May 26, 2017

S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

M ay 2 6 , 2 0 1 7

Prayer center dedicates 2 new cottages 5

2017 DSA campaign draws greater participation 3 INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-11 Schools..............................14 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................15 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

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Honoring Our Lady of Fatima 12-13

Preaching ‘the language of beauty’

Imagine, engineer and learn

New grotto blessed on 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

IHM students excel in robotics competition

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IHM Parish dedicates Holy Family Courtyard 3

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Did you know?

“Veni Sancte Spiritus” (“Come Holy Spirit”) sometimes called the “Golden Sequence,” is a sequence hymn prescribed in the Roman liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost. A sequence hymn is sung just before the the Alleluia (Gospel acclamation).

It is usually attributed to either the 13th-century Pope Innocent III or to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Stephen Langton. (Cardinal Langton was a central figure in the dispute between King John of England and Pope Innocent III that help lead to the issuing of the Magna Carta in 1215, one of the first charters that guaranteed the rights of commoners and restricted the “divine right” of kings. He is also credited with having divided the Bible into the standard arrangement of chapters still used today.)

It is one of only four medieval sequences preserved in the Missale Romanum published in 1570 following the Council of Trent (1545-1563). Before Trent, many feasts had their own sequences. It is still sung today, having survived the liturgical changes following the Second Vatican Council. The other feasts with sequence hymns are: Easter, “Victimae Paschali Laudes” (“To the Paschal Victim give praise”), Corpus Christi, “Lauda Sion” (“Praise O Sion”) and All Souls, “Dies Irae” (“Day of Wrath”).

Pope Francis

God is no warlord claiming victory with enemies’ blood

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f it seems hard to find God in this world, it is because He chooses to be with the defeated and dejected and in places where most people are loath to go, Pope Francis said.

“God does not like to be loved the way a warlord would like, dragging His people to victory, debasing them in the blood of His enemies,” the pope said May 24 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “Our God is a dim flame that burns on a cold and windy day, and, for as fragile as His presence seems in this world, He has chosen the place everyone disdains,” Pope Francis told the crowd in the square.

Continuing his series of talks on Christian hope, the pope looked at the Gospel of Luke’s account of the two disciples traveling on the road to Emmaus after Jesus had been crucified and buried. In the story, the disciples, are struggling to understand how such a fate could have befallen the man they had faith in: the Son of God. Their hope was merely human, he said, and it easily shattered after such an unforeseen defeat of God, who appeared “defenseless at the hands of the violent, incapable of offering resistance to evil.”

“How much unhappiness, how many defeats, how many failures there are in the life of every person. In essence, we are all like those two disciples,” he said. Just when life seems to be going well, “we find ourselves struck down, disappointed.”

But just as Jesus was on the road with the disciples, the pope said, He is also walking with everyone on their journey through life. “Jesus walks with all those who are discouraged, who walk with their head down,” so He can offer them renewed hope.

But He does so discreetly, the pope said.

“Our God is not an intrusive God.” Even though He knows what is bothering the disciples, He asks them a question and listens patiently, letting them tap into the depths of their bitterness and sadness.

Whoever reads the Bible will not find stories of “easy heroism, blazing campaigns of conquest. True hope never comes cheap – it always comes through defeat.” In fact, he added, the hope felt by those who have never suffered may not even be hope at all.

The disciples initially didn’t recognize God on the road because their hope had been in a conquering leader. They only recognize Him when He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to them – exactly like He did with His own life.

The Church should be this way, too, Pope Francis said, by letting Jesus “take us, bless us, ‘break’ our lives – because there is no love without sacrifice – and offer it to others, offer it to everyone.”

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Detail from a stained glass window at Holy Spirit Church in Denver

‘Veni Sancte Spiritus’

Pentecost Pentecost is the feast of the universal Church which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ, on the ancient Jewish festival called the “feast of weeks” or Pentecost (Ex 34:22; Deut 16:10), which marks the end of Passover. Jews celebrate the gift of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai on this day, but we as Catholics celebrate the birth of the Church.

At Pentecost, Peter, Mary, the apostles and their followers were gathered in a room in Jerusalem, where Jews from all over the world were still in town celebrating the end of Passover. At this time, a great wind blew and a flame appeared as a tongue of fire, which split itself into many individual flames above the heads of all those present. The Holy Spirit came upon these people and each began to speak in tongues. Despite the fact many had no common language, they were perfectly able to understand one another.

Others, who were not so blessed, accused those speaking in tongues of being drunk, but Peter arose and addressed the crowd, explaining that it was only 9 o’clock, and that this phenomenon was not intoxication, but rather this was the work of the Holy Spirit, prophesized in the scripture.

Peter then called all those present to be baptized and about 3,000 people were baptized that day.

These people were among the first Catholics, and Peter is the first pope of the Church.

The symbols of Pentecost are the flame, wind and the dove, which represent the Holy Spirit. The color of Pentecost is red and the priest wears red vestments on this day. Parishioners are also invited to wear red on this day. Red decorations as well as celebrations are appropriate, similar to any other birthday.

Pentecost is also called Whitsunday, so called from the white garments worn by catechumens remaining after Easter who were baptized during the vigil Mass. Whitsunday dates back to the first century, although there is no evidence that it was observed, as there is in the case of Easter; the passage in 1 Corinthians (16:8) probably refers to the Jewish feast.

— Catholic Encyclopedia, Catholic Online

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, et emitte caelitus lucis tuae radium.

Veni, pater pauperum, veni, dator munerum, veni, lumen cordium.

Consolator optime, dulcis hospes animae, dulce refrigerium.

In labore requies, in aestu temperies, in fletu solatium.

O lux beatissima, reple cordis intima tuorum fidelium.

Sine tuo numine, nihil est in homine, nihil est innoxium.

Lava quod est sordidum, riga quod est aridum, sana quod est saucium.

Flecte quod est rigidum, fove quod est frigidum, rege quod est devium.

Da tuis fidelibus, in te confidentibus, sacrum septenarium.

Da virtutis meritum, da salutis exitum, da perenne gaudium.

Amen, Alleluia.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

And from your celestial home Shed a ray of light divine!

Come, Father of the poor!

Come, source of all our store!

Come, within our bosoms shine.

You, of comforters the best; You, the soul’s most welcome guest; Sweet refreshment here below; In our labor, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat; Solace in the midst of woe.

O most blessed Light divine, Shine within these hearts of yours, And our inmost being fill!

Where you are not, we have naught, Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew; On our dryness pour your dew; Wash the stains of guilt away: Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray.

On the faithful, who adore And confess you, evermore In your sevenfold gift descend; Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation, Lord; Give them joys that never end.

Amen. Alleluia.

Your daily Scripture readings MAY 28-JUNE 3

Sunday: Acts 1:12-14, 1 Peter 4:13-16, John 17:1-11; Monday: Acts 19:1-8, John 16:29-33; Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27, John 17:1-11; Wednesday (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Thursday (Justin): Acts 22:30, 23:6-11, John 17:20-26; Friday (Sts. Marcellinus and Peter): Acts 25:13-21, John 21:15-19; Saturday (St. Charles Lwanga and Companions): Acts 28:1620, 30-31, John 21:20-25

JUNE 4-10

Sunday: Acts 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13, John 20:19-23; Monday (St. Boniface): Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8, Mark 12:1-12; Tuesday (St. Norbert): Tobit 2:9-14, Mark 12:13-17; Wednesday: Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17, Mark 12:18-27; Thursday: Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1, 9-17, 8:4-9, Mark 12:28-34; Friday (St. Ephrem): Tobit 11:5-17, Mark 12:35-37; Saturday: Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20, Tobit 13:2, 6-8, Mark 12:38-44

JUNE 11-17

Sunday (The Most Holy Trinity): Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9, Daniel 3:52-55, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18; Monday: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Matthew 5:1-12; Tuesday (St. Anthony of Padua): 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Matthew 5:13-16; Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday: 2 Corinthians 3:15—4:1, 3-6, Matthew 5:20-26; Friday: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Matthew 5:27-32; Saturday: 2 Corinthians 5:1421, Matthew 5:33-37

Our parishes

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

2017 DSA campaign draws greater participation

Preaching ‘the language of beauty’ Father Benjamin Roberts (center), pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, addresses hundreds of parishioners gathered May 10 for the blessing of a new grotto on the church campus. Deacon Guillermo Anzola (left) and Father Santiago Mariani (right), parochial vicar, assisted in the blessing ceremony which took place on the 75th anniversary of the parish. For more photos go to www. catholicnewsherald. com.

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Families in the Diocese of Charlotte are responding generously to the call to put love into action by contributing to the 2017 Diocesan Support Appeal. Approximately 15,500 families from across the diocese have made donations to the DSA so far this year – more than the 14,800 at this time last year, and 13,600 at this time in 2015.

“The DSA supports the ministries that bring people to the faith, fill people in the faith with hope, and encourage vocations,” said Kerry Ann Tornesello, associate director of development for the diocese.

“This is why more and more Catholics across western North Carolina are contributing to this campaign.”

The DSA campaign funds more than 50 programs, including the core operations of 23 ministries and agencies that serve thousands of people across the diocese – most notably, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs, as well as the programs and ministries of the Education Vicariate. It also supports multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocesan housing corporation.

Thanks to DSA funding, in the first five months of this year: n 800 youth attended the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey. n More than 5,000 clients were assisted at Catholic Charities food pantries. n Almost 700 people attended presentations coordinated by the Social Concerns and Education and Respect Life ministries.

DSA-funded programs in the next few months include: n Quo Vadis Days, a five-day vocations discernment camp that is expected to draw approximately 100 young men. n Duc In Altum, a five-day vocations retreat for young women that is now in its second year. The first Duc In Altum retreat drew more than 50 people. n The 13th annual Eucharistic Congress, which will bring more than 15,000 Catholics from across the diocese to the Charlotte Convention Center for two days of faith-enriching programs centered around the Eucharist.

Funds are still needed to reach the overall DSA 2017 goal of $5,670,000.

Payments to date total nearly 69 percent of that, approximately $3.8 million.

“We are very encouraged by the increasing number of donors to the DSA,” Tornesello said. “Due to the generosity of our parishioners, the ministries funded by the DSA can do God’s work throughout the diocese; and because 100 percent of funds received over goal go back to the parishes, the parishes are able to perform additional acts of love in their community.”

It is not too late to contribute to the 2017 DSA and to help your parish reach its assessed goal.

Give online at the secure website www. charlottediocese.org/dsa.

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SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

New grotto blessed on 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MONROE — Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church marked the parish’s 75th anniversary May 10 with a tribute to their patron as Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor, blessed and dedicated a new Marian grotto.

Hundreds of parishioners braved the heat and the evening sun to sit on the new stone benches surrounding the grotto, situated in a grassy area behind the church, to witness the blessing and sing songs in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“This grotto preaches in the language of beauty, and long after my voice falls silent, the language of beauty

will continue to preach here,” Father Benjamin Roberts said during the May 10 ceremony.

He, Father Santiago Mariani, parochial vicar, and Deacon Guillermo Anzola participated in the blessing rite which included a reading from the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth in Luke’s Gospel, prayers of blessing and the sprinkling of holy water.

Father Mariani, who studied at the Pontifical College of North America in Rome, noted, “It’s like a little St. Peter’s, the way the stone benches come out on each side (reminiscent of the colonnade extending out from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome). It’s like the arms of Our Lady extend out to embrace us.”

Deacon Anzola said he hopes the

grotto will help increase the faith of parishioners. “The Holy Spirit was in this (effort). The Virgin Mary will be there forever. We will take advantage of this place to increase the faith of our Hispanic community and they will start seeing the Virgin Mary in another way (besides as Our Lady of Guadalupe), to see her as Our Lady of Lourdes and love her as that,” he said.

“This is such a fabulous thing that he (Father Roberts) has done for our church,” said longtime parishioner Donna White. “It turned out really beautiful. You can sit, say a prayer. We love this church.

It means so much to us.”

GROTTO, SEE page 16

IHM Parish dedicates Holy Family Courtyard HIGH POINT — We often speak with affection of the “IHM Family,” a warm community of faith that is known for its welcoming manner and generous sharing of blessings. On Sunday, May 14, the family of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish celebrated the dedication of the Holy Family Courtyard, an expansive space between the church and St. Edward’s Hall that is now graced by a beautiful statue of the Holy Family.

The gathering of parishioners and guests on a beautiful Mother’s Day confirmed what a wonderful space the courtyard has become for prayer, a gathering space for children and a peaceful place for parents to wait on their children who participate in the parish’s many programs.

The statue is a gift of Eleanor Ilderton in honor of her husband, T. Carey Ilderton (1920-2016), a lifetime member of parish. Throughout the decades, Cary and Eleanor Ilderton have been known for their commitment to and gracious support of the parish, and they have served as an inspiration for others.

Their dedication to their family and the High Point community is

well known and this courtyard serves as a fitting tribute to those values. Their daughter Beth and son Steve were fervent in their efforts to find a statue that not only honored the Holy Family, but complemented the spiritual life of the community and aesthetics of the courtyard. The women of the Bethany Society and men of the Knights of Columbus sponsored the pedestal.

COURTYARD, SEE page 16

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: May 29 – 11 a.m.

Mass for the Military St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte May 30 – 5 p.m.

Baccalaureate Mass for Charlotte Catholic High School St. Matthew Church, Charlotte June 1 – 10 a.m.

Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting Catholic Conference Center, Hickory

June 1 – 5 p.m.

Baccalaureate Mass for Christ the King Catholic High School St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville June 5 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Michael Church, Gastonia June 7 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon

June 9 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Divine Redeemer Church, Boonville June 13 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Newton June 14 – 1:30 p.m.

Holy Mass at Quo Vadis Days Bascilica of Mary Help of Christians, Belmont

Diocesan calendar of events May 26, 2017

Lectures

Volume 26 • Number 17

Family honor’s ‘leading & Loving’: Two-part series starting Friday, June 2, 6:45-9 p.m. and Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. “Leading & Loving” is a Catholic program that helps parents respond to children’s questions about the meaning of God’s gift of sexuality. This program presents the beautiful truths of human sexuality, family life and virtue cultivation through the lens of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Seminar is intended for parents of young children, newborn through early teens. Childcare will be provided. To register, visit www. familyhonor.org or contact Susan Rabold at srabold@ stpaulcc.org.

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

FREE Medicare Choices Made Easy Classes: 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, and 6-8 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Avenue West, Hendersonville.

Presented by the Council on Aging of Buncombe County.

To register, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org. Hosted by Catholic Charities Elder Ministry.

SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

NATURAL Family Planning

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

NFP Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, June 10, at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored

by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.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@charlottediocese.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@charlottediocese.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: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 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.

PRAYER SERVICES & Groups Mass for the military on memorial day: 11 a.m.

Monday, May 29, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Bishop Peter Jugis will offer a special Mass for all military personnel and their families.

For details, call the parish office at 704-334-2283.

Pro-Life Rosary: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Everyone welcome to come and help pray for the end of abortion.

For details, contact Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835. Parking is available nearby. Outdoors, rain or shine.

Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members.

For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

Evening Novenas: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., High Point. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join them in praying for the needs of your families and for our hurting world. For details, call the parish at 336-883-0244.

Men’s Prayer Group: 7:30-8 a.m. Thursdays at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Join Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor, and other area Catholic men for Sunday Gospel meditations, the rosary and fellowship. For details, call the parish office at 704-334-2283.

Retreats ‘I Have Called You Friends’: A spring retreat hosted

by St. Peter’s Church LGBTQ ministry: 11-4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17, in Benedict Hall, at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Retreat director will be Jesuit Father John Michalowski. This mini-retreat will include lunch and the opportunity to attend Mass at St. Peter Church at 5 p.m. The program is free and all are welcome.

To RSVP, email mrcipolletti@hotmail.com.

Rachel’s vineyard weekend retreat: Oct. 20-22 in the Greensboro area. Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion. For details, contact Jackie Childers at Jack-ie.childers1@gmail.com.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: Concord: 6:45 p.m. Friday, June 2, St. James the Greater Church, 139 Manor Ave.

Centennial Anniversary of Fatima: 7:30 p.m.

Meets every 13th of each month from May to October, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia. All are invited to the recitation of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, outdoor candlelight procession and small reception. For details, call the parish office at 704-867-6212.

High point: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10, Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St.

CHARLOTTE Maronite Mission: Masses are offered every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Church’s Waxhaw Campus, 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, Waxhaw. The Maronite Mission of Charlotte is an Eastern rite Catholic Church in full communion with the pope.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Huntersville: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road

Shining Stars Adult day respite: Meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Shining Stars is a nonprofit adult day respite program for members of the community with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

For details, call Suzanne Bach at 704-335-0253.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver and Family Support Group: Meets the first Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m., in Family Center Room 203 at St. Mark Church, Huntersville. Organized with the Alzheimer’s Association, the monthly meetings are for the caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s.

For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@yahoo.com.

YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: Our Lady of Consolation Church: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 St. Gabriel Church: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” St. John Neumann Church: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587.

St. Matthew Church: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” St. Patrick Cathedral: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” St. Peter Church: look them up on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/St-Peters-Catholic-Young-Adult-MinistryCharlotte-NC.St. Thomas Aquinas Church: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest.

Workshops A workshop for You, ‘the Caregiver’: Find out about services available to caregivers and about Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty).

Learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, increase the ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. To register, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese. org. Upcoming workshops will be held at: HICKORY: 10:30 a.m.-noon and 6–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. N.E. LENOIR: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Thursday, June 8, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328-B Woodsway Lane Morganton: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Thursday, June 1, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 728 West Union St. NEWTON: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St.

Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Diocese offers 3 discernment retreats this summer

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Curlin celebrates 60th jubilee CHARLOTTE—Bishop William G. Curlin (center) celebrated Mass in honor of his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on May 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Father Mark Lawlor, pastor (left), Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill (right), and Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church (background), concelebrated the Mass attended by the Knights and Dames of Malta. They held a luncheon reception for Bishop Curlin after the Mass and presented him with letters from the Vatican, bishops from around the U.S. and others, as well as a photo album with images from his service to the Church over the course of six decades. Holy Angels of Belmont also announced that the clinic within its facility will be named Bishop Curlin’s honor in recognition of his untiring service to the residents of the home for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center dedicates 2 new cottages Georgianna Penn Correspondent

STONEVILLE — Hundreds of supporters gathered at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center May 14 to celebrate completion of its 12-year master plan and dedicate two new cottages named for St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare.

“Many, many hands were invoked to forge a place that further reflects the work of the Creator,” said St. Francis Springs Prayer Center staff member Franciscan Father David Hyman at the opening of the celebration. “We’ve got buildings to bless, gardens to bless… we have saints to call upon and, in particular, Clare and Francis for more blessing.”

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center is an inter-faith prayer and retreat center situated on 140 wooded acres about 30 miles north of Greensboro, near the Virginia state line. It offers a serene, natural setting for prayer, reflection and meditation for retreat groups of any size. It has 18 guest rooms in a stateof-the-art, 25,000-square-foot main building which includes a chapel and conference rooms, three one-bedroom hermitages on the property and now, two four-bedroom cottages: Clare Cottage and St. Francis House. Each room has a private bath, and all rooms have a scenic view of the beautiful property on which the center is located.

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center also features many outdoor prayer spaces throughout the grounds, including the San Damiano Chapel, which was dedicated in 2013; walking trails; a Stations of the Cross meditation; a labyrinth based on the famous winding walk at Chartres Cathedral; and a rock waterfall meditation created by stone mason Rosali Rivera of Set in Stone Landscaping.

The theme for the day’s event, which celebrated the culmination of years of work by numerous supporters, drew from a Brazilian proverb: “When we dream alone, it

is only a dream. When we dream together, it is the beginning of reality.”

“There are many purposes of the prayer center,” said Franciscan Father Louis Canino, director of the retreat center. “We see one of the treasures is that if we are grounded more in qualitative prayer, it has the potential to rebuild God’s Church, the Kingdom of God here on earth.”

“Everything that is done up here is done in prayer,” noted building committee co-chair Joe Bauer, who has worked with Father Canino on developing the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center since the 1990s. “Every time we had a meeting, no matter what the topic was or how perhaps minor the topic was, we always began in prayer. I think that is so important throughout the entire process up here – always calling on the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Francis and Clare, and for me, St. Joseph.”

People came from near and far to celebrate the occasion.

Holy Name Province Councilors, Franciscan Brother Fred Dilger and Franciscan Father David Convertino, were present, along with members of the prayer center building committee, steering committee, staff, contractors, volunteers, donors and Poor Clare Sister Carolyn, Sister Kathleen, Sister Lucy and Sister Julia Ann from Travelers Rest, S.C. “I think the greatest gift that I’ve received as a regional councilor is the opportunities I’ve had to travel the province and to visit and share in all the various ministries that my brothers are creating,” Brother Dilger said.

“This place is very special and very, very near and dear to my heart, and I can speak for the council when I say that St. Francis Springs is one of our finest jewels.”

“And in these turbulent and troubled times, this oasis of beauty and prayer and peace is really, really needed more than ever,” he added. “And so we commend Father Louis and Father David for their vision, insight and all of their hard work.”

Georgianna Penn | Catholic News Herald

Father Louis Canino, director of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, is pictured with visiting Poor Clare Sisters Kathleen Ann Horvat and Carolyn Forgette from Travelers Rest, S.C., and Father David Hyman of the prayer center’s staff.

During the celebration, Annette Benson and family, the Poor Clares and the friars all processed to bless the two new cottages named for St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare.

Many were thanked throughout the day’s celebration, particularly Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin for supporting the vision of the prayer center some 20 years ago. Others who were recognized included contractors Joe Bauer and Joe Thompson of New Age Builders; architects Collins, Cooper and Carusi; John Reece, Francis Disney, Pat Brown, and contractor Robert Fumage of R.P. Murray Construction Co.; along with board members and the steering committee that has been at work on the retreat center since 1998.

The Secular Franciscans, volunteers, staff and prayer partners were also given much thanks and praise.

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office is hosting three discernment events for youths and young adults in June.

New this year is a Discernment Day for boys aged 13-14 that will be held June 26 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Discernment Day is a free, oneday event for boys to encounter the Lord and begin reflecting on their God-given purpose in life, as well as the need for vocational discernment to discover it. The day will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, vocational and discernment talks, games and interaction with priests and seminarians of the diocese.

The annual Quo Vadis Days for young men aged 15-19 will be held June 12-16 at Belmont Abbey College. This five-day vocations camp includes talks by local priests, seminarians and others on the vocations to the priesthood, marriage and fatherhood. The goal of Quo Vadis Days is to challenge young men to ask the fundamental question “Quo vadis” or “Where are you going?”, while equipping them with the tools and opportunity to discern God’s will for their lives.

There is a cost of $150 for the Quo Vadis Days retreat. The registration deadline is June 5.

The annual Duc In Altum retreat for young women (high school freshmen to college freshmen) will be offered June 26-30 at Belmont Abbey College.

The five-day retreat will focus on forming young women in authentic femininity after the role model of Mary Immaculate.

Through talks, time spent in prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, and attending Mass, the hope is that young women will open their hearts to responding to vocations as wives and mothers, consecrated religious or consecrated lay faithful.

There is a cost of $150 for the Duc In Altum retreat.

Registration deadline is June 16.

For details and registration information about these discernment events, go online to www.charlottediocese.org/ vocations.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

These vocation discernment programs are funded in part by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and donate online at www. charlottediocese.org/dsa.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Deacon appointed to regional duties

Photo provided by Belmont Abbey College

More than 300 graduate from Belmont Abbey College

Arockiasamy

CHARLOTTE — Deacon Joseph Diaz, who serves at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, has been appointed regional coordinator for the Charlotte region of deacons

by Bishop Peter Jugis, effective May 22.

Deacon Diaz succeeds Deacon John Kopfle of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, who served as regional coordinator for nine Diaz years. As part of his role, Deacon Kopfle helped to ensure the formation needs of deacons. In addition, he worked to provide an environment of fellowship through regional gatherings that promoted ongoing sharing and collaboration among deacons and wives throughout the region.

Deacon Diaz was ordained by Bishop Jugis in 2014. His appointment is for a term of five years. In addition to taking on these regional responsibilities, Deacon Diaz will continue to serve St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

in Sapphire announce that Father Francis X. Arockiasamy, administrator, has been honored as “Priest of the Year” by the North Carolina State Council of the Knights of Columbus, at the Knights’ annual awards ceremony May 6 in Raleigh.

Father Arockiasamy is affiliated with St. Francis Xavier Council 16442 in

Sapphire.

Deacon temporarily assigned to Clemmons parish CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis has granted faculties to Deacon Jeffrey Chapman to serve as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Charlotte from April 8, 2017, to Dec. 31, 2017.

He and his wife Sandy are temporarily living in Clemmons because of his job. During his stay in North Carolina, he is assigned to Holy Family Church in Clemmons.

Deacon Chapman was ordained for the Diocese of Shreveport on May 5, 2005, by Bishop William Friend. He and Sandy have been married for 42 years and have one son and two grandsons. He says he is enjoying his time in North Carolina and all the friendly people in the area.

Deacon Chapman brings 12 years of experience with him as a permanent deacon and is looking forward to retirement next year and doing his ministerial work full-time.

— Deacon John Martino

— Deacon John Martino

BELMONT — At commencement exercises May 13, Belmont Abbey College graduated 333 students. Samantha Rae Light was the valedictorian, and Daniel Torres was the Abbey Student of the Year. Honorary degree recipients were Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and Kevin “Seamus” Hasson. The Adrian Award for excellence in teaching was awarded to Dr. Joseph Wysocki.

Pastor honored by Knights SAPPHIRE — Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands and St. Jude Mission

We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

PILGRIMAGE TO

LOURDES & PARIS with Fr. Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe

Nov. 11-18, 2017 $2,995 from Charlotte Spend several days in Lourdes – praying at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous, taking in the healing waters, participating in the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessing of the Sick, and attending Mass at the Basilica. Also visit Nevers and the convent of St. Gildard, where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body is enshrined. See the famous cathedrals of Notre Dame, Chartres and Sacre Coeur, and see the sights of Paris. Most meals and all tips included. selectinternationaltours.com Kristine@select-intl.com

800-842-4842

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

SPEND TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF

OUR LORD My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Luke 1:46

Mark your calendar for the 13th Eucharistic Congress September 8 & 9, 2017 Charlotte Convention Center For information, to volunteer or K-12 Track Registration:

www.GoEucharist.com

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 OUR PARISHES

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from around the Diocese of Charlotte

Crowning Mary

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School held its annual May Crowning May 1 in the school chapel.

Eight freshmen were selected by their theology teachers to be a part of Mary’s Court: Lauren Dziak, Victoria Fontana, Julianna Hancock, Emma Joseph, Michayla Ross, Taylor Danser, Noah Hooper, Bobby Jones, Cole Knapp and Gilbert Shea.

Photo provided by Carolyn Tillman Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald

Photo provided by Darby McClatchy

CHARLOTTE — Students at St. Gabriel School who recently received their first Holy Communion celebrated May Crowning at Mass May 17. Maddie Gilson is pictured crowning the statue of Mary.

SYLVA — St. Mary, Mother of God Church had May crownings at the beginning of Mass on May 6 and 7.

Pictured, Ula Sikorska places a crown on the statute of Mary at the beginning of Mass on May 7. Jany Echevarria placed a crown on the statue of Mary at the beginning of Mass on May 6.

CHARLOTTE — Children crowned the statue of Mary in the Marian grotto outside St. Patrick Cathedral after Mass May 14.

John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

GREENSBORO — Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated May crowning during the school Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church May 10. Pictured crowning the statue of Mary next to Father Eric Kowalski, pastor, is second-grader Marika Graziani.

Photos by Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

SHELBY — A May Crowning was held during Mass May 14 at St. Mary Help of Christians Church.

Children who had received first Holy Communion the previous day were invited to participate in the ceremony in their First Communion attire. Father Michael Kottar, pastor, emphasized the sacred occasion of receiving their second Holy Communion. A statue of Our Lady of Fatima was crowned and taken in procession in front of the church in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Mary’s appearances in Fatima.

MOORESVILLE — Little Way Preschool at St. Thérèse Church celebrated May crowning with Jesuit Father Don Ward on May 11.

Photo provided

by Lisa Cash

Photo provided by Joan Sloyan, Annie Ferguson | Catholic News Herald

Photos by Travis Burton | Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — A May crowning was held at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte May 14. Some of this year’s first Communicants are pictured with Father Carl Del Giudice, pastor.

Other parish youth laid roses at the statue of Mary in the parish’s Marian garden.

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity.

Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” — St. John Paul II

DUC IN ALTUM June 26 - 30, 2017 * Belmont Abbey College

Retreat for women, freshman in high school to freshman in college Register by June 16, 2017 www.charlottevocations.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from around the Diocese of Charlotte

Celebrating the sacraments

GASTONIA — Children at St. Michael the Archangel Church made their First Holy Communion May 7.

Photos by Scott Temple via Facebook

Photo provided by Father Frank Seabo

REIDSVILLE — Twenty-five children received their first Holy Communion at Holy Infant Church.

PHOTOs PROVIDED BY Eileen O’Neill

CHARLOTTE — Forty-two children received their first Holy Communion May 6 at St. Peter Church.

Photos by Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald

GREENSBORO — Fifty-one students at Our Lady of Grace School recently received their first Holy Communion.

Photo provided by Aphton Lang

SYLVA — St. Mary, Mother of God Parish recently gave thanks for its largest class of first Holy Communicants. On May 7, Father Joshua Voitus, pastor, gave first Holy Communion to 19 children: Erika Ambrocio, Ernesto Dominguez, Jany Echevarria, Fatima Fuentes Ornelas (pictured), Lucia Ann Gallegos Romero, Ella German,Yemaya Jackson, Angela Gonzalez Jimenez, Benjamin Hernandez-Solis, Alondra Munoz Hinojosa, Ace Prenger, Cesar Santana Cruz, Yaira Santillan, Ula Sikorska, Bryan Torres, Daniel Trejo Canales, Fernando Trejo Canales, Mykala Wenberg and Todd Wenberg.

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Celebrating the sacraments

Photo provided by Devinney Photography

MOORESVILLE — Connor Anthony was recently among 158 young people confirmed during Masses April 19 and 21 at St. Thérèse Church by Bishop Peter Jugis.

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More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from around the Diocese of Charlotte

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

FOREST CITY — The sacrament of confirmation was conferred on 34 young people May 17 at Immaculate Conception Church by Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte. They are pictured with Monsignor West; Father Herbert Burke, pastor; Father José Antonio Juya; and Deacons Andy Cilone and Sigfrido Della Valle.

SHELBY — Thirty-two young people received the sacrament of confirmation May 20 at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby. Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, was the main celebrant, with Father Michael Kottar, pastor, as concelebrant and Deacon James Trombley assisting.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald Photo provided by Father Vince Smith

HIGH POINT — Bishop Peter Jugis confirmed youth at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point May 1.

Photo provided by Nicki Conroy

MAGGIE VALLEY — Bishop Peter Jugis traveled to Maggie Valley April 28 to confirm the combined classes from St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley and St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville. There were 13 children from St. John, and four children along with three adults from St. Margaret.

Families and friends joined the newly confirmed at Murphy-Garland Hall after Mass for a reception.

MARION — Thirteen young people at Our Lady of Angels Church in Marion were confirmed by Bishop Peter Jugis April 23 during a Spanish Mass concelebrated by Father Carl Kaltreider, pastor. Confirmandi were Alden Webster, Miguel Sanchez, Josue Figueroa, Adrian Martinez, Sylvia Webster, Selena Camarena, Vanessa Ambrocio, See-Jay Padilla, Miryam Ramirez, Carolina Gamero, Arilene Perez, Paola Lopez and Marian Ramirez.

Photo provided by Connie Ries

STATESVILLE — On May 3, Bishop Peter Jugis confirmed 31 young people at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville. Confirmandi were Jennifer Aguirre Abeja, Lillian Andrade, Dayanara Benitez, Brissa Chavez, Melissa Cruz Solis, Vanessa Cruz Solis, Aaron Fierros, Matthew Flerra, Michael Flerra, Sabrina Fredo, Miriam Gaspar, Claudio Gregorio, Joelle Hughes, Charles Kelley, Daniel Koster, Lauren Koster, Makayla Malone, Sergio Martinez (pictured with his sponsor Araceli Sanchez), Joshua Morron, Nick Neader, Sal Pelligrino, Danilo Piña, Cintia Puentes, Walberto Rivas, Mauricio Sandoval, Jeremey Smith, Swetlana Solis, Marisol Tamayo, Edwin Treviño Chavez, Victor Varga and Marleny Saray Zepeta.

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iiiMay 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Celebrating Fatima

‘If two little children can become saints, so can we’ Cathedral rector shares message of Fatima May 13 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CNS | Paul Haring

Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during the canonization Mass of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the three Fatima seers, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, May 13. The Mass marked the 100th anniversary of the Fatima Marian apparitions, which began on May 13, 1917.

Fatima seers become Church’s youngest non-martyred saints Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

FATIMA, Portugal — Standing before the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pope Francis canonized two shepherd children who saw Mary at Fatima, but more importantly, he said, they heeded the call to pray for sinners and trust in the Lord.

“We declare and define Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto as saints,” the pope said May 13 as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims broke out in applause before he finished speaking.

The relics of the young shepherd children, encased in two thin golden crosses, were placed in front of the famed statue of Our Lady of Fatima, the “lady dressed in white” as the siblings and their cousin described her.

The Marian apparitions began May 13, 1917, when 9-year-old Francisco and 7-year-old Jacinta, along with their 10-year-old cousin Lucía dos Santos, reported seeing the Virgin Mary. The apparitions continued once a month until Oct. 13, 1917, and later were declared worthy of belief by the Church.

After contracting influenza, Francisco died April 4, 1919, at the age of 10, while Jacinta succumbed to her illness Feb. 20, 1920, at the age of 9.

The children, beatified by St. John Paul II in 2000, are now the youngest non-martyrs to be declared saints by the Church.

Before his arrival at the shrine, the pope met privately with Portuguese Prime Minster Antonio Costa and then made his way into the sanctuary that houses the tombs of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta and their cousin Lucía, who died in 2005 at the age of 97. The diocesan phase of her sainthood cause concluded in February and now is under study at the Vatican. fatima, SEE page 17

CHARLOTTE — On the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral, shared his personal devotion to the Blessed Mother and her messages given to the three shepherd children over the course of six months in 1917.

“What a beautiful and happy and glorious day this is!” he said at the beginning of his homily at Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis May 13.

“A few years ago on this day, my mother was born,” he said. “And 72 years ago today, my father received his first Holy Communion. Fifteen years ago I received a spiritual sister who lives in Fatima. I think you could say somehow I was destined to be a child of Our Lady of Fatima. It’s a beautiful thing.”

He shared that today marked the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s first apparition at the Cova da Iria in Fatima and that the entire Catholic Church is celebrating the canonization of two of the shepherd children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.

They are now the two youngest canonized saints who did not suffer martyrdom.

Father Roux pointed out what Our Lady of Fatima asked us to do as children of God: “She has asked us to pray, do penance, be modest and to pray the rosary each day.”

He recalled how the first time he ever traveled to Fatima on a pilgrimage it felt like “home.”

“I can’t explain that, for I had never been to Fatima before,” he said. “But I stepped off the bus and immediately I felt as if I was already at home. There is something about Fatima.”

Father Roux travels to Fatima each summer with the Te Deum Foundation, which sponsors the annual Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. They bring priests, seminarians and laity to experience the peace and silence of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

“It’s not just a destination for tourists,” he explained. “It’s not just a place you go and see and leave. Not if you are a person of faith. And I would dare say a person that has almost no faith can hardly go to Fatima and not leaved changed, because there is something about Fatima.

“There is something about the message of Fatima that says, ‘It’s not all about me.’

Fatima does not say, ‘Here, come and get something.’ Fatima says to us, ‘Here, come and give something. Give your heart. Give your all to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, mount the cross with Him and offer your lives for someone you may not ever meet until heaven.’”

Father Roux recounted that Our Lady asked the three little children of Fatima if they would suffer whatever would come from God for the conversion of souls and the salvation of sinners.

“She asks you the same question.

Are you willing to suffer whatever may come for the salvation of souls and the conversion of sinners?” he asked. “If you do that, she says, you will become holy.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, distributes Holy Communion to the faithful at Mass May 13 to mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

Isn’t that the essence of the Christian message? Isn’t real, true love giving? Isn’t it sacrificial?

“Wasn’t it shown to us by Our Lord on the cross? The greatest love story ever written was Our Lord’s embrace of His cross. He embraced that which would save us. If we don’t learn to offer our lives in sacrifice, we can’t come to the cross. If we don’t offer our lives in sacrifice, we will never learn to love.”

Father Roux emphasized that Our Lady comes at Fatima and says not to just offer your lives for yourself, but to think of others who are far from God and to offer sacrifices for them.

“Our Lady’s plea was to stop sinning, to stop offending God, and our two saints lived that so beautifully,” he said.

It is well documented that Francisco spent hours before the Eucharist consoling Our Lord. Jacinta begged others to stop sinning.

“We need to spend hours before the Blessed Lord in the Eucharist,” Father Roux said. “We need to console Our Lord and pray for sinners. Jacinta begged us to stop sinning. They both offered themselves to Christ. Through the hands of Our Blessed Lady, they offered themselves and in doing so became saints.”

“If two little children can become saints, so can we,” he concluded.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Real full coverage of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, as well as find commentaries, prayers and educational resources

HE COVER

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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Fatima procession held in Charlotte on 100th anniversary CHARLOTTE — Hundreds of parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Church took part in their monthly procession to honor Our Lady of Fatima May 13, but this procession was particularly special as it fell on the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to the shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children in Fatima on the 13th of the month from May to October 1917, asking them to pray for the conversion of sinners and for increased devotion to her Immaculate Heart. St. Thomas Aquinas members have been honoring the message of Fatima on the 13th of each month for the past several years – attending Mass, praying the rosary and processing around the church grounds with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Mass was offered by Father Jason Christian, parochial vicar.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

FOREST CITY — A rosary rally to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearances in Fatima was held at Immaculate Conception Church May 13.

Photos by John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

Hickory parish celebrates Our Lady of Fatima anniversary

CHARLOTTE — To honor Our Lady of Fatima’s request to pray the rosary daily, St. Matthew students prayed a living rosary in the school’s prayer garden May 12 and 15. Students offered their special intentions to Our Lady and honored her with flowers from each class. They gathered around a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was loaned for the occasion from St. Matthew parishioner Rita Bonamo. In addition, the school’s Spirit Rock was painted with the image of Our Lady of Fatima to commemorate the centennial year of celebrations.

Photos provided by Liliana Cabada Salas, Erin Woeste and Kelly Payne

HICKORY — Members of St. Aloysius Church commemorated the 100th anniversary of Mary’s first appearance to the children of Fatima, Portugal, on May 13 by praying the rosary and taking part in an outdoor procession.

The banner was supplied by America Needs Fatima (online at www.americaneedsfatima. org). Terri and Richard Painchaud and Eddie and Ching Williams ordered the banner.

Father Nohe Torres recited a decade of the rosary and Father Larry LoMonaco, pastor, recited prayers and blessed the parishioners.

The weather was supposed to be rainy with thunderstorms, but instead Our Lady of Fatima showered parishioners with sunshine. It was a

perfect day to pray the rosary!

The rally captains ordered the banners hoping to spread the Fatima message by lighting up their little corner of America.

According to ANF’s website, “The goal of America Needs Fatima is to win the heart and soul of America for Mary by spreading Our Lady’s Fatima message and promoting devotion to Her Immaculate Heart. America urgently needs the prophetic messages of Our Lady at Fatima. Above all, America needs a clear direction, a great purpose, and the means to achieve it. The admonitions, requests, and warnings of Mary Most Holy can rightly be called a heaven-sent survival manual.”

— Barbara Case Speers, correspondent

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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IHM students excel in robotics competition

In Brief Charlotte Catholic senior earns Air Force appointment CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Alexander Tarbet has been offered an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy with the Class of 2021. Former South Carolina Rep. Mick Mulvaney, representing the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina, presented Alex with a nomination letter last fall.

At Charlotte Catholic, Alex has been an Tarbet outstanding student who holds leadership positions, participates in athletics, and works a part-time job as well. He serves as vice president of the Student Council and as the morning announcer at school each day.

He is a member of the school’s swim team and cross country team, and he played intramural basketball for many years. To his teachers, he is a student who knows politics better than many adults, and who is just as likely to be found at a Young Republicans meeting as he is at a Young Democrats or Young Libertarians gathering. He truly enjoys hearing everyone’s perspective before formulating his own views.

“Alex is an honorable young man and a gifted leader,” said Maryangela Morgan, a guidance counselor at the school. “He is a team player and sees himself as contributing to the greater good, which will translate so well into military service.”

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

Science fair winners announced GASTONIA — St. Michael School recently announced the winners of its 2017 Science Fair: n First place: Annie Russell presenting IN BRIEF, SEE page 17

Carrie Vest Special to the Catholic News Herald

HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary middle school students were recently challenged to design, build, program and operate robots, as part of a partnership between and the School of Education at High Point University.

The students participated in a head-to-head competition against other schools from January through April called the High Point University Middle School Robotics Challenge. IHM School was one of four area schools invited to participate. Each school was represented by two teams made up of sixth-, seventh- and eighthgrade students.

Guided by their teacher Rachel Forrester and IHM parent Jonathan Connor, the students built and programmed EV3 robotics after school based on broad instructions given by High Point University. Students learned not only how to build in a creative, problem-solving manner, but also how to work with the interface of a studentfriendly programming software.

Once a month, the teams took their robots to High Point University, where they competed in a variety of matches with other local schools.

Upon arrival, students were given specific tasks for their robot to perform with a very limited amount of time to program and perform each task as accurately as possible. At each competition, the teams received cumulative scores based on the performance of their robot.

Some of the challenges the IHM students faced included playing putt-putt, catching a dog, racing through a maze, and moving water bottles into a recycling bin.

IHM had two robotics teams – Team A with Calvin Biesecker, Spencer Millard, Nick Koch, Alexandra Castro and Collin Greene, and Team B with Adison Connor, Joey Schumacher, Mikayla Ebel, Logan Millard and Ethan Maxwell – which placed first and third, respectively, in the competition. IHM’s combined score for its two teams was the highest cumulative score out of all the schools that competed.

Each student won a prize from Lego for first place, as well as an EV3 robotics kit for use in the STEM program at the school.

This program provided students a chance to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills and practice engineering principles while realizing the value of teamwork, perseverance, communication, collaboration, project management and critical thinking.

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For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul’ An excess of scatological humor as well as a lack of creative drive blight this family road comedy, adapted by writer-director David Bowers from the novel by Jeff Kinney.

As his family sets off on a cross-country journey to attend his great-grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration, a mildmannered middle schooler (Jason Drucker) rails against his mom’s (Alicia Silverstone) ban on the use of electronics during the trip -- a prohibition his overworked father (Tom Everett Scott) likewise finds it difficult to obey. Recently shamed by an embarrassing video that went viral, the lad also plots with his older brother (Charlie Wright) to make a detour to a gaming convention where he hopes a taped encounter with an online celebrity (Joshua Hoover) will retrieve his reputation.

A series of misadventures and indignities await the youthful protagonist as the film ambles along to little purpose. Too many of these involve excretion to allow endorsement for all.

Much distasteful potty humor, brief adult wordplay.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

In theaters

‘Everything, Everything’ ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ Ponderous action fantasy in which, once grown, the monarch of the title (Charlie Hunnam) who was dispossessed of his rights as a child and raised as a brawling street urchin by the inhabitants of a London brothel, uses Excalibur to battle the evil uncle (Jude Law) who long ago usurped his throne. Together with his script collaborators, Joby Harold and Lionel Wigram, director and co-writer Guy Ritchie works the occasional witty exchange into the dialogue. But otherwise his film is a grueling ordeal of nonstop noisy fighting. Possibly acceptable for mature teens. Pervasive combat and other violence with little blood, at least one rough term, occasional crass language.

Director Stella Meghie’s adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s young adult novel bears more than a little resemblance to one of those fairy tales involving a princess locked up in a castle who needs a handsome prince to rescue her. In this case, a bright and literate teen (Amandla Stenberg) has long been confined by a rare illness to the hermetically sealed house specially designed for her by her protective mother (Anika Noni Rose).

Then a sensitive lad (Nick Robinson) moves in next door and becomes her instant soul mate (via texting and handwritten placards held up to windows). Aware of the target audience, screenwriter J. Mills Goodloe sustains the romantic fantasy without letting any harsh real-life consequences intrude. The result is a gentle, tasteful film. An instance of rough language.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Discernment Day Monday, June 26, 2017 St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC

FREE

Open to boys 13-14 years old

Same-day registrations: charlottevocations.org What is Discernment Day?

Discernment Day is a day-long event for 13- and 14-year-old boys to encounter the Lord and begin reflecting on their God-given purpose in life, as well as the need for vocational discernment to discover it. The day will include Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, vocational and discernment talks, games, and interacting with priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte.

On TV n Friday, May 26, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Infant Jesus of Prague.” See Avila, El Escorial, and Prague in this documentary that tells the amazing story of the Infant Jesus of Prague and visits the towns and cities touched by the famous statue. n Saturday, May 27, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “The Centenary of Fatima.” Colin Donovan, David Gregson and Robert Klesko discuss the continuing importance of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima a century ago. n Sunday, May 28, 10 p.m.

(EWTN) “Sister Lucía: Our Lady’s Messenger.” The life of the longest living Fatima visionary, Sister Lucía de Jesús dos Santos, and her fervent mission to spread devotion to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. n Monday, May 29, 9 a.m.

(EWTN) “Blessed Joseph Gerard: Apostle of Lesotho.”

Discover the life and work of Blessed Joseph Gerard, who left his homeland of France to serve as a missionary in the mountainous African kingdom of Lesotho. n Tuesday, May 30, 3 p.m. (EWTN) “Joan of Arc.” During the Hundred Years’

15

War, peasant girl Joan of Arc (Ingrid Bergman) hears voices instructing her to save France from the English. Convinced that these unsummoned murmurings are divine messages from God, Joan consults the uncrowned Charles VII (Jose Ferrer) who, startled by the accuracy of her clairvoyance, assembles an army and installs her as its leader and spiritual guide. Her victorious forces reclaim much of their homeland from the English, but she herself falls into enemy hands. n Saturday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Story of the Uganda Martyrs.” A documentary recounting the condemnation and martyrdom of 22 Catholic boys and men at the hand of the king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II. n Saturday, June 3, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “St. Philip Neri.” A two-part film on St. Philip Neri’s mission to catechize the poor and abandoned youth of Rome, and how they helped him grow in the virtues that eventually made him a saint. Part 1. n Sunday, June 4, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” A look back on the life, ideals and works of 1960s community activist Saul Alinsky through the lens of a Catholic perspective.

16

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Join us for St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Road | Charlotte, NC 28227 Friday, June 9, 5:00 PM-11:00 PM Saturday, June 10, 4:00 PM-11:00 PM

Admission is free!

• Tickets available for purchase for food, rides and games.

• Purchase a wristband for unlimited rides on Friday night!

• Carnival rides!

• Try your skill at our midway games and win a prize!

• Great food! Hot Dogs, funnel cakes, cheese steak sandwiches, and INTERNATIONAL FOOD! • Continuous live music!

• Silent auction and BINGO inside the Parish Hall.

• Fantastic FIRE WORKS show on Saturday night!

Hamburger eating contests sponsored by American Burger Company all www.4SjNC.org/sonfest weekend long!

GROTTO FROM PAGE 3

Rosa Gutierrez, parish music director for Spanish services, said, “It’s beautiful!” She performed the Lourdes hymn “Immaculate Mary” with guitarists and a Spanish choir of men, women and children at the ceremony. She remarked that the parish is “blessed with two mothers, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Lourdes.”

Raul Sontay, a parishioner for the past 15 years, owns Orchid’s Landscaping which built the grotto. He and a team of six men constructed the grotto over the course of three weeks.

“It makes me feel good (to help give this to the church),” Sontay said. “I wanted to do something for everyone to enjoy.

“When you do something, it’s not important how much money you make

COURTYARD FROM PAGE 3

Adding to the joy of the celebration was the donation and gift of several patio tables to the community in memory of Ben and Mary D’Apollo, Angela June Iott-Galacia, Wanda Ilderton, Per. R. Kalstrup and Danny Noll.

In addition, the parish was grateful for gifts from Marilyn and Joe Deering, the Dilloway family, the Tony and Yalonda Hernandez family, Patty and Regis Kline, the Michelli family, Tom and Elizabeth

doing it. The point is how much you love what you are doing. When you do something for love, everything comes out beautiful.

The team worked together. Everybody put their love, passion into each stone.”

He said his wife Orquidia gave him the idea to plant lilies around the walkway.

“The grotto project was funded primarily through the parish funds from the ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign, as well as donations from several different parish groups and individuals,” Father Roberts noted. “The two statues and the granite for the altar were donated by parishioners.”

In his concluding remarks during the blessing, Father Roberts said, “Long after all of the voices of those of us gathered here fall silent and join the chorus of the praisers in the Kingdom of God, the language of beauty of this grotto will continue to preach the mercy of God, the healing of God and the hope that is ours in God under the protection of Our Lady of Lourdes.”

Walsh, and Chet and Floss Zukowski and family.

The installation and ongoing renovation at the parish has been a collaboration involving the time and talent of a number of parishioners, particularly the Cowan and Wilson families and Boy Scout Troop 26, who worked on the site preparation; Suzanne Quinn, who designed the garden; Rick Boedicker, contractor; Tom Fatyol, who designed the plaque; and Pat Leonard, Jose Ruvalcaba and members of the Knights of Columbus, who worked on table assembly.

— Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Vince Smith, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

FATIMA FROM PAGE 12

Pope Francis stood for several minutes in front of the tombs with his eyes closed and head bowed.

In his homily at the canonization Mass, the pope reflected on the brief lives of the young sibling saints, who are often remembered more for the apparitions rather than for their holy lives.

But it is Mary’s message and example, rather than an apparition, is important, he told the crowd, which Portuguese authorities estimated at about 500,000 people.

“The Virgin Mother did not come here so that we could see her. We will have all eternity for that, provided, of course, that we go to heaven,” the pope said.

Instead, he continued, Mary’s messages to the young children were a warning to all people about leading “a way of life that is godless and indeed profanes God in His creatures.”

“Such a life – frequently proposed and imposed – risks leading to hell. Mary came to remind us that God’s light dwells within us and protects us,” the pope said.

The hopeful message of Fatima, he said, is that men and women have a mother and like children clinging to her, “we live in the hope that rests on Jesus.”

Pope Francis called on the pilgrims to follow the example of heroic virtue lived by St. Francisco and St. Jacinta, particularly their insistent prayer for sinners and their adoration of “the hidden Jesus” in the

IN BRIEF

tabernacle.

This continual presence of God taught to them by Mary, he said, “was the source of their strength in overcoming opposition and suffering.”

By following their example, the pope said, Christians can become “a source of hope for others” and counter “the indifference that chills the heart” and “worsens our myopia.”

“We do not want to be a stillborn hope!

Life can survive only because of the generosity of other lives,” he said.

It is with the light of hope, the pope added, that the Church can radiate “the true face of Jesus” and reach out to those in need.

“Thus, may we rediscover the young and beautiful face of the Church, which shines forth when she is missionary, welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means and rich in love,” he said.

Addressing the sick before concluding the Mass, Pope Francis said that Christ understands the “meaning of sorrow and pain” and, through the Church, offers comfort to the afflicted just as it did for Sts. Francisco and Jacinta in their final moments.

“That is the Church’s ministry: the Church asks the Lord to comfort the afflicted like yourselves, and He comforts you, even in ways you cannot see. He comforts you in the depths of your hearts and He comforts you with the gift of strength,” the pope said.

“Ears through the Years” (pictured) n Second place: Chris Kurtiak presenting “Cookie Sheets” n Third place: Nancy Rhodes and a fellow student presenting “Healthy Gum” n Runner-up: Chloe Hildenbrand presenting “Faded Away” — Tammy Eason

Director of Evangelization Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land, SC has an immediate opening for a full-time Director of Evangelization. The position seeks to faithfully uphold the orthodox teachings of the Catholic Church and promote the mission to evangelize current active parishioners, inactive Catholics and all seekers of the Catholic faith.

The position will play a lead role in implementation of the mandates coming out of the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, sponsored by the USCCB this summer, both at a parish level and diocese wide. The position will also create, oversee, and assist in implementing all youth and adult faith formation programs for the parish.

The position will lead the effort to welcome, educate, spiritually enrich, and grow the community through program creation, parish missions, formation experiences, sacramental, and ministry support. The position plays an active role in parish leadership, and works directly under the supervision of the pastor. The position oversees youth minister, adult faith formation coordinator, K-5 faith formation coordinator, and digital evangelization coordinator.

Masters Degree in Theology or comparable work experience required. Competitive salary, 40 hours per week, benefits include paid time off, medical and dental.

Please submit resumes to Natalie@gracewepray.org

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read full coverage of the centennial anniversary celebrations of Our Lady’s appearances in Fatima

Charlotte Catholic alumnus competes for crown

FROM PAGE 14

17

Do you have a car sitting in a driveway catching leaves? Maybe it will not start or needs a major repair. Catholic Charities benefits from the donation of your vehicle. Donate your vehicle and receive a tax benefit!

Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!

CCDOC.ORG

ASHEVILLE — Melody Hager, a 2014 graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School and rising senior at the University of North CarolinaAsheville, will compete for the title of Miss North Carolina June 24 in Raleigh.

Hager was crowned Miss Asheville in January, securing her spot among 44 other hopefuls vying for the state title.

Hager scored a $1,000 scholarship for winning the Asheville crown, and an Hager additional $100 for taking top honors in the talent competition. Hager was active in choir and the musicals while a student at Charlotte Catholic.

The Miss North Carolina Pageant is a preliminary to the Miss American Scholarship Program. If Hager wins the state crown in June, she will represent the Tar Heel State in Atlantic City in September.

— Liz Luke We welcome your school’s news! Please email news items and photos to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.

Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome.

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

855.930.GIVE (4483) www.ccdoc.org/CARS Catholic Charities relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

Let’s nation keep Our talking.

18

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Trump nominates Callista Gingrich ambassador to Vatican WASHINGTON, D.C. — As he prepared to meet Pope Francis for the first time, President Donald Trump formally nominated Callista Gingrich, wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to be the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. The White House announced the nomination late May 19 as Trump was beginning his first overseas trip, a trip that would include a meeting with Pope Francis May 24 at the Vatican. The nomination of Gingrich, 51, a former congressional aide, had been rumored for months. If confirmed by the Senate, she would succeed Ambassador Ken Hackett, who retired in January. She would be the third woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See after Lindy Boggs, who held the post in 1997-2001, and Mary Ann Glendon, who served in 2008-2009. Gingrich is president of Gingrich Productions, which produces documentaries as well as other materials related to her husband, Republican Newt Gingrich, who served from 1995 until 1999 as the 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2010, the company released the film “Nine Days That Changed the World” about Pope John Paul II’s nine-day pilgrimage to Poland in 1979 and how it played a part in the fall of communism in Europe.

St. Matthew Summer Forum and the Henri Nouwen Society Present

Callista Gingrich graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1988.

Bishops tell lawmakers to focus on poor in upcoming budget WASHINGTON, D.C. — Decrease military spending and help the poor, said the U.S. bishops in a May 19 letter addressed to Congress, before lawmakers prepare to work on the federal budget for the upcoming 2018 fiscal year. The budget requires difficult decisions, but lawmakers must “give central importance to ‘the least of these,’” said the letter sent to all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and signed by the chairmen of six USCCB committees.

The letter urged lawmakers to “promote the welfare of workers and families who struggle to live in dignity.” Increasing funding for defense and immigration enforcement while cutting “many domestic and international programs that assist the most vulnerable, would be profoundly troubling,” said the letter signed

by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Bishops Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M.; Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington, Vt.; Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla.; George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio; and Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas.

State Department implements reinstated ‘Mexico City Policy’

Trump’s Jan. 23 executive memorandum, took effect May 15. “(It) ensures that U.S. taxpayers will no longer subsidize foreign nongovernmental organizations that perform or promote abortion on demand,” said the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.

Trump’s memorandum also expanded the policy, now called “Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance,” according to Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, who is the caucus cochair. “This humane policy seeks to respect and protect the precious lives of unborn girls and boys from the violence of abortion,” Smith, a Catholic, said in a statement. “The new policy doesn’t cut global health assistance by so much as a penny.” The policy was first put in place by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

Iowa Medicaid money will no longer go to abortion providers DAVENPORT, Iowa — Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, based in Des Moines, has announced plans to close four of its 12 clinics in Iowa -- three in the Diocese of Davenport and one in the Diocese of Sioux City. The clinics in Burlington, Keokuk and Sioux City will close effective June 30. The fourth clinic, in Bettendorf, will close later, according to news sources. In April, the Iowa Legislature changed the current Medicaid family planning waiver program to prevent reimbursement of abortion providers, which includes Planned Parenthood. The new rule takes effect July 1. The state will provide funds to continue a $3.3 million family planning program at

WASHINGTON — Reinstatement of the “Mexico City Policy,” as provided for in President Donald

BRIEFS, SEE page 19

Emergence Retreat Hosted by St. Matthew Catholic Church

Living a Compassionate Life

For Young Adults Ages 18-22 Saturday, June 17 8 am to 10 pm Second Floor of the New Life Center $30 includes all three meals

Reflections on the Writings and Teachings of Henri Nouwen

Featuring Conference Leader Father Ron Rolheiser Friday, Aug. 18, from 7:30 to 9 pm and Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 am to 3 pm

For the full conference schedule and to register, visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/summerforum

St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 BallantyneCommons Parkway Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

And there shall emerge a shoot out of the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. (Isaiah 11:1) Are you a young adult who seeks to deepen your faith? Do you want more out of the Church? Then come to Emergence! Emergence is a one-day retreat led by young adults for young adults. You will hear how other people navigate their faith journey and be challenged to allow this experience to strengthen your faith.

For more information, contact Francis Ahn at fahn@stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-543-7677 x 1193.

To register online with credit card payment, visit stmatthewcatholic.org/summerforum.

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 18

no cost to Iowans making less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level. No funding will be provided for health services received at facilities where abortion services are offered.

Pope Francis names N.C. priest auxiliary bishop for Atlanta WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has appointed Father Bernard E. Shlesinger III, a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh, to be an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Bishop-designate Shlesinger, 56, is currently the director of spiritual formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. “I warmly welcome him to the Archdiocese of Atlanta and I look forward to working with him in service to this local Church,” Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said in a statement. As a Raleigh diocesan priest, Bishop-designate Shlesinger “comes to us from a diocese within the ecclesiastical province of Atlanta where he has longed enjoyed the endorsement of the bishops of our province and the well-deserved respect, admiration, and affection of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Raleigh,” the archbishop said.

coalition, We StaND For, to protest the university’s choice of Pence as graduation speaker. It said the students also wanted to show their disagreement with policies Pence supported as Indiana’s governor, including a bill to restrict abortion and a religious freedom law opponents said was aimed at the gay community. The Observer, the student-run newspaper, reported that Pence’s words at the start of his address could not be heard over boos from members of the audience who vocalized their objection to the walkout.

“Your education here has prepared you for a life of service to your families, your communities and our country and the countries to which you will return. Notre Dame is exceptional,” said Pence, who carried on with his remarks undeterred.

“But a Notre Dame education doesn’t end with the formation of the mind. In these halls, you’ve experienced the formation of the heart.”

— Catholic News Service

Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price from anywhere in the USA We offer several other trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc…

We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. www.proximotravel.com Hablamos Español anthony@proximotravel.com

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About 100 students walk out of Pence’s Notre Dame commencement address

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NOTRE DAME, Ind. — About 100 graduates of the University of Notre Dame walked out of Vice President Mike Pence’s May 21 commencement address as he began to speak. The walkout was planned in advance by a student activist

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Especialista En Comunicaciones Hispanas El Catholic News Herald, periódico con circulación de 59,000 hogares al servicio de la diócesis de Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, está buscando a un periodista con experiencia bilingüe para cubrir las noticias y eventos de la comunidad católica-hispana, lo cual incluye escribir historias, tomar fotos, audio y videos, etc., para su publicación en el Catholic News Herald, en español y en inglés, y a través de una variedad de canales de comunicación. Esta posición también implica el desarrollo de comunicación en las redes sociales y la radio para la comunidad hispana.

Los candidatos deben tener experiencia en periodismo, además de una licenciatura en periodismo, marketing u otro campo relacionado; fluidez verbal y escrita en inglés y español; competencia con la fotografía digital y videografía, audio y video, edición de software, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, y canales de redes sociales (como Facebook, Twitter, YouTube); familiaridad con la Iglesia Católica y sus enseñanzas; atención al detalle y precisión; y capacidad para trabajar bajo plazos regulares.

Ofrecemos un paquete de beneficios competitivos que incluye sueldo acorde con experiencia, seguro médico y dental, 403 (b) y pago de vacaciones.

Por favor enviar hoja de vida, resume: Patricia Guilfoyle, Editor, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

No llamadas, por favor.

19

Hispanic Communications Specialist The Catholic News Herald, a 59,000-circulation newspaper serving the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., is seeking an experienced bilingual journalist to cover news and events about the local Hispanic Catholic community – writing stories, taking photos, shooting video and audio, etc. – for publication in the Catholic News Herald, in Spanish and in English, and through a variety of other communications channels. This position also involves developing future radio, online and social media communications for and about the Hispanic community.

Candidates must have previous journalism experience, plus a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing or other related field; verbal and written fluency in English and Spanish; proficiency with digital photography and videography, audio and video editing software, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, online content management systems, and social media channels (such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube); familiarity with the Catholic Church and its teachings; attention to detail and accuracy; and ability to work under and meet regular deadlines.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes salary commensurate with experience, health and dental insurance, 403(b) and paid holidays. EOE Please submit resume to: PatriciaGuilfoyle, Editor plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org No phone calls, please.

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope, President Trump speak of hopes for peace Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis and U.S. President Donald Trump spent 30 minutes speaking privately in the library of the Apostolic Palace May 24, and as the president left, he told the pope, “I won’t forget what you said.”

The atmosphere at the beginning was formal and a bit stiff. However, the mood lightened when Pope Francis met the first lady, Melania Trump, and asked if she fed her husband “potica,” a traditional cake in Slovenia, her homeland. There were smiles all around.

Pope Francis gave Trump a split medallion held together by an olive tree, which his interpreter told Trump is “a symbol of peace.”

Speaking in Spanish, the pope told Trump, “I am giving you this because I hope you may be this olive tree to make peace.”

The president responded, “We can use peace.”

Pope Francis also gave the president a copy of his message for World Peace Day 2017 and told him, “I signed it personally

for you.” In addition, he gave Trump copies of his documents on “The Joy of the Gospel,” on the family and “Laudato Si’” on the environment.

Knowing that Pope Francis frequently has quoted the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump presented Pope Francis will a large gift box containing five of the slain civil rights leader’s books, including a signed copy of “The Strength to Love.”

“I think you will enjoy them,” Trump told the pope. “I hope you do.”

After meeting the pope, Trump went downstairs to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister. He was accompanied by Rex Tillerson, U.S. secretary of state, and H.R. McMaster, his national security adviser.

The meeting lasted 50 minutes.

The Vatican described the president’s meetings with both the pope and with top Vatican diplomats as consisting of “cordial discussions,” with both sides appreciating “the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favor of life, and freedom of worship and conscience.”

CCDOC.ORG

“It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants,” the Vatican said.

The discussions also included “an exchange of views” on international affairs and on “the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.”

Although President Trump and Pope Francis are known to have serious differences on issues such as immigration, economic policy and climate change, the pope told reporters 11 days before the meeting that he would look first for common ground with the U.S. leader.

After leaving the Vatican, President Trump was driven across Rome for meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

The evening before Trump met the pope, the Vatican newspaper carried two articles on Trump policies. One, echoing the U.S. bishops, praised the Trump Administration’s decision to extend by six months the Temporary Protected Status program for Haitian citizens in the United States.

The second article was about the budget plan the Trump White House released May 23. L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, noted that it contained cuts in subsidies “for the poorest segments of the population” and “a drastic – 10 percent – increase for military spending.”

What is more, the newspaper said, “the budget also includes financing for the construction of the wall along the border with Mexico. We are talking about more than $1.6 billion.”

The border wall is an issue where Pope Francis and President Trump have a very clear and public difference of opinion.

In February 2016, shortly after celebrating a Mass in Mexico just yards from the border, Pope Francis was asked by reporters about then-candidate Trump’s promise to build a wall the entire length of the border.

“A person who thinks only of building walls, wherever it may be, and not of building bridges, is not Christian,” the pope said.

Trump, asked by reporters to comment on that, said Mexico was “using the pope as a pawn,” and he said it was “disgraceful” for a religious leader to question someone’s faith.

Trump’s visit to the Vatican was one stop on his first foreign tour as president, which also included stops in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and Italy.

Editor

Join Catholic Charities as an AmeriCorps member.

Positions available for Fall 2017 Employment Case Aides – one full-time and two part-time The Employment Case Aide will work closely with employment program staff and case management staff to provide direct services to refugee individuals seeking employment. Program activities include providing outreach to newly arrived refugees and secondary migrants, coordination of services through home visits and appointments with local service providers, and assistance finding employment, arranging transportation, and enrolling in English as a Second Language classes to aid overall adjustment and achievement of employment and self-sufficiency goals.

Program Assistant – one full-time and one part-time The Program Assistant will work closely with the volunteer coordinator, case managers, employment, and youth program staff to recruit, train, supervise, and retain volunteers and mentors. Additionally, the Program Assistant will provide direct services to refugees participating in the youth program and citizenship class, as needed.

For complete job descriptions, visit ccdoc.org/jobs. Submit resume and cover letter to ksotten@charlottediocese.org. For any questions, please feel free to contact Kailey Otten, Program Director, at the email address above, or by phone at 704-370-3240.

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond, VA seeks a highly qualified Editor for the Office of Communications to oversee the editorial strategy, direction and operations of the Catholic Virginian, a bi-weekly diocesan newspaper, with specific attention to the daily editorial content of the newspaper and its on-line version.

The Editor will be responsible for conveying and supporting the teachings, policies and positions of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Bishops and the diocesan bishop to readers of the diocesan newspaper, and will work with Pastoral Center ministries to promote the Church’s mission to evangelize by providing news about ministries and events.

The Editor will also be responsible for managing the Catholic Virginian budget, supervising the paper’s production costs, and managing freelance writers and article assignments. This position will collaborate regularly with the Director of Communications, the Bishop, the USCCB, the Virginia Catholic Conference and other diocesan entities and ministries. The Editor will also assist with writing news articles for publication and maintain content for the digital Catholic Virginian website and social media.

The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism/Mass Communications or related field required, with 7-years’ experience in diocesan press and/or general Catholic press preferred; however, we will consider experience in other print or communications industry. Must have prior supervisory experience managing the business and production side of publications.

Qualified candidates should forward a cover letter, current curriculum vitae or resume, and completed Diocesan application to Sara Board, HR Coordinator at jobs@richmonddiocese.org or fax to 804-622-5163.

May 26, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Church leaders offer prayers after Manchester Arena attack MANCHESTER, England — Pope Francis decried the “barbaric attack” on concertgoers in Manchester, adding his voice to Catholic leaders dismayed at what British officials said was the deadliest case of terrorism since 2005.

In a telegram sent to English church officials on Pope Francis’ behalf, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the pope “was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life” after a suicide bomb killed at least 22 people and injured another 59 at Manchester Arena May 22.

Many concertgoers at the Ariana Grande concert were teenagers, young adults and families. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The pope “expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” the telegram said, as “he commends the generous efforts of the emergency and security personnel and offers the assurance of his prayers for the injured, and for all who have died. Mindful in a particular way of those children and young people who have lost their lives, and of their grieving families, Pope Francis invokes God’s blessings of peace, healing and strength upon the nation.”

he will create five new cardinals June 28; the new cardinals-designate come from Mali, Spain, Sweden, Laos and El Salvador. Unusually, the group of prelates announced by the pope May 21 includes an auxiliary bishop whose archbishop is not a cardinal; he is Cardinal-designate Gregorio Rosa Chavez, 74, the current auxiliary bishop of San Salvador. The others who will receive red hats are: Archbishop Jean Zerbo of Bamako, Mali, 73; Archbishop Juan Jose Omella of Barcelona, Spain, 71; Bishop Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, Sweden, 67; and Bishop LouisMarie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, apostolic vicar of Pakse, Laos, 73.

Tackle jobs gap caused by today’s tech revolution, pope tells experts VATICAN CITY — The growing gap between those who can find a place in today’s rapidly changing tech-based job market and those who cannot is very serious and worrying, Pope Francis said. The problem must be tackled “out of a sense of justice between generations and responsibility for the future,” he said.

The pope spoke May 20 at the Vatican to participants in an international conference sponsored by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, which seeks to promote the teaching of St. John Paul II’s 1991 encyclical on social and economic justice. The conference May 18-20 discussed “constructive alternatives in an era of global turmoil” as well as looked at incentives for “job creation and human integrity in the digital space.”

— Catholic News Service

Pope announces new cardinals VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Reverend Mr. Peter Nicholas Ascik Reverend Mr. Matthew Patrick Bean Reverend Mr. Brian Joseph Becker

Please join us for the Inaugural Sacred Heart Lecture

Reverend Mr. William Christian Cook

Friday, June 2, 2017

Saturday, the seventeenth of June

Dr. Carrie Gress “The Marian Option: God’s Solution to a Civilization in Crisis” Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Indian Land, SC

No RSVP required. www.gracewepray.org

6:30pm Sacred Music Concert 7:00pm Talk by Dr. Carrie Gress 7:45pm Wine and Cheese Reception

Reverend Mr. Christopher Allen Bond

two thousand and seventeen nine-thirty in the morning Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, North Carolina Reception immediately following in the Parish Hall

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 26, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Robert Barron

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Our Lady of Fatima and a theological reading of history

his past week, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to a group of shepherd children near the Portuguese town of Fatima. The series of Fatima appearances – lasting from May until October of 1917 – is one of the most extraordinary in the history of the Church. It has also beguiled political and cultural commentators outside the ambit of the Church, and it is this wider implication that I would like to explore.

This particular visitation of Mary took place at the height of the First World War, which signaled the end of Enlightenment confidence in the perfectibility of the human being, and in the year of the Bolshevik Revolution, which would exert, for most of the 20th century, a massively deleterious influence. To the simple children, who barely understood what she was saying, Our Lady announced that the Great War would soon end, and she also called for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart.

Furthermore, she urged the children to pray for the conversion of Russia, which was a mysterious exhortation given that, at the time of this communication, the Communist revolution in that country had not yet taken place.

And the confirmation of the veracity of the Fatima appearances is one of the most stunning and widely-attested miracles in the history of Christianity. In the afternoon of Oct. 13, 1917, approximately 70,000 people had gathered at the apparition site to witness what the Lady had promised would be a marvelous sign. Among this throng were many secularists and skeptics who had come only to scoff. But before the eyes of 70,000 people, the sun commenced to “dance,” turning and dashing from place to place in the sky and finally appearing to plummet toward the earth. Some of the most astounding accounts of this incident were composed by journalists of an agnostic or atheist persuasion.

So what does the message of Our Lady of Fatima, considered in the widest sense, imply? It implies that the God of the Bible is a living God – by which I mean a God who involves Himself as an actor in human history. From the 17th century on, in the West at any rate, a casual deism has held sway in the minds of many who profess faith in God. By this I mean the belief that God is a distant power, who established the laws of nature and set things in motion, but who remains aloof from the ordinary affairs of the world. But this view is repugnant to the Biblical conception of God. According to the Scriptures, God

CNS | Joao Paul Trindade via EPA

Pope John Paul II is pictured with Carmelite Sister Lucía dos Santos, the last of the three Fatima visionaries alive in 1991. Recent popes have had a special affection for Our Lady of Fatima, but no pope’s connection can match that of now St. John Paul II. indeed created the universe and established its laws, but He also exercises a personal and providential care for all that He has made. Jesus expressed this idea both precisely and poetically: “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your heavenly Father knowing it.” Throughout the historical books of the Old Testament, we find events unfolding according to recognizable dynamics economic, political and psychological, but through it all, under it all, God is also acting, mysteriously accomplishing His will.

This way of reading history was bequeathed from the

New bill shifting money away from abortion providers is pro-life victory In response to the news article in the April 28 edition of the Catholic News Herald, “Trump signs bill to let states redirect funds from abortion clinics,” I would like to provide more detail. Thanks to this new bill being signed, Catholics and other American citizens are free from the abomination of tax dollars going toward abortion, and specifically Planned Parenthood.

The president did well in purposely having the tax dollars given to former Sen. Tom Price, the pro-life Secretary of Health and Human Services. At the time when the bill was signed, Democrats and Planned Parenthood confidently thought that the organization would still be funded

because of what was written in the bill.

However, because Price is pro-life, Planned Parenthood will not be receiving any funding as long as Price keeps his faith and is the HHS secretary.

“Taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortion, plain and simple,” expressed Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan in a statement. “We remain united and steadfast in our commitment to life and religious liberty.” He referred to this reversing of the rule the Obama administration issued as “a major pro-life victory,” precisely what it is.

Daniel Carter lives in Davidson.

Biblical authors to the great tradition, and thus we find theological masters from Augustine to Robert Bellarmine to John Henry Newman interpreting world affairs through the prism of God’s providence. Augustine’s “City of God,” written in the wake of the sack of Rome, is particularly instructive in this regard. The great saint certainly understood the political, military and cultural dynamics that contributed to the disaster, but he was especially sensitive to the sacred dimension of the event. The fall of Rome was an ingredient, he argued across more than a thousand pages, in a divine providential plan that stretches from the beginning to the end of history. Kings, emperors, generals, soldiers and writers made their moves, but underneath them all, God was making His moves and accomplishing His purpose.

I will readily grant that the sifting of this providential design can be a dicey business, subject to various types of distortion and wishful thinking, but I will insist that abandoning the effort altogether is to surrender to a reading of history and a theology of God that are at odds with the Bible.

In our own time, no one played the Augustinian role of theological interpreter of history more effectively than St. John Paul II. Having personally experienced the tyranny of two of the worst and most abusive dictatorships in human history, Karol Wojtyla could nevertheless, upon assuming the papal office, tell the world “to be not afraid.” If we were reading things through purely economic or political lenses, such a recommendation would appear foolish at best, delusional at worst. But because John Paul read things theologically, he knew that mercy and love finally triumph, and he understood that any proposal for human flourishing that did not include God would necessarily fall victim to its own internal contradictions. This latter conviction sustained his non-violent but massively effective assault upon Communism from 1979 to 1989.

And his theological reading of history enabled him to grasp that Our Lady of Fatima’s summons to pray for the conversion of Russia was far from a pious fantasy, that in point of fact, it provides the interpretive key for understanding perhaps the pivotal event in the history of the late 20th century.

Bishop Robert Barron is the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He is also the host of “Catholicism,” an award-winning documentary about the Catholic faith.

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Fred Gallagher

Thinking like a Catholic

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everal years ago a young man came to talk to me.

He had some major problems, among them alcohol abuse. He was a bright young man with a volatile temper and some pretty anti-social behavior when he was drinking.

So we began talking on my front porch, sometimes way into the night. He wanted help and took direction well. He started attending recovery fellowship meetings, reading recovery materials and listening to what others who had been there were telling him. The young man also loved to read and he had a good foundation in the classics. He seemed to be able to attach his new found sobriety to an interest in the larger world, the world of the western intellectual tradition. He understood the symbolism and the rituals associated with recovery.

I’ll never forget the night I said, “John,” (for John Doe, to protect his anonymity) “don’t take this the wrong way… but it seems to me you think like a Catholic!” Of course, he asked me what that meant and, of course, I couldn’t adequately answer. I think I mumbled something about seeing the sacred in what is seemingly profane, about believing in the intercessory powers of those with whom we come into contact and of those saints and sages who have come before us.

He seemed to grasp something of the importance of tradition, what Chesterton famously called, “the democracy of the dead.” He seemed to understand on a deep level the possibility that with God’s grace decrepitude could actually be transformed into holiness.

The discussion continued over many nights: we spoke of the Blessed Mother and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and of apostolic succession.

Before I knew it, the young man had joined the RCIA group at my church. It was my privilege to sponsor him and he was received into the Church the same time as my wife. What a day that was!

The young man went full force at everything he did and the next year he was in a French Benedictine monastery out west discerning a vocation. The monks lived mostly in silence there and were rather self-reliant, keeping up a working farm. John wrote once that all they seemed to have to eat was soup! Then he added, “But you have to remember, Fred, these are Frenchmen and the soups are fantastic!”

In discerning that he did not have that calling, John left the monastery after a year and returned to his childhood home in southern Illinois. He helped his parents on their farm and started building houses.

He was of course, very active in his local Catholic church there and met a young lady also active in the church. They fell in love and came back to our area to be married. I was proud to be his best man.

In the ensuing years, he started his own house building business and he and his bride tried unsuccessfully to have children with a heart breaking string of miscarriages. They finally decided to adopt and started the long and, for them, grueling process as John had some issues related to his past drinking to clean up. They got very close to adopting using a Catholic Charities

organization in southern Illinois but at the last minute it lost most of its funding because it did not allow same-sex couples to adopt. So John and his wife had to start all over again.

As time went on, they just weren’t making any progress. They wanted a baby but they had few other requirements.

Finally, at their wits end, John said to himself that God must be asking something else of him. He thought about it. He talked it over with his wife and they went to the agency and basically said we’ll do anything we need to do: any child, any age, any background. In a couple of weeks the agency came back and said there is a family of siblings getting ready to be split up for good and it would be such a blessing if they could stay together. So on Tuesday John and his wife were childless, and on Wednesday they were the proud parents of four children all under the age of 6.

John’s tale brings me back to that time when I said he thought like a Catholic. It seems that so many moves of his since that time serve to support that opinion. So what is it to think like a Catholic?

I still don’t know. It has something to do with grasping the big picture. It is larger than racism or nationalism or sexism.

The global experience of the Church, her universality and her familiarity with thousands of different cultures the world over become a part of our perception as Catholics. The truth of the sanctity of all human life is part of our DNA. Our thinking is enigmatic to many these days, for Holy Mother Church can be the most charitable of private institutions (indeed, she was the originator of charitable institutions) while sticking to her guns theologically. For instance, in a culture satiated with sexual license and gender fluidity, we still honor the traditional definition of marriage and respect the sacredness of human sexuality, while refusing to condemn those who berate us for it. We quietly go about our charitable business, like being the largest private institution on the planet helping victims of AIDS. As the world sinks in a mire of relativism, to think like a Catholic is to still believe that objective truth exists. We also still believe that our senses, though prone to perversion and disorder, can lead us to God. We know that when we seek the beautiful we are seeking the good. To think like a Catholic is to wonder at the artistry of the paintbrush and the pen and the figure rising from the stone. It is to welcome the font of reason, not as a tool for skepticism but as a highway to truth and therefore an aid to faith.

Is this what I meant when I said my new friend thought like a Catholic? I’m not sure.

Maybe it was simply his overwhelming desire to be in touch with the transcendent, to know a reality greater than we are, to know it in the grace and beauty he found around him and to surrender himself to that grace and that beauty. Maybe that was it. At any rate, as a Catholic, I think about it.

Fred Gallagher is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastonia-based Good Will Publishers Inc.

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