July 12, 2024

At a glance

JULY 12, 2024

Volume 33 • NUMBER 18 1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@rcdoc.org 704-370-3333

PUBLISHER

The Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 18

Contact us 2

Español 14-17

Our Diocese 4-13

Our Faith 3

Scripture 3, 16

U.S. news 19

Viewpoints 22-23

World news 20-21

STAFF

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

HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado 704-370-3375, rchurtado@rcdoc.org

MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@rcdoc.org

EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@rcdoc.org Annie Ferguson 704-370-3404, arferguson@rcdoc.org Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@rcdoc.org Christina Lee Knauss 704-370-0783, clknauss@rcdoc.org

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Amelia Kudela 704-370-3333, catholicnews@rcdoc.org

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@rcdoc.org

ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

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

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

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $17.25 per year for registered families of the Diocese of Charlotte and $25 per year for all others

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

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Timeseems to slow down during the summer. Our daily schedules may be less hectic, families make the most of the school break, and we spend extra time with family and friends. It’s also a great time to celebrate the grandparents and the elderly in your life, and to devote some time to praying for the sick or learning more about one of the most overlooked sacraments in the Church: the sacrament of anointing.

CELEBRATE

GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is Sunday, July 28. This year’s theme chosen by Pope Francis is a line from Psalm 71: “Do not cast me off in my old age.” It’s a reminder that many elderly persons are too often the victims of the “throwaway culture,” the Vatican explains. Grandparents and the elderly in our lives have a special charism – bridging the generations, offering unconditional love, wisdom and the benefit of their life experiences, as well as contributing to the life of the Church. It is important to honor them, spend time with them, and show them you care. Check out “5 Ways To Honor Your Catholic Grandparents” at www.catholic-link.org/catholicgrandparents-honor. And consider joining a new chapter of the Catholic Grandparents Association (www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org).

Scan the QR code for this week’s recommended activities:

PRAY THAT THE SICK RECEIVE PASTORAL CARE

This month’s prayer intention from Pope Francis is for the pastoral care of the sick: “We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.” Find prayers, reflections and a special video highlighting the pope’s prayer intention at www.popesprayerusa. net

LEARN ABOUT ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Don’t know much about the sacrament of anointing of the sick, who can get it, and when? It’s not just “last rites” or something meant for people who are dying, but for anyone who seeks comfort and strength from Christ the Divine Physician. It is a sacrament of healing for the spirit and a visible sign of compassion and hope. If you are suffering serious illness or facing surgery, or if you are an elderly person whose frailty has become more pronounced, seek this uplifting sacrament from your local priest. Learn more at www.charlottediocese.org/faith-life/sacraments. And consider attending the healing services listed in the calendar below.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle

Diocesan calendar of events

EVENTS

CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY AT CAROWINDS: Sunday, July 28. Come out for a day of worship, fellowship and fun on Catholic Family Day at Carowinds. Start the day with Mass offered by Bishop Michael Martin in the Carowinds Theater at 9 a.m. before the park opens to the public. Enjoy the rides and all that the park has to offer, and enjoy fellowship with other Catholic families from across the Diocese of Charlotte. Take a break and refuel at an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch in the Grove Picnic Pavilion. Discount ticket sales end Friday, July 19. For details, go to charlottediocese.org/events-calendar.

FALL FESTIVAL : Save the date for St. Luke Parish’s annual Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 12. To be held rain or shine at 13700 Lawyers Road in Mint Hill.

PRAYER SERVICES

BILINGUAL HEALING SERVICE AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK : 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road in Charlotte. Led by Father John Starczewski, pastor.

IGBO MASS : 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 28, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St. in Greensboro. Park at the Windsor Center next to the church. For details, call 336-7073625.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE : 7 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, St. Matthew Church chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte. Includes a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. For details, go to www.stmatthewcatholic. org/st-peregrine.

SUPPORT GROUPS

NEW CATHOLIC GRANDPARENTS GROUP : A prayer and support group for Catholic grandparents has launched in the Charlotte area. Learn more at www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org.

RACHEL RETREAT ‘HEALING AFTER ABORTION’: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Find healing and support in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at a Rachel Retreat weekend. These retreats are offered by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Family Life Office for men and women, in English and Spanish. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org or 704370-3229.

GRIEF SUPPORT: Meets 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 9 at Holy Family Church in Clemmons. Mourning the loss of a loved one is never easy, but you need not walk alone. For questions, email Angie LaFrancis at amlafrancis@yahoo.com.

Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., will participate in the following events:

JULY 13 – 5:30 P.M.

Mass St. Jude Church, Sapphire

JULY 14 – 9 A.M.

Mass St. Jude Church, Sapphire

JULY 14 – 11 A.M.

Mass and Groundbreaking

Our Lady of the Mountains Mission, Highlands

JULY 16 – 4:30 P.M.

Catholic Charities Mass and Board Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

JULY 17-21

National Eucharistic Congress Indianapolis, Indiana

CNS | PAUL HARING Pope Francis blesses a sick man in this file photo. The pope encourages people to pray for and visit the sick. He has often said that the way we treat those who are ill shows exactly what kind of community we are.

July 12, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com

St. Lawrence of Brindisi: Tenacious preacher, missionary and diplomat

Feast day: July 21

St. Lawrence of Brindisi was one of the leading preachers of the CounterReformation in Europe. His preaching abilities, especially in opposing the rising Protestant movement, later earned him the title Doctor of the Church.

Giulio Cesare Russo was born at Brandisi, near Naples, on July 22, 1559, to a family of Venetian merchants and was educated by the Capuchin Franciscans there. Showing an early gift for oratory, he was always the one chosen, according to Italian custom, to address a short sermon about the Infant Jesus to his compatriots during the Christmas festivities.

He was 12 when his parents died, so he continued his education in Venice under his uncle’s supervision.

When he was 16, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans at Verona, taking the name Lawrence, and became a priest at 23. He pursued higher studies in theology, philosophy and the Bible, as well as Greek, Hebrew and several other languages at the University of Padua.

An accomplished linguist, Lawrence learned to read and speak Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Czech, Spanish and French fluently.

With his rare gift for languages, Lawrence was able to study the Bible in its original texts. At the request of Pope Clement VIII, he also spent much time preaching to the Jews in Italy. So good were his Hebrew skills, in fact, that the rabbis felt sure he was a Jew who had converted to Christianity.

His language skills soon earned him a post as a diplomat for the secular powers in Europe and as a missionary, and in 1596, the pope commissioned him to work for the conversion of the Jewish people and combat the spread of Protestantism in Germany.

Beginning in 1599, Lawrence established Franciscan monasteries in modern Germany and Austria – furthering the CounterReformation and bringing many Protestants back to the Catholic faith. He also founded friaries in Vienna, Prague and Graz.

His powerful oratory persuaded many to become Christians. Everywhere he went his reputation as a holy man preceded him, and people flocked to hear him preach and to receive his blessing.

In 1601 he was named chaplain of the Christian imperial army, then about to march against the Turks. The victory of Lepanto in 1571 had only temporarily checked the Muslim invasion, and several battles were still necessary to secure the final triumph of the Christian armies in Europe.

By 1595 Mohammed III had conquered a large part of Hungary. Determined to prevent a further advance, the emperor sent Lawrence to convince the local German princes to raise an army.

During the ensuing Battle of Székesfehérvár in 1601, Lawrence played a pivotal role.

The Christian army was hopelessly outnumbered by the Turks and considered retreating, but Lawrence urged

JULY 14-20 Sunday (Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time): Am 7:12-15, Eph 1:3-14 or 1:3-10, Mk 6:7-13; Monday (Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church): Is 1:10-17, Mt 10:34-11:1; Tuesday: Is 7:1-9, Mt 11:20-24; Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16, Mt 11:25-27; Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19, Mt 11:28-30; Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8, Mt 12:1-8; Saturday: Mi 2:1-5, Mt 12:14-21

them on. Too feeble to march, he instead got on a horse and, brandishing a crucifix, led the soldiers into battle with a fiery sermon and the words: “Advance! Advance! Victory is ours!” Although he was completely exposed on the battlefield’s front lines, Lawrence was not wounded, and many attributed the victory to him.

Lawrence’s brilliance, relatability and administrative skills also helped him rise quickly through the leadership ranks of the Capuchin order, and in 1602 he was elected minister general. He oversaw the order’s growth and geographical expansion but refused reelection in 1605 so that he could continue his preaching and diplomatic work.

A skilled politician, Lawrence also had an intense inner life as a priest. He cultivated a life of prayer and contemplation, and he loved the Mass above all else. He was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he often prayed the rosary and the Office of the Blessed Virgin.

As in the case of St. Francis of Assisi, there was something poetical about his piety, which often burst forth into canticles to the Blessed Virgin. His favorite blessing was “Nos cum prole pia benedicat Virgo Maria.” (“Mary, with your loving Son, bless us each and everyone.”)

In 1618, the 59-year-old Lawrence withdrew to a monastery for a few days of peace and quiet, but he did not get it.

The leaders of Naples asked for his help in a serious political dispute involving the French, Italians and Spanish, who were quarreling over territorial boundaries and treaties. An alleged plot to capture and burn down Venice had been discovered, and the Venetians subsequently executed several French men and charged that the Spanish were secretly in charge of the conspiracy. Lawrence was asked to travel to Spain and inform the Spanish king, Philip III, of the mess.

He went, but the long journey exhausted him. He was unable to return home, and he died in Lisbon on July 22, 1619 – just as he had predicted when he set out on the journey.

Lawrence was canonized in 1881 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

In his apostolic letter “Celsitudo ex humilitate” (“To the heights out of our depths”), the pope gave two reasons why he named St. Lawrence a Doctor of the Church: “In this high and excellent man these two things are most important: apostolic zeal and mastery of doctrine. He taught with his word, he instructed with his pen, he fought with both.”

— Catholic News Agency, Franciscan Media, and Catholic Online

JULY 21-27 Sunday (Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time): Jer 23:1-6, Eph 2:13-18, Mk 6:30-34; Monday (Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene): SGS 3:1-4B or 2 Cor 5:14-17, Jn 20:1-2, 11-18; Tuesday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20, Mt 12:46-50; Wednesday: Jer 1:1, 4-10, Mt 13:1-9; Thursday (Feast of Saint James, Apostle): 2 Cor 4:7-15, Mt 20:20-28; Friday (Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne,

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Bishop Martin reappoints four vicars to leadership posts

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., announced the following episcopal vicar appointments, effective June 25, 2024:

n Judicial Vicar: Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville n Vicar for Hispanic Ministry: Father Julio Dominguez

n Vicar of Education for Catechetical Formation: Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, rector and pastor of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville n Vicar of Education for Catholic Schools: Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte

An episcopal vicar is a priest who oversees a particularly important aspect of diocesan life, such as vocations or faith formation, on behalf of the bishop.

As a representative of the bishop, under Church law an episcopal vicar must be at least 30 years old and be “doctors or licensed in canon law or theology or at least truly expert in these disciplines, and recommended by sound doctrine, integrity, prudence, and experience in handling matters” (478 §1).

Bishop Martin also recently reappointed Monsignor Patrick Winslow as vicar general and chancellor and Father Christopher Gober as vocations director for the Diocese of Charlotte.

— Catholic News Herald

Don’t miss Catholic Family Day

a

Our Lady of Consolation begins work to preserve beloved school building

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Work got under way this week to preserve and eventually renovate Our Lady of Consolation Parish’s decades-old school building on their campus in north Charlotte, following a kickoff “groundbreaking” at the site July 2.

The historically Black parish recently reached a critical halfway point in a $2 million capital campaign launched in 2021 with the goal of transforming the former Our Lady of Consolation School into a learning center to serve parishioners as well as the community. As of July 2, $1.06 million in cash and pledges have been raised for the project, with a second fundraising phase planned for the fall.

Founded in 1955, the original school was staffed by Oblate Sisters of Providence from Baltimore and offered a Catholic education to elementary school students from the parish as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. The school closed in 1988 because of declining enrollment, and the building slowly declined over the years.

“This is an opportunity to reclaim some of our history,” said Keith Anderson, a parishioner and chair of the capital campaign. “By creating a learning center, we can honor the past history of education here and continue that fantastic work of education into the future. We want to connect all the dots and serve our community here on the north end of Charlotte.”

Father Basile Sede, Our Lady of Consolation’s pastor, along with others from the church, donned a construction hard hat. He wielded a ceremonial sledgehammer for photos and exclaimed, “Let’s build!”

The ceremony had special meaning for parishioner Bonita Graham, who was baptized and married in the adjacent church and attended the school along with her siblings. Her grandmother worked in the school’s childcare center, and her mother, the late Thomasina Carr, worked in the cafeteria.

“My mother was the last one to turn the key in the lock of the old school when it closed,” Graham said. “I remember when my siblings and I ran the halls. … I have so many memories of the old school, and I’m excited about the new beginning.”

The parish hopes eventually to convert the 12,000-squarefoot space into a learning center where both parishioners and community members of all ages can learn new skills. Leaders aspire to offer experiences in science, technology, engineering,

Father Basile Sede receives a goodbye gift from members of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Charlotte during Mass June 30. Father Sede was one of the first priests from the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, to serve in the Diocese of Charlotte, which evolved into a partnership that now has nine priests from Cameroon serving here. Father Sede is returning to his home diocese for a while and will then return to the U.S. at a later date to serve in the Diocese of Raleigh.

the arts and mathematics for youth, as well as workforce education for adults and other programs.

Swinerton Construction of Charlotte is the contractor.

The initial preservation work will focus on repairs to the building’s exterior, including a new roof, windows and doors, a handicappedaccessible entrance, and repairs to the foundation. The second phase of fundraising will

pay to begin renovations of the building’s interior.

Donors have included current and past school families and parishioners, business leaders, community members, and other parishes from across the diocese in support of the historic and community value, such as St. Eugene in Asheville, St. Therese in Mooresville, St. Mark in Huntersville, St. Luke in Mint Hill, and the Charlotte parishes of St. Ann, St. Peter, St. Gabriel and St. Matthew.

The ceremony served as a special send-off for Father Sede, who has served as pastor for the past seven years but will soon be returning to the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon.

Willie Thompson, a member of Our Lady of Consolation for 59 years, said the learning center project will help the parish serve the rapidly growing and changing neighborhoods around them.

“I was married in this church, my two daughters and my grandchildren were baptized here,” he said. “I’m so grateful and thankful to see what is happening here, and I know God is working with us.”

CHARLOTTE — Come out for a day of worship, fellowship and fun with Bishop Michael Martin at Catholic Family Day at Carowinds Sunday, July 28.

Putnam Dominguez

Arnsparger Reid

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

During

kickoff ceremony July 2 to preserve the former Our Lady of Consolation School, parishioners signed hard hats as Father Basile Sede, pastor, wielded a ceremonial sledgehammer for photos and exclaimed, “Let’s build!”

Salisbury parish ‘blows up’ mortgage on patronal feast day

Hundreds celebrate the long-anticipated payoff

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

SALISBURY — June 7 was a booming day for the people of Sacred Heart Parish.

After scrimping and saving for more than 15 years, parishioners celebrated paying off an $8.9 million mortgage on their church and school – saying goodbye to the debt with a bang during the parish’s patronal feast day party.

“We typically hire a company to set off fireworks on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, but this year we attached the documentation of the mortgage bill to the first firework that was going to get blown up,” said Father John Eckert, pastor.

As the sun set a little after 9 p.m., everyone got ready for the big moment. Father Eckert called on the children who were present: “What is it that St. John Paul II taught us?”

“Do not be afraid!” they cheered.

That was the fireworks professionals’ cue. They fired off the first volley – with the mortgage documents attached. And that was the end of a multimillion-dollar mortgage the parish had been working to pay off since 2009, when its new church and school were built. The total project, including land, had cost $9.4 million, and monthly loan payments had burdened the parish with tens of thousands of dollars in interest.

Over the first five years of the loan, the parish paid off nearly $3 million of the debt, and progress continued when Father Eckert became pastor in 2014.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m grateful that we have what we have, and with a lot of wonderful leadership to get us to this point,” Father Eckert said.

Completed in 2009, the new church and school replaced a smaller church that was landlocked in downtown Salisbury.

The sprawling 107-acre campus just off Jake Alexander Boulevard encompasses an 800-seat church (quadruple the size of the former church), a thriving school, Good Shepherd Gardens senior living facility, a cemetery and a community garden.

Father John Putnam was pastor when the Salisbury parish made the big move from its old location on Fulton Street, and he had a vision of what the parish could – and needed – to be for the growing Catholic community. He and a team of parishioners set out find a parcel of land where the parish had the space to flourish for decades to come.

Father Putnam said the move was necessary but difficult because Sacred Heart had been part of the city’s downtown landscape since the late 1800s.

“After a lot of prayer, and what many have seen as some divine intervention, we were able to purchase the land where the present parish property is located,” he recalled. “The vision was to allow the church to be ‘a shining light on the hill.’ The property allowed that vision to be a reality.”

In fact, the entrance road to the property was named Lumen Christi Lane – Latin for “Light of Christ.”

Father Putnam noted that the parish cemetery was the first project started on the new site: with the burial of one of his altar servers who died from cancer at 19.

“His name was Paul Mendez, and I entrusted to him the task of praying for the successful completion of the church and school,” he said.

“I am thrilled that in these past 10 years that Sacred Heart has grown and now been able to pay off the mortgage. It is a tremendous accomplishment and allows the parish to move forward and plan for the future.”

Father Eckert agrees.

“I’m grateful to Father Putnam and the other folks he was relying on to move out there,” he said. “And now I’m grateful that after the past 10 years, we’ve been able to pay it all off. It’s incredible. We have a glorious church, a fantastic school and office building, and beautiful grounds.”

Hundreds of parishioners and friends gathered for the mortgage-burning celebration, including Abbot Placid

‘Watching that first firework go up with the mortgage documents was very satisfying.’

Monica Alfonsi Sacred Heart parishioner

Solari of Belmont Abbey, Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, St. Joseph Sister Joan Pearson, and clergy and seminarians who once served at the parish. Celebrations began with a vigil Mass followed by the groundbreaking for an on-campus rectory, a barbecue dinner, lively music, dancing and, of course, the fireworks show.

Monica Alfonsi, a Sacred Heart parishioner since 1977, said she thoroughly enjoyed the event and makes a point to attend every year, noting how it has brought together the Spanish- and English-speaking members of the parish.

“Now everyone gets involved. Watching that first firework go up with the mortgage documents was very satisfying,” Alfonsi said. “Everyone cheered and clapped. It was a beautiful moment.”

Father Eckert added, “I’ve heard about a lot of places burning their mortgage and that sounded nice, but we wanted to go above and beyond and blow the thing up. Paying it off is such a huge relief!”

Parish leaders also break ground for rectory

SALISBURY — On June 7, the same day as its patronal feast and mortgage payoff, members of Sacred Heart Parish also broke ground for a new rectory on its Salisbury campus. Hundreds gathered for the momentous occasion, marking the start of construction.

The two-story, 5,000-square-foot rectory will provide housing on site for the parish’s clergy for the first time since the new church and school were built in 2009 and living space for additional clergy members.

The project will be funded by parishioners over the next three years. Gray Stout, a former Sacred Heart parishioner, is the architect. Stout participated in the groundbreaking on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart with Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey, as well as parishioners and staff members

involved in the project. Stout was also the architect for the church and school. Located just east of the church in a preexisting clearing, the rectory will include what Sacred Heart Pastor Father John Eckert calls “multigenerational housing” with five bedrooms and a chapel, adding convenience with its location and living quarters for more priests than the current rectory, which is a short drive from the main church property. The new rectory will allow space for a pastor, parochial vicar, seminarian and guest. The fifth bedroom will be properly equipped for a retired or handicapped priest.

Central Piedmont Builders will begin construction in July and will complete the project in late summer 2025.

— Annie Ferguson

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN COSMAS

Sacred Heart parishioners in Salisbury were treated to a spectacular sight during their annual parish festival June 7, when they celebrated their mortgage payoff by blowing up the mortgage papers in the fireworks show. Pictured are Father John Eckert, pastor, and Michael Becker, director of operations at Sacred Heart, holding what’s left of the paperwork.

Sacred Heart Parish held a ceremonial groundbreaking June 7 for a new rectory just east of the church. Pictured are (from left) Ray Paradowski, parish building committee and finance council member; Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Father Eckert; Seamus Donaldson, parish finance council chair; and Michael Becker, parish operations director. Abbot Placid assisted with the groundbreaking to honor the parish’s history, since the Benedictines staffed Sacred Heart for more than 50 years.

HICKORY

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

Catholic Conference Center gets new director

— A new era of leadership started July 1 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, as longtime director Deacon Scott Gilfillan retired and Kris Cordes was named to the role.

Cordes is the first woman to manage the center, and she takes on the job after having come up through the ranks as executive chef and hospitality manager.

She has 35-plus years of experience in the world of hotels, restaurants and catering, and has worked in all aspects of the hospitality industry from food sales to event planning and design to executive chef positions.

Gilfillan retires after six years as director, and he leaves the center fully renovated and in a strong financial position.

Built by the Diocese of Charlotte in 1988, the Catholic Conference Center was originally designed as a support facility for parishes and diocesan offices and programs, but its picturesque setting near Baker Mountain soon attracted individuals and groups, both Catholic and non-Catholic. The center offers a 50-room hotel-style lodging house with meeting rooms and a dining area, as well as two retreat houses.

Cordes has four years of experience with every aspect of the center’s operations, and to her, the role is her passion.

“I was looking to exit the secular world of high-end dining and put my experience and efforts into a more ministry-minded position,” she said. “During these years I have become deeply committed to the vision of the center and its guests, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be director. I greatly look forward to building

‘My main goal is always to serve and minister well to those looking for renewal and respite.’ — Kris Cordes

on my responsibilities here and continuing the relationships I’ve built with our own staff and our guests.”

Cordes calls the center a “hidden gem” and hopes to make more people aware of the publicly accessible features on the sprawling 180-acre property, including wooded walking trails, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, and picnic shelter.

Deacon Gilfillan, a retired steel company manager, took over as the center’s director in 2018. Over the past six years, he oversaw a major remodeling effort and expanded the center’s program offerings, strengthening its long-term financial position and helping it weather a nosedive in bookings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The center now boasts a steady business, with 50 of the past 52 weekends fully booked.

One of Deacon Gilfillan’s signature projects was renovating St. Mary House, a 100-year-old farmhouse on the grounds. It reopened in 2022 to accommodate overnight guests in a home-like facility separate from the main center – particularly ideal for small group retreats.

Now, he says, he is looking forward to retirement.

“My decision to leave the center was difficult because everything was

prospering beyond my wildest dreams,” he said. “After months of prayer and spiritual direction, the Lord was clearly telling me that now is the time to leave. The Lord has not been so clear on what He wants me to do next, but I’ve got a few thoughts.”

He looks back on his work at the center with gratitude, even with the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“The first two years I was there we were flourishing…I started feeling like I was finally living out my calling, harmonizing all aspects of my expertise, experience and ministry,” he recalled. “Then came the pandemic, and all the many different groups that would book a retreat stopped calling, and our reservations plummeted from record levels to zero.”

He turned to the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux for encouragement and looked for new ways to serve guests at the center and improve outreach. The St. Mary House became a reality, volunteers worked at cleaning up walking trails and converted an old shed into a pavilion, and he began offering spiritual direction to people left spiritually affected by the pandemic. The center started an email newsletter and blog, which now has about 3,000 subscribers, and increased its social media outreach.

“We emerged from the pandemic and

entered an even more prosperous era than the years before,” he said. “The last two years have been the best two years ever. Revenue is over twice what it was when I started. Through their gracious hospitality and service, the staff is laser-focused on helping our guests find renewal and spiritual growth.”

Deacon Gilfillan said during retirement he will continue dong spiritual direction, a “hidden charism” he discovered during the pandemic. He also hopes to lead retreats, parish missions and days of reflection. Divine Mercy University in Virginia has also asked him to help with their residencies in spiritual direction.

Cordes said she wants the center to continue to be a place where people can receive spiritual nourishment, and she also wants to keep making improvements to the facilities.

“My main goal is always to serve and minister well to those looking for renewal and respite,” she said. “We want to equip them so that they in turn may minister, renew and equip those they serve and the ministries they lead. I am looking forward to finding ways to grow our business, especially on weekdays, and moving the center forward with the ultimate goal of serving our guests even better.”

Pennybyrn rededicates cemetery: Upgrades honor religious sisters who served retirement community

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

HIGH POINT — An outdoor Mass and rededication June 19 marked the completion of meaningful upgrades to a cemetery of religious sisters at Pennybyrn retirement community.

Before they retire to their motherhouse in England next year, the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God serving the community decided to enhance the cemetery where seven members of their order have been laid to rest over the years. The order founded Pennybyrn in 1947, and the cemetery dates from 1967.

“Since we will no longer be serving here after June 2025, we wanted to ensure that the cemetery will be left as a proper, distinct and recognizable landmark, and not in the open space it once occupied,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors.

More than 50 people attended the outdoor Mass and rededication, which was led by Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain. Among the attendees were Sister Margaret Cashman and Sister Margaret Herlihy from the motherhouse in England.

Because of the significance of the upgrades, the religious sisters felt a rededication was in order. Additions include a fence and low stone wall to help define the area, a raised block of granite

Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain, blesses the cemetery for the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God during a June 19 rededication and Mass. A cross dedicated to the religious sisters who founded and served at Pennybyrn retirement community graces the entrance to the upgraded cemetery. The religious sisters’ convent can be seen in the background. (From left) Sister Mona Comaskey, Sister Margaret Cashman, Father Hoyt, Sister Margaret Herlihy, Sister Loretta O’Connor and Sister Lucy Hennessy celebrated the rededication of the cemetery.

where the sisters’ names are engraved, improved headstones, landscaping and benches.

“These sisters worked long and hard in the vineyard of the Lord,” Sister Lucy said. “Now we feel good that the services of these departed sisters to so many will not be forgotten and will be an inspiration to others.”

She noted, “We are grateful to Sister Margaret Cashman and her council, who have worked alongside us to ensure that the upgrading to the cemetery will be first class and worthy of Sisters Mary Patrice and Benignus, founding sisters of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, as well as Sisters Campion, Gabriel Ahern, Columcille, Kathleen Clarke and Julia Dennehy.

“May they all now rest in peace.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WENDY STRADER

Gilfillan Cordes

Black fraternal order honors community leaders, local entrepreneurs

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — People who have made major contributions to the Charlotte area community were honored June 22 at the second annual Knights of Peter Claver Awards Gala, organized by the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary.

Based at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, the Knights of Peter Claver Council 411 and Ladies Auxiliary Council 411 are a Black fraternal order in the Diocese of Charlotte that focuses on education, charitable work and civic participation.

Through their annual gala, the Knights of Peter Claver shine a spotlight on people making a difference in the Charlotte community – exemplifying the values of innovation, sustainability, influence, community and resilience. About 50 people attended the event that featured food from local caterers and music by Charlotte-based jazz group Willie Walker and Conversation Piece.

Patrick Graham was named Trailblazer of the Year for his work as CEO of WeBuild Concord, an affordable housing developer in Cabarrus County. Graham also developed the Career4All strategy to help diversify workforce development and is co-creator of the Bank of the Urban League of Central Carolina, which has provided more than $7 million to fund minority-owned businesses.

North Carolina Sen. Joyce Waddell, who represents District 40, was named Public Citizen of the Year. She worked for three decades in education, including 21 years as a teacher and administrator in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

The Community Impact Award went

to Gerald Johnson, publisher and CEO of the Charlotte Post, a leading news source for Charlotte’s African-American community for more than 50 years.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer B. Merriweather III received the Law Enforcement Award for Courage.

Health in Gastonia and Lincolnton. He oversees medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology as well as pulmonary, GI and pathology medicine through his work at Caromont.

The Charlotte Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to area restaurateur Michael Rhynes and his family. They own Mr. Charles Chicken and Fish, a soul food restaurant with three locations around the city.

Merriweather, a Catholic, said the award was a welcome reminder of how important his faith is in his daily work.

“It’s extremely meaningful to know that folks who promote friendship, unity and Christian charity would think enough of me to honor me in this way,” Merriweather said. “We are called as Catholics to understand that every single person is created in God’s image, and I take this award as a reminder to always center on the humanity and dignity of the public I serve.”

The Award of Leadership, Medical Ethics and Professionalism was given to Dr. Jerome M. Butler Jr., oncology service line director for Caromont

Diocese wins 10 awards including best newspaper, best website in the U.S.

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s official news outlet, the Catholic News Herald, has been named “Best Newspaper” among nonweeklies for the second consecutive year by the Catholic Media Association.

The diocese’s website, www.charlottediocese. org, which was overhauled and relaunched last fall, also won “Best Website” among all (arch)diocesan members of the Catholic Media Association.

With members spanning the United States and Canada, the association’s top honors recognize Catholic print and digital publications that showed consistent excellence in 2023. Judges evaluated the quality and originality of content, writing and headlines, editorials, art and graphics, overall design, and usability.

Awards were announced June 21 during the Catholic Media Association’s annual conference in Atlanta.

“Communications is fundamental to our mission of spreading the Good News of the Gospel, and we are humbled by the support and collaboration we receive from our parishes, schools and ministries every day to help tell the stories of our diocese,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. “It’s gratifying for our diocese to be recognized at a national level.”

The Catholic News Herald has previously been recognized as the nation’s best nonweekly diocesan newspaper for its work published in 2012, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

The diocese’s website, designed by Leo Fierro and Patricia Guilfoyle in collaboration with departments across the diocese, serves as a concierge to help people grow in their faith and quickly find what they’re looking for, Monsignor Winslow said. Since the site was relaunched in October 2023, it has averaged nearly 13,000 unique visitors per month who have viewed over 350,000 pages.

The Catholic News Herald also won:

This was the second gala for the Charlotte chapter of the Knights of Peter Claver, which was inaugurated in the Charlotte diocese in 2023. The fraternal order was founded in 1909 by four Josephite priests and three laymen from the Diocese of Mobile, Ala., who wanted to form a Catholic fraternal order for the African American community because the Church’s other orders at the time did not accept Black members. It expanded in 1926 to include a Ladies Auxiliary. Named for a 17th-century Spanish Jesuit priest who ministered to enslaved people, the New Orleans-based order now has more than 400 chapters in the U.S. and one in Colombia. One other North Carolina chapter is located in the Diocese of Raleigh.

To learn more about Knights of Peter Claver, visit www.kopcolc.com.

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more photos from the Knights of Peter Claver awards gala

n First place, Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with an Advertising Emphasis: “A Man for the Times: Tribute to Bishop Peter Jugis,” by Kevin Eagan, David Puckett and the Catholic News Herald staff

n First place, Best Story and Photo Package by an Individual: “Keep a Torch Burning,” by César Hurtado

n First place, Best News Multimedia Package: “OLA opens SmartLab, where ‘it’s all on you’: Problem-solving With Robots, Drones and 3D Printers,” by Troy Hull and Liz Chandler

n First place, Best Use of Graphics: “Explore Some of Our Churches Across Western North Carolina,” by David Puckett (online and print)

n Second place, Best Layout of Article or Column by a Diocesan Newspaper: “Happy Hallowtide!” by Spencer K.M. Brown and David Puckett

n Second place, Best In-Depth News/ Special Reporting by a Diocesan Non-Weekly Newspaper: “Building New Lives: Catholic Charities Resettles More Refugees Fleeing Conflict,” by Christina Lee Knauss and Troy Hull

n Third place, Best Annual Report of Diocesan Finances: “I Am With You Always,” by David Puckett and the Diocese of Charlotte Finance Office, led by CFO Matt Ferrante n Third place, Best Portrait Photograph: The cover of “Vocations: The Lord has Chosen You to Make a Difference,” by Troy Hull

— Catholic News Herald

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Award winners posed together with guests before the ceremonies got underway. (Below) Publisher Gerald Johnson received the Community Impact Award.

Bishop Martin continues his travels...

Bishop Martin visits with teens

BELMONT — Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., met with young people from across the Diocese of Charlotte who participated in the 2024 Faithful Servant Leadership Institute, a week-long camp for Catholic teens to explore their calling to become missionary disciples in their faith communities. The 43rd annual camp, organized by the diocese’s Youth Ministry Office, was held June 16-21 at Belmont Abbey College. Activities included Holy Mass, the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, morning and evening prayer, and a lot of good-natured fun and fellowship.

Nigerian archbishop visits Charlotte, appeals for support for

GEORGIANNA PENN Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, archbishop of Onitsha, Nigeria, traveled to the Diocese of Charlotte June 29-30 for a pastoral visit and to build support for a Catholic university project.

Leader of the Onitsha archdiocese since 2003, Archbishop Okeke shepherds more than 2 million Catholics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The archdiocese encompasses 136 parishes, five hospitals, seminaries, a microfinance bank, and 123 schools that Archbishop Okeke overhauled after the Nigerian government returned them to the Church in 2010. The reforms have made Onitsha’s schools among the top in the country.

Archbishop Okeke’s latest project is Shanahan University in Onitsha, which aims to educate young men and women in fields such as healthcare, business and information technology – providing them with the skills to transform their communities, but with a Catholic worldview.

This project is what brought him to Charlotte, where he conducted a mission appeal at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and visited with the local Nigerian Catholic community. He also met with Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese.

“In all, Shanahan University is conceived to really make a difference that transforms the society,” Archbishop Okeke told the Catholic News Herald in a recent interview. “In doing so, we intend to make visible and

unique university project

bring back into ordinary discussions, the idea of God.”

Shanahan University opens in September to 500 students and is the first of its kind in Nigeria with all students attending on scholarship for all four years. Scholarships are based on excellence in specific areas of study or if a student is unable to afford school but meets qualifications.

The university is named in honor of Bishop Joseph Shanahan, who built a network of schools in Nigeria in the mid-1900s. The schools thrived until 1970 when, after the Nigerian civil war, the ruling government confiscated faith-based schools. This caused a steep decline in education and morality, Archbishop Okeke said.

Forty years later the government returned the schools to the Church.

Under Archbishop Okeke, they began to thrive in the formation of faith, character and academic excellence.

“Learning without character becomes injurious to society, and that becomes dangerous,” the archbishop said.

Father Innocent Amasiorah from the Archdiocese of Onitsha is the campus minister of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and coordinated the archbishop’s visit. He said the Shanahan Education Foundation needs the help of all people of good will.

Father Marcel Amadi, campus minister at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, agrees.

“It’s a huge project – the first of its kind. It’s going to encourage a lot of students, especially people from poor families,” he said. “Lives will be changed, and saints will be made.”

Province bishops meet in Savannah

Papua New Guinea bishop visits Salisbury parish

SALISBURY — Bishop Siby Mathew Peedikayil of the Diocese of Aitape, Papua New Guinea, traveled 9,000 miles to Sacred Heart Parish June 29-30 as part of a mission appeal on behalf of his diocese. This is Bishop Siby’s second visit to the Salisbury parish, which is building a mission relationship with his diocese in Papua New Guinea, an emerging nation of more than 600 inhabited islands in Oceania. About a quarter of Papua New Guinea’s population, approximately 1.5 million people, are Catholic, and many in the Aitape diocese are fishermen or subsistence farmers living in remote mountain villages. The bishop specifically appealed for donations to support his diocese’s growing seminarian program, build a much-needed junior high school, provide help to people addicted to drugs, and provide food for the hungry. The visit was arranged through the Diocese of Charlotte’s Mission Cooperative Appeal, which enables parishes here to partner with lay organizations, dioceses and religious orders that are engaged in the Church’s mission work worldwide. Pictured are

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE YOUTH MINISTRY

PHOTO PROVIDED

SAVANNAH — The bishops of the Atlanta Province gathered for their annual meeting June 23-25, this year held in Savannah, Ga. The Atlanta Province encompasses the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the four dioceses of Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah. Pictured after Mass outside the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are (from left): Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Shlesinger of Atlanta; Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, of Charleston; Auxiliary Bishop John Nhan Tran of Atlanta; Bishop Stephen Parkes of Savannah; Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of Atlanta; Auxiliary Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., of Atlanta; and Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., of Charlotte.

(left) Bishop Siby with Father John Eckert, pastor; and (below) Bishop Siby visiting with village residents and blessing a new boat.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SACRED HEART PARISH

Six seminarians take next step in formation to priesthood

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — On Tuesday, six Diocese of Charlotte seminarians stood before Bishop Michael Martin to affirm their commitment to becoming priests.

The ceremony, called the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, marks an important step for the seminarians as they begin a more focused period of formation at a major seminary. The six men – Mark Becker, John Harrison, Gabriel Lugo, Ronan Ostendorf, Mateo Perez and Matthew Stanley – recently graduated from St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

This was the first time Bishop Martin was able to mark this milestone with diocesan seminarians, with the ceremony at St. Patrick Cathedral taking place a little more than a month after his own ordination and installation as Bishop of Charlotte.

He offered a moving and insightful homily that encouraged the men to be thankful for every day. While the academic workload and other stressors might pile up during the years to come, Bishop Martin told them not to focus exclusively on the day they might become priests. He told a story from his own seminary days as a Franciscan novice, when he put a makeshift calendar on a bulletin board to mark how many days until he and his peers could take their vows. A fellow seminarian ripped it down immediately, telling him that ticking off days would ruin his formation experience.

“It is a daily choice for you to choose the hard work of being present in the moment,

so God’s grace can be present in you and mold you,”

Bishop Martin told the men. “It is not a process that ends in ordination – it is a life of formation you are embarking on.”

The bishop referred to the day’s readings from Isaiah, St. Paul and the Gospel of Matthew, which all focused on answering God’s call.

“Let people see the fervor of your love for the ministry to which you have been called,” he said. “What you’re undertaking is a lifetime. You will be exposed to formation and a way of thinking needed to build the Kingdom on earth.”

Spotlight on vocations

Bishop Michael Martin (center) celebrated the Rite of Candidacy at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte with seminarians (from left) Mark Becker, John Harrison, Mateo Perez, Matthew Stanley, Gabriel Lugo and Ronan Ostendorf. In the ceremony, the six men took the next step in their priestly formation process for the Diocese of Charlotte and will be entering major seminary this fall.

The bishop concluded by spreading his arms wide and saying, “Work hard. Our life depends on it.” The gesture seemed to be meant for not only the people inside the cathedral, but the Church itself.

After the homily, Bishop Martin asked each of the seminarians to come forward and declare their intention to continue their journey toward the priesthood. He asked them if they “resolved to complete

BELMONT — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., spoke June 25 to young women attending the 2024 Duc In Altum vocations discernment camp at Belmont Abbey College. The five-day camp, sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Vocations Office, is designed for young women ages 16-19 to explore their relationship with God and gain a deeper understanding of their present vocation as daughter – Daughter of God, Daughter of Mary, and Daughter of the Church – through talks and time spent in prayer and worship. Following the example of Mary, the hope is that young women will open their hearts to responding to vocations as wives and mothers, consecrated religious or consecrated lay faithful. The name of the vocations camp, Duc In Altum, is Latin for “Put Out Into The Deep” – the advice Jesus gave Peter as described in the Gospel of Luke 5:4. The phrase is also Bishop Martin’s episcopal motto.

their preparations” and “form your mind and heart to faithfully seek Christ the Lord.”

He also thanked the seminarians’ family members for raising them in a way that led them to turn their lives over to serving God and the Church.

The next steps in seminarian formation are ministry of lector and ministry of acolyte, then ordination to the transitional diaconate, and ultimately, ordination to the

priesthood. Becker, Perez and Stanley will continue their studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, while Harrison, Lugo and Ostendorf will study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

More photos

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more photos from Tuesday’s Rite of Candidacy Mass

Inaugural Talitha Koum Day held to promote vocations

BELMONT — One hundred girls aged 12-15 attended the Diocese of Charlotte’s inaugural Talitha Koum Vocation Discernment Day June 24 on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. Sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Vocations Office and organized by the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, the event was designed to help attendees grow in their relationship with Jesus and Mary and spend time having fun with each other. The name for this “mini” Duc in Altum vocations camp was inspired by the words of Jesus to Jairus’ daughter when He healed her: “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” (Mark 5:41). Talitha Koum Day was held in conjunction with the diocese’s Duc In Altum vocation discernment camp for young women.

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Bishop Martin visits Duc In Altum camp

ANNIE FERGUSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Annual McSweeney food drive kicks off this week

CHARLOTTE — The Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive, an antihunger and outreach campaign organized by St. Matthew Parish each summer, kicks off July 13-14.

The campaign aims to combat global hunger through a series of events and initiatives that provide food, sustainability projects and education to people in need both locally and globally. This year’s fundraising goal is $340,000, and the campaign will culminate Aug. 10 with a meal-packing event for at least 300,000 pounds of food and critical supplies.

A primary area of focus for the annual campaign is supporting the people of Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.

The past year has been particularly challenging for the people of Haiti because of rising gang violence and political instability that has exacerbated inflation, hunger and disease. However, last year’s shipment of seven containers of food from the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive successfully reached those in need, organizers noted.

This year’s campaign will help the Missionaries of the Poor in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, as well as the non-profit organization Hands for Haiti.

Funds raised will help the Missionaries of the Poor continue to raise chickens, tilapia, pigs, and goats to feed people sustainably. They also distribute meals that have been packed during the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive and provide a home and medical care for those

through secondary school since 2010. Students receive a hot lunch daily – often

Faith guides your life, why

their only nutritious meal. A sewing trade school is now operational, with plans to expand and include an agricultural school.

The fundraising aspect of the campaign also supports children at a parish in Venezuela and boys at a hostel in India.

Locally, the campaign supports food banks in the Charlotte area.

Named in honor of Monsignor John J. McSweeney for his long-standing support of social justice and humanitarian efforts, the drive continues to alleviate hunger and improve lives worldwide. Monsignor McSweeney, who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year, continues to motivate the parish community.

Over the past 21 years, the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive has helped provide more than 4.4 million pounds of food and medical supplies. The meal-packing effort alone has produced more than 3.7 million packaged meals, distributed primarily in Haiti and the local community. Volunteers have dedicated 48,000 service hours to support those in need.

Father John Allen, parochial administrator, said, “We are calling on everyone in our community to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those suffering from hunger.” — Catholic News Herald

Want to help?

Donate to the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive effort at www.stmatthewcatholic. org/worldhungerdrive.

After packing literally hundreds of thousands of meals and other supplies during their annual Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive each summer, St. Matthew parishioners box up everything, pray over their work, then load up multiple shipping containers that are sent abroad to help people in need.

IN BRIEF

Start the day with Mass offered by Bishop Martin in the Carowinds Theater at 9 a.m. before the park opens to the public. Enjoy the rides and all that the park has to offer, and enjoy fellowship with other Catholic families from across the Diocese of Charlotte. Take a break and refuel at an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch in the Grove Picnic Pavilion. Cost is $60 (includes discounted park admission, lunch and free parking). Discount ticket sales close Friday, July 19.

For details, go online to www.charlottediocese. org and click on “Events.” For inquiries, contact Paul Kotlowski, diocesan youth ministry director, at 704-370-3211 or pjkotlowski@rcdoc.org.

— Catholic News Herald

Marian grotto beautifies retirement community

HIGH POINT — A marble statue of Mary under her title as Mother of God now graces a new grotto on the campus of the Pennybyrn retirement community.

Dozens turned out for the June 21 blessing of the new feature located at the Penny Road entrance to the community. Father Steve Hoyt, Pennybyrn’s chaplain, presided over the blessing. Situated atop a grassy knoll, the statue is made of the same Italian marble Michelangelo used to sculpt his Pietà and other famous

works. Its carving took place in the town of Carrara in the Tuscany region of Italy with Mazzolini Art Craft Co. Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. Made possible by a generous donor, the natural stone grotto is intended to remind passersby of Our Lady’s constant presence.

“Even non-Catholics think it is magnificent. Indeed, the details are remarkable,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, mission leader and chairperson of Pennybyrn’s board of directors. “Our order’s name is the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and we wanted the people to know the place Mary has in the life of all of us.”

The grotto leaves a visible reminder of Pennybyrn’s founding religious order – the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God – before the sisters depart for retirement next year to their motherhouse in England.

“We are most grateful to our donor who covered the cost of sculpting the statue and all the many pieces that go into making it all come together,” Sister Lucy said. “For the many good and great things that have happened down through the decades and into our time at Pennybyrn, we give God thanks and truly say with the Psalmist: ‘Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever!’” (Ps 107:1)

— Annie Ferguson

Catholic Charities names Piedmont-Triad region director

WINSTON-SALEM — Catholic Charities recently named Mary Beth Marquard as director of its Piedmont-Triad Regional Office, which serves several counties surrounding the physical office locations in Winston-Salem and Greensboro.

Marquard graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Her work experience includes service as executive director of the Davie County United Way, executive director of Smart

e Diocese of Charlotte and its o cial news source, the Catholic News Herald, received 10 awards for its work in 2023 from the Catholic Media Association, including Best Non-Weekly Diocesan Newspaper and Best Diocesan Website. is recognition would not have been possible without the generous support of our readers, advertisers, as well as the clergy and religious of the Diocese of Charlotte.

ank you for supporting us in our mission to serve Christ and connect Catholics in western North Carolina.

Start of Davie County and most recently as development manager for Sunnyside Ministry in Winston-Salem.

Not only does Marquard bring a wealth of professional experience, but she is also deeply involved in the community.

Early in her career, she worked at KPOM TV 24 as a production coordinator and coordinated fundraising events/development for WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes, the Special Olympics of North Carolina and Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Marquard has also served on several boards, as chairperson of the Emergency Food & Shelter Program of Davie County, as a member of the Davie County Suicide Prevention Task Force and as a field instructor for the joint UNCGreensboro and North Carolina A&T social work program.

A lifelong Catholic, she is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville.

— David Long

Catholic Daughters install officers

ASHEVILLE — The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 412 in Asheville recently installed new officers during a ceremony at

St. Lawrence Basilica, presided by Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, rector and pastor of the basilica and chaplain of the CDA court. Pictured are (from left): Monsignor Arnsparger, recording secretary; Janet Levengood, vice regent; Glenda Jarrett, regent; Diane Wright, financial secretary; Veronica Sartor, treasurer; Theresa Brockmeier; and Diane Clarke-Hawkins, district deputy.

— Diane Wright School leaders attend Partners in

Mission summer institute

BOSTON — Six leaders from the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Schools system recently attended Partners in Mission’s National Advancement Summer Institute for Catholic Schools.

They joined more than 350 Catholic school leaders from 35 states at the annual institute and had the opportunity to attend the National Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools or the National Advancement Conference for Catholic Schools. Attendees were also treated to a variety of evening events, including a cruise of Boston Harbor and a trip to Fenway Park to see the Boston Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., served as a member of the Partners in Mission team before his appointment as the Bishop of Charlotte. Attendees included the diocesan Catholic Schools Office’s Camile Denhard, director of development, and Tara Hackman, director of advancement; Matthew Falencki, director of advancement and communications, St. Patrick School and St. Patrick Cathedral; Kerry Winslow, assistant director of advancement and communications, Charlotte Catholic High School; and Holy Trinity Middle School’s Kevin Parks, principal, and Lisa Michalski, advancement and marketing coordinator.

— Larry Furey

Thank you.

Third

Marquard

A volunteer brings several bags of food and clothing to a homeless camp in Redwood City, California, in this 2021 Catholic News Service file photo. Every human being has rights – including the right to shelter, food, clothing and other basic necessities. One of the responsibilities Catholics have is to exercise their rights in order to promote the common good.

‘Faith without works is dead.’ — James 2:14-18

What does our faith teach us about rights and responsibilities?

EDITOR’S NOTE

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is highlighting the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching for its year-long 75th anniversary celebration. This week, the focus is on “Rights and Responsibilities.” The Church teaches that every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Along with these rights come responsibilities – to one another, to our families, and to society.

DAVID LONG

Special to the Catholic News Herald

Social Teaching provides a guiding light for ethical and moral living. It emphasizes the worth of every person and provides a framework for our rights and our responsibilities as Catholics and as citizens.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Responsible citizenship is more than just about voting or “doing our civic duty” – it’s a moral imperative. It empowers people to shape their communities by participating in politics and civic affairs. Beyond voting or following laws, it calls for actions that promote justice, peace and the welfare of all. Central to responsible citizenship is the recognition of human dignity. Because they are created in God’s image, everyone deserves respect and protection of their rights. This principle challenges Catholics to go beyond self-interest. Instead, it is a responsibility for creating the conditions for each person to flourish.

More online

At www.ccdoc.org/citizenship Find a link to the USCCB’s “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” plus other resources and information on this topic.

“We must recognize that we are part of one human family and are responsible for each other’s well-being,” says Joseph Purello, director of Catholic Charities’ social concerns and advocacy programs.

BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes this interplay between rights and responsibilities. First, every person has rights – including the right to life, food, shelter, healthcare, education and employment.

St. John XXIII spelled out these basic human rights in his 1963 encyclical “Pacem in Terris” (“Peace on Earth”): “Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest, and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after in the event of ill health; disability stemming from his work; widowhood; old age; enforced unemployment; or whenever through no fault of his own he is deprived of the means of livelihood” (11).

EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Second, safeguarding these rights is everyone’s responsibility and is crucial for human dignity to flourish.

As St. John XXIII went on to explain in “Pacem in Terris”: “To claim one’s rights and ignore one’s duties, or only half fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other” (30).

That means Catholics are called to live out their faith in concrete ways that respect others’ rights, uplift at-risk communities, advocate for justice, and help the poor and vulnerable in whatever ways they can.

It also means Catholics are urged to participate in political life and to pray for our political leaders.

As Pope Francis has said, “We need to participate for the common good.

Sometimes we hear: A good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: Good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”

Being politically engaged does not mean being partisan, however.

Pope Francis also notes, “All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.”

The Church does not serve the interests of a particular party or interest group. Above all, the Church calls all people of good will to see the inherent value of human life because we are all made in the image of God.

With that as a Catholic’s fundamental moral principle, they naturally will want to work to protect and nurture human life. That means defending the right to life for every human being – no matter what – as well as working to meet the needs of those who are marginalized or vulnerable, and giving voice to those who lack a strong voice

to protect their own rights and well-being.

As St. John Paul II wrote in “Christifideles Laici” (“On the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful”), “The inviolability of the person, which is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God, finds its primary and fundamental expression in the inviolability of human life. Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights – for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture – is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.” It can be difficult to discern how to exercise one’s responsibilities in civic life, particularly given today’s fractious culture. Catholics must strive to continually better understand their faith – for example, by reading Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church – and by talking with their pastor and other educated Catholic leaders. Above all, prayer is important – for example, by asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom to help cultivate the virtue of prudence.

Also guiding Catholics in how and why to participate in public life is the U.S. bishops’ document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” It represents their guidance for Catholics in how to exercise their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.

“By living as faithful citizens we bring the love of God to our complex society,” Purello explains. “And we witness to our commitment to a solidarity that seeks no one in the human family to be marginalized, neglected, harmed or, at worst, denied the right to life.”

— Material provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, www.usccb.org

CNS | DAVID MAUNG

Salgamos de nuestra ignorancia

Seguido estoy recibiendo cadenas de oración que personas de buena fe pero de mucha ignorancia me mandan, y que quiero corregir para que no me sigan mandando este tipo de cosas y que, por favor como buenos cristianos, vivamos una fe más auténtica y menos supersticiosa. Las cadenas generalmente te dicen que debes rezar tantas aves Marías o Padrenuestros, y luego tienes que enviarlo a otras diez personas porque si no la mala suerte va a caer sobre tí, o que la Virgen te va a castigar, o que un familiar tuyo va a morir. Yo he borrado muchísimas y aún estoy vivito y coleando. Bueno, a veces me quiere dar un ataque al corazón del coraje que hago con la persona que me lo manda, pero, en fin no me ha caído ni mala suerte, ni mi familia se ha muerto.

Si entendiéramos que Dios quiere bendecirnos a manos llenas con tan solo hacer su divina voluntad y rezar las oraciones cristianas o el Santo Rosario, o la participación de la Santa Misa, o una Hora Santa, nos dejaríamos de andar con miedos y pondríamos más cuidado en vivir una vida cada día más santa.

Si me mandan una cadena de oración, que sea para pedir por un hermano o hermana, o para evitar la guerra, o por alguna necesidad. Con gusto la hago y hasta le pido a otros a ayudarme a hacer oración. Pero no me vengan con que tengo que hacer algo para evitar castigo, porque entonces sí que me pone de mal humor.

Dios se complace en la oración del humilde y espera nuestras oraciones, pero jamás nos amenazará para que le demos gloria, pues en eso consiste nuestro gran regalo de la libertad, en tener la capacidad de salir de nosotros mismos y dirigirnos hacia Aquel que sabemos puede bendecirnos.

Ojalá que de aquí en adelante paremos todas esas cadenas que solo hacen ricas a las compañías de teléfonos y ponen en aprietos a las almas sencillas e ignorantes. Si recibes una solo bórrala, no cooperes con esta superstición. Si cooperas con ellas, piensa que muestras en grado sumo tu ignorancia.

Ojalá salgas de ellas rápido.

FOTOS POR CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC

El Padre Pedro Núñez, uno de los oradores principales del congreso, respondió una serie de interrogantes de los asistentes sobre la fe, doctrina y conducta cristiana al término de su primera conferencia. Cientos de participantes pudieron no solo atender las charlas sino también adquirir música, literatura y artículos católicos de diferentes vendedores, entre ellos las monjas clarisas de México.

Congreso reunió a Carismáticos de la Diócesis de Charlotte

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@rcdoc.org

KANNAPOLIS — Cientos de personas abarrotaron el auditorio de la escuela secundaria A. L. Brown en Kannapolis durante el Congreso anual de la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana de la Diócesis de Charlotte, realizado el pasado sábado 6 y domingo 7 de julio.

Bajo el tema ‘Los Carismas en la Familia’, se presentaron diversos oradores, entre ellos el Padre Pedro Núñez y las hermanas Martha Alicia y Evangelina, contando con el avivamiento musical de Iván Molina y la Banda Abba Padre.

La cita dio inicio el sábado por la mañana con la celebración de la Santa Misa oficiada por el Padre Benjamín Roberts, párroco de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, y la asistencia de los diáconos Margarito Franco y Miguel Sebastián.

El diácono Ramón Tapia, director espiritual del movimiento apostólico, dijo que la gente respondió al llamado a participar con mucho interés en clarificar sus dudas, “no solamente en el aspecto de experiencia de la fe, sino también en el aspecto de la doctrina, del catecismo, de la enseñanza de la Iglesia”.

El diácono Tapia expresó el interés de enfatizar el tema de la familia pues “está en crisis porque hay fuerzas externas en la sociedad que lanzan mensajes que pueden

dañar a la familia o a sus miembros”.

Señaló que los carismas, como el de discernimiento, ayuda a mucha gente a ver que la sociedad está en problemas, y la Iglesia, que siempre ha sido protectora de la familia, nos orienta en ese sentido.

Subrayó que existe una invasión de mensajes, a través de los medios de comunicación, que no transmiten valores católicos, y quienes son más susceptibles a esos mensajes son los jóvenes, que, si no tienen formación ni una base firme, pueden fácilmente desviarse.

“Yo creo que este congreso será de mucha bendición, especialmente para la gente que se abre. Como dijo el Padre Pedro, ‘si uno no se abre a Dios, Dios es un caballero y no nos fuerza a entrar en nuestras vidas’, por ello uno debe tomar la acción, la actitud de unirse al Señor para que esa gracia nos toque y podamos seguir progresando en nuestra vida espiritual”.

Respecto a las numerosas actividades carismáticas, dijo que la chispa que mueve al movimiento es la misma que impulsa a la Iglesia: el Espíritu Santo.

Aclaró que el movimiento carismático no tiene nada nuevo que decirle a la Iglesia. “Toma de los tesoros de Dios que están depositados en la Iglesia. La renovación carismática no es superior al cursillo de cristiandad, al Emaús, o cualquier otro que el Espíritu Santo ha suscitado. Es uno, entre otros, que contribuye con nuestros sacerdotes a que

el pueblo de Dios siga creciendo en la fe, en el amor”.

Relató que personalmente, una experiencia que vivió en 1975, a los 22 años, le sirvió para darse cuenta de que Jesucristo siempre lo había acompañado. “Se despertó en mí una pasión por la oración, las Escrituras, la Eucaristía, y por estar en una pequeña comunidad. No solo fue emoción. Había una emoción envuelta, pero con la gracia de Dios, la ayuda de sacerdotes, de mi esposa, de mi padre, y muchas otras personas, he podido seguir perseverando gracias a la misericordia divina”.

Nayeli Loza, parroquiana de San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, llegó al congreso con un numeroso grupo de fieles de esa parroquia. Loza ingresó a la Renovación Carismática hace 12 años y luego atrajo a toda su familia. “Me mueve Cristo, ser santa, buscarlo a Él”, nos dijo y explicó que prefiere este movimiento, “porque aquí, entre otras cosas, aprendemos sobre la Palabra, se ora por los enfermos y pueden congregarse juntos todos los miembros de la familia”.

Javier Beltrán, de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, recibió la invitación para participar de la Renovación Carismática por una señora mayor en su parroquia. “Le dije que no varias veces, pero al final acepté y bueno, la señora lo profetizó, me quedé y aquí estoy desde hace 13 años”.

Padre Julio Domínguez

NEWS HERALD

Líderes laicos testimoniaron bendiciones recibidas en Congresos Eucarísticos

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Con el objeto de promover la asistencia al Congreso Eucarístico 2024 de la Diócesis de Charlotte, líderes laicos de todas las edades, provenientes de diversos movimientos apostólicos y parroquias, han realizado videos de invitación en el estudio de videograbaciones localizado en el Centro Pastoral diocesano.

Los videos, en los que narran su propia experiencia y las gracias que han recibido al asistir a los Congresos Eucarísticos pasados, son testimonios únicos en los que invitan a la comunidad a descubrir y ampliar su fe en Cristo Eucaristía.

Los segmentos, que tienen una duración variable entre 1 a 3 minutos, han iniciado a emitirse en la página de Facebook de Catholic News Herald en Español y se mantendrán hasta pocos días antes del 30 de agosto, fecha en la que iniciará el congreso que concluirá el 31 del mismo mes.

Carmelo Ambriz, líder de la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana y parroquiano de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, se presentó a grabar acompañado de su familia. “Nosotros como familia siempre hemos participado de este gran evento”, dijo. “Mi esposa y yo hemos motivado esta devoción en nuestros hijos. Lo anhelamos para estar reunidos como Iglesia en un solo lugar. Todos juntos como familia te esperamos y siempre serás bienvenido”, añadió. Sheyla Díaz, parroquiana de la

IglesianSan José en Newton, quien lleva apoyando varios años al congreso con la organización de la procesión de las niñas vírgenes, solicitó a los padres y madres de familia que promuevan la presencia de sus niñas en el congreso. “Esta parte es muy conmovedora, pues se puede ver la participación de la comunidad hispana con sus niñas en la procesión eucarística, aprendiendo lo que es la adoración al Santísimo Sacramento y glorificando al Señor por medio de sus voces”, dijo. Uno de los testimonios más conmovedores fue el de Erik Navarro, parroquiano de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury. “¿Cómo nosotros, los hombres, podemos ser protagonistas en nuestras familias para llevarlas a los pies de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo? Con testimonio y acción”, respondió.

En su caso personal, dijo, antes de conocer al Señor era una persona del mundo, pero “por obra y gracia del Espíritu Santo y de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que tuve ese encuentro con Él, mi vida cambió radicalmente”. Su transformación, añadió, fue total. “Hoy quiero invitar a todos los varones a que seamos hombres de valor, de testimonio… Llevemos a nuestra familia a los pies del sagrario… Es nuestra responsabilidad no solo proveer el pan, sino de ser padres espirituales para cada uno de nuestros hijos”.

Rosario García, de la parroquia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory, resaltó la oportunidad que se nos brinda como cristianos de invitar a nuestros familiares y amigos para compartir el amor que el Señor tiene con nosotros. “Aprovechemos todas las cosas

la

con su familia a dar su testimonio por las bendiciones recibidas en los últimos 20 años asistiendo a cada una de las ediciones del Congreso Eucarístico diocesano.

hermosas que nuestra diócesis tiene para ofrecernos.

El Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario apostólico del ministerio hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, en su mensaje grabado a la comunidad expresó su deseo de reunir al menos mil jóvenes el viernes 30, en una jornada especialmente dedicada a la juventud.

“Va a ser un fin de semana excepcional, maravilloso, en el cual todos como familia

Retiro parroquial en el Parque Estatal Hanging Rock

un día

diocesana venimos para estar juntos, para adorar al Señor, para encontrarnos como hermanos y, sobre todo, para darle la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo obispo”, dijo.

Más online

En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol : Vea los videos de invitación del Padre Julio Domínguez y los líderes diocesanos.

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS LUIS CÁRDENAS

Fue

glorioso, lleno de oración y fe en el Parque Estatal Hang Rock, donde el Padre Eric Kowalski dijo Misa y dirigió una breve reflexión sobre la Proclamación del Reino de Dios para este Retiro Hispano el sábado 22 de junio. El grupo almorzó y disfrutó caminando por el parque estatal. — David Taylor

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Carmelo Ambriz, lider de la Renovación Carismática y feligrés de

parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, acudió

Lecturas Diarias

JULIO 14-20

Domingo: Amós 7:12-15, Efesios 1:3-14, Marcos 6:7-13; Lunes (Memoria de San Buenaventura, obispo y doctor de la Iglesia): Isaías 1:10-17, Mateo 10:3411:1; Martes (Memoria de Nuestra Señora del Carmen): Isaías 7:1-9, Mateo 11:20-24; Miércoles: Isaías 10:5-7, 13-16, Mateo 11:25-27; Jueves (Memoria de San Camilo de Lelis, presbítero): Isaías 26:7-9, 12, 16-19, Mateo 11:28-30; Viernes: Isaías 38:1-6, 21-22, Mateo 12:18; Sábado (Memoria de san Apolinar, obispo y mártir): Miqueas 2:1-5, Mateo 12:14-21

JULIO 21-27

Domingo: Jeremías 23:1-6, Efesios 2:13-18, Marcos 6:30-34; Lunes (Fiesta de Santa María Magdalena): Cantar de los Cantares 3:1-4, Juan 20:1-2, 11-18; Martes (Memoria de Santa Brígida, religiosa): Miqueas 7:14-15, 18-20, Mateo 12:46-50; Miércoles (Memoria de San Chárbel Makhlūf, presbítero): Jeremías 1:1, 4-10, Mateo 13:1-9; Jueves (Fiesta de Santiago, Apóstol): 2 Corintios 4:7-15, Mateo 20:20-28; Viernes (Memoria de San Joaquín y Santa Ana, padres de la Santísima Virgen María): Jeremías 3:14-17, Mateo 13:18-23; Sábado: Jeremías 7:7-11, Mateo 13:24-30

JULIO 28-AGOSTO 3

Domingo: 2 Reyes 4:42-44, Efesios 4:1-6, Juan 6:1-15; Lunes (Memoria de Santas Marta, María y San Lázaro): Jeremías 13:1-11, Juan 11:19-27; Martes (Memoria de San Pedro Crisólogo, obispo y doctor de la Iglesia): Jeremías 14:17-22, Mateo 13:36-43; Miércoles (Memoria de San Ignacio, presbítero): Jeremías 15:10, 16-21, Mateo 13:44-46; Jueves (Memoria de San Alfonso María de Ligorio, obispo y doctor de la Iglesia): Jeremías 18:1-6, Mateo 13:4753; Viernes: Jeremías 26:1-9, Mateo 13:54-58; Sábado: Jeremías 26:11-16, 24, Mateo 14:1-12

San Camilo, patrono de los profesionales de la salud

Cada 14 de julio se recuerda a San Camilo de Lelis, fundador de los Siervos de los enfermos y patrono de los profesionales de la salud y hospitales.

San Camilo nació en 1350 en Italia, donde formó parte del ejército veneciano. Tenía el vicio del juego de azar y cierto día perdió todo lo que poseía. En la miseria, se puso a trabajar en la construcción de un convento capuchino. Al escuchar las prédicas, poco a poco su corazón fue cambiando hasta que se reconoció como gran pecador y encomendó a la misericordia de Dios. Ingresó a los capuchinos, pero no pudo profesar por una enfermedad en su pierna. Retornó al hospital de San Giacomo y se dedicó al cuidado de los enfermos.

San Camilo decidió independizarse del Hospital San Giacomo y con dos compañeros inició la congregación de los Siervos de los enfermos. Cada día asistían a los pacientes del Hospital del Espíritu Santo, cuidándolos como si se tratara del mismo Cristo y los acercaban a los sacramentos.

Con el tiempo, el servicio de la congregación se fue ampliando y se asumió la misión de atender a los prisioneros enfermos y a los convalecientes que vivieran en casas particulares. Desde aquel entonces San Camilo envió religiosos con las tropas para que atendieran a los que cayeran heridos.

Muchos religiosos murieron en este sacrificado servicio, incluso por la peste, pero San Camilo y sus hermanos continuaron heroicamente. Tiempo después, San Gregorio XIV confirmó a la Congregación de San Camilo como orden religiosa.

León XIII lo proclamó patrono de los enfermos junto con San Juan de Dios y Pío XI lo declaró patrono de los enfermos y sus asociaciones.

¿SABÍAS QUE?

1. Su nacimiento fue considerado un milagro. Camilo nació cuando su madre se acercaba a los 60 años de edad y este hecho fue considerado como un milagro.

2. Su padre era un mercenario militar al servicio de España y de Venecia. En ese entorno el joven se sintió atraído por las riquezas y los placeres.

3. Inició sus estudios a los 32 años. Fue ordenado sacerdote el 26 de mayo de 1584 en la Basílica de San Juan de Letrán.

4. Se dice que con el acompañamiento de San Felipe Neri, Camilo trató de suavizar su carácter rudo.

5. Rezaba todos los días el Rosario y animaba a que otros lo hicieran. Celebraba Misa todos los días y tenía una gran devoción por la Eucaristía.

6. 250 años antes del nacimiento de la Cruz Roja Internacional, la “cruz roja” de los hábitos de los hijos de San Camilo brilló en los campos de batalla como signo de fraternidad.

7. Camilo profetizó que moriría en Roma en la fiesta de San Buenaventura, el 14 de julio según el antiguo calendario litúrgico, y así sucedió en 1614. Su cuerpo fue embalsamado y su corazón fue colocado en un relicario.

— Condensado de Catholic.net y ACI Prensa

Oración a San Camilo

San Camilo fue hijo de un oficial que había servido tanto en la armada Napolitana como en la Francesa. Su madre murió cuando él era un niño, y creció absolutamente desatendido. Era inicialmente rudo y de mal carácter, pero posteriormente fue transformado por la gracia de Dios.

Señor Jesús, que haciéndote hombre, quisiste compartir el sufrimiento de nuestra naturaleza humana, te suplico por la intercesión de San Camilo, el santo protector de los enfermos, que amó y se entregó a los demás, que con caridad y compasión sirvió intensamente a los pobres y a los enfermos como si fueran sus hijos, que ayudes a los que están pasando dolor, a los que necesitan alivio y sanación y viven el difícil momento del sufrimiento. Sana al que está llagado en el cuerpo y en el espíritu, sostén la fe de los que bajo la cruz vacilan por la fuerza del mal, abre horizontes de esperanza a los que están en la oscuridad. Haznos, como San Camilo, conscientes de que en el rostro del enfermo, del que sufre y está agobiado o del que padece grandes necesidades, está tu mano acariciando a nuestro corazón. Así sea.

FAITH FAMILY FRATERNITY

Consider joining the over 2 million members of the largest, lay Catholic order in the world by signing up online today at: www.kofc.org/joinus Knights of Columbus

For a Limited Time – FREE Online Membership –Use Promo Code (BLESSEDMCGIVNEY)

IMAGEN DOMINIO PÚBLICO

VIERNES

Comenzando a las 5:30 p.m.

Bienvenida del Obispo Michael Martin.

Conozca y salude al obispo

Concierto con Obra de Teatro “La Vida de Carlos Acutis”

Camina con Nuestro Señor

Congreso Eucarístico de la Diócesis de Charlotte

30-31 de agosto

Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte

Vea la programación y anótese para recibir actualizaciones por email:

SÁBADO

Comenzando a las 9 a.m.

Oradores:

• Participe en la emotiva Procesión Eucarística por las calles del centro de Charlotte

• Adoración Eucarística y Hora Santa con el P. Juan Miguel Sánchez

• Obra de Teatro “Eucaristía, pan bajado del cielo” y animación

• Conferencias

• Misa con el Obispo Michael Martin

P. Juan Miguel Sánchez

Testimonio de Evan Lemoine, “Amar al máximo”

• Compre arte, libros, regalos y otros artículos católicos únicos

Arts & entertainment

Celebrate WNC culture at inaugural Kingfisher Folk Fest

Hillbilly Thomists to headline event

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

CANDLER — All are invited to the inaugural Kingfisher Folk Fest in Candler Aug. 4.

The event is being hosted by Canongate Catholic High School in Arden, which is affiliated with the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools. The all-day, all-ages event will feature an array of local music celebrating the heritage and culture of western North Carolina. The Hillbilly Thomists, a popular band of Dominican friars, will headline the festival.

The Kingfisher Folk Fest is billed as a “fresh encounter with the songs and songwriters that have roamed the Blue Ridge Mountains for centuries.” The event will include live music, activities for kids and local vendors from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Oaks at Daniel Ridge, a scenic venue in Candler just outside Asheville.

Festival organizers say that through events like the new folk fest, Canongate High School seeks to build culture in the area, and they believe music is crucial to this mission.

Want to go?

The Kingfisher Folk Fest will be held 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 at The Oaks at Daniel Ridge, located at 818 Monte Vista Road in Candler. Tickets range from $35 for individuals to $110 for families of four or more and can be purchased at kingfisherfest.rsvpify.com.

“Good music gives voice to the joys and sorrows of authentic living. Good songs have lyrics that tap into and push down to our roots,” they said. “Good lyrics are memorable and singable, get our bodies swaying, our hands clapping, feet tapping and legs dancing. Good music builds friendship and friends. Making music together builds culture.”

In 2017, after playing music together

for several years, festival headliner The Hillbilly Thomists released its eponymous debut album, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard bluegrass chart. The album consisted primarily of bluegrass standards and Americana favorites. Since then, the friars have released two

more albums and have traveled the world sharing their music, from Nashville to Rome.

“We’re excited to be a part of this festival, which unites three of the band’s passions: country music, education and the Appalachian Mountains,” says Dominican Father Justin Bolger, band member.

Our nation

Coming up at the National Eucharistic Congress

Five days of speakers, worship, music and more

MARIA WIERING OSV News

INDIANAPOLIS — “I think my heart is going to explode,” said Montse Alvarado, describing the way she expects to feel when she gathers with thousands of Catholics to adore the Eucharist at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium next week. “It feels like so much beauty at a moment when our country and our world is in the midst of war and so much pain, just to see this be our Church’s response – wow, what a witness.”

The United States’ first event of its kind in over half a century, the National Eucharistic Congress is expected to draw more than 40,000 Catholics July 17-21 for five days of prayer, speakers, liturgies and worship – all centered on Jesus in the Eucharist.

Speakers showcase a “who’s who” in Catholic evangelization, including Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, and founder of Word on Fire; Father Mike Schmitz of the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, and host of “The Bible in a Year” podcast; Sister Josephine Garrett, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and host of the “Hope Stories” podcast; and Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in “The Chosen.”

The event is the pinnacle of the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative the U.S. bishops launched on Corpus Christi Sunday in June 2022 to renew Catholics’ love for and understanding of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist.

‘You’re going to spend five days wrapped in the communion of the Church.’

Tim Glemkowski CEO of National Eucharistic Congress Inc.

Alvarado, EWTN News president and COO and one of three emcees for the congress’s daily “revival sessions,” said she expects the congress to be a source of American Catholics’ spiritual unity, strengthened identity and renewed vigor through the Holy Spirit.

“I’m excited for people to connect with the Church,” she said, and “for the Church to encounter itself.”

IT ALL STARTS WEDNESDAY

The congress begins Wednesday night in Lucas Oil Stadium with the first of the four evening revival sessions, with Eucharistic Adoration, speakers and worship music. The event opens with a major procession with the 30 young adult “perpetual pilgrims” from all four routes of the eightweek National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

The pilgrims set out with the Eucharist on Pentecost weekend from points in California, Connecticut, Minnesota and Texas to meet in Indianapolis for the congress, covering a combined 6,500 miles – many of them on foot – as they encountered Catholics at parishes and

other sacred and secular sites for Mass and other worship experiences, Eucharistic processions and fellowship.

The opening procession will culminate in Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, entering the stadium with the Eucharist in a “massive” monstrance designed for the congress, leading to a time of silent adoration. Then participants will hear from Bishop Cozzens and the evening’s other keynote speakers, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope’s ambassador to the United States; and Sister Bethany Madonna, a Sister of Life in Phoenix.

As with each evening’s revival session, Alvarado will emcee along with Sister Miriam James Heidland, a sister of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and co-host of the “Abiding Together” podcast; and Father Josh Johnson, a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and host of the “Ask Father Josh” podcast. Worship will be led by Dallas’ Dave and Lauren Moore, the founders of Catholic Music Initiative.

HEADLINING SPEAKERS, IMPACT SESSIONS

Thursday, Friday and Saturday events begin with Relevant Radio’s Family Rosary Across America with Father Rocky Hoffman, followed by Mass, with English, Spanish and youth options, celebrated by key American prelates such as Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston and Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington.

After Mass, attendees are encouraged to go to seven “impact session” tracks being held in the stadium or at the adjacent Indiana Convention Center. With names like

Want to go?

Full or day passes and hotel rooms are still available for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21 in Indianapolis. Get more information about travel arrangements and see the full schedule at www.eucharisticcongress.org

Encounter, Renewal and Empower, each track is tailored for particular audiences –including ministry leaders, families, youth and priests – and features well-known Catholic leaders, experts and speakers. Breakout sessions dive into topics ranging from apologetics to social action, with 40 speakers over three days. Various liturgies will be offered, with options including Masses in English and Vietnamese (Friday only), as well as Byzantine Divine Liturgy and Mass according to the 1962 Missal (known as the “traditional Latin Mass”) offered at nearby parishes.

EXHIBITS, SHOWS AND CONCERTS

The congress will host a range of exhibits and experiences: the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, which features a replica of the famous burial shroud believed to have covered Jesus in the tomb; the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit, originally created by recently canonized St. Carlo Acutis (one of the Eucharistic revival’s patrons); a chapel with relics from St. Carlo and other saints associated with the revival; Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atriums, which offer Montessori-style faith formation for children up to age 12; and the CatholicHOM Immersive Family Experience, which will include an interactive puppet show.

On Thursday night, “Bernadette de Lourdes, the Musical” – a theatrical performance about the Marian visionary of Lourdes, France – will be performed. Thursday and Friday will also include an opportunity to pack meals for the hungry with Indianapolis-based Million Meal Movement. The Denver-based Christ in the

City will also train small groups of people to encounter chronically homeless men and women in Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, an expansive expo hall in the convention center will feature booths and displays featuring apostolates, ministries, religious orders, publishers and more.

The convention center will also host three stages with rotating music acts and live podcast shows.

EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION AND REVIVALS

A key congress highlight is Saturday’s 3-5 p.m. Eucharistic procession through downtown Indianapolis – expected to make a visual and spiritual impact on the city.

On Wednesday to Saturday, revival sessions begin in Lucas Oil Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday’s keynote speakers are Father Schmitz and Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, founder and servant mother of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth in the Archdiocese of Boston. Friday’s speakers are Sister Josephine and Father Boniface Hicks, a Benedictine monk of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and the event includes prayer for healing and reparation and a Eucharistic procession.

Saturday’s revival speakers are Bishop Barron; Roumie; Catholic media personality Gloria Purvis, and Tim Glemkowski, current CEO of National Eucharistic Congress Inc., the nonprofit organizing revival events, especially the congress and pilgrimage. Catholic musician Matt Maher will lead worship during Eucharistic Adoration.

On Sunday, the congress’s final day, the revival session will have speakers Mother Adela Galindo of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who founded a bilingual “religious family” of religious sisters and brothers, priests and laypeople; and Chris Stefanick, founder of Real Life Catholic.

SENDING FORTH ON MISSION

The congress will end with a “great commissioning,” which organizers have compared to “a new Pentecost,” where attendees “will be sent out to joyfully proclaim the Gospel in every corner of our nation.” The congress will close with a 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by special papal envoy Cardinal Luis Tagle, pro-prefect of the Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization.

The congress kicks off the National Eucharistic Revival’s third year, the Year of Mission, which encourages Catholics to intentionally accompany someone on his or her faith journey back to the Catholic faith through its “Walk with One” initiative.

The July congress is the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, occurring 83 years after the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“For five days, Catholics are going to take over a one-and-a-half-square-mile radius of downtown Indianapolis,” Glemkowski said. “I’m so excited for people to come and just have that experience of, ‘Oh, this is a huge deal, like, this is a big thing that’s happening in this city.’ You’re going to spend five days wrapped in the communion of the Church.”

OSV NEWS | MIKE KROKOS, THE CRITERION

A participant prays during the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Nov. 18, 2023. The National Eucharistic Congress will be held in the stadium July 17-21.

Our world

Synod document seeks responses to how Church can welcome, serve everyone

CAROL GLATZ Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The working document for the October assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality has called for responses to how all the baptized can better serve the Church and help heal humanity’s “deepest wounds.”

The document said the synod should spur the Church to become a “refuge” and “shelter” for those in need or distress, and encourage Catholics to “allow themselves to be led by the Spirit of the Lord to horizons that they had not previously glimpsed” as brothers and sisters in Christ.

session Oct. 2-27, which will reflect on the theme: “How to be a missionary synodal Church.” The reflections are the next step in the synod’s overarching theme: “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.”

“This is the ongoing conversion of the way of being the Church that the synodal process invites us to undertake,” the document said.

The 30-page document, called an “instrumentum laboris,” was released at the Vatican July 9. It will serve as a discussion guideline for the synod’s second

“In an age marked by increasing inequalities, growing disillusionment with traditional models of governance, democratic disenchantment and the dominance of the market model in human interactions, and the temptation to resolve conflicts by force rather than dialogue,” the Church’s synodal style could offer inspiration and important insights for the future of humanity, the working document said.

Two key challenges facing the Church are “the growing isolation of people and cultural individualism, which even the Church has often absorbed,” it said, and “an exaggerated social communitarianism that suffocates people and does not allow them to be free subjects of their own development.”

Synodal practice, however, “calls us to mutual care, interdependence and coresponsibility for the common good,” it said, and it is willing to listen to everyone, in contrast to methods “in which the concentration of power shuts out the voices of the poorest, the marginalized and minorities.”

In fact, “weakness in reciprocity, participation and communion remains an obstacle to a full renewal of the Church in a missionary synodal sense,” it added.

The document strongly encouraged the “renewal of liturgical and sacramental life, starting with liturgical celebrations that are beautiful, dignified, accessible, fully participative, well-inculturated and capable of nourishing the impulse towards mission.”

704-596-3291

And it called for renewing “the proclamation and transmission of the faith in ways and means appropriate to the current context.”

While the second session will focus on

certain aspects of synodal life, “with a view to greater effectiveness in mission,” it said “other questions that emerged during the journey are the subject of work that continues in other ways, at the level of the local Churches as well as in the ten study groups.”

In March, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, announced that Pope Francis had decided that some of the most controversial issues raised during the 2021-24 synod process would be examined by study groups. Among the subjects assigned to the 10 groups are the possible revision of guidelines for the training of priests and deacons, the role of women in the Church and their participation in decisionmaking/taking processes and community leadership, a possible revision in the way bishops are chosen, and a revision of norms for the relationship between bishops and the religious orders working in their dioceses.

The study groups “will complete their in-depth study by June 2025, if possible, but will offer a progress report to the synod assembly in October 2024,” the document said.

“Ahead of the conclusion of the second session, Pope Francis has already accepted some of the requests of the first session and begun the work of implementation,” it said.

A Church law commission has been set up to serve the synod, it said, and a “theological subsidy” will soon be published to help participants read and better understand the many “theological notions and categories used” in the newly released synod working document.

The work of the second session, the document said, will continue the synodal method of “prayer, exchange and discernment” as participants are invited to look at “the missionary synodal life of the Church from different perspectives” by reflecting on three aspects which emerged from previous discussions: relationships within the church, pathways for formation and places of connection.

“On this basis, a final document relating to the whole process will be drafted and will offer the pope proposals on steps that could be taken,” it said.

Read more online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Read the Vatican document that will serve as a discussion guideline for the synod’s second session Oct. 2-27

JUSTIN MCLELLAN Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The Catholic Church can only teach the faithful if it is an institution that listens, but that does not mean it should take to heart every opinion uttered, according to the head of the church’s synod.

The church “is not interested in surveyed polls,” said Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops. “The Church is always and only listening to the voice of God.”

The cardinal presented the working document for the second assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality at a Vatican news conference July 9. He explained that God speaks in many ways: through Sacred Scripture, for example, “but also through the sense of faith of the people of God, the voice of pastors and the charism of theologians,” through which God’s truth continues to be revealed.

The time between the two synodal assemblies, in which the Secretariat of the Synod again sought input from local churches in light of the findings from last year’s synodal assembly, “has been always and only in order to seek, with the certainly perfectible tools we have at our disposal, what God wants to say to the Church in this hour of its journey,” he said.

Cardinal Grech noted that 108 of 114 bishops’ conferences submitted responses to questions from the synod secretariat to form the working document.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod, told the news conference that reports from the bishops’ conferences “unanimously testify, without hiding the struggles and difficulties of synodal conversion, also a feeling of joy and gratitude” for the synodal process.

He said that local churches carried out the second consultation after the synod’s first universal phase “with greater freedom and creativity in the way they took ownership of the process.”

Yet the cardinal noted that the reports do contain a sense of “weariness and fatigue of a path of conversion” which is “not immediate.”

Shevchuk: Russian attack on Kyiv children’s hospital ‘a sin that cries out to heaven’

KYIV, Ukraine — A July 8 attack by Russia on a children’s hospital and other civilian targets throughout Ukraine is “a sin that cries out to heaven for revenge,” said the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. At least 42 were killed and over 190 injured when Russian bombers pummeled Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and numerous cities throughout the nation with more than 40 missiles and guided aerial bombs. Among the sites struck was the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, where two adults died and about 50 were injured, including seven children.

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, father and head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, released a July 8 statement denouncing the strike. “In the name of God, with all determination, we condemn this crime against humanity. … This is a sin that cries out to heaven for revenge,” he said. He noted that doctors, medical workers and volunteers bloodied in the strike were digging through the hospital’s wreckage “to save even those children whose hearts are beating there under the rubble.” “Today we cry with all the victims. Today we want to pray for all the dead … (and) wrap our Christian love around all the wounded.”

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemns Israeli attack on Catholic school

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a strong condemnation after the Israeli military targeted a Catholic school in Gaza that killed four people, including a senior Hamas official. In a statement published July 7, the patriarchate said it was monitoring reports of a strike on Holy Family School, which “has, since the beginning of the war, been a place of refuge for hundreds of civilians.” “The Latin Patriarchate condemns, in the strongest terms, the targeting of civilians or any belligerent actions that fall short of ensuring that civilians remain outside the combat scene,” the statement read.

The patriarchate called for a cease-fire agreement “that would put an immediate end to the horrifying bloodbath and humanitarian catastrophe in the region.” According to multiple news reports, including by The Associated Press, Israeli airstrikes took place overnight July 6-7 in Gaza, killing 13 Palestinians. The strike against Holy Family School, which was operating as a shelter, claimed the lives of four people, including Ihab al-Ghussein, Hamas’ undersecretary of labor. In a statement, Hamas mourned the death of al-Ghussein, whose wife and daughter were killed in strikes in the early days of the war, AP reported.

Israeli military officials justified the attack on the school, arguing that the bombing struck a Hamas military building and a weapons-making facility “in the area of a school building.”

— OSV News and Catholic News Service

Of sidewalk chalk and civility

Sidewalk chalk, that staple of summer, is easy to spot on an early morning walk. You may smile when you walk by a house with colorful sidewalks.

But what about the neighbor’s sidewalks? My granddaughter is a chalk artist, and her creations spilled over to the pathway of the lady next door. My daughter apologized to the homeowner and told her they would be more careful about boundaries.

“Oh, no,” replied her neighbor, who is old enough to be a grandma. “She can draw all she wants on my sidewalk.”

Then she recounted a tale from her youth, when her own artwork ventured onto the pavement of her next-door neighbor. She still remembers the scolding she received from that neighbor, the reprimand, the harsh instructions to clean off the sidewalk.

It made such an impression on her that, after all these years, she wants to make her sidewalks welcoming.

What memories do you want to leave with the people you encounter? What recollections would you like to remain with a child 50 years from now?

BITTER INSULTS VS. DECENCY

We live in angry times. The political discussions are more acrimonious than anything I can remember in my lifetime. Even within the Church the disagreements have become disrespectful and rude.

When I see the bitter, insulting words slung about, the name-calling, I remember the election of 2008 and a rally held for Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee for president. You can easily search for this encounter on YouTube.

McCain was making his case for why he would be a better president than the Democratic nominee, then-Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

But during the question-and-answer period, McCain fielded a question from a woman who said

she doesn’t trust Obama. Then she referred to him as an “Arab.”

At that, McCain, who had been listening and nodding, took the microphone from her hands.

“No, ma’am, no,” he says emphatically. “He’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.”

I was not in agreement with McCain on many of those issues, but I always retain that memory of him in that room that night. A good, brave man who was willing to fight for his principles, but not willing to wallow in the dirt of false accusations. His own decency insisted that he acknowledge the decency of his opponent.

When did our political discourse change?

RESPOND WITH ANGER – OR LOVE?

It may seem a leap from a sidewalk chalk controversy to a presidential election. But most of us aren’t players on the national scene. We’re neighbors, family members, parishioners, and perhaps social media users who will be remembered, maybe years from now, by how we speak to each other, how we give each other the benefit of the doubt, and how we attempt to create meaningful dialogue. Those are things we live out in daily life. Ultimately, those are the memories and the legacy we leave.

Are we the people who respond in anger? Do we spend hours ruminating on things we see online that irritate us to the point that even our thoughts become embittered?

Or do we respond with love to our neighbors and initiate conversation? Do we sincerely listen to those with whom we disagree?

Amid the name-callers, let’s do our part to make things better. Be like my daughter’s neighbor. Be like John McCain.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

The blood and

guts of salvation: His blood, our guts

The colorful and controversial World War II General George S. Patton was known among his soldiers as “Old Blood and Guts,” a moniker not used with any affection. That’s because, as those who fought under his command were quick to note, Patton’s leadership relied mostly on their blood and his guts.

God gives us all of Himself –and He wants all of us.

Their complaint was legitimate because the costs of war are not borne equally. An ordinary soldier risks the supreme sacrifice of his life on the battlefield, but for his general, the risk is usually limited to adding to the tally of his defeats and being sidelined with a less critical role. The “benefits” aren’t shared equally, either. For troops, victory means living to fight another day, while for their commander, it opens up the glorious possibility of a place in history. Similarly, in the eternal war against sin and death, the cost of battle is – once again – not borne equally. But when it comes to salvation, everything is turned on its head. Our Commander did not need a battlefield victory to secure eternal glory. Instead, Jesus left heaven’s glory behind to fight for us. Most of us don’t risk or suffer the loss of our lives. But He willingly and sacrificially laid down His life.

That’s why the Church has always spoken about the most Precious Blood of Christ with reverence and deep gratitude. Like the wars of history, our salvation is a matter of “blood and guts.” But with Christ, it’s His Blood and our guts – His limitless self-gift and the courage we muster to follow Him.

GOD’S OFFERING TO US

Twenty-first century Catholics may well find focusing on the Blood of Jesus Christ graphic and visceral, bizarre and even primitive. But if we can set our post-modern sensibilities aside, we can begin to grasp how deeply personal salvation is.

Salvation is a bloody business. That’s because our redemption is not a transaction: the execution of a divine business deal or the fulfillment of terms contained in some mystical contract. The tortured body of the Nazarene is not a sacrifice offered to appease a bloodthirsty God. On the contrary, it is the no-holds-barred offering of God to us – a complete gift of Himself to the last trickle of blood in His veins. God has no thirst for blood or violence; He thirsts for us. An angry crowd demanded His crucifixion; a loving God placed Him entirely into our hands.

Jesus poured divine life into humanity. In the Eucharist, He continues to place His Body and Blood into our hands. He still offers us the chalice of His most Precious Blood poured out, filled to the brim. And He does this to show us what self-gift is: what it costs and what it looks like. He does this to quench our thirst for transcendence, our longing not only to have more, but to be more.

OUR

OFFERING TO GOD

The chalice is a paradigm of Christian life. It is only full if we fill it, not with the substance of someone else’s life or with only a portion of our own. Taking up our cross and following Christ are one and the same. The cup we are called to is meant to be filled with a sacrificial gift of self. We all want to be on the right side of eternity. But the question Jesus asks James and John in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark is one we too must answer: “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” (Mt 20:22; Mk 10:38). But if the apostles nicknamed the “sons of thunder” were too quick to respond in the affirmative, we are often too ready to refuse the chalice or we change the subject.

God gives us all of Himself – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – and He wants all of us: body, blood, soul and humanity. Each day we are called to do what Jesus did, to empty ourselves of ourselves and pour out our lives as a sacrificial offering to God and neighbor. We are challenged not only to drink from His cup, but to fill it the way He does; by making a total gift of self to the last drop of love.

EFFIE CALDAROLA is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University.

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

Effie Caldarola

Dr. Tod Worner

On being impatient

We are too impatient.

Slaves to efficiency, devotees of multitasking, disciples of expediting, we are a tragically foot-tapping and dangerously inattentive breed.

Just think about it. Modern politicians communicate in tweets and sound-bytes. Movie images have rocketed from 16 frames to 300 frames per second. Even our cursory texts and tweets aren’t brief enough so we use shorthand, emojis and GIFs. And compared to the old days when you sauntered over to the family World Book Encyclopedia or down to the library to find resources by pouring through the card catalog, the speed with which Google or ChatGPT can answer our questions is downright stunning.

And still we are impatient.

When you are reading an essay or article on your phone, ask yourself: how many seconds pass before you start scrolling to see how long it is? I remember the first time I came across the abbreviation TLDR – “too long, didn’t read.” Someone had employed it – for a 500-word essay. I thought it was clever until I realized it was actually tragic. TLDR epitomizes our stunted attention span. “Make it fast, or make it go away.” We are spoiled by speed. We are recklessly impatient. And with our impatience, we lose wonder and discernment.

In his brisk collection of essays, “The Noise of Typewriters,” Lance Morrow tells the odd story of Dr. Louis Agassiz, a Harvard professor of natural history. Faced with an eager student yearning for this august mentor, Agassiz would pull a large and very dead fish from its formaldehydefilled jar, slop it down on a tin tray, and tell the student. “Look at your fish.”

The student, perplexed, would be left alone for an hour, only to stutter and stammer some unsatisfactory answers once the professor returned. Frowning and shaking his head, Dr. Agassiz, would repeat, “Look at your fish,” and once again walk away.

Apparently this exercise would last hours over several days until the exhausted student began to really see the fish in all of its wonder – complexity that transcended its “facts.” Reflecting on this story, Morrow wrote, “Never be certain that there is no meaning. Never be certain about anything too quickly.”

Morrow also champions the meticulous work of Robert Caro. Caro has spent decades writing only a few books (one on New York City urban planner Robert Moses, and four on President Lyndon B. Johnson, with a fifth on its way). His work is so meticulous that it borders on the obsessivecompulsive. For the smallest of details, Caro would spend an inordinate amount of time getting the story “just right.”

Obviously, Morrow rightly notes, this is the characteristic of a biographer and not a journalist on deadline. As a matter of fact, Caro found himself financially strapped many times during his endeavors. But his work, in which he “turns every page,” is unparalleled in its completeness. “Truth,”

‘When you are reading an essay or article on your phone, ask yourself: how many seconds pass before you start scrolling to see how long it is?’

Caro insists, “takes time.”

Truth takes time, but we don’t like that. We want our answers now. Served up piping hot. Chop-chop.

But by instantly obliterating the chasm between our curiosity and our apprehension, we may not grow. Where there is no struggle to define terms, no wrestling for clarity, no consideration (much less re-consideration) of why our question even matters in the grander scheme, no fundamental waiting just so that things can simmer, we grow intellectually (and, at times, spiritually) flabby. In Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” even at the base of the formidable Mt. Purgatory, the poet Virgil implores strangers to share the secret of how to move expeditiously from Purgatory’s interminable antechamber. “For who knows most,” Virgil taps his foot, “him loss of time most grieves.”

G.K. Chesterton once noted, “It is the paradox of history that each generation is converted by the saint who contradicts it most.” If that is the case, then I would nominate patience as the minor virtue that, if employed diligently, contradicts our dizzy, harried and wayward generation the most. As such, following Chesterton’s reasoning, perhaps patience is the most equipped to convert us.

Let’s patiently see if it does.

DR. TOD WORNER is a practicing internal medicine physician; managing editor of Evangelization & Culture, the Journal of the Word on Fire Institute; and host of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast.

Most-read stories on the web

‘Without hope we would be stewards, balancers of the present, and not prophets and builders of the future.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Pope: Indifference is a ‘cancer of democracy’ ”

The Catholic News Herald reached the Facebook and Instagram feeds of more than 350,000 people in English and Spanish over the past 30 days. The most talked about post? Highlights of the new priests being ordained. Join the conversation: www. facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald.

On YouTube in July so far, videos produced by the Catholic News Herald have been viewed more than 21,000 times. The most popular video? “Meet our newest priests”

In June and through July 10, 55,500 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 95,400 pages. The top 10 trending headlines are:

Letters policy

The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be written from a perspective of Christian charity.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry, form letters or petitions. Items submitted to The Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

E-mail: catholicnews@rcdoc.org Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

You b elong here

Longing for joy and connection?

Come be nourished in a welcoming community of Catholics just like you. Come be inspired by our new Bishop Michael Martin and walk with Jesus in one of the nation’s largest Eucharistic processions.

Meet Bishop Michael Martin Hear speakers including soccer-pro-turned-priest

Chase Hilgenblinck, and Fr. Robert Spitzer of EWTN’s “Fr. Spitzer’s Universe”

Praise and worship with GMA Dove Award-nominated singer Sarah Kroger

new St. Maximilian Kolbe movie, “Triumph of the Heart”