July 22, 2022

July 22, 2022

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

To serve is to love One of the Charlotte diocese’s first priests reflects on the past half-century of Catholicism in WNC

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2022 DSA campaign surpasses halfway mark 6 FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

A momentous day for St. Jude Parish Mountain mission becomes parish; pastor installed Día trascendental para la Parroquia San Judas 12

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SPECIAL PREVIEW GUIDE INSIDE

El Camino de Santiago

2022 Eucharistic Congress: ‘Faith More Precious Than Gold’

El diácono Sigfrido Della Valle comparte sus experiencias

2022 Congreso Eucarístico: ‘Fe más preciosa que el oro’

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Holy Angels reopens Camp Hope 7

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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July 22, 2022 Volume 31 • NUMBER 21

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........................................11-13 Our Faith........................................3 Our diocese.............................. 4-9 Scripture readings................. 3, 13 Arts & Entertainment................. 10 U.S. news..................................... 14 Viewpoints..............................18-19 World news................................. 15

things you need to know this week

JULY’S THEME IS PRECIOUS: July is the month we honor the Precious Blood of Jesus. It is an ideal time to connect our devotion to Jesus and Mary into deeper gratitude for the bond they share and heighten our connection to the Blood of the Lamb of God. Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus by spending time in Adoration or praying the Diving Mercy Chaplet this month.

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Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis: JULY 24 – 9 A.M. Catholic Family Day Mass Carowinds, Charlotte

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR 2 GRANDPARENTS: Any Catholic who participates in the celebration July 24 of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly can receive a plenary indulgence. It can apply to those who “devote adequate time to actually or virtually visiting their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty.” To receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins, a person must show detachment from sin, go to confession, receive the Eucharist and pray for the intentions of the pope. Learn more at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

JULY 29 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Americas Church, Biscoe AUG. 5-6 Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center

DONATE TO THE FOOD PANTRY: The shelves at Catholic Charities’ food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem are emptying as fast as they are stocked, and agency leaders are urgently calling for help. See what times are needed and where to drop off at www. catholicnewsherald.com or donate money online at www.ccdoc.org (click on “Donate”).

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Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS MEN’S 83RD CURSILLO WEEKEND: July 21-24, Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury. For information, go online to www.charlottecursillo.com.

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.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. Sponsored by the HOPE Committee. Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical, mental illness, or someone who will be undergoing surgery. Refreshments will be served after Mass. For details, call Mary Adams at 704-54S-1224.

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

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

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Diocesan calendar of events

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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.

FA I T H MO

GO TO THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: Join thousands of Catholics from across western North Carolina as we celebrate the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist Aug. 5-6.

This year, our “diocesan family reunion” also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Charlotte. Learn about the speakers and plan your day using our special pull-out guide inside this edition and checking out www.goeucharist.com.

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ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

CIO P R1EPETER 1:7 US T AN

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

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HONOR MARY’S PARENTS: On July 26, the Church commemorates the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sts. Joachim and Anne. The couple’s faith and perseverance brought them through the sorrow of childlessness, to the joy of conceiving and raising the immaculate and sinless woman who would give birth to Christ. Read more at www.catholicnewsherald.com/ourfaith.

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IGBO LANGUAGE MASS: Noon Sunday, July 24, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. Everyone is invited to attend.

POLISH LANGUAGE MASS AND VENERATION OF RELICS: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Polish priest Father Matt Nycz will be celebrant and Deacon James Witulski will assist. The Mass, offered in the Polish language with the homily given in both English and Polish, will be in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, St. John Paul II, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Father Michael Sopocko. A Polish choir will provide liturgical music. This Mass will fulfill your Sunday obligation. Confessions in English and Polish will be available at 1 p.m. After the Mass, the faithful will have the opportunity to venerate first-class relics of the three Apostles of Divine Mercy: St. John Paul II, St. Faustina and Blessed Sopocko. Following the Mass, a reception with light refreshments will also be held in Aquinas Hall, located across the courtyard from the church. Donations of appetizers, finger food or dessert would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off before the Mass at Aquinas Hall.

PRAYERS TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: 8 a.m. Every first Saturday of the month, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Pray to help bring about world peace and the salvation of souls.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: After the 9 a.m. Mass, every third Sunday at the Mother Teresa Pro-Life Memorial, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST LUKE MISSION OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: Divine Liturgy (Mass) is offered Sundays at 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. All are welcome. For info, email ucmcanton@gmail.com.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING PROTECTING CHILDREN: Protecting God’s Children (Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios) workshops educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.

For details, contact your parish office. To register for online training, go to www. virtus.org. Upcoming workshops: CLEMMONS: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, in Room 200 at the Parish Center SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the diocese. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at 910-5852460 or jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org, or Lorena Haynes at 828-585-0483.

Our faith

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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CELEBRATING NFP WEEK

Spotlight on Natural Family Planning ‘Called to the Joy of Love’ From July 24 to July 30, the Diocese of Charlotte will join dioceses across the United States in celebrating Natural Family Planning Awareness Week.

“Called to the joy of love” is the theme of this year’s campaign. It is organized each year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to celebrate married love and promote awareness of Natural Family Planning methods. The dates coincide with the anniversary of “Humanae vitae” (July 25) as well as the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Natural Family Planning methods, which represent a healthy, safe and moral alternative to artificial contraception, are growing in popularity in Catholic and nonCatholic circles alike.

The Church supports NFP methods because they respect God’s design for marriage and procreation while assisting couples to either pursue or avoid pregnancy when there is a just reason to do so. Natural Family Planning methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are necessary to avoid pregnancy.

The practice of NFP protects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life. The method is grounded in an outlook that values openness to life within marriage and recognizes a child as a gift.

By respecting the connection between the love-giving and life-giving aspects of sexual union, NFP also helps to enrich the bond between husband and wife by providing them with the skills to live in harmony with God’s divine plan for marriage, conjugal love and responsible parenthood.

Batrice Adcock, MSN, serves as the diocese’s Natural Family Planning program director. Adcock said the major initiatives of the program currently are to increase the number of bilingual instructors and to increase outreach to young women and girls with their mothers.

Tracking the menstrual cycle, as is done with NFP methods, can be valuable for any cycling woman as a tool for optimizing health and well-being, Adcock said. The American

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the umbrella title for those methods of family planning that are based in fertility education. NFP methods can be used to either attempt or postpone conception. No devices or drugs are used.

College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage tracking the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, but paradoxically, many women are put on the pill by their doctors to manage negative symptoms.

“Rather than ‘treating’ symptoms such as acne or migraines by suppressing ovulation with the pill, women are looking to restore normal hormone balance and health,” Adcock said. “Even though this approach requires more education and discipline, women are willing, to protect their future fertility and address the root cause of their health issue.”

Adcock said it is crucial that teens get educated on the importance of their cycles for their overall health.

“Ovulation impacts bone growth and brain development, the cardiovascular system, and overall well-being. The answer

to menstrual problems is not suppressing ovulation with the pill and its inherent risks of decreased bone density, depression and stroke,” she said.

“Teens and pre-teens are encouraged to track their cycles as well. A young woman can use cycle tracking to assess the impact her lifestyle choices have on her health.

She grows immensely in self-awareness – coming to understand, with time, how her hormones impact her energy, emotions and behavior,” she added.

One way the diocese is educating teens focuses on a method of Natural Family Planning called FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management), which can be practiced with the aid of a free app. Several instructors around the diocese, Englishand Spanish-speaking, offer instruction in FEMM and other NFP methods.

In the Charlotte diocese, several

teenFEMM retreats have been offered with success. The NFP Program has plans to launch a similar program for younger girls with their mothers, called CyclePrep.

“Parents and their daughters are learning the basics of the menstrual cycle, in the context of Church teaching on feminine dignity,” Adcock said.

Learn more Get information from the diocese’s Family Life Office about NFP, in English and Spanish, online at www.charlottediocese.org/office-of-familylife. Included is a registration form for learning NFP in person or online, an instructor directory, related Church teaching, supportive health professionals and more.

For questions, contact Batrice Adcock, MSN, Natural Family Planning program director, at 704-370-3230 or bnadcock@rcdoc.org.

Daily Scripture readings JULY 24-30

Sunday: Genesis 18:20-32, Colossians 2:12-14, Luke 11:1-13; Monday (St. James, Apostle): 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Matthew 20:20-28; Tuesday (Sts. Joachim, Anne): Jeremiah 14:17-22, Matthew 13:36-43; Wednesday: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21, Matthew 13:44-46; Thursday: Jeremiah 18:1-6, Matthew 3:47-53; Friday (Sts. Martha, Mary & Lazarus): Jeremiah 26:1-9, John 11:19-27; Saturday: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24, Matthew 14:1-12

JULY 31-AUG. 6

Sunday: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23, Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11, Luke 12:13-21; Monday (St. Alphonsus Liguori): Jeremiah 28:1-17, Matthew 14:13-21; Tuesday (St. Eusebius of Vercelli, St. Peter Julian Eymard): Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22, Matthew 14:22-36; Wednesday: Jeremiah 31:1-7, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 15:21-28; Thursday (St. John Vianney): Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 16:13-23; Friday (The dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major): Nahum 2:1, 3, 3:1-3, 6-7, Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41, Matthew 16:24-28; Saturday (The Transfiguration of the Lord): Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Luke 9:28b-36

AUG. 7-13

Sunday: Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Luke 12:32-48; Monday (St. Dominic): Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c, Matthew 17:2227; Tuesday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross): Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14; Wednesday (St. Lawrence): 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Thursday (St. Clare): Ezekiel 12:1-12, Matthew 18:21-19:1; Friday (St. Jane Frances de Chantal): Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63, Isaiah 12:2-6, Matthew 19:3-12;Saturday (Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus): Ezekiel 18:110, 13b, 30-32, Matthew 19:13-15

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief (Left) Father Jason Barone is congratulated by parishioners after being formally installed July 5 as pastor of St. Jude Church in Sapphire.

St. Jude, a former mission of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, was officially elevated to the status of a parish at the same time.

Priest assignment announced

González-Gaytan

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the following assignment: Father Enrique GonzálezGaytan, who has been on sabbatical, has been assigned as parochial vicar to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte as of July 12. He is replacing Father Francis Raji, M.S.P., who is being reassigned by his order as of July 31.

(Below) This is Father Barone’s first assignment as a pastor. As part of the installation rite, he professes the oath of fidelity.

Sister celebrates jubilee SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Indiana — Sister Marilyn Baker, a Sister of Providence with ties to the Diocese of Charlotte, is celebrating her 60th jubilee anniversary this year.

Born in New Delhi, India, Sister Marilyn entered the congregation on Sept. 15, 1962, from St. Patrick Parish in Fayetteville, N.C. She professed perpetual vows on Dec. 28, 1970, taking the name Sister Ann Cecile. During her time in the Charlotte diocese, she ministered as a teacher at St. Patrick School in Charlotte from 1972 to 1973. She has also ministered in Massachusetts, Baker Maryland, Washington, D.C., Indianapolis and Taiwan.

The Sisters of Providence, a congregation of 214 women religious are devoted to creating a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 13 states, the District of Columbia and Asia, through works of love, mercy and justice. Learn more at www. sistersofprovidence.org.

Lincolnton man takes leadership role at Franciscan shrine HANCEVILLE, Alabama — Bill Brown, a former parishioner at St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, has been named director of administration for the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. He is the first lay person to hold this role at the shrine, founded by Mother Angelica of EWTN fame.

Brown has over 40 years of leadership in executive roles and has extensive management experience. He is dedicated to the shrine’s mission of Eucharistic Adoration and eager to imbue it into every aspect of the shrine’s daily operations.

“My wife Cindy and I love the Poor Clare Sisters, the Franciscan Friars and this most beautiful and holy place,” he said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our Eucharistic Lord and His devoted servants in this way at this important time. As the U.S. bishops open the first year of the National Eucharistic Revival, we believe that this special place can and should play a key role in rekindling the fire of Eucharistic devotion in our struggling world.”

The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, located on 400 acres in rural Alabama, draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims seeking a place of rest and renewal of faith in Christ. Learn more at www.olamshrine.com.

PHOTOS BY LIZ CHANDLER AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A momentous day for St. Jude Parish Mountain mission becomes parish; pastor installed PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

SAPPHIRE — July 5 was an historic occasion for Catholics in Sapphire and for the Diocese of Charlotte, as St. Jude Mission was elevated to a parish and its administrator, Father Jason Barone, was installed as its first pastor.

The picturesque mountain church was filled with parishioners during a special Mass that featured both the official declaration of the new parish and the installation of its pastor. Presiding over the Mass with Father Barone was Monsignor Patrick Winslow, representing Bishop Peter Jugis.

The occasion marked the first time in 15 years since the diocese created a parish out of a mission. The last time was in 2007, when four missions were elevated to parishes by Bishop Jugis: St. Joseph in Kannapolis, Our Lady of the Americas in Biscoe, and Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph Vietnamese in Charlotte.

The new parish was formerly a mission of Sacred Heart Parish in nearby Brevard.

During the special Mass, Father Barone made a public profession of faith and took an oath of fidelity to the Church at the altar, in the presence of Monsignor Winslow.

In his homily, Monsignor Winslow reflected upon the momentous occasion, noting that it was 50 years ago – June 27, 1972 – when St. Jude Church was dedicated by Bishop Michael Begley. Only a few months earlier, Begley had been ordained and installed as the first shepherd of the new Charlotte diocese.

Monsignor Winslow also praised Father Barone’s “tenacity and conviction” in petitioning the bishop to elevate St. Jude to a parish. He recalled getting to know Father Barone when still a seminarian, on a summer assignment to St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon where then-Father Winslow was pastor. He has watched Father Barone’s faith deepen over the years, he said, and he was grateful to have the opportunity to install him as pastor.

“With great sincerity and affection, I couldn’t be prouder,” Monsignor Winslow said. “I wish you, Father Barone, godspeed, and to all of you, good luck!”

Father Barone thanked Bishop Jugis and everyone who made the day’s celebration possible.

“I’m deeply honored. Thank you, and God bless you all.”

Catholics in the area have nurtured St. Jude over the years, starting in the late 1960s. The church owes its beginnings to Mrs. Gene Howerdd, who became ill and prayed to St. Jude that if she could regain her health, she would do all in her power to raise the funds for a chapel in Sapphire Valley, and if she could, have it named in his honor. Father Charles Mulholland, then the pastor in Brevard, petitioned the Bishop of Raleigh for permission to establish a new mission, to call it St. Jude and to begin plans for building a new church.

Permission was given: Mrs. Howerdd had fulfilled part of her promise and set out to complete her pledge.

The initial gift came from the Howerdds: several acres along Highway 64 on which the church could be built. The second gift came from Father Mulholland. Through his brother, a professor at Catholic University, he arranged for architectural students to take on designing the chapel as a class project.

Scale models of the five best designs were sent to Sapphire PARISH, SEE PAGE 16

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Planning ahead, Sisters transfer sponsorship of Pennybyrn to diocese to keep faith-based culture LIZ CHANDLER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HIGH POINT — As it celebrates 75 years of service and care in the Triad, the Pennybyrn retirement community announced Monday it will transfer sponsorship to the Diocese of Charlotte in a “responsible and planful” effort to preserve the culture and values of Pennybyrn for the next 75 years.

The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, which founded and has continued to serve Pennybyrn since 1947, said it wanted to take steps now to ensure the retirement center retains its faithbased mission and culture, as Pennybyrn’s current sisters begin looking toward retirement in 2025.

“This is a change in sponsorship only, not in management or mission,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, S.M.G., mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors. “Virtually everything at Pennybyrn will remain the same…

(except) the diocese will act as Pennybyrn’s sponsor and be responsible, along with our leadership and the Pennybyrn community, for ensuring that our services remain consistent with gospel values.”

The sisters approached the diocese as their first choice to assume the pastoral sponsorship. Sister Lucy outlined a threeyear transition period, during which the diocese will work alongside the sisters to deepen its long-standing relationship with the Pennybyrn community of 400 residents in independent and assisted living, as well as skilled nursing care.

“We want to be responsible and planful,” Sister Lucy said, “and this is the best arrangement we could imagine to continue our charism of love, kindness and compassion for our residents.”

Pennybyrn’s owner Maryfield Inc., its board of directors, leadership team and staff will remain the same, and no changes are planned in operations. As its new sponsor, the diocese will assume the responsibility of acting as steward of Pennybyrn to ensure it

remains grounded in faith and aligned with Church principles.

“Pennybyrn has been a treasure in western North Carolina since long before the Diocese of Charlotte was established 50 years ago,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese.

“The bishop is committed to carrying on the sacred mission and values that the sisters have so humbly instilled – and provide the same loving care for Pennybyrn residents.”

In the first year, the transition plan

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PENNYBYRN

calls for Sister Lucy to retain her roles as PENNYBYRN, SEE PAGE 16

50th anniversary celebrations feature summer fun CHARLOTTE — Catholic faithful from across the Diocese of Charlotte helped celebrate our 50th anniversary as a diocese at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte on July 9. Over the roar of the rapids, Monsignor Patrick Winslow and newly ordained Father Aaron Huber chatted with parishioners, while a youth group from St. Mary’s Parish in Greensboro and young adults from Divine Redeemer Parish in Boonville turned out for fun in the sun, before soaking in the Latin fusion strains of UltimaNota. More summer fun is coming up: check out www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com for details.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

2022 DSA campaign surpasses halfway mark

Do you have a car sitting in a driveway catching leaves? Maybe it will not start or needs a major repair. from the donation of your vehicle.

Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!

CCDOC.ORG

CHARLOTTE — Today’s rising costs for food, fuel and other essentials create a greater demand for assistance. Together, through our combined gifts to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, Catholics can help thousands of people in need across western North Carolina.

To date, the 2022 DSA has received $4.8 million – about 76 percent of its $6.3 million goal – with a few months remaining in this year’s campaign to receive the remaining $1.5 million.

“Faith More Precious Than Gold,” the theme of the 2022 Diocesan Support Appeal, echoes the diocese’s 50th anniversary celebration and is taken from 1 Peter 1:7: “so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The theme “reminds us that our faith in the Lord, and in His love for us, is more important than anything else in our lives,” Bishop Peter Jugis noted in his letter announcing this year’s DSA. The DSA campaign funds more than 50 ministries and programs that serve thousands of people across the diocese.

Most notably, the DSA is a significant funding source for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry and other programs, as well as the programs and ministries of the Education Vicariate.

The DSA also supports the education of our 46 seminarians, multicultural ministries, the permanent diaconate program, and the annual Eucharistic Congress.

The Education Vicariate receives 31 percent of the funds collected in the campaign. Other DSA funds are allocated to Catholic Charities (30 percent), vocations

(14 percent), multicultural ministries (13 percent), the Eucharistic Congress and the Office of Family Life (6 percent). Campaign administrative costs are projected to be 6 percent.

Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions help fund the annual DSA. Through their contributions, people across the diocese are able to join together to do the Lord’s work – works of love and service that no one person or parish can do alone.

Last year, parishioners surpassed their $6.2 million goal.

Bishop Jugis asks parishioners that, as we celebrate the diocese’s 50th anniversary, we come together as a diocesan family to share God’s love with others through our prayers and financial gifts to the Diocesan Support Appeal, always giving thanks to God for the precious gift of our faith, which truly is “more precious than gold.”

— Catholic News Herald

How to support the DSA n ONLINE: Go to www.charlottediocese.org/ dsa to make a secure online donation. n PHONE: Call 704-370-3302 to make a gift over the phone. n ENVELOPE: Mail the pledge card you received in the mail or at Mass to: Diocese of Charlotte, 2022 Diocesan Support Appeal, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. (Pledges are to be paid by Dec. 31, 2022.)

Questions? Contact David Walsh at 704-3703302 or email dvwalsh@rcdoc.org.

Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.

Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome.

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

855.930.GIVE (4483) www.ccdoc.org/CARS Catholic Charities relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS

Seminarians take next step in formation for priesthood CHARLOTTE — Ten seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte recently affirmed their desire to advance along the path toward the priesthood, during a special Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral. The July 7 Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders marked an official step for the seminarians to embark on a more focused period of formation. The 10 men admitted as candidates for holy orders, pictured above with Bishop Jugis, are: Clement Akerblom, Robert Bauman, Michael Camilleri, John Cuppett, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Bradley Loftin, Michael Lugo, Noé Sifuentes and Peter Townsend. They recently graduated from St. Joseph College Seminary and will now move on to major seminary this fall. The next steps in their formation will be ministry of lector, ministry of acolyte, ordination to the transitional diaconate, and finally, ordination to the priesthood.

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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

Holy Angels reopens Camp Hope BELMONT — More than 100 supporters, donors, staff and families recently cut the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of Holy Angels’ Camp Hope following a two-year renovation and improvement project.

The recreational facility on the South Fork River provides a variety of outdoor experiences, including an accessible nature trail and pontoon boat rides for the residents of Holy Angels.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Camp Hope. This recreational facility provides an excellent opportunity for our residents to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Holy Angels’ CEO, Kerri Massey. “The residents love the warm feeling of the sun on their faces and the cool breeze of the wind as they take a ride on the pontoon boat,

named ‘Spirit of Maria,’ after our first resident, Maria Morrow.”

Holy Angels residents returned to camp the week of July 18. It was the first time since 2019 the residents have been able to use the facility, located on the South Fork of the Catawba River.

The 15-acre property was purchased in 1992 under the vision and leadership of Regina Moody, Holy Angels’ president.

Camp Hope officially opened in 1994 and was designed to expand and enhance the specialized programs, services and recreational opportunities for the residents and participants.

The camp features a wheelchairaccessible nature trail, boat dock, lodge, campfire pit and pavilion.

Over the years, several corporate and philanthropic groups have dedicated their time, talents and treasure to support Camp Hope. The Ability Experience, the philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, helped build many of the original structures, including the pavilion. The group has returned to support Holy Angels numerous times over the years, including this past spring to help restore outdoor areas of the camp.

The name Camp Hope was inspired by the Ability Experience’s Journey of Hope, a cross-country bicycle fundraiser that helps bring awareness of those who are differently able.

“Camp Hope brings our residents so much joy,” Massey said. “A warm smile demonstrates a happy heart, and that’s what this camp brings to our residents, participants, staff and volunteers. I can’t wait for the residents to get back out there to enjoy nature and each other.”

Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

— Shawn Flynn

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.

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ONE OF DIOCESE’S FIRST PRIESTS RECALLS EARLY DAYS

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE ARCHIVES

Pictured at the 1982 meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly are (from left) Rudy Triana, Father Wilbur Thomas, Nancy West, Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast and Father George Kloster.

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. ELIZABETH CATHOLIC CHURCH AND EPIPHANY MISSION Until Monday, July 25 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, N.C. 28607

Father Thomas, pictured here celebrating Mass at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, was ordained for the Diocese of Raleigh but chose to move to the newly formed Diocese of Charlotte in 1972. He retired in 2018.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Monday-Thursday, July 25-28 720 W. 13th St., Newton, N.C. 28658

To serve is to love

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ST. FRANCES OF ROME MISSION Thursday-Sunday, July 28-31 St. Francis: 167 St. Francis Place, Jefferson, N.C. 28640 St. Frances: 29 Highland Dr., Sparta, N.C. 28675

One of the first priests of the Charlotte diocese reflects on the past half-century of Catholicism in WNC

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS Friday-Saturday, Aug. 5-6 Charlotte Convention Center

ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday-Wednesday, Aug. 7-10 22 Bartlett St., Sylva, N.C. 28779

ST. LUCIEN AND ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCHES Wednesday-Monday, Aug. 10-15 St. Lucien: 695 Summit Ave., Spruce Pine, N.C. 28777 St. Bernadette: 2085 N.C.-105, Linville, N.C. 28646 For more information about these pilgrimage stops, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary website, www.faithmorepreciousthangold.com.

ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

F

or nearly 50 years, the servant heart of Father Wilbur Thomas has been inextricably bound with the people of western North Carolina – and his passion for their spiritual welfare has extended well into his retirement from active ministry.

In late 1971 and early 1972 – as the Diocese of Charlotte was being formed – there were three men who had recently been ordained as transitional deacons from Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters. They were on track to become priests for the Raleigh diocese, but Bishop Waters, a visionary leader who helped set up the new Charlotte diocese, gave each man the choice of where he wanted to serve: Raleigh or Charlotte.

Of the three, Father Thomas, a Lexington native, chose to serve in the Charlotte diocese and wrote to the new Charlotte Bishop Michael Begley and his chancellor, then-Father Joseph Showfety, to request

the transfer. Serving in western North Carolina would enable him to be closer to his family in Lexington, Father Thomas explains.

On March 26, 1973, the Feast of the Annunciation, he was ordained for the Raleigh diocese – its third African American priest. The ordination took place at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Havelock, near the coast. He was initially assigned to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, but the assignment was temporary.

“Bishop Waters called me two weeks after ordination to let me know that I was being transferred as requested. I didn’t have interest in serving in eastern North Carolina, and Bishop Waters was aware of that,” Father Thomas recalls.

It became official on April 26, 1973. Father Thomas began his ministry in western North Carolina. In an interview on the 49th anniversary of his transfer, Father Thomas reflected on what it was like to help build the nascent Diocese of Charlotte and what he hopes for its future:

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July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

GETTING STARTED

His first assignment was as a parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

“I was immediately ensconced in an 800-household parish and growing, with Father William Wellein, the newly assigned pastor,” Father Thomas says.

He began teaching religion at his alma mater, Bishop McGuinness High School. He remembers that it felt strange for him to teach where he had attended as a student, but it brought back fond memories of getting better acquainted with Father Joseph Showfety, who was the school administrator during his high school days. Father Showfety, who would become Monsignor Showfety in 1976, influenced Father Thomas’ priestly vocation, the seed of which was planted when he was an altar server at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington. There he entered the Catholic Church at age 12. It was then that his ardor for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist began to form.

While he ministered at St. Leo the Great and taught at Bishop McGuinness, Father Thomas also served as the Catholic chaplain at Wake Forest University. Bishop Begley also appointed him director of diocesan Catholic Campus Ministry. Father Thomas assisted the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, who oversaw the diocesan Faith Formation Office.

He was also one of several people who founded the Charismatic Renewal group in Winston-Salem, which met at Bishop McGuinness High School for the remainder of the years he was in Winston-Salem. Father Thomas became the unofficial chaplain of the diocesan Charismatic Renewal team to give direction to the renewal across the diocese. At this time, Father Thomas was also an assistant spiritual director for the Cursillo movement.

“I had great relationships with the people of the parish, Wake Forest Campus Ministry, Charismatic Renewal and the CCD program. I was a brother in Christ and not above them as a priest or pastor. The way I saw it was that we’re all on this journey together. All of us constitute the people of God. I saw myself as a part of the people of God, not apart from them. My concerns were their concerns,” he says. “The Holy Spirit inspired me and grounded me as a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte as the priestly ministry blossomed and grew.”

In 1975, Father Thomas was assigned to St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte to serve as assistant rector. While there, the bishop also appointed him the first director of the diocesan Youth Ministry Office. At the time, St. Patrick had a small mission church: Our Lady of Providence on South Tryon Street in Charlotte. Attached to the mission was an early childhood nursery, where Father Thomas had administrative oversight with a lay director.

“I offered Mass at OLP on Sundays. The mostly African American worshiping community was very much affected by poverty,” he recalls. “There was a lot of Section 8 housing in the area. The people I encountered there made it a wonderful experience. Oh my goodness, I began to recognize the opportunities for ministry and service to the African American community in the Charlotte area! It enlivened my spirit for that ministry, and I suggested to the priest’s personnel committee and thus to the bishop that I would like to be assigned to a Black Catholic community when the bishop needed the service of a priest there.”

It wasn’t long before his wish would be granted. He served two years as pastor at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Albemarle from 1977 to 1979, ministering to what was then a small parish of about 90 households, while he continued in his role as director of the diocesan Youth Ministry Office. Then in 1979, he became pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Church, a historically Black Catholic parish in Charlotte.

The parish school was made up primarily of African American students, from preschool to eighth grade. Its faculty included four religious sisters of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore, the founding order of the school.

“The school was one of the most effective missions in the southern province of the Oblate Sisters,” Father Thomas recalls.

Joining them on the faculty was a religious sister from the Sisters of Providence in Indiana and an Immaculate Heart of Mary sister from Greensboro. The faculty also included lay teachers and assistants. Joining Father Thomas as pastoral associate was Sister Bessie McCarthy of the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont.

STRUCTURING THE DIOCESE

In 1979 Bishop Begley asked Father Thomas to serve on the organizing committee for the second Diocesan Assembly on Evangelization, which was held at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. Father Thomas was the keynote speaker for the event.

“Serving on the organizing committee gave me more and more of a connection with the diocesan structures,” he says. “There was a new movement in the Church in the United States called pastoral planning. Bishop Begley embraced the planning process, and the diocese began to structure itself using pastoral planning as a guide. Bishop Begley was a social worker by his postgraduate education, having served as director of Catholic Social Services in Raleigh before his selection as bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

His focus was on and with the people. He wanted to make sure that ministry was going on for and with the People of God and from the People of God.” The pastoral planning effort involved restructuring and dividing the diocese’s territory into 10 vicariates. Vicariate councils were established with a lay chair, a vicar forane (a priest clergy member who was selected by priests in the vicariate), and lay people representing the various parishes and institutions within the vicariate’s boundaries.

A Diocesan Pastoral Council was established at the time and was a mix of clergy, religious and lay people working together to provide vision, mission and direction for the Diocese of Charlotte.

The Priest’s Synod, now called a Presbyteral Council, was the primary collaborative organization for priests with the bishop.

Father Thomas’ involvement included organizing the Ministryto-Priests program. He, with five other priests, started the program in the diocese. They were sent to study with Ministryto-Priests founder Father Vincent Dwyer. Participation was voluntary, but Bishop Begley expected every priest to participate in some way to encourage priestly fraternity and provide an avenue for priest-to-priest support. Father Thomas gave two years to this effort, successfully establishing it for the priests of the diocese.

Father Thomas also started the diocese’s Committee on Black Catholic Ministry and Evangelization, now called the African American Affairs Ministry. The committee organized the diocese’s first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mass, which was celebrated Jan. 25, 1986, at the cathedral in Charlotte. Father Thomas served as master of ceremonies. Concelebrating the Eucharistic liturgy were Bishop Begley, bishop emeritus; Bishop John Donoghue, the newly ordained Bishop of Charlotte; and Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze of Biloxi, Miss., formerly a priest of the Charlotte diocese.

DEVOTED PASTOR AND BROTHER PRIEST

All the while, Father Thomas was still ministering as pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Church and Parochial School.

Unfortunately, the Sisters of Providence recalled their sisters to Baltimore, and the school suffered a threat of closure, losing a number of its students. A lay parishioner and educator served as interim principal for one year as they searched for a permanent lay principal. By that time, the financial handwriting was on the wall. Ninety percent of the school families were not Catholic, and the parish couldn’t afford to subsidize the school any longer.

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Prayer for the 50th anniversary The 50th anniversary year will bear great spiritual fruit if we ask God for the graces we hope to receive. Please offer the 50th anniversary prayer daily for many graces to be poured on our diocese during this jubilee anniversary: Heavenly Father, accept our humble prayer of praise and gratitude as we joyfully celebrate 50 years as the Diocese of Charlotte. Throughout our history the faithful of western North Carolina, under the watchful care of esteemed bishops and abbots, have been nurtured by Your providential hand. Confident that You invite Your children to implore Your constant blessings, we pray that You continue to pour forth Your heavenly grace upon us. With filial affection and devotion, we further ask that You look kindly upon the prayers we seek through the intercession of our venerable patroness, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who with motherly attention tends to the needs and concerns of the Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Amen.

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

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

July prayer intention For parishes. May God bless and enrich each and every parish in the diocese with His choicest graces and special protection, that they may be a visible expression of Christ’s Body at work in the world.

Saint of the Month St. Chi Zhuzi Feast Date: July 9

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Arts & Entertainment 10

catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

title (Chris Hemsworth) rallies the sovereign of New Asgard (Tessa Thompson) and another of his sidekicks, an anthropomorphized pile of rocks, to stop the villain. But his crusade takes an unexpected detour when he’s reunited with his true love (Natalie Portman), a human astrophysicist who now turns up as his female alter ego, wielding his trademark hammer. While it’s an aesthetically satisfying extension of the saga, the film’s underlying values range from the straightforward to the complex and the downright murky, making it unsuitable for any but grown moviegoers and the comedy surrounding the protagonist’s buff physique veers briefly into bawdiness. Frequent bloodless but sometimes intense battle violence, about a half-dozen mild oaths, several crude terms, at least one crass expression. n CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

In theaters

‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Tongue-in-cheek humor paces the vivid action in this third direct sequel to 2011’s “Thor.” With a disillusioned former believer in the gods of paganism (Christian Bale) on a killing spree targeting them, the Norse deity of the

A ‘70s vibe adds verve to this animated origin story of the paradoxically good-hearted would-be supervillain of the title (voice of Steve Carell). A preteen in the days of disco, he already yearns to join a crew of famed criminals (their founder voiced by Alan Arkin) and, in an effort to impress them, swipes a jewel-studded pendant endowed with magical powers. But complications imperil him, and the diminutive, comically incomprehensible creatures whom he’s taken under his wing scramble to rescue their beloved leader. The laughs come frequently to a franchise that began with 2010’s “Despicable Me” and the script’s emphasis on loyalty, teamwork and true friendship is pleasing. Yet the fact that the gang the protagonist aspires to join includes a traditionally habited nun (voice of Lucy Lawless) may prove slightly grating to parents of faith, though her screen time is fleeting. Much comic mayhem, brief irreverent and mild scatological humor. n CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

Please pray for the following deacons who died during the month of July

On TV n Friday, July 22, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey.”

The fascinating story of Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey. Follow her extraordinary efforts to locate the house of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as she travels to Ephesus, Turkey, to bring this treasure to the Catholic Church. n Saturday, July 23, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Explore with the Miracle Hunter.”

Michael O’Neill travels to Paris where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in 1830, resulting in the most famous and widespread Catholic medal in circulation, the Miraculous Medal. n Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Bridge of Sweden.” An EWTN original movie presenting the life and mystical revelations of St. Bridget of Sweden, who was known for her great charity and prayer. n Sunday, July 24. 1 p.m. (EWTN) “Pope Francis in Canada.” n Saturday, July 30, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Ignatius of Loyola: Soldier, Sinner, Saint.” This very human account of “The Saint of Second Chances” follows St. Ignatius of Loyola’s journey from self-absorbed sinner to loyal soldier of Christ and founder of the Jesuit order. n Sunday, July 31, 6 a.m.

(EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of the Angelus live from Rome.

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Faith More Precious Than Gold —1 Peter 1:7

Fe más preciosa que el oro —1 Pedro 1: 7

18th Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress August 5-6, 2022 — Charlotte Convention Center

XVIII Congreso Eucarístico de la Diócesis de Charlotte

5-6 de agosto de 2022 – Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte

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EUCHARISTIC CON

iiiJuly 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com

2022 Eucharistic Congress: ‘Fa 18th annual Eucharistic Congress to be held Aug. 5-6 CHARLOTTE — The faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the 18th annual Eucharistic Congress – a free, two-day event celebrating our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist Aug. 5-6 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

In what has become an annual gathering of the Church in western North Carolina, the Eucharistic Congress is expected to attract thousands of people from around the state and the Southeast.

This year’s Eucharistic Congress theme is “Faith More Precious Than Gold,” which is taken from 1 Peter 1:7 to coincide with the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The congress will include: Mass; a Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte; the sacrament of confession; speakers and musical programs; vendors offering Catholic merchandise and information; and more.

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a time of quiet reflection and chant, then a welcome at 6:45 p.m. from Bishop Peter Jugis in Hall A of the Convention Center. At 7 p.m. Byzantine rite vespers will be prayed.

This will be followed by a talk at 8 p.m. by Dr. Peter Kreeft of Boston College entitled, “What Do We Believe About the Eucharist?”

After Kreeft’s talk, there will be nocturnal Adoration at nearby St. Peter Church from 10:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. Saturday. St. Peter Church is located at 507 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte.

Saturday’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with a Eucharistic procession that follows a route from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center. Please note: This year, First Communicants are invited to join the entrance procession for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress instead of the Saturday morning street procession.

A Holy Hour – featuring a homily by Bishop Peter Jugis, fourth Bishop of Charlotte and founder of the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress – will immediately follow the procession at 10:15 a.m. Saturday inside the Charlotte Convention Center.

Programs in English, Spanish and Vietnamese will be offered throughout the day. Bishop Jugis will celebrate Mass at the conclusion of the congress Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

— Catholic News Herald

More information online

At www.goeucharist.com: See the full schedule of events, read more about the featured speakers and activities, get parking information and more.

Your DSA contributions at work The Eucharistic Congress 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.

Mass

Speakers

Kreeft

Dr. Peter Kreeft

4:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6

8 p.m. Friday: ‘What Do We Believe About the Eucharist?’

12:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Why We Believe: A Eucharistic Faith’

Join Bishop Peter Jugis and priests of the Diocese of Charlot 2022 Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug

Dr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College.

A convert to the Catholic Church from Calvinism, he has been a major literary force in the world of English-language Catholic apologetics for several decades and the author of more than 100 books. He has influenced countless Christians and non-Christians globally with his luminous, lucid and compelling reasons to believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D. 10:15 a.m. Saturday: Homilist, ‘Whoever eats this bread will live forever – John 6:51-58’

Jugis

The Most Rev. Peter Joseph Jugis is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and is the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 by Pope (now St.) John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Before being ordained bishop, he served as the diocese’s Judicial Vicar and pastored parishes across the diocese, including Belmont, Charlotte, Denver, Huntersville, Monroe, Reidsville, Salisbury and Winston-Salem. Pope (now St.) John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Charlotte in 2003. He established the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2005.

Very Rev. Patrick J. Winslow, J.C.L. 1:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘The Interior Life’

Winslow

Since coming to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2002 from the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., Msgr. Patrick Winslow has served with distinction in several important diocesan roles, including as an ex-officio member of the Lay Review Board, the Promoter of Justice in the diocese, and as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

In 2019, Bishop Jugis appointed him vicar general and chancellor.

Dr. Bill and Mary Thierfelder with Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B. 2:30 p.m. Saturday: ‘Hearts United: First Friday First Saturday Devotion USA’

Eucharistic Procession 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Peter Jugis carries a monstrance containing a consecrated host – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ – is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress.

Join the Eucharistic Procession through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where the Eucharistic Congress will be held. It will start at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St. Line up along the procession route by 8:30 a.m. as noted at right. Parishioners, please gather along Wells Fargo Plaza at the corner of South Tryon and Third streets (purple area on map) or anywhere along the purple procession route to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

Please note: This year, First Communicants are invited to join the entrance procession for the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress instead of the Saturday morning street procession.

The Eucharistic Procession will culminate inside Hall A of the convention center, where a Holy Hour will be celebrated starting at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Know before you go:

Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Flat parking is available at 510 S. Caldwell St. and 510 S. College St. You can also park along the Lynx Blue Line and get off at the 3rd St./Convention Center stop.

Th fo in se re

NGRESS PREVIEW GUIDE

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

aith More Precious Than Gold’ Oradores 12:30 – 1 p.m. sábado – Mariachi

tte for the celebration of Holy Mass at the conclusion of the g. 6, inside the Charlotte Convention Center.

he Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside ood from being brought inside. The prohibition ncludes coolers and other containers of food. Food ervice options are available in the building, and many estaurants are located around the Convention Center.

XVIII Congreso Eucarístico se realizará el 5 y 6 de agosto

1 – 2:30 p.m. sábado – Encuentro Musical de los Coros Los coros de cada uno de los 10 vicariatos de la Diócesis de Charlotte interpretarán música original para celebrar el 50.º aniversario de la fundación de la diócesis.

Padre Julio Dominguez 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. sábado: ‘Reviviendo el Espiritu de la Eucharistia’

Domínguez

El Padre Julio C. Domínguez, sacerdote diocesano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Miembro activo del Consejo presbiteral y miembro del consejo de consultores y promoción de vocaciones. Padre Julio ha trabajado en varias parroquias y es un promotor muy activo de la adoración al Santísimo Sacramento. Ha sido encargado del Congreso Eucarístico en la parte Hispana desde que comenzó la organización del Congreso añadiendo la hora Santa en el salón Hispano a petición de muchos fieles que lo estaban pidiendo.

Procesión Eucarística Procesión del sábado por la mañana Una actividad sobresaliente del Congreso Eucarístico anual es la procesión de una milla de extensión por las calles del centro de Charlotte el sábado por la mañana. La Procesión Eucarística comienza en la Iglesia San Pedro a las 9 a.m. y termina dentro del Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte, donde se lleva a cabo el programa del día.

Participantes de la procesión: Por favor, hagan fila antes de las 8:30 de la mañana del sábado, como se muestra a la izquierda, dependiendo del grupo con el que se encuentren. Feligreses, reúnanse a lo largo de Wells Fargo Plaza, en la esquina de las calles South Tryon y Third (área púrpura en el mapa de la izquierda) o en cualquier lugar a lo largo de la ruta de la procesión, para unirse detrás de la bandera de su parroquia a medida que pasa.

Para tener en cuenta: Este año, los niños de la Primera Comunión están invitados a unirse a la procesión en la entrada para la Misa de clausura del Congreso Eucarístico, en lugar de la procesión por las calles del sábado por la mañana.

Procesión de la Misa de clausura En la celebración especial del 50 aniversario de la fundación de la Diócesis de Charlotte de este año, el Obispo Jugis invita a todos los niños que han celebrado su Primera Comunión en 2022 a encabezar la procesión en la Misa de clausura del Congreso Eucarístico el sábado por la tarde.

Estos niños y niñas deben usar sus atuendos de Primera Comunión.

Padres: Por favor lleven a sus hijos a la Sala 219C (Ala Este del Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte) a más tardar a las 3:45 p.m. del sábado. Los voluntarios del Congreso estarán allí para organizar a todos antes de dirigirse a la sala de exposiciones para formar la línea de procesión para la Misa. Por favor, permanezca con su hijo durante toda la procesión.

La Misa comenzará puntualmente a las 4:15 p.m. Los niños y sus padres tendrán asientos reservados para la Misa.

Over 80 commercial and informational vendors will be on hand inside the Charlotte Convention Center, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night, Aug. 5, and on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CHARLOTTE — Los fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados al XVII Congreso Eucarístico anual, un evento gratuito de dos días que celebra nuestra fe católica en la Presencia Real de Cristo en la Eucaristía, el 5 y 6 de agosto en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

En lo que se ha convertido en una reunión anual de la Iglesia en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, se espera que el Congreso Eucarístico atraiga a miles de personas de todo el estado y el sureste.

El tema del Congreso Eucarístico de este año es “La fe es más preciosa que el oro”, tomado de la Primera carta de Pedro 1: 7, coincidiendo con la celebración del 50 aniversario de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

El congreso incluirá: Misa; una Procesión Eucarística por las calles del centro de Charlotte; el sacramento de la confesión; oradores; programas musicales; expositores que ofrecen mercancía e información católica; y más.

Comenzará a las 6:30 de la tarde del viernes con un tiempo de reflexión y canto, continuará con la bienvenida del Obispo Peter Jugis a las 6:45 p.m. en el Hall A del Centro de Convenciones. A las 7 p.m. se rezarán las vísperas de rito bizantino.

Esto será seguido por una charla a las 8 p.m. por el Dr. Peter Kreeft de Boston College titulada, “¿Qué creemos acerca de la Eucaristía?”

Después de la charla del Dr. Kreeft, habrá Adoración nocturna en la cercana Iglesia San Pedro desde las 10:30 p.m. hasta las 7 a.m. del sábado. La Iglesia San Pedro está ubicada en 507 S. Tryon St. Los eventos del sábado comienzan a las 9 a.m. con una Procesión Eucarística que sigue una ruta desde la Iglesia San Pedro hasta el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte. Tenga en cuenta: Este año, los niños que han celebrado su Primera Comunión en 2022 están invitados a unirse a la procesión de entrada para la Misa de clausura del Congreso Eucarístico en lugar de la procesión por las calles del sábado por la mañana.

Una Hora Santa, con la homilía del Obispo Peter Jugis, cuarto Obispo de Charlotte y fundador del Congreso Eucarístico de la Diócesis de Charlotte, seguirá inmediatamente a la procesión a las 10:15 a.m. del sábado dentro del Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte.

Se ofrecerán programas en inglés, español y vietnamita durante todo el día. El Obispo Jugis celebrará Misa al concluir el congreso el sábado a las 4:15 p.m.

— Catholic News Herald

Más información online

En www.goeucharist.com: Vea el calendario completo de eventos, entérese más sobre los oradores y actividades destacadas, obtenga información sobre estacionamiento y más

Sus contribuciones DSA El Congreso Eucarístico está financiado en parte por la Campaña Anual de Apoyo Diocesano.

Aprender más sobre DSA y cómo donar en línea en www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.

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EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS PREVIEW GUIDE

catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022

“Vamos a apoyar a nuestro obispo” CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El Padre Julio Domínguez ha coordinado por muchos años el área hispana del Congreso Eucarístico que celebra anualmente la Diócesis de Charlotte. Gracias a su intervención, y la de su equipo de trabajo, hemos contado siempre con oradores de primera línea que han estimulado el crecimiento espiritual y la fe de nuestra comunidad en el Oeste de Carolina del Norte. El exigente trabajo incluso no dejó de llevarse a cabo durante la pandemia de COVID-19, pues si bien la presencialidad no era posible debido a las restricciones sanitarias implementadas para evitar el contagio del virus, en 2020 y 2021 se realizaron ediciones virtuales que acompañaron a los feligreses en aquellos tiempos difíciles y de incertidumbre que recordamos.

En 2022 retornamos a la presencialidad y el Congreso Eucarístico se llevará a cabo el 5 y 6 de agosto en el acostumbrado Centro de Convenciones localizado en el centro de Charlotte. Conversamos con el Padre Domínguez, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, para que nos proporcione más detalles al respecto.

CNH: ¿Por qué es especialmente importante este Congreso Eucarístico?

P. Julio Domínguez: Este es el año de celebración del 50 aniversario de la Diócesis. Queremos festejar, lo estamos haciendo ya y lo vamos a hacer en el próximo Congreso Eucarístico.

Como siempre, tendremos lo que es la Procesión Eucarística, en donde el Santísimo recorrerá las calles del centro de Charlotte, la Hora Santa, y después iremos al momento conmemorativo para el que los coros de nuestra diócesis han preparado un canto en relación al 50 aniversario.

Vamos a tener un Encuentro Coral en el que cientos de voces van a cantar lo que la diócesis ha realizado en

sus cincuenta años de existencia. Cada vicaría va a estar presentando un canto y todos estaremos celebrando con ellos.

Debo mencionar que la apertura de la sesión en español será con Mariachi, dándole la importancia y carácter al momento que viviremos, para luego seguir con la presencia no competitiva de los coros. Todos serán aplaudidos y recibirán nuestra eterna e infinita gratitud por su participación, arte y creatividad.

CNH: Tenemos entendido que el conferencista será usted, ¿es así?

P. Julio Domínguez: Es cierto, después de la presentación de los coros, en el mismo salón de conferencias en español, voy a dar una exposición sobre el significado del proceso de Avivamiento de la Sagrada Eucaristía que ha acordado realizar durante los próximos tres años la Conferencia de Obispos de Estados Unidos.

Sabemos por estudios realizados que, a nivel nacional, solo ocho de cada diez católicos creen en la presencia real de Jesucristo en la Eucaristía. Los demás creen que es solo un símbolo o representación, o lo que es más triste, son ignorantes en el tema por completo.

Por esta razón es importante conversar sobre este proceso de avivamiento de la fe, y el congreso es un buen medio para eso.

CNH: Debido a la todavía presente pandemia y otras circunstancias, ¿habrá algunas restricciones durante la celebración del Congreso Eucarístico?

P. Julio Domínguez: La pandemia, todavía presente, y la inquietud social del momento nos lleva a actuar siempre con prudencia. Por ello, se ha creído conveniente este año no contar con la participación de los niños de la Primera Comunión que abrían la Procesión Eucarística.

Aparte de ello, las actividades regulares se llevarán a cabo con la normalidad que conocemos.

CNH: ¿Por qué es importante que todos participemos?

P. Julio Domínguez: Después de cada congreso la gente sale muy satisfecha. No solo porque se ha encontrado con gente de su parroquia, sino con católicos de toda la diócesis. Y muchos, muchos de ellos provenientes de pequeñas Iglesias. También nos encontraremos con nuestros sacerdotes, nuestros diáconos. Somos bastantes y estamos trabajando para un mismo Dios. Eso nos alienta, nos da coraje y valor. Somos una diócesis fuerte, aunque tengamos solamente 50 años.

CNH: ¿Este es su primer Congreso Eucarístico como director del Ministerio Hispano?

P. Julio Domínguez: Es verdad, este es mi primer Congreso Eucarístico presencial como director apostólico del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Quiero continuar este trabajo que viene realizándose por años y seguir resaltando en forma especial la importancia que tiene la Eucaristía en la nuestra vida como cristianos, como católicos.

De nuestra parte, con la ayuda de los coordinadores de vicariato, estamos promoviendo lo más que podemos el Congreso Eucarístico.

Siento que nuestra comunidad latina va a responder muy positivamente al llamado. Hemos estado sin reunirnos en comunidad por 2 años y vamos a regresar con fuerza. Estoy casi seguro que lo haremos.

Por eso, quiero invitar a todos los grupos apostólicos, a todos los líderes, a que participen en este congreso que se va a llevar a cabo, porque aquí nos encontraremos como comunidad, como diócesis. Nosotros, como latinos muy Eucarísticos que somos, pongamos todo nuestro empeño por asistir para lograr un impacto fuerte en nuestra diócesis. ¡Vamos, todos los latinos, a apoyar a nuestro obispo en este importante Congreso Eucarístico!

Thank you.

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July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com

Mi experiencia en el Camino de Santiago

Padre Julio Domínguez

Al encuentro de la Eucaristía

C

ontinuamos con la segunda parte de la meditación del Evangelio de San Lucas 24:13-35. Después de salir al encuentro de sus discípulos, les da una explicación de todos los textos de la Escritura que se referían a Él. Vemos como Jesús usa la Biblia y la historia del pueblo de Dios para iluminar el problema que hacía sufrir a los dos amigos, y para aclarar la situación que ellos estaban viviendo. La usa, asimismo, para situarlos dentro del proyecto de Dios que venía de Moisés y de los profetas.

Y así les muestra que la historia no se había escapado de la mano de Dios.

Jesús usa la Biblia no como un doctor que ya sabe todo, sino como un compañero que va a ayudar a los amigos para que recuerden lo que habían olvidado. Jesús no provoca un complejo de ignorancia en los discípulos, pero procura despertar en ellos la memoria: “Cuanto les cuesta creer todo lo que anuncian los profetas”.

Nosotros, con la ayuda de la Biblia, debemos ayudar a las personas a descubrir la sabiduría que ya existe dentro de las mismas, y transformar la cruz, señal de la muerte, en señal vida y de esperanza.

Aquello que les impedía caminar, se vuelve ahora fuerza y luz en la caminada.

Que maravilloso sería poder estar en ese momento en que nuestro Señor Jesucristo fue recorriendo todos los pasajes que se referían a Él en las Escrituras.

De un momento de duda, nuestro Señor se aprovecha para darles un resumen completo de lo que ya venía escrito de Él y que estos discípulos, al igual que muchos otros, no habían entendido que era precisamente el plan de la voluntad del Padre que el Mesías padeciera.

Desde la promesa en el proto-evangelio con la promesa del Mesías, comenzando con Abraham y pasando por los profetas, les fue explicando uno por uno los pasajes que se referían a Él.

Les reafirmó que estaba escrito que el Mesías tenía que padecer y sufrir, pero también tenía que resucitar al tercer día de entre los muertos.

Les echa en cara su dureza de corazón y su falta de fe y de esperanza por no conocer las Escrituras. Señor, eso mismo nos lo dices hoy, pues nos decimos cristianos y desconocemos completamente las Escrituras.

Los seres humanos somos así, nos desanimamos fácilmente ante las dificultades de la vida. Si encontramos una cruz en nuestros caminos inmediatamente tomamos el camino de la retirada, lejos del EUCARISTÍA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 16

H

ay muchas definiciones acerca del Camino de Santiago.

Sin embargo, hablando en castellano, el Camino de Santiago es el viaje de peregrinos hacia la ciudad de Santiago de Compostela, en donde se encuentra la tumba del apóstol Santiago debajo de la Catedral que lleva el mismo nombre que la ciudad.

Desde el siglo IX, pasó a ser una de las más importantes rutas de peregrinos en Europa, y la columna vertebral del reino de la península Ibérica.

Literalmente hablando, el camino de Santiago es precisamente eso, un camino, una ruta a la cual -durante todo el año- actualmente acuden miles de peregrinos de todas partes del mundo. En 2019 se marcó un récord de peregrinos que arribaron a Santiago, nada menos que 347,578.

El camino se puede hacer a pie, en bicicleta o a caballo. El camino está siempre abierto para el que quiera hacerlo, con una red de iglesias, albergues, bares (nombre que reciben todas las cafeterías y ventas de comida) y fuentes de agua para beber.

El camino de Santiago es una experiencia que, a mi manera de ver, tiene que estar en la lista de cosas que es necesario realizar antes de morir, lo que los estadounidenses llaman ‘bucket list’. Es un peregrinaje a donde la persona se puede fácilmente encontrar consigo mismo y con Dios, por medio de la naturaleza, de los paisajes, del compañerismo, el dolor, el cansancio, y la belleza de las siete catedrales por las que uno pasa, sin contar cientos de iglesias con una antigüedad de siglos.

Hay muchos caminos o rutas que llegan a Santiago, pero la más popular es el camino francés, el cual empieza en Saint Jean-Pied-dePort, Francia. Son nada menos que 32 días a pie o 13 en bicicleta.

Sin embargo, como en todas las cosas, hay un pero. El Camino de Santiago es adictivo. En tan solo cuatro años y con mis rodillas en no muy buena condición, he recorrido tres caminos, el francés, el portugués, y hace pocos meses nuevamente el francés, pero en esta ocasión en bicicleta.

El 25 de julio se celebra la festividad del Apóstol Santiago. La ciudad se viste de gala con quema de pólvora, fiestas, carnavales y Misas. Y si la festividad del Apóstol cae en domingo, hay indulgencias y se abre la puerta de la misericordia en la Catedral, la misma que cuenta con el incensario más grande del mundo.

Dicho en una sola frase, es una experiencia maravillosa. Sin saber en dónde pasaré la noche, con una mochila en la que se llevan pocas pertenencias, tres mudadas de ropa, cansancio y adversidades, pero viviendo un gozo, una felicidad que se siente en el aire y que fácilmente se transmite. Para mí, son momentos que solo se pueden comparar con un pedacito de cielo. Buen Camino.

(Izquierda) El Diácono Sigfrido Della Valle, segundo de la derecha, de pie, junto con su hijo y otros peregrinos delante de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, durante “el momento más maravilloso del camino, contento por finalizar triste a la vez al saber que se acaba el peregrinaje”.

(Abajo) El cuarto domingo de Cuaresma de este año 2022, el Diácono Della Valle tuvo el privilegio de servir en el altar durante la Misa del peregrino. “Para mi fue una gran sorpresa ver que el celebrante era Monseñor Julián Barrio Barrio, Arzobispo de la Arquidiócesis de Santiago de Compostela”, dijo Della Valle.

FOTOS CORTESÍA DIÁCONO DELLA VALLE

EL DIÁCONO SIGFRIDO DELLA VALLE es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Smoky Mountain.

¿Quién fue Santiago?

El Apóstol Santiago a caballo, o Santiago Matamoros, óleo sobre lienzo, de Francisco Camilo, Madrid, 1615-1673.

FOTO CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO

Fue uno de los 12 apóstoles del Señor. Hermano de San Juan evangelista, se le llamaba el Mayor para distinguirlo del otro apóstol, Santiago el Menor, que era más joven que él. Con sus padres, Zebedeo y Salomé, vivió en la ciudad de Betsaida, junto al Mar de Galilea, donde tuvo una pequeña empresa de pesca.

Formó parte del grupo de los tres preferidos de Jesús, junto con su hermano Juan y con Simón Pedro. Después de presenciar la pesca milagrosa, al oír que Jesús les decía: “desde ahora serán pescadores de hombres”, dejó sus redes, su padre y empresa, y se fue con Jesucristo.

Antiguas tradiciones del siglo VI afirman que Santiago alcanzó a ir hasta España a evangelizar. Se cree que su cuerpo se encuentra en la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, santuario al que han peregrinado miles y miles de peregrinos por siglos.

El nombre proviene de dos palabras, Sant y Iacob, porque su nombre en hebreo era Jacob. Los españoles, del que es su santo patrón, en sus batallas gritaban: “Sant Iacob, ayúdenos”. Y de tanto repetir estas dos palabras, las unieron formando una sola: Santiago.

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Campaña DSA 2022 supera mitad de la meta CHARLOTTE — El aumento de los costos de los alimentos, combustible y otros artículos esenciales ha provocado una mayor demanda de asistencia.

Todos juntos como católicos, uniendo nuestros dones en la Campaña de Apoyo Diocesano anual (DSA), podemos ayudar a miles de personas necesitadas en todo el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

Hasta la fecha, el DSA 2022 ha recibido $ 4.8 millones, aproximadamente el 76 por ciento de su meta de $ 6.3 millones, con unos pocos meses restantes en la campaña de este año para recaudar los $ 1.5 millones faltantes.

“La fe es más preciosa que el oro”, el tema de la Campaña de Apoyo Diocesano 2022, hace eco de la celebración del 50 aniversario de la diócesis y ha sido tomada la Primera carta de Pedro 1:7: “Para que la prueba de la fe de ustedes, más preciosa que el oro que perece, aunque probado por fuego, sea hallada que resulta en alabanza, gloria y honor en la revelación de Jesucristo”.

“La fe es más preciosa que el oro”, nos recuerda que nuestra fe en el Señor, y en su amor por nosotros, es más importante que cualquier otra cosa en nuestras vidas”, señaló el Obispo Peter Jugis en su carta anunciando la DSA de este año.

La campaña de la DSA financia más de 50 ministerios y programas que sirven a miles de personas en toda la diócesis. En particular, la DSA es una importante fuente de financiamiento para Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte en sus servicios de asesoramiento, despensas de alimentos, apoyo al embarazo, reasentamiento de refugiados, ministerio de ancianos, Respeto a la Vida y otros programas, así como los programas y ministerios del Vicariato de Educación.

La DSA también apoya los ministerios multiculturales, la educación de los 46 seminaristas, el diaconado permanente, y el Congreso Eucarístico anual.

El Vicariato de Educación recibe el 31 por ciento de los fondos recaudados en la campaña. Otros fondos de la DSA se asignan a Caridades Católicas (30 por ciento), vocaciones (14 por ciento), ministerios multiculturales (13 por ciento), y el Congreso Eucarístico y el ministerio diocesano de vivienda (6 por ciento). Se proyecta que los costos administrativos de la campaña serán del 6 por ciento.

Los feligreses en todas las 92 parroquias y misiones ayudan a financiar la DSA anual. A través de sus contribuciones, las personas de toda la diócesis pueden unirse para hacer la obra del Señor, obras de amor y servicio que ninguna persona o parroquia puede hacer sola.

El año pasado, los feligreses recaudaron $ 6.2 millones, alcanzando el 100 por ciento de la meta anual.

El Obispo Jugis pide a los feligreses que, al celebrar el 50 aniversario de la diócesis, nos unamos como una familia diocesana para compartir el amor de Dios con los demás a través de nuestras oraciones y donaciones financieras a la Campaña de Apoyo Diocesano, siempre dando gracias a Dios por el precioso regalo de nuestra fe, que realmente es “más preciosa que el oro”.

— Catholic News Herald

Cómo apoyar la DSA n ONLINE: Visite www. charlottediocese. org/dsa para realizar una donación online segura. n TELÉFONO: llame al 704-3703332 para hacer un regalo por teléfono. n CORREO: Envíe la carta de compromiso que recibió por correo o en Misa a: Diocese of Charlotte, 2022 Diocesan Support Appeal, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. (Los compromisos deben ser honrados hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022.) ¿Preguntas? Contacte a David Walsh al teléfono 704370-3302 o email dvwalsh@rcdoc.org.

(Izquierda) El Padre Jason Barone es felicitado por los parroquianos después de ser formalmente instalado el 5 de julio como pastor de la Iglesia San Judas en Sapphire.

(Arriba) Imagen exterior de la parroquia. Más abajo, como parte del rito de instalación del párroco, el Padre Barone profesó el juramento de fidelidad.

LIZ CHANDLER Y PATRICIA GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Día trascendental para la Parroquia San Judas Misión de montaña se convierte en parroquia PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

SAPPHIRE — El 5 de julio marcó un hecho histórico para los católicos en Sapphire y para la Diócesis de Charlotte, ya que la Misión San Judas fue elevada a parroquia y su administrador, el Padre Jason Barone, fue instalado como su primer pastor.

La pintoresca iglesia de montaña se llenó de feligreses durante una Misa especial que contó con la declaración oficial de la nueva parroquia y la instalación de su párroco.

Presidió la Misa, con el Padre Barone, Monseñor Patrick Winslow, en representación del Obispo Peter Jugis.

La ocasión marcó la primera vez en 15 años desde que la diócesis creó una parroquia a partir de una misión. La última vez sucedió en 2007, cuando cuatro misiones fueron elevadas a parroquias por el Obispo Jugis: San José en Kannapolis, Nuestra Señora de las Américas en Biscoe, y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y Vietnamita San José en Charlotte.

La nueva parroquia fue anteriormente una misión de la Parroquia Sagrado Corazón en la cercana Brevard.

Durante la Misa especial, el Padre Barone hizo una profesión pública de fe y prestó juramento de fidelidad a la Iglesia en el altar, en presencia de Monseñor Winslow.

En su homilía, Monseñor Winslow reflexionó sobre la ocasión trascendental, señalando que fue hace 50 años, el 27 de junio de 1972, cuando la Iglesia San Judas fue dedicada por el Obispo Michael Begley. Solo unos meses antes, Begley había sido ordenado e instalado como el primer pastor de la nueva Diócesis de Charlotte.

Monseñor Winslow también elogió la “tenacidad y convicción” del Padre Barone al solicitar al obispo que elevara a San Judas como parroquia. Recordó haber conocido al Padre Barone cuando todavía era seminarista, en una asignación de verano en la Parroquia San Juan Bautista en Tryon, donde el Padre Winslow era entonces pastor. Dijo haber visto la fe del Padre Barone profundizarse a lo largo de los años, y estaba agradecido de tener la oportunidad de instalarlo como pastor.

“Con gran sinceridad y afecto, no podría estar más orgulloso”, dijo Monseñor Winslow. “¡Le deseo lo mejor,

Padre Barone, y a todos ustedes, buena suerte!”

El Padre Barone agradeció al Obispo Jugis y a todos los que hicieron posible la celebración del día.

“Me siento muy honrado. Gracias, que Dios los bendiga a todos”, señaló.

Los católicos del área han cuidado de San Judas a lo largo de los años, comenzando a fines de la década de 1960. La iglesia debe sus inicios a la Sra. Gene Howerdd, quien se enfermó y rogó a San Judas que si podía recuperar su salud, haría todo lo posible para recaudar los fondos para levantar una capilla en Sapphire Valley, y si pudiera, se llamara San Judas en su honor. El Padre Charles Mulholland, entonces pastor en Brevard, solicitó permiso al Obispo de Raleigh para establecer una nueva misión, llamarla San Judas y comenzar los planes para construir una nueva iglesia. Se dio el permiso: la Sra. Howerdd había cumplido parte de su promesa y se dispuso a completarla.

El donativo inicial vino de los Howerdds: varios acres a lo largo de la autopista 64 en los que se podría construir la iglesia. El segundo vino del Padre Mulholland. A través de su hermano, profesor de la Universidad Católica, organizó que los estudiantes de arquitectura asumieran el diseño de la capilla como un proyecto de clase. Se enviaron modelos a escala de los cinco mejores diseños a Sapphire Valley para que los feligreses pudieran elegir su nueva iglesia. Uno, una capilla octogonal de piedra de campo, fue elegido como el complemento perfecto para el entorno de montaña.

Cincuenta años después, San Judas sigue siendo una comunidad unida y acogedora.

“Es un lugar especial, es el cielo”, dijo Judy Manasseri, quien se mudó del norte del estado de Nueva York hace dos décadas para hacer su hogar en Sapphire Valley en medio de Smoky Mountains.

La feligresa Julie Flick estuvo de acuerdo. “Es una comunidad muy amorosa”.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea más fotografías de la Misa del 5 de julio y entérese sobre la historia de la parroquia San Judas

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

13

Pasión por el deporte, por la vida CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El torneo de fútbol Copa Congregación, que reúne cientos de niños y jóvenes en los campos deportivos de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, pronto concluirá.

Cada semana, decenas de padres de familia acompañan a sus hijos e hijas que asisten a este torneo que no premia el talento, sino el esfuerzo y participación de los jóvenes deportistas.

En ocasiones alguno de ellos puede faltar, uno de los miembros del cuerpo arbitral puede ser reemplazado, hasta el infaltable heladero vendedor de paletas puede alejarse momentáneamente.

Sin embargo, una figura siempre es vista en todas las fechas, durante toda la extensión del campeonato, de principio a fin, en la apertura y clausura. Inagotable, recorriendo el campo, dando instrucciones, vigilando la seguridad de los niños, supervisando el más mínimo detalle. Es Richard Sierra, creador, organizador y, desde el año 2000, miembro del equipo administrativo de la parroquia.

Sierra, de padres colombianos, nació en Nueva York en 1971. A los 8 años, por un motivo familiar, regresó a Colombia con sus padres. Su amor por los deportes es innato, ya en Estados Unidos jugaba hockey, deporte que intenta practicar en Colombia, donde era completamente desconocido.

Es en este país donde se enamora del fútbol, iniciando a jugar en la escuela como portero, aunque “siempre pedía se le ubicara en otra posición”.

En Medellín, su padre lo llevó a ver jugar al Atlético Nacional, el equipo de camiseta rayada verdiblanca, al estadio local.

“Nunca se me va a olvidar la impresión de, al terminar de subir las gradas, ver el césped del estadio. Algo impresionante”.

Jugando como marcador derecho, poniendo esfuerzo y dedicación, su juego mejoró muchísimo. Tras mudarse a Pereira, ciudad a unas 160 millas al sur de Medellín, es convocado al seleccionado pre-juvenil del estado de Risaralda, paso previo para luego ser elegido, junto con otros cinco compañeros al preseleccionado nacional juvenil.

Todo indicaba que Richard sería una estrella del fútbol colombiano, hasta que sucedió lo impensable

¡QUÉ DOLOR!

“Me lesioné en una jugada, salí cargado del campo”, nos relató. El diagnóstico: rotura de ligamento, dos años de descanso.

Al año y medio comenzó su recuperación, pero “la rodilla se me salía y me decían ‘Elvis Presley’ por la quebrada de pierna”.

El problema, inicialmente esporádico, se volvió cada vez peor.

“No pude llegar, no la pude hacer, tenía que dejar el fútbol, y eso fue dolorosísimo

para mí. Empecé a beber, a frecuentar malas compañías, quería refugiarme en algo y no escuchaba a nadie”.

Gracias a Dios, sus amigos del fútbol lo rescataron. “Hasta hoy les agradezco muchísimo lo que hicieron por mí”.

La lesión lo alejó del profesionalismo, no de la práctica deportiva, y comenzó a trabajar y estudiar, inclinándose por la administración.

En Pereira conoció a Gloria, con quien se casó en 1994, y a quien le confesó su pasión por el fútbol. “Solo si me cortan las piernas dejaré de jugar fútbol”, le dijo.

Por la difícil situación económica, social y de inseguridad que atravesaba Colombia, acompañado de su esposa e hijo de tres años, retornó el 7 de enero de 1997 a Estados Unidos.

En Charlotte consiguió trabajo en Duke Power, mientras su esposa se desempeñaba como maestra.

Todo iba viento en popa, hasta el 6 de enero de 2000, cuando la vida nuevamente le jugó una mala pasada.

¿POR QUÉ YO, DIOS MÍO?

Exactamente tres años después de haber llegado a Estados Unidos, Richard fue atracado en las calles de la Ciudad Reina y recibió un disparo.

Tras pasar dos días en coma inducido, entubado, en sala de cuidados intensivos, Richard despertó y se enteró que tenía una bala alojada en la columna vertebral, que nunca recuperaría la movilidad y quedaría atado, de por vida, a una silla de ruedas.

Permaneció mes y medio internado en el hospital. Tras regresar a casa, su esposa debió dejar de trabajar para atenderlo, los beneficios laborales concluyeron y las finanzas domésticas se vinieron abajo.

Un día su padre llegó a visitarlo y lo encontró deprimido, llorando. “Richard”, le dijo, “tienes dos posibilidades: o te pegas un tiro y acabas con eso, o sigues para adelante”.

Esas palabras inicialmente lo enfadaron, pero luego entendió que tenía que reaccionar, no podía ser una carga, “que tenía que sobrellevar el hecho, y aprender a hacer todo de nuevo, como un niño”.

Empezó por perdonar al criminal, pero la carrera era de largo aliento y las deudas no esperaban.

AYUDA PROVIDENCIAL

Richard y su esposa asistían a la antigua Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la calle Shenandoah. Gloria, en mayo de 2000, desesperada tocó la puerta del Padre Vicente Finnerty, el párroco por aquellos años, buscando ayuda para pagar la renta.

El Padre le dijo: “He estado buscando urgentemente una secretaria. Hoy le pedí a Dios que me enviara una. Usted es la primera que me toca esa puerta, ¿quiere ser mi secretaria?”. El sí no se hizo esperar.

El Padre Vicente se convirtió también en el soporte espiritual de Richard.

FOTOS POR CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cuidando el mínimo detalle, atento a todos los aspectos del torneo de fútbol para niños y jóvenes, Richard Sierra, creador y organizador de la Copa Congregación de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, vuelca sus conocimientos futbolísticos en los niños y jóvenes deportistas y les transmite la alegría del deporte que, debido a azares de la vida, está imposibilitado de practicar.

Más tarde le ofreció trabajo en diseño y administración.

Han pasado más de 22 años desde entonces. “Ahora mismo no necesito nada en especial para valerme por mí mismo para todo. Claro, hay cosas que no puedo hacer, especialmente si son de altura, de acceso por escaleras. Pero la ciudad es muy accesible y me ha ayudado mucho”, dice Richard.

¿VIVO CON ALEGRÍA?

“Cada día de mi vida. Hay momentos en los que siento que me faltan las piernas.

Pero no estoy frustrado. Estuve como voluntario en el hospital para ayudar a

personas que sufren el mismo problema que yo, pero resulta que ellos me ayudaron a mí al poder ver la gravedad de otros casos más serios que el mío”.

Su pasión por el deporte también lo ayudó. Hace ciclismo y pesas, lo que lo mantiene física y mentalmente sano.

“Me quedé sin fútbol para siempre, pero gozo al ver a los niños jugar. Esos niños le pagan a uno ahí mismo. Verlos en la cancha, fuera de casa, reunidos como equipo, alejados de las pantallas, es invalorable. Lo que aprendí del fútbol lo comparto con ellos, lo convierto en una herramienta útil ahora, pese a que no puedo jugar. Vivo el deporte a través de ellos”.

Lecturas Diarias JULIO 24-30

Domingo: Génesis 18:20-32, Colosenses 2:12-14, Lucas 11:1-13; Lunes (Santiago Apóstol): 2 Corintios 4:7-15, Mateo 20:20-28; Martes (Santos Joaquín y Ana): Jeremías 14:17-22, Mateo 13:36-43; Miércoles: Jeremías 15:10, 16-21, Mateo 13:44-46; Jueves: Jeremías 18:1-6, Mateo 13:47-53; Viernes (Santos Marta, María y Lázaro): Jeremías 26:1-9, Juan 11:19-27; Sábado: Jeremías 26:11-16, 24, Mateo 14:1-12

JULIO 31-AGOSTO 6

Domingo: Eclesiastés 1:2, 2:21-23, Colosenses 3:1-5, 9-11, Lucas 12:13-21; Lunes (San Alfonso María de Ligorio): Jeremías 28:117, Mateo 14:13-21; Martes: Jeremías 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22, Mateo 14:22-36; Miércoles: Jeremías 31:1-7, Mateo 15:21-28; Jueves (San Juan María Vianney): Jeremías 31:31-34, Mateo 16:13-23; Viernes: Nahúm 2:1-3, 3:1-3, 6-7, Mateo 16:24-28; Sábado (Fiesta de la Transfiguración del Señor): Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Pedro 1:16-19, Marcos 9:2-10

AGOSTO 7-13

Domingo: Sabiduría 18:6-9, Hebreos 11:1-2, 8-19, Lucas 12:3248; Lunes (Santo Domingo de Guzmán): Ezequiel 1:2-5, 2428, Mateo 17:22-27; Martes: Ezequiel 2:8-3, 4, Mateo 18:1-5, 10, 12-14; Miércoles (San Lorenzo diácono): 2 Corintios 9:6-10, Juan 12:24-26; Jueves (Santa Clara): Ezequiel 12:1-12, Mateo 18:21-19:1; Viernes: Ezequiel 16:1-15, 60, 63, Mateo 19:3-12; Sábado: Ezequiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Mateo 19:13-15

Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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House bill to codify Roe is ‘unjust, extreme,’ say leading bishops CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

In Brief USCCB issues annual audit on compliance with charter by dioceses, eparchies WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. bishops’ annual report on compliance with the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” shows that 2,930 victim survivors came forward with 3,103 allegations during the audit year of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. The number of allegations is 1,149 less than that reported in 2020, according to the audit report released July 12 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection. “This decrease is due in large part to the resolution of allegations received as a result of lawsuits, compensation programs, and bankruptcies,” said a news release accompanying the report. “Of the allegations received, 2,284 (74%) were first brought to the attention of the diocesan/eparchial representative by an attorney.” The majority of allegations received were “historical in nature,” meaning the alleged victim is now an adult and the abuse happened in years or decades past. During this audit year, there were 30 new allegations. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm based in Rochester, N.Y. Also included in the report are results of a survey on allegations conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown. The charter was adopted in 2002 by the U.S. bishops following reports of clergy abuse from previous decades.

It has been revised several times since to adapt to changing situations surrounding the question of clergy sexual abuse of minors.

Arizona bishops laud signing of state school choice bill PHOENIX — The Catholic bishops of Arizona issued a joint statement lauding the passage and signing of a bill intended to expand school choice throughout the state. The law, among other things, extends Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program to all children in the state regardless of family income. “We strongly support a quality education for all children in Arizona and believe it is best to have good district schools, charter schools, private schools and home-school options,” said a July 7 statement from the Arizona bishops. The bill “will increase school choice substantially, which is a very good thing,” they added. “Parents are the primary educators of their children and know what schools best fit the needs of their families,” the bishops said. “By making the ESA program eligible for all students, many more families will now have a more meaningful option.” Signing the statement were now-retired Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix, Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevarez of Phoenix, Bishop Edward J. Wiesenberger of Tucson, and Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, New Mexico (half of the Gallup Diocese is in Arizona).

— Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees said a measure passed by the House July 15 is “the most unjust and extreme abortion on demand bill our nation has ever seen.”

They implored lawmakers “who see abortion as a legitimate ‘solution’ to the needs of women to abandon this path of death and despair,” urging them to join the U.S. bishops in prioritizing “the well-being of women, children and families” by providing material resources and “personal accompaniment” so “no woman ever feels forced to choose between her future and the life of her child.”

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, made the comments in a joint statement July 18.

In a mostly party-line vote of 219 to 210, House members approved an updated version of the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022, which would codify a right to abortion in federal law.

An earlier version was passed in March by the House, but it failed to pass in the Senate.

The bill, H.R. 8296, would impose abortion on demand nationwide at any stage of pregnancy and would eliminate pro-life laws at every level of government -- including parental notification for minor girls, informed consent, and health and safety protections specific to abortion facilities.

“Answering the needs of women by promoting taxpayer-funded elective abortion, as this bill would do, is a grave evil and a failure to love and serve women,” said Archbishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan.

“Offering free or low-cost abortions, instead of increasing the resources women need to care for themselves and their children, is not ‘choice’ but coercion and callous abandonment,” they said.

“Simply repeating the mantra that abortion is health care doesn’t make it so,” they added. “Deliberately ending the lives of

defenseless and voiceless human beings is the antithesis of health care.”

They said H.R. 8296 would likely force health care providers and professionals to perform, assist in and/or refer for abortion against their deeply-held beliefs, as well as force employers and insurers to cover or pay for abortion.

The House also passed the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act, H.R. 8297, which would ban states from punishing those who travel out of state “for reproductive health care.” This vote also was largely along party lines; the measure was approved 223-205.

Archbishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan invited everyone, in Congress and in the country at large, to join the U.S. bishops “in pursuing a vision we presented in ‘Standing with Moms in Need,’” which, they said, “upholds the truth that every human life is sacred and inviolable – a society in which the legal protection of human life is accompanied by profound care for mothers and their children.”

The USCCB issued the statement “Standing with Moms in Need” earlier this year as the nation awaited the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a challenge to a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks.

Oral arguments were heard in the case Dec. 1.

The bishops reiterated their statement when a draft of the court’s majority opinion in Dobbs was leaked in early May indicating Roe v. Wade would be overturned.

On June 24, the court upheld the Mississippi law 6-3, but the high court also voted 5-4 to overturn its 1973 Roe decision and 1992’s Casey v. Planned Parenthood ruling, which affirmed Roe. In the “Standing with Moms in Need” statement, the bishops pledged “to redouble our efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during the early years of parenthood, offering them loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as ‘Walking with Moms in Need’ and countless others.”

These efforts include ensuring all parishes are places of welcome for pregnant women in need and their families.

Church leaders pray for Church to be in solidarity with migrants; urge immigration reform SAN ANTONIO — Isabela Guachiac, an aunt of Pascual Melvin Guachiac, 13, who died June 27, when he suffocated while being smuggled in a semitrailer in San Antonio, cries during the funeral of her nephew in the small village of Tzucubal in Nahuala, Guatemala July 16. The teenager was one of 53 migrants found dead in the truck’s cargo area. Authorities said the victims were migrant and the truck, found on a remote back road in San Antonio, appeared to be part of a smuggling operation. It is believed to be the deadliest smuggling incident of its kind in U.S. history. The archbishop of San Antonio offered prayers for dozens of people found dead as well as more than a dozen survivors discovered June 27 in sweltering conditions in a semitruck. “We pray for the souls of the ... people who died in such a cruel, inhuman manner this evening,” Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said in a statement soon after first responders made the gruesome discovery. Rubén Minutti, Mexico consul general in San Antonio, said 27 of the people who died are believed to be of Mexican origin based on documents they were carrying, the Associated Press reported. Roberto Velasco Álvarez, head of the Mexican government’s North American mission, said on Twitter June 28 that in addition to the Mexican nationals, seven victims were originally from Guatemala and two were Honduran. In the wake of the tragedy, the Texas Catholic bishops urged immigration reform, saying it is necessary to prevent deaths like this from happening again. Reminding others to reflect on the incident, they focused on defending the sacredness of every life. In a YouTube video posted July 15, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops, reminded Catholics “to never forget the sacredness of all human life in light of all this.”

Cardinal DiNardo recalled Pope Francis’ lament, the “throwaway culture” the pope warns against, which leads humanity to discard God’s creation, including people. “This senseless loss of life should shock and sadden us as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, “ said Cardinal DiNardo in the video. “We cannot ignore those most vulnerable among us who at times become victims of this throwaway culture and only seek a better life for themselves and their families.” He commended the souls of the men and women who died near San Antonio after being smuggled into the U.S. in the part of a semitrailer reserved for cargo, not people.

CNS | SANDRA SEBASTIAN, REUTERS

Our world

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Pope describes Canada trip as ‘penitential pilgrimage’ VATICAN CITY — Asking for prayers ahead of his visit to Canada July 2429, Pope Francis described the trip as a “penitential pilgrimage” as part of a commitment to healing and reconciliation with the country’s Indigenous people. “Unfortunately, in Canada, many Christians, including some members of religious institutes, contributed to the policies of cultural assimilation that, in the past, have severely harmed native communities in various ways,” the pope said July 17, referring particularly to the involvement of dioceses and religious orders in running residential schools. From the 1870s to the 1990s, the Canadian government, usually in partnership with Christian churches, operated a residential school system to which over 150,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit students were sent. Their language and customs were banned, and they often suffered malnourishment and abuse.

Vatican investment portfolios must follow Catholic social teaching, new policy says VATICAN CITY — The Vatican released a new policy consolidating the investment portfolios of all offices and keeping all current and future investments in line with the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. The new rules will ensure that investments will contribute “to a more just and sustainable world” and protect “the real value of the Holy See’s net worth and generate a sufficient return to sustainably contribute to the financing of its activities,” said a statement published July 19 by the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy. The policy mandates “specific exclusions of financial investments that contradict” the Church’s basic principles, including the sanctity of human life, human dignity and the common good, the statement said. The new policy will go into effect on an experimental basis for five years, beginning Sept. 1.

Curia offices must entrust their financial investments to the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, which administers Vatican properties and investments, said the new policy, which was approved by Pope Francis and signed by Jesuit Father Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves, prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy.

Myanmar archbishop urges respect for human dignity, property after military attacks on civilians MANDALAY, Myanmar — Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay has called for human dignity and property to be respected following attacks on civilians in several villages by Myanmar’s military junta. “I am deeply disheartened to learn about the suffering of thousands of people, especially from villages, including Catholics whose homes were burned, properties looted and who have become homeless, displaced and in dire need of food and shelter,” Archbishop Tin Win said in a video message released July 17, ucanews.com reported. “Their villages are becoming a land of ashes lacking homes, trees and birds. I am also deeply sorrowful over thousands of our brothers and sisters who can’t live in their own homes and instead live in makeshift camps who are facing acute hunger,” he said. “Food, clothing, shelter and healthcare are basic rights of all human beings so they need to be prioritized,” he added. The 60-year-old archbishop appealed to concerned parties “not to burn and destroy civilian homes and respect their properties.”

Pope names three women to office that helps him choose bishops – the first time for such appointments VATICAN CITY — Ten days after saying he would name two women to the group that helps him choose bishops, Pope Francis appointed three women to the office. The Vatican announced July 13 that the pope had named 14 new members of the Dicastery for Bishops. For the first time ever, the members include women: Sister Raffaella Petrini, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, who is secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City State; French Salesian Sister Yvonne Reungoat, former superior general of the order; and Maria Lia Zervino, an Argentine who is president of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. The dicastery is led by Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet and is responsible for helping the pope choose bishops for Latinrite dioceses outside of the church’s mission territories. Members meet twice a month to review dossiers submitted by Vatican nuncios about potential candidates and to vote on the names they recommend to the pope. Before Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia took effect in June, members of the dicastery were only cardinals and a few bishops.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, WEBB ERO PRODUCTION TEAM, HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

The “Cosmic Cliffs” of the Carina Nebula are seen in an image released by NASA released July 12. The “cliffs” are divided horizontally by an undulating line between a cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively clear upper portion. The image is from data provided by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, a revolutionary apparatus designed to peer through the cosmos to the dawn of the universe. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing innumerable stars of many sizes.

Webb telescope images feed the mind and spirit, Jesuit astronomer says CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The Jesuits at the Vatican Observatory were wowed like most people by the beauty of the photos from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, but the director said they also are excited by the scientific information the telescope will reveal.

“Such images are a necessary food for the human spirit – we do not live by bread alone – especially in these times,” said Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, the observatory director, after NASA released a first batch of images from what the space agency describes as “the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built.”

“The images are gorgeous, as anyone can see for themselves,” Brother Consolmagno said. “It’s a tantalizing glimpse of what we’ll be able to learn about the universe with this telescope in the future.”

NASA described Webb’s mission as studying “every phase of 13.5 billion years of cosmic history – from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, and everything in between.”

“The science behind this telescope is our attempt to use our God-given intelligence to understand the logic of the universe,” Brother Consolmagno said.

“The universe wouldn’t work if it weren’t logical.

But as these images show, the universe is not only logical, it is also beautiful.”

“This is God’s creation being revealed to us, and in it we can see both His astonishing power and His love of beauty,” the Jesuit said.

The Vatican Observatory director also noted that “astronomy is a small field,” so he knows many of the scientists who helped build the instruments on the telescope and plan its observations.

Their years of effort, he said, “is a tribute to the power of the human spirit, what we can do when we work together.”

“And at the same time,” he said, “I am amazed and grateful that God has given us humans, His creation, the ability to see and understand what He has done.”

Pointing to the telescope’s “first spectrum of water vapor in the atmosphere of an exoplanet,” a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system, Brother Consolmagno reminded readers of one of his Jesuit-scientist predecessors.

“It was about 150 years ago when Father Angelo Secchi, S.J., put a prism in front of his telescope lens on the roof of the St. Ignatius Church in Rome, and made the first spectral measurements of the atmospheres of the planets in our own solar system,” he said. “I can only imagine how delighted he would be to see the science he pioneered applied to planets unknown to him orbiting distant stars.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PENNYBYRN FROM PAGE 5

mission leader and chairperson of the board. In the second year, the bishop will assign a representative from the diocese to work alongside Sister Lucy and the management team to learn more about Pennybyrn’s operations and culture. In the third year, the diocese’s representative will assume Sister Lucy’s pastoral duties with her staying on to assist.

Pennybyrn was founded in 1947 when the London-based sisters came to the Hennessy U.S., inspired by the kindness shown them

by American soldiers in Europe during World War II. Five pioneering sisters left their families, homeland and everything familiar to serve God and care for people in western North Carolina.

They purchased Penny House, originally built by George Penny in 1927 on Greensboro Road in High Point, and converted it into a convent and a convalescent center with 22 beds called

PARISH FROM PAGE 4

Valley so parishioners could choose their new church. One – an octagonal chapel of fieldstone – was chosen as the perfect complement to the mountain setting.

Fifty years later, St. Jude remains a closeknit and welcoming community.

“It’s a special place, it’s heaven,” said Judy Manasseri, who moved from upstate New York two decades ago to make her home in Sapphire Valley amid the Smoky Mountains.

Fellow parishioner Julie Flick agreed. “It’s just such a loving community.”

Maryfield. Their mission: to share God’s love by nursing the sick and comforting the dying.

Over the past seven decades Pennybyrn has grown into a 71-acre continuing care retirement community that encompasses 49 independent living cottages, 173 independent living apartments, 24 assisted living and 24 memory support apartments, a new transitional rehabilitation center, and a skilled nursing facility. Pennybyrn also includes a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel, where some 100 volunteers from neighboring parishes have taken turns (except during the pandemic) keeping vigil every day and night since the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 5, 1994.

“Pennybyrn has always been, and will remain, a dedicated Catholic apostolate serving the needs of people in the sunset of their lives,” Monsignor Winslow said. “It is well known for high-quality retirement living and has proven a regional draw because of its culture of caring and heritage of faith.”

The sisters continue in the tradition of their founder, Frances Taylor, who took the name of Mother Magdalen, caring for their residents with the help and guidance of a board of directors and ambassador council comprised of people from the community. Four sisters of the Poor

Servants of the Mother of God still live in Penny House, including Sister Lucy.

Originally from Limerick, Ireland, Sister Lucy has noted that the founding sisters “embarked on a journey of faith to come to an unknown place and serve a people they yet did not know. They truly had little of this world’s goods or even money in their possessions, but they had a heart filled with faith and with hope, and that is what made the difference.”

The sisters cooperated with God’s will through their obedience, generosity and dedication, Sister Lucy said, as did so many people in the community who stepped forward to help build and staff Pennybyrn over the years.

Pennybyrn has embraced new opportunities as the needs of the elder population have changed, Sister Lucy said. “Keeping before them all the time the spirit of our foundress, Mother Magdalen, to serve God always but not always in the same way.”

That dedication to caring has evolved into a new, vibrant retirement lifestyle and care for people of all faiths. Yet, as the sisters prepare to return to the United Kingdom, Sister Lucy noted, Pennybyrn’s mission remains the same as it did when the original sisters arrived on Nov. 14, 1947: “to demonstrate God’s love for those whose lives we touch.”

St. Jude Church was built in 1972 and features an octagonal design and fieldstone exterior.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the July 5 Mass and read about St. Jude Parish’s history

LIZ CHANDLER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

EUCARISTÍA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 11

dolor y del sacrificio. No hemos entendido que tu promesa de vida eterna implica pasar por el momento de la cruz y que, para ser verdaderos discípulos tuyos, necesitamos con todo nuestro corazón aceptar los momentos de cruz que vendrán a nuestro camino. Tú fuiste muy sincero cuando nos dijiste: “quien quiera ser mi discípulo, tome su cruz y sígame”, por desgracia son pocas las almas que entienden el valor redentivo del sufrimiento.

El Señor nos invita a tomar las Escrituras, a escudriñarlas de principio a fin para poder entenderte mejor y poder encontrar el camino perfecto hacia la salvación.

Una de las cosas más bellas que nos muestra el Señor, es que, aunque hubo dolor en tu vida también vino el momento de la Resurrección. Nos reafirma que era necesario que padeciera por nuestra salvación, y allí tenemos que encontrar nosotros el modo por el cual también resucitaremos con Él.

Uno de los grandes reclamos que nos hace el Señor en las Escrituras es el no conocerlo, San Juan Bautista lo proclama proféticamente cuando dice: Con ustedes está y no le conocen. Es necesario para todos nosotros los cristianos, volver a las Escrituras y permitir que nos hable nuevamente.

Señor, que no seamos tardos a tu voz, que escuchemos tus palabras suaves y hermosas que taladran nuestra alma para poder responder con un estilo de vida que nos lleve a la santidad. Que tu Santo Espíritu que es el autor e inspirador de las Escrituras haga arder nuevamente en nuestros corazones ese fuego que hizo arder en los corazones de sus discípulos el fuego de su amor, como preparación a saberte reconocer en la fracción del pan.

Ese fuego que descendió sobre los apóstoles en el día de Pentecostés y les dio fuerzas para salir sin miedo a predicar el Evangelio y sobre todo a testimoniarlo con una vida santa, llena de buenas obras, acciones y palabras.

Ese fuego, que sigue incendiando a la Iglesia para que nuevos movimientos nazcan, renueve el fervor en los fieles laicos que quieran seguir llevando la buena nueva a todas las naciones.

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

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July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

LOVE FROM PAGE 9

“In the final years of operation, we managed through with God’s help and the people’s support, Catholic and nonCatholic,” says Father Thomas, who had experienced significant stress in the effort to maintain the school with all lay faculty and assistants. The school remained open until Father Thomas’ pastorate at Our Lady of Consolation was completed in 1986.

Despite the challenges at the school, the parish community of Our Lady of Consolation was thriving – with a conscious effort to organize around the diocese’s new pastoral planning structures.

Enthusiasm for Black Catholic expressions in liturgy and music also brought about a growth in parishioner participation and in the welfare of the parish. The founding of the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir helped to express Black cultural and religious traditions.

Then Father Thomas took a sabbatical

Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

At the time, the Ecumenical Office of the Diocese of Charlotte was in place, and the Lutheran Synod of the ELCA and the Diocese of Charlotte had signed a covenant at the diocesan level. The diocesan Ecumenical Office encouraged every parish to develop this type of relationship with ELCA churches.

From that effort, St. Aloysius parishioners and Father Thomas developed a covenant with members of local ELCA churches. Lutheran Bishop Michael McDaniel, a professor of theology at Lenoir-Rhyne who founded the college’s Center for Theology, became a good friend, Father Thomas recalls. Bishop McDaniel often attended covenant events with Father Thomas and parishioners from the churches.

“We were able to establish the Thomas Aquinas/Luther Conference to discuss various aspects of theology on campus and among the Lutheran and Catholic parishes in the area. The covenant relationship for St. Aloysius was with the campus church of St. Andrew and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church,” he says. “We had a Liturgy of the Word at St. Aloysius, in which we

‘As I reflected on my experience as a priest of the diocese, I saw people who really loved the Church and what we were fashioning together.’ leave and studied in the Holy Land for a year. When he arrived, he went to the Church of All Nations next to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives.

There, he had a cathartic moment as he shared in the agony of Jesus. This brought healing, he recalls, and the remainder of his sabbatical was full of enlightenment, peace and rest.

“As I reflected on my experience as a priest of the diocese, I saw people who really loved the Church and what we were fashioning together. There was a lot of enthusiasm, and some clergy and women religious were very involved. It was exciting,” he says. “We could see the vision of the Second Vatican Council. I look back at all those experiences, and it burned me out, but it was a great burn. The fire of the Holy Spirit was moving all over the place throughout the diocese.”

When he returned from the Holy Land, the Code of Canon Law, which had been revised in 1983, had influenced the 19861987 Diocesan Synod. The structures that had been put in place to provide the communication within the diocese between the bishop, clergy, religious and lay faithful was less supported by the new laws. “I came back to a ‘revised’ Diocese of Charlotte,” says Father Thomas.

In 1987 Father Thomas was appointed pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory and as Catholic chaplain of Lenoir-Rhyne University. At St. Aloysius, he oversaw the planning and construction of a new church for the growing parish.

“My involvement with the building process was to listen very well and provide insights as needed as a member of the parish building committee. The people were very involved in the planning and construction. When the building was completed, we were able to dedicate it, and Bishop Michael Begley presided over the dedication in 1993. It was a wonderful time, it really was.”

During his 11 years as pastor in Hickory, Father Thomas and his parishioners developed an ecumenical relationship with two local churches of the Evangelical

read the covenant statement and added to the document the signatures of everyone present, which included parishioners from the ELCA churches. We pledged to pray, study and worship together as well as provide opportunities for community service.”

They even studied the Catechism of Catholic Church together.

“Because of the covenant, we could do that,” says Father Thomas.

When he completed his service as pastor of St. Aloysius in 1998, the third Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, William Curlin, appointed Father Thomas as Vicar for Priests. Because this role included concern for the well-being of diocesan priests, he became an advocate for them with the bishop. He served in this role for three years, while he also served as parochial administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson and its mission St. Frances of Rome in Sparta.

Then, in 2000, a new assignment: Bishop Curlin appointed him rector and pastor of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

After his term as Vicar for Priests ended in 2002, he was appointed vicar forane of the Asheville vicariate in 2003. He served in this role for 15 of the 18 years that he was rector and pastor at St. Lawrence. In 2018 – after four decades of active ministry – Father Thomas decided it was time to retire.

He chose to stay in Asheville and had hoped to remain active in retirement, yet challenges to his health coupled with the pandemic have limited his ability for continued ministry. However, this hasn’t diminished his concern for others. His heart for the well-being of brother priests continues as he stays in touch with them, offering his support and care.

“I want to be an encourager like St. Barnabas,” he says.

Father Thomas notes that he too has had the support of brother priests as well as lay people and his family, especially during the past two years of health challenges and the pandemic.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH WISDOM FROM THE PAST The current Synod on Synodality called

by Pope Francis brought to mind Father Thomas’ preparation for the 1979 Diocesan Assembly at St. James Parish in Concord.

For this, he called together various Catholic groups, including representatives of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Charismatic Renewal, Cursillo and Marriage Encounter.

“It was a vision of the Diocese of Charlotte, working together, all for the same story, the same Person and the same Spirit. It was such an eye-opener for those caught up in their own organizational structures. Before this, they couldn’t identify with one another as brothers and sisters in the faith,” he says.

In this gathering – just as in the recent diocesan Synod – people listened to each other in small groups to determine where in their mission statements they shared in the mission of the Church.

“They could see that they were connected to each other and moving in the same direction, which was evangelization, as Pope St. Paul VI outlined in his encyclical on evangelization at the time. We heard some very good witnesses and testimonies from people who were sometimes looked at ‘sideways’ by people in other groups, but that began to change through this process of listening and sharing.”

Father Thomas says he’s pleased that Pope Francis decided to hold the current synodal process for two years. He urges parishes to seek the opinion of the people not only in the parish but also on the periphery of society – socially, economically and otherwise.

“From that kind of gathering, it is possible that we would regain some of our own sense of being with and for one another,” he

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explains. “I’m hoping this synodal process will bring people of every walk of life into some conversation, like it did at St. James.”

Through all the joys and sorrows of his priestly vocation, Father Thomas’ personal relationship with Jesus has sustained him.

Mature in wisdom and grace, he has found both peace and perspective.

“As I look back through the years, and the relationships that have been forged, it has been a good ride, a really great journey with its ups and downs – literally here in the mountains!” he says with a laugh.

“I hope and pray the synodal process will rekindle some of the fervor of the early years of the Diocese of Charlotte’s formation, but all will be determined by the Holy Spirit and God’s will for us as we continue being witnesses to Christ Jesus in western North Carolina.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | July 22, 2022 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Deacon Matthew Newsome

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Abortion: Getting beyond the slogans

ith the historic Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 25 overturning Roe v. Wade, the landscape of the abortion debate in America has dramatically changed. This decision is undoubtedly a victory for the pro-life cause, for which the Catholic Church has been on the front line for nearly 50 years. But the fight is far from over.

The legal regulation of abortion now returns to state legislatures that must decide in each state, through the ordinary process of lawmaking, to what extent abortion will be permitted, if at all. That means we can expect the national conversation about abortion to intensify in the months and years to come.

It is more important now than ever for abortion opponents to engage abortion advocates with reason and charity to shine light on this issue. This will require us to move beyond the usual slogans. To do that well, I suggest three things: First, listen charitably. Second, affirm what is good. And third, return to the fact that abortion is the direct and intentional killing of an innocent human being. This last point is vital. As abortion is debated in the legislative bodies of our states, we must not lose sight of the basic truth of what abortion is.

In medical terminology, any procedure that removes an embryo or fetus from the womb is classified as an “abortion,” even if the child is already deceased. This is a fact I wish were more widely known; many women, grieving after a miscarriage, are shocked to receive a bill for an “abortion” from the hospital.

But laws prohibiting abortion simply do not apply to these procedures. They address only what are known as “elective abortions,” which are performed to end the life of a living preborn child. That is the “choice” prochoice advocates attempt to justify.

Pro-life advocates are frequently accused of not caring about mothers, or not caring about children after they are born. This talking point skirts around the issue of abortion altogether. Our response should be the same: Listen to their points, agree with what is good, and refocus on the truth of abortion. We should not deny that to be truly pro-life means caring for people at all stages, and sometimes people fail in this regard. The pro-life movement is huge, and not everyone who is against abortion is a saint. But the accusation that pro-life advocates in general care only about the unborn simply doesn’t ring true.

After affirming the importance of caring for

‘Ending the life of an innocent child is never the solution to any problem.

There is always a better way. Helping women in need to find that better way is a huge part of what it means to build a culture of life.’

For example, the most oft-repeated pro-choice slogan is “my body, my choice.” When we hear this shouted at us, it can be tempting to shout back something equally dismissive. But if we listen to what is being said and affirm what is good in the argument, we can then redirect the conversation to what abortion really means.

In the case of “my body, my choice,” we can affirm the good of bodily autonomy. We can agree that no one should be forced to have something done to their bodies against their will. Sexual assault and rape are prime examples of grave violations of bodily autonomy. Arguably the most extreme act against bodily autonomy is murder.

Now let’s apply this to abortion, which is an act of deadly violence against the body of a vulnerable and innocent child in the womb. Shouldn’t that child have the right to protection against assaults to his or her body?

Another slogan you’ll hear is “women’s rights are human rights.” It is easy to affirm the good in this statement. As a matter of justice, women should have the same rights as men. Our faith teaches us that both men and women are created in God’s image and, while different, are equal in dignity. Now let’s return to the truth of abortion. Why should equal rights for women require license for them to kill their unborn children? That’s a ghastly suggestion. And considering at least half of the 60 million babies who have died from abortion since 1973 have been female, it begs the question: Why don’t they have equal rights?

I’ve recently seen the argument that abortion is the prescribed treatment for women who suffer miscarriages, suggesting that women won’t be able to receive proper medical care if abortion is outlawed.

We should acknowledge the pain of the many women who suffer from pregnancies that fail through no fault of their own. These women need proper medical care, which often involves the removal of the deceased baby.

children, families and struggling mothers, it is an easy matter to illustrate how the pro-life movement has been doing this for decades. Here the Catholic Church really shines. The Church is arguably the largest prolife organization on the planet, and it’s also the world’s largest charitable organization.

All we have to do is point to the many Catholic hospitals, pregnancy care centers, homeless shelters, rehab centers, food pantries, women’s homes, and the charitable work done by groups such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus. But we don’t need to brag. The debate is not over how much charitable work pro-lifers perform, but about whether children in the womb deserve legal protection.

In addition to these common pro-choice talking points, we are likely to hear in the media stories relating the plight of women in crisis pregnancies, meant to evoke an emotional response of sympathy for legal abortion. Instead of turning a deaf ear to these accounts, we should do the same as I have outlined above. Listen with charity. Affirm the dignity of these women and the reality of their needs.

Women deserve equal rights. Struggling mothers need our support. The Catholic Church and other pro-life organizations already do so much to support families in need, but we can and must continue to do more. Ending the life of an innocent child is never the solution to any problem. There is always a better way.

That is the truth of abortion that we cannot lose sight of in the months and years to come. Helping women in need to find that better way is a huge part of what it means to build a culture of life.

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

April Parker

See clearly the banquet before us

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hat wonders await us here on Earth that we only have to open our eyes to see. Our time here on Earth is short, but the banquet Christ provides for us is a foretaste of the banquet to come. Yet, do we let our negative mindset shut the door of possibility or cloud our vision to the blessings before us here and now?

I have recently been reading an allegorical series in which the main characters finally make it to what, in their world, is considered Heaven. The characters are astounded by the beauty of the place and immediately begin looking around for all their friends and family members. Upon closer inspection, they find a small group of foes huddled together who seem not to be enjoying their surroundings. The main characters try to talk to this unfortunate group but quickly realize that what the foes are encountering is significantly different from what the main characters are experiencing in Heaven. When asked about their enjoyment of the blue sky and the beautiful fruit trees, the foes complain that they are in a room of darkness and cannot see these wonderful things, thus accusing the main characters of lying to them.

When finally God arrives, He shows the main characters that even now He is unable to reach the small woeful group because they have become so prideful, stubborn, determined, and resistant to their own wants and satisfactions that even when God places a beautiful banquet in front of them, they only taste rotten turnips and dirty water.

Aren’t we very much like this sometimes? We get so caught up in our desolation of not getting what we want, what we have prayed for, so determined that we must have these specific things or happiness cannot come, that we lose sight of the beauty or the banquet that is already before us. Desolation is, so much of the time, self-inflicted. We brood about what we want and cannot have or have been kept from. Our worries and grievances consume us. We are no longer able to see the good, the purpose, the divine plan.

It is times like these when we must realize that we are in desolation and need help opening our eyes to the beauty before us. We must ask ourselves, what has God blessed me with? This opens our eyes to our wonderful family surrounding us, a good job (even though we do not always enjoy it), financial well-being (even though it is never enough for us), and the basic needs we have that are met daily such as food, clothing, and a home to shelter us.

When I find myself in desolation – brooding over something I want or consumed by jealousy and anger – I look to my sweet daughter, who is a miracle for my husband and me. I look to my wonderful husband, who is committing to the journey of becoming a deacon in the Catholic Church. I look to my faith, my church, my steady job where I am living out my vocation, my simple but lovely home, and the resources that meet my family’s daily needs. Then I look up at the Carolina blue sky and the beauty of nature all around me. It is at times like these that I am reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I am right where God wants me to be. Even though the path to my own wants and desires does not seem to be progressing along at the speed I would like, I am truly where God wants me to be, just at the right point for His ultimate plan to be fulfilled within me.

Let our hearts not grow cold, as Jesus says in Matthew 24, but keep the warmth kindled to never miss the blessings around us each day. Remember, the things of this world will pass away (Matthew 24:34-35). Is the desolation we often find ourselves in related to something of this world or of Heaven? If it is of this world, let it not douse our flame for Christ and God’s ultimate plan for us. May our minds not be clouded, but our vision clear to look to the things of Heaven and partake heartily of the banquet before us.

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

July 22, 2022 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Bishop Robert Barron

Gun violence and the deep sadness of our teens

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ike every other reasonable person in our society, I’m worried sick about the phenomenon of gun violence, and I’m especially concerned about what it reveals regarding the status of young people, particularly young men. Time and again, disgruntled, angry, depressed, self-hating men – boys really – are the perpetrators of these awful crimes. As I write these words, images of Robert E. Crimo, the 21-yearold who has confessed to killing seven and wounding dozens more in Highland Park, Ill., are circulating on social media, and his face has burned itself into my mind. He just looks so lost – physically, psychologically and spiritually.

Now, I fully realize that Crimo is exceptional and so I don’t intend to extrapolate from him to all young people,

‘Precisely because they stand outside of anyone’s private experience, objective values can bring a plethora of people together in a common love and devotion.’ but evidence has been piling up for some time that youths, especially boys and young men, are suffering badly in our society.

To give just one example, Derek Thompson’s article “Youth mental health crisis,” in the April issue of the Atlantic, reveals that from 2009 to 2021, “feelings of sadness and hopelessness” among American teenagers rose, astonishingly, from 26 percent to 44 percent. And the increase in depression was consistent across all major categories among teens in all 50 states: male, female, black, white, LGBT, etc.

What is causing this drastic rise in unhappiness? There is, obviously, no one answer, for the issue is multivalent and complex, but Thompson hazards four suggestions: social media use, a related decrease in real social contact, the stressfulness of the world to which contemporary media are giving young people far greater access, and modern parenting strategies. All are interesting and worth exploring, but I would like to focus on just one of his explanations and then offer a rationale of my own.

Social media are making a lot of people – but especially young men and women – crazy and sad. Period. This is the case, first, because social media produce an obsession with body image, looks and popularity, and on the flip side, they give rise to a uniquely toxic atmosphere of judgmentalism, accusation and criticism. And what makes all of this

worse is that the devices that communicate social media were designed to be addictive. As a result, even those who admit that Instagram and Facebook are making them sad cannot stop themselves from logging on.

A closely related problem is that social media are so dominant in kids’ lives that they effectively supplant activities that naturally bring joy. The average young person spends five or six hours a day on social media, and as a consequence, Thompson says, “compared with their counterparts in the 2000s, today’s teens are less likely to go out with their friends, get their driver’s license, or play youth sports.”

As for my own explanation of the phenomenon of teen depression, I would emphasize a theme I have been talking about for years: the culture of self-invention. It is now a fundamental orthodoxy of the culture: Values – epistemic, moral and aesthetic – are generated from within one’s own subjectivity. In a word, each individual determines what is right and wrong, good and bad, beautiful or ugly. There is no “truth,” only my truth and your truth.

This attitude is disastrous both psychologically and spiritually, for it essentially locks a person into the narrow confines of his own range of experience.

It prevents her from moving outside of the tiny ambit of what she can imagine or hope for. The best moments in life, in point of fact, are those in which objective values – real truths, real moral absolutes, real beauty – break through the defensive shell of one’s own subjectivity and lift one up to the contemplation of something new, something that stands wonderfully beyond what one even thought possible.

More to it, objective goods connect us to one another. As long as we are under the tyranny of subjectivist relativism, we are each locked in the prison of our own psyches, perhaps tolerating one another from a distance, but experiencing no real bond. However, precisely because they stand outside of anyone’s private experience, objective values can bring a plethora of people together in a common love and devotion.

Contrast two images: the first of an angry, isolated teen insisting that the world respect his private conception of truth, and the second of a group of teens, joyfully giving themselves together to a common purpose, a common good.

In addressing the plague of gun violence in our country, I do indeed think that sensible legislation is called for. But there are far deeper moral and cultural issues that have to be addressed, most notably that of depression among our young people. Two simple suggestions: we should set limits to the amount of time teens are spending on social media, and we should introduce them, any way we can, to the world of objective values.

BISHOP ROBERT BARRON is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, online at www.wordonfire.org, where this commentary first appeared.

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