Sept. 20, 2024

At a glance

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Volume 33 • NUMBER 23

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

Contact us 2

Español 18-19

Our Diocese 4-15

Our Faith 3

Our Schools 16-17

Scripture 3,

FallCATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

has a certain spiritual air and is a great time to pause and remember the angels among us. These purely spiritual beings are powerful messengers, guardians and agents of God’s will, but it can be easy to forget to call on them in times of need. In September, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Sept. 29 and the Feast of Guardian Angels Oct. 2. Call on these angels for just about any need or intention you may have.

STAFF

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Diocesan calendar of events

EVENTS

PIVETTA DUO OPENS 2024 SEASON OF ARTS AT THE ABBEY: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at Mary Help of Christians Basilica, Belmont Abbey College (Exit 26 on I-85) in Belmont. Arts at the Abbey’s 2024 season opener will feature Pivetta Duo. Their program will consist of classical music and jazz including music by Boulanger, Bizet, Puccini, Jobim and more. Free, donations accepted.

FREE MEDICARE SEMINAR : 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. W., Hendersonville. The last of three free, unbiased seminars presented by Abby Landry from the Council on Aging of Buncombe County and hosted by Catholic

PRAY TO ST. MICHAEL FOR PROTECTION

St. Michael is perhaps the most invoked archangel. Depicted as a warrior wearing armor and brandishing a sword, he has a formidable presence in art and in the spiritual realm. He is known for his appearance in the Book of Revelation, leading God’s armies against Satan’s forces during the apocalyptic war in heaven. Many parishes will pray the St. Michael Prayer after Mass, a powerful invocation that calls on the archangel to “defend us in battle” and “be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.” Use the QR code to find more prayers to St. Michael and the heavenly host in “St. Michael and the Angels: A Month with St. Michael and the Holy Angels” compiled by TAN Books.

PRAY TO ST. RAPHAEL FOR HEALING AND GRACE

St. Raphael may be the least familiar of the three archangels. Noted for his wisdom and grace, he is depicted in the Book of Tobit, and unlike the other archangels who only make brief appearances, he stays for the entire story. St. Raphael accompanies Tobias as he travels to retrieve money left by his father in another town, helping him along the way and arranging for his marriage to Sarah while performing miracles. He’s the patron of those looking for a spouse and those in search of a friend. Sometimes called the “medicine of God,” he’s also the patron of travelers, youth, blind people, pharmacists, sick people and anyone in search of physical or spiritual healing. Find a St. Raphael novena for these intentions at www. catholicnovenaapp.com and get to know more about him in the eBook “St. Raphael: The Angel of Marriage, of Healing, of Happy Meetings, of Joy and of Travel.”

PRAY TO ST. GABRIEL FOR FAITH AND COURAGE

St. Gabriel is most well-known for appearing to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. She responded with her “fiat,” agreeing to become the mother of God’s only Son, displaying great faith and courage –virtues both saints can help us attain. Help the kids in your life understand St. Gabriel’s role and those of the other archangels in “How the Angels Got Their Wings” by Anthony DeStefano.

— Annie Ferguson

Charities Elder Ministry. This seminar is an invaluable resource for those new to Medicare, people turning 65, caregivers, and anyone transitioning from group health plans. RSVP to Sandra Breakfield, Elder Ministry program director, at 704370-3220 or email sandrab@ccdoc.org.

DAY OF REFLECTION AT PENNYBYRN: Pennybyrn and Catholic Charities Elder Ministry will host a Day of Reflection on Wednesday, Oct. 16, “Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul,” led by Pennybyrn’s chaplain, Father Stephen Hoyt. Includes Mass and a virtual tour of Pennybyrn’s facilities. It is free but space is limited, so please register by Monday, Oct. 7, to secure your spot. Contact Sandra Breakfield, Elder Ministry program director, at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.

PRAYER SERVICES

DIVINE MERCY DAY OF HEALING 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Held on the feast day of St. Faustina, the program will focus on “Embracing Divine Mercy: Unveiling the Seven Secrets of Divine Mercy.” Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. in the church, followed by a continental breakfast and program in the NLC Banquet Room.

CANDLELIT ROSARY WALK : 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, Riverside Park, 305 Tappan St., Spruce Pine. Hosted by St. Lucien Parish in honor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. All are welcome. RSVP for a candle and updates: jacqueline.hinshaw@ outlook.com.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR LOSS OF A CHILD : 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, St. Michael Church, 708 St. Michaels Lane, Gastonia. All families who have suffered child loss through miscarriage or infant death are welcome to this opportunity to offer prayers together, record the names of their children in a Book of Remembrance, and find solace in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Refreshments after Mass. SUPPORT GROUPS

MARRIAGE SUPPORT: Fall Retrouvaille retreat Sept. 27-29 in the Charlotte area. For married couples struggling with challenges in their relationship, not communicating well, or considering separation or divorce. Call Bill and Lyn Folsom at 727-343-6701 or email 3062ac@helpourmarriage.org.

September 20, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The San Damiano Cross

EDITOR’S NOTE: In honor of the upcoming feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, we take a closer look at the cross closely associated with this famous saint.

TheSan Damiano Cross is the one St. Francis was praying before when he received the commission from the Lord to rebuild His Church. All Franciscans cherish his cross as the symbol of their mission from God.

It is an icon cross, meant to teach the meaning of the crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ – thereby strengthening the faith of the people at a time when most were illiterate.

The painter is unknown, but the tradition of such crosses began in the Eastern Catholic Church and was transported by monks to the region of Umbria in Italy in the 12th century.

1. The most striking element of the San Damiano Cross is the figure of Christ. It is not the body of a corpse, but of God Himself, radiating the hope of the Resurrection. He looks directly at us with a compassionate gaze. He does not hang on the cross, but rather seems to be supporting it, standing upright. His hands are not cramped from being nailed to the wood, but rather spread out serenely in an attitude of supplication and blessing. His eyes are open, and He looks out to the world, which He has saved. His vestment is a simple loincloth, a symbol of both High Priest and Victim. He is a figure of light, giving light to the other figures: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This cross does not express the brute horror of death by crucifixion, but rather the nobility and gentleness of eternal life.

2. Behind Christ’s outstretched arms is His empty tomb, shown as a black rectangle. Christ is alive and standing over the tomb. The gestures of the unknown saints at His hands indicate faith. Could these be Peter and John at the empty tomb? (See John 20:3-9.)

3. Around the crossbar of the cross we see a company of angels, looking in awe upon the Divine Sacrifice. Their hand gestures indicate their animated discussion of this wondrous event.

4. To the left, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist – “His Mother and the disciple whom He loved” – stand together at the foot of the cross. Mary’s mantle is white, meaning victory (Rev 3:5), purification (Rev 7:14) and good deeds (Rev 19:8). Gems on her mantle refer to the graces of the Holy Spirit. The dark red worn underneath indicate intense love, while the inner dress is purple, symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 26:1-4). Mary’s left hand is raised to her cheek – signaling her acceptance and love of John. Her right hand points to John while her eyes proclaim acceptance of Christ’s words, “Woman, behold your son... “ (John 19:26). The blood drips onto John at this moment. John’s mantle is rose color, indicating eternal wisdom, while his tunic is white, indicating purity. His position between Jesus and Mary is fitting for the disciple loved by both. He looks at Mary, “Son, behold your Mother,” but points to Christ.

5. The shape of the cross has changed to enable the artist to include all who participated in the Passion drama. Note that the arms of the cross lift to Christ’s right – indicating that the Good Thief, traditionally called Dismas, went to heaven – while the left hand dips, as the other thief did not. The icon has 33 figures, representing the 33 years of Christ’s earthly life: two Christ figures, one Hand of the Father, five major figures, two smaller figures, 14 angels, two unknown at His hands, one small boy, and six unknown saints at the bottom of the cross. There are also 33 nail heads along the frame, just inside the shells, and seven around the halo.

Daily Scripture readings

SEPT. 22-28

It is painted on walnut. More than likely, it was painted for San Damiano to hang over the altar because the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved in non-parish churches of those times, especially those that had been abandoned and neglected as San Damiano had been.

In 1257 the Poor Clares left San Damiano for San Giorgio and took the San Damiano Cross with them. They carefully kept it for 700 years.

It was placed on public view for the first time in modern times in Holy Week of 1957, over the new altar in San Giorgio’s Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Chiarra (St. Clare) in Assisi, Italy.

An icon is a representation of the living God, and by coming into its presence it becomes a personal encounter with the sacred, through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The San Damiano Cross is then a personal encounter with the transfigured Christ –God made man – inviting us all to take part in it with a lively and lived faith, just as St. Francis did.

Here’s a closer look at this famous icon:

From within the semi-circle at the very top of the icon, He whom no eye has seen reveals Himself, extending His right hand in benediction. His extended fingers symbolize the Holy Spirit, given by the Father to all because of the merits of Christ’s Passion.

Above Christ’s head is a portrayal of the Ascension: He emerges from a red circle, holding a golden cross that is now His scepter, as angels welcome Him into heaven. His garments are gold, a symbol of royalty and victory. His red scarf is a sign of His Kingship, exercised in love. IHS are the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus. The little bracket above indicates it is shorthand. “NAZARE” is “the Nazarene,” “REX” is “king” and “IUDEORUM” is “of the Jews.”

8. Around the cross are various calligraphic scrolls that may signify the mystical vine (From John 15: “I am the vine, you are the branches...”). The seashells symbolize eternity, vast and timeless as the sea.

9. To the right stand St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary Cleophas (believed to be the mother of James) and the Centurion. The Centurion holds a piece of wood in his left hand, indicating his building of the Synagogue (Luke 7:1-10). The little boy beyond his shoulder is his son healed by Jesus. The three heads behind the boy show “he and his whole household believed” (John 4:45-54). The Centurion extends his thumb and two fingers, a symbol of the Trinity, while his two closed fingers symbolize Christ’s humanity

In the lower right-hand and left-hand corners are small figures of the Roman soldier Longinus and the Jewish temple guard Stephaton – one holding the lance that pierced the Savior’s side, the other holding a stick with a vinegar-soaked sponge.

Near the border of the cross on the right, just below the level of Christ’s knees, is a small rooster. This recalls the denial of St. Peter, who wept bitterly, and reminds us we should not be presumptuous of the strength of our faith. The rooster also proclaims the new dawn of the Risen Christ. At the base of the cross there appears to be a section that looks like a rock, the symbol of the Church.

At the very bottom of the cross, the original artist depicts six saints. Their visages were damaged over the centuries and are now unrecognizable. Scholars theorize they are Sts. Damian, Rufinus, Michael, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul – all patrons of churches in the Assisi area. St. Damian was the patron of the church that housed the cross, and St. Rufinus was the patron of Assisi.

— Sources: Father Michael Scanlon, T.O.R., Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province, USA; www.monasteryicons.com

Sunday (Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time): Wis 2:12, 17-20, Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6, 8, Jas 3:16-4:3, Mk 9:30-37; Monday (St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest): Prv 3:27-34, Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc4ab, 5, Lk 8:16-18; Tuesday: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13, Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44, Lk 8:19-21; Wednesday: Prv 30:5-9, Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163, Lk 9:1-6; Thursday: Eccl 1:2-11, Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17bc, Lk 9:7-9; Friday (St. Vincent de Paul, priest): Eccl 3:1-11, Ps 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4, Lk 9:18-22; Saturday: Eccl 11:9-12:8, Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17, Lk 9:43B-45

SEPT. 29-OCT. 5

Sunday (Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time): Nm 11:25-29, Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14, Jas 5:1-6, Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Monday (St. Jerome, priest and Doctor of the Church): Jb 1:6-22, Ps 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7, Lk 9:46-50; Tuesday (St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and Doctor of the Church): Jb 3:13, 11-17, 20-23, Ps 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8, Lk 9:51-56; Wednesday (Holy Guardian Angels): Jb 9:1-12, 14-16, Ps 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15, Mt 18:1-5, 10; Thursday: Jb 19:21-27, Ps 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14, Lk 10:1-12; Friday (St. Francis of Assisi): Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5, Ps 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab, Lk 10:13-16; Saturday: Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17, Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130, Lk 10:17-24;

OCT. 6-12

Sunday (Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time): Gn 2:18-24, Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6, Heb 2:9-11, Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12; Monday (Our Lady of the Rosary): Gal 1:6-12, Ps 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9, 10c, Lk 10:25-37; Tuesday: Gal 1:13-24, Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15, Lk 10:38-42; Wednesday: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14, Ps 117:1bc, 2, Lk 11:1-4; Thursday: Gal 3:1-5, Lk 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75, Lk 11:5-13; Friday: Gal 3:7-14, Ps 111:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6, Lk 11:15-26; Saturday: Gal 3:22-29, Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Lk 11:27-28

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In Brief

Life & Family Conference set for Saturday, Sept. 28

CHARLOTTE — Everyone is welcome to a day of formation and education focused on marriage, family and pro-life work on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Life & Family Conference, sponsored by the diocese’s Family Life Office.

This year’s event, themed “Cultural Challenges & Catholic Faith,” will be held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte. Experience dynamic, nationally known speakers and panel discussions about fostering hope and love in family life, strengthening marriages, and other life-affirming topics.

The conference will kick off at 9 a.m. Mass will be offered. Lunch and refreshments are included, and child care is available for an additional fee.

There is a cost, and advance online registration is preferred. For more information and to register, go online to www. charlottediocese.org/faith-life/family-life/lifefamily-conference.

American Red Cross honors Catholic Charities’ work

ASHEVILLE — Catholic Charities’ Western Region Office Director Jesse Boeckermann was recently honored by the American Red Cross for his team’s response in 2021 to flooding from Tropical Storm Fred in Haywood County and throughout western North Carolina.

The Disaster Services Hero Award, recognizing Catholic Charities’ work to bring hope and relief to families affected by the severe flooding, was presented Sept. 10 at the Red Cross’ “Salute to WNC Heroes” event at AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College. In 2021, just eight months into his role as the Western Region Director for Catholic Charities, Boeckermann faced a significant challenge when flooding devastated Haywood County. Boeckermann and his team coordinated critical “second-line” response efforts, providing essential case management services and financial assistance to help affected families rebuild their lives. His leadership ensured that local responses like that from Catholic Charities remained robust even after larger organizations had left.

“Under Jesse’s guidance, Catholic Charities remains a beacon of hope, demonstrating that compassion and local action can transform lives long after the initial crisis has passed,” said Mari Peterson with the Red Cross.

“A special thanks to Kristen Pollock, our former AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, for the nomination,” Boeckermann said. “We’re grateful to the Red Cross for recognizing the work of Catholic Charities and other organizations serving those in need in western North Carolina.”

Celebrating a saint: St. Teresa of Calcutta teaches us to see others through the eyes of Christ

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Through songs and prayer, people joined with Bishop Michael Martin Sept. 5 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church to celebrate St. Teresa of Calcutta and the local work of the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order she founded.

The Mass in honor of St. Teresa’s feast day drew a large and diverse crowd from the Charlotte area, from children and teens to families and senior citizens. The four Missionaries of Charity sisters who serve in the Charlotte area sat up front, clad in their distinctive blue and white habits.

St. Teresa, more well known as Mother Teresa, founded the order of sisters in 1950 to work among the poorest of the poor in India. The order quickly spread around the world and as of 2023 had more than 5,750 sisters who serve in 139 countries. The sisters staff homes for the sick and dying, provide medical care, education, social assistance and other relief for the poor worldwide.

The Missionaries of Charity will soon celebrate 30 years of serving in Charlotte. In 1995 Mother Teresa visited the city and established a convent at the invitation of then Bishop William Curlin, who was a close friend and confessor of hers. The sisters provide food, an afterschool program and other services for the poor in east Charlotte, not far from where Our Lady of the Assumption Church is located.

Before the Mass started, the parish choir sang a moving rendition of “Whatsoever You Do,” a hymn that describes the corporal works of mercy and how they are connected to love for Jesus. It also reflects the work of the Missionaries of Charity, who serve the poor and marginalized worldwide.

Bishop Martin said he was happy to visit Our Lady of the Assumption Church for the first time on St. Teresa’s feast day.

“I’m happy to come and celebrate the great feast that holds up this simple woman who changed the world,” he said. “St. Teresa of Calcutta taught us so much through simplicity. She helped us focus on Christ in the simple, in the poor.”

He started his homily off by saying he lived most of his life without having to wear glasses, but was forced to start in the past few years and still struggles with seeing properly through them. This is a metaphor, he said, for how everyday people struggle to see the needs of others and to look at the world as Christ did, to use Christ as the lens by which they view the world around them.

Only with that kind of Christ-like view, the bishop said, are people truly able to reach out to others in need and serve them with love – as St. Teresa did.

“When we do understand our lives being called to that way of life, it encourages us to do it more and more and more,” he said. “I dare say, the presence of the Missionaries of Charity in our community does the very same thing for all of us. They encourage us to see the world differently – more and more to be able to see Christ in those who are most marginalized.”

He said St. Teresa’s example can help people overcome the allure of the world’s focus on materialism that often leaves their

eyes “broken” and unable to recognize the needs of others.

“St. Teresa of Calcutta is that correction,” he said. “She gives us glasses to see properly … to be able to see the world as Jesus saw the world.”

The evening’s music captured the mood of the feast day, with songs focused on giving and sharing God’s love. The final hymn, “Immaculate Mary,” reflected St. Teresa’s dedication to the Blessed Mother.

After Mass, the crowd joined Bishop Martin and the sisters for a reception and meal.

Sister Justus, regional superior for the Mothers of Charity, came from Missouri for the event. She took a break from talking with well-wishers to say the bishop’s homily captured St. Teresa of Calcutta’s work beautifully.

“We don’t have to go to far lands to look for the poor – we can find them in our own community and in our own families,” Sister Justus said. “We also need to remember something St. Teresa said: that to be a saint is not the luxury of the few. It’s the duty of all of us – to try to be holy, to live like a saint and to serve others.”

Pamela Decosta has worked as a volunteer with the sisters in Charlotte for more than a decade. She marveled at the large congregation that included people from the local Hispanic, Burmese and Vietnamese communities.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people coming out to honor her,” she said.

Who was St. Teresa of Calcutta?

Teresa

On Sept. 10, 1946, St. Teresa, while serving as a Loreto sister, was inspired by God to start a new order devoted to the poorest of the poor. She received approval from the Archbishop of Calcutta and the Vatican and, in August 1948, she left the Loreto convent to minister in Calcutta’s slums. Twelve women she had taught at the convent joined her work. On Oct. 7, 1950, the Calcutta archbishop erected the Missionaries of Charity as a diocesan congregation, and the order quickly grew. Today, Missionaries of Charity sisters worldwide care for the sick and dying, orphans, people with mental illness, AIDS patients, the hungry and the homeless. Mother Teresa died in 1997 and was canonized by Pope Francis on Sept. 4, 2016. Her feast day is celebrated Sept. 5.

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A Mass in honor of St. Teresa of Calcutta, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was offered Sept. 5 by Bishop Michael Martin. The Missionaries of Charity will soon celebrate 30 years of serving in Charlotte.

Boeckermann

Mother

Red Mass calls lawyers to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Lawyers, judges and other legal professionals gathered for a special celebration Sept. 11 at St. Patrick Cathedral to pray that the Holy Spirit would guide them in their work.

Called the Red Mass, the celebration has its roots in 13th-century Europe, when it was started by Pope Innocent IV in 1243 for the Ecclesial Judicial Court. The tradition spread and now Red Masses – so called because the clergy wear red vestments for the liturgy, a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit – are celebrated in many nations to mark the beginning of the judicial year. In the U.S., a Red Mass is usually offered in conjunction with the opening of the U.S. Supreme Court session each fall.

This was the first Red Mass offered in the Diocese of Charlotte since 2019 and the first such celebration for Bishop Michael Martin.

Bishop Martin said the Red Mass offered a chance to celebrate freedom “and the glory of God made manifest in the ways our society has constructed laws for the administration of justice.”

The bishop began his homily with a dose of his signature humor. Looking out at the congregation of about 75 people, he quipped that the line “75 lawyers and a bishop walk into a bar” came to mind.

Switching to a more serious tone, Bishop Martin said the Red Mass is an important opportunity for people in the legal field to reflect on living out their faith through their work.

Those who serve in the legal profession must balance what is legal with what is just – living their lives within God’s call to follow the “greater good,” he said. “Are we rooted in this greater calling to be sons and daughters of God, and does our life reflect that?”

The day’s Gospel reading from Luke (6:20-26), which recounts Jesus preaching the Beatitudes, gives the answer and “calls us to something greater,” he said.

St. Thomas More, the patron of lawyers, was similarly called to the greater good –even to the point of giving up his life for what he believed was right, Bishop Martin noted.

He urged those present to use the practice of law to work for the greater good at all times.

“Try to find ways to elevate the legal, the foundational, to some greater level of justice,” he said. “That sometimes is within your capacity, within your grasp, within your power. Make that your goal and you will have sacrificed for the greater good.”

Bishop Martin also reflected on the significance of the Red Mass falling on the memorial of Sept. 11.

“This date reminds us that freedom is fragile and it cannot be torn down by demagogues who have an agenda that has nothing to do with justice, that has

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Morganton Knights support pregnancy care center

MORGANTON — Knights of Columbus Council 9579 recently presented a donation of $2,701 to the Pregnancy Care Center of Burke County, proceeds from its annual Baby Bottle Fundraiser. This annual fundraiser spans from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day and asks parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Parish to fill a baby bottle with their donations. Pictured are (from left):

CHARLOTTE — The N.C. Supreme Court heard arguments Sept. 18 about challenges related to the state’s 2019 SAFE Child Act. The Act temporarily suspended the state’s statute of limitations in 2020-2021 to allow adults who allege they were sexually abused as children to bring lawsuits in civil court that would otherwise be barred due to the passage of time.

Claimants used this “revival provision” to file claims against alleged abusers and

a

Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral on Sept. 11 for members of the legal profession, including attorneys and judges, encouraging them to seek the greater good in their work.

absolutely nothing to do with freedom,” he said. “May we also step beyond our comfort zone to defend the freedom that we’ve been given, that’s been entrusted to us.”

The Mass was followed by a reception featuring guest speaker U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Conrad, director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

Conrad is also the author of “John Fisher and Thomas More: Keeping Their Souls Without Losing Their Head.”

His speech reflected on the lives of St. Thomas More and others who put their faith first no matter what occupation they pursued.

Conrad encouraged the attendees to consider how law can be practiced as a witness for Christ’s message to the world. Being called to a mission of serving God “is not occupationally limited,” he said.

“There is not one spiritually correct career path,” he said. “Each of us is called to a mission created and linked uniquely to us. … What’s important is the movement of the heart within a certain field to do all for the glory of God.”

Attendee Kathleen Dooley was happy to see the Red Mass return after a fouryear hiatus and drove from Lake Wylie in South Carolina to participate. Originally from New Jersey where the Red Mass was a common occurrence, she helped start the Red Mass tradition in the Charlotte diocese in 2007 after moving to the region. She recalled that the inaugural event was a very simple affair with a reception “that was more of a potluck dinner.”

Attorney Josh Davey also enjoyed the evening and the message.

“It’s wonderful to see the new bishop

address the legal community and remind us of our daily calling,” Davey said.

About the St. Thomas More Society

The 2024 Red Mass was organized by the St. Thomas More Society of Charlotte. Named for the patron saint of lawyers, the society promotes Catholic virtue in practicing law and seeks to defend life, family and religious freedom.

The Charlotte group is sponsored by members of the North Carolina Bar who believe that the legal profession is a high calling in which the principal objective of every lawyer should be to promote and seek justice in society. Through fellowship with like-minded lawyers, the group strives to support its members in their spiritual growth and in incorporating Christian principles and the pursuit of truth in their spiritual and professional lives. The Charlotte group also encourages interfaith understanding and community, in part through the Red Mass, to invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit for the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement and other members of the legal community.

N.C. Supreme Court weighs legality of abuse act

their employers, including the Diocese of Charlotte, other churches, schools, the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, and a volunteer fire department, among others.

The court heard arguments about:

n whether the revival window was unconstitutional under a long line of N.C. Supreme Court decisions holding that once a statute of limitations has expired, it cannot be revived by the legislature.

n whether the Act intended to revive

claims of abuse against abusers only, or whether their employers could also be sued in the revival window.

n whether the Act revived claims that had already been resolved in a final judgment.

n whether one plaintiff followed proper notification requirements in pursuing her claim.

Claims brought against the Charlotte diocese relate to historical allegations,

Financial Secretary Jack Vadnais, Grand Knight TJ Robinson, Deputy Grand Knight Rudy Medina, the care center’s Executive Director Miranda Boughman, Treasurer Mike Buff, Gerry Shaw and St. Charles Borromeo Stewardship Chair Jenny Brown.

Business, political leaders visit, support Room at The Inn

GREENSBORO — Top business and political leaders visited Room At The Inn’s maternity shelter in Greensboro Sept. 4 to discuss how to support women and children in need. Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods; Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute; Jorge Martinez, Hispanic outreach strategist for America First Policy Institute; and North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson participated in a discussion with some of the organization’s current and previous clients. They talked about their Hispanic and pro-life outreach projects, and Goya Foods gave Room At The Inn two pallets of food to be sent regularly to the Greensboro shelter, which helps single, pregnant women and single mothers with children experiencing homelessness to build lives of independence.

— Annie Ferguson

some dating back to the 1950s, times from which few, if any, records or witnesses remain. Several claims do not identify an abuser or specify where or when alleged abuse occurred.

The names of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse who served in the diocese since its founding in 1972 are published on its accountability website, accountability.charlottediocese.org. — Catholic News Herald

Bishop Michael Martin celebrated

Red

It was the first Red Mass offered in the Diocese of Charlotte since 2019.

More

Engaging with God takes work, spiritually and practically, bishop preaches Bishop Martin

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

GASTONIA — The “spiritual aerobics” of Mass – standing, kneeling, bowing and sitting – illustrate the real-world effort necessary to build up the Kingdom of God, especially in our families and with others, Bishop Michael Martin preached Sept. 7 at St. Michael Church.

More than 700 people came to the Mass to meet the new bishop, on his first visit to the Gastonia parish as he continues his travels around the diocese. The bilingual liturgy – concelebrated by pastor Father Lucas Rossi and priest in residence Father José Juya – was a memorial of the parish’s patron saint, St. Michael, and the other archangels, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, who share a feast day on Sept. 29.

At the start of Mass, Bishop Martin drew chuckles from the congregation when he called St. Michael the “greatest” of the three archangels, not “just because it’s my name, but because it’s our name,” gesturing broadly to the congregation.

Continuing on a serious note in his homily, Bishop Martin called St. Michael an example of the “divine activity” that happens with God, as described in the special Mass readings from Daniel (7:9-10, 13-14), Revelation (12:7-12ab) and the Gospel of John (1:47-51).

“When we engage with God, there will always be activity – ‘ascending and descending,’” the bishop said, quoting from John’s Gospel.

“Many non-Catholics have poked fun with our liturgical celebrations … referring to them as some form of spiritual aerobics: ‘They’re up and down and up and down. What is all this activity about? Why can’t we just sit and listen? Let me just sit in the back pew and listen.’”

“No!” the bishop exclaimed.

visits St. Michael Church to offer special feast day Mass

During a recent visit to St.

in

Martin preached that the “spiritual aerobics” of Mass illustrate the work it takes to strengthen one’s faith. “The work of engaging with God is not a sleepy, quiet resting place, but rather a place of bustling activity,” he said. “That activity is purposeful: its purpose is to transform … the world into a kingdom of praise.”

“The work of engaging with God is not a sleepy, quiet resting place, but rather a place of bustling activity,” he said. “That activity is purposeful: its purpose is to transform … the world into a kingdom of praise” by rejecting sin and sharing the hopeful message of the Gospel.

“To do God’s work, we have to (remove) from our lives the sin, the brokenness, the temptation that is there for all of us,” he said.

That work is tough – in fact, “it’s truly a battle,” he continued. Yet it’s a battle that “with God’s help and St. Michael’s

intercession, we are promised to win.”

“I’ve seen that victory in my own life. Have you seen it in yours?” he asked the congregation.

“We have to … preach that we have seen the death of sin in our own life, we have to see that progress, and we have to be willing to share that with others,” he said, letting others know “there is hope to overcome sin and death.”

HOW DO WE BUILD UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

“Practically speaking,” Bishop Martin said, the spiritual activity of building up

God’s kingdom means doing three things: reaching out to the poor and marginalized, living the faith in our family life, and building up unity in Christ.

“First and foremost, we need to address the evil of poverty and loneliness that is isolating so many people in our community,” he said.

That doesn’t mean only “the destitute poor,” he explained. It includes “all those who have been marginalized, all those who feel left out for whatever reason.”

“We cannot hope to grow as a community of faith unless we have the people on the margins as our first priority – not necessarily the people seated here today,” Bishop Martin said.

“Our parish mission cannot simply be for all of us already here. That’s selfserving. That’s not the mission of the Gospel,” he said. “We’re not here for ourselves. We are here for the world. We need to be inviting the world, as Jesus does, to be with us.”

Building up God’s kingdom also means living our faith at home, Bishop Martin said.

“We’re not Catholics to be in church,” he said. “Your homes are the epicenter” of spiritual work.

“It’s no big surprise why fewer and fewer people come to church,” he said. “It’s because church has become an isolated moment for them that doesn’t connect to the rest of their family lives.”

The parish’s school is a vital part of that family-based spiritual work, Bishop Martin noted.

St. Michael School, he said, is “a wonderful resource for all of us … where the life of Christ is celebrated in learning, where the life of Christ is celebrated in serving, where the life of Christ is celebrated in loving.”

Everyone at the parish, whether or not they have children enrolled at the school, should support, invest in and expand that resource, he said.

Bishop Martin also called St. Michael’s diverse congregation of 800-plus registered families to be unified in Christ.

“Regardless of our age, our race, our country of origin, our language, or any other of the identifiers of life in 21stcentury America, we are all one body, one community,” he said.

“Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘While there is one poor man, I cannot be rich.’ Think about that,” he said. “I cannot celebrate the fullness of the divine activity, ‘ascending and descending,’ if we’re not doing it together.”

“As much as we want to share and celebrate all of our differences … as a beautiful tapestry created by God,” he said, “we cannot let that allow us to devolve into separate groups that never really fully come to know, love, and be with each other in the work of ‘ascending and descending.’”

This last point resonated with St. Michael parishioners Wendy and Marlon Franco.

“That really stood out: one community, one body. I loved that he said that,” Wendy Franco said.

“Yes,” Marlon Franco agreed.

“Regardless of our race or language, we are one body in Christ.”

Parishioner Kim Watson liked the fact Bishop Martin delivered his homily in both English and Spanish, commending his Spanish skills and his powerful homily.

“I think his message was exactly what we need for our times,” she said. “We have to exude joy.”

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Michael Parish

Gastonia, Bishop Michael

Parishes to host Blessing of Animals

CHARLOTTE — Pet parents of the furry, hooved, feathery and scaly are invited to bring their beloved animals to receive a special blessing at parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte in the coming days.

Annual Blessings of the Animals are held in honor of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis

n Our Lady of the Mountains Church, 315 North 5th St., Highlands. Noon Thursday, Oct. 3, on the church lawn.

n Sacred Heart Church, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury. 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

n St. Aloysius Church, 921 2nd St. N.E., Hickory. Blessing of the Animals after the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, Oct. 4, at the main entrance.

of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology. Pet owners know the special role their animals play in their lives as a source of unconditional love and stress relief, and pet blessings are a chance to share the love of God with these special creatures. Events already scheduled include:

n St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Noon Saturday, Sept. 28, in the Pet Memorial Garden.

n St. Frances of Rome Mission, 29 Highland Dr., Sparta. 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.

n St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, in the courtyard.

n St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328-B Woodsway Lane N.W., Lenoir. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, outside the church main doors.

n St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, in the courtyard.

n St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Saturday, Oct. 5, after the 9 a.m. Mass.

n St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Marian grotto.

n St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, in the church garden.

n St. Francis of Assisi Church, 167 St. Francis Place, Jefferson. 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Go to www.catholicnewsherald.com for updates as more events are planned.

— Amelia Kudela

Postcards from Rome

Bishop Michael Martin is in Rome until Sept. 26 for a meeting of newly ordained bishops from around the world. While he’s in the Eternal City, he’s sharing his experiences with the faithful back home. Pictured above, he and the Diocese of Charlotte’s three seminarians who are studying in Rome – John Harrison (back right), Gabriel Lugo (front left) and Ronan Ostendorf (back left) – enjoy pizza in the popular Trastevere neighborhood. Check out what Bishop Martin is doing and saying – go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com

Presbyteral Council officers, members announced

CHARLOTTE — New officers and members have been selected for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Presbyteral Council, a group that advises the bishop in governing the diocese.

Officers for the 2024-25 session are:

n Chairman: Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe

n Vice Chairman: Father Christian Cook, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro

n Secretary: Father Matthew Codd, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte

n Treasurer: Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville and judicial vicar for the diocese

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.,

serves as president of the Presbyteral Council.

Clergy elected to the Presbyteral Council to serve a three-year term from 2024 to 2027 are: Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill; Father Stephen Hoyt, chaplain of Pennybyrn; Father Roberts; and Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

Other members of the Presbyteral Council are listed on the diocese’s website, www.charlottediocese.org.

Required by Church law, the Presbyteral Council represents all priests in the diocese and is “like a senate of the bishop” (Code of Canon Law 495 §1), with about half the members elected by priests and others appointed by the bishop. — Catholic News Herald

Belmont Abbey College to host symposium on the establishment of Catholicism in the South

BELMONT — As part of commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of its founder, Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid, Belmont Abbey College will host a special gathering focused on how Catholicism took root in the South.

The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South will be held Oct. 11-12 and aims to foster scholarly engagement and collaboration across the nation about the formation and flourishing of Catholicism in the South.

Abbot Leo Haid, the founding Abbot of Belmont Abbey College and leader of the Catholic mission territory of North Carolina until his death in 1924, played a pivotal role in nurturing a burgeoning Catholic presence that not only transformed the religious landscape of the American South but also left an indelible mark on its sociopolitical, literary and cultural history.

The Haid Symposium will delve into the rich tapestry of the past century, shedding light on this remarkable legacy and celebrating a significant yet often overlooked aspect of Southern and American Catholic history. By exploring the intervening years, the symposium aims to deepen the understanding of the profound impact of Catholicism in this region.

Distinguished scholars and experts from various disciplines will converge at Belmont Abbey College to engage in a series of thoughtprovoking discussions and presentations. The symposium will feature panels such

as “Benedictine Contributions to Southern Catholicism,” “Southern Catholicism during the Civil Rights Movement” and “Southern Catholicism and the Literary Imagination: Flannery O’Connor.” These sessions will provide a platform for intellectual exchange, fostering new insights and collaborations that will shape the future of Catholic scholarship in the American South.

“We are overjoyed to host The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College. “This symposium not only builds upon Abbot Leo Haid’s rich legacy of leadership in, and fidelity to, the Catholic Church, but also highlights the profound contribution of the Belmont Abbey monastic community and their ongoing commitment to faithfully living the 1,500-year-old Rule of St. Benedict.”

Dr. Farrell O’Gorman, chair and professor of English at Belmont Abbey College, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

“The Haid Symposium provides a valuable opportunity for scholars to come together and explore the historical significance of Catholicism in the American South,” he said. “Through a closer look at Abbot Leo Haid’s legacy, we will uncover vital aspects of the region’s religious and cultural development.”

For more information about The Haid Symposium on Catholicism in the American South, including registration details and a schedule of events, go online to www. belmontabbeycollege.edu/haidsymposium. Registration is $50 for most attendees. — Belmont Abbey College

CAbundant amenities and a unique way of life

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

ere’s also the Pennybyrn di erence… and this is what truly sets us apart. You’ll nd a lovely Peace Chapel, a not-for-pro t mission to serve all faiths,

a smaller population for personalized service and inclusiveness that means your voice will always be heard.

A thoughtfully designed home

Your private residence at Pennybyrn—chosen from among a variety of oor plans and prices— will feature a bright, open design with plenty of natural light, a well equipped, modern kitchen, washer and dryer, high ceilings and a private porch, balcony or patio.

Most cottages include an attached garage or carport, and many o er a cozy replace.

Inspiring lifestyle choices

In a friendly neighborhood, and among sociable friends, you’ll explore a wealth of programs that are planned and shaped by fellow residents. Quiet times will nd you gathering in beautiful outdoor areas and inviting indoor spaces— including world-class dining choices and a true Irish Pub.

A secure future

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

PennybyrnLiving.org

Retirement Living • Assisted Living

Pictured are 2024-2025

Presbyteral Council officers (from left) Father Christian Cook, Father Benjamin Roberts, Bishop Michael Martin, Father John Putnam and Father Matthew Codd.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Haid

‘King Willie’

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

WINSTON-SALEM — Nearly every Sunday morning for the past 69 years, Willie King has taken part in the same ritual of faith and service at his home parish of St. Benedict the Moor.

He arrives before 9 a.m. at the church, an inviting red brick building perched at the crest of a rolling green lawn on East 12th Street.

He goes inside, laughing and chatting with others preparing for Mass. His demeanor changes as he dons a black cassock and white alb, then with a quiet reverence lights the candles on the altar. As Mass begins, King walks down the redcarpeted aisle, a path walked weekly since childhood, ready to perform the rubrics that are second nature to him.

Now 84, Willie King has been an altar server and coordinator of altar servers at St. Benedict the Moor for nearly 70 years, a milestone few people reach in any kind of ministry, or job for that matter. What makes it even more remarkable is that those years of service unfolded in a parish where his grandparents were among the founding families.

St. Benedict the Moor was established in 1940 to serve the Black Catholic population in Winston-Salem at a time when Jim Crow-era segregation was in effect, including at churches. Black Catholics were relegated to sitting in separate sections or at the back of churches.

“My grandparents would walk over 10 miles to St. Leo the Great, the only other church in the city at the time, every Sunday for Mass, but when they got there they could only sit in the last two rows,” King recalls.

Black Catholics in Winston-Salem appealed to the Diocese of Raleigh, which encompassed all of North Carolina at the time, and in 1940 Bishop Eugene McGuinness created St. Benedict the Moor Parish to serve the population. Before construction of the church was completed, the congregation met for Mass in private homes and at nearby Howard Robinson Funeral Home.

When St. Benedict the Moor opened in

1941, named for an African-Italian saint, King’s grandparents had only four miles to walk to Mass. And in 1943, Willie King became the first baby baptized at the new parish. Even though his mother and father weren’t Catholic, they allowed him to be raised in the faith.

“They were OK with me coming up in the Catholic Church because back then my grandparents sort of ruled the nest,” King explains with a smile.

Every Sunday almost without fail, he walked with his grandparents to Mass. “I don’t care how cold or how hot it was, we

were going to church!”

He trained to be an altar server and soon found himself serving both the 7 and 9 a.m. Masses on Sundays.

His skills were also in demand during summers in 1956 and 1957 when he attended the Diocese of Charlotte’s former Our Lady of the Hills Catholic summer camp near Hendersonville, the first racially integrated camp in the region.

King spent 12 years in Catholic schools, attending elementary school at St. Benedict Academy and high school at St. Anne Academy, now both closed. He later graduated from Tennessee State University and worked for an electrical supply company in WinstonSalem.

St. Benedict the Moor parishioner honored for 69 years of service to God

He met his wife Gloria, and they married in 1964 and attended St. Benedict the Moor all through their marriage. He loves to tell the story of how they met at a soap-box derby race in Winston-Salem where both were spectators. That race made national news, he remembers, “because someone got real wise and put a magnet in one car and cheated.”

The couple raised their daughters, Tonjua and Tawanna, in the Catholic faith, and both went on to higher education at Catholic universities.

And all through those years, King was a constant presence on the altar, serving at daily and Sunday Masses and training the parish youth how to do the same.

“I literally never remember him sitting beside our family during Mass when I was a child because he was always on the altar,” says daughter Tawanna “TK” King. “It means a lot that my dad is such an integral part of this parish. I remember seeing the kids look up to my dad, and him training them how to be altar servers.”

Like her father, TK was baptized at St. Benedict the Moor, and he trained her to become the parish’s first female altar server.

Over the years, King has played many other roles at the parish: usher, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and member of the parish council and the buildings and grounds committee. But serving at Mass is closest to his heart.

“It just comes naturally to me,” he says. “And it’s still a very important role for me because we don’t have many young people at the church these days.”

King’s dedication is noted by everyone who regularly attends St. Benedict the Moor, and his status at the parish is that of elder statesman. His nickname among friends and fellow parishioners? “King Willie.”

After a recent 9 a.m. Mass, King stood outside the church. Elegant in a blue shirt,

slacks and straw hat, he shook hands, talking and laughing with people, his conversations peppered with his quick, easy sense of humor.

Father Melchesideck Yumo, St. Benedict the Moor’s pastor, says King’s ease with everyone he meets and his strong faith have made him a beloved figure among parishioners.

“He has been a great example of fidelity and commitment to service to the altar of God,” Father Yumo says.

Fellow parishioner Harold Holmes says it is “impossible” to describe the many contributions King has made to his home church.

“He has served in more roles than we can recall,” says Holmes, chair of the parish council. “His service is just a singular

outstanding contribution to the life of the parish.”

The parish honored King in May during a special celebration marking his 69th anniversary. It was a “very emotional” event for him, King describes, a chance to see how much his service to the parish has meant to others. Although the day was dedicated to him, he still asked that the ceremony be dedicated to his late wife Gloria.

And, even with 69 years behind him, King says he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“Serving on the altar has brought me closer to my faith through the Mass,” he adds. “I’ll keep on being an altar server until they roll me out.”

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Willie King, 84, known as “King Willie” to friends, has been an altar server and coordinator of altar servers at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Greensboro for 69 years. In 1943, he was the first baby baptized in the parish.

‘Our faith calls us to pray, work and advocate for protections that allow all laborers to thrive.’

Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak

Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Bishop Mark J. Seitz Diocese of El Paso, Texas

Work is important to human dignity, common good

EDITOR’S NOTE

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is highlighting the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching as part of its year-long 75th anniversary celebration. This week, the focus is on “the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.” The Church teaches that the economy must serve people, not the other way around.

Work is more than a way to make money, the Church teaches. The true purpose of work is to promote human dignity, contribute to the common good and participate in God’s creation.

Every person has worth, and work should help fulfill this God-given dignity.

“(T)he vocation that God gives us is so good: to create, to re-create, to work,” Pope Francis has said.

“(W)ork is none other than the continuation of God’s work: human work is man’s vocation received from God at the end of the creation of the universe.”

All jobs are important and should be respected, no matter how “low” or “high” they may seem.

However, the pope adds, working conditions must be safe and just, and the dignity of all workers must be respected.

“Every injustice inflicted on a person who works tramples on human dignity; and also the dignity of the one who does this injustice,” he said.

If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must also be respected – the right to productive work, to fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

Fair pay and respect for all workers, regardless of their job or status, is essential. Also essential are safe and just working conditions, as well as having a healthy work-life balance.

The Church promotes fair wages and protection of workers’ rights, and all Catholics are encouraged to support and advocate for the right to employment, fair wages and respectful treatment of all workers.

In a Labor Day statement earlier this month, the U.S. bishops repeated the call for Catholics to “recommit ourselves to building together a society that honors the human dignity of all who labor.”

Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who respectively chair the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Committee on Migration, said, “Our faith calls us to pray, work and advocate for protections that allow all laborers to thrive.”

Citing Scripture, Catholic social teaching and papal encyclicals, they pointed to the Church’s “long history of proclaiming the essential role labor plays in helping people to live out their human dignity” as children of God.

That dignity is threatened by a number of factors, they said – including low wages, declining union representation, lack of protection for immigrant laborers and the erosion of child labor laws.

“We know it does not have to be this way,” they said.

Amid such threats to human dignity, the Catholic Church “offers a vision for the future that does not require our society to choose between a thriving economy, economic justice, dignified conditions for all workers, and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” they said, adding, “Let us strive without ceasing to protect the sacredness of human life and together build a society that respects and uplifts each person’s human dignity.”

HOW DOES CATHOLIC CHARITIES HELP?

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte leads several efforts to help people find employment, including its Refugee Resettlement Employment Services, which helps adult refugees, asylum-seekers and qualified immigrants find and keep jobs.

The staff provides counseling to get clients ready for work, helps them find job openings, and supports them after they get a job.

When refugees first arrive, Catholic Charities staff shows them what the local work environment is like and makes a plan to help them get hired.

The staff also works closely with businesses in the Charlotte area to find the best jobs for participants and offer support to ensure job retention.

The Refugee Resettlement program also provides training to help refugees understand the American work culture –covering essential topics such as how to look for a job, how to apply, how to do well in an interview, and how to succeed in an American workplace.

— David Long. OSV News contributed.

Get involved with Catholic Charities

Join Catholic Charities in its mission to help those in need and spread the love of

LEARN MORE: Visit www.ccdoc.org or call Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Employment Services Staff at 704-370-3252 to discover how Catholic Charities is making a difference in the Diocese of Charlotte.

DONATE: Consider donating to Catholic Charities at www.ccdoc.org/donate. Your generous contribution can change lives.

VOLUNTEER: Make a direct impact by volunteering with Catholic Charities or becoming an employer for refugees resettled through Catholic Charities. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at www. ccdoc.org/volunteer or call the Refugee Resettlement Employment Services Staff at 704-370-3252.

OSV NEWS | MARCO BELLO, REUTERS

Mexican migrant workers pick blueberries during a harvest at a farm in Lake Wales, Florida, in 2020.

Christ:

THE DIGNITY OF WORK

“Let us ask Saint Joseph...that he might help us fight for the dignity of work so that there may be work for everyone and that the work may be dignified.” – Pope Francis

Celebrating 70 years of faith

Thriving Thomasville parish welcomes Bishop Martin for anniversary fiesta

THOMASVILLE — Under sunny skies and cheery garlands of white and yellow flags, more than 1,000 people turned out for the 70th anniversary of Our Lady of the Highways Church Sept. 8.

The aroma of authentic cuisine from Hispanic parishioners’ native countries filled the air as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of Bishop Michael Martin, who celebrated an outdoor bilingual Mass and afterward joined an elaborate parish potluck and fiesta.

Leticia Ontiveros, the parish’s Hispanic Ministry director, helped organize the celebration.

“We are so happy and blessed that this day is here,” Ontiveros said. “We have been waiting for a long time. Ever since last year, we have been expecting the bishop. We have been working and cooking a lot, but always with much love. We are deeply grateful to Bishop Martin and everyone for being here.”

grounds. The chairs were filled, plus more people came with their own chairs and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.

Hispanic Catholics, who have moved to Thomasville in more recent years, comprise about 90 percent of the parish. Plus, some English-speaking parishioners have been there nearly 55 years.

Because of the parish’s rapid growth, especially among the Hispanic population, the church and its parish hall – which hold a combined 350 people – were not large enough to accommodate everyone for Mass, which regularly attracts 1,000 people each weekend. Instead, organizers set up about 1,000 chairs in the parking lot and church

Parishioners

Chrystine Chambers and her sister Sharon Baldwin grew up Catholic and moved from Marion to Thomasville more than 50 years ago.

“I’ve been here since 1967 and been a part of liturgical music ever since then. In about 1972, I took over as leading the English choir,” Chambers said. “Seeing everything grow from not enough people, to fill a chapel of 80 people, to overflowing everywhere, has been incredible. I’m happy to be back here on the 70th anniversary and hope to make it to the 75th.”

Originally a mission church in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the church gained full parish status in 1954 when the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales agreed to minister there. In 2020, Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, a diocesan priest, was assigned as pastor. In a recent interview, Father Carvajal-

Salazar said he was honored to be pastor during this pivotal moment in the parish’s history as they celebrate the milestone anniversary and prepare to buy a larger church to accommodate their growth.

“It’s a great privilege because it’s my first assignment as a pastor and, second, it’s a special moment because after 70 years, I’m the first diocesan priest here and the first Hispanic priest,” he said.

As the outdoor Mass began, a procession of altar servers, young people carrying flags, and children dressed up as the Blessed Virgin Mary – whose birthday was also being celebrated in the Universal Church that day – entered the worship space ahead of Deacon Martin Sheehan, Father Carvajal-Salazar and Bishop Martin.

BISHOP MARTIN SAYS, ‘BE OPEN’

STORY BY ANNIE FERGUSON | PHOTOS BY TROY HULL Catholic News Herald

(Clockwise from top left) It was a beautiful day to be an altar server at Our Lady of the Highways. Parishioners worked hard crowds. Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar concelebrated the outdoor Mass with Bishop Michael Martin. Bishop Martin ceremoniously the Blessed Virgin Mary under her various titles walked in the procession and later presented Bishop Martin with gifts from a special outdoor altar that parishioners built during the week leading up to the anniversary celebration.

Dozens of parishioners performed traditional Mexican dances in Thomasville Sept. 8 to celebrate Our Lady of the Highways’ 70th anniversary.

Priests

In his homily, Bishop Martin encouraged the congregation to be open to God and those who are not like us, drawing on the Gospel reading where Jesus heals the deaf man (Mk 7:31-37).

“Our readings today ask us if our ears are really open to hear the word of God. I find it fascinating that in the miracle Jesus performs in Mark’s gospel today, He chooses to use the phrase ‘be opened’ in order to

Father Robert MacMillan

Father Hugh Kennedy (first pastor)

Father Lawrence J. Hill and Father Clarence Hill

Father John Cardiff

Father Ron McCloughlin

Father William Stahl, O.S.F.S.

Father Willam Lyman, O.S.F.S.

Father William Stahl, O.S.F.S.

Father Thomas FitzPatrick, O.S.F.S.

Father John Murphy, O.S.F.S.

Father James Turner, O.S.F.S.

Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar

heal the deaf man. He could have used any number of other words. But He chose the words ‘be opened.’ In many ways, Jesus is telling us that when we are closed, we too do not know what we are missing.”

He continued, “I encourage all of us: Be open. Too often we are closed to how God wants to work in our lives. Too often we are closed to those who don’t look like us or sound like us. Too often we are closed to the challenge of the Gospel: to hear more and speak more about the good news, to share more about the Gospel, especially in our families, especially in our homes.

“I am excited for you as you’re purchasing a new church here to handle the expansion of this faith community. However, I will be even more excited if you also expand the experience of Jesus in your homes and in your families.”

A NEW CHURCH HOME

During the celebration, the parish officially kicked off a capital campaign to buy an existing larger Protestant church in the area and refurbish it.

“This is a very crucial moment for this parish because we are looking for another place, because (we are) already full and we

Growing

the faith in Thomasville

Before there was a Catholic church in Thomasville, there were many faithful Catholics. Through their faith and hard work, along with God’s grace, they would eventually build a church that would be outgrown decades later.

The influx of Catholics in Thomasville began in the late 1940s when players on the local minor league HiToms baseball team added to the population, leading to the first celebration of Mass in the city. During the summer, Mass was offered in Thomasville at J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home and the Women’s Club by Father Robert MacMillan of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point.

Hazel Cardiff, a Thomasville woman with great zeal for the Church, led an effort to have a place for worship on a year-round basis. She persuaded Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters to arrange for Masses to be said in a rental home in the city. The first Mass there was celebrated June 6, 1951, by Father MacMillan. Father Hugh Kennedy became the Thomasville Catholic community’s first pastor two days later. The chapel was named St. Thomas à Becket and was a mission of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Lexington for seven years.

In 1953, a new pastor, Father Lawrence J. Hill, drew up plans for a permanent church building, and Bishop Waters chose the site: 3.5 acres high on a hill along the major thoroughfare into Thomasville. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954. Bishop Waters dedicated Our Lady of the Highways on June 27, 1954, in 104-degree heat with Father John Cardiff, founding parishioner Hazel Cardiff’s brother-in-law, giving the homily, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish choir adding to the celebration.

On July 2, 1970, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales arrived, and Our Lady of the Highways became a full parish. Father William Stahl, O.S.F.S., was appointed the first permanent pastor and served two terms from July 1970 to July 1975 and then from June 1976 until his retirement in August 1977. During Father Stahl’s time as pastor, the parish grew from 17 to 72 families.

In 1984, a Spanish Mass was added for the growing community of Spanish-speaking parishioners and migrants moving into the area for work.

In 1989, a new parish hall and rectory were built, providing the educational and social space needed for the parish’s then 163 families.

are overwhelmed,” said Father CarvajalSalazar.

Deacon Sheehan, who has been ministering at the parish for six years, agreed.

“Especially in the last five years, we’ve experienced tremendous growth and have been outgrowing the campus,” he said, noting that about 20 percent of the congregation has to watch Mass on a closed-circuit television in the parish hall.

“Celebrating this significant anniversary while looking to move makes this a watershed moment for the parish,” he added. “It’s a good problem to have to address because we have so many folks.”

Deacon Sheehan also noted that the parish’s incredible growth includes a growing faith formation program with 300 children enrolled last year and probably even more this year. He said it’s also an amazing blessing that they baptize a tremendous number of children every year.

As the parish grew, especially among the Spanish-speaking population, parishioners stepped up to help. Delfina Paniagua, a parishioner since 1993, served

In 2000, Father Thomas Fitzpatrick, O.S.F.S., began a campaign to raise $150,000 to remodel the church’s interior and add seating. The interior was refurbished with beautiful stained-glass windows to replace most of the original windows. Seating increased to accommodate the parish’s 250 families.

In 2007, Father James M. Turner, O.S.F.S., was appointed Our Lady of the Highways’ fourth pastor. As the parish swelled to 750 families, Father Turner faced the challenges of adding more classrooms and meeting places, as well as tirelessly ministering to the large Hispanic population. Father Turner retired from ministry in 2020 after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and he died on April 16, 2024.

Father Turner was succeeded by Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, who became the parish’s first diocesan and first Hispanic pastor. At the parish’s 70th anniversary celebration in 2024, he began fundraising to buy a larger Protestant church building and convert it to a Catholic church to accommodate the flourishing parish, which now sees approximately 1,000 people attend Mass every weekend.

— Annie Ferguson and www.olhcatholicchurch.com

cooking and setting up food stations outside to feed the ceremoniously cut the 70th anniversary cake. Young girls dressed as the parish. Bishop Martin celebrated the anniversary Mass on

Parroquia de Thomasville en auge celebra 70 años de fe

Fiesta animada da la bienvenida al Obispo Martin en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Caminos

THOMASVILLE — Bajo cielos soleados y festones alegres de banderas blancas y amarillas, más de 1,000 personas se reunieron para el 70º aniversario de la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Caminos el 8 de septiembre.

El aroma de la auténtica cocina de los países natales de los feligreses hispanos llenaba el aire mientras todos esperaban con ansias la llegada del Obispo Michael Martin, quien celebró una Misa bilingüe al aire libre y luego participó en un elaborado potluck parroquial y fiesta.

Leticia Ontiveros, directora del Ministerio Hispano de la parroquia, ayudó a organizar la celebración.

“Estamos tan felices y bendecidos de que este día haya llegado,” dijo Ontiveros. “Hemos estado esperando mucho tiempo. Desde el año pasado, hemos estado esperando al obispo. Hemos trabajado y cocinado mucho, pero siempre con mucho amor. Estamos profundamente agradecidos con el Obispo Martin y con todos por estar aquí.”

Debido al rápido crecimiento de la parroquia, especialmente entre la población hispana, la iglesia y su salón parroquial – que tienen una capacidad combinada de 350 personas – no eran lo suficientemente grandes para acomodar a todos para la Misa, que regularmente atrae a 1,000 personas cada fin de semana. En cambio, los organizadores colocaron alrededor de 1,000 sillas en el estacionamiento y los terrenos de la iglesia. Las sillas estaban ocupadas, además de que más personas llegaron con sus propias sillas y paraguas para protegerse del sol. Los católicos hispanos, que han llegado a Thomasville en los últimos años, constituyen alrededor del 90% de la parroquia. Además, algunos feligreses de habla inglesa han estado allí casi 55 años. Las feligreses Chrystine Chambers y su hermana Sharon Baldwin crecieron católicas y se mudaron de Marion a Thomasville hace más de 50 años. “He estado aquí desde 1967 y he sido parte de la música litúrgica desde entonces. Alrededor de 1972, asumí la dirección del coro en inglés,” dijo Chambers. “Ver todo crecer, desde no tener suficientes personas para llenar una capilla de 80 personas hasta desbordar en todas partes, ha sido increíble. Estoy feliz de estar de vuelta en el 70º aniversario y espero llegar al 75º.” Originalmente una iglesia misión a finales de la década de 1940 y principios de la de 1950, la iglesia obtuvo el estatus

Más de 1,000 personas se reunieron para la Misa al aire libre que celebraba el 70º aniversario de Nuestra Señora de los Caminos en Thomasville. El Padre Gabriel CarvajalSalazar, párroco, concelebró la Misa con el Obispo Michael Martin. El Obispo Martin disfrutó al recibir un sombrero de vaquero que le fue presentado por un joven feligrés vestido como Nuestra Señora de los Caminos, escuchando música cantada en español y viendo danzas tradicionales. Los feligreses recibieron la Santa Comunión bajo cielos soleados.

de parroquia completa en 1954 cuando los Oblatos de San Francisco de Sales aceptaron ministrar allí. En 2020, el Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, un sacerdote diocesano, fue asignado como pastor.

En una entrevista reciente, el Padre Carvajal-Salazar dijo que se sentía honrado de ser el pastor durante este momento crucial en la historia de la parroquia, mientras celebran el aniversario importante y se preparan para comprar una iglesia más grande para acomodar su crecimiento.

“Es un gran privilegio porque es mi

primera asignación como pastor y, en segundo lugar, es un momento especial porque después de 70 años, soy el primer sacerdote diocesano aquí y el primer sacerdote hispano,” dijo.

EL OBISPO MARTIN DICE: ‘ESTÉN ABIERTOS’

Al comenzar la Misa al aire libre, una procesión de servidores del altar, jóvenes que llevaban banderas y niñas vestidas como la Santísima Virgen María – cuyo cumpleaños también se celebraba en la Iglesia Universal ese día – entró al espacio de culto delante del Diácono Martin

Sheehan, el Padre Carvajal-Salazar y el Obispo Martin.

En su homilía, el Obispo Martin animó a la congregación a estar abiertos a Dios y a aquellos que no son como nosotros, basándose en la lectura del Evangelio donde Jesús sana al sordomudo (Mc 7:3137).

“Nuestras lecturas de hoy nos preguntan si nuestros oídos están realmente abiertos para escuchar la palabra de Dios. Me parece fascinante que en el milagro que

PASA A LA PÁGINA 15

HISTORIA DE ANNIE FERGUSON | FOTOS DE TROY HULL Catholic News Herald

ANIVERSARIO

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

Jesús realiza en el evangelio de Marcos hoy, Él elige usar la frase ‘ábrete’ para sanar al sordomudo. Podría haber usado cualquier otra palabra. Pero eligió las palabras ‘ábrete’. En muchos sentidos, Jesús nos está diciendo que cuando estamos cerrados, tampoco sabemos lo que nos estamos perdiendo.”

Continuó, “Los animo a todos: Estén abiertos. Demasiado a menudo estamos cerrados a cómo Dios quiere obrar en nuestras vidas. Demasiado a menudo estamos cerrados a aquellos que no se parecen a nosotros o no hablan como nosotros. Demasiado a menudo estamos cerrados al desafío del Evangelio: escuchar más y hablar más sobre las buenas

noticias, compartir más sobre el Evangelio, especialmente en nuestras familias, especialmente en nuestros hogares.

“Estoy emocionado por ustedes al comprar una nueva iglesia aquí para manejar la expansión de esta comunidad de fe. Sin embargo, estaré aún más emocionado si también expanden la experiencia de Jesús en sus hogares y en sus familias.”

UNA NUEVA CASA IGLESIA

Durante la celebración, la parroquia lanzó oficialmente una campaña de capital para comprar una iglesia protestante existente en la zona y remodelarla.

“Este es un momento muy crucial para esta parroquia porque estamos buscando otro lugar, porque (ya estamos) llenos y estamos abrumados,” dijo el Padre Carvajal-Salazar.

ANIVERSARIO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

Our schools

Christ the King High School launches ‘Together in Sport and Spirit’ campaign for outdoor athletic facilities

NICOLE SEELING

Special to the Catholic News Herald

HUNTERSVILLE — During halftime of the Crusaders’ season opener Aug. 23, Christ the King High School kicked off the public phase of its “Together in Sport and Spirit” capital campaign to improve outdoor athletic facilities for its growing student body.

School leaders and CTK cheerleaders unfurled a 60-foot banner showcasing the detailed plans for the $3.6 million-$5 million project, which will include permanent seating, a complete renovation and resurfacing of the field, enhanced emergency access, improved parking, and the addition of modern restroom facilities.

The capital campaign is following a strategic, tiered approach, providing opportunities for additional

improvements as more funds are raised. The top-tier goal of $5 million will allow for the installation of a state-of-the-art artificial turf surface, providing a premier playing field for athletes and making it possible for the facilities to be used year-round.

“We are excited to share this ambitious vision with our community and to officially launch the public phase of our campaign,” said Dr. Carl Semmler, the school’s president. “These facilities are crucial for our students’ athletic development and reflect our commitment to excellence and unity in spirit. We invite everyone to join us in making this vision a reality.”

The campaign aims to meet the immediate needs of the school’s athletic programs and ensure that the facilities can serve future generations of students and athletes,

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

school leaders said. They invite alumni, parents, local businesses, and community members to support this transformative project.

Since opening in 2011, Christ the King High School has built a proud history of academic and athletic excellence, and this campaign represents a significant investment in its future.

With the community’s support, these new facilities will become a cornerstone of the school’s continued success, Semmler said, especially as its enrollment grows. The school currently serves 440 students.

For more information about the capital campaign or to learn how to contribute, please go to www.ctkchs.org or email Dr. Carl Semmler at csemmler@ctkchs.net.

NICOLE SEELING is director of advancement for Christ the King High School in Huntersville.

Albert Renaurt 9/24/2002 Charles Knight 9/13/2017 Tim Ritchey 9/11/2022

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Johnston Scholarship Fund gives more than $76K in tuition aid to students in 7 schools

CHARLOTTE — Students in seven Catholic schools across the Diocese of Charlotte will receive a total of $76,445 in financial aid from the C. Philip JohnstonAline W. Kaneer Scholarship Fund, paying all of their tuition for the 2024-’25 academic year.

The fund was created by C. Philip Johnston with $4 million from his estate at his death in 2017.

Johnston was born in Charlotte but lived all over the country before retiring in the Southeast. He attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958. He worked in the entertainment industry, but when acting work became scarce, he took a “temporary job” working for Conrad Hilton in a new credit card venture called Carte Blanche. He rose to success in the emerging industry and, after reaching the position of senior vice president at a large regional bank in St. Louis, he left to lead a nonprofit organization specializing in consumer credit counseling.

Students from 19 Catholic schools in the diocese are eligible for scholarship awards from the fund.

The Johnston Scholarship follows students throughout their time in schools in the diocese.

The schools that students will attend this year are: Immaculate Heart of Mary School

in High Point; Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte; Our Lady of Mercy and St. Leo schools in Winston-Salem; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury; St. Mark School in Huntersville; and Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville.

The scholarship awarded to each student ranges from $6,000 to $15,350 depending on the tuition cost and need. Each student can continue receiving assistance through the scholarship fund every year for the length of their academic career as long as they remain eligible.

“I first met with Mr. Johnston back in 1989. He made his decision to put this (scholarship) gift in his estate back then,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “He never wavered from that commitment, even though he moved away from the diocese in his later years.”

Kelley noted, “More people like Philip Johnston are recognizing a range of needs in the Church here in western North Carolina – including our Catholic schools, parishes, seminarian education, Catholic Charities and St. Joseph College Seminary – and remembering these ministries in their wills and estates.”

Since 1986, diocesan entities, including parishes, schools and ministries have received 51 gifts of $1 million or more from individuals like Johnston. They typically help fund capital projects or endowments.

— Courtney McLaughlin

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The Diocese of Charlotte is looking for a passionate, curious and innovative journalist to capture the beauty, goodness and teachings of our Catholic faith. You’ll cover events and write news and feature stories for the award-winning Catholic News Herald and an array of digital platforms. You will also help develop visual content, including photos and videos.

The position promises room to grow with an experienced team at an exciting time in one of the nation’s fastest growing dioceses. At least 3 years of experience, plus a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing or related field is required. Bilingual English-Spanish skills are a plus. Need exceptional journalist to join our growing diocese!

JOIN OUR TEAM AND HELP CARE FOR OTHERS

Celebrando a un santo: Santa Teresa de Calcuta nos enseña a ver a los demás a través de los ojos de Cristo

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — A través de canciones y oraciones, las personas se unieron al obispo Michael Martin el 5 de septiembre en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción para celebrar a Santa Teresa de Calcuta y el trabajo local de las Misioneras de la Caridad, la orden religiosa que ella fundó.

La Misa en honor al día de fiesta de Santa Teresa atrajo a una multitud grande y diversa de la zona de Charlotte, desde niños y adolescentes hasta familias y personas mayores. Las cuatro hermanas Misioneras de la Caridad que sirven en el área de Charlotte se sentaron al frente, vestidas con sus distintivas túnicas azul y blanco.

Más online

En www.catholicnewsherald.com : Vea más fotos y video de la homilía del Obispo Martín durante la Misa especial

Santa Teresa, más conocida como Madre Teresa, fundó la orden de las hermanas en 1950 para trabajar entre los más pobres de los pobres en la India. La orden se expandió rápidamente por todo el mundo y, a partir de 2023, contaba con más de 5,750 hermanas que sirven en 139 países. Las hermanas gestionan hogares para enfermos y moribundos, proporcionan atención médica, educación, asistencia social y otro tipo de ayuda para los pobres en todo el mundo.

Las Misioneras de la Caridad celebrarán pronto 30 años de servicio en Charlotte. En 1995, la Madre Teresa visitó la ciudad y estableció un convento a invitación del entonces Obispo William Curlin, quien era un amigo cercano y confesor suyo. Las hermanas proporcionan alimentos, un programa extracurricular y otros servicios para los pobres en el este de Charlotte, no muy lejos de donde se encuentra la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Antes de que comenzara la Misa, el coro parroquial cantó una conmovedora interpretación de “Lo que Hagas a Uno de Estos,” un himno que describe las obras de misericordia corporales y cómo están conectadas con el amor a Jesús. También refleja el trabajo de las Misioneras de la Caridad, que sirven a los pobres y marginados en todo el mundo.

El Obispo Martin dijo que estaba feliz de visitar la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción por primera vez en el día de fiesta de Santa Teresa.

“Estoy feliz de venir y celebrar la gran fiesta que exalta a esta mujer sencilla que cambió el mundo,” dijo. “Santa Teresa de Calcuta nos enseñó tanto a través de la simplicidad. Nos ayudó a enfocarnos en Cristo en lo simple, en los pobres.”

Comenzó su homilía diciendo que vivió la mayor parte de su vida sin tener que usar gafas, pero se vio obligado a empezar a usarlas en los últimos años y aún lucha por ver correctamente a través de ellas. Esto es una metáfora, dijo, de cómo las personas

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Una misa en honor a Santa Teresa de Calcuta, fundadora de las Misioneras de la Caridad, fue celebrada el 5 de septiembre por el obispo Michael Martin. Las Misioneras de la Caridad celebrarán pronto 30 años de servicio en Charlotte.

comunes luchan por ver las necesidades de los demás y por mirar el mundo como lo hizo Cristo, usando a Cristo como el lente por el cual ven el mundo que los rodea.

Solo con ese tipo de visión cristiana, dijo el obispo, las personas son verdaderamente capaces de llegar a los demás en necesidad y servirles con amor, como lo hizo Santa Teresa.

“Cuando entendemos que nuestras vidas están llamadas a ese modo de vida, nos anima a hacerlo más y más,” dijo.

“Me atrevo a decir que la presencia de las Misioneras de la Caridad en nuestra comunidad hace exactamente lo mismo por todos nosotros. Nos animan a ver el mundo de manera diferente, cada vez más, para poder ver a Cristo en los más marginados.”

Dijo que el ejemplo de Santa Teresa puede ayudar a las personas a superar el atractivo del enfoque materialista del mundo que a menudo deja sus ojos “rotos” e incapaces de

Lecturas Diarias

SEPTIEMBRE 22-28

Domingo: Sabiduría 2:12, 17-20, Santiago 3:16-4:3, Marcos 9:30-37; Lunes (Memoria de San Pío de Pietrelcina, presbítero): Proverbios 3:27-34, Lucas 8:16-18; Martes: Proverbios 21:1-6, 10-13, Lucas 8:19-21; Miércoles: Proverbios 30:5-9, Lucas 9:1-6; Jueves: Eclesiastés 1:2-11, Lucas 9:7-9; Viernes (Memoria de San Vicente de Paúl, presbítero): Eclesiastés 3:1-11, Lucas 9:18-22; Sábado (Memoria de Santos Wenceslao, mártir, y San Lorenzo Ruiz, mártir, y compañeros, mártires): Eclesiastés 11:9-12:8, Lucas 9:43-45

reconocer las necesidades de los demás.

“Santa Teresa de Calcuta es esa corrección,” dijo. “Ella nos da gafas para ver correctamente… para poder ver el mundo como Jesús vio el mundo.”

La música de la noche capturó el ánimo del día de fiesta, con canciones centradas en dar y compartir el amor de Dios. El himno final, “María Inmaculada,” reflejó la dedicación de Santa Teresa a la Madre Bendita.

Después de la Misa, la multitud se unió al Obispo Martin y a las hermanas para una recepción y comida.

La Hermana Justus, superiora regional de las Misioneras de la Caridad, vino desde Missouri para el evento. Ella hizo una pausa en sus conversaciones con los asistentes para decir que la homilía del obispo capturó maravillosamente el trabajo de Santa Teresa de Calcuta.

“No necesitamos ir a tierras lejanas para

SEPTIEMBRE 29-OCTUBRE 5

Domingo: Nm 11:25-29, Sal 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14, Stgo 5:1-6, Mc 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Lunes (San Jerónimo, Sacerdote y Doctor de la Iglesia): Job 1:6-22, Sal 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7, Lc 9:46-50; Martes (Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús, Virgen y Doctora de la Iglesia): Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23, Sal 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8, Lc 9:51-56; Miércoles (Santos Ángeles Custodios): Job 9:1-12, 14-16, Sal 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15, Mt 18:1-5, 10; Jueves: Job 19:2127, Sal 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14, Lc 10:1-12; Viernes (San Francisco de Asís): Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5, Sal 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14ab, Lc 10:13-16; Sábado: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17, Sal 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130, Lc 10:17-24

¿Quién fue Santa Teresa de Calcuta?

El 10 de septiembre de 1946, mientras era hermana Loreto, Santa Teresa recibió de Dios la inspiración para fundar una nueva orden dedicada a los más pobres. Con la aprobación del Arzobispo de Calcuta y del Vaticano, en agosto de 1948 dejó el convento Loreto para trabajar en los barrios marginales de Calcuta. Doce mujeres que había enseñado se unieron a ella. El 7 de octubre de 1950, el arzobispo de Calcuta estableció a las Misioneras de la Caridad como una congregación diocesana, y la orden creció rápidamente. Hoy, las Misioneras de la Caridad cuidan a enfermos, huérfanos, personas con enfermedades mentales, pacientes con SIDA, hambrientos y sin hogar. La Madre Teresa falleció en 1997 y fue canonizada por el Papa Francisco el 4 de septiembre de 2016. Su día de fiesta se celebra el 5 de septiembre.

buscar a los pobres; podemos encontrarlos en nuestra propia comunidad y en nuestras propias familias,” dijo la Hermana Justus. “También necesitamos recordar algo que dijo Santa Teresa: que ser santo no es el lujo de unos pocos. Es el deber de todos nosotros: intentar ser santos, vivir como un santo y servir a los demás.”

Pamela Decosta ha trabajado como voluntaria con las hermanas en Charlotte durante más de una década. Se maravilló de la gran congregación que incluía personas de las comunidades hispana, birmana y vietnamita locales.

“Es maravilloso ver a tantas personas saliendo para honrarla,” dijo.

OCTUBRE 6-OCTUBRE 12

Domingo: Gn 2:18-24, Sal 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6, Heb 2:9-11, Mc 10:2-16 o 10:2-12; Lunes (Nuestra Señora del Rosario): Gal 1:6-12, Sal 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9, 10c, Lc 10:25-37; Martes: Gal 1:13-24, Sal 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15, Lc 10:3842; Miércoles: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14, Sal 117:1bc, 2, Lc 11:1-4; Jueves: Gal 3:1-5, Lc 1:69-70, 71-72, 7375, Lc 11:5-13; Viernes: Gal 3:7-14, Sal 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, Lc 11:15-26; Sábado: Gal 3:22-29, Sal 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Lc 11:27-28

Mother Teresa

El compromiso con Dios requiere trabajo, espiritualmente y prácticamente

El obispo Martin visita la Iglesia de San Miguel para ofrecer una Misa especial por el día

de la fiesta

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

GASTONIA — La “aeróbica espiritual” de la Misa – de pie, arrodillado, inclinándose y sentado – ilustra el esfuerzo real necesario para construir el Reino de Dios, especialmente en nuestras familias y con los demás, predicó el obispo Michael Martin el sábado en la Iglesia de San Miguel.

Más de 700 personas asistieron a la Misa para conocer al nuevo obispo, en su primera visita a la parroquia de Gastonia mientras viaja por la diócesis. La liturgia bilingüe – concelebrada por el pastor Padre Lucas Rossi y el sacerdote residente Padre José Juya – fue un memorial del santo patrón de la parroquia, San Miguel, y de los otros arcángeles, San Gabriel y San Rafael, quienes comparten un día festivo el 29 de septiembre.

Al inicio de la Misa, el obispo Martin provocó risas en la congregación cuando llamó a San Miguel el “más grande” de los tres arcángeles, no “solo porque es mi nombre, sino porque es nuestro nombre”, gesticulando ampliamente hacia la congregación.

Continuando en un tono serio en su homilía, el obispo Martin llamó a San Miguel un ejemplo de la “actividad divina” que ocurre con Dios, tal como se describe en las lecturas especiales de la Misa de Daniel (7:9-10, 13-14), Apocalipsis (12:7-12ab) y el Evangelio de Juan (1:47-51).

“Cuando nos comprometemos con Dios, siempre habrá actividad – ‘ascendiendo y descendiendo’”, dijo el obispo, citando el Evangelio de Juan.

“Muchos no católicos se han burlado de nuestras celebraciones litúrgicas… refiriéndose a ellas como una especie de aeróbica espiritual: ‘Suben y bajan, suben y bajan. ¿De qué trata toda esta actividad? ¿Por qué no podemos simplemente sentarnos y escuchar? Déjame sentarme en el banco de atrás y escuchar.’”

“¡No!” exclamó el obispo.

“El trabajo de comprometerse con Dios no es un lugar de descanso tranquilo y somnoliento, sino un lugar de actividad bulliciosa”, dijo. “Esa actividad tiene un propósito: su propósito es transformar… el mundo en un reino de alabanza” al rechazar el pecado y compartir el mensaje esperanzador del Evangelio.

“Para hacer el trabajo de Dios, tenemos que (eliminar) de nuestras vidas el pecado, la fractura, la tentación que está presente

para todos nosotros”, dijo.

Ese trabajo es difícil – de hecho, “es verdaderamente una batalla”, continuó. Sin embargo, es una batalla que “con la ayuda de Dios y la intercesión de San Miguel, se nos promete ganar.”

“He visto esa victoria en mi propia vida. ¿La has visto en la tuya?” preguntó a la congregación.

“Tenemos que… predicar que hemos visto la muerte del pecado en nuestra propia vida, tenemos que ver ese progreso, y tenemos que estar dispuestos a compartir eso con los demás”, dijo, haciendo saber a los demás “que hay esperanza para vencer el pecado y la muerte.”

¿CÓMO CONSTRUIMOS EL REINO DE DIOS?

“Hablando prácticamente”, dijo el obispo Martin, la actividad espiritual de construir el reino de Dios significa hacer tres cosas: llegar a los pobres y marginados, vivir la fe en nuestra vida familiar, y construir unidad en Cristo.

“Primero y ante todo, necesitamos abordar el mal de la pobreza y la soledad que está aislando a tantas personas en nuestra comunidad”, dijo.

Eso no significa solo “los pobres indigentes”, explicó. Incluye “a todos aquellos que han sido marginados, a todos aquellos que se sienten excluidos por cualquier razón.”

“No podemos esperar crecer como comunidad de fe a menos que tengamos a las personas en los márgenes como nuestra primera prioridad – no necesariamente las personas sentadas aquí hoy”, dijo el obispo Martin.

“Nuestra misión parroquial no puede ser simplemente para todos nosotros ya aquí. Eso sería egoísta. Esa no es la misión del Evangelio”, dijo. “No estamos aquí para nosotros mismos. Estamos aquí para el mundo. Necesitamos estar invitando al mundo, como lo hace Jesús, a estar con nosotros.”

Construir el reino de Dios también significa vivir nuestra fe en el hogar, dijo el obispo Martin.

“No somos católicos para estar en la iglesia”, dijo. “Sus hogares son el epicentro” del trabajo espiritual.

“No es ninguna sorpresa por qué cada vez menos personas vienen a la iglesia”, dijo. “Es porque la iglesia se ha convertido en un momento aislado para ellos que no se conecta con el resto de sus vidas familiares.”

La escuela de la parroquia es una parte vital de ese trabajo espiritual basado en la familia, señaló el obispo Martin.

La Escuela de San Miguel, dijo, es “un recurso maravilloso para todos nosotros… donde la vida de Cristo se celebra en el aprendizaje, donde la vida de Cristo se celebra en el servicio, donde la vida de Cristo se celebra en el amor.”

Todos en la parroquia, tengan o no hijos inscritos en la escuela, deberían apoyar, invertir y expandir ese recurso, dijo. El obispo Martin también llamó a la

FE FAMILIA FRATERNIDAD

Considere unirse a los más de 2 millones de miembros de la organización fraternal católica más grande del mundo y registrándose en línea hoy en: www.kofc.org/joinus/es Caballeros de Colón

Por tiempo limitado - Membresía en línea GRATISUse el código de promoción (BLESSEDMCGIVNEY)

diversa congregación de más de 800 familias registradas en San Miguel a estar unificados en Cristo.

“Independientemente de nuestra edad, nuestra raza, nuestro país de origen, nuestro idioma, o cualquier otro de los identificadores de la vida en la América del siglo XXI, somos un solo cuerpo, una sola comunidad”, dijo.

“Martin Luther King Jr. dijo, ‘Mientras haya un hombre pobre, yo no puedo ser rico.’ Reflexiona sobre eso”, dijo. “No puedo celebrar la plenitud de la actividad divina, ‘ascendiendo y descendiendo,’ si no lo estamos haciendo juntos.”

“Por mucho que queramos compartir y celebrar todas nuestras diferencias… como un hermoso tapiz creado por Dios,” dijo, “no podemos permitir que eso nos haga devolverse a grupos separados que nunca llegan realmente a conocerse, amarse y estar juntos en el trabajo de ‘ascender y descender.’”

L.

Durante una reciente visita a la Parroquia de San Miguel en Gastonia, el obispo Michael Martin predicó que los “aeróbicos espirituales” de la misa ilustran el trabajo necesario para fortalecer la fe de uno.

Este último punto resonó con los feligreses de San Miguel, Wendy y Marlon Franco.

“Eso realmente destacó: una comunidad, un cuerpo. Me encantó que dijera eso,” dijo Wendy Franco.

“Sí,” concordó Marlon Franco. “Independientemente de nuestra raza o idioma, somos un solo cuerpo en Cristo.”

La feligresa Kim Watson apreció el hecho de que el obispo Martin pronunciara su homilía en inglés y español, elogiando sus habilidades en español y su poderosa homilía.

“Creo que su mensaje fue exactamente lo que necesitamos para nuestros tiempos,” dijo. “Tenemos que irradiar alegría.”

PATRICIA

GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Our nation

Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde “has played a pivotal role” in helping the community heal since the mass shooting, according to Catholic Extension.

Uvalde church opens counseling facility for ongoing healing from 2022 mass shooting

UVALDE, Texas — Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde has opened a new, onsite counseling facility to provide ongoing community healing and support following the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The school held a grand opening ceremony Sept. 6, celebrating with key community partners and leaders in attendance, including representatives from partner organizations supporting the new center such as Catholic Extension Society, the Children’s Bereavement Center of San Antonio, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, William and Salome Scanlan Foundation, and Carlos Lopez & Building Management Group. Dedication of the facility occurred immediately following the celebration of a community-wide Mass.

“We are humbled and honored to support this new center for healing in the Uvalde community,” Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, said in a statement. “We pray that it will be a source of hope to those who receive services here, reminding them that they are not alone or abandoned in their search for peace.”

To date, the Chicago-based nonprofit has awarded 30 full scholarships to children of Robb Elementary who sought to transfer to Sacred Heart Elementary in 2022 as means to heal. Additionally, Catholic Extension has partnered with the Uvalde-based Teresian nuns to support camps for children, therapeutic programs and outreach to families in Uvalde.

Notre Dame’s new president aims to be a bridge-builder

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Sept. 12-13 investiture of the 18th president of Notre Dame, Holy Cross Father Robert A. Dowd, came just before two feasts with particular significance for the Congregation of Holy Cross: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Sept. 14) and Our Lady of Sorrows (Sept. 15).

Father Dowd succeeds Father John Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president from 2005 until the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Bishop Patrick M. Neary of St. Cloud, Minnesota, who is a Holy Cross priest, was the principal celebrant of the Mass and homilist Five other bishops and many brother priests were concelebrants. The Mass featured special readings chosen for the occasion: Wisdom’s invitation from the Book of Proverbs; a reflection on wisdom from James, read in Spanish; and Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, including the Magnificat.

“Like a sea captain setting out on a voyage, you’re bound to feel excitement

and trepidation,” Bishop Neary said in his homily. “But don’t be intimidated by your own weakness. Rely on Jesus Christ, who loves you and has called you to this mission.”

In his remarks after his official inauguration as Notre Dame’s new president, Father Dowd quoted Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh, Notre Dame president from 1952 to 1987, who said the Catholic university must bridge the chasms that separate modern people from each other.

“Notre Dame must be the bridge,” declared Father Dowd, “and all of us must be bridgebuilders,” rejecting an either/or mentality in favor of both/and.

Pope: Both U.S. presidential candidates espouse anti-life views

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE — Asked what a U.S. Catholic given a choice between voting for a person who supports abortion or one who supports deporting migrants, Pope Francis said one must choose “the lesser evil.” “Who is the ‘lesser evil’ that woman or that man?” the pope asked, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. “I do not know. Each person must think and decide in his or her conscience.”

Pope Francis spent 45 minutes answering questions from 10 journalists on his flight Sept. 13 from Singapore to Rome at the end of a 12-day trip. He was asked about the four countries he visited, about sexual abuse, about his future travel plans, about the war in the Holy Land and the Vatican’s relations with China. A U.S. television reporter asked him about the choice Catholic voters face between Harris,

Pro-life advocate CANDACE OWENS will be visiting to remind us that a culture of Life can only be built when we do all things for the Greater Glory of God. Plus, several of the courageous women who received support from our ministry will be sharing their heroic testimonies.

To register: Please visit roomattheinnbanquet.org OR use the QR Code

A $50.00 nonrefundable reservation fee is required. For more information, please contact Katie Schneider at KSchneider@RoomInn.org

who supports legalized abortion, and Trump, who wants to further restrict immigration. Both attitudes “are against life: the one who wants to throw out the migrants and the one who kills children,” the pope said. “Both are against life.”

Catholics, evangelicals explore common ground rooted in shared ‘love of Jesus Christ’

CINCINNATI — A group of Catholics and evangelicals has released a one-page document that identifies areas of common ground among the two largest Christian groups in the world. “The Gift of Being Christian Together: An Ecumenical Statement of Fidelity and Recognition” is “the fruit of a new ecumenical dialogue,” according to a news release from Glenmary Home Missioners in Cincinnati on the document.

“At the most basic level, Catholics and evangelicals share a love of Jesus Christ,” said Alexei Laushkin, founder of Kingdom Mission Society, an evangelical organization that helped spearhead the effort. Catholic efforts were led by Nathan Smith, ecumenical director for Glenmary Home Missioners, a Catholic society of priests, brothers and laypeople who work in evangelical-dominant areas of Appalachia and the South. Smith and Laushkin have established a website, thegiftofbeingchristiantogether.org, to disseminate the document and to gather signatures of support not only from evangelical and Catholic institutions, but also from everyday Christians from those traditions, they said. — OSV News, Catholic News Service

Room At The Inn…where Hope is born!

Room At The Inn is a pro-life ministry of the Catholic Church serving single mothers from all of North Carolina and is listed in the Official Catholic Directory (P.J. Kenedy and Sons), licensed by NCDHHS, and accredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Recognized as a leader in programs for single, pregnant women experiencing homelessness, state and local agencies have honored Room at the Inn’s life changing services. In 2018, Room At The Inn received national recognition during the March for Life at a nationally televised ceremony from the White House Rose Garden by President Trump.

Be pilgrims, not tourists in life, pope tells young people

VATICAN CITY — To fully experience love and hope, young people must approach the journey of life as pilgrims and not just sightseers seeking the perfect selfie, Pope Francis said. “Do not be like superficial sightseers, blind to the beauty around you, never discovering the meaning of the roads you take, interested only in a few fleeting moments to capture in a selfie. Tourists do this,” the pope said in a message to young people ahead of the local celebrations of World Youth Day Nov. 24.

“Pilgrims, on the other hand, immerse themselves fully in the places they encounter, listen to the message they communicate and make them a part of their quest for happiness and fulfillment,” the pope wrote in the message released by the Vatican Sept. 17.

The November celebrations of World Youth Day are taking place just a month before Pope Francis is scheduled to open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and inaugurate the Holy Year 2025.

“The jubilee pilgrimage,” he told young people, “is meant to be the outward sign of an inward journey that all of us are called to make toward our final destination.”

While expressing his hope that many young people would be able to make a pilgrimage to Rome during the Holy Year, including the July 28-Aug. 3 celebration of the Jubilee of Youth, the pope said he hoped the year would be an opportunity for all Catholics to have “a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the ‘Door’ of our salvation.”

Three attitudes should characterize Catholics’ celebration of the Holy Year, he said.

Second synod assembly to open with penitential liturgy

VATICAN CITY — The second session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, set to bring 368 bishops, priests, religious and laypeople to the Vatican, will begin by asking forgiveness for various sins on behalf of all the baptized.

As synod members did before last year’s session, they will spend two days on retreat before beginning work; that period of reflection will conclude Oct. 1 with a penitential liturgy presided over by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican announced.

The liturgy will include time to listen to the testimonies of three people: one who suffered from the sin of abuse, one from the sin of war and third from the sin of indifference to the plight of migrants, according to a Vatican statement announcing the liturgy. Afterward, “the confession of a number of sins will take place,” said the statement, released Sept. 16. “The aim is not to denounce the sin of others, but to acknowledge oneself as a member of those who, by omission or action, become the cause of suffering and responsible for the evil

inflicted on the innocent and defenseless.”

The liturgy is open to all but is specifically geared toward young people, as it “directs the Church’s inner gaze to the faces of new generations,” the Vatican said.

Bishop Cozzens: As International Eucharistic Congress ends, Catholics can ‘shine their light’ amid world’s problems

QUITO, Ecuador — While the serious problems the world is facing are mostly beyond the control of the Church, Catholics can “shine their light” and draw people to a path of peace and solidarity, said Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, the chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc. After leading the successful National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21, Bishop Cozzens took part in the International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, Sept. 8-15.

“To experience the church alive in Latin America is also a great gift,” Bishop Cozzens said. Both the events emphasized the theme of healing brought by the Eucharist. In Indianapolis, the third day of the congress especially focused on opportunities for physical, psychological and spiritual healing. In Quito, the “wounds of the world” – the many challenges currently faced by societies, including the immigration crisis, political polarization, and the deep divides caused by it in many nations – were debated in different presentations throughout the week. Such problems are a reality both in the U.S. and in Latin America, Bishop Cozzens said.

“The divisions in society are so deep that only God can overcome them. The Eucharist, as has been said beautifully in this International Congress, invites us to live a kind of fraternity.”

While we cannot change darkness, he argued, we can shine our light to attract people to the good.

Pope recalls Israeli-American killed in Gaza, calls for peace and hostages’ release

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis lamented the death of an Israeli-American hostage abducted by Hamas and called for the immediate release of all hostages being held in Gaza. After praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 15, the pope recalled the many conflicts occurring around the globe, including in Ukraine, Myanmar and the Middle East, noting the “many innocent victims” of war.

“I think of the mothers who have lost their children in war, how many young lives cut short!” he said. “I think of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, found dead in September, along with five other hostages in Gaza.”

The pope recalled that he met Goldberg-Polin’s mother during a meeting with relatives of the hostages in November 2023. “I met his mother Rachel, who impressed me with her humanity. I accompany her in this moment,” he said.

“May the conflict in Palestine and Israel cease! May the violence cease! May hatred cease! Let the hostages be released, let the negotiations continue and let peaceful solutions be found!” — OSV News, Catholic News Service

ViewPoints

Lauretta Brown

Reflections with a saint on the nature of women

Any discussion of the differences between men and women and their roles in society seems to be particularly charged these days. As the role of wife and mother continues to be embraced and celebrated by the Church, it is often downplayed in an increasingly secularized culture. At the same time, Catholics today grapple with the role of women in the workforce, as well as the role of the woman who is single by choice or circumstance.

In the month of August, as part of my year of reading one spiritual classic a month, I took up “Essays on Woman” by Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. This collection of her writings contains many striking elements and shows how little has changed in the debate over the place of women in the Church and society between now and when she gave these lectures in the 1920s and 1930s.

Stein held a doctorate in philosophy – no small feat for a woman at the time. Coming from a Jewish background and upbringing, she converted to Catholicism in 1922 after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. She became a Discalced Carmelite nun in 1933 after teaching for a period of time at the Dominican nuns’ school in Speyer, Germany.

history, she noted that “in case of need, every normal and healthy woman is able to hold a position. And there is no profession which cannot be practiced by a woman.”

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

In a wide range of professions, she contended, “basically the same spiritual attitude which the wife and mother need is needed here also, except that it is extended to a wider working circle.”

Pointing toward the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the wedding feast in Cana, Stein wrote that women in the workplace can imitate her in being “conscious of where there is want and where help is needed, intervening and regulating as far as it is possible in her power in a discreet way. Then will she like a good spirit spread blessing everywhere.”

Prior to her entry into the convent, Stein wrote these essays not simply out of her academic expertise as a noted philosopher, but with the warmth and empathy of a woman who has thought deeply about her relation to God and others.

IS THERE A FEMININE VOCATION?

Stein challenged both the feminists of her time and those who would relegate a woman only to the role of wife and mother.

“Are we able to speak of vocations which are specifically feminine? In the beginning of the feminist movement, the radical leaders denied this, claiming that all professions were suitable for woman,” she wrote. “Their opponents were unwilling to admit to this concept, recognizing only one feminine vocation, woman’s natural vocation.”

“Only the person blinded by the passion of controversy could deny that woman in soul and body is formed for a particular purpose,” she reflected, writing that according to her natural vocation, “woman is destined to be wife and mother.”

“Woman naturally seeks to embrace that which is living, personal, and whole,” she wrote, “to cherish, guard, protect, nourish, and advance growth is her natural, maternal yearning. Lifeless matter, the fact, can hold primary interest for her only insofar as it serves the living and the personal, not ordinarily for its own sake.”

However, she added that “only subjective delusion could deny that women are capable of practicing vocations other than that of spouse and mother.”

Citing the experience of many different times in

Ideally, she wrote, a woman’s soul is “fashioned to be a shelter in which other souls may unfold. Both spiritual companionship and motherliness are not limited to the physical spouse and mother relationships, but they extend to all people with whom woman comes into contact.”

Assessing the situation of many women in her time, Stein wrote that “many of the best women are overwhelmed by the double duties of family and professional life” and there are also women who entered into a profession they loved, but found their expectations of happiness in it unfulfilled as they “have neither searched for nor found the means to make their feminine nature fruitful in professional life.” She also noted the situation of the “religious unsure of the full meaning of their vows or unable to maintain the total sacrifice required of their vocation after their first youthful ardor has declined.”

Her remedy for this sad state of affairs? “A woman’s life must be a Eucharistic life,” she argued, if it is to bear fruit. She was certain that “each woman who lives in the light of eternity can fulfill her vocation.”

She emphasized that “only in daily, confidential relationship with the Lord in the tabernacle can one forget self, become free of all one’s own wishes and pretensions, and have a heart open to all the needs and wants of others.”

SELF-GIVING, EVEN IN AUSCHWITZ

At the end of her own life, Stein was an example of this total surrender to God and radical openness to self-giving. In August 1942, despite her convent’s attempts to protect her, she was deported to Auschwitz, where she was soon killed.

Pope Benedict XVI said of her that “witnesses who managed to escape the terrible massacre recounted that while Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, dressed in the Carmelite habit, was making her way, consciously, toward death, she distinguished herself by her conduct full of peace, her serene attitude and her calm behavior, attentive to the needs of all.”

Treasure the gift of serious conversation with God

My grandfather was a wise man. One piece of wisdom that remains with me was his statement that the three greatest blessings of his life were the gift of faith, the gift of friends and the gift of serious conversation.

Serious conversation! That puzzled me until the experiences of life taught me that dialogue is indeed a marvelous grace. Communication with friends leads to unity and joy; communication with God, which we call prayer, leads to union and peace.

Who prays? Dads and moms as they strive to raise their children in a secular culture, teachers who know that without God’s help they will have little influence on their students, doctors who beg God to guide them in their practice of healing the ill, farmers who understand that all life, all holiness comes from God. All people who are aware of their total dependency upon God and believe in God’s providential love lift their minds and hearts to God on a daily basis. The Gallup Organization, in fact, reports that nine out of 10 Americans say they pray.

But what is prayer? Prayer is about seeing God. So much of our lives are spent giving attention to the innumerable activities of our daily lives, some of which are necessary, some not. We are busy making a living, tending our gardens, planning for this or that celebration, doing the laundry, reading the newspaper or watching TV. Our vision may well fail to see God behind the gifts and graces of ordinary life.

Our hearts may become cluttered and crowded by multiple relationships, by an abundance of possessions, by calendars that control our time. Suddenly (or not so suddenly) God may be pushed farther and farther from our consciousness. Secularism, an exclusive this-worldliness, can become a way of life. Prayer fades away.

PRAYER AS ‘REVERSED THUNDER’

One of my favorite images of prayer comes from the poet George Herbert (1593-1633), who understood prayer as “reversed thunder.” God communicates with us in a variety of ways: thunder (and lightning), Scripture, the sacraments, nature, personal relationships, the larger community, world events, tradition, the magisterium of the Church, our intuitions, our dreams.

And we respond to God’s initiative in multiple ways: praise for divine glory, thanksgiving for small and great gifts, intercessions for needs, pleas for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of the world. Deep calling to deep, thunder to thunder, prayer is the mysterious dialogue between Creator and creature.

Praying is about seeing, hearing, serving; it’s about abiding in God’s loving and merciful presence. But certain conditions are essential to prayerfulness, to a way of life that is lived with an awareness of the mystery of God. In many ways the Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs us in the art of “reversed thunder” by emphasizing the need for purity, humility, love and faith. These four virtues are dispositions that enable us to live in God’s presence and empower us to do God’s will.

THE PROMISE OF A NEW HEART

We do well to ponder a promise God makes to us through the prophet Ezekiel. It is a promise of a new heart, a new spirit. Our ability to pray is rooted in a gift that comes from God: “I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:25-26).

We rely not upon our own ability to pray as we ought. Rather, we have confidence that God will be true to the prophetic word and transform our lives by means of a new heart.

LAURETTA BROWN is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @ LaurettaBrown6.

BISHOP ROBERT MORNEAU is the retired auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. This reflection was published online at www.franciscanmedia.org.

Bishop Robert Morneau

Edith Stein as a student at the Silesian Friedrich Wilhelm University, now the University of Wrocław in Breslau, circa 1913-1914.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

We cannot follow Jesus and sidestep the cross

The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth was a historical event occurring in a particular time and place. But the cross casts a long shadow, one that stretches across all of history.

As Christians, we believe that the narrative of human destiny is the story of redemption in the cross of Christ. It stands at the center of time; everything before the cross leads to it, and everything that comes afterward flows from it. Marking the intersection of time and eternity, the cross is both the point of inflection and the point of convergence. All things – and all people – meet at Calvary.

Before his election to the papacy, Pope Benedict XVI contemplated an even more mystical notion. In his book, “The Spirit of the Liturgy,” Ratzinger taught that the shape of creation itself is cruciform: “The sign of the cross is inscribed upon the whole cosmos” (p. 123).

Reflecting on the work of St. Justin Martyr, the Church’s first philosopher, Ratzinger takes this even further. He says, “The Cross of Golgotha is foreshadowed in the structure of the universe itself. The instrument of torment on which the Lord died is written into the structure of the universe. The cosmos speaks to us of the Cross, and the Cross solves for us the enigma of the cosmos” (Spirit of the Liturgy, p. 124).

For Ratzinger, however, the cross of Jesus Christ is not merely a static reality, or even the key to understanding the universe. The way of the cross leads us into authentic worship. The cross itself is the way, the road we travel to our final destination in God.

This rings true when we consider the common patterns of growth in the spiritual life. Before we follow Christ, most of us do everything in our power to avoid the cross in all its forms. We run from suffering and keep a safe distance from those who suffer.

But that changes when we begin to pursue our faith. It cannot be otherwise, for the Lord’s invitation is clear: “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’” (Mt 16:24).

‘Most of us do everything in our power to avoid the cross in all its forms... But that changes when we begin to pursue our faith.’

We cannot follow Jesus and sidestep the cross. At first, we learn to surrender whatever we suffer to Him. We see that the Incarnation is not simply a great theological mystery. It opens up for us the possibility of sharing our lives with Jesus, because He came to share His life with us. So, we begin to accept our daily burdens and ask the Lord to carry them with us. Christ becomes part of our life.

As we embrace discipleship more fully, things change again. We learn to offer our crosses up, to unite all that we suffer with the sufferings of Christ. We follow St. Paul in “completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (Col 1:24) by adding ours to His. Through this, our lives become His.

But as we grow deeper in faith, we see that the suffering we experience comes with a hidden gift. Our crosses give us an opportunity to bear a splinter of the cross of Christ. This doesn’t mean we are (or should be) masochists. It does mean that we learn to follow Jesus, not despite the way of the cross, but because of it. It means that we are capable of seeing all things – even what we suffer – as God’s gifts.

Mature disciples understand that offering our suffering to Jesus leads us to something much deeper: the grace to bear some of His.

For the saints, this spiritual disposition can take a mystical form as it did for St. Teresa of Avila when her heart was pierced by the Word of God in prayer. It can also take a physical form, in martyrdom. Or, as it did 800 years ago, when a seraph gave St. Francis of Assisi the stigmata, the wounds of the crucifixion in his own body.

There is no salvation apart from the cross of Christ. The sign of the cross is a summary of the Gospel. It is God’s signature on creation. The road of discipleship is the way of the cross.

Embracing it is the secret path to holiness – and there is no other.

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Letters to the editor

Extend hand generously to support legal migrants

I am writing in response to Pope Francis’ comments that “Driving away migrants is a grave sin,” published in the Sept. 6 Catholic News Herald.

My grandparents immigrated legally from Poland, learning English, finding jobs to provide for their family, and gradually learning to adjust. Their work ethic was admirable. They never felt entitled to free food, medical care, an education or lodging, but earned these benefits through hard work and a commitment to the law. They taught their family to be frugal, promote family values, praise God, and abide by America’s rights, rules and privileges.

I taught foreign students for 26 years to learn English, become citizens, and contribute to their new country. I appreciated their drive and the example they provided: working to the best of their ability to understand their responsibilities, and developing a sense of contribution and independence through our legal system, including its citizenship requirements – like my grandparents. The differences are stark and unbelievable now when millions of people are skirting the law and expecting to be rewarded.

As Pope Francis said, “We must expand safe and legal avenues for migrants.” True, but people must also understand the responsibilities of citizenship. We will continue to extend our hands generously to teach, guide and support to assist their transition. We will exude compassion with God’s guidance. We will support legal

migrants and understand their plight in facing dangers to travel here. However, our laws must prevail or we will dissolve into a chaotic society. This is not sinful, but a reality of peace and security.

CONNIE EVANS is a member of St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.

National article about DNC was poor journalism

The Aug. 23 edition of the Catholic News Herald contained an article from OSV News in the “Our Nation” section that was astonishing to me. It summarized the recent Democratic National Convention and the fact that President Joe Biden was passing the torch to Kamala Harris as candidate. That event is not “news” necessary for a Catholic newspaper to publish. There is no redeeming value in the article from a Catholic perspective – in fact, quite the opposite. The overall impression the article gave is that both Biden and Harris are OK, with the writer aiming to smooth the historical “odds” between the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Biden by briefly mentioning abortion and gender identity versus refugee and climate policies, as if these issues balance out. Poor journalism, especially for a Catholic. I implore the Catholic News Herald to refrain from pulling “news” from outlets that do not tell the full story.

CLAUDIA GRAHAM is a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa.

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,

JAYMIE STUART WOLFE is a Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor, musician, speaker, petaholic, wife and mom of eight grown children, loving life in New Orleans.

THOMASVILLE

FROM PAGE 13

as an interpreter for four Our Lady of the Highways pastors.

“When I came to the church, there were not too many Hispanics,” she said. “When the community started to grow, I began to do interpretation at Mass because the priests didn’t speak Spanish. Now I’m still here helping whenever they need me for English and Spanish speaking.”

A FIESTA TO REMEMBER

An elaborate fiesta featuring traditional foods and entertainment followed Mass. Amid a tree-lined drive and lively music, Bishop Martin made his way past dozens of tents where parishioners served food, greeting and blessing people as he went.

After he ceremoniously cut a 70th anniversary cake, the people of the parish put on a play for the bishop that featured Spanish songs, a bilingual history of the parish, and seven girls dressed up to depict the Blessed Virgin Mary under various titles.

ANIVERSARIO

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 15

El Diácono Sheehan, que ha estado ministrando en la parroquia durante seis años, estuvo de acuerdo.

“Especialmente en los últimos cinco años, hemos experimentado un crecimiento tremendo y hemos superado la capacidad del campus,” dijo, señalando que alrededor del 20% de la congregación tiene que ver la Misa en un televisor de circuito cerrado en el salón parroquial.

“Celebrar este aniversario significativo mientras buscamos mudarnos hace de esto un momento decisivo para la parroquia,” agregó. “Es un buen problema para enfrentar porque tenemos tanta gente.”

El Diácono Sheehan también señaló que el increíble crecimiento de la parroquia incluye un programa de formación de fe en expansión con 300 niños inscritos el año pasado y probablemente aún más este año. Dijo que también es una bendición asombrosa que bauticen una cantidad tremenda de niños cada año.

A medida que la parroquia creció, especialmente entre la población de habla hispana, los feligreses se ofrecieron para ayudar. Delfina Paniagua, feligrés desde 1993, sirvió como intérprete para cuatro pastores de Nuestra Señora de los Caminos.

“Cuando llegué a la iglesia, no había muchos hispanos,” dijo. “Cuando la comunidad comenzó a crecer, comencé a hacer interpretación en la Misa porque los sacerdotes no hablaban español. Ahora sigo aquí ayudando siempre que me necesitan para hablar inglés y español.”

UNA FIESTA PARA RECORDAR

Una elaborada fiesta con comidas tradicionales y entretenimiento siguió a la Misa. En medio de un camino bordeado de árboles y música animada, el Obispo Martin se dirigió entre docenas de carpas donde los feligreses servían comida, saludando y bendiciendo a las personas a su paso.

Después de cortar ceremoniosamente un pastel por el 70º aniversario, el pueblo de la parroquia presentó una obra para el obispo, con canciones en español, una historia bilingüe de la parroquia y siete niñas vestidas para representar a la Santísima Virgen María bajo diversos

Each girl presented the bishop with a gift, including roses from “Our Lady of Guadalupe” and a large rosary from “Our Lady of Fatima.” Finally, the girl dressed as the parish’s patroness, Our Lady of the Highways, came forward with a box tied with ribbon. In it was a surprise for Bishop Martin: a cowboy hat he immediately put on his head, to the delight of all present.

Bishop Martin promised to visit the Thomasville parish as often as he could.

“I’m excited to be here today to see such a spirit of joy and a spirit of festivity for this occasion. I’m also grateful to all the people who did so much to make this place so beautiful, especially to those who built this beautiful altar so my bald spot didn’t get too burnt in the sun,” he joked.

“I continue to encourage Father Gabriel, our deacons, all the leadership of our community here and all the parish groups … who are doing so much to make this a vibrant community of faith so that God may continue to be praised here.”

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more photos and video of Bishop Martin’s homily from the celebration in Thomasville

títulos.

Cada niña le presentó al obispo un regalo, incluidas rosas de “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” y un gran rosario de “Nuestra Señora de Fátima.” Finalmente, la niña vestida como la patrona de la parroquia, Nuestra Señora de los Caminos, se acercó con una caja atada con un lazo. Dentro estaba una sorpresa para el Obispo Martin: un sombrero de vaquero que él se puso inmediatamente en la cabeza, para alegría de todos los presentes.

El Obispo Martin prometió visitar la parroquia de Thomasville tan a menudo como pudiera.

“Estoy emocionado de estar aquí hoy para ver un espíritu de alegría y un espíritu festivo para esta ocasión. También estoy agradecido a todas las personas que hicieron tanto para que este lugar sea tan hermoso, especialmente a aquellos que construyeron este hermoso altar para que mi calva no se quemara demasiado al sol,” bromeó.

“Sigo animando al Padre Gabriel, nuestros diáconos, a toda la dirección de nuestra comunidad aquí y a todos los grupos parroquiales … que están haciendo tanto para hacer de esta una comunidad de fe vibrante para que Dios siga siendo alabado aquí.”