May 13, 2022

May 13, 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

Celebrating the history of deacons in our diocese 14-15, 21

‘Every single one of us is in need of healing’

Private Catholic school joins diocesan schools system 5 FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

St. Bernadette Church hosts patron saint’s relics during national tour 4 La Iglesia Santa Bernardita acogió las reliquias de su santa patrona 16-17

THANK YOU!

Las apariciones marianas en Fátima 18-19

St. Luke’s new church takes shape in Mint Hill

Hidden gem at Hickory’s Catholic Conference Center gets a refresh

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At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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May 13, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 16

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....................................... 16-21 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese.............................. 4-11 Scripture readings.................3, 20 Arts & Entertainment.................23 U.S. news................................26-27 Viewpoints.............................30-31 World news........................... 28-29

Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

things you need to know this week

PRAY FOR OUR NEW PRIESTS: The Mary’s Sons kneelers for soonto-be-ordained priests Deacon Darren Balkey and Deacon Aaron Huber will be at WinstonSalem and Charlotte area churches prior to their June 18 ordination Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. See the schedule below and learn more at www.catholicnewsherald. com.

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TAKE IN 50 YEARS OF HISTORY: From our earliest days of circuit-riding priests to our roots in the Carolina Gold Rush, the Diocese of Charlotte stands on the shoulders of countless missionary priests, consecrated religious, and faithful lay men and women who built up the Church in western North Carolina. Thanks to their sacrifices, hard work and devotion, our diocese was born and has been blessed by God over these past 50 years.

Learn more about the history of the Diocese of Charlotte in this brief video: wwww. faithmorepreciousthangold.com.

STAFF

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

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

MAY 13 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville MAY 15 – 12:30 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAINT OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESSES: St. Paschal Baylon’s feast day is coming up May 17. Known for his love of the Eucharist, he is the patron of Eucharistic Congresses. He spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament, and many people sought his counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial, and miracles were reported promptly.

Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of Eucharistic Congresses and societies in 1897. The Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress is Aug. 5-6. Learn more at www.goeucharist.com.

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EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis:

MAY 17 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Matthew Church, Charlotte MAY 19 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

PRAY THE ROSARY: On special 4 days during the diocese’s 50th anniversary, consider praying the rosary on days connected to our history.

On May 17, 1985, the diocese’s African American Affairs Ministry was formed to celebrate the diversity and promote the contributions of Black Catholics in western North Carolina.

HELP REFUGEES RESETTLE: Catholic Charities’ Western Region Office is collecting furniture May 14 for refugees resettling in the Asheville area.

Refugees from Afghanistan, Eastern Europe and other countries are in need of kitchen tables, chairs, couches, end tables, desks and lamps. Drop off items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 50 N. Orange St. in Asheville. For details, email avlrefugees@ccdoc.org.

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POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

MAY 21 – 10 A.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte MAY 24 – 5 P.M. Charlotte Catholic High School Baccalaureate Mass St. Matthew Church, Charlotte MAY 26 – 6 P.M. Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Baccalaureate Mass Holy Cross Church, Kernersville MAY 27 – 5 P.M. Charlotte Catholic High School Graduation Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP) COURSE: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 21, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics to be covered include effectiveness of modern NFP methods, health risks of popular contraceptives, benefits of NFP and how to use NFP. Registration is required at www.ccdoc.org/nfp.

For details, contact Batrice Adcock, MSN, at 704-370-3230 or bnadcock@rcdoc.org.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS MARY’S SONS KNEELERS: May 9-16: Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem, May 23-30: St. Leo Church, Winston-Salem, May 30-June 10: St. Mark Church, June 10-17: St. Patrick Cathedral, and June 18 (ordination day): St. Mark Church, Huntersville. For more information about Mary’s Sons kneelers, visit www.MarysSons.org.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

MAY 20 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

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

Upcoming workshops: ARDEN: 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. For details, contact Valarie Brooks at 828-684-6098, ext. 1306

HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, Mark Church (Parish Center Room 220), 14740 Stumptown Road MURPHY: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, St. William Church, 765 Andrews Road WORKSHOPS ‘CATHOLICS & THE DEATH PENALTY’: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, June 6, webinar with criminal defense attorney James Cooney, who will share his work on death penalty cases and the status of the death penalty in North Carolina. He will tell the story of his work with death row inmate Alan Gell, wrongfully convicted and eventually exonerated after being in prison for nearly a decade. The case was featured in Super Lawyers magazine: “Dead Man Walking Free.” Deacon Clarke Cochran will discuss what Catholic social teaching says about the death penalty. Learn about Catholic groups working to abolish the death penalty, as well as how you can get involved.

Sponsored by the St. Peter Social Justice Ministry. To sign up, go to https://forms.gle/ semGAv5tDnWA89vw5.

TEENFEMM – EXPLORING FEMININE DIGNITY AND DESIGN: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Designated for mothers (or mother figure) with teen daughter(s). Topics to be covered includes puberty and menstrual cycle maturation, the importance of ovulation and how to balance hormones, how to track the cycle and more. Registration required: www.ccdoc.org/nfp. For details, contact Batrice Adcock, MSN, at 704-370-3230 or bnadcock@rcdoc.org.

Our faith

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Blessed is the name of Mary Multitude of titles expresses love for the Mother of God “Ineffabilis Deus.” This also gave rise to the title “Queen Conceived Without Original Sin.” n “Our Lady of the Assumption” comes from the belief that CHARLOTTE — A hallmark of Catholicism is love for Jesus’ Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven when her earthly mother, Mary. life ended. The Assumption was declared a dogma in 1950 by Catholics love her, honor her and venerate her image in Pope Pius XII in the apostolic constitution “Munificentissimus thanksgiving for her “yes” to God, for her role as the Theotokos Deus.” The title “Queen Assumed Into Heaven” also derived (“God-bearer”) and as a powerful intercessor for all of God’s from this. children. It is important to note that Catholics do not worship Some of her titles are associated with Church-approved Mary, but revere her pivotal role in apparitions: Our Lady of salvation history.

Guadalupe (1531), Our Lady of Mary is known by dozens of titles around the Miraculous Medal (1830), the world – dogmatic titles, devotional Our Lady of Lourdes (1858), titles and titles adopted by religious orders.

Our Lady of Knock (1879) and There are also some titles that popes over Our Lady of Fatima (1917). the centuries have addressed in encyclicals Religious orders under her and invocations, and titles expressing their patronage include: Carmelites, filial affection for her during their papacies. who look to Our Lady of Mt. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Carmel; the Marians of the also known as the Litany of Loreto, Immaculate Conception; invokes more than 50 titles of Our Lady.

Sisters of Mary, Mother of the This supplication sprang from prayers for Eucharist; and the Daughters protection during the Battle of Lepanto of the Virgin Mother (Diocese in 1571, when Mary’s help was enlisted of Charlotte). through the recitation of the rosary to Many devotional titles speak defeat the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in to the love of the faithful for the Gulf of Patras. The feast of Our Lady of Mary and confidence in her the Rosary, or Our Lady of Victory, is still intercession: Queen of Peace, celebrated every Oct. 7.

Our Lady of Mercy, Mother of Early titles in Church history besides Perpetual Help, Queen of the “Our Lady” (“Notre Dame” in French and Apostles, Ark of the Covenant, “Nuestra Señora” in Spanish) include: Refuge of Sinners and Mary, “The New Eve,” a title first mentioned by Undoer of Knots.

St. Justin Martyr in the early half of the Some lesser known but first century and later expanded upon by equally beautiful titles for St. Iraneaus; “Mary Help of Christians,” Mary are: Tower of Ivory; Our first used by St. John Chrysostom in 345 Lady of Solitude; Our Lady, and also reverently used by St. John Bosco Gate of the Dawn; Mirror of in the 1800s; and “Stella Maris” (Our Justice; and Spiritual Vessel.

Lady Star of the Sea), an ancient title that St. Louis de Montfort said, emphasized her role as a sign of hope and a “We never give more honor guiding star for Christians. It is attributed to Jesus than when we honor to St. Jerome, who lived in the mid-second His mother, and we honor her and early third centuries.

“Madonna and Child” by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato simply and solely to honor Him Four dogmatic titles for the Blessed (17th century) all the more perfectly.”

Mother were declared by the Church: So why not take some time n “Mother of God” was decreed at during May, the month devoted the Council of Ephesus in 431, which acknowledged her as to Mary, to cultivate a personal devotion to the Blessed Mother “Theotokos” because her son, Jesus Christ, is both God and under a title that is meaningful to you in your faith journey? man. This name was translated in the West as “Mater Dei” or — www.wikipedia.org contributed.

Mother of God. From this derives the title “Blessed Mother.” n “Virgin Mary” rises from the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, taught by the early Church Fathers and The Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey who came to North declared a dogma by the Lateran Council of 649.

Carolina in 1876 built the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Belmont n “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception” comes from in 1892. In the Diocese of Charlotte there are now 23 more churches the teaching that Mary was conceived without original sin, and missions that bear a name related to a title of Mary or her as defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX’s apostolic constitution Immaculate Heart.

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

Churches under Mary’s patronage

Daily Scripture readings MAY 15-21

Sunday: Acts 14:21-27, Revelation 21:1-5a, John 13:31-33a, 34-35; Monday: Acts 14:5-18, John 14:21-26; Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31a; Wednesday (St. John I): Acts 15:1-6, John 15:1-8; Thursday: Acts 15:7-21, John 15:9-11; Friday (St. Bernardine of Siena): Acts 15:22-31, John 15:12-17; Saturday (St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions): Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21

MAY 22-28

Sunday: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29; Monday: Acts 16:11-15, John 15:26-16:4a; Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11; Wednesday (St. Bede the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi): Acts 17:15, 22-18:1, John 16:12-15; Thursday (The Ascension of the Lord): Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Luke 24:46-53; Friday (St. Augustine of Canterbury): Acts 18:918, John 16:20-23; Saturday: Acts 18:2328, John 16:23b-28

MAY 29-JUNE 4

Sunday: Acts 7:55-60, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26; Monday: Acts 19:1-8, John 16:29-33; Tuesday (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Wednesday (St. Justin): Acts 20:28-38, John 17:11b-19; Thursday (Sts. Marcellinus and Peter): Acts 22:30, 23:6-11, John 17:20-26; Friday (St. Charles Lwanga and Companions): Acts 25:13b-21, John 21:15-19; Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, John 21:20-25.

Pope Francis

Leave grandkids your legacy of wisdom

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ope Francis told older people to use retirement as a time to serve others and to sow the seeds of their wisdom.

When people retire, starting the new chapter in life requires “a creative attention, a new attention, a generous availability,” the pope said during his general audience May 11.

“The previous skills of active life lose their constraint and become resources to be given away: teaching, advising, building, caring, listening ... preferably in favor of the most disadvantaged who cannot afford any learning or who are abandoned in their loneliness,” he said. Communities, he said, must understand “how to benefit from the talents and charisms of so many elderly people who are already retired, but who are a wealth to be treasured.”

The pope continued his series of talks dedicated to the meaning and value of “old age,” reflecting on the biblical figure of Judith, a pious widow, who, as a young woman, “had won the esteem of the community with her courage” in killing the commander-in-chief of the threatening armies of Nebuchadnezzar.

With her heroism, she lived “to the fullest the mission the Lord had entrusted to her,” and then, as an older widow with no children, she saw “it was time for her to leave the good legacy of wisdom, tenderness and gifts for her family and her community.”

When people retire, they usually can expect to have many years ahead of them.

They may wonder what they should do and ask, “how can I grow in authority, in holiness, in wisdom?”

If there are grandchildren, there will be “the task, joyful and tiring,” of looking after them. “The little ones learn the power of tenderness and respect for frailty” from their grandparents, and grandparents learn that “tenderness and frailty are not solely signs of decline: for young people, they are conditions that humanize the future.”

But sometimes family members live far apart, there are fewer children, and employment and housing conditions may be “unfavorable” to an intergenerational family. With so many new demands on today’s families, they must learn to “reshape the traditional connection between the generations.”

“When we think of a legacy, at times we think of goods, and not of the goodness that is done in old age, and that has been sown, that goodness that is the best legacy we can leave,” not just goods or assets.

The pope encouraged people to read the Book of Judith to be inspired by her example. “Judith is not a pensioner who lives the emptiness it brings melancholically: she is a passionate mature woman who fills the time God gives her with gifts.”

“This is how I would like all our grandmothers to be: courageous, wise and who bequeath to us not money, but the legacy of wisdom, sown in their grandchildren.”

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Two deacon appointments announced CHARLOTTE — Deacon Jack Staub has been appointed spiritual advisor for the Englishspeaking Cursillo, replacing Deacon Michael Martini. Also, Deacon Ralph D’Agostino has been appointed Deacon Coordinator for the Triad Region, replacing Deacon Marcos Mejias.

Deacon Staub was raised in New Orleans and earned a chemical engineering degree from LSU. He worked in engineering and sales for Cytec Industries.

He and his wife Susan have D’Agostino been married for 42 years and have four children and five grandchildren.

Ordained in 2014, he serves at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte, where his family has been parishioners for 28 years. Deacon Staub serves with Cursillo, RCIA, homeless ministry, adult faith formation and homebound ministry. He coordinates the parish’s Extraordinary Ministers of Staub Holy Communion and is also Continuing Education Coordinator for the Permanent Diaconate program.

Deacon D’Agostino was born in Cambridge, Mass., and attended Bowdoin College and Harvard University, where he earned master’s and doctorate degrees in statistics. He then joined the faculty at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is professor of biostatistics and data science and directs the Biostatistics Shared Resource for the Comprehensive Cancer Center and is program director for the graduate program in Clinical Research Management.

He and his wife Carey have been married for 32 years, and they have six children and three grandchildren. They have been parishioners at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem for 27 years. He was ordained a deacon in 2018 and assigned to St. Leo Parish. He is involved with baptismal and marriage preparation at the parish and has been a spiritual leader for the Winston-Salem Cursillo Group for several years.

— Deacon John Kopfle

Program on poverty, race and COVID-19 to be presented Ralph McCloud, director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development, will be in Asheville and Charlotte next week to speak on “Poverty, Race, and Health in America – Reflections from Our Nation’s COVID-19 Experience.” The free program is being sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry.

In Asheville, the program will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at St. Eugene Church’s fellowship hall. The program will be IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 24

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The first-class relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous visited St. Bernadette Church in Linville May 9-11. Hundreds of people visited the church to pray for the intercession of the “seer of Lourdes.”

‘Every single one of us is in need of healing’ St. Bernadette Church hosts patron saint’s relics during national tour SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

LINVILLE — Busloads of pilgrims flocked to St. Bernadette Church May 9-11 to pray for the intercession of St. Bernadette Soubirous, called “the seer of Lourdes,” and see her relics.

The teenage saint witnessed 18 apparitions of Mary in Lourdes in 1858. The French town has become a famous destination for pilgrims, some of whom have been miraculously healed after bathing in its natural spring.

Linville became a pilgrim destination of its own this week – the only stop in North Carolina on a five-month national tour of St. Bernadette’s relics.

Among the faithful making the pilgrimage to the little church nestled in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain was Rose Alenius-Spencer of Abingdon, Va. She drove one-and-a-halfhours south through the mountains Monday with one of her daughters and her infant grandson to visit the saint she’s had an affinity for since childhood.

“I have always felt a real connection to her. I don’t really understand what it is,” she said. “My youngest daughter has Bernadette as her middle name. I am here for her and for my grandson – there are special prayers going up for them.” But, she added, “We are all in need. Every single one of us is in need of healing.”

The relics of St. Bernadette traveling across the country are ex-carne relics (meaning “from the flesh”). The reliquary, or container that houses the relics, was crafted in Spain by the Maison Granda workshop and unveiled in 2019.

The national tour, which began in April, is being organized by the Sanctuary of Lourdes in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, North American Volunteers, Hospitalité of Miami, and the Order of Malta.

During the relics’ three-day visit to his parish, pastor Father Christopher Bond anointed the sick, offered Mass and led a

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A father explains to his son about Our Lady of Lourdes after lighting a votive candle in front of her statue to ask for her intercession. The family of five had come to St. Bernadette Church in Linville May 9 to venerate the relics of St. Bernadette. candlelit rosary procession each night.

Among those who were anointed Monday were Gerry and Judy Bielfeldt, who were on their way to Chicago to meet their first great-grandson. Parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas ST. BERNADETTE, SEE PAGE 25

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Private Catholic school joins diocesan schools system SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — A private school in Asheville is joining the Diocese of Charlotte’s system of Catholic Schools, school leaders have announced.

Canongate Catholic High School, an independent school founded in 2013, is being recognized by Bishop Peter Jugis as an affiliate school of the diocese. It will become the 20th Catholic school within the diocese, although it will remain financially and administratively independent.

Canongate has 33 students enrolled in grades 9-12 and 14 educators (full- and parttime) at its location on the campus of St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

“We joyfully welcome Canongate Catholic High School into our family of Catholic schools within the diocese,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of diocesan Catholic Schools, in a letter to the Canongate community. “This affiliate status recognizes the good and faithful work of your school leadership and faculty in providing an authentically Catholic, integrated and robust curriculum that allows for the proper formation of students

towards salvation and sainthood.”

Monroe noted that although Canongate will remain independent, diocesan leadership will be responsible for reviewing and ensuring that all aspects of the school align with Catholic teaching. Canongate teachers and staff will also be welcome to attend professional development opportunities and other resources offered through the diocese’s Catholic Schools Office.

Canongate’s principal, Sedrick Dellinger, said he is pleased about the school’s new affiliate designation, which he said signals the strength of Catholic education in the Asheville community. He also said he hopes it attracts interest from more families interested in a Catholic education for their children.

“I am excited to be able to participate in diocesan Catholic Schools’ opportunities,” Dellinger added. “I also look forward to more opportunities to connect with

principals at other schools.”

Canongate’s culture is one of immersion and hands-on learning experiences. The classical curriculum focuses on four “educational pillars”: wonder, attention, freedom and joy. The school’s motto is “Ex umbris in veritatem” (“Out of the shadows into the truth”).

According to the school’s website, 67% of its faculty have advanced degrees, and its graduates have gone on to attend Belmont Abbey College, Western Carolina University, Brevard College, UNC-Asheville and UNC-Charlotte, among others.

Father Adrian Porras, Canongate’s spiritual director, has hosted the school in the religious education wing on his parish’s campus since January 2020, but his involvement dates back to the school’s earliest days.

“Their presence here has been very positive,” Father Porras said. “This designation gives them more recognition, people feel more confident, and now we can say we have the bishop’s blessing.”

Canongate is not the first Catholic high school in the Asheville area. The city was once home to three Catholic high schools staffed by religious orders: Asheville

Catholic High School, which closed in 1972, St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines School for girls and Gibbons Hall School for Boys, which merged with Asheville Country Day School in 1987 to form Carolina Day School.

Canongate offers another education option for Asheville-area families, in addition to Asheville Catholic School, which serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grades on its campus adjacent to St. Eugene Church.

Canongate is the fourth Catholic high school in the diocese, joining Charlotte Catholic High School, Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, and Christ the King High School in Huntersville.

Monroe noted that Canongate’s new affiliation with the diocese “shows the commitment and desire of the bishop and the Catholic Schools Office to serve the diverse needs of our families by continuing to provide multiple opportunities for authentic Catholic education.”

On May 25, school and diocesan leaders will gather at St. Barnabas Church for a ceremony to officially install Canongate as an affiliate, private Catholic high school of the diocese.

Hidden gem at Hickory’s Catholic Conference Center gets a refresh SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HICKORY — Saint Mary House, a 100-year-old farmhouse on the grounds of the Catholic Conference Center, has been renovated and can once again accommodate overnight guests.

Named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the retreat house also happens to bear the name of the matriarch of the Abernethy family who owned the farmhouse when it was built in the 1920s for their family with eight children.

The quaint farmhouse is a little gem on the conference center property. It sits just down the hill from the main center, tucked away in a copse of trees. The original pole barn, smokehouse, corn crib, outhouse, chicken coop and even the old well with hand crank and bucket are still on the property, adding to the nostalgia.

Conference Center staff and volunteers spent most of the past year working to renovate the farmhouse, with careful attention to preserve original details such as shiplap walls and wide-plank, red pine floors.

The retreat house offers two bedrooms, an updated bathroom, kitchen, living area and front porch. It can accommodate up to four guests nightly.

The renovation of Saint Mary House was made possible by $10,000 in private donations raised by an online appeal and word of mouth. Local tradesmen and volunteers offered another $5,000 in in-kind services to finish the project.

“It looks really nice,” says Deacon Scott Gilfillan, director of the Catholic Conference Center. “It was a great effort of people coming together, donating their time, talent and treasure. The new furniture was even donated by a local furniture company.”

Deacon Gilfillan has made personal retreats in the farmhouse, so he knows from experience how peaceful a stay can be.

“That retreat was so fruitful for me, so I booked it another time. It’s perfect – isolated but with access to the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration in the main center chapel,” he explains.

The main Catholic Conference Center offers meeting rooms, guest rooms, a large living room with gas fireplace, dining room and a chapel. Guests can walk the grounds, hike modest trails, pray the Stations of the Cross and the rosary, and enjoy time for quiet reflection on the many benches and chairs around the 180-acre property.

Special events are held at the conference center throughout the year, including retreats for couples, young adults and youth groups, professional development seminars, special weekend programs, and silent retreats for individuals and religious communities.

Saint Mary House, located on the grounds of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, is completely renovated and ready for guests.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DEACON SCOTT GILFILLAN

Deacon Gilfillan hopes more people will come up to Saint Mary House and the conference center for a getaway in the coming months.

“It’s a step back in time,” he says. “It’s an easy walk up the hill to the center. We’re looking forward to welcoming more guests to this special place.”

Book your stay Want to get away and recharge? Find out more about Saint Mary House and the Catholic Conference Center at www. catholicconference.org. Questions? Email Deacon Scott Gilfillan at sdgilfillan@catholicconference.org or call 828-327-7441.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Luke’s new church takes shape in Mint Hill SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

(Above) Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari shares a blessing at the groundbreaking for the Reidy Tennis Center. (Right) Members of the Belmont Abbey College community – including Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president, faculty, supporters and alumni – break ground on the center.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE

Belmont Abbey College breaks ground on Reidy Tennis Center and Pavilion BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College broke ground April 23 on a new tennis center and pavilion in memory of longtime faculty member and coach Michael “Mike” Reidy.

The groundbreaking ceremony was part of the college’s weekend homecoming events and a testament to Coach Reidy’s tireless dedication to the Abbey.

Reidy came to Belmont Abbey College in 1969 and served as the men’s tennis coach for 31 years. During his tenure, he led his teams to six conference titles and seven national tournament appearances, including an NCAA Division II Sweet 16 appearance in 2001. He earned conference Coach of the Year four times on the men’s side and in 1999 when he was in the middle of his tenure leading the women’s program. That same year, the Crusaders captured the Carolina-Virginia Athletic Conference women’s tennis championship.

The legacy of Belmont Abbey’s successful tennis programs sits on Reidy’s shoulders, college leaders said.

“Mike Reidy is one of the most dedicated, charismatic, and beloved leaders in the long and illustrious history of Belmont Abbey College,” said Stephen Miss, vice president and director of athletics. “Best exemplified by the multiple generations of students and colleagues, of whom I am

blessed to count myself as one, fortunate enough to have been formed, developed, mentored, taught and coached by him – and his wonderful wife Bonnie – Coach Mike Reidy’s legacy lives on.”

“Coach Reidy’s most enduring legacy comes from his role as a mentor and teacher for innumerable players, students, and friends. He taught his players that academics were first and that if you did not learn sportsmanship, you were not on his team. Countless alumni refer to him as a second father and acknowledge that they owe much of their success, personally and professionally, to Coach,” said Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari.

The Mike and Bonnie Reidy Tennis Center began in 2012 with construction of seven tennis courts. Four more courts were completed in 2015 and 2017.

Today, based on fundraising, the college is planning for the final phase of the project to build the Reidy Tennis Pavilion – a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility with locker and shower rooms, coaches offices, team meeting rooms, gathering spaces, outdoor restrooms, and outdoor fan seating.

For information about how to donate to the project, go online to www.fundraising. idonate.com/belmont-abbey-college/tennis.

— Belmont Abbey College

“Get your ducks in a row!”

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

MINT HILL — As structural steel rises, a church is beginning to take shape, bringing parishioners of St. Luke Church closer to realizing their dream of celebrating Mass in a new, larger space.

The 21,000-square-foot church is being constructed on 30 acres on Highway 218 in Mint Hill.

The faith community got its start in 1987, when Catholics in the area began gathering for Mass in a local movie theater and later a storefront. The current church, dedicated in 1995, was designed to be a general-purpose facility, and its interior is simple, with no pews or kneelers for people to use. It seats 400 people – more than enough for the parish at its start. But more than two decades later, Mint Hill is booming – and so is the parish, comprised of more than 1,500 families today.

In 2019, the parish embarked on a $2.7 million capital campaign to help fund the construction of a new church on 30 acres close to its current location. Since then an open-air pavilion, sports field and rectory have been built on the site – and the building of the new church has been greatly anticipated.

The new church will initially seat 750 people, with the capability of being expanded to seat 1,273.

The total cost for the land, rectory and church construction projects is $13.3 million, of which $6.9 million has been paid so far, diocesan officials reported.

The parish plans to sell its current property and conduct future capital campaigns as needed to cover the full cost of developing the new campus, which includes a multipurpose building, administrative building and the church.

“It is amazing that even through the disruption of COVID-19, St. Luke parishioners have once again risen over and above expectations,” said Jim Strauss, Cornerstone Campaign chair.

“We are on schedule to raise the $2.7 million Cornerstone Campaign goal in 36 months versus the five-year plan.”

Strauss noted that the participation rate for the Cornerstone Campaign of more than 1,190 families (91.8 percent) is a testament to the dedication of the parishioners who have sacrificed to build a place of worship for everyone.

“I can’t wait for the doors to open on the next chapter for St. Luke,” Strauss said.

St. Luke Church has a history of good stewardship and engagement since the parish was established over 30 years ago, noted Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. The parish has conducted seven successful capital campaigns, he said, as “they have consistently had to address issues of growth over the years. No other parish in the diocese has conducted that many campaigns.”

“St. Luke is a strong parish family that

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES OFFICE

The much-anticipated St. Luke Church building project is well underway on Hwy. 218 in Mint Hill.

The new 21,000-square-foot church will initially seat 750 people, with the capability of being expanded to seat 1,273. continues to attract more parishioners in the vibrant Mint Hill community,” he said. “This is a very exciting time for their parish community. We are so grateful for all that Father Paul Gary and his parishioners have done.”

Construction of the new church is projected to cost $8.3 million and is anticipated to be finished by January 2023.

ALR Architecture PC is the architect, and Southside Constructors Inc. is the general contractor.

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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2022 Pitman scholarships awarded SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Eighteen college students who are Catholic parishioners in North Carolina each have been awarded a $1,500 George Pitman Scholarship from the George Pitman Endowment Fund.

The endowment was established by the late George Warren Pitman, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who once lived in Charlotte. He made the scholarships available to applicants who reside in either Mecklenburg County or the town of Dunn.

Pitman, a renowned designer, built a successful business in the Carolinas and Virginia before passing away in 2007 at the age of 79. For more than 30 years, he ran his design firm, George Pitman Inc., from his home in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood.

He was a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., and Bright’s School of Design in Chicago, and he bequeathed $1.2 million of his estate to establish an endowment that funds need-based scholarships to Catholic students who wish to earn an undergraduate degree.

Through the George Warren Pitman Scholarship Fund, college-bound Catholics can apply for renewable awards of up to $1,500, depending on the type of college (two-year, four-year or vocational) they plan to attend.

Two freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors and 10 seniors are receiving

scholarships. They will attend universities including: Appalachian State University, Belmont Abbey College, Catholic University of America, Hillsdale College, High Point University, Purdue University, UNCChapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNCWilmington, University of Dayton, University of Tennessee, University of Notre Dame and Washington and Lee University.

The application period for the George Pitman Scholarship runs from Dec. 3 to March 1. (For application information, contact Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte, at jkkelley@rcdoc.org.)

“Mr. Pitman’s transformative gift continues to benefit Catholic students to attend a college or university of their choice,” Kelley said.

He added, “More and more people across the diocese are remembering the Church in their estate plans – gifts from thousands of dollars to millions – and we are thankful for their generosity.”

Those like Pitman who make a planned gift that benefits the diocese or any of its parishes, schools, ministries or agencies become members of the Catholic Heritage Society. The Catholic Heritage Society is comprised of more than 1,500 people in the diocese, many of whom are leaving gifts to the diocesan foundation in their wills.

Since 1994, the foundation has distributed $13.2 million to the diocese and its parishes, schools and ministries.

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Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FREDRIK AKERBLOM

St. Joseph College seminarians graduate CHARLOTTE— Nine men are graduating from St. Joseph College Seminary this year. Pictured are (from left): Robert Bauman, Clement Akerblom, John Cuppett, Michael Lugo, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Peter Townsend, Michael Camilleri and Bradley Loftin. They are pictured with their rector, Father Matthew Kauth, at St. Ann Church in Charlotte after a May 8 baccalaureate Mass celebrating the completion of their studies. Akerblom, Bauman, Frei and Townsend are members of St. Ann Parish; Camilleri is a member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Boone; Cuppet is a member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem; Ilagor is a member of Our Lady of the Americas Parish in Biscoe; Loftin is a member of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville; and Lugo is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City. This fall, the men move on to major seminary, where they will continue their formation for the priesthood for the Diocese of Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dominican sister, former Asheville Catholic teacher, passes away at 91 ADRIAN, Mich. — Dominican Sister Theresa Nightingale, formerly known as Sister Lawrence Christine, died April 24, 2022, at the ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian.

She was 91 and in the 74th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Theresa ministered as an elementary teacher for more than four decades, serving in Michigan, Nightingale Florida and North Carolina, where she taught at Asheville Catholic School from 1993 to 1994.

The Mass of Christian Burial was offered in the congregation’s St. Catherine Chapel on April 28, 2022, and interment followed in the congregation’s cemetery.

She was born in West Terre Haute, Ind., to Lawrence and Christina (Schmidt) Nightingale. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian, she earned

a Bachelor of Science in biology from Siena Heights College (now University) in Adrian.

In addition to teaching at Asheville Catholic School, Sister Theresa ministered for 41 years in elementary education in Albion, Owosso, Detroit and Harper Woods, Mich.; and Vero Beach, Tallahassee, Orlando, Port Charlotte and West Palm Beach, Fla. She served three years as a housekeeper at St. John Seminary in Plymouth, Mich. Sister Theresa moved to the Dominican Life Center in 2010.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers: Joseph, William, Gerald, Virgil and Richard.

She is survived by two sisters, Marjorie Nowak of Shelby Township, Mich., and Florence Dietlin of Washington, Mich., as well as other family members and her fellow Adrian Dominican sisters.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, MI 49221.

Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Photography and Spirituality

SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Michael Camilleri CHARLOTTE — Little did Michael Camilleri know that when he entered the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarian program, he’d also learn how to cook besides discerning the priesthood and earning a degree from Belmont Abbey College.

During his final year at the college seminary in Mount Holly, Camilleri has served as head seminarian of the kitchen and trained at Aqua e Vino in Charlotte to bone up on his culinary skills and learn how to make Italian dishes from scratch.

Knowing how to cook is important, Camilleri realizes. “It can be Camilleri difficult for a priest who can’t cook to eat well.”

Now, he adds, “I’m trying to train up the rest of the guys.”

“One of the favorite dishes the men have enjoyed is a baked rice dish from Malta, where much of my family is from,” he says.

Camilleri, a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone, is one of 45 men enrolled in various stages of formation for the priesthood in the diocese. He just finished his studies at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, earning a bachelor’s degree from nearby Belmont Abbey College. He plans to go on to continue formation for the priesthood at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati this fall.

CNH: When did you first consider becoming a priesthood?

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Camilleri: I first heard the call to the priesthood when I was very young – 3 or 4 years old. My family loves to talk about how I used to “play Mass,” which is actually one of my earliest memories. I lost sight of the vocation in late elementary school until right before high school – I wanted to go into computer science. While preparing to enter high school, by the grace of God, I decided to pursue what He put on my heart from that early age and I entered the college seminary.

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

Camilleri: I was always open with my family about my thoughts on the priesthood, but the first person outside my family whom I spoke with was probably Father Robert Ferris, my pastor at the time. Later, at the beginning of high school, when I was more seriously discerning, I spoke with my pastor Father Matthew Codd.

The diocese’s Quo Vadis Days retreat was invaluable for my discernment because I was able to see and speak with many priests in both formal and informal settings. They also gave us a taste of the rhythm of prayer life in seminary, including Holy Mass, praying the Divine Office and Eucharistic Adoration. I also remained active in my parish and asked Our Lord numerous times for guidance.

The most important part of discernment is prayer.

CNH: How and when did you reach out to learn more?

Camilleri: I have a very precise answer for this. I reached out to the Vocations Office by email on October 26, 2014, at 9:41 p.m. My email is a bit funny to read back.

It begins “Dear Fr Gober, My name is Michael Camilleri, and I am 14 years old.

I am discerning diocesan priesthood, but because I am 14, I’m far too young to go to seminary.” When I read back over the rest of my message to Father Gober, I imagine he must have had a good laugh.

CNH: You entered St. Joseph College Seminary in 2018 after graduating from high school. What has been your discernment process there?

Camilleri: The most important part of one’s prayer life is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the unbloody re-presentation of Christ’s own perfect Sacrifice on Calvary.

I think I could count on my fingers the number of days I have not attended Holy Mass since I entered the seminary. I fervently love the elevations of the Sacred Body and Blood of Our Lord during the Mass, during which one can adore Our Lord in the flesh and pray that indulgenced prayer along with St. Thomas: “My Lord and My God.” We seminarians also spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, we pray the Divine Office, and we pray the rosary.

Complete abandonment to God’s will is essential, I think. Psalm 126 says, “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Unless we abandon ourselves to His will and say with Our Lord, “Thy will be done,” our work is in vain. If, however, I offer all my little daily actions to God for Him to use as He pleases, I will surely not toil in vain. God takes care of the rest.

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 you?

Camilleri: Ultimately, it is God’s grace that has guided me. I have certainly made my own contributions – attending Holy Mass, all other forms of prayer, being open to God’s will – but all of this amounts to nothing other than following His will. I ask the Blessed Trinity that I continue to follow His will, and I ask the reader to please pray for that, as well.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary

LINCOLNTON — St. Dorothy Church honored our Blessed Mother on Mother’s Day.

MONROE — A statue of Mary is adorned with flowers on Mother’s Day.

CHARLOTTE — More than 100 sixth-grade students stepped forward to receive the Brown Scapular during the May Crowning at Holy Trinity Middle School.

WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo School students honored Mary.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Preschool students held a special Mary Crowning, and children left flowers for Mary during Mass at St. Mark Church.

CHARLOTTE — Children present flowers to Mary and crown the statue of Mary in the grotto outside St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY JAMES SARKIS

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED

Raleigh Bishop Luis Raphael Zarama is pictured with North Carolina State Columbiettes officers: President Maggie Herbstritt, Immediate Past President Ginny Grant, Vice President Teresa Laraia, Secretary Kathy Thomas, Financial Secretary Patti Dmuchowski; Treasurer Jenn Parsons, Advocate Maggie Muelker and Sentinel Marg Young.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER BENJAMIN ROBERTS

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner earns Eagle Scout rank MCFARLAND — Caleb Michael Laney, a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, earned his Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony May 1 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. His pastor, Father Benjamin Roberts, attended the ceremony. Laney is the son of Mike and Laura Laney. He has also been selected to represent the Diocese of Charlotte at the St. George Trek Philmont Scout Adventure this summer at the Boy Scouts of America Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Laney also received the St. Timothy Award from the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry last year.

Middle School & Confirmation Coordinator Mooresville, NC St. Therese Faith Formation is looking for a dynamic individual who loves being part of a team to deliver a comprehensive faith formation program. This individual would be working in a part-time role as our Middle School & Confirmation Coordinator (approximately 25 hours a week; this includes weekends and evenings). This mission-oriented person will encourage young people to become disciples of Jesus with the objective of developing, planning, organizing and executing our programs for Middle School Faith Formation and the sacrament of Confirmation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has the heart of ministry, especially with teens, and has a teaching or ministry background but desires a part-time position only. If interested or for additional information, please email cover letter and resume and/or questions by Wednesday, May 25 to Kelli Olszewski, Director of Religious Education, kolszewski@sainttherese.net

Columbiettes from across North Carolina convene in Raleigh RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Columbiettes, a Catholic women’s organization aligned with the Knights of Columbus, held its 23rd annual convention April 29-30 at the Embassy Suites Raleigh Crabtree. The 90 delegates represented 888 members statewide.

This year’s theme was “We are the Light of the World.” Ann Mulvaney from Sons of Mother Seton auxiliary in Fayetteville chaired the program.

A memorial service honoring 13 recently deceased Columbiettes was followed by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Luis Raphael Zarama of Raleigh, assisted by Franciscan Father Jim Sabak and Deacon John Harrison of Holy Family Church in Clemmons. After the Mass, the bishop talked and took pictures with the members.

Supreme President Ronny Pliszak, from New York, said the bishop warmed her heart and was “so charismatic.”

Speakers at the convention included Kathy Thomas, the convention chair, who extended a warm welcome, and President Maggie Herbstritt, who delivered a state status report. Supreme President Pliszak and J.C. Reiher, state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, both addressed the assembly, and several committees gave reports, including audits, nominations and The Mother’s Coin Jar. This year auxiliaries in North Carolina

put their change and contributions together to raise $4,758.26 for The Mother’s Coin Jar. The Raleigh and Charlotte dioceses each will receive $2,379.13 to help women and children in need. The program is in its 12th year.

Supreme Council board members in attendance were Supreme President Pliszak, Supreme Vice President Jeanne Mucci; Supreme Financial Secretary Marlene Korn from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Supreme Sentinel Lisa Koenig; and Supreme Director Kathy LoFrese.

On the state board this year are President Herbstritt from the Bishop Greco Auxiliary in Clemmons; immediate past president Ginny Grant from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Vice President Teresa Laraia from Fr. James E. Waters, Wilmington; Secretary Kathy Thomas from Bishop Greco, Clemmons; Financial Secretary Patti Dmuchowski from Holy Cross, Kernersville; Treasurer Jenn Parsons from St. Matthew, Charlotte; Maggie Muelker from Holy Cross, Kernersville; and Marg Young from Sons of Mother Seton in Fayetteville.

For more information about the Columbiettes or on organizing an auxiliary, contact President Maggie Herbstritt at mm.herb@yahoo.com or 336-391-0170.

— Maggie Herbstritt

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of May: Rev. Ramon Berg – 2003 Rev. Henri Blanc – 1972 Rev. Anthony E. Cahill, OSB – 1985 Rev. Hugh Hagerty, OSB – 1979 Rev. Edmund Kirsch – 2001 Rev. Michael T. Kottar – 2021 Rev. Francis J. McCourt – 1982 Rev. William McShea – 1973 Rev. Matthew McSorley, OSB – 2012 Rev. James J. Noonan – 1992 Rev. Msgr. Michael O’Keefe – 1994 Rev. Edward C. Smith – 1983 Rev. James A. Stuber – 1985

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Knights of Columbus put faith into action Knights steward Silver Rose to show solidarity, respect for life JEFFERSON — Each year, from early March through midDecember, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada throughout the United States and ending at Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico City on Dec. 12. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosarycentered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Knights of Columbus Council 16839 in Jefferson hosted the Silver Rose at St. Francis of Assisi Church with a rosary and Mass May 7. The Silver Rose program demonstrates the unity between Knights of Columbus in Canada, the United States and Mexico, promoting the dignity of all human life and honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Knights honor hard-working, chainsaw-wielding family GREENSBORO — The Knights of Columbus Council 13236 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish recently chose the Felders as its Family of the Month. John Felder and his son, also named John, joined the Knights on Jan. 6 and were welcomed into the order as Third Degree members.

The very next weekend they volunteered to work on a service project at the Heroes Center of High Point, along with more than 20 Knights from four councils. The Felders, armed with chainsaws and axes, chopped down two large, dead oak trees on the property. A younger brother, Kyle, also helped as they converted the trees into fireplace-sized logs and removed the brush.

Since 2017, the Heroes Center has been helping veterans successfully re-enter civilian life. The organization addresses the tough issues facing veterans, such as mental health, transitional housing and workforce development.

Pictured are Grand Knight Manny Comas presenting Family of the Month Award to the Felders (below), and (above) Knights participating in the service project at the Heroes Center.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

Knights support adult day care center JEFFERSON — Knights of Columbus Council 16839 recently donated $415 to Generations Adult Day Care from the L.A.M.B. (“Least Among My Brethren”) Foundation. Picture from left are one of the clients, the Bevin South Director of Strategic Initiatives, Cindy Blackburn, director of the Adult Day Care Health Center, another client, Sir Knight Luis de la Cerda presenting the check, Financial Secretary Rick LaBonte, and Past Grand Knight Bob Breton. Sitting are two other clients.

The donation will be used to make improvements to the center’s outdoor garden.

— Bruce Tucker

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

Knights give rosaries to RCIA class

Seminarian, non-profit receive donations BOONE — The Knights of Columbus Council 11966 at St. Elizabeth Parish in Boone recently presented a check to Michael Camilleri, a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte, in support of his studies. Pictured (above left) are Camilleri with Michael Parichuk and Deputy Grand Knight Ross Gosky, and Father Brendan Buckler, pastor.

The same council recently donated $1,000 to Watauga Opportunities from its L.A.M.B. (“Least Among My Brethren”) Foundation fundraising program. Watauga Opportunities is a non-profit organization that provides vocational, residential and community opportunities to people with barriers to employment and community involvement.

Pictured (above right) are District Deputy Michael Furst, Michael Maybee from Watauga Opportunities, Grand Knight Cameron Labrutto and Deputy Grand Knight Ross Gosky.

— Amber Mellon, correspondent

GREENSBORO — Continuing a council tradition, the Knights of Columbus Council 11101 of St. Pius X Parish met before Easter with this year’s RCIA catechumens and candidates to present them with a welcoming gift of rosary beads. The rosaries, imported from Israel, are made from olive trees grown in the Holy Land.

Pictured above distributing the rosaries are Grand Knight Charles Cheney and Past Grand Knight Brian Harvey.

— John Russell

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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

May 13, 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 Now Open 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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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

39 years ago this month, the Diocese of Charlotte welcomed its first class of deacons.

The diocese’s first class of deacons was ordained

by Bishop Michael Begley on May 29, 1983, during a special Mass at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte.

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

ST. MARK CATHOLIC CHURCH May 12 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, N.C. 28078

ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH May 13-17 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, N.C. 27408

ST. LEO THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH May 17-20 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH May 20-23 1414 Gorrell St., Greensboro, N.C. 27401

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH & GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC MISSION

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BACCALAUREATE MASS

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE ARCHIVES

5 p.m. May 24 St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C. 28277

‘Original’ deacon reminisces

BISHOP MCGUINNESS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BACCALAUREATE MASS 6 p.m. May 26 Holy Cross Catholic Church 616 S Cherry St., Kernersville, N.C. 27284

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH May 27-30 1208 N. Main St., Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 For more information about these pilgrimage stops, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary website, www. faithmorepreciousthangold. com.

May 23-27 1625 E. 12th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101

More online

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about the history of the diocese, especially other key anniversaries in May including the founding of Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities) in 1973, the formation of the African American Affairs Ministry in 1985, and the conclusion of the diocese’s first Synod in 1987.

I

n the late 1970s, Andy Cilone earned a promotion in the plastics industry and moved to North Carolina with his wife JoAnn and their five children, all of whom were younger than 14. They settled in Forest City, where they helped to build up the Church in many ways – most notably with him becoming one of the diocese’s first permanent deacons.

A “cradle Catholic” who was always active in his parish, Deacon Cilone remembers the challenging transition from a highly Catholic area to the “Bible Belt” where Catholics were a minority. He wanted to know more about his faith so he could better articulate it to non-Catholics he encountered.

The Cilones quickly became active at their local parish, Immaculate Conception. When Deacon Cilone lost his job in 1979, he leaned on his faith to get him through and found another job to provide for his family within a month.

“I was so thankful,” he says. “I started with a plastics company in Shelby. There was a great feeling of thanksgiving.”

At www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com: Get updates about 50th anniversary celebrations including the Marian pilgrimage, 50 Acts of Charity, special events coming soon, and more That same year, Father John Murray, then pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, approached him and asked him to consider applying for the inaugural class of permanent diaconate candidates that was being formed.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry, Andy, you can do it!’ I thought it would be a great way to enhance the knowledge of my faith, to learn more about it. Also, I was pretty involved in the Church anyway, so I went ahead and put my application in.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

He was accepted along with 20 other candidates. For the next three years they received intense formation and

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May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Prayer for the 50th anniversary

training, and on May 29, 1983 – Trinity Sunday – they were ordained the diocese’s first permanent deacons.

Deacon Cilone describes what it was like to be one of the “original” deacons ordained that day.

“It was quite a celebration. It was like a wedding,” he recalls. “With the large class we had, it was in Ovens Auditorium (in Charlotte). It was a great day. All my family came in from all parts of the country. They surprised me with my baptismal godmother from my hometown.”

Since his ordination Deacon Cilone has filled many roles at Immaculate Conception Parish, having a hand in many ministries over the years including cantoring at Mass, teaching and leading faith formation, serving in prison ministry, visiting the sick, and bringing Holy Communion to the homebound.

Reflecting on his decades of service, he says, “It has been a constant growing, learning more. You develop your ministries as you go along.”

Being a deacon is a great way to serve God and His Church, he says. “What I tell most people about what is special about the permanent deacons is that the greatest thing you do is to make a commitment to do various things in ministry...that’s the difference. You make a commitment to serve the Church.”

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

(Above) The first group of deacon candidates and their wives are pictured during a retreat in 1982 in Maggie Valley.

(Left) Deacons serve in a variety of roles across the diocese – including at parishes, college campuses, prisons and the Charlotte airport – as well as pastoral care to the sick and homebound and faith formation. Pictured is Deacon Matthew Newsome leading students in prayer at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

History of deacons in the Diocese of Charlotte Think deacons have always been part of your parish?

Think again.

The diaconate is a relatively recent revival of the ancient ministry the Apostles established when they ordained Stephen and six other worthy men to assist them in caring for the needy in the early Church in Jerusalem. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek “diakonia,” which means “service.”

Over the centuries the diaconate developed as a seminarian’s step towards the priesthood rather than as an ordained ministry unto itself (one of three types of holy orders: deacon, priest and bishop). With the Second Vatican Council, however, the Church encouraged restoring the diaconate to its unique and ancient sacramental role.

“Permanent” deacons – so named to differentiate them from “transitional” deacons, who continue on the path to becoming priests – serve as ministers of the Word, the Altar and Charity. They can proclaim the Gospel, assist the priest at the altar and give homilies during Mass; they can officiate at weddings and burials, administer the sacrament of baptism and assist in distributing Holy Communion; and they engage in works of charity for their parish and the diocese.

As the Church in western North Carolina has grown over the past 50 years, the 137 deacons presently serving in the diocese have become invaluable help in our 92 parishes and missions.

But it wasn’t always this way. The diocese’s first deacons were ordained in 1983 – less than 40 years ago.

In 1968, Pope Paul VI approved the U.S. bishops’ DEACONS, SEE PAGE 25

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE ARCHIVES; DIOCESAN OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT DIACONATE

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

Amen.

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

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

May prayer intention For Mary’s intercession. May Mary, the patroness of our diocese, always look favorably upon our Church and pray unceasingly for every member of Christ’s faithful.

Saint of the Month St. Dymphna Feast Date: May 15 SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Each year, deacons renew their commitment to the Church during a Mass offered by the bishop at St. Patrick Cathedral.

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Padre Julio Domínguez

Tierra Santa

V

oy a tratar de expresar las profundas emociones que viví en esos días que anduve en peregrinación por Tierra Santa. Antes que nada, quiero expresar que fue un viaje que añoraba desde hace muchos años y había planeado con anterioridad. Pensaba que pasar Semana Santa en el lugar en que fueron realizados todos los hechos sería algo extraordinario, y puedo decir que no me equivoque.

Desde que un sacerdote amigo mío me confirmó que era posible hacerlo, y que los hermanos franciscanos daban oportunidad para realizarlo, me propuse a hacer todos los preparativos para mi peregrinación y fui dándome cuenta que Dios iba poniendo todo en su lugar para realizarlo sin problema. Esa fue una confirmación para mí de que era la voluntad de Dios.

Fue hermoso ver que mi cumpleaños caía precisamente durante Semana Santa, y que también el 50 Aniversario de mi diócesis se celebre precisamente cuando cumplo mis 50 años de edad. Así que tenía muchos motivos para celebrar.

Desde el inicio quise que mi ida a Tierra Santa no fuera en plan de vacaciones sino de peregrinación, pues iba decidido a vivir todas las celebraciones y cosas que hubiera por allá. Como una especie de retiro que me ayudara con mi vida espiritual.

Desde mi llegada el sábado por la noche, antes del domingo de Ramos, me dijeron que había un servicio de medianoche en el Santo Sepulcro. Y aunque iba muy cansado por el viaje, decidí irme con los hermanos franciscanos a la celebración, que duró aproximadamente dos horas pero fue muy hermosa por los cantos y lecturas que se hicieron.

Al siguiente día la Misa era a las 7 de la mañana y allí estaba listo para comenzar mi jornada. Ya por la tarde fue la procesión del Domingo de Ramos y el ver a tantos católicos de todas partes del mundo tan llenos de alegría fue algo hermoso.

Y así empezaron una serie de visitas a los lugares santos, en los que siempre había celebraciones litúrgicas. Fuimos a Betania, al Monte de los Olivos, a Getsemaní, a la Iglesia de Galicanto, al Cenáculo. Muchas veces íbamos al Santo Sepulcro y las celebraciones no eran solo durante el día, sino también en la noche. Todas estas visitas eran en procesión, teníamos que caminar mucho.

De las celebraciones que más me gustaron fue una Hora Santa que hicimos el jueves por la noche en la Iglesia del Getsemaní. Tan solo pensar que allí, en aquella roca, habían sido derramadas lágrimas y gotas de sangre del precioso TIERRA SANTA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 25

FOTOS POR SUEANN HOWELL Y CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Padre Christopher Bond, párroco de la Iglesia Santa Bernardita en Linville, conduce el rezo del Santo Rosario a la luz de las velas, ante la gruta de Lourdes de la parroquia. La iglesia acogió las reliquias de Santa Bernardita Soubirous, la “vidente de Lourdes”, del 9 al 11 de mayo. Cientos de peregrinos llegaron diariamente para orar, recibir la unción de los enfermos y conocer sobre la vida de la santa francesa.

“Cada uno de nosotros necesita sanación” La Iglesia Santa Bernardita acogió las reliquias de su santa patrona SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

LINVILLE — Autobuses repletos de peregrinos acudieron masivamente a la Iglesia Santa Bernardita del 9 al 11 de mayo para orar por la intercesión de Santa Bernardita Soubirous, “la vidente de Lourdes”.

La santa adolescente fue testigo de 18 apariciones de la Virgen María en Lourdes en 1858. La ciudad francesa se ha convertido en un destino famoso para los peregrinos, algunos de los cuales se han curado milagrosamente después de bañarse en las aguas de su manantial natural.

Entre los fieles que peregrinaron a la pequeña iglesia ubicada a la sombra de Grandfather Mountain se encontraba Rose Alenius-Spencer de Abingdon, Virginia.

El lunes, en compañía de su hija y su pequeño nieto, viajó una hora y media por las montañas para visitar a la santa con la que ha tenido afinidad desde que era niña.

“Siempre me he sentido conectada con ella. Realmente no se qué es”, dijo. “El segundo nombre de mi hija es Bernardita.

Estoy aquí por ella y por mi nieto”. Luego añadió, “todos estamos necesitados. Cada uno de nosotros necesita sanación”.

Estas reliquias de Santa Bernardita son ex-carne (que significa “de la carne”).

El relicario que las alberga fue elaborado en España por el

taller Maison Granda y presentado en 2019.

La gira nacional, que comenzó en abril, es organizada por el Santuario de Lourdes en asociación con la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos, los Voluntarios de América del Norte, la Hospitalité de Miami y la Orden de Malta.

Durante la visita de tres días de las reliquias a su iglesia, el párroco, Padre Christopher Bond, ungió a los enfermos, ofreció Misa y dirigió una procesión del Santo Rosario a la luz de las velas cada noche.

Entre los ungidos el lunes se encontraban Gerry y Judy Bielfeldt, quienes se dirigían a Chicago para conocer a su primer bisnieto. Feligreses de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte durante 26 años, se enteraron de la gira por el Catholic News Herald y la incluyeron en su itinerario.

“Pensé que sería una parada interesante. Todos necesitamos la unción de los enfermos, así que quise detenerme aquí durante nuestro viaje”, dijo Judy.

“Siempre he estado interesada en ella, y definitivamente necesito sanación espiritual”, señaló la peregrina Catherine Norton, estudiante de tercer año de Charlotte Catholic High School. “Santa Bernardita es mi santa de confirmación”.

“Me encantan estas cosas”, agregó su tía y madrina de confirmación, Patricia Hayes. “Para mí, el simbolismo (de SANTA BERNARDITA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 17

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SANTA BERNARDITA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

eventos como este) es la universalidad de la Iglesia”.

Seis mujeres del grupo Mary’s Women of Joy de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville peregrinaron para venerar las reliquias el 9 de mayo.

“Sentí que estábamos siendo llamadas”, dijo Jean Whelan, coordinadora del ministerio que visitó recientemente la gruta mariana en la Abadía de Belmont.

Whelan recibió la unción de los enfermos y pasó horas en oración, rogando por sus familiares y amigos, ante las reliquias y la imagen de Santa Bernardita.

Asistió a la charla de Megan Bean, quien habló sobre la sanación que experimentó en Lourdes en 2013, la que está siendo investigada para su posible reconocimiento como milagro.

Bean tenía el mismo coágulo en la pierna que tuvo la madre de Whelan antes de morir. “En muchos niveles, María me estaba llamando para curarme del fallecimiento de mi madre”, reflexionó Whelan.

Siente una afinidad con Bean, no solo porque Bean y su madre compartían la misma dolencia, sino a través de una conexión sacerdotal. “Su hijo es sacerdote.

Mi papá es sacerdote. Así que nos unimos por eso. Y su hijo (el Padre Matthew Bean) está en mi iglesia, así que estoy orando por él”.

Los tres días culminaron con una procesión a la luz de las velas, similar a las que se llevan a cabo en Lourdes. Los participantes rezaron el Santo Rosario subiendo una colina, siguiendo la imagen de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, hasta la gruta que domina la iglesia.

“Cuando vas (en peregrinación), agradeces a Dios”, dijo Whelan. Pero más que eso, subrayó, “no te das cuenta de lo impactante que es para tu alma y lo impactante que es para todos por quienes fuiste”.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea videos destacados y más fotos de la visita de las reliquias de Santa Bernadette a Linville

Se gradúan seminaristas del Seminario San José CHARLOTTE— Nueve hombres se están graduando del Seminario Universitario San José este año. En la imagen aparecen (de izquierda a derecha): Robert Bauman, Clement Akerblom, John Cuppett, Michael Lugo, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Peter Townsend, Michael Camilleri y Bradley Loftin. Con ellos aparece su rector, el Padre Matthew Kauth, en la Iglesia Santa Ana en Charlotte, después de la Misa de Graduación realizada para celebrar el término de sus estudios. Akerblom, Bauman, Frei y Townsend son feligreses de la Parroquia Santa Ana; Camilleri es miembro de la parroquia Santa Elizabeth en Boone; Cuppet es feligrés de la Parroquia San Leo el Mayor en WinstonSalem; Ilagor es miembro de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Américas en Biscoe; Loftin es miembro de la Parroquia San Marcos en Huntersville; y Lugo es miembro de la Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción en Forest City. Este otoño, los graduados podrían trasladarse a un seminario mayor, donde continuarían su formación hacia el sacerdocio para la Diócesis de Charlotte.

FOTO PROPORCIONADA POR FREDRIK AKERBLOM

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APARICIONES MARIANAS EN FÁTIMA

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Santa Jacinta y San Francisco Marto aparecen en esta foto coloreada con su prima, Lucía dos Santos (derecha), en una imagen de archivo tomada en el tiempo de las apariciones de la Virgen María en Fátima, Portugal, ocurridas en 1917.

E

Las apariciones marianas en Fátima

n 1917 Europa vivía la Primera Guerra Mundial.

Portugal era uno de los países beligerantes en el lado de los Aliados, y el descontento en la población era grande. Casi no había familia que no tuviera a algún hijo o sobrino batallando en las trincheras de un país lejano, en una guerra que casi nadie comprendía.

Fátima es el nombre de una parroquia perteneciente al término municipal de Ourem, en el distrito de Santarem, a unas 75 millas al norte de Lisboa. En Portugal, la parroquia no es sólo una demarcación eclesiástica, sino también civil. Generalmente los límites de las parroquias civiles coinciden con las parroquias eclesiásticas. En el término de la parroquia muchas veces la población se agrupa en varias localidades o pequeños caseríos de apenas unas decenas de habitantes. En uno de ellos, Aljustrel, a poco más de una milla de Fátima, vivían los hermanos Jacinta y Francisco Marto y su prima, Lucia dos Santos. Desde muy niños salían al campo con el rebaño de ovejas de la familia.

LAS APARICIONES

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Miles de peregrinos llegaron al Santuario Mariano de Fátima en 2019, cuando se celebraron los 102 años de las apariciones marianas. Las limitaciones sanitarias por la pandemia de COVID-19 impidieron el flujo regular de fieles en 2020 y 2021.

En una de esas salidas llevaron las ovejas a pastar a Cova de Iría, un paraje deshabitado a unas dos millas de Aljustrel y otras dos de Fátima. Era el 13 de mayo de 1917.

Allí se les apareció la Virgen, que posándose sobre una encina, les pidió que volvieran a aquel lugar todos los días 13 durante otros cinco meses.

No era su primera visión de lo alto. Desde la primavera de 1916 se les apareció por tres veces un ser con figura humana. En la primera aparición les enseñó una oración de reparación y les dijo que era el ángel de la paz. En la segunda aparición les dijo quién era, se trataba del Ángel de Portugal. En la última les mostró un Cáliz, una Sagrada Forma que se sostenía en el aire. Después de adorar al Señor con los niños y enseñarles una oración les dio la Comunión.

Los niños no comunicaron a nadie la visión del ángel, salvo en sus conversaciones entre ellos. Francisco y Jacinta fueron capaces de guardar el secreto hasta su muerte, pero la visión de Nuestra Señora era algo distinto y esa misma noche Jacinta la contó en su casa.

Inmediatamente la noticia se difundió por Aljustrel y otros caseríos cercanos.

El 13 de junio se congregaron unas decenas de personas.

Vieron señales milagrosas, aunque no vieron ni escucharon nada, salvo las palabras que Lucía dirigía a la Virgen.

El 13 de julio eran cientos los peregrinos, y la noticia se difundió por todo el distrito, hasta el punto de que las autoridades se alarmaron.

El alcalde de Ourem decidió cortar por lo sano esta explosión de devoción popular en un lugar prohibido para el culto (el campo) que llevaba a la gente a cometer el delito de rezar junto a una encina.

El 13 de agosto, por lo tanto, detuvo a los niños y los mantuvo a buen recaudo todo el día. La gente se congregó en Cova de Iría, fueron testigos de las mismas señales de lo alto que se vieron los meses anteriores, pero los niños no estaban y nadie vio a la Virgen.

La Virgen sin embargo, volvió a visitarles el 19 de agosto, esta vez en Valinhos, un cruce de caminos a unos trescientos metros de Aljustrel al que a veces llevaban el rebaño.

En septiembre la Virgen volvió a aparecer el día 13 ante miles de fieles.

El 13 de octubre había quizá 70.000 personas reunidas en Cova de Iría. Los grandes periódicos de Lisboa enviaron reporteros y fotógrafos a Cova de Iría.

Todos ellos contemplaron el milagro que hizo la Virgen.

Al terminar la visión, el sol comenzó a danzar en el cielo de Cova de Iria, se volvía de varios colores, giraba sobre sí mismo y se desplazaba mientras que la gente lo miraba sin que les hiciera daño a los ojos.

EL MENSAJE DE FÁTIMA

La Virgen les confió secretos del Cielo a los niños. En Fátima la Virgen pidió a la humanidad que se arrepintiera de sus pecados, predijo a los niños grandes guerras y sufrimientos si los hombres no se arrepentían y, de modo especial, anunció que Rusia provocaría guerras y persecuciones contra la Iglesia.

En la aparición de julio la Virgen les reveló un secreto.

El secreto fue revelado por la vidente Lucía y por la Santa Sede en tres momentos, por lo que se habla de tres partes del secreto de Fátima.

La tercera parte del secreto de Fátima fue dada a conocer el año 2000. La primera de las partes es la visión del infierno; las otras dos son anuncios de futuro, como la predicción acerca de Rusia y el anuncio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, así como la advertencia acerca de las futuras persecuciones. Es un mensaje de esperanza, por eso la Virgen concluye: “Pero finalmente mi Corazón Inmaculado triunfará, Rusia será consagrada y se convertirá, y un tiempo de paz será dado al mundo”.

Pero, sobre todo, el mensaje de Fátima es de oración.

En la segunda aparición, Nuestra Señora le dice a los pastorcillos que Jesús quiere establecer en el mundo la devoción al Corazón Inmaculado de María. Pide también en todas las apariciones que se rece el Santo Rosario.

El propósito de la Virgen no es la satisfacción de nuestra curiosidad, sino la gloria del Señor y la salvación de las almas. Éste es el mensaje perenne de Fátima, la oración y la conversión: las guerras pasan, los gobiernos de las naciones vienen y van, pero la necesidad de conversión personal es permanente.

En este 2022 se cumplen 105 años de las apariciones marianas en Fátima.

— Condensado de Catholic.net y Aciprensa

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APARICIONES MARIANAS EN FÁTIMA

El día en que el Sol bailó El 13 de octubre de 1917 se produjo el ‘Milagro del sol’, llamado así porque se vio al Sol en una especie de ‘danza’.

Para esa fecha, la Virgen había prometido que a las doce del mediodía un milagro sería visto por todos.

Ante el anuncio, decenas de miles de peregrinos, curiosos, incrédulos y la prensa se acercaron para ser testigos del esperado suceso.

El día amaneció nublado y lluvioso. Los pastorcitos esperaban, mientras la multitud les pedía que se retiraran del lugar.

Lucía entonces pidió a la multitud que cierre sus paraguas y comience a rezar el Santo Rosario. Cuando la Virgen apareció, le habló a Lucía, relató José María Zavala en ‘El secreto mejor guardado de Fátima’.

La Virgen le pidió a Lucía que construyan en el lugar una capilla en honor suyo, que continúen rezando el Santo Rosario y anunció el fin de la guerra. También rogó que no se ofenda más a Dios.

Luego, las nubes se abrieron y dejaron ver el Sol, que según los testigos lucía como un suave disco de plata. Entonces, sus rayos tomaron diferentes colores y pareció, a cierta altura, desprenderse del firmamento y caer sobre la muchedumbre. Todos estaban atónitos. Los periodistas de los periódicos seculares, que habían acudido incrédulos a desprestigiar las apariciones, tomaron fotos y dieron testimonio de aquel milagro en la prensa.

Al cabo de 10 minutos de prodigio, el Sol tomó su estado normal.

El periodista del diario portugués O Século, Avelino de Almeida, estimó que habían unas 40 mil personas presentes al momento del milagro, mientras que el profesor de ciencias naturales de la Universidad de Coimbra, Joseph Garrett, estimó que los testigos eran unos cien mil.

Siete datos importantes La Virgen se apareció 6 veces en Fátima Aunque se suele hablar de la “aparición” de la Virgen de Fátima, en realidad fueron seis las veces en que María se apareció a los tres pastorcitos del 13 de mayo al 13 de octubre de 1917.

Francisco y Jacinta murieron pronto, Lucía se hizo religiosa Una pandemia de gripe española barrió Europa en 1918 y mató a cerca de 20 millones de personas. Francisco y Jacinta contrajeron la enfermedad ese año y fallecieron en 1919 y 1920, respectivamente. Por su parte, Lucía entró en el convento de las Hermanas Doroteas.

FOTO DOMINIO PÚBLICO WIKIPEDIA

Peregrinos, curiosos y escépticos observan el llamado ‘Milagro del Sol’, ocurrido el 13 de octubre de 1917, durante la última serie de apariciones de la Virgen María a los tres pastorcitos de Fátima, Portugal. La fotografía fue tomada por Judah Ruah, para el periódico portugués O Seculo.

Además del ‘Milagro del Sol’, los pastorcitos dijeron haber visto imágenes de Jesús, la Virgen María y San José bendiciendo a la multitud. La Virgen se presentó como la Señora del Rosario.

El 13 de octubre de 1930, trece años después

de ocurridos, los sucesos fueron aceptados como milagro por la Iglesia Católica. El Obispo José da Silva los declaró “digno de creencia”, permitiendo desde entonces oficialmente el culto a Nuestra Señora de Fátima.

— Condensado de Catholic.net, Wikipedia y Aciprensa

Entre 1935 y 1941, bajo las órdenes de sus superiores, Sor Lucía escribió cuatro memorias de los acontecimientos de Fátima.

El tercer secreto Según el Cardenal Tarcisio Bertone, el secreto fue leído por Juan XXIII y Pablo VI. Juan Pablo II, por su parte, pidió el sobre que contiene la tercera parte del ‘secreto’ tras el intento de asesinato que sufrió el 13 de mayo 1981.

El Tercer Secreto y el atentado a San Juan Pablo II Hace 41 años, el 13 de mayo de 1981, cuando el Papa Juan Pablo II recorría la Plaza San Pedro en el papamóvil saludando a los peregrinos fue herido gravemente de bala por los disparos de Mehmet Alí Agca. Herido, el Santo Padre fue conducido al Hospital Gemelli, donde permaneció durante varios meses.

Luego del atentado, el Papa Wojtyla se acercó más a la devoción por la Virgen de Fátima convencido de que Santa María lo protegió.

En mayo de 2006, durante un ángelus dominical, Benedicto XVI comentó que el Papa Wojtyla “sintió haber sido milagrosamente salvado de la muerte gracias a la intervención de ‘una mano maternal’”.

San Juan Pablo II señaló en una oportunidad que cuando fue alcanzado por la bala, no se dio cuenta en un primer momento que era el “aniversario del día en que la Virgen se apareció a tres niños en Fátima”. Luego narró que fue su secretario personal quien se lo dijo después de la operación en la que le extrajeron un proyectil del intestino.

Fueron cuatro balas las que alcanzaron a San Juan Pablo II, dos de ellas se alojaron en su intestino, otra impactó en su brazo derecho y la cuarta bala en la mano izquierda.

Durante su etapa de convalecencia, San Juan Pablo II estudió al detalle los informes de las apariciones de Fátima, y al año del atentado viajó por primera vez a su santuario en Portugal para “agradecer a la Virgen su intervención para la salvación de mi vida y el restablecimiento de mi salud”.

En diciembre de 1983, el santo visitó y perdonó en la cárcel a Agca quien expresó:

El secreto se escribió 18 años después

Las claves El Papa Juan Pablo II se reunió el 13 de mayo de 2000 con la hermana Lucía dos Santos, una de los tres visionarios de Fátima. Lucía, quien falleció en 2005, escribió una de las revelaciones relacionada con el atentado conta la vida del Santo Padre.

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“¿Por qué no murió? Yo sé que apunté el arma como debía y sé que la bala era devastadora y mortal. ¿Por qué entonces no murió? ¿Por qué todos hablan de Fátima?”

En 1984, el Papa Wojtyla formalizó su devoción y agradecimiento a la Virgen, donando al santuario de Fátima la bala que le

extrajeron y que fue engarzada en la aureola de la corona de la imagen.

La faja blanca que el Pontífice llevaba el día del atentado, fue donada al Santuario Mariano polaco de Jasna Gora, cuya Virgen es venerada como símbolo de la unidad nacional.

— Condensado de Aciprensa

El entonces Cardenal Joseph Ratzinger, Benedicto XVI, Prefecto de la Congregación para la Doctrina de la Fe, señaló que la clave de la aparición de Fátima es su llamado contundente al arrepentimiento y a la conversión.

Una visión del infierno La primera parte del secreto -la visión del infierno- es para muchos la más importante, porque revela a las personas lo que les espera después de la muerte si no se arrepienten de sus pecados y no se convierten.

La devoción al Inmaculado Corazón En la segunda parte María dice: “Has visto el infierno donde van las almas de los pobres pecadores. Para salvarlas, Dios quiere establecer en el mundo la devoción a mi Inmaculado Corazón”.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Consulado de México anunció apertura de segundo ‘Consulado sobre ruedas’ Diácono Darío García

Mes de mayo, mes de María

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os cristianos católicos durante siglos hemos celebrado el mes de mayo como el mes dedicado a honrar a la Santísima Virgen María. Lo hemos aprendido de nuestros padres y abuelos y lo hemos celebrado en la iglesia de nuestras ciudades, pueblos y aldeas.

Celebraciones presididas por la Eucaristía y acompañadas de procesiones con la Virgen de Fátima, el rezo del Santo Rosario, ofrendas florales y cantos en honor a la Madre del Cielo.

El pueblo canta en dichas celebraciones: “El trece de mayo, la Virgen María bajó de los cielos a Cova de Iría. Ave, Ave, Ave María, Ave, Ave, Ave María”.

Las primeras referencias en la historia del ‘Mes de María’ son del siglo XIII en el que el que el rey Alfonso el Sabio de Castilla invitó a rogar a María ‘Bienvenido Mayo’.

En el siglo XVI la devoción se extendió por Alemania e Italia. Por esas fechas, San Felipe Neri aconsejaba a los jóvenes a venerar a María durante el mes de mayo.

En el siglo XVII los dominicos dedicaron a la Virgen los domingos de mayo. A finales del siglo XVIII, la práctica piadosa llegó a Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica. Los primeros pontífices que la aconsejaron fueron Pío VII y Pío IX, que la premiaron con grandes indulgencias.

Las formas en que María es honrada en mayo son tan variadas como las personas que la honran.

Es común que las parroquias tengan en este mes un rezo diario del Santo Rosario, un altar especial con la imagen de Nuestra Señora de Fátima, unas jornadas especiales de culto mariano como el Salve a la Virgen, poemas, danzas, serenatas, la coronación de la Virgen por parte de los niños y, muy especialmente, la Santa Eucaristía en honor de la Reina del Cielo.

Muchos movimientos marianos, como la Legión de María, los Caballeros de la Virgen y la Misión del Santo Rosario, realizan durante este mes de mayo encuentros, retiros, consagraciones y renovaciones, con lo que buscan crecer en la devoción a María, teniendo siempre presente que honrándola a ella vamos en un camino seguro hacia su hijo, Jesús, el Señor.

Muy importante resaltar, es tener en cuenta que la devoción a la Virgen no nos puede llevar a endiosarla o a fanatizarnos creyendo que su culto está por encima de la adoración a Dios.

La verdadera devoción a María nos tiene que llevar a Jesús, Nuestro Señor, por lo tanto, el mes de mayo tiene que tener como ingrediente necesario una invitación a la conversión.

Celebremos el mes de mayo con María en el camino hacia Jesús. Ruega por nosotros, Santa Madre de Dios, para que seamos dignos de alcanzar las promesas y gracias de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Amén.

EL DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCÍA es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Después de trabajar en forma limitada durante la pandemia de COVID-19, el Consulado de México en Raleigh se encuentra en una campaña intensiva, movilizando a su Consulado sobre Ruedas con la finalidad de servir las necesidades de documentación de sus connacionales en las Carolinas.

“Este año, el Consulado sobre Ruedas estará visitando diversas localidades en Carolina del Norte y Carolina del Sur durante 46 de las 52 semanas con las que cuenta el año”, dijo Oscar Solís, Cónsul de México en la ciudad de Raleigh, durante la atención que brindó la delegación consular en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, del 25 al 29 del pasado mes de abril.

“Tenemos grandes concentraciones de mexicanos en Charlotte, Raleigh, la zona del Triángulo, Columbia, Greenville y Spartanburg, pero también en numerosas zonas costeras y rurales de los dos estados que, en extensión, viene a ser como el estado de Chihuahua en México”, anotó Solís.

La red consular mexicana en Estados Unidos es la más grande del mundo, con 50 delegaciones consulares que atienden aproximadamente a 30 millones de

mexicanos residentes en la Unión Americana, informó el Cónsul.

Solo en Charlotte, durante el último Consulado sobre Ruedas se atendieron a 540 personas. “Teníamos las citas al tope, pero reconocemos que la necesidad es muy grande y muchos de nuestros compatriotas se quedan sin ser atendidos. Por eso me es muy grato anunciar que pronto abriremos un segundo Consulado sobre Ruedas”, dijo Solís.

Desde marzo de 2022, a través de ‘Mi consulado’, los mexicanos que deseen realizar trámites de expedición o canje de Matrículas Consulares, Pasaportes, Poderes Notariales y Registro Civil en las oficinas consulares de México en los Estados Unidos y Canadá, pueden solicitar una cita de manera fácil, rápida y segura llamado al 1(424)-3090009 o visitando citas.sre.gob.mx.

Finalmente, el cónsul mexicano agradeció la colaboración “de nuestros socios aliados”, que como la Diócesis de Charlotte colaboran con el servicio que prestan.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Podrá encontrar más fotografías sobre el servicio consular prestado en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Lecturas Diarias

‘La Virgen María, el niño Jesús y el Espíritu Santo con ángeles en el fondo’, óleo en lienzo de Antonio María Esquivel y Suárez de Urbina. Sevilla, España,1510 - Madrid, España, 1566.

IMAGEN CORTESÍA DEL MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID

MAYO 15-21

Domingo: Hechos 14:21b-27, Apocalipsis 21:1-5a, Juan 3:31-33a, 34-35; Lunes: 1 Hechos 14:5-18, Juan 14:2126; Martes: Hechos 14:1928, Juan 14:27-31; Miércoles (San Juan I): Hechos 15:1-6, Juan 15:1-8; Jueves: Hechos 15:7-21, Juan 15:9-11; Viernes (San Bernardino de Siena): Hechos 15:22-31, Juan 15:1217; Sábado: Hechos 16:1-10, Juan 15:18-21

MAYO 22-28

Domingo: Hechos 15:1-2, 22-29, Apocalipsis 21:1014, 22-23, Juan 14:23-29; Lunes: Hechos 16:11-15, Juan 15:26-16:4; Martes: Hechos 16:22-34, Juan 16:5-11; Miércoles (San Gregorio VII): Hechos 17:15-16, 22–18:1, Juan 16:12-15; Jueves (San Felipe Neri): Hechos 18:1-8, Juan 16:16-20; Viernes (San Agustín de Canterbury): Hechos 18:9-18, Juan 16:2023; Sábado: Hechos 18:2328, Juan 16:23-28

MAYO 29-JUNIO 4

Domingo (Solemnidad de la Ascención del Señor): Hechos 1:1-11, Efesios 1:17-23, Lucas 24:46-53; Lunes: Hechos 19:1-8, Juan 16:19-23; Martes (Visitación de la Santísima Virgen María): Sofonías 3:14-18, Lucas 1:39-56; Miércoles (San Justino): Hechos 20:28-38, Juan 17:11-19; Jueves: Hechos 22:30, 23:6-11, Juan 17:20-26; Viernes (Santos Carlos Lwanga y compañeros mártires): Hechos 25:1321, Juan 21:15-19; Sábado: Hechos 28:16-20, 30-31, Juan 21:20-25

Padre Fabio Marín

Familia genuina, modelo de oración

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a familia es el primer lugar o escuela en el que la dimensión y la responsabilidad de educar están llamadas a expresarse y manifestarse. Su tarea es educar para la santidad.

Como en repetidas ocasiones decía el Santo Papa Juan Pablo II, sólo desde la perspectiva de una sana educación en el hogar se puede tener la esperanza de construir una sociedad nueva en un mundo sobre el que se ciernen tantas amenazas.

Los padres deben comprender que con sus familias son protagonistas de una nueva sociedad, de esa sociedad que se abre a nuevos estilos de vida y que cosechará lo sembrado en este momento.

Su cosecha será abundantemente regeneradora y llena de gracia si se ha sembrado con amor y con sacrificio abnegado una digna formación en los hijos; pero ante todo si esa siembra está caracterizada por un eficaz y coherente acercamiento a Dios.

El protagonismo educativo de la familia no se limita sólo al ejercicio de las tareas intelectuales; éste se extiende al crecimiento espiritual. Su empeño debe ir más allá de las limitantes científicas porque toca al interno de la misma persona.

No se trata de construir un robot o una gran máquina procesadora de datos, sino de salvar la propia vida, la vida de la familia, la vida de la sociedad.

La tarea de la educación espiritual exige un compromiso radical de los padres con sus hijos, pero al mismo tiempo una respuesta de los hijos que son educados.

De tal manera que la familia entera se sienta tocada por la necesidad de combatir las fuerzas del mal, del egoísmo, del individualismo y “de la visión naturalista de la vida que agreden constantemente a todo lo que significa la familia como obra de Dios, como esbozo de la última obra maestra de Dios, que es la Jerusalén celestial, la unidad de todos los pueblos en Cristo” (C. Martini, Meditaciones para las familias, Colección sauce, 9 pp. 63).

Ningún núcleo familiar está excluido de su protagonismo al recorrer el camino salvífico que tiene su centro en la profundidad espiritual del ser humano.

Esta vida espiritual se intensifica y se hace realidad creciendo en la oración, gran medio de encuentro familiar con Dios.

Dentro de este contexto, la oración es deber, tarea y necesidad que compromete el protagonismo espiritual de la familia entera.

Así lo ha querido Dios en su relación con el hombre, y así lo ha proclamado la Iglesia a través de su historia.

EL PADRE FABIO MARÍN, sacerdote redentorista, es párroco de la Iglesia San José en Kannapolis.

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Abriendo caminos

Oración Para el 50 Aniversario

Tres diáconos latinoamericanos abrieron paso a nuevas generaciones en la diócesis

E 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:

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

l 1 de julio de 1995, después de completar varios años de formación para el diaconado, tres hombres de origen hispano esperaban inquietos y emocionados en los pasillos de la Iglesia San Gabriel para recibir las sagradas órdenes que los consagrarían como diáconos de la Iglesia Católica.

13 al 17 de mayo 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro, N.C. 27408

Carlos Medina, nacido en Nicaragua, Rafael Torres y Edwin Rodríguez de Puerto Rico, fueron parte de un grupo de once candidatos ordenados ese día por el Obispo William G. Curlin.

Era la primera ordenación en la que participaban varios candidatos latinos, y estos tres hombres se convirtieron en el núcleo de los que es ahora un creciente diaconado hispano con presencia en toda la diócesis.

IGLESIA SAN LEO EL GRANDE

OTROS TIEMPOS

IGLESIA SAN PÍO X

17 al 20 de mayo 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104

IGLESIA SANTA MARÍA 20 al 23 de mayo 1414 Gorrell St., Greensboro, N.C. 27401

IGLESIA SAN BENITO EL MORO Y MISIÓN DEL BUEN PASTOR 23 al 27 de mayo 1625 E. 12th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101

MISA DE BACHILLERATO, CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 24 de Mayo, 5 p.m.

Iglesia Católica San Mateo 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, N.C. 28277

MISA DE BACHILLERATO, BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL 26 de Mayo, 6 p.m.

Iglesia Católica de la Santa Cruz 616 S Cherry St., Kernersville, N.C. 27284

IGLESIA CATÓLICA SANTOS ÁNGELES 27 al 30 de mayo 1208 N. Main St., Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 Visite www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com.

En los años 90, los hispanos eran pocos y encontrar un sacerdote o diácono que hablara Español muy raro. La comunidad latina se reunía para asistir a Misa en el Centro Católico, en la esquina de las calles Shenandoah y The Plaza, donde se ubicaba la antigua Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Los tres nuevos diáconos fueron asignados al Centro Católico, donde el Obispo Curlin los invitó a “encender a sus comunidades con el fuego de Jesús”.

El sacerdote Vicentino, Padre Vicente Finnerty, a cargo del Ministerio Hispano en ese momento, recibió a los diáconos y los envió al servicio del ministerio en diferentes parroquias.

Desde entonces la diócesis ha crecido y cambiado.

El número de católicos hispanos supera la mitad de la población católica en el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

La necesidad de sacerdotes que hablen Español persiste, pero ahora muchas de las parroquias ofrecen la liturgia en Español y tienen clérigos que pueden pastorear la creciente y diversa comunidad latina.

La oficina del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis, liderada por el Padre Julio César Domínguez, cuenta con coordinadores para cada vicariato. Grandes eventos diocesanos, como el Congreso Eucarístico, realizan programas regulares en Español que atraen a miles de fieles. Tres seminaristas y seis jóvenes que estudian en el Seminario Universitario San José son latinos.

Todo comenzó con estos pioneros, que pavimentaron el camino para una nueva generación de católicos latinos que están cosechando las semillas que esos hombres plantaron en tierra fértil hace 27 años.

DIÁCONO CARLOS MEDINA

Nacido en Nicaragua, Carlos Medina llegó a Estados Unidos en 1978, escapando de la revolución que desangraba su país. “El viaje me hizo llorar a mares”, confesó, pues la incertidumbre de llevar a su familia a lo desconocido lo quebró.

Con 29 años, inicialmente se instaló con su esposa

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y sus cuatro hijos en Miami. En 1981 se trasladó a Charlotte, donde empezó a colaborar como lector, ujier y ministro extraordinario de la comunión en la Catedral San Patricio. Su fe se incrementó gracias al Cursillo de Cristiandad y el programa del Ministerio Laico. Pronto sintió el llamado para servir más a Dios y su Iglesia y, después de conversar con su esposa, respondió positivamente a la invitación del Obispo John Donoghue al diaconado.

Tras su ordenación fue asignado a la parroquia Los Diáconos Carlos Medina, Rafael Torres y Edwin Rodríguez, ordenados el 1 de julio de 1995, abrieron camino a la generación de sacerdotes y diáconos hispanoparlantes que hoy sirve a la floreciente comunidad católica hispana de nuestra diócesis.

FOTO CORTESÍA DIÁCONO CARLOS MEDINA

Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury para iniciar el ministerio hispano con el P. Thomas Clements. Luego sirvió por cinco años en la Iglesia Santa Dorotea en Lincolnton. En 2002 fue asignado a la Catedral San Patricio, donde permanece hasta el día de hoy.

DIÁCONO RAFAEL TORRES

Nacido en Puerto Rico, Rafael Torres es un veterano de la guerra de Vietnam. Se trasladó a Texas después que su trabajo como supervisor de una refinería en Puerto Rico concluyera al cerrar la planta en 1982. Al no encontrar trabajo en Texas, él, su esposa y sus tres hijos se trasladaron a Charlotte, donde vivía uno de sus hermanos.

Aquí comenzó a frecuentar el Centro Católico los viernes para rezar el Rosario. Así conoció a la hermana Pilar Dalmau, quien se encontraba a cargo del Centro y ofrecía el Cursillo de Cristiandad con instructores de Miami. Ellos capacitaron a varios fieles, entre ellos a Rafael Torres.

El Diácono Torres ha servido en el Centro Católico, el Tribunal diocesano y la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Por cerca de 25 años sirvió en la Parroquia San Lucas de Mint Hill, hasta que hace pocos meses debió retirarse para cuidar de la salud de su esposa.

DIÁCONO EDWIN RODRÍGUEZ

Nacido en 1948 en Rincón, Puerto Rico, estaba casado y tenía tres hijos. Antes de su fallecimiento en 2012 sirvió en la Parroquia San Marcos en Huntersville y San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Lea sobre la historia del programa de Diáconos Permanentes en la Diócesis de Charlotte En www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com: obtenga actualizaciones sobre las celebraciones del 50.° aniversario de la diócesis, actos de caridad, próximos eventos y más

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 mayo Por la intercesión de María.

Que María, la patrona de nuestra diócesis, mire siempre favorablemente a nuestra Iglesia y ore sin cesar por cada miembro de los fieles de Cristo.

Santa del mes Santa Dimpna de Irlanda.

Día de fiesta: 15 de mayo

catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Faith more precious than gold. — 1 Peter 1:7 fe más preciosa que el oro. — 1 Pedro 1:7 Mark your calendar for the 18th Eucharistic Congress August 5 – 6, 2022 — Charlotte Convention Center

Marque su calendario para el XVIII Congreso Eucarístico CIO P R1EPETER 1:7 US T

O RO

GOLD

Para información y voluntariado: www.GoEucharist.com

OSA E C1IPEDRO 1:7 QUE

EL

AN

For information and to volunteer: www.GoEucharist.com

PR

F E MÁ S

E

H

R

Agosto 5 y 6, 2022— Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte FA I T H MO

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Arts & Entertainment

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Friday, May 13, 3 p.m.

(EWTN) “Holy Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima.” Our Lady of Fatima is honored with a special Mass that includes the Blessing of the Sick and the familiar “Adeus” wave of white handkerchiefs as parishioners bid her farewell.

In theaters

n Thursday, May 19, 5 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Heresies.”

We examine a 4th century heresy which rejected the Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Arianism emerged from the teachings of Arius, an Egyptian priest who denied there were three distinct divine Persons in the Holy Trinity.

‘The Northman’ Grotesque bloodletting and ambiguous morality outweigh the artistic merits and potential interest of this Viking epic, set at the turn of the 10th century and drawn from the same legend on which Shakespeare based his tragedy “Hamlet.” Traumatized by witnessing his uncle’s (Claes Bang) murder of his father (Ethan Hawke) and forcible marriage to his mother (Nicole Kidman), a young Nordic prince (Oscar Novak) flees into exile, vowing to exact vengeance. As an adult (Alexander Skarsgard), he callously participates in murderous raids before learning of his enemy’s whereabouts and, disguising himself as a captured Rus slave in order to get close to him, awaits his chance to strike, falling, in the meantime, for a fellow bondservant (Anya Taylor-Joy). Skewed values, gruesome gory violence, at least one crude term and a few crass expressions.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

‘The Bad Guys’ High-octane animated caper comedy in which a criminal gang of anthropomorphized animals in Los Angeles (voiced by Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos and Awkwafina) endeavor to steal a valuable award statuette but are caught in the act. As California’s governor (voice of Zazie Beetz) prepares to hand them over to the city’s chief of police (voice of Alex Borstein), the recipient of the prize, a humanitarian guinea pig professor (voice of Richard Ayoade), intervenes to propose an experiment intended to transform the miscreants into do-gooders. Parents will be delighted with the lesson in character development that follows while kids will be so diverted by the erstwhile villains’ struggle to overcome their long-practiced wrongdoing, they may not even realize they’re being taught the importance of virtue and the value of true friendship. While it’s sometimes too scary for small fry and includes a smattering of gastro-intestinal and anatomical jokes, veteran animator Pierre Perifel’s feature debut, adapted from a series of books by Aussie author Aaron Blabey, delivers good values wrapped up in a funny package. Potentially frightening action sequences, occasional scatological humor.

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

Other Movies n ‘All the Old Knives’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R n ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

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‘It’s been a great journey’ St. Therese pastor pens bestselling book SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

MOORESVILLE — Father Mark Lawlor has been writing down humorous insights and valuable lessons he has learned over the past 30 years. He compiled them into a book, “Lessons & Stories From the Journey: Reflections From The Life of a Joyful Priest,” and it has soared to the top of the charts on Amazon for books written by clergy.

The pastor of St. Therese Church admits the book was a labor of love that has taken him decades to bring to fruition. His inspiration was a book he found in the library at St. Meinrad Seminary: “The Lord and I: Vignettes From the Life of a Parish Priest,” by Father Vincent Fecher.

“I started over 30 years ago, writing down some insights and experiences. I started in seminary taking notes with the idea that I would finish it someday,” Father Lawlor explains.

He says the occasion of his 60th birthday was the catalyst for finally finishing the work.

“This book is not scholarly, but it is from the heart,” he says.

The process of writing the book was a positive experience, he says. “I laughed and I cried.

It was good for me to share my experience, my transition from an engineer to priestly formation, then as a parish priest for the last 27 years.”

Father Lawlor dedicated the book to three important women in his life who have passed away: his sister, his mother and his grandmother.

There are also chapters in the book that pay tribute to people who have had a profound influence on his life and his vocation.

There is a chapter to the late Bishop William G. Curlin, the third bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Curlin ordained Father Lawlor to the transitional diaconate in 1994 and to the priesthood in June 1995. He was a dear friend and mentor to Father Lawlor, visiting him at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte often in the years when Father Lawlor served as pastor there. Father Lawlor was among the priests who prayed the rosary at Bishop Curlin’s bedside before he passed away on Dec. 23, 2017.

“Bishop Curlin always lived the priesthood in the way Pope St. John Paul II expressed: ‘The priest does not live for himself, but for the Church and for the sanctification of the People of God,’” Father Lawlor says.

The book’s theme, he emphasizes, is that he considers himself an unlikely candidate for the priesthood. He marvels at all the grace and joy the Lord has poured out upon him since he answered the call to become a priest.

“It’s been a great journey! Life is a journey, and we hopefully learn things as we go.”

Get a copy Father Mark Lawlor’s book, “Lessons & Stories From the Journey: Reflections From the Life of a Joyful Priest,” is available from Amazon.

n Saturday, May 21, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Angel of Biscay – The Life and Message of Father Aloysius Ellacuria.”

Follow the amazing life journey of Father Aloysius Ellacuria, known as the Fatima priest. Through his transcontinental travels, he changed the lives of everyone he touched with his character, mission and spirituality. n Saturday, May 21, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Rita.” The life of Rita of Cascia, the saint of the impossible and advocate of desperate cases, reveals the great faith of a woman who endured many hardships and difficulties on her journey to God. Part 1. n Sunday, May 22, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Regina Caeli with Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis recites the glorious prayer to Our Lady Queen of Heaven: The Regina Caeli.

n Sunday, May 22, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Heart of a Missionary: The Story of Pauline Jaricot.” To mark her beatification, an inspiring documentary explores the life of Pauline Jaricot. Expert interviews, archival footage and dramatic recreations tell the story of this remarkable French laywoman who faithfully served others.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 4

offered in English and Spanish. St. Eugene Church is located at 72 Culvern St. In Charlotte, the program will be held from noon to 1 p.m.

Friday, May 20, at the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, located at 1123 S. Church St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch offered at 11:45 a.m.

RSVP to either event by Monday, May 16, to scaeducation@ ccdoc.org. For details, go online to www.ccdoc.org/education.

— Catholic News Herald

Military personnel to be honored with Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral May 30 CHARLOTTE — All are invited to attend a Memorial Day Mass to honor United States military personnel on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral.

Military personnel who are currently serving, those who are retired, and those who have died will be honored. All military personnel are encouraged to attend Mass in uniform.

The rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. in the cathedral prior to Mass.

A complimentary all-American hotdog lunch will be served immediately after Mass.

Photos of those who have died, who are now serving in the military, and retired military personnel will be displayed at the cathedral. To include your service member, preferably in uniform, mail a photocopy of him or her with the name and military rank on the back to Michelle Maher, Office of the Bishop, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203, to be received no later than May 25. Please do not send original photographs as they cannot be returned.

St. Patrick Cathedral is located at 1621 Dilworth Road East in Charlotte. On-street parking is available in front of the cathedral, along Buchanan Street adjacent to the cathedral and behind St. Patrick Elementary School.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

3 baccalaureate Masses to be offered for Catholic school graduates this year CHARLOTTE — Graduates of the Class of 2022 at all three Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will be able to attend a baccalaureate Mass with Bishop Peter J. Jugis this year: n Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte. n Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville. n Christ the King High School in Huntersville will hold its Baccalaureate Mass at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

— Catholic News Herald

Prayer vigil held to pray for end to abortion CHARLOTTE — With the country awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming decision reexamining the constitutionality of abortion, people attended the Vigil of the Two Hearts pro-life devotion May 6 at St. Patrick Cathedral to pray for an end to abortion. Father Ernest Nebangongnjoh, parochial vicar, offered the monthly Mass for the end of abortion and after Mass exposed the Blessed Sacrament for Nocturnal Adoration.

Additionally, Deacon John Kopfle from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte offered a Holy Hour of Reparation for the end of abortion.

The Vigil of the Two Hearts is offered each first Friday evening, continuing in Nocturnal Adoration through first Saturday morning at the cathedral to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions, all while praying for the end of abortion, strength for families, and for the country’s conversion back to God. The event is organized by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN). For more information, contact info@prolifecharlotte.org or go online to www.prolifecharlotte. org/two-hearts.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

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Students learn about careers GASTONIA — Students at St. Michael School recently spent a morning learning about different careers from 12 presenters who shared details of their jobs, what their day is like, what type of education and training are needed, and other interesting facts. Presenters included firefighters from the Gastonia Fire Department (pictured above), as well as representatives from the Army, an accountant, a lawyer, a habitat restoration specialist, a news reporter/ photographer, an air traffic controller, a veterinarian, law enforcement personnel, a sports medicine/athletic trainer, a theologian and a nurse.

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

DEACONS FROM PAGE 15

request to revive the permanent diaconate in this country. The first deacons in the U.S. were ordained in 1971.

In Charlotte, work got underway in the spring of 1978, when the diocese’s Presbyteral Council appointed a planning committee to study the potential for a Permanent Diaconate program.

Bishop Michael Begley appointed Father Richard Burton, Father Thomas Walsh, Father Frank O’Rourke, Deacon Ted Krizman and his wife Crystal Krizman to the committee. Father Joseph Kerin served as chairperson. After the committee met for the first time on April 11, 1978, Bishop Begley expressed his wish to establish the permanent diaconate here.

Like many other dioceses, Charlotte had a lot to learn about the restored ministry and how best to set up a program, select and train candidates, and define the duties and role of deacons in the diocese. Diocesan clergy and laity worked on these issues over the next two years In 1980 the Permanent Diaconate program was officially established by Bishop Begley. He

appointed Monsignor Anthony Kovacic, then pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, as its first director, and Mercy Sister Mary Thomas Burke as the director of deacons’ wives.

Twenty-two men were accepted into the inaugural class. Classes began in September 1980, with the first session being held at the now-closed Sacred Heart College in Belmont.

Three years of intense preparation followed.

On May 29, 1983, Bishop Begley ordained 19 of the men before a crowd of 2,000 during a special Mass at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte.

Jim Collins and Kurt Fohn, the other two candidates, were ordained later, and they went on to be ordained as priests for the diocese.

These 21 men were the diocese’s first “ministers of service” – mature men of faith who, ordained by the laying on of hands, gave a permanent visible witness of their “yes” to God, who called them to share in the sacramental ministry of Jesus Christ by serving His Church.

Said Monsignor Kovacic in his address to the candidates at their ordination, “We look confidently to the future ... Deacons, you have your pastors and above all, with our generosity, your spirit of service and initiative you will always have abundant grace to which you are entitled by the sacrament you received.”

— SueAnn Howell and Patricia L. Guilfoyle, Catholic News Herald

ST. BERNADETTE FROM PAGE 4

Church in Charlotte for 26 years, they read about the tour in the Catholic News Herald and knew they wanted to build it into their trip itinerary.

“I thought it would be an interesting stop. And we all need the anointing of the sick, so I wanted to stop here on our trip,” Judy said.

“I’ve always been interested in her, and I’m definitely in need of spiritual healing,” said pilgrim Catherine Norton, who is a junior at Charlotte Catholic High School. “St. Bernadette is my confirmation saint.”

“I just love these types of things,” added her aunt and confirmation sponsor, Patricia Hayes. “The symbolism (of events like this) to me is the universality of the Church.”

Six women from the Mary’s Women of Joy group at St. Mark Church in Huntersville also made the pilgrimage to venerate the relics May 9.

“I felt like we were being called,” said Jean Whelan, longtime coordinator of the ministry. The group had recently visited the Marian grotto at Belmont Abbey, and this was another opportunity for them to get together and pray.

Whelan received the anointing of the sick and spent hours

Father Christopher Bond leads a candlelight procession from St. Bernadette Church to the outdoor Lourdes grotto.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Deacon David Reiser is among more than 100 deacons currently serving in parishes, ministries and other roles across the diocese.

in prayer before the relics and image of St. Bernadette, interceding for family and friends.

She sat in on Megan Bean’s talk about a healing she experienced in Lourdes in 2013 – a healing that is being investigated for possible recognition as a miracle.

Bean had the same misdiagnosed leg clot that Whelan’s mother had before she died. “On many levels, Mary was calling me there to heal from my mother’s passing,” Whelan reflected.

She feels a kinship with Bean, not only because Bean and her mother shared the same ailment, but through a priest connection. “Her son’s a priest. My dad’s a priest (retired Father Robert Ferris, who entered seminary some years after her mother passed away). So we bonded over that. And her son (Father Matthew Bean) is at my church, so I’m praying for him.”

Each day of the relics’ visit was capped off with a candlelight procession similar to those held in Lourdes. Participants prayed the rosary as they weaved their way up the hill behind a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, to the grotto overlooking the church.

“When you go (on a pilgrimage), you thank God,” Whelan said. But more than that, she added, “You don’t realize how impactful it is for your soul, and how impactful it is for everyone you went there for.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and more photos from the visit of St. Bernadette’s relics to Linville

TIERRA SANTA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

Cuerpo de nuestro Señor, me hacía estremecer.

Y después de esto, la procesión de noche hacia la casa de Caifás (actualmente la Iglesia de Galicanto) fue extraordinaria, con miles de personas caminando en silencio.

Uno de los regalos que Dios me hizo en esos días fue dejarme concelebrar en el Cenáculo.

Desde un principio nos habían dicho que solo el Guardián y algunos sacerdotes concelebrarían, pero cuando me llegó la invitación casi me desmayo de la emoción, de saber que estaría allí, en el mismo lugar donde nuestro Señor celebró por primera vez la Santa Eucaristía.

El Viernes Santo estuvo muy lleno de cosas que no podría ponerlas todas por escrito. Lo que si les puedo decir es que fue vivir lo ordinario en lo extraordinario. Como era fiesta del Ramadán de los Musulmanes y también la Pascua Judía y todos los cristianos, pues era un mundo de gente.

Cuando llevábamos la cruz en el Santo Viacrucis, a las 2 de la tarde para terminar a las meras 3, era una experiencia poco agradable pues estábamos en medio de un mundo hostil al cristianismo. La gente nos miraba con odio, con desprecio, como diciendo ‘qué hacen estos locos llevando esa cruz en este mercado tan lleno de gente’. Cuando me tocó el momento de llevar la cruz, solo pensaba que de esa misma manera había sido el momento tan extraordinario de la Pasión del Señor, en un mundo tan ordinario se realizaron misterios extraordinarios que dieron vida y redención al mundo.

Podría seguir contando más cosas, pero en realidad todo redunda en lo mismo, la presencia hermosa de nuestro Señor estaba allí en ese caos de personas, de vendedores, de procesiones por todos lados. Algo era claro, una alegría espiritual iba inundando cada vez más a todas las personas, a modo tal que el Sábado de Gloria fue una fiesta que se celebró toda la noche y el Domingo de Pascua fue increíble con los cantos y procesiones.

En todos los lugares santos que visité, siempre expresé una misma petición, “Señor, que nuestra diócesis en estos 50 años experimente todas las gracias que nacen de tu Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección; y que nuestros fieles, especialmente todas nuestras familias, reciban las gracias espirituales de esta peregrinación”.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es vicario apostólico del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Our nation 26

catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pro-life advocacy groups plan next steps after abortion opinion leak CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

interference or intimidation, it serves as a stark example that nothing is sacred anymore. While we fervently pray for legal protections of unborn children, we will not dignify the goals of the leaker by commenting on the contents of the draft document.”

Right to Life Michigan expressed “cautious optimism” about the leaked draft and said its mission won’t change if Roe is overturned.

She warned pro-life advocates not to celebrate too early, considering the official opinion hasn’t been released and the final version might not reflect the views of Justice Samuel Alito, who authored the draft opinion.

She also noted that the work of pro-life advocacy goes beyond abortion.

“As a pro-life organization, we have to protect the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, the unborn,” she said, adding that the focus is “on the marginalized and those discriminated against.”

— Contributing to this report was Daniel Meloy, a staff writer for Detroit Catholic, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Although many pro-life groups immediately reacted positively to the news that the majority of Supreme Court justices seem set to overturn the court’s Roe v. Wade decision, some tempered their reaction with a continued call for more advocacy while others kept a wait-and-see approach until the court issues its opinion in the weeks ahead.

Some Catholic bishops likewise kept their response in check, but acknowledged the work done on the grassroots level by pro-life activists.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in a May 4 statement that the leaked opinion draft “reminds us of the urgent WASHINGTON, D.C. — After the online news site Politico need for prayer and action at this pivotal moment in published a report late May 2 from a leaked draft opinion our country.” signaling that the majority of Supreme Court justices seem “As we await the court’s decision, we urge everyone set to overturn Roe v. Wade, the decision legalizing abortion, to intensify their prayer and fasting that the final those opposed to having it overturned have taken to the decision of the court will bring about the reversal of streets to protest. But vandalism showing discontent with Roe and Casey,” he said, referring to the court’s 1992 the potential ruling also seems to be on the rise. decision that affirmed Roe. On May 9 protests were held outside the homes of two “We hope and pray for a change in our laws and Supreme Court justices in the Washington area, and a spate stand ready to help all pregnant women in need in each of vandalism and disruptions have targeted groups that of our communities,” he added. oppose abortion and Catholic churches.

National Right to Life, an advocacy group that has The New York Times reported May 7 that part of the wall long fought against abortion, similarly said it “agrees of the headquarters of Wisconsin Family Action, in Madison, with the statement of Mississippi Attorney General was set on fire, leaving behind graffiti that read: “If abortions Lynn Fitch, who said, ‘We will let the Supreme Court aren’t safe then you aren’t either.” speak for itself and wait for the Court’s official Madison Bishop Donald J. Hying, in a May 9 statement, opinion.’” called the vandalism “a brazen act of violence, which all Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of citizens should condemn, as an attack on the respect and America, likened the potential overturning of Roe v. concern we owe to each other in seeking the common good.”

Wade as the beginning for the antiabortion movement.

Officials from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ The previous day, her group sent a letter to all the religious liberty office said they documented nine similar Republican members of Congress urging them to CNS | EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS incidents on the weekend after the leak, stretching from New back a nationwide “heartbeat bill,” banning abortions An abortion protester in Washington holds a crucifix in front of the U.S. Supreme York to Los Angeles. at six weeks of pregnancy. Hawkins, and nine other Court May 5, following the leaked opinion suggesting the possibility of overturning Most were disruptions or destruction of property such antiabortion leaders, emphasized that the 15-week Roe v. Wade. as the one reported by The Denver Channel in Colorado, an ban at stake in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health ABC affiliate, where Sacred Heart of Mary Church staff, in Organization case before the court did not go far Boulder, removed graffiti, paint and broken glass over Mother’s enough.

“We’d have a complete abortion ban in our state, but Day weekend.

One thing many groups said they were not happy with there are a lot of different moving parts with different Though the leaked draft is not final, Chief Justice Roberts was that the opinion was leaked to a news outlet. groups and with a governor who is trying to invalidate confirmed its authenticity and has called for an investigation.

Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State this law. Our focus would be on those efforts and making The draft, according to the Politico report, shows five justices’ Catholic Conference, said the leak was a breach of trust sure we are fighting against them and have as many people alignment against Roe v. Wade – enough to overturn it. The and “an attack on the integrity of the Judicial Branch of on our side fighting against them as well,” Anna Visser, court’s final decision could be announced in the next two months. government.” director of communications and education for Right to Life “When our highest court cannot operate free of political Michigan, told Detroit Catholic.

— Catholic News Service

Reports of violence after Roe document leaked

Music Coordinator 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.

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Beatification near for Society for Propagation of the Faith founder WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 1822, a young and rich French woman, Pauline Jaricot, founded the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

In 2022, this international association that coordinates assistance for Catholic missionary priests, brothers, and nuns in mission areas, is still going strong and renewed attention has been given to its founder, who will be beatified May 22. Born in Lyon, France, in 1799, Jaricot was the youngest of seven children. At age 17, while recuperating from a serious fall, her mother died. Jaricot then led a life of intense prayer, and on Christmas 1816, took a vow of perpetual virginity. Jaricot first founded an association for pious servant girls, the Repairers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. While her brother, Phileas, was studying to be a missionary priest, she felt an urge to help the missionary cause. So, in 1822, with the help of workers at the family’s silk factory, she established the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. She encouraged each participant to invite 10 other people to pray and make contributions which was dubbed the “circle of 10.” “Pauline had a vision of two lamps. One lamp was empty and the other lamp was full and filling up the other lamp,” said Monica Yehle, chief of staff for the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

“She saw the empty lamp as France after the revolution.” She wanted to rebuild the strength of the Church in France just a few decades after the French Revolution.

Supreme Court says Christian group can fly flag at City Hall WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court has ruled that Boston violated the free speech rights of a Christian group to fly its flag at City Hall. On May 2, the court handed down a unanimous decision in favor of the city flying the flag of a Christian group. It said the city couldn’t deny the group the right to raise its flag along with other flags reflecting the city’s diversity.

“Boston’s flag-raising program does not express government speech,” wrote Justice Stephen Breyer in the court’s opinion. “As a result, the city’s refusal to let (the group) fly their flag based on its religious viewpoint violated the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.”

“This case is so much more significant than a flag,” said Mathew Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal group that represented Camp Constitution that owns the flag in question. “Boston openly discriminated against viewpoints it disfavored when it opened the flagpoles to all applicants and then excluded Christian viewpoints,” he added in a statement.

Ordination survey: Declining number of new white U.S. priests WASHINGTON, D.C. — The annual report of new priests commissioned by the U.S. bishops shows that among those who responded, a shrinking number are white, a sign of the “little-C” catholic nature of the Catholic Church. Among ordinands – the term used for seminarians slated for ordination this year – the percentage who are white is 63%. Last year, the percentage who were white was 65%, and in 2020, 67% of ordinands were white. In religious orders, new white priests are at a plurality of 49%. This was just one of the findings of the study “The Class of 2022: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood,” conducted for the bishops

by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, released May 2.

As calls come from many corners for the U.S. government to cut student debt, the survey revealed that 58% completed an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree before entering the seminary. But they also brought significant student debt with them as they entered the seminary. That debt, on average, was $29,550, CARA said. “Between entering seminary and ordination, the average amount of debt carried by responding ordinands in religious institutes decreased by 53% and the average amount of debt carried by responding diocesan ordinands decreased by 4% since entering the seminary,” CARA reported. “Those who had educational debt were not delayed entrance by that debt with the exception of four respondents who were delayed between one and two years.”

Archbishop welcomes restoration of federal environmental rules WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairman of a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committee welcomed a White House action that will restore regulatory provisions that were in place for decades as part of a key environmental protection law. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, said April 25 that the provisions being restored under the National Environmental Policy Act will serve as “a vital guardrail against ecological and social harm.”

The White House Council on Environmental Quality reinstated three provisions that require federal agencies to consider environmental impacts of infrastructure projects, including those associated with climate change. The restored regulations also will give local communities directly affected by such projects an opportunity for greater input in the approval process. The council, under President Donald Trump, made broad changes to the NEPA regulations in 2020 to significantly reduce the scope and time frame of federal review under the law. The Biden White House said April 19, however, that the changes led to challenges for federal agencies implementing them and confusion among stakeholders and the general public. In announcing that the provisions were to be restored, Brenda Mallory, who chairs the Council on Environmental Quality, said in a statement they will “provide regulatory certainty, reduce conflict and help ensure that projects get built right the first time.”

Bishops back administration’s ‘Uniting for Ukraine’ refugee plan WASHINGTON, D.C. — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairman of its Committee on Migration have voiced their support for the Biden administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” initiative to welcome Ukrainian refugees coming to the United States. “Many European countries have shown great concern for Ukrainians, welcoming them with open arms, and we should do the same,” said an April 22 joint statement from Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, USCCB president, and Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, Migration Committee chairman.

“We are particularly concerned with the most vulnerable and hope that support will be given to separated families, the elderly, and those with urgent medical needs,” they said. “This sort of initiative requires that the federal government provide an array of services for arriving families, in addition to those supplied by individuals and private institutions, such as churches.”

The two bishops added: “As a national refugee resettlement agency, the USCCB is eager to support displaced Ukrainians in the United States, together with Catholic organizations, parishes and people of goodwill across the country.” The USCCB and the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia have partnered with Welcome.US on the Uniting for Ukraine initiative.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 13, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief Pope tells Russian patriarch they are not ‘clerics of the state’ VATICAN CITY ­— Warning that the Russian Orthodox patriarch should not “turn himself into Putin’s altar boy,” Pope Francis also said he would like to go to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin in an attempt to end the conflict in Ukraine. The pope reiterated that he would not be going to Kyiv “for now,” but “I first must go to Moscow, I must first meet Putin,” he said in an interview with the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, published May 3. Vatican News also published most of the interview. Pope Francis said he sent a message through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, “20 days after the war” started, to be delivered to Putin telling him, “I was ready to go to Moscow.” “We still have not had a response, and we are still being persistent, even though I am afraid Putin may not be able to and may not want to have this meeting right now,” the pope said. “I am doing what I can. If Putin were to open the door. ...” “But so much brutality, how do you not try to stop it? We saw the same thing with Rwanda,” he said, referring to the genocide against members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group in 1994, when at least 500,000 people were killed in about 100 days.

Pope to grandparents, elderly: Lead revolution of tenderness VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said he is convinced God is calling his peers – older Catholics – to become “artisans of the revolution of tenderness.” Through their gifts, wisdom, relationships and power of prayer, “together we can set the world free from the specter of loneliness and the demon of war,” the pope wrote in his message for the Catholic Church’s celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The message was released at the Vatican this week in anticipation of the celebration July 24, the fourth Sunday of July and the Sunday closest to the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.

“Old age is no time to give up and lower the sails, but a season of enduring fruitfulness; a new mission awaits us and bids us look to the future,” the pope wrote in his message, whose theme for 2022 is “In old age they will still bear fruit” from the Book of Psalms. In addition to taking care of themselves and remaining active, “we ought to cultivate our interior life through the assiduous reading of the word of God, daily prayer, reception of the sacraments and participation in the liturgy” as well as “cultivate our relationships with others.”

Liturgy must lead to awe, unity, mission, pope says VATICAN CITY — The study and celebration of the liturgy should lead to a sense of awe before God, a commitment to mission and a growing unity within the Church, not tensions and

squabbles, Pope Francis said. “When liturgical life is a bit of a banner of division, there is the odor of the devil, the deceiver. It is not possible to worship God and at the same time make the liturgy a battlefield,” the pope said May 7 during a meeting with students and professors from the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy at St. Anselm in Rome. The papal audience marked the conclusion of a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Benedictine-run institute, which was founded after the Second Vatican Council and its reform of the liturgy. Pope Francis said the institute responded to “the growing need of the people of God to live and participate more intensely in the liturgical life of the Church” by understanding it and experiencing “its mystery with an evernew sense of wonder. One does not possess the liturgy.” Rather, the liturgy is lived and celebrated.

However, the pope said, people must be aware of “the temptation of liturgical formalism: to focus on forms, formalities rather than reality, as we see today in those movements that try to go backwards and deny the Second Vatican Council.

Then the celebration is recitation, it is something without life, without joy.”

Pope wants annual audit of Church’s safeguarding measures VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis asked his safeguarding commission to provide an annual audit of what the Church is doing to protect minors and what needs to change, as well as to urge bishops’ conferences to set up special “centers” where victims can be heard and find accompaniment toward “healing and justice.”

The annual audit “report will be a factor of transparency and accountability and – I hope – will

provide a clear audit of our progress in this effort,” he told members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors April 29. “Without that progress, the faithful will continue to lose trust in their pastors, and preaching and witnessing to the Gospel will become increasingly difficult,” he said. The pope addressed the commission’s plenary assembly, which focused on how to best continue assisting the pope and the local churches in promoting best practices in safeguarding strategies, implementing guidelines and accompanying survivors. Commission members also were looking how they will work within the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, according to Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia, a change that goes into effect June 5.

Nicaraguan proposal would toughen penalties for ‘undermining’ government MEXICO CITY — A report approved by Nicaragua’s national assembly proposes toughening the penalties for “undermining national integrity” and could mean the eventual prosecution of priests and other civil society leaders for alleged involvement and support for protests. The report was presented by the justice and government commissions and approved by the assembly May 4. It proposes lengthening prison sentences for people convicted of “undermining national integrity and hate crimes” and confiscating property “used or acquired in the commission of the crime of treason, crimes that compromise the IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 29

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

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of Charlotte and our 80th Anniversary as a Parish Deeply Rooted in Christ, our Faith is more precious than Gold

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

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

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 28

peace, crimes against the political constitution,” media outlet Canal 12 reported. The document was officially titled: The Work Report on the Analysis of the Legal Norms Applicable to Persons Who Commit Crimes Undermining National Integrity, Hate Crimes, Among Others.

It included the participation of state institutions such as the national police, elected officials and “supposed victims” of the protests erupting in 2018, according to media reports. Those protests called for the ouster of President Daniel Ortega, who refused to step aside or find a political solution. The Catholic Church attempted to facilitate a dialogue, but found the effort fruitless as the Ortega regime refused to fully cooperate.

Barrack renovations may open option for female Swiss Guards VATICAN CITY — An agreement between the Vatican and a Swiss foundation overseeing renovations to the Swiss Guard barracks may open the possibility to women joining the military corps in the future. The agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding, was signed May 4 by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Jean-Pierre Roth and Stephen Kuhn, president and vice president of the Foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, respectively. In an interview with the Reuters news agency, Riccardo Boscardin, a foundation executive, said the current renovation project includes “single rooms with private bathrooms.

There are two reasons. One is because COVID hit when the project started, and the second is the possibility of integrating women into the guard,” he said. However, Boscardin told Reuters the decision whether to allow female recruits to the Swiss Guard “is not ours but exclusively that of the Vatican and the pope.”

‘Thirst for peace’: Cameroon bishops rededicate nation to Mary

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a separatist war to the west, a Boko Haram insurgency to the north and the influx of Central African refugees to the east, Cameroon is a country in crisis. And with no end in sight, Catholics in Cameroon turned to Mary to intercede for them. On April 23-24, more than 1,200 Catholics gathered around their bishops at the pilgrimage site in Marienberg, about 115 miles from the country’s capital, Yaoundé. They were there to reconsecrate Cameroon to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 12 decades after the German Pallottine Fathers consecrated the country to Mary in a move now considered by Cameroon’s Catholics as the very foundations of Catholicism in the country.

Vatican delegation travels to Vietnam to work on diplomatic ties HANOI, Vietnam — A Vatican delegation recently traveled to Vietnam, hoping to accelerate a process for enhancing diplomatic ties between the Holy See and Vietnam. On April 20, the three-member delegation, led by Monsignor Miroslaw Wachowski, the Vatican’s undersecretary for relations with states, arrived in Hanoi to start a seven-day working visit, reported ucanews.com. Other delegates are Vietnamese Monsignor Francis Cao Minh Dung and Korean Father Han Hyun-taek.

The delegates were warmly welcomed by Singapore-based Archbishop Marek Zalewski, nonresident pontifical representative to Vietnam, Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of Hanoi, three priests and officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. Jesuit Father Joseph Dao Nguyen Vu, head of the office of the Catholic bishops’ conference of Vietnam, said the Vatican delegates were to attend the ninth meeting of the Vietnam-Holy See Joint Working Group April 21-22 to discuss ways to set up an office of a permanent papal representative in the country. Ucanews.com reported the group started to work toward agreements to improve bilateral relationships in 2009, but no meetings have been held during the past two years due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The Vatican has had no diplomatic relations with Vietnam since the last Vatican envoy was expelled from the country in 1976 after the communists took control of South Vietnam.

MARIENBERG, Cameroon — Battered by

— Catholic News Service

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He is risen. Now what? We get busy loving those neighbors who are wounded, those lonely and forlorn, those hungry and devoid of guidance, those who have adopted the rationalism that oppresses the soul and dominates our culture.

April Parker

Everyday life can reveal the glory of the Risen Lord, too

I

Fred Gallagher

He is risen … Now what?

T

here are often letdowns after we make it to the other side of a holiday. Some feel a little lost after Christmas Day, for instance. Those grieving the loss of a loved one do their best to hold it together, but then once the holiday passes, the loneliness and depression can set in. It is a common dynamic.

And so, with the roller coaster of emotion that Holy Week brings us, and the liturgical culmination coming with the joy of Easter Sunday, our spirits can be left wanting. How do you follow the most important day in human history, the day Jesus rose from the dead? Now what?

Going to scriptural accounts of the events immediately following the Resurrection may be one way to keep in touch with the energy of Easter. We remember that Jesus came to us again. He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman out of whom He had driven demons, a woman who followed Jesus loyally and with great love. At the tomb she didn’t know Him at first, but then He said her name and she knew it was her risen Lord.

Who among us has failed to recognize our Savior when He was appearing to us in the guise of someone in need?

In 1982 the city of Beirut was being bombed.

The staff of an orphanage for children who were severely mentally and physically challenged had fled, and the children were abandoned. When the dilemma came to Mother Teresa’s attention, she came to Beirut. She expressed to officials her desire to go behind the lines and get the children out but was assured it was impossible; only a ceasefire could save them.

Mother Teresa let everyone know she was praying for just that. And in a complete surprise to many, the next morning Beirut was suddenly quiet, a ceasefire in place. Mother Teresa got to the orphanage and, as she embraced the first child, she exclaimed with a great, wide smile, “I have found Him! I have found Jesus!”

When Mother Teresa embraced the child, as when Mary Magdalene heard her name, she recognized the Savior. Perhaps that is part of our postResurrection activity – finding Jesus in a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger.

Another appearance of Jesus after the Resurrection was to the two grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were saddened by recent events but asked their companion to join them for a meal. It was then, in the breaking of the bread, that

they recognized Jesus.

The Emmaus Road that is the unfurling of our daily life leads to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

We come to know Christ, to share in His life, in the Eucharist. In weekday or vigil or Sunday Masses, we come to know Him. When hospitalized or homebound, the ill and burdened come to know Him in the Eucharist. He appears to us if our eyes and ears and hearts remain open.

Jesus had appeared to some of the apostles but not to all of them together until Thomas was present – Thomas, the great symbol of our human nature, of the human mind and heart given to doubt, falling to the limits of reason. Jesus’ solution for His doubting disciple was to offer up His wounds to be touched.

When Thomas did so, he uttered a phrase that means the world to me. During a Bible study years ago, two older ladies in the class shared the tradition of saying Thomas’ very words as the host and the chalice are raised during the Consecration: “My Lord and my God!” I took to saying it myself and have been doing so for many years now.

The Resurrection is alive when we touch the wounds of a fellow traveler. If hands are reaching out to those suffering, we see Jesus perhaps in ways we had not before.

He is risen. Now what? I will listen for my name.

I’ll know it when I hear it, and then I will try to speak to others about feeling His presence. Now what? We all walk our daily roads with those we love and, every now and then, we are joined by someone special who ultimately, as we come to know each other, makes a real difference. And we know that in that engagement is the presence of God. We go to Mass, and we are fed.

He is risen. Now what? We get busy loving those neighbors who are wounded, those lonely and forlorn, those hungry and devoid of guidance, those who have adopted the rationalism that oppresses the soul and dominates our culture. We figure out how to translate the touching of Christ’s wounds and apply the action to a current situation. It may mean just listening to someone. Most people, especially the wounded, just want to be heard. So we listen. We let the better angels of our nature take charge.

Now what? We say, over and over and over throughout our days and nights encountering His presence, “My Lord and my God!” FRED GALLAGHER is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastoniabased Good Will Publishers Inc.

n the season of Easter we are caught up in a rapture of brilliance, a spiral of vibrant color and newness of life. We delight in heralding, “Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!” Somehow, life is happier and refreshed.

Yet, over time, as we wind our way back to ordinary time, some of that newness wears off. The ordinary of everyday life creeps back in.

The hidden parts of our life that are gray or black start to stick out among the fading color. Perhaps we have been dealing with a longterm illness or other weights that pull on our lives, such as infertility or divorce, the loss of a loved one, debt or job loss.

We remember back to our jubilation at Easter and think: If Christ is master of even death, then why, after countless hours of prayer, am I still dealing with this burden? If Jesus were here beside me, would He touch me and heal me? Would He bring the lost back to life? Would He make it all new again? What did I do to suffer so much?

In John 9, Jesus and His disciples came upon a man blind from birth. The disciples asked, “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

Jesus gently and simply answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him” (Jn 9:1-5).

We see this same truth played out again and again. Look at the countless stories of infertility down through the generations from Abraham to Zechariah that eventually brought forth a holy nation as numerous as the stars. In our own lives, what if the inability to have children leads one couple to adopt a small child into a Christian home who would have otherwise not known Christ? What if that child grows up to be a Catholic priest?

Now, think about Ruth, the Moabite, who followed her motherin-law Naomi back to Bethlehem in the land of Judah. Ruth experienced great loss even before completely pulling up stakes in her home of Moab. Her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law died in battle, leaving the women completely alone, unprotected and unprovided for. So Ruth clung to faith in one person, Naomi, who became a bridge builder for her to come to know God – and ultimately for His glory to be revealed through her.

Ruth told Naomi, “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). In Bethlehem, they had a very poor existence, to the point that Ruth went to glean leftover grain in the fields to feed them both. But it was there that she caught the eye of Boaz, a wealthy and respected landowner, and God’s glory began to be manifest. They married, and their great-grandson was King David, in whose line Jesus was born.

If you, too, have lost someone dear to you, it is not so much a door closed as a new door opening for you to invite someone else into your life who may need you. Could you be a bridge builder to God’s glory, as were both Ruth and Naomi?

Another example of God’s glory being revealed through death can be found in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis.

In it, Aslan the lion acts as Christ by giving himself freely over to death at the hand of the White Witch to save the life of another.

The stone table, on which the lion was sacrificed, then cracks and Aslan reappears in all his shining glory, romping around with such newness and vigor that no one can keep up with him. He bounds to the witch’s castle and frees those who had been turned to stone.

God is at work in you even through loss, illness and strife. His glory is close at hand.

Continue to allow the joy of Easter to pulsate through your life.

Give yourself over to it and let God’s glory be revealed and fulfilled.

In his book “Spiritual Warfare,” Dan Burke encourages all Christians to pray “God, open the gate of the path that I am to go for your glory.”

This has become a prayer I say several times daily, and I cannot believe the doors that open, directing me down the path God has prepared for me in order to serve His ultimate purpose.

APRIL PARKER is a teacher and curriculum director at St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro.

May 13, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Deacon Matthew Newsome

Our Mother at Cana

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ay is a month especially dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Mary’s role in the life of the Church is a point on which many of our Protestant brethren are confused. They may accept the biblical text that all generations will call her blessed (Lk 1:38) but fail to understand the special place that Mary has in the hearts of many Catholics and in our traditional devotions.

When I am called upon to explain the role of the Blessed Mother in our faith, my “go-to” passage is the wedding at Cana, recounted in John 2:1-12.

Jesus and his mother are guests at a

been taken” (Gen 2:23).

The “hour” Jesus refers to is the hour of his passion. He is aware of what his mother is asking. He knows that if He obeys her request and manifests His divinity in this public way, it will set into motion a series of events leading to the cross. Is she ready for that? Is she ready to give up her Son for the sake of the world? The devoted and obedient Son will not leave His mother without her permission.

What is Mary’s answer? Speaking to the servers, she says only, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Once more, her confidence in Jesus is complete.

Whatever He decides to do must, by definition, be best. And we know the rest of the story. Jesus tells the servers to fill six stone jars with water. They do, but when they take the jars to the head waiter, he discovers them to be filled with such wine that he is amazed at its quality. John calls this “the beginning of His signs,” after which the disciples began to believe in Him (Jn 2:11).

Mary’s actions in this passage are illustrative of her ongoing role in the Church. What she does here for this couple she continues to do in heaven for us; she intercedes for our needs and points us to her Son. The most familiar Marian prayer is the Ave Maria or “Hail Mary.” The first part of the prayer is an address: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” This combines the biblical greetings given to Our Lady by St. Gabriel (Lk 1:28) and St. Elizabeth (Lk 1:42). The second part of the prayer is our petition: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

In our prayers to Mary, we ask for her to intercede for us in our various needs, just as she interceded for the couple at Cana.

We ask for her intercession during the two most important times of our lives: our last moment and this present moment. That’s when we need the help of Mary’s Son the most. This prayer also tells us why we ask Mary to intercede for us. She is holy, and the prayer of a righteous person is effective (Jas 5:16). And she is the Mother of God. God listens to His mother. Why should we think that to be true? Because the Bible tells us so.

“Do whatever He tells you.” These are Mary’s words to each one of us. She hears our prayers; let us hear her instructions.

She does for us today the same thing she did at Cana. She points to her Son and says “Listen to Him,” just as the Father said at the transfiguration (Lk 9:35).

Mary wants what God wants, always. So we can’t go wrong by following her. And if we follow her, she will lead us to her Son, because she is always at His side. That’s what she does. That’s who she is. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Why do we ask Mary to intercede for us? She is holy, and the prayer of a righteous person is effective. And she is the Mother of God. wedding when the couple runs out of wine.

This would have been more than a minor embarrassment. Jewish marriage rituals at the time prescribed special courses of wine to be served; a lack of wine meant that the ritual could not be completed. The couple clearly have a problem. What does Mary do? She helps them by bringing their problem to the attention of her Son. “They have no wine,” she says (Jn 2:3). Note the simplicity of her request.

She does not tell Jesus what to do. She does not suggest how He might solve the problem. She does not, in fact, ask Him to do anything at all. She simply presents the problem to Him, trusting her Son to do what is best.

What a model she is for our own prayer!

How often, when we are faced with difficulties, do we attempt to instruct God in how we want Him to solve our problems?

Would that we might have the confidence of Mary to simply entrust our problems to Christ, knowing that He understands our needs, and how to meet them, better than we do ourselves.

Having presented the couple’s dilemma to her Son, Jesus responds to His mother by saying, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4). This may appear to us to be a rebuke, but it is not. In addressing his mother as “woman,” Jesus is not being rude, as it would be perceived if any of us were to call our mothers by that term. In Hebrew this was a term of respect, like “ma’am.”

It is the same word Jesus uses to address His mother from the cross, when He says, “Woman, behold your son” (Jn 19:26). It is a term that reaches back to the Garden, to the title given to Eve: “This one shall be called ‘woman’ for out of man this one has

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

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