioners loved Deacon Bob. His care for people also exhibited itself when he distributed Holy Communion. When people approached, with arms crossed because they did not wish to receive that day, he took his time blessing them. It slowed down the Communion line, but when Deacon Bob blessed you – whether you were a child not yet able to receive Communion, an adult not receiving that day, or an inmate in the jail – you knew you had been blessed.

His many contributions to several parishes over nearly 40 years as a deacon is a powerful example of what one deacon can mean to the life of the Church. That’s something any man discerning the permanent diaconate might want to consider.

Sometimes we should proclaim what a humble man did – not to praise him, but so that his work can serve as an example for others. This, I suggest, is one of those times.

WILLIAM IRWIN is a member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

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help us “to put on Christ,” as St. Paul loved to say. “By its union with Christ, the People of the New Covenant … becomes a ‘sacrament’ for humanity, a sign and instrument of salvation achieved by Christ, the light of the world and the salt of the earth (cf. Mt 5:13-16), for the redemption of all” (St. John Paul II, “On the Eucharist and Its Relationship to the Church,” 22).

Cardinal Bernardin put well the challenge of the Eucharist: “At this table we put aside every worldly separation based on culture, class, or other differences. Baptized, we no longer admit to distinctions based on age or sex or race or wealth. This communion is why all prejudice, all racism, all sexism, all deference to wealth and power must be banished from our parishes, our homes, and our lives. This communion is why we will not call enemies those who are human beings like ourselves. This communion is why we will not commit the world’s resources to an escalating arms race while the poor die. We cannot. Not when we have feasted on the ‘body broken’ and ‘blood poured out’ for the life of the

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world” (“Guide for the Assembly,” 70).

Having received the Eucharist, we then sit in silence for some moments to ponder the comfort and the challenge of the One we have received.

Only grace can give us the eyes to see as Christ sees, a heart to love as Christ loves, and hands to carry out the Beatitudes and bring justice, reconciliation and peace into our world. The Post-Communion Prayer follows, and then we are blessed. We take that blessing to heart as we, as individuals and a community, are sent out on a mission to “announce the Gospel of the Lord,” to “go in peace,” and “to glorify the Lord by our lives.” United as a community and a communion in Christ, we are sent to participate in the mission of bringing the reign of God into every place, every structure and every people in the world.

“Now to Him who is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:20-21).

JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is the parochial vicar of St. Peter Church in Charlotte. This is the second of two commentaries on the Synod theme of “Communion, Participation and Mission.”

Part 1 was published in the March 25 edition of the Catholic News Herald.

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