June 4, 2021

June 4, 2021

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org 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

Diocese sells south Charlotte land to provide for growth, benefit community 5 New residence hall, online degree programs added at Belmont Abbey College

BISHOP JUGIS ENCOURAGES GRADS:

‘Carry humble, thankful hearts into the future’

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“Lleven consigo al futuro corazones humildes y agradecidos” 11

7 INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español.......................................10-13 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-8 Schools....................................14-17 Scripture readings................. 2, 13 TV & Movies...................................9 U.S. news.................................18-19 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news............................ 20-21

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Beloved Shelby pastor passes away, aged 53 6

Seven seminarians admitted to candidacy for holy orders 3 Siete seminaristas son ya candidatos para el orden sagrado 11

Misión del Santo Rosario se fortalece en Hickory 10

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Boniface, apostle to the Germans Feast day: June 5

Pope Francis

Prayer is source of strength in darkest times

C

hristians can rest assured that in moments of trial, suffering or even sin, Jesus is interceding for them before God, Pope Francis said.

“Even if our prayers were only mutterings, if they were compromised by a wavering faith, we must never stop trusting in Him,” the pope said June 2 during his weekly general audience.

“Don’t forget: ‘Jesus is praying for me,’” he said. “In the moment of trial, in the moment of sin, even in that moment, Jesus with so much love is praying for me.”

Recalling St. Luke’s account of Jesus praying the day before He chose His disciples, the pope said that “judging from how those men were to behave, it would seem that the choice was not the best because they all fled, they left Him alone before the Passion.”

However, “it is precisely this – especially the presence of Judas, the future traitor – that demonstrates that those names were inscribed in God’s plan,” he said.

Jesus’ moments of prayer on behalf of His disciples, especially for Peter who would deny Christ, were an act of love that showed that even in times of failure, “the love of Jesus does not stop,” the pope continued.

“Jesus’ love and prayer for each of us does not stop, indeed it becomes more intense, and we are at the center of His prayer!” Pope Francis said. “We must always remember this: Jesus is praying for me; He is praying now before the Father and He is showing him the wounds He bore, so that the Father can see the price of our salvation; it is the love that He has for us.”

Reflecting on other moments in the Gospels, including Peter’s profession of faith and the Transfiguration, the pope noted that the “great turning points of Jesus’ mission are always preceded by prayer.”

Jesus, he added, “not only wants us to pray as He prays, but assures us that, even if our attempts at prayer are completely useless and ineffective, we can always count on His prayer.”

Departing from his prepared remarks, the pope recalled a bishop who told him that during a time of great trial, he looked up in St. Peter’s Basilica and saw Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “I have prayed for you, Peter.”

“That gave him strength and comfort,” the pope said. “And this happens every time any of us knows that Jesus is praying for him or her. Jesus prays for us. Right now, in this moment.”

St. Boniface was very bold in his faith, and he was well known for being very good at using the local customs and culture of the day to bring people to Christ.

St. Boniface was born as Wynfrid – also written as Wynfrith, Winfrid or Winfrith – sometime around the year 675 in Wessex (present-day Devon), England.

Overcoming the initial disapproval of his Anglo-Saxon family, he was able to pursue a career in the Church. He was educated at Benedictine monasteries (first Exeter, then Nursling), and became an ordained priest at the approximate age of 30.

Instead of remaining in England, Wynfrid decided to became a missionary. In 716, he traveled to Frisia (now part of The Netherlands), following in the footsteps of other Anglo-Saxon missionaries. However, he found the local ruler unwelcoming and soon left the area.

After his return to England, Wynfrid was chosen to be the abbot of his monastery.

Still wishing to evangelize, he turned down the position and proceeded to Rome in 718.

There, he met with Pope Gregory II, who gave him the name Boniface.

On May 15, 719, the pope sanctioned Boniface’s desire to spread the Gospel.

Boniface once again visited Frisia, where the political climate had changed. This allowed him to gain valuable experience as a missionary, which he then put to use in Hesse.

In 722, Boniface was made a bishop.

He soon received the protection of Charles Martel, the Carolingian ruler of the Franks. His path made easier by this protection, Boniface returned to missionary work.

One story about St. Boniface tells about when he met a tribe in Saxony that was worshiping a Norse deity in the form of a huge oak tree. Boniface walked up to the tree, removed his shirt, took an ax, and without a word, chopped it down. Then he stood on the trunk, and asked: “How stands your mighty god? My God is stronger than he.” Conversions followed when its worshipers saw that Boniface was not immediately punished for his actions.

Boniface focused on Thuringia (part of present-day Germany) from 725 to 735. He received the pallium in 732, which made him an archbishop and gave him the ability “to consecrate bishops

“Saint Boniface Felling the Sacred Oak,” by Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, on display at the National Galleries of Scotland wherever the faithful have increased.”

As his proselytizing took effect, Boniface also did his best to stem any heresies he encountered. He applied the same zeal to his next task, that of organizing the Church in Bavaria.

After their father’s death, Boniface coordinated with Carloman and Pepin, Martel’s sons, over Church reforms. This resulted in Frankish clergy growing closer to Rome. Boniface, whom Pope Zachary had named the archbishop of Mainz, also may have crowned Pepin III as king in 751. Whether or not Boniface oversaw the coronation, he had laid the groundwork for papal authority to influence religious and political development in a large swath of Europe in the coming years.

After returning to missionary work, he was martyred on June 5, 754, while on mission in

Holland, where a group of pagans attacked and killed him and his 52 companions. His body was taken to the monastery at Fulda, which he had founded in 744.

St. Boniface, deemed the “apostle to the Germans,” is regarded as the patron saint of brewers and tailors, as well as of Germany.

— Biography.com, Catholic News Agency

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read about more saints whose feast days are in June, including: St. Justin Martyr (June 1), St. Charles Lwanga and companions (June 3), St. Norbert (June 6), St. Barnabas (June 11), St. Aloysius Gonzaga (June 21), St. Anthony of Padua (June 13), St. Romuald (June 19), St. Thomas More (June 22) and St. Cyril of Alexandria (June 27)

Daily Scripture readings JUNE 6-12

Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26; Monday: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Matthew 5:1-12; Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Matthew 5:13-16; Wednesday (St. Ephrem): 2 Corinthians 3:4-11, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6, Matthew 5:20-26; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9, Isaiah 12:2-6, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, John 19:31-37; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Luke 2:41-51

JUNE 13-19

Sunday: Ezekiel 17:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Mark 4:26-34; Monday: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Matthew 5:43-48; Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30, Matthew 6:19-23; Saturday (St. Romuald): 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Matthew 6:24-34

JUNE 20-26

Sunday: Job 38:1, 8-11, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, Mark 4:35-41; Monday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga): Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday (St. Paulinas of Nola, Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More): Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (The Nativity of St. John the Baptist): Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Friday: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, Matthew 8:1-4; Saturday: Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:4650, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17

Our parishes

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Ordination liturgies slated for June 5, 19 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte will hold two ordination Masses in June, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Last year’s ordinations were delayed and livestreamed due to limited in-person attendance during the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s ordination liturgies will return to the traditional June schedule and will be open for in-person attendance at full MORE ORDINATION capacity.

COVERAGE will be Bishop Peter featured in the June J. Jugis will preside at both 18 edition of the Catholic News Herald ordinations, which and online at www. will take place at catholicnewsherald.com.

St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

Coming June 18

TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE

The first ordination liturgy is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 5, when seminarians Darren Balkey and Aaron Huber will be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood.

Once ordained deacons, Balkey and Huber can proclaim the Gospel at Mass, give homilies, baptize and officiate at weddings.

They will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood, expected next June.

Balkey

Huber

Balkey, 29, is the son of Steven and Sheryl Balkey. He was born and raised in State College, Pa., and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Belmont Abbey College. He is a Chaplain Candidate Program Officer and received his commission to the U.S. Navy last year.

He studied pre-theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and will complete his seminary studies in theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati.

A parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, he served summer assignments at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, and Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont.

Balkey says, “The deacon is ordained to proclaim the Gospel as he is continually configured to Christ the servant. This particular season in my vocation allows me to express my gratitude to Almighty God and the faithful for the many gifts bestowed upon me in a very tangible way. I am eager to serve.”

Huber, 24, is the son of Eric and Tamara

Sanchez

Wasswa

Huber. He was born in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and grew up in Cruso, N.C. He is a graduate of St. Joseph College Seminary, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Belmont Abbey College.

He will complete his seminary studies in theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.

A parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church, Huber served summer assignments at St. Mark Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.

Huber says, “I am very excited to be entering the diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte. Since I will be making promises to obedience, prayer and celibacy, my ordination day will be like one’s wedding day. On June 5, I will be committed to a life of service to God and His Church, and this knowledge fills me with immense joy.”

PRIESTHOOD

Deacon Juan Miguel Sanchez and Deacon Joseph Wasswa will be ordained to the priesthood during a 10 a.m. Mass Saturday, June 19.

Deacon Sanchez, 36, is the son of Ignacio

Sanchez Yañez and Maria Garcia Perez. He was born in Ixtlahuacán del Río, Mexico, and grew up in Mexico.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in humanities and sciences from the Pontifical College Josephinum, and he is completing his seminary studies in theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

A parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir, he served summer assignments at St. Eugene Church in Asheville, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, St. Therese Church in Mooresville, and St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Deacon Sanchez says, “It is an honor for me to be part of the Diocese of Charlotte and I am looking forward to serving the community.”

Deacon Wasswa, 32, is the son of Henry Gideon Kisekulo and Antonietta Namaganda. He was born in Kalisizo, Uganda, and grew up in Uganda.

He earned a Bachelor of Philosophy from St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Katigondo-Masaka, Uganda, and is completing his seminary studies in theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

A parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, he served summer assignments there and at St. Ann and St. Thomas Aquinas churches in Charlotte, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.

Deacon Wasswa says, “I am very grateful for the incredible support I have received from the people across the diocese, and I am really looking forward to serving them with all my heart, and leading them to heaven.”

Seven seminarians admitted to candidacy for holy orders SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — For the second year in a row, seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte stood before Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral during a livestreamed Mass and affirmed their desire to advance along the path toward the priesthood.

Seven men officially embarked on a more focused period of formation during the special Mass May 29 that featured the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. The next steps in their formation are ministry of lector, ministry of acolyte, ordination to the transitional diaconate, and finally, ordination to the priesthood.

The seven men include: Christopher Angermeyer of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Anthony del Cid Lucero of St. Joseph Church, Newton; Nicholas Kramer of St. Barnabas Church, Arden; Luke Martin of St. Mark Church, Huntersville; Kolbe Murrey of St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; James Tweed of Sacred Heart Church, Brevard; and Joseph Yellico of St. Mark Church, Huntersville.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis said, “My dear brothers, we are happy to accept your petitions for admission to candidacy and, today in this Mass, to accept you

formally as candidates for holy orders and bestow upon you the official blessing designating you as candidates for holy orders. You join the ranks of your brother seminarian candidates who are ahead of you on their formation journeys.”

“Jesus in His love for you, has brought you along thus far in your path of discernment, and He will continue to lead you. Trust in Him. Give yourself to Him. Spend time with the Lord in prayer. He will give you the graces you need to grow in your vocation,” he told them.

Angermeyer, del Cid Lucero, Martin and Tweed will study this fall at The Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology) in Cincinnati.

Kramer, Murrey and Yellico will study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Of the opportunity to join fellow seminarians Christian Goduti and Matthew Harrison II studying in Rome, Yellico said, “It is certainly a humbling experience, I really never thought this would happen to me… but clearly the Lord had plans and the bishop wants me to go and train with that in mind. I will always be grateful for everything I will be able to experience there.”

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter Jugis presided over the Rite of Admission to Candidacy May 29 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for seminarians (from left): Anthony del Cid Lucero; Kolbe Murrey; Nicholas Kramer; Christopher Angermeyer; James Tweed; Joseph Yellico; and Luke Martin.

Watch online and learn more On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: Watch video and Bishop Jugis’ homily from the Rite of Admission to Candidacy Mass

At www.charlottediocese.org/vocations: Get more information about pursuing a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life in the Diocese of Charlotte

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: JUNE 5 – 10 A.M. Liturgy of Ordination to the Diaconate St. Mark Church, Huntersville

JUNE 10 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, High Point

JUNE 18 – 5 P.M. Holy Hour for Priesthood Ordinands St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

JUNE 8 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley

JUNE 14 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Michael Church, Gastonia

JUNE 19 – 10 A.M. Liturgy of Ordination to the Priesthood St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Diocesan calendar of events June 4, 2021 Volume 30 • NUMBER 18

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 SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

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ESPAÑOL UNA VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN POR LA PAZ Y LA JUSTICIA EN NICARAGUA: Los jueves a las 6 p.m., nos reunimos en la Catedral San Patricio para, que en estos últimos meses está pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario y la corona de adoración y reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel. La vigilia de oración es en español. Vigilias de junio: 10, 17 y 24.

VIGILIA DE LOS DOS CORAZONES: Primer viernes y sábado del mes, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Únase cada primer viernes del mes a una vigilia nocturna para honrar los Corazones de Jesús y María, orar por nuestras familias, ofrecer penitencia por nuestros pecados y pedir por la conversión de nuestra nación. La devoción comienza el viernes 4 de Junio a las 8 p.m. con la celebración de la Santa Misa, seguido de Adoración nocturna y concluye con la Misa del sábado el 5 de Junio a las 8 a.m.

Para inscribirse a una hora de Adoración, visite www.

ProLifeCharlotte.org/dos-corazones.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: First Fridays and First Saturdays, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Next vigil will be June 4-5, with Father Melchesideck Yumo as Friday’s celebrant. Join each First Friday through First Saturday of the month in an overnight vigil to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and to offer penance and pray for the conversion of our nation. To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration times, go to www.ProLifeCharlotte.org/two-hearts.

WESTERN N.C. RESPECT LIFE MEETING: 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 26, St. John the Baptist Church, 180 Laurel Ave., Tryon. The Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Western NC (C-PLAN) is hosting is next regional Respect Life meeting. All who are interested in becoming involved in pro-life activity are invited. For details, contact Joanne Gregory or Elizabeth Harris at ashevilleprolifecatholics@gmail.com.

‘DATE NIGHT WITH A SAINT’: 6 p.m. Thursdays, June 17-July 8, Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory. The evening begins with a light dinner, followed by a thought-provoking discussion on a particular saint: What are they? Where to they come from? How many angels are there? What do they do for us? What are their limitations? How do angels relate to demons? For those who choose, you could begin with an hour of Adoration and a blessing by Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The discussion will be led by Deacon Scott Gilfillan.

For details and questions, contact him at sdgilfillan@ catholicconference.org or call 828-328-7441.

33-DAY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH: Just as Jesus and Mary entrusted themselves entirely to the care and protection of St. Joseph as head of the Holy Family, so too can we follow their example. Consider making a consecration to St. Joseph using “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Father

Religious Freedom Week 2021: Solidarity in Freedom “Religious Freedom Week 2021 – Solidarity in Freedom” will take place June 22-29, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced. The week-long celebration begins with the Feast of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, ends with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, and includes the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Through prayer, education and public action, Religious Freedom Week promotes the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, for now and the future, for Catholics and for those of all faiths. Daily prayer and reflection resources provided by the USCCB for each day of Religious Freedom Week are available in English and Spanish at www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.

Semana de la Libertad Religiosa 2021: Solidaridad en libertad se llevará a cabo del 22 al 29 de junio. Recursos de oración y reflexión diarios para cada día de la Semana de la Libertad Religiosa estan disponsibles (en inglés y español) en www. usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.

— Joseph Purello Donald Calloway, MIC. Starting the 33-day series of prayers on Tuesday, July 20, would conclude on Saturday, Aug. 21, the feast of Our Lady of Knock. Learn more at www.yearofstjoseph.org.

LATIN MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL: St. Patrick Cathedral will offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form (the Traditional Latin Mass) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 29 – the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. All are welcome.

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Vocation camps fill up early CHARLOTTE — Registration for both of the Diocese of Charlotte’s vocation discernment camps – Quo Vadis Days and Duc In Altum – has closed early after reaching maximum capacity. This year’s programs are being held with a reduced number of participants because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place for summer camps. Information about the 2022 camps will be posted online at www. charlottediocese.org next spring.

Catholic Charities staff member named among ‘40 Over 40’ CHARLOTTE — Don Meanor, a social worker and case worker for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Transition Out of Poverty program, was recently named one of Charlotte’s “Top 40 Over 40” by the Charlotte Ledger. The winners, selected from among hundreds of nominees, were chosen because they help make Charlotte a better place.

In his nomination letter, Don Meanor was described as “a life coach for people Meanor who can’t afford life coaches.”

When a rare degenerative condition took his eyesight, Meanor left a successful corporate career and went back to school for a master’s degree in social work. Then in 2016 he went from being a supporter and board member of Catholic Charities to working as its first Transition Out of Poverty (TOP) case worker.

The people Meanor and Catholic Charities’ other TOP case workers serve are often homeless and hopeless. Meeting each week with 25 to 30 TOP participants, Meanor uses his business acumen – listening, problemsolving, mentoring – to guide them to self-sufficiency. Food, housing, healthcare, transportation, child care, education – the TOP case workers get to know what’s keeping each person trapped in poverty. Then they help them set measurable goals, “walking alongside” them for up to a year as they strive to meet those goals.

“It’s fun to watch people learn to believe in themselves,” Meanor says of his work.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

5

Diocese sells south Charlotte land to provide for growth, benefit community CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announced May 25 it is selling 73 acres of surplus land in south Charlotte that will result in construction of a public high school.

The land, located at North Community House and Johnston roads, is being sold to Carolinas-based Woodfield Development, which is planning to build a housing development on 18 acres and selling the other 55 acres to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for a future high school.

The CMS school board approved plans for the new school May 25 to provide relief for crowding at Audrey Kell and South Mecklenburg high schools.

“We’re pleased the land will benefit the community,” the diocese said in a statement released May 25. “We bought the land in 1991 as a possible home for a new school or parish, anticipating future growth of the Church in the Charlotte area. Over time, it became unnecessary to build at this location considering the success of nearby St. Matthew Parish and Charlotte Catholic High School. So last year, following a strategic planning analysis, we agreed to sell the land to Woodfield and have since worked closely with the development company to accommodate its plan to sell a portion of the land to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for a public high school.”

Woodfield Development plans to build a multifamily community on the site it will retain, located in the heart of the fast-growing Ballantyne area. The developer already has more than 30 similar communities in the Carolinas, as well as Washington, D.C., south Florida and greater Philadelphia.

At the developer’s request, the sale price will be disclosed at the conclusion of a due diligence period that ends June 15. But in its statement, the diocese outlined its plans for investment: “Proceeds from the sale of our property, approved by the Vatican for funding capital acquisition and improvements as well as longterm investments, will go toward securing land to accommodate growth of the Church in western North Carolina, improving facilities, and establishing an endowment to provide ongoing support for our expanding vocations program.”

The Catholic population of western North Carolina has swelled to approximately 515,000 people. The diocese’s vocations program is also experiencing rapid growth, with 41 seminarians currently enrolled in various stages of formation.

The south Charlotte parcel was part of a far-sighted plan by then Bishop John Donoghue to accommodate future population

Let’s keep Lets keep talking. talking.

Latin Mass offered on feast of the Ascension CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church and the Charlotte Latin Mass Community marked the feast of the Ascension with a High Mass in the Extraordinary Form. In the Extraordinary Form calendar, the feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the actual 40th day after Easter, traditionally known as Ascension Thursday. The Mass was offered by St. Thomas Aquinas’ pastor Father Matthew Codd.

Ascension Thursday, May 13, also happened to be the 104th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children in Portugal. To mark this anniversary, prior to Mass the parish held its monthly Fatima processions, which occur on the 13th of each month from May through October.

For more information about the Latin Mass, contact Chris Lauer at info@charlottelatinmass. org or go online to www.charlottelatinmass.org.

OUR PARISHESI

TIM FARAGHER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The 73-acre parcel the Diocese of Charlotte sold is located along the I-485 corridor in south Charlotte. growth spurred by the building of the I-485 corridor around Charlotte in the late 1980s and early 1990s. That strategic vision prompted the creation of several new parishes around the future outer loop, including St. Matthew, St. Luke in Mint Hill and St. Mark in Huntersville.

The land being sold is located adjacent to the British International School of Charlotte, which leases 11 acres from the diocese. The transaction will not affect this arrangement, the diocese said. The plan does require the relocation of school’s athletic field, which will result in a new facility for the British International School.

Although in the past the land had been suggested as a possible site for a Catholic school expansion or a sports complex, diocesan officials determined the sale was “the highest and best use of the diocese’s surplus property in this location and will provide for a variety of real estate and growth needs in the future.”

Diocesan Catholic School leaders are working with individual schools to evaluate capital needs as part of a strategic planning process, which could include other options for a middle school and athletic fields if those projects emerge as funding priorities.

— Catholic News Herald

“Get your ducks in a row!”

Estate Planning | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 OUR PARISHES

Memorial Day is time to remember, give thanks for others’ self-sacrifice PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

A June 2 funeral Mass for Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary, Help of Christians Parish in Shelby, drew hundreds of parishioners, family and friends, and fellow priests. A four-hour wake and prayer vigil the prior evening also drew capacity crowds of people who came to pay last respects to their beloved pastor and friend, who died at the age of 53 from a rare brain disease.

Pictured at right: Father James M. Cox of Havertown, Pa., delivers the homily.

Pictured above: Bishop Jugis elevates the Host during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FATHER MICHAEL T. KOTTAR: 1967-2021

Beloved Shelby pastor passes away, aged 53 PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

SHELBY — “Viva Cristo Rey!” parishioners of St. Mary, Help of Christians Church proclaimed as they said goodbye Wednesday to their pastor, Father Michael Kottar.

Father Kottar, 53, passed away May 22 after a battle with a rare brain infection called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He had served as a Catholic priest for nearly 28 years, half of which he spent at the Shelby parish.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 2 by Bishop Peter Jugis at the church, which was filled to capacity with Father Kottar’s parishioners, family and friends, and fellow priests.

As the funeral Mass ended and Father Kottar’s casket was processed out of the church, parishioners shouted “Viva Cristo Rey! Viva Cristo Rey! Viva Cristo Rey!” as they wiped tears from their eyes.

A close friend of Father Kottar’s delivered the homily.

Father James M. Cox, pastor of Annunciation B.V.M. Church in Havertown, Pa., connected Father Kottar’s physical suffering in his final days with the sufferings of the saints he had a devotion to – among them, St. Therèse of Lisieux and St. Rita of Cascia. Like the saints, Father Cox said, “He was in fact looking forward to seeing God, knowing that nothing in this passing life could ever keep him from what mattered most: being with God.” “As a faithful priest,” Father Cox said, “he presented himself to Christ on his own cross as a gift of love to Christ, seeking only to share in His resurrection on the last day. That is the hope of every Christian: everlasting life with God.” In celebrating a funeral Mass for the repose of Father Kottar’s soul, Father Cox said, “we do so knowing that he goes before the throne of God as a priest, marked from the moment of his anointing. He carries with him all the prayers ever entrusted to him, every sin ever confessed, every cross he humbled to carry, and every Holy Communion with God he made possible through His grace each day.”

After the Mass, a private burial followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Michael T. Kottar was born Dec. 6, 1967, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Michael and the late Kathleen (Kropelak) Kottar. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Ursuline High School. He was drawn to a priestly vocation from an early age as an altar server, and after high school he went on to further his studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Alphonsus Redemptorist Seminary in Suffield, Conn., and in 1994 he earned a Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s

Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1994, for the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., by Bishop Edward T. Hughes. He served in the Metuchen diocese for five years and in 1999, he moved to the Diocese of Charlotte. He served first at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, considered one of the largest Catholic parishes in the United States. He then served as administrator at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro, before moving in 2002 to the diocese’s smallest parish, Holy Redeemer in Andrews, where he served first as administrator and then as pastor.

In 2007, Father Kottar was appointed pastor of St. Mary, Help of Christians Church in Shelby and Christ the King Mission in Kings Mountain. He loved the mix of people and cultures there. He also had a passion for the outdoors, hiking, Caribbean cruises and reading history.

Throughout his priestly ministry, he was known as a defender of life, a champion of the poor, and a teacher who loved to lead Scripture studies and pilgrimages to sacred shrines. He was a gifted writer and eloquent speaker, which showed in the inspirational homilies he delivered.

He often preached that our purpose in this life is to give glory to God. Although his life was brief, he lived it fully – loving and serving God and, in his words, “meeting so many good people along the way.” He devoted his life to the Church and once was quoted as saying that people loved priests because they bring them closer to Christ. He had a deep love for Christ in the Eucharist, and he encouraged people – especially young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood – to pray the rosary and develop a relationship with the Blessed Mother.

In addition to his parish of 300 families at St. Mary and Christ the King, he is survived by his father Michael H. Kottar of Pickerington, Ohio; twin sisters Amy (Michael) Akers, also of Pickerington, and Renee (Gregory) Selby of Nazareth, Pa.; and four nieces and nephews: Paige, Benjamin, Kyra and Vincent. He was preceded in death by his mother.

In lieu of flowers, Father Kottar requested that memorial contributions be made to the Diocese of Charlotte Seminarian Education Fund. Donate by mail to 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, or securely online at www. charlottediocese.org/development/donate_semed.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home of Shelby was in charge of the arrangements.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about Father Kottar and see video of his funeral Mass

CHARLOTTE — Memorial Day is not just a day to remember the people who have died in service to their country, it is a day to acknowledge the freedom we enjoy because of their self-sacrifice.

That was the homily message from Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, who celebrated Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral for military personnel and their families May 31.

Approximately 100 people attended the annual Mass, which honors all military personnel whether active, retired or deceased.

“On this Memorial Day, all of us realize that we have been either directly or indirectly affected by loved ones we have lost in service to our nation,” Monsignor Winslow said.

The holiday often brings feelings of great pain mixed with great pride, but in addition, Memorial Day “aligns so beautifully with the practice and the depth of our own faith,” he said.

The word “memorial” itself does not mean “a mere recollection of the past,” he explained. In the Judeo-Christian sense, a memorial honors events in the past from which we continue to benefit.

For example, he said, the Israelites set aside a day to ritually give thanks to God after they were freed from slavery in Egypt – recognizing that “they were the beneficiaries of the fruit of that event.” They realized that God’s saving action “is still unfolding.”

“They recalled the past, recognizing that it made possible the present, and therefore their recollection of it was also an experience of something now,” Monsignor Winslow said. “In this sense – this deeper Judeo-Christian sense of memorial – I think we have a better sense of how to remember and memorialize this secular remembrance.”

“We don’t just recall the past and those who gave their lives… but rather, we recognize the freedom that we share is a direct result of it, and therefore we participate in that past. So our memorial is not just a look backward, but also an acknowledgment of the present.”

Memorial Day also reflects the mystery of the cross, Monsignor Winslow noted.

Those who have died in service to their country mirror Jesus’ offering of Himself on the cross for our salvation, he said.

Yet His self-sacrifice for our benefit is a model for all of us to follow – not just for people serving in the military.

“The truth is, all of us are meant to follow in the path of the cross of Christ. That is to say, our lives only find meaning when they are made a gift – a gift to God and to others.”

“All of us, if we are to embrace the cross, then we are to make a gift of self – in different ways, different respects – but life ultimately finds its fulfillment in this offering of love,” he said.

On Memorial Day, he said, think of what a memorial means and how our faith calls us to self-sacrifice.

“It is right that we remember the families who experience the pain of their loss, that we acknowledge we sit in freedom today because of that, and therefore our remembrance is a living remembrance and not a mere recollection of the past,” he said.

“It is right that we pray for the souls of those who have lost their lives in service to their country… that we pray for their families who have been profoundly affected, and that we express our gratitude,” he said.

“May they rest in peace.”

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Belmont Abbey graduates 143rd class BELMONT — More than 300 students earned bachelor’s degrees during commencement exercises at Belmont Abbey College May 15. Graduation was held outside St. Mary, Help of Christians Basilica after a Mass celebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari and the monks of Belmont Abbey.

Abbey Traditional Student of the Year was Abigail Houseal, a business management major. Graduate Student of the Year was Retired U.S. Army veteran Ronald Joseph Freeman. Valedictorian was Rachel Lang. Adrian Award Winner for Teaching Excellence was Dr. Mike McLeod, Biology Department coordinator of environmental studies and biology professor of biology.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROLANDO RIVAS

New residence hall, online degree programs added at Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College recently announced the completion of the newest addition to its campus: a 136-room residence hall. It primarily serves upperclassmen but also adds new classrooms, offices and meeting spaces.

At $12.4 million, the project is the largest capital investment in the college’s history.

The Benedictine-run college also recently announced the launch of “Abbey Online,” a slate of popular undergraduate degree programs being offered completely online for the first time this fall.

RESIDENCE HALL

The brick-clad residence hall was designed by MKC Architects to mirror the Gothic architecture prominent on the college’s historic campus. The college partnered with University Housing Solutions and Shiel Sexton Inc. on the project.

“The new residence hall is so pretty!

I like that there’s a kitchenette on each floor because it’s an easy way to be around friends,” said Lauren Carpenter, a resident of the new dorm. “The laundry rooms on each floor are very convenient as well. It is one of the best spots on campus right by the cafeteria and close to all of the buildings for classes.”

The structure is five stories, with the first story featuring meeting areas, social areas, offices, two classrooms, and a student lounge available to all students, including commuters. The upper floors alternate between a men’s and women’s floor. Each residence floor has a kitchenette, study areas, a laundry area and a gathering area on each side. For security, the upper floors are accessible only via the elevator and stairwell with a student’s magnetic ID permitting them to go to their floor.

The Belmont Abbey College Board of Trustees and the Southern Benedictine Society approved the addition of the new

residential hall in 2018. Construction began in January 2020 and finished this past January.

“The new residence hall answers a need we’ve had for several years,” said Vice Provost and Dean of Student Life Tom MacAlester. “When students live on campus, they have a more enjoyable and more successful college career. We look forward to having greater capacity on our campus, and giving more students the ability to call Belmont Abbey College their home away from home.”

The new hall welcomed its first residents at the beginning of the spring semester in January 2021. The annual cost for the new residence is $7,300 per year – about $70 more per month than St. Scholastica and St. Benedict Halls, which were the last new halls built in 2013.

ONLINE PROGRAMS

In addition to expanding its campus facilities, Belmont Abbey College also recently announced its first undergraduate online degrees in business management, accounting and interdisciplinary studies.

These degree programs – already leading programs for residential and commuter students – will be completely accessible online.

Applications may be submitted anytime.

Classes are available on five start dates, with the first approximate start date this fall set for Aug. 17.

The Abbey Online degree programs are significantly less than in-person instruction at $349 per credit hour, and the online aspect gives those students the ability to manage their degree and their studies as they wish.

For details, go online to www.bac.edu/ abbeyonline.

— Rolando Rivas

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop Of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to theHoly Priesthood Reverend Mr. Juan Miguel Sanchez Reverend Mr. Joseph Wasswa Saturday, the nineteenth day of June Two thousand twenty-one at ten o’clock in the morning Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, North Carolina Reception immediately following Parish Hall

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 OUR PARISHES

Catherine’s House continues to serve during pandemic JANE CACCHIONE SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BELMONT — During this past year of pandemic, Catherine’s House has continued meeting the needs of vulnerable women and children – remaining open as a place of hope, safety and healing despite increased demands and challenges.

Catherine’s House serves women and children facing homelessness due to domestic violence, unemployment or underemployment, the shortage of affordable housing, unexpected tragedies, and the lack of a support network.

Catherine’s House provides a range of individualized services including housing, financial literacy, parenting support, jobseeking assistance, supportive counseling from a licensed clinical social worker, stress management and more.

Throughout the pandemic, Catherine’s House has continued without pause this “mission of mercy” to assist women and children.

Exacerbation of substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and a surge in domestic violence has led to a “pandemic within a pandemic.”

The number of Americans experiencing depression and anxiety reached an all time high in the first six months of the pandemic.

Recent research shows 51 percent of adults reported that stress was impacting their mental health. With the fallout from the pandemic, the reality is we all need more support than we have ever needed.

The most vulnerable do not debate the severity of the pandemic. In the Charlotte area, encampments for the homeless sprang up due to social distancing protocols

in homeless shelters that reduced their capacities. Additional barriers included joblessness and limited access to resources as daily shelters closed or scaled back their services. People had to transition to virtual care for mental health care, and then often found themselves disengaged from services even as they experienced increased symptoms. Stimulus checks, although they were needed, have not helped more people get access to affordable housing. In fact, housing and socioeconomic barriers that already existed became nearly insurmountable for many.

The effects of quarantine also created physical and emotional isolation that led to many people having feelings of despair.

Other people experienced a rise in intimate partner violence and abuse. Financial instability, unsafe housing, violence, lack of childcare and poor social supports make the shaky ground even worse for some. Many shelters saw an increase of more than 40 percent for domestic violence related calls.

The staff at Catherine’s House has maintained operations even as they have been personally impacted by the pandemic.

They have been among the support professionals who have ensured that the under-served are not forgotten in the midst of this worldwide crisis.

Catherine’s House remains dedicated to meeting the pandemic stress and the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable and marginalized women and children. Learn more online at www.catherineshouseinc.org.

JANE CACCHIONE is the development director for Catherine’s House, a transitional home for women and children who would otherwise be homeless. Based in Belmont, it is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy.

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Pro-life prayer vigil held CHARLOTTE — Members of the Respect Life group at St. Mark Church in Huntersville prayed for an end to abortion at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Charlotte May 22. Prior to the prayer vigil, the group attended the parish’s Respect Life Mass, which was offered for an end to abortion.

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June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV

In theaters ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ This follow-up drains away the suspense, analogies and underlying message about family bonds from the 2018 original in order to set up a franchise reminiscent of an immersive dystopian theme-park ride. In the absence of the family patriarch he played last time out, returning director John Krasinski, who also takes over as sole screenwriter, puts the remaining members of the kickoff’s clan, mom Emily Blunt, deaf daughter Millicent Simmonds, son Noah Jupe and their infant brother, through their paces as they continue to struggle against marauding alien invaders endowed with super-sensitive hearing but vulnerable to high-pitched frequencies that send them into paroxysms of pain. With nothing new to reveal about the intruders and their behavior, the sequel merely repeats familiar sci-fi tropes. Although Blunt’s character turns out to be a pistol-packin’ mama with impeccable aim and abundant ammo, there’s not much on display stouthearted older adolescents won’t be able to handle. Gun and physical violence with fleeting gore.

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

‘Cruella’ Live-action origin story for the villain of Dodie Smith’s 1956 children’s novel, first seen on screen in the 1961 animated adaptation “101 Dalmatians.”

Originally called Estella (Emma Stone), she dreams of conquering 1970s London as a fashion designer and is thrilled to be taken under the wing of the ruthless reigning queen of the rag trade (Emma Thompson). But developments involving an heirloom and a family tragedy lead her to assume the titular persona and work secretly to bring on her mentor’s downfall, aided by her two long-standing best friends (Joel Fry and Paul

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Walter Hauser). Skewed values, a vengeance theme, some stylized violence, a couple of mild oaths.

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

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

n Saturday, Jun. 5, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Philip Neri.” The dramatic life of St. Philip Neri, often called the “Third Apostle of Rome,” who was guided by Our Lord to seek out and catechize the poor and abandoned youth of his adopted city. n Sunday, Jun. 6, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “A Miracle in Lanciano.” A one person drama concerning the most ancient and ongoing Eucharist miracle in Church history. n Sunday, Jun. 6, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Corpus Christi.” Mass. n Friday, Jun. 11, 12:45 p.m. (EWTN) “No Greater Love.” After finding out he was nearly aborted, Deacon Julio reflects on how this and other events in his life have shaped his calling to the priesthood. n Saturday, Jun. 12, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Philip Neri.” The dramatic life of St. Philip Neri, often called the “Third Apostle of Rome,” who was guided by Our Lord to seek out and catechize the poor and abandoned youth of his adopted city. n Sunday, Jun. 13, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of The Angelus, live from Rome. n Friday, Jun. 18, 11:30 a.m. (EWTN) “St. Patrick of Ireland.” Special feature on St. Patrick, one of Ireland’s most famous and beloved saints.

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered?

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For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 10

Liturgias de ordenación programadas para el 5 y 19 de junio

Antonio García

T

Aprovechemos la oportunidad

odos los días Dios nos da grandes oportunidades de poder reencontrarnos con su gracia y estar atentos a un sinfín de bendiciones y dones que Él nos quiere dar para alimentar nuestro espíritu, reanimar nuestro llamado y confortar nuestras almas en nuestro camino de fe.

Lamentablemente no siempre estamos atentos y no somos capaces de aprovechar tan bellas oportunidades para que nuestro compromiso cristiano se vea constantemente fortalecido y renovado. Quizás las vidas tan activas que llevamos nos desconectan constantemente para poder ver con claridad esas pequeñas luces que Dios nos envía diariamente quizás a través de un buen pensamiento, una buena intención que sentimos en el corazón, un recuerdo agradable, un mensaje positivo que nos llegó, una conexión inesperada con alguien más, una invitación a escuchar una reflexión, la invitación a la oración, etc. Por el contrario, las ocupaciones y miles de responsabilidades que tenemos apagan la posibilidad de alimentar nuestro espíritu.

Hoy María rompe ese esquema y vive la gracia actual en su humilde corazón al responder la invitación llegada de Dios a dar lo mejor de sí al visitar a su prima Isabel. Sin excusas, y a pesar de la larga caminata, responde con grande alegría al mensaje del Ángel. María supo aprovechar cada oportunidad, cada rayo de luz que le inspiraba a sacar lo mejor de sí para el bien común.

Vivimos en una sociedad llena de tantos prejuicios e ideas preconcebidas, que cuando nos llega la invitación a hacer la diferencia por el bien común tiene más peso nuestro prejuicio y no nos permite actuar de la manera como actúa María, y de esta manera estancamos la gracia actual.

Si todos pudiéramos aprovechar esos bellos momentos de luz que Dios nos manda, ponte a pensar el tiempo de calidad que pasarías con tus seres más allegados a ti: tu cónyuge, tus hijos, tus hermanos, tus padres. Piensa en el tiempo que ya no perderás con tus aparatos electrónicos y pondrás ese tiempo al servicio de los demás llevando comida o haciendo un favor a alguien, teniendo una conversación positiva con alguien, aunque sea por teléfono, sonriendo a alguien. Ponte APROVECHEMOS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

Misión del Santo Rosario se fortalece en Hickory CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

HICKORY — Poco más de setenta familias de la parroquia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory completaron su proceso de consagración al Sagrado Corazón de María y se integraron a la Misión del Santo Rosario el pasado 13 de mayo, informó el Diácono Darío García, coordinador del ministerio hispano de ese vicariato.

La misión, establecida por más de diez años en el área, nació en la parroquia San José, en Newton, gracias a una iniciativa de Florencio Vásquez, su cofundador. Dentro de su área de influencia, tiene presencia en las parroquias Our Lady of Angels en Marion, Saint Francis of Assisi en Lenoir, Saint Joseph en Newton, Saint Dorothy en Lincolnton, Saint Aloysius en Hickory, y Saint Thomas Aquinas en Charlotte.

“Es una alegría poder decir que tenemos aproximadamente mil familias consagradas al Sagrado Corazón de María y que toman muy en serio el compromiso que ello implica. La idea es extenderlo progresivamente a todas las parroquias del vicariato, aunque ya tenemos miembros que participan virtualmente desde Perú, Ecuador, El Salvador y Colombia”, explicó el Diácono García La consagración toma un tiempo de 33 días durante el que se sigue la guía de ‘33 Dias Hacia Un Glorioso Amanecer’, además de estudiar las vidas de San Luis María de Montfort, San Maximiliano Kolbe, Santa Teresa de Calcuta y San Juan Pablo I que le sirve de inspiración a los participantes.

Al término de los 33 días, y durante la ceremonia de consagración, se concede una medalla y un escapulario a quienes llegan al final de la preparación.

La consagración exige el cumplimiento de rezar el Santo Rosario diariamente, renovar permanentemente las promesas bautismales, la dedicación de los primeros sábados a la Virgen y la promesa de convertirse en misionero.

El movimiento eclesial fomenta la devoción Mariana, promueve las consagraciones a los Sagrados Corazones de Jesús y el Inmaculado Corazón de María, anima el rezo del Rosario, atiende a las

familias en la celebración de los novenarios de sus difuntos y vive la experiencia del Cenáculo mensualmente con el equipo de trabajo y coordinadores.

Durante el año pasado y los primeros meses de 2021, la pandemia de COVID-19 obligó a la misión a utilizar recursos informáticos, redes sociales y reuniones online para mantener unidas a las familias consagradas a la Virgen María. El proceso de adaptación fue complicado y difícil debido a las características de seguimiento de los grupos.

Regularmente, explicó el Diácono García, el equipo coordinador acompaña y forma grupos que se reúnen en casas de oración una vez por mes, donde tienen un compartir de alimentos y refrescos que estrecha los lazos de amistad entre los participantes. “Progresivamente, siempre siguiendo las órdenes de nuestras autoridades de salud nacionales y federales, y lo que establezca nuestra diócesis, iremos retomando nuestras actividades con mayor normalidad”, señaló.

Así, es posible que el próximo mes de octubre pueda realizarse, en Hickory o Newton, el octavo encuentro anual de todas las familias, que lamentablemente debió ser suspendido en 2020.

El Diácono Darío García relata haber sido testigo de las múltiples bendiciones que reciben los misioneros de María Santísima. “Más bien son hechos cotidianos importantes que cosas espectaculares como, por ejemplo, muchas señoras me dicen ‘Mi esposo antes no rezaba el rosario’.

Vemos la presencia de Dios y la Virgen, la iluminación del espíritu. No deseamos más”, subrayó.

“Estamos avanzando en el proyecto de organizar un manual propio e imprimir nuestra guía, un documento elaborado por nosotros mismos sobre la Misión del Santo Rosario, que incluya también cantos”, dijo García, que espera consolidar prontamente la misión como un movimiento apostólico de la diócesis.

Más online En www.facebook.com/español: Encontará un video sobre la reciente consagración de 70 familias en la Iglesia San Luis Gonzaga en Hickory.

CHARLOTTE — La Diócesis de Charlotte celebrará dos misas de ordenación en junio.

Las ordenaciones del año pasado se retrasaron hasta julio y debieron transmitirse online debido a las restricciones de asistencia decretadas durante la pandemia de Coronavirus.

Este año volverán a su programación habitual en junio y se permitirá la asistencia a plena capacidad Balkey dentro de la iglesia.

El sábado 5 de junio, a las 10 de la mañana, los seminaristas Darren Balkey y Aaron Huber serán ordenados al diaconado transicional por el Obispo Peter Jugis en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

Huber El diaconado transicional es el paso previo a la ordenación sacerdotal. Una vez ordenados diáconos, Balkey y Huber podrán proclamar el Evangelio en la Misa, dar homilías, bautizar y oficiar bodas.

Tendrán un año más de estudios teológicos Sanchez y de formación espiritual antes de ser ordenados sacerdotes, ceremonia prevista para junio de 2022.

Balkey, de 29 años, es hijo de Steven y Sheryl Balkey.

Nació y se crió en State College, Pensilvania. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Justicia Criminal Wasswa en Belmont Abbey College. Es capellán del programa de candidatos a oficiales certificado en la Marina de Estados Unidos desde 2020.

Balkey estudió pre-teología en la Universidad Pontificia Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio. Completará sus estudios de teología en el Seminario Mount St. Mary en Cincinnati, Ohio.

Feligrés de la Iglesia Sagrado Corazón ORDENACIÓN, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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“Lleven consigo al futuro corazones humildes y agradecidos” A medida que salimos de la pandemia, el Obispo Jugis alienta a los graduados: Sean agradecidos con Dios SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

CHARLOTTE — Antes de graduarse en un año como ningún otro, la Promoción 2021 disfrutó una Misa de Graduación junto a su obispo en persona.

El año pasado, la pandemia de COVID-19 obligó a las iglesias a cerrar y las regulaciones estatales hicieron que las grandes reuniones fueran imposibles. Con las restricciones reducidas apenas unos días antes de la temporada de graduación, cientos de miembros de la promoción 2021 y sus familias pudieron asistir a una Misa con el Obispo Peter Jugis cerca de sus parroquias locales.

El Obispo Jugis celebró una Misa la semana pasada para cada una de las tres escuelas secundarias de la Diócesis de Charlotte, felicitando personalmente a los estudiantes que se graduaron. Visitó el 24 de mayo la escuela Christ the King en la Iglesia St. Mark en Huntersville; el 25 de mayo la escuela Charlotte Catholic en la Iglesia St. Matthew en Charlotte; y el 27 de mayo la escuela Bishop McGuinness en la Iglesia Holy Cross en Kernersville.

En cada Misa de Graduación, la promoción 2021 se aglomeró en las bancas, felices de celebrar juntos después de un año escolar marcado por mandatos de uso de mascarillas, distanciamiento social y clases virtuales.

Durante su homilía, el Obispo Jugis compartió la historia de la Misa de Graduación y sus comienzos a fines de la Edad Media para que los estudiantes se reúnan por última vez antes graduarse con el fin de agradecer a Dios por las muchas bendiciones que recibieron durante el curso de su educación.

“Ustedes, miembros de la Promoción 2021, vengan a esta Misa de Graduación con ese espíritu de acción de gracias que marca el bachillerato, para agradecer a Dios todas las bendiciones que han recibido y todo lo que han podido lograr con la ayuda de Dios”, dijo.

Señaló que esta promoción realmente ha logrado mucho para llegar a este hito en sus vidas, no solo este año sino en todos sus años de estudio.

“San Pablo nos dice, sé agradecido. Tengan gratitud a Dios en sus corazones. En toda circunstancia den gracias, porque esa es la voluntad de Dios para ustedes en Cristo

El Obispo Peter Jugis saluda a un miembro de la Promoción 2021 de la escuela Charlotte Catholic High School después de la Misa de Graduación del 29 de mayo en la Iglesia St. Matthew en Charlotte.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Jesús”, dijo. “Buen consejo que nos da San Pablo hoy y en todo momento a todos los cristianos”.

“Un corazón humilde puede ser agradecido”, continuó.

“Un corazón humilde sabe que es a Dios, ante todo, a quien se debe hacer la oración de agradecimiento”.

“Se les han dado tantas cosas buenas. Y Dios, que es misericordioso y bueno, les ha ofrecido muchas oportunidades de crecimiento. Sean agradecidos con Él”.

El Obispo Jugis también los instó a estar agradecidos con sus padres, familiares, maestros y amigos por su sacrificio y el enriquecimiento de sus vidas.

“Su fe en Dios… les ha dado una base excelente y sólida sobre la cual pararse mientras construyen sus vidas, una base de fe que nunca les fallará”, dijo. “Den gracias a Dios por su fe, que es un regalo que Él les ha dado”.

“Lleven consigo al futuro corazones humildes y agradecidos”.

LA PROMOCIÓN 2021

colegios y universidades en 15 estados. Obtuvieron más de $ 5.6 millones en becas.

Doce graduados de BMHS han firmado para jugar 11 deportes en 12 colegios y universidades.

Charlotte Catholic High School graduó a 274 estudiantes que asistirán a un total de 79 colegios y universidades en 24 estados, además del Distrito de Columbia, Canadá, Irlanda y Reino Unido. Han obtenido $ 20,233,419 en becas.

Diecisiete estudiantes de CCHS que se gradúan han firmado para jugar ocho deportes en 16 colegios y universidades.

Christ the King High School graduó a 83 estudiantes que asistirán a un total de 49 colegios y universidades en 15 estados. Un graduado servirá en la Marina de Estados Unidos. Han logrado $8,642,286 en becas.

Tres graduados de CTKHS han firmado para jugar tres deportes en tres colegios y universidades.

Más online

La escuela secundaria Bishop McGuinness graduó a 93 estudiantes, quienes este otoño asistirán a un total de 40

En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea más fotos de las Misas de Graduación de las tres escuelas secundarias de la diócesis.

Siete seminaristas son ya candidatos para el orden sagrado SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

CHARLOTTE — Por segundo año consecutivo, siete seminaristas de la Diócesis de Charlotte se presentaron ante el Obispo Peter Jugis en la Catedral San Patricio reafirmando su deseo de avanzar en el camino hacia el sacerdocio.

El 29 de mayo, durante el Rito de Admisión a la Candidatura a las Órdenes Sagradas, los postulantes se embarcaron oficialmente en un período de formación más focalizado. Los siguientes pasos en su formación son el ministerio de lector, de acólito, la ordenación al diaconado transicional y, finalmente, la ordenación al sacerdocio.

El grupo lo conforman Christopher Angermeyer de Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte; Anthony del Cid Lucero de San José en Newton; Nicholas Kramer de San Bernabé en Arden; Luke Martin de San Marcos en Huntersville; Kolbe Murrey de San Juan Bautista en Tryon; James Tweed de Sagrado Corazón en Brevard; y Joseph Yellico de San Marcos en Huntersville.

Durante su homilía, el Obispo Jugis

expresó su satisfacción y la aceptación formal de las candidaturas de los postulantes a las órdenes sagradas. “Se unen a las filas de sus hermanos candidatos a seminaristas que están delante de ustedes en sus caminos de formación”.

“Jesús, en su amor por ustedes, los ha acompañado a lo largo de su camino de discernimiento y continuará guiándolos.

Confíen en él. Entréguense a Él. Pasen tiempo con el Señor en oración. Él les dará las gracias que necesitan para crecer en su vocación”, dijo el obispo.

Angermeyer, del Cid Lucero, Martin y Tweed estudiarán este otoño en el Ateneo de Ohio, Seminario y Escuela de Teología Mount St. Mary, en Cincinnati.

Kramer, Murrey y Yellico estudiarán en la Universidad Pontificia Norteamericana en Roma.

Sobre la oportunidad de unirse a los seminaristas Christian Goduti y Matthew Harrison II que estudian en Roma, Yellico dijo que nunca pensó que le sucedería a él, “pero claramente el Señor tenía planes y el Obispo quiere que vaya y forme con ello en mente. Siempre estaré agradecido por todo lo que podré vivir allí”.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El 29 de mayo, el Obispo Peter Jugis presidió el Rito de Admisión a la Candidatura para siete seminaristas de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Ellos son: Anthony del Cid Lucero, Kolbe Murrey, Nicholas Kramer, Christopher Angermeyer, James Tweed, Joseph Yellico y Luke Martin.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Para celebrar los 41 años de ordenación sacerdotal del Padre Gregorio Gay, párroco de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, un grupo de damas, coordinadoras del programa de catequesis, lo agasajaron con una cena en un restaurante local.

Como se recuerda, el Padre Gregorio, sacerdote muy querido y respetado por sus feligreses, dejará la parroquia próximamente y viajará a Panamá, donde ha sido designado Superior Provincial por la Orden Vicentina a la que pertenece.

FOTO CORTESÍA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE

FOTO PRODUCCIÓN ‘EL MESÍAS’

Rick Rotondi, productor de ‘El Mesías’, y Leonardo Defilippis, presentador de la versión de la serie en inglés, en la Iglesia de Dominus Flevit. Al fondo puede apreciarse el Monte Sión en Jerusalén.

Padre Julio Domínguez acompañará peregrinación a Tierra Santa Apoyará filmación de versión en español de ‘El Mesías’ CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — En lo que será su tercer viaje a Tierra Santa, el Padre Julio Domínguez, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, será el sacerdote acompañante de la peregrinación que conducirá el experimentado productor cinematográfico católico, Rick Rotondi, bajo los auspicios de la compañía Canterbury Pilgrimages, del 8 al 17 de noviembre del presente año.

Rotondi, quien produjo la miniserie ‘El Mesías’, que resume la historia completa de la Biblia en ocho capítulos de 30 minutos cada uno, durante esta peregrinación estará rodando la versión completa en español, una producción enteramente nueva, con elenco latino, un presentador y cinco expertos, destacando entre ellos el Padre Julio Domínguez.

‘El Mesías’, rodado originalmente en inglés, que ha sido emitido en varias cadenas de televisión mundiales, entre ellas EWTN, puede verse actualmente en plataformas de streaming como Amazon Prime.

Además puede adquirirse la serie completa en DVD. La serie ‘El Mesías’ contó con el respaldo de la Conferencia de Obispos de Estados Unidos (USCCB).

El Obispo Peter Jugis, en una comunicación cursada en 2020, apoyó la producción de ‘El Mesías’ en español. “Este es un importante trabajo de evangelización muy bien alineado con el plan estratégico de nuestra Conferencia (USCCB) y digno del apoyo de la Campaña de Comunicación Católica”, dijo.

Felices los nueve candidatos del programa RCIA de la parroquia San Lucas en Mint Hill, que por seis meses, debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, recibieron sus clases de formación en la fe via Zoom. Tras la reapertura y el levantamiento parcial de las restricciones sanitarias pudieron celebrar sus sacramentos de manera presencial. Hubo bautizos, primeras comuniones y confirmaciones.

FOTO CORTESÍA GONZALO PULGARÍN

Durante el fin de semana del 22 al 23 de mayo, la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe patrocinó una colecta especial destinada al programa Wee Care de Caridades Católica de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Las cajas llenas de ropita para bebé, pañales y artículos de cuidado infantil fueron recogidas el lunes 24. La foto muestra tres de los cinco carritos recolectados junto a Gina Cabrera, Coordinadora de manejo de casos de Caridades Católicas, quien agradeció la colaboración de los fieles.

“Con su generosidad, muchas familias se beneficiarán en estos tiempos difíciles. ¡Dios les bendiga! ¡Muchas gracias!”, dijo.

SUEÑO HECHO REALIDAD

El recorrido planeado cumplirá el sueño de todo católico de ver los lugares que recorrió nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Es así que, después de dejar Tel Aviv, se visitará la casa de la Sagrada Familia, la gruta de la Anunciación y el templo de Caná donde Jesús realizó el milagro de convertir agua en vino. Allí, los matrimonios tendrán la oportunidad de renovar sus votos matrimoniales.

Cruzando el mar de Galilea, se llegará al monte del Sermón de la Montaña, la casa de Pedro en Cafarnaúm, la Sinagoga donde Jesucristo predicó y la Iglesia de San Pedro en Tagbha, pueblo donde Jesús multiplicó los panes. Todos tendrán la oportunidad de renovar sus promesas bautismales a orillas del río Jordán.

En el tercer día de recorrido se llegará a Cesarea para visitar el anfiteatro y acueducto romano, luego el Monasterio de Stella Maris, la cueva de Elías, El Monte del Precipicio en donde el pueblo de Nazaret trató de empujar a Jesús desde la montaña, y la Basílica del Monte Tabor, donde tuvo lugar la transfiguración.

El tercer y cuarto día se visitará la Basílica y la Gruta de la Natividad en Belén, la villa de Ein-Karem donde nació San Juan Bautista, el monte de la tentación y el árbol de PEREGRINACIÓN, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

FOTO JOSEPH PURELLO, CARIDADES CATÓLICAS

Siguiendo una tradición instaurada por el Padre Enrique Gonzáles, pastor de la parroquia Divino Redentor en Boonville, padres y estudiantes del programa de formación católica en preparación para recibir el Sacramento de Confirmación ofrecieron horas de trabajo comunitario organizando un ‘car wash’, venta de comida tradicional y un ‘yard sale’. Los fondos recaudados se destinan a los programas de la parroquia.

SERGIO LÓPEZ | CORRESPONSAL

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Vicariato de Smoky Mountain ofrecerá certificación de catequistas favor comuníquese con su coordinador parroquial o de vicariato.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

FRANKLIN — Todos los miércoles, de 6 a 8 de la tarde, desde mediados de julio hasta mediados del mes de agosto, el Vicariato de Smoky Mountain ofrecerá clases que conduzcan a la certificación de los catequistas que actualmente prestan servicios en todos los ministerios de esa región.

Las clases en persona se llevarán a cabo en la parroquia San Francisco de Asís, en la ciudad de Franklin, según informó el Diácono Sigfrido della Valle, quien se encuentra a cargo de la coordinación del ministerio hispano del Vicariato de Smoky Mountain.

Con estas sesiones de capacitación se espera lograr una nivelación y regularidad en los procesos formativos que reciben los niños, jóvenes y adultos en la formación y crecimiento de su fe. No solo se trata de llegar a las personas que actualmente dan clases de catecismo a los niños, sino también a todos aquellos que forman parte de diversos ministerios y pastorales que están en contacto con los fieles y les ofrecen su servicio a través de charlas, tales como la pastoral familiar, PreCana, y más.

“La formación es muy importante para que los catequistas puedan hacer un mejor trabajo en la asistencia que prestan. Su servicio puede formar la nueva generación de católicos”, dijo.

Por otra parte, trascendió que para el último trimestre de este año se prepara un encuentro diocesano de catequistas, con sesiones en español, al que asistirían renombrados oradores internacionales.

La información no ha podido ser confirmada aún, por lo que no se puede precisar fecha y lugar del evento.

Para mayores informes sobre las diferentes capacitaciones que se ofrecen en los vicariatos de la diócesis, por

VOCACIÓN CATEQUISTA

En septiembre de 2018, catequistas de 48 países reunidos en El Vaticano por el Pontificio Consejo Pontificio para la Nueva Evangelización, recibieron un mensaje del Papa Francisco que les recordó la importancia de “ser” catequistas y no “trabajar” como catequistas.

“Ser catequista es una vocación: ser catequista, esta es la vocación, no trabajar de catequista.

Presten atención, no he dicho hacer de catequista, sino serlo, porque involucra la vida. Lleva al encuentro con Jesús con las palabras y con la vida, con el testimonio”, dijo el Santo Padre.

Para el Papa, el catequista no es un maestro o un profesor que cree que da una lección. La catequesis no es una lección; la catequesis es la comunicación de una experiencia y el testimonio de una fe que enciende los corazones, porque introduce el deseo de encontrar a Cristo.

Señaló que es necesario que el catequista entienda, el gran desafío al que se enfrenta para educar en la fe, en primer lugar, a aquellos que tienen una identidad cristiana débil y, por esta razón, necesitan proximidad, acogida, paciencia, amistad. Sólo así la catequesis se convierte en promoción de la vida cristiana, apoyo en la formación global de creyentes e incentivo para ser discípulos misioneros.

PRIORIDAD

Las memorias y conclusiones del V Encuentro del Ministerio Hispano celebrado en Grapevine, Texas, en 2018, también destacan la necesidad de un trabajo prioritario de evangelización y fortalecimiento de la formación de la fe y CERTIFICACIÓN, PASA A LA PÁGINA 24

Lecturas Diarias 6-12 JUNIO

Domingo (Solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo): Éxodo 24:3-8, Hebreos 9:1115, Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26; Lunes: 2 Cor 1:1-7, Mateo 5:1-12; Martes: 2 Cor 1:18-22, Mateo 6:13-16; Miércoles: 2 Corintios 3:4-11, Mateo 5:17-19; Jueves: 2 Corintios 3:15–4:1, 3-6, Mateo 5:20-26; Viernes (Solemnidad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): Oseas 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Efesios 3:8-12, 14-19, Juan 19:31-37; Sábado (Corazón Inmaculado de la Bienaventurada Virgen María): 2 Corintios 5:14-21, Lucas 2:41-51

13-19 JUNIO

Domingo: Ezequiel 17:22-24, 2 Corintios 5:6-10, Marcos 4:26-34; Lunes: 2 Corintios 6:1-10, Mateo 5:38-42; Martes: 2 Corintios 8:1-9, Mateo 5:43-48; Miércoles: 2 Corintios 9:6-11, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves: 2 Corintios 11:1-11, Mateo 6:7-15; Viernes: 2 Corintios 11, 18, 21-30, 9-13, Mateo 6:19-23; Sábado: 2 Corintios 12:1-10, Mateo 6:24-34

20-26 JUNIO

Domingo: Job 38:1, 8-11, 2 Corintios 5:14-17, Marcos 4:35-41; Lunes (San Luis Gonzaga): Génesis 12:1-9, Mateo 7:1-5; Martes: Génesis 13:2, 5-18, Mateo 7:6, 12-14; Miércoles: Génesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Mateo 7:15-20; Jueves (Natividad de San Juan Bautista): Jeremías 1:4-10, 1 Pedro 1:8-12, Lucas 1:5-17; Viernes: Génesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, Mateo 8:1-4; Sábado: Génesis 8:1-15, Mateo 8:5-17

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La devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús La devoción al corazón herido de Jesús tiene sus orígenes en el siglo XI, cuando los cristianos piadosos meditaban sobre sus cinco llagas, a saber, los tres clavos que le atravesaron las manos y los pies, la lanza clavada al costado derecho del torso y las espinas sobre su cabeza.

En aquel tiempo creció entre los fieles las oraciones al Sagrado Corazón, a la llaga del hombro de Jesús, entre otras devociones privadas. Todas ayudaron a los cristianos a enfocarse en su Pasión y Muerte, de tal manera que lograran crecer en el amor hacia Él.

Sin embargo, no fue hasta 1670 que el sacerdote francés P. Jean Eudes celebró la primera fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Casi al mismo tiempo, una religiosa conocida por su piedad, Sor Margarita María Alacoque, informó que tenía visiones de Jesús. Éste se le aparecía con frecuencia y, en diciembre de 1673, le permitió, como había permitido una vez a Santa Gertrudis, descansar su cabeza sobre su corazón.

Mientras experimentaba el consuelo de su presencia, Jesús le habló de su gran amor y le explicó que la había elegido para dar a conocer su amor y su bondad a la humanidad.

A mediados de 1674, Margarita María informó que Jesús quería ser honrado bajo la figura de su corazón de carne. Pidió a los fieles que lo recibieran con frecuencia en la Eucaristía, especialmente el primer viernes de cada mes, y que practicaran una hora santa devocional.

En 1675, durante la octava al Corpus Christi, Margarita María tuvo una visión que posteriormente se conoció como la “gran aparición”.

En ella, Jesús pidió que la fiesta del Sagrado Corazón sea celebrada cada año el viernes siguiente a Corpus Christi, en reparación por la ingratitud de los hombres hacia su sacrificio redentor en la cruz.

A partir de la primera revelación, Margarita sufriría todos los primeros viernes de mes una reproducción de la misteriosa llaga del costado, cosa que le sucedería hasta su muerte.

La devoción se hizo popular después de la muerte de Santa Margarita María en 1690. Sin embargo, debido a que la Iglesia siempre es cuidadosa en aprobar una

aparición o devoción privada, la fiesta no se estableció como oficial en toda Francia hasta 1765.

El 8 de mayo de 1873, la devoción al Sagrado Corazón fue formalmente aprobada por el Papa Pío FOTO CORTESÍA CATHOPIC Vitral con la imagen del Sagrado IX y, 26 años después, el Corazón de Jesús.

21 de julio de 1899, el Papa León XIII recomendó urgentemente que todos los obispos del mundo observaran la fiesta en sus diócesis.

El Papa León aprobó las siguientes indulgencias por la devoción: n Por realizar la devoción pública o privada, siete años y siete cuarentenas (la remisión de castigo temporal equivalente a lo que se concedería por cuarenta días de penitencia) cada día. n Si la devoción se practica diariamente en privado, o si una persona asiste por lo menos diez veces en una devoción pública, una indulgencia plenaria (remisión de todo castigo temporal por pecados) en cualquier día de junio o entre el 1 y el 8 de julio (según el Decreto urbis et Orbis, 30 de mayo de 1992). n La indulgencia ‘toties quoties’ (para las almas del Purgatorio) se puede ganar el 30 de junio o el último domingo de junio en aquellas iglesias donde el mes de junio se celebra solemnemente. Pío X instó a un sermón diario, o al menos durante ocho días en forma de una misión. n A los sacerdotes que prediquen los sermones en las celebraciones solemnes de junio en honor del Sagrado Corazón, y a los rectores de las iglesias donde se celebran estas ceremonias, el privilegio del Altar Gregoriano el 30 de junio. n Una indulgencia plenaria para cada comunión en junio, y para aquellos que promueven la solemne celebración del mes de junio.

— Condensado de ACIPRENSA

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Above, clockwise) The Class of 2021 of Charlotte Catholic High School, Christ the King High School and Bishop McGuinness High School gathered with Bishop Peter Jugis, their friends and family for their respective baccalaureate Masses May 25, 24 and 27.

PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL, AMY BURGER AND KATIE WILLIAMS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Carry with you humble, thankful hearts into the future’ As we emerge from pandemic, Bishop Jugis encourages grads: Be grateful to God SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Before graduating from what has been a year like none other, the Class of 2021 was able to enjoy a baccalaureate Mass together in person with their bishop.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced churches to close and state regulations made large gatherings impossible. With restrictions eased just days before graduation season, hundreds of members of the Class of 2021 and their families were able to attend Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis near their local parishes.

Bishop Jugis celebrated special Masses last week for each of the Diocese of Charlotte’s three high schools, personally congratulating the graduating seniors. He traveled May 24 to St. Mark Church in Huntersville for Christ the King High School graduates, May 25 to St. Matthew Church in Charlotte for Charlotte Catholic High School graduates, and May 27 to Holy Cross Church in Kernersville for Bishop McGuinness High School graduates.

At each baccalaureate Mass, the Class of 2021 packed into the pews, happy to celebrate together after a school

year marked by mask mandates, social distancing and virtual classes.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis shared the history of the baccalaureate Mass and how it began sometime in the late Middle Ages as a way for students to come together one last time before graduation to thank God for the many blessings they received during the course of their education.

“You, the graduating Class of 2021, come to this baccalaureate Mass in that spirit of thanksgiving which denotes the baccalaureate, in order to thank God for all of the blessings that you have received and all that you have been able to accomplish with God’s help,” he said.

He noted how this class of seniors has truly achieved a lot to arrive at this milestone in their lives – not just this year but in all of their years of study.

“St. Paul tells us, be thankful. Have gratitude in your hearts to God. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” Bishop Jugis said.

“Good advice that St. Paul gives us this day and to all Christians all the time.”

“A humble heart is able to be thankful,” he continued.

“A humble heart knows that it is to God, first of all, that the prayer of thanks must be made.

“So many good things have been given to you, graduating seniors. And so many opportunities for growth have been offered to you by God, who is gracious and good. Be thankful to Him.” Bishop Jugis also urged them to be thankful to their parents, family, teachers and friends for all the ways they have sacrificed and enriched their lives.

“Your faith in God… has given you an excellent, strong foundation to stand on as you build your life – a foundation

of faith that will never fail you,” he said. “Be thankful to God for your faith, which is a gift He has given you.”

“Carry with you humble, thankful hearts into the future.”

THE CLASS OF 2021

Bishop McGuinness High School graduated 93 seniors, who will attend a total of 40 colleges and universities in 15 states this fall. They earned more than $5.6 million in scholarships.

Twelve graduating BMHS seniors have signed to play 11 different collegiate sports at 12 different colleges and universities.

Charlotte Catholic High School graduated 274 seniors who will attend a total of 79 colleges and universities in 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have earned $20,233,419 in scholarships.

Seventeen graduating CCHS seniors have signed to play eight different collegiate sports at 16 different colleges and universities.

Christ the King High School graduated 83 seniors who will attend a total of 49 colleges and universities in 15 states. One graduate will serve in the U.S. Navy. They have earned $8,642,286 in scholarships.

Three graduating CTKHS seniors have signed to play three different collegiate sports at three colleges and universities.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the baccalaureate Masses for the diocese’s three high schools

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2021

Cornell University Jessica Norris

University of Alabama Owen Becker John Tyler Anderson University Sarah Devine Appalachian State University Declan Abney Camille Alexander Matthew Bonetto James Borrello William Cathey William Conner Kelly Davis Sophie Derrico Kevin Dumser Ronaldo Galvan Liana Hileman Kaitlyn Kornbluth Clara Lobsiger George McDowell Graeson Neagle Teresa Ngo Emma Potts Jing Russell Alyssa Stuppnig Mary Grace Valentine Adrienne Zwieback Belmont Abbey College John Cona Nicole Sanchez

University of Delaware Paul Reidy Duke University Marianna Mavares Martins Durham University Ian Adamson East Carolina University Elizabeth-Rose Bell JT Bivens Anayensi Escobedo Carrillo Kaia Franks Jaida Johnson Jenai Johnson Jack Tronco Elizabeth Trumpower East Tennessee State University Ava Ullius Elon University Anna Marascio David Mataconis Carissa Pallander Lewis Taylor

Boston College Maura Egan

Florida Atlantic University Katherine Bertsch

Bucknell University William Kernodle Paul Neel University of California-Davis Jamie DiVittorio Cape Fear Community College Jacob Wilson Central Piedmont Community College Dylan Cantrill College of Charleston Maddie Bendziewicz Anna Flatau Ryan Goodwin Patrick Martinsen Ava Picarazzi Franny Tocco Emily Tomich

Florida State University Kayleigh Cune Melia Patcha Savannah Revels Abigail Tyson Fordham University Gloria Kankienza Fork Union Military Academy Connor Dougherty Furman University Mary Carlisto Elizabeth Kelly Gap Year Bracken Johnson George Washington University DJ Antonilli

University of Chester Matt Cavallaro

Georgetown University Emma Gatewood

University of Cincinnati Caitlin Wende The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Harrison Kirol Clemson University Skyler Gonci Elizabeth Kammerer Andrew Kanney Jacob Maragno Lucy Martin AJ Riera Colin Thomas

University of Dayton Jack Davison Robert Lynch Bella Sparre Ryan Stein

Georgia Institute of Technology Domenica Merino University of Georgia Liam Fitzpatrick Emily Haskell Aidan Scott Hampden-Sydney College Nicholas Rubino

High Point University Ani Markin Alexandra Pallander Cat Roberts Tyler Wright

University of North Carolina at Greensboro Samantha Espinoza-Mercado Alyssa Hackett Wil McAllister

Indiana University-Bloomington Joana Perna MK Terry

University of North Carolina at Wilmington Isabella Ackermann Michael Bruno John Coleman Jude Denton Adam Franek Bethany Hardaway Gray Harris Caitlin Hitchell Wynne Mayeux Anna Pederson Madelyn Petho Sophia Ritz Grace Rodriguez Tanner Sovine

James Madison University Samantha Horgan Grace Painter University of Kentucky Alec Cole Louisiana State University Jacob Eugene Samuel Smith Mercer University Rachel DeRochi Miami University Ella Futch Alexa Hall Anne Kenny Michigan State University Katie Lobdell University of Mississippi Summer McNamara North Carolina A&T State University Austin Alexander University of North Carolina at Asheville Bee Saenz University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Samuel Bohmer Lucas Boyle Nicholas Clementi Jane Corah Ethan Elaasar JP Gauthier Emma Lowry Anna Mullin Carrie-Anne Rogers Nina Wozniak Sabine Yessayan University of North Carolina at Charlotte Hope Borders Samuel Borrello Madi Brensinger Troy Evans Reagan Faries Zackary Fishel Kayla Fox Donovan Henkel Caroline McLane Norah Miller Tori Moore Anh Nguyen Anthony Pham Lauren Santucci William Santucci Michael Spath Nathan Vu

North Carolina State University Sofia Abril-De Nicola Ethan Black Kate Broadnax Nathaniel Brockmann Molly Bunta Jean Byiringiro Samuel Crowley Gigi Descalzi Francis Flaherty Taylor Flesch Daniel Harty Maddie Hession Jose Leigh Josh Mall Lauren Riggsbee Carson Robbe Julianne Ruiz Hannah Schottland Sarah Schottland Emily Schreder Evan Shea Kai Stuppnig Morgan Thompson Rachel Vigre Charlie Woeste Evelynne Wolf Northeastern University Sophie Caple Brynn Heslin Lauren Kaufmann Matthew Rock Ethan Scott University of Notre Dame Jacqueline Cox Lauren Kane Cavanaugh MacQuarrie Madeline Menkhaus Margaret Olsen JP Polking Matthew Ruff

Sewanee: The University of the South Samantha Ferry Caroline Harlick University of South CarolinaAiken Emily Copley University of South CarolinaColumbia Sebastian Ala Zane Basrawala Eliza Chepul Gunner Eby John Foggo Michael Hernandez Martin Luisa Matthew Mardany Kevin McArdle Laney McBride Lindsey Pirhalla William Roselli Ella Russell Annie Russo Sarah Wallace Austin Wright Pilar Zamorano Brooke Zerbe University of South CarolinaLancaster Hannah Bouthillette University of Southern California Cameron Green Stetson University Andrew Permenter Stevens Institute of Technology Jack Curry Tallahassee Community College Adam Featherstone University of Tampa Brianna Abreu Morgan Brady University of Tennessee Karli Brtalik Sydney Carson Lucy Kloiber Angelina Pulsinelli Texas Christian University Alec Hubbard Olivia Rhodes The Loomis Chaffee School Liam Barbee The Ohio State University Alex Feltham Morgan Fijalkowski

Pennsylvania State University Benjamin Glowish

University of Toronto Ethan Shkut

Purdue University James Ramich

Trinity College Dublin Mac Sizeland

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Sadie Ehrenberg

United States Army Alex Perry

United States Naval Academy William Dettmer Verto Education (London & Costa Rica) Bella Zemak Villanova University Tessa Craig Meghan Lowe Francesca Suarez-Esquetini Virginia Tech Nicholas Ala Emily Barnaba Will Bohaty Katherine Dumser CJ Ellis Oreva Evivie Anna Fuller Taylor Hochertz Lauren Kroeger Durston Snyder, Jr. Adam Tesch Ainsley Thies Bobby Verrier Wake Forest Natalia Correa Julia Fava Wake Technical Community College Caroline Borrello West Virginia University Amelia Young Western Carolina University Jamie Kalbaugh Jess Kostmayer James Osborne Joseph Silvestri Wingate University Elizabeth Bruton University of WisconsinMadison Steven Zhang Wofford College Shiya Patel Wilson Rose Joseph Tully Xavier University Benjamin Bowen Billy Jackson Andrew Templeton Yale University Nicole Salinas-Reyes

The Senior Class of 2021 has earned a total of $20,233,419 in scholarships.

We congratulate these seniors, as well as the entire senior class, for their many outstanding accomplishments.

15

16

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Christ the King CatholiC high sChool Congratulations to the Class of 2021

Joshua T. Angell

Noah C. Angell

Emily Yue Ashlin

Kinneely Rose Azzopardi

Benjamin Robert Barnabei

Julia Louise Barth

Asher Scott Bowe

Sean Jeffrey Bresson

Eric Michael Buchsbaum

Elizabeth Grace Burger

Kirill James Camp

Gaston Frederick Caperton

Timothy Patrick Connery

Madison Lynne Cox

Mallory Elizabeth Curtiss

Colin Francis Daily

James K. Dziadziola III

Jonah Sean DeTorio Easter

Jack Christopher Fallon

Julia Ann Fishbaugh

Connor Joseph Fleming

Joseph Peter Flynn Jr.

Matthew Joseph Frank

Leslie Michelle Glass

Camille Renee Gonzalez

Jasmin Aracely Gonzalez

Spencer Jayne Hansen

Abigail Cannady Hartnett

Andrew Sharpe Hendershott

Taylor Krysta Hill

Annie E. Hillman

Kaitlyn Grace Hull

Elise Teresa Ippolito

Bethany Louise Jackson

Alexander Jijon

Angela Susan Johns

Emily Grace Kramlick

Bryce S. Lagueux

Daniel Santiago Latorre Báron

Steven LeBeau

Samantha Lynn Lewis

Jonathen R. Lopez

Ana Isabel Lopez Murillo

Tatum M. Lorch

Ulises Luis- Madrigal

Owen P. Martin

Rebekah Marie Martinez

Allyson Maria Mastrone

Kelsey Margaret McCourt

Ainslee Kile McMahon

Connor Patrick Milligan

Kaylee Mosher

Kathleen Theresa Mundy

McKenna Aspen Nivens

Elizabeth Susan Obermiller

Jacob E. Ortiz

Kylie Grace Panizza

Yanci Gabriela Perla

Alexander Michael Polo

Benjamin Pomerance

Julie Marie Pugh

Anthony Joseph Quintero

Tyler James Ranagan

Maria Bridget Reyes

Kelly Elizabeth Russell

David V. Rutledge

Emily Marie Sansbury

Elizabeth Ann Sarno

Raimondo Patrizio Sastoque

Joseph Leonard Sides

Ethan Ernest Miguel Sorreda

Andrew Patrick Stanley

Dylan Chase Steed

Jordan D. Stepnick

Julianna Marie Swart

Grace Catherine Tener

Shamira Villaverde Manzur

James Ian Woodworth

Joseph Michael Yordy

Madeleine Alyse Young

Matthew Keegan Zagar

Jason D. Zelaya

Anderson University Appalachian State University Auburn University Belmont Abbey College Catawba College University of Central Florida Central Piedmont Community College Clemson University College of Charleston

University of Dayton East Carolina University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida State University Franciscan University of Steubenville Furman University University of Georgia Hard as Nails Ministry

High Point University University of Kentucky Methodist University Miami University Middle Tennessee State University University of Lynchburg University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of North Carolina - Charlotte University of North Carolina - Greensboro

University of North Carolina - Wilmington North Carolina State University University of North Georgia University of Notre Dame Ohio State University Rowan Cabarrus Community College St. Mary’s College United States Navy University of Tennessee

University of Texas University of Virginia University of Wyoming Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Washington and Lee Western Carolina University Western New England University Wingate University

May you always remember you are a Crusader at heart. Be the light of Christ in our world.

As you embark on your next journey, continue to “Believe Sincerely, Think Critically, and Serve Others in the Name of Christ the King”.

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Congratulations Class of 2021 Andrew Thomas Abriola Sunita Marie Agarwala Shea Patrick Keefe Allen-Bolton Noah Michael Allred Diana Macias Arellano Bridget Kelly Barr Katie Elizabeth Bergelin Megan Elizabeth Bourgeois Owen Edward Bovender Mia Dongrao Brazeau Andrea Brighitte Bull Daniel Marcellino Cancro Lufei Chen Youngin Cho Joseph Peter Clampett Adison William Connor Samuel Anderson Conrad Peter Robert Cotell Gaelen Thomas Criswell Charlotte Lynn Curri Katherine Ann Dasher Nicholas Edward DeSalvo Adrianna Marie Dioli

Jacob John Drew Emily Nicole Elder Amara Eve Evans Clarice Marie Fahrenkrug Caitlin Anne Finger Connor Michael Finn Joshua Michael Fisher Jack Ryan Foley Nathan Gregory Fuller Uryelle Belinda Grandoit-Cadet Yael Guzman Samuel Richard Haggas Aiden Peter Halvorsen Haoyang Han Alexander Scott Harmening Grace Heilmann Charlotte Avery Hemby John Thomas Herzberger Nicole Maria Hill Cian Finn Hogan Haley Maria Holmes Gideon David Hope Jordyn Elizabeth Johnson

Daniel Patrick Jones Ryan David Kincaid Isaac Andrew Kohl Adriana Eden Koliqi Alaila Caroline Kreuter Avery Grace Krivis Carson Lynd Latham Emilio Leon Drew Christopher Lodics Jocelyn Marie Lucido Jeremiah Matthew Manley Thomas Mason Markun Olivia Grace Martin Dylan John McGuire Zacarus Hai Juat Merrill Spencer David Millard Mason William Mount Bailey Ann Nitz Jamie Mackenzie Nitz Joseph Patrick O’Connor Gracie Elizabeth Marie Owens Julia Maria Pepe Robert Lincoln Peters

Michelle Rose Petrangeli Jaden Daltrey Pluciniczak Memphis Virginia Ray Sullivan Hunter Ray Julianna Renee Reid Julie Alyssa Resick Benjamin Gabriel Ritzel Pedro Andres Rocha Corbin Michael Rusch Jr. Madelaine Emille Seeber Emily Loren Nguyen Silva Nicolas Alejandro Sinisterra Cesar Enrique Sosa Vincent Tullil Testa Isabella Maria Teza John Michael Waite Laney Lou Jane Wessels Garrett Bruce Michael Wheeler Seth Chandler Williams Ethan Van Womble Aimery Alan Workman Wanyun Xue William Edward Jodat Yow

Class of 2021 College Acceptance List University of Akron Main Campus The University of Alabama American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University-Tempe University of Arkansas Auburn University Averett University Barton College Belmont Abbey College Berry College Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Boston College Brigham Young University-Idaho University of California-Berkeley (College of Letters & Science) University of California-Los Angeles (College of Letters & Science) Catawba College Catholic University of America Charleston Southern University College of Charleston Clemson University Coastal Carolina University University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton Denison University East Carolina University

Elmhurst College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach Emory & Henry College Florida State University University of Florida Furman University George Mason University Georgetown University University of Georgia Greensboro College Guilford College Guilford Technical Community College Hampden-Sydney College High Point University College of the Holy Cross Huntingdon College University of Illinois at Chicago Indiana Institute of Technology Indiana University-Bloomington Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte University of Kansas Lees-McRae College Mary Baldwin University University of Maryland-College Park McGill University (Faculty of Science) Meredith College University of Miami

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Mississippi State University University of Mississippi Monmouth University Muhlenberg College New York University North Carolina A & T State University University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina Wilmington North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University at Raleigh University of North Georgia Ohio State University-Main Campus University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Palm Beach Atlantic University Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Pfeiffer University Presbyterian College Providence College Purdue University-Main Campus Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Randolph-Macon College Roanoke College Rockhurst University

Saint Johns University Saint Joseph’s University Salem College Seton Hall University University of South Carolina-Columbia Southern Methodist University Spalding University St. Andrews University University of St Thomas The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Texas Christian University University of Lynchburg Villanova University Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University University of Virginia-Main Campus (College of Arts & Sciences) Wake Forest University Wake Technical Community College West Virginia Wesleyan College Western Carolina University William Peace University Wingate University Winthrop University University of Wisconsin-Madison Wofford College

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Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

USCCB president, committee chair decry antisemitic attacks in U.S. CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the prelate who chairs the USCCB’s Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs decried a recent rise in antisemitic attacks in the United States as “contrary to who we are called to be as the people of God.” “We cannot remain silent when we witness our brothers and sisters suffering on account of being Jewish, and we will never tire of our commitment to decry every form of hatred, especially those formed in contempt of faith,” said a May 26 statement by Archbishop Gomez and Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, Tenn.

“The recent rise in antisemitic attacks across the nation is deeply troubling,” they added. “Any attack on a community or individual on the basis of faith or otherwise is contrary to who we are called to be as the people of God.” Citing the pope’s 2020 encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” the two bishops said: “Pope Francis continually reminds us of our duty to build a culture of encounter by building bridges that transcend differences and divisions. In doing so, we must denounce violence unconditionally and take up dialogue.”

Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Talley said, “We remain steadfast in the promise of the Second Vatican Council to decry ‘all hatred, persecutions and manifestations of antisemitism directed against the Jews at any time by anyone,’” quoting from the Vatican II document “Nostra Aetate,” the Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to NonChristian Religions.

“This is integral to the irrevocable friendship we have cultivated and continue to build with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” they said.

The attacks in the United States appear to be tied to the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, told the “PBS NewsHour” May 24 that attacks during the two weeks of the conflict were up 63 percent over the two weeks prior. The attacks include harassment, physical violence, vandalism and hate speech on social media.

NBC News reported May 21 that some U.S. mosques also have been vandalized during the Middle East fighting.

“Our prayers are with those who have been harmed,” said Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Talley. “May all people of goodwill unite in fostering a culture that rejects all forms of hatred, most especially antisemitism.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, celebrates the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Jan. 28, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

CNS | TYLER ORSBURN

Catholic leaders: Biden budget aims to help vulnerable but excludes unborn JULIE ASHER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ prolife committee called on Congress May 28 to preserve the Hyde Amendment in any federal budget proposal and “to work toward a budget that truly builds up the common good of all.”

The head of the Catholic Health Association of the United States likewise called on Congress to support “the long-standing prohibition of federal funding for abortion and maintain the Hyde Amendment.”

Earlier the same day, President Joe Biden unveiled his proposed budget of $6 trillion for fiscal year 2022 that would include spending to improve and modernize the nation’s infrastructure, provide free pre-K and community college, and increase domestic programs aimed at boosting public health and helping the poor.

His plan does not include the Hyde Amendment, which has been included in spending bills since 1976 to prohibit federal tax dollars from directly funding abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the woman would be endangered.

“There are aspects to President Biden’s budget proposal that will assist vulnerable people. However, Congress must reject the administration’s proposal to subsidize the deaths of unborn children,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

“No member of our great nation is weaker, more vulnerable, or less protected, than the child in the womb,” he said.

Mercy Sister Mary Haddad, CHA’s president and CEO, in her statement also said her organization appreciates the fact Biden’s budget calls “for critical investments in family support programs, health care coverage, public health, infrastructure, affordable housing, education, food and nutrition and the environment.”

However, “we are extremely disappointed that it would allow for federal funding of abortion,” she said.

“Since the founding of U.S. Catholic hospitals in the 19th century, the sanctity of human life has been at the core our mission,” Sister Haddad said.

“At a time when our country has seen so much death resulting from COVID-19, we believe the president should be solely focused

on supporting the lives of those most in need, including the lives of unborn children,” she added.

Named for the late Rep. Henry Hyde, an Illinois Republican who served in the House of Representatives from 1975 to 2007, the amendment has long enjoyed bipartisan support, even from Biden during his 36 years in the U.S. Senate.

It was excluded, however, in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law March 11 by Biden. The U.S. bishops called its absence “unconscionable.”

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris back the repeal of the Hyde Amendment.

“For nearly half a century, the Hyde Amendment and related provisions have protected taxpayers from funding most abortions. These policies have broad support from Democrats and Republicans,” Archbishop Naumann said.

The policies “have been enacted and signed into law by congresses and presidents of both political parties and have been broadly supported by the majority of low-income women, including women of color,” he added.

He said that “taxpayer-funded abortion represents a failure to serve women in their maternity by funding despair and death instead of hope and life.”

“All women deserve the resources to enable them to fully care for and nurture their baby, to welcome them in a loving, stable environment,” the prelate said. “These resources would be far better spent supporting women in crisis pregnancies and struggling new mothers so that no woman ever feels economic pressure to have an abortion.”

Archbishop Naumann urged lawmakers to produce a budget that “truly builds up the common good of all.”

“This should include the many proposals in the president’s budget submission that seek to protect vulnerable people” and also “must preserve the Hyde Amendment and related provisions which have protected millions of unborn babies, and mothers in difficult circumstances, from the tragedy of abortion.”

Since early May, the nation’s diocesan Respect Life coordinators and the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops have been encouraging Catholics to speak out against the repeal of the Hyde Amendment.

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

Abbott signs ‘heartbeat’ abortion law, says Texans work to protect life

In Brief Calif. bishop prays for victims of another ‘senseless’ shooting SAN JOSE, Calif. (CNS) -- San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú urged prayers for the victims and their families after a gunman opened fired the morning of May 26 at a rail yard operated by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, or VTA, north of downtown San Jose. Eight people were shot dead at the scene by the gunman, later identified by law enforcement as VTA employee Samuel Cassidy, 57. A ninth person was critically injured and taken to a local hospital, where he died that evening. “May God comfort their families and loved ones and bring healing,” the bishop tweeted. “Pray also for all the first responders and law enforcement officers. May shock & grief give way to healing and grace, as we work together to protect the innocent and prevent such senseless acts in the future, so that peace may prevail in our hearts and communities.” The gunman also died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, sheriff’s officials confirmed later. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said, “Our heart pains for the families and the co-workers because we know that so many are feeling deeply this loss of their loved ones and their friends.”

Haitians granted reprieve with immigration extension to stay in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Haitians with a special immigration status in the U.S. have been granted an extension so that they can continue to live and work legally in the country, or apply to do so. On May 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was granting a new 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status to allow Haitian nationals and “individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti” the opportunity to file an application. DHS said Haitians currently residing in the United States as of May 21 can file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.

TPS grants a work permit and reprieve from deportation to certain people whose countries have experienced natural disasters, armed conflicts or exceptional situations so they can remain temporarily in the United States. “Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a statement announcing the extension.

AUSTIN, Texas — The new Texas “heartbeat” abortion law “will save thousands of lives and is a vital step on the road to abolishing all abortions in Texas,” said Texas Right to Life after Gov. Greg Abbott signed the measure into law. The law, which is to take effect Sept.

1, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which could be as early as six weeks of pregnancy. The law, one of the nation’s strictest abortion measures, has an exception for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest. “Our creator endowed us with the right to life and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion,” Abbott said before signing the bill May 19. “In Texas, we work to save those lives. That’s exactly what the Texas Legislature did this session.”

He later tweeted: “The heartbeat bill is now LAW in the Lone Star State. This bill ensures the life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.” It is the first “pro-life priority bill” to pass both chambers of the Texas Legislature and be signed into law.

Seminaries begin committing to misconduct policy benchmarks CLEVELAND — Fifteen seminaries – including those training seminarians for the Diocese of Charlotte – have committed to meeting five sexual misconduct policy benchmarks developed by a group of laypeople, seminary leaders and bishops.

Developed by a seminary study group assembled by the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, the voluntary benchmarks are meant to bolster the sexual misconduct policies seminaries already have in place, said John Cavadini, institute director. The benchmarks include: systematic training for seminarians, staff and faculty on policies on sexual harassment and reporting procedures; reporting and investigation to include internal procedures and the ability to report issues to an agency outside of the seminary structure and that is independent of the seminary; and proactivity in assessing seminary culture to ensure seminarians, staff and faculty understand the existing misconduct policy and to report issues so they can be addressed.

The institute introduced a website May 18 outlining the benchmarks, listing the study group that developed them, and listing the seminaries and houses of formation that have committed to them – including Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., and Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. It is at https://bit.ly/3oynTj6.

— Catholic News Service

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of June: Rev. Msgr. Richard Allen – 2005 Rev. Sebastian Doris, OSB – 1990 Rev. Guy E. Morse – 2000 Rev. Msgr. Roueche – 2000 Rev. Gabriel Stupasky, OSB - 1974

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Summer Bible Institute July 11 – 17, 2021

The long tradition of the Summer Bible Institute continues this year, but in a new and exciting way! The presentations will be a combination of a Sunday evening introductory Zoom session, eight 40-minute pre-recorded talks by each speaker, and a live online conclusion & discussion with each speaker at the end of the week.

Registration is required to receive the links to the programs. There is no set charge, but donations are accepted and very much appreciated!

Old Testament Reading the Old Testament through the lens of suffering.

Presented by: Kathy McGovern

Suffering is a common denominator in nearly every book in the Old Testament. Beginning with the loss of the Garden in Genesis, the Old Testament stories, histories and writings all have a common thread of suffering. These presentations will consider the role that suffering plays in the salvation history story. Does suffering have a role in our lives too?

Kathy McGovern – is a long-time Scripture teacher in the Denver area.

She taught in the Denver Catholic Biblical school for 17 years and writes a weekly Scripture column, The Story and You, for parish bulletins around the country. She has Masters Degrees in Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame and Sacred Scripture from St. Thomas Seminary.

New Testament A Journey through the Gospel of Matthew Presented by: Timothy Lowe

Matthew utilizes the Old Testament in his presentation of Christ more than any other Gospel. We will journey through the Gospel of Matthew with an intense focus on the first seven chapters as he develops his major themes and follow these through to the end of his book and then discover their timelessness for our own lives twenty centuries later, an incomprehensible but nonetheless true experience of sacred scripture.

Timothy Lowe – is a retired priest from the Orthodox Church in America.

He was previously rector at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem (University of Notre Dame); Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Holy Apostles Seminary, Cromwell, CT; and is currently president of the Orthodox Center for the Advancement of Biblical Studies.

Register Online: www.rockhilloratory.org Go to “Center for Spirituality” and click on Events Register by Email: oratorycenter@gmail.com with SBI in the subject line Please indicate OT, NT or Both on your registration!

THE ORATORY 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.net

oratorycenter@gmail.com

19

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope promulgates revised Church law on crimes, punishments CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — A series of laws and procedures promulgated by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and, especially,

by Pope Francis to protect children, promote the investigation of allegations of clerical sexual abuse and punish offenders are included in a heavily revised section of the Code of Canon Law. The revision of “Book VI: Penal Sanctions in the Church,” one of seven books that make up the code for the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, was promulgated June 1 and will go into effect Dec. 8, Pope Francis wrote.

Rewriting 63 of the book’s 89 canons, the revision addresses a host of issues that have come up in the life of the Church since St. John Paul II promulgated the code in 1983. The descriptions of crimes of sexual abuse, including child pornography, are more explicit, and the required actions of a bishop or superior of a religious order in handling allegations are more stringent.

The revised laws also include new references to the attempted ordination of a woman and to a variety of financial crimes; like with the new laws dealing with sexual abuse, they rely on language from laws promulgated separately over the past 20 years.

“In the past, much damage has been caused by a failure to perceive the intimate relationship existing in the Church between the exercise of charity and recourse – when circumstances and justice require it – to the discipline of sanctions. This way of thinking, as experience has taught us, risks leading to a life of behavior contrary to the discipline of morals, for the remedy of which exhortations or suggestions alone are not sufficient,” Pope Francis wrote in “Pascite Gregem Dei” (“Shepherd God’s Flock”), the apostolic constitution promulgating the changes.

While Church law applies to all Catholics, the pope said, for bishops its observance “can in no way be separated from the pastoral ‘munus’ (service) entrusted to them, and which must be carried out as a concrete and inalienable requirement of charity not only toward the Church, the Christian community and possible victims, but also toward those who have committed a crime, who need both mercy and correction on the PUNISHMENTS, SEE PAGE 24

Fears rise over China’s growing crackdown on Christian religious leaders CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

The recent arrest of a Vatican-approved bishop, priests and seminarians in north-central China came as a shocking development, if not surprising, as religious persecution in the communist-led country continues to intensify under President Xi Jinping.

Police arrested Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu of Xinxiang May 21, a day after authorities detained seven priests and an unspecified number of seminarians. They are accused of violating new regulations governing religious affairs.

The bishop and the priests drew the ire of authorities by using an abandoned factory as a seminary for the formation of priests, ucanews.com reported.

They are charged with breaching new rules, implemented in May, which require all clergy to register with the state in order to serve Catholics while asking Catholics to elect their bishops democratically.

The rules also make it illegal to perform religious activities, including worship in places not registered or controlled by the state.

The arrests sparked condemnation from Christian and rights groups.

Mervyn Thomas, founding president of London-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said the new regulations on religious affairs are tools for oppressing religious communities, especially Christians.

“These arrests ... appear to confirm fears that restrictions on religious communities will continue to tighten,” Thomas said. “We call for the immediate and unconditional release of these Christians and all those detained across China on account of their religion or beliefs. We also encourage the international community to raise this and other cases of arbitrary detention and harassment of religious leaders.”

The organization also noted that prominent Christian leaders such as Zhang Chunlei of the Love Reformed Church and the Rev. Yang Hua of the Living Stone Church in Guiyang were harassed and assaulted before being arrested.

Local authorities closed the Living Stone Church in 2016 and the Love Reformed Church in 2018. The leaders were detained after being accused of fraud and illegally running unauthorized organizations.

Rev. Yang was beaten so badly by a local leader of the Chinese Communist Party in a Guiyang police station that he had to be hospitalized.

Bishop Zhang has faced the ire of authorities for decades. China has never recognized Xinxiang as a diocese since it was erected by the Vatican in 1936.

Ordained secretly in 1991, Bishop Zhang was not approved by the state-aligned Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China and Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.

The bishop has been pressured by the state for years largely because of his allegiance to the pope and refusal to join the state-aligned open church. He has been arrested several times, but was later released. The diocese has been in the custody of a government-appointed administrator since 2010.

The whereabouts of Bishop Zhang, the priests and the seminarians are unknown.

CNS | ALY SONG, REUTERS

Worshipers wearing protective masks pray during the Easter Vigil at a church in Shanghai April 3, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fears are rising over China’s looming rising crackdown on Catholic and Protestant church leaders that authorities deem illegal.

There are rising fears among China watchers that the communist regime has been moving slowly to crush religious groups, including Catholic and Protestant churches that it deems illegal and a threat to party rule.

The Christian Post reported in May that Chinese authorities have been removing Bible apps and Christian WeChat public accounts. International Christian Concern reported that printed Bibles are no longer available for sale online, adding that Bible apps can only be downloaded in China with the use of a virtual private network.

In April, Washington-based Radio Free Asia published a report that said Chinese authorities were detaining Christians in secretive, mobile “transformation” facilities to make them renounce their faith.

The report quoted the testimony of Li Yusee, a pseudonym for a member of a Christian “house church” in Sichuan province. Li said he was held in a secret facility run by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party in collaboration with the secret police after a 2018 raid on his church.

“It was a mobile facility that could just set up in some basement somewhere.

It was staffed by people from several different government departments,” Li said, adding that it had its own political and legal affairs committee working group and mainly targeted Christians who are members of house churches.

Li said he was detained in a windowless room for nearly 10 months, during which time he was beaten, verbally abused and “mentally tortured” by staff.

The chilling account resembles the detention and persecution of ethnic Uyghurs Muslims and other banned religious and cult groups such as Falun Gong and the Church of Almighty God. China’s repressive policies and actions against religious groups have been

documented by global watchdogs.

On Jan. 13, the U.S.-based Christian group Open Doors published a “World Watch List” that assessed 50 countries where Christians face the most severe forms of persecution. It listed China, at number 17, among the top 20 countries because of a widespread crackdown on Christians and other religious minorities.

“The policy of ‘Sinicizing’ the church has been implemented nationwide as the (communist party) limits whatever it perceives as a threat to its rule and ideology. Thousands of churches have been damaged or closed. In some parts of China, children under the age of 18 aren’t allowed to attend church – part of the country’s efforts to stunt future growth,” Open Doors reported.

Sinicization aims to impose strict rules on societies and institutions based on the core values of socialism, autonomy and supporting the communist party leadership.

In its 2021 report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom observed that China continues to persecute Christians and harass Catholic bishops despite the 2018 Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments.

Under the deal, which was renewed last year, the Vatican recognized eight bishops ordained by the state without papal mandate. However, China did not recognize a number of Vatican-approved bishops, including Bishop Zhang.

“Despite the Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments, Chinese authorities continued to harass, detain and torture underground Catholic bishops ... who refuse to join the state-backed Catholic association,” the report said.

“They also harassed, detained, arrested and imprisoned members of Protestant house churches who refuse to join the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement.”

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Pope to meet with Lebanon’s Christian leaders VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced he has invited the Christian leaders of Lebanon to the Vatican to reflect and pray as Middle Eastern country’s political and economic situation continues to worsen.

After praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said he will meet with leaders of Lebanon’s Christian communities July 1 “for a day of reflection on the country’s troubling situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability. I entrust this intention to the intercession of the Mother of God, deeply venerated at the Shrine of Harissa, and from this moment on I ask you to accompany the preparation for this event with supportive prayer, invoking for that beloved country a more peaceful future,” he said May 30.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Saad Hariri, who was designated prime minister in October, failed to reach an agreement on forming a government, each assigning blame on the other for the political stalemate.

Furthermore, the country’s economic woes because of a freefalling currency and the COVID-19 pandemic were exacerbated after a massive explosion last year at the port of Beirut killed at least 180 people, wounded 6,000 and displaced as many as 300,000 others from their homes.

Holy See receives permanent observer status at the WHO VATICAN CITY — The World Health Assembly adopted a resolution to formalize the participation of the Holy See in the World Health Organization as a nonmember state observer. The annual assembly, which is the decision-making body of WHO, held its sessions online and at its headquarters in Geneva May 24-31.

The assembly adopted “by consensus” May 31 a resolution presented by Italy that “formalizes the participation of the Holy See in the work of the World Health Organization as a nonmember state observer,” the Vatican said in a communique June 1. “This decision reflects the relationship that the Holy See has continuously maintained with this organization since 1953, and it bears witness to the commitment of the family of nations in addressing, through dialogue and international solidarity, the global health challenges that afflict humanity.”

The resolution confers on the Holy See the right to participate in the general debate of the health assembly and other meetings, make interventions and reply as well as co-sponsor draft resolutions and decisions that make reference to the Holy See, among other rights.

However, the Holy See does not have the right to vote or to put forward candidates for office.

Pope dedicates June prayers for soon-to-be newlyweds VATICAN CITY — While uncertainty in the world may deter young couples from taking the next big step in their relationships, the vocational call to marriage is a risk worth taking, Pope Francis said. Marriage “is a challenging journey, at times difficult, sometimes even confrontational, but it is worth the risk,” the pope said. “And in this lifelong journey, the husband and wife are not alone: Jesus accompanies them.”

In a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network June 1, the pope

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offered his prayer intention for the month of June, which he dedicated to “the beauty of marriage.” Acknowledging the belief that young people “do not want to get married, especially in these difficult times,” the pope said that marriage and sharing one’s life “is a beautiful thing.” “Marriage is not just a ‘social’ act,” he said. “It is a vocation that is born from the heart, it is a conscious lifelong decision that requires a specific preparation.”

“Please, never forget! God has a dream for us – love – and He asks us to make it our own,” the pope said.

At the start of each month, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network posts a short video of the pope offering his specific prayer intention. Reciting his intention, the pope prayed for “young people preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community, so that they may grow in love, generosity, faithfulness and patience.”

The Pope Video was first launched in 2016 to encourage people to join an estimated 50 million Catholics who already had a more formal relationship with the prayer network – better known by its former title, the Apostleship of Prayer. The prayer network is more than 170 years old.

Pope orders visitation of Archdiocese of Cologne COLOGNE, Germany — Pope Francis has ordered an apostolic visitation “to obtain a comprehensive picture of the complex pastoral situation” in the Archdiocese of Cologne and to investigate how accusations of clerical sexual abuse were handled, the Vatican nuncio to Germany announced. The pope asked Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm and Dutch Bishop Johannes van den Hende of Rotterdam to carry out the visitation, which include onsite visits in the first half of June, the note said.

In a short statement posted on the archdiocesan website, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, head of the archdiocese, said he had spoken to Pope Francis in February about tensions in the archdiocese over both the handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse in the diocese and the cardinal’s decision not to publish a report from a Munich law firm about how accusations were dealt with. Instead, the cardinal commissioned a new report from a Cologne criminal lawyer and released it in March. The report cleared Cardinal Woelki of wrongdoing.

“I will fully support Cardinal Arborelius and Bishop van den Hende in their work,” Cardinal Woelki said in his statement May 28, adding that he welcomes anything that would clarify the current situation.

English archbishop named to lead worship congregation VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis named English Archbishop Arthur Roche to lead the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, the Vatican said. The 71-year-old archbishop succeeds Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, 75, who led the congregation from 2014 until his Feb. 20 resignation. The Vatican announced the appointment May 27.

The congregation is charged with promoting the celebration of the Mass and the sacraments and fostering their correct celebration, including by overseeing the approval of the translations of liturgical books and texts.

Born in Yorkshire in 1950, the new prefect led the Diocese of Leeds until his appointment as secretary of the congregation in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. While head of the Leeds Diocese, then-Bishop Roche also served as chairman of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, which was responsible for the current English translation of the Roman Missal, the book of prayers recited at Mass.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | FILIPPO MONTEFORTE, REUTERS POOL

With world still in knots over COVID-19, pope turns to Mary with prayers VATICAN CITY — Reaching the finish line of a monthlong rosary marathon, Pope Francis again turned to Mary, asking her to untie specific knots that have individuals and the whole world tangled in suffering and difficulty, either because of the COVID-19 pandemic or people’s selfish reactions to it. A German image of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots – an image of Mary beloved by the pope – made a pilgrimage to the Vatican Gardens and was the centerpiece of the early evening prayer service May 31. “Each day, taking our rosaries in our hands, we have turned our eyes to you, Mother of Mercy, pleading with you that the pandemic would end and humanity could resume its daily life with greater security,” the pope said as he introduced the prayer. Pope Francis had started the month reciting the rosary in St. Peter’s Basilica. Each day afterward, the prayer was led by people gathered at a different Marian shrine or church around the world and was livestreamed on Vatican Media. For the final rosary recitation, Bishop Bertram Johannes Meier of Augsburg, Germany, gave the pope a special copy of an oil painting of Mary untying knots from a ribbon; the original, painted by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner, hangs in an Augsburg church where Pope Francis saw it as a student and began sharing the devotion with others. After the recitation, the copy was delivered to the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lives.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Jesuit Father John Michalowski

‘Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth’

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Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” “O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! How manifold are your works, O Lord.” These words from the Psalm 104 on Pentecost help to reveal the work of the Holy Spirit. How does the Spirit renew the face of the earth? Is it done in just one way, or are there a multitude of ways that grace is at work in the world?

The first reading on Pentecost Sunday is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, when the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, put aside their former fears and go to tell all those gathered in Jerusalem that Jesus is risen and He is Messiah and Lord. The crowd has come to Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, a feast that recalls the giving of the Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai and the covenant that was made between God and His people.

The apostles are speaking in Aramaic, yet each one in the crowd hears the Good News in his own language: Greek, Coptic, Syrian, Persian, Arabic, Latin and others.

The work of the Holy Spirit is clear: to bring all of God’s children together in one in Christ Jesus. True renewal means unity – unity in diversity.

As St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

St. Cyril of Jerusalem sees the grace of the Holy Spirit as being living water raining down upon the earth, producing many different effects, causing those it waters to bring forth many different fruits. He says, “The Holy Spirit … apportions grace as He wills.

Like a dry tree that puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears fruit of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit. Although the Spirit never changes, the effects of the Spirit’s action, by the will of God and in the name of Christ, are both many and marvelous.

‘Theologically, the Spirit is the love that binds the Father and the Son together.

The Spirit’s work is to transform us in love.’

“The Spirit makes one a teacher of divine truth, inspires another to prophecy, gives another the power of casting out devils, enables another to interpret the holy Scripture. The Spirit strengthens one person’s self-control, shows another how to help the poor, teaches another to fast and lead a life of asceticism, makes another oblivious to the needs of the body, and trains another for martyrdom. The Spirit’s action is different in different people, but the Spirit is always the same. In each person, Scripture says, ‘the Spirit reveals his presence is a particular way for the common good.’”

To say that the Holy Spirit is always the same is to recognize that it is love and its work is love. Theologically, the Spirit is the love that binds the Father and the Son together. The Spirit’s work is to transform us in love. Thus the Spirit fills us with peace and casts out fear. It is the peace that the Risen Christ gave to the disciples during the 40 days of His appearances. It is the peace that allows a person to forgive his or her enemies and become a reconciler. Most of us are old enough to remember the terrible genocide in Rwanda, when Hutus massacred about a million Tutsis over a period of a few months, one ethnic group killing another. Most were Christians and many of those were Catholic.

Let us listen to Marcel Uwineza as he tells of the work of the Holy Spirit in him: “So where did the God of Rwanda go? It is clear now that God never left us! We left God; we realize this ever more deeply as we search for the truth and our faith is deepened. Over the last 20 years, God has led me though a school of forgiveness. One day I met one of the killers of my brothers and sister. Upon seeing me, he came toward me. I thought that he was coming to kill me, too. But I could not believe what happened. As if in a movie, he knelt before me and asked me to forgive him. After a time of confusion, asking myself what was happening, and by a force which I could not describe, I took him, embraced him and said: ‘I forgive you; the Lord has been good to me.’

Ever since that moment, I have felt free. I have realized that forgiveness heals the forgiver even more than the forgiven. My wounds have been able to heal others.’” (America, April 4-11, 2016).

This is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of a love that forgives and heals. It is the love that God has for each of us, so that we might become reconcilers in a nation and in a world that is broken.

May we use our gifts and the strength of the Holy Spirit in us to heal the wounds, to break down walls, to bring people together, and to bring hope and love to a world that longs for the living waters of grace.

“Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.”

JESUIT FATHER JOHN MICHALOWSKI is the parochial vicar of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

April Parker

Come, Holy Spirit

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s we think about the joys resulting from the spring arrival of Pentecost, and of our young men and women celebrating the sacrament confirmation, we often reflect upon the coming of the Holy Spirit. Our minds might linger on thinking a bit enviously what it would be like to have the Holy Spirit descend upon us. We long for the experience of being filled with indescribable peace, knowing we are close to God, that He loves us enough to come to us, to fill us with energy and enthusiasm, reviving us to live out His will.

The good news is that the descent of the Holy Spirit is not only for the apostles, catechumens, or even the kings and prophets of the Old Testament. Each one of us has the privilege of the Holy Spirit residing in our hearts. It doesn’t leave us after sacramental preparation is over or amid the hard times in life. Rather, the Holy Spirit is a gift we are so lucky to receive through Christ Jesus and have the opportunity to tap into daily.

In the Old Testament, it seemed only certain people were chosen to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit: prophets, kings, and judges. In the Davidic kingdom, the Holy Spirit came only to the anointed. It came to Saul, but through his actions, Saul lost God’s favor. Leaving Saul, the Holy Spirit transitioned to David as the anointed one chosen to lead God’s people. In this historical context, it is easy for us to come to the conclusion that the Holy Spirit can easily slip from us due to our sinful nature, or could even pass us by entirely due to our unworthiness.

To understand this transition of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, we need to backtrack to the Book of Judges. In the ruthless time before Saul or David took the throne, there was no earthly king for the people.

God was king, but His omniscience and power were too abstract for the people to always put their faith in. So the people begged Samuel for a king.

This deeply saddened God. You see, God wants to be our one true King. He wants us to trust Him. His vision of the Israelite people, His people, “a people He called His own,” was a people that shared in His divinity and consecrated themselves to Him. Bergsma and Pitre (2018) tell us that God’s original plan for Israel was for Himself to be their one king, yet in another sense, every Israelite was to share in a kingly and priestly role. “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests,” (Ex 19:6).

Yet, by granting their request for an earthly king, the people could actually see and appeal to, God set about a chain of events that led to the

reconciliation of His people by way of King David. Through David, Jesus came down to earth as an earthly king, though humble, and at His death He sent us the Holy Spirit to always be with us – God among us.

Jesus is no longer here in a physical sense for us to see and hear, but our faith carries us beyond those limitations. We can see, hear and touch thanks the gifts of the Spirit which shape our hearts as Christians.

Jesus gave to us the Holy Spirit to be with us continuously, to lead us in His will.

You may have noticed the Holy Spirit at work in your day and not even have realized it: when a prayer is answered or a pathway opens for you, from a homily that speaks directly to your heart, or in a feeling of zeal to do something God is leading you to do that you would ordinarily not have attempted.

How do we nurture this gift and keep it living inside of us? How can we feel the Holy Spirit with us each day and not lament losing it? Ultimately, it boils down to a pretty easy equation of prayer and faith. Let’s circle back around to David as an example. His life was certainly not free of sin or mistakes, but each time, through prayer and supplication, he came back to God. Each time God pulled him back to renew him with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit within David was powerful enough to overcome giants, to change the hearts of powerful enemies bent on his destruction, and lead him as the king over all of Israel.

The Holy Spirit is in you, too, and should not be taken lightly. After all, this is the same Spirit of the kings and prophets of old. In the rosary we evoke the Holy Spirit as we say: “Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.”

Prayer is our best ally to keep the Holy Spirit close. Let your prayer give you strength, filing your soul like a song that calls to the Holy Spirit each and every day. As Francesca Battistelli sings in her 2014 hit “Holy Spirit”: “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here.

Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.

Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord.”

Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to come and flood our lives so that we too might be a priestly people intent on God’s purposes in our lives.

APRIL PARKER is the director of curriculum and instruction at St. Pius X School and a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

June 4, 2021 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Dr. Tod Worner

Think, think, think!

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ver the last two decades, I have spent a great deal of time working with and teaching medical students.

Extraordinary sponges of knowledge, these eager scholars emerge from the dark cave of incessant testing and classwork (dominating their first two years of medical school) only to be bleary and blinded by the deep complexity of the patients in their charge. Sated with knowledge, but bereft of experience, they find themselves going down abstruse rabbit holes of inquiry, entertaining inconceivably long lists of diagnoses, and performing the most contortionist of exam maneuvers. After emerging from the patient’s room (usually 15 minutes later than desirable), students find themselves dazed yet delighted. They are finally practicing medicine.

What unfolds next is a torrent of semi-organized information offered with pressured speech and intermittent eye contact while hands fumble through countless papers of chicken-scratched notes. As we begin to entertain the crux of the visit – what is the matter and what should we do about it – their eyes turn glassy with a faraway look. Drawing from the recesses of neurally-stored knowledge, they offer a tangled web of possibility and impossibility. Somehow they are no longer in the room with me, but lost in the book-stacks of memory. Stuttering, stammering, and blushing, they finish – uncertain with how they did, but glad it is finally over.

That is when I look at them and ask, “Tell me, what do you really think is going on?”

For a moment, they look perplexed. But then they relax and begin to truly think.

They consider what the patient said and looked like, what makes sense and what doesn’t. In their ease, facts seem to sort themselves out a little better. Clarity arrives. Confidence emerges. At last, they are finally practicing medicine. They are beginning to think.

Medical students aren’t the only ones who need to be reminded to think. We all do.

In an age of unending information and unremitting obligation, we are often just trying to keep up with what is going on, much less what it all means. But therein lies the problem. Our age has stopped discerning. T.S. Eliot once asked, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?

Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” Somehow, we have forgotten that possessing information does not mean that we have knowledge.

And having knowledge does not mean that we have wisdom. We must strive not only to be smart but to be wise.

When I was training in medical school, my senior resident (and extraordinary mentor) told me about his 3-year-old boy Jack, who at times would stand with furrowed brow and gritted teeth as he vigorously tapped his temple, chanting, “Think! Think! Think!” We all need to think, think, think.

Today, to open the papers or scroll online for the events of the day is to be confronted with the unthinkable.

Our lives are littered by ideologies and theories that are so fatuous, so laughable that the discerning mind could simply pop the balloon with one well-placed question. Instead, however, we are caught up in guilt, in fear, in uncertainty over truth.

We surrender our thinking faculties to the tyranny of feelings. But we are better than that.

The whole point of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is that everyone in town was so cowed by their own self-doubt that they feared backlash were they to admit that the emperor was indeed not wearing any clothes. Their feelings and fears blinkered them to the facts. Yet among them stood a little boy with furrowed brow tapping his temple insisting the emperor was stark naked.

Soon, everyone nodded in assent because the child was brave enough to tell it like it is. Think, think, think.

Winston Churchill reminded us that “the truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”

And G.K. Chesterton, when confronted with the self-satisfied sophistry of a cultural radical asking, “Who knows that two and two do not make five in the planet Jupiter?” answered without flinching, “I do.” As Father James Schall would remind, it is “the function of the ordinary man to say that he did know certain things.”

Today, let’s do better. Don’t simply swallow information whole – chew on it (or as one wise thinker quipped, “Keep you mind open, but not so open that your brains fall out.”) Discern. Take a step back from theory and abstraction, ideology and political correctness and ask yourself, “What do I really think is going on?” After all, we do know certain things.

Think, think, think.

‘Winston Churchill reminded us that ‘the truth is incontrovertible.

Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.’ ”

DR. TOD WORNER is a husband, father, Catholic convert and practicing internal medicine physician.

His blog, “Catholic Thinking,” is found at Aleteia.org.

He also writes for Patheos (“A Catholic Thinker”) and the National Catholic Register. Follow him on Twitter @ thinkercatholic.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 4, 2021 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PEREGRINACIÓN Zaqueo en Jericó. Además, las tumbas de San Lázaro y David, la Iglesia del Padre Nuestro donde Jesús enseñó a orar a sus discípulos, la Huerta de Getsemaní y la Iglesia de San Pedro donde el apóstol negó a su maestro, entre otros lugares de interés.

Los últimos dos días de visita, los peregrinos recorrerán La Vía Dolorosa orando en las estaciones de la Cruz, el Santo Sepulcro, El Gólgota, una exhibición del Santo Sudario, El Monte de los Olivos, la Iglesia de la Ascensión, la roca de la agonía, los lugares de la Última Cena y Pentecostés. Para los hermanos de Emaús, este importante lugar no podía quedar de lado, al igual que la Iglesia de Santa Ana, las pozas de Betesda y la comunidad de Qumran, donde se dice se ocultaron los Manuscritos del Mar Muerto.

“Es un gran honor para mi el haber recibido la invitación de Rick Rotondi a participar en esta hermosa obra de ‘El Mesías’. Tener la oportunidad de regresar a Tierra Santa me llena de gran alegría pues la experiencia espiritual que se vive allí es increíble y que con palabras es difícil describir. Lo único que atino a decir es que Dios pisó esas tierras y ya de allí ustedes podrán imaginar la gran emoción que se siente”.

Como director espiritual de este viaje, el Padre Domínguez invitó “a todos aquellos que puedan darse la oportunidad de acompañarnos que lo hagan”. “No es tiempo de vacaciones”, explicó, sino de peregrinación espiritual y caminar con Cristo.

“En este año tan especial es un darle gracias a Dios de que la pandemia está entrando bajo control y también pedirle por todos aquellos países que aún están sufriendo. Ojalá muchos quieran acompañarnos y ser partícipes de la grabación del documental ‘El Mesías’ en español que será algo histórico para nuestra diócesis”, concluyó.

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VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 12

El Padre Julio Domínguez, quien celebrará Misa en varios de estos lugares santos, se encuentra muy animado de servir como guía espiritual de los peregrinos, en especial de los miembros de nuestra comunidad hispana.

PUNISHMENTS FROM PAGE 20

part of the Church.”

Over the years, he said, it became clear that the code’s description of crimes and penalties needed to be “modified in such a way as to allow pastors to use it as a more agile salvific and corrective instrument, to be employed promptly and with pastoral charity to avoid more serious evils and to soothe the wounds caused by human weakness.”

The revised book was presented to the press June 1 by Archbishop Filippo Iannone and Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts. In 2009, Pope Benedict had asked the council to begin the revision project.

The revision moves the laws about the sexual abuse of children – on the part of a priest, religious or layperson working for the Church – out of the section on violations of the obligation of celibacy and into a newly titled section of “Offenses Against Human Life, Dignity and Liberty.”

It adds to Church law the crime of “grooming,” calling for penalties, including dismissal from the priesthood for a cleric who “grooms or induces a minor or a person who habitually has an imperfect use of reason or one to whom the law recognizes equal protection to expose himself or herself pornographically or to take part in pornographic exhibitions, whether real or simulated.”

However, the revised language still refers to rape and other forms of sexual abuse as “an offence against the Sixth Commandment”: You shall not commit adultery.

The continued use of the Sixth Commandment to refer to any improper, immoral or even criminal sexual activity “is traditional” in Church law, Bishop Arrieta said, and for Catholics its meaning “is clear,” which is necessary when drafting a law that will be valid on

Para informes y reservaciones de la peregrinación, visite canterburypilgrimages. com o llame al 1-800-653-0017. Para conocer más sobre ‘El Mesías’, visite SeeMessiah.com o contacte a Rick Rotondi en mesias@cenacle. tv.

every continent and in every culture.

In incorporating recent Church law regarding abuse, the new code does not refer to abuse of “vulnerable” adults or “vulnerable persons” as Pope Francis did in his May 2019 motu proprio, “Vos estis lux mundi.”

Bishop Arrieta said the term “vulnerable person,” while understood and recognized in the law of many countries, is not universally accepted as a legal category of persons deserving special protection. Instead, the new law refers to people whom the law recognizes as deserving of the same protection extended to minors and those with “an imperfect use of reason.”

The revised law also foresees penalties for “a person who neglects to report an offence, when required to do so by a canonical law.”

Bishop Arrieta said that provision refers to the obligation to report serious crimes, such as sexual abuse, to Church authorities, not civil authorities. If criminal reporting to the state is obligatory, the state will enforce that, he said.

The revised code also says, “Both a person who attempts to confer a sacred order on a woman, and the woman who attempts to receive the sacred order, incur a ‘latae sententiae’ (automatic) excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See; a cleric, moreover, may be punished by dismissal from the clerical state.”

Given that Pope Francis in April 2020 formed a second “Study Commission on the Female Diaconate,” Bishop Arrieta was asked why the revised canon did not specify priestly ordination, leaving open the possibility of ordaining women to the diaconate.

Canon law, he said, relies on the current state of the teaching of the Church.

“If we come to a different theological conclusion, we will modify the norm,” he said, just as was done in January when Pope Francis ordered a change in the wording of Church law so that women, as well as men, could be formally installed as lectors and acolytes.

ORDENACIÓN VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 10

en Salisbury, Balkey sirvió en asignaciones de verano en la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte; la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte; la Iglesia San Juan Evangelista en Waynesville; y la Iglesia Reina de los Apóstoles en Belmont.

Balkey afirma que “el diácono está ordenado para proclamar el Evangelio ya que está configurado para Cristo el siervo.

Esta temporada particular de mi vocación me permite expresar mi gratitud a Dios todopoderoso y a los fieles por los muchos dones que se me han otorgado de una manera muy tangible. Estoy ansioso por servir”.

Huber, de 24 años, es hijo de Eric y Tamara Huber. Nació en Mt. Pleasant, Carolina del Sur, y creció en Cruso, Carolina del Norte. Se graduó del Seminario Universitario San José. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Filosofía de Belmont Abbey College.

Huber estudió pre-teología y completará sus estudios en el Seminario Mount St. Mary en Cincinnati, Ohio.

Parroquiano de San Juan Evangelista en Waynesville, Huber sirvió sus asignaciones de verano en Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Greensboro; Santa Isabel en Boone; San Marcos en Huntersville y Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.

Huber dice estar muy emocionado de ingresar al diaconado de la Diócesis de Charlotte. “Dado que haré promesas de obediencia, oración y celibato, el día de mi ordenación será como un día de bodas. El 5 de junio estaré comprometido con una vida de servicio a Dios y a su Iglesia, y este conocimiento me llena de inmensa alegría”.

El sábado 19 de junio, los Diáconos Juan Miguel Sánchez y Joseph Wasswa serán ordenados al sacerdocio por el Obispo Jugis a las 10 a.m. en la iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

El Diácono Sánchez, de 36 años, es hijo de Ignacio Sánchez Yáñez y María García

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a pensar cuan profunda sería nuestra vida de oración y cuantos vicios y adicciones ya habríamos vencido. Si fuéramos capaces de aprovechar cada oportunidad que el cielo nos manda, nos iríamos a la cama sabiendo que ese día le alegraste el día a alguien que estaba deprimido, a alguien que le faltaba una mano amiga o a un enfermo que visitaste. Cuando somos capaces de aprovechar cada momento de luz transformamos el mundo igual que María y

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catequesis.

Delegados de todo el país reconocieron dificultades en la transmisión de la fe de padres a hijos, la falta de conexión generacional, la necesidad de un énfasis en el manejo de la Biblia, la importancia de incorporar una capacitación en técnicas y estrategias de instrucción para catequistas, y lo importante que resulta superar la tendencia de enfocarse únicamente en la preparación sacramental, para ir más allá de la educación religiosa típica.

Pérez. Nació en Ixtlahuacán del Río, México y creció en México. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Humanidades y Ciencias en la Universidad Pontificia Josephinum.

El Diácono Sánchez estudió preteología y completará sus estudios en el la Universidad Pontificia Norteamericana en Roma.

Feligrés de San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir, el Diácono Sánchez sirvió asignaciones de verano en San Eugenio, Asheville; Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte; Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe; San Juan Bautista, Tryon; y Santa Teresa, Mooresville.

El Diácono Sánchez dice: “Es un honor para mí ser parte de la Diócesis de Charlotte y espero poder servir a la comunidad”.

El Diácono Wasswa, de 32 años, es hijo de Henry Gideon Kisekulo y Antonietta Namaganda. Nació en Kalisizo, Uganda y creció en Uganda. Obtuvo una Licenciatura en Filosofía del Seminario Mayor SantoTomás de Aquino en KatigondoMasaka, Uganda.

El Diácono Wasswa estudió pre-teología y completará sus estudios en la Universidad Pontificia Josephinum, Ohio.

Feligrés de Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury, el Diácono Wasswa sirvió asignaciones de verano en Sagrado Corazón, Salisbury; Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe; Santa Ana, Charlotte; Santa María Madre de Dios, Sylva; y Santo Tomás de Aquino, Charlotte.

El Diácono Wasswa dice estar muy agradecido “por el increíble apoyo que he recibido de la gente de la diócesis y estoy ansioso por servirlos con todo mi corazón y guiarlos al cielo”.

La Iglesia San Marcos está ubicada en 14740 Stumptown Road en Huntersville.

Todos son bienvenidos.

Más información En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Puede encontrar mayor información de los ordenados en este año.

no solamente alimentamos nuestro espíritu con valores evangélicos, sino que también nos convertimos en fermento de esperanza en una sociedad donde muchos sufren la indiferencia de los demás. Permitamos que esta fiesta Mariana y, a través del ejemplo de María, sea un nuevo comienzo, una nueva oportunidad a ser cristianos que alegramos el corazón con quienes nos relacionamos.

Piensa por un instante todos los dones y gracias que están reservadas para ti, si eres capaz de estar atento a la invitación de hacer la diferencia en ti y en los demás.

JUAN ANTONIO GARCÍA es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Asheville.

“Cuantas más oportunidades se den a las familias para participar en la Iglesia y crecer en la fe, más probable será que la transmisión de esa fe sea exitosa”, se afirma en el documento ‘Memorias y conclusiones del Quinto Encuentro de Pastoral Hispana’.

Más online En www.charlottediocese.org: Podrá encontrar recursos para capacitarse online.

Haga click en la barra ‘Education’, luego ‘Faith Formation’, luego Catechist Certification, donde encontrará una área llamada ‘Catholic Education Center Online Catechist Formation’. En la parte inferior se encuentran los enlaces.