Jan. 5, 2024

January 5, 2024

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Holy Angels breaks ground for Children’s Campus expansion 6

Catholic Men’s Conference set for Feb. 10 4

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gratitude and hope

THANK YOU!

into the new year, pope says

Lleven la gratitud y la esperanza de la Virgen María al nuevo año 16

STAND UP FOR LIFE Join the March for Life Charlotte Jan. 12

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Scenes of Christmas cheer Bishop Jugis: ‘May Christmas joy fill your heart’ Obispo Jugis: ‘Que la alegría navideña llene sus corazones’

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At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

JANUARY 5, 2024

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Volume 33 • NUMBER 7

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

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s we embark on a new year, there are many ways to start off on the right foot with Our Lord, our families and ourselves. Many of us focus on improving our lives through better health, habits and union with God. Fortunately, the Catholic faith has a treasure trove of resources for such a time as this. Make it all a little easier with ideas for Epiphany, resolution keeping and life-affirming literature.

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INDEX

CAP YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH A TWELFTH NIGHT PARTY

Celebrate Christmas through Epiphany by hosting a Twelfth Night party at your newly blessed home (see page 3 for the blessing). Holding such an event is especially fitting if your goals for the year include living more liturgically at home or increasing your hospitality. If you have a willing crowd, you can sing Christmas hymns, particularly “We Three Kings.”

Although it doesn’t have to be as grand as the Twelfth Night balls and village parties during medieval times, you can serve traditional food and drink such as an English Twelfth Night Cake and wassail. Find more ideas at www.twelvedays.com and a recipe for wassail at www.themagicalslowcooker. com.

Contact us.....................................2 Español....................................... 12-13 Our Diocese..................... 4-8, 10-11 Our Faith........................................3 Our Schools...................................9 Scripture................................. 3, 13 U.S. news.................................14-15 Viewpoints..............................18-19 World news............................. 16-17

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PRAY TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and need some help keeping it, it may be helpful to remember to ask Our Lord for help. You may also seek the intercession of a favorite saint or one related to your resolution such as St. Sebastian for health goals or St. Jude for overcoming a bad habit. Even if you don’t plan to make a resolution for 2024, Lent is fast approaching, Feb. 14, and it can be helpful to start discerning what you may be called to do.

Prayer can give you strength to keep those resolutions, too. Find a prayer for this purpose at www.aleteia.org.

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HELP RAISE A PRO-LIFE GENERATION

In addition to Marches for Life and the Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Unborn on Jan. 22, helping young people understand the gift of life is another important aspect of making abortion unthinkable.

Books that celebrate the dignity of life would make a wonderful Epiphany gift for the children in your life. Some of them include “Angel in the Waters” by Regina Doman, “Before I Was Me” by Frank Fraser and “I Can Hear Music” by Brendan Lyons. “Olivia’s Gift”

by Nancy Carabio Belanger is an award-winning Catholic book that celebrates life and is a good option for preteens. For more recommendations, visit www. studentsforlife.org.

— Annie Ferguson

Scan the QR code for this week’s recommended recipes, crafts and activities:

Diocesan calendar of events ESPAÑOL VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Es usted o un ser querido que busca la curación de los efectos de un aborto anterior? Los retiros de fin de semana son ofrecidos por Caridades Católicas para hombres y mujeres en todas las regiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Para obtener información, comuníquese con Karina Hernández: 336-267-1937 o karinahernandez@live.com.

ENTERTAINMENT VOICE & PIANO CONCERT: 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, 419 Monastery Lane, Belmont. Awardwinning Metropolitan Opera singer Emalie Savoy, soprano, and Mildred Roche, pianist, perform works by Faure, Wagner, Donaudy and others. Admission is free. For details, call 704461-6012 or email artsabbey@bac.edu.

KENNEDY LECTURE 2024: “Living Our Faith in Turbulent Times,” a conversation with Paul Elie. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St., Charlotte. The

lecture is free, no sign-up required. For more information, go to www.stpeterscatholic.org/kennedy-lecture-2024.

PRAYER SERVICES MARCH FOR LIFE CHARLOTTE: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Gather in the parking lot across from the Pastoral Center at 1123 South Church St. At noon, march to Trade and Tryon streets to witness for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Father Raymond Ekosse will be the guest priest.

Following the talks, pray the rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. For details, see page 5.

SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL RETREAT ‘HEALING AFTER ABORTION’: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion?

Find healing and support in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at a Rachel Retreat weekend. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3229.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: JAN. 12 – 11:50 A.M. Prayer before the March for Life Charlotte Pastoral Center, Charlotte JAN. 16 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Our faith

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Epiphany: Bless your home this Sunday T

he ancient Christian tradition of marking doorways with blessed chalk on the feast of the Epiphany carries a message of hope for many Catholics.

The blessing, popular in Poland and other Slavic countries, has spread to many parts of the world. It takes place on the liturgical feast marking the visitation of the Magi to the Christ Child and the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. The blessing involves taking simple chalk, usually blessed by a parish priest, and scrawling doorways with the symbolic numbers and letters: “20+C+M+B+24.”

The numbers represent the current year and the letters stand for the first letters of the traditional names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. The letters are also an abbreviation for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” which is Latin for “May Christ bless this dwelling.” Participants typically read passages from the New Testament and may sing Epiphany hymns.

The traditional date of Epiphany is Jan. 6, but in the United States it is celebrated on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8 – this year it falls on Jan. 7. Ask your pastor to bless your chalk this weekend for your house blessing to start the new year.

Pope Francis

Everyone faces temptation, but Jesus is always close

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Above) Father Darren Balkey went to classrooms at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem, marking each door during last year’s Epiphany celebrations. (Left) Seminarian Bradley Loftin marks the front entrance of St. Mark Church in Huntersville in 2023. As part of your Epiphany celebrations, pray the blessing below and write “20+C+M+B+24” above the front door of your home with chalk.

How to bless your home When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply, “Amen.”

The leader greets those present in the following words: Let us praise God, who fills our hearts and homes with peace.

Blessed be God forever.

R/. Blessed be God forever.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. It is Christ who enlightens our hearts and homes with his love. May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 19:1-9.

The intercessions are then said: Leader: The Son of God made his home among us. With thanks and praise let us call upon him.

R/. Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, with Mary and Joseph you formed the Holy Family: remain in our home, that we may know you as our guest and honor you as our Head.

We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you had no place to lay your head, but in the spirit of poverty accepted the hospitality of your friends: grant that through our help the homeless may obtain proper housing.

We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

Leader:Lord Jesus Christ, the three kings presented their gifts to you in praise and adoration: grant that those living in this house may use their talents and abilities to your greater glory.

We pray: R/. Stay with us, Lord.

After the intercessions the leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer.

The leader says the prayer of blessing

with hands joined: Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed Your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star.

Bless this house and all who inhabit it.

Fill them (us) with the light of Christ, that their (our) concern for others may reflect Your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May Christ Jesus dwell with us, keep us from all harm, and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever.

R/. Amen.

It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song, for example, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” or “We Three Kings.”

— Catholic News Herald. USCCB contributed.

Daily Scripture readings JAN. 7-13

Sunday (The Epiphany of the Lord): Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12; Monday (The Baptism of the Lord): Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7, Mark 1:7-11; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 1:9-20, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Mark 1:21-28; Wednesday: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, Mark 1:2939; Thursday: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, Mark 1:40-45; Friday: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a, Mark 2:1-12; Saturday (St. Hilary): 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1, Mark 2:13-17

JAN. 14-20

Sunday: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19, 1 Corinthians 6:13-c15a, 17-20, John 1:35-42; Monday: 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 2:23-28; Wednesday (St. Anthony): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 4051, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Mark 3:7-12; Friday: 1 Samuel 24:3-21, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday (St. Fabian, St. Sebastian): 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27, Mark 3:20-21

JAN. 21-27

Sunday: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:2931, Mark 1:14-20; Monday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Mark 3:22-30; Tuesday (St. Vincent, St. Marianne Cope): 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19, Mark 3:31-35; Wednesday (St. Francis de Sales): 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Mark 4:120; Thursday (The Conversion of St. Paul): Acts 22:3-16, Mark 16:15-18; Friday (Sts. Timothy and Titus): 2 Timothy 1:1-8, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday (St. Angela Merici): 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17, Mark 4:35-41

emptation – a constant in spiritual life – is an opportunity for Christians to remember that Jesus is close to them, supports them and lifts them up when they fall, Pope Francis said.

“We all have experienced this: that a bad thought comes into your head, a desire to do something, to speak ill of someone,” the pope said Jan. 3 at his weekly general audience. “We are all tempted, and we must fight to not fall into these temptations.”

At his first general audience of 2024, the pope asked the people packed into the Vatican audience hall: “If any of you don’t have temptations, say so, because it would be something extraordinary.”

“We all have temptations, and we all have to learn how to move forward in this situation,” he said.

Pope Francis said that while Jesus was not a sinner, His willingness to be baptized shows that the Son of God accompanies humanity at all times, even when it is in need of cleansing.

Jesus, he said, “does not embody the angry God and does not call for judgment but, on the contrary, He stands in line with sinners.”

Even if someone has committed many sins, the pope said, “Jesus is with you: talk to Him about it, He will help you to get out of it.”

“Jesus understands you and accompanies you, He understands your sin and forgives it. Never forget this!” the pope urged. “In the worst of times, in the moments in which we slip into sin, Jesus is close to us to help us pull ourselves back up. This is consoling.”

Pope Francis then imagined someone asking him, “Father, is it true that Jesus forgives everything?”

“Everything,” the pope said in response.

“He came to forgive, to save. Jesus only wants your heart to be open.”

While Jesus never denies forgiveness, “it is us, so often, who lose the capacity to ask for forgiveness,” he added. “Each one of us has so many things to ask forgiveness for; let’s all think about this and speak with Jesus today.”

Pope Francis also noted that many people “auto-absolve” themselves, thinking that they are fine when they are really in need of forgiveness and even fail to remember their sins when they go to confession.

“We are all sinners. A little examination of conscience, a bit of looking inward, will do us good.” The pope encouraged people to speak openly with Jesus, expressing their certainty in His forgiveness and telling Him, “Lord, I am a sinner, but please do not distance yourself from me.”

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Jugis announces changes to Traditional Latin Mass offerings PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Four parish churches in the Diocese of Charlotte have been granted permission from the Vatican to continue offering the Traditional Latin Mass, Bishop Peter Jugis has announced.

Abiding by Pope Francis’ new norms shifting the Traditional Latin Mass to non-parochial churches, Bishop Jugis sought a dispensation for the four parishes in geographically diverse locations that have traditionally served the faithful who have an affinity for the old liturgy.

St. Ann and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes in Charlotte, St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon, and Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro may continue offering the old form of the Mass, which uses prayers and a liturgical calendar that pre-date the Church’s reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Five other parishes that have been offering the Traditional Latin Mass in their parish churches, less frequently and for smaller groups, may no longer do so, Bishop Jugis said in a Dec. 6 memo to priests.

Mission churches and non-parochial chapels that have been offering the Traditional Latin Mass were not affected by the Vatican’s decision and will continue as directed by the bishop.

The changes, which take effect Jan. 9, are part of the bishop’s stated goal of a “smooth and orderly transition to the new course charted by ‘Traditionis Custodes’,” Pope Francis’s 2021 norms that are intended to make accommodation for the celebration of the old form of the Mass for those who remain attached.

The Vatican body charged with implementing the pope’s instruction, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, permits the four parishes to continue offering the Traditional Latin Mass until Oct. 2, 2025, Bishop Jugis explained.

After that, the decree from the Dicastery for Divine Worship states that the parishes will need to ask again for permission to continue offering the old liturgy, at which point the bishop of Charlotte may seek an extension of the dispensation. This request must detail the number of participants in the Latin Mass and describe the steps taken to lead them to participate in the current form of the liturgy.

In what he described as an effort to promote unity in the Church, Pope Francis restored limits on the celebration of the old liturgy that had been allowed or expanded by his predecessors St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. “Traditionis Custodes” (“Guardians of the Tradition”) declared the liturgical books promulgated after the Second Vatican Council to be “the unique expression of the ‘lex orandi’ (law of worship) of the Roman Rite” and directed bishops not to establish any new groups or parishes in their dioceses devoted to the old liturgy.

The pope’s instruction also does not permit the continued celebration of the pre-Vatican II form of other sacraments and rites, such as confirmation or marriage.

In his December memo, Bishop Jugis also noted that priests who are already permitted to offer the Traditional Latin Mass may continue, at the locations and times now permitted.

He thanked the clergy for their “continuing ministry to the holy people of God as we proceed to implement the provisions of the Motu proprio ‘Traditionis custodes.’”

— Catholic News Service contributed.

Catholic Men’s Conference set for Feb. 10 ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Catholic men across the Diocese of Charlotte and surrounding region are invited for a day of spiritual nourishment and camaraderie at the 14th annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas Saturday, Feb. 10, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Through the sacraments – and dynamic speakers who challenge each participant to grow in their Catholic faith – attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus while gaining the strength and encouragement needed to live their callings as Catholic men, husbands and fathers.

“We want this conference to be a fire that would ignite men who have grown weary, discouraged and complacent by the many trials of life and be inspired to want more from themselves so that they could live according to the dignity God created them to be,” said Jason Murphy, founder of the event.

This year’s conference will feature Raleigh Bishop Luis Zarama, who will offer Mass for attendees.

“Bishop Zarama joins keynote speaker Jesse Romero, notable author and radio host, along with a great lineup of others,” Murphy noted.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Catholic men of our state to join forces on one united front to reclaim their role as the men, fathers and husbands God is calling us to be,” he said.

The day-long conference will also include Red Top Report host Joseph Enders, Daniel Vu from Traditional Catholic Men, and Catholic rapper E-Knock.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. In addition to Mass and speakers, short breaks and lunch are included. The event will conclude at 3:30 p.m.

“It will be a full day of prayer, fellowship, and brotherhood to encourage, inspire and move us – not just to more this day, but every day of our lives in the imitation of Christ,” Murphy said.

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Through the sacraments and dynamic speakers who challenge each participant to grow in their Catholic faith, men across the Diocese of Charlotte and surrounding region are invited for a day of spiritual nourishment and camaraderie at the 14th annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas Feb. 10 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Register online

Zarama

Romero

Enders

Vu

E-Knock

At www. catholicmenofthecarolinas. org: Get more information on the cost and register to attend.

Sponsorships are still available for vendors or ministry leaders looking to showcase products or apostolates.

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Part march, part prayer vigil, the annual March for Life Charlotte brings together hundreds of Catholics of all ages across the Diocese of Charlotte.

All gather to make a public witness for the protection and sanctity of all human life.

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Join the 18th annual March for Life Charlotte Jan. 12

At www.marchforlifecharlotte.com: Get more information about the 2024 March for Life Charlotte

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CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to make a public stand for life at the 18th annual March for Life Charlotte scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12.

Held each year in January, the event offers faithful a chance for public witness as they gather to march and pray for the protection and sanctity of all human life.

“This is a chance for people to give a visible witness as part of the Body of Christ,” said Tina Witt, who leads the nonprofit group that coordinates the annual march. “The people who turn up for the march have a very powerful impact.

It’s a chance for us to communicate the truth.”

The day will begin with a Mass for the Unborn offered at 10 a.m., Jan. 12 at St. Patrick Cathedral located at 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Participants are asked to gather at 11 a.m. in the overflow parking lot across from the diocesan Pastoral Center at 1123 S. Church Street. Marchers will receive instructions and have a Ekosse chance for prayer beginning at 11:30 a.m. The march will kick off at noon and process from the parking lot to Independence Square at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in Uptown Charlotte.

Father Raymond Ekosse, parochial vicar at St.

Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, will be the guest homilist.

“I want to tell the people that the message of life is at the heart of Christ’s message in the Gospel, and we cannot pretend to preach Jesus Christ without it,” Father Ekosse said. “Life has to do with everything from the moment of conception until natural death, and anything that interferes with it is evil and goes against Gospel principles.”

Participants will also pray the Rosary and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy during the march.

The March for Life is just one way to support life and make public witness among many other events that go on year-round in the Diocese of Charlotte, according to Father Peter Ascik, director of the diocese Office of Family Life.

Father Ascik said the MiraVia pregnancy care center in Charlotte, Birthright and the parishbased Walking with Moms in Need groups all offer examples of supporting life and mothers.

He also credited the Knights of Columbus councils which regularly hold baby bottle campaigns to raise funds to support mothers and their babies. Additional support for women and children can be found at Catherine’s House in Belmont and Room At The Inn in the Triad.

“All of these efforts are part of the network that supports life in the Diocese of Charlotte, along with other ongoing efforts to support pregnant and parenting moms,” Father Ascik said.

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CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

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DAVID PUCKETT | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Charlotte pastor Father Scarcella retires CHARLOTTE — Father Philip Scarcella, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Charlotte, announced his retirement from active ministry as of Dec. 31, 2023.

He will continue to assist at the parish until a new pastor Scarcella can be appointed, expected in February 2024, the Bishop’s Office announced.

— Catholic News Herald

Special collection dates for 2024 announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has announced the dates for eight special collections for 2024. These annual collections fund vital ministries and help support our priests and religious who give generously of their lives in service to the Church.

The 2024 special collections and their dates are: n JAN. 20-21: Combined Mission Collection to benefit Church in Latin America, Church in Central and Eastern Europe, United States Mission Appeal (Black & Indian Missions), Catholic Home Missions, and Church in Africa. n MARCH 30-31: Seminarian Education Collection (first of two collections) n MAY 18-19: International/ National Combined Collection to benefit Catholic Relief Services, Collection for the Holy Land, Collection for the Works of the Holy Father (Peter’s Pence), Catholic University of America, Catholic Communications Campaign n SEPT. 21-22: Priests’ Retirement Benefits n OCT. 19-20: World Mission Sunday (Propagation of the Faith) n NOV. 2-3: Seminarian Education Collection (second of two collections) n NOV. 23-24: Catholic Campaign for Human Development n DEC. 7-8: Religious Retirement On the Diocese of Charlotte’s redesigned website, www. charlottediocese.org, learn more about these special collections as well as other ways to financially support the various ministries of the Church in the Diocese of Charlotte, including the Diocesan Support Appeal and the Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte.

— Catholic News Herald

PHOTO PROVIDED

In its first new building project in over two decades, the Holy Angels community broke ground Dec. 20 for a Children’s Campus expansion project in Belmont.

Holy Angels breaks ground for Children’s Campus expansion SHAWN FLYNN Special to the Catholic News Herald

said. “Our children need homes that are more suited for their living, loving and learning and to continue to meet their medical, program and residential needs.”

The Dec. 20 event date held particular significance for Holy Angels, as it marked the birthday of Maria Morrow, the first resident to find solace and care at Holy Angels. When she was born

BELMONT— Staff, residents and visitors came together Dec. 20 to break ground for a Children’s Campus at Holy Angels, which provides specialized care and support for the differently abled.

The Children’s Campus is Holy Angels’ first new building project in over two decades.

The project will add three state-of-the-art homes to Holy Angels’ campus in Belmont, to meet the multiple and complex medical needs of its residents and allow for more intimate, family-oriented care. A new 10,000-square-foot community center will also allow for worship activities and group events for residents, families and Holy Angels staff.

The project also includes a commercial kitchen to provide food for the entire campus. Residents and staff are also looking forward to a new pool for residents, to be used for relaxation, therapy and leisure, along with a state-of-the-art learning center and daycare. The learning center will be an integrated facility for infants, toddlers and preschool children of Holy Angels employees.

Kerri Massey, Holy Angels’ president and CEO, said this expansion is a monumental effort for the SKETCH PROVIDED BY HOLY ANGELS charitable organization, which cares for children The Children’s Campus project includes three six-bed homes with easy access to outdoor natural and adults with intellectual developmental areas. A community center will feature a swimming pool and wellness suite, an activity room and a disabilities and delicate medical conditions through fully equipped kitchen. The center of the new campus will feature a sensory and prayer garden. physical, social, spiritual, educational, vocational and emotional support.

“The groundbreaking of the Children’s Campus in 1955, Morrow suffered from severe physical disabilities, including marks a pivotal moment in the history of Holy Angels,” Massey spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and doctors predicted she wouldn’t said. “This project represents our commitment to providing the best live beyond three months. Her overwhelmed mother gave her possible environment for our residents, ensuring that they receive over to the care of the Sisters of Mercy. Soon the Sisters of Mercy the care and support they deserve. We are excited about the positive welcomed additional children with special needs like Morrow, impact this expansion will have on the lives of those we serve.” and Holy Angels was founded. Morrow went on to thrive at Holy Leaders said the expansion is expected to alleviate the strain on Angels, becoming a national inspiration and ardent advocate of the the Morrow Center, which has served Holy Angels residents for differently abled, until her death in 2010 at the age of 54. more than 50 years. By creating modern, purpose-built facilities, Rowena Barker, a parent of a Holy Angels resident, praised the Holy Angels aims to enhance the quality of care and support anticipated impact of the new Children’s Center on the community. provided to its residents, they said.

“It is said, at the end of life, it is not what we bought, but what The Children’s Campus project is being led by Holy Angels’ we built. It’s not what we got, but what we shared,” Barker said.

President Emeritus Regina Moody, who has dedicated nearly her “May we all share in the exciting joy of this project and the entire career to improving the lives of Holy Angels residents. possibilities it provides.”

“It is the time to embark on the largest campus expansion in — Shawn Flynn is chief communications officer at Holy Angels in Belmont.

Holy Angels’ history to meet the needs of our children,” Moody

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

$1.5M endowment from late Greensboro mayor provides tuition help at two Catholic schools COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN Correspondent

GREENSBORO — Former Greensboro mayor and long-time parishioner of St. Pius X Church, the late Vic Nussbaum Jr.’s charitable legacy continues to impact students at two Greensboro schools. With an endowment of $1.5 million for tuition assistance at the diocese’s St. Pius X and Our Lady of Grace schools, students and families continue to have the opportunity for a Catholic education in the Piedmont Triad.

Chris Kloesz, principal of St. Pius X School, said the $31,515 annual grant offered tuition assistance for 28 students this school year alone.

“It is very possible that without the generous ongoing proceeds from the Nussbaum Family Endowment there could be families that could not afford to give their children the opportunity of a Catholic education,” Kloesz said.

Our Lady of Grace’s Principal Catherine Rusch said 17 students benefitted from the $31,515 grant this school year.

“By providing access to an authentically Catholic education at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, this generous endowment is providing a most precious gift: an education with a foundation of faith that invites Christ into the lives of these children today and throughout their futures,” Rusch said.

The late Nussbaum – a self-proclaimed “Catholic Yankee in Dixie” who became one of Greensboro’s biggest boosters and its mayor for three terms, from 1987 to 1993 – was focused on expanding libraries, providing low-income housing and improving the quality of public education.

He was a devout Catholic, attending Mass

every day at 6 a.m. and was a friend to the downtrodden, said Jim Melvin, who was mayor when Nussbaum was first elected to the Greensboro City Council in 1973.

He attended Our Lady of Grace Church and sent his children to Our Lady of Grace School, and after a cross-town move later attended St. Pius X. He believed Catholic schools not only provide a great education but are critical to carrying on the faith, family recalled.

Donors across the diocese like Nussbaum have given one-time gifts of cash or stock, pledged to capital campaigns or projects, or left gifts in their estate plans. Such gifts have benefitted parishes, Catholic schools, the diocese, the diocese’s foundation and St. Joseph College Seminary.

“We receive gifts of every amount – and all of them make a difference,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “Endowments in particular help change people’s lives because they keep on growing and providing returns year after year. Everyone can find a cause in the Church that speaks to them, just as Catholic education spoke to Mayor Nussbaum, whose generosity not only makes an impact today but will do so long into the future.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Comfort and solace on the ‘Longest Night’ Charlotte church offers special Mass for those grieving during holidays CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — The days before Christmas can be a joyful whirlwind of events and preparations for many people, but for people who are going through difficult times, it may be more difficult to see the joys. St. Peter Church in Uptown Charlotte offered a special Mass Dec. 21 meant just for these people.

Called the “Mass of the Longest Night,” the evening featured reflective hymns, prayers and readings selected to offer comfort and solace to those experiencing grief, illness, loneliness or other painful events during the Christmas season.

The Mass was offered on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. “Longest Night” services have been a tradition on the solstice for a while in Protestant churches and are just now starting to catch on among Catholics.

“For those grieving, lonely or longing for something during this season, this is an avenue to make space for care and compassion for those emotionally having a difficult time this holiday,” said Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, St. Peter’s pastor and celebrant for the Mass. “Making room for sadness around Christmas is not new.

We’re in the season of Advent, which is the season of waiting for a Savior. Although in this season of light our hearts may be veiled in sadness and shadow, the light will shine in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.”

The Mass was attended by couples, groups of friends, and people on their own.

Elements throughout the service offered perspective on dealing with difficult times, including special reflections as each candle of the Advent wreath was lit.

Instead of a monetary offertory, people were invited to write their cares, burdens, concerns and other prayer requests on sheets of paper and place them in a basket. The basket was brought up with the bread and wine and placed near the altar before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

After Communion, the church lights were dimmed and people prayed silently and sang “Silent Night.”

Deacon Jim Bozik, who was one of the organizers of the event, reflected on the evening’s theme in his homily. He encouraged attendees to rely on their faith and realize God’s presence even in bleak times.

“We can live with our sorrows and joys as long as we have faith that Jesus will never abandon us,” Deacon Bozik said. “No matter what challenges come our way, we can stand on the Word of God and the love of Jesus to see us through. God brings us these winters of the spirit as a necessary step to the next spring. While we are in them, it can feel like God is absent, but wait for God and He will come. That is the message of Advent – there is One who is waiting to be with us.”

One woman who did not want to give her

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A man lights candles on the Advent wreath during the “Mass of the Longest Night,” held Dec. 21 at St. Peter Church in Uptown Charlotte, in order to give those experiencing grief, loneliness and other difficult times during the holidays a chance to find spiritual comfort. name said the Mass was a gift for her spirit after she experienced a difficult year with many life-altering events.

“This meant so much to me because it helped me to remember to just have faith,”

she said. “We’re all going to experience loss and illness in our lives, and it’s important to remember to stop and think and be intentional about how we live our lives as a result.”

Our schools

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Greensboro students LEAP toward excellence with new program as aviation, meteorology, farming, GREENSBORO — Students at St. engineering and medicine,” Parker said, Pius X School in Greensboro have seen adding, “Students love the program. The tremendous success with the launch of wide range of ages allows students to the school’s new LEAP program started develop teamwork skills, encourage peer in the fall. LEAP (Learning Enrichment coaching, and get real-world experience in Activity Program) is the school’s newest a workplace environment.” academic program for students in grades The LEAP class is composed of 30 third3 through 5 who demonstrate above to fifth-grade students grade level academic who meet three times a achievement. The week in the afternoon program pairs STEM during “Grace Period” (Science, Technology, or Study Hall. Students Engineering, Math) must keep up their courses with literacy, academic achievement, history, arts, and demonstrate religion to create an exemplary behavior, integrated, hands-on and meet classroom approach to learning. expectations to The LEAP program participate in the was designed by secondLEAP program. In grade teacher April addition, Parker offers Parker and centers challenges outside on math and science, the LEAP class to her along with integrated students through a literature, meaningful Google Classroom writing reflections, and where they can find historic and religious virtual escape rooms, connections. math puzzles and Throughout the more. fall semester, LEAP St. Pius X School students at St. Pius have is already planning discovered plant and ways to extend the animal cells with digital PHOTOS PROVIDED program by offering microscopes, designed St. Pius X School’s new LEAP program is an after school their own robots, designed to be centered around math and competitive robotics launched weather science, with integrated literature, writing club for middle school balloons, and built reflections, and historic and religious students, thanks to model jets for Santa connections as well. a partnership with Claus to fly around the the Early College at world on Christmas Guilford Technical Eve. In the new year, Community College. The club is set to students will look forward to using begin in mid-January, Parker said. mathematics to build ancient structures Parker also has plans for a robotics such as pyramids, reconstructing a club for the intermediate grades and a scaled model of Solomon’s Temple using possible Crypto Math Club for aspiring measurements from the Bible, designing mathematicians, she said. She welcomes and printing their own 3-D furniture and additional partnerships with business and textiles, learning the science of cooking schools to further extend the possibilities and gardening, as well as raising their for the school’s LEAP program. own chickens through embryology.

“I can’t wait to see where the program Parker attributes the success of the can go from here,” she said. “It has been program to parent volunteers who donate a tremendous step toward 21st century supplies and assist with expertise in certain education, as well as meeting the needs of career fields, as well as partnerships with all learners in our school.” local colleges and universities.

“One goal of the program is exposure — Catholic News Herald to different STEM-based careers such

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of January: Rev. Anselm Biggs, OSB – 2001 Rev. Maurus Buchheit, OSB – 1975 Rev. Francis T. Connolly – 2008 Rev. Vincent Erb – 2005 Rev. Msgr. Eugene H. Livelsberger – 1987 Rev. Paul Milde, OSB – 1979 Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Newman – 1981 Rev. Arthur J. Racette – 1975 Rev. Tom Stott – 2005 Rev. Edward J. Vilkauskas, C.S.Sp. – 2021 Rev. Conrad C. Hoover – 2022

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iiiJanuary 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com

‘May Christmas joy fill your heart’ Bishop Jugis offers midnight Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, ushering in Christmas celebrations

Scene

Christma

PATRICIA GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — After weeks of preparing for Christmas, make this year’s celebration – which continues until Epiphany on Jan. 7 – a time of joy and gladness, Bishop Peter Jugis urged the faithful during midnight Mass Dec. 25 at St. Patrick Cathedral.

More than a year after work began to renovate and repair the 84-year-old cathedral, its new look was on full display for Christmas – freshly painted red, blue and gold artwork in the sanctuary and nave sparkling in the candlelight.

Christmas carols sung by the cathedral’s choir and accompanied by a trumpet and cello, lots of candles and flowers, brightly-lit Christmas trees, poinsettias and wreaths, and special prayers enhanced the festive occasion for a near-capacity crowd of 275 worshipers.

Midnight Mass began with the traditional Christmas Proclamation, followed by Bishop Jugis processing in with a statue of the baby Jesus that he placed in the manger of the cathedral’s Nativity display. He incensed the display, then knelt and led the congregation in silent prayer for several minutes.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis encouraged people to make room in their hearts for the joy that the birth of Jesus brings.

— Bishop Peter Jugis The angel’s message to the shepherds in Bethlehem, recounted in the Gospel of Luke (2:1-14), tells of the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” These words, Bishop Jugis said, are still meaningful for us today – on this “glorious day of Christmas.”

The past four weeks of Advent have been a time of waiting and hectically preparing for the arrival of the Savior, he said. In the ancient world, the word “advent” also described the visit of a king to his people.

“Well, Christmas is here! The King has come, He has arrived! He is at Bethlehem in Judea. He is visiting His kingdom, and He is here to stay with us,” the bishop said enthusiastically.

“Let us enjoy the celebration of Christ’s birth,” he said.

“That word – enjoy – is key to the celebration of Christmas.”

Christmas “is a season of gladness, a season of happiness, a season of joy as we celebrate Jesus Our Savior and the gift of salvation He brings. The Lord fills our hearts with joy and He lifts our spirits as we celebrate Christmas.”

“Let us enter into the joy of Christmas with all our heart,” Bishop Jugis continued. “May Christmas joy fill your heart. May Christmas gladness fill your heart. May Christmas happiness fill your heart.

“Let us welcome Jesus our King into our hearts and into our lives once again. Let us make room for Him. In fact, let us make a lot of room for Him in our hearts and in our lives.”

He concluded with a blessing to the faithful: “May Christ Jesus bless your family and your home with His Christmas joy.”

‘Let us welcome Jesus our King into our hearts and into our lives once again. Let us make room for Him.’

PHOTOS BY EDWARD CHAPLINSKY AND TROY HULL

(Above) Bishop Peter Jugis incenses the Nativity scene at the beginning of midnight Mass Dec. 25, celebrating the Christmas season amid the beautiful renovations of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. (Right) Father Matthew Codd, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, offers Eucharistic Adoration Dec. 31 in honor of the Feast of the Holy Family.

HE COVER

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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‘Que la alegría navideña llene sus corazones’

es of

as cheer

Obispo Jugis ofreció Misa de Gallo en la Catedral, marcando inicio de celebraciones navideñas CHARLOTTE — Después de semanas de preparación por la Navidad, haga de la celebración de este año, que continúa hasta la Epifanía el 7 de enero, un momento de alegría, pidió el Obispo Peter Jugis a los fieles durante la Misa de Gallo del 25 de diciembre celebrada en la Catedral San Patricio.

Más de un año después que comenzaran los trabajos de renovación y reparación de la catedral de 84 años de antigüedad, su nuevo aspecto estuvo para listo para la importante fecha: obras de arte rojas, azules y doradas recién pintadas en el santuario y la nave, brillando a la luz de las velas.

Villancicos cantados por el coro de la catedral y acompañados por una trompeta y un violonchelo, muchas velas y flores, árboles de Navidad brillantemente iluminados, flores de navidad y coronas, y oraciones especiales realzaron la ocasión festiva para una multitud de fieles que casi repleta el aforo de 275 personas.

La Misa de Gallo comenzó con la tradicional Proclamación de Navidad, seguida por una procesión del Obispo Jugis con una estatua del Niño Jesús que colocó en el pesebre de la Catedral. Puso incienso sobre la representación de la Natividad, se arrodilló y guió a la congregación en oración silenciosa durante varios minutos.

Durante su homilía, el Obispo Jugis animó a las personas a hacer espacio en sus corazones para la alegría que trae el nacimiento de Jesús.

El mensaje del ángel a los pastores de Belén, narrado en el Evangelio de Lucas 2:1-14, habla de la “buena nueva de gran gozo que será para todo — Obispo Peter Jugis el pueblo”. Estas palabras, dijo el Obispo Jugis, siguen siendo significativas para nosotros hoy, en este “glorioso día de Navidad”.

Las últimas cuatro semanas de Adviento han sido un tiempo de espera y preparación para la llegada del Salvador, dijo. En el mundo antiguo, la palabra “adviento” también describía la visita de un rey a su pueblo. “¡Bueno, la Navidad está aquí! ¡El Rey ha venido, ha llegado!

Está en Belén de Judea. Está visitando su reino y está aquí para quedarse con nosotros”, dijo el obispo con entusiasmo.

“Disfrutemos de la celebración del nacimiento de Cristo”, dijo. “Esa palabra, disfrutar, es clave para la celebración de la Navidad”.

La Navidad “es una temporada de alegría, una temporada de felicidad, una temporada de gozo mientras celebramos a Jesús Nuestro Salvador y el regalo de la salvación que Él trae. El Señor llena nuestros corazones de gozo y levanta nuestro espíritu al celebrar la Navidad”.

“Entremos en la alegría de la Navidad con todo nuestro corazón”, continuó Monseñor Jugis. “Que la alegría navideña llene nuestros corazones. Que el regocijo de la Navidad llene nuestro corazón. Que la felicidad navideña llene tu corazón.

“Demos la bienvenida a Jesús, nuestro Rey, en nuestros corazones y en nuestras vidas una vez más. Hagamos espacio para Él. De hecho, hagámosle mucho espacio en nuestros corazones y en nuestras vidas”.

Finalmente, concluyó con una bendición a los fieles: “Que Cristo Jesús bendiga a su familia y a su hogar con su alegría navideña”.

“Demos la bienvenida a Jesús, nuestro Rey, en nuestros corazones y en nuestras vidas una vez más. Hagamos espacio para Él.”

(From left) A children’s choir filled Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City with sweet Christmas hymns. Good Shepherd Mission in King adorned the steps of the sanctuary with traditional poinsettias and a Nativity scene.

Bishop Jugis celebrated the birth of our Lord during midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

PHOTOS BY GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY, TROY HULL AND PROVIDED

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 12

Padre Julio Domínguez

Acción de Gracias

Los católicos de toda la Diócesis de Charlotte están invitados a marchar y orar por la protección y la santidad de toda vida humana en la 18 Marcha anual por la Vida en Charlotte, programada para el viernes 12 de enero.

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CHARLOTTE — Los católicos de la diócesis están invitados a hacer una defensa pública de la vida en la Décimo octava Marcha Anual por la Vida de Charlotte programada para el viernes 12 de enero.

El evento, que se celebra cada primer mes del año, ofrece a los fieles la oportunidad de dar testimonio público al reunirse para marchar y orar por la protección y santidad de toda la vida humana.

“Esta es una oportunidad para que las personas den un testimonio visible como parte del cuerpo de Cristo”, dijo Tina Witt, quien dirige el grupo sin fines de lucro que coordina la marcha anual. “Las personas que se presentan a la marcha tienen un impacto muy poderoso. Esta es una oportunidad para que comuniquemos la verdad”.

El día comenzará con una Misa por los no nacidos que será ofrecida a las 10 de la mañana en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Se pide a los participantes que se reúnan a las 11 a.m. en el estacionamiento adicional ubicado frente al Centro Pastoral diocesano, 1123 S. Church Street. Los manifestantes recibirán instrucciones y tendrán la oportunidad de orar a partir de las 11:30 a.m. La marcha comenzará al mediodía, partiendo del estacionamiento hasta llegar a Independence Square, en la intersección de las calles Trade y Tryon en Uptown Charlotte.

El Padre Raymond Ekosse, vicario parroquial de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte, es el orador invitado “Quiero decirle a la gente que el mensaje de vida está en el corazón del mensaje de Cristo en el Evangelio, y no podemos pretender predicar a Jesucristo sin él”, dijo el Padre Ekosse. “La vida tiene que ver con todo, desde el momento de la concepción hasta la muerte natural, y cualquier cosa que interfiera con ella es mala y va en contra de los principios del Evangelio”.

Los participantes también rezarán el Rosario y la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia durante la marcha.

La Marcha por la Vida es solo una forma de apoyar la vida y dar testimonio público, entre muchos otros eventos que se llevan a cabo durante todo el año en la Diócesis de Charlotte, según el Padre Peter Ascik, director de la Oficina de Vida Familiar de la Diócesis.

El Padre Ascik dijo que el centro MiraVia de cuidado al embarazo en Charlotte, Birthright y los grupos parroquiales Walking with Moms in Need ofrecen ejemplos de apoyo a la vida y a las madres. También resaltó el trabajo de los Consejos de los Caballeros de Colón que regularmente realizan campañas de recaudación de fondos para apoyar a las madres y sus bebés.

“Todos estos esfuerzos son parte de la red que apoya la vida en la Diócesis de Charlotte, junto con otros esfuerzos continuos para apoyar a las madres embarazadas y con hijos”, dijo el Padre Ascik.

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CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

ST.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es Vicario Episcopal del Ministerio Hispano.

ARCHIVO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

S. TRYON

uiero tomar la oportunidad para agradecer a Dios toda la bondad que tiene para nuestra diócesis.

Por nuestro obispo, que con su sencillez y amabilidad siempre muestra la serenidad y la caridad en sus actos para poder ir tomando decisiones prudentes que van llevando a nuestra diócesis a ser una diócesis muy diferente a las demás, sobre todo en el amor a Cristo.

Por nuestro vicario general, que tiene una inteligencia increíble y que ha venido a fundamentar de una manera muy buena a nuestra diócesis.

Quiero agradecer a Dios por nuestros pastores, párrocos, diáconos que guían y ayudan al pueblo de Dios y que dan a las comunidades lo mejor de sus vidas, llevando con su caridad y entrega a las almas a Dios.

Al equipo diocesano, que constantemente está trabajando para que haya una espiritualidad profunda en las vicarías y mucha actividad apostólica, que anima y llama a las almas a encontrarse con Dios.

A los grupos apostólicos, que no dejan de trabajar constantemente en la evangelización y formación de sus miembros y que son un tesoro para nuestra iglesia diocesana.

Pero de una manera muy especial le doy gracias a Dios por las miles de familias que se han estado integrando en la misión apostólica y que están tomando muy en serio la educación moral y espiritual de sus hijos. Ellas han visto la necesidad de ponerse en guardia y responder con los valores evangélicos a la amplia gama de desafíos que el mundo está presentando a los jóvenes.

Ya que mencioné a los jóvenes, quiero hacer especial mención a ellos, pues muchos jovencitos están preocupados por lo que está pasando con otros jóvenes, que envenenados por las corrientes de este mundo, dejan la fe y se van a vivir como si Dios no existiera. Conozco jóvenes que están haciendo lo posible por despertar a otros jóvenes en la fe, y que se esmeran por hacer algo por ellos. Ante ellos yo doblo mi rodilla, los respeto, les animo a seguir, e invito a todos a hacer lo posible para que ellos puedan hacer su misión en el mundo de una manera sólida y fácil con la ayuda de todos nosotros.

A todos ustedes que forman parte de esta gran aventura de hacer posible la extensión del Reino de los Cielos, les doy las gracias y de corazón les deseo un Feliz Año lleno de muchas bendiciones.

No nos cansemos de hacer el bien, ¡perseveremos en la misión de Cristo!

S TO N E WA L L LIGHT RAIL STATIONS

CARSON

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DAVID PUCKETT | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Sacerdote nacido en Yadkinville visitó Divino Redentor SERGIO LÓPEZ selopez@rcdoc.org

BOONVILLE — En el pasado domingo 17 de diciembre, la parroquia Divino Redentor en Boonville organizó un convivio en acción de gracias por la ordenación sacerdotal del Reverendo Padre Adrián Zamora, joven parroquiano de Divino Redentor y oriundo del territorio parroquial, de la pequeña ciudad de Yadkinville, en Carolina del Norte.

El Padre Adrián Zamora, formado en el Seminario Misionero Redemptoris Mater, fue ordenado el pasado 10 de noviembre en la Arquidiócesis de Arequipa, Perú, por el Arzobispo de Arequipa, Monseñor Javier Del Río Alba.

Adrián Zamora nació el 17 de agosto de 1993 en la ciudad de Winston-Salem, del estado de Carolina del Norte en Estados Unidos. Es el segundo de tres hermanos, y sus padres son Saúl Zamora Castro y María de Lourdes Zamora Luna.

Estudió en las escuelas West Yadkin Elementary, Starmount High School, Forbush High School y durante un año en el colegio universitario Forsyth Technical Community College.

Ingresó al Seminario Redemptoris Mater en Arequipa, Perú, en el año 2012.

Como parte de su formación, en 2019 visitó Panamá, y en 2020 la Diócesis de Whitehorse, Canadá. Además, también

tuvo una pasantía en el Santuario de la Virgen de Chapi en Socabaya, Arequipa, Perú.

Ya ordenado diácono, fue asignado a la parroquia ‘San Ignacio de Loyola’ en el distrito de Paucarpata, en Arequipa.

El domingo 17 de diciembre el Padre Adrián concelebró la Santa Misa por primera vez en su parroquia madre. Ofició la primera Misa del domingo a las 9 de la mañana en inglés, y la tercera Misa del día en español a la 1 de la tarde.

El Padre Enrique González, administrador parroquial de la Iglesia San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir estuvo presente, concelebrando con los reverendos Adrián y Jean Pierre Swamunu Lhuposo, párroco.

La celebración coincidió con el tercer domingo de Adviento, ‘Domingo de Gaudete’.

En su homilía, el Padre Adrián mencionó la importancia de la alegría en nuestras vidas, al explicar el significado de la palabra ‘Gaudette’ en latín, que literalmente significa ‘alegrarse’.

Tras concluir su última Misa, la parroquia ofreció un convivio, donde toda la parroquia fue invitada, mientras los miembros de los grupos apostólicos parroquiales estuvieron al servicio de los invitados y la comunidad.

VIDA DE GRACIA

Al tomar la palabra durante el festejo, el Padre Adrián dijo que la primera vocación

que personalmente tiene y todos tenemos, es ser cristianos. “Eso es lo primero, lo fundamental, el ser un hijo de Dios. El ser otro Cristo pues es un don que Dios nos da a cada uno de nosotros por el bautismo, y esto ya es muchísimo, ya es un don. Y el regalo de vivir nuestro bautismo en la Iglesia es lo que nos da la vida eterna, lo que nos da la felicidad”.

Expresó también su agradecimiento a Dios por haberle otorgado padres profundamente católicos y comprometidos con su fe.

“Conversando con mi obispo le comentaba que el mayor regalo que el Señor me había hecho al vivir en Estados Unidos no fue tanto la educación o el trabajo, que son cosas muy buenas que el Señor nos da en este país, pero yo he descubierto que lo más valioso que el Señor a mí me ha regalado aquí, ha sido un lugar en su Iglesia. Porque podríamos estar aquí, haciendo dinero, teniendo una vida muy exitosa, haciendo cosas muy buenas, pero perdiendo el rumbo de este llamado, esta sed que tenemos dentro todos de vida eterna, en el fondo, de amar”.

Luego invitó a todos los presentes a que recuerden su llamado a la vida en gracia, a vivir y encontrar al amor que es Jesucristo.

“Y por eso, vale la pena estar en la Iglesia, vale la pena transmitirles la fe a tus hijos, venir a Misa los domingos, reunirte con

El Padre Adrián Zamora, originario de Yadkinville, parroquiano de Divino Redentor y ordenado sacerdote en Arequipa, Perú, visitó Boonville. En breve retornará a su misión en Perú.

SERGIO LÓPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

tu grupo parroquial, para encontrarte con este amor de Jesucristo”.

Finalmente, dirigiéndose a los jóvenes, les dijo: “Si el Señor te regala un lugar en su Iglesia, ¡defiéndelo! porque el mundo hoy en día te lo roba por todas partes. Si no es por los medios de comunicación, es por el mundo o por la universidad. Defiendan ese lugar que el Señor les dio en su Iglesia, y ya a partir de una vida cristiana surgirán las vocaciones. Pero lo fundamental es el centro, es tu vida cristiana”.

El Padre Adrián permanecerá un par de semanas con sus padres, hermanos y familiares y después volverá a Perú para continuar con su misión.

Celebremos la fiesta de San John Neumann

E

l Obispo de Filadelfia nació el 28 de marzo de 1811 en Prachatitz, Bohemia, una ciudad de la República Checa, situada a poca distancia de la frontera de Alemania y Austria, en Europa. Hijo de Philip Neumann y Agnes Lebis, asistió a la escuela en Budweis y allí entró en el seminario el año 1831.

Dos de años después, pasó a la universidad de Charles Ferdinand en Praga donde estudió teología. Cuando su preparación para el sacerdocio se completó en 1835, deseaba ordenarse pero el obispo decidió que no habría allí más ordenaciones. Nos resulta difícil imaginar hoy que Bohemia tuviera entonces demasiados sacerdotes. Juan escribió a los obispos del mundo, pero en todas partes la misma historia: ninguno quería ahora sacerdotes. Juan estaba seguro de su vocación al sacerdocio, pero todas las puertas parecían cerrársele.

Pero Juan no se arredró. Aprendió el inglés trabajando en una fábrica con obreros de lengua inglesa. De esta forma, pudo escribir a los obispos de Estados Unidos.

Finalmente, el obispo de Nueva York aceptó ordenarlo. Para responder a la llamada de Dios de ser sacerdote, Juan

debió abandonar su familia para siempre y atravesar el océano para adentrarse en una tierra lejana y difícil.

En Nueva York, Juan fue uno de los 36 sacerdotes para 200.000 católicos.

Su parroquia, al oeste de Nueva York, se extendía desde Ontario hasta Pensilvania. Su iglesia no tenía ni campanario ni estaba pavimentada, pero esto no importaba en absoluto ya que Juan Neumann pasaba la mayor parte de su tiempo visitando poblado tras poblado, escalando montañas, para visitar a los enfermos, para detenerse en las cabañas y en las tabernas a fin de enseñar y celebrar la misa en la mesa de la cocina.

Debido a su trabajo y a lo lejano de la parroquia, Juan soñaba con una comunidad: entró con los redentoristas, una Congregación de sacerdotes y hermanos que se dedicaban a ayudar a los pobres y a los más abandonados. Fue el primer sacerdote que entraba en la Congregación en América, profesó en Baltimore el 16 de enero de 1842. Desde

el principio destacó por ser una persona altamente piadosa, por su evidente santidad, por su celo y por su amabilidad.

Su conocimiento de seis idiomas modernos lo hizo particularmente apto para el trabajo en la sociedad Estadounidense de múltiples idiomas en el siglo diecinueve.

Después de trabajar en Baltimore y Pittsburgh, en 1847 fue nombrado Visitador o Superior Mayor de los redentoristas en los Estados Unidos. El Padre Frederick von Held, superior de la Provincia Belga, a la que pertenecían las casas Estadounidenses, dijo de él: “Es un gran hombre que combina la piedad con una personalidad fuerte y prudente”. Necesitó estas que calidades durante los dos de años en que desempeñó el cargo, cuando la fundación estadounidense pasaba por un difícil período de ajuste.

Cuando dejó el cargo al Padre Bernard Hafkenscheid, los redentoristas de Estados Unidos estaban mejor preparados para llegar a ser una provincia autónoma, cosa que sucedió en 1850. El Padre Neumann fue nombrado Obispo de Filadelfia y consagrado en Baltimore el 2 de marzo de 1852. Su diócesis era muy grande y pasaba por un período de considerable desarrollo.

Como obispo, fue el primero en organizar

un sistema diocesano de escuelas católicas.

Fundador de la educación católica en el país, las escuelas de su diócesis aumentaron de 2 un 100. Fundó las Hermanas de la Tercera Orden de San Francisco para enseñar en las escuelas.

Entre las más de ochenta iglesias que construyó durante su episcopado, debe mencionarse la catedral de los Santos Pedro y Pablo que él comenzó. San Juan Neumann era de estatura pequeña, nunca tuvo una salud robusta, pero en su corta vida tuvo una gran actividad. Encontró tiempo para una considerable actividad literaria además de sus obligaciones pastorales. Escribió asimismo numerosos artículos en revistas y periódicos católicos; publicó dos catecismos y, en 1849, una historia de la Biblia para escuelas. Continuó esta actividad justamente hasta el final de su vida.

El 5 de enero de 1860 (con 48 años de edad) se desplomó en la calle, en su ciudad episcopal y murió antes de que pudieran administrársele los últimos Sacramentos.

Fue beatificado por el Papa Pablo VI el 13 de octubre de 1963 y canonizado por el mismo Papa sobre el 17 de junio de 1977. Su fiesta es cada 5 de enero.

— Texto extraído de ACI Prensa

Lecturas Diarias ENERO 7-13 Domingo (Solemnidad de la Epifanía del Señor): Isaías 60:1-6, Efesios 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mateo 2:1-12; Lunes (Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor): Isaías 42:1-4, 6-7, Marcos 1:7-11; Martes: 1 Samuel 1:9-20, Marcos 1:21-28; Miércoles: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, Marcos 1:29-39; Jueves: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, Marcos 1:40-45; Viernes: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22, Marcos 2:1-12; Sábado: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 10, 17-19, 10:1; Marcos 2:13-17

ENERO 14-20 Domingo: 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19, 1 Corintios 6:13c-15a, 17-20, Juan 1:35-42; Lunes: 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Marcos 2:18-22; Martes: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Marcos 2:23-28; Miércoles (Memoria de San Antonio, abad): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, Marcos 3:1-6; Jueves: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Marcos 3:7-12; Viernes: 1 Samuel 24:3-21, Marcos 3:13-19; Sábado: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 17, 19, 23-27, Marcos 3:20-21

ENERO 21-27 Domingo: Jonás 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corintios 7:29-31, Marcos 1:14-20; Lunes (Día de oración por la protección legal de los niños no nacidos): 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Marcos 3:22-30; Martes (San Vicente, diácono y mártir y Santa Marianne Cope, virgen): 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19, Marcos 3:31-35; Miércoles (Memoria de San Francisco de Sales, obispo y doctor de la Iglesia): 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Marcos 4:1-20; Jueves (Fiesta de la Conversión de San Pablo, Apóstol): Hechos 22:3-16, Marcos 16:15-18; Viernes (Memoria de Santos Timoteo y Tito, obispos): 2 Timoteo 1:1-8, Marcos 4:26-34; Sábado (Memoria de Santa Ángela Merici, virgen): 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Marcos 4:35-41

Our nation 14

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Catholic leaders say Church must vocally advocate for migrants amid increasing hostility KATE SCANLON OSV News

NEW YORK — Amid increasing antiimmigrant rhetoric and sentiment, the Catholic Church must remain vocal in its ministry to and advocacy for migrants, Catholic leaders said at a Dec. 21 panel.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York; retired Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Brooklyn, New York; Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, and C. Mario Russell, executive director of the Center for Migration Studies of New York, said at the webinar panel that Catholics in the U.S. have both a moral and civil obligation to welcome the migrant.

Russell, whose organization hosted the webinar, said “something does feel different now, from what we have seen in the past 25 years or so,” in society on the issue.

“Perhaps it’s a gradual letting go of empathy or compassion as an imperative,” he said. “Or perhaps it’s the choice to ignore ... the self-understanding of ourselves as a nation of immigrants. Many have said much about migrants in the last 18 months, using demeaning, derogatory and dehumanizing rhetoric that stirs nothing but fear, difference and division.”

Russell said anti-migrant rhetoric is followed “by policies designed to exclude and expel people.”

Cardinal Dolan said the cause of migrants is of great concern to him as the great-grandchild of Irish immigrants, as a

Catholic and as an American.

“I’m a believer in the Judeo-Christian tradition that considers it a moral imperative to welcome the immigrant and to protect them, and to further their cause in whatever society in which we live,” Cardinal Dolan said. “It would be difficult to find a religious creed that has more of a legacy of welcoming and defending the immigrant than the Catholic Church. The very word ‘Catholic’ means everybody.”

Migration is also a religious liberty issue, Cardinal Dolan said, as Catholics are called by their faith “to welcome and to aid and defend the immigrant.”

Cardinal Dolan also said advocating for migrants is part of the Church’s cohesive pro-life ethic.

“I am honored to receive criticism and to be maligned for a defense of the immigrant,” he said, adding that as a bishop, “we’ll get two stacks of hate mail,” one from those tired of the bishops’ defense of the unborn child and the other from those tired of the bishops’ defense of migrants.

“This is part of our Catholic responsibility to do this. And this is part of that pro-life ethic,” Cardinal Dolan said.

Polls in 2023 have found increased partisanship on the issue of migration, with one Gallup poll finding a growing minority, or 41%, want immigration curtailed, without specifying unauthorized migration.

Meanwhile, just 23% of Americans said the government is doing a good job dealing with the large number of people seeking

OSV NEWS | DANIEL BECERRIL, REUTERS

A Venezuelan migrant is seen from Piedras Negras, Mexico, Sept. 30, 2023, while walking through the Rio Grande in an attempt to cross into Texas to seek asylum in the United States. asylum at the border, according to a recent study by Pew Research Center. More than three times as many Americans, or 73%, said the government is doing a bad job.

Anti-migrant rhetoric also has seeped into the U.S. presidential campaign. At a Dec. 17 campaign event in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump, who is seeking the GOP’s nomination to return to the White House and has made a hardline immigration stance part of his platform against immigrants coming to the U.S.

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Catholic Charities USA, which represents a network of Catholic humanitarian organizations in the U.S., also had to respond earlier this year to what it called “disturbing” violent remarks by a social media influencer suggesting Catholic Charities’ workers and volunteers should be shot for sheltering migrants.

Robinson emphasized, “The important fact is that Catholic Charities is not a political organization, but a faith-based humanitarian network. Catholic Charities agencies have been living out the Gospel, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger and providing these services to migrants for more than a century.”

Robinson said that as “the national conversation about immigration grows even more vitriolic, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we are speaking about human beings just like us with names and compelling stories and compelling hopes, especially on behalf of their children.”

“We all agree that our immigration system is deeply flawed and in need of comprehensive reform,” she said. “We should also be able to agree that people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I can promise you that our Catholic Charities agencies will continue to do just that.”

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In Brief Christian persecution on the rise globally, but overlooked, experts say BROOKLYN — Data shows that Christian persecution is on the rise globally – but that repression remains largely overlooked in the news cycle, one expert said.

“It is important to … remember persecuted Christians in many countries around the world. Their suffering gets no coverage at all by major media,” said Joop Koopman, director of communications for Aid to the Church in Need.

Based in Brooklyn, the nonprofit ACN provides pastoral and humanitarian assistance to the persecuted Church in more than 145 countries, working under the guidance of the pope.

More than 360 million of the world’s estimated 2.6 billion Christians, or one in seven Christians globally, currently experience “high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,” according to Open Doors U.S., an advocacy group that provides Bibles and support to persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries.

One in five Christians in Africa and two in five in Asia experience persecution, according to Open Doors, which notes that over the past three decades, the number of countries where Christians suffer high and extreme levels of persecution has almost doubled to 76.

Facing defamation lawsuit, Church Militant confronts prospect of shutting down CONCORD, N.H. — Since Church Militant’s founder Michael Voris announced his resignation in November, the Michigan-based media organization has found itself in the midst of a number of scandals, financial troubles and court proceedings, including in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire in Concord, organization leaders told OSV. “Somehow, things have gotten out of control,” Voris said Dec. 26 during an emergency hearing of the court. He spoke via Zoom during the hearing for a defamation lawsuit brought by Father Georges de Laire, a New Hampshire priest. Voris has ended up without a lawyer, without a job and is now facing the possibility of criminal charges.

The lawsuit revolves around stories that Church Militant published claiming Father de Laire, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Manchester, is incompetent, emotionally unstable and considered a troublemaker in Rome. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in February. Appearing separately via Zoom during the hearing was Mike Sherry, Church Militant’s information technology director, named as board president in the wake of Voris’ resignation. Sherry said the company is facing the real prospect of shutting down in January or February.

First woman named to key Philadelphia archdiocesan post PHILADELPHIA — As Pope Francis seeks to include more women in key Church leadership positions, a Catholic social worker has been named to a pioneering post for women in the

Archdiocese of Philadelphia – and a number of women have inspired her journey, she told OSV News.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia Dec. 1 announced the appointment of Heather Huot as archdiocesan secretary for Catholic Human Services, overseeing three agencies – Catholic Social Services, Catholic Housing and Community Services and Nutritional Development Services – that combine to form the largest faith-based human services provider in southeastern Pennsylvania. Huot, who took over Jan. 1, 2024, is the first woman in the archdiocese’s history to hold the position.

She will supervise some 1,800 staff operating a broad range of programs across a five-county area that address poverty, homelessness, hunger, family and pregnancy support, and the needs of refugees, immigrants, seniors and those with intellectual disabilities.

The 45-year-old Huot brings to her new role a profound faith – one that has been nurtured in particular by the women in her life. “It’s really my mother’s faith that I really see as the foundation of my whole family’s trajectory in our faith lives,” Huot said.

‘Don’t give up,’ N.Y. bishop urges survivors of Hamas attack, families of hostages NEW YORK — At a recent meeting with survivors and relatives of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, a senior member of the Archdiocese of New York’s leadership listened intently to their descriptions of hostages who remain in Hamas hands and urged the group “to keep speaking.”

“You are here for the love of your family and friends. You need to keep speaking,” he said.

“Don’t stop. Don’t give up. Don’t give up on the love. Don’t give up on your loved ones.”

The Dec. 13 meeting was held at the

headquarters of the American Jewish Committee. Family members and friends of hostages, representing the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, pleaded for assistance in getting their relatives back. A total of 240 hostages were taken back to an unknown location in Gaza on Oct. 7 and 8, including citizens of Israel, the United States and other nationals. During a truce in late November, 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity.

About 130 hostages remain in Gaza.

Memorial services around country honor fallen homeless GREEN BAY — At least 20 people experiencing homelessness in the United States die every day, according to HomelessDeathsCount.org. To help remember and honor those who have died, the National Coalition for the Homeless began sponsoring memorial services in 1990.

Each year, the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is observed on the first day of winter, Dec. 21, which is also the longest night of the year.

For people who are homeless, it is a night that represents the harsh realities of living on the streets. Over 200 communities across the United States, including Green Bay, now hold memorial services each year, according to DeBorah Gilbert White, director of education for the National Coalition for the Homeless, which includes a number of Catholic organizations.

“The homeless population is graying,” Gilbert White said in a telephone interview, which means more are dying. She works with homeless advocacy groups around the country sponsoring the memorial services and tries to track the number of people who have died each year. “We have over 300 names so far this year. That’s way too many people who are dying without housing,” she said.

— OSV News

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CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis stops to pray in front of a Nativity scene in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican in December. The scene is a mosaic of Venetian glass tiles created by Alessandro Serena and features St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi in celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis staging the first Nativity scene. In his message for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day on New Year’s Day, the pope encouraged people to look to Mary as an example of Christian faith. “This faith takes the form of hope in the dimension of time,” he said. “Christians, like Mary, are pilgrims of hope.”

Bring Mary’s gratitude and hope into the new year, pope says JUSTIN MCLELLAN OSV News

VATICAN CITY — On New Year’s Eve, believers and non-believers alike give thanks for all they have received in the past 12 months and express their hopes for the coming year, but Christians are called to cultivate their gratitude and hope following the example of Mary, Pope Francis said.

“Faith enables us to live this hour in a way different than that of a worldly mindset,” the pope said during an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 31. “Faith in Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, born of the Virgin Mary, gives a new way of feeling time and life.”

Pope Francis said that while many people express thanks and hope on New Year’s Eve, in reality, they often “lack the essential dimension which is that of relationship with the Other and with others, with God and with brothers and sisters.”

With a worldly mentality, gratitude and hope are “flattened onto the self, onto one’s interests,” he said. “They don’t go beyond satisfaction and optimism.”

Pope Francis encouraged Christians to look to the example of Mary who, after giving birth to Jesus, had a mother’s

gratitude in her heart for bearing the Child of God. “Mystery makes room for gratitude, which surfaces in the contemplation of gift, in gratuitousness, while it suffocates in the anxiety of having and appearing,” the pope said. “The Church learns gratitude from the Virgin Mary.”

The pope also said that the hope of Mary and the Church “is not optimism, it is something else: it is faith in a God faithful to His promises.”

“This faith takes the form of hope in the dimension of time,” he said. “Christians, like Mary, are pilgrims of hope.”

Near the basilica’s main altar was an icon of the “Madonna Lactans,” or Nursing Madonna, from the Benedictine Abbey of Montevirgine in Mercogliano, Italy. The icon, in late Byzantine style, shows Mary nursing the infant Jesus. The pope prayed silently before the image before leaving the basilica.

The service culminated with the choir and the 6,500 people present in the basilica singing the “Te Deum” (“We praise You, oh God”) in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year.

In his homily, Pope Francis noted that NEW YEAR, SEE PAGE 20

Lleven la gratitud y la esperanza de la Virgen María al nuevo año JUSTIN MCLELLAN OSV News

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — En la víspera de Año Nuevo, creyentes y no creyentes dan gracias por todo lo que han recibido en los últimos 12 meses y expresan sus esperanzas para el próximo año, pero los cristianos están llamados a cultivar su gratitud y esperanza siguiendo el ejemplo de María, dijo el Papa Francisco.

“La fe nos permite vivir esta hora de un modo distinto al de una mentalidad mundana”, dijo el Papa durante un servicio de oración vespertino en la Basílica de San Pedro el 31 de diciembre.

“La fe en Jesucristo, Dios encarnado, nacido de la Virgen María, da una nueva forma de sentir el tiempo y la vida”.

El Papa Francisco dijo que mientras muchas personas expresan gratitud y esperanza en la víspera de Año Nuevo, en realidad, a menudo “les falta la dimensión esencial que es la de la relación con el Otro y con los demás, con Dios y con los hermanos y hermanas”.

Con una mentalidad mundana, la gratitud y la esperanza “están aplastadas sobre el yo, sobre los propios intereses”, dijo. “No van más allá de la satisfacción y

el optimismo”.

El Papa Francisco animó a los cristianos a fijarse en el ejemplo de María que, tras dar a luz a Jesús, tenía en su corazón la gratitud de una madre por haber dado a luz al hijo de Dios.

“El misterio hace lugar a la gratitud, que aflora en la contemplación del don, en la gratuidad, mientras se sofoca en la ansiedad del tener y del parecer”, dijo el Papa. “La Iglesia aprende la gratitud de la Virgen María”.

El Papa dijo también que la esperanza de María y de la Iglesia “no es optimismo, es otra cosa: es fe en un Dios fiel a sus promesas”.

“Esta fe toma la forma de esperanza en la dimensión del tiempo”, dijo.

“Los cristianos, como María, somos peregrinos de esperanza”.

Cerca del altar mayor de la basílica había un ícono de la “Madonna Lactans”, o Virgen de la Lactancia, procedente de la abadía benedictina de Montevirgine, en Mercogliano, Italia. El icono, de estilo bizantino, muestra a María amamantando al niño Jesús. El Papa rezó en silencio ante la imagen antes de salir de la basílica.

NUEVO AÑO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 20

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In Brief Exiled Nicaraguan bishop asks world’s bishops ‘not to abandon us’ in dictator-run country MEXICO CITY — Since Christmas, Nicaraguan police and paramilitaries have detained more than a dozen priests, including an archdiocesan vicar, as the Sandinista regime escalates a campaign of terror against the Catholic Church – an institution it has struggled to subdue.

Reuters reported in the afternoon of Dec. 30 that the number of priests detained numbered 12 in the prior three days. On Jan. 1, citing Nicaraguan media outlet 100% Noticias and other local sources, Vatican News reported a priest was arrested after he celebrated Mass on New Year’s Eve. Auxiliary Bishop Silvio José Báez – currently exiled in Miami – issued an urgent plea for solidarity, saying in a Dec. 30 post on X (formerly known as Twitter): “The Sandinista dictatorship this week unleashed a ferocious manhunt targeting priests, imprisoning many of them, in addition to two bishops already imprisoned. I beg bishops and the world’s bishops’ conferences not to abandon us at this time; may they pray for the church of Nicaragua, stand in solidarity, and raise their voices to denounce this persecution by the dictatorship against our Church!”

Most of the affected priests were detained between Dec. 28 and Dec. 30 – with several taken by police and paramilitaries from their parish residences – and the number detained without a warrant “could be higher,” according to independent Nicaragua media.

U.S. demands release of imprisoned Nicaraguan bishop, other clergy MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Department of State has demanded the release of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa and other imprisoned Nicaraguan religious leaders following a wave of detentions targeting Catholic clergy over the Christmas season.

The Jan. 2 statement described Bishop Álvarez and the other religious leaders – including Bishop Isidoro Mora of Siuna – as “unjustly detained” and deplored the conditions in which they were being held.

Bishop Álvarez has been detained for more than 500 days. “Nicaraguan authorities have kept Bishop Álvarez in isolation, blocked independent evaluation of the conditions of his imprisonment, and released staged videos and photographs that only increase concerns about his well-being,” read the statement, signed

by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The regime of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, “continues to impose severe restrictions on religious communities and deny Nicaraguan citizens the ability to freely practice their religions and express their beliefs. We once again call on the Nicaraguan government to release Bishop Rolando Álvarez immediately and without conditions.” In a separate post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Miller called Bishop Álvarez’s detention “unconscionable,” adding, “Freedom of belief is a human right.”

Pope meets privately with U.S. Cardinal Burke VATICAN CITY — U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, a former top Vatican official, met

privately with Pope Francis Dec. 29, about a month after reports that Pope Francis wanted to stop giving him a monthly salary and would ask him to pay the market rate for his Vatican apartment.

The Vatican press office provided no information on the meeting other than to announce it had taken place. Reached at the cardinal’s apartment, his secretary told Catholic News Service, “His Eminence wishes to give no comment at this time.” During a meeting

Nov. 20 with the heads of the offices of the Roman Curia, Pope Francis reportedly informed the Curia leaders of his plan. Various reports say Cardinal Burke is expected to find his own apartment in Rome and move out of the Vatican accommodations by the end of February.

The change follows Cardinal Burke’s public criticism of the pope.

Cardinal Burke, 75, is the former head of head the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s highest court. Before Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to that role, he had served as archbishop of St. Louis.

Clergy renew calls to support Ukraine after massive Russian attack on civilians KYIV — Sorrow, anger and renewed calls to support Ukraine have been issued by Ukrainian Catholic and other Ukrainian clergy, following a massive Dec. 29 attack on that nation by Russia. More than 40 people were killed and 160 wounded after Russia unleashed a wave of close to 160 drones and missiles on civilian targets across Ukraine, targeting several cities, including Kyiv and Lviv. With at least 23 slain, Kyiv suffered its deadliest attack of the full-scale invasion, which launched in February 2022 and continued attacks begun in 2014 by Russia.

The invasion has been declared a genocide in multiple reports by two major human rights agencies. In a Dec. 29 statement, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv–Galicia, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, extended his “heartfelt condolences to all those who are burying their relatives who were killed by the Russian criminal hand.”

Archbishop Ihor Vozniak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Lviv said in a Dec. 29 statement that “when the entire world glorifies the newborn Child, the enemy rages and kills the innocent.” The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations called upon “all states of the world that declare respect for the value of human life and international law to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, recognize Russia as a terrorist state, and provide Ukraine with the necessary means to protect life.”

Middle East Christians sad, but hopeful at Christmas amid constant Gaza bombardment AMMAN, Jordan — Amid ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military – despite the Christmas season – Christian clergymen in the Middle East are decrying attacks on their community’s

dwindling numbers.

“It was sad, but hopeful to see Christians celebrating Christmas inside the Holy Family church because we still have a community there,” Father Rifat Bader told OSV News of the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, located in Gaza City.

“They still have faith, and they also teach us how Christmas must be always spiritually deep in the hearts of the believers, rather than with outward decorations,” said Father Bader, who directs the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman, the Jordanian capital.

Jordan’s ruler, King Abdullah II, lamented the absence of joy and peace in the region this Christmas.

The deadly Israel-Hamas war has seen thousands of Gaza Palestianians killed, and humanitarian conditions worsen. Jordan airdropped food and humanitarian aid to people stranded in the St. Porphyrius Church, Gaza’s oldest church on Christmas Eve. During the humanitarian pause in November, its military parachuted food and water to those sheltering in the Holy Family Parish. “I think the Jordanian army was our Santa this year to bring these gifts to the people in need … on Christmas Eve,” said Father Bader.

Vatican news agency reports 20 missionaries murdered in 2023 VATICAN CITY — In its annual report on Catholic missionaries murdered during the year, the Vatican-based news agency, Fides, noted what many of them had in common was living a normal life in areas where violence had become common. “They did not carry out any sensational actions or out-of-the-ordinary deeds that could have attracted attention and put them in someone’s crosshairs,” the report said. “They could have gone elsewhere, moved to safer places, or desisted from their Christian commitments, perhaps reducing them, but they did not do so, even though they were aware of the situation and the dangers they faced every day,” it added.

Fides, the news agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies which is part of the Dicastery for Evangelization, reported Dec. 30 that 20 pastoral workers were killed in 2023: one bishop, eight priests, two religious brothers, one seminarian, one novice and seven laypeople.

The agency said its tally was slightly higher than in 2022 when it counted 18 missionaries who died violently. In the 2023 list, Fides included Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell, a native of Ireland who had been a priest and later a bishop in Los Angeles for 45 years. He was the co-founder of the Interdiocesan Immigration Task Force and a steadfast advocate for immigrants and the marginalized.

Pakistan Christians end year of persecution hoping new government will bring respite ISLAMABAD — As 2024 begins, Christians in Pakistan are winding up a year of antiChristian violence and mayhem, with the hope of a new government to bring respite to their woes after the national elections in February.

Following one of the country’s worst

17

outbreaks of persecution in a generation, fear and mental trauma continue among Christians in Jaranwala town, where thousands of armed Muslims set fire to at least 19 churches and looted and destroyed hundreds of Christian homes. Jaranwala is in the Faisalabad district, about 205 miles south of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.

The violence, which started last August after two Christians were accused of tearing pages of the Quran, displaced hundreds of Christians. Several have yet to rebuild their homes and come back. “People are still fearful, and nobody knows what happens next and when will it happen again. Nothing is safe,” said Kiran Afzaal, a Catholic lawyer from Lahore.

Christian groups have listed some 25 major incidents, which include physical attacks on Christians and kidnapping, raping and forcibly converting Christian girls, sometimes minors, to Islam. But the government denies such incidents and joins the Islamic fundamentalist narrative that girls are eloping with Muslim men and converting to Islam out of their free will, said Kashif Aslam, a Catholic activist in Lahore.

Pope: Diversity in the Church must be embraced, not feared VATICAN CITY — Different ways of living out the Catholic faith, including different liturgical rites, should not be seen as threats to the unity of the Catholic Church but embraced as expressions of the body of Christ, Pope Francis said.

“You don’t have to be afraid of the diversity of charisms in the Church,” the pope said in a video released Jan. 2, sharing his prayer intention for the month of January: “For the gift of diversity in the Church.” The pope said, “We are not all the same,” and that Catholics should “rejoice in living this diversity.”

The pope also noted that “to move forward on the path of faith we also need ecumenical dialogue with brothers and sisters from other confessions and Christian communities.”

Dialogue, he said, is not “something that confuses or bothers, but a gift God gives to the Christian community so that it may grow as one body, the body of Christ.”

Pope Francis pointed to Eastern Catholic churches, who, he said, “have their own traditions (and) some characteristic liturgical rites but maintain the unity of the faith. They reinforce it, they do not divide it.”

Watch the video of the pope’s message at: www.vaticannews.va.

Italian priest excommunicated for schismatic act during Mass ROME — An Italian Catholic priest has been excommunicated for having publicly committed “an act of a schismatic nature” while celebrating Mass at his parish near Livorno. The priest, Father Ramon Guidetti, dedicated his homily Dec. 31 to marking the anniversary of the death of Pope Benedict XVI, whom he named as being “the true pope” who “never fled the barque of Peter.”

In his 20-minute homily, the 48-yearold priest detailed the qualities of “real priests” and cardinals versus those who side with “Bergoglio (Pope Francis) and his mercenaries.” He said the See of Peter is occupied by a “masonic Jesuit tied to a group of globalists, an antipope usurper.”

Bishop Simone Giusti of Livorno issued the decree declaring the priest’s excommunication Jan. 1 and posted it on the diocese’s website.

The bishop declared that Father Guidetti had incurred automatic excommunication, according to canon 1364.1 of the Code of Canon Law, dealing with offenses against the faith and the unity of the Church.

— OSV News

ViewPoints

catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

April Parker

Let us align our life with Mary, the first true tabernacle

D

uring the seasons of Advent and Christmas the Church is steeped in the remembrance and honor of Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of our Church. As Catholics, we should not only remember Mary as the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but allow her to be our guide in bringing about the fullness of the plan God has for us.

Edward Sri, in his book “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass,” gives insight into Mary actually being the first person to receive the Holy Eucharist as she received the incarnated God into her virginal womb. Mary was the first to say “yes” to Christ dwelling within her. Thus she gave herself to the working of the Holy Spirit to become fully mother, spouse and daughter of God. We should look upon this grace in awe, with wonder and astonishment.

Yet, our own lives are not so far from the incredible work that God began in Mary. We, too, are called to be adopted children of God. What’s more, through the Eucharist Jesus espouses us to Himself as His bride, the body of the Church, and we become one with Him and the Father.

Just as a puppet cannot become real and belong as a child to its master without going through a supernatural change into the substance of the master, so too we are changed by our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection.

In our baptism we begin to have a share in God’s divine nature. When we partake of the sacrament of Holy Communion, we, as Mary did two thousand years ago, say “yes” in acceptance of Christ dwelling within us to be used for His work in God’s kingdom here on Earth.

Mary became the first true tabernacle when the Incarnate Word was made flesh inside her at the Annunciation. So too, we become tabernacles of Christ each time we partake of His Body and Blood at Mass.

How can we even begin to accept this reality in the knowledge of our sinfulness? Truly we are unworthy. But it is through Mary’s guidance, the guidance of the saints and angels, and the guidance of our priests that we can live a life of holiness to be worthy of this gift and use it for its full purpose, to draw others to Christ.

In his letter to the Ephesians (1:3-10), Paul writes, “He destined us in love to be His sons through Jesus Christ … as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him...” So therefore, let us be watchful and waiting like the virgins with their lamps lit and their oil made ready. “Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”

(Matthew 25:6). At each Mass, let us reflect and ponder at the wonder that takes place within us as we welcome Christ into our lives, into our very bodies; as we are espoused by Him. Sri reflects on what it would be like for Mary to prepare herself to receive the Eucharist at Mass: “Imagine the loving attention she gave to Jesus in every holy communion. What a joy it must have been for her to have her Son dwelling within her again!”

Let Mary’s jubilation be shared in our hearts, minds, and souls, as well.

Make haste, our Bridegroom approaches. Let us be ready!

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.

APRIL PARKER is a teacher at St. Pius X School and parishioner at St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro.

I

A post-Christian era? No, the Incarnation changes everything

divinity are bound together, inseparably and eternally, t’s easy to forget just how unique Christianity is. in the person of Jesus Christ. Incarnation, then, is That may be because the world we live in has been so irrevocable. What makes us human doesn’t just reflect influenced by faith in Christ, so structured and shaped God; it is united to God forever. by all things Christian over the past two millennia, that The words in St. John’s Gospel are as poetic as they we’re almost always looking at the Jesus narrative from are powerful: “The word became flesh and made His inside it. And that remains true (for now), despite the dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). For those of us who marked decline in religious belief and practice over did not live in Judea or Galilee when He did, that the past century that has many calling our era “postbecoming flesh, that Christian.” dwelling among us Disaffiliation is extended through and apostasy are time sacramentally in serious matters, the Eucharist. When but the term “postthe priest invokes the Christian” makes me Holy Spirit during the laugh, because the Eucharistic Prayer, Incarnation makes it Jesus once again impossible to place any becomes substantially age, culture or society present to us. He beyond the reach dwells among us in of Christ. Jesus of every tabernacle.

Nazareth isn’t just an In a certain sense, unexpected plot twist every Christian is in an ancient fable or a re-incarnation of myth, and Bethlehem Jesus Christ. He takes isn’t just a blip on flesh once again in humanity’s radar. our lives when we The Incarnation receive Him in the changes everything.

Eucharist. We become If we can manage more like Him to the to stop long enough extent that we live our to consider what we lives according to the believe and teach as Eucharistic paradigm divine revelation, we “The Adoration of the Child,” a 17th-century painting by Dutch artist Gerard van He Himself lived and Catholics may begin Honthorst on display in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. has given to us. to see how deeply In his “On the revolutionary and Incarnation,” St. radical this really is.

Athanasius wrote, If God is anything “The Son of God at all, He is mystery. became man so that Nothing reflects that we might become more powerfully – or God.” Because intimately – than the God became flesh, Incarnation. The One every aspect of our in whom “all things human lives can be live and move and consecrated. Our have their being” (Acts bodies, our intellects, 17:28) enters His own our emotions and creation in time and our wills are not only space. The God who recipients of divine is Being itself, who life, but participants spoke the universe into in God’s divine nature. being, comes to us as The Incarnation one of us. He does not did not change God, play dress-up or “put but it did change us. on” humanity like a Some, such as the medieval Franciscan theologian John costume. Instead, He “empties himself” (Phil 2:7), takes all that is essentially human into Himself, and reveals His Duns Scotus, have argued that it was part of God’s plan from the beginning – even before sin; that the point of own divine nature through ours.

Christ’s coming wasn’t only to save us, but to be one In Christ, God doesn’t give us a piece of divinity, but all with us. of Himself. “For in Him dwells the whole fullness of the Because God has skin in the game, the hope of glory deity bodily” (Col 2:9). While men and women have been seems less far away. created by God in His image, Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15).

JAYMIE STUART WOLFE is a Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor, Christ is Emmanuel, God-with-us. That did not musician, speaker, wife and mom of eight grown children, loving life in New end with His Ascension into heaven. Because of the Orleans.

Incarnation, God is with us always. Humanity and

‘Because of the Incarnation, God is with us always. Humanity and divinity are bound together, inseparably and eternally, in the person of Jesus Christ.

What makes us human doesn’t just reflect God; it is united to God forever.’

January 05, 2024 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Gretchen Crowe

Five events in 2024 to help us be better Catholics A

s we flip the calendar to 2024, I must admit the thought of the coming 12 months fill me with a certain amount of dread. Entering into another election year, with all of the related political drama, can feel anxiety-inducing, to say the least.

Thankfully, as people of faith, we know that our hope is found not in political parties or their candidates but in Jesus Christ and His Church. So, instead of dreading the first Tuesday in November and the inevitably contentious leadup, here are five events Catholics can anticipate with joy this calendar year:

THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS AND RELATED EVENTS

In the unlikely off-chance that you haven’t heard, the first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost 50 years will be held in Indianapolis in July. The event will include nationally-recognized speakers, opportunities for worship and Eucharistic Adoration, and plenty of time to deepen one’s understanding and love of the

‘Thankfully, as people of faith, we know that our hope is found not in political parties or their candidates but in Jesus Christ and His Church.’

Eucharist. The organizing committee has taken several steps to make the event more affordable for families in recent months, including adding the option of purchasing day passes. Leading up to the national event will be four pilgrimages, starting from different points in the country.

And parishes will continue planning and holding events as part of the National Eucharistic Revival’s parish year – events that Catholics should make every effort to participate in.

SYNOD ON SYNODALITY, PART 2

In October, the second part of the two-part Synod on Synodality will take place in Rome. After round one this past October, we have more of a sense of what to expect this year. We also have a synthesis document that we can continue to digest. And we have more ideas of how we might incorporate synodality in our

parish communities and in our lives in general. It’s always a good time to listen to and learn from one another, especially within the context of faith, but doing so in 2024 is particularly timely in the life of the Church.

REOPENING OF NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL IN DECEMBER

Five years ago this coming April, the world stopped in its tracks as flames devoured portions of the historic and beloved Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It was an event that brought nations together in sorrow. On Dec. 8, 2024, the world once again will come together -- but this time in joy for the cathedral’s scheduled reopening. “Never has anyone alive seen Notre Dame as we shall see it,” Father Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector-archpriest of the cathedral, told OSV News in a recent interview. It’s enough to make you want to book a flight to the City of Light to celebrate.

10 YEARS SINCE SAINTHOOD

On April 27, the Church will mark 10 years since the canonization of Sts. John Paul II and John XXIII. This milestone offers us the chance to pause and reflect on these two monumental figures of the 20th century. “They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them,” Pope Francis said at the canonization Mass.

“For them, God was more powerful; faith was more powerful – faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer of man and the Lord of history; the mercy of God, shown by those five wounds, was more powerful; and more powerful too was the closeness of Mary our Mother.” This year is the perfect time to grow in devotion to these two saints who made such an impact on the Church.

A NEW JUBILEE YEAR

Finally, the start of the 2025 ordinary jubilee year, a time of great grace for the Church, will begin Dec. 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis has asked that Catholics worldwide prepare for the jubilee year by studying the documents of the Second Vatican Council, especially its four constitutions. The pope has also asked that Catholics enter into a year of preparatory prayer in 2024. To that end, forthcoming from the Dicastery for Evangelization will be an “in-depth series” called “Notes on Prayer” that will promote “the centrality of prayer, personal and communal,” according to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect for the dicastery.

We might be facing a contentious election season this year, but we can never forget how much we have to look forward to.

May your 2024 be filled with joy.

GRETCHEN R. CROWE is the editor-in-chief of OSV News.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 05, 2024 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

NEW YEAR FROM PAGE 16

the coming year would involve intense preparation for the Holy Year 2025. Yet more than worrying about organizing logistics and events, the pope asked people to be witnesses to “ethical and spiritual quality of coexistence.”

As an example, he pointed out that people of every nationality, culture and religion come together in St. Peter’s Square, so the basilica must be welcoming to all people and provide accessible information.

The pope then praised charm of Rome’s historic center but said it must also be accessible to people with disabilities and the elderly.

Roberto Gualtieri, mayor of Rome, sat in the front of row of the basilica during the prayer service and greeted the pope at its conclusion.

Pope Francis noted that a pilgrimage “requires good preparation,” and recalled that 2024 would be dedicated to prayer before the Holy Year.

“And what better teacher could we have than our holy Mother?” the pope asked. “Let us learn from her to live every day, every

moment, every occupation with our inner gaze turned to Jesus.”

After the prayer service, the pope greeted people lined along the basilica’s central nave. Then, riding in his wheelchair, he went outside to pray in front of the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, taking his time to wave to visitors, bless children and listen to the Swiss Guard band as it played Christmas carols.

NUEVO AÑO VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

La Misa culminó con el coro y las 6.500 personas presentes en la basílica cantando el “Te Deum” (“Te alabamos, oh Dios”) en acción de gracias por las bendiciones del año pasado.

En su homilía, el Papa Francisco señaló que el próximo año supondría una intensa preparación para el Año Santo 2025. Sin embargo, más que preocuparse por organizar la logística y los eventos, el Papa pidió a la gente que fuera testigo de la “calidad ética y espiritual de la convivencia”.

Como ejemplo, señaló que en la plaza de San Pedro se reúnen personas de todas las

nacionalidades, culturas y religiones, por lo que la basílica debe ser acogedora para todos y ofrecer información accesible.

Pope Francis greets A continuación, a group of children el Papa ponderó during a meeting with el encanto del the International centro histórico Foundation of Pueri de Roma, pero Cantores in the Paul dijo que también VI Audience Hall at debe ser accesible the Vatican Dec. 30, para las personas 2023. con discapacidad y los ancianos.

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA Roberto Gualtieri, alcalde de Roma, se sentó en la primera fila de la basílica durante el servicio de oración y saludó al Papa a su conclusión.

El Papa Francisco señaló que una peregrinación “requiere una buena preparación”, y recordó que 2024 se dedicará a la oración antes del Año Santo. “¿Y qué mejor maestra que nuestra santa Madre?”, preguntó el Papa. “Aprendamos de ella a vivir cada día, cada momento, cada mirada interior dirigida a Jesús”.

Tras la oración, el Papa saludó a la gente que se alineaba a lo largo de la nave central de la basílica. Después, montado en su silla de ruedas, salió a rezar ante el Nacimiento en la Plaza de San Pedro, tomándose su tiempo para saludar a los visitantes, bendecir a los niños y escuchar a la banda de la Guardia Suiza mientras tocaba villancicos.

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