Nov. 29, 2024

At a glance

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

VOLUME 34 • NUMBER 4

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 11-14

Our Diocese 4-10

Our Faith 3

Scripture 3, 14

U.S. news 15

Viewpoints 18-19

World news 16-17

AdventCATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

is a season about so much more than a wreath decorated with four candles and a calendar filled with sweet treats. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the goal of Advent is to make present for ourselves and our families the “ancient expectancy of the Messiah ... by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming.” Although Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to use this time to renew our desires for the Lord to be present more deeply in our lives and for Christ’s triumphant second coming into the world. Here are a few ways we can use this season to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas.

STAFF

EDITOR: Trish Stukbauer 704-370-3335, tmstukbauer@rcdoc.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find your answers

Where does the word “Advent” come from? Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink – and where did the tradition of an Advent wreath originate? What is a Jesse tree and how do you make one? What are the Great “O” Antiphons? How long is Advent? Whether your questions about this season are simple or complex, there are a wealth of online resources that we have compiled at www.catholicnewsherald. com to answer them. Browse our website at your leisure to deepen your spiritual journey and learn something new this Advent.

Celebrate feasts and solemnities

While the focus of Advent is looking forward to Christ’s arrival at Christmas – “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” which means “arrival” – there are three additional feasts and solemnities to honor in this season. The Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6 honors the saint whose story was the basis for Santa Claus. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (this year, on Dec. 9) celebrates the doctrine that Mary was conceived completely free of original sin. St. Lucy’s Day on Dec.

Diocesan calendar of events

EVENTS

13 commemorates a fourth-century virgin martyr who, according to legend, brought food to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her way.

Explore your faith

Did you know the Diocese of Charlotte offers free, video-based adult faith formation online through Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute? You can deepen your faith and prepare your heart to encounter Christ this Christmas through “Following Jesus: The Challenge of Discipleship.” This workshop helps us come to know the person of Jesus as our one essential need. It benefits everyone, no matter where they are on their faith journey, as they walk through this season. Through this and other workshops, the CI provides solid Catholic content in a manner that is both substantive and engaging, offering personal formation that is human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral. Scan the QR code for a link to create your free account.

EVENING MASS OF PEACE AND SOLACE : Join us for an evening of prayers, scripture, music and encouragement. Let’s pause and remember that although dusk arrives early, God’s light abides in the darkness. Our spirits may sink as the days grow shorter. We may feel the darkness growing deeper around us, but God’s Word and encouragement are also with us to live the days ahead. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St., Charlotte. All are welcome.

SACRED MUSIC CONCERT FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS : 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. This annual concert by the Cathedral Choir, Children’s Choir and High School Choir will feature “Magnificat in C” by Antonio Caldara and works by Gallus, Fauré, Saint-Saëns and Holst.

PRAYER SERVICES

HOLY HOUR FOR NICARAGUA : All are welcome to a Holy Hour in Spanish for the Intention of Bringing Peace to Nicaragua. 7-8 p.m. every Thursday (except for the first Thursday of every month), St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Correction

Father Joseph Anh Linh Nguyen’s name was incorrect in an article on page 5 in the Nov. 15 edition. We regret the error. — Catholic News Herald

DEC. 2-3 Atlanta Province Bishops’ Meeting Savannah, GA

DEC. 5

Advent Day of Reflection

DEC. 7 – 5 P.M. Mass

St. Pius X Church, Greensboro

Scan the QR code for this week’s recommended reading, classes and activities:

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

DEC. 7 – 6 P.M. Holy Family Hospital Benefit Dinner

St. Pius X Church, Greensboro

DEC. 9 – 12:10 P.M.

Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

DEC. 12 – 8:30 A.M.

DEC. 15 – 11:30 A.M.

St. Peter Church, Charlotte

DEC. 17 – 10:30 A.M.

Our faith

Preparing your heart and home in Advent

WOODEENE KOENIG-BRICKER OSV News

“When we let the world know that there is more to the holiday than presents and decorations, we fulfill our mission as Christians to evangelize the world.”

Imagine expecting a new baby. For months, you prepare to welcome this addition, but in the last month, the preparations really step up. You make sure that the crib is clean, the diapers are in place, the car seat is installed, and family and friends are ready to meet the new baby.

That sense of joyful preparation combined with anticipation is the attitude we bring to Advent as we await the arrival of Christ the Lord. Christmas is the high point, but using the days leading up to Dec. 25 to prepare both spiritually and materially is what Advent is all about.

What sets Advent apart is its spiritual dimension: Advent, which this year begins on Sunday, Dec. 1, is a time of prayer and penance. As Catholics, we are called to exercise a more disciplined approach to our lives during the four weeks of Advent and to pay attention to our words and deeds as we wait for the coming of Christ.

A season of prayer

Waiting is a challenge, but instead of just counting down the days, we are called to use Advent as a time to deepen our relationship with God. Keep things simple: Read a Psalm as a bedtime prayer, go to confession, pray the rosary (especially on the Marian feasts of the Immaculate Conception (this year on Dec. 9) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12), spend some time in Eucharistic adoration, or go to daily Mass.

You could also say the traditional St. Andrew Novena – 25 days of prayer for a holy Christmas, beginning on the feast of St. Andrew, Nov. 30. If you have children, make a “good deed” crèche: Put a slip of paper, acting as a piece of straw, in the manger each time you do a good deed so that the bed will be filled with “holy softness” for the Christ Child.

Signs of the season

Some of the major signs of the season are decorations and lights, especially those on the outside of the house. As you decorate, think about how lights are more than pretty objects. Lights, especially candles,

Daily Scripture readings

DEC. 1-7

Sunday (First Sunday of Advent):

Jer 33:14-16, Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14, 1 Thes 3:12–4:2, Lk 21:25-28, 34-36; Monday: Is 2:1-5, Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9, Mt 8:5-11; Tuesday (St. Francis Xavier, Priest): Is 11:1-10, Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17, Lk 10:21-24; Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a, Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, Mt 15:29-37; Thursday: Is 26:1-6, Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a, Mt 7:21, 24-27; Friday: Is 29:17-24, Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14, Mt 9:27-31; Saturday (St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church): Is 30:19-21, 23-26, Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Laity, women do not ‘rank’ last in the Church

There are no second-class Christians, Pope Francis said. The laity, including women, and the clergy all have special gifts to edify the Church in unity and holiness.

“The laity are not in last place. No. The laity are not a kind of external collaborator or the clergy’s ‘auxiliary troops.’ No! They have their own charisms and gifts with which to contribute to the mission of the Church,” the pope said Nov. 20 at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

have been used for centuries as a symbol of the star that showed the shepherds and wise men where to find the Christ Child. Your lights can serve as a witness to the “light of the world” that is both coming and has already arrived.

Each household develops their own traditions about when to put up a tree. Some people like to do a little bit over the weeks; others prefer to make decorating a part of Christmas Eve. (And in case you feel as if putting up decorations early is somehow improper, the Vatican puts up its Christmas scene very early in December!)

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene. Invest in having a crèche of your own. Some people put theirs under the tree, others make a special scene on a table. Some families add a new figure each year.

Tasty traditions

Many families have special foods that they serve only at Christmas. As you prepare these treats, use the time to recall

DEC. 8-14

Sunday (Second Sunday of Advent): Bar 5:1-9, Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6, Phil 1:4-6, 8-11, Lk 3:1-6; Monday (Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Gn 3:9-15, 20, Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, Eph 1:3-6, 11-12, Lk 1:26-38; Tuesday: Is 40:1-11, Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13, Mt 18:12-14; Wednesday: Is 40:25-31, Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10, Mt 11:2830; Thursday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab, Jdth 13:18bcde, 19, Lk 1:26-38; Friday (St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr): Is 48:17-19, Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6, Mt 11:16-19 Saturday (St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church): Sir 48:1-4, 9-11, Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19, Mt 17:9a, 10-13

– and pray for – all those family members who have gone before us in death. You might want to begin building some new and flavorful traditions. One idea from the Anglican tradition is to begin your holiday baking on the last Sunday before Advent. This Sunday is called “Stir-up Sunday” because traditional fruit cakes were mixed on this day and left to “mellow” until Christmas. The name comes from the Collect prayer from the day’s liturgy: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.” Put a twist on the tradition by making and freezing batches of cookie dough to be baked later.

Advent is a time of hope and light. It is a time when we reaffirm that “nothing is impossible with God,” not even a virgin bringing forth a child. This Advent, find hope as you recommit yourself to spiritual renewal. Look for the Light in everything you do, from shopping to mailing cards to cooking and decorating the house.

Most importantly this Advent, prepare your home and your heart for the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-Us, Jesus Christ.

DEC. 15-21

Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent): Zep 3:14-18a, Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6, Phil 4:4-7, Lk 3:1018; Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a, 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9, Mt 21:23-27; Tuesday: Gn 49:2, 8-10, Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17, Mt 1:1-17; Wednesday: Jer 23:5-8, Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 1819, Mt 1:18-25; Thursday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a, Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17, Lk 1:5-25; Friday: Is 7:10-14, Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6, Lk 1:26-38; Saturday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a, Ps 33:23, 11-12, 20-21, Lk 1:39-45

The Holy Spirit “distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts, He makes them fit and ready to undertake the various tasks and offices which contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church,” he said, quoting from the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “Lumen Gentium.”

A charism is “the gift given for the common good, to be useful for everyone. It is not, in other words, destined principally and ordinarily for the sanctification of the person. No. It is intended, however, for the service of the community,” Pope Francis said.

“Secondly, the charism is the gift given to one or to some in particular, not to everyone in the same way, and this is what distinguishes it from sanctifying grace, from the theological virtues and from the sacraments, which instead are the same and common to all,” he said.

“We have to rediscover the charisms because this ensures that the promotion of the laity, and of women in particular, is understood not only as an institutional and sociological fact, but also in its biblical and spiritual dimension,” the pope said.

Charisms are misunderstood as being “spectacular or extraordinary gifts and capabilities,” he said. “Instead, they are ordinary gifts. Each one of us has his or her own charism that assumes extraordinary value if inspired by the Holy Spirit and embodied with love in situations of life,” he said.

“Such an interpretation of the charism is important, because many Christians, when they hear talk of charisms, experience sadness and disappointment, as they are convinced that they do not possess any, and feel they are excluded or second-class Christians,” he said.

“There are no second-class Christians. No. Each person has his or her own personal charism” that are gifts at the service of charity, in that they belong to all and are for the good of all, he said.

Pope Francis

OSV NEWS

A family lights an Advent wreath at their Maryland home. Catholics are called to exercise a more disciplined approach to our spiritual lives during the four weeks of Advent that begin on Dec. 1 and to pay attention to our words and deeds as we wait for the coming of Christ.

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Father

Cahill

named to diocese’s College of Consultors

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., recently announced the appointment of Father Patrick Cahill to the Diocese of Charlotte’s College of Consultors, effective Nov. 18.

Father Cahill is pastor of St. Eugene Parish in Asheville, administrator of Asheville Catholic School, and director of the diocese’s Mission office. He succeeds the late Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, who passed away in July.

“It’s a lot of responsibility and an honor to serve the people of our diocese in this way. I pray for God’s wisdom,” Father Cahill said.

A College of Consultors is a group of 6-12 priests drawn from the larger Presbyteral Council who advise and assist the bishop in governing the diocese, particularly on significant decisions related to administering the diocese’s temporal goods. Every diocese is required to have a College of Consultors.

Members serve five-year terms. The current term of College of Consultors runs from Jan. 14, 2021, to Jan. 14, 2026.

The other members are: Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, vicar of education for catechetical formation and pastor/rector of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville; Father Julio Dominguez, vicar of Hispanic Ministry; Father Christopher Gober, vocations director and pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem; Father John Putnam, judicial vicar and pastor of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville; and Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese.

— Catholic News Herald

Columbiettes host Eucharistic miracles exhibit in Asheboro

ASHEBORO — The St. Joseph’s Columbiettes in Asheboro hosted the Blessed Carlo Acutis Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles Nov. 1-9. The exhibit showcases Eucharistic Miracles that inspired Blessed Carlo Acutis. The Italian website designer, who passed away in 2006 from leukemia, created a site that encouraged young people to learn about the Eucharist through the lens of these miraculous events. The exhibit features 24 panels and is traveling to parishes across the state. Contact Kathy Thomas at jkskthomas@gmail.com.

— Wendy Graham

Building a legacy of faith and service

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MARS HILL — Bishop Michael Martin visited St. Andrew Church on Nov. 23 to celebrate Mass and dedicate a new statue of the parish’s patron saint. When he arrived, however, he had to weave his way through racks of clothing and tables piled high with supplies just to get inside.

That’s because the small mountain church has become a major Helene relief center, and the new statue that stands outside greets not only worshipers, but people from all over the region who come daily to get emergency supplies as they rebuild in the wake of the destructive storm.

Bishop Martin’s visit was a chance for parishioners to celebrate not only their patron saint, whose feast day is Nov. 30, but also the Feast of Christ the King and the ongoing relief efforts in which the parish has become a critical supply hub. Relief efforts also continue nearby at its mission church, Sacred Heart in Burnsville.

A welcoming presence

The statue is the result of a little over a year of fundraising. In 2023, a parishioner approached the Women’s Guild with the idea of placing a statue of St. Andrew at the church entrance.

The Guild members, led by Kelli Jamerson, ran with the idea and raised about $13,000, according to the parish’s secretary Kelly Hansen.

The parish contacted the company they buy liturgical supplies from and found a sculptor in South America. The statue, constructed of metal with a bronze finish, arrived in February. It depicts the saint holding the x-shaped cross on which tradition says he was crucified, and the Book of the Gospels in his other hand.

Stone masons from the parish built a pedestal for the statue, and together they stand a little over six feet tall.

The statue, placed prominently in front of the church’s entrance, was kept under cover until Sunday’s dedication. Parishioners gathered around the parking lot as Bishop Martin pulled away the cover, said prayers of dedication and blessed it with holy water.

Everyone enjoyed getting their first look at the new statue before heading inside for the bilingual Vigil Mass offered by Bishop Martin, pastor Father Anthony Mbanefo and retired pastor Father Fred Werth.

Bishop Martin’s homily reflected on the feast of Christ the King and the importance of sharing Christ’s message with the world. He urged people to make Christ the king of their lives and their homes.

“Do we proclaim by our daily lives Christ as the king?” he asked. “That has to be the question. We cannot just proclaim ‘Viva Cristo Rey’ here in church. We have to make it real in our homes. Proclaim Him king here, and then make Him king in our homes, in our stores, in our schools, in our streets, our communities.”

Bishop Martin urged people to show the world that Christ is king through their personal witness of His love.

We must share God’s love with others “if we’re to make the kingdom real, everywhere, all over this land – and only you can do that,” he said. “Take that

message … to every single solitary square inch of this world.”

A commitment to caring

The bishop’s homily resonated with Mars Hill parishioners, who have been demonstrating Christ’s generosity and love to hundreds of storm victims since Helene’s floodwaters devastated the region. That’s when the relief center was quickly set up in the narthex, providing necessities such as water, canned food and diapers. That initial outreach blessed by Father Mbanefo has grown into an extensive relief effort – led by Jamerson and Hansen and staffed by parish volunteers from noon to 6 p.m. six days a week. Food, bottled water, paper products, diapers and cleaning supplies sit stocked neatly on folding tables throughout the building. More recently, winter coats, blankets, camp stoves and portable heaters have arrived – tucked underneath tables, in corners and hallways. So many donations have come in that

nearly every available inch inside the little church is filled – closets, the meeting room and faith formation room, even Hansen’s office. The effort has spilled out to the churchyard, too – with storage buildings, tents, and even the priest’s carport being used to store supplies. A donated semitruck trailer sits parked next to the church, filled with clothing for men, women and children.

People with generous hearts from all over the country have pitched in to help, Hansen says. On average, four truckloads of donations a week are coming in from Louisiana, Texas, Missouri and other states. A man from Missouri sent five generators and then drove to Mars Hill with a pickup truck full of supplies, donated the truck to a family that had lost their vehicles, and flew home. Two men who run a roofing business, both Knights of Columbus, drove down from Maine and camped in their RV for a week while ST. ANDREW, SEE PAGE 10

Cahill

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE AND DONNA BANGE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD (Clockwise from top) Bishop Michael Martin blesses a statue of the church’s namesake at St. Andrew Church. The bishop and retired pastor Father Fred Werth joined Father Anthony Mbanef, pastor, and parishioners for the special celebration.

Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy plans move to a new location

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MOUNT AIRY — Churchgoers at Holy Angels Parish have gotten used to attending Mass in the parish hall – they’ve been doing so for about 30 years. As the congregation has swelled over the years, the crowds could no longer fit inside the original picturesque granite church located on North Main Street.

That will hopefully change in the next year or so when the parish moves into a renovated church building about three miles away.

Holy Angels recently acquired the former Rockford United Methodist Church on the corner of Rockford and Durham streets, and plans are underway to renovate the building and make the altar suitable for Catholic worship. The 10,440-squarefoot property also includes room for six classrooms, a parish office, pastor’s office, sacristy, and confessional, as well as a fellowship hall with a kitchen.

“The church was built in 1925, and the building has incredible bones,” said Randy Goins, chairman of the parish council.

“If it wasn’t for the sanctuary needing to be renovated, we could literally just start using it very quickly. It’s an incredible property which also comes with an amazing operational 1931 Kilgen organ.” This organ was relocated to the church from a silent theater in Mount Airy.

John Nobers, construction project manager and project advocate for the diocese, noted, “In some ways moving into an existing church building is unique, but the beauty of our Catholic faith allows us to make the proper renovations and make the building appropriate for Catholic worship. This new church is going to fit very well for the parishioners of Holy Angels. ”

Goins and members of the pastoral and finance councils have been working with Father Peter Nouck and diocesan staff for a long time to consider options for a worship space. Crowds for Masses had long outgrown the original church, which only seats about 40 people, and liturgies were moved to the Monsignor Duncan Parish Center.

“That’s where we’ve been, but it’s not really a proper worship space, so we were considering whether to build a new church or expand the Duncan Center,” Goins said.

The parish over the years had acquired property surrounding the Duncan Center in anticipation of constructing a new church. But plans changed.

“We learned it would cost multiple millions of dollars for a new church, and as a small parish of around 400 families, we wondered if we would ever be able to obtain enough capital commitment to justify that kind of investment,” Goins said. “The

Holy Angels Parish recently acquired the former Rockford United Methodist Church, and plans are underway to renovate the 10,400-square-foot building and make it suitable for Catholic worship. The parish of 400 families long ago outgrew its original church (below), which seats about 40 people.

longer we waited to save money, the higher the cost of new construction would be, and we realized we’d be chasing a rainbow we probably wouldn’t get to. So we pivoted and started looking at existing church buildings and found the Rockford church listing.”

God’s presence in guiding the project has been evident. Holy Angels almost didn’t get the Rockford Street property. Earlier this year, church officials learned they were outbid by another buyer, but they asked to be a backup bidder. Three months later, they were notified by the Charlottebased listing agent notifying that the original bidder’s deal had fallen through.

“They asked if we wanted to make an offer, and we said, ‘yes, absolutely – we’re back in the game and let’s play ball,’” Goins said.

They bought the property for $235,000, a remarkable deal in an area where purchasing raw land can cost twice that much.

The parish recently launched a $1.5 million capital campaign, “Rebuilding Our Church, Renewing Our Faith,” to raise funds for the renovation.

“It is the right time for us to act as a

community to take a bold step in having a more befitting permanent space of worship,” said Father Nouck. Along with the changes to the sanctuary and nave, restrooms and other areas will be made accessible, and the HVAC system and areas showing signs of age will be updated. Renovations will be completed in phases, beginning with the nave and sanctuary and then moving on to the other rooms, including a parish hall space, and

enlarging the parking lot, Nobers said. Goins said the goal is to begin work as soon as possible in 2025. Plans call for Holy Angels to offer daily Masses in the original 1921 church. They will call the renovated Methodist Church the Holy Angels Church and refer to their original church as the Holy Angels Chapel.

When worshipers move to the former Methodist church for Mass, they’ll be in a building that’s only a few years newer than the original Holy Angels granite church, which was built in 1921. However, it will be 770% larger, with seating for about 275. Before Holy Angels was established, only a few Catholics lived in Mount Airy, and priests would travel from Winston-Salem to celebrate Mass in homes or at a local opera house. The current church, constructed with locally sourced white granite, was dedicated by Bishop Leo Haid on May 8, 1921.

Holy Angels welcomes anyone wanting to learn more to visit mountairycatholicsha.com/capitalcampaign. As Father Nouke reminds parishioners, “God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good.”

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 9 is a holy day of obligation

CHARLOTTE — Catholics should plan to attend two Masses over two days Dec. 8-9, when a special Marian feast falls on a Monday.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 9, instead of Dec. 8, as the latter is the Second Sunday of Advent.

Both are holy days of obligation – which means Catholics should plan to go to Mass on both days.

Q. Are two Masses required?

A. Yes, you must attend Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent and another for

the feast of the Immaculate Conception. One Mass does not fulfill both obligations. Check your parish bulletin or website for Mass times, as additional Masses may be offered on Sunday evening after 4 p.m. and on Monday.

Q. What is a holy day of obligation?

A. Holy days of obligation are days on which Catholics must go to Mass, unless they are ill, caring for others, risk their own health/safety or the health/safety of others, or are prevented through no fault of their own (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 2180-2181). Every Sunday is a holy

day of obligation.

Q. What is the feast of the Immaculate Conception?

A. The feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important Marian feasts in the Church’s calendar.

It honors Mary’s conception free from original sin, emphasizing her unique role as the Mother of God. Contrary to common belief, it does not celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus. Instead, it recognizes Mary receiving salvation from the moment of her conception.

Mary serves as a model of holiness and

openness to God’s plan, exemplified in her response to the Angel Gabriel: “Let it be done to me according to Thy Word.” This feast invites people to reflect on God’s gifts and recognize and respond to God’s call to carry out His plan for their life.

The Immaculate Conception is always a holy day of obligation in the United States because it is the patronal feast day of our country. For U.S. Catholics, it means that this holy day holds a special place in our list of celebrations.

— Catholic News Herald

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD | FILE

HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS

Bishop Martin returns to Immaculata to see a school community restored

JAY SILTZER Immaculata Catholic School

HENDERSONVILLE — During a visit to Immaculata School on Nov. 19, Bishop Michael Martin gave students an impromptu lesson on faith, helped them with their math problems, and said hi to parents in the carpool line.

It was Bishop Martin’s second visit to the school in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated western North Carolina just a few weeks ago. The school responded to the crisis by becoming an emergency aid distribution center for the stricken community.

On Tuesday, the bishop saw a school recovering from the storm and focused again on its education mission. And he clearly enjoyed the visit, spending several hours there.

“We don’t live our faith just for ourselves,” the bishop told eighth-graders when he stopped by their class. “When you’re studying together, you’re helping each other. It’s the same way with faith.”

Before Bishop Martin was installed as Bishop of Charlotte, he worked extensively in Catholic education –serving as a teacher, coach and administrator at Catholic high schools in New York and Baltimore, then later as director of the Duke University Catholic Center, which serves about 2,500 Catholic students. That depth of educational experience explained his natural rapport with Immaculata’s middle schoolers.

Telling people about Jesus Christ “is one of the hardest things to talk about,” he told the teens. “It’s a risk. Take

that risk!”

“He’s really nice,” said eighth-grader Luciana of the bishop. “It’s really good to hear (from) someone who knows a lot about God.”

Before leaving that classroom to meet other students on his walk through the school, Bishop Martin placed his zucchetto on the head of a student and explained the history of the small, round skullcap.

Bishop Martin also talked with administrators about the outpouring of support after Helene.

He first visited Immaculata on Oct. 4 to see firsthand and help with emergency relief efforts that the school had quickly marshalled in coordination with the diocese and its Catholic Charities agency.

When flood damage forced the cancellation of classes, school leaders turned the gymnasium into an aid distribution center and the carpool line into a pick-up line for local residents in need.

Dozens of trucks from the eastern side of the diocese arrived every day for weeks after the storm, delivering desperately needed donations of bottled water, food, diapers and more.

On Tuesday, however, Bishop Martin saw the Immaculata School community back in action: the flood damage repaired, students at their desks, the gym again a place for games and sports, the carpool line rolling. He walked throughout the building, lingering to talk and spend time with students, teachers and parents.

“It was wonderful to see our bishop taking time to be with our kids,” said Principal Margaret Beale. “From playing hockey to getting down on the carpet to work math problems, he got on their level to witness Christ to them. We are blessed!”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRITTANY WHITEHEAD

Bishop Michael Martin spent time Nov. 19 at Immaculata School, where he found a school bustling with activity. He first visited Immaculata on Oct. 4 to see the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene firsthand and to help with emergency relief efforts.

HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS

Grant funds 6 disaster relief support positions

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — More survivors of Tropical Storm Helene will receive much-needed aid from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte thanks to a recent grant the agency received from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The agency was awarded $650,000 to fund six new positions to support disaster relief efforts in western North Carolina. The funding will last for one year and enable the hiring of four disaster case managers, a disaster case manager supervisor and a disaster financial analyst, according to Gerry Carter, the agency’s executive director and CEO.

The Golden LEAF Foundation was established in 1999 to administer a portion of tobacco settlement agreement funds and funnel them into rural and economically distressed communities throughout North Carolina.

When Helene hit on Sept. 27, Catholic Charities swung into action, helping those impacted by the storm. In the days immediately following Helene, the agency sent truckloads of relief supplies including food, water, diapers, paper products and more to western North Carolina. Within two weeks, the agency began to redirect their efforts to helping people navigate longterm recovery needs.

Catholic Charities currently has six caseworkers working on storm relief efforts in Asheville, Lenoir and North Wilkesboro, and the new caseworkers will be able to address needs that are expected to grow over the next few months.

So far, the agency has been contacted by more than 650 people in western North Carolina seeking assistance with storm-related concerns, Carter said, and he expects that eventually more than 1,000 people could be on the agency’s long-term caseload.

Some clients only need help with one bill, such as rent or utilities, or have one concrete need, such as replacing prescription contact lenses or finding a new car. One person needed help to build a small bridge across a washed-out area of their property so a car could cross.

Many clients, however, have multiple needs that will take weeks or months to fulfill, and that’s where the caseworkers come in, Carter said.

“We have people who need significant longer-term help because their homes or businesses washed away, and they’re looking at having to find a new place to live or totally renovating their house,” Carter said. “The caseworker can help a person look at the whole picture and then marshal resources to assist them in their longterm recovery.”

Disaster case managers will be able to help clients get help from Catholic Charities and learn about other resources available to them, such as loans and assistance from federal agencies, help from other nonprofits and volunteers in the region.

The case manager supervisor will work with all of the disaster case managers to make sure case work is being handled efficiently, and the financial analyst will ensure that disaster recovery funds are handled using the best financial practices.

“It’s absolutely essential that every dollar given for disaster recovery is spent properly,” Carter said. Catholic Charities is accepting applications for the new positions and hopes to fill them in the next few weeks.

How to help

There has been an outpouring of assistance from people in the diocese, across the country and around the world. As of presstime, Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Charlotte have received more than $7.8 million in donations, including $1 million from Catholic Charities USA. Continued assistance is needed as the relief focus has shifted toward long-term recovery assistance. Here’s how you can help people in need, or get assistance if you live in the affected areas:

Donate money

Monetary donations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective way to support emergency relief efforts. Local responders on the ground can use the funds to help people with immediate as well as long-term needs. Give securely online: www.ccdoc.org/helenerelief

Need help?

n Reach Catholic Charities via an online request form and/or local contact information at www.ccdoc.org

n North Carolina 2-1-1: Use the state’s info hotline (call 211 and press 1, or go online to www.nc211.org) to find information about getting food, water and shelter; finding loved ones; checking current road conditions; filing damage and insurance claims; and other issues.

n FEMA assistance: Go to www.disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or download and apply through the FEMA app.

Add your prayers

The diocese has an online prayer request form at www.charlottediocese.org/form-prayer-request

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See more coverage of the impacts of Helene and recovery efforts underway.

Our aging religious need your help. Like those pictured, more than 24,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have dedicated their lives to serving others through prayer and ministry. Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings to care for them. Your support of the Retirement Fund for Religious helps provide care, medicine, and other necessities. Please give back to those who have given a lifetime.

Please donate at your local parish, December 7–8, or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194

Carter

Province celebrates jubilarians

KEVIN A. KEENAN

Our Lady of the Angels Province

ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., was the principal celebrant at a Nov. 14 Mass honoring 24 friars from Our Lady of the Angels Province who have a combined 950 years of service. The Mass at the Shrine of St. Anthony was concelebrated by Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of Atlanta. Fifteen of the jubilarians celebrated their profession of vows, with another nine marking their ordination anniversaries.

“I am honored to be here today in the presence of our brothers who have dedicated so much of their lives to the ministry but more important, the walk of St. Francis of Assisi that has inspired all our lives to give of ourselves in service of the Gospel,” Bishop Martin said.

The Mass was attended by 11 of the jubilarians and about 70 friars.

“We give God thanks for our jubilarians, who encourage all of us friars to be faithful to our

vows and our ministry to the people of God. I’m glad we’re here to celebrate that,” said Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv. In his homily, Friar Andrew Santamauro, OFM Conv., a 25-year priestly ordination jubilarian, said, “The kingdom is manifest in our friaries when we’re patient, kind, merciful, empathetic, and yes, forgiving. As we look back on the years that have brought us to this jubilee, in those same friaries, among those same friars, we see countless instances of God’s grace – times when we have experienced His love, mercy and guidance. We just had to have our eyes open to the possibility.”

Friar Santamauro added, “As we continue to celebrate our jubilee anniversaries, let us give thanks to God for His faithfulness and grace. Let us rejoice in the many ways His Kingdom has been revealed among us and commit ourselves anew to being instruments of His love and peace.”

KEVIN A. KEENAN is director of communications for Our Lady of the Angels Province.

‘A gift from the heart’: Friars craft crozier for Bishop Martin

KEVIN A. KEENAN

Our Lady of the Angels Province

ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland — Community is very important to Bishop Michael Martin as a member of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of the Angels Province. That was on full display at the Shrine of St. Anthony on Nov. 14, when Bishop Martin was presented with a crozier designed and crafted by two of his brother friars at the beginning of a Mass celebrating jubilarians from Our Lady of the Angels Province.

Friar Joseph Dorniak, OFM Conv., designed the crozier, a bishop’s staff which resembles a shepherd’s crook and symbolizes his role as shepherd of his diocese. Friar Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv., a self-taught wood worker, said he spent about 120 hours on the project. Friar Dorniak is assigned to the St. Francis of Assisi Friary (novitiate house) in Arroyo Grande, Calif. Friar Tremblay is the Catholic campus minister at Elon University.

“This crozier is a gracious gift not just from the hands and creativity of two of our friars, it is a gift from the heart from all of our friars that I will treasure for a lifetime,” Bishop Martin said. “A sincere thank you to Peter and Joe for designing and crafting such a wonderful gift that is such a powerful symbol of the episcopacy that I am coming to better understand each and every day.”

“This was the most meaningful thing that I have ever made in my

workshop,” Friar Tremblay said. “Michael is a friend, a brother, and a huge mentor of mine. I have always wanted to use my hobby to make sacred objects, and the opportunity to craft a crozier has been incredibly exciting and rewarding.”

The staff of the crozier is black walnut. The central medallion is made of hard maple with 24-karat, gold-leaf gilding filling in the San Damiano Crucifix. The cord and knots were carved from synthetic ivory. The solid brass connecting hardware was custom made by Friar Tremblay. He also built a carrying case of black walnut with hand-cut dovetails and custommade fitted and satinlined interior to store the crozier.

“I carry you with me wherever I go,” Bishop Martin told the friars. “I hope you know I don’t need a crozier to do that – that you are carved into my life, into my heart, into the way I think, and hopefully into the way I live my life as a friar. This outward expression of that means a tremendous amount to me.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Friar Priest Jubilarians are pictured with Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta and Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KEVIN A. KEENAN AND FRIAR PETER TREMBLAY, OFM CONV. Self-taught woodworker Friar Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv., (pictured above and right) spent about 120 hours crafting a crozier for Bishop Michael Martin. Fellow Friar Joseph Dorniak, OFM Conv., designed the bishop’s new staff.

St. Mark offers healing through Mass of Consolation for miscarriage loss

HUNTERSVILLE — Parents who lost a child through miscarriage or stillbirth were offered a time to come together to find comfort and healing at the second annual Mass of Consolation for Miscarriage and Stillborn Loss on Nov. 16 at St. Mark Church, followed by a reception with special speakers.

The day began with Mass offered by parochial vicar Father Chinonso Nnebe Agumadu, who in his homily encouraged parents to find healing through the love of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who both know the pain parents suffer. Father Nnebe Agumadu also noted a parent’s loss can be a source of merit and holiness, and an invitation to be united with Christ in heaven, while trusting in God’s mercy.

shared their story and offered a personal perspective on how parents can both grieve and heal.

Local author Patrick O’Hearn, a member of St. Dorothy Parish in Lincolnton, shared his family’s experiences with miscarriages and excerpts from his book, “Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss In the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents.” He discussed how many saints were impacted by miscarriages – including St. Gianna Molla, an Italian wife, doctor and mother who experienced miscarriages and died from complications from a subsequent pregnancy in 1962.

A cross made of white candles softly flickered in front of the altar. Parents and family members wrote their babies’ names in a book of remembrance and were able to select one of the candles to take home.

After Mass, St. Mark’s Respect Life Committee, the Diocese of Charlotte Family Life Office and Carolina Pro-Life Action Network hosted a reception for attendees featuring several speakers, including St. Mark’s Deacon Thomas Martin and his wife Heather, who have experienced the loss of three babies to miscarriage. They

St. Mark parishioner and licensed counselor Christine Wisdom, executive director of Wisdom Integrative Counseling, shared her own miscarriage story as well as spiritual and community resources for parents suffering from miscarriage and stillborn loss.

The event concluded with Deacon Martin offering a prayer for parents.

Attendees received complimentary copies of O’Hearn’s book, as well as a children’s book explaining miscarriage, “Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God,” written by Theoni and Bastian Bell. Both books are available at Belmont-based Catholic online retailer Holy Heroes.

— Mike Fitzgerald

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald. com : Access resources for miscarriage loss.

Nearly 500 attend 2024 Diocesan Catechetical Conference in Hickory

SERGIO LÓPEZ selopez@rcdoc.org

HICKORY — The 2024 Diocesan Catechetical Conference Nov. 16 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center featured 21 sessions in both English and Spanish centered on a theme taken from John 15:4: “Remain in Me and bear much fruit.”

The event brought together catechists that included clergy, faith formation teachers, coordinators of apostolic groups, ministry leaders and parents. The annual diocesan event is open to anyone who teaches or speaks about the faith.

Christopher Beal, diocesan director of Catechetical Formation, said 489 attendees

from 50 parishes were on hand for the daylong event. The largest groups were from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte with 49 attendees, St. Mary in Greensboro with 37, and Holy Cross in Kernersville with 31. Conference topics covered everything from organizing catechetical events to gender ideology and Christian anthropology, sacred music, marketing, the use of artificial intelligence in catechetical work, and spiritual and educational formation. Publishers and vendors were on hand with educational materials and religious items.

Eduardo Benítez, a catechist from Divine Redeemer Parish, said he was impressed by the content of the session “How We Help

Annual collection for religious retirement fund coming Dec. 7-8

CHARLOTTE — During Masses Dec. 7-8, parishes are asked to take up a collection to support retired consecrated religious men and women. The annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office, which then distributes the funds to eligible religious communities to help care for their aging members.

In 2023, Diocese of Charlotte parishioners contributed $265,058 to this collection.

John Knutsen, director of the NRRO, said, “The unwavering support of the Catholic faithful in the United States continues to inspire us. Every contribution to the Retirement Fund for Religious makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so

much to our Church and communities.” Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests – collectively known as men and women religious – have selflessly served for decades without significant financial compensation. However, escalating healthcare costs mean that numerous religious communities face a substantial gap between their elderly members’ needs and the financial resources available for their care. Compounding the problem, many religious orders currently experience insufficient retirement savings.

The U.S. bishops initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious collection in 1988 to address this deficit in retirement funding among U.S. religious orders.

The 2023 appeal demonstrated Catholics’ tremendous generosity –raising $29.3 million nationwide to support the retirement needs for 286 U.S. religious communities.

The NRRO is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

— Catholic News Herald

More online

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

Young People Understand Their Identity Only in Christ.”

“We must first care for our salvation,” he said. “We need to be our own influencers and know the Bible to speak the Word of God. And for better catechesis, we must always build a relationship with the students and accompany them in their relationship with God.”

Divine Redeemer participants attended all the sessions, both in English and Spanish, and planned on sharing their combined insights in a future podcast.

Looking ahead, Beal announced that the 2025 Catechetical Conference will be Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, with the venue to be determined at a later date.

AMY BURGER | ST. MARK CHURCH

St. Mark hosted its second annual Mass and reception featuring authors, speakers and other resources for parents who lost a child through miscarriage or stillborn birth on Nov. 16.

Four Charlotte seminarians instituted as acolytes

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Four of the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarians became acolytes during a special Mass Nov. 19 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, where they are studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood.

Seminarians receiving the ministry include Patrick Martin, Bailey Van Nosdall, James Johnson IV and Connor White.

“I could not help but feel a small sense of paternal pride being here tonight,” said Bishop Michael Martin. “Seeing the men taking steps towards deeper and greater dedication to Christ and the Church. To be able to share it with them brings me a lot of joy, and to celebrate a milestone in their lives is important, and I let them know that.” Seminarians from the Archdioceses of Cincinnati and Louisville as well as the Diocese of Columbus also became acolytes at the Mass, where Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr gave the homily.

Ministry of the Acolyte is one of three formal steps required by the Church to being ordained a transitional deacon and later a priest. Each new acolyte will assist the deacon and priest at Mass and will distribute Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.

The role of acolyte is now expanded to include the laity as a lay ministry. It continues to be an important step in preparing men for ordination as a priest or deacon.

— Photos and story provided by Patrick Tarbox, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary

ST. ANDREW

helping parishioners, businesses and others in the area with roof and drywall repairs.

About a dozen families each day are coming in seeking help, Hansen says. Word is getting out by neighbors talking with neighbors, Facebook posts and a sandwich board put up at the main road leading up to the church. The stacks of supplies may seem overwhelming, but they get distributed fast, Hansen says. The parish is grateful for the support coming in from so many people of goodwill.

“We’re a small parish but mighty when it comes to this outreach,” Hansen said. Donna Bange, a St. Andrew parishioner, says the church’s patron saint has been their source of inspiration for these relief efforts since Helene hit their community two months ago. In John’s Gospel, Andrew the disciple introduces Jesus to a boy with five small barley loaves and two fish, which Christ then uses to feed 5,000 people who had come to hear Him preach.

Now, when people looking for material and spiritual nourishment come to St. Andrew Church, they will be greeted by the inspiring image of St. Andrew – and the helpful smiles of parishioners intent on sharing God’s love.

November

Padre Julio Domínguez

Adviento, tiempo para contemplar

Estamos por comenzar este hermoso tiempo de Adviento y quiero compartir con ustedes la manera como yo lo vivo, esperando que a más de alguno le sirva para poder vivirlo mejor.

Generalmente me hago la propuesta de ver al Adviento como un tiempo de preparación. Ya desde la Solemnidad de Cristo Rey del Universo, me propongo a ver cada día como un caminar en el cual pondré lo mejor de mí para llegar al momento hermoso de la Navidad.

Con la Solemnidad de Cristo Rey, le digo a Dios que lo acepto como el Rey de mi corazón y le pido que camine conmigo en estos días.

Ahora bien, Adviento, aunque es un tiempo de preparación, no tiene el énfasis en la penitencia, sino mas bien en la contemplación. Para esto me ayuda mucho pensar en la Virgen en sus últimos días de embarazo.

La contemplación fluye inmediatamente en el tema de lo que María Santísima contemplaría en su corazón al saber que su Hijo estaba por nacer, y que era el Salvador del mundo. Ya con ese tema, podríamos pasar toda la primera semana, pensando en la gran humildad de María al meditar y saber que de ella nacería el Mesías. Después viene la Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción. Es una fiesta preciosísima, pero que por desgracia muchos no la viven. La ven más como fecha obligatoria y no debería ser así. La contemplación de la Virgen como la Inmaculada Madre de Dios nos da la oportunidad de ver la grandeza de la Virgen, y como le debemos debido respeto al ser la elegida del Señor. Y más que eso, nos invita a reconocer su grandeza, al haber aceptado el plan de redención marcado por los siglos y regocijarse en el Señor al decirle: ‘He aquí la esclava del Señor’.

Asimismo, nos invita a contemplar nuestro propio estado del alma. Pues si la Virgen Purísima fue preservada del pecado para poder recibir al Mesías Salvador, con cuanta mayor razón nosotros debemos abstenernos del pecado y planear una buena confesión para estar preparados a recibir a Cristo Salvador. Adviento es también un hermoso tiempo de caridad. Empezamos a ver a quien podemos prepararle un regalo. Generalmente pensamos en los más cercanos, amigos y familiares, pero a mí me gusta pensar también en los que no tienen, esas personas que van por el mundo pidiendo posada y nadie les abre. Es allí

Coro juvenil debutó con noche de alabanza y adoración

VICENTE CAPISTRANO

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

CHARLOTTE — El viernes 25 de octubre, la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe vibró con su primera Noche de Alabanza y Adoración, una velada que unió a la comunidad en una jornada llena de alegría, música y profunda fe. El Coro Juvenil Dei Lux, compuesto por talentosos miembros de las parroquias Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, San John Neuman, y San Vicente de Paul, lideró la celebración con cantos y danzas que llenaron el ambiente de un espíritu de alabanza.

La música estuvo a cargo de Andrés Castro, Jossue Madrid, Carlos Madrid, Wilmer Ponce, Rafael Nicea, Karla López, Enma Rojas, Héctor Guerrero, Sonia Cisneros y Ángel Páez, quienes con su talento iluminaron la noche. Los grupos juveniles de la parroquia, VincentTeens y Fruto de Fe, fueron claves en la organización del evento, asegurando una experiencia memorable para todos los asistentes.

Además de interpretar temas popularizados por los reconocidos cantantes Jon Carlo y Athenas, el coro Dei Lux dejó sorprendidos a los asistentes con sus propias composiciones, tales como “En victoria”, “Joven de acción”, “Viene a adorar”, y su más reciente composición, “No soy de las 99”. Este último tema habla sobre una oveja perdida que, a pesar de sus desvíos y dificultades, siempre es buscada y encontrada por el Buen Pastor, reflejando un profundo mensaje de redención y amor incondicional.

Karla López, cantante del coro, dijo que cada vez que interpreta temas al Señor siente una mezcla de emociones. “A veces, revivo dolores del pasado que aún no he perdonado completamente y se me forma un nudo en la garganta que no me deja cantar. Eso me indica que necesito liberar mis lágrimas. En otras ocasiones, siento una alegría tan grande que empiezo a bailar, como imagino lo haría David. Mucha gente podría pensar que exagero, pero es una sensación que recorre todo mi cuerpo”. También expresó que la mayoría de veces, se siente bendecida y en paz, “y es entonces cuando canto con toda mi fuerza, sin temor a

En su debut público, el coro Dei Lux presentó temas de reconocidos autores católicos y también obras de su propia inspiración, tales como ‘En Victoria’, Joven de acción’, ‘Viene a adorar’ y ‘No soy de las 99’, una canción que refleja un profundo mensaje de redención y amor incondicional.

desafinar”.

Karla añadió que cuando guía a otras personas en la alabanza, ya sea cantando, bailando, levantando las manos o aplaudiendo, “siento una felicidad y gratitud tan intensa que no puedo dejar de sonreír. Me siento como un líder llevando a la gente a una batalla, pero de amor y paz. Solo espero que puedan sentir esa conexión con Dios a través de la música, ya sea con la voz

o los instrumentos. La música es un poder, un don único. Me siento verdaderamente bendecida.”

Un momento especialmente conmovedor fue la adoración al Santísimo Sacramento, donde el Padre José Gregorio García proclamó: “Aquí está un pedacito de Dios y nosotros lo completamos. Somos parte de su cuerpo. Dios está aquí”. Esta poderosa declaración transformó la noche en una

celebración de fe compartida que dejó una profunda huella en todos los presentes.

La Noche de Alabanza y Adoración fue más que un evento, fue una manifestación de fe y comunidad que tocó los corazones de todos los que participaron.

VICENTE CAPISTRANO es coordinador de comunicaciones y líder del movimiento juvenil de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte.

IMÁGENES CORTESÍA CORO JUVENIL DEI LUX

Colecta anual para el fondo de jubilación de religiosos se realizará

CHARLOTTE — Se ha solicitado a las parroquias que, durante las Misas del 7 y 8 de diciembre, realicen una colecta para apoyar a los religiosos y religiosas consagrados jubilados.

La colecta anual del Fondo de Jubilación para Religiosos es coordinada por la Oficina Nacional de Jubilación de Religiosos (NRRO, por sus siglas en inglés), que luego distribuye los fondos a las comunidades religiosas elegibles para ayudar a cuidar a sus miembros adultos mayores.

En 2023, los feligreses de la Diócesis de Charlotte contribuyeron con $265,058 a esta colecta.

John Knutsen, director de la NRRO, dijo: “El apoyo inquebrantable de los fieles católicos en los Estados Unidos continúa inspirándonos. Cada contribución al Fondo de Jubilación para Religiosos hace una diferencia tangible en las vidas de aquellos

que han dado tanto a nuestra Iglesia y comunidades”.

Las hermanas, hermanos y sacerdotes de órdenes religiosas católicas, conocidos colectivamente como hombres y mujeres religiosos, han servido desinteresadamente durante décadas sin una compensación financiera significativa. Sin embargo, el aumento de los costos de la atención médica hace que numerosas comunidades religiosas enfrenten una brecha sustancial entre las necesidades de sus miembros mayores y los recursos financieros disponibles para su atención. Para agravar el problema, muchas órdenes religiosas actualmente experimentan ahorros insuficientes para la jubilación.

Los obispos de Estados Unidos iniciaron la colecta del Fondo de Jubilación para Religiosos en 1988 para abordar este déficit en la financiación de la jubilación entre las órdenes religiosas del país.

La campaña de 2023 demostró la tremenda generosidad de los católicos, pues recaudó $29,3 millones en todo el país para apoyar las necesidades de jubilación de 286 comunidades religiosas de Estados Unidos.

La NRRO está patrocinada por la Conferencia de Hombres Superiores Mayores, el Consejo de Superioras Mayores de Religiosas, la Conferencia de Liderazgo de Religiosas y la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos. — Catholic News Herald

Más online

En www.retiredreligious.org : Obtenga más información sobre esta colecta y cómo los fondos ayudan a las comunidades religiosas en todo Estados Unidos.

el 7 y 8 de diciembre

Con feria concluyen actividades de ministerio de salud

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@rcdoc.org

HUNTERSVILLE — Con una feria que se extendió por más de 4 horas, el ministerio de salud de la parroquia San Marcos cerró sus actividades correspondientes al año 2024. Más de cien personas de todas las edades y provenientes de diferentes localidades, algunas de ellas llegadas desde Monroe, recibieron atención médica brindada por organizaciones asistenciales asociadas al ministerio. Maggie McGown, coordinadora de los ministerios de salud y provida de la parroquia, dijo que pudieron realizar 53 pruebas de A1C, examen que mide la presencia de azúcar en sangre, así como muchas otras de presión arterial.

Gracias a los resultados, varios de los asistentes fueron derivados a programas de prevención de diabetes y/o referidos a las clínicas móviles que se encuentran regularmente prestando servicios en las parroquias Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y San John Neumann, todas ellas localizadas en el área metropolitana de Charlotte.

PRUEBAS VITALES

IMAGEN CORTESÍA MARIBEL GARCÍA

Más de cien personas se beneficiaron de los servicios que ofreció el ministerio de salud de la parroquia San Marcos gracias a la asistencia de sus promotoras y alianzas estratégicas con instituciones prestadoras de servicios de salud, como Atrium Health y Cabarrus Health Alliance.

“Conocer los niveles de azúcar en la sangre ayuda a las personas a poder hacer modificaciones en su estilo de vida para evitar desarrollar la diabetes, o mantener controlados sus niveles de azúcar”, dijo McGown. La diabetes, una enfermedad crónica que afecta la manera cómo los alimentos se convierten en energía, puede causar enfermedad del corazón, ataque cerebral, presión alta, daños en los nervios de las piernas y brazos, ceguera y daños en las arterias.

La Asociación Americana de Diabetes encontró en 2021 que más de 38 millones de norteamericanos tenían diabetes, siendo la octava causa de muerte en el país. Respecto a la presión arterial, McGown aseguró que el porcentaje de personas a las que hallaron presión alta y refirieron para su atención médica fue importante.

La Organización Americana del Corazón considera la presión arterial alta como un problema de salud pública, y estima que 1 de cada 3 adultos en Estados Unidos tiene hipertensión. Llamada “la muerte silenciosa”, la hipertensión arterial aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar problemas graves de salud, como ataque al corazón o derrame cerebral.

Sin embargo, esta no fue la única actividad desarrollada por el ministerio de salud de San Marcos.

MÁS ACTIVIDADES

“Durante el año, hemos tenido varias actividades con estas mismas pruebas, detección de cáncer colorrectal, mamografías para las señoras, cursos de reanimación cardiopulmonar, clínica dental, y servicios de referidos para vacunación y servicios médicos especializados”, precisó McGown.

Actualmente, el ministerio se encuentra en proceso de planificación para el próximo año, ya que la feria también les sirvió para escuchar las necesidades de la comunidad y conocer qué temas, talleres o servicios necesitan.

La coordinadora invitó a las personas interesadas a servir a su prójimo a integrarse al grupo de promotores de salud. Igualmente agradeció la asistencia y apoyo permanente del párroco, Padre John Putnam, al trabajo del ministerio.

Finalmente, McGown resaltó el agradecimiento de todos los asistentes a las actividades programadas a largo del año. “La comunidad siempre se muestra muy agradecida. Especialmente por traer este tipo de servicios los fines de semana, pues a veces se les hace verdaderamente difícil dejar su trabajo para obtener un servicio médico”, finalizó.

Caballeros de Colón ofrecen arbolitos de navidad

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Desde el miércoles 26 de noviembre, el Consejo de los Caballeros de Colón de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe inició su tradicional venta de arbolitos de navidad naturales a los feligreses del área metropolitana de Charlotte.

Así lo dio a conocer Héctor Guerra, Gran Caballero del Consejo 17501, primero en español a nivel nacional formado en esta parroquia Guadalupana.

La atención se realiza diariamente desde las cinco de la tarde hasta las 9 de la noche, ampliando el horario durante los fines de semana, ofreciendo dos tamaños para la venta: cinco y seis pies de altura.

Las personas seleccionan el arbolito de su preferencia, el que luego es recortado al tamaño elegido. Los voluntarios le colocan una malla de protección que cubre todas las ramas, y lo fijan con cuerdas a su vehículo.

“Nos aseguramos que no se vayan a volar las ramas,

tenemos los lazos para amarrarlo al techo de su vehículo, o lo colocamos en la parte de atrás de su camioneta. Vemos que no vayan a tener ninguna clase de problema durante el traslado del arbolito hasta su hogar”, dijo Guerra.

Respecto al precio de los árboles naturales, dijo que varía entre 45 y 65 dólares.

“Todos nos beneficiamos. Ustedes, porque van a encontrarlo al mejor precio. Y todos nosotros como comunidad, porque el dinero recaudado se destina a las obras de beneficencia que realiza la parroquia”, añadió.

Además, señaló que si alguna persona siente en su corazón que puede aportar un “poquito más por el árbol”, puede dejar una donación extra o puede dejar un arbolito pagado”, porque hay familias que no tienen cómo pagar un arbolito y, teniendo los arbolitos que son de donación, alguien que no tiene los medios puede llevarse uno.

El año pasado, informó, gracias a esta actividad se recaudaron más de dos mil dólares que fueron donados a la Casa Marillac, obra de caridad de la parroquia que asiste con despensas de alimentos a las familias necesitadas, sin

distinciones de ningún tipo.

Los arbolitos, precisó, provienen de las montañas de Carolina del Norte, son de calidad y frescos, “recién cortados”.

Guerra aprovechó la oportunidad para realizar una invitación a los feligreses a unirse a los Caballeros de Colón.

“Es una bonita experiencia. Se vive trabajando para la comunidad, trabajando para el proyecto de Dios aquí en la Tierra, ayudando al que necesita, invirtiendo el poco de tiempo que nos queda libre en algo productivo”.

Los Caballeros de Colón, una organización fraternal católica de beneficencia, fue fundada en 1881 por el sacerdote Michael J. McGivney para ayudar a inmigrantes católicos, especialmente irlandeses, que enfrentaban dificultades de todo tipo en Estados Unidos.

“Igual nos pasa a nosotros ahora, pero estas organizaciones ayudan a los inmigrantes, y a uno mismo, a poder encontrar sentido a la vida ayudando a otros”, dijo Guerra.

Corresponsabilidad en Santo Niño

REIDSVILLE — La primera semana de noviembre, el Diácono Enedino Aquino, acompañado por Sergio López, coordinador del ministerio hispano de la vicaría de Winston-Salem, ofreció una charla sobre corresponsabilidad en la parroquia Santo Niño. La corresponsabilidad se define como la respuesta de los feligreses a la misión de la Iglesia, que se manifiesta en la contribución de tiempo, dinero y recursos personales. En pocas palabras, convertirse en verdadero discípulo del Señor y ayudar a Su iglesia y misión.

Los jóvenes dan pasos agigantados

STATESVILLE — Cuarenta fueron los jóvenes que participaron en un retiro juvenil organizado por el ministerio hispano de la Vicaría de Salisbury en la parroquia San Felipe Apóstol. Un grupo de jóvenes adultos, líderes del grupo juvenil de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, guiaron la cita. Es muy interesante ver la facilidad con que los jóvenes trabajan con otros jóvenes y una verdadera bendición apreciar el trabajo conjunto y la cooperación interparroquial. Agradecemos las imágenes e información proporcionada por Ibis Centeno, coordinadora del ministerio hispano de esa vicaría.

DOMÍNGUEZ

DE LA PÁGINA 11

donde todos podemos colaborar para que haya algo bello para ellos. Si durante el Adviento nos encanta decorar nuestras casas con miles de luces y ornamentos, es bueno pensar que nuestra luz brille más que nunca. Me refiero a nuestra alma, que la llenemos de grandes virtudes y la adornemos con acciones de caridad y de amor hacia otras personas. Tenemos otra fiesta popular en Adviento, la fiesta de María Santísima de Guadalupe, a cuya advocación mucha gente venera. Tenemos que pensar cual fue el significado de este evento y que no sea solo un momento para ir a ver las danzas y comer bien. El significado de Guadalupe es profundo, no tan solo para el mexicano sino para toda América, pues lo que conmemoramos es el mensaje de Santa María de Guadalupe diciéndonos que el verdadero Dios, por quien se vive, ha llegado a este continente y debemos recibirlo con gran alegría, honrarlo y venerarlo como el verdadero rey del cielo. En este país en donde estamos actualmente, es bueno pensar que la fe de María de Guadalupe es nuestra fe y que tenemos que ser portadores de su mensaje en este momento de la historia. La novena de Navidad o las posadas, como mucha gente la conoce, es un momento muy hermoso de oración y hermandad. Yo espero que este año nos preguntemos qué podemos hacer de nuevo por la humanidad. Se me ocurre que todos los que podamos invitemos a alguien a casa a hacer oración y después a compartir con ellos. Pero tiene que ser algo que haga la diferencia, por lo tanto, podemos pensar en aquellos menos afortunados que nosotros. Tal vez a alguien que se ha alejado de la fe, tal vez a un hermano protestante.

Hay muchas cosas que podrían hacerse en esta contemplación de cómo le gustaría a nuestro buen Dios ver a nuestro mundo en este fin de año y, viendo con los ojos de Dios, cambiarlo. Que la preparación a la Navidad sea un momento de mucha paz para todos ustedes y que el espíritu navideño vaya naciendo poco a poco en esta hermosa preparación.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es vicario apostólico del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

NEWTON — Sheyla Díaz, una de nuestras colaboradoras en la parroquia San José en Newton, captó esta imagen del paso de la Antorcha Guadalupana por la Diócesis de Charlotte. Díaz es una joven entusiasta lideresa de los jóvenes en Newton y, ante nuestra imposiblidad de llegar a esa ciudad, se ofreció a enviarnos información y fotografías sobre la llegada de la Antorcha a su parroquia. ¡Y lo hizo tan bien que su foto fue la más representativa, siendo seleccionada para la portada! Así como Sheyla Díaz, te invitamos a ser parte de nuestro equipo de colaboradores enviándonos fotos e información sobre las actividades que se programan en tu parroquia. Ojalá podamos contar con tu ayuda para extender la tarea de evangelización. El Señor necesita verdaderos discípulos para su misión.

VIENE

Papa Francisco

Los laicos y las mujeres no son los últimos en

la Iglesia, dice el Papa

No hay cristianos de segunda clase, dijo el Papa Francisco. Los laicos, incluidas las mujeres, y el clero tienen dones especiales para edificar la Iglesia en unidad y santidad.

“Los laicos no son los últimos, los laicos no son una especie de colaboradores externos o tropas auxiliares del clero, sino que tienen sus propios carismas y dones con los que contribuir a la misión de la Iglesia”, dijo el Papa el 20 de noviembre en su audiencia general en la Plaza de San Pedro. Continuando con una serie de catequesis sobre el papel del Espíritu Santo en la vida de la Iglesia, el Papa Francisco analizó cómo el Espíritu Santo edifica el Cuerpo de Cristo a través de la efusión de dones y carismas. El Espíritu Santo distribuye gracias especiales entre los fieles de todo rango. Por medio de estos dones, Él los hace aptos y preparados para asumir las diversas tareas y oficios que contribuyen a la renovación y edificación de la Iglesia, dijo, citando la Constitución Dogmática sobre la Iglesia del Concilio Vaticano II, “Lumen Gentium”. Un carisma es “el don concedido ‘para el bien común’. En otras palabras, no está destinado principal y ordinariamente a la santificación de la persona, sino al servicio de la comunidad”, dijo el Papa Francisco.

“En segundo lugar, el carisma es el don concedido ‘a uno’ o ‘a algunos en particular’, no a todos de la misma manera, y esto es lo que lo distingue de la gracia santificante, de las virtudes teologales y de los sacramentos, que en cambio son iguales y comunes a todos”, dijo. La definición de un carisma también forma parte de lo que el Papa Benedicto XVI describió como “la dinámica de la verdadera renovación, que frecuentemente ha adquirido formas inesperadas en momentos llenos de vida y que hace casi tangible la inagotable vivacidad de la Iglesia”, añadió, citando al difunto pontífice.

“Debemos recuperar los carismas, porque esto hace que la promoción del laicado y de las mujeres en particular se entienda no sólo como un hecho institucional y sociológico, sino en su dimensión bíblica y espiritual”, dijo el Papa. Los carismas, dijo, a veces se malinterpretan como “dones y capacidades espectaculares y extraordinarios”.

“Se trata, en cambio, de dones ordinarios, cada uno de nosotros tiene su propio carisma, que adquieren un valor extraordinario cuando son inspirados por el Espíritu Santo y encarnados en las situaciones de la vida con amor”, dijo.

“Esta interpretación del carisma es importante, porque muchos cristianos, al oír hablar de carismas, experimentan tristeza y desilusión, ya que están convencidos de no poseer ninguno y se sienten excluidos o cristianos de serie ‘B’”, dijo.

“No hay cristianos de serie ‘B’. Cada uno tiene su propio carisma, personal y también comunitario”, que son dones al servicio de la caridad, en el sentido de que pertenecen a todos y son para el bien de todos, dijo.

San Francisco Javier: Patrono de las Misiones de la Iglesia Católica

Su nombre completo era Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta. Nació en 1506 en el castillo de Javier, cerca de Pamplona, España.

San Francisco Javier y San Ignacio de Loyola tuvieron una relación muy cercana y significativa. Se conocieron en la Universidad de París, donde ambos estudiaban. Al principio, Francisco rehusó la influencia de Ignacio el cual le repetía la frase de Jesucristo: “¿De qué le sirve a un hombre ganar el mundo entero, si se pierde a sí mismo?”, lo que le parecía fastidioso y contrario a sus aspiraciones.

Sin embargo, Ignacio de Loyola fue una influencia crucial en la vida de Francisco Javier, ayudándolo a encontrar su vocación religiosa a través de los ejercicios espirituales.

Juntos, fueron parte del grupo fundador de la Compañía de Jesús en 1534. Ignacio de Loyola se convirtió en un mentor para Francisco Javier, guiándolo en su formación espiritual y en su misión evangelizadora. En 1534, hizo votos de pobreza y castidad junto con Ignacio y otros compañeros. Fue ordenado sacerdote en 1537 en Venecia.

India, Japón y otras regiones de Asia. Su trabajo incluyó la conversión de muchos al cristianismo, la predicación y la defensa de los derechos de los nativos frente a los abusos coloniales.

La amistad y colaboración entre ellos fue fundamental para la expansión de la Compañía de Jesús. Trabajaron juntos en Roma y otras ciudades, enseñando catecismo y predicando.

San Francisco Javier es conocido por su labor misionera. En 1541, fue enviado a la India como legado pontificio y se estableció en Goa, India. Durante los siguientes diez años, evangelizó en la

IMAGEN CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID, ESPAÑA “San Francisco Javier bautizando nativos”, óleo de autor anónimo pintado sobre tabla alrededor de 1770. El tondo presenta a San Francisco Javier vestido de sotana, sobrepelliz y estola, bautizando a gentes de distintas razas que se disponen arrodilladas a recibir el sacramento.

Murió en 1552 en la isla de Shangchuan, China, mientras intentaba entrar al país para continuar su misión. Después de su muerte, su cuerpo fue enterrado en un féretro lleno de barro para ser trasladado. Cuando el barro fue retirado diez semanas después, se descubrió que su cuerpo estaba en un estado notable de conservación. Su cuerpo se encuentra en la Basílica del Buen Jesús en Goa, donde es objeto de gran veneración. Cada diez años, sus reliquias son expuestas públicamente en la Catedral de Goa, atrayendo a miles de peregrinos de todo el mundo.

Una de sus reliquias más importantes, su brazo derecho, se encuentra en la Iglesia del Gesu en Roma. Este brazo es especialmente significativo porque se dice que fue con el que bautizó a miles de personas durante sus misiones. Fue beatificado el 25 de octubre de 1619 por el Papa Paulo V. Posteriormente, fue canonizado el 12 de marzo de 1622 por el Papa Gregorio XV. En la misma ceremonia de canonización, también fueron canonizados otros santos notables como San Ignacio de Loyola y Santa Teresa de Ávila.

La veneración de San Francisco Javier sigue siendo muy fuerte, y su legado como misionero incansable inspira a muchos fieles y misioneros en la actualidad, siendo considerado patrono de las misiones de la Iglesia Católica. - Condensado de ACI Prensa.

‘Cada diez años, sus reliquias son expuestas públicamente en la Catedral de Goa, atrayendo a miles de peregrinos de todo el mundo.’

Lecturas Diarias

DICIEMBRE 1-7

Domingo (Primer domingo de Adviento): Jeremías 33:14-16, Salmos 24:4bc-5ab. 8-9. 10 y 14, 1 Tesalonicenses 3:12–4:2, Lucas 21:25-28. 34-36; Lunes: Isaías 2:1-5, Salmos 121:1-2. 3-4a (4b-5. 6-7) 8-, Mateo 8:5-11; Martes (Memoria de San Francisco Javier, presbítero): Isaías 11:1-10, Salmos 71:2. 7-8. 12-13. 17, Lucas 10:21-24; Miércoles: Isaías 25:6-10, Salmos 22:1-3a. 3b. 4.5.6, Mateo 15:2937; Jueves: Isaías 26:1-6, Salmos 117:1. 8-9. 19-21. 25-27a, Mateo 7:21. 24-27; Viernes: Isaías 29:17-24, Salmos 26:1. 4. 13-14, Mateo 9:27-31; Sábado (Memoria de San Ambrosio, obispo y doctor de la Iglesia): Isaías 30:19-21. 23-26, Salmos 146:1-2. 3-4. 5-6, Mateo 9:35–10:1. 6-8

DICIEMBRE 8-14

Domingo (Segundo domingo de Adviento): Baruch 5:19, Salmo 125:1-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5. 6, Filipenses 1:4-6. 8-11, Lucas 3:1-6; Lunes (Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción de la Santísima Virgen María): Génesis 3:9-15. 20, Salmo 97:1. 2-3ab. 3bc-4, Efesios 1:3-6. 11-12, Lucas 1:26-38 ; Martes: Isaías 40:1-11,

Salmo 95:1-2. 3 y 10ac. 11-12. 13, Mateo 18:12-14; Miércoles: Isaías 40:25-31, Salmo 102:1-2. 3-4. 8 y 10, Mateo 11:28-30; Jueves (Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Judit 13:18bcde. 19, Lucas 1:26-38; Viernes (Memoria de Santa Lucía, virgen y mártir): Isaías 48:17-19, Salmo 1:1-2. 3. 4 y 6, Mateo 11:16-19; Sábado (Memoria de San Juan de la Cruz, presbítero y doctor de la Iglesia): Eclesiástico 48:1-4. 9-11, Salmo 79:2ac. 3b. 15-16. 18-19, Mateo 17:10-13

DICIEMBRE 15-21

Domingo (Tercer domingo de Adviento): Sofonías 3:14-18, Isaías 12:2-3. 4bcd. 5-6, Filipenses 4:4-7, Lucas 3:10-18; Lunes: Números 24:2-7. 15-17, Salmo 24:4bc-5ab. 6-7bc. 8-9, Mateo 21:2327; Martes: Génesis 49:2. 8-10, Salmo 71:2. 3-4ab. 7-8. 17, Mateo 1:1-17; Miércoles: Jeremías 23:5-8, Salmo 71:2. 7-8. 12-13. 17, Mateo 1:18-24; Jueves: Jueces 13:2-7. 24-25, Salmo 70:3-4a. 5-6ab. 16-17, Lucas 1:5-25; Viernes: Isaías 7:10-14, Salmo 23:1-2. 3-4ab. 5-6, Lucas 1:26-38; Sábado: Cantar de los Cantares 2:8-14, Salmo 32:23. 11-12. 20-21, Lucas 1:39-45

U.S. bishops announce schedule for annual Prayer Vigil for Life

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The annual Prayer Vigil for Life will take place Jan. 23-24, 2025, the U.S. bishops’ conference announced Nov. 22. The event is hosted each January by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. It takes place on the eve of the March for Life, an annual protest of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which was overturned in 2022.

The 52nd National March for Life will take place Jan. 24, 2025. “I enthusiastically invite Catholics from all around the country to join me, in person or virtually, in praying for an end to abortion and building up a culture of life,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in the USCCB’s statement announcing the dates.

Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022 overturned nearly a half-century of its own precedent that held abortion to be a constitutional right, individual states have moved to either restrict abortion or expand

access to it. The vigil will be broadcast on Catholic networks and livestreamed on the basilica’s website at www.nationalshrine.org/ mass. More information about the schedule can be found on the USCCB’s website, www. usccb.org, and more information about on-site attendance at the basilica is at its website.

Pope appoints U.S. cardinal to manage the Vatican’s troubled pension fund

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, as the sole administrator for the Vatican’s pension fund, which is currently unable to guarantee future obligations in the medium term.

“We are all fully aware now that urgent structural measures, which can no longer be postponed, are needed to achieve sustainability of the pension fund,” the pope wrote in a letter addressed to the College of Cardinals and the heads of the Roman Curia and other institutions connected to the Holy See. Given the limited resources available to the Holy See and because appropriate funding will be needed to cover all pension obligations, there is a need for “making decisions that are not easy and will require special sensitivity, generosity and a willingness to sacrifice from everyone,” the pope wrote in the letter.

The pope wrote that the appointment “represents, at this time, an essential step in

meeting the challenges facing our pension system in the future,” he wrote. The letter comes just a few months after the pope wrote to the College of Cardinals Sept. 16 saying, “Additional effort is now needed on everyone’s part so that a ‘zero deficit’” may be an achievable goal.

Georgetown president to step down after 23 years

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The longest-serving president in Georgetown University history, John DeGioia, is stepping down after 23 years to recover after suffering a stroke.

DeGioia, who served as the 48th president of the Jesuit university in Washington, D.C., noted in a letter that stepping down was “the most difficult decision I have ever made.”

He explained in his letter that he is retiring “to devote my energies to my ongoing recovery” from his recent stroke in June. DeGioia will remain on staff as a member of the

faculty, according to a Thursday announcement by the university.

“Serving as the president of Georgetown has been the privilege of my lifetime,” DeGioia stated. “I look forward to continuing to advance and support Georgetown’s mission and the university community that means so much to all of us. I remain deeply proud of the work we have done together to strengthen the Georgetown community, our nation, and our world.”

DeGioia graduated from Georgetown with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1979 and a doctorate in philosophy in 1995. When he became president in 2001, DeGioia became the first layperson to lead a Jesuit college or university in the United States.

— OSV News and Catholic News Service

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

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

appreciated stock to your parish, Catholic school, agency, the diocese or the Foundation creates a gift that will benefit your desired beneficiary and provide you tax benefits. For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.givingplan.net or call Gina Rhodes at 704/370-3364.

DeGioia Farrell

Our world

Bishops’ plenary, Mass and cardinal’s visit all focus on flood devastation in Spain

MADRID — The archbishop of Valencia presided over Mass celebrated by the Spanish bishops in the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid Nov. 19 to pray for all those affected by the tragic end-of-October floods in Valencia, Albacete and Cuenca, where more than 200 people lost their lives.

“When we think of the deceased and their families who have been broken, of the people who have lost their homes, their jobs ... our feelings are so deep that words seem insufficient to convey a message of hope,” Archbishop Enrique Benavent of Valencia acknowledged at the beginning of his homily.

Nevertheless, he expressed his hope that “the presence and prayer of all the bishops who have gathered today to celebrate this Eucharist,” taking advantage of the presence of the prelates at the plenary assembly of the Spanish bishops’ conference “will help us to bear these moments with more hope, to mitigate the terrible suffering that they are going through.”

For this reason, “we hope that the closeness and solidarity of the Church will comfort you and that your suffering will be compensated by the affection of all.”

But Christians, the prelate added, “cannot limit ourselves to sharing the pain. If we were to stop there, we would be the most unfortunate of all men. We want, above all, to share hope.”

At the beginning of the Mass, attended by civil and religious authorities and packed with Madrid’s faithful, Archbishop Luis Argüello of Valladolid, president of the Spanish bishops’ conference, addressed those present, highlighting the importance of “personal charity” toward people who have suffered the effects of storm Dana but also “social and political charity, essential when addressing reconstruction and care.”

Archbishop Argüello opened the bishops’ plenary Nov. 18 by offering a prayer “for the eternal rest of those who died as a result of the fierce floods in Valencia, Albacete and other places in our land.”

During his speech, the archbishop of

most affected by the end-of-October floods in Valencia, Albacete and Cuenca, where more than 200 people lost their lives.

Valladolid rejected looking for those responsible for the tragedy, although he has mentioned some debates that have taken place in society due to the devastating consequences of the storms.

“There is talk,” he said, “of prevention and warning technology, of the coordination of responses in the autonomous state, of the relationship between politicians and the calculating and politicking use of everything that happens.”

“Who should we look to?” Archbishop Argüello asked.

Not directly naming the government, he however blasted the political follow-up to the biggest peacetime disaster in the

country, saying that “in recent days we have seen the plunder and populism of anti-politics.”

The anger of survivors was visible as the Spanish royal couple visited the affected areas at the beginning of November.

“This government needs to go. Felipe, there are dead people out there, dude,” one man told the king, according to press reports.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, despite mud being thrown toward them and despite security concerns, walked through the crowd, comforting and calming people, many of whom said that the mud and anger were not for the royals, but for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez,

whom officials rushed from the scene soon after his contingent started to walk the streets of one of the hardest-hit areas, The Associated Press reported.

The Catholic royals came back to the ground zero zone Nov. 19, meeting those affected and informing them about the progress of support.

Before the plenary of the Spanish bishops started, Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited Valencia in a gesture of solidarity with the suffering region.

“Here the Church does not speak, it acts,” the cardinal said. “And the Church prioritizes what the people need,” Cardinal Czerny said in the affected city Nov. 15. He was speaking from inside a parish church converted into an operational center for volunteers, during his visit to the areas most affected.

The cardinal shared his astonishment at seeing “a temple that is a warehouse for people to eat and clean themselves,” but without losing an “impressive atmosphere of faith, prayer and hope.” He also congratulated local Catholics for “the fact that the Church and the volunteers have been the first and even the only ones to respond.”

Cardinal Czerny stressed that “this teaches us something of what the life and service of the people of God should be.”

He visited Our Lady of Sorrow parish and school, one of eight schools in the area but the most affected by the flood.

“It was completely destroyed. The force of the water broke the walls and the classrooms were destroyed,” the parish priest, Father Jesús Cerver, told the cardinal as he examined how high the water reached.

Caritas Valencia raised $13.6 million for the needs of people affected throughout the diocese. In an unprecedented outpouring of support, 591 volunteers in 54 parish offices distributed help to people who lost homes, jobs and, above all, their loved ones.

Notre Dame de Paris returns to her cathedral with thousands of Parisians walking her home

PARIS — Miraculously missed by burning beams falling from the roof on April 15, 2019, and after waiting for five years to make it back to Notre Dame Cathedral, the 14th-century statue of the Virgin of Paris made it back home Nov. 15, accompanied by thousands of Parisians praying, singing and lighting candles as they walked their Virgin to Paris’ most iconic church, restored after the fire. Since the fire, the statue, also referred to as Virgin and Child, or the Virgin of the Pillar, has been housed near the Louvre in

the Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, from where the procession started at 6 p.m. local time.

For Auxiliary Bishop Philippe Marsset of Paris, the statue represents “a kind of miracle.”

“Many Christians saw the fire as a sign of the purification God was asking his Church to experience,” he said. “The statue of the Virgin was spared in the flames and the waters. It remained standing as a sign that heaven was watching over us and that this disaster would not have the last word.”

It seemed like the entire city, typically proud of its secularism, wanted to be with her the

night of Nov. 15. All major newspapers and websites in the country invited Parisians to join throughout the day, making her the top of the news cycle, with a brief pause to report on the surprise off-camera “reconnaissance” visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, who unexpectedly sneaked inside the cathedral Nov. 15 before the announced meeting planned on site with the archbishop of Paris Nov. 29, Le Figaro confirmed. The Virgin of Paris quickly took back center stage in the evening. Standing 6 feet high and sculpted in white stone, a copy

OSV News

OSV NEWS | ARCHDIOCESE OF VALENCIA

Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, examines how high the water reached at Our Lady of Sorrow Parish and school during his trip to Valencia, Spain, Nov. 15. The school is one of eight in the area and the

A replica of the Virgin of Paris statue is carried during a candlelit procession through the streets of Paris Nov. 15. The original, for security reasons, was transported by truck back to Notre Dame Cathedral. The statue had been kept at SaintGermain-l’Auxerrois Church for five years since being spared from the fire that ravaged Notre Dame in 2019.

CAROLINE DE SURY OSV News

Pope approves simplified rites for papal funeral, burial

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, who will celebrate his 88th birthday in December, has approved simplified liturgical rites for the death of a pontiff. His body will rest in a zinc-lined wooden casket, according to the new rites. Recent popes had been buried inside a cypress wood coffin surrounded by another coffin made of lead, which was then covered by a third wooden coffin.

Vatican News carried a story Nov. 20 about the second edition of the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis” (“Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff”); the book updates the rites originally approved by St. John Paul in 1998, technically published in 2000, but released only when St. John Paul died in 2005. Modified versions of the rites were used after Pope Benedict XVI died Dec. 31, 2022.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal

liturgical ceremonies, said the revised edition was needed, “first of all because Pope Francis asked, as he himself stated on several occasions, to simplify and adapt some of the rites so that the celebration of the bishop of Rome’s funeral would better express the Church’s faith in the risen Christ.”

Pope says he’ll canonize two, host meeting on child’s rights

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced that he will canonize Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati next year and that the Vatican will host a world meeting on the rights of the child Feb. 3. The pope will canonize Blessed Acutis April 27, during the Jubilee for Adolescents in Rome April 25-27 and Blessed Frassati during the Jubilee of Young People in Rome July 28-Aug. 3. The pope made the announcement during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 20, which is World Children’s Day.

“On the occasion of the International Day of the Rights of the Child and Adolescents that is celebrated today,” the pope said he wanted to announce holding a world meeting at the Vatican. The World Leaders’ Summit on Children’s Rights will be dedicated to the theme of “Let’s love them and protect them,” and it will include experts and celebrities from

different countries, the pope said. “It will be an occasion to pinpoint new paths directed at better assisting and protecting children still without rights who live in precarious conditions. They are exploited and abused and suffer the dramatic consequences of wars,” he said.

Pope meets Ukrainian first lady, decries war and destruction

VATICAN CITY — With Ukraine’s first lady seated in the front row, Pope Francis told people at his general audience that it is “a shameful tragedy for all humanity” that Russia’s war on Ukraine has lasted more than 1,000 days.

Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attended the audience Nov. 20 in St. Peter’s Square and greeted the pope after he spoke. She had also met privately with him before the audience.

Addressing visitors and pilgrims in the square, the pope noted that Nov. 19 had marked the 1,000th day since Russia launched its largescale invasion of Ukraine, “a tragic milestone for the victims and for the destruction it has caused.” As the war continues, Pope Francis

said, people must remain alongside the Ukrainian people, pray for peace and “work so that weapons give way to dialogue, and conflict gives way to encounter.”

El Salvador charges ex-president over Jesuit slayings in 1989

SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador has ordered a former president to stand trial for the 1989 murders of six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her 16-year-old daughter - a notorious crime from the Central American country’s civil war. A judge in San Salvador issued a Nov. 18 decision ordering former president Alfredo Cristiani, a former congressman and nine others to stand trial as the intellectual authors of the attack on the Jesuits. Cristiani, who was president between 1989 and 1994, was charged with murder, conspiracy and terrorism in 2022. His whereabouts remain unknown. The priests were killed by soldiers in their residence on the campus of the Jesuit-run Central American University.

of the statue was solemnly processed to the cathedral as the original was transported by a special truck.

From 1855 – the first major restoration of the cathedral in the 19th century – the statue was standing at the foot of the southeast pillar of the transept crossing, a position that earned it the name Virgin of the Pillar.

When the fire broke out in April 2019, the statue was found soaked by water from the firefighter units and surrounded by ashes, next to pieces of fallen timber and stone rubble from the collapsed transept vault. But the surface was intact. The following October, it was moved to Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, where Notre Dame’s liturgical activities had been transferred.

Transporting the real statue of the Virgin on foot was out of the question for security reasons. Instead, everyone was able to witness her departure by truck, before setting off, with candles and singing, behind a replica, illuminated and decorated with white flowers. The procession followed the banks of the Seine River toward the Île de la Cité, one of two Parisian islands and home to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Inside the cathedral, the original statue is once again being installed not far from the altar, near the pillar at the foot of which the famous French writer and diplomat Paul Claudel converted on Christmas Day 1886. In 1913, he described the conversion moment: “It was the gloomiest winter day and the darkest rainy afternoon over Paris,” he wrote. He recalled standing “near the second pillar at the entrance to the chancel, to the right, on the side of the sacristy,” when “occurred the event” which dominated his “entire life.”

“In an instant, my heart was touched and I believed,” Claudel wrote. “I believed with such a strength of adherence, with such an uplifting of my entire being, with such powerful conviction, with such a certainty leaving no room for any kind of doubt, that since then all the books, all the arguments, all the incidents and accidents of a busy life have been unable to shake my faith, nor indeed to affect it in any way.”

Father Gaëtan de Bodard, new chaplain

of the iconic Paris fire brigade that saved Notre Dame – and successor to Father Jean-Marc Fournier, who courageously ran into the burning cathedral to preserve the Blessed Sacrament, bless the burning church and then save the crown of thorns – said that Notre Dame today is already a witness to new miracles of conversion.

“I personally know one of the firefighters who intervened that evening at Notre Dame and who rediscovered his faith at that moment,” Father de Bodard said. “He had turned away from his faith in the face of all the suffering, pain, deprivation, loneliness, blood and wounds he saw. But on the night of the fire, he was moved to see the whole city of Paris at a standstill, and people praying on their knees in the streets.”

“Inside, he was struck by the luminous cross of Christ shining in the choir, after the collapse of the spire. He felt a guiding presence, which marked the beginning of a profound rapprochement with God,” Father de Bodard said.

For Bishop Marsset the cross inside the destroyed cathedral and the saved Virgin of the Pillar are signs that there is hope “beyond destruction.”

“Mary, in her humility, and the cross, in its radiance, gave us the direction: ‘Church, cross over your ashes, assume what you have done, do penance, and at the end of this road, there is a ‘beyond disaster.’”

ViewPoints

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

A faith that questions

The Scriptures are full of questions – by one count, more than 2,500 of them.

The first is posed by the serpent in the garden of Eden, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (Gn 3:1). The last is mournfully cried out by seafarers in the mystical vision of the fall of Babylon recounted in the Book of Revelation, “What city was like the great city?” (Rv 18:18).

The hundreds of questions in between are as challenging and relevant to us as they were to the original inquirers. That is because our deepest questions do not arise in our minds, but in our hearts.

Salvation history can be told through the questions that appear in Scripture.

n In the garden, God asked, “Where are you?” (Gn 3:9).

n Cain snarled, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gn 4:9).

n Abraham questioned, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” (Gn 15:8).

n Isaac observed, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Gn 22:7).

n Moses wondered, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the people out of Egypt?” (Ex 3:11).

n Samuel asked, “Are all your sons here?” (1 Sm 16:11).

n David pleaded, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1).

n God inquired, “Where were you, when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Jb 38:4).

n God prodded, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kgs 19:9).

n Mary of Nazareth asked, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” (Lk 1:34).

n The messengers sent by John the Baptist asked, “Are you the one to come, or are we to wait for another?” (Mt 11:3).

n Jesus questioned, “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Mt 6:27).

n A demon blurted out, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mk 5:7).

n The Samaritan Woman inquired, “Where do you get that living water?” (Jn 4:11).

n Nicodemus asked, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” (Jn 3:4)?]

n A lawyer asked, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25).

n Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mk 10:51).

n The twelve asked, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mk 4:41).

n The Jews questioned, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:52).

n Thomas asked, “How can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5).

n Mary of Bethany objected, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” (Lk 10:40).

n Simon Peter questioned, “Lord, to whom can we go?” (Jn 6:68).

n Jesus whispered, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” (Lk 22:48).

n The chief priests and scribes shouted, “Are you then the son of God?” (Lk 22:70).

n Pilate probed, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (Lk 23:3), then pondered, “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38).

n Angels questioned, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Lk 24:5).

n Two disillusioned disciples wondered, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” (Lk 24:18).

n Jesus inquired, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15).

n A voice asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4).

n Paul of Tarsus marveled, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31).

n “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Rv 5:2).

God is not afraid of our questions, but sometimes we are. While they may not always be expressed plainly, the questions that occupy our hearts are often what drive us forward or hold us back. Still, the questions that burn inside us do not necessarily indicate unbelief or undermine our faith. To the contrary, the questions we keep coming back to can guide us along the path that brings us to the threshold of a faith that is not only authentic, but life changing. If we’re too concerned with having the answers, we may well underestimate the transformative power that contemplating the questions offers us.

Lauretta Brown

Fear, trust and walking through the valley of the shadow of death

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. I recently took up the account of one priest who faced the reality of death and suffering in brutal prisons and learned to “fear no evil.”

“He Leadeth Me” is the story of Servant of God Father Walter Ciszek, a Polish-American priest who set out to minister to the Russian people and was imprisoned in the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1963.

Father Ciszek entered Russia with a fellow priest, following a strong call they felt to missionary service there. They found work in a lumber camp but were unable to reach their fellow workers, who were fearful of any mention of religion due to the daily Soviet surveillance and hostility to religion. Ultimately, he saw the dilemma they faced came from an “inability to work as we thought

‘Only when I had reached a point of total bankruptcy of my own powers had I at last surrendered.’

God would surely want us to work, instead of accepting the situation itself as His will.”

“His will is what He actually wills to send us each day, in the way of circumstances, places, people and problems,” he wrote. “The trick is to learn to see that – not just in theory, or not just occasionally in a flash of insight granted by God’s grace, but every day.”

ARRESTED, TORTURED, IMPRISONED

His faith would meet a great challenge shortly after this realization. He was arrested and sent to the infamous Lubianka prison in Moscow, where he was tortured and interrogated, accused of being a Vatican spy.

After a year of interrogations and solitary confinement, he signed a false confession upon being threatened with execution. Overwhelmed by his failure in signing the document, he realized that he had put his faith in his own ability to outwit his interrogators rather than putting himself in God’s hands.

“We were created to do God’s will and not our own, to make our own wills conform to his and not vice versa,” he reflected. “We can promise quite easily in prayer that we will do it. What we fail to see is how much of self still resides in that promise, how much we are trusting in our own powers when we say that we will do it. God must sometimes allow us to act on our own so we can learn humility, so we

can learn the truth of our total dependence on him, so we can learn that all our actions are sustained by his grace and that without him we can do nothing – not even make our own mistakes.”

Following a period of despair and uncertainty, Father Ciszek found peace in a radical surrender to God’s will.

“I had talked of finding and doing His will, but never in the sense of totally giving up my own will. I had talked of trusting Him, indeed I truly had trusted Him, but never in the sense of abandoning all other sources of support and relying on His grace alone,” he wrote. “Only when I had reached a point of total bankruptcy of my own powers had I at last surrendered.”

After an additional four years in Lubianka, he was sent to a Siberian labor camp where he did grueling manual labor with barely adequate food and rest.

And yet here he was excited to have the ability to say Mass again in secret with the help of sympathetic prisoners. His observations about their devotion to the Eucharist are a sobering example to those who find it difficult to go to Mass or to fast only an hour before receiving Communion.

HUNGER FOR THE AFTERLIFE

Following his release, he was kept in the Soviet Union under surveillance and observed that “death is very nearly a taboo subject in the communist milieu. In an ideology of atheistic materialism, death is obviously the end of everything for a man.”

But he found there was a great appetite among the Russian people for belief in the afterlife. “I found it especially among the simple people, the good people, for whom the desire or the expectation of an afterlife was not a fantasy or an illusion, as they so often heard it described by communist propagandists,” he wrote. “Death to them was not an end, but a beginning, a passage into eternal life. They took joy in the fact that they would one day be together with their loved ones again.”

“Salvation, these simple people would say, is not measured in terms of how well we make out in what we do here on earth; it depends ultimately on our belief in God and our abandonment in him.” In this belief these people held on to he saw “something that all the theologians and books of theology could not match in their approach to death. That I should find it in the Soviet Union startled me at first. It taught me much.”

While decades have passed since Father Ciszek’s time in Soviet Russia, his work provides timeless spiritual insight into seeing the will of God in the things set before us each day and surrendering to God in the great trials of our lives. Such a lifetime of learning to surrender to the one who has conquered death helps us to see death in a new light, without fear, as a passage into new life.

LAURETTA

BROWN is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @LaurettaBrown6.

JAYMIE STUART WOLFE is a Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor, musician, wife and mom of eight, living in New Orleans.

We do not understand – or need to

“Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke we are introduced to the Virgin Mary. As the archangel Gabriel brilliantly illuminated the small and simple room, he told the young girl of fantastical things to come. The first words uttered in response by the trembling Christ-bearer, the young Mother of the Church, were “How can this be?”

In the 11th chapter of the Gospel of John, after Lazarus was ill and Jesus sent for, Lazarus’ sisters each collapsed upon seeing the Lord. Inexplicably, Jesus hadn’t

‘The French writer Georges Bernanos first taught me the notion that God’s grace needs agents – those many or few who serve as conduits of the Lord’s holy comforts and assurances.’

come in time to save their brother, and now Lazarus was dead – interred in a cold and unforgiving cave. “Lord,” Mary and Martha wept, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

And in the 20th chapter of the Gospel of John, Mary of Magdala cried upon finding the stone rolled away and the tomb bereft of Christ. Encountering two figures who asked why she was crying, she confessed, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Meeting a man she took for a gardener, Mary pleaded, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him.”

CONFUSION AMID TRAGEDY

In recent days, our family has been dealt two blows: the death of my mother and the death of my wife’s brother. One was sad, the other was tragic. We mourn them both. But for some reason, over these dark and dispiriting days, these three Gospel scenarios have haunted me. What are these mystifying narratives telling me? We do not understand.

There, in the majestic – if not frightening – glow of a celestial creature, Mary was confused by what she was being told. There, in the bleakness of mourning, the sisters were perplexed that their Lord did not arrive earlier to heal their brother. There, in the abyss of despair, Mary of

Magdala flailed about, asking anyone who was near to help her, to somehow help her.

They did not understand.

Too often, conceptually, I am haughty enough to think: “I get it. I understand the narrative of this divine drama.” We are dignified children of God, tainted with the stain of original sin and broken by daily sin, but redeemable through repentance, reform and the limitless grace of God. Theoretically, I understand that the brokenness of the world is not God’s doing but ours – ushered in originally by Adam, perpetuated daily by me. And with it comes the topsy-turvydom of the world with murder and disease, pain and suffering –death. I guess, up to a point, I understand. But when death visits, I struggle. Why does it have to be this hard? Why does God sometimes seem curiously absent when we need him the most? Why, in his capacity for grand miracles, does he sometimes seem to hold back?

I do not understand.

THE

OTHER SIDE OF THE STORIES

But then I think about the other side of the Gospel stories that have haunted me. Mary’s misunderstanding is allayed by bearing a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary and Martha’s bewildered grief is ameliorated by the emergence of their resurrected brother from the desolate tomb. And Mary of Magdala’s despair is dispelled with the overjoyed recognition of her risen Lord and God. On the front half of the narrative is abject fear and uncertainty, and on the back side is unvarnished joy and assurance.

Sometimes I feel stuck in the first part of the narrative and desperately waiting for the second part. It seems there is no eradicating grief on this side of the grave; there is only amelioration through time and prayer. The American author Philip Yancey once wrote, “Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” And a dear friend recently offered this advice, “Keep your eyes on the crucifix and it will teach you everything.” I guess it means that only a God who could suffer for you can claim to suffer with you. I believe this with my whole heart.

The French writer Georges Bernanos first taught me the notion that God’s grace needs agents – those many or few who serve as conduits (knowingly or otherwise) of the Lord’s holy comforts and assurances. I believe this with my whole heart as well. To be sure, we’ve received incredible outpourings of love, prayer and support in the midst (and in the wake) of these recent losses. Many of you have been agents of grace for my family. Thank you. What have I learned with these two deaths? Simply this.

The presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.

We simply do not understand.

But God does. And I will trust Him.

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

Consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus

As we finish the liturgical year, it is fitting to remember the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was 350 years ago in 1674 that St. Margaret Mary Alacoque had the second of three apparitions with Jesus. In this apparition, Jesus revealed to her His Sacred Heart with flames bursting out like a furnace and His heart encircled with the thorns of His crucifixion. Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to promote the devotion to His Sacred Heart by encouraging others to attend Mass on First Fridays. Advent is upon us, but His Sacred Heart reminds us of His forgiveness for our sins. And He wishes the world were already on fire with His love!

JON GAUTHIER is a member of St. Matthew Parish.

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.

Most-read stories on the web

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

E-mail: catholicnews@rcdoc.org

Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

The Catholic News Herald reached the Facebook and Instagram feeds of more than 732,000 people in English and Spanish last month. The most talked about post? Coverage of the new Vietnamese church in Greensboro. Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald

On YouTube in November so far, videos produced by the Catholic News Herald have been viewed more than 12,000 times. The most popular video? Bishop Martin’s message of thanks to Helene relief heroes.

Over the past month, 32,000 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 50,000 pages. The top trending headlines are:

n Diocese of Charlotte welcomes the Guadalupe Torch ............................................................... 2,982

n The calendar of Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv. 1,373

n 10 facts about Advent 1,284

n Bishop Martin calls for unity after elections ................................................................................... 1,179

n Catholic funeral guide 987

n Father Cahill named to diocese’s College of Consultors ................................................................. 811

n Vietnamese Catholic community in Greensboro celebrates having a space of its own 741

Dr. Tod Worner

Letters to the editor