May 24, 2024

Diocese welcomes BISHOP MICHAEL T. MARTIN

OFM Conv.

Seven men to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte

Siete hombres serán ordenados sacerdotes para la Diócesis de Charlotte

5A, 18A

At a glance

MAY 24, 2024

Volume 33 • NUMBER 16 1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333

PUBLISHER

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX

Contact us 2A

Español 16-21A

Our Diocese 4-15A

Our Faith 3A

Scripture 3A, 21A

Viewpoints 26-27A

MayCATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

is a momentous month in the Church and in the world – First Communions, May Crownings, confirmations, ordinations, graduations, end-of-year recitals, picnics, parties and much more. This time of year rivals the fullness of the holiday season, giving rise to the increasingly popular term “Maycember.” Now that we’re in the homestretch toward a summer respite, the Church celebrates Corpus Christi, or the Body of Christ. The very nature of this feast reminds us to slow down and find true peace by prioritizing what is most important – Jesus, the Bread of Life, made truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist. Here are three ways to do just that.

FIND JOY BY SPENDING SUNDAY WITH THE LORD

STAFF

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

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One way to continue the Eucharistic fervor of Corpus Christi throughout the year is to reexamine how we spend our Sundays. In Sophia Institute Press’ recent release, “Restoring the Lord’s Day: How Reclaiming Sunday Can Revive Our Human Nature,” author Daniel Fitzpatrick says modern society has forgotten that joy and living liturgically are intertwined. Drawing from his experiences growing up in the Catholic culture of New Orleans, Fitzpatrick juxtaposes the beauty of taking time to celebrate the faith with the cultural drift toward eliminating the Sabbath. By examining Scripture, philosophy, psychology and literature, he argues that many of us have become Pharaohs within, consumed with anxiety and work. He offers five ways to reorder Sunday activities to restore festivity and holiness, ways the Holy Eucharist strengthens and enlightens us on our journey to Heaven, techniques for cultivating the silence of contemplation and many other tips for reorienting the day of rest.

IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ‘CAREFREE TIMELESSNESS’

Just as dedicating time to God deepens your relationship with Him and creates a more joyful you, the same is true when it comes to with our loved ones. Learn how setting aside several hours to enjoy some “carefree timelessness” with your spouse, children, extended family and friends can improve your relationships dramatically. The concept comes from Catholic author and speaker Matthew Kelly. Visit his channel on youtube.com to watch him discuss this idea in “#1 Way To Help Your Relationships THRIVE: Carefree Timelessness,” which is also explored in his book “Rhythm of Life.”

NOURISH YOUR FAITH WITH A CATHOLIC CLASSIC Breads are traditional fare on Corpus Christi, but the baker in “The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith” doesn’t appreciate the significance of his life’s work, especially in the context of the Mass. Learn how a poor woman, the baker’s son and a miracle restore the faith of the hardened baker and the rest of the town as they prepare for a royal wedding. This beautifully told story with eye-catching illustrations is an original cultural folk tale based on a true story. It is a delightful read for readers young and old, offering discussion material about why the Mass is important. Published by Gingerbread House and available at major booksellers, the book is also available in animated form on YouTube.

Diocesan calendar of events

EVENTS

TRIAD CATHOLIC YOUTH DAY: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, June 1, join hundreds of teens from across the diocese for a treetop adventure of fun and faith at Skywild High Ropes Course in Greensboro. The event is sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte Youth Ministry Office. For more information visit www.charlottediocese.org/events or email Paul Kotlowski at pjkotlowski@rcdoc.org.

CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF ADORATION AT PENNYBYRN: 10 a.m. Sunday, June 2. All are invited to Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point for a special Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi, commemorating 30 years of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at Pennybyrn. After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken in

— Annie Ferguson

Editor’s note

procession through the chapel and around the nearby garden. Father Steve Hoyt, chaplain, will celebrate the Mass and lead the Eucharistic Procession. Children who recently received their first Holy Communion are welcome to join the procession wearing their first Holy Communion attire. For more information, visit www. pennybyrnliving.org.

SUPPORT GROUPS

‘LIFE AFTER LOSS’ GRIEF SUPPORT 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the St. Cecilia Room, St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem. For adults who have lost a spouse, parent, child or close relative. The group meets the first and third Thursdays of the month. For details, call Deacon Carl Brown at 336-207-7502.

The next edition of the Catholic News Herald will be mailed on Friday, June 21, to bring you timely coverage of the diocese’s ordinations and our annual special Vocations edition. Stay up with the latest news from around the diocese and the Church worldwide online 24/7 at www. catholicnewsherald.com. Thank you for reading the Catholic News Herald!

Correction

In the May 10 edition of the Catholic News Herald, a news brief announcing three new deacons assigned in the Diocese of Charlotte contained an incorrect photo of Deacon Kenneth Henry. We regret the error.

— Spencer K.M. Brown, editor

Our faith

On the third day He rose again

In last month’s installment of our ongoing series, we explored Jesus’ passion and death. This month we take a look at the fifth article of the Apostles’ Creed, which states that Jesus “descended into hell” and that “on the third day He rose again.”

I once read an article written by a non-believer who smugly thought she had stumbled upon a hidden fact that the Church would prefer to keep hidden: that Jesus went to hell. The author assumed “hell” to be the place of the damned, which she interpreted to be inconsistent with Christian belief in a sinless Jesus. To her this was a “gotcha” moment. Of course, this is no news to practicing Christians who routinely recite the Apostles’ Creed. But that doesn’t mean many aren’t confused on this point. It does sound odd to say that Jesus, the divine Son of God, descended to hell. What does the Church mean by this?

JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED

“Hell” in this instance does not refer to the place of the damned, the principal characteristic of which is eternal separation from God. Such could never be the case with Jesus. But the word “hell” did not always have this narrow meaning. In the case of the Apostles’ Creed it is used as the English equivalent of the Greek “Hades” or Hebrew “Sheol.” These terms referred to the realm of the dead, without any judgment as to their condition. Prior to Christianity, a common (though not universal) Jewish understanding of the afterlife was that the souls of all the departed went to a realm they called “Sheol.” The righteous would have a good experience there, while the unrighteous would suffer; thus justice would be rendered. We see this illustrated in Christ’s parable of Lazarus and the rich man, where the rich man suffers torment for his lack of charity while poor Lazarus is comforted in the bosom of Abraham (see Lk 16:19-31).

By saying that Christ descended into hell, we affirm the truth that Christ in fact died. Since He possesses a full human nature, Jesus has both a human body and a human soul. When the body is so damaged by injury, age or disease that it can no longer give expression to the soul, the soul and body separate. This is the theological understanding of death, and this is what happened to Jesus on the cross. Jesus did not swoon or fall into a coma only to be later revived. The fact of Christ’s death is an essential prerequisite to belief in the

Credo

A 12-part series on the Creed

by Deacon Matthew Newsome

EDITOR’S NOTE

This article is Part 5 in a series exploring the Creed. Look for articles each month in the Catholic News Herald and online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

‘Jesus’ resurrection on the third day manifested His complete authority over death.’

resurrection. This is why St. Paul insisted on preaching “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” to the Corinthians (1 Cor 2:2). For, as he explained, if Christ did not truly die, then He was not truly raised; and if Christ was not raised from the dead, then our faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:14).

THE THIRD DAY

The underscoring of the reality of Christ’s death is also at least part of the significance of the three days Christ spent in the tomb. First, a clarification is warranted about the nature of the phrase, “three days.” Jesus was not dead for 72 hours, which is how most modern Englishspeakers would naturally understand the phrase. He was buried in the afternoon of Good Friday and rose from the dead sometime before dawn on Easter Sunday. At most this may add up to a day-and-ahalf. Why, then, do we say that Jesus was

buried for three days?

According to the common first-century Jewish reckoning of time, if something occurred during even a part of the day, it was attributed to “the day.” Thus Jesus died on Good Friday (day one), was dead all of Holy Saturday (day two), and remained dead for the early hours of Easter Sunday before He rose (day three).

On one level, the three days Jesus spent in the tomb are a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus refers to “the sign of Jonah,” saying, “Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights” (Mt 12:3940). But the three days also had a more immediate significance that would have been understood by all who witnessed the resurrection.

Given how difficult it can be to determine if a person is truly dead, especially without use of modern medical technology, a folk belief arose among the Jews that a person was only known to be truly dead when three days had passed. This helps us to understand why Jesus delayed until the fourth day to travel to Bethany to raise Lazarus (Jn 11:1-44). To demonstrate His authority over death, Jesus wanted it to be clear that the one being raised was fully dead and not only “mostly dead” (to borrow a phrase from “The Princess Bride”).

Likewise, Jesus’ resurrection on the third day manifested His complete authority over death. Death could not hold the Author of Life. By freely laying down His life (Jn 10:18), Christ did not succumb to death, but forced death to succumb to Him. As “the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25), Christ rose victorious over death, but He did not win the victory for Himself only. Just as the gates of hell (“Hades” or “Sheol”) cannot stand against Jesus, they will not stand against those who are members of His Body, the Church. Because death no longer has power over Christ (Rom 6:9), those who die with Him can be confident of also rising with Him (Rom 6:9, 2 Tim 2:11). Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20), not the last, and the scriptures attest that He will be the first of many brethren (Rom 8:29). To be among those who share in His resurrection is the hope of every Christian and the joy behind every “Alleluia” we sing.

DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University. He is the author of “The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales,” available from Sophia Institute Press.

Pope Francis

Humility is the ‘gateway to all virtues’

Though not found on the classical list of cardinal or theological virtues, humility lies “at the base of Christian life,” Pope Francis said.

“Whereas pride and arrogance swell the human heart, making us appear to be more than we are, humility restores everything to its correct dimension,” he said. Human beings “are wonderful creatures, but we are limited, with qualities and flaws.”

During his general audience in St. Peter’s Square May 22, the pope ended his series of talks on vices and virtues by discussing humility, which he said is “the gateway to all virtues.”

In the beatitudes, Jesus praised the “poor in spirit” and said “theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he said. “It is the first beatitude,”because it underlies those that follow it: meekness, mercy (and) purity of heart arise from that inner sense of littleness.”

“Blessed are the people who guard this sense of their own littleness in their hearts,” he said. “These people are shielded from an ugly vice: arrogance.”

Humility is present throughout the Gospel, even in its opening pages, he said, noting how the Angel Gabriel announces Jesus’ coming birth not in Jerusalem, but in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee, “but it is precisely from there that the world is reborn.”

Similarly, the person selected to bring the Son of God into the world “is not a queen who grew up coddled, but an unknown girl: Mary.”

God is drawn to the “littleness” in Mary, “which is above all an interior littleness,” the pope said. “He is also drawn to our own littleness when we accept this littleness.”

Although Mary may have faced difficult periods “in which her faith advanced in darkness,” Pope Francis said that Mary’s “rock-solid” humility never wavered. Mary’s humility, he said, “is her invincible strength; it is she who remains at the foot of the cross while the illusion of a triumphant Messiah is shattered.”

Pope Francis added that humility is what “saves us from the devil and from the danger of becoming his accomplices.”

“Humility is the source of peace in the world and in the Church,” he said.

MAY 26-JUNE 1

Sunday (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity): Dt 4:32-34, 39-40, Rom 8:14-17, Mt 28:16-20; Monday: 1 Pt 1:3-9, Mk 10:17-27; Tuesday: 1 Pt 1:10-16, Mk 10:2831; Wednesday: 1 Pt 1:18-25, Mk 10:32-45; Thursday: 1 Pt 2:2-5, 9-12, Mk 10:46-52; Friday: Zep 3:14-18a, Lk 1:39-56; Saturday: Jude 17, 20b-25, Mk 11:27-33

JUNE 2-8

Sunday (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Ex 24:3-8,

Heb 9:11-15, Mk 14:12-16, 22-26; Monday: 2 Pt 1:2-7, Mk 12:1-12; Tuesday: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18, Mk 12:13-17; Wednesday: 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12, Mk 12:18-27; Thursday: 2 Tm 2:8-15, Mk 12:28-34; Friday (Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9, Eph 3:812, 14-19, Jn 19:31-37; Saturday: 2 Tm 4:1-8, Lk 2:41-51

JUNE 9-15

Sunday: Gn 3:9-15, 2 Cor 4:13–5:1, Mk 3:2035; Monday: 1 Kgs 17:1-6, Mt 5:1-12; Tuesday: Acts 11:21B-26, 13:1-3, Mt 5:13-16; Wednesday: 1 Kgs 18:20-39, Mt 5:17-19; Thursday: 1 Kgs 18:41-46, Mt 5:20-26; Friday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16, Mt 5:27-32; Saturday: 1 Kgs 19:19-21, Mt 5:33-37

JUNE 16-22

Sunday: Ez 17:22-24, 2 Cor 5:6-10, Mk 4:26-34; Monday: 1 Kgs 21:1-16, Mt 5:3842; Tuesday: 1 Kgs 21:17-29, Mt 5:43-48; Wednesday: 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14, Mt 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday: Sir 48:1-14, Mt 6:7-15; Friday: 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Mt 6:19-23; Saturday: 2 Chr 24:17-25, Mt 6:24-34

“Where there is no humility, there is war, there is discord, there is division.”

Pope Francis ended his audience asking Christians to pray for peace for the world consumed by war.

“Let us not forget the martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, that this war may end; let us not forget Myanmar; let us not forget the many countries at war,” he said. “Brothers and sisters, we must pray for peace in this time of world war.” —

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Catholic News Herald, Communications Office welcomes new team member

CHARLOTTE — Amelia Kudela has joined the Diocese of Charlotte as a communications and office assistant and content producer for the Catholic News Herald.

A life-long Catholic, Kudela will help with research, producing stories, and managing social media and other content for all of the diocese’s communications channels. She will assist with event planning and management, and will work with media outlets across the diocese to help tell our stories.

Kudela graduated May 4 from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She has a background in marketing, event planning and office management, working during her college years as a marketing consultant for a residential community and as a wedding planner.

She grew up in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and moved to Charlotte as a teen. She can be reached at arkudela@rcdoc.org.

Charlotte faithful march for life at state capitol rally

RALEIGH — More than 30 people from across the Diocese of Charlotte turned out Saturday for the North Carolina State March for Life in Raleigh to continue advocating for mothers and children at the state level.

In a pilgrimage organized by the diocese’s Office of Family Life, the prolife marchers boarded buses in Charlotte, Asheville and Kernersville early Saturday to participate in the event put on by the N.C. Right to Life advocacy group. They listened to speakers and received a blessing from Father Casey Coleman, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro, then set to marching around the state capitol and legislative buildings.

“We are raising awareness about the importance of state-level, pro-life work that the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision has opened the door to,” said Father Peter Ascik, director of the Family Life Office. “North Carolina is still a destination state for abortion,” despite the recent passage of a law limiting abortions after 12 weeks.

“We’re here to witness to the dignity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death, which is a fundamental belief of the Catholic Church,” Father Ascik said. “Unfortunately, there are still major inconsistencies in protections for human life across the country, but we are optimistic there’s a window to make progress.”

— Catholic News Herald

A joy to serve the diocese

Employees salute Bishop Jugis at retirement reception

CHARLOTTE — With an apple juice toast and touching words of gratitude, employees from the Diocese of Charlotte’s Pastoral Center thanked Bishop Peter Jugis for his 20 years of leadership through unprecedented growth in the diocese, as he prepares to transition into retirement and service as bishop emeritus.

The cake-and-veggie event included funny and meaningful speeches and a special photo slideshow highlighting the bishop’s tenure as spiritual shepherd for more than 530,000 Catholics in western North Carolina.

Staff members had the chance to write their own special memories of working alongside Bishop Jugis and well wishes on cards that will be bound into a book for him.

Bishop Jugis expressed his gratitude and joy for the experiences he was blessed to share with the staff and the people of the diocese. He promised that in retirement, he would continue to pray for Bishop-elect Michael Martin and for the work of all diocesan ministries.

“I have a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me and upon this diocese, and for the opportunity to serve as a priest and a bishop of this diocese,” Bishop Jugis said. “It has also been a joy to observe the work of the Holy Spirit in the diocese.”

Bishop Jugis also thanked employees for their work and service to parishes, clergy, schools and the larger community.

“It’s been a joy for me to serve with you to continue the life and the mission of the Church here in this portion of the vineyard of the Lord that has been entrusted to us,” Bishop Jugis said. “It is a great responsibility that the Lord has entrusted to all of us together.”

He recalled an interview then-Pope John Paul II once gave when a reporter asked, “Your Holiness, what is the mission of the Church?” He responded, “I can give you that in one word –salvation!”

That single word, Bishop Jugis said, unites the work of everyone in the diocese.

“Salvation in Christ – that’s what we’re about here. Jesus, the way and the truth and the life, is animating us in all that we do for Him. No matter what the particular calling God has given to each of us in this life, we’re all working together in that mission of the Church. We are proclaiming the kingdom of Christ by the witness of our lives.”

— Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis appoints Father Sanchez as bishop’s priest-secretary

CHARLOTTE — Father Juan Miguel Sanchez is leaving his role at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Winston-Salem to serve as priest-secretary for the Diocese of Charlotte’s incoming bishop.

Bishop Peter Jugis has announced that Father Sanchez’s appointment is effective Monday, May 20.

Bishop-elect Martin will be ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte at the end of May. As priestsecretary, Father Sanchez will assist the new bishop in his day-to-day activities, working with him and accompanying him on visits to parishes, schools and Catholic institutions throughout the diocese. He will maintain an office in the Chancery at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

Father Sanchez has served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Mission in WinstonSalem since July 2023. Ordained in 2021, he has also served as parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte and as assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School.

A native of Mexico, Father Sanchez’s earliest years were spent on a small-town farm before moving with his parents and siblings to the city of Guadalajara.

He came to the United States at 20 and went to work in construction with his older brothers. Despite his lack of a high school diploma, he was encouraged by Father Julio Dominguez, the diocese’s Vicar of Hispanic Ministry, to pursue his studies. He earned his high school equivalency diploma before entering priestly formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. He then joined a select number of the diocese’s seminarians chosen to study theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Jugis in 2021.

— Catholic News Herald

Kudela

Sanchez

ORDINATION 2024

Seven men to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte

KIMBERLY BENDER kdbender@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — On June 15, seven men will be ordained priests at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, one of the largest groups to take this step together for the Diocese of Charlotte – and evidence of the continuing success of the diocese’s expanded emphasis on vocations.

This diverse class brings men from parishes across the diocese. They are:

n Matthew Wayne Dimock, Jr. of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte,

n Christian Joseph Goduti of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville,

n Matthew Philip Harrison II of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury,

n Kevin Ruben Martinez and José Alfredo Palma Torres, both of St. Joseph Parish in Asheboro,

n Elliott Cade Suttle of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby, and

n Kevin Michael Tran of St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte.

All seven completed their final academic step of their formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Deacon Dimock says he’s been counting down the days to his ordination. “It’s everything that I’ve wanted, especially over these past eight years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to serving the people of God. I’m looking forward to celebrating Mass for them and just passing on the tradition to the faithful.”

In addition to attending the seminary together, the men share similar passions for music, sports, reading and a love of the Catholic faith.

Five of the seven were among the first classes at St. Joseph College Seminary for undergraduates discerning a possible religious vocation before taking the step of enrolling in Mount St. Mary’s major seminary. Established in 2016, the college seminary is fostering growth of vocations in the diocese.

Deacon Martinez applied for the college seminary his senior year of high school, unsure if they’d accept him so young or what it might mean to be part of the new seminary.

“I grew up a cradle Catholic, and I received all of my sacraments of initiation from the same parish,” Martinez said. “But there was something that clicked inside of me, this movement of God’s grace. That’s where I felt like I was lacking something in my life, and I wanted to get to know the Lord more.”

Deacon Harrison, who also has a brother studying in seminary, credits his family life for leading to his ability to discern a vocation.

“Growing up, faith was such a significant part of our education and our formation in the home. It was not foreign to see one of the kids praying on their own, and I didn’t feel like I stood out if I wanted to go to Mass or confession,” he said.

Deacon Goduti has had several memorable experiences since becoming a deacon. He also looks forward to hearing confessions and celebrating Mass. To prepare for the priesthood, seminarians perform practice baptisms. He said the test runs don’t compare to the feeling of the first time he baptized a child – for real.

“It was just so surreal, especially right before I poured water and said the words over the girl,” he said. “That you were

New priests’ first Masses of Thanksgiving

After their ordination to the priesthood on June 15, the Diocese of Charlotte’s newest priests will offer first Masses at their home parishes on Sunday, June 16. All are invited to attend.

n Matthew Dimock Jr.: 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte

n Matthew Harrison II: 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury

n Christian Goduti: 9 a.m. at St. Mark Church in Huntersville

n Kevin Martinez: 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro

n José Palma Torres: 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Church in Charlotte

n Elliott Suttle: 9 a.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby

n Kevin Tran: 5 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte

actually bringing the life of God into this soul, and it wasn’t practice. It was the real deal, and that was amazing.”

Deacon Palma Torres, who was born in Mexico and grew up in the diocese, says he has understanding and comfort in both cultures. “I’ll bring to the people of the diocese the capacity to speak both languages, Spanish and English,” he said. “I’m ready to serve them, without having a language barrier or having a culture barrier.”

Once he’s ordained a priest, Deacon Tran is most looking forward to being able to consecrate the Eucharist. After ordination, Deacons Suttle and Tran are traveling to Japan.

Deacon Tran is excited to visit the sites where the Japanese martyrs were witnessing to the faith and “be able to join myself in their own sacrifice and the sacrifice of the Mass,” he said.

Deacon Suttle, who taught English in Japan for four years, is looking forward to returning to his Japanese parish and celebrating Mass. Deacon Suttle grew up Methodist and converted the Catholicism as an adult. He explored careers in IT and auto racing before a conversation with Father Peter Shaw, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, opened his eyes to his vocation. Leaving Japan, Deacon Suttle prayed about his next steps.

“As soon as I gave that idea any kind of room to grow in my mind, I could see myself in him in the confessional. And I knew at that moment that this is exactly where God is pointing me to go.”

After he’s ordained next month, that’s what Deacon Suttle is most looking forward to –hearing confessions.

All seven will serve as priests in the diocese, with their first pastoral assignments announced at the end of their ordination Mass.

“We have such a beautiful, growing diocese right now,” Deacon Dimock said. “I’m grateful that God has called me to partake in the ministry there.”

All are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Mass Saturday, June 15, at St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Learn more about our soon-tobe priests from exclusive interviews, videos and more.

Six men to be ordained transitional deacons on June 1

CHARLOTTE — Six men will be ordained transitional deacons June 1, putting them one step closer to becoming priests next year.

This will be Bishop-elect Michael Martin’s first public liturgy after his ordination and installation as fifth bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte next week.

Christopher William Angermeyer, of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte; Anthony del Cid Lucero, of St. Joseph Parish in Newton; Nicholas James Kramer, of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa; Kolbe Raymond Murrey, of St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon; Andrew Jeffery Templeton, of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Gastonia; and Joseph Gerard Yellico, of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, will be ordained to holy orders.

After their ordination, these six men will be considered “transitional” deacons as compared to “permanent” deacons. Transitional deacons generally serve a year in pastoral, liturgical and educational preparation before they are considered for ordination to the priesthood in June 2025. Permanent deacons can be married and do not go on to be ordained priests.

All are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Mass on Saturday, June 1, at St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

Learn more about these six men online at www. catholicnewsherald.com.

— Catholic News Herald

Angermeyer del Cid Lucero Kramer

Murrey Templeton Yellico

Seven men to be ordained to the priesthood June 15 are pictured prior to graduation from Mount St. Mary Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio: (front row from left)

Deacons Kevin Tran, José Palma Torres and Kevin Martinez; and (back row) Elliott Suttle, Matthew Dimock Jr., Christian Goduti and Matthew Harrison II.

TROY HULL |

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic Charities offers bountiful resources on caring for our common home

EDITOR’S NOTE

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is highlighting the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching in conjunction with its year-long 75th anniversary celebration. In this first of a series, “Care for God’s Creation” focuses on having respect for our Creator and the world He entrusted to our care. See page 7A for the full teaching.

CHARLOTTE — “Earthrise,” an iconic photo of the planet taken by astronaut William Anders on Christmas Eve in 1968, gave people a new view of our common home – inspiring environmental efforts that continue to this day, including the work of Catholic Charities.

In that image, humanity saw the wonder and fragility of their home where all life must coexist in the universe that God created. That appreciation for God’s creation – and our place within it – is an important theme of Catholic Social Teaching.

“We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith,” the U.S. bishops have said. “We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.”

May 24 marks the ninth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” or “Praise Be to You,” an appeal to “every person living on this planet” for an inclusive conversation about how we are shaping the future of our world. He calls on the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to embark on a new path

of awareness and action. In the letter, and in subsequent writings and speeches, the pope makes an urgent appeal to respond to the climate crisis.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has risen to the pope’s challenge, offering parishes and schools resources on how they can start or broaden environmental efforts right here in western North Carolina.

Joe Purello, who leads Catholic Charities’ Social Concerns and Advocacy office, said, “Laudato Si’ challenges us to work to address the environmental crises now facing our planet, and calls us to see beyond the present crises to envision and work for a future in which all humanity is treated with dignity and respect, flourishing in a sustainable common home.”

Environmental awareness and action is a

core aspect of Catholic Charities’ mission to provide help to those in need, hope to those in despair, and inspiration for others to follow, Purello said.

“Laudato Si’ also raises our awareness that environmental degradation negatively impacts, in a disproportionate way, those who are poor, those who suffer from chronic illnesses, and those who are younger and older. Our duty to care for creation therefore overlaps with our duty to care for those who are marginalized and vulnerable,” he said.

A few of Catholic Charities educational efforts and resources include: creation care initiatives, Catholic resources on the environment, joining or starting a care for creation team, webinars and parish missions, tips for sustainable shopping and much more.

At www.ccdoc.org/careofcreation : Explore resources and ideas about how you and your parish or school can get involved in caring for our common home. Questions on Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s environmental efforts? Contact Joe Purello at jtpurello@ccdoc. org or 704-370-3225.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

With support and information from Catholic Charities, churches and schools across the diocese have blazed a path of environmental stewardship over the past decade. One major effort has been the installation of solar panel arrays to produce renewable, clean energy.

St. Stephen Mission in Elkin was the first to install solar panels on the roof of its fellowship hall in 2010.

In 2015, St. Eugene Church in Asheville installed an array of 147 solar panels on its roof that generates on average $6,000 per year in savings. This covers about 30 percent of the church’s annual energy usage. Since installation, the panels have kept over 600,000 pounds of CO2 out of the air we breathe.

In the spring of 2020, St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte installed an array of 622 solar panels on the roof of its Parish Center and School. The panels produce approximately 345,000 kilowatt-hours per year – about 40

CREATION, SEE PAGE 23A

“Earthrise,” taken on December 24, 1968, by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders was the first photograph taken by humans of Earth.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In 2022, Asheville Catholic School became the latest location in the Diocese of Charlotte to install solar panels.

New bishop to offer special Corpus Christi Mass at Charlotte amphitheater

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — In one of his first public events, the Diocese of Charlotte’s new bishop will celebrate a special Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi in a Ballantyne amphitheater, with as many as 5,000 people in attendance.

The free event is open to everyone and is set for 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 2, at The Amp.

Tickets are required and may be obtained online at www.stmatthewcatholic.org/feast-ofcorpus-christi

The celebration is being organized by St. Matthew Parish, one of the largest Catholic parishes in the U.S.

It will include Mass and a Eucharistic Procession for the feast day.

Bishop-elect Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., will be installed as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte on May 30. On Saturday he will officiate at the ordination of six transitional deacons for the Charlotte diocese, then on Sunday he will celebrate this Charlotte-area Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi.

Most recently a parish priest from Jonesboro, Georgia, in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the

bishop-elect succeeds Bishop Peter Jugis, who is retiring after 20 years of serving as the Bishop of Charlotte.

The Amp is located at 11115 Upper Ave., off Ballantyne Corporate Place.

St. Matthew Parish leaders describe the special celebration as “a day of renewal and rededication” meant to draw Catholics together to honor God’s precious gift of the Eucharist.

The annual solemn feast day celebrates Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.

“Corpus Christi” is Latin for “Body of Christ” and was first established as a holy day in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Thorte of Liege, Belgium. It was then extended to the Universal Church in 1264 by Pope Urban IV at the suggestion of St. Thomas Aquinas, who encouraged a feast day focused on the Eucharist and the Real Presence.

The feast day takes on additional meaning this year with the celebration of the National Eucharistic Congress, encouraging a renewed focus on the gift of the Eucharist for Catholics around the U.S.

Get

tickets

Get free tickets and more information at www.stmatthewcatholic.org/feast-of-corpus-christi

PHOTO

Seven men graduate from St. Joseph College Seminary

MOUNT HOLLY — The St. Joseph College Seminary community celebrated the graduation of seven seminarians on May 11 – six from the Echo class and one from the Golf class. Pictured are (from left) graduates John Harrison, Carson Cannon and Mark Becker; Father Matthew Buettner, spiritual director; Deacon Tom Sanctis, chairman of the seminary advisory board; Father Matthew Kauth, rector; Deacon Peter Tonon, co-founder of the seminary; Father John Putnam, formation faculty and pastor of St. Mark Church; Father Brian Becker, director of formation; and graduates Gabriel Lugo, Matthew Stanley, Mateo Pérez and Ronan Ostendorf. — Catholic News Herald

Belmont Abbey College celebrates 146th commencement

BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 146th commencement ceremony on May 11, with a total of 314 students awarded undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the annual graduation event on campus. The celebration began with a customary baccalaureate Mass at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, followed by the graduation ceremony on the basilica piazza, presided over by Chancellor and Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari and President Dr. William Thierfelder. Twenty graduates earned nursing degrees (14 prelicensed and six RN-BSN), marking the first-ever nursing graduation at Belmont Abbey College under the guidance of Interim Chair and Program Director Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny. Also, five St. Joseph College seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte received bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, along with one of Belmont Abbey’s monks, Brother Chrysostom Sica. The St. Joseph College graduates are (from left): Carson Cannon, John Harrison, Ronan Ostendorf, Gabriel Lugo and Mateo Pérez.

— Catholic News Herald

Donate Your Vehicle

Turn your unused car, truck, boat, RV, or motorcycle into a force for good. Donate it to Catholic Charities and help fund programs for those in need.

And receive a tax benefit!

All vehicle makes and models are accepted.

855-930-GIVE OR CCDOC.ORG/CARS

Giving appreciated stock to your parish, Catholic school, agency, the diocese or the Foundation creates a gift that will benefit your desired beneficiary and provide you tax benefits.

For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.givingplan.net or call Gina Rhodes at 704/370-3364.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE

ceremony

Come to the Altar

E N I O R S

This year ’ s Senior Class was awarded over $5 million in scholarships. Congratulations Class of 2024

A g a r w a l a , M i c h a e l S c o t t

A l l r e d , E m e l i a G r a c e

B a r r e t t , M c A l i s t e r M i c h a e l

B o r n e m a n n , S v e n P h i l i p p

B o u r g e o i s , D y l a n T h o m a s

B r e e d l o v e , K e n n e d i M a e

B r i d g e s , I s a b e l l a M o a r

C a m p b e l l , J o h n A n t h o n y

C a r t e r , M a l c o l m G i b b o n s

C i n c o t t i , E m m a L o u i s e

C l a r k , M a y a D e l a n e y

C r i s w e l l , A i d e n J a m e s o n

C r o o k e r , S t e l l a G r a c e

C r u z , S a m a n t h a C a r o l i n a

C u r r y - C l a r k , A d r i a n n a S h a n n o n

D a v i s , J a c k s o n W y a t t

D e B o r d , H a i l e y L y n n

D r a k e , S u s a n n a E l i z a b e t h

D u g g a n , C a r o l i n e E l i z a b e t h

F e a r s , N e v a e h H o p e

F o p p e , D a v i d F r a n c i s

F r i e s , T h o m a s J a m e s

A d r i a n C o l l e g e

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f A l a b a m a

A l f r e d U n i v e r s i t y

A p p a l a c h i a n S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

A p p a l a c h i a n S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

( H a y e s S c h o o l o f M u s i c )

A r i z o n a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y - T e m p e

U n i v e r s i t y o f A r i z o n a

A u b u r n U n i v e r s i t y

A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y

B a l d w i n W a l l a c e U n i v e r s i t y

B e l m o n t A b b e y C o l l e g e

B e l m o n t U n i v e r s i t y

B r e v a r d C o l l e g e

C a m p b e l l U n i v e r s i t y

C a t a w b a C o l l e g e T h e C a t h o l i c U n i v e r s i t y o f A m e r i c a

C h a r l e s t o n S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y

C o l l e g e o f C h a r l e s t o n

C h r i s t o p h e r N e w p o r t U n i v e r s i t y

C l e m s o n U n i v e r s i t y

C o a s t a l C a r o l i n a U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f D a y t o n

E a s t C a r o l i n a U n i v e r s i t y

E a s t e r n M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y

F u e h l e r , M i l e s Q u i n c y

G e d d i e - G a r c i a , A m a n d a V i v i a n

G e r h o l d , M i n e r v a J o a n

G o o d m a n , A v a M a r i e

G r a h a m , W e s t S i n c l a i r

G r i f f e y , K e e n a n M o n r o e

H a r r e l l , E m i l e e C h r i s t i n e

H o l t o n , N i n a M a r i e

I n g l e , A i d o n R a e

J o h n s t o n , M o r g a n P a i g e

K i l g a r i f f , H o b b e s A n d r e w

K u n k l e , C a r o l i n e M a r i e

L a n z a , M a r i o S a n j a y

L e , J a c k T u a n

L i n a r e s , D i e g o

L i n n , O w e n P a u l

L o n c a r , A l e x a n d e r J o s e p h

L o n g , O l i v i a G r a c e

L o p e z - M o r a l e s , A l e s s a n d r o

M a c D o n a l d , N o r a C a t e

M a r t i n , C a l e b M a g l e n n

M e n t i n a , A u g u s t i n e P a s q u a l e

M e y e r , E m o r y N o l a n

M i l l e r , F i n l e y E d i t h

M i l l e r , J o h n R i l e y

O ' C o n n o r , L u k e J o s e p h

O t t e r , K a t h e r i n e E l i z a b e t h

P a i s , R o g e r A n t o n

P e r e z F e r n a n d e z , F e r n a n d a

P e s a v e n t o , T y l e r G r e y s o n

P e t e r s o n , A v a J o y

P e t r o v i t c h , R o s e m a r y E l i z a b e t h

P u r g a s o n , A l l i e G r a c e

Q u a g l i a n o , M a r y J u l i a

R a m i r e z , O r l a n d o

R e d d i c k , R o b e r t M a t t h e w

R e e v e s , H a n n a h G r a c e

R o l e , G e o r g e A l b e r t

R u s c h , N a t h a n i e l A n g e l o

S a k o , A y r t o n J a f e r

S a l a s - O r e l l a n a , M a t t h e w

S e b a s t i a n

S c h u l t h e i s , T h e r e s a M a r i e

S e a u x , M a r i e E u n - J i n

College Acceptance List

E l i z a b e t h C i t y S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

E l o n U n i v e r s i t y E m b r y - R i d d l e A e r o n a u t i c a l U n i v e r s i t y -

D a y t o n a B e a c h

F i v e T o w n s C o l l e g e

F l o r i d a I n s t i t u t e o f T e c h n o l o g y

F u r m a n U n i v e r s i t y

G a r d n e r - W e b b U n i v e r s i t y

G e o r g e M a s o n U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f G e o r g i a

G u i l f o r d C o l l e g e

G u i l f o r d T e c h n i c a l C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e

H a m p d e n - S y d n e y C o l l e g e

H a m p t o n U n i v e r s i t y H a w a i i P a c i f i c U n i v e r s i t y

H i g h P o i n t U n i v e r s i t y H o b a r t W i l l i a m S m i t h C o l l e g e s I n d i a n a T e c h I t h a c a C o l l e g e

J a c k s o n v i l l e U n i v e r s i t y J a m e s M a d i s o n U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f K e n t u c k y

L e n o i r - R h y n e U n i v e r s i t y L i b e r t y U n i v e r s i t y

L i n c o l n M e m o r i a l U n i v e r s i t y

L o n g I s l a n d U n i v e r s i t y - P o s t

L o n g I s l a n d U n i v e r s i t y - B r o o k l y n

L y n n U n i v e r s i t y M a r s H i l l U n i v e r s i t y

M e r c e r U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f M i a m i

M i c h i g a n T e c h n o l o g i c a l U n i v e r s i t y

M i d d l e T e n n e s s e e S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f M i s s i s s i p p i

M o l l o y U n i v e r s i t y

N a z a r e t h U n i v e r s i t y

N e w R i v e r C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e

N i a g a r a U n i v e r s i t y

U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a a t A s h e v i l l e

U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a a t C h a p e l H i l l

U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a a t C h a r l o t t e

U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a a t G r e e n s b o r o

U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a W i l m i n g t o n

N o r t h C a r o l i n a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y a t R a l e i g h

N o r t h C a r o l i n a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y a t R a l e i g h

( A g & L i f e S c i e n c e )

N o r t h C a r o l i n a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y a t R a l e i g h

( E n g r )

O k l a h o m a C i t y U n i v e r s i t y

P r e s b y t e r i a n C o l l e g e

S e l l a r s , B a c a l l A d i a n a

S e x t o n , C a t h e r i n e S o p h i a

S h o w e r s , A s h l y n H o l l o w e l l

S i l v a , A v a R e b e c c a

S i l v a , E t h a n J o s e p h

S i m p s o n , S o p h i a C o n s t a n t i n a

S o s a , M a n u e l I g n a c i o

S t a l e k , G r a c e C a m i l l e T u r n e r , C o l i n W i l l i a m

V a l e n t e , A m e l i a C l a i r e

V a r n e r , K i e r s t e n E l i z a b e t h

V i l l a v i c e n c i o , N i c h o l a s

V l a c h o s , M a r i a n n a I l i a s

W a g o n e r , E m m a R e e s e

W h i t a k e r , M e l a n d i e J a n i c e

W i e d w a l d , T y l e r W o l f g a n g

W i l l i a m s , B e n j a m i n T a y l o r

W i l s o n , E m i l y A d a i r

W o l s c h o n , K a t h r y n E l l e n

W u n n e r , A i d a n S c o t t

Y o c u m , L a u r a E l i z a b e t h

Z a v a l a , D a l i l a D a i n e

Q u e e n s U n i v e r s i t y o f C h a r l o t t e

R e n s s e l a e r P o l y t e c h n i c I n s t i t u t e

R o a n o k e C o l l e g e

S a l e m C o l l e g e

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f t h e S o u t h ( S e w a n e e )

U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h C a r o l i n a - U p s t a t e

U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h C a r o l i n a - C o l u m b i a

S t A n d r e w s U n i v e r s i t y

S t J o h n F i s h e r U n i v e r s i t y

S t o n y B r o o k U n i v e r s i t y T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f T a m p a

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f T e n n e s s e e - K n o x v i l l e

O h i o S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y - M a i n C a m p u s

U n i v e r s i t y o f L y n c h b u r g

U n i v e r s i t y o f O r e g o n

V i r g i n i a T e c h V i r g i n i a T e c h ( E n g i n e e r i n g )

W a g n e r C o l l e g e

W a k e F o r e s t U n i v e r s i t y

W e s t V i r g i n i a U n i v e r s i t y

W e s t e r n C a r o l i n a U n i v e r s i t y

W i c h i t a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

W i l l i a m P e a c e U n i v e r s i t y

W i n g a t e U n i v e r s i t y

X a v i e r U n i v e r s i t y

Appalachian State University

Sarah Bergin

Sadie Borda

Daly Borders

Lydia Cole

Abigail Driscoll

Rayanna Forster

Madelyn Haines

Tiffany Hochertz

Peter Lanzas

Richard Latorre

Max Miller

Zachary Noonan

Pam Ostergaard

Hunt Perry

Abby Pham

Ryan Reid

Chloe Strouse

Madeline Tibbitt

Jason Walton

Drew Warren

Conner Williams

Arizona State University

Cornell Beans

Auburn University

Lachlan Dunn

Avery Graham

Gabe Grippo

Vincent Vaughan

Baylor University

Annakate Foley

Belmont Abbey College

Charlotte Bergman

Ava Blaha

Seamus Murphy

Ryan Nguyen

Sofia Quintanilla Burgos

Benedictine College

Bayley Tonucci

Bucknell University

Madison Molloy

Campbell University

John Rhodes

Catholic University of America

Madelyn Bronson

Central Piedmont

Community College

Erick Gonzalez

Marco Lopez

Nora Mennitt

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Brady Kam

Clemson University

Jason Babyak

Will Bradford

Audrey Carson

Chris Chester

Aidan Doyle

Sean Gilrane

Emily Horning

Maxwell Norton

John Osborne

Ava Shepard

Jeffrey Stewart

Lindsay Trakimowicz

Makenna Wylde

Coastal Carolina University

Brooklynn Hood

Anna Horning

Colgate University

Taylor Crabtree

College of Charleston

Ellen Horning

Ana Rey

Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2024

Alexandra Robinson

Irene Walsh

College of the Holy Cross

Gracynn Gough

Denison University

Lauren Proicou

Duke University

Jack Hedrick

East Carolina University

Hayes Cobb

Katie Finnican

Sean Floriani

Nicholas Freeman

Ryan Hogg

Gabriel Jacome

Elon University

Sahrahie Enamorado

Landon Herzberg

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)

Giovanni Gyorody

Fairfield University

Sydney Lynch

Florida State University

Sean Alexander

Carson Harris

Fordham University

Maxwell Cowan

Lillian Kleiderlein

Furman University

Jackson Gagnon

Claire Leggat

Georgetown University

Timothy Bowen

Jack Ransom

Georgia Institute of Technology

Burcham Barlas

Georgian Court University

Matthew Sermeno

Hampden-Sydney College

Frank Brewer

Rhett Teeter

Husson University

Lauren Babbidge

Indiana University

Connor Brown

Evan MacIntyre

Louisiana State University

Lauren Bernardo

Nathasja Previlon

Titus Williams

Loyola University Maryland

Opal Matthews

Loyola University New Orleans

Naomi Walter

Meredith College

Mary Gaertner

Miami University (Oxford)

Mac Burley

Patrick Dugan

Michigan State University

Rachel Sumoski

Middlebury College

Matthew Leonard

Midland University

Gabe McNeill

Mississippi State University

Kate Covelli

New Hampton School

Michael Scibelli

New York University

Juliana Morales

North Carolina State University

Summer Basrawala

Molly Canon

Ryan Edwards

Ryan Farness

Molly Fullenwider

Riley Goss

Caleb Hallinan

Juliette Kaupp

Molly Macuga

Taylor Mayeux

Jocie Nalitz

Halle Patrick

Matthew Ranzinger

Brady Richards

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Jacob Segarra

Gray Simons

Adelaide Stevens

Leonardo Yon

Ohio University

Nick Segarra

Palm Beach State College

Elaina Grady

Purdue University

Peyton Breaux

Lauren Grose

Roanoke College

James Moffatt

Saint Mary’s College

Veronica Burnett

Savannah College of Art and Design

Bridget Burgard

Kaitlin Hall

Sewanee:

The University of the South

Cooper Davis

Molly Haskell

Southern Wesleyan University

Brody Roderick

St. Bonaventure University

Mark McMahon

Texas Christian University

Natalie Byron

The American University of Rome

Eva Baez Reyes

The University of Alabama

Parker Allen

Lizzie Dalton

Carter Edwards

Libby Fleshood

Sully McGowan

Taylor Walsh

The University of Tennessee

Emily Burnett

Eleanor Cannata

Bradley Deblitz

Aidan Klaus

Sydney Loden

Julia Nelson

Lucy Puckett

Olivia Seeley

Max Tebben

Carter Wilfong

Towson University

Colin Mendicino

Trident Technical College

John Gustashaw

United States Air Force Academy

Samuel Hucko

United States Military Academy at West Point

John McKillop

Kennedy Rogers

University of Arkansas

Nick Boscia

University of Florida

Kate Hughes

University of Georgia

EJ Bowman

Daphne Callis

Olivia Fava

University of Gloucestershire

Michael Cavallaro

University of Kentucky

Kennedy Dawson

Sammie Heenan

Matthew McGuire

Sofi Pieri

John Race

Walter Valentine

University of Louisville

Kate Daniels

University of Mississippi

Cole Beck

Crosby Britain

Ansley Harrison

Grant Horne

Rocco Pagani

Alyssa Robinson

James Senhauser

Caleb Smith

Joseph Walsh

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kira Bhojwani

Andrea Coto Sanchez

Emerson Croom

Cooper Delo

Liam Gates

Laura Johnson

Dylan Le

Madeline Lewis

Ethan Lynds

Kate McArdle

Angela Ortiz-Green

Hunter Osterweil

Ava Parks

Simon Prendiville

Fernanda Ramirez

Ashley Saunders

Nathan Schwartz

Reid Snyder

Sophie Thailer

Blanca Thomas

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Edgar Escobedo

Joseph Francis

Nicole Francis

Essey Michael

Christopher Salinas

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Rose Flynn

Cristell Madrid-Cantillano

Allison Santamaria

The Senior Class of 2024 has earned a total of $22,396,181 in scholarships.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Mason Child

Amber DeFabio

Antonio Meza

Jack Ritz

Olivia Tresino

University of Notre Dame

Ali Hoefling

Jack Larsen

Anna Polking

Liam Verrier

University of Oklahoma

Gabi Lupinski

University of Pennsylvania

Abby Druhan

University of Rochester

Alexis Clark

University of South Carolina

Braeden Beecher

Anna Farmer

Joey Hall

Logan Hill

Isabella Knowles

Luke McAllister

Harper McKain

Caroline Nelson

Angela Pacheco

Olivia Ragland

Jessica Zevola

University of South Florida

David Valenta

University of Wisconsin

Soha Desai

Henry Pleune

Vanderbilt University John Tricarico

Villanova University

James Nowak

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University

Sam Anderson

Annelise Barbee

Ava Barbee

Jade Chau

Ella Dixon

Hannah Johnson

Parker Kramer

Grant Palmere

Ronan Patel

Timothy Sinton

Connor Sullivan

Wake Forest University

Anna Grace Evans

Caroline Quirk

West Virginia University

Logan Leckner

Western Carolina University

Derek Locascio

Sean Regiec

Wingate University

Julia Franze

Wofford College

Mary Catherine Farley

Xavier University

Will Templeton

Yale University

Natalie Dominguez

We congratulate these seniors, as well as the entire senior class, for their many outstanding accomplishments.

Honoring Mary, Queen

Across the Diocese of Charlotte, parishes and schools honor Our Blessed Mother in a special way with “May Crownings.” This tradition of the Church dates back to the 16th century and continues to be a joyful celebration among Catholics during the month of May.

Besides the fact that she is the Mother of Christ the King, Mary herself shows us the way to experience the joys of heaven. When Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, He stressed the importance of humility, and Mary is our example.

A hallmark of Catholicism is love for Jesus’ mother, Mary. Catholics love her, honor her and venerate her image in thanksgiving for her “yes” to God, for her role as the Theotokos (“God-bearer”) and as a powerful intercessor for all of God’s children.

Mary is also our mother, given to us by Jesus as He was dying upon the cross: “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (Jn 19:26, 27). This tender scene speaks to us of the depth of the love that inspires, informs and transforms all human love – the Love Incarnate who gives us His Mother.

Mary’s obedience and unwavering faith in God also exemplify the perfect Christian disciple. For if we remain close to Our Blessed Mother, she will keep us close to her Son.

— Spencer K.M. Brown

In an annual tradition, an eighth-grade student crowns a statue of Mary in the courtyard outside St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER Pre-K students at St. Mark School in Huntersville lay flowers at Our Lady’s feet.

First Communion recipients crown Mary after Mass at St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Queen of Heaven

First Communicants at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill adorn the Blessed Mother with flowers during Mass.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Did you know?

Mary has many titles reflecting her pivotal role in salvation history and her importance to the Church and to our faith. Here are just a few:

n Mother of God (Mater Dei)

n Mother of the Church

n God-bearer (Theotokos)

n Blessed Virgin Mary

n The Immaculate Conception

n The Assumption

n Our Lady (Notre Dame)

n Star of the Sea (Stella Maris)

n Queen of Heaven

n The New Eve

n Ark of the Covenant

n Our Lady of Grace

n Our Lady of the Annunciation

n Cause of Our Salvation

n Cause of Our Joy

n Our Lady of Victory

n Queen of Peace

n Our Lady of the Rosary

n Mother of Mercy (Mater Misericordiae)

n Mother for the Journey

n Our Lady of Tenderness

n Our Lady of Charity

n Throne of Wisdom

n Undoer of Knots

n Our Lady of Good Help

n Help of Christians

n Refuge of Sinners

n Mystical Rose

n Mother of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa)

n Queen of All Saints

n Queen of Angels

Preschoolers at St. Mark School in Huntersville honor Mary with flowers.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

n Queen of Apostles

n Salvation of the People of Rome (Salus Populi Romani)

There are also names for Mary based on the locations of her apparitions over the centuries, including Guadalupe, Fatima, Kibeho, Lourdes, Knock, Mount Carmel and Akita.

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO

PHOTO PROVIDED

Christ the King High School in Huntersville holds a May Crowning with a rosary procession around the school.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Students at St. Patrick School in Charlotte bring flowers to Mary.

Tributo a nuestro Obispo Jugis

Hace un mes recibimos la alegre noticia de un nuevo obispo para nuestra diócesis y a todos nos sorprendió la noticia del anuncio, aunque de alguna manera ya lo veíamos venir pues nos dábamos cuenta que el Obispo Jugis no se sentía muy bien. Y aunque tenemos la gran alegría de recibir a nuestro Obispo Electo, el Padre Michael Martin, no por eso dejamos de sentir la nostalgia de que nuestro obispo llegue a la edad de su retiro y sabemos que estará bien en medio de nosotros, pues gracias a Dios se queda en nuestra diócesis. Como diócesis no dejamos de dar gracias a Dios por todas las bendiciones que a través de estos veinte años nuestro obispo quiso darnos, y mencionaré algunas de ellas pues siento que nos ayudara a darle gracias al Señor por todos estos beneficios. Entre lo que mas destaca es la identidad católica que nuestro obispo quiso darle a nuestra diócesis. Una diócesis, que cualquier visitante que llega a nuestra parroquias se queda sorprendido de la reverencia de los fieles, el silencio en las iglesias, y el encanto espiritual que se vive. Nuestro obispo, desde su llegada, propuso que tuviéramos un Congreso Eucarístico anual. Al inicio fue un poco difícil de concebir la idea de lo que en realidad quería nuestro obispo, hasta que fue claro su querer: quiero que los fieles de mi diócesis tengan la oportunidad anual de encontrarse con todos los fieles de otras parroquias y celebrar juntos alrededor del Señor.

El congreso dio lugar al encuentro de la familia diocesana, y eso ha despertado una gran alegría en la comunidad hispana. Es maravilloso ver como los lazos de amistad entre las parroquias se hicieron posible a través del congreso.

Por esta iniciativa del congreso, varias parroquias abrieron Adoración Perpetua, y también los Jueves Eucarísticos con la participación de mucha gente.

Asimismo, el congreso ha servido de incentivo para que florezcan vocaciones a la vida sacerdotal, religiosa, diaconal y laical. Hemos visto que por el incremento de vocaciones se vio la necesidad de abrir el Seminario Universitario San José, en el cual se forman santos sacerdotes para el servicio de los fieles.

Nuestro obispo ha dado un gran impulso al Ministerio Hispano, dando totalmente su apoyo para que el equipo diocesano siga trabajando en toda nuestra diócesis. Gracias a este apoyo incondicional hemos logrado que nuevos programas de formación y acompañamiento puedan seguir implementándose.

Con paciencia y dulzura se encontró con miles de familias en sus visitas pastorales en las parroquias, sobre todo en las confirmaciones, y al hablar directamente a los jóvenes suscitó en muchos de ellos el deseo de la santidad, y en algunos la vocación. Hizo posible que se viera la necesidad de la formación continua de nuestros sacerdotes e impulsó los momentos de encuentro entre ellos.

Las escuelas católicas se vieron muy beneficiadas debido al liderazgo de nuestro obispo, que buscó que tuvieran esa identidad realmente católica que impulsa la formación integral de nuestros estudiantes.

Estos son algunos de los grandes logros de nuestro obispo. Ha sido un honor poder servir con él y creo que ha puesto los cimientos firmes para que nuestra diócesis siga creciendo y dando verdaderos frutos de santidad.

Tocará a nuestro futuro Obispo Michael Martin seguir construyendo el Reino de Dios entre nosotros, pero estoy seguro de que los fundamentos fuertes que ha dejado nuestro Obispo Peter Jugis servirán de mucho en el futuro.

Pidamos todos juntos por ambos obispos, para que Dios siga mostrando su voluntad a través de ellos.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ está a cargo del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte

Una alegría servir a la diócesis

Los empleados saludan al obispo Jugis en la recepción de jubilación

CHARLOTTE — Con un brindis con jugo de manzana y palabras de reconocimiento, los empleados del Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte agradecieron al Obispo Peter Jugis por sus 20 años de liderazgo a través de un crecimiento sin precedentes en la diócesis, mientras se prepara para la transición a su jubilación sirviendo como obispo emérito.

El sencillo evento incluyó discursos divertidos y significativos y una presentación especial de fotos que destacó el mandato del obispo como pastor espiritual de más de 530,000 católicos en el oeste de Carolina del Norte. Los miembros del personal tuvieron la oportunidad de escribir sus propios recuerdos especiales de trabajar junto al Obispo Jugis y sus buenos deseos en tarjetas que se encuadernarán para él.

El Obispo Jugis expresó su gratitud y alegría por las experiencias con las que fue bendecido al compartir con el personal y la gente de la diócesis. Prometió que cuando se jubile, continuará orando por el Obispo Electo Michael Martin y por el trabajo de todos los ministerios diocesanos.

“Tengo un profundo sentimiento de gratitud al Señor por todas las bendiciones que me ha otorgado a mí y a esta diócesis, y por la oportunidad de servirle como sacerdote y obispo”, dijo el Obispo Jugis.

“También ha sido una alegría observar la obra del Espíritu Santo en la diócesis”.

El Obispo Jugis también agradeció a los empleados por su trabajo y servicio a las parroquias, el clero, las escuelas y la comunidad en general.

“Ha sido un gozo para mí servir con ustedes para continuar la vida y la misión de la Iglesia aquí en esta porción de la viña del Señor que nos ha sido confiada”, dijo el Obispo Jugis. “Es una gran responsabilidad que el Señor nos ha confiado a todos

juntos”.

Recordó una entrevista en la que un periodista le preguntó al Papa Juan Pablo II: “Su Santidad, ¿cuál es la misión de la Iglesia?” Él respondió: “Puedo decírtela en una sola palabra: ¡salvación!” Esa sola palabra, dijo el Obispo Jugis, une el trabajo de todos en la diócesis.

“La salvación en Cristo, por eso estamos aquí. Jesús, el camino, la verdad y la vida, nos anima en todo lo que hacemos por Él. No importa cuál sea el llamado particular que Dios nos ha dado a cada uno de nosotros en esta vida, todos estamos trabajando juntos en esa misión de la Iglesia. Estamos proclamando el reino de Cristo con el testimonio de nuestras vidas”.

Catholic News Herald

Obispo Jugis nombra al Padre Sánchez como su sacerdote-secretario

CHARLOTTE — El Padre Juan Miguel Sánchez dejará su posición en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced en Winston-Salem para servir como sacerdote-secretario del obispo entrante de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

El Obispo Peter Jugis ha anunciado que el nombramiento del Padre Sánchez será efectivo el lunes 20 de mayo.

El Obispo Electo Martin será ordenado e instalado como Quinto Obispo de Charlotte a finales de mayo. Como sacerdote-secretario, el Padre Sánchez ayudará al nuevo obispo en sus actividades diarias, trabajando con él y acompañándolo en visitas a parroquias, escuelas e instituciones católicas en toda la diócesis. Mantendrá una oficina en la Cancillería del Centro Pastoral Diocesano.

El Padre Sánchez se ha desempeñado como vicario parroquial en la Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced y en la Misión Nuestra Señora de Fátima en Winston-Salem desde julio de 2023. Ordenado en 2021, también se ha desempeñado como vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte y como capellán asistente en Charlotte Catholic High School en

Charlotte.

Originario de México, sus primeros años los pasó en una granja de un pequeño pueblo antes de mudarse con sus padres y hermanos a la ciudad de Guadalajara. Llegó a Estados Unidos a los 20 años trabajó en labores de construcción con sus hermanos mayores. A pesar de no tener un diploma de escuela secundaria, el Padre Julio Domínguez, Vicario del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis, lo animó a continuar sus estudios. Obtuvo su diploma equivalente a la escuela secundaria antes de ingresar a la formación sacerdotal en el Pontificio Colegio Josephinum en Ohio. Luego, se unió a un número selecto de seminaristas de la diócesis elegidos para estudiar teología en el Pontificio Colegio Norteamericano en Roma, antes de ser ordenado sacerdote por el Obispo de Charlotte, Jugis, en 2021.

Padre Julio Domínguez

Sanchez

Renovación Carismática Hispana alista congreso

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Bajo la temática de ‘Los Carismas de la Familia’, la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana de la Diócesis de Charlotte se apresta a organizar su décimo segundo Congreso Diocesano el 6 y 7 de julio próximo, por lo que las inscripciones para este importante evento ya se encuentran abiertas.

Así lo señaló Carmelo Ambriz, coordinador de la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana de la Diócesis de Charlotte, quien precisó que por motivos de facilidad de ubicación, estacionamiento, comodidades y punto céntrico para todos los fieles de la diócesis, regresarán a una sede habitual en Kannapolis, la escuela secundaria A. L Brown, ubicada en 415 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Kannapolis, N.C. 28083.

“Por primera vez, entre los oradores, vamos a tener en las prédicas a las hermanas Martha Alicia y Evangelina, dos monjas de la Congregación de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo de la Diócesis de Monterrey, México”, dijo Ambriz.

Los entre 900 a 1.200 participantes que esperan convocar los organizadores, recibirán también las enseñanzas del Padre Pedro Núnez y disfrutarán de la alabanza del conocido cantante y músico Iván Molina.

CRECIENTE ACTIVIDAD

La Renovación Carismática se ha extendido en el territorio diocesanao gracias al apoyo decidido del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte y el trabajo de sus coordinadores diocesanos y parroquiales.

En lo que va del año han organizado tres retiros de jóvenes, un seminario de vida en el espiritu, uno de sanación, y otro de formación nacional.

Ambriz calcula que en la actualidad, sobrepasan largamente los más de 6.000 miembros participantes activos de la Renovación Carismática en la diócesis, con una expansión muy considerable en el sector juvenil, donde vienen trabajando intensamente.

Para el congreso en julio, esperan la asistencia de carismáticos de otros estados como Virgina, Carolina del Sur, e incluso desde Georgia, pues, asegura Ambriz, que “el ministerio más activo del sureste norteamericano es el de la Diócesis de Charlotte”.

¿QUÉ ES LA RENOVACIÓN CARISMÁTICA?

En enero de este año, el Papa Francisco recibió a los miembros del Consejo Nacional de la Renovación en el Espíritu Santo, y subrayó dos aspectos de la naturaleza del movimiento carismático: el servicio a la oración, especialmente a la adoración; y el servicio a la evangelización.

“Todos necesitamos dejar espacio para la acción de gracias, la alabanza y el asombro ante la gracia de Dios”, dijo el Papa. Respecto a la evangelización, el Papa les recordó que inicialmente se hace con el testimonio de vida. La caridad concreta, dijo el Papa, el servicio sin aspavientos, es el modelo.

Ambriz precisa que la Renovación Carismática, no es solamente levantar las manos, no es hablar en lenguas, no es danzar al Señor. “Es tener un cambio de vida, es una forma espiritual de seguir al Señor”.

Señaló que puede apreciar que la gente se ha estado cansando de no vivir su catolicismo tradicional. “Se está adentrando en participar más en su

Por motivo de ubicación y facilidad de acceso, el Congreso Diocesano de la Renovación Carismática, a realizarse el 6 y 7 de julio, retorna a la escuela secundaria A. L. Brown en Kannapolis. Carmelo Ambriz, coordinador diocesano del movimiento eclesial, dijo que por primera vez contarán con la presencia de dos oradoras, ambas hermanas de una congregación religiosa de Monterrey, México.

servicio a la Iglesia, apoyando en amar más su Iglesia, la Misa, la Eucaristía, este es el centro, lo que motiva a la Renovación Carismática: poner los dones al servicio de la Iglesia”.

Todos, dijo, de alguna manera, involuntariamente, somos carismáticos. ¿De qué forma?, preguntó. “En que Dios nos ha regalado a cada uno de nosotros dones, y cuando los ponemos al servicio de Dios dan fruto: esos son tus carismas. Es

tu conocimiento puesto al servicio de Dios. Y así estamos nosotros los carismáticos queriendo participar y ayudar en el servicio de la Iglesia”.

Explicó que la primera pregunta que se hace una persona que participa en un seminario de Vida en el Espíritu, después de recibir al Señor, es ¿en qué ayudo? “Yo quiero hacer, quiero servir, ponme a barrer, a acomodar sillas, a registrar. Y eso es, definitivamente, fruto del Espíritu Santo”.

‘Todos necesitamos dejar espacio para la acción de gracias, la alabanza y el asombro ante

la

gracia de Dios’.

Papa Francisco

XII Congreso de la Renovación Carismática Hispana de la Diócesis de Charlotte

CUANDO: 6 y 7 de julio

Escuela Secundaria

ARCHIVO CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ORDENACIÓN 2024

Siete hombres serán ordenados sacerdotes para la

ordenados sacerdotes el 15 de junio aparecen en la fotografía,

en Cincinnati, Ohio. Primera fila, izquierda a derecha: Diáconos Kevin Tran, José Palma Torres y Kevin Martínez. Atrás: Diáconos Elliot Suttle, Matthew Dimock Jr., Christian Goduti y Matthew Harrison

Diócesis de Charlotte

KIMBERLY BENDER kdbender@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Este mes de junio, siete hombres serán ordenados sacerdotes, uno de los grupos más grandes en dar este paso juntos por la Diócesis de Charlotte. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir a la Misa de Ordenación a las 10 a.m. el sábado 15 de junio en la Iglesia San Marcos, 14740 Stumptown Rd., Huntersville. Esta promoción reúne a hombres provenientes de diversas parroquias de toda la diócesis. Ellos son: Matthew Wayne Dimock Jr. de la parroquia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte; Christian Joseph Goduti de la parroquia San Marcos en Huntersville; Matthew Philip Harrison II de la parroquia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury; Kevin Rubén Martínez y José Alfredo Palma Torres, ambos de la parroquia San José en Asheboro; Elliott Cade Suttle de la parroquia Santa María Auxiliadora en Shelby; y Kevin Michael Tran de la parroquia San John Neumann en Charlotte.

Los siete hombres recibieron recientemente su Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario y Escuela de Teología Mount St. Mary en Cincinnati, Ohio, el último paso académico de su formación.

El Diácono Dimock asegura que ha estado contando los días para ser ordenado sacerdote.

“Es todo lo que he querido, especialmente

en estos últimos ocho años”, dijo. “Espero servir al pueblo de Dios. Espero con ansias escuchar sus confesiones. Tengo muchas ganas de celebrar Misa para ellos y transmitir la tradición a los fieles”. Cinco de los siete eran parte de las primeras clases en el Seminario Universitario San José para estudiantes que discernían una posible vocación religiosa antes de dar el paso de inscribirse en un seminario mayor para una formación sacerdotal más formal. Establecido en 2016, el seminario universitario está fomentando el crecimiento de vocaciones en la diócesis. Los estudiantes se enfocan en obtener una licenciatura en Belmont Abbey College, mientras experimentan una vida comunitaria de estilo benedictino en su camino de discernimiento.

El Diácono Martínez solicitó el ingreso al seminario en su último año de secundaria, sin saber si lo aceptarían tan joven o qué significaría ser parte del nuevo seminario.

“Crecí como católico de cuna y recibí todos mis sacramentos de iniciación en la misma parroquia”, dijo Martínez. “Pero había algo que hacía clic dentro de mí, este movimiento de la gracia de Dios. Diría que ahí es donde sentí que me faltaba algo en mi vida, y quería conocer más al Señor”.

El Diácono Goduti ha tenido varias experiencias memorables desde que se convirtió en diácono. También espera SACERDOTES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 19A

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Siete hombres que serán

antes de graduarse del Seminario Mount St. Mary

II.

ORDENACIÓN 2024

SACERDOTES

con ansias escuchar confesiones y celebrar Misa. Para prepararse para el sacerdocio, los seminaristas realizan prácticas de bautismos. Dijo que las pruebas no se comparan con la sensación de la primera vez que bautizó de verdad a un niño.

“Fue tan surrealista, especialmente justo antes de verter el agua y decir las palabras sobre la niña”, dijo. “En realidad estabas trayendo la vida de Dios a esta alma, y no era práctica. Era algo verdadero y fue increíble”.

El Diácono Palma Torres, quien nació en México y creció en la diócesis, dice que se encuentra cómodo y comprende ambas culturas.

“Llevaré a los fieles de la diócesis la capacidad de hablar ambos idiomas, español e inglés”, dijo Palma Torres. “Estoy listo para servirles, sin tener una barrera lingüística o cultural”.

Una vez que sea ordenado sacerdote, el Diácono Tran espera poder consagrar la Eucaristía dondequiera que vaya. Después de la ordenación, los diáconos Suttle y Tran viajarán a Japón.

El Diácono Suttle, que enseñó inglés en Japón durante cuatro años, está deseando volver a su parroquia japonesa y celebrar Misa.

El Diácono Suttle creció como metodista y se convirtió al catolicismo de adulto. Exploró el monasterio de

la Abadía de Belmont, así como las carreras en informática y de piloto profesional de carreras, antes de que una conversación con el Padre Peter Shaw, párroco de la iglesia San José en Bryson City, le abriera los ojos a su vocación.

Al dejar Japón, el Diácono Suttle oró sobre sus próximos pasos y dijo que conversó lo que estaba sintiendo con el Padre Shaw, quien lo instó a ir al seminario.

“Eso es genial padre, pero no lo puedo hacer”, recuerda el Diácono Suttle que le dijo, “tengo planes, que es lo último que quieres decirle a Dios. Tan pronto como le di a esa idea algún tipo de espacio para crecer en mi mente, pude verme a mí mismo en él en el confesionario. Y supe en ese momento que aquí es exactamente donde Dios me está señalando que vaya”.

Después de su ordenación, los siete hombres servirán como sacerdotes de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Sus primeras asignaciones pastorales serán anunciadas al final de la Misa de ordenación.

“Tenemos una diócesis hermosa y en crecimiento”, dijo el Diácono Dimock.

Más online

En www.catholicnewsherald.com : Obtenga más información sobre nuestros futuros sacerdotes en entrevistas exclusivas, videos y más.

Seis hombres serán ordenados diáconos el 1 de junio

CHARLOTTE — Este mes de junio, seis hombres serán ordenados diáconos transicionales, lo que los acercará un paso más a convertirse en sacerdotes el próximo año. Esta será la primera liturgia pública del Obispo Electo Michael Martin después de su ordenación como Quinto Obispo de la Diócesis de Charlotte el 29 de mayo. Christopher William Angermeyer, de Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte; Antonio del Cid Lucero, de San José en Newton; Nicholas James Kramer, de Santa Margarita María en Swannanoa; Kolbe Raymond Murrey, de San Juan Bautista en Tryon; Andrew Jeffery Templeton, de San Miguel Arcángel en Gastonia; y Joseph Gerard Yellico, de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville, recibirán las órdenes sagradas el 1 de junio. Después de su ordenación, estos seis

hombres serán considerados diáconos “transicionales” en comparación con los diáconos “permanentes”. Los diáconos transicionales generalmente sirven un año en preparación pastoral, litúrgica y educativa antes de ser considerados para la ordenación al sacerdocio en junio de 2025. Los diáconos permanentes pueden ser casados y no ser ordenados sacerdotes. Todos son bienvenidos a asistir a la Misa del sábado 1 de junio a las 10 de la mañana en la Iglesia San Marcos, ubicada en 14740 Stumptown Road en Huntersville. Obtenga más información sobre estos seis hombres online en: www. catholicnewsherald.com.

— Catholic News Herald

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e Pennybyrn lifestyle is packed with amenities. Living here, you’ll swim laps in a stunning, indoor heated saltwater pool, stay t in a well-equipped facility and power walk, bike or stroll along scenic walking trails. Even membership at Jamestown Park Golf Course is included!

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A secure future

Our purpose at Pennybyrn is to make sure that your vibrant lifestyle is enjoyed with the lifelong support, assurance and bene ts of a Life Plan Community.

PennybyrnLiving.org

Angermeyer del Cid Lucero Kramer Murrey Templeton Yellico

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 18A

Crece atención médica en parroquias de Charlotte

CÉSAR HURTADO

rchurtado@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Cumpliendo un anhelo largamente esperado por la Pastoral de Salud de la Vicaría de Charlotte, el número de parroquias que acogen la presencia de una unidad móvil de prestación de servicios de salud se ha incrementado a tres en esta vicaría, informó Maribel García, conexión latina entre Atrium y las comunidades de fe en la Coalición Latina Fe y Salud, y coordinadora de la pastoral de salud de la Vicaría de Charlotte, cargo que ocupa en conjunto con la Sra. Maggie McGown, instructora certificada de PFN FEMM y coordinadora del ministerio de salud hispano de la parroquia San Marcos en Huntersville.

García dijo que los servicios que se ofrecen en cada una de las parroquias son prestados por la unidad médica móvil Care Everywhere de Atrium Health. La primera parroquia en prestar los servicios de salud regulares con la asistencia de este proveedor de servicios médicos fue Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, que inició actividades durante el mes de febrero pasado. Le siguió la parroquia San John Neumann en abril, y más recientemente la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en este mes de mayo.

NECESIDAD CRECIENTE

Pese a que el programa inicialmente no requería realizar citas previas, hoy en día, debido a la alta demanda, es recomendado.

“No queremos que se vayan sin ser atendidos”, dice García, por lo que, cuando el número de solicitudes de atención sobrepasa la capacidad de la jornada, los pacientes pueden obtener una cita en establecimientos de ‘Urgent Care’, es decir, cuidado médico de urgencia, más no de emergencia, en caso de ser necesario.

“Nuestra capacidad de atención es de aproximadamente 12 a 15 pacientes, a veces 20 cuando la atención se apura”, y “por lo regular, el número de referidos sobrepasa las 20 personas”.

¿QUÉ ATENCIÓN SE RECIBE?

“Si tienes dolor de estómago, gripe, o enfermedades crónicas, cortaduras, golpes

y demás, acá tendrás un lugar donde atenderte. Además, si necesitas de un especialista, habrá servicio de referidos a otros médicos o a centros de Atrium Health en el área para ciertos exámenes y procedimientos recomendados”, señaló. Esta unidad médica móvil funciona exactamente como cualquier otra clínica médica de ese proveedor de servicios médicos. Habrá cargo y facturación por los servicios. Sin embargo, atienden bajo un plan de pago a escala y también se encuentra disponible en cada uno de los lugares de atención una trabajadora social que evalúa los casos individualmente y, de ser necesario, asiste a los pacientes con el llenado de solicitudes de asistencia financiera.

“Si tienes seguro está bien. Si no lo tienes, igual te van a atender con planes de pago. Todo nuestro equipo trabajará contigo para que califiques para un seguro adecuado o para el programa de asistencia financiera de Atrium. Cada caso es evaluado según sus propias condiciones. Nosotros creemos que muchas personas de nuestra comunidad pueden calificar para ser parte del programa de asistencia financiera de Atrium”, explicó García. El programa se mantendrá al menos por todo este año, aunque se estudia que se extienda a otras parroquias con necesidad, y amplíe a proveer otros recursos disponibles en servicios de migración, vivienda, dentales, de asistencia en alimentación, financiera y otros.

Encuentra los servicios médicos de 10 a.m a 4:30 p.m. en:

n Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28214

Primer y tercer lunes de cada mes.

n Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28215

Segundo y cuarto lunes de cada mes.

n San John Neumann, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28227

Primer y tercer miércoles de cada mes

IMÁGENES PASTORAL DE SALUD VICARIATO DE CHARLOTTE

Arriba, el Diácono Eduardo Bernal bendice la unidad de servicios médicos de Atrium Health instalada en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Abajo, la espera y atención en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe también se lleva a cabo en las instalaciones de la Casa Marillac de esa parroquia.

Marcelino Champagnat: Fundador de los Hermanos Maristas

Marcelino Champagnat nació en 1789, el mismo año de la Revolución Francesa, en Rosey, al sur de Lyon. Sus padres, Juan Bautista y María Teresa, tuvieron 10 hijos, y Marcelino fue el noveno. Durante su infancia trabajó en una pequeña granja y molino propiedad de su familia. A los 10 años empezó a ir a la escuela, pero a los pocos días se desanimó y no regresó. A los 14 años, un buen sacerdote pasó por su casa “reclutando” jóvenes para el seminario. Se fijó en Marcelino y lo animó: “Hay que estudiar para ser sacerdote. Dios lo quiere”. Y Marcelino decidió hacerlo.

Ingresó en el Seminario menor y comenzó sus estudios. Como no había ido a la escuela, apenas sabía leer y escribir. Suspendió el primer curso y “le invitaron” a quedarse en su casa, pero Marcelino no se desanimó y continuó estudiando. Después de muchos esfuerzos, fue pasando los cursos y pasó al Seminario mayor, en Lyon. Tenía ya 24 años. Allí, junto con otros seminaristas compañeros de estudios, empezó a madurar la idea de fundar una congregación dedicada a la enseñanza y a la catequesis de los niños. Tres años después fue ordenado sacerdote y lo destinaron a La Valla. En el pueblo los niños no tenían escuela ni catequesis, y los mayores apenas iban a la iglesia. Marcelino empezó a hablar con la gente, se hizo cercano a todos, y el pueblo lo aceptó de buen grado. Tras una fuerte experiencia con un joven moribundo, el P. Champagnat decidió fundar una congregación de hermanos que se dedicaran a la enseñanza y catequesis de niños y jóvenes más necesitados. El 2 de

enero de 1817 reunió, en una casita alquilada cerca de la parroquia, a dos jóvenes que le habían manifestado su deseo de ser religiosos. Se llamaban Juan María Granjon y Juan Bautista Audras. Éste fue el principio de los Hermanos Maristas. Pronto acudieron otros jóvenes. Marcelino les ayudó a organizar su vida en comunidad: oración y trabajo, formación personal, sencillez, pobreza y

MAYO 26-JUNIO 1

Domingo (Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad): Deuteronomio 4:32-34, 39-40, Romanos 8:14-17, Mateo 28:16-20; Lunes (Memoria de San Agustín de Canterbury): 1 Pedro 1:3-9, Marcos 10:17-27; Martes: 1 Pedro 1:10-16, Marcos 10:28-31; Miércoles (Memoria de San Pablo VI, Papa): 1 Pedro 1:18-25, Marcos 10:32-45; Jueves: 1 Pedro 2:2-5, 9-12, Marcos 10:46-52 Viernes (Fiesta de la Visitación de la Santísima Virgen María): Sofonías 3:14-18, Lucas 1:39-56; Sábado (Memoria de San Justino, mártir): Judas 17, 20-25, Marcos 11:27-33

JUNIO 2-8

Domingo (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo): Éxodo 24:3-8, Hebreos 9:11-15, Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26; Lunes (Memoria de San Carlos Lwanga y compañeros, mártires): 2 Pedro 1:1-7, Marcos 12:1-12; Martes: 2 Pedro 3:12-15, 17-18, Marcos 12:13-17; Miércoles (Memoria de San Bonifacio, obispo y mártir): 2

Timoteo 1:1-3, 6-12, Marcos 12:18-27; Jueves (Memoria de San Norberto, obispo): 2 Timoteo 2:8-15, Marcos 12:28-34; Viernes (Solemnidad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): Oseas 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Efesios 3:8-12, 14-19, Juan 19:31-37; Sábado (Memoria del Corazón Inmaculado de María): 2 Timoteo 4:1-8, Lucas 2:41-51

JUNIO 9-15

Domingo: Génesis 3:9-15, 2 Corintios 4:13–5:1, Marcos 3:20-35; Lunes: 1 Reyes 17:1-6, Mateo 5:1-12; Martes (Memoria de San Bernabé, Apóstol): Hechos 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Mateo 5:13-16; Miércoles: 1 Reyes 18:20-39, Mateo 5:17-19; Jueves (Memoria de San Antonio de Padua, presbítero y doctor de le Iglesia): 1 Reyes 18:41-46, Mateo 5:20-26; Viernes: 1 Reyes 19:9, 11-16, Mateo 5:27-32; Sábado: 1 Reyes 9:19-21, Mateo 5:33-37

JUNIO 16-22

Domingo: Ezequiel 17:22-24, 2 Corintios 5:6-10, Marcos 4:26-34; Lunes: 1 Reyes 21:116, Mateo 5:38-42; Martes: 1 Reyes 21:17-29, Mateo 5:43-48; Miércoles: 2 Reyes 2:1, 6-14, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves: Eclesiastés 48:115, Mateo 6:7-15; Viernes (Memoria de San Luis Gonzaga, religioso): 2 Reyes 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Mateo 6:19-23; Sábado: 2 Crónicas 24:17-25, Mateo 6:24-34

una filial devoción a la Virgen María, bajo cuya protección se puso, desde el primer momento, la naciente congregación. Después de un periodo de formación, el P. Champagnat les dio un hábito religioso y los jóvenes firmaron sus primeros votos. Al cabo de un año, Marcelino abrió una escuela en La Valla y en seguida se hicieron cargo de ella los Hermanos. Después de esta primera escuela vinieron muchas más. Los párrocos y alcaldes de los pueblos vecinos se disputaban a los Hermanos. Así, el Instituto de los Hermanos Maristas comenzó a crecer, y hubo que construir una nueva casa, porque en La Valla ya no cabían todos.

Marcelino Champagnat fue un gran hombre que llevó a cabo una obra extraordinaria: cuidó como un buen pastor a la gente de su parroquia, atendió a huérfanos y ancianos, pero sobre todo se consagró a la educación religiosa de la juventud. Ciertamente, aquello no fue nada fácil. Su austeridad personal y el trabajo incansable fueron minando su salud. Murió en la madrugada del 6 de junio de 1840, a los 51 años, rodeado de sus Hermanos. Sus restos descansan en la capilla Nuestra Señora del Hermitage. En el momento de su muerte, la congregación tenía cerca de 300 Hermanos, 50 casas y escuelas, y alrededor de 7.000 alumnos.

El 29 de mayo de 1955, domingo de Pentecostés, el P. Champagnat fue declarado ‘Beato’ en Roma, por el Papa Pío XII. La ceremonia de canonización fue celebrada el domingo 18 de abril de 1999.

Please pray for the following deacons who died during the month of May: Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

John Doyle 5/16/1992 Josef Vandermeer 5/19/2000

Estatua de Marcelino Champagnat en la ciudad de Limache, Chile

Lecturas Diarias

Explore your vocation at this discernment camp and retreat for young men ages 15-19

CREATION

percent of the parish center/elementary school’s annual energy consumption.

In the fall of 2020, a 100-kilowatt solar array was installed on the roof of the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The uptown Charlotte building installed 272 panels to save a significant amount on energy costs –approximately 20 percent.

It is estimated that 26,000 pounds of carbon emissions are not emitted into the atmosphere each month because of the energy saved through these solar panels.

In 2022, Asheville Catholic School was the latest location in the diocese to go solar – installing an array on the rooftop of its new, eco-friendly, 12,000-square-foot addition. The 152 solar panels power about 30 percent of the school’s electricity.

PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE

Catholic Charities has also established sustainable vegetable gardens at its Asheville and Winston-Salem locations to augment its food pantry offerings to families in need.

Paired with the Catholic Charities food pantry, the garden at Catholic Charities’ Winston-Salem location aids in feeding 60 to 80 families each week with freshly grown vegetables.

The 1,440-square-foot garden was established in 2018 and features 10 beds that grow foods such as lettuce, spinach, kale, tomatoes, peppers, peas, beets, onions, carrots, eggplant, watermelon, beans and okra.

“People go crazy over the tomatoes and peppers, especially,” said Maureen Irwin, a volunteer who oversees the garden. “I love being outside and taking advantage of everything that nature has to offer. I also

love providing fresh, good food for people whose options are limited.”

In 2022 and 2023, the garden produced over 600 pounds of food.

Irwin has the aid of about 10 volunteers who help plant, water, harvest and provide for other needs such as an irrigation system developed by volunteer Carl Westcott. The system doesn’t go directly to the garden, however. Instead, they installed a tank that’s fed by rainwater and condensation from the air conditioner. Its motor and pump get the water where it needs to go.

“Now, we mostly use God’s water as opposed to city water, and that was a huge help,” Irwin says.

The garden also offers educational opportunities for local students. Middle schoolers have visited to learn about topics such as crop rotation and soil testing. The garden is also registered with the state extension service.

In 2020, the Catholic Charities office in Asheville started a similar garden when the pandemic interrupted regular work. Because he couldn’t meet with clients at the time, Scott Meltsner – the office’s bilingual clinical mental health counselor – decided to start a garden to help staff members, clients and program participants handle the stress of a difficult year.

“I was bringing in some of the produce from my home garden, so I thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be a great thing for us to have here?’” he recalled. “Somewhere we can just grow the food at the office and give it away while getting our clients involved in some way.”

Now the 150-square-foot garden is in its fourth season. Nearby businesses have been very supportive, offering volunteers to help with the gardening.

Jesse Boeckermann, regional director of the Asheville location, added, “We’d love to expand this project to grow more food and help more people in need.”

— Catholic News Herald

20th Eucharistic Congress

Congreso Eucarístico

Speakers - Eucharistic Procession

Grattan Brown

Future of pro-life movement depends on listening to women

Abortion has become radically normalized. One need look no further than abortion groups’ distribution of abortifacients at pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s concerts to see how much it pervades our culture. Thankfully, the distribution of these drugs has since stopped after widespread media backlash. Nevertheless, scenarios like this show that the lies of abortion are constantly bombarding vulnerable women and girls.

Abortion tells women that if they want to reach their dreams; are too young, weak or poor; or do not want children at this time, it’s OK to end their child’s life. It is sold as a failsafe, burdenless solution to an unexpected pregnancy. The truth is, abortion hurts women. I have studied ethics for the majority of my adult life and, for me, it has always been clear that a human life begins at conception and abortion unjustly kills a human being. As I have become a father and helped raise my three daughters, I have seen the way an abortion-shaped culture can impact society.

This realization led me, a year ago, to start listening to a podcast that lets women tell their abortion stories. While I do not agree with the pro-choice goals of the show, I respect the women who tell their stories with such detail and honesty. It was the first time that I heard women’s expressions of grief and loss, descriptions of the uncomfortable silence inside abortion clinics and honesty about difficulties along the road to recovery after abortion. Their stories highlight the humanity of the women who have had abortions and offer valuable lessons for those of us who hope to reach women with real alternatives to abortion. Here is what stood out to me:

WHAT IT BRINGS: LONELINESS, GUILT

First, becoming pregnant unexpectedly and having an abortion changes a woman for the rest of her life. For younger women, having an abortion is one of the first hard and adult decisions she has ever had to make. She seeks people to talk to and often learns who her real friends are, and aren’t.

Second, the experience inside the abortion clinic is often painful, sad and lonely, and one they never want to repeat. Many women speak about a strange silence in the waiting room, where the women all know why they are there and do not make eye contact or speak to each other.

Third, most women who get abortions recognize that they have ended the life of a child, and many feel that they have lost something of themselves, too. They know an embryo is not a blob of cells, but a human being. They feel embarrassed that they let themselves get pregnant. They feel the pressure our society places on women to abort when the circumstances are not right, and then they feel the guilt of having aborted. It can take years to process the grief. The women write about the experience, mark anniversaries of due dates as birthdays, bury the remains, and visit burial places. Other women repress their grief, only to have it return years later.

Finally, having an abortion often makes a woman reexamine her assumptions about fundamental human questions regarding suffering, love, fertility, loss, death, grief, shame and failure. Many of the women say they regret the circumstances that led them to become pregnant and confront that choice. Sometimes there’s a need to take stock of her own talents and aspirations and embark on a long-term project in life, work, or both.

WHAT

SHE NEEDS: SUPPORT, LOVE

Pro-lifers and pro-choicers both can miss the full experience of unexpected pregnancy and abortion and fail to see that post-abortive women are so much more than their singular decision to have an abortion. The stories I’ve heard make it ever more clear that what is really needed is support and love. Listening to women allows us to offer them hope, love and realistic alternatives to abortion through the plentiful pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across the United States. These centers help women and children by partnering with community resources to address needs for safe and affordable housing, quality and affordable daycare, recovery programs and other material and emotional support. Women should never feel alone, and that became personal to me when my wife and I had my three daughters. Human dignity ought to be honored and loved at all stages of life – whether someone is unborn, unexpectedly pregnant, port-abortive or living with grief and trauma. Women deserve better than abortion.

Michael R. Heinlein

Encountering Christ in the Eucharist changes lives

What does it mean to receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? How are our lives to be changed from such an encounter?

In fact, the fruits of the Eucharist are many. They bring about a unity in diversity, wherein each member of the body – responding to grace – can live a unique and compelling Eucharistic life.

The list of those whose lives were changed is long, but I’m inclined to think St. Paul should be at its top.

While St. Paul is chiefly known to most of us for his letters – which make up nearly half of the New Testament, and from which the Church is taught Sunday after Sunday – Paul’s influence and reach cannot be underestimated. Not only is he one of the most significant and important Christians in our history, but also arguably one of the most influential persons in human history.

like they had “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 13:14).

This is what shaped and motivated his impressive missionary undertakings in his desire to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. All of this made Paul’s encounter with Christ something rooted in a tremendous Eucharistic faith.

Paul believed to the core of his being that the Eucharist is Christ’s very Body and Blood – the body and blood of the one he encountered and who dwelled in him.

He proclaimed and taught that Christ’s Eucharistic presence is real. Illustrating this, he wrote: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16).

Not only is Christ’s Eucharistic presence real for Paul, but by our Eucharistic encounter with

‘St. Paul believed to the core of his being that the Eucharist is Christ’s very Body and Blood. ... Not only is Christ’s Eucharistic presence real for Paul, but by our Eucharistic encounter with Christ, He comes to dwell in us, He changes us, He is united with us.’

Paul’s experience with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus led to the conversion of this one-time persecutor of Christians. That encounter Paul had with Christ was so real, in his view, that it was no different than the encounters Christ had with the Twelve while in their midst.

Paul’s unique experience shaped and informed the early Church so significantly that Paul has come to be regarded as the “Thirteenth Apostle.”

Paul came to know in his experience on the road to Damascus that his persecution of Christ’s followers was a persecution of Christ himself. The nascent Christians that Paul once wanted to extinguish were one with Christ, members of his body by baptism, a bond strengthened and intensified through reception of his body in the Eucharist. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:53-56).

Paul’s encounter with the risen Lord not only resulted in his conversion but also in his efforts to increase the membership of Christ’s body and to teach about the ramifications of the new life that incorporation brings. Paul’s aim was to build up a community of believers who lived

Christ, He comes to dwell in us, He changes us, He is united with us. By the Eucharist, we are Christified.

So real is our incorporation into Christ’s body, Paul wrote, that “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:19-20).

St. Paul’s martyrdom brought to completion a life lived completely in and for Christ. Paul exhorts Christians to give Christ “glory in the Church” (Eph 3:21), which means we are all called to give witness to Christ by our lives. While some might be called to do so to the extent of offering their very life by dying for Christ and the Church, we all are called to offer our lives to Him and in His service.

Like Paul, then, we can live as Eucharistic witnesses by offering all of ourselves, as Paul put it, “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1). This is Christification. This is Christ living in us.

MICHAEL R. HEINLEIN is author of “Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I.” and a promised member of the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

GRATTAN BROWN is a Catholic medical ethicist, founder of the Pro-Life Professional Insight project, and former chair of theology at Belmont Abbey College.

Rolling out the red carpet for Jesus

As a columnist with a case for press credentials in the Catholic space, I’ve attended a few movie premieres. But I had never been to a “red carpet” event until the one held for “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” a new limited theatrical release documentary.

I wasn’t sure what to expect – or what to wear. The fact that it was taking place in Orange County, close to the epicenter of the film industry, was a little intimidating. Yet, I knew I’d be among friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in a while, comfortably at home in a Catholic crowd. But honestly, what made me buy the airline tickets was the insistent little voice inside telling me that I should go.

That little voice never disappoints. And neither does this film. There has been a morethan-usual number of faith-based movies in theaters over the past year, and I’ve managed to see most of them. But this documentary is special. That’s because it offers unabashedly what the rest have soft-pedaled: substantial catechesis. Accompanied by beautiful cinematography and an on-the-mark balance between information and inspiration, “Jesus Thirsts” reveals the power of the Holy Eucharist with reverence and warmth.

Find a theater

“Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” is showing in theaters nationwide on June 4, 5 and 6. Visit www.jesusthirstsfilm.com for more information. Click on “Tickets & Showtimes,” then “Get Tickets” to find theaters showing the film near you.

But it also does something else.

“Jesus Thirsts” brings the breadth and depth of what we believe about the Most Blessed Sacrament to life through personal faith witness. By exploring the lives of Fulton Sheen and Cardinal Van Thuan, the evangelical fervor of Chris Stefanick and Father Donald Calloway, the expertise of Scott Hahn and Father Robert Spitzer, and the ministries of Sister Briege McKenna, Curtis Martin and Jim Wahlberg, this movie exposes audiences to the unity and diversity of the Catholic faith.

This movie connects to audiences even more powerfully through the lives of ordinary Catholics whose names are not familiar. Deacons who serve in parishes and prisons.

A priest who brings Eucharistic Adoration to Ugandan villages. Italian monks who tend vineyards and make wine. And the Polish religious sisters who bake the hosts that are used at Mass. Their love and devotion are palpable.

The stated purpose of the “red carpet” event was to create an opportunity for Catholic media to interview the film’s writers, producers, distributors and cast to provide an official kick-off to getting the word out. But something much deeper occurred. The premiere of “Jesus Thirsts” was an experience in miniature of what the Eucharist does and always has done: gather the Church.

With this film, Spirit Filled Hearts’ Deacon Steve Greco and Bishop Kevin W. Vann of the Diocese of Orange have created something of lasting value. “Jesus Thirsts” is capable of reminding us all of what matters most: Jesus Christ remains with us in the gift of the Eucharist. The film shows us how receiving His body, blood, soul and divinity makes us more intimately bound to one another. It joyously celebrates the truth that together, we are the body and bride of Christ. It teaches us why we don’t need to wonder what it would have been like to be there when Jesus walked the shore of the Sea of Galilee or the streets of Jerusalem. For he is still with us, not just spiritually, but physically in the sacrament. God longs to be with us. The Good Shepherd comes to lead and feed us, guard and guide us. Catholics have been scattered for too long. If there is one thing our Church needs in this time of Eucharistic revival, it is to learn the difference between circling the wagons and gathering the sheep. Jesus does, in fact, thirst for souls. He thirsts for unity. He thirsts for authenticity, perhaps even more than we do.

This film gives us all a chance to roll out the red carpet for Christ. We don’t need to spend lots of money on designer dresses or suits. (Like everything I wear, mine was from a thrift shop.) We don’t have to be “Catholic celebrities” with well-known names. We don’t need exceptional talent or expertise of any kind. We only need the humility to know just how much we need Jesus, and enough compassion to realize that the rest of the world does, too.

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Pope Francis

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JAYMIE STUART WOLFE is a Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor in New Orleans.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

St. Mark Catholic Church

Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.

It is an honor and a blessing to be the sacred setting for this significant moment in the history of the Diocese of Charlotte. Both mottos Duc In Altum and Vox Clamantis In Deserto call us to trust God’s plan, venture deeper into our faith, and prepare our hearts and minds for transformation. May this ordination inspire us to live out the words given to us by St. Mark: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

Bishop Michael T. Martin

OFM Conv.

Diocese prepares to welcome Franciscan as fifth bishop

Diócesis se prepara para recibir al franciscano como quinto obispo

Our Lady of the Angels Province

Franciscan Friars Conventual

Offers Fraternal Prayers and Heartfelt Congratulations to Our Brother,

Friar Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.

Fifth Bishop of Charlotte

Diocese prepares to install Franciscan Michael Martin as fifth bishop

Bishop-elect Martin will ‘begin with presence’ and ‘call us beyond ourselves’

LIZ CHANDLER lchandler@rcdoc.org

Ifyou ask Bishop-elect Michael Martin what it means to be a Franciscan, he’ll tell you “trying to explain that in a sound bite or a tweet is impossible.”

Certainly, he’ll oblige with a short answer: “As part of the Franciscan religious order, we take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as we carry out the work of the apostles in service of the Church.”

If you ask him again, you may get a longer answer that begins with a little humor, as do many moments with this Conventual Franciscan priest from Baltimore and Atlanta, who has deep roots in Catholic education and who is about to become the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I’ve heard it said that trying to understand Franciscan-ism is like trying to catch a cloud,” he says. “Just when you think you’ve grabbed it, it’s gone through your hands. …

“The Franciscan community is nuts-tobolts. There is no one kind of Franciscan. There are lots of different personalities, and somehow the grace of the Holy Spirit allows us to live in relative peace and harmony and to carry out the commission of the Church. To me, that is one of the great gifts the Franciscan religious order gives to the universal Church: We don’t all have to look the same, we don’t all have to be the same, but rather, we can be united in mission even in our pretty extended differences.”

For the first time in 20 years, the Charlotte diocese will welcome a new bishop, this one during a three-day celebration, May 28-30, as longtime Bishop Peter Jugis retires and Bishop-elect Martin takes the helm of the rapidly growing diocese. Heretofore, the diocese has hosted a few friars and sisters of the religious order, founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi, to serve in some of its parishes and ministries, but not from the bishop’s chair – which will give the new bishop great influence over the direction and tone of the diocese for what could be more than a decade.

Bishop-elect Martin says he’s not one to come in and make sweeping changes, “I want to listen, listen, listen.” Plus, he says, he likes much of what he sees: a healthy

and growing diocese with a warm welcome, holy priests, and many engaged Catholics focused on discipleship through a broad variety of ministries, reaching a broad variety of people.

At the same time, he says, “I realize the

call to leadership. I do not shy away from that, or from making decisions that need to be made.”

To be effective, he says, he will “get out of the office” to get to know parishioners, priests and people in communities across the diocese’s 46 counties, with 530,000 Catholics living in the western half of North Carolina, “to hear your story of discipleship, and to know how I can serve you best.”

“I look forward to being with you,” he told Catholics and non-Catholics alike on April 9, when it was announced he would become the diocese’s next bishop.

“Being with you” is a consistent refrain. “It’s hard to lead if you’re not first with people,” he says, people of all backgrounds, reflecting the message of “accompaniment” in faith that Pope Francis preaches.

As a Franciscan, he strives to “not just parrot the words” but to live the life that St. Francis modeled, which he notes “has endured for 800 years.” It’s a life of service, ministry to the marginalized, and evangelization that inspires people to carry on as disciples “living the faith and trying to build a new heaven on Earth as we’re all called to do.”

Set to become the diocese’s fifth bishop in late May, Franciscan priest Michael Martin will have great influence over the direction and tone of the diocese for what could be more than a decade. Pictured here, he engages with students at Charlotte Catholic High School in his first visit to the diocese on April 9, the day the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop-elect Martin, who has years of experience in Catholic education.

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BISHOP

Bishop-elect Martin doesn’t officially start until his installation on May 30, but in the seven weeks since the Vatican announced the pope’s appointment of “Father Mike,” he has already visited with seminarians in Belmont and Ohio, students at Charlotte Catholic High School, people in several parishes, Catholic Charities’ food bank, and residents of Holy Angels’ community for people with disabilities.

At the same time, he’s meeting and mingling with diocesan staff – just this week calling for a briefing on plans to build a new cathedral – while also extracting himself from a parish he loves and pastored for the past two years, St. Philip Benizi, in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Then, of course, there are logistics of moving to Charlotte and planning his May 29 ordination at St. Mark Church. The event will host nearly 2,000 people, including some 500 priests, 15 bishops, one cardinal, nine parishioners from each of the diocese’s 92 churches, and dozens of family and friends – among them Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, who has known the bishop-elect for nearly 50 years and says he “highly recommended” to Pope Francis that he consider Father Martin for the Charlotte bishop’s job.

“I’ve been wrestling with living in two worlds, leaving Atlanta and coming here, but I am feeling my mind and my heart drifting north,” Bishop-elect Martin told the Catholic News Herald. “Some of the things that have really helped are the encounters I’m having with different people here. I have enjoyed very much the opportunity to get to meet so many folks in different walks of life who are trying

to live the faith. That’s made me much more comfortable and given me even more excitement for what’s coming.”

“Still,” he acknowledges, “it’s a difficult transitional time. Lots of things are changing in my life.”

Chief among them, he and others say, will be leaving behind his Franciscan community of friars as he becomes a diocesan bishop, with an unrelenting schedule, and living alone, not in a communal setting as he has for 40 years. Nonetheless, he’s already making plans for how to recreate that communal spirit in his life here, he’s looking forward to “bishop’s school” in Rome, and he says he’s at ease because he knows God is with him.

FINDING ST. FRANCIS

At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, he’s a big man with a big personality, an extrovert who draws energy from being with other people. Quick witted with a particular fondness for the Holy Spirit, he wears the gray habit of the Franciscans, which distinguishes him amid clergy who wear black clerics with a Roman collar.

Michael Martin grew up in inner-city Baltimore, in a tiny rowhouse with a wirefenced backyard and an alley, a blue-collar upbringing at a time of civil unrest in the 1960s and 1970s.

His father sold medical supplies and his mother worked as an executive assistant, and together Don and Bev Martin raised four children, with Michael third in line and the only boy. “We were a normal Catholic family who went to church on Sundays. … There was a tremendous amount of love and goodness in my family and extended family.” (See more, page 10.)

Living just a mile from the all-boys Archbishop Curley High School, run by the Franciscan religious order, the Martins regularly had priests over for dinner. Their reverence and good humor appealed

to Michael, so naturally that’s where he wanted to go to high school.

“They were bringing up young men of character,” says his older sister Jeanne Martin, who remembers how Michael worked to help with tuition.

As an eighth-grader, Michael had toured Curley High, where he’d had a chance meeting with a priest-teacher who would later become one of the most significant influences in his life: Father Gregory Hartmayer, now the Archbishop of Atlanta.

“Michael is a great leader, he’s charismatic,” says Archbishop Hartmayer, who over the years would become a mentor, work colleague and close friend. “I find him to be a great homilist, a great teacher and great administrator, and so I think he brings to Charlotte a lot of talent and a lot of experience – and he’s very excited about coming to Charlotte and beginning to work right away.”

He so loved his high school experience, it inspired a 30-year career in Catholic education. “There was a spirit in that school of the Franciscans of love and community that I found attractive,” Bishopelect Martin recalls. “I recognized how my own education made such a difference in my life. I saw how my relationship with Jesus and my sense of the Church and community and of serving was all very much rooted in education. … There are so many wonderful opportunities in education to make that kind of difference, so I wanted very much to do that, too.”

So after graduation, at 17, he joined the Conventual Franciscan Friars Novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland, to see if religious life was for him – a challenging transition.

FOSTERING A FRANCISCAN SPIRIT

He initially struggled to adjust to the disciplined, “almost monastic” life of Franciscans-in-training. “There were no phone calls. We got to write one letter home a month. We didn’t go anywhere,” he laments.

“The thought behind it,” he understands now, “was that this is a very different way of life, and you can’t hang on to your old way of life. It was very difficult but I think situated me well for an understanding of what religious life is and what it’s not, and for all the steps thereafter.”

His world further expanded when the Franciscans sent him to their international seminary in Rome, the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure –known as the Seraphicum – where he loved the multicultural flavor and diversity of experiences. While all Franciscans are friars or “brothers,” some are also priests.

Michael Martin was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1989.

Father Martin’s first assignment took him to St. Francis High School outside of Buffalo, New York, where he coached basketball and was director of admissions – and where Father Gregory Hartmayer served as principal.

“Father Martin is a faithful son of St. Francis,” Archbishop Hartmayer says. “We worked closely together for five years at that school, and we’ve come to know each other very well. We oftentimes vacation together, a group of us friars, for many years now.”

In 1994, the Franciscans called Father Martin back to work at his beloved Curley High.

“If you ever get the chance to go back and be principal of your old high school,” he likes to joke, “you should take it. It’s a great justice moment to sit down with teachers who taught you, to sign their contract, and say, ‘How do you like me now?’”

For 16 years, Father Martin served as a Curley teacher, coach, administrator, principal and president – making a big impact on multiple levels, especially by fostering the Franciscan spirit that had captured him.

“He was always great with young people,” his sister Jeanne Martin says. “You have to be real. You have to meet them at their level. He knows how to do that, how to be relevant.”

He was similarly blessed as director of the Duke (University) Catholic Center in Durham, he says, where he gathered a ministry team that set a standard in donor engagement and student outreach with novel approaches such as “Confession on the Quad” and, for 15 months during COVID, celebrating Mass in a parking garage.

“He was amazing at fundraising there, and at increasing the size of the facility where students could come and attend Bible study and liturgies and just be in the company of other Catholic students,” Archbishop Hartmayer says.

In 2022, the archbishop was thrilled to welcome Father Martin to his own Archdiocese of Atlanta, to serve as a firsttime parish priest at St. Philip Benizi – the same church Father Hartmayer had served before becoming Bishop of Savannah, then Archbishop of Atlanta.

DEFINING HIS MINISTRY

Looking ahead, the bishop-elect can’t predict the shape of his ministry but says it will certainly reflect the Gospel, Church teachings and Franciscan values.

He takes seriously the call St. Francis received while praying at the church of San Damiano to “Go, rebuild my church …” You do that, he says, through words and through deeds.

“The Church has since its inception always been a Church in need of grace, in need of reform,” he says. “So the reform of the Church is to continuously re-form our way of seeing ourselves and our God. That’s the ‘rebuilding’ that has to constantly take place. It’s about never getting comfortable, about always diving more deeply into deeper water.”

His homilies connect with people, just as St. Francis’ sermons did. “He talks about things that happen in real life. He makes them universal. They’re not just theory. He gets his message out in ways it can be received, so you have a better shot at internalizing it,” his older sister Jeanne Martin says.

His younger sister, Ellie Proctor, puts it this way: “His homilies will blow you away.”

Emulating St. Francis, Bishop-elect Martin also “has a heart for the poor,” his fellow Franciscan Father Michael Heine says, a quality that surfaced on his first day in Charlotte when he made an unscheduled stop at the food bank and again recently when he hired a workforce-training program for event catering.

The bishop-elect has little patience for division, politically or philosophically in the Church, saying we are called by God to unite across differences: “We need to first begin with presence and listening, and then confirming where Christ is with us. What do we share? Where are we united?”

He eschews labels used in the U.S. Church that reflect societal divisions –conservative, liberal, orthodox.

“I don’t believe that needs to be the lens through which I see our diocese or any individual member in it. I just don’t think that is the optic Jesus gives us. Every encounter Jesus has in the Gospel with others, He always meets them where they are. So I’m not here to proclaim a side and then drag everyone who’s not there to it. And I do believe the more we continue to describe ourselves in these terms, the more we live into those paradigms.”

Rather, he says, he will build community with his brother priests and with the people of the diocese. He will focus on Jesus and the good news of salvation, as St. Francis did: “One of the greatest aha!

moments in

(Above) A gifted homilist, Bishop-elect Martin “talks about things that happen in real life. He makes them universal…so you have a better shot at internalizing it,” says eldest sister Jeanne. Here, he makes announcements at the end of Ash Wednesday Mass at Goodson Chapel at Duke Divinity School.

(Right) Young Michael Martin, a tenor, performs with his fellow friars at an event. “He has a really nice voice,” says little sister Ellie.

Fun facts with Bishop-elect Martin

On the lighter side of this historic moment, the Catholic News Herald pitched a few softballs to get to know our new bishop a little better. Here’s what Bishop-elect Martin shared. What’s your favorite …

CNH: Bible verse?

MARTIN: I can’t give you just one:

n “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch’” (Luke 5:4).

n “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

n “One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord’s beauty, to visit His temple” (Psalm 27:4).

CNH: Liturgy?

MARTIN: Anywhere God’s grace is celebrated.

CNH: Holy day or feast day?

MARTIN: Pentecost – we don’t celebrate the Holy Spirit enough!

CNH: Patron saint?

MARTIN: Need you ask? St. Francis of Assisi!

BISHOP

St. Francis’ life revolves around Christmas. He couldn’t get over the fact that God would want to be one of us. For Francis, it is the Incarnation that is the foundation of everything he did. Today, people put him in a bird bath because he loved nature. Why did he love nature? He saw the unity, the goodness and the dignity of the created world because God became part of that created world in the person of Jesus. Jesus being one of us lifts all of us to such an incredible height, to God the Father.”

You can also count on the bishop-elect, he says, to call on people to do better – living the faith, reaching out in charity, and focusing on salvation.

“There will always be a bit of a disparity between what the Church is saying is important and what everyone else says. It’s the responsibility, it’s the mission of the

Key dates in Bishop-elect Martin’s biography

Dec. 2, 1961 – Born in Baltimore to Bev and Don Martin. Three sisters: Jeanne, Judy and later Ellie

Spring 1979 – Graduated from Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore

August 1979 – Entered the Conventual Franciscan Friars Novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland

May 1984 – Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Hyacinth College-Seminary in Massachusetts

1984-1985 – Served as a religious studies teacher and coach at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York

1985-1988 – Attended and earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure – the Seraphicum – in Rome

CNH: Favorite golf course?

MARTIN: Any course where someone else is paying.

Other fun facts:

CNH: What is the last book you read?

MARTIN: Religious: “The Spirituality of Imperfection” by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham; Nonreligious: “First: Sandra Day O’Connor,” a biography by Evan Thomas

CNH: What do you know about NASCAR?

MARTIN: Only what I have learned driving in the HOV lanes in Atlanta! I know nothing, but admire the athletes, technicians and precision of the sport.

CNH: Have you visited Charlotte before?

Church to pick our heads up and look to a greater vision. The Scriptures so constantly over thousands of years continue to challenge us to look beyond our own particular circumstances. That’s what the Church is here to do – to constantly call us to accountability…to call us beyond ourselves.” If that feels uncomfortable, he says, it should. Yet as the diocese moves forward with its new bishop, he likes to remind people that he’s feeling “jittery,” too – but that we really need not be concerned because, nodding to the Gospel of Matthew, “Jesus is always with us in the boat.”

— Spencer K.M. Brown contributed.

(Bishop-elect Martin is professed with the Conventual Franciscans, whose order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century.)

CNH: Movie?

MARTIN: Again, it can’t be only one!

n “Patton” with George C. Scott

n “A Few Good Men” –whenever I come across it channel surfing, I have to stop and watch the rest of it!

n “Shadowlands” – a more obscure Anthony Hopkins film about C.S. Lewis. I cried at the end when I first watched it in the movie theater, and I still get a bit choked up thinking about the ending.

CNH: TV show?

MARTIN: “Seinfeld”

MARTIN: Yes, I once officiated at a wedding at St. Patrick Cathedral, and I’ve been to a few bowl games in Bank of America Stadium.

CNH: Do you have a specialty dish you make?

MARTIN: I make a decent chili (but I won’t disclose the secret ingredient).

CNH: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

MARTIN: Being late for anything.

CNH: What is something most people don’t know about you?

MARTIN: I once was scratched by a bat – mammal, not baseball – and had to receive all of the rabies shots. Not fun.

CNH: What is your best golf score and worst golf score?

1988-1989 – Served as transitional deacon at St. Adalbert Parish in Elmhurst, New York

June 10, 1989 – Ordained to the priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop John Ricard of the Archdiocese of Baltimore

1989-1994 — Returned to St. Francis High School to serve as admissions director, teacher and coach

1993 – Earned a master’s degree in education from Boston College

1994-2010 – Returned to alma mater Archbishop Curley High School to serve as teacher, coach, admissions director, principal and president

2007 – Received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for service to the Church

2010-2022 – Served as director of Duke Catholic Center, the official Catholic community at Duke University in Durham

August 2022 – Appointed pastor of St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro, Georgia

April 9, 2024 – Vatican announced his appointment by Pope Francis to serve as Bishop of Charlotte

May 29, 2024 – Scheduled ordination as a bishop at St. Mark Church, Huntersville

May 30, 2024 – Installation as Diocese of Charlotte’s bishop

Bishop-elect Martin has also held a number of leadership positions in the Church, particularly in Catholic education, and he has served on multiple Catholic school boards and worked with Partners in Mission, a Boston-based consulting firm for Catholic education.

CNH: Requested song for a piano sing-along?

MARTIN: “Sweet Caroline”

(Bishop-elect Martin asked one of the residents at Holy Angels to play the tune during his April 9 tour of their Belmont campus for people with intellectual and development challenges.)

CNH: Sports teams?

MARTIN: I’m a die-hard Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan. And, yes, I’m a Duke fan – even though most of you aren’t!

CNH: Pastimes?

MARTIN: I love reading historical biographies and doing handyman things around the house.

CNH: Favorite food?

MARTIN: Maryland crab cakes (only made in Maryland – all others never get it right).

MARTIN: Best is 82 – that was a number of years ago. Worst, well, I can’t count that high! I am a 15 handicap.

CNH: What is the most famous golf course you’ve played?

MARTIN: Cypress Point Club in California.

CNH: What’s an obscure talent you have?

MARTIN: I am an OK barber. My first year in the seminary, I was named the barber, and have been cutting the hair of my brothers ever since.

CNH: What are three things you know or love about Western North Carolina?

MARTIN: Grandfather Mountain, St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, and the rocking chairs at the CLT airport.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Father Michael Martin celebrating mother Bev Martin’s birthday with sisters from left Judy, Ellie and Jeanne. “My family is just very important to me,” he says. (Below) Father Martin watches a Duke lacrosse match.

La diócesis se prepara para instalar al Padre franciscano Michael Martin como quinto obispo

El obispo electo Martin

“comenzará con presencia” y “nos llamará más allá de nosotros mismos”

LIZ CHANDLER lchandler@rcdoc.org

Sile preguntas al Obispo Electo Michael Martin qué significa ser franciscano, te dirá que “tratar de explicar eso en un fragmento de sonido o en un tuit es imposible”.

Ciertamente, lo hará con una breve respuesta: “Como parte de la orden religiosa franciscana, hacemos votos de pobreza, castidad y obediencia mientras llevamos a cabo el trabajo de los apóstoles al servicio de la Iglesia”.

Si le preguntas de nuevo, es posible que obtengas una respuesta más extensa que comience con un poco de humor, al igual que en muchos momentos con este sacerdote franciscano conventual de Baltimore y Atlanta, que tiene profundas raíces en educación católica, y que está a punto de convertirse en el Quinto Obispo de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

“He oído decir que tratar de entender al franciscano es como tratar de atrapar una nube”, dijo, “justo cuando crees que la has agarrado, se te escapa de las manos”.

“La comunidad franciscana es de tuerca y tornillo. No hay un solo tipo de franciscano. Hay muchas personalidades diferentes y,

de alguna manera, la gracia del Espíritu Santo nos permite vivir en relativa paz y armonía, y llevar a cabo el cometido de la Iglesia. Para mí, ese es uno de los grandes dones que la orden religiosa franciscana da a la Iglesia universal: no todos tenemos que parecer iguales, no todos tenemos que ser iguales, sino que podemos estar unidos en la misión inclusive con diferencias bastante grandes”. Por primera vez en 20 años, la Diócesis de Charlotte dará la bienvenida a un nuevo obispo, esta vez durante una celebración de tres días, del 28 al 30 de mayo, cuando el Obispo Peter Jugis se jubile y el Obispo Electo Martin tome el timón de esta diócesis que crece rápidamente. Hasta el momento, la diócesis ha acogido a algunos frailes y hermanas franciscanas de la orden religiosa fundada en 1209 por San Francisco de Asís, para servir en algunas de sus parroquias y ministerios, pero no desde la silla episcopal, lo que dará al nuevo obispo una gran influencia sobre la dirección y tono de la diócesis durante lo que podría ser más de una década. El Obispo Electo Martin dice que no es de los que llegan y hacen cambios radicales: “Quiero escuchar, escuchar, y escuchar”. Además, dice, le gusta mucho de lo que ve, una diócesis en crecimiento saludable que ofrece una cálida bienvenida, sacerdotes santos y muchos católicos comprometidos enfocados en el discipulado a través de una amplia variedad de ministerios,

OBISPO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 7B

El Obispo Electo de Charlotte, Michael Martin, OFM Conv., bendice a Mark, residente de Holy Angels, durante una visita el 9 de abril a la Diócesis de Charlotte tras el anuncio del Vaticano de que sucederá al obispo Peter Jugis.

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

OBISPO

llegando a una amplia variedad de personas.

Al mismo tiempo, dice: “Me doy cuenta del llamado al liderazgo. No lo rehúyo, ni tampoco tomar las decisiones que haya que tomar”.

Para ser eficaz, dice, “saldrá de la oficina” para conocer a los feligreses, sacerdotes y personas de las comunidades de los 46 condados de la diócesis, con 530.000 católicos que viven en la mitad occidental de Carolina del Norte, “para escuchar su historia de discipulado y saber cómo puedo servirles mejor”.

“Espero estar con ustedes”, dijo a los católicos y no católicos por igual el 9 de abril, cuando se anunció que se convertiría en el próximo obispo de la diócesis.

“Estar con ustedes” es un estribillo constante.

“Es difícil liderar si no eres el primero con la gente”, dice, gente de todos los orígenes, reflejando el mensaje de “acompañamiento” en la fe que predica el Papa Francisco.

Como franciscano, se esfuerza “no solo por repetir las palabras”, sino por vivir la vida que San Francisco modeló, que señala que “ha perdurado durante 800 años”. Es una vida de servicio, ministerio a los marginados y evangelización que inspira a las personas a seguir adelante como discípulos “viviendo la fe y tratando de construir un nuevo cielo en la Tierra como todos estamos llamados a hacer”.

El Obispo Electo Martin no tomará el cargo oficialmente hasta su instalación el 30 de mayo, pero en las siete semanas transcurridas desde que el Vaticano anunció el nombramiento del Papa del “Padre Miguel”, ya ha visitado seminaristas en Belmont y Ohio, estudiantes de Charlotte Catholic High School, personas en varias parroquias, el banco de alimentos de Caridades Católicas y residentes de la comunidad de Holy Angels para personas con discapacidades.

Al mismo tiempo, se está reuniendo y compartiendo con el personal diocesano, justamente esta semana solicitó una sesión informativa sobre los planes para construir una nueva catedral, al mismo tiempo que se retira de una parroquia que ama y pastoreó durante los últimos dos años, San Felipe Benizi, en Jonesboro, Georgia. Luego, por supuesto, está la logística de mudarse a Charlotte y planificar su ordenación el 29 de mayo en la Iglesia San Marcos. El evento acogerá a casi 2.000 personas, entre ellas unos 500 sacerdotes, 15 obispos, un cardenal, nueve feligreses de cada una de las 92 iglesias de la diócesis y docenas de familiares y amigos, entre ellos el Arzobispo de Atlanta, Gregory Hartmayer, que conoce a Michael desde hace casi 50 años y dice que “recomendó encarecidamente” al Papa Francisco que considerara al Padre Martin para el puesto de Obispo de Charlotte.

“He estado luchando con vivir entre dos mundos, dejar Atlanta y venir aquí, pero siento que mi mente y mi corazón se desplazan hacia el norte”, dijo el Obispo Electo Martin al Catholic News Herald. “Algunas de las cosas que realmente me han ayudado son los encuentros que estoy teniendo aquí con diferentes personas. He disfrutado mucho la oportunidad de conocer a tantas personas en diferentes ámbitos de la vida que están tratando de vivir la fe. Eso me ha hecho sentir mucho más cómodo y me ha dado aún más emoción por lo que viene”.

“Aún así”, reconoce, “es un momento de transición difícil. Muchas cosas están cambiando en mi vida”. La principal, dice él y otros, será dejar atrás su comunidad franciscana de frailes cuando se convierta en obispo diocesano, con un horario implacable, y vivir solo, no en un entorno comunitario como lo ha hecho durante 40 años. Sin embargo, ya está haciendo planes sobre cómo recrear ese espíritu comunitario en su vida aquí, espera con ansias la “escuela del obispo” en Roma y dice que está tranquilo porque sabe que Dios está con él.

ENCONTRANDO A SAN FRANCISCO

Con 6 pies 1 pulgada de estatura, y 250 libras de peso, es un hombre grande con una gran personalidad, un ser extrovertido que extrae energía al estar con otras personas. De ingenio rápido y con una afición particular por el Espíritu Santo, viste el hábito gris de los franciscanos, que lo distingue entre los clérigos que visten clérigos negros con cuello romano.

Michael Martin creció en el centro de la ciudad de Baltimore, en una pequeña casa adosada con un patio trasero cercado con alambre y un callejón, una educación obrera en un momento de disturbios civiles en las décadas de 1960 y 1970.

Su padre vendía suministros médicos y su madre trabajaba como asistente ejecutiva, y juntos Don y Bev Martin criaron a cuatro hijos, con Michael tercero en la

línea de sucesión y el único varón. “Éramos una familia católica normal que iba a la iglesia los domingos... Había una tremenda cantidad de amor y bondad en mi familia y en mi familia extendida”.

Viviendo a solo una milla de la escuela secundaria católica Arzobispo Curley, dirigida por la orden religiosa franciscana, los Martin solían invitar a los sacerdotes a cenar. Su reverencia y buen humor atrajeron a Michael, así que, naturalmente, allí es donde quería ir a la escuela secundaria.

“Estaban criando a jóvenes de carácter”, dice su hermana mayor, Jeanne Martin, quien recuerda cómo Michael trabajaba para ayudar con el pago de la matrícula.

Cuando estaba en octavo grado, Michael visitó Curley High, donde tuvo un encuentro casual con un sacerdote y maestro que más tarde se convertiría en una de las influencias más significativas en su vida: el Padre Gregory Hartmayer, ahora Arzobispo de Atlanta.

“Michael es un gran líder, es carismático”, dice el Arzobispo Hartmayer, quien a lo largo de los años se convertiría en mentor, colega de trabajo y amigo cercano de Michael.

“Creo que es un gran homilista, gran maestro y administrador, por lo que creo que llevará a Charlotte mucho talento y experiencia, y está muy emocionado de llegar a Charlotte y comenzar a trabajar de inmediato”.

A Michael le encantó tanto su experiencia en la escuela secundaria que inspiró una carrera de 30 años en la educación católica. “Había un espíritu de amor y comunidad en esa escuela de los franciscanos, que me pareció atractivo”, dice. “Reconocí cómo mi propia educación marcó una gran diferencia en mi vida. Vi cómo mi relación con Jesús y mi sentido de la Iglesia, de la comunidad y de servicio estaban muy arraigados en la educación... Hay tantas oportunidades maravillosas en la educación para marcar ese tipo de diferencia, así que tenía muchas ganas de hacer eso también”.

director de tu antigua escuela secundaria”, le gusta bromear al Padre Martin, “deberías aprovecharla. Es un gran momento de justicia para sentarse con los maestros que te enseñaron, firmar su contrato y decir: ‘¿Cómo te quedó ahora?’”

Durante 16 años, Martin se desempeñó como maestro, entrenador, administrador, director y presidente de Curley, teniendo un gran impacto en múltiples niveles, especialmente al fomentar el espíritu franciscano que lo había capturado.

“Siempre fue genial con los jóvenes”, dijo su hermana Jeanne Martin. “Tienes que ser real. Tienes que encontrarte con ellos a su nivel. Sabe cómo hacer eso, cómo ser relevante”.

De manera similar, fue bendecido como director del Centro Católico Duke (Universidad) en Durham, dice, donde reunió a un equipo ministerial que estableció un estándar en la participación de los donantes y el alcance estudiantil con enfoques novedosos como Confesiones en el Patio y, durante COVID, celebrando Misa en un

El Obispo Electo Martin toma en serio el llamado de “Ve y reconstruye mi iglesia”. Arriba, bautiza a un nuevo católico y abajo, hace anuncios después de la Misa del Domingo de Pascua en el Cameron Indoor Stadium en Duke, donde se acercó a católicos y no católicos por igual, amplió las instalaciones y empleó actividades de divulgación novedosas como “Confesiones en el Patio”.

Así que después de graduarse, a los 17 años, se unió al Noviciado Conventual de Frailes Franciscanos en Ellicott City, Maryland, para ver si la vida religiosa era para él, una transición desafiante.

‘HOMBRE DE GRAN TALENTO’

Al principio, Michael luchó por adaptarse a la vida disciplinada y “casi monástica” de los franciscanos en formación. “No habían llamadas telefónicas. Teníamos que escribir una carta a casa al mes. No fuimos a ningún lado”, se lamenta.

“La idea detrás de esto”, lo entiende ahora, “era que esta es una forma de vida muy diferente y que no puedes aferrarte a tu antigua forma de vida. Fue muy difícil, pero creo que me situó bien para entender lo que es y lo que no es la vida religiosa, y para todos los pasos posteriores”. Su mundo se expandió aún más cuando la Orden lo envió a su seminario internacional en Roma, la Pontificia Facultad Teológica San Buenaventura, El Seráfico, donde le encantó el sabor internacional, la diversidad y la variedad de experiencias. Si bien todos los franciscanos son frailes o “hermanos”, algunos también son sacerdotes. Michael Martin fue ordenado sacerdote franciscano en 1989.

La primera asignación del Padre Martin lo llevó a la Escuela Secundaria San Francisco en las afueras de Buffalo, Nueva York, donde se convirtió en director de admisiones, y donde el Padre Gregory Hartmayer era director. “El padre Martín es un hombre de gran talento y es un fiel hijo de San Francisco...” dijo Hartmayer. “Trabajamos en estrechamente durante cinco años en esa escuela, y hemos llegado a conocernos muy bien. A menudo vamos de vacaciones juntos, un grupo de frailes, desde hace muchos años”.

En 1994, los franciscanos llamaron al Padre Martin para que volviera a trabajar en su amada Curley High. “Si alguna vez tienes la oportunidad de volver y ser

estacionamiento por 15 meses.

“Fue increíble en la recaudación de fondos allí, y el aumento del tamaño de las instalaciones donde los estudiantes podían venir y asistir al estudio bíblico y a las liturgias y simplemente estar en compañía de otros estudiantes católicos”, dijo el Arzobispo Hartmayer. En 2022, el arzobispo estaba encantado de dar la bienvenida al Padre Martin a su propia Arquidiócesis de Atlanta, para servir como párroco por primera vez en San Felipe Benizi, la misma iglesia a la que el Padre Hartmayer había servido antes de convertirse en Obispo de Savannah

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 6B

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OBISPO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 8B

y luego en Arzobispo de Atlanta.

DEFINIENDO SU MINISTERIO

De cara al futuro, el Obispo Electo no puede predecir la forma de su ministerio, pero dice que sin duda reflejará el Evangelio, las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y los valores franciscanos.

Se toma en serio el llamado que recibió San Francisco mientras rezaba en la iglesia San Damián: “Ve, reconstruye mi iglesia...” Eso se hace, dice, a través de palabras y hechos.

“La Iglesia, desde sus orígenes, siempre ha sido una Iglesia necesitada de gracia, necesitada de reforma”, dice. “Por lo tanto, la reforma de la Iglesia es reformar continuamente nuestra forma de vernos a nosotros mismos y a nuestro Dios. Esa es la “reconstrucción” que tiene que ocurrir constantemente. Se trata de no sentirse nunca cómodo, de sumergirse siempre más profundamente en aguas más profundas”.

Un homilista talentoso, al igual que San Francisco, el Obispo Electo Martin “habla de cosas que suceden en la vida real. Las hace universales. No son solo teoría. Difunde su mensaje de manera que pueda ser recibido, por lo que tienes una mejor oportunidad de internalizarlo”, dice su hermana mayor, Jeanne Martin. Su hermana menor, Ellie Proctor, lo expresa de esta manera: “Sus homilías te dejarán boquiabierto”.

Emulando a San Francisco, Martin también “tiene un corazón para los pobres”, dice su colega franciscano Michael Heine, una cualidad que surgió en su primer día en Charlotte cuando hizo una

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Después de un partido, entrenaba al equipo de baloncesto de St. Francis High School, donde el “Padre Mike” era el entrenador asistente.

parada no programada en el banco de alimentos, y otra vez recientemente cuando contrató un programa de capacitación laboral para el catering de eventos. Martin tiene poca paciencia para la división, política o filosófica en la Iglesia, diciendo que estamos llamados por Dios a unirnos a través de las diferencias:

“Primero tenemos que comenzar con la presencia y la escucha, y luego confirmar dónde está Cristo con nosotros. ¿Qué compartimos? ¿Dónde estamos unidos?”

Evita las etiquetas utilizadas en la

Iglesia de los Estados Unidos que reflejan las divisiones sociales: conservadoras, liberales, ortodoxas.

“No creo que esa deba ser el lente a través del cual vea a nuestra diócesis o a cualquier miembro individual en ella. Simplemente no creo que esa sea la óptica que Jesús nos da. Cada encuentro que Jesús tiene en el Evangelio con los demás, siempre los encuentra donde están. Así que no estoy aquí para proclamar un bando y luego arrastrar a todos los que no están allí. Y creo que cuanto más continuamos

describiéndonos a nosotros mismos en estos términos, más vivimos en esos paradigmas”.

Más bien, se centrará en Jesús y en la buena nueva de la salvación, como lo hizo San Francisco: “Uno de los más grandes momentos en la vida de San Francisco gira en torno a la Navidad. No podía superar el hecho de que Dios quisiera ser uno de nosotros. Para Francisco, la encarnación es el fundamento de todo lo que hizo. Hoy en día, la gente lo pone al lado de una fuente para pájaros porque amaba la naturaleza. ¿Por qué amaba la naturaleza? Vio la unidad, la bondad y la dignidad del mundo creado porque Dios se hizo parte de ese mundo creado en la persona de Jesús. El hecho de que Jesús sea uno de nosotros nos eleva a todos a una altura increíble, a Dios Padre”. También podemos contar con el obispo electo, dice, para pedir a la gente que lo haga mejor: vivir la fe, tender la mano en la caridad y prepararse para la salvación.

“Siempre habrá un poco de disparidad entre lo que la Iglesia dice que es importante y lo que dicen los demás. Es la responsabilidad, es la misión de la Iglesia levantar la cabeza y mirar hacia una visión más grande. Las Escrituras constantemente a lo largo de miles de años continúan desafiándonos a mirar más allá de nuestras propias circunstancias particulares. Para eso está aquí la Iglesia, para llamarnos constantemente a rendir cuentas... para llamarnos más allá de nosotros mismos”.

Si eso se siente incómodo, dice, debería serlo. Sin embargo, a medida que la diócesis avanza con su nuevo obispo, a él le gusta recordarle a la gente que él también se siente “nervioso”, pero que realmente no debemos preocuparnos porque, asintiendo con la cabeza al Evangelio de Mateo, “Jesús siempre está con nosotros en la barca”. — Contribuyó Spencer K.M. Brown

The Fathers, Sisters, Seminarians, Faculty, and Staff of ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

Friends and faithful react to Bishop-elect Martin’s assignment:

“What a lucky diocese you are! The Diocese of Charlotte is getting a great leader who will do a great job! We will miss him at St. Philip Benizi but are happy for you. Father Mike’s homilies are my favorite things. He really can connect with everyone – I’ve seen him speaking to young people, old people, the Hispanic community. He believes that the Holy Spirit is real, and we can do great things if we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.”

— Norma Casal Buckley, parishioner at St. Philip Benizi, Jonesboro, Ga., where Bishop-elect Martin served as pastor until his episcopal appointment

“I first met Father Martin as a rising junior at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore and got to know him for the next two years when I was the student government president, and years later he was principal and hired me to be the admissions director. As principal he was a visionary and was able to move the institution forward. Your diocese is very blessed to have him. He tries to motivate the people around him to be the best they can be – he will help many people grow closer to Christ.”

— Jeremy Joseph, principal of Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, where then-Father Martin served in various roles from 1994 to 2010

“It is a joy to welcome Bishop-elect Mike Martin to the Diocese of Charlotte. He energized the Catholic Campus Ministry at Duke University during his 12-year tenure there. As the bishopelect said during his introductory press conference, ministry with college students is invigorating and a point of hope for the Church. Campus ministry in this diocese has a bright future under his leadership, and I look forward to working with him to spread the good news of Jesus Christ on the college campuses we serve.”

— Darien Clark, director of Campus and Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte

“He was one of the best homilists I’ve ever heard and very good at business in terms of running the campus ministry and being able to raise money, but at the heart of it is his relational ministry with students and helping people get close to Christ.”

— Michelle Sutton, Duke University alumna who worked with then-Father Martin for 11 years at the Duke Catholic Center

“Father Mike is a great leader – great at having a vision and listening to people. He is humble and has a real ability to relate to people. He has a lot of compassion and pastoral concern. He cares deeply for people and takes time for them.”

— Jason Simon, president, The Evangelical Catholic, a ministry group based in Madison, Wis.

“Pope Francis has made a magnificent decision. Father Martin walks the walk and talks the talk. He’s down to earth, he’s personable and a great listener, and he truly embodies all that a priest should embody and now will embody everything that a bishop should be. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a phenomenal speaker, and he is passionate about Catholic education, which will be a priority for him in his new role along with other ministries.”

— Larry Furey, founder and senior partner of Partners in Mission, a Catholic consulting firm

“He has a heart for the poor. Like, St. Francis, he realizes where he came from. Francis’ father was rich and so he had a lot of money, but was willing to give it to the poor. Michael didn’t grow up with a lot of money. His family was blue-collar, working class, and I think he always kept in mind the values that his mom and dad taught him: to work hard and reach out to those who don’t have what he has. He has a good sense of humor and doesn’t take himself seriously. But I will tell you,

he’s very honest, and he will tell you like it is. The people of the diocese are getting a friar who’s going to love them, and that’s the important part. He wants to see those entrusted to him really be the best disciples they can be.”

— Father Michael Heine, OFM Conv., Bishop-elect Martin’s religious superior

“He’s a person of the people, a builder and a visionary. He’s not afraid to try new things. At Duke he created small groups in which seniors and juniors who knew the way would help the freshmen and sophomores. He brought nuns to campus – he thought there needed to be a motherly presence. He also brought the Eucharist into the Duke chapel, which isn’t focused on any one denomination. I think it always bothered him that the Eucharist didn’t have a home there, so he found one.”

— Mike Salvino, St. Matthew parishioner and former board member of Duke Catholic Center

“Holy Angels was deeply honored to have had Bishop-elect Michael Martin grace us with his presence on his very first day. His visit, alongside Monsignor Patrick Winslow, was a testament to their genuine care and commitment to our mission of serving those who are differently able. It was a Mercy Moment watching Bishop-elect Martin truly connect with some of our residents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their visit and will pray for Bishopelect Martin in his new role leading the diocese.”

— Kerri Massey, president and CEO of Holy Angels, where Bishop-elect Martin visited on his first day

“I met Father Mike at St. Francis High School in Buffalo, N.Y., when I was 16. He taught morality, literally and figuratively, which I still think about 30 years later. He is a master at distilling large spiritual and moral issues into simple, everyday, bite-sized pieces of applicable wisdom, which I know he used at Duke with some of the brightest college minds. He has led multiple Catholic schools, churches and initiatives that required the help of many others. If you speak to anyone who has worked for him, they will all tell you they were better because of it. He is an amazing teacher, a gifted orator, and I have no doubt that he will inject an energy into the Church that will inspire us all. Trust me when I say Charlotte is very lucky to have Father Mike!”

— Andy Pfeiffer, local Charlotte businessman and former student of Bishop-elect Martin

“He is extremely bright, smart and intellectual while also being down to earth. What he did at Duke was unquestionably hard. The Duke Catholic Center was totally revitalized with Father Mike Martin, and then he’s just been a great friend. He was our go-to spiritually for my wife and myself. We developed a good friendship. He worked out in our football facility and was over there all the time, he did chapel services with our team, and he traveled with us when he could to away games and played a significant role in our football program at Duke. One particular Sunday at church, I was feeling a little bit defeated, and I think he sensed that I was down. I’m going to even use the phrase ‘feeling sorry for myself.’ The team would always have a light workout on a Sunday afternoon or evening, and he would often come over and just watch. I’ll never forget this day when he came up to chat. He said, ‘How are you doing?’ I said, ‘Well, I mean, this is hard.’

He said, ‘Well, what do you mean hard?’ I said, ‘It’s just getting hard.’ And he said, ‘No, wait a minute, it’s about these kids. It’s about who you serve.’ And man, I needed to hear that. We all need to hear the truth, and he was right. I would tell that to any young coach or priest for that matter. It’s not about you; it’s about them.”

— David Cutcliffe, Duke University former head football coach

Welcome Bishop Mar�n

The parishioners of St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit Church in the heart of Charlotte's Center City, welcome you.

Learn more about Learn more about Bishop Michael Martin’s Bishop Michael Martin’s Franciscan Community Franciscan Community

Family affair: “There was a tremendous amount of love and goodness in my family and extended family,” says Bishop-elect Martin, who credits their support for helping him reach ordination day (above) in 1989.

(Below) The Martin kids found ways to have fun together – beach trips, listening to comedy, even doing homework. “When you live in a small house with six people, you do everything together,” says sister Jeanne.

‘One big love story’

The Martin family opens up about life with a future bishop

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

CallMom. That was Father Michael Martin’s first thought last month after some of the shock wore off from learning that Pope Francis had appointed him the next Bishop of Charlotte. Moments later, Bev Martin, 84, picked up the phone and heard her son’s voice sharing the monumental news.

“Mike, are you kidding me?’’ she said.

“‘No, Mom, it’s happening!’”

Father Martin, OFM Conv., then mentioned something the pontiff said in his letter.

His mother replied, “Does the pope really know who you are?” He chuckled: “Yeah, he knows a little bit about me. He doesn’t know me personally, but he knows a little bit about me.”

Things started making more sense for Bev when she remembered her son’s award from the Vatican during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. In 2007, he had received the prestigious Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for his service to the Church.

“I’ve never connected that with the pope. I’ve connected that with an award that goes out to people who have done great things in the Church,” she explains. “I was a little floored when he told me. I was very emotional, as you can imagine. I

was so proud of him. Not proud for me. Proud of him.” The news of his appointment was a watershed moment not only for Bishop-elect Martin and his mother but also

for the entire family of sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, who are very dear to the future bishop. Indeed, their lives would soon have a whole new dimension. Their very own Michael Martin would soon be a bishop, a successor of the apostles.

More than a turning point, however, the announcement was in many ways the fulfillment of the family’s faithfulness and fortitude.

SIBLING REVELRY

It all began in a rowhouse in Baltimore with Bev and the late Don Martin and their four children. Bev converted at age 16 to marry Don, a lifelong Catholic who was an altar server and sang in the parish choir. Their third child, Michael, had three sisters – Jeanne, Judy and Ellie.

“Jeanne, Ellie and I were jammed in a bedroom, and Michael was in a tiny room with a bed and a desk. He would knock on our bedroom door at night because he just wanted to be with us,” his second-oldest sister, Judy Ercole says. “It was so cute.”

Each of his sisters noted their brother’s kindness and selflessness as a child.

Ellie remembers how Michael once surprised the family by paying for their Christmas tree. He saved for a bike so he could have a paper route to make a little spending money. The Martins also found fun ways to spend time together, vacationing each summer at Ocean City, Maryland, and sitting by the hi-fi to listen to actor/ comedian Steve Martin. “Michael has a great sense of

PHOTOS PROVIDED

humor, but it’s clean humor,” Ellie says.

They also “played church” in the basement with little crackers and Michael serving as priest, but nobody saw the significance at the time.

While he attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School in Baltimore, Michael’s teachers could see that he was bright but not living up to his potential, his mother remembers. The nuns loved him, but his mind was on other things, she says, like sports, with his dad coaching both his little league and rec baseball teams. Michael was a power hitter.

One year, right before Christmas break, Michael received a deficiency notice from his school.

“He tucked it away and didn’t tell my parents until the end of the break,” his eldest sister Jeanne Martin recalls. “Michael was panicking the whole time. He kept saying, ‘I’m dead.’ But when he finally showed my dad to get it signed, Dad said, ‘You’ve been punished enough – you ruined your whole break.’”

It was a good lesson.

Even then his dad knew he was destined for great things. Neither of his parents, however, had any idea God was calling Michael to be a priest. But others saw it.

SIGNS OF A PRIESTLY VOCATION

In eighth grade, Michael repeatedly rehearsed his speech titled “I Am Just One” with his sisters – and won the local Rotary Club’s oratorial competition.

“When you live in a small house with six people, you do everything together. We all knew his speech and were so happy when he won,” Jeanne says. “He really learned how to project and make it real.”

Later, even though they don’t have valedictorians in middle school, the pastor of his parish school, the late Father Jack Collopy, insisted they give the honor to Michael because he wanted him to speak at graduation. Father Collopy believed Michael had something to say, and he wanted everyone to hear it.

“I didn’t know what that meant, but Michael gave his speech at graduation, and he did a great job,” his mother recalls.

Afterward, she remembers how Father Collopy approached her and her husband.

“I want to tell you something,” he said. “I think it’s really important. I know this is the beginning of Michael’s journey, but I really believe he has a vocation (to the priesthood).”

His mother remembers that Father Collopy wanted Michael to become a diocesan priest, but it was ultimately the Conventual Franciscan friars at the all-boys Archbishop Curley High School who inspired him to join their order. Many of the friars from the school would spend time with the Martin family enjoying meals and conversation in their home, giving Michael an inside look at the lives of the friars.

In high school, Michael loved sports and remains an avid Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan. He performed in plays, including “Hello Dolly” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” and still has “a really nice voice,” sister Ellie Proctor says. He also worked as a janitor at the school to help earn tuition, and at a local tailor shop. His sister Judy says he even had a couple girlfriends during his high school years, but religious life was where he found his true calling.

In 1979, he won the Curley Service Award at his high school, chosen from among 300 boys.

Shortly before his high school graduation, he told his parents he was joining the Conventual Franciscan Friars Novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland. His parents couldn’t believe it and thought he was joking. But Michael told them he had been thinking about joining the Franciscans for a long time.

FOLLOWING THE LORD’S CALL

When he broke the news to the rest of the family, his sisters were shocked, but not surprised, Bev says. Michael officially left home in 1979 at just 17. It was hard for the whole family, especially Ellie, to see him go.

“With me being the youngest, he was my mentor, my psychologist, my best friend,” sister Ellie says, choking back tears. “He was just the nicest brother ever.”

Bev kept Michael’s room just as it was for a year while he was discerning religious life. She wanted him to have a safe, familiar place to land in case he changed his mind. His sisters jokingly called his empty room “The Shrine.”

Soon, however, it became clear Michael wasn’t turning back, and despite her initial disbelief, Bev would become the biggest champion of her son’s vocation to the priesthood.

After the year of discernment, he began his studies at St. Hyacinth College in Massachusetts and was eventually sent to the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure in Rome for four years to study Sacred Theology, which worried his mother who thought it would be too much change for him.

“I’ve always said Michael was very much a local boy. He loves this country and his beloved hometown of Baltimore. He loves people, he loves sports, he loves his family,” she says. “I have to say the Lord again knew what He was doing. Michael went over there a boy and came back a man.”

“He came back with experiences that I’m still told about to this day – the people he met, the people he lived with, the places that he went, including a mission trip to Ghana.”

The people in need on his mission trip from Rome to Ghana made a deep impression on him as a seminarian, as did meeting Pope John Paul II during his years studying at the Pontifical University. His mother keeps a framed picture of the meeting on display along with other items from Rome at her Maryland home.

DEDICATED TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Michael was ordained a transitional deacon in Rome in 1988 and a priest in 1989 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Baltimore.

After helping to grow St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York, from 1989 to 1994, the now-Father Martin became a teacher, coach and eventually the head of school at his alma mater, Archbishop Curley High School, serving there from 1994 to 2010.

Under his leadership, the school completed a $7 million capital campaign to build an arts center, downsize the

(Left) Bishop-elect Martin has a heart for the poor. On a mission trip to Ghana, his mother says, he was profoundly moved not only by the depth of the poverty, but also because “everyone was so happy with what little they had.”

friary, and created a new library, offices, meeting areas, and a modern fitness center. The science labs and the auditorium also received updates. Enrollment grew to 600 students, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore credited him for helping Archbishop Curley become a regional school. The Vatican also took notice, awarding him the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award in 2007.

As his sister Judy recalls, “He stood out as a leader and knew most of the kids by name. As the head of the school, he wanted them to feel the brotherhood that he experienced when he was a student at Curley.”

His sister Jeanne adds, “He easily engages with students, partly through his sense of humor. He’s real and he’s relevant. So much of that comes from his years teaching and serving as principal and president. You can’t play act in front of a bunch of high school boys or girls. It’s his best attribute aside from his faith.”

His experience at both high schools prepared him to become director of the Duke Catholic Center in Durham from 2010 to 2022, where he effectively reached Catholics and non-Catholics alike. During his tenure, he grew participation in the faith, started “Confession on the Quad,” celebrated Mass in a parking garage during the pandemic, and renovated and built an addition to the Falcone-Arena House, a prayer and study center. They even dedicated the center’s entertainment room to his mother for her instrumental role in Father Martin’s priesthood.

GIVING THE GIFT OF HIMSELF

Bev says her son’s vocation has enriched all their lives. “We were just normal people, and now our family has friends in all the places Michael has been,” she says. “It’s truly one big love story.”

His sisters agree.

“His designation as Bishop of Charlotte is not surprising when you know what he’s accomplished in all his years as a priest and consider the impact he has had on so many people – family, friends, and acquaintances who are now friends,” Jeanne says.

“He has tremendous leadership skills. He can be a firstline manager and move all the chess pieces that need to be moved in a job like being a bishop. From the spiritual side, he has an ability to connect with people of all kinds and ages, while also staying true to the Church’s teachings. He’s also a phenomenal homilist!”

Judy says she was elated at the news, and their sister Ellie, who has been helping set up her brother’s new residence in Charlotte, laughs about how her brother – because of his Franciscan vow of poverty – teases his sisters about some of their fanciness. “Aren’t you schwanky,” he’ll say. In turn, they call him “Uncle Schwank.”

Bev says she is overjoyed to be here to celebrate this momentous occasion with her family, and although their father is no longer here to share in the good news, he is certainly pleased.

“I can only say that his dad supported Michael in any way that he could, and now he supports him from heaven,” his mother says. “I know he’s up there saying, ‘Look at my boy. Yes, look at my boy.’ I know that he’s very proud at this moment.”

— Liz Chandler contributed.

(Below left) Michael and his Conventual Franciscan brothers ham it up at the friars’ novitiate in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Then-seminarian Michael Martin meets Pope John Paul II, one photo among many mementos from Rome at Bev Martin’s home.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

“Había una enorme cantidad de amor y bondad en mi familia y en mi familia extendida”, dice el Obispo Electo Martin, quien atribuye a su apoyo el haberle ayudado a alcanzar el día de la ordenación (arriba y a la derecha) en 1989. Los niños Martin encontraron maneras de divertirse juntos: viajes a la playa, escuchar comedia e incluso hacer la tarea. “Cuando vives en una casa pequeña con seis personas, lo haces todo juntos”, dice la hermana Jeanne.

‘Una gran historia de amor’

La familia Martin se sincera sobre su vida con un futuro obispo

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

Llama

a mamá. Ese fue el primer pensamiento del Padre Michael Martin el mes pasado, después que parte de la conmoción se desvaneciera al enterarse de que el Papa Francisco lo había nombrado el próximo Obispo de Charlotte. Momentos después, Bev Martin, de 84 años, tomó el teléfono y escuchó la voz de su hijo compartiendo la monumental noticia.

“Mike, ¿estás bromeando?”, dijo.

“‘¡No, mamá, es verdad!’”

El P. Martin, OFM Conv., mencionó entonces algo que el pontífice dijo en su carta.

Su madre le respondió: “‘¿Sabe realmente el Papa quién eres?’ Se rió entre dientes: “Sí, él sabe un poco sobre mí. No me conoce personalmente, pero sabe un poquito de mí’”. Las cosas empezaron a tener más sentido para Bev cuando recordó el premio de su hijo del Vaticano durante el pontificado del Papa Benedicto XVI. En 2007 recibió el prestigioso premio Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice por su servicio a la Iglesia.

“Nunca he relacionado eso con el Papa. Lo he relacionado con un premio que se otorga a personas que han hecho

grandes cosas en la Iglesia”, explica. “Me quedé un poco anonadada cuando me lo dijo. Estaba muy emocionada, como te puedes imaginar. Estaba muy orgullosa de él. No es un orgullo para mí. Orgullosa de él”. La noticia de su nombramiento fue un momento decisivo no solo para el Obispo Electo Martin y su madre, sino también para toda la familia de hermanas, cuñados, sobrinas y sobrinos, muy queridos por el futuro obispo. De hecho, sus vidas pronto tendrían una nueva dimensión. Su Michael Martin pronto sería obispo, un sucesor de los apóstoles. Sin embargo, más que un punto de inflexión, el anuncio fue en muchos sentidos el cumplimiento de la fidelidad y fortaleza de la familia.

JOLGORIO ENTRE HERMANOS

Todo comenzó en una casa adosada en Baltimore con Bev y el difunto Don Martin y sus cuatro hijos. Bev se convirtió a los 16 años para casarse con Don, un católico de toda la vida que era monaguillo y cantaba en el coro de la parroquia. Su tercer hijo, Michael, tuvo tres hermanas: Jeanne, Judy y Ellie. “Jeanne, Ellie y yo ocupábamos un mismo dormitorio, y Michael estaba en una habitación diminuta con una cama y un escritorio. Llamaba a la puerta de nuestra habitación

por la noche porque quería estar con nosotras”, dice su segunda hermana mayor, Judy Ercole. “Fue tan lindo”. Cada una de sus hermanas notó la bondad y el altruismo de su hermano cuando era niño.

Ellie recuerda cómo Michael una vez sorprendió a la familia al pagar el árbol de Navidad. Ahorró para comprar una bicicleta y poder tener una ruta de entrega de periódicos para ganar un poco de dinero. Los Martin AMOR, PASA A LA PÁGINA 13B

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS

AMOR

también encontraron formas divertidas de pasar tiempo juntos, vacacionando cada verano en Ocean City, Maryland, y sentándose junto al tocadiscos para escuchar al actor y comediante Steve Martin. “Michael tiene un gran sentido del humor, pero es un humor limpio”, dice Ellie.

También jugaban a la iglesia en el sótano con pequeñas galletas y Michael sirviendo como sacerdote, pero nadie vio el significado en ese momento.

Mientras asistía a la Escuela Católica de la Preciosísima Sangre en Baltimore, los maestros de Michael podían ver que era brillante pero que no estaba a la altura de su potencial, recuerda su madre. Las monjas lo amaban, pero su mente estaba en otras cosas, dice, como los deportes, con su padre entrenando a sus equipos de béisbol de ligas menores y recreativos. Michael era un bateador de potencia. Un año, justo antes de las vacaciones de Navidad, Michael recibió un aviso de deficiencia de su escuela.

“Lo guardó y no se lo dijo a mis padres hasta el final de las vacaciones”, recuerda su hermana mayor, Jeanne Martin. “Michael estaba en pánico todo el tiempo. No paraba de decir: ‘Estoy muerto’. Pero cuando finalmente le mostró a mi papá para que se lo firmara, papá dijo: ‘Ya te has castigado lo suficiente, arruinaste todas tus vacaciones”. Fue una buena lección.

Incluso entonces, su padre sabía que estaba destinado a grandes cosas. Sin embargo, ninguno de sus padres tenía idea de que Dios estaba llamando a Michael a ser sacerdote. Pero otros lo vieron.

SIGNOS DE UNA VOCACIÓN SACERDOTAL

En octavo grado, Michael ensayó repetidamente su discurso titulado “Yo soy solo uno” con sus hermanas, y ganó la competencia de oratoria del Club Rotario local.

“Cuando vives en una casa pequeña con seis personas, haces todo juntos. Todos conocíamos su discurso y nos alegramos mucho cuando ganó”, dice Jeanne. “Realmente aprendió a proyectar y a hacerlo realidad”.

Más tarde, a pesar de que no tienen valedictorians en la escuela media, el párroco de su escuela, el difunto Padre Jack Collopy, insistió en que le dieran el honor a Michael porque quería que hablara en la graduación. El padre Collopy creía que Michael tenía algo que decir, y quería que todos lo escucharan.

“No sabía lo que eso significaba, pero Michael dio su discurso en la graduación e hizo un gran trabajo”, recuerda su madre.

Después, recuerda cómo el Padre Collopy se acercó a ella y a su esposo.

“Quiero decirte algo”, dijo. “Creo que es muy importante. Sé que este es el comienzo del viaje de Michael, pero realmente creo que tiene una vocación (al sacerdocio)”. Su madre recuerda que el Padre Collopy quería que Michael se convirtiera en sacerdote diocesano, pero finalmente fueron los frailes franciscanos conventuales de la escuela secundaria Arzobispo Curley, para varones, quienes lo inspiraron a unirse a su orden. Muchos de los frailes de la escuela pasaban tiempo con la familia Martin disfrutando de comidas y conversación en su casa, lo que le daba a Michael una visión interna de la vida de los frailes. En la escuela secundaria, a Michael le encantaban los deportes y sigue siendo un ávido fanático de los Baltimore Orioles y los Ravens. Actuó en obras de teatro, como “Hello Dolly” y “El violinista en el tejado”, y todavía tiene “una voz muy bonita”, dice su hermana Ellie Proctor. También trabajó como conserje en la escuela para ayudar a ganar la matrícula y en una sastrería local. Su hermana Judy dice que incluso tuvo un par de novias durante sus años de escuela secundaria, pero fue en la vida religiosa donde encontró su verdadera vocación.

En 1979, ganó el Premio Curley al Servicio en su escuela secundaria, elegido entre 300 niños.

Poco antes de graduarse de la escuela secundaria, les dijo a sus padres que se uniría al Noviciado Conventual de los Frailes Franciscanos en Ellicott City, Maryland. Sus padres no podían creerlo y pensaron que estaba bromeando. Pero Michael les dijo que había estado pensando en unirse a los frailes durante mucho tiempo.

SIGUIENDO EL LLAMADO DEL SEÑOR

Cuando le dio la noticia al resto de la familia, sus hermanas se conmovieron, pero no se sorprendieron, dice Bev. Michael se fue oficialmente de casa en 1979 con solo 17 años. Fue difícil para toda la familia, especialmente para Ellie, verlo partir. “Como yo era la más joven, él era mi mentor, mi psicólogo, mi mejor amigo”, dice Ellie, conteniendo las lágrimas. “Era el hermano más amable del mundo”.

Bev mantuvo la habitación de Michael tal como estaba durante un año mientras discernía la vida religiosa. Quería que tuviera un lugar seguro y familiar donde llegar en caso de que cambiara de opinión. Sus hermanas llamaban en broma a su habitación vacía “El Santuario”. Pronto, sin embargo, quedó claro que Michael no iba a dar marcha atrás y, a pesar de su incredulidad inicial, Bev se convertiría en la mayor defensora de la vocación sacerdotal de su hijo.

Después del año de discernimiento, comenzó sus estudios en la Universidad San Jacinto en Massachusetts y finalmente fue enviado a la Universidad Pontificia San Buenaventura en Roma durante cuatro años para estudiar Sagrada Teología, lo que preocupó a su madre, quien pensó que sería demasiado cambio para él.

“Siempre he dicho que Michael era un chico muy local. Ama este país y su amada ciudad natal de Baltimore. Ama a la gente, ama los deportes, ama a su familia”, dice. “Tengo que decir que el Señor sabía de nuevo lo que estaba haciendo. Michael fue allí como un muchacho y regresó como un hombre”.

“Regresó con experiencias de las que todavía me habla hasta el día de hoy: las personas que conoció, las personas con las que vivió, los lugares a los que fue, incluido un viaje misionero a Ghana”.

Las personas necesitadas en su viaje misionero de Roma a Ghana le causaron una profunda impresión como seminarista, al igual que su encuentro con el Papa Juan Pablo II durante sus años de estudio en la Universidad Pontificia. Su madre tiene una foto enmarcada de la reunión en exhibición junto con otros artículos de Roma en su casa de Maryland.

DEDICADO A LA EDUCACIÓN CATÓLICA

Michael fue ordenado diácono transicional en Roma en 1988 y sacerdote en 1989 en la Iglesia Católica San Casimiro en Baltimore.

Después de ayudar a hacer crecer la Escuela Secundaria San Francisco en Athol Springs, Nueva York, de 1989 a 1994, el ahora Padre Martin se convirtió en maestro, entrenador y, finalmente, director de la escuela en su alma mater, la Escuela Secundaria Arzobispo Curley, sirviendo allí de 1994 a 2010.

(Izquierda) Su madre Bev fue su mayor defensora cuando decidió convertirse en sacerdote. (Arriba) Michael haciendo gracias con una guitarra que no toca. (Abajo) Michael hace reír a la gente con un “gran sentido del humor, pero es un humor limpio”, dice su hermana Ellie, que junto a su hermano admiraba al comediante Steve Martin. Posa con su hermana Jeanne, su madre Bev y sus hermanas Ellie y Judy.

Bajo su liderazgo, la escuela completó una campaña de recaudación de $7 millones para construir un centro de artes, reducir el tamaño del convento y crear una nueva biblioteca, oficinas, áreas de reuniones y un moderno gimnasio. Los laboratorios de ciencias y el auditorio también fueron renovados. La matrícula creció a 600 estudiantes, y la Arquidiócesis de Baltimore le dio crédito por ayudar al Arzobispo Curley a convertirla en una escuela regional. El Vaticano también tomó nota y le otorgó el premio Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice en 2007.

Como recuerda su hermana Judy: “Se destacaba como líder y conocía a la mayoría de los niños por su nombre. Como director de la escuela, quería que sintieran la hermandad que él experimentó cuando era estudiante en Curley”.

Su hermana Jeanne añade: “Se relaciona fácilmente con los estudiantes, en parte gracias a su sentido del humor. Es real y relevante. Gran parte de eso proviene de sus años de enseñanza y servicio como director y presidente. No puedes actuar frente a un grupo de chicos o chicas de secundaria. Es su mejor atributo, aparte de su fe”.

Su experiencia en ambas escuelas secundarias lo preparó para convertirse en director del Centro Católico Duke en Durham de 2010 a 2022, donde efectivamente llegó a católicos y no católicos por igual. Durante su mandato, aumentó la participación en la fe, comenzó Confesiones en el Patio, celebró Misa en un estacionamiento durante la pandemia y renovó y construyó una adición a la Casa Falcone-Arena, un centro de oración y estudio. Incluso dedicaron la sala de entretenimiento del centro a su madre por su papel fundamental en el sacerdocio del Padre Martin.

DANDO EL DON DE SÍ MISMO

Bev dice que la vocación de su hijo ha enriquecido todas sus vidas.

“Éramos personas normales, y ahora nuestra familia tiene amigos en todos los lugares en los que Michael ha estado”, dice. “Es realmente una gran historia de amor”. Sus hermanas están de acuerdo.

“Su designación como Obispo de Charlotte no es sorprendente cuando se sabe lo que ha logrado en todos sus años como sacerdote y se considera el impacto que ha tenido en tantas personas: familiares, amigos y conocidos que ahora son amigos”, dice Jeanne.

“Tiene tremendas habilidades de liderazgo. Puede ser un gerente de primera línea y mover todas las piezas de ajedrez que necesitan ser movidas en un trabajo como ser obispo. Desde el punto de vista espiritual, tiene la capacidad de conectarse con personas de todo tipo y edad, al mismo tiempo que se mantiene fiel a las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. ¡También es un homilista fenomenal!”.

Judy dice que estaba eufórica con la noticia, y su hermana Ellie, que ha estado ayudando a establecer la nueva residencia de su hermano en Charlotte, se ríe de cómo su hermano, debido a su voto franciscano de pobreza, se ríe de sus hermanas sobre algunas de sus sofisticaciones.

Bev dice que está encantada de estar aquí para celebrar esta ocasión trascendental con su familia, y aunque su padre ya no está aquí para compartir las buenas nuevas, ciertamente está contento.

“Solo puedo decir que su padre apoyó a Michael en todo lo que pudo, y ahora lo apoya desde el cielo”, dice su madre. “Sé que está ahí arriba diciendo: ‘Mira a mi hijo. Sí, mira a mi hijo. Sé que está muy orgulloso en este momento”. — Contribuyó Liz Chandler

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 12B

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THE STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.

AS THE FIFTH

BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE Welcomes

CATHOLIC CHARITIES JOYFULLY WELCOMES

FR. MICHAEL MARTIN, OFM CON ., AS THE NEW BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

“At all times and seasons, in every country and place, every day and all day, we must have a true and humble faith.” - St. Francis of Assisi

Bishop-Elect Michael Martin, OFM Conv., greets and prays with a family who came through the food distribution line at Catholic Charities’ food pantry on April 9. Catholic News Herald

Key moments of the episcopal ordination

The Ordination Mass for a bishop can be a lengthy liturgy, and if you don’t know what is going on, you can miss out on a lot of rich symbolism and meaning behind the various moments of the rite.

Here’s a brief summary of the key moments of the May 29 episcopal ordination:

Entrance Procession: Hundreds of priests and deacons, at least a dozen bishops and one cardinal will process into St. Mark Church beginning at 1 p.m. for what is expected to be a two-hour liturgy with 2,000 ticketed guests filling the church and the adjacent Monsignor Joseph Kerin Center.

After the introductory rites and the Liturgy of the Word, with readings proclaimed in English and Spanish, the Rite of Ordination of a Bishop will begin.

The principal celebrant and consecrator for the liturgy will be Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., a friend of the bishop-elect and fellow Franciscan. Coconsecrators will be Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope’s ambassador to the United States, and retiring Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis.

Veni, Creator, Spiritus: The “Come, Creator Spirit” prayer is chanted after the Gospel reading, invoking the Holy Spirit.

Presentation of the Elect: The bishopelect is presented to the consecrating bishop by two assisting priests, both close friends of the bishop-elect: Father Michael Heine, OFM Conv., minister provincial of the Conventual Franciscans of OLA Province, and Father Jude Michael Krill,

Meet the bishop, then join in the ordination online or on EWTN

Bishop-elect Michael Martin, OFM Conv., will be ordained at St. Mark Church on Wednesday, May 29, and installed as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte the next day at St. Patrick Cathedral. Due to the churches’ limited size, attendance at these liturgies is by ticket only.

Both Masses will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel, plus available “on demand” afterward.

EWTN will also air the ordination Mass at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29.

Come meet Bishop-elect Martin on Tuesday, May 28, during a special “Holy Hour with Benediction: An Evening of Praise and Prayer” at 7 p.m. at St. Mark Church (14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville). Free, no ticket required.

OFM Conv. They will ask the principal consecrator, Archbishop Hartmayer, to ordain the bishop-elect in the name of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Apostolic Letter: The apostolic letter from Pope Francis is then read aloud by Cardinal Pierre. This letter testifies to the desire on the part of the Vicar of Christ that the bishop-elect should receive the third and final “degree” of the sacrament of holy orders, namely, the episcopate.

Assent: After the document is read, all present give their assent to the election of the bishop by saying: “Thanks be to God.”

Nine Promises: After the homily, the bishop-elect is asked nine questions to ascertain whether he is prepared to: 1)

discharge this sacred duty until the end of his life, 2) remain “faithful and constant” in proclaiming the Holy Gospel, 3) maintain without change the “deposit of faith” that the Apostles have passed along down through the ages, 4) “build up the Church as the Body of Christ,” 5) “remain united to it within the Order of Bishops under the authority of the successor of the Apostle Peter,” 6) guide the People of God “as a devoted father,” 7) “be welcoming and merciful to the poor,” 8) “seek out the sheep who stray,” and 9) pray unceasingly for the People of God.

Litany of the Saints: The principal consecrator invites everyone to pray for the bishop-elect, who then prostrates himself while the entire congregation chants the Litany of Supplication (commonly called the Litany of the Saints).

Laying On of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination: The principal consecrator, followed by the other bishops, lays hands upon the head of the bishop-elect. Then, the open Book of the Gospels is placed over the head of the bishop-elect by two deacons, while the principal consecrator offers the Prayer of Consecration, in part with all the consecrating bishops. The placing of the Book of the Gospels illustrates that the preaching of the Word of God is the “pre-eminent obligation of the office of the Bishop.”

Anointing and Investiture: The Book of the Gospels is removed from above the head of the new bishop. The principal consecrator anoints the head of the new bishop with sacred chrism, hands him the Book of the Gospels, places the episcopal ring on his finger and the miter on his head, and gives him the crosier or pastoral staff – symbols of the office of bishop.

Seating of the New Bishop: The new bishop then takes the first place among the concelebrating bishops.

Kiss of Peace: Before the Mass continues as usual with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Rite of Ordination ends with the kiss of peace from the principal consecrator and all the other bishops who are present, sealing the new bishop’s admittance into the College of Bishops.

— Adapted with permission from the Denver Catholic

Momentos claves de una ordenación episcopal

La Misa de ordenación de un obispo puede ser una liturgia larga y, si no sabe lo que está sucediendo, puede perderse muchos ricos simbolismos y significados detrás de los diversos momentos del rito. He aquí un breve resumen de los momentos clave de la ordenación episcopal del 29 de mayo:

Procesión de entrada: Cientos de sacerdotes y diáconos, al menos una docena de obispos y un cardenal, entrarán en procesión a la Iglesia San Marcos a partir de la 1 p.m. para lo que se espera sea una liturgia de dos horas con 2.000 invitados con entrada que llenarán la iglesia y el Centro Monseñor Joseph Kerin adyacente. Después de los ritos introductorios y la Liturgia de la Palabra, con lecturas proclamadas en inglés y español, comenzará el Rito de Ordenación de un Obispo. El celebrante principal y consagrador de la liturgia será el Arzobispo de Atlanta Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., amigo del obispo electo y compañero franciscano. Los coconsagradores serán el Cardenal Christophe Pierre, embajador del Papa en Estados Unidos, y el obispo saliente de Charlotte, Peter Jugis.

Veni, Creator, Spiritus: Después de la lectura del Evangelio se canta la oración “Ven, Espíritu Creador”, invocando al Espíritu Santo.

Presentación de los elegidos: El obispo electo es presentado al obispo consagrante por dos sacerdotes asistentes, ambos amigos cercanos del obispo electo: el Padre Michael Heine, OFM Conv., ministro provincial de los franciscanos conventuales de la provincia

Conozca al obispo, únase a la ordenación en YouTube o EWTN

El Obispo Electo Michael Martin, OFM Conv., será ordenado en la Iglesia San Marcos el miércoles 29 de mayo, e instalado como el quinto obispo de Charlotte el día siguiente en la Catedral San Patricio. Debido al tamaño limitado de las iglesias, la asistencia a estas liturgias es solo con tiquete.

Ambas Misas se transmitirán en vivo en el canal YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte, además estarán disponibles “a pedido” después. EWTN también transmitirá la Misa de ordenación el miércoles 29 de Mayo a las 3 de la tarde.

Vaya a conocer al Obispo Electo Martin el martes 28 de mayo, durante una “Hora Santa con Bendición: Una Noche de Alabanza y Oración” especial a las 7 p.m. en la Iglesia San Marcos (14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville). Gratis, no se requiere boleto.

de OLA, y el Padre Jude Michael Krill, OFM Conv. Ellos le pedirán al consagrador principal, el Arzobispo Hartmayer, que ordene al obispo electo en nombre de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Carta Apostólica: Luego, el Cardenal Pierre leerá en voz alta la carta apostólica del Papa Francisco. Esta carta testimonia el deseo del Vicario de Cristo de que el obispo electo reciba el tercer y último ‘grado’ del sacramento del orden sagrado, es decir, el episcopado.

Asentimiento: Después de leer el documento, todos los presentes dan su asentimiento a la elección del obispo diciendo: “Gracias a Dios”.

With prayers and filial devotion from our mothers, children, staff and volunteers, we welcome Bishop Michael Martin, OFM, Conv.

Room At The Inn

Where Hope Is Born!

See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop

Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Smyrneans, 108 a d

PO Box 13936

Greensboro, NC 27415

Phone: 336.996.3788

Obtén detalles en www. catholicnewsherald.com o escanea este código QR:

Nueve promesas: Después de la homilía, al obispo electo se le hacen nueve preguntas para determinar si está preparado para: 1) cumplir con este sagrado deber hasta el final de su vida, 2) permanecer “fiel y constante” en la proclamación del Santo Evangelio, 3) mantener sin cambios el ‘depósito de la fe’ que los Apóstoles han transmitido a través de los siglos, 4) “edificar la Iglesia como Cuerpo de Cristo”, 5) “permanecer unidos a ella dentro del Orden de los Obispos bajo la autoridad del sucesor del apóstol Pedro”, 6) guiar al Pueblo de Dios “como un padre devoto”, 7) “ser acogedor y misericordioso con los pobres”, 8) “buscar las ovejas descarriadas”, 9) y Orar incesantemente por el Pueblo de Dios.

Letanía de los Santos: El consagrador

principal invita a todos los fieles a orar por el obispo electo, quien luego se postra mientras toda la congregación canta la Letanía de Súplica.

Imposición de manos y oración de ordenación: El consagrador principal, seguido por los demás obispos, impone las manos sobre la cabeza del obispo electo. Luego, dos diáconos colocan el Libro de los Evangelios abierto sobre la cabeza del obispo electo, mientras el consagrador principal ofrece la Oración de Consagración, en parte con todos los obispos consagrantes. La ubicación del Libro de los Evangelios ilustra que la predicación de la Palabra de Dios es la “obligación preeminente del oficio del Obispo”.

Unción e Investidura: Se retira el Libro de los Evangelios de encima de la cabeza del nuevo obispo. El consagrador principal unge la cabeza del nuevo obispo con el sagrado crisma, le entrega el Libro de los Evangelios, le coloca el anillo episcopal en el dedo y la mitra en la cabeza, y le entrega el báculo o báculo pastoral, símbolos del oficio de obispo.

Asiento del nuevo obispo: El nuevo obispo ocupa entonces el primer lugar entre los obispos concelebrantes.

Beso de Paz: Antes que la Misa continúe como de costumbre con la Liturgia de la Eucaristía, el Rito de Ordenación finaliza con el beso de paz del consagrador principal y de todos los demás obispos presentes, sellando la admisión del nuevo obispo al Colegio de Obispos. — Adaptado con permiso de El Católico de Denver

The Redemptorists, staff, and all parishioners at St. James the Greater Catholic Church of Concord, NC, extend heartfelt congratulations and a warm welcome to

BISHOP MICHAEL T. MARTIN

Bishop Martin’s coat of arms harkens to his background

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

Bishop Michael Martin has chosen simple, powerful symbols of his faith and personal history for his episcopal coat of arms. He also enlisted the help of a former student to design it.

Brian Taberski was one of then-Father Martin’s theology students at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, New York. Thirty years later, he found himself designing the coat of arms that would symbolize his former teacher’s new status as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte.

Taberski developed an interest in heraldry, the system of creating coats of arms, while he was a student at St. Francis. He turned it into a personal passion – a way of expressing his faith and love of history, and a way of serving the Church. He has designed coats of arms for two other bishops. One of them was Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer of Atlanta, also a Franciscan, when he became bishop of the Diocese of Savannah prior to his move to Atlanta. Archbishop Hartmayer also served on the faculty at St. Francis when Taberski was a student.

Taberski says then-Father Martin had a profound impact on him in high school – both as a teacher and as a priest. The insights on Catholicism he learned from Father Martin led him to teach theology for a while later in life, he said, and during the lockdowns of COVID-19 he found a spiritual lifeline in watching livestreams of Masses that Father Martin celebrated at Duke University.

“When you hear him preach, you see his pastoral skill as well as his intellect,” Taberski says. “This is a man whose intellect is so sharp that he can sit with anyone and explain things about the Church to them in exactly the way it needs to be said so they can understand.”

Taberski kept in touch with his former teacher over the years, and offered to create his coat of arms when he was named to lead the Charlotte diocese.

“Bishop Martin was very clear about wanting to represent who he is – a Franciscan and a native son of Maryland,” Taberski says. “He wanted something that was easily identifiable and not complicated.”

Coats of arms originated in 11th-century Europe and were originally used by warriors to identify their comrades on the battlefield. Over the centuries, they have become official symbols of families, rulers and Church leaders. A bishop’s coat of arms is used on documents, letterheads and other official items as a symbol of his office.

At the top of Bishop Martin’s coat of arms is a green

Crosier being crafted by fellow Franciscans

Bishop Martin’s crosier has been designed by one of his Franciscan brothers, Father Joseph Dorniak, OFM Conv., and is being crafted by another Franciscan, Father Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv.

The design is of a wooden staff with the open space in the crook containing a circle of woven cord with the three tied knots symbolizing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Since it will not be ready in time for the ordination Mass on May 29, Bishop Martin will use a crosier of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Impalement

Impalement is a heraldic practice in which two coats of arms are combined in one shield to denote a union. The impaled shield is bisected in pale – that is, by a vertical line – with each half of the shield displaying one coat of arms. For Bishop Martin, his personal Coat of Arms (right) is impaled, or combined, with the Arms of the Diocese of Charlotte (left), to form his official Coat of Arms as the Fifth Bishop of Charlotte (top).

galero, a broad-brimmed hat once worn by clergy that now designates their rank. On either side are six green tassels called “houppes” which also signify the rank of a bishop in the Church.

To the viewer’s right is the Franciscan coat of arms. Featuring the traditional Franciscan Tau cross with two arms crossing one another, it is rich in symbolism. The two arms, one Christ’s and the other St. Francis of Assisi’s, both bear the stigmata. They symbolize God’s love and Francis’s loving response to the Word made incarnate, Taberski explained. It is an image found throughout the ministries, friaries, missions and sites served by the Franciscan order.

On the right side of the shield, the top (known as the “chief”) and the bottom (the “base”) feature references to George Calvert and his son Cecil Calvert – the first and second barons of Baltimore. The Calverts were among the first Catholics to arrive in colonial America. They established the then Province of Maryland as a safe place for English Catholics to emigrate to since they were no longer able to freely practice their faith at home. In the coat of arms, the use of six vertical stripes – alternately gold and black, with the diagonal stripe in color – recalls Bishop Martin’s hometown of Baltimore.

To the viewer’s left are two symbols of the Diocese of Charlotte. On the top is a Celtic cross symbolizing St. Patrick, patron of the diocesan cathedral. Below it, a crown symbolizes Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III of England, for whom the city of Charlotte was named.

The coat of arms also includes Bishop Martin’s personal motto, “Duc in altum,” which means “put out into the deep,” and are the words Jesus spoke to Peter in the Gospel of Luke (5:4).

Behind the shield is a gold San Damiano cross as the processional cross, a symbol of the bishop’s office. This particular style of cross is significant to Franciscans because the order’s movement began when St. Francis heard Jesus tell him from the cross in the chapel of San Damiano in Italy: “Francis, go rebuild my Church for it is falling to ruins.” At first, St. Francis thought it was a literal command to rebuild the chapel. Soon after, he realized it was a call to a greater mission: creating an order that would transform the life of the Church worldwide. Taberski says it has been an honor to design the coat of arms for a man whose ministry has had such a profound impact on his life.

“My first thought as the news broke that he had been named bishop was that the people of Charlotte will get to experience one of the most pastoral priests I’ve ever encountered,” he says. “You have received first and foremost a pastor and a shepherd who understands that everything we do in the Church is for the salvation of souls.”

Long-time friend designs, creates Bishop Martin’s ring

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

Abishop’s ring is one of the most ancient symbols of his authority, dating back to the seventh century. When Bishop Michael Martin puts on his ring at his ordination, he will be wearing a one-of-akind piece that combines ancient Church tradition with modern high-tech production. The ring was designed by his longtime friend Paul Winicki and his team at Radcliffe Jewelers in Baltimore – Bishop Martin’s hometown. Made of gold, the ring features the bow of a fishing boat similar to what the apostles used, with the boat’s keel forming the Franciscan Tau cross at its top. The image of the boat nods to Bishop Martin’s motto, “Duc In Altum,” which translates to “put out into the deep” (Luke 5:4).

Like a wedding ring, a bishop’s ring is a symbol of his fidelity to and spiritual bond with the Church, his spouse. Each one is unique and worn for life.

When they first met 25 years ago, Winicki and Bishop Martin discovered they had something in common: both were from Baltimore and graduated from Archbishop Curley High School, where Bishop Martin later worked as an administrator, coach and teacher. Then-Father Martin asked Winicki

to serve on the school’s board. He agreed, and they developed a friendship.

“I heard through other friends that he had been named bishop for the Diocese of Charlotte and then he called me and asked if I would be able to help him produce his ring,” Winicki says. “I said I would be honored.”

Designers at Radcliffe, led by head designer Ryan Plummer, looked at sketches Bishop Martin provided with possible ideas, and produced a series of detailed drawings on a computer, using a wide range of technology including artificial intelligence. This enabled them to show him prospective designs done in incredible detail, and produce images of what each design would look like on his hand.

After Bishop Martin chose a design, the team at Radcliffe used a 3D printer to create a three-dimensional model of the ring. Once the model was approved, the ring itself was cast.

The ring incorporates gold from the high school class ring that belonged to Bishop Martin’s late father.

“He’ll be able to wear part of his family and his heritage on his finger for the rest of his life – it’s exciting,” Winicki says.

Winicki’s expertise in jewelry started more than 50 years ago, when at age 14 he

got a job in a Baltimore area coin shop and became so interested in coin collecting that, while still in high school, he contributed to a weekly local radio show focused on coins.

After graduating from Maryland’s Towson State College (now Towson State University), he worked in a coin shop and then later started working with jewelry and founded Radcliffe Jewelers in 1982.

He also has done appraisals for more than 34 years and for the past 18 has served as one of the appraisers on the hugely popular PBS series “Antiques Roadshow,” offering on-air appraisals on silver, jewelry and watches brought in by people from all over the U.S.

This isn’t the first time Winicki has been asked to use his skill for the Church. He has worked on restoring items used at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore. Getting the chance to produce a ring that will be part of Church history in the Charlotte diocese for a priest and friend he admires is a special honor, he says.

“I’ve always said that if Father Martin hadn’t been a priest, he could have been the CEO of a Fortune 500 company because he’s a people person, he’s incredibly compassionate and his depth of knowledge is incredible,” Winicki says. “Being asked to produce a ring that he will wear as a bishop has been a thrill.”

El escudo de armas del Obispo Martin

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

El Obispo Michael Martin ha elegido símbolos sencillos y poderosos de su fe e historia personal para su escudo de armas episcopal. También contó con la ayuda de un antiguo alumno para diseñarlo.

Brian Taberski era uno de los estudiantes de teología del entonces Padre Martin en la Escuela Secundaria San Francisco en Athol Springs, Nueva York. Treinta años más tarde, se encontró diseñando el escudo de armas que simbolizaría el nuevo estatus de su antiguo maestro como el Quinto Obispo de Charlotte.

Taberski se interesó en la heráldica, el sistema de creación de escudos de armas, mientras estudiaba en San Francisco. Lo convirtió en una pasión personal, una forma de expresar su fe y su amor por la historia, y una forma de servir a la Iglesia.

Ha diseñado escudos de armas para otros dos obispos. Uno de ellos fue el Arzobispo Gregory Hartmayer de Atlanta, también franciscano, cuando se convirtió en Obispo de la Diócesis de Savannah antes de su traslado a Atlanta. El Arzobispo Hartmayer también sirvió en la facultad de San Francisco cuando Taberski era estudiante.

Taberski dice que el entonces Padre Martin tuvo un profundo impacto en él durante la escuela secundaria, tanto como maestro como sacerdote. Las ideas sobre el catolicismo que aprendió del Padre Martin lo llevaron a enseñar teología más adelante en su vida, dijo, y durante el encierro por el COVID-19 encontró un salvavidas espiritual al ver las transmisiones en vivo de las Misas que el Padre Martin celebró en la Universidad Duke.

“Cuando lo escuchas predicar, ves su habilidad pastoral, así como su intelecto”, dijo Taberski. “Este es un hombre cuyo intelecto es tan agudo que puede sentarse con cualquiera y explicarle cosas acerca de la Iglesia exactamente de la manera en que necesitan ser dichas para que puedan ser entendidas”.

Taberski se mantuvo en contacto con su antiguo maestro a lo largo de los años, y se ofreció a crear su escudo de armas cuando fue nombrado para dirigir la Diócesis de Charlotte.

“El Obispo Martin tenía muy claro que quería representar quién es él: un franciscano e hijo nativo de Maryland”, dijo Taberski.

“Quería algo que fuera fácilmente identificable y sin complicaciones”.

Partición

La partición es una práctica heráldica en la que dos escudos de armas se combinan en un escudo para denotar una unión. El escudo partido está dividido en dos, es decir, por una línea vertical, y cada mitad del escudo muestra un escudo de armas. Para el Obispo Martin, su escudo de armas personal (derecha) está partido o combinado con el de armas de la Diócesis de Charlotte (izquierda), para formar su escudo de armas oficial como Quinto Obispo de Charlotte (arriba).

En el flanco siniestro, sector central de la parte izquierda del escudo, no del espectador, está el escudo de armas franciscano. Con la tradicional cruz Franciscana Tau con dos brazos cruzados, es rica en simbolismo. Los dos brazos, uno de Cristo y el otro de San Francisco de Asís, llevan los estigmas. Simbolizan el amor de Dios y la respuesta amorosa de Francisco al Verbo encarnado, explicó Taberski. Es una imagen que se encuentra en todos los ministerios, conventos, misiones y lugares atendidos por la orden franciscana.

En la misma siniestra del escudo, la parte superior (‘jefe’) y la parte inferior (‘punta’) presentan referencias a George Calvert y su hijo Cecil Calvert, el primer y segundo barón de Baltimore. Los Calvert estuvieron entre los primeros católicos en llegar a la América colonial. Establecieron la entonces provincia de Maryland como un lugar seguro para que los católicos ingleses emigraran, ya que ya no podían practicar libremente su fe en casa. En el escudo de armas, el uso de seis franjas verticales, alternativamente doradas y negras, con la franja diagonal en color, recuerda la ciudad natal del obispo Martin, Baltimore.

A la diestra del escudo, izquierda del espectador, hay dos símbolos de la Diócesis de Charlotte. En la parte superior hay una cruz celta que simboliza a San Patricio, patrón de la catedral diocesana. Debajo, una corona simboliza a la reina Carlota, consorte del rey Jorge III de Inglaterra, por quien la ciudad de Charlotte recibió su nombre.

El escudo de armas también incluye el lema personal del Obispo Martin, ‘Duc in altum’, que significa ‘remar mar adentro’, y son las palabras que Jesús le dijo a Pedro en el Evangelio de Lucas (5:4).

Detrás del escudo hay una cruz dorada de San Damián como cruz procesional, símbolo del oficio del obispo. Este estilo particular de cruz es significativo para los franciscanos porque el movimiento de la orden comenzó cuando San Francisco escuchó a Jesús decirle desde la cruz en la capilla de San Damián en Italia: “Francisco, ve a reconstruir mi Iglesia porque está cayendo en ruinas”. Al principio, San Francisco pensó que era un mandato literal reconstruir la capilla. Poco después, se dio cuenta de que era un llamado a una misión mayor: crear una orden que transformaría la vida de la Iglesia en todo el mundo.

Taberski dice que ha sido un honor diseñar el escudo de armas de un hombre cuyo ministerio ha tenido un impacto tan profundo en su vida.

EEn la parte superior del escudo de armas del Obispo Martin hay un galero verde, un sombrero de ala ancha que alguna vez usaron los clérigos y que ahora designa su rango. A cada lado hay seis borlas verdes que también significan el rango de un obispo en la Iglesia.

Los escudos de armas se originaron en la Europa del siglo XI y fueron utilizados originalmente por los caballeros para identificar a sus camaradas en el campo de batalla. A lo largo de los siglos, se han convertido en símbolos oficiales de familias, gobernantes y líderes de la Iglesia. El escudo de armas de un obispo se utiliza en documentos, membretes y otros artículos oficiales como símbolo de su oficio.

“Lo primero que pensé cuando se supo que había sido nombrado obispo fue que la gente de Charlotte conocería a uno de los sacerdotes más pastorales que he conocido”, dice. “Han recibido ante todo a un pastor, y a un pastor que entiende que todo lo que hacemos en la Iglesia es para la salvación de las almas”.

Un viejo amigo diseñó y realizó el anillo del Obispo Martin

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

l anillo del obispo es uno de los símbolos más antiguos de su autoridad, una señal que se remonta al siglo VII. Cuando el Obispo Michael Martin se ponga su anillo durante su ordenación, llevará una pieza única que combina la antigua tradición de la Iglesia con la producción moderna de alta tecnología. El anillo fue diseñado por su viejo amigo Paul Winicki y su equipo de Radcliffe Jewelers en Baltimore, la ciudad natal del Obispo Martin. Hecho de oro, el anillo presenta la proa de un barco de pesca similar al que usaban los apóstoles, con la quilla del barco formando la cruz Franciscana Tau en su parte superior. La imagen de la barca representa el lema del Obispo Martin, ‘Duc In Altum’, que se traduce como ‘Rema mar adentro’ (Lucas 5:4). Al igual que el anillo de bodas, el anillo de un obispo es un símbolo de su fidelidad y vínculo espiritual con la Iglesia, su esposa. Es único y se usa de por vida.

Cuando se conocieron hace 25 años, Winicki y el Obispo Martin descubrieron que tenían algo en común: ambos eran de Baltimore y se graduaron de la escuela secundaria Archbishop Curley, donde el Obispo Martin trabajó más tarde como administrador, entrenador y maestro. El entonces Padre Martin le pidió a Winicki que sirviera en la junta directiva de la escuela. Él aceptó y desarrollaron una amistad.

“Escuché por otros amigos que había sido nombrado obispo de la Diócesis de Charlotte y luego me llamó y me preguntó si podría ayudarlo a realizar su anillo”, dijo Winicki. “Le respondí que me sentiría honrado”.

Los diseñadores de Radcliffe, dirigidos por el diseñador jefe Ryan Plummer, observaron los bocetos que Bishop Martin proporcionó con posibles ideas y produjeron una serie de dibujos detallados en una computadora, utilizando una amplia gama de tecnología, incluida la inteligencia artificial. Esto les permitió mostrarle posibles diseños realizados con

increíble detalle y producir imágenes de cómo se vería cada diseño en su mano.

Después que el Obispo Martin eligiera un diseño, el equipo de Radcliffe utilizó una impresora 3D para crear un modelo tridimensional del anillo. Una vez que el modelo fue aprobado, el anillo fue fundido. El anillo incorpora oro del anillo de promoción de la escuela secundaria a la que perteneció al difunto padre del Obispo Martin.

“Podrá llevar parte de su familia y herencia en su dedo por el resto de su vida. Es emocionante”, dijo Winicki.

La experiencia de Winicki en joyería comenzó hace más de 50 años, cuando a los 14 años consiguió un trabajo en una tienda de monedas del área de Baltimore y se interesó tanto en la colección de monedas que, mientras aún estaba en la escuela secundaria, contribuyó a un programa de radio local semanal centrado en ese tema. Después de graduarse de la Universidad Estatal de Towson de Maryland (ahora Universidad Estatal de Towson), trabajó en una tienda de monedas y luego comenzó

a trabajar con joyas y fundó Radcliffe Jewelers en 1982.

También ha realizado tasaciones durante más de 34 años, y durante los últimos 18 se ha desempeñado como uno de los tasadores en la popular serie de PBS “Antiques Roadshow”, que ofrece tasaciones de plata, joyas y relojes llevados por personas de todo Estados Unidos. Esta no es la primera vez que se le pide a Winicki que use su habilidad para la Iglesia. Ha trabajado en la restauración de artículos utilizados en la Catedral de María Reina en Baltimore. Tener la oportunidad de producir un anillo que formará parte de la historia de la Iglesia en la Diócesis de Charlotte para un sacerdote y amigo al que admira es un honor especial, dijo. “Siempre he dicho que, si el Padre Martin no hubiera sido sacerdote, podría haber sido director ejecutivo de una empresa de la lista Fortune 500 porque es sociable, increíblemente compasivo y su profundidad de conocimiento es increíble”, dijo Winicki. “Que se me pida que produzca un anillo que usará como obispo ha sido emocionante”.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Monroe Welcomes Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv. to the Diocese of Charlotte

“May you offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you”.

-St. Clare of Assisi

Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, the clergy, religious & faithful of the Diocese of Charleston offer heartfelt prayer & congratulations to

Most Rev.

MICHAEL T.

MARTIN

OFM Conv. on his ordination & installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.

AD MULTOS ANNOS!

OF

The Staff of the

would like to thank Bishop Jugis for his 20 years of leadership and welcome our new publisher,

Bishop Michael Martin

The People of St. Eugene in Asheville send our love and prayers to Bishop Martin

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Community offers prayers & congratulations to

Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv. on the occasion of his ordination & installation as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

La Gente de San Eugenio en Asheville manda nuestra amor y oraciones a

Obispo Martin

First day: Bishop-elect greeted by smiles as he travels the region

LIZ CHANDLER lchandler@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Bishop-elect Michael Martin was playful, prayerful and true to his promise to get out among the people of the Diocese of Charlotte, traversing the region on April 9 – just hours after the Vatican announced he was to become the diocese’s fifth bishop.

Bishop-elect Martin began his day at 8 a.m. with retiring Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis, concelebrating a moving Mass in the small chapel at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, before they would announce that the episcopal baton would be passed in May. The pair then walked into a conference room full of TV cameras and reporters to talk about the historic transition.

It has been 20 years since the Diocese of Charlotte installed a new bishop. Bishop Jugis took the helm in 2003 and has guided the diocese – which covers 46 counties in western North Carolina – through unprecedented growth, with the Catholic population surging to more than 530,000.

The future bishop is a Conventual Franciscan who originally hails from Baltimore and has decades of experience in Catholic education and campus ministry. He comes to Charlotte from the Atlanta area, where he served as pastor of St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro, Georgia.

In the press conference, Bishop-elect Martin pledged to “get out of the office” and meet people in different communities around the diocese, to discover their needs – especially among the poor and marginalized.

“I realize that our Church and our area are growing in so many ways,” he said. “To the people of Western North Carolina, and Charlotte in particular, who are of other faiths or of no particular faith, I look forward to being with you as we all strive to make our area a place of dignity, peace and prosperity for everyone, especially the most marginalized.”

His first action after the press conference was to divert briefly from a planned staff meeting to visit the diocese’s food pantry, operated by Catholic Charities every Tuesday and Thursday at the Pastoral Center.

“Oh, wow, I am so excited. I am a Franciscan, too!” food pantry director Sylvia Sekle said as the bishop-elect introduced himself and eyed a dozen carts filled with bags of groceries lining the hallway. Sekle explained to him how the food pantry works, and that momentarily volunteers would roll the carts outside to recipients waiting in their cars. Instantly, the bishop-elect was outside despite the rainy weather, talking and praying carside with families, and shaking hands with pleasantly surprised food pantry volunteers.

As Bishop-elect Martin departed, Sekle called out, “Thank you. We make a good team!”

He then dashed off to his meeting with diocesan leaders, telling them: “I have a strong personality … but I want you always to feel free to speak up.” He also said he valued their leadership and pledged to help them deepen their own spiritual life. “Regardless of what your faith journey is, we need you to engage the Holy Spirit in your ministry,” he said.

Then he was off to south Charlotte, to a place where the longtime educator felt right at home: Charlotte Catholic High School. His visit came just two days after the school community had learned two of its students – 17-year-old Abby Lynn Robinson and 18-year-old Isabella Tarantelli – had been badly injured in an April 6 car accident near Asheville that killed two other teens.

HUMOR, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAYERS

In the school lobby, a delegation greeted Bishop-elect Martin – teachers, administrators and two students designated to guide a tour. He immediately asked how Abby Lynn and Isabella were doing after the crash and promised to keep them in his prayers.

Dressed in his gray Franciscan habit, new bishop’s amaranth red zucchetto (skullcap) atop his head, Bishop-elect Martin couldn’t help but attract attention as he walked the halls with Natalie Dominguez and Madeline Lewis.

Madeline is student body president and is headed to UNC. Natalie is senior class president, planning to attend Yale University next year, where she’ll play softball.

“Seniors?” he teased the girls. “You two are already checked out!” As he learned more, he suggested potential contacts for them at college, then declared, “You two will be the queens from the Queen City,” then later in the chapel called them “spiritual giants,” and in the art rooms named them “art girls.” Fun nicknames appear to be a thing with the bishop-elect.

The tour stopped by five classrooms – each time, the bishop-elect commanding the room the way only a former teacher could. Bishop-elect Martin spent two decades in Catholic schools in Baltimore and New York, as a teacher, basketball coach, principal and school president.

His classroom visits were equal parts humor, encouragement and reflection. Before departing each class, he asked if he could lead students in prayer, calling on the Holy Spirit and then pausing before speaking. He also asked students to pray for him, noting, “This is my first day!”

Later, Madeline, 17, reflected: “I thought he was awesome, really personable. I loved how on his first day he came here. It is so important for everyone to feel some connection to their Catholic family, and having a personal relationship with the bishop is cool. It makes me want to get more immersed in my faith, like they really care about my faith journey.”

When the bishop-elect reached Brian Mathews’ theology class, he found it unusually quiet. The juniors were preparing for a test on the Fifth Commandment. He asked students: “What’s going on? What have you learned about the Fifth Commandment?” When it became clear the students were distracted, he asked if there was anything in particular they wanted to pray for.

A girl raised her hand and asked if they

could pray for their classmate Abby Lynn, pointing to Abby Lynn’s empty desk next to her. Someone else suggested praying for all the families involved in the fatal crash. He agreed: “We love you, Jesus, and we want to love you more. We pray for these families. We want to lift them up and ask that you send your healing and comfort to them and to these students. Every student in this class has something in their heart, something they pray for. We entrust those intentions to you.”

Natalie and Madeline then escorted the bishop-elect to the school’s Options program for students with intellectual disabilities. He sat in a circle with five students, asking about their ongoing training for the Special Olympics, eliciting gleeful answers about swimming and jumping. They held hands for a special prayer.

“I liked how he met students where they are,” Principal Kurt Telford said. “He is able to engage with all kinds of students. You could tell he was totally at home here.”

The last tour stop at the school of 1,300 students was a visit to the cafeteria. The bishop-elect veered off into the kitchen first, visiting with cafeteria workers before emerging into a lunchroom filled with more than 100 students in uniforms of Cougar red, white and light blue. He was mobbed. Yet he easily flowed between clusters of boys and girls, asking questions and urging students to love Jesus and “keep on” in their studies.

VISITING PEOPLE IN NEED

A trip to Belmont came next, as the bishop-elect visited Holy Angels and ate lunch at Holy Angels’ Cherubs Café. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1955, Holy Angels cares for 81 residents – toddlers to senior citizens – who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

Mercy Sister Nancy Nance, a board member and former longtime employee, shared details about Holy Angels’ $21.5 million expansion expected to begin this summer. Included will be three six-bed homes, a community center, learning center and support building.

He then got to meet the residents. He held Holy Angels’ youngest resident, a 14-month-old girl who requires 24-hour nursing care, on his lap, speaking warmly as she fidgeted with the Franciscan San Damiano crucifix hanging from his neck. In the adults’ residence, he met 82-year-old Butch – who is a blind, autistic savant, who is said to be able to play any tune on the piano.

The bishop-elect requested “Sweet Caroline,” and Butch delivered, prompting him and others to sing along.

Soon, he lamented looking at a wall clock, he had to depart. He had only 25 minutes to return to Charlotte, where he was scheduled to meet many of the diocese’s priests. Some had driven hours from the mountains, flown back early from vacation, or canceled marriage prep meetings and other activities to meet their new shepherd.

“I loved him. He is very personable,” Father Jonathan Torres, Charlotte Catholic High School’s chaplain, said after the meet-and-greet. “It’s pretty amazing how he could talk to anyone, from freshman kids to kitchen workers, to all of us. He is comfortable with everybody.”

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Above) Bishop-elect Michael Martin, OFM Conv., speaks to students at Charlotte Catholic High School April 9, during his first day visiting the Diocese of Charlotte following the announcement that he would become the fifth Bishop of Charlotte. (Below) He holds Holy Angels’ youngest resident during his visit to the Belmont-based facility that cares for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

Diocese of Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin, OFM

Primer día: Obispo electo es recibido con sonrisas en su recorrido por la región

LIZ CHANDLER lchandler@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — El obispo electo Michael Martin se mostró sonriente, devoto y fiel a su promesa de salir en búsqueda de la gente de la Diócesis de Charlotte, recorriendo la región el martes, apenas unas horas después de que el Vaticano anunciara que pronto se convertiría en el quinto obispo de la diócesis.

El Obispo Electo Martin comenzó su día a las 8 a.m. con el obispo saliente de Charlotte, Peter Jugis, concelebrando Misa en la capilla del Centro Pastoral Diocesano, antes que se anunciara que transferirá el bastón episcopal en mayo. Luego, la ambos ingresaron en una sala de conferencias llena de cámaras de televisión y reporteros para hablar sobre la histórica transición.

Han pasado 20 años desde que la Diócesis de Charlotte instaló un nuevo obispo. El Obispo Jugis asumió el mando en 2003 y ha guiado a la diócesis, que cubre 46 condados en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, a través de un crecimiento sin precedentes, con una población católica que ha aumentado de 30.000 a más de 530.000.

El futuro obispo es un franciscano conventual originario de Baltimore y tiene décadas de experiencia en educación católica y ministerio universitario. Llega a Charlotte desde el área de Atlanta, donde actualmente se desempeña como párroco de la Iglesia San Felipe Benizi en Jonesboro, Georgia.

En la conferencia de prensa, el Obispo Electo Martin se comprometió a “salir de su oficina” y reunirse con personas en diferentes comunidades de la diócesis, para descubrir sus necesidades, especialmente entre los pobres y marginados.

“Me doy cuenta de que nuestra Iglesia y área están creciendo de muchas formas”, dijo. “A la gente del oeste de Carolina del Norte, y de Charlotte en particular, que son de otras religiones o de ninguna fe en particular, (les digo) que espero estar con ustedes mientras todos nos esforzamos por hacer de nuestra área un lugar digno, de paz y prosperidad para todos, especialmente para los más marginados”.

Su primera acción después de la conferencia de prensa fue desviarse brevemente de una reunión planificada del personal para visitar la despensa de alimentos de la diócesis, operada por Caridades Católicas todos los martes y jueves en el Centro Pastoral.

“Oh, guau, estoy emocionada. ¡Yo también soy franciscana!”, dijo la directora de la despensa de alimentos, Sylvia Sekle, mientras el obispo electo se presentaba y miraba una docena de carritos llenos de bolsas de comestibles que se alineaban en el pasillo. Sekle le explicó cómo funciona la despensa de alimentos, y que momentáneamente los voluntarios hacían rodar los carritos afuera a los destinatarios que esperaban en sus autos. Al instante, el obispo electo ya estaba afuera a pesar del clima lluvioso, hablando y orando junto al automóvil con las familias y estrechando la mano de los voluntarios de la despensa de alimentos gratamente sorprendidos.

Cuando el Obispo Electo Martin se marchó, Sekle gritó: “Gracias. ¡Hacemos un buen equipo!”.

Luego se dirigió a su reunión con los líderes diocesanos, diciéndoles: “Tengo una personalidad fuerte... pero quiero que siempre se sientan libres de

hablar”. También dijo que valoraba su liderazgo y se comprometió a ayudarlos a profundizar su propia vida espiritual. “Independientemente de cuál sea su camino de fe, necesitamos que involucren al Espíritu Santo en su ministerio”, dijo.

Luego se fue al sur de Charlotte, a un lugar donde el educador de toda la vida se sentía como en casa: Charlotte Catholic High School. Su visita se produjo solo dos días después de que la comunidad escolar se enterara de que dos de sus estudiantes, Abby Lyn Robinson, de 17 años, e Isabella Tarantelli, de 18, habían resultado gravemente heridas en un accidente automovilístico el 6 de abril cerca de Asheville que causó la muerte de otros dos adolescentes.

HUMOR, ÁNIMO Y ORACIONES

En el pasillo de la escuela, una delegación saludó al Obispo Electo Martin: maestros, administradores y dos estudiantes designados para guiar el recorrido. Inmediatamente preguntó cómo estaban Abby Lynn e Isabella después del accidente y prometió tenerlas presente en sus oraciones. Vestido con su hábito franciscano gris, con el nuevo gorro magenta de obispo sobre su cabeza, el Obispo Electo Martin no pudo evitar llamar la atención mientras caminaba por los pasillos con Natalie Domínguez y Madeline Lewis, a quienes algunos llaman “la Alcaldesa”.

Madeline es la presidenta del cuerpo estudiantil (de ahí el apodo) y se dirige a la UNC. Natalie es la presidenta de la clase de último año y planea asistir a la Universidad de Yale el próximo año, donde jugará softbol.

“¿Estudiantes de último año?”, bromeó con las chicas. “¡Ustedes dos ya casi están fuera!”

A medida que enteraba más, sugirió posibles contactos para ellas en la universidad, luego declaró: “Ustedes dos serán las reinas de la Ciudad Reina”, luego más tarde en la capilla las llamó “gigantes espirituales” y en las salas de arte las llamó “chicas de arte”. Los apodos divertidos parecen ser una característica del obispo electo.

El recorrido se detuvo en cinco aulas. En cada ocasión, el obispo electo dirigía el salón de manera en que solo un exmaestro puede hacerlo. El Obispo Electo Martin pasó dos décadas en escuelas católicas en Baltimore y Nueva York, como maestro, entrenador de baloncesto, director y presidente de escuela.

Sus visitas a las aulas fueron de humor, aliento y reflexión. Antes de salir de cada clase, preguntaba si podía guiar a los estudiantes en oración, invocando al Espíritu Santo y luego haciendo una pausa antes de hablar. También pidió a los estudiantes que oraran por él, señalando: “¡Este es mi primer día!”.

Más tarde, la “alcaldesa” Madeline, de 17 años, reflexionó: “Pensé que era increíble, realmente agradable. Me encantó cómo en su primer día vino aquí. Es muy importante que todos sientan alguna conexión con su familia católica, y tener una relación personal con el obispo es genial. Me hace querer sumergirme más en mi fe, como si realmente se preocuparan por mi camino de fe”. Cuando el obispo electo llegó a la clase de teología de Brian Mathews, la encontró inusualmente tranquila. Los jóvenes se preparaban para una prueba sobre el Quinto Mandamiento.

Preguntó a los estudiantes: “¿Qué está pasando? ¿Qué has aprendido acerca del quinto mandamiento?” Cuando quedó claro que los estudiantes estaban distraídos, preguntó si había algo en particular por lo que quisieran orar.

Una niña levantó la mano y preguntó si podían orar por su compañera de clase Abby Lynn, señalando el escritorio vacío de Abby Lynn a su lado. Alguien más sugirió orar por todas las familias involucradas en el accidente fatal.

Él estuvo de acuerdo: “Te amamos, Jesús, y queremos amarte más. Oramos por estas familias. Queremos levantarlos y pedirte que envíes tu sanidad y consuelo a ellos y a estos estudiantes. Cada estudiante en esta clase tiene algo en su corazón, algo por lo que ora. Te confiamos esas intenciones”.

Natalie y Madeline luego acompañaron al obispo electo al programa de Opciones de la escuela para estudiantes con discapacidades intelectuales. Se sentó en un círculo con cinco estudiantes, preguntándoles sobre su entrenamiento en curso para las Olimpiadas Especiales, obteniendo respuestas alegres sobre la natación y el salto. Se tomaron de las manos para una oración especial.

“Me gustó cómo se encontró con los estudiantes donde ellos están”, dijo el director Kurt Telford. “Es capaz de relacionarse con todo tipo de estudiantes. Se notaba que se sentía como en casa”.

La última parada de la gira en la escuela de 1.300 estudiantes fue una visita a la cafetería. El obispo electo se dirigió primero a la cocina, visitando a los trabajadores de la cafetería antes de salir a un comedor lleno con más de 100 estudiantes con uniformes de rojo, blanco y celeste.

Fue rodeado por todos. Sin embargo, fluía fácilmente entre grupos de niños y niñas, haciendo preguntas e instando a los estudiantes a amar a Jesús y a “seguir adelante” en sus estudios.

VISITANDO PERSONAS NECESITADAS Un viaje a Belmont vino después, ya

que el obispo electo visitó Holy Angels y almorzó en el Cherubs Café de Holy Angels. Fundado por las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1955, Holy Angels atiende a 81 residentes, desde niños pequeños hasta personas mayores, que tienen discapacidades intelectuales, del desarrollo y condiciones médicas delicadas.

La Hermana de la Misericordia Nancy Nance, miembro de la junta directiva y exempleada desde hace mucho tiempo, compartió detalles sobre la expansión de $21.5 millones de Holy Angels que se espera comience este verano. Se incluirán tres casas de seis camas, un centro comunitario, un centro de aprendizaje y un edificio de apoyo.

Luego pudo conocer a los residentes. Sostuvo en su regazo a la residente más joven de Holy Angels, una niña de 14 meses que requiere atención de enfermería las 24 horas del día, hablándole cariñosamente mientras ella jugueteaba con el crucifijo franciscano de San Damián que colgaba de su cuello. En la residencia de adultos, conoció a Butch, de 82 años, que es ciego y autista, del que se dice que puede tocar cualquier melodía en el piano.

El obispo electo pidió “Sweet Caroline”, y Butch lo hizo, lo que provocó que otros se unieran a ellos. Pronto, se lamentó mirando un reloj de pared, pues tenía que partir. Le quedaban solo 25 minutos para regresar a Charlotte, donde tenía previsto reunirse con muchos de los sacerdotes de la diócesis. Algunos habían conducido horas desde las montañas, habían regresado temprano de las vacaciones o habían cancelado las reuniones de preparación para el matrimonio y otras actividades para conocer a su nuevo pastor.

“Lo queremos. Es muy agradable”, dijo el Padre Jonathan Torres, capellán de Charlotte Catholic High School, después de conocerlo.

“Es sorprendente cómo puede hablar con cualquiera, desde los niños de primer año hasta los trabajadores de la cocina, con todos nosotros. Se siente cómodo con todo el mundo”.

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Obispo Electo Michael Martin, OFM Conv., saluda y ora con una familia que pasó el 9 de abril por la fila de distribución de alimentos en la despensa de alimentos de Caridades Católicas en el Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

The Clergy and Faithful of St. Matthew Catholic Church

joyfully welcome

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.

We send our heartfelt prayers and congratulations on your Episcopal Ordination and appointment as the Bishop of Charlotte. May your ministry be blessed abundantly, and may you find joy and fulfillment in serving the people of Charlotte.

Her Excellency Valencia Yvonne Camp, DGCHS, Lieutenant Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem MiddleAtlanticLieutenancy with the Knights and Dames of the Diocese of Charlotte extend congratulations and a warm welcome to

Bishop-elect Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.

Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte

WELCOME

Bishop-elect Michael T. Martin!

From the foundational and impactful youth initiatives to the essential and transformational St. Joseph College Seminary, we look forward to partnering together to build up and spread the Catholic faith in our diocese. May God bless and guide you and our collaboration, the fruit of which will endure for years to come.

Rev. Fr. Philip Kollithanath, Parish Staff & the Parish Community extend our loving, prayerful & hearty welcome to Our Dear

Most Rev. Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are pleased to welcome Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv. to the Diocese of Charlotte.

Serving the people of God in the Diocese of Charlotte since 1892.

MICHAEL MARTIN, OFM CONV.

to the Diocese of Charlotte, NC to the Diocese of Charlotte, NC

from all of us at miravia, congratulations on being elected our next bishop. may god bless you abundantly. our prayers are with you!

Share the mission of Mercy. Discover how at sistersofmercy.org.

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

La Iglesia Católica de San Francisco de Asís

Ad Multos Annos Mocksville, North Carolina

5th Bishop of Charlotte

Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.

Facts

about a

Catholic

bishop, what they do and how they are appointed

Abishop is the highest order of ordained ministry in the Catholic Church (the other two orders are deacons and priests). While there are several types of bishops, the most common is a diocesan bishop.

A diocesan bishop is in charge of a geographic territory known as a diocese – one of the ways the Catholic Church organizes the People of God across the world (all 1.3 billion of them!).

The bishop is responsible for the pastoral care of all the people within that territory. The Bishop of Charlotte serves a diocesan territory encompassing the 46 counties of the western half of North Carolina – about 20,700 square miles – that includes 92 parishes and missions, 20 schools and over 50 ministries. Approximately 5.5 million people live within the Diocese of Charlotte, about 530,000 of whom (10%) are Catholic.

The word “bishop” has its roots in the Greek word “episkopos.” The prefix “epi” means over, and “skopeo” means to watch. So “episkopos” means someone who watches over others. In Latin, the word became “episcopus,” then in Old English “bisceop,” and in modern English “bishop.”

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A BISHOP

n Each Catholic bishop is personally

Uappointed by the pope and reports directly to him. Once every five years or so, he must visit the pope in Rome during what’s called an “ad limina” visit.

n Every Catholic bishop is ordained by at least one other bishop, and they can connect their ordinations all the way back to the Twelve Apostles called by Jesus Christ. This unbroken lineage is called “apostolic succession.”

n A bishop wears a custom-designed ring on his right hand, like a wedding band, that symbolizes his fidelity to the Church. People often kiss this ring as a sign of respect and greeting.

n Bishops must be at least 35 years old and must have been a priest for at least five years.

n A bishop formally takes up his post –what’s called “taking canonical possession” of his diocese – when he first sits in the cathedra (the bishop’s chair). This prayerful and joyous ceremony takes place at the diocesan cathedral and is a historic moment in the life of a diocese.

WHAT DOES A BISHOP DO?

A bishop is responsible for the pastoral care of the People of God within his territory. As shepherd – directly appointed by the pope – he is the principal cleric responsible for teaching, governing and sanctifying the faithful.

As the diocese’s chief teacher, he has a duty to preach the Word of God and ensure that clergy and catechists in his diocese are preaching the Gospel and teaching sound doctrine.

As leader of the diocese, he is its chief lawmaker – making local laws and judging local Church matters; overseeing the liturgy, worship and administration of the sacraments; and ensuring that the local community’s material and spiritual needs are met, including training priests and overseeing the diocese’s property and finances.

As the diocese’s principal prelate, he oversees the training, calls to holy orders and ordains the diocese’s priests and deacons. He also usually administers the sacrament of confirmation.

His responsibilities also include being a mentor and spiritual father to his fellow priests – ensuring they are supported in their spiritual, emotional and intellectual life and making sure they are faithfully fulfilling their obligations.

He has the unique task of blessing the sacred oils used each year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, ordinations and consecration of churches and altars. In addition, he ensures that Mass is celebrated in his diocese every Sunday and on major feast days.

Bishops must regularly visit each part of their diocese. They must also visit Rome to meet with the pope at least once every five years or so and visit the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, in what’s called an “ad limina” visit.

HOW DOES A BISHOP GET APPOINTED?

The ultimate decision on appointing bishops rests with the pope, and he is free to select anyone he chooses. But how does he know who to select?

The process for selecting bishop candidates normally begins at the diocesan level with a list of candidates called a “terna,” then works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves a number of important players – the most influential being the apostolic nuncio (the pope’s ambassador in each country), the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops and the pope. It can be a timeconsuming process, often taking eight months or more to complete.

More online

At www.usccb.org/offices/generalsecretariat/appointing-bishops : Read more about the steps involved in identifying and selecting a bishop in the Catholic Church.

Datos sobre un obispo católico, qué hace y cómo es nombrado

n obispo es la orden más alta del ministerio ordenado en la Iglesia Católica (las otras dos órdenes son diáconos y

sacerdotes). Si bien existen varios tipos de obispos, el más común es el obispo diocesano. Un obispo diocesano está a cargo de un

territorio geográfico conocido como diócesis, una de las formas en que la Iglesia Católica organiza al Pueblo de Dios en todo el mundo (¡los 1.300 millones de ellos!).

El obispo es responsable del cuidado pastoral de todas las personas dentro de ese territorio. El Obispo de Charlotte presta servicios en un territorio diocesano que abarca los 46 condados de la mitad occidental de Carolina del Norte (alrededor de 20,700 millas cuadradas) que incluye 92 parroquias y misiones, 20 escuelas y más de 50 ministerios. Aproximadamente 5,5 millones de personas viven dentro de la Diócesis de Charlotte, de las cuales alrededor de 530.000 (10%) son católicas.

La palabra “obispo” tiene sus raíces en la palabra griega “episkopos”. El prefijo “epi” significa encima y “skopeo” significa mirar. Entonces “episkopos” significa alguien que vela por los demás. En latín, la palabra se convirtió en “episcopus”, luego en inglés antiguo “bisceop” y en inglés moderno “obispo”.

5 COSAS QUE DEBE SABER SOBRE UN OBISPO

n Cada obispo católico es nombrado personalmente por el Papa y le reporta directamente. Aproximadamente una vez cada cinco años, debe visitar al Papa en Roma durante lo que se llama una visita “ad limina”.

n Cada obispo católico es ordenado por al menos otro obispo, y pueden conectar sus ordenaciones hasta los Doce Apóstoles llamados por Jesucristo. Este linaje ininterrumpido se llama “sucesión apostólica”.

n Un obispo lleva un anillo diseñado a medida en su mano derecha, como un anillo de matrimonio, que simboliza su fidelidad a la Iglesia. La gente suele besar este anillo en señal de respeto y saludo.

n Los obispos deben tener al menos 35 años y haber sido sacerdotes durante al menos cinco años.

n Un obispo asume formalmente su cargo – lo que se llama “tomar posesión canónica” de su diócesis – cuando se sienta por primera vez en la cátedra (la silla del

obispo). Esta ceremonia llena de oración y alegría tiene lugar en la catedral diocesana.

¿QUÉ HACE UN OBISPO?

Un obispo es responsable del cuidado pastoral del Pueblo de Dios dentro de su territorio. Como pastor, nombrado directamente por el Papa, es el clérigo principal responsable de enseñar, gobernar y santificar a los fieles.

Como maestro principal de la diócesis, tiene el deber de predicar la Palabra de Dios y garantizar que el clero y los catequistas de su diócesis prediquen el Evangelio y enseñen la verdadera doctrina. Como líder de la diócesis, es su principal legislador: elabora leyes locales y juzga los asuntos de la Iglesia local; supervisa la liturgia, el culto y la administración de los sacramentos; y garantiza que se satisfagan las necesidades materiales y espirituales de la comunidad local, incluida la capacitación de sacerdotes y la supervisión de las propiedades y finanzas de la diócesis.

Como prelado principal de la diócesis, supervisa la formación, convoca a las órdenes sagradas y ordena a los sacerdotes y diáconos de la diócesis. También suele administrar el sacramento de la confirmación.

Sus responsabilidades también incluyen ser mentor y padre espiritual de sus compañeros sacerdotes, asegurándose de que reciban apoyo en su vida espiritual, emocional e intelectual; y velar que cumplan fielmente con sus obligaciones. Tiene la singular tarea de bendecir los óleos sagrados utilizados cada año en los sacramentos del bautismo, confirmación y unción de los enfermos, las ordenaciones y la consagración de iglesias y altares. Además, se asegura que en su diócesis se celebre Misa todos los domingos y días de guardar.

Los obispos deben visitar periódicamente cada área de su diócesis. También deben visitar Roma para reunirse con el Papa al menos una vez cada cinco años aproximadamente y visitar las tumbas de los apóstoles Pedro y Pablo, en lo que se llama una visita “ad limina”.

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE