Nov. 24, 2023 by Catholic News Herald

November 24, 2023

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‘Keep a torch burning’ Guadalupe Torch Run devotion brings hope, unity

‘Mantén encendida la antorcha’ La devoción al recorrido de la antorcha Guadalupe trae esperanza y unidad

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Shelby parishioners build Habitat home for single mother and her children

Conferencia reunió a catequistas de 50 parroquias

9, 19

With support from Diocese of Charlotte, the ‘Church is alive’ in Congo 10

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Volume 33 • NUMBER 4

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

ifts are a major focus this time of year as we move from Thanksgiving into Christmas preparations. As Catholics, we believe everything – spiritual and material – is a gift from God, even those tougher times in life, as they often draw us closer to Him. In response to His generosity, we give our lives to others through our vocations as we journey on our paths to holiness. God even bestows us with His grace, the gift of His divine life within us, to help us along the way. In addition to the sacraments, here are a few timely ways to receive and be a conduit of this grace. ASK OUR LADY FOR GRACES Nov. 27 is the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, or Our Lady of Grace, the title of the Blessed Mother that St. Catherine Labouré helped spread devotion to in 19th-century France. Per Our Lady’s request, St. Catherine had a medal struck in the way the Blessed Mother appeared to her in 1830 – with rays of light emitting from rings on her fingers. Our Lady told St. Catherine the rings not emitting light represented unasked-for graces – or gifts from God. To unlock these graces for yourself and others, pray the rosary and other Marian prayers like the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal novena. You can teach young Catholics to unlock special graces with Gather and Pray’s Montessori-inspired rosary board, a great holiday gift idea.

INDEX Contact us.....................................2 Español....................................... 18-21 Our Diocese.............................. 4-11 Our Faith........................................3 Our Schools................................. 12 Scripture................................. 3, 21 U.S. news................................22-23 Viewpoints.............................26-27 World news............................ 24-25

BE LIKE ST. NICHOLAS Children around the world celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas by placing a shoe by the hearth, window or door on the eve of the Dec. 6 celebration for a gift of chocolate coins, candy canes, oranges and other treats. Encourage the children in your life to be like St. Nicholas and secretly do something kind for a sibling or friend on this day. Adults can take part in this, too. If you decide to give something tangible, you can find beautiful St. Nicholas wrapping paper, stationery and more at the Shower of Roses Shoppe on zazzle.com.

STAFF EDITOR: Spencer K. M. Brown 704-808-4528, skmbrown@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@charlottediocese.org EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@charlottediocese.org Annie Ferguson 704-370-3404, arferguson@charlottediocese.org Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@charlottediocese.org Christina Knauss, 704-370-0783, clknauss@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

GIVE WITH WORDS Right after St. Nicholas’ feast day comes that of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who also was extremely generous, giving all his land and money to the poor. Legend has it that a swarm of bees landed on St. Ambrose as an infant, leaving a drop of honey on his face. His father took this to mean that his son had the gift of speech. Known for his eloquence and as the “honey-tongued Doctor of the Church,” he must have said something good to help convert the famously wayward St. Augustine. Be like St. Ambrose and sweeten someone’s day Dec. 7 with words of wisdom and kindness or fill a stocking with pure St. Ambrose Honey from www.stambrosehoney.com.

— Annie Ferguson

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@charlottediocese.org ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $16.75 per year for registered families of the Diocese of Charlotte and $25 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 ESPAÑOL HORA SANTA: 7-8 p.m. Todos los jueves del mes con excepción de los primeros jueves. En la Capilla del segundo piso, Family Life Center en St. Patrick, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. PRAYER SERVICES ADVENT RETREAT: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays from Nov. 29- Dec. 19, in the Parish Life Center at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. As we prayerfully await the coming of Jesus, you are invited to join the lgnatian Spirituality Community for four weeks of prayer, meditation, and reflection. As in previous years, the group will take you on a daily retreat of Scripture readings to meditate and reflect on the mystery of Jesus’ birth. For information, contact Rita Norvez at 704-609-2529 or ritanorvez@ gmail.com. ADVENT BILINGUAL PRAISE & WORSHIP EVENT: Spend time with Jesus this Advent at a Bilingual Praise & Worship Music event featuring Adoration, with John Finch and Nico Cabrera. This event,

presented by the Ecumenism Commission and the Latino Ministry, is free. A love offering will be available, with proceeds to benefit the Christian Mission. MARCH FOR LIFE IN CHARLOTTE: Save the date for the 2024 March for Life Charlotte, Friday, Jan. 12. The march will start at noon from the Diocesan Pastoral Center (1123 S. Church St., Charlotte) and continue to Independence Square in uptown Charlotte, where pro-life speeches and prayers will be held. For more information, go to www.marchforlifecharlotte.com. SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL RETREAT ‘HEALING AFTER ABORTION’: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Find healing and support in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at a Rachel Retreat weekend. These retreats are offered by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Family Life Office for men and women, in English and Spanish. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3229.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: NOV. 30 – 10 A.M. Pastoral Planning Meeting with Our Lady of the Highways Pastoral Center, Charlotte DEC. 5 – 1 P.M. Priests’ Advent Dinner Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

Our faith

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Pope Francis

‘This is the right moment’ to share Gospel joy

Advent 2023

his year, the holy season of Advent begins on Sunday, Dec. 3. Most Catholics know that Advent involves a wreath with candles, possibly a calendar of hidden chocolates, and untangling strings of Christmas lights. But Advent is much more than that. Here are a few details to help deepen your Advent season this year:

WHAT IS ADVENT?

The people of Israel waited for generations for the promised Messiah to arrive. Their poetry, their songs and stories, and their religious worship focused on an awaited savior, who God had promised would come to them to set them free from captivity and lead them to the fulfillment of all that God had chosen for them. Israel longed for a Messiah, and John the Baptist, who came before Jesus, promised that the Messiah was coming and could be found in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Advent is a season in the Church’s

life intended to renew the experience of waiting and longing for the Messiah. Though Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply in our lives, and to renew our desire for Christ’s triumphant second coming into the world. Advent is the time in which we prepare for Christmas, the memorial of Jesus Christ being born into the world. Preparations are practical, like decorating a tree or stringing lights, but they’re also intended to be spiritual. During Advent, we’re invited to enter more frequently into silence, into prayer and reflection, into Scripture, and into the sacramental life of the Church, all to prepare for celebrating Christmas. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the goal of Advent is to make present for ourselves and our families the “ancient expectancy of the Messiah ... by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming.”

“Advent” comes from the Latin ad+venire, which means, essentially, “To come to” or “to come toward.” Ad+venire is the root of the Latin “adventus,” which means “arrival.” So Advent is the season of arrival: The arrival of Christ in our hearts, in the world, and into God’s extraordinary plan for our salvation.

SO, IT’S FOUR WEEKS LONG?

Advent is a slightly different length each year. It starts four Sundays before Christmas. But because Christmas is on a fixed date, and so could fall on different days of the week, Advent can be as short as three weeks and a day, or as long as four weeks. Is Advent the “new year”? Advent is before Christmas. What’s the deal? The Church’s feasts and celebrations run on a year-long cycle, which we call the “liturgical year.” The “liturgical year” starts on the first Sunday of Advent. So it’s a new liturgical year

WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘ADVENT’ MEAN?

ADVENT, SEE PAGE 28

Daily Scripture readings NOV. 26-DEC. 2

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe): Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28, Matthew 25:31-46; Monday: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday: Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, Daniel 3:62-67, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Friday: Daniel 7:214, Daniel 3:75-81, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday: Daniel 7:15-27, Daniel 3:82-87, Luke 21:34-36

DEC. 3-9

Sunday: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:33-37; Monday (St. John Damascene): Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 8:5-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday (St. Nicholas): Isaiah 25:6-10a, Matthew 15:29-37; Thursday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Saturday (San Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin): Isaiah 30:1921, 23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8;

DEC. 10-16

Sunday: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8; Monday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:17-26; Tuesday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:1819, Luke 1:26-38; Wednesday (St. Lucy): Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30; Thursday (St. John of the Cross): Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday: Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17-9a, 10-13

ften enough, the first people who need to be evangelized are Christians themselves, Pope Francis said. “A Christian who is discontented, sad, dissatisfied, or worse still, resentful or rancorous, is not credible” and will not attract anyone to a relationship with Jesus and a life of faith, the pope said Nov. 15 at his weekly general audience. After almost a year of audience talks about “zeal for evangelization” and highlighting the example of saints and other exemplary men and women from around the world, Pope Francis said his last talks in the series would focus on four points from his 2013 apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel.” The first point was the essential role of joy in the life of Christians and in their ability to share the Gospel with others. “The Gospel is not an ideology; the Gospel is a proclamation of joy,” he said. “All ideologies are cold, but the Gospel has the warmth of joy. Ideologies don’t make people smile, but the Gospel is a smile. It makes you smile because it touches your soul with the Good News.” Saying the first people who need to be evangelized are Christians themselves, the pope asked those gathered for the audience to reflect on how well they preserve and share the joy of knowing that God sent His Son into the world, that Jesus loves each person always, that He offered His life out of love and wants to give each person eternal life. Especially in places where it seems most people are not interested in religion, he said, Christians must recognize that “humanity abounds with brothers and sisters waiting for a word of hope.” People are waiting to hear the Gospel message “even today,” the pope said. “People of all times need it, even the civilization of programmed unbelief and institutionalized secularity; indeed, especially the society that leaves the spaces of religious meaning deserted. This is the right moment for the proclamation of Jesus.” Through a relationship with Jesus, “joy is always born and reborn. Don’t forget this,” he said. “And if any of us do not perceive this joy, let us ask ourselves whether we have found Jesus.” Pope Francis said, “Today each one of us should take a bit of time and think: Jesus, You are within me. I want to encounter You each day. You are a person, not an idea. You are a companion on the journey, not a program. You are love that resolves so many problems. You are the starting point of evangelization. You, Jesus, are the source of joy.” — OSV News

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief Holy Family Columbiettes, Seton Guild raise funds for local community CLEMMONS — The biannual bake sales by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Guild and Columbiettes 9499 of Holy Family Parish have become something special for the local community. Not only are the treats sweet, but the bake sales have raised more than $26,000 since their beginning in 2006. The money raised is split between the Clemmons Food Pantry and Meals for Morgan backpack program. Pictured are Ellen Tommasi from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Guild and Paula Griffin from the Columbiettes presenting a $1,034 check to Michael Sullivan from the Clemmons Food Pantry.

(Left) Roxanna Homic, a member of St. Mark Parish, and her daughter carry a candle of remembrance during the Mass of Consolation at St. Mark Church in Huntersville on Nov. 18. The special Mass was offered for families who have suffered the loss of a child because of miscarriage or stillbirth. (Above) People who attended the Mass of Consolation were invited to take a candle from a cross of lighted candles displayed in front of the altar.

— Spencer K.M. Brown

St. Ann’s home school ministry organizes prayers at cemetery for poor souls in purgatory BELMONT — Father Brad Jones, parochial vicar at St. Ann Parish, led prayers for the poor souls in purgatory at Belmont Abbey Cemetery Nov. 5. The event was organized by St. Ann Home School Ministry to enable the faithful to obtain plenary indulgences for the poor souls in purgatory, which the Church offers each day to those who visit a cemetery and pray for the deceased from Nov. 1-8. Afterwards the ministry offered treats and “soul cakes” to attendees. — Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

St. Michael celebrates first anniversary of ministry for girls GASTONIA — On Nov. 5, Father Lucas Rossi, pastor of St. Michael Parish, celebrated the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ first year of service to the parish with a special blessing at the 9 a.m. Mass. Now numbering more than 20 members, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a ministry for teen girls that focuses on bringing them closer to God. They assist the church’s sacristans in setting up for Mass each day, replace votive candles, and refill holy water fonts, enabling them to remain in close proximity to Our Lord in the Tabernacle. They also grow closer to Him spiritually through monthly formation meetings led by members of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother. The goal is to create a reverent and holy environment that will allow each participant to develop a personal relationship with Christ while also fostering an environment for them to discern a vocation to consecrated life. Their mothers are also active participants in this ministry, serving as leaders for the daily Mass teams. The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus welcomes girls who have received first Holy Communion. Monthly meetings are held the first Sunday of each month after the 9 a.m. Mass. For details, contact the parish office at 704-867-6212. — Deacon Bill Melton

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

‘United in hope’ First Mass of Consolation offered in Diocese of Charlotte CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org

HUNTERSVILLE — A cross made of softly flickering white candles glowed in front of the altar at St. Mark Church Saturday morning during a special Mass offered for families who have suffered the loss of a child because of miscarriage or stillbirth. The Mass of Consolation, a first for the Diocese of Charlotte, offered people an opportunity to find solace in prayer and fellowship. The event was co-sponsored by the Respect Life Ministry at St. Mark and the diocese’s Office of Family Life. Deacon Thomas Martin and his wife, Heather Martin, who have experienced the loss of three babies to miscarriage, were the main organizers of the event. The Martins said the Mass gave parents and families an important chance to publicly acknowledge grief and losses that not too long ago were not often mentioned outside the circle of family. “I want people to know that it is OK to grieve because you have lost a child you loved, it is OK and a good thing to name these children, and it is OK to talk about it openly and with others,” Deacon Martin said. The bilingual Mass was celebrated by Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, who gave his homily in both English and Spanish. “I want to entrust all of you to the mantle of the Blessed Mother because she brings consolation to the afflicted and she experienced sorrow during her life,” he said. “We approach today clinging to the hope

and mercy of God for the salvation of the children who have died. Turn to the Lord always through the tribulation of loss.” Parents and family members wrote their babies’ names in a book of remembrance and were able to select one of the candles from those in front of the altar to take home. Jerry Massimino, 82, a parishioner at St. Mark, attended the Mass to honor the memory of an older sibling he never knew. He recalled how as a boy growing up in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, N.Y., his mother told him that she had gone through a miscarriage before he was born. “I’ve always thought about what my mother experienced and had wished that I had a big sister in my life,” Massimino said. “I don’t know if the baby my mother lost was a girl, but all my life I had wanted a sister. This Mass helped me tremendously because it was a way to honor both my mother and the baby she lost.” He was especially moved that the Mass included a rendition of “Ave Maria” because that was his mother’s favorite hymn. Roxanna Homic, also a member of St. Mark Parish, attended with her husband and daughter and said she was moved by the beauty of the Mass and the chance to mourn with others. “This helped me because it is good to know we are not alone in our situation,” Homic said. “I gained consolation in knowing we’re united with so many others who have gone through this. We are united in hope that our babies are in heaven.” The Martins said there are plans to make the Mass of Consolation an annual event. “This Mass is an important chance for people to share their grief and begin healing, and it lets people who have experienced miscarriage know they’re not alone,” Heather Martin said.

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Give Catholic this ‘Giving Tuesday’ KIMBERLY BENDER kdbender@charlottediocese.org

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is gearing up for the holidays. Donations are needed for clients across the diocese, with basic necessities such as food, diapers, toiletries, and warm clothing at the top of the list.

Catholic Charities seeks essential donations this holiday season CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — As the holiday season approaches, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is taking stock of what clients need, and basic necessities such as food, diapers, toiletries and warm clothing are at the top of the list, agency directors say.

CHARLOTTE AREA

The Charlotte area has ongoing needs that especially come into focus at the holiday season, says Debra Lemmon, regional director for the agency’s Charlotte office. The refugee resettlement program is seeing record growth and needs winter coats, jackets and hats for adults and children Catholic Charities to give to new arrivals who helped almost 15,000 might not have necessary winter people of all ages apparel. Household items such across the 46 counties as linens and small kitchen in the diocese last appliances are needed to help year through more newcomers settle into their new than a dozen services homes this holiday. and programs to Gift cards for Wal-Mart, Target, strengthen families, Amazon and other popular build communities retailers are helpful both for the and reduce poverty refugee program and Catholic – including food Charities’ Direct Assistance pantries, mental programs in Charlotte. Canned health counseling and goods for holiday meals are also veterans services. needed for the Charlotte food Find ways to help pantry, which operates from 10 and donate to Catholic Charities at www.ccdoc. a.m. to noon Tuesdays, and 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. org/give. The Charlotte office works closely with local parishes and schools to coordinate donation efforts to support families and people in need over the holidays, Lemmon said. To determine if Catholic Charities is participating in your parish or school’s giving or Angel Tree program,

The impact of your support

check your parish bulletin or school newsletter. Donors can reach out to the agency directly at 704-370-3262.

ASHEVILLE AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Daily necessities such as diapers and canned goods are the biggest need in Western North Carolina, according to Jesse Boeckermann, director for the agency’s western regional office. “With the high prices of housing and food through all the inflation we’ve experienced over the last three years, food is always a need,” Boeckermann said. “Diapers, toiletries and other necessities that most people take for granted are also in need because people can’t use SNAP benefits to pay for non-food items.” He said the demand for food and diapers from families living in his area is up this year over last year, with about 40 families per week coming to the Asheville food pantry, open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Donations of food, diapers and toiletries can be dropped off Monday-Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or by appointment to 50 Orange St. in Asheville. Call 828-2550146 for more information or to schedule a drop-off time.

WINSTON-SALEM AND TRIAD AREA

Financial donations to help with food, diapers and other supplies are also needed for Catholic Charities’ WinstonSalem office, located at 1612 East 14th St. The location also staffs a weekly food pantry from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays. To arrange a drop-off, call 828-255-0146.

FINANCIAL GIFTS

Another way to help that is always much appreciated – and useful to meet emergency needs that Catholic Charities’ food pantries cannot supply – is monetary donations, including through participation in the #iGiveCatholic campaign. Donations stay local depending on the ZIP code designated online or on a donor’s check. To donate securely online, go to www.ccdoc.org/give. You can also mail donations to: Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. For inquiries, contact Virginia Garramone, director of development, at 704-370-3349.

CHARLOTTE — As Advent quickly approaches, so does a day of great generosity. Reserve some money from shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give to Catholic-related charitable efforts on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Giving Tuesday.” Catholics can focus their charitable giving on this day in numerous ways. Campaigns such as #iGiveCatholic, originally launched in 2015 as a 24-hour fundraiser to benefit the Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, have grown into a broader social media movement that resonates with people who want to combat the commercialization and consumerism that have attempted to overtake the true meaning of Christmas. This year the Diocese of Charlotte is highlighting 11 opportunities to give through the website www. igivecatholic.org: Asheville Catholic School, Charlotte Catholic High School, Christ the King High School in Huntersville, Holy Angels in Belmont, Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, St. Mark Church in Huntersville, St. Michael Church in Gastonia, and Catholic Charities. There are several other local Catholic-related charitable efforts you can consider giving to this season, too. This year St. Joseph College Seminary is raising funds to build a Marian grotto near a creek on its Mount Holly property. Spearheaded by a volunteer group of Catholic students at the University of North CarolinaCharlotte, the grotto would include a bench area and a statue. The volunteers are helping to design a grotto with a small environmental footprint, a drainage area along the footpaths, and a pond for water runoff. To donate to this project, visit www.stjcs.org/donation. Also consider Holy Angels in Belmont, whose mission is to provide compassionate, dependable care and opportunities to people with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. This year Holy Angels is aiming to raise $50,000 to purchase a passenger van for its new Life Choices program. Find out more and donate at www.holyangelsnc.org/donate. Another option is the Airport Chaplaincy at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While the chaplaincy is non-denominational in its mission to serve airport travelers and employees, deacons of the diocese are closely involved in its work. Chaplains provide support and assistance to thousands of people who travel and work at the airport, one of the nation’s busiest. Consider donating to this ministry by going online to www.cltairportchapel.org. Other options to “give Catholic” on Giving Tuesday include: n Catholic Campus Ministry n Catholic Schools n Catholic Conference Center improvements n Charlotte Catholic High School’s capital campaign n Christ the King High School’s capital campaign n 2023 Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) n Eucharistic Congress n Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection n Seminarian Education n Donate a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift to your parish Find links to donate at: www.charlottediocese.org/ giving.

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Retired counselor Sister Eileen McLoughlin, 94, passes away PHILADELPHIA — Sister Eileen McLoughlin, professed with the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. She was 94. A funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity Motherhouse in Philadelphia. A memorial Mass will be offered at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte (main church). McLoughlin She was born Eileen Catherine McLoughlin to John and Elizabeth Fanning McLoughlin on July 30, 1929, in Jersey City, N.J. She entered the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity on Aug. 5, 1950, and initially took the name “Sister Ignatius Eileen.” She professed her final vows on March 25, 1955. During her 70 years as a consecrated religious, Sister Eileen served in Bethany, Okla.; Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Greensburg, Pa.; Mobile, Ala.; Lorain, Ohio; Stirling, N.J.; and Charlotte. Her first mission was to St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Oklahoma, where she and 10 other sisters took care of more than 140 children. Later she served in Alabama, where she opened a free seasonal daycare for migrant children after she learned of an infant’s death from heat exposure while the mother worked in the potato fields. The program, staffed by volunteers, lasted for more than 20 years. In 1987 she began her ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, working as a drug/alcohol counselor for Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte) and then at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte. For more than 30 years, she counseled people in need – alcoholics, addicts, people grieving the loss of a loved one, and many others desperately searching for help – sharing the healing power of hope and the message that God loves them. After 20 years of diocesan service, and serving three years in Philadelphia, she founded the counseling services office in 2006 at St. Matthew Parish. There she established 12-step programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, as well as Alateen, Codependents Anonymous and Food Addicts in Recovery, among other efforts. In 2018, she retired and moved back to the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity Motherhouse in Philadelphia, where she continued to serve as a volunteer counselor to the sisters at Wesley Enhanced Living. — Catholic News Herald

Former St. Mark pastor Msgr. Bellow dies at 80 HUNTERSVILLE — Monsignor Richard Bellow, a retired priest of the Diocese of Charlotte known for his gentleness and love of the Eucharist, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. He was 80 years old, and he had served in priestly ministry for 53 years. A Vigil will take place 4-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at St. Mark Catholic Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Interment will follow at Belmont Abbey Cemetery. Before retiring in 2013, Monsignor Bellow served for nine years as pastor of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, where he helped guide the construction of a new church building that was dedicated in 2009, fulfilling a long-standing dream for parishioners in Huntersville. Also under his leadership, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration was inaugurated at the parish in 2011, and the Adoration Chapel was later renamed in his honor. “If God wants me to be remembered for one thing, that’s what I want to be remembered for: being the pastor here when God did this good work in us,” he told the Catholic News Herald in 2013. Most recently, St. Mark Parish honored its former pastor by naming a prayer garden in his honor. He was also present for St. Mark School’s 20th anniversary celebrations in October. “In reflecting upon these last few years, I’ve also come to realize how much Monsignor Bellow did to make St. Mark what it is today,” said Father John Putnam, the current pastor of St. Mark. “Besides building the church building, a monumental task, he opened the Adoration Chapel. This, I believe, has made all the difference in the world to the life of this parish.” Monsignor Bellow was born on Aug. 11, 1943, in the Bronx, New York, the son of the late Samuel and Antoinette (Bica) Bellow. He received his education from St. Francis Seminary, Staten Island, N.Y.; St. Hyacinth College & Seminary, Granby, Mass.; and the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a master’s degree in psychology. Ordained on May 30, 1970, Monsignor Bellow began his ministry as a Franciscan priest, teaching religion at a Catholic high school in Pittsburgh and serving at parishes in New Jersey and upstate New York before serving as director of St. Francis Seminary in Staten Island, N.Y. Then in 1987, he made the move to the Diocese of Charlotte, to be closer to his ailing mother. His first assignment in the diocese was as pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte. After 10 years, he moved to serve alongside Father Edward Sheridan at St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte – one of the largest parishes in the diocese – before he was assigned to the growing St. Mark Parish community. Many of the sacred items that adorn the sanctuary of the Huntersville church are from the Franciscan seminary where Monsignor Bellow had received his formation. “Monsignor Bellow was a fervent and apostolic priest,” said Father Sheridan. “He was a Franciscan at one time and always carried the Franciscan spirit into his daily life.” He was known as “Father Richard” to many – that is, until 2002, when on the Feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4, then-Bishop William Curlin conferred on him the title of “Chaplain of His Holiness.” This title of distinction, given by the pope in recognition of a priest’s service to the Church, enables a cleric to be called

Monsignor Richard Bellow, who passed away Nov. 13, was known for his sense of humor, gentle nature and love of the Eucharist. He enjoyed spending time with the students of St. Mark School as its dean and dressed up as St. Nicholas to celebrate the feast day. PHOTOS BY AMY BURGER AND TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Monsignor.” Monsignor Bellow was also known for staying active in his retirement, even serving as the dean of St. Mark School for some of those years. “Monsignor was a bright light for students, staff and parents alike at St. Mark Catholic School,” said Principal Julie Thornley. “He is remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his ‘Friday calisthenics,’ and telling the students during his school Mass homilies that God loves them all the time.” Thornley noted that students enjoyed having ‘Father Richard’ visit their classrooms and listening to his stories of his family as well as the calming presence of his dog Casey, who was always at his side. “For all staff members alike, he was a spiritual guide and comfort through life’s challenging times,” she added. “His

legacy in this faith community will be forever etched in the hearts of all students, parents and staff.” Until his passing, he offered Mass most every Saturday for Catholic residents of Arbor Ridge, the senior living community in Huntersville where he lived. He also offered Mass on Sundays at Williams Place in Davidson, lending a listening ear to those who needed it. When residents at Arbor Ridge died, he made sure to attend the funeral or memorial services – for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. “He was a man who loved people and loved a good party. He was a good and faithful priest,” Father Putnam said. “When I saw him the day before he passed, he simply said, ‘I’m ready.’ I hope that I can say that with confidence when my time comes.” BELLOW, SEE PAGE 28

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Retired St. Leo pastor, Father Brian Cook, passes away CLEMMONS — Father Brian Joseph Cook died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in his beloved “Clemmons Cabin,” surrounded by loving friends. He was 67 and had served as a priest for nearly 38 years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons at noon Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, preceded by a viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parish’s Holy Spirit Chapel. A committal service date at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., is to be determined. Father Cook was born the youngest of six children on May 16, 1956, to John Bernard and Elizabeth Stanley Cook and raised in the Washington, D.C., area. Cook He graduated from Gonzaga College High School, Marquette University, and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. While growing up in Takoma Park, Md., he met a young parish priest who was later to become the third Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte: William G. Curlin. Then-Father Curlin had a profound influence on the young boy’s life, inspiring him to later become a priest. He was ordained by Cardinal James Hickey on Dec. 7, 1985, for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Then-Monsignor Curlin preached at his first Mass the following day. Father Cook recounted the homily in a 2020 interview with the Catholic News Herald: “He looked out at the congregation and said, ‘Father, there is your family. Love your people. If you love your people, they will do anything for the Church and they will do anything for you. If you do not love your people, they will not cross the street to say hello.’ That has

always stuck with me. Certainly in my ministry I have tried to love whatever congregation I am serving.” Father Cook devoted much of his life to working with the sick, first in healthcare and later as a priest. In the Washington area he worked as a paramedic, then later in respiratory therapy in a hospital, and then ministering as a priest to the sick and dying in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities. He served in several parishes in the Washington Archdiocese, yet among his most treasured assignments was assisting PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAITHHEALTH.ORG then-Monsignor Curlin at Gift Father Brian Cook is pictured with retired Brig. Gen. Alfred Esposito of Peace, Mother Teresa and the at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in 2015. He treasured his Missionaries of Charity’s home time spent in ministry to the sick and dying. for people dying of AIDS. At that time, there was no treatment for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. He disease, and his experience there had a retired from active ministry in 2020. lasting impact on him. Father Cook enjoyed all aspects of He considered ministry to the sick and ministry, but he most treasured his time dying among his most important work as instructing the students of St. Leo Catholic a priest, and later in life, that experience School during Friday Masses, offering gave him a new appreciation as he began guidance to those in crisis, and ministering suffering health problems himself. “When to the sick and dying at Wake Forest the tables are turned and it is you in the Baptist Medical Center. hospital bed and you see the smiling face of A passionate outdoorsman, he loved annual a priest, a deacon or a Eucharistic minister trips to Wyoming and Montana for hikes, coming around the corner to bring you fly fishing lessons on the Yellowstone River the gift of the Eucharist or provide the and long walks at Tanglewood Park with his anointing of the sick, I can’t tell you what beloved dogs Abigail, Marigold, Daisy and power that sacrament has,” he said. Gracie Mae. He loved all Washington, D.C., After Bishop Curlin was appointed Bishop and Maryland college and professional sports, of Charlotte, he invited Father Cook in 2002 was a lifelong student of United States history, to serve as parochial vicar of Holy Family and was a voracious reader. Catholic Parish in Clemmons. In 2007, Father Cook was appointed pastor of St. Leo the Great Catholic Parish in WinstonSalem by Bishop Peter J. Jugis. Father Cook also served on the Board of Directors for

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MOUNT ST. MARY’S SEMINARY

Nine Charlotte seminarians instituted as acolytes CINCINNATI — Nine of the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarians became acolytes during a special Mass Nov. 8 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, where they are studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood. Seminarians receiving the ministry were: Clement Akerblom, Robert Bauman, Michael Camilleri, John Cuppett, Maximilian Frei, Bryan Ilagor, Bradley Loftin, Michael Lugo and Peter Townsend. Seminarians from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Diocese of Toledo also became acolytes. Ministry of the Acolyte is one of three formal steps required by the Church to becoming ordained a transitional deacon and later into the priesthood. The new acolytes will assist the deacon and priest at Mass and distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister. The role of acolyte is now a lay ministry, but it continues to be an important step in preparing men for ordination as a priest or deacon.

In his final days, Father Cook sent a message of hope and uplift to family and friends: “Whether I have had the privilege of knowing and loving you for many years as either family or friends, please know how wonderful it has been to share this journey with you. I trust implicitly in God’s love and mercy and believe that it is present for both you and me. St. Therese told us that she would spend her heaven doing good on earth, I pray that I will have the same opportunity to do so for you who have been so good to me. Please know that I carry you and yours in my heart and in my prayers.” Father Cook was preceded in death by his parents, John Bernard and Elizabeth Stanley Cook; and his sisters, Sister Catherine Cook of the Poor Clares and Mary Anne Clancy. He is survived by his siblings James (Rita) Cook, Carolyn (Kevin) O’Brien and Thomas (Carol) Cook; several nieces and nephews; and the hundreds of friends, parishioners, and patients to whom he loved and ministered. Father Cook’s family and friends wish to thank the doctors and nurses of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, under the extraordinary guidance and management of Dr. Francis X. O’Brien, for their 16year commitment of care of Father Cook. Dr. O’Brien created, coordinated and monitored a complex healthcare plan which allowed for an exceptional quality of life. May God bless and reward you all. Salem Funeral and Cremation Services in Winston-Salem is in charge of the arrangements. — Catholic News Herald

Do You Have a Donor Advised Fund? Your parish, Catholic school, Catholic ministry, the Diocese of Charlotte, or the diocesan foundation are qualified charities eligible to receive grants from Donor Advised Funds. Your DAF grant can be restricted for offertory, campaigns, programs, or the DSA. Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

For more information contact: Gina Rhodes, gmrhodes@rcdoc.org or (704) 370-3364.

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Benedict the Moor Church receives historic landmark ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

WINSTON-SALEM — One of four historically African American churches in the Diocese of Charlotte was honored with a historic marker Saturday. St. Benedict the Moor Church received the historic marker from the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission Nov. 18. It joins a select number of Catholic churches in North Carolina recognized by a state or local government for their historic importance. During a special ceremony Nov. 18 to unveil the marker, St. Benedict’s pastor, Father Melchesideck Yumo, and parishioners gathered inside the church to give thanks to God for the special occasion. After the invocation and singing of the hymn “Come By Here,” Chenita Johnson from the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission gave the opening remarks. “Our markers help our residents to remember and to learn about important parts of our collective history, and this includes the specific places and history of those places which should never be forgotten,” Johnson said. “Today we celebrate St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, which was established in 1940 to serve Winston-Salem’s African American Catholics who were not especially welcomed in the local Catholic churches at the time.” Until the 1950s and 1960s, harsh “Jim Crow” laws mandated segregation in public spaces, schools, transportation and other places throughout the South including North Carolina – preventing Catholic Church leaders from offering integrated worship. Churches like St. Benedict the Moor and its accompanying parochial school were built to meet the needs of Black Catholics and accommodate the growing Catholic population during and after World War II. Harold Holmes, chairperson of St. Benedict the Moor’s parish council, also spoke during the ceremony. “The founding families in the 1940s would be extremely proud to learn of the resiliency and commitment to

Parishioners of St. Benedict the Moor admire the parish’s new historic landmark with their pastor, Father Melchesideck Yumo. ANNIE FERGUSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

faith that has brought us this wonderful moment of recognition,” Holmes said. St. Benedict the Moor, a Franciscan friar, is the patron saint of African Americans. Franciscan priests ministered at the parish from its founding in 1940 until 1966. Since then, the parish has been staffed by Jesuit priests, diocesan clergy and, most recently, priests from Cameroon, Holmes noted. Parishioner and St. Benedict School alumnus Cedric Russell also spoke, along with Gloria Wilson and Dr. Betty Alexander, members of the St. Benedict History Committee. Wilson noted the contributions of the parish’s committee members, who went through digital and print records, including parish bulletins, letters from priests, and letters written by the religious sisters who

ran St. Benedict the Moor School. She also commended Alexander’s role as chairperson and her keen ability to keep the group focused and on task. “St. Benedict the Moor is an historic place of worship that has served as a pillar for Black spirituality, culture and a community center for decades in Winston-Salem’s East Winston community,” said Rosheene Adams, director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s African American Affairs Ministry, in comments before the event. “Black churches have stood at the center of the African American experience and are a living testament to the achievements and resiliency of generations in the face of turbulence and a racialized, unbalanced society. What an honor to be bestowed this special honor from the city.” After the ceremony, the congregation processed outside to the veiled historic marker. Father Yumo had the honor of unveiling the marker, which reads: “Saint Benedict the Moor Parish was founded in 1940 during segregation by Bishop of Raleigh Eugene McGuinness to meet the needs of African American Catholics. It is one of four historically Black parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte. Prior to dedication of the church building in 1941, members met in homes and at the Howard Robinson Funeral Home. The pioneer families were Baltimore, Bitting, Crews, Ellis, Grier, Guest, Jones, Maxwell, Pledge, Price, Scales, Tucker, and Wellman. The parish opened St. Anne’s Academy for girls in 1946 and St. Benedict the Moor Grammar School in 1950. Father Basil Sede was the first Black parish priest and served from 2015-2018.” St. Benedict the Moor Church is one of only a few Catholic churches or sites in the Charlotte diocese to be honored with a historic marker from a local or state government. Sites within the diocese that have North Carolina state historic markers include: Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly (one of the oldest Catholic churches in the state, built in 1843), and Belmont Abbey College (founded by Benedictine monks in 1876).

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November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

‘We’re not building a house, we’re building a community’ Shelby parishioners build Habitat Home for single mother and her children ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

SHELBY — Well before November, on the corner of Young and Oak streets in Shelby, parishioners of St. Mary Help of Christians Church have been living the spirit of Thanksgiving in a very real way. Since early July, they have gathered to share food, teach each other new trades and create community among diverse groups of volunteers, all while building a new home – and a new life – for a deserving family.

Twice a month they arrive ready to work with volunteers from four other churches – Shelby Presbyterian Church, Eastside Baptist Church, Rayburn Memorial Presbyterian and New Creation Christian Center. They’re building a three-bedroom, two-bath house for a single mother and her children. It’s the first time Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland County has attempted a “church build,” and it’s going exceedingly well, says Father Peter Ascik, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians, who is helping build the home with his parishioners. “It started when we were invited to a meeting to propose the project, and after gathering information, we asked parishioners in a survey whether they thought we should embrace the project and whether they would be willing to donate volunteer time,” he says. “That survey came back overwhelmingly in favor of the project, so we committed to it.” And the numbers grew from there. With 80 people currently signed up, there is a waiting list to volunteer at the site, which typically has about 30 people at a time, organizers say. For most of the build St. Mary works with members of

other churches, but some workdays are reserved for the individual churches. Because the Catholic parish has such high participation, with nearly 1,000 volunteer hours logged so far, St. Mary volunteers are able to help on the additional Habitat build next door and lend a hand when extra help is needed. The future owners of the house also work on the home, which is due for completion by July 2024. “It has been a very positive experience for our parish,” Father Ascik adds. “It has given us the opportunity to work together and cooperate with other Christians in Shelby.” Each of the five churches has two project coordinators. For St. Mary, it’s parishioners Sean O’Connor and Ralph Jones. “It turned out to be fun. It’s sort of like playing a game of Tetris,” Jones said about organizing the project. “We had ourselves a big meeting and invited everybody in the church to attend. I was astonished by the turnout.” Jones, a retired general contractor, offers a helping hand and answers questions at the build site, leaving it to the licensed contractors from Habitat to oversee the construction. Jones says he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far and that it has strengthened the bonds between the people of the parish. “There’s been a tremendous boost to the coordination between our Spanishand English-speaking communities,” Jones says, noting that more Spanishspeaking parishioners have joined the Knights of Columbus as a result. “We were already coming together, but this strengthened the relationship.” He also appreciates the rotating schedule of meals brought by members of each church, noting the excellent Mexican food he would otherwise not have experienced as well as the fellowship opportunities. “I love all the food. That’s part of the camaraderie, getting people together not only working in individual teams on part of the project but also coming together at the beginning of the day for a devotional, safety instructions, light breakfast and coffee, and then again around lunchtime to just talk and meet.” Everyone Jones has talked to says they’re enjoying the project, and they’re learning something, he says. Most have never worked in anything constructionrelated, and they’re getting the opportunity to learn why things are done a certain way and a certain order. “We’re not building a house, we’re building a community,” Jones says. “That home we’re working on? That’s just an excuse for us to get together and have fun.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RALPH JONES

Father Peter Ascik (above) enjoys time working with his parishioners and fellow Christians to build a Habitat House for a single mother and her children. The project has brought together St. Mary Help of Christians’ Spanish- and English-speaking communities, along with other churches in Shelby.

Frassati young adults embrace service with Habitat project Other Catholics throughout the Diocese of Charlotte are also involved with Habitat for Humanity projects. One example is the Frassati young adults group at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem. The group completes a Habitat project twice a year and recently had nine members tile a floor for one of the homes in the eastern part of the city, building friendships as they worked. “We especially enjoy working with Habitat because the service is enjoyable, fun, and makes a tangible difference. It’s really rewarding to look back at the work you did all day and see the progress you made,” says Lori Obendorf, a teacher at St. Leo School and the coordinator of the Habitat projects. “When we walked into the house in October, the only flooring tiles laid down were in the hallway,” she says. “Seven hours later, we had completed the flooring in 3.5 rooms. It’s fun to look back and say, ‘We did that.’” The group has adopted four pillars: prayer, study, fellowship and service. Their patron is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a devout Italian man known for his charity and activism. “Frassati regularly went to the slums to distribute food, supplies, and even the clothes

off his own back. He developed relationships with the people he served and, through his actions, reminded them that they are beloved children of God,” Obendorf says. The group enjoys activities related to the other pillars, but a major focus is community service. In May, the group attended a dedication ceremony at one of the new homes and were moved by the gratitude expressed by the receiving family. “We want to make a difference in the lives of people in our own community,” Obendorf says. “Volunteering for organizations like Habitat for Humanity allows us to do just that. Attending the dedication was a great reminder that the homes we have worked on are going to be a game changer for families in need.”

St. Peter parishioners join Charlotte homebuilding effort St. Peter Parish in Charlotte is participating in the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project (CWP), which includes local church partners and many other volunteers from around the world. The project involves the building of approximately 25 homes in Charlotte on a nine-acre property called the Meadows at Plato Price, off Morris Field Drive. St. Peter parishioners will co-host a build day Dec. 2. Look for a full story in a future edition of the Catholic News Herald.

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Left) Father Patrick Cahill enjoys time with residents of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during his visit in October. (Above) Children fill jugs at a well on the site of a parish that helps local residents with access to clean water. (Below) Father Cahill concelebrated a Mass alongside Missionhurst Father Andre Mangongo, once a guest priest in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Faith amid adversity With support from Diocese of Charlotte, the ‘Church is alive’ in Congo CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org.

ASHEVILLE — On World Mission Sunday in October, Father Patrick Cahill experienced a special joy of celebrating Mass alongside Missionhurst Father Andre Mangongo at his parish in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Father Cahill, mission office director for the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville, spent seven days in the central African nation, from Oct. 20 to Oct. 27, to visit parishes, convents and schools in the Archdiocese of Kinshasa, which are supported by funds raised in the diocese. “I try to occasionally make due-diligence visits to the missions to see how things are going,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for me to communicate our love and concern for our brothers and sisters in the missions we support.” He was lucky to make the trip, because the U.S. State Department turned down his requests for a visa the first two times he applied, because of the region’s severe instability. Congo has struggled for decades with civil wars and violence against civilians from various armed groups, some homegrown and others from neighboring nations, particularly in the country’s eastern region. Christians have been targeted in the east, including the death of a Catholic priest in 2022 and 17 people who died in an explosion at a Pentecostal church in January. Despite ongoing violence elsewhere in Congo, conditions around the Archdiocese of Kinshasa were safe enough for Father Cahill to travel. For safety, his visits were confined to the sprawling capital city of Kinshasa in the southwest and its outskirts, home to more than 16 million people. The Archdiocese of Kinshasa has 6,378,000 Catholics, a massive population served by only 143 parishes, according to recent statistics. Some of the funds raised by the Diocese of Charlotte go to support the Missionhurst order of priests, also known as the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Other funds go directly to support seminaries, convents,

schools and parishes. “I visited three seminaries, two convents, numerous parishes and the archdiocesan chancery and pastoral center,” Father Cahill said. “And despite the challenges

people face there, I found it a very inspiring place to be because the Church there is alive. The seminaries and the convents are full. The Catholic schools are full and a lot of the parishes are full. Their needs are expanding there because the Church is growing.” He said the enthusiasm Congolese Catholics have for their faith was evident at the Oct. 22 Mass with Father Mangongo, a former visiting priest to the Diocese of Charlotte. Offered at a parish in a developing area on the outskirts of Kinshasa, the Mass lasted three hours, and included lots of vibrant, percussive music, a special procession before the reading of the Gospel, and an elaborate offertory. “It takes a long time because the offertory is very intentional – every single person there has to decide whether they individually stand to offer something, so it takes a while,” Father Cahill explained. After the Mass, he also blessed a new well on the parish grounds. “It was a challenge to get there, because the roads were not paved and the conditions in the area were pretty extreme, but it was special to be able to reach out and show support for Father Mangongo,” he said. “Despite the heat, I got a great welcome from people there who are very happy and very devoted to their faith.” Growing the faith takes place amid a seemingly endless list of challenges around Kinshasa, he said, ranging from electricity that is sometimes only available a few hours a day, to squatters who take up residence on church properties and refuse to leave. Despite some adversity, however, men are flocking to the priesthood in the archdiocese’s seminaries. And a seminarian’s work, he said, is seemingly never done – the men leave the classroom and go to work maintaining campus facilities, tending animals and working in fruit and vegetable gardens. “It was exciting and inspiring to see their work and an honor to visit Congo and experience the faith of the people,” Father Cahill said. “It was a chance to see the very real impact mission funds can have on building the Church.”

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Annual collection for religious retirement fund coming Dec. 9-10 CHARLOTTE — During Masses Dec. 9-10, parishes are asked to take up a collection to support retired consecrated religious men and women. The annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office, which then distributes the funds to eligible religious communities to help care for their aging members. In 2022, Diocese of Charlotte parishioners contributed $278,867 to this collection. John Knutsen, director of the NRRO, said, “We are privileged to support those who have dedicated their lives to tireless service, and we are immensely grateful for the continuing generosity of U.S. Catholic donors to this vital cause.” Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests – collectively known as men and women religious – have selflessly served for decades without significant financial compensation. However, escalating healthcare costs mean that numerous religious communities face a substantial gap between their elderly members’ needs and the financial resources available for their care. Compounding the problem, many religious orders currently experience insufficient retirement savings. The U.S. bishops initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious collection in 1988 to address this deficit in retirement funding among U.S. religious orders. The 2022 appeal demonstrated Catholics’ tremendous generosity – raising $27.6 million nationwide to support the retirement needs for 297 U.S. religious communities. The NRRO is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. — Catholic News Herald

More online At www.retiredreligious.org: Find out more information about this collection and how funds help religious communities across the United States

Conference brings catechists together from 50 parishes WINSTON-SALEM — Nearly 500 catechists and people representing 50 parishes interested in Catholic formation attended the Catechetical Conference organized by the Diocese of Charlotte Nov. 11 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. Attendees took part in lectures and workshops that addressed important issues and new strategies for faith formation teachers. After welcoming attendees in Spanish and English, Father Julio Domínguez, vicar of Hispanic Ministry, addressed the Latino audience to explain how to integrate the pastoral priorities of Bishop Peter Jugis into Hispanic ministry. He invited catechists to work with “intentionality,” bringing joy and hope to work with the Hispanic community in a flourishing, young and growing diocese. The event included Mass, offered by Father Marcel Amadi, Campus Ministry chaplain at Wake Forest University. CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. Luke 2:14

Keep Christ in Christmas Sale starts Black Friday, November 24th through Saturday, December 23rd

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Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Rising achievers: Refugee students make academic strides thanks to Catholic Charities ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Fleeing persecution and unrest, refugee students and their families from troubled regions around the world have resettled in Charlotte to find peace, stability, and hope of a better life. Nearly 150 children from countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Venezuela currently take part in the Refugee School Impact program run by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to help them learn English and navigate new schools and a new culture. Most were resettled here by Catholic Charities within the past five years – and already they’re showing remarkable progress. Despite arriving with little or no English, nearly 99 percent of these students advanced to the next grade level at the end of their school year. Lena, a teenager from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a new student in the program and is on track to advance. “Catholic Charities is helping me achieve my dreams,” says Lena, who is interested in music and has her sights set on attending college. On a recent field trip with Catholic Charities to Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), Lena and other students visited the college’s hands-on Makerspace, where she had the chance to check out the recording studio. It was a heartwarming scene for the program staff. “They loved being able to tour the facilities and see what would be offered to them if they later became (college) students,” they say. “The library was particularly engaging because in addition to the books and tutoring services offered, they have what is called a ‘Makerspace’

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Students in the Refugee School Impact program are succeeding in school and had a chance to visit Central Piedmont Community College Nov. 6 to tour the campus and explore their options for college. where students can get creative and express themselves through 3D printing, embroidering, printing and recording.” Another student, Msafiri, also from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was eager to share about his experience. He, too, wants to attend college, he says, and liked the recording studio. He was particularly impressed with CPCC’s 3D printer, which seems to make something out of nothing. Learning English is key to the students’ academic success, something the Catholic Charities program supports in collaboration with other organizations while also attending to the children’s social and emotional needs. “We have a great collaboration with the

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System – they have English as a Second Language instruction within each of the schools,” says Laura Jones, assistant regional director of refugee services for Catholic Charities. “They obviously do a lot of work to help make these kids successful.” Jones also notes the program’s partnership with The Nest, a private nonprofit immigration school for children who need very specific assistance. The Refugee School Impact program includes two facilitators and two case aides working together to ensure the academic success of newly arriving students and their families. “To achieve this goal, we provide tutoring

services after school to the children along with working with the CharlotteMecklenburg Schools to help children get acclimated to academia in the United States,” the program staff says. “We also provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the children to help adjust to life in the United States.” The program also operates a summer camp and gives the students a variety of opportunities to socialize with children who speak different languages but have a shared experience as refugees. The students bond as they practice English together, the staff members say. The program also helps parents understand and get acclimated to the school system in the United States. Other Catholic Charities programs help families with case management and employment services to support their long-term success and ability to become self-sustainable. As the relationship deepens with the families, program staff members are able to provide assistance with homework as their children adjust to new schools. “All of this ultimately makes them better in English and then, we think, better in academics,” Jones adds. The staff members note that college is a new concept for many of the students who would likely be first-generation college students and graduates. They say the Refugee Student Impact program has seen many students arrive with little to no English and go on to graduate high school and continue their education at CPCC and other colleges and universities. “Many of them want to pursue careers in challenging fields like health care,” the staff members note. “To see them dream and work toward their goals is amazing as we watch and support them while they continue their education.”

St. Pius X unveils ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ sculpture ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

GREENSBORO — Students, faculty and staff of St. Pius X School gathered with Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio Nov. 17 as he dedicated a new “Peaceable Kingdom” sculpture at the Greensboro school. The work of art by parishioner Jim Gallucci, an internationally known artist, is a large steel and bronze piece featuring a variety of animals. The sculpture, dubbed a “beautiful necessity,” was a gift from parishioner Joe Brady and was commissioned by Monsignor Marcaccio. It is dedicated to Brady’s parents, the late Don and Mary Gay Brady, who had a deep love for the Catholic faith and education, giving generously to churches and schools in the diocese as well as to those in need in Greensboro. Don Brady was the founder of Brady Services. The piece not only beautifies the outdoor space at DeJoy Primary Education Center but also solves a safety concern at the top of a hill, replacing a metal grate that children had been tempted to climb. The sculpture adds safety and beautifies the outdoor space where the youngest students gather to be picked up from school. “I often affiliated Don with creating a good climate with heating and air conditioning. In fact, the Brady trucks were here so often we were going to give them their own parking spot,” quipped Monsignor Marcaccio, drawing

laughter. “But what Mary Gay and Don created was a climate for life and for the poor – for everything that’s good and kind,” he continued. “They created this climate for our Catholic culture and – more important than any heating and air conditioning project – that was what they created.” Brady donated the sculpture in honor of his parents and said he chose this project because it’s something that would last a long time. His sons, Declan and Levi, currently attend the school, and each had a say about which animals would be represented in the sculpture: a duck and puffin. His daughters, graduates of the school, chose whales. Other animals were selected in honor of Don and Mary Gay Brady. Monsignor PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARYANN LUEDTKE Marcaccio and Gallucci also added a few. St. Pius X Principal Chris Kloesz, Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, Joe Brady, Declan Brady and “My father was into racehorses big time, Levi Brady enjoyed the Nov. 17 dedication of a bronze sculpture dedicated to the children’s so there are two racehorses here,” Brady grandparents, Don and Mary Gay Brady. said in remarks at the dedication. “My mother was a collector of frogs. She loved frogs in all of her gardens in her house and mountain the world; they both tried their best to create that,” Brady house.” said, holding back tears. “They certainly worked hard to “Monsignor came up with ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ as the title for this piece, which honestly in my parents’ view of STATUE, SEE PAGE 28

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

‘Keep a torch burning’ ‘Mantén encendida la antorcha’

Father Nohé Torres greets Enrique Patricio, who carried the torch to Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville, and lit the Paschal candle from the flame before Mass on Nov. 9.

El Padre Nohé Torres recibió Enrique Patricio, quien llevaba la llama a la parroquia en la Iglesia Divino Redentor en Boonville, que enciende el Cirio Pascual con el fuego, antes de celebrar Misa el 9 de noviembre.

Guadalupe torch run devotion brings hope, unity

La devoción al recorrido de la Antorcha Guadalupana trae esperanza y unidad

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

EXINGTON — The annual Guadalupe Torch Run from Mexico to New York made its way through seven parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte in November, with hundreds of people turning out to pray, celebrate and get a glimpse of the revered flame. The three-month relay runs through dozens of Mexican communities and 14 American states – a 2,500-mile journey with local runners carrying the torch through stretches of their dioceses, making stops at churches for festivities, prayer and Masses. A symbol of hope and unity across borders, the flame was lit Sept. 2 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

in Mexico City and remains burning throughout its journey, which concludes Dec. 12. The torch crossed into North Carolina Nov. 7 from Simpsonville, S.C., making its first stop in the diocese at the vibrant Charlotte parish that shares the torch’s namesake: Our Lady of Guadalupe. More TORCH, SEE PAGE 14

EXINGTON — Cientos de fieles acompañaron la llegada y traslado de la Antorcha Guadalupana del 7 al 12 de noviembre en su recorrido por siete parroquias de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Después de visitar las parroquias Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte y San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville, el jueves 9, pasadas las 10 de la mañana, la Antorcha Guadalupana hizo una escala en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Lexington, donde decenas de corredores locales realizaron un breve recorrido por vías rurales. La antorcha, imágenes y corredores fueron saludados en el exterior del salón parroquial, luego todos ingresaron para

orar y rendir honores a las imágenes de la Guadalupana y San Juan Diego. “Hace 23 años iniciamos la carrera”, dijo la Sra. Lucía Romero, organizadora que acompaña la antorcha desde su partida en la Ciudad de México hasta su arribo a Nueva York. “La antorcha pasa por 9 estados mexicanos y 14 de la Unión Americana y, con toda seguridad, alguno de sus familiares en México la ha llevado ANTORCHA, SEE PAGE 15

FROM TH

iiiNovember 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com

‘Keep a torch burning’ The Guadalupe Torch ‘brings the light of Christ, brings us great joy.’ – Father Sabastian Umouyo

PH OTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO

TORCH FROM PAGE 13

than 400 parishioners greeted the flame and then gathered for Mass, followed by cultural dances and a feast. The next day, runners – and sometimes vehicles – carried the torch to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 60 miles northeast in Mocksville, then on Nov. 9 to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 20 miles east, in Lexington. “We started the pilgrimage of the torch 23 years ago,” event organizer Lucia Romero told a crowd of 200 gathered in Lexington. “Without a doubt, one of your relatives in Mexico has carried (the torch) in the hope that you will carry it now. … Take the light, hope and faith it brings to us. And please, don’t forget your roots and your families in Mexico.” Parishioners joyfully greeted the torch outside Our Lady of the Rosary’s parish hall. They formed a procession and followed the flame inside, accompanied by banners and icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary depicted as Our Lady of Guadalupe and the indigenous Mexican man she appeared to in 1531, St. Juan Diego. Inside the parish hall, Honorina Asencio

The annual Guadalupe Torch Run from Mexico to New York made its way through seven parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte in November. The 2,500-mile journey takes three months to complete, with local runners carrying the torch through stretches of their dioceses. Along with the torch, icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego accompany the pilgrimage, allowing the faithful to pray during special Masses and devotions at each stop along the way. and Adrian Basilio showed their devotion. Asencio knelt before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, holding a candle and praying. She wept as she recounted her recovery from an illness that had taken her sight, which she attributes to Our Lady’s intercession. “I owe a lot to Our Lady,” Asencio said in a trembling voice. “Everything I ask of her, she has granted. … A miracle happened and I was able to see again. I was able to see my five children and two grandchildren. I owe my life to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother.” Basilio touched his lips and stamped a symbolic kiss on the image. “I have made many mistakes in life,” he said, “but thanks to the help of my wife, (Graciela Santos), she brought me to Our Mother, she put me at the feet of the Blessed Virgin.”

‘THANKS TO THE STRENGTH OF GOD’

Parishioners soon filled the church for Mass. Father Sabastian Umouyo, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, said the torch “brings the light of Christ, brings us great joy. All this is thanks to the strength of God who is always with us. Our Lady and St. Juan Diego, like Christ the King, are with us. … I hope we all keep a torch burning in our hearts.” After the festivities, people lined the streets near the church and followed in a

long caravan of cars and trucks, as dozens of local runners took turns carrying the flame along rural roads. Next stop: Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville, a 45-mile swing back to the northwest. Moisés Vargas carried the torch on its route to Boonville. He has participated in the torch run for 17 consecutive years, he said, in appreciation for the blessings Our Lady of Guadalupe has helped bring to his life. “I asked Our Lady to help me make sure my newborn daughter was well and I told her that, while I was in North Carolina, I was going to accompany her on her journey,” Vargas said. “Here I am, fulfilling my promise with faith and love.”

‘SHE BRINGS US PEACE’

The torch arrived around 7 p.m. at Divine Redeemer Church, where visiting priest Father Nohé Torres, parochial vicar of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, along with dozens of parishioners, welcomed the caravan bearing the torch. Two young people – Fatima Torres and Enrique Patricio, who carried the flame to the parish – presented the torch and icons to Father Torres, asking him and those present to carry the fire with the same love and care with which they had treated it. Father Torres lit the Paschal candle from the torch and invited everyone to enter the

church for Mass. “From the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, this blessing comes to us,” Father Torres preached during his homily. “She brings us peace, but many times we don’t have peace in our hearts. How can we demand peace if we ourselves don’t have it? Let us sow Mary into our hearts and we will harvest the Lord in our lives.” After Mass, parishioners celebrated the torch’s arrival with music, traditional folk dances and a generous sharing of popular Mexican dishes and drinks.

FINAL STOP: NEW YORK CITY ON DEC. 12

The Guadalupe Torch stayed the night of Nov. 9 in Boonville, then traveled on to St. Mary’s in Greensboro for a day. Then, on Nov. 11, the flame headed for Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point and Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville. Runners from the neighboring Diocese of Raleigh received the torch on Nov. 12 for their part of the epic relay and Marian devotion. From North Carolina, the torch headed north with a final destination of Central Park in New York City – appropriately slated for arrival on Dec. 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for one more celebration. Until next year.

HE COVER

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

‘Mantén encendida la antorcha’ La Antorcha de Guadalupe ‘trae la luz de Cristo, nos trae una gran alegría’. – Padre Sabastián Umouyo

La Carrera anual de la Antorcha Guadalupana, que recorre desde México hasta Nueva York, visitó siete parroquias en la Diócesis de Charlotte durante el mes de noviembre. El viaje de 2.500 millas se complete en tres meses, con corredores locales que llevan la antorcha por tramos de la vía. La Antorcha es acompañada por las sagradas imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego, permitiendo a los fieles orar en Misas especiales y otras devociones en cada parada a lo largo de la ruta.

ANTORCHA FROM PAGE 13

con la esperanza que ustedes la lleven ahora. Como migrantes, somos una parte importante para que la Virgen llegue a su destino. Ella está aquí por ustedes. No la saquen de sus corazones. Llévense la luz, la esperanza y fe que nos trae. Y por favor, no se olviden de sus raíces y sus familias”, rogó.

VIRGEN MILAGROSA

Honorina Asencio, michoacana residente en Lexington, se acercó de rodillas hasta la imagen de María de Guadalupe, donde encendió una vela y rezó fervorosamente. Sus ojos se llenaron de lágrimas. “Le debo mucho a la Virgen, todo lo que le pido me lo concede”, dijo muy emocionada. “No podía ver por una enfermedad, y la Virgen me hizo el milagro de poder volver a ver. Con esa bendición puedo ver a mis cinco hijos y dos nietos. Le debo la vida”, dijo. Adrián Basilio, mexicano, tocó sus labios con su mano y estampó un simbólico beso en la imagen de la Virgen. “He cometido muchos errores, pero gracias a la ayuda de mi esposa, Graciela Santos, que me trae a la Madre, me pone a los pies de la Virgen para

ser cada día mejor”, dijo. La pareja, hoy con tres hijos, se conoció en San Andrés, Michoacán, desde donde emigró a Estados Unidos. Moisés Vargas lleva 17 años ininterrumpidos participando en la carrera de la Antorcha Guadalupana desde Mocksville hasta Boonville. “Le pedí a la Virgen que me ayudara a que mi hija recién nacida estuviera bien y le dije que mientras estuviera en Carolina del Norte le iba a acompañar en su recorrido. Aquí estoy, cumpliendo mi promesa con fe y amor”, dijo.

UNA BENDICIÓN

Después del rezo del Santo Rosario y un compartir, el Padre Sabastian Umouyo, párroco, celebró Misa en honor a la delegación visitante. En su homilía, el Padre Sebastian dijo que la antorcha, “que trae la luz de Cristo”, nos brinda una gran alegría. “Y esto es gracias a la fuerza de Dios que está con nosotros”. “La Virgen y San Juan Diego, al igual que Cristo Rey, están con nosotros. Esta es la alegría de Cristo llegando a nosotros. Espero que todos mantengamos una antorcha encendida en nuestros corazones”, subrayó. Pasadas las tres de la tarde, la delegación de Mocksville, encargada del traslado hasta Boonville, inició su desplazamiento hacia esa ciudad. Lamentablemente, por falta de permiso de las autoridades, la antorcha

debió movilizarse en la camioneta que lleva las imágenes de la Virgen de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego. Alrededor de las siete de la noche, el sacerdote invitado, Padre Nohé Torres, vicario parroquial de la Basílica San Lorenzo en Asheville, recibió la antorcha en la puerta de la Iglesia Divino Redentor. Una joven, Fátima Torres, acompañada de Enrique Patricio, un niño que portaba en sus manos la antorcha, se dirigió al Padre Nohé. Tras presentarle las imágenes, los corredores y la antorcha, le rogó que la mantenga con el mismo cuidado y esmero con el que ellos la habían llevado. Después de asegurar que así lo haría, el Padre Nohé encendió el cirio pascual con el fuego de la antorcha e invitó a todos los presentes a ingresar a la iglesia para celebrar Misa. “Desde México, desde la Basílica Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, nos llega esta bendición”, dijo el Padre Nohé en su homilía. “Ella nos trae la paz, pero muchas veces nosotros no tenemos paz en nuestros corazones. ¿Cómo podemos exigir la paz si nosotros mismos no la tenemos?, se preguntó. “Sembremos a María en nuestro corazón y cosecharemos al Señor en nuestras vidas”, recomendó. La reunión concluyó con números musicales, bailables folklóricos y un generoso compartir con platillos y bebidas

FOTOS P O R C É SA R HURTA DO típicas mexicanas. Tras dejar Boonville, la Antorcha Guadalupana fue recibida en las parroquias Santa María en Greensboro, Inmaculado Corazón de María en High Point y Nuestra Señora de los Caminos en Thomasville.

AMOR Y ESPERANZA

La Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana México - New York 2023, que porta la flama de la unidad, de la dignidad de un pueblo dividido por una frontera, partió de la Basílica Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Ciudad de México el pasado 2 de septiembre. Su destino final es Central Park, Nueva York, donde debe arribar el 12 de diciembre, fecha central de la celebración de la fiesta de ‘la Morenita del Tepeyac’. La luz de la Antorcha está cargada de un gran simbolismo para el pueblo hispano en Estados Unidos. Representa la luz brillante de la Virgen, portadora de esperanza y amor para los más desposeídos, para las familias separadas que esperan por una reforma migratoria integral que pueda reunir padres e hijos. Nos recuerda las palabras de la Virgen a San Juan Diego, “Oye y ten entendido, hijo mío el más pequeño, no dejes que nada te asuste ni te aflija, que no se turbe tu corazón… ¿No estoy aquí, yo, que soy tu madre? ¿No estás bajo mi sombra?”

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

From Pilgrims to Priests Three clergy in the Charlotte diocese linked to the First Thanksgiving

n Nov. 11, 1620, a group of Protestants fleeing religious persecution in England landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Four hundred years later, three of their descendants are serving together in the Diocese of Charlotte. The irony of history isn’t lost on the three clergy: Monsignor Patrick J. Winslow, diocesan vicar general and chancellor; Father W. Becket Soule, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Maggie Valley; and Deacon Christian Goduti. They are directly descended from the Pilgrims, who were antiCatholic – their families bound together by history and faith following that voyage 400 years ago. Now, there are new discoveries in their connections to the Mayflower, the famous ship that transported more than 100 English men, women and children – collectively known today as the Pilgrims – from Plymouth, England, to the New World. Among the discoveries: n Monsignor Winslow recently learned he has a third connection to the Mayflower, deepening his family’s ties to the iconic voyage. One of them is Edward Winslow, the man who wrote down the story of the first Thanksgiving – one of the only known accounts of the gathering that became American lore. n Father Soule recently took the helm as Governor of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in North Carolina. The Pilgrims’ religious courage continues to inspire him. n And Deacon Christian Goduti is unearthing his own connections to the Mayflower, with bloodlines dating back to two Pilgrim families who showed “The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth” by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe, 1914, on display at the Museum De Lakenhal in the Netherlands tenacity and courage – including giving birth aboard the Mayflower – to build lives of freedom in a new land. “Thanksgiving was sort of ‘our holiday,’” Father Soule says, recalling family gatherings during his childhood. “The kind of connection (for us) was different than what you get in the school books. It was a personal connection, not just a story.” “Reflecting upon the fact that I had relatives, including Father W. Becket Soule an ancestor, on the Mayflower adds a personal layer to our shared national history we celebrate on Thanksgiving,” Monsignor Winslow says. Read the full story Goduti Winslow Soule “And something in me enjoys the irony of my family’s At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more online about the gravitation back to the Catholic faith from ancestors Pilgrims’ voyage and story of death and survival in the harsh New who fled to get away from the Church of England and England winter – and what’s known about the ancestors of these lingering Catholic influence. From their perspective now, I serving God and the Church as priests. The full light of three men in our own diocesan family. think they are pleased that some of their descendants are God has a way of changing one’s perspective.”

Thanksgiving is ‘a personal connection, not just a story.’

The first Thanksgiving Mass in the New World

FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES. FLORIDA MEMORY

An unknown artist’s rendering of the first Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Augustine, Florida, on Sept. 8, 1565.

Thanksgiving honors the pilgrims and Native Americans who came together for a feast in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in 1621 to thank God for the abundance of crops. Yet, did you know that 56 years before Plymouth Rock, on Sept. 8, 1565, the first Thanksgiving Mass was offered in St. Augustine, Florida? A Spanish fleet landed in the New World and before even unloading the ship or setting up a camp, they offered a Mass of Thanksgiving. A rustic altar that still stands in the “Nombre de Dios” Mission recalls the Mass offered by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, diocesan priest and captain of the Spanish fleet. The Mass was attended by the founder of the city, Admiral Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, settlers, soldiers, and the native Timucuan people. Historian John Gilmary Shea asserts that the Mass was celebrated

“to sanctify the earth and receive the blessings of heaven before taking the first step in building human habitation.” At the end of the Mass, the Spanish soldiers took off their armor, the Indigenous peoples put down their arrows, and both groups shared food. The Spanish are believed to have contributed garlic stew with pork, chickpeas, and olive oil, and the natives contributed wild turkey, fish, shellfish, squash, beans, and fruit. Currently in the mission stands the National Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Leche and Good Birth, a devotion brought from Spain in 1603. According to the local historian Raphael Cosme, “The Spanish Thanksgiving Day tradition continued and spread throughout the missions of Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana” until 1763, when Spanish residents of St. Augustine left for Cuba and other territories dominated by the Spanish crown. — Catholic News Herald

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 18

Diácono Sigfrido Della Valle

El mejor tiempo del año

in duda alguna, para mí, la mejor época del año es el Adviento. Desde que estaba pequeño en El Salvador, país donde nací, esta época era algo muy especial. A fines de octubre terminaban las clases en todas las escuelas, noviembre era el primer mes de vacaciones. Y cuando entraba el primer Domingo de Adviento a finales de noviembre o principios de diciembre, el ambiente se transformaba en un gran entorno de espera para la gran fiesta, la Natividad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Todo era un verdadero ambiente de navidad, luces, música, pero especialmente empezábamos a contar los días faltantes para la gran festividad, y era como que no nos aguantábamos que llegara. Era como una especie de alegría en la espera, y cada día que pasaba esa alegría se intensificaba. El Adviento empieza cuatro domingos antes de diciembre 25. También podríamos decir que empieza el siguiente domingo después de la celebración de la festividad del Apóstol Andrés que se celebra el 30 de noviembre. La palabra adviento viene del latín ‘Adventus’, que significa llegar. En nuestro calendario litúrgico, es un periodo de preparación para la celebración del nacimiento de Jesucristo en navidad, pero también es periodo de preparación para la segunda venida de Cristo. El Adviento es tiempo de esperanza. Es como preparar nuestra casa para recibir una visita muy especial y que esa visita se sienta bien acogida. Esa visita es Jesús, a quien hemos estado esperando. Es tradicional celebrar el Adviento con una corona de cuatro velas alrededor y una al centro. Tres moradas, una rosada y una blanca. Cada Domingo de Adviento se prende una morada con excepción del tercer domingo que es cuando se prende la rosada. Este tercer domingo también es llamado Gaudete, que significa regocijo, alegría, porque el niño está por nacer. En la navidad se prende la última vela, la de color blanco, y es colocada en el centro de la corona. Recuerda que el Adviento no es un tiempo de carreras, compras, estrés y más compras. Es acerca de espera, meditación y oración. Y si para el 25 de diciembre estás enfermo y cansado de la Navidad es porque no has vivido el Adviento correctamente, y esa visita especial no llegó a tu hogar. En conclusión, celebrar el Adviento es dejarnos modelar interiormente por la presencia del Espíritu Santo. Es mi deseo y oración que este Adviento lo vivamos llenos de la esperanza de que un día estaremos en la presencia del Señor. DIÁCONO SIGFRIDO DELLA VALLE es coordinador del ministerio hispano del Vicariato de Smoky Mountains.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano, se dirige a los cientos de participantes latinos que atendieron la Conferencia Catequética en Winston-Salem. El Padre Julio agradeció la colaboración de los catequistas, les reiteró las prioridades pastorales del obispado y los invitó a seguir trabajando por la obra de Dios en Carolina del Norte.

Conferencia reunió a catequistas de 50 parroquias CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

WINSTON-SALEM — Cerca de medio millar de catequistas y fieles interesados en la formación católica, asistieron a la Conferencia Catequética organizada por la Diócesis de Charlotte el pasado sábado 11 de noviembre en las instalaciones del Centro de Convenciones Benton en esta ciudad. Los participantes representaron a un total de 50 parroquias de toda la diócesis, y pudieron seguir interesantes conferencias que abordaron importantes temas para quienes se encuentran a cargo de la enseñanza de la fe. Después de dar la bienvenida a los asistentes de las sesiones en español e inglés, el Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano, se dirigió a la audiencia latina para explicar cómo integrar las prioridades pastorales del Obispo Peter Jugis a la pastoral hispana. En su mensaje, invitó a los catequistas a trabajar con “intencionalidad”, dando alegría y nuevos aires de esperanza al trabajo con la comunidad hispana en una diócesis floreciente, joven y en crecimiento. “La formación tiene un rol fundamental”, añadió, “nadie puede dar lo que no posee ni amar lo que no conoce”, por lo que urgió a la formación contínua de los catequistas. “Dios los necesita en este país, en esta diócesis. ¿Han pensado en irse de misión a otro país? ¿No será que no se han dado cuenta que ya están en otro país? ¿Y que ya estás en misión luchando, tal vez no contra el hambre físico sino contra el hambre espiritual presente en esta sociedad?”, preguntó. Finalizó invitando a todos a confraternizar, a compartir logros, sueños, desafíos. “Queridos catequistas, los valoramos, los queremos, los necesitamos, y apreciamos todo ese tiempo que ponen al servicio. No tendríamos cómo pagarles. Pero recuerden esto, en el cielo tienen un gran tesoro acumulado”,

finalizó. Posteriormente se ofrecieron otras conferencias presenciales, La Ideología de Género, a cargo de Lucía Baez Luzondo, JD; Modelos de Inclusión familiar, papás activos en la catequesis, por el orador laico Gerardo Salazar. Tras el ofrecimiento de Misa, celebrada por el Padre Marcel Amadi, capellán de campus ministry en Wake Forest University; el Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del ministerio hispano; el Padre Innocent Amasiorah, sacerdote campus ministry de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Charlotte; y la asistencia de los diáconos David Powers y Matthew Newsome, de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes y campus ministry enWestern Carolina University respectivamente; se dió paso a un descanso que incluyó servicio de almuerzo. Las sesiones se reanudaron con otras dos conferencias: Discípulos digitales latinos en el mundo moderno, técnicas e ideas, por el orador Gerardo Salazar; y una conferencia online de Introducción al Instituto Catequético, por Mary Ann Wiesinger, que cerró la serie de charlas. Las delegegaciones parroquiales con mayor asistencia fueron Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte (53); Santa María en Greensboro (46); Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia en Winston-Salem (32); Divino Redentor en Boonville (4); San José en Kannapolis (23); Santa Cruz en Kernesville (20); Santo Niño en Reidsville (17); Santa Teresa en Mooresville (15); San José en Newton y San Felipe Apóstol en Statesville, con 10 participantes cada uno.

Más online En www.youtube.com/catholicnewsherald: podrá ver los videos con las conferencias del Padre Julio Domínguez, Lucía Baez Luzondo, JD, y el orador Gerardo Salazar.

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

“No estamos construyendo una casa, estamos construyendo una comunidad” Feligreses de Shelby se reúnen con otros cristianos para construir un hogar a una madre soltera ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

SHELBY — Mucho antes de noviembre, en la esquina de las calles Young y Oak en Shelby, los feligreses de la Iglesia Santa María Auxiliadora han estado viviendo el espíritu del Día de Acción de Gracias de una manera muy real. Desde principios de julio, han estado reuniéndose para compartir alimentos, enseñarse mutuamente nuevos oficios y crear una comunidad entre diversos grupos de voluntarios, todo ello mientras construyen un nuevo hogar y una nueva vida para una familia que lo merece. Dos veces al mes trabajan con voluntarios de otras cuatro iglesias: la Iglesia Presbiteriana Shelby, la Iglesia Bautista Eastside, la Iglesia Presbiteriana Rayburn Memorial y el Centro Cristiano Nueva Creación. Están construyendo una casa de tres dormitorios y 2 baños para una madre soltera y sus hijos. Es la primera vez que Habitat for Humanity del Condado Cleveland ha intentado “construir iglesia”, y va muy bien, dijo el Padre Peter Ascik, párroco de Santa María Auxiliadora, quien está ayudando a construir la casa con la ayuda de sus feligreses. “Todo comenzó cuando nos invitaron a una reunión para proponer el proyecto. Después de recopilar información, preguntamos en una encuesta a los feligreses si pensaban que deberíamos aceptar el proyecto y si estarían dispuestos a donar tiempo de voluntariado”, dijo. “Esa encuesta resultó abrumadoramente a favor del proyecto, así que nos comprometimos con él”. Con 80 personas inscritas actualmente, hay una lista de espera para ser voluntario en el sitio, en el que generalmente trabajan alrededor de 30 personas a la vez, dicen los organizadores. En el mayor de los casos, Santa María trabaja con miembros de otras iglesias, pero algunos días de trabajo están reservados para las iglesias individualmente. Debido a que la parroquia católica tiene

una alta participación, con casi 1.000 horas de voluntariado registradas hasta hoy, los voluntarios de Santa María pueden ayudar en la construcción adicional contigua de Habitat y echar una mano cuando se necesita ayuda adicional. Los futuros propietarios de la casa, que se completará en julio de 2024, también trabajan en la obra. “Ha sido una experiencia muy positiva para nuestra parroquia”, añadió el Padre Ascik. “Nos ha dado la oportunidad de trabajar juntos y cooperar con otros cristianos en Shelby”. Cada una de las cinco iglesias tiene dos coordinadores de proyectos. En el caso de Santa María, son los feligreses Sean O’Connor y Ralph Jones. “Resultó ser divertido. Es como jugar un juego de Tetris”, dijo Jones sobre la organización del proyecto. “Tuvimos una gran reunión e invitamos a todos en la iglesia a asistir. Me quedé asombrado por la participación”. Jones, un contratista general jubilado, ofrece ayuda y responde preguntas en el lugar de construcción, dejando que los contratistas autorizados de Habitat supervisen la construcción. Jones dice que ha disfrutado mucho de la experiencia, que ha fortalecido los lazos entre los parroquianos. “Ha habido un tremendo impulso en la coordinación entre nuestras comunidades de habla hispana e inglesa”, dijo Jones, señalando que más feligreses de habla hispana se han unido a los Caballeros de Colón como resultado. “Ya nos estábamos uniendo, pero esto fortaleció la relación”. También aprecia el horario rotativo de comidas traídas por los miembros de cada iglesia, señalando la excelente comida mexicana que de otro modo no habría experimentado, así como las oportunidades de compañerismo. “Me encanta toda la comida. Eso es parte de la camaradería, reunir a las personas no solo trabajando en equipos individuales en parte del proyecto, sino también al comienzo del día para un devocional, instrucciones de seguridad, desayuno

Los voluntarios disfrutan de la experiencia que ha fortalecido sus lazos de amistad. “Ha habido un tremendo impulso en la coordinación entre nuestras comunidades de habla hispana e inglesa, dijo Ralph Jones, contratista jubilado que ayuda en la construcción. TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ligero y café, y luego nuevamente a la hora del almuerzo para simplemente hablar y compartir”. La mayoría de los participantes no ha trabajado en nada relacionado con la construcción y tienen la oportunidad de aprender por qué las cosas se hacen de cierta manera y orden. “No estamos construyendo una casa,

estamos construyendo una comunidad”, dijo Jones. “¿Esa casa en la que estamos trabajando? Eso es solo una excusa para reunirnos y divertirnos”.

Fue instalado nuevo párroco en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — El Padre Marvin Nava fue instalado como párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, durante una Misa celebrada el lunes 15 de noviembre por la noche. La Misa, a la que asistió un gran número de fieles, fue oficiada por el Padre John F. Starczewski, Vicario Foráneo del Vicariato de Charlotte; con la participación del Padre Blas Samir Lemos, vicario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe; y el Padre Óscar Danilo Benavides, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Gabriel en Charlotte. Asistió en el altar el Diácono Eduardo Bernal. Durante su homilía, el P. Starczewski pidió a los parroquianos tener confianza en el Padre Marvin y sus enseñanzas en la fe católica, instándolos a que sigan sus enseñanzas “como seguimos a Jesucristo Nuestro Señor”. “Él no tiene miedo, pues tiene a Dios para guiarlo. Es un elegido por Dios para traer la salvación a ustedes. Escuchen al

Padre Marvin como escucharían a Dios. Ayúdenlo en sus esfuerzos, aprendan de él. No lo juzguen. Dios es nuestro juez, quien habrá de juzgarnos por nuestras obras y el cumplimiento de nuestra vocación. Démosle la bienvenida y las gracias a Dios”, añadió. Posteriormente, siguiendo un rito tradicional, el P. Marvin prometió obediencia a la fe católica, la sagrada tradición, al pontífice en Roma y cumplir con eficiencia las labores a las que ha sido llamado. Luego, el P. Starczewski recorrió varios ambientes de la parroquia junto al P. Navas, instruyéndolo sobre sus funciones como párroco.

El Padre John Starczewski, Vicario Foráneo del Vicariato de Charlotte, muestra al Padre Melvin Navas la pileta bautismal, instruyéndolo sobre las actividades que debe realizar en su parroquia. El diácono Eduardo Bernal y un servidor del altar los acompañan. CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SALVADOREÑO

El Padre Marvin Navas Guzmán nació en San Salvador, El Salvador, en 1979, casi al inicio de la guerra civil que ocasionó un baño de sangre en su país. Su vocación nació en su hogar profundamente católico. En 1995 llegó a Winston-Salem, congregándose en la

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, donde fue coordinador del grupo juvenil. Después se trasladó a Charlotte, donde decidió ingresar al seminario de la orden Vicentina, viajando a Filadelfia, siendo

ordenado sacerdote después de concluir sus estudios. En agosto de este año, el Obispo Peter Jugis anunció su designación como párroco de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Unidos en la esperanza’ Primera Misa de Consolación celebrada en la Diócesis de Charlotte CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org

HUNTERSVILLE — Una cruz hecha de velas blancas que parpadeaban suavemente brillaba frente al altar de la Iglesia San Marcos el sábado por la mañana en la primera Misa de Consolación oficiada en la Diócesis de Charlotte. La Misa se celebró en honor a los bebés perdidos por aborto espontáneo o muerte fetal. El evento fue copatrocinado por el Ministerio de Vida Familiar de San Marcos y la Oficina de Respeto a la Vida de la Diócesis de Charlotte. El Diácono Thomas Martin y su esposa Heather Martin fueron los principales organizadores del evento. Los Martin, que han experimentado la pérdida de tres bebés por aborto espontáneo, dijeron que la Misa dio a los padres y a las familias una oportunidad importante para reconocer públicamente el dolor y pérdida que hace no mucho tiempo no se mencionaba a menudo fuera del círculo familiar. “Quiero que la gente sepa que está bien llorar porque has perdido a un hijo que amabas. Está bien y es bueno nombrar a estos niños, y está bien hablar de ello abiertamente y con otros”, dijo el Diácono Martin. La Misa bilingüe fue celebrada por el Padre Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, quien

ofreció su homilía en inglés y español. “Quiero encomendarlos a todos al manto de la Santísima Virgen porque trae consuelo a los afligidos y ella misma experimentó el dolor durante su vida”, dijo durante su homilía. “Nos acercamos hoy aferrados a la esperanza y misericordia de Dios para la salvación de los niños que han muerto. Vuélvanse al Señor siempre a través de la tribulación de la pérdida”. Los padres y familiares pudieron escribir los nombres de sus bebés en un libro de recuerdos, y seleccionar una de las velas frente al altar para llevarla a casa. Jerry Massimino, de 82 años, feligrés de San Marcos, asistió a la Misa para honrar la memoria de un hermano mayor que nunca conoció. Recordó que cuando era niño su madre le dijo que había sufrido un aborto espontáneo antes de que él naciera. “Siempre he pensado en lo que experimentó mi madre y habría deseado tener una hermana mayor en mi vida”, dijo Massimino. “No sé si el bebé que perdió mi madre era una niña, pero toda mi vida había querido tener una hermana. Esta Misa me ayudó muchísimo porque fue una forma de honrar tanto a mi madre como al bebé que perdió”. Le conmovió especialmente que la Misa incluyera una interpretación del ‘Ave María’, porque ese era el himno favorito de su madre. Roxanna Homic, también miembro de la parroquia San Marcos, asistió con

Roxanna Homic, miembro de la parroquia San Marcos y su hija, llevan una vela de recuerdo durante la Misa de Consolación en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville el 18 de noviembre. La Misa se ofreció por las familias que han sufrido la pérdida de un hijo debido a un aborto espontáneo o muerte fetal. FOTO POR AMY BURGER

su esposo y su hija y dijo que se sintió conmovida por la belleza de la Misa y la oportunidad de llorar con otros. “Esto me ayudó porque es bueno saber que no estamos solos en nuestra situación”, dijo Homic. “Me consuela saber que estamos unidos con tantos otros que han pasado por esto. Estamos unidos en la esperanza de que nuestros bebés estén en el cielo”.

Los Martin dijeron que hay planes para hacer de la Misa de Consolación un evento anual. “Esta misa es una oportunidad importante para que las personas compartan su dolor y comiencen a sanar, y permite que las personas que han experimentado un aborto espontáneo sepan que no están solas”, dijo Heather Martin.

Misión del Santo Rosario realizó retiro

Retiro de parejas en Santa Dorotea

NEWTON — Un retiro de familias del Santo Rosario se realizó en la parroquia San José de esta ciudad a fines del mes de octubre, con la aprobación y acompañamiento de su párroco, Padre Jim Collins. Se desarrollaron temas marianos, adoración del Santísimo, rezo del santo Rosario, procesión en las afueras de la iglesia, renovación de promesas de consagrados y consagración de nuevas familias. Además, se dramatizaron las apariciones de la Virgen de Fátima y ofreció la correspondiente catequesis. “Es el momento para agradecer a todos los hermanos y familias que participaron y a los que lo hicieron posible, en especial los hermanos de la Misión de Marion, Hickory y Newton”, dijo el Diácono Darío García, coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Hickory.

LINCOLNTON — Demostrando un espíritu de integración, amistad y asistencia, miembros de la Pastoral de la Familia del Vicariato de Charlotte ofrecieron un retiro de parejas en la parroquia Santa Dorotea. Esta colaboración se inscribe dentro de las prioridades pastorales del Obispo Peter Jugis al impulsar la evangelización y conocimiento de la fe en nuestra diócesis que se encuentra en constante crecimiento. En solo 50 años, la Diócesis de Charlotte ha crecido de 34 mil católicos en 75 parroquias a más de 500 mil en 92 parroquias y misiones repartidas en 46 condados.

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

San Andrés, primer apóstol de Cristo

ada 30 de noviembre se celebra la fiesta de San Andrés Apóstol, hermano de San Pedro y patrono de la Iglesia Ortodoxa. San Andrés nació en Betsaida, fue primero discípulo de Juan el Bautista y luego siguió a Jesús. Por intermedio de él, Pedro, su hermano, conoció al Señor. San Juan Crisóstomo relata que, “Andrés, después de permanecer con Jesús y de aprender de él muchas cosas,

al Señor, y decide acompañarlo para presentarlos a Jesús. Andrés también protagoniza el episodio del milagro de la multiplicación de los panes y los peces. Es él quien lleva ante Jesús al muchacho que tenía los cinco panes y los dos peces. La tradición señala que el apóstol San Andrés, después de Pentecostés, fue a predicar la Buena Nueva entre los griegos y, de acuerdo a ciertos relatos, habría llegado hasta Kiev, Ucrania, en el ejercicio de su predicación. Se le considera el fundador de la Iglesia en Constantinopla -hoy, Estambul, Turquía-. Son precisamente los herederos del cristianismo oriental quienes lo llaman “Protocletos”, que en griego quiere decir “el primer llamado”. El apóstol murió crucificado en Acaya, Grecia. De acuerdo a la tradición, fue puesto sobre una cruz en forma de una “X”. De aquí surge la llamada “cruz aspada”, conocida popularmente como la “Cruz de San Andrés”. Fue sepultado en el año 357 en un altar de Constantinopla por orden de Flavio Julio Constante, el hijo de Constantino I el Grande. En el año 1210, los cruzados robaron sus restos y los llevaron a Amalfi, al suroeste de Italia.

¿DÓNDE ESTÁ SU CABEZA?

IMAGEN CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID, ESPAÑA

‘San Andrés’, óleo sobre tabla pintado por el artista Pedro Pablo Rubens entre 1610 y 1612. Puede verse que el apóstol lleva la cruz en aspa denominada Decussata, en la que fue crucificado. no escondió el tesoro para sí solo, sino que corrió presuroso en busca de su hermano, para hacerle partícipe de su descubrimiento. Fíjate en lo que dice a su hermano: Hemos encontrado al Mesías que significa Cristo… Son las palabras de un alma que desea ardientemente la venida del Señor, que espera al que vendrá del cielo, que exulta de gozo cuando se ha manifestado y que se apresura a comunicar a los demás tan excelsa noticia”. En los Evangelios, Andrés es mencionado varias veces. Por ejemplo, es él quien escucha decir a Felipe que hay unos griegos que quieren conocer

Aunque hay varias teorías, la tradición cuenta que la cabeza del apóstol se quedó en Grecia, en el lugar donde el apóstol fue martirizado. Posteriormente, en 1460, el gobernador de la ciudad, llamado Tomás Paleólogo, se vio obligado a abandonar Patras debido a la invasión musulmana y se llevó consigo la cabeza del apóstol San Andrés, que entregó a la Iglesia en Roma. El Papa Pío II ordenó colocar la cabeza de San Andrés en uno de los pilares que sostenían la antigua cúpula de la Basílica de Constantino, previa a la Basílica de San Pedro, que se convirtió en un lugar de devoción. Peregrinos de todo el mundo llegaron a Roma para adorar una de las reliquias más importantes del hermano de Simón Pedro, que también se conservó en la basílica actual. Esta reliquia permaneció en Roma hasta junio de 1964, cuando por voluntad del Papa Pablo VI la cabeza fue devuelta en señal de amistad hacia la Iglesia ortodoxa al obispo metropolitano de Patras. Es allí donde hoy se conserva, en la Catedral dedicada a San Andrés, edificada en el lugar que la tradición señala como el de su martirio. — Condensado de ACI Prensa

Lecturas Diarias NOVIEMBRE 26-DICIEMBRE 2

Domingo (Solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo): Ezequiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corintios 15:20-26, 28, Mateo 25:31-46; Lunes: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Lucas 21:1-4; Martes: Daniel 2:31-45, Lucas 21:5-11; Miércoles: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, Lucas 21:12-19; Jueves (San Andrés, Apóstol): Romanos 10:9-18, Mateo 4:1822; Viernes: Daniel 7:2-14, Lucas 21:29-33; Sábado: Daniel 7:15-27, Lucas 21:34-36

DICIEMBRE 3-9

Domingo (Primer domingo de Adviento, San Francisco Javier): Isaías 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2b-7, 1 Corintios 1:3-9, Marcos 13:3337; Lunes (San Juan Damasceno): Isaías 2:1-5, Mateo 8:5-11; Martes: Isaías 11:1-10, Lucas 10:21-24; Miércoles: Isaías 25:6-10,

Mateo 15:29-37; Jueves (San Ambrosio): Isaías 26:1-6, Mateo 7:21, 24-27; Viernes (Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María): Génesis 3:9-15, 20, Efesios 1:3-6, 11-12, Lucas 1:26-38; Sábado (San Juan Diego Cuauhtatoatzin): Isaías 30:1921, 23-26, Mateo 9:35-10:1, 6-8

DICIEMBRE 10-16

Domingo (Segundo domingo de Adviento): Isaías 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Pedro 3:8-14, Marcos 1:1-8; Lunes (San Dámaso): Isaías 35:1-10, Lucas 5:17-26; Martes (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Lucas 1:26-38; Miércoles (Santa Lucía): Isaías 40:25-31, Mateo 11:28-30; Jueves (San Juan de la Cruz): Isaías 41:13-20, Mateo 11:11-15; Viernes: Isaías 48:17-19, Mateo 11:16-19; Sábado: Eclesiástico 48:1-4, 9-11, Mateo 17:10-13

Una niña sostiene una vela en sus manos en el parque Simón Bolívar en Bogotá, Colombia. Como parte de una tradición, los colombianos cada año celebran la fiesta de Las Velitas encendiendo numerosas velas el 7 de diciembre, vigilia de la fiesta de la Inmaculada Virgen María. Este acto marca el inicio de las festividades navideñas. OSV NEWS | JOHN VIZCAINO, REUTERS

Celebremos La Noche de las Velitas nuestras luces y esperemos con amor la llegada de la Virgen María”.

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

Durante la noche del 7 y la madrugada del 8 de diciembre, una particular tradición ilumina las casas y calles de muchas ciudades en Colombia. Decenas, cientos, miles, de velas multicolores se encienden en medio de una fiesta popular conocida como la Noche de las Velitas, y que oficialmente da inicio a la temporada navideña en ese país sudamericano. Esta expresión de fe popular recuerda la fecha en la que el Papa Papa Pío IX promulgó la Bula con la que se reconocía el Misterio de la Inmaculada Concepción de Nuestra Señora. En esa ocasión, ocurrida en 1854, una muchedumbre católica esperaba la difusión del documento en la Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano, llevando en sus manos velas encendidas. El Padre Jorge Bustamante Mora, secretario adjunto de la Conferencia Episcopal de Colombia, comparte el sentido de la tradición en la Noche de las Velitas en una nota publicada en la página web de la Conferencia Episcopal de ese país. Esa noche, dijo refiriéndose a la de 1854, “los católicos de todo el mundo encendieron velas y antorchas, manifestando su esperanza en que se declarara de manera oficial y dogmática que la Virgen María estuvo libre del pecado original desde el primer momento de su concepción”. Explicó que encender cada vela significa pedir, por la intercesión de María, la Madre de Dios, una gracia: “por la paz, por el amor, por la reconciliación, el cuidado de la Casa Común, por quienes sufren, por quienes han partido, por todas circunstancias personales, sociales y eclesiales de cada persona”. “Encender la luz, es decirle a la Virgen y al Niño Jesús que vengan a nuestras casas, a nuestros hogares”, dijo, invitando a todos los fieles a que, desde las 7 de la tarde el 7 de diciembre, “encendamos

CELEBRACIÓN LOCAL

El Museo Mint en Charlotte, como todos los años, invita a todos a conocer y celebrar el Día de las Velitas en una edición especial de su programa Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night, el sábado 2 de diciembre de 7 a 9 de la noche con entrada gratuita hasta esa hora. Habrá chocolate caliente con marshmallows para los niños, regalos y bebidas navideñas no alcohólicas. El festejo se extenderá hasta las 11:30 p.m. pero solo para adultos.

¿QUIERE FESTEJARLO EN CASA?

Algunas personas en Colombia encienden 12 velitas, una por cada mes del año, y piden la intercesión de la Virgen por 12 deseos que elevan en sus oraciones. También es popular la confección de faroles que contienen en su interior las pequeñas velas. De esta manera la vela no es pagada por el viento y la decoración luce mucho más atractiva. Otras personas prefieren realizan un camino iluminado por velas o faroles. Y lo que no puede faltar en una reunión colombiana es la sana alegría que proporciona el compartir alimentos y música. En Carolina del Norte no se permiten los fuegos artificiales, por lo que este ingrediente infaltable en la celebración popular debe dejarse de lado. Por favor, si piensa encender velas al interior de su casa hágalo con mucho cuidado. Prevea que las velas desprenden cera. Aíslelas de fuentes combustibles y mantenga siempre vigilada el área. Puede festejar la alegría de la Inmaculada Concepción de María en casa, solo, con familiares, o invitando a unos amigos. No olvide de elevar una oración por la paz, la reconciliación y por las personas en necesidad en todo el mundo.

FAMILIA

FRATERNIDAD

Caballeros de Colón

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Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

U.S. bishops’ meeting shows united front on mission but no clear synod action plan PETER JESSERER SMITH OSV News

BALTIMORE — For two days, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops met in plenary assembly in Baltimore advancing key issues related to liturgy, living out the faith, including in the public square, and retooling the conference to better serve the Church’s mission. However, the bishops’ Nov. 13-16 meeting, which took place nearly three weeks after the conclusion of the global Synod on Synodality, also concluded without a common game plan for how bishops could get consultative feedback from their local parishes about the synod’s “halftime” report before the synod reconvenes in 11 months. The public portions of the bishops’ plenary assembly Nov. 14-15 were marked with extraordinary unanimity as the bishops’ closed-door “fraternal dialogues” gave them time for face-to-face group discussions to work out contentious issues in advance of presentations and votes. The bishops’ most sustained public dialogue took place over the mental health campaign launched in response to the “dire mental health crisis” in the U.S., with some bishops calling for more Catholics to enter the mental health field, educating seminarians and priests in properly referring people for counseling, or connecting people with mental health resources similar to the “Walking with Moms In Need” initiative. The bishops approved a letter to Pope Francis affirming their shared concern over global conflicts, his teaching on “ecological conversion,” and their commitment to prayerfully reflect on the Synod on Synodality synthesis report.

OSV NEWS | COURTESY ANGELUS VIRATA, BALTIMORE BASILICA

Bishops attend Mass Nov. 13 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. Read full coverage of the U.S. bishops’ 2023 fall assembly online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. In their addresses, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the U.S., and Archbishop Broglio offered contrasting viewpoints on synodality. Cardinal Pierre focused on Luke’s Gospel account of the risen Jesus revealing Himself to His disciples on the road to Emmaus as illustrating “precisely the synodal path in its essential elements: encountering, accompanying, listening, discerning and rejoicing at what the Holy Spirit reveals.” Archbishop Broglio shared his view that existing advisory structures in the U.S.

Church, both at the diocesan and national level, are examples of existing synodal realities to “recognize and build on” while remaining open to “new possibilities.” Over Nov. 14-15, the bishops voted with overwhelming majorities on every issue: U.S. adaptations to the Liturgy of the Hours and liturgical drafts related to consecrated and religious life; national revised statutes for Christian initiation; and it also approved without controversy supplements to its teaching on faithful citizenship that reference Pope Francis’

2020 encyclical letter “Fratelli Tutti” (“Brothers All”) while naming abortion as “our pre-eminent priority” among other threats to human life and dignity. The U.S. bishops voted to support the sainthood cause launched by the Archdiocese of New York for Father Isaac Hecker (18191888), founder of the Paulist Fathers. They also endorsed an effort to declare St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church. The bishops also heard an update on the newly launched Institute on the Catechism. Some bishops advocated that instituting lay men and women to the new ministry of catechist would fill a need for authentic, well-formed witnesses to bring that “evangelizing catechesis” to others. With respect to the Oct. 4-29 Synod on Synodality, the bishops heard about positive experiences from some of their delegates, particularly the value of the synod’s “conversations in the Spirit” as a model for carrying out regular conversational interaction among the Church’s members for the sake of the Church’s mission. However, by the time the plenary assembly concluded, the bishops did not seem to have any definite process or task force to help them engage the faithful in consultation on the synod’s 41-page report summarizing the body’s consensus, matters for consideration and priority actions. Bishop Flores said he anticipates it will be discussed in June once bishops have taken the time to “let it sink in and read it carefully.” He said what the USCCB could do immediately was request guidance from the Synod Secretariat in Rome on how to engage their local churches in a focused and relevant way, “because the first responsibility of the bishops is to go back to their own people and to say these are some issues that impact us in particular.”

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November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Bishop Strickland’s removal is administrative, not penal, says Church law expert TYLER, Texas — The removal of Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from pastoral governance of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, is an administrative rather than penal action, a Church law scholar told OSV News. On Nov. 11, the Holy See Press Office announced the bishop was removed by Pope Francis from the pastoral governance of the diocese. The pope has appointed Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin as apostolic administrator to oversee the diocese until a new bishop is appointed. No reason was given for Bishop Strickland’s removal, although speculation about his future in the diocese has swirled for months given a number of statements the bishop had made challenging the pope’s orthodoxy and authority. Now, Bishop Strickland is “functionally a retired bishop” who remains incardinated in his diocese, said Father John Beal, professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America. The removal “does not affect his ability to function as a bishop in the spiritual realm, at least thus far,” said Father Beal. “There’s been nothing said otherwise, so they would have to make it public if they were going to limit his spiritual ministry.” Father Beal added that “the removal does not, of itself, entail any wrongdoing. It’s just … a pastoral judgment that the ministry had become detrimental or ineffective in that particular place.”

U.S. bishops support request for pope to name St. John Henry Newman Doctor of the Church BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops voted almost unanimously (with two “no” votes) Nov. 15 to support a request by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales that Pope Francis name St. John Henry Newman, the 19thcentury British cardinal, a Doctor of the Church. Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, chair of the doctrine committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, presented the question to the body of bishops. A majority of members present and voting was needed to pass the motion. Bishop Flores said in June the conference received the request from Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the bishops’ conference of England and Wales, requesting “that the USCCB send a letter in support of the proposal.” He noted that the conferences of the Catholic bishops of Ireland and Scotland also have agreed to support this. “The Committee on Doctrine considered this matter back in 2019 and concluded that the writings of St. John Henry Newman are truly eminent and of great relevance for the Church today, especially in the areas of the development of doctrine, the moral foundations of education, the primacy of conscience, the role of the laity and the search for the truth, amongst many others,” Bishop Flores said. “The committee therefore determined that St. John Henry Newman is indeed worthy of this high honor.” With the U.S. bishops’ support, a letter will be sent to the pope.

— OSV News

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Church leaders urge Holy Land’s Christians to ‘stand strong’ in Advent message JUDITH SUDILOVSKY OSV News

JERUSALEM — Christmas in Bethlehem and the Holy Land this year will be one of solemnity, prayer and fasting as the patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem called upon the faithful to forgo any “unnecessarily festive activities” during the Christmas season this year and to “stand strong” with those facing the afflictions of war, focusing more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. “Since the start of the war, there has been an atmosphere of sadness and pain. Thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, have died or suffered serious injuries,” they said in a Nov. 10 statement on the “Celebration of Advent and Christmas in the Midst of the War.” “Many more grieve over the loss of their homes, their loved ones, or the uncertain fate of those dear to them. Throughout the region, even more have lost their work and are suffering from serious economic challenges.” Israel launched a military assault on Hamas after Hamas terrorists from Gaza breached a security fence on the southern border with Israel Oct. 7. Thousands of heavily armed terrorists infiltrated the border and attacked some 22 civilian agricultural communities and cities inside Israel. Israel revised its official

estimated death toll of the attack, lowering the number to about 1,200 people, down from the more than 1,400 initially cited, a spokesman for the country’s Foreign Ministry said Nov. 10. Almost 240 people, including babies and the elderly, were kidnapped into Gaza. Israel has continued with its military incursion against Hamas targets both on land and by air. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas, more than 11,100 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7. Although there is no breakdown available distinguishing between Hamas members and civilians, the World Health Organization has said that most of the dead are women and children. Israel charges that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. As of Nov. 13, 4,609 children had been killed in Gaza. Despite their repeated calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence, the war has continued, said the church leaders in their statement. They said that though the sacred Advent season is normally one of joy and anticipation in preparation for the celebration of Christmas, including religious services as well as colorful public festivities, “these are not normal times.” “We call upon our congregations to stand strong with those facing such afflictions by this year foregoing any unnecessarily

Friends and family mourn Sgt. Roni Eshel, 19, at her funeral in Kfar Saba, Israel, Nov. 12. She was killed during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen in southern Israel, but according to news reports, Eshel was missing for 34 days after the attack and her death was not confirmed until Nov. 9. OSV NEWS | SHIR TOREM, REUTERS

festive activities,” the church leaders said. “We likewise encourage our priests and the faithful to focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas in their pastoral activities and liturgical celebrations during this period, with all the focus directed at holding in our thoughts our brothers and sisters affected by this war and its consequences, and with fervent prayers for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.” They also invited the faithful to “advocate, pray and contribute generously”

as they are able for the relief of victims of the war and the needy. “In these ways, we believe, we will be standing in support of those continuing to suffer – just as Christ did with us in his Incarnation, in order that all of God’s children might receive the hope of a New Jerusalem in the presence of the Almighty, where ‘death shall be no more, neither mourning, nor crying, nor pain, for the former things have passed away’ (Revelation 21:4),” they wrote in their statement.

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November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Catholics must not join Masons, membership remains grave sin VATICAN CITY — Catholics are still forbidden from joining Masonic organizations and, with an increasing number of Catholics joining Masonic lodges in the Philippines, the Vatican has urged the nation’s bishops to find a way to make clear the Church’s continued opposition to Freemasonry. Freemasonry upholds beliefs that directly oppose Catholic teaching and belief. The Church has imposed the penalty of excommunication on Catholics who become Freemasons (Canon Law 1374). “Membership in Freemasonry is very significant in the Philippines,” said a note from Cardinal Víctor Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and approved by Pope Francis. “It involves not only those who are formally enrolled in Masonic Lodges but, more generally, a large number of sympathizers and associates who are personally convinced that there is no opposition between membership in the Catholic Church and in Masonic Lodges.” The dicastery’s note, dated Nov. 13 and made public Nov. 15, was a response to a request from Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete, Philippines, “regarding the best pastoral approach to membership in Freemasonry by the Catholic faithful.” The dicastery wrote “that active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is forbidden because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and

Freemasonry” – a position that was reiterated by the doctrinal congregation in its “Declaration on Masonic Associations” in 1983. The 1983 declaration states that Catholics enrolled in Masonic associations “are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”

Peruvian Congress approves law ensuring unborn children’s rights LIMA, Peru — The Peruvian Congress approved a law Nov. 9 that establishes that human life begins with conception, so a conceived, unborn child must have his or her rights protected from the beginning. Until then, the legislation determined that only after birth are people subjects of law in Peru. The law establishes that the conceived, unborn child has his or her own identity – including a unique and unrepeatable genetic identity – and a personality that is independent from his or her mother. He or she has the right to dignity, to life and to integrity like any individual human being. While pro-life activists celebrated the new law’s approval all over the South American country, they know that the struggle to make it really effective will go on for a long time. The law did not address any restrictions on abortion. Many fear it might be considered a “declaratory,” ineffective piece of legislation. Susan Vargas, who heads 40 Days for Life in Peru, said that “the law raises awareness about the real rights an unborn child has. It is important not only for pro-life activists, but also for physicians who face complex demands in their daily work.”

Pope urges Italian doctors to support public health system VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis pleaded with a group of Italian physicians to defend the country’s national health service, saying that

the Italian constitution was correct when it declared health a human right. And he also insisted that compassion is “an irreplaceable diagnostic tool” in treating their patients. Calling physicians “one of the pillars of the country” and praising the self-giving dedication of medical professions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pope noted how the Italian health system is now struggling. “There is a constant shortage of personnel, leading to unmanageable workloads and the consequent flight from the health professions,” he said.

And the continuing economic crisis affects the quality of life of patients and doctors: How many early diagnoses are not made? How many doctors and nurses, disheartened and tired, abandon their profession or prefer to go and work abroad?” The weakening of the healthcare system is undermining the “right to health that is part of the heritage of the social doctrine of the Church and is enshrined in the Italian constitution,” the pope said. “Health is a common good.” — OSV News

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ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Deacon Carl F. Brown

Give thanks to God this season

he glory of God’s creation is on full display during this autumn season. Our Creator is whispering into our eyes, as if to say, “Come look and ponder on what I have made for you.” The leaves, like flames of the burning bush, call our hearts to a deeper connection and understanding of the love Our Lord has for each one of us. However, some fail to see the gift. They may feel only a soul-crushing emptiness due to the loss of a loved one, separation from family, or some spiritual blindness. Yet we are never alone. We are surrounded by angels, saints and God’s merciful love. We are called to grow and change, to come forth from our cocoons into the brilliant light of love, to change like the seasons with new gratitude and depth of understanding of the many gifts offered to us daily like the seasons. Our Lord’s own heart in the Eucharist given with an unfathomable passion, to create a burning heart within us. When we allow our mind and heart to wander away from God, when we fail to see the beauty of the trees, sunset and clouds He has given us, we spiral into a chasm of our own despairing creation. When we cry out to God like the psalmist, with all our heart, He promises to take us into His arms. He promises to be our refuge. In this season we are reminded of the words of St. Paul: “Have no

‘When we cry out to God like the psalmist, with all our heart, He promises to take us into His arms. He promises to be our refuge.’ anxiety at all but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Phil. 4:6). He will respond. Look outside – He responds at dawn with a new day that He has given us. How will we respond to this new day, this new season? DEACON CARL F. BROWN serves at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem and is father of Spencer Brown, editor of the Catholic News Herald.

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Together we can make a Promise to Protect and a Pledge to Heal. Suspect sexual abuse or misconduct? If you have information about possible sexual abuse or misconduct by any clergy, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Charlotte, report concerns safely, securely and anonymously 24/7 over the phone using the diocese’s new hotline, 1-888-630-5929, or online: www.RedFlagReporting.com/RCDOC Please note: If you suspect a child is in danger, please contact 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency. Safe Environment training Every Church worker must go through abuse prevention and education training. Find more information about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Safe Environment program, sign up for Protecting God’s Children training and more: Go to www.charlottediocese.org and click on “Safe Environment” For more information or questions, please contact the diocese’s Safe Environment Office: www.safeenvironment@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3222

Deacon Matthew Newsome

Are you religious about your religion?

eople are sometimes confused the first time they hear the term “religious priest.” Aren’t all priests religious? In this context, the word “religious” refers to someone who belongs to a religious order, such as the Benedictines or Dominicans. Such priests are called “religious” to distinguish them from those incardinated in a diocese, who are referred to as diocesan or secular priests. Religious orders in the Catholic Church are many and varied. Monastic orders live together in stable communities. Apostolic orders send their members out into the world as preachers, missionaries, or agents of charitable work. Mendicant orders rely on begging for their livelihood, while others practice a craft or trade, such as beer or cheese making, to pay the bills. What they all have in common is their commitment to a certain way of life, called a Rule, often established by their founder. It is because they are bound to a Rule that they are called “religious” (from the Latin “religare,” or “to bind”). The Rule provides structure, order and stability for the community. Such a religious life might appear strict or limiting to us, but when we think about it, there are many things we tend to do religiously that have nothing to do with the faith. We function best with some order in our lives, so most of us have certain things we do “as a rule.” That could be brushing our teeth after meals, practicing the piano daily, or ordering take-out from the same Chinese restaurant every Wednesday. If there is something we can’t miss in our routine, we can be said to do it religiously. The irony is that many of us fail to religiously practice our religion. The model set by religious orders can inspire even us non-monastic types to adopt a more disciplined approach to our faith. The daily schedule of the monastery is intentionally designed to ensure time for what is important – prayer, worship, work, study, and also recreation. A typical monastic day begins before dawn with Matins (the Office of Readings), then breakfast before praying Lauds (Morning Prayer), a period of work or study before Mass, then Midday Prayer, lunch, a return to work or study before Vespers (Evening Prayer), then dinner, and concludes with time for socializing or relaxation before praying Compline (Night Prayer) and going to sleep. Our family and work obligations may not allow us to follow the same rigorous prayer schedule, but we can follow the monks’ example by dedicating time in our day for what’s important. Every Christian knows that prayer is important, but do we set aside specific time during the day for it? The reason many of us complain that it’s difficult to find time to pray is

because we fail to be specific about when, where and how we do it. Why not fix that by making your own personal religious “rule,” customized to your state in life. Praying once or twice, in the morning and the evening, is certainly an attainable goal. It is easier to make a commitment to prayer time by attaching it to something that is already part of your daily routine. That could mean setting aside 15 minutes for Morning Prayer between your shower and breakfast. It could mean praying a family rosary before putting the kids to bed at night. Whatever you decide, be specific and follow through. The idea of a personal rule extends to more than prayer. Monastic schedules also make time for work, study and leisure, which are all important aspects of a well-rounded human life. There is no reason we can’t be intentional about including these things in our schedule, as well. For many of us, work tends to dominate our day, but that’s no excuse for neglecting time with God. A regular prayer routine can help us approach our work as something we do for the Lord. Even our leisure time can be an occasion of holiness if we enter into it with an eye toward pleasing God. What most of us struggle with is finding time to study our faith. This doesn’t have to mean enrolling for an online degree. Dedicating just a few minutes each day to reading the Catechism or the writings of a saint can be life changing, but you have to be intentional about it. When it comes to following a personal rule, it’s also important to be flexible. We don’t live in monasteries, and the demands of family and professional life can vary from day to day. You might commit to a regular schedule of prayer and study but find you are only able to follow it half the time because of unexpected events that arise at home, school or work. That’s no reason to give up or feel guilty. Just start again the next day. Finally, as the circumstances of your life change, whatever personal rule you establish should be reexamined from time to time. An annual retreat or meeting with a spiritual director can be opportune times for this. The bottom line: Discipleship takes discipline. We can’t all be monks, but we can be intentional about our practice of the faith. Adopting a personal rule suitable to our state in life can help us all practice our religion a little more religiously. DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME, Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, is the author of “The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales,” available from Sophia Institute Press.

November 24, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Elizabeth Scalia

Unthinking mobs serve a demon of antisemitism and chaos

atching a news report of a group of students chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” I wondered if they were even cognizant that their refrain, repeated so full-throatedly and relentlessly, was a call for genocide. I wondered whether, 20 years hence, they would tell their children about how they went about, face wrapped in a keffiyeh, marching and calling for the eradication of an entire nation and race of people. Just like all the other students they knew. Because chanting horrible, genocidal phrases in a crowd is the sort of thing you do when your brain is not yet fully developed and you’ve been trained in neither critical thinking skills nor the sort of nuance that must flavor authentic justice – when your reason is still malleable, and it’s so much easier to go along with a moment, particularly if you get to feel powerful and anti-establishmentarian as you do it. Someday, perhaps – if those students ever do learn to think critically if they ever do discover that the world is much more about shades of gray than black-and-white absolutism – they may come to realize exactly what it was they were chanting for in 2023, exactly what they were doing while standing, bravely face-covered in Harvard

‘A mob permits anonymous participation in heinous acts by people who might never have moved beyond a vague fever dream, if left to themselves.’ Square, calling Jews “dirty, dirty animals” who “should be exterminated,” or cheering as Jewish students were locked away for their own protection at Cooper Union College, as threats against Jews canceled classes at Cornell, as Jewish travelers were being hunted down at a Russian airport. They might even have the good sense to repent of it – to feel shame as they recall that all the cheers, all the chants, served a demon of chaos and mass murder.

CROWD OBEYS WITHOUT THOUGHT

Another broadcast showed a march in New York City. A maddeningly shrill female voice prompted the marchers with the same terrible chant, and I was struck by the obedience of the mob. If the caller changed her inflection, so did the crowd. If she emphasized a different word or a distinct syllable, the crowd obeyed without missing a step, or a beat. Without a thought. “From the river, to the sea! Mommy,

Daddy, look at me! Gonna get those Jews out of Israel and into… into… hey, where are we going to get those Jews into, anyway?” Oblivion, apparently. Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad has said they’ll repeat the Oct. 7 attack again and again “until Israel is annihilated!” It is to be hoped that these marchers may eventually bring what reasoning skills they possess to task and consider that war is itself a genuinely terrible affront to human dignity, but that outright genocide goes well beyond war by identifying human beings as something “other than” and expendable – and that willfully seeing people as such is a symptom of serious mental illness or something worse, an oppressive spiritual illness choosing evil.

THE TERROR OF THE MOB

It takes an unthinking mob to serve evil. Ignorance, joined to mob mentalities, hastens the most repellent and cowardly sort of human behavior – pogroms, lynchings, craven insurrections, disingenuous demands, and anarchist-led violence. The chase-downs and beatings are usually cheered on by the mad, who justify it all with lies their followers want to believe. They are usually sane enough, however, to stay far away from the roiling, bloody streets they’ve urged on. A mob permits anonymous participation in heinous acts by people who might never have moved beyond a vague fever dream, if left to themselves. Some blame social media platforms for the speed with which the antisemitism we’re witnessing has surged, everywhere. I’m sure it has contributed, but algorithms can’t fully explain it. Throughout history it seems the scapegoats to genocidal hate all have a turn – women who healed with herbs, indigenous peoples, people of color, the Irish – but the Jews have regularly reappeared on that list, bobbing up to the top like apples in a barrel, century after century. And of course there was Jesus of Nazareth, the mindless mob’s greatest victim, “pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…” (Is 53:5). Jesus was a Jew, one led “like a lamb to the slaughter,” but with a pure and transcendent purpose.

NOT AGAIN. NOT EVER AGAIN

The last time the pogroms came, the last time mobs marked houses with stars of David and clamored to get their hands on the Jews, too many obeyed – they followed the law. They, too, went like lambs, corralled into ghettos and hoping for the best. Then they held hands and walked into ovens at gunpoint. Quite understandably, they will not do so again. And God help us all if this madness, this naked evil currently preying upon society, does not soon subside. “This kind of spirit does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Mt 17:21). ELIZABETH SCALIA is culture editor for OSV News.

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‘The Gospel is not an ideology; the Gospel is a proclamation of joy. All ideologies are cold, but the Gospel has the warmth of joy.’ Pope Francis

From online story: “‘This is the right moment’ to share Gospel joy, pope says” The Catholic News Herald reached the Facebook and Instagram feeds of more than 200,000 people in English and Spanish last month. The most talked about post? Coverage of Monsignor Richard Bellow’s passing. Join the conversation: www.facebook. com/CatholicNewsHerald. On YouTube in November so far, videos produced by the Catholic News Herald have been viewed more than 7,600 times. So far this month, 33,300 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 49,900 pages. The top trending headlines are: n Former St. Mark pastor Msgr. Bellow dies aged 80..................................................................... 3,017 n ‘Wax museum’ brings saints to life for students .........................................................................1,848 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald ...................................................... 994 n 10 facts about Advent ............................................................................................................................ 668 n Nine Charlotte seminarians instituted as acolytes .......................................................................394

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 24, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ADVENT FROM PAGE 3

when Advent starts. But the Church also uses the ordinary calendar, so it would probably be a bit weird to have a “New Year’s Eve” party the night before Advent starts.

WHAT ABOUT ADVENT WREATHS?

Where do Advent wreaths come from? Is it true that they’re just pagan wreaths borrowed by the Church? The Catholic Church has been using Advent wreaths since the Middle Ages. Lighting candles as we prepare for Christmas reminds us that Christ is the light of the world. The evergreen boughs remind us of new and eternal life in Christ, the eternal son of the Father. It is definitely true that Germanic people were lighting up candle wreaths in wintertime long before the Gospel arrived in their homeland. They did so because, well, candle wreaths in winter are beautiful and warm. That a Christian symbol emerged from that tradition is an indication that the Gospel can be expressed through the language, customs, and symbols of cultures that come to believe that Christ Jesus is Lord.

WHY IS ONE CANDLE PINK?

There are four candles on the Advent wreath. Three are purple, and they are first lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which we call Gaudete Sunday. On that Sunday, in addition to

the pink candle, the priest wears a pink vestment, which he might refer to as rose. But rose, from this writer’s perspective, is a shade of pink. “Gaudete” is a word that means “Rejoice!” We rejoice on Gaudete Sunday, because we are halfway through Advent. Some people have the custom of throwing “Gaudete” parties, and this is also a traditional day on which Christmas carolers begin caroling door-to-door. The three purple candles are sometimes said to represent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three spiritual disciplines that are key to a fruitful Advent.

IS IT WRONG TO SING CHRISTMAS SONGS DURING ADVENT? No. But there are a lot of great Advent hymns and songs: “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” “O Come Divine Messiah,” “Come Thou Fount,” “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding.”

WHEN SHOULD WE PUT UP OUR TREE?

When to put up the tree is a decision that families should decide on their own. Some people put up their tree and decorate it on the first Sunday of Advent, to make a big transformation in their home and get them into “preparing for Christmas” mode. Some people put up the tree on the first Sunday of Advent, put on lights the next Sunday, ornaments the next, and decorate it more and more as they get closer to Christmas. Some people put up the tree on Gaudete Sunday, as a kind of rejoicing, and decorate it in the weeks between Gaudate and Christmas. — Catholic News Agency

BELLOW FROM PAGE 6

In his later years, Monsignor Bellow said he enjoyed having ample time to celebrate Mass, pray, think and meditate. He was a vocal promoter of vocations and supporter of retired priests, and he was the featured cleric on the diocese’s 2023 Priest Retirement Collection poster. His 53 years as a priest and the time he spent directing St. Francis Seminary shaped this mission for him in his later years, he said in a September 2023 interview with the Catholic News Herald. “We still have a task to do as retired priests,” he said. “That is to pray every day to continue to bless this stage of our vocation, to bless all those who have taken our place and to pray in a special way for those who will take not only our place but their place as well. Vocations to the priesthood – that’s the most vital thing we

STATUE FROM PAGE 12

try to help this community and do the right thing for Greensboro and the surrounding areas.” Gallucci also spoke at the dedication, thanking his team and suppliers, noting the need today for the peace the sculpture evokes, and encouraging the students. “I told Declan and Levi in 50 years you’re going to come back here and you’re going to stand there and you’re going to say to

have in the diocese.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Jerome and Robert. Surviving family members include his nephew, Robert Bellow Jr., and cousins: Joseph and Marie Scandariato Sr., Josephine (Bica) and Dr. Matthew Genovese, Josephine (Bica) Ricciuti and her sisters Theresa and Elizabeth, Marguerite (Bica) and Joseph Marino, and Carolyn (Bica) and Tom Larson. Also surviving is his cousin John J. Cerullo Sr., his confidante for most of his adult life. Monsignor Bellow officiated or assisted at almost every marriage, christening and burial that occurred in three generations of his family since his ordination 53 years ago. He was a loving, devoted and key figure in all the events of his extended family. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center of Charlotte is in charge of the arrangements. — Catholic News Herald

your children, ‘I remember the day we dedicated this. I remember going down to the studio and seeing it being created piece by piece. I remember the smiles and the energy that it created,’” Gallucci said. He also spoke about the importance of the creative process. “When you see an idea come to reality, that is an experience we should all cherish because that means there are so many things possible,” he said. “You are all the possibilities of the future. What will you create, what ideas will you bring, and what wonderful things are you going to do with your children in 50 years?”

Elderly religious need your help. Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests have dedicated their lives to serving others through praying for us, ministering to us, educating the young, caring for those who are sick and more—most for little or no pay, leaving a profound shortage in retirement savings. Your donation will make a real difference by providing essential care, medicine and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Please donate at your local parish December 9-10 or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Retirement Fund for Religious