Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
YEAR FOR PRIESTS ENDS Pope: ‘The priest is a gift from the heart of Christ’ PAGES 14-17
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI
www.charlottediocese.org
june 25, 2010
Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Diocese home to the only one of its kind in America
St. Matthew family seeks strength in God following son’s death
SueAnn Howell Staff Writer
See BASILICA, page 12
FOR MORE The history of the Basilica of St. Lawrence and a virtual tour of its interior can be found online at www. saintlawrencebasilica.org. — see page 2
no. 30
Finding gratitude in grief
Basilica earns national designation
ASHEVILLE — Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina sits one of American architectural history’s greatest treasures: the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Designed by Rafael Guastavino Sr., a renowned architect from Spain who came to Asheville to work on the Biltmore House in the late 1890s, the basilica has been on the Register of Historic Places since 1976. The newest honor bestowed upon the Basilica of St. Lawrence is that of “national significance.” Few buildings in the U.S. are given this designation. To qualify for this distinction,
vOLUME 19
Kathy Schmugge Special to The Catholic News & Herald
photo provided by Kelly
Buckley
Kelly Buckley is pictured during happier days with her sons Stephen and Brendan. After Stephen drowned nearly a year ago, the Buckley family has grown closer after praying to God to help them through their grief.
CHARLOTTE ― Life changed for Kelly Buckley on July 4, 2009, with a phone call from Sgt. Reggie Barker with the N.C. Fish and Wildlife Division for Jordan Lake. Her 23-year-old son Stephen, who had gone to the lake with some friends, was missing. Kelly sprang into action, driving through the night to get to the lake, and to her child. See BOOK, page 12
Diocesan food pantries feel the heat of summer Catholic Social Services offices see rise in demand Patricia Guilfoyle Editor CHARLOTTE ― The start of summer means more hungry families for diocesan food pantries to feed, and pantry organizers need your help.
Catholic Social Services offices across the diocese are beginning to see more demand for food assistance now that children in need are not getting free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches at school. Government food assistance for families doesn’t cover many basic necessities, either, so families turn to food pantries like the ones Catholic Social Services operate in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem to fill the gap.
AROUND THE DIOCESE Jesuit priest reflects on 100 years of Catholic Charities during talk in Charlotte PAGE 5
Supplies at these CSS food pantries are critically low right now. Staple items such as pasta and sauce, rice, canned fruit and meats, baby food and formula, diapers, paper towels and toilet paper are always in demand. Breakfast foods – hot or cold cereals, cereal bars, etc. – and lunch items – macaroni and cheese, crackers, canned pasta, See FOOD, page 11
PERSPECTIVES
CULTURE WATCH Early evidence of devotion to apostles found in Rome’s catacombs PAGE 13
Rico De Silva: ‘My father and St. Joseph are my heroes’ PAGE 18