Feb. 22, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 1

February 22, 2002

February 22, 2002 Volume 11 t Number 23

Inside

S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Tribute to the first bishop of the diocese

Catechists refresh their faith at Oasis retreat

...Page 4

Participants discuss strategy for black Catholics

...Page 10

Local News “Dead Man Walking” author brings crusade to diverse gathering

...Page 3 Photo by Joann S. Keane

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, USCCB president, speaks out on clergy abuse cases

...Page 8

Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 6-7

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 8-9

Humility always radiates the greatness and glory of God. Through humility we grow in love. Humility is the beginning of sanctity.

— Mother Teresa

Msgr. Joseph Showfety, homilist for the funeral Mass of Bishop Michael J. Begley said, “He was really a man of prayer. He was focused on his work but always as the shepherd of the diocese. He wanted the diocese to go forward and initiated many programs for this purpose. Early on, he began pastoral planning for the diocese looking to include the laity more ... He formed all of the councils in the diocese and worked with the many groups giving them all the time that was needed. There was moderate growth in those days, and the aim was to open a new parish each year. I never understood how he found time for all that he did.”

Program enABLEs economic development

By Joanita M. Nellenbach Correspondent MURPHY — Todd Wood drives the pickup truck to the high pasture, stopping twice so his father, John, can get out to let down the wire barriers across the rutted dirt lane. They pull up near the site of the family’s original home place, marked now by a chimney and two stone doorsteps. About 12 head of cattle come trotting up the hill to the trough Todd fills with protein feed.

The cattle pushing for places at the trough include the five gleaming black Angus-Gelbvieh heifers Todd Wood bought with money he saved through ABLE, a program sponsored by the Charlotte Diocese’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Murphy. The heifers will help Wood build a better herd and a more promising economic future.

“See, there was no way I could

have bought good quality ones without this program,” Wood said. “I could have bought some sorry ones, but not that quality. I’m proud of them.”

The ABLE (Assets Building Long-Term Equity) Matched Savings Program, administered by the OEO, is designed for low-income people in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties who want to improve or start small businesses, buy homes, or obtain more education.

“These three areas are crucial in the overall economic development of this community,” the ABLE brochure states. “This region is being forced to make an adjustment from a traditional wage labor economy to a serviceoriented ‘9 to 5’ career track. Without some assistance through this transition period, families are left behind.”

The “adjustment” is “forced” by the fact that there is little industry in the four counties. There’s even less

since December, when VF Corp. in Andrews, in Cherokee County, closed and put more than 500 people out of work.

The OEO is trying to improve the situation. Located in the Bishop Begley Center for Economic Development, named for the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, OEO is a project of the diocese’s Catholic Social Services’ Office of Justice and Peace.

Melissa Block was OEO director when she initiated ABLE with help from Joanne Kennedy Frazer, former diocesan director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

“It’s been very popular throughout the country,” Block said of ABLE. “Joanne Frazer had read up on the concept and wanted to do it.”

ABLE started with $10,000 from the diocese and a grant from the Duke Endowment. The program received

See ABLE, page 7

2 The Catholic News & Herald about the children of God. I thank you for welcoming us as brothers and sisters.” Winner of the 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace for his efforts to overcome apartheid, Archbishop Tutu was in Salt Lake City for the early days of the 2002 Winter Olympics. He was one of eight people to carry the Olympic flag in the opening ceremonies Feb. 8. The Nobel laureate said that, when apartheid was at its worst, people in the United States lifted up the people of South Africa. “That is very much why we are a free and democratic country today — largely because you supported us,” he said. “It is very much like the rings of the Olympic flag — interlocked.

We are bound together, we are family,” the archbishop said. “Isn’t that fantastic?”

New film rekindles debate on Pope Pius XII’s role during Holocaust ROME (CNS) — The long-awaited debut of a film about the Vatican and World War II has rekindled an acrimonious debate over the role of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust. The film, titled “Amen,” opened at the Berlin Film Festival in mid-February. Directed by Constantin Costa-Gavras, the film tells the story of a Nazi officer who tries to alert the outside world to the mass killings of Jews. In this fictional account his appeal gets through to the Vatican, but the pope takes no action. Church officials strongly reject the film’s implicit allegation that Pope Pius XII remained silent or did little

Hispanics must take lead in welcoming immigrants, says Cuban bishop MIAMI (CNS) — A Cuban bishop in Miami for meetings with the Cuban exile community urged south Florida’s Hispanics to be the first to embrace the thousands of immigrants from Cuba and the other nations of Latin America. “You can’t ask the North American church, which has a different culture, to understand Hispanics if Hispanic Catholics themselves don’t do it first,” said Bishop Dionisio Garcia Ibanez.

“Catholics must help each other,” he said, “so that our brothers and sisters will find here a community that welcomes them, a church that understands them, that is open to their needs and also to their expectations. I think we, as Hispanics, have the foremost responsibility for doing this.” The head of the Diocese of Santisimo Salvador de Bayamo y Manzanillo in eastern Cuba spoke with The Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Miami Archdiocese, in between early February meetings with Cuban exile priests and laity.

Archbishop Tutu says human family is interlocked like Olympic rings SALT LAKE CITY (CNS) — Half a world from South Africa, Utah’s Episcopal community welcomed retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu to St. Mark’s Cathedral Feb. 10. “We are more than 10,000 miles away from home, but we are home,” he said. “That’s the great thing

Episcopal February 22, 2002 Volume 11 • Number 23 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

February 22, 2002

The World in

c a l e n-

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: March 9 — 10 a.m.

Keynote address Gospel of Life Conference St. Mark, Huntersville March 10 — 10 a.m.

Boy Scouts Catholic Camporee Mass Camp Ravensknob, Mount Airy 3 p.m.

Dedication of Sister L. John Meehan Center Hayesville March 12 — 6 p.m.

Grace Award Dinner Belmont Abbey College, Belmont March 16 — 9 a.m.-noon Day of spiritual renewal Pastoral Center, Charlotte

to stop the Holocaust. They say the wartime pontiff worked behind the scenes to protect thousands of Jews and save them from deportation.

Diocese names 14 priests accused of sexual abuse of minors MANCHESTER, N.H. (CNS)— Saying no priest who has sexually abused a minor can be placed in active ministry, Bishop John B. McCormack of Manchester announced Feb. 15 that he has put one parish priest on leave and has barred six retired or sick priests from all ministry because of “credible allegations” against them. The bishop also released the names of seven suspended or retired

Diocesan

plan -

briel Arthritis Support and Education Group in association with the Arthritis Foundation will be sponsoring a free seminar on osteo and rheumatoid arthritis tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 3016 Providence Rd. Drs. Ahmad Kashif and Gary Maniloff, rheumatologists, will be conducting the session. For required pre-registration and other information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431.

6 CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., will be having a meeting with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center. The Rince Na h’Eireann Irish Dancers will be performing at today’s meeting. All adults age 55 and older are welcome.

For more information about the group or bingo held every Monday night at 7:30 p.m., call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

priests who have been banned from active ministry since the time of sexual abuse allegations against them.

He said the alleged occurrences date from 1963-87, but he did not release specific dates or details. Bishop McCormack — who also chairs the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse — was the third New England bishop in two weeks to follow the lead of Boston’s Cardinal Bernard F. Law in tightening up diocesan rules against priests accused of having sexually abused minors.

Apologists headline evangelization conference for 3,500

7 GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division 1, an IrishCatholic social and charitable interparish group, will be having a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ladies’ Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. in Greensboro.

For further information, call Alice Schmidt at (336) 288-0983.

9 CHARLOTTE — The Emerald Ball is being held at the Adams Mark Hotel tonight from 8-11 p.m. Bagpipers, the Federals Irish and Blues Band, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be featured. For further information, call Lynda Dyer Hart at (704) 5426846.

9 GREENSBORO — All are invited to the Shamrock Social to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Our Lady of Grace School Gym, 2205 W. Market St., from 7:30-11:30 p.m. tonight.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be included. For more details about this opportunity for fun, fellowship and dancing, call Laurie Benko at

February 22, 2002

Around the Di-

The Catholic News & Herald 3

“Dead Man Walking” author brings crusade to diverse

By Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay Correspondent WINSTON-SALEM — Anti-death penalty advocate Sister of St. Joseph Helen Prejean spoke at Wake Forest University Feb. 12. A diverse crowd of over 300 including Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians and the Church of Christian Brethren Christians gathered from across the state to hear the Catholic nun give her personal experiences leading to a conversion of heart and living the “Sermon on the Mount.”

Born in Baton Rouge, La., Sister Helen described herself as a poor little rich kid with a lawyer for a father. She received the privilege of a good education, which “puts you on that step of the ladder above the level of poverty and the violence associated with it,” she said.

There were 10 housing developments near where she had lived, but she had never visited any of them. “It is in those areas that when a mother hears a gunshots, she immediately

runs and checks on her children,” she explained.

After joining the Sisters of St. Joseph, she lived among the poor to serve in whatever capacity God would lead her.

“Sister Helen’s openness to the poor enabled her to widen her vision of the need to be with God’s people where they are and to minister to them,” said Sister of St. Joseph Geri Rogers.

“God is very sneaky,” said Sister Helen of her anti-death penalty crusade. “My involvement came very innocently with a letter to death row inmate John Penn.”

She soon became an advocate for several death row inmates up until the moments of their respective executions.

“Jesus was a radical who treated everyone with respect. The ‘Early Church’ took the preaching of Jesus to heart because none was excluded from the community,” explained Sister Helen. “What kind of society brings healing to its people with the government killing the perpetrators of violent crimes? What the victims and their families need more is a compassionate community to help support them in their sorrow.”

With that concept in mind, Sister Helen brought victim support groups into existence in the New Orleans area.

“The death penalty is reserved for the poor who cannot afford good lawyers, and it is racist,” she said. “When white people are killed, the death penalty is always sought. Yet, when black people are killed, nothing is normally done.”

Death row inmates have similar, reoccurring nightmares. And because there are innocent people on death row, Sister Helen encouraged everyone to oppose the killing of these “beloved of God.” “Christians cannot let these children of God become dehumanized

8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., on March 5 and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the office building conference room. For more information, call: St. Matthew - Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283 and St. Gabriel - Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 217.

4 CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will be celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celebrated on April 1. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

4 CHARLOTTE — The bereavement support group will meet tonight from 6-7:30 p.m. and every first Monday in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This support group is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. For details, call Ruth Posey, CSS counselor, at (704) 370-3238.

5 CHARLOTTE — The St. Ga-

March 2 CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation will be hosting its 2002 Gala and Auction tonight from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Carmel Country Club, 4735 Carmel Rd. Parents, alumni and friends are invited to experience hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, auctions, dinner buffet, the Grand Spree trip drawing and entertainment. For advanced ticket and other information, call Jennifer Johnson at (704) 543-9118, visit the school’s development office (Room 102) or check online at www.cchsfoundation.org.

2 GREENSBORO — The St. Mary Church Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus-Council 8684 will host a prayer seminar after 9 a.m.

Mass until noon today at the parish center, 812 Duke St. Light refreshments will be served mid-morning. All women are invited to bring a friend.

For reservations, call Sadie McConnell at (336) 851-5585.

Sister Helen Prejean with Ashley Larson of the Wake Forest University Student Union. Larson is responsible for bringing Sister Helen to speak about her book “Dead Man Walking.”

Photos by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Sister Helen Prejean signed copies of her book “Dead Man Walking” and responded to questions at Wake Forest University Feb. 12.

just because they have committed violent crimes,” she added. “We need to oppose the taking of the lives of all human beings, to become the critical mass of consciousness to overcome the death penalty.”

Death row inmates aren’t the only ones suffering. Sister Helen spoke of guilt driving many executioners away from their jobs. One death row supervisor had to quit his job after witnessing five executions because he simply couldn’t take it anymore. She also noted that there are prison psychologists to counsel the guards who are just doing their job.

Many who look at Christianity to justify their pro-death stance refer to the Crusades, to the Inquisition and even to the Bible. To those people Sister Helen responds, “The Old Testament has 37 areas that promote execution.” However, when she asked if we should follow those tenets of execution for crimes such as adultery, the vast majority of people avoided the answer.

Placing the onus squarely on the listener, Sister Helen asked, “If it is us who are called to be the agents of

justice, am I able to do this?”

The truth is, “Jesus challenges us to love all people,” said Sister Helen.

“Jesus, who was put to death at the hand of the state, does not promote the death penalty to anyone as evidenced by his complete forgiveness to those who put him to death.”

The alternative, of course, is life in prison. “3,700 death row inmates will not solve the overpopulation of prison problem,” Sister Helen said.

The United States is a minority when it comes to the death penalty; even Cuba and Russia have outlawed it, said Sister Helen.

Relating the argument to the War on Terror, Sister Helen indicated that there are over 1,000 prisoners overseas who are not going to be deported to America because of our stance of the death penalty.

As Christians, we need to move away from the concept of “justice that demands death” to one of the complete mercy and compassion of Jesus. That is why, said Sister Helen, “I wrote ‘Dead Man Walking’.”

“She expressed her experience of God’s love for the victim as well as the

3 GREENSBORO — There will be an informational meeting for those interested in the LIMEX program at St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St., in the youth room of the parish hall at 3:30 p.m. Anyone interested in pursuing a master’s degree or certificate in pastoral ministry or religious education from Loyola University of New Orleans is welcomed to attend.

For further information, contact Connie Milligan at (704) 364-3344, Peg Ruble at (704) 391-0445 or Jacqueline Messick at (336) 286-0861.

3 CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will be gathering today at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Those interested in learning more about the SFO and the Franciscan way of life are invited to attend. For more information please call Skyler Mood, SFO, at (704) 545-8133.

3 CHARLOTTE — The Mount St. Mary’s College choir will be perform-

ing a concert at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, tonight at 7:30 p.m. This is the choir’s second time traveling to Charlotte under the direction of Andy Rosenfeld. For more information about the free concert of sacred choral literature, call the church office at (704) 334-2283.

3 SALISBURY — Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St., will be celebrating a charismatic and healing Mass today at 4 p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer teams will be available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner will follow the Mass. Father John Putnam, pastor, will be the celebrant.

For further information, call Bill Owens at (704) 639-9837.

4 CHARLOTTE — Churches in the Charlotte area will be having their regularly scheduled cancer support group meetings for survivors, family and friends on the following days: St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight and every first Monday at 7 p.m. in the ministry center library and St. Matthew Church,

4 The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Di-

February 22, 2002

Catechists refresh their faith at Oasis

By Joanita M. Nellenbach Correspondent LAKE JUNALUSKA — An oasis invites travelers to rest and refresh themselves from their journey. That was the idea for the Oasis Catechist Retreat 2002: “Remember Who You Are: the Water, the Word, and the Future.”

The Asheville Vicariate Leadership Team held the retreat Feb. 8 and 9. It was “an oasis experience to reflect on your ministry,” Father Francis T. Cancro, pastor of St. Eugene in Asheville, told the more than 80 catechists from the Asheville and Smoky Mountain vicariates. Father Cancro’s talks — “O Healing River,” “Deserts and Dry Land” and “Seeds of Freedom” — focused on baptism’s history, healing, and power, and its implication for catechists and their ministry.

“O Healing River” “Never do ministry because the pastor needs help,” Father Cancro said.

“You do ministry because your baptism calls you to it.”

Ritual purification didn’t begin with Christians. The Hebrews also had purification rites with flowing water as an important symbol. “For the Jews,” Father Cancro said, “purification in water was a very important symbol, so that one could be closer to fulfilling the covenant.”

Christianity adapted other traditions for its own use. “...Our (baptismal) tradition comes from Judaism and Hellenistic mystery religions. It comes from the richness of those two traditions,” Father Can-

for me,” said Karen Daley, a nurse and a catechist at St. Joan of Arc in Asheville. “We pray, and it doesn’t happen, and we say, ‘Oh, that’s not fair.’ But it’s God in his mercy that helps us deal with it, and it helps our friends deal with it.”

“Seeds of Freedom” Baptism sends the baptized on a journey, on which they are prophets calling people back to the covenant.

“Prophets don’t predict the future, they clarify the present, they clarify the truth for the community,” Father Cancro said. “We’re called to build up, not tear down. Our work is sustaining the community—that openness to seeing the presence of God in every person.”

That idea of community struck a chord with Muriel Grabel of St. Joan of Arc in Asheville. “You have to have a great deal of knowledge and love for people. You can’t be judgmental,” she said. “You have to let God take you where you need to go. It’s the idea that I don’t have to do this alone.”

Along with prophecy is the call to be in union—communion—since the sacraments are about community.

“Communion is not a private moment between you and God,” Father Cancro said. “The procession is a sign of our denominational unity, a ritual sign of community.”

And there’s the hope that the baptized carry with them.

“We celebrate Easter every year,” Father Cancro said, “not because Jesus

cro explained.

Baptism is also about conversion, which is a lifelong process. The retreatants were invited to consider three questions: Who are you? What do you want? Why do you want it?

“We are constantly called to conversion,” Father Cancro said. “As we grow, the answers to these questions change. Conversion allows us to give answers to those questions. In baptism, the water invites us to those questions.”

Laura Ganson, 12, who works with 4- and 5-year-olds at St. Eugene, took this new insight to heart. “I learned what baptism really is, that you’re not just baptized. It’s your whole life,” she said.

“Deserts and Dry Land” “Once we look at baptism, that has tremendous implications for the way we live our lives of faith,” Father Cancro said at the second session.

He illustrated the desert concept with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” Judith Viorst’s children’s story about a little boy for whom everything goes wrong, but “the love of his family ends up as a net that catches him.”

“Deserts are any place that lacks nourishment,” Father Cancro said.

“They’re part of the baptismal journey we take. We are caught in the great net of God’s heart.”

He added that two important

things compose God’s love—that we are never alone and that we are treasured.

“I think a lot of people feel that God’s love is something we earn, but God’s love is not something we earn,” he said. “It’s a free gift.”

What does it mean to be treasured? Father Cancro recalled helping his mother clean out closets at her home. She disposed of some things but kept mementos, such as cards she had received and things her children had made.

“I realized in that experience what treasure really is,” he said. “Treasure is about what is in the heart. We’re worthy because even in our worst times we remain God’s treasure. Whenever we are willing to admit that through baptism we touch the heart of God, we have to admit that we’re changed, whether we want it or not.”

In this change and in being God’s treasure, there are responsibilities, especially to prayer: private prayer, which changes the individual; and communal prayer, which changes the community.

“Prayer is not about changing God,” Father Cancro said. “Prayer opens us. It’s an exercise in trust.

Prayer is a pregnant experience, an experience of being intimately connected with God.” God, Father Cancro said, is not fair, but rather is merciful.

“That was a light-bulb moment

February 22, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Around the Di-

Sister of Christian Charity enriches Triad

tion of her mother prepared her for the religious life.

Sister Josita entered religious life as a Sister of Christian Charity 36 years ago and soon after became a junior high school teacher, a position that lasted 11 years. During this time, she received a bachelor’s degree from Marillac College in St. Louis and a master’s in theology from Villanova in Pennsylvania. She has also served and received spiritual direction at the Mercy Center in Madison, Conn.

Armed with these new credentials, Sister Josita became the director of religious education for St. Mary’s and then Holy Family Church, both in the Paterson Diocese of New Jersey.

It was on a retreat in 1984 that sister Josita first met Franciscan Father Louis Canino, who became and still is her friend and spiritual advisor. Sister Josita felt as though God was calling her into spiritual direction and retreat work. In 1996, she became involved full time in this work in her own community and in the local parishes.

While at the Franciscan Center, sister Josita helps with the bookstore and hospitality. She has given several talks on “Stress and Spirituality” and “God of Surprise” to a variety of parish groups in and around Greensboro.

Sister Josita has also assisted

Photos by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Sister Josita Marks at Mass on Ash Wednesday hands hearts with pertinent scripture verses on the back in preparation for Valentine’s Day.

Sister Josita Marks discusses Lenten activities with Bridget Johnson, coordinator of Catholic Social Services, in Greensboro.

Father Canino with two separate retreats in the area. She facilitates prayer services and in March will accompany Father Canino to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rocky Mount, Va., for a three-day mission.

The St. Francis Springs Prayer Center had been a dream of Father Canino. Sister Josita attended the new center’s groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 18, 2001. Her appointment as justice and peace director will begin once

the center is completed. As part of her commitment to the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, Sister Josita will spend one week each year on a justice and peace trip to El Salvador.

Sister Josita and the community of believers throughout the Triad are anxiously looking forward to the opening of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Sister Josita asked that the community “pray with us for the success of the center.”

By Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay Correspondent GREENSBORO — Sister of Christian Charity Josita Marks has brought her wisdom and spirituality to the Triad area.

Sister Josita has been assigned for a two-year commitment as director of the justice and peace component of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center.

While awaiting construction of the center, which has been delayed due to architecture and funding reasons, Sister Josita has joined the Franciscan Center.

“This place is like a well where people come to be energized,” said Sister Josita of the Franciscan Center. “It seems like they’ve got to keep coming back.”

Sister Josita expressed her love for being at the center. She couldn’t get over the “spirit of life” and the “living faith” of the “community of regulars,” she said.

Born in Waterbury, Conn., as a child of an army officer, Sister Josita spent her childhood moving around the United States. She attributed her “spirit of fidelity” to her father, military life and especially her mother, whom Sister Josita said followed her father without question wherever he was ordered to go. Sister Josita added that the military lifestyle and the dedica-

6 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review

Native American religion evolves with Reviewed by Wayne A. Holst Catholic News Service Traditional Native American religion did not focus on a creed or dogma. Rather, like Shinto and other Asian faiths, it was primarily a religion of ritual observance. Even today Native religion is not so much focused on individual salvation but on the life, health and continuance of community.

Native writer Robert Warrior in his 1995 book “Tribal Secrets” says, “Our struggle at the moment is to continue to survive and work toward a time when we can replace the need for being preoccupied with survival with a more responsible and peaceful way of living within communities and with the ever-changing landscape that will be our only home.”

Whatever form or expression modern Native religion takes, nonNative Christians must come to understand it in new ways. The spiritual children of the traditional missionary church are coming of age and the rest of us need to respect that.

“A Native American Theology” reflects the current maturation of Native religion and provides significant insight into forms and expressions it will assume in the future.

The stated purpose of the three Indian authors — Clara Sue Kidwell, Homer Noley and George E. “Tink” Tinker — is to create a dialogue in which Native Americans can speak as equals to Christians, resulting in “a creative, new envisioning process for Native people where they can recognize the uniqueness of their practices with regard to Christianity.” They anticipate a better understanding by non-Natives of Native practices and perceptions as well as renewed health for Indian cultures and communities.

One major benefit of this book is that Native Americans are taking responsibility for interpreting the Gospel to their own people in the context of their own cultures

February 22, 2002

Readand sets of values. A challenge inherent to the presentation is to present Native spiritual understandings in ways non-Natives may find accessible.

This systematic theology begins with creation, discusses sin, ethics, incarnation, and ends with the end time. Included also are the themes of “land” and “trickster” — two aspects of Native worldviews. Adding these uniquely Native insights challenges the traditional categories of Christian theology.

The study communicates both anger and hopefulness: anger in that the culturally oppressive relationship between non-Native and Native-American communities is never far from the surface, and hopefulness in the evidence of growing Indian self-confidence, the desire for mutual respect and a just and egalitarian future.

The book is aptly titled “A Native American Theology” because it is representative of but one stream of theological thought in the modern Indian community. It will cause discomfort in some quarters and celebration in others.

Indian Christians must balance their cultural values with their Christian doctrines. This balancing act has been necessary throughout the historical encounter with Europeans on North American soil.

There were times when it seemed that traditional ways were all but obliterated.

Those times are changing.

People of good will from both sides of the racial divide will need to become much more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their respective spiritual traditions and work to create new understanding and collaboration.

That this book has appeared at all is a milestone in ecumenical/interfaith dialogue. For that reason alone it should be taken seriously.

Word to Life

Sunday Scripture Readings: Feb. 24, 2002 Cycle A Readings: February 24, Second Sunday of Lent 1) Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 2) 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 3) Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service We had a large conference coming up that weekend at St. Andrew’s, and I had a narrow window of time to pick up a videotape we would use in its bookstore.

It was a tape of Pope John Paul II addressing members of the charismatic renewal, and it was waiting for me 35 miles away in Dallas.

I set out in our little Ford Fiesta, knowing my tires were practically treadless, but what could I do? There wasn’t time to get new ones before my trip, so I set out. Made the trip safely enough, and once back in Fort Worth I turned onto a major shopping thoroughfare. A large sign proclaimed a sale on the brand tires we’d had good luck with, so, with a literal sigh of relief, I turned into the parking lot to purchase a couple of new tires.

When I got out of the car, one of my tires was fully flat.

I suppose the probabilities of my tire remaining inflated until precisely that moment could be calculated, but I prefer another explanation that I find support for in the Scriptures for this Sunday.

The idea that God is actively involved in the world is central to a belief

in the God who is revealed in the Bible.

The Psalms reading says, in part: “The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear [respect or reverence] him, upon those who hope for his kindness.” (I was certainly hoping that those Mickey Mouse balloon tires would hold up.)

And lest I or any others benefiting from God’s intervention on their behalf should be proud, the Timothy reading has a remedy for that: “God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours but according to his own design — the grace held out to us in Christ Jesus before the world began but now made manifest through the appearance of our Savior.”

The Genesis and Matthew Scriptures speak of major events in salvation history: Abram sent out by God from his people on a mission to benefit all the peoples of the earth; Jesus transfigured, speaking with Moses and Elijah to the astonishment of Peter, James and John — acts of God, furthering his purposes in human history.

To believe that God always is going to protect us when we’re involved in working for him with our whole hearts can lead to foolish acts that result in accidents and physical harm.

But sometimes, we perceive the will of God and attempt to act on it, and all the while, underneath us, sustaining us, is the supernatural help of the hand of God. QUESTION: Can you remember times when God came to your aid?

Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of Feb. 24 - March 2 Sunday (Second Sunday of Lent), Genesis 12:1-4, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Matthew 17:1-9; Monday (Lenten Weekday), Daniel 9:4-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Genesis 37:34, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Scripture for the week of March 3 - March 9 Sunday (Third Sunday of Lent), Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42; Monday (Lenten Weekday), 2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19,; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:14-23; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Hosea 14:2-10,

February 22, 2002

Entertain-

“Return to Never

By Anne Navarro Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — Nearly 50 years after the original animated “Peter Pan” appeared on screen, Disney flies back into the theaters with “Return to Never Land.” The release of this mildly amusing sequel is well-timed, as it will have little competition at the box office from other family fare.

However, while the animation in “Return to Never Land” is up to Disney standards, the film has a straight-to-video quality that is hard to ignore. The story takes pains to pick up about where the original left off, allowing the audience to revisit the old characters and locales as new ones are introduced. But it lacks the delightful charm of similar animated films, chugging along more as a rote exercise than a creative endeavor. Nonetheless, young ones are likely to be entertained, if not exactly inspired.

Set in World War II London, the sequel finds Wendy (voiced by Kath Soucie and drawn in a very similar fashion to the star of “Beauty and the Beast”) all grown up.

She remains in London with her two young children, Jane (voiced by Harriet Owen) and baby Danny (voiced by Andrew McDonough), while husband Edward (voiced

by Roger Rees) fights the Nazis.

Jane is a sensible girl who thinks that stories about a flying boy named Peter Pan (voiced by Blayne Weaver) and his friends, the Lost Boys, are just plain silly. Then one night Jane is kidnapped by Captain Hook (voiced by Corey Burton), who mistakes her for Wendy and takes her back to Never Never Land.

The crocodile has been replaced by an octopus as Captain Hook’s other nemesis (besides Peter Pan), but it is not as interesting a character as the old croc was. And the songs are generic little tunes that are instantly forgettable.

The sequel promotes getting in touch with that inner-child imagination, which Jane somehow has lost. Only by flying can Jane return home. And in order to fly, she’ll need to believe in “faith, trust and pixie dust.”

Like most Disney films, there is a happy ending.

The film’s beginning has a few mildly

menacing moments as London is bombed by the enemy and Jane tries to make her way home.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G — general audiences.

Navarro is on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.

ABLE, from page 7

$20,000 in Duke funds in 2001 and received another $30,000 this month.

ABLE is slated for an additional $30,000 from the Duke Endowment in 2003. For home ownership, the North Carolina Department of Labor (DOL) has provided a $26,000 grant — $13,000 each from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the Federal Assets for Independence Act. OEO information states that ABLE is open to “individuals who are at or below 80 percent of the area median income.” That means $23,250 for a one-person household, on up to $43,800 for an eight-person family. OEO verifies ABLE candidates’ income using paycheck stubs or previous-year income tax returns.

A participant opens an ABLE individual matched savings account at his or her local Carolina Community Bank. “It’s a regular savings account but marked for ABLE,” said Kim Crisp, ABLE program manager.

ABLE accounts are not assessed any service fees. OEO receives copies of participants’ savings statements each month to ensure that they are saving regularly.

Individuals and families can participate in ABLE for three years and can save a maximum of $1,000 toward purchase of a “productive asset,” which ABLE defined as “something of value that is likely to return substantial long-term benefits to its owner.”

Participants must save at least $20 a month. They also attend free OEO classes to help them learn about personal finance and money management, as well as a program to prepare them to make the best use of the asset they are saving for.

“If they wanted to save over $1,000, they could,” Crisp said. “We will only match $1,000. The idea is to get them on a regular program of savings.”

After saving for six months, participants can withdraw some of their savings for emergencies or for business expenses; OEO must approve the withdrawal but doesn’t match the withdrawn funds. Participants who leave the program before they’ve

The Catholic News & Herald 7

saved the required amount get back what they’ve saved but, again, with no matching funds.

Those who stick with the program accumulate enough to purchase those assets.

When the person or family is ready, ABLE matches the savings two to one. Catholic Social Services issues the check to the asset provider, not to the ABLE participant.

“Through the economic literacy courses, we can look at their income and expenses and see ways they can save,” said Joan Furst, full-time director of the Bishop Begley Center. “Some people can’t save $5 a week, but others can. John Carswell told me he tells everyone he can about the program, and many of them think it’s too good to be true.”

Wood, 31, and John Carswell, 57, among the first to enter the program, each saved $1,000 in 10 months. Wood started ABLE in January 2001 and bought his cattle in October. “See, the sale was coming up,” he said, “and (without ABLE) I’d have had to wait another year.”

The Woods raise cattle and goats near Murphy on land that has been in their family since the 1850s. His plan is to build his herd, keeping the heifers and selling the steers.

Carswell lives in Robbinsville. A retired police officer, he and his wife started John and Priscilla’s Lawn Service last year, but the family’s total income was still below the $26,550 family-of-two minimum for ABLE participation. He started ABLE in March 2001 and completed the program in December.

To save the money he needed, Carswell said, “I just designated what I made off of one (lawn-care) job and put it in the bank.”

He owned a riding mower, and used his ABLE funds to purchase a weed eater and a “walk-behind” mower that he needed to mow small yards. He also took advantage of additional help available at the Bishop Begley Center.

ABLE partners with two nondiocesan organizations: the Mountain MicroEnterprise Fund (MMF), which concentrates on business ownership, and the Self-Help Credit Union, which educates people about home ownership.

“If people want to save money for their business, that still doesn’t ensure them success,” said Kelly Long, MMF coordinator.

“We walk you through every step of owning your own business.”

MMF offers a $50, seven-week course called Foundations, which teaches valuable business skills. The Carswells took the course. “It taught me how to keep track of my money and about taxes and things like that,” Carswell said.

“One of the things he realized was that he wasn’t charging enough,” Long said. “His wife went through the program because she wanted to learn to do the bookkeeping. They even have a cash-flow plan for next year.”

Carswell started with 12-15 customers and has added another 15. Now that he has additional equipment, he can serve even more customers. “If business increases as it did last year,” he said, “I’ll have to hire somebody.”

For more information about ABLE, call Joan Furst or Kim Crisp at (828) 835-3535 at the Office of Economic Opportunity, Bishop Begley Center for Economic Development, in Murphy.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Editorials & Col-

The Pope Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope says obedience to church teaching lets theologians serve truth

By John Norton Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II said obedience to church teaching does not limit theological work but opens theologians to authentically innovative service to the truth.

“More than a limit, church communion is in reality the place that enlivens theological reflection, supporting its audaciousness and pushing it to prophecy,” the pope said Feb. 16 to members of the Pontifical Theological Academy.

The 300-year-old academy was holding an international forum on “Dominus Iesus,” a 2000 Vatican document that reasserted the uniqueness and universality of Christ to salvation.

The pope said theology today was called to explore “the ever-new horizons of understanding of the mystery of God and man.”

“This intrinsic impulse of newness does not mean relativism or historicism but supreme concentration of the truth, whose understanding implies a path and above all a following: that of Christ — way, truth and life,” he said.

The pope said the relationship between theology and church teaching should be guided by “the principle of harmony.”

“Since both are in service to divine revelation, both rediscover new aspects and deeper (understanding) of revealed truth,” the pope said. On questions that are fundamental to the faith, the two should be guided by “unity in truth”; on other questions, legitimate divergence of opinion should be guided by “unity in charity,” he said.

Pope says Satan still at work in world dominated by evil, sin VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Before beginning a weeklong Lenten retreat, Pope John Paul II warned that Satan is still at work in a world often “dominated by evil and sin.” At a Sunday blessing Feb. 17, the pope said, “The devil, the ‘prince of this world,’ continues his deceitful action even today.

Every person, beyond his own desires and the bad example of others, is tempted by the devil — all the more when he notices it least.” The pope was commenting on the Gospel reading on the first Sunday of Lent, which described Christ’s temptation by Satan in the desert. He said the spiritual tools against evil are ancient and effective ones: prayer, the sacraments, penitence, vigilance, fasting and attentive listening to the Word of God.

February 22, 2002

Guest Column Bishop Wilton Gregory President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

USCCB president expresses ‘profound sorrow’ for clergy sex abuse WASHINGTON (CNS) — The president of the of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed “profound sorrow” for the sexual abuse of children by priests.

In a statement on behalf of the bishops Feb. 19, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill., said such abuse “is a reality against which we must be ceaselessly on guard.”

“We understand that your children are your most precious gift,” he said. “They are our children as well, and we continue to apologize to the victims and to their parents and their loved ones for this failure in our pastoral responsibilities.”

He acknowledged that there were “cases of priest abusers that were not dealt with appropriately in the past” but said the bishops have been working hard to take corrective measures and protect children.

“I am very heartened by the professionals who work with both victims and abusers who encourage us in this work because, they tell us, there is not another institution in the United States that is doing more to understand and address the horror of sexual abuse of minors,” he said.

Here is the text of a Feb. 19 statement by Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on sexual abuse of minors by priests.

In recent weeks our attention has again been turned to the issue of sexual abuse of minors by priests. Though the renewed focus on this issue is due largely to cases of priest abusers that were not dealt with appropriately in the past, it gives me the occasion as a pastor and a teacher of faith and morals to express, on behalf of all of the bishops, our profound sorrow that some of our priests were responsible for this abuse under our watch. We understand that your children are your most precious gift. They are our children as well, and we continue to apologize to the victims and to their parents and their loved ones for this failure in our pastoral responsibilities.

The attention to this issue also gives me the opportunity to renew the promise of our bishops that we will continue to take all the steps necessary to protect our youth from this kind of abuse in society and in the church. While we still have much for which we need to be forgiven — and much to learn — I am very heartened by the professionals who work with both victims and abusers who encourage us in this work because, they tell us, there is not another institution in the United States that is doing more to understand and address the horror of sexual abuse of minors.

As a church, we have met with those who are victims of sexual abuse by priests. We have heard their sorrow, confusion, anger and fear. We have tried to reach out pastorally and sensitively not only to victims of this outrageous behavior, but to their

families and the communities devastated by this crime. We have confronted priests accused of abuse and removed them from public ministry.

Over the past two decades, the bishops of the United States have worked diligently to learn all we can about sexual abuse. Our conference has encouraged the development of policies in every diocese to address this issue. Bishops have developed procedures whereby priests moving from one diocese to another must have certification of their good standing. Bishops have also revised seminary screening and have mandated in-service programs for priests, teachers, parish ministers and volunteers to emphasize their responsibility to protect the innocent and vulnerable from such abuse. Dioceses have implemented programs to ensure safe environments in parishes and schools. While we have made some tragic mistakes, we have attempted to be as honest and open about these cases as we can, especially in following the law on these matters and cooperating with civil authorities. We remain committed to seeing these initiatives implemented fully, because the church must be a place of refuge and security, not a place of denial and distress. Sadly, we are faced with the fact that evil does harm the innocent, something which human life has faced since the beginning of time. This is a reality against which we must be ceaselessly on guard.

I want to say a word about the more than 40,000 wonderful priests in our country who get up every morning to give their lives in full service to the church as witnesses to Jesus Christ in our midst. I am very saddened that the crimes of a few have cast a shadow over the grace-filled and necessary work that they do day in and day out for society and for the church. The priesthood is a unique treasure of our church, and I give you my assurance that we are doing everything to ensure that we have worthy and healthy candidates for the priesthood and to strengthen the many priests who faithfully fulfill their ministry on behalf of all of us.

While we deplore the sexual abuse of young people, especially that committed by a cleric, we are confident that the numbers of priests involved in such criminal activity are few. The damage, however, has been immeasurable. The toll this phenomenon has taken on our people and our ministry is tremendous.

This is a time for Catholic people, bishops, clergy, religious and laity, to resolve anew to work together to assure the safety of our children. These events serve to remind us all that the cost of preventing these terrible misdeeds in the future is a careful watch that cannot and will not be relaxed. We bishops intend to maintain that watch together with and on behalf of our people.

As we pursue this common work for the safety of our children and for the good of society and the church we love, let us continue to remember one another before the Lord in prayer and in charity.

February 22, 2002

Editorials & Col-

Guest Column GINA M. RHODES Guest Columnist

Would you like to learn more about making a will? Please write to me at 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203. Or call me direct at 704-3703320. I’ll be happy to send you a free informational brochure that will help guide you through this process. And while you’re at it, please let me know whether you have included (or intend to include) the church in your estate plans so I can add you as a member of the Catholic Heritage Society. The Catholic Heritage Society is Bishop Curlin’s way of recognizing those people who continue stewardship beyond their living years.

of the world and in cultures who have never even heard of God as we know him or of Jesus Christ.

Is explicit, conscious, formal knowledge of Christ and faith in him necessary for salvation? Or may that faith be somehow implicit, hidden in the pursuit of goodness and holiness manifested in lives of “unbelievers”?

In other words, can people be saved who faithfully try to live good lives but who honestly, for whatever reason, never have seen the embrace of Christ or the church as a personal religious obligation?

The church’s answer is yes; and we believe they are saved by Jesus Christ through the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit.

This Catholic position can be found in many places.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, for example, quoting the Vatican II Constitution on the Church, says, “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart and, moved by his grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience — those too may achieve eternal salvation” (No. 847).

No one has been more insistent and consistent on this theme than Pope John Paul II. He writes in his book “Crossing the Threshold of Hope”: “God the creator wants to save all humankind in Jesus Christ.” He redeemed them all “and has his own ways of reaching them” (pp. 80-83).

In one of his general audiences he said, “Normally it will be in the sincere practice of what is good in their own religious traditions and by following the dictates of their own conscience that the members of other religions respond positively to God’s invitation and receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even if they do not recognize or acknowledge him as their savior” (Sept. 9, 1998).

Countless other Catholic documents and teachings say the same, but you get the idea. No one is saved apart from the grace of Christ. But his saving desire and plan is not as narrow and exclusive as many of us think.

Five reasons to die without a will There must be powerful reasons to avoid having a will because so many people die without one. In case you happen to be one of the seven out of 10 who will depart without a will, here are five reasons to buttress your position. You can use these to help you sleep tonight.

1. The court can do a better job deciding how to disburse your assets than you can.

2. The court can choose a better personal representative to handle your estate during probate than you can.

3. The court can choose a more caring guardian for your minor children than you can.

4. The government will use your estate tax dollars more efficiently than your favorite charity would use a charitable bequest.

5. Your grieving loved ones will be better off looking after your affairs without your will. Powerful reasons? Hardly. Nonetheless, people unwittingly affirm these reasons year after year as they continue to put off the minor inconvenience of making a will.

Here at the Diocese of Charlotte, we urge you to take action now. Your family will appreciate it.

The charities you support will appreciate it. And you will appreciate the peace of mind you get from fulfilling one of your most important stewardship responsibilities.

Like many people, you may be uneasy about going to an attorney. Yet, an attorney who specializes in estate planning knows the right questions to ask and the best ways to help you accomplish your goals.

These professionals are well-trained and normally well worth the time and expense they require.

Caring for the disposition of your assets is too important to delay. It’s important for you, for your loved ones and for charities you choose to support like your parish, the Diocese, the Foundation, catholic school or agency.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist

Is there salvation for those who do not believe in Jesus?

Q. This is about your column some weeks ago concerning the spiritual condition of the Sept. 11 terrorists, and the possibility that they may be saved and go to heaven.

I must not understand correctly many verses in the Scripture that say anyone who does not believe in Jesus Christ as savior will be condemned. John (3:36) says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”

Please tell me where, in your opinion, I’m wrong in my interpretation. (Maryland) A. First of all, the response I gave was not simply my opinion. From the references and quotes I offered, including from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is clear that what I said about the possibility of salvation, even for people who do not explicitly believe in Jesus Christ, is the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Scripture makes absolutely clear that Jesus is the one and only savior of the world. All efforts by human beings anywhere, anytime, to do good and avoid evil, to reverence and serve the supreme Lord of the world under whatever name God may be known, are the work and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and are made possible through the redemptive merits of Jesus Christ.

This is and always has been Catholic doctrine; it has never changed. What has changed over the past several hundred years is the church’s understanding of how that grace of salvation comes to individuals, especially in parts

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Guest FATHER JOSEPH LONG DINH Guest Columnist

For the sake of God’s kingdom As Christians, we are convinced that religious freedom is absolutely a basic and spiritual need for people and society. We always pray for all people to be truly free to choose and exercise their faith. It is unfortunate for the Vietnamese people that what is happening in this country increasingly proves that religious freedom and human rights are trembled on by the Vietnamese Communist Government.

Religion, indeed, is at risk of being used as an instrument by the government and enslaved by it to the point of dying away in the end.

At present: -The Vietnamese Communist Government still keeps strict control on church life: appointment of bishops, selection of priesthood candidates, assigning of pastoral positions, opening of religious houses for religious orders, contact with other churches.

-Father Nguyen Van Ly, a non-violent priest struggling for religious freedom and human rights in Vietnam, has sent testimony to the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to denounce the policy of religious repression and of systematic religious extermination waged by the Hanoi government. In retaliation, the Vietnamese government sentenced Father Ly to 13 years imprisonment and five years under house arrest.

-Venerable Thich Quang Do, deputy head of the banned Unified Buddhist Church and Le Quang Liem, leader of the banned Hoa Hao Buddhist Church were detained by the Vietnamese government.

-The Vietnamese government used closed trial to impose harsh prison terms on 14 members of the ethnic minority Montagnards from the Central Highlands of Vietnam because of their protest against ethnic discrimination and religious persecution.

This fall, by a vote of 410 to 1, the House passed the Vietnam Human Rights Act, HR2833. This legislation recognized the plights of Father Ly and other religious leaders who have been repeatedly harassed and detained by the Vietnamese government. The Vietnam Human Rights Act called upon the Vietnamese to honor its international commitments in respecting human rights, including its obligations as a signatory to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. This bill, however, is still pending in the Senate.

For the sake of 80 million oppressed Vietnamese, we ask you to be inventive, persuasive and persistent in pushing this important legislation to be enacted. For the sake of God’s kingdom, we ask you to pray for our brothers and sisters in Vietnam and to sign a petition supporting this legislation or by writing directly to a U.S. senator.

We are grateful for your efforts to work for the kingdom of God. May God bless you and your loved ones always.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

February 22, 2002

Around the Di-

Participants develop strategy for black

Youth and young adults: - Implementation of Web page for Black Catholic youth and young adults linked to diocesan, NBCC and parish Web pages with content from black youth and young adults, maintainance from each parish and funding from Diocesan Support Appeal - Development of NBCC-sponsored, annual national youth and young adult conference with representative from each parish - Every diocesan priest, particularly those assigned to black parishes, should rotate through the Xavier University National Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans using diocesan funds Parish life: - By 2003, every bishop will mandate that every parish will develop a plan, includ-

ing African-American culture, and budget for education and leadership training with progress monitored by NBCC - By 2006, parishes will provide training for African-American catechists and catechetical leaders with extension of RCIA process to new and old parishioners to develop ongoing personal contacts * Racism: - Development of a curriculum in ethnic diversity training for seminarians - Ethnic diversity programs for existing priests monitored by local and diocesan officials - Petition Pope John Paul II for an African-American cardinal Catholic education: - Creation of permanent Black Catholic Education Commission composed of religious and laity whose first goal is to develop a survey on Catholic school educa-

ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Caregiver: Seeking dependable caregiver to assist elderly with non-medical care in their homes. Parttime and full-time. Top hourly fees. VISITING ANGELS (704) 442-8881.

Director of Faith Formation: Growing parish of 1,200 families seeks enthusiastic and knowledgeable Catholic as full time Faith Formation Director. Minimum of B. A. in related field of study and Parish/Faith Formation experience.

Position requires strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Pre-K through 5th Grade Faith Formation, R.C.I.A., and Adult Education. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Start July 1, 2002. Send resume, salary expectations, and three (3) references to: DFF Search, Attn: Wally Haarsgaard, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 605 Barbee Ave., High Point, NC, 27262. Visit our website at www.ihmchurch.org.

Director of Religious Education: Full-time position available July 1. To inquire, contact Parish Administrator, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 2402 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC 27330.

Elementary Principal: The Archdiocese of Atlanta anticipates openings for the position of elementary school principal effective July 1, 2002.

Qualified candidates may send a letter of interest and current resume to: Superintendent of Schools, 680 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Sales Position: Church Goods and Religious Supply Company looking for representative to

establish contacts with Parishes in the N.C area.

Fax Resume: 212-813-2160 Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, located in Fairburn, Georgia, is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the 2002-2003 school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment and well as competitive salary and benefits.

Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to: John Cobis, Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, GA 30213.

Vice President, Mission: St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines, NC, is seeking a Vice President, Mission. We provide Long Term Care, Home Health Care and Hospice Care. The position has oversight for Mission, Pastoral Care and Ethics.

Please send resume to Mr. Russell Pait, Human Resources, St. Joseph of the Pines, 590 Central Drive, Southern Pines, NC 28387 or e-mail to hr@sjp.org.

Work from Home: Earn Good PT/FT income!

Fast moving multi-national industry looking for people to train at home.

Changeyourfuture4ever.com (888)207-9771 FOR SALE Cemetery Plots: 3 in prime section 12A at Forsyth Memorial, Winston-Salem. Value $6,600, special asking price of $3,300 for all 3. (704)3756237.

Classified ads bring results! Over 116,000 readers!

Over 48,000 homes!

Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: Call for information, (704) 370-3332.

tion to be distributed to black communities throughout U.S. - This same commission will provide funding sources to assist black families with Catholic education - Enrollment of black Americans in Catholic schools to increase by 30 percent through the building of new schools and increase of recruitment of black students, faculty and campus ministers Africa: - Development of commission to promote health care and education with U.S. bishops assuming responsibility - Development of strategies after commission has been set up to make recommendations with bishops for diocesan financial support - Implementation stage will involve local bishops and individual parishes Social Justice: - The NBCC will form a national committee, including religious and lay persons, to evaluate existing programs as they relate to social injustices in the church - Committee will ensure that information is distributed from national level to local parishes with emphasis on individuals

- A national report on social, economic and political injustices as they apply to black Catholics in the U.S. HIV/AIDS - Faith-based family values and moral information with bishops with support groups, role-playing and fund raising - Increase number of missionaries in Africa with programs that address issue; getting people to change lifestyle or behavior modification - Global message in encouraging people to be more responsible, one which involves the family and the community with increase of research funds Spirituality - The U.S. Council of Bishops (USCCB) will develop a curriculum of study to educate Catholics on black spirituality and ancestors in the faith by September 2003 including information of the start of the church in Alexandria, Egypt, the African eucharistic prayer, the presence of black saints and popes - Training and workshops for catechists and catechetical leaders for implementation of NBCC curriculum - NBCC will publish an anthology of

See NBCC, next page

February 22, 2002

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Around the Di-

NBCC, from previous page

By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — People from all parts of the diocese, including the Piedmont-Triad and Asheville areas, gathered at Our Lady of Consolation Church (OLC) on Feb. 16 to discuss and develop recommendations for the National Black Catholic Congress’ (NBCC) Pastoral Plan of Action.

In preparation for Congress IX, to be held in Chicago Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the NBCC asked diocesan officials, clergy, women religious and lay persons from dioceses around the country to come together for a day of reflection. This gathering combined the celebrations of the Annual Diocesan Memorial Celebration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month for the first time in the diocese.

Over 50 participants, divided into eight groups, collaborated on priority areas of concern identified by the NBCC including spirituality, parish life, youth and young adults, Catholic education, social justice, racism, Africa and HIV/AIDS. They were asked to develop action plans based on short-, mid- and longrange goals that can be reached within one year, three years and five years.

The eight areas of discussion were taken from the NBCC Declaration of Principles, which will work in conjunction with the Pastoral Plan through implementation and action steps, said Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor and vicar for African American Affairs.

his session. “We believe that education should begin in the home, and that one thing many people need to do is to come back to church to re-open Jesus in their lives,” said McGhee. “We talked about what we can do to better educate people in an effort to control and get this horrible disease out of our lives.”

The individual groups presented their summaries and action plans to the large group. Their findings are based on supplemental information from the NBCC and what they felt were areas that needed to be highlighted, broken down into short-, mid- and long-range goals with subgroups: Photo by Alesha M. Price

Attendees listen intently at the NBCC Day of Reflection at Our Lady of Consolation Church Feb. 16. Over 50 people gathered for the day of sessions.

“The Declaration of Principles is a set of eight statements that Congress feels sums up what most black Catholics feel to be the greatest need in their relationship to the church and the community of faith,” said Rev. Mr. Todd in a letter of invitation to parishioners who had previously attended events sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry.

The NBCC, headquartered in Baltimore, is an organization promoting the evangelization and ministerial and spiritual development of AfricanAmerican Catholics around the country. Since the first Congress held in 1889 in Washington, D.C., the fuel of the organization has been steeped in the remembrance and embrace of

African-American history and culture while preserving the tradition of Catholicism. Promotion of this idea of solidarity and oneness sparked the recent development of the NBCC Declaration and Pastoral Plan. This year, Congress IX will focus on the two documents.

With facilitators from various parishes around the diocese, the attendants discussed their particular issue and created the action plans to be combined with the input from similar gatherings in other dioceses to be presented at Congress IX. Dr. James McGhee, a family practitioner in Charlotte from OLC, discussed the importance of educating the community about HIV/AIDS in

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

Living the

Deacon turns obstacles and roadblocks into

By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — Mark Nash did not expect to meet his wife at the first faculty meeting he attended at the May Sands Exceptional Student Center for Exceptional Children in Florida, but it was a fulfillment of one aspect of his destiny.

Heidi, also a teacher at the special education school, was also not prepared to meet him, but she knew he was the one at first sight. “He walked into the faculty meeting, and I thought he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. We became friends and eventually started dating. We were engaged two months after we began dating and married in 1985 in Orlando, Fla.,” said Mrs. Nash.

She was not raised Catholic but agreed to raise their children Catholic and converted to her husband’s childhood faith. Her RCIA experience, which led to her entering the church in 1986, was positive and reinforced her decision to become Catholic.

“I had not been part of a formal religion and had preconceived notions of Catholi-

cism,” she said. “As I went through RCIA, I believed the things I was hearing, and it fit right into my lifestyle.”

Rev. Mr. Nash, a cradle Catholic from Ormond Beach, Fla., had wanted to continue to live guided by the faith tradition of his youth. Although he was not raised in what he calls a “Catholic household,” he attended Mass with friends. Nash benefited from 12 years of Catholic school and becoming the youngest altar server in his church at the age of eight after learning the required Latin prayers. He became the only youth lector when he was a high school sophomore.

“My mother was a great supporter of Catholic education, and I enjoyed Catholic school,” said Rev. Mr. Nash.

His dedication to his faith continued after high school graduation in 1978 and during his two years of service as a hospital corpsman in the Navy. His work in cancer wards exposed him to death on a regular basis and kept his Mass attendance and visits with clergymen occurring at a steady pace.

February 22, 2002

in an instant” that applying to the diacon“After a while, it (working in cancer ate was what he was being called to do. wards) wears on you, especially when you He had become involved in his parish as a are 18 or 19. I didn’t completely understand eucharistic minister and with his son’s and all of it,” he remembered. “But, my faith daughter’s educations, and his wife had been life was quite strong. When I needed to, I teaching and leading vacation bible school. would call a priest friend of mine or go to see In their minds, it was time for the next step. the Navy chaplain.”

“It was our decision (to become inHe worked his way through college at volved with the permanent diaconate) the University of South Florida at Tampa because it affected all of us,” said Rev. Mr. and earned his special education degree in Nash. “The agreement was if she decided 1984. His interest in special education had that this was not for us, I would stop.” developed from what he witnessed during “While the journey was not easy for eihis time in the service. “I thought of it as a ther of us,” said Mrs. Nash. way I could help people,” “Our children encouraged he said. “College was a us to continue. It was a means to an end so I could spiritual journey for all of get a job.” us.”

After finding a job After relocating and and meeting his wife, the settling in at St. Thomas couple relocated to Mrs. Aquinas Church, he was Nash’s birthplace, Dallas, ordained in 2001. The Texas, for a fresh start. move to North Carolina “We realized that Key was not easy at times, but West was a great place he says that through the to visit but not a place to support of Father Ignatius raise children, and it was a Zampino, pastor, the other chance for Heidi to reconpriests and the parish famnect with family,” he said. ily, his time in Charlotte Unable to find a teachhas been rewarding. Being position because of the ing downsized from First sagging economy, Nash Rev. Mr. Mark Nash Union could have led Rev. found himself selling pool Mr. Nash to depression, cleaners and working as a but it has been a blessing for the now fulldelivery driver until he found work in the time pastoral associate at St. Thomas and banking industry. full-time deacon.

While Mrs. Nash worked as a special “Deacons are called to serve and not education teacher, Nash worked as a viceto be served. Being the youngest deacon president in capital management in the in the diocese, I am still experiencing a corporate trust area in Dallas. He accepted lot of things that the other deacons have a job as a vice president for compliance for already experienced. I look forward to the First Union and relocated to Charlotte in changes that the diaconate will bring to 1998. He also continued with the diaconate my life,” he said. “It is very humbling to program that he had begun in Dallas. me in that I am called to serve God and Many months earlier, he had read an his community.” article about the diaconate in the diocesan newspaper in Dallas. He said that he “knew

2

Special

The Catholic News & Herald

to

February 22,

2002

TRIBUTE

— Funeral Mass for The Most Reverend Michael Begley

Homily

Most Reverend Archbishop and

my

with the dedication of the

Good

Shepherd.

have you do, not under constraint and not

was always amazing how people in the parishes of the diocese related to him and respected him. His appointment by Pope Paul VI was an excellent one, and to me, a surprising one considering his age at the time. How the Holy Spirit works!

He was a bridge who brought unity to his priests and much happiness to his new diocese and its people. It was a new

for shameful profit either, but generously."

beginning for a

inspired words apply so very well to Michael Joseph Begley, first bishop of Charlotte and priest of the diocese of Raleigh for almost 38 years. Now as we gather to express our farewell, we honor a good man, a holy priest, and a most generous bishop. We admire him for his more than 67 years of priesthood. I want to

with respect for the diocese of Raleigh and

brother priests, deacons, sisters, members of the laity, and family of Bishop Begley, Bishops,

In today's second reading from Peter's first letter,

we read: "God's flock is in

your midst. Give

Watch over

a shepherd's care.

it

God would

willingly as

it

St.

Those

give a

insight into the

little

man whom

so

many

of us admired and loved. It will include a little humor, for Bishop Begley

humor

enjoyed himself and used

hance his

to en-

after the

ment of the Diocese of Charlotte and

his

selection as the first bishop, he called

me.

week

Earlier in the

Our Lady of Grace ing to offer

I

in

had twice called Greensboro seek-

my congratulations. On

occasions he

was out of the

could not contact him.

rectory,

With

both

and

his call,

I

we

exchanged pleasantries, and then he mentioned that he wanted me to be his chancellor. When I mentioned that I wanted to build a church in Hendersonville, his answer was direct: "The church will be built but not by you!

I want you in Charlotte!" Then I was told to begin the process of setting up the diocese in conjunction with the chancellor of Raleigh, Monsignor Louis Morton.

Thus began almost eight years for me to work in close collaboration with a priest

whom

I

deeply admired and respected.

Regardless of his assignments

—

su-

perintendent of the Catholic orphanage, pastor of several parishes in the diocese of

and cared

for his flock

W

N E

S

& H E R A L D

11

Number

•

Most Reverend William G. Curlin S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Beason

P.O.

Mail:

St.,

Charlotte,

Box 37267,

Charlotte,

NC 28203 NC 28237

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, by the

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Church

relaxed and happy home. He, Father Jo-

seph Tobin, a Benedictine lived together.

Mary

USPC 007-393,

is

published

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and

couple of years

I

later,

Aquinas

Box 37267,

downstairs to his secretary, Aloha Torrents (at that time, Linhares) for the work. Aloha had been his part-time secretary in Charlotte while he

was

director

of Raleigh Catholic Social Services. She remained throughout his tenure and still works in our chancery.

my

During

years as chancellor,

I

along with the other priests of Raleigh, underwent. After all, in 1924 there were only 6,500 Catholics in the entire state; in 1945, there were only 13,000. do not have the figures for 1934, but the numbers given are some indication. The piohe,

neers had great

but their

difficulties,

work

rectory.

down

but they kept coming up!

was soon

riddle

solved! Sister

had

His residence was not bought until late January, and it took several months to restore the house.

St. Patrick's rectory.

In the meantime, the

new

diocese of

Charlotte worked out of two rooms in the rectory.

The house

that

was

to be-

come our in late

first chancery was also bought January and had to be remodeled.

No complaints, just the necessary adjustment

that

was needed.

dictate correspondence,

he needed to he would come

If

Begley would always laugh. Neither Little Mike nor I ever made a cursillo but there was never any pressure to make us do so.

He

much enjoyed

so

to the priesthood.

men

ordaining

remember,

I

especially,

—

his joy!

We

was a close family, a happy one. Monsignor Michael O'Keefe joined us in 1975 for a year or so. How many times would

—

for cursillistas

— and Bishop

appointment of four priests as Reverend Monsignori in 1976. He never knew that, through a mistake, I had known of the appointments hours before he announced them! I did not have the heart to dampen

work. His early priest-

at his

hood had tempered him for he mentioned on several occasions the difficulties that

administer the sacrament of confimation

residence was filled with warmth and friendship. On some occasions, the laugh would be on him and he joined us in laughing at himself.

Those of you who knew him knew that he was not overly concerned about externals. This incident shows how he reacted to a humorous situation. He always attended the yearly bishops' meeting in Washington. One year he had just returned and was talking with Sister Aquinas and Father Tobin in the kitchen. I arrived home from the chancery and immediately noticed him standing by the refrigerator with trousers that were very short, several inches above his ankles. I mentioned this to him and he responded that he had noticed this in Washington. He would pull his

name

Scouts"

many hours

throughout the bishop's stay as ordinary and administrator of the diocese. With Sister Aquinas, the house changed as we were sp»iled by her cooking and care. It

The

a

two other occasions of happiness and joy for him the appointment of the then Father Joseph Howze, pastor of St. Lawrence Church in Asheville, as auxiliary bishop of Jackson, Miss., and the

and

Bishop Begley speak about his love for desserts saying that he ate only so that he could have dessert!

Mike had

Little

— "Spanish Boy

never heard a word of complaint from him, just the adjustments that were necessary for the living out his appointment as shepherd of the diocese. What a joy it was to work with him and to see him spend so

Makin, a Franciscan sister from Tiffin, Ohio, came as our housekeeper and remained

at Charlotte

address corrections to The Catholic

News &

A

monk

bishop of Charlotte was his bedroom in

44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St.,

began

continues today reflecting his

still

—

Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher

1123 South Church

served for

spirit that

sent two identical suits to the dry cleaner with the cleaners placing the wrong trousers with his coat. The bishop ended up wearing Monsignor O'Keefe's trousers and O'Keefe was several inches shorter! We had a good laugh as he did too; a man at peace could laugh at himself and enjoy it!

Bishop Begley was a simple and humble man, and these words are spoken in the best sense. His first office as

23

Joann

Secretary: Sherill

The

spirit and that of his two successors, Archbishop Donoghue and Bishop Curlin. "Watch over God's flock willingly as God would have you do."

As I look back his residence was a

The

Publisher: Editor:

then

diocese but always

whom he had

almost 38 years.

trousers

2002

February 22,

Volume

—

he loved and served them

Raleigh, bishop of Charlotte

new

the three bishops

Sister

life.

December 1971, just three days announcement of the establish-

In

It

foundation that

sacrifices laid the

both dioceses

He

build on.

still

traveled the diocese each year to

in the different parishes.

On

one occasion,

we had

the eve of the Ascension,

dinner

with the parish council members in the

We

arrived back in Charlotte

I became very sick during the night; the next day he followed with both of us ending up in Mercy Hos-

about

that night.

1 1

Jokingly, the pastor attempted to

pital.

poison us

— we both had

severe cases of

food poisoning, necessitating hospitaliza-

seven days for him and six days for

tion,

me. Don't eat Polish sausage and drink well water!

He was

really a

man

strength from his divine

Mass,

his rosary

in a rectory

of prayer.

With

office, his daily

and devotion to the

In

initiated

many programs

for this purpose.

Early on, he began pastoral planning for the diocese looking to involve the laity

more

as also pointing to the future.

He

formed all of the councils in the diocese and worked with the many groups giv-

was needed.

There was moderate growth in those days, and the aim was to open a new ing them

the time that

all

parish each year. In addition, several parishes built additional buildings to their needs.

I

found time for

As

never understood all

meet

how he

that he did.

a priest of the diocese of Raleigh,

he was tapped by Bishop Vincent Waters to head the Cursillo movement in the diocese. With gusto he embraced this appointment, and that movement continues to this day in both dioceses.

When enough laity had been trained, he took a different role he became a member of the kitchen crew, leaving the presentations to the trained laity. His closeness to the cursillistas continued during his years.

Bishop Waters gave names to him and Monsignor O'Keefe years before the diocese of Charlotte was established Big Mike and Little Mike. Those names stuck with them for years. Little Mike was never one to mince his words, yet they were very close friends. Big Mike had become Little Mike's mentor.

—

—

1984, Bishop Begley

when

Archbishop Donoghue was ordained as the second bishop of Charlotte. Over the next 17 years, he lived in Charlotte and Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point.

He learned to love Maryfield as he realized that the move had been the proper one for him. He received good care from all and do I dare say that he was spoiled by his caretakers! After a while, he began to tell me that the move had been the right one, and he was very happy there.

For the past few years, he had a difficult time as he was unable to walk. And then came serious sickness which necessitated hospital stays. In the hospital, on one visit there, with his door closed and being bathed by two aides, I could hear him clearly almost ordering the aides to do certain things. I heard him say, "But remember, I am a bishop!" The soul of this good man was at peace although his body was suffering much.

Blessed Sacrament, he worked hard and

long hours. He was focused on his work but always as the Shepherd of the diocese.

He wanted the diocese to go forward and

December

retired as bishop of Charlotte

ing

As I look back, member of that

was a joy for me

I

am

to have been a

treasure the years of

home

the only surviv-

original household. It

work

member.

in the

I

chan-

and the close associaand the others.

As we bid a farewell to him, there is joy and happiness that he fought the good fight and won the battle. A good priest, a cery, the

life

tion with Bishop Begley

good bishop,

a

good

friend has left this

— and many have been

life

enriched by his

How

friendship and company.

very

his years contributing so

he spent

much

to

up of the kingdom of God on earth by his priesthood and episcopacy.

He left his mark on the diocese of Charlotte and will never be forgotten. His the building

rightful place in the history of this diocese

more than assured. May he now be enjoying the happiness and fulftllment that he worked so hard for here on earth. is

One

last

comment. As

I

visited

him

he was heavily sedated and in a deep sleep. I had visited just two days before, but during my Friday Mass I last Friday,

was so serious might not see him again. Thus,

realized that his condition

that

I

back to Maryfield

I

went.

I

recited the

prayers for the dying and just spent very quiet time rubbing and holding his hand.

May he always be close to God whom he loved and served so faithfully in this

life.

today

My

are:

last

words

last

Friday and

"Good-bye, Parmer!"

Monsignor Joseph February 15, 2002

S.

Showfety

February 22,

2002

Special to The Catholic

MOST

WILLIAM

G.

By

REV.

—

CURLIN

CHARLOTTE Bishop Michael J. Begley, a bridge between the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, died Feb. 9 in

virtues.

When he began his ministry as a young, newly ordained priest in 1934, Bishop Begley faced many challenges in a state where Catholics were few in number. He knew that there is no short cut to holiness or success in priestly minis-

both require a lifetime of loving God in the Bishop Begley spent

service of one's neighbors. his life

doing this! chosen

When

in

draw upon years of rich experience as a hard working parish priest, as a caring and devoted champion of the poor and victims of injustice, and as the director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh. He used his many talents and priestly zeal in establishing parishes, schools and ministries of service throughout Western North Carolina.

He will long be remembered for his able to

dedication to Catholic education.

He opened

heart and the heart of our diocese in the children and families of

Leaders

in the

many

welcome

his

to

nations and

ecumenical community

honored him as a "brother in Christ." He was in truth "The Father of the Diocese of Charlotte."

I recall with special sentiment my first meeting with Bishop Begley on the eve of the public announcement of my appointment as the third bishop of Charlotte. He recognized my concern in facing the responsibilities that lay before me.

"Don't worry, Bishop. I'll be here to help you."

His kindness and encouragement never wavered.

They were special gifts from God. During the final days of his life, Bishop Begley spoke of his life as "a journey to heaven." He asked for prayers to complete his journey. His journey is now ended. Let us pray that wherever there is nobility of character, wherever there is a gentleness of spirit, wherever there are those things that make for goodness and light, there may Bishop Begley find his home with God.

He was

Point.

the

first

92.

bishop of Charlotte, and bishop

emeritus of the western North Carolina diocese. In Raleigh,

he was a longtime

priest, filling

many

roles: pastor,

super-

intendent of the Nazareth Orphanage in Raleigh, and director of the statewide

Family Life Bureau and Catholic

Social Services.

'The Diocese of Charlotte was truly blessed with this good and holy man of God," said Bishop William G. Curlin. "All who knew him can testify to his deep love for Christ and his zealous dedication to his priestly ministry. Humility and simplicity of life were among his cardinal virtues."

Among the Mass

funeral

in

bishops

who

celebrated Bishop Begley's

Charlotte Feb. 15 was Raleigh Bishop

Gossman. "He was a man of God who was who didn't get caught up in the intricaof things," he said. "In the best terms, he was a

F. Joseph

down cies

1971 by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, to serve as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Begley was

cultures.

High

He was

Bishop Begley was privileged to know Bishop Begley

only during the "twilight years" of his life. Yet, during those few years, I found Bishop Begley to be among the kindest people I have ever known.

The Diocese of Charlotte was truly blessed with this good and holy man of God. Charity, humility and simplicity of life were among his cardinal

try;

JOANN S. KEANE JOHN STRANGE

and

Bishop of Charlotte

I

3

Founding Bishop Michael J. Begley laid to rest

In Tribute The

News & Herald

to earth,

simple

man

of the Gospel."

Appointed by Pope Paul VI as the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1971, Bishop Begley was ordained bishop of the 46-county diocese on Jan. 12, 1 972. He served the diocese until his retirement on May 29,

1984.

During

his tenure as bishop, he was a leader in the ecumenical movement in North Carolina and his efforts earned praise from leaders of many denominations.

"What a warm and caring person he was, and community affairs," said retired Methodist

active in

Bishop L. Bevel Jones. "He was respected and admired by all denominations. All of my predecessors loved and respected him tremendously."

The spiritual leader of the Charlotte diocese, then considered missionary territory, Bishop Begley quickly earned a widespread reputation as a kind-hearted champion of the poor, a zealous preacher of the Scriptures, an enthusiastic bridge-builder in the ecumenical Community, and a humble administrator who counted on the blessings and contributions of many.

Among his legacies to the Diocese of Charlotte was his openness in allowing the diocese to grow in many

However, foremost

—

for eight years.

John

now

former resident of the orphanage, and living in Garner, credits the bishop

Fields, a

retired

with his college education.

Fields said that he was one of three in the

orphanage's 1953 graduating class; then-Father Begley gave the commencement speech. Fields recalls that he spoke with the priest briefly after the graduation, and Father Begley told Fields something he would never forget.

"He said, 'I bet you do not finish your education,'" Fields said.

different directions.

cerns

Wrightsville Beach, Immaculate Conception in Carolina Beach, and St. Leo in Winston-Salem. He was founding pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

In 1947 he was named as superintendent of the diocese's Catholic Orphanage, and he stayed there

to the bishop

were

social

especially the condition of the poor.

As

con-

chair-

person of the Commission on Religion in Appalachia, he

For a while, it appeared that the priest had spoken true. Fields was drafted into the Korean War, and served the country for two years. But when he

26 bishops from 13 states in issuing a joint pastoral on the state of the powerless in the mountain region. "This Land Is Home To Me," attracted national attention for its forthright approach to the problems of the people in the economically depressed

was discharged, Fields still remembered the comment, and thought he would prove the priest wrong.

He went to Eastern Carolina University and

area.

thanked him for making that statement. "He glad you took it in the way I intended.'

led

letter

"He was

man who

truly put he always acted on his principles," said Elizabeth Thurbee, executive director of the Diocese of Charlotte's Catholic Social just a really special

everyone to

his heart out for

see;

Services.

"With his being the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte at a time when Catholics were perhaps still looked at a little strangely by the strong Protestant coalition here, he

was needed

was exactly the kind of person who Church to take its

to allow the Catholic

and to begin to grow positively and have it be perceived in a very positive light by other denominaplace,

tions,"

Thurbee

said.

"Bishop Begley provided great comfort and encouragement to many people across the Diocese of Charlotte throughout the years," said Bishop Curlin.

"His leadership and kindness are to be treasured."

He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh

May

26, 1934.

His priestly career in the Raleigh carried him throughout the state. His first assignment was to the east as assistant pastor at St. Mary in Wilmington.

Next he was sent west to St. Edward in High Point, again as assistant pastor.

He

served

as

pastor

at

St.

Therese

in

received a degree in business administration. After his graduation he

and Father Begley spoke.

"I

said,

Tm

I

give him credit for steering

"My

heart and

me

straight," Fields

my

blood are at Nazareth."

Fields worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 31 years, retiring in 1988.

Bishop Begley was also director of the Family Life Bureau and Catholic Social Services, and was serving the Diocese of Raleigh as pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro when he was named the bishop of the new Diocese of Charlotte in 1971.

"When he was named bishop it pleased all the priests of the diocese," said Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis, vicar general of the Diocese of Raleigh. "Universally, it was a said.

happy

choice."

Because the orphanage also served as an assembly

grounds for the Diocese of Raleigh, Msgr. Lewis said, "All the priests of the diocese knew him. He was a mentor to young priests, and he was a distinguished priest of the diocese."

Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling (704) 370-3336

or e-mail jskeane@charhttediocese.org

NC

John Strange is editor of the newspaper of the Diocese of Raleigh.

Catholic, diocesan

4 Special

The Catholic News & Herald

to

February 22,

2002

Remembering Charlotte s

first

shepherd

all who knew him, I mourn today the He was the first b ishop ofCharlotte, from 1972 till 1983, and during that time became the friend of thousands, who feel with me now, the sadness of his passing. When I was named Bishop Begley's successor in Charlotte, it was his hand that ordained me to the office of bishop of the Church, and his friendship that guided me as bishop of Charlotte, a most happy and well-remembered time in my life. For those years, and many afterwards, Bishop Begley was always at hand, to lend me and his brother bishops advice and counsel. More endearing, he remained a constant

"Along with the Catholics of the Diocese of Charlotte, and

death ofour friend and mentor, Bishop Michael J. Begley.

friend, readily dispensing encouragement and support,

with never-failing ease and a charm that all will

We will miss him, but let us thank God for sharing with us this kind and affectionate man

remember.

over the impressive span of 92 years

—

years spent mostly doing what he loved to do: helping people,

serving the church, and praising God."

— Most Reverend John

F.

Bishop Begley with Archbishop Donoghue of Atlanta.

Donoghue

tude; he

I think about what St. Peter must have

He was just a really who truly put his heart outfor everyone

that about Bishop Begley.

diocese.

(W

ith

Bishop Begley) was no pretense, what you saw was what you got I am confident he is with

— Bishop

F.

Joseph Gossman

and always

acted on his principals.

me as

a

new

and he meant

to find

bishop.

it

He was most gracious to everybody.

He was most

His greeting was always,

By that I mean he was veiy approachable, had

time to

listen,

'Hi,

and was very

— Retired Bishop David Thompson

miss him.

— Judge Robert Potter judge of the Western

retired federal

"We knew him as our pastor, and we made a

on the

strong Protestant coalition here, he was exactly t/ie

honored

kindofperson who wdsneeded to allow t/ie Catholic

spiritual person,

it

and

North

and t/iere-

when he went to Rome to

to take its place,

District of

Carolina

oftlie Diocese ofCharlotte at a time wlien Catlwlics were perhaps still looked at a little strangely by the

church

atti-

everyone, no matter

who he or she was. He was always open to whomwas talking to at the time. We will sorely

us all to interact

to begin to

grow

state

We accompanied him report to

of the diocese

He was a

to go.

Pope Paul VI

in 1974,

and we were and deeply

very gentle

and his spirit andpatience were

the hallmarks

— Dr.

be perceived in a very positive

light by other denominations.

St.

ofour trip. and Mrs. Bill Rabil

Leo the Great Church

in

Winston-Salem

— Elizabeth Thurbee executive director of Catholic Social Services

My husband was co-chairman ofthe planning committeefor Bishop Begley's ordination,

Bishop Thompson, the priests, religious and laity of the Diocese ofCharleston in extending

"He was a very prayerful person; a gentle

and I handled some public relations issuesfor him.

and the good people ofthe Charlotte Diocese our condolences and prayerful support on

man who was always so gratefulfor everything no matter how small. AtMaryfield even though

He was our pastorfor 1 1 years at St. Ann, and he was wonderful, a very humble and warm man to whom most everyone responded. He had a tremendousfaith and was as solid as he could be. He was

to Bishop Curlin

the occasion of the death of Bishop Begley.

We know how blessed the Diocese of Charlotte was by the

leadership of its first bishop and the great example he gave to all

by his legendary concern for the poor.

May he now enjoy in eternity the blessings the Lord holds in store for his faithful and devoted servants."

— Bishop Robert

J.

it's

a Catholic nursing home and a Catholic envi-

ronment,

we still have many people who are not

Catholic and itjust didn 't matter to

Baker

Bishop of Charleston

"One ofthe inestimable graces granted me when I was bishop ofSavannah was my association with our beloved Bishop Michael Begley. Through

his

many years

as

founding bishop of Charlotte and

who askedfor a

They often said 'This

is

people's

Diocese of Savannah

outpouring of love and affection from priests, religious and

it

celebrated his 25th

was apparent from the great

laity that this

was a man who was greatly

"One of his most endearing characteristics was his down to earth approach to his ministry and to

his relationship with his people. 'In

God's providence, he was the

bishop-pastor of the Diocese of Charlotte. His legacy

bishops have built and will build.

— Bishop

is

ideal selection to

be the founding

the spiritual foundation on which succeeding

May his soul rest in peace."

still

working, ready to pitch

humankind. His upstairs,

light has

in.

He was afriend to

gone

out,

but

it's

on

and Ifeel that it is shining down now as

he praysfor

us.

—Nancy West St.

Ann Church

"My

Home

in

Charlotte

best association

with him was meeting

with him every Monday nightfor 20years aspart of "Ifounded St. Gabriel'swlien

— Retired Bishop Raymond W. Lessard

already entered into retirement but

what probably touched a lot of and probably improved relation-

Maryfield Nursing

death of a dear friend, this humble giant of a co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord."

He had

'

— Poor Servant of the Mother of God Sister

him May the Good Shepherd welcome this faithful servant into eternal life, and comfort us who remain to mourn the

"One of my best memories of Bishop Begley was on the occasion when he

lives,

a holy man. I think his

a great example, and even after he retired, he was

Lucy Hennessy

his wisdom, his counsel, his wit with those of us who were blessed to know and to work with

anniversary as bishop.

is

blessing.

ships with other denominations.

continuing on into his retirement, he always stood out as a shining example of the good shepherd, filled as he was with a loving concern for the people entrusted to his care, yet always ready and willing to share

him - he was

ready to bless anybody

gentleness

loved.

same with

couple of trips with him.

Diocese of Charleston

"I join

the

With his being thefirst bishop

positively and/iave

pastoral."

way for

a

was

ever he

He

strongly respected the beliefs of other people, but

together positively.

"Bishop Begley had been retired for five years when I got here to Charleston in 1 984.

Partner,'

to see

fore needed

Bishop of Raleigh

gracious to

special man

believed we all worshiped tfie same God,

the Lord."

He is one ofthe all-around best priests I

counted on to speak outfor iliepoor and vulnerable.

looked like and the kind ofperson he had been, I think

"He was a man ofGod who was down to earth, who didn't get caught up in the intricacies ofthings," he said. "In the best terms, he was a simple man of the Gospel. He was well loved and respected in the

mother.

have ever known. (I admired) hisfriendly

When

Archbishop of Atlanta

warm person who always had

"I remember a

a smile and a twinkle in his eye, who could always be

Bishop Begley

wasa monsignor andpastor ofSt. Ann's. We all remember that he was a very pastoral man. He was wonderful with the orphanage people; wonderful as a pastor here. The other day a friend was telling me that she took her childfor a music lesson at the convent at St.

Ann

's.

She had to go in

the St. Vincent de

Paul Society. He was a genuine

person; appearances didn 't bother him.

He was at

home in any situation and was down-to-earth. He was positive andfriendly to everyone and made peoplefeel as ifthey were apart ofhis priesthood.

The memory

that will always stand out in

my mind was when my daughter developed hepa-

New

Mexico.

through the kitchen, and in the kitchen under the

titis

was Monsignor Begleyfixing the plumbing.

He was already an eminent man - the kind ofman

Bishop Begley called the archbishop of

New

Mexico

rites.

who wouldfix anything.

He also had a privatefuneral servicefor her and

sink

while attending college in

to find

a priest to administer last

— Father Paul Byron

myfamily. We always appreciated that; men like

Bishop of Savannah

Diocese

that don 't come along very often.

"For us at the Abbey, we were delighted with his appointment as bishop. He was a long time friend

"He was a Catholic Daughters man

J.

Kevin Boland

of Raleigh priest

— Frank Gulli of the monastic community as a Raleigh priest He was frequently here for retreats, and was friends with

many of the monks.

His genuine humility, pastoral sensitivity and ecumenical openness made him an

ideal first bishop for Charlotte and

nulius

gave a firm foundation to the new diocese. For us, in 1 977, the territory

was incorporated into the Diocese ofCharlotte under Begley. He was most gracious, and working

with us to insure a smooth transition to welcome Belmont Abbey into the Diocese grateful.

—

for that, we were most

And we have the warmest and fondest memories of Bishop Begley. We are happy he will

buried here in our cemetery.

We feel

it's

be

particularly fitting that Begley will be in the section reserved

"I often traveled with him across the country and overseas as the regional and national secre-

well liked on the national level of the Catholic

tariat

Daughters.

near a church wherever

— Ruth Carlisle

Belmont Abbey

diocesan pastoral chairman,

treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of North Carolina

1

of the Cursillo movement. If we weren't

Mass right in

we

were, he

his hotel room.

fortable, religious

would say

He was very com-

andfolksy.

He invitedfour of us to go with him to

for the abbots."

— Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B.

974-80

and out - he really helped us grow in numbers and in courts. He was always there, his door was always open whenever we needed him, and he was very in

my

life, and he was probably the last priest in the diocese who knew my

"I've

known him

all

the

first National Charismatic Conference at Notre

Dame

University.

We were sitting on the lawn

"

"

""

"

'

"

""

2002

February 22,

eating bos lunches father came up

Special to The Catholic

when a young boy and his awe because they had never

"He knew me before

to us, in

man

he was.

of

He was big andfriendly and loved

everyone and didn

't

want to

be put on a pedestal.

of Cursillo for

"The thing that I think ofmost about Bishop is that no one was a stranger, no matter who lie met; that person was important to him at the time. He had a great capacity for listening, and no matter what social class you camefrom,

Begley

ber was

whether you were poor or rich, child Or adult, he

— Mercy Sister Bessie McCarthy first

cas Regional Community

of North Carolina

1972- 74; pastoral associate of

St. Patrick

— Trinitarian Sister Frances Sheridan current director of Catholic Social Services

impression of him was that he was a kind, in

the

,

and diocesan

director of Catholic Social Services,

1975-93

bishop. I

was president ofthe college, he was supportive of my efforts and encouraged me in my work. I especially loved the way he had to admonish me one time when I was presidentfor something Iliad done wrong....

He patted my

hands very gently

and was very wonderful and understanding, but at the same time, I knew that I had been corrected in

knew the bisliop, and I admired him and I What a warm and caringperson lie was, and active in community affairs. He was so ecu"I

He was a people priest, was much loved. We were very fortunate to have him as ourfirst bishop because he set the pace ofthe church in North Carolina in

He was respected and admired by all denominations.

All ofmy predecessors loved and respected him tremendously.

He was a blessing and genuinely spiri-

"

— Methodist Bishop

L.

a dearfriend. He was one ofthe

firstpriests I've ever met,

and lie would liave end-oftlie-

ilu>

time wlien

tlie

bisliop

paper decided

of the

to

lie

me personally and always worried about my

traveling andputting in longliours.

Hewouldalways

When he needed to make his point,

he did.

He

always had timefor everyone, including me. I never

had to hunt him down; he always had time to as he put it.

nomicjustice commitments.

He was an outstanding

spokesman and leader. He was clearly very much an

Protestant organization. It

my opinion,

was a great day

in the

Council ofChurches when the Roman Catlwlic Dio-

'Only the

replied,

title

has

began working fulltime for him on Jan. 12, 1972, and his changed, not the man.'

He was cepted us

—

I

I

was

his secre-

very family-oriented and achis staff and his parishioners

down

—

He was just as com-

at

an informal dinner

of combread and beans with coal miners in

in case his suit

spirit.

needed mending or

his sboes

were a little dusty. He did all of the things that were expected of him but never lost his sense of humor. A person couldn't be around him without feeling like he cared, and I admired his spirit of love for everyone and his overflowing generosity."

thescene,

met Bishop Begley

in

1975 when our

community was considering missioning myself and two other sisters to Charlotte. The bishop met with

us,

looked us over and said he

wouldpray to

Holy Spirit. Then, we later learned that he had called the Motherhouse and said we could the

come.

We continued the work that had already

started to

expand under his guidance

into

Win-

ston-Salem andAs/ieville with the different ministries that

had

opened.

He was

wonderful,

and gregarious, a very good easy to work with. He blessed our ministries, and they have continued to grow. The one stoiy that struck me is when we had an office party, and he came dressed in a shawl with an empty glass dish with a lid. He

friendly, supportive

man and priest. He was

fingerprints on the Council.

It

— Aloha Torrents,

long

significant

which I am grateful.

I've also

learned a great deal this week about his efforts to build bridges to those ofot/ier Christian denominations and his life-long commitment to tlie least ofJesus' brot/iers

and sisters. His impact on our state was significant and will continue to touch people, I suspect, even after his death.

We will be remembering Bishop Begley in

ourprayers...

— J.George Reed North Carolina Council of Churches

he had

I

still

—

to

me

He

as a

have a mission-

work

in the diocese.

influences

me

even to

would describe him

as a

diocese and in building up his programs and offices and ministries."

He was the bishop when

work ofecumenism and socialjustice.

-

of God, who had zeal for the salvation of souls, and whose enthusiasm for his ministry was catching; you were drawn into that enthusiasm and that zeal for his work. On the human scale, his affableness helped to draw a person into that work of ministry, in which he was involved as our shepard.

He had the tremendous advantage of having known North Carolina inside and out for almost 40 years before he was named bishop, so he knew all of the people, all of the parishes, and deep roots in North Carolina. He had a tremendous amount of personal friendships and relationships that had been established over the years to draw upon immediately in establishing the

1985, in recognition ofhis powerful contributions to the

in

man

And the Council presentedhim with our Distinguished Service Award in stepfor

definitely

this day.

the Diocese ofC/iarlotte requested membership in the

North Carolina Council of Churches, a

North Carolina

ary spirit in your

former executive director of the Council of

"While I have recently arrived on

life in

young seminarian

Churches

1979-85

Serving since the early '30s

the Catholics were such a minority.

— Collins Kilburn

'share,

—

definitely imparted that to

after his retirement, I didn 't have to lookfor tofind his

"I

I

to had the spirit of a missionary since

assistant editor of the North Carolina

Catholic, Charlotte Office,

I

North Carolina, that was part of

Bishop Begley's secretary

cese ofCharlottejoined.

He had a real charm about him.

— Mary Coyne Wessling first

He

touch him up before he went anywhere just

pioneer in Catholic cliarities and lie had strong eco-

joimdthe Council ofChurclies, which wasforyears a

was.

I

like

and

relate to

down-to-earth attitude about himselfthat one would be misled into thinking that he warn 't as sharp as he

but

I

working for a monsignor, don't know about working for a 'I

He was a real

"He was very affable, very easy to get along with in spirit and attitude.

was tliat under his leadership tlw Clwrhtte Diocese

but he

to be his personal secretary, and

Kentucky as he was with bishops, cardinals and other men of the church hierarchy. I always kept black thread and shoe polish to

Begley

had such a

He was a very smart man,

me

fortable sitting

and ordained by Bishop

ecumenical spirit. Most significantly, in

ask me ifI were taking care ofmyself.

asked

as his extended family.

Nothing was beneath his dignity.

open

was a grandfatherfigurefor me. He always cared

about

was ordained a

— Monsignor Tim O'Connor

another office in Charbtte. I was a one-person office

for sevenyears. I realized at his memorial service that

for

any church at all; they had no practice of religion and I remember him saying to me there's a lot of work we have to do in North Carolina.

He was inviting me to study for the priesthood and to join him, I think, in the mission of the Catholic Church in North Carolina. I received from him a missionary spirit. He had a missionary didn't have

Catholic

tary until he retired in 1984.

before as after li£

my

to raise

called us in 1971

personality never changed.

rector of Raleigh Cathedral

and was

home

were appreciated. I was touclied by tlie wannth oft/ie

president of Sacred Heart College

boss

to be his secretary part

could stay at

summer barbequesfor the seminarians to let us know we

1974- 87

diocese at

Bevel Jones, retired

"I considered him

bishop.

"He was myfirst

me

I

and said tliat there would be a new diocese and that he was asked to be the bishop. He

bishop.'

was the sarm man

Belmont,

I

said to him,

tual.

— Mercy Sister Mary Michel Boulus in

he asked

as

young son.

I remember when he

man. 1 loved'his simplicity. He was neverpompous. He

the Charlotte Diocese.

ties,

him

menical-he reached out across denominational lines.

wonderful bishop, a most

think he

I became acwas taking instruction to convert to Catholicism. He became close to my family and me as time went on.

When he became director of Catholic Chari-

quainted with

time so

gentle and wonderful man.

and I

gentle and happy person.

loved him.

a most gentle way.

I knew, him as a

went

Carolina— those people who just Bishop Begley with his secretary, Aloha Linhares Torrents.

"I first met Bishop Begley in 1965 as said, 'They told me to bring a covered dish. He the new pastor of St Ann Church. My first had his own humor.

Archdiocese of Mobile, Ala. and former co-administra-

perintendent ofthe orphanage in Raleigh. Wlien I

I

remember his great concern for the many unchurched people in North

Synod,

knew Bishop Begley before he became was stationed with him when was su-

applied to the diocese

interview with Bishop Begley; was just a candidate for seminarian.

tor

"I

I

my

Cathedral,

1973-79

when

to be a seminarian.. .in 1979.

'

president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Ameri-

—

—

seven years

was attentive whileyou were in his presence.

I will always remember him as a down-toearth person, simple and yet sophisticated always thereforyou in good times and bad times. He was always an approachableperson and a great advocate for the poor and disabled. He did things around Charlotte that people never knew about.

knew him

—

— Dorothy King diocesan laywoman director

I

5

he baptized me when I was a few weeks old; he was pastor of St. Ann in Charlotte. I had the honor of being baptized by the future bishop of the diocese. My grandparents they were beginning members of St. Ann's in Charlotte always spoke so highly and in such glowing terms of Monsignor Begley. When I was growing up I had always heard about Monsignor Begley and what a wonderful pastor he was and what a wonderful person he was. One thing I especially remem-

been that close to a bishop. Bishop Begley invited tliem over and welcomed them; that was the type

News & Herald

Father Peter Jugis with Bishop Begley.

— Father Peter Jugis Judicial Vicar

6

News & Herald

Special to The Catholic

February 22,

2002

Friends and family gather

The flock pays tribute to to celebrate end of an era their beloved shepherd By

JOANN

S.

KEANE

his homily,

CHARLOTTE— An

adorned

altar

with red roses, and a cathedral friends:

filled

with

A bittersweet celebration of life on

Valentine's Day.

At the

vigil liturgy at St.

Cathedral, Bishop Michael in state

Msgr. McSweeney

cally offered gratitude to those

Editor

Patrick

Begley lay

J.

within the church he established

as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Char-

specifi-

who

By KEVtN

ten-

derly cared for Bishop Begley in those

"He was a man, a priest, a bishop who would never hesitate to say thank you," said Msgr. McSweeney.

"Bishop Begley was a man of suffering," said Msgr. McSweeney. "He had some serious problems health wise, but you did not hear about them."

tioned before the as St. Gabriel

many

service.

Love

he

is

laity

most endeared by the

who worked

priests

and

side-by-side with the

bishop during the early

'70s;

the forma-

tive years for the Diocese.

Bishop Begley had time for everyone, Msgr. McSweeney. No matter how busy he may have been, to Bishop Begley, said

you would matter most.

Msgr. McSweeney had a special bond with Bishop Begley. Msgr.

McSweeney was the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte, ordained

Bishop Begley. Moreover,

in

by

the early

years of the bishop's retirement, Msgr.

McSweeney shared

a residence with the

bishop on several occasions.

more recent

Bishop Begley lived at Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point, where the impeccable care for the bishop was second to none. During In the

—

final

Cathedral the

people touched Bishop Begley's coffin dur-

filled

with people,

they approached the cas-

Some mourners

Bishop Begley's family during the

returned from the

stood vigilant

ket to pay their personal respects.

I

who had touched so many lives.

Bishop Curlin made a point to thank

priest"

commendation. "You have given us a wonderful bishop," he said. "I knew him for a feW years, and he certainly touched my heart in many, many ways."

Bishop Curlin noted that many

Church

tearful as

loved and revered by many, but perhaps

that

"the great uncle" and "the understanding

With swords

They

altar.

Diocese of Charlotte.

As the opening

—

—

family had of the 'loving, selfless brother,"

sheathed at their sides, the Knights of Columbus flanked the open casket posi-

many attending the vigil those who knew Bishop Begley knew by rote.

Bishop Begley was a simple man of faith,

was a man who was loved."

Msgr. McSweeney spoke words

"Just before Christmas,

—

CHARLOTTE

final years.

had a talk with the bishop about the doctor's recommendation. It was about the (possible) amputation of his feet," said Msgr.

McSweeney. "And (the bishop) looked at me (refusing the surgery) and said 'I will walk to heaven.'"

"Everyone here thinks of Bishop Begley as a friend he treated people that way," said Monsignor Joseph Kerin, who also shared reflections during the vigil

Knights of Columbus, four abreast, stood still with reverent attention.

Tonight, said Monsignor John J. McSweeney, "we gather here to celebrate the end of an era." Bishop Begley, said Msgr. McSweeney "was a man of love, he lotte.

MURRAY

E.

Associate Editor

vigil liturgy at St. Patrick

night before, but the gathering more than

ing

doubled

thing holy," said Bishop Curlin. "Your love is very tangible here. Please pray for

in size for the Feb.

mass of the Bishop Michael

15 funeral J.

Mass

for celebrating the

missionary; a

membered

Begley,

was a of a leader; a was fondly re-

bishop emeritus of Charlotte.

It

life

man who

shepherd of the

as the first

hymn "The King

Communion. 'Like touching some-

him...everyday whisper his in

name

your prayers...you know he

praying for

to

God

will be

us."

Concelebrants included: Bishop Joseph Gossman, bishop of Raleigh; Bishop

"Many

people referred to him corhumble person. I would say (he) was a simple" and genuine person," said Msgr. Kerin. "His evenness of personality was amazing. He was what you

sion of bishops, priests, deacons, and semi-

Kevin Boland, bishop of Savannah; Bishop Rober' J. Baker, bishop of Charleston; Bishop David B. Thompson,

rectly as a

narians stretched the length of the church.

bishop emeritus of Charleston; Bishop

Bishop William G. Curlin, bishop of Charlotte, uncelebrated the Mass with

Martin Lohmuller, retired auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia; Abbot Placid

an array of concelebrants, including the

Solari, O.S.B.,

saw."

Most Reverend John

Bishop Begley, said Msgr. Kerin, "brought a relaxed, dedicated attitude to the priests and laity of the diocese. He helped steer it from a small missionary diocese to the beginning of the population explosion and still kept the missionary

bishop of Atlanta and Bishop Begley's

spirit."

"He was a joy to know, a joy to work and a wonderful bishop and gentle leader," said Msgr. Kerin.

for

past,

Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-

ing

(704)

370-3336

jskeane@charlottediocese.org

or

e-mail

My

Shepherd

Is" played,

F.

of

a proces-

Donoghue, arch-

successor in Charlotte.

Monsignor Joseph Showfety, who had served as Bishop Begley's chancellor, gave a homily filled with insight into "die man whom so many of us admired and loved," Msgr. Showfety said. "Now as we gather to express our farewell, we honor a good man, a holy priest and a most generous bishop. We admire him for his more than 67 years of priesthood."

Msgr. Showfety said he worked closely with Bishop Begley for nearly eight years. "Regardless of (Begley's) as-

—

signments lic

superintendent of the Catho-

orphanage, pastor of several parishes

in the diocese

—he

lotte

of Raleigh, bishop of Char-

loved and cared for his flock and

served them with the dedication of the

Good

Shepherd," he said.

Judith Crowley, niece of Bishop Begley, spoke on behalf of the family. She reflected

on the man

affectionately re-

ferred to as "Uncle Mike."

"In the Irish language, 'Begley'

means

'the littie hero,'"

'There

is

nothing

of Belmont Abbey; Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew; and Father Mauricio W. West, chancellor and vicar general of Charlotte.

Other concelebrants included: priests serving the Diocese of Charlotte; visiting priests

from the Diocese of Raleigh: per-

manent deacons and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte; the Knights and Dames of Malta; the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher; and the Catholic Daughters of America.

At the end of the Mass, the procession

made

its

way

outside to the steps of the

church, with Bishop Begley's pallbearers

being priests that he had ordained. Bishop Begley was then taken for burial in the

cemetery of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Belmont Abbey, Belmont.

"He left his mark on the Diocese of Charlotte," said Msgr. Showfety, "and he will not be forgotten."

"He will always be part of our kves," said Bishop Curlin.

Speaking in Gaelic, Crowley bid her beloved uncle farewell. "Safe home, Michael Begley," she said.

she told the church.

littie

about the hero

we

offered the fond

Contact Associate Editor Kevin E.

Murray

are celebrating today."

She

J.

memories her

by calling (704) 370-3334, or e-mail

kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

February 22,

News & Herald 7

Special to The Catholic

2002

Reflections in his

own words

Nowadays, it may seem a bit premature for a youth of 17 or 18 to set his career goals, but in 1927, times were different. It was not unusual for Catholic boys to consider a life in the priesthood and to enter the seminary upon graduation from high school. I was one of those young men.

I

was privileged

to attend Cathedral

High School,

a Catholic school in Springfield, Mass., after attending

my senior year, we had an opportunity to talk about vocations, and that is when I first gave it some serious thought. Then one evening, I was asked to assist a priest in setting up for confirmation in our church.

He asked me to retrieve a small table inside the altar rail. I'm not sure what happened when I public grade school. In

stepped inside the altar area for that

but

first time,

I

remember it had a profound and lasting effect on me.

I guess you could say the seeds of my vocation began to take root that night. Exhilarated as

I

was,

I

still

had some serious decisions to make about my chosen vocation. I talked about it one evening with a priest. told him I was interested in becoming a priest. I was expecting him to be impressed and delighted with my decision, but instead, he asked me, "What do you hope to achieve in the priesthood?" That stopped I

me.

I

wanted

to be a priest, but

I

had no idea where

how I would like to minister to God's people. He teaching, missionary made many suggestions work, parish work. Then he did something that

or

—

would

set the course of

me

my

life;

he made an appoint-

meet with a bishop who was visiting in the area and was looking for men to serve in his diocese. That man was Bishop William Hafey, the first bishop of Raleigh. I was impressed with Bishop Hafey and the story of a very young Catholic Church taking root in the Southeastern United States. With-

ment

for

out another

to

moment

of hesitation,

a priest in a mission area in

be

my

life's

I

knew

my own

that being country would

calling.

After completing

my

seminary studies

at

Mount

Emmitsburg, Md., I was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1934. I arrived in Raleigh on June 20, 1934, to serve as an assistant at St. Mary Church in Wilmington. Although that assignment was brief, it proved to be a good experience for me.

One side note: when I left my home in Massachusetts to serve as a priest in North Carolina, my parents thought I may as well have left for China both places seemed as distant to them. But despite St.

Mary's

in

—

their reservations, they supported a priest

me

and gave

all

my

decision to be

the love and understanding

any young man could hope for from his parents.

They have always been the first and greatest inspiration for

me

in

my

life

as a priest.

Prior to arriving in the Diocese of Raleigh,

I

received a note from Bishop Hafey that said simply:

"Bring a car with you." I had no idea how important a vehicle would be to me. In those early years, I spent a good deal of time on the rural roads of Eastern North Carolina. All the priests back then spent a lot of time away from their parishes because there were many people who needed a priest and did not live were on within driving distance of the churches.

We

File

photo by

Mary Coyne Wessling

See REFLECTIONS, pages 8,9,10

8 Special to The Catholic

News & Herald

February 22,

2002

Reflections in his o*4 'J aori/s

As the road three weeks out of four almost

every month. We would stay in homes who lived in the mis-

people's

sionary sections of the diocese.

have

I

I

tion to their faith.

Mass

shown

and take

young Yankee from

New

England.

I barely had my feet wet as a priest when, three months later, I was made pastor of St. Therese Church in Wilson and its mission in Farmville. It came as both a shock and a challenge for me.

I

told

my

pastor of St.

Mary

that

I

was

hesitant about the assignment, but he told

me

dence

that

me

in

also assured

if

the bishop had confi-

as a pastor,

me

that he

I must go. He would give me

any support I might need in my new assignment. "The door to my house is always open to you," he said.

was the first of many appointments that I would fill at the- request of my bishops and the first of many moments over the next 50 years that I would feel a bit hesitant in carrying out the important duties that were charged to me. But that priest gave me It

the key to

my

success in ministry: to

depend on others, especially my fellow priests for support and encouragement. It was the same advice that, years later, I would find myself giving to the

young men who came

to

my

diocese to serve. Like that priest, I would make it a point to leave my door

open to

all

who sought my

For the next dozen as pastor at St.

Edward

help.

years, in

I

served

High

Point,

Therese in Wrightsville Beach and St. Leo in Winston-Salem. In addition, I was appointed superintendent of schools and director of the Confrater-

St.

nity of Christian Doctrine,

now

called

religious education.

Those early years in the Diocese of Raleigh brought many people into my life

who showed me how important

Catholic faith

was

to them:

the

from the

parents who scraped together their pennies to send their children to parochial schools; to the farm families who managed to find an extra helping of dinner for a tired, traveling priest; to

who faced many miles and challenges to bring God's word to children and adults. All of them served as daily reminders that the dedicated sisters

our

faith

was

alive

and growing.

I

was

glad to be a part of the church of North Carolina and looking forward to more

rewarding years.

my

last

column,

remember one

I

man who would come

fond memories of those times and of the" true Southern hospitality that was to me, a

related in

there were always people along the way who inspired me with their devo-

weekly

to our

Edward on Tuesdays. In do that, he had to leave work

at St.

order to

a cut in pay.

sacrifice for this

man

It

was

to lose

a real

pay and

to Mass but instead of his boss being angry, he was impressed and said that the man could continue to attend Mass and have his pay reinstated. I thought that was a tremendous statement for evangelization.

come

Another true inspiration for me was my spiritual director and friend, Father Patrick Darrah. Father Darrah was a Passionist priest stationed in Greensboro when I met him.

My salvation often depended spirituwith Father Darrah. He stayed by me in the rough times all the way up to 1954 when he died.

During my years as a parish priest I had the opportunity to serve under three bishops. In 1938 Bishop Hafey was transferred to Scranton, Pa., and Bishop Eugene McGinnis came in. Each man had his own style of leadership and I, as well as the other priests, had to adjust to the new ally

styles of leadership. That took some doing, especially since there was a

misunderstanding that took place shortly after Bishop McGinnis' instalI was transferred to Wrightsville Beach and told there would be a home at Carolina Beach with a room for a chapel. Unfortu-

lation.

nately, the

man who owned

had no intention of selling

it

the

home

and

I

was

forced to live in a summer cottage without heat for part of that winter. I stayed there only on the weekends, returning to Greensboro during the

The eucharistic Prayer of the ordination Mass. From left: Father Christopher Kirchgessner, O.S.B., Father David Brown, O.S.B., (Master of Ceremonies), Bishop Michael Begley and then-Father Placid Solari, O.S.B.

week

to teach catechism at a black Catholic school.

That was an interesting experience as well. I had almost no contact with Negroes when I was growing up in Massachusetts. When I met black people in North Carolina, I was struck with the way some people treated them. I never did understand why one priest told me I couldn't converse with the black man who was his housekeeper.

When

ment began

the civil rights

to take effect in

moveNorth

I welcomed the changes it would bring for these people, for

Carolina,

all

of It

the church.

When we

arrived at his

was appalled at how filthy the place was and how dirty he looked. I was embarrassed but Bishop McGinnis never said a word about the appearance of the man or his home. He simply treated the man with graciousness and thanked him

home

I

for his donation.

us.

seemed

about people in those years when I served as a parish priest. I remember one incident when Bishop McGinnis came to Carolina Beach with me to meet a man who had donated land to

I

was learning

a

lot

In

1946 Bishop McGinnis de-

parted for Salt Lake City and the Dio-

cese of Raleigh welcomed Bishop Vincent Waters. Bishop Waters was barely settled in when he came to me and asked me to be either chancellor for the diocese or director of Catholic Charities. I wanted to be a pastor, period. (I was stationed by then at St. Leo in Winston-Salem.) I thought the discussion was closed but a few weeks later he had a replacement for me at St. Leo and I was on the road for the next six weeks traveling to dioceses up north to gather collections for our diocese.

February 22,

Special to The Catholic

2002

and Our Lady of Grace in On Thanksgiving Day, 1971, I was made the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of

News & Herald 9

L.eo

Greensboro.

Charlotte.

I

Achievements

will share those recollec-

my years as acting bishop with you in my next column. Before I end this, however, I would like to say that serving under my three bishops was at times a challenge and always a learning experience. I feel blessed to have served under each of them. tions and

Here are just a few of the achievements and honors bestowed upon Bishop Michael

J.

Begley over

the years:

Ordained

May

Honored by Pope Pius

XII

domestic prelate and given the monsignor in 1955.

Honorary doctorate

November 1971 before

— The Tuesday

Thanksgiving, Bishop Waters

arrived in Greensboro for an unex-

pected visit. I was truly surprised when he asked me if I would accept the office of bishop. I wanted time to think. "If you are wondering about whether you merit being bishop, don't. No one merits being called." I

new

was challenged

role in leadership

and

I

had many tasks

in

Emmitsburg, Md.; Belmont Abbey College, Belmont; Allentown College, Allentown, Pa.; and the former Sacred

Heart College, Belmont.

the boards he served

to begin a

were: Mercy Hospital Advisory Board,

up the

Johnson C. Smith University Board of Visitors, TO LIFE Advisory Board, Boys Town of North Carolina Board of Directors, Sacred Heart College Board of Directors and the Land Stewardship Council of North Carolina Board of

set

newly established Diocese of Charlotte.

of

of letters

mater. Mount Saint Mary College

Among I

as a

title

(LL.D) were bestowed by his alma

accepted.

Now

on

to the priesthood

26, 1934.

like finding a

cathedral, vicar general, chancellor,

diocesan consultors and a bishop's residence and adjusting to my sudden popularity, especially with the bank-

Directors.

ers in Charlotte.

But the details of being a bishop were not nearly as challenging as the transformation of my attitudes.

Where once I was a peer among my priests, now I was their leader. Where once I was charged with caring for the spiritual lives of

must care

my parishioners, now

for an entire diocese, but

had much help

in

my new

When

I arrived home Bishop Wahad more plans for me. I was set to attend the University of North Carolina to obtain a degree in social work. I began those studies in 1947 and during those two years I was also superintendent of the Catholic orphanage in Raleigh. Needless to say, it was a busy time for me but a rewarding one, too.

One of the proudest moments I shared at the orphanage was when we

ters

received a state license for adoption.

Up until that time we could not place the children in homes. were also

We

granted permission to find foster homes for the children. Both of these licenses brought a profound and blessed change to many children's lives.

In 1955 St.

I

was appointed pastor of

Ann Church

in Charlotte.

Waters had faith that up that new parish and

know

I

Bishop

would build

school.

I

don't

had as much confidence in myself as he did. I admired him for how much he knew about mission work and his dream of building up if

I

the diocese.

My

final

pastorates included St.

North Carolina

person of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia, a

member of the

Bishop's

I

Committee on

I

Episcopal advisor for Cursillo; he

role.

I started by building a team of people to help me. I had an advantage in choosing people because I had been a

37 years. I knew all the priests, many of the sisters and lay leaders, and they knew me. I also knew the organizations and movements and where they stood. I was on the inside track, and I was grateful for

priest in

He also served as co-publisher of The North Carolina Catholic, chair-

for

that edge.

It was not long after I was made bishop that people outside the diocese began seeking my assistance. I was asked to join committees of the National Council of Catholic Bishops, local civic organizations and regional groups. One

of the most important committees I joined and chaired was the Catholic Committee on Appalachia (CCA). Bish-

Priestly Formation,

and initi-

ated a dialogue between church,

la-

management that resulted the document "The Workbench

of

and he appointed a taskforce

to

bor and

Life"

study the role of

in

women in the Church.

Bishop Begley was honored by numerous organizations and groups both in this diocese and throughout the state of North Carolina.

Series

was

written

by Mary Coyne

Wessling and originally appeared the North Carolina Catholic.

in

10 Special

to

The Catholic News & Herald

February 22,

was made bishop. I was also disappointed with people who never came forward to share their gifts with the others. Even now I feel disappointment in that.

As

a leader,

the need for to

make

all

came

I

to appreciate

of us to share our talents

this diocese prosper.

must learn

learned that leaders

I

also

to ask

for help.

What on

I

learned as a priest,

bishop.

as

who wished

I

I

passed

told the seminarians

to serve our diocese that

they must be willing to

make

sacrifices,

and personally. They would live in an area where Catholicism is not a major religion and much depends on ecumenical efforts. They would travel financially

great distances, attend

many

meetings,

be open and sharing with their lay people, and promote the church in every community they visited through their example.

Though

it

was

new

a

diocese

ing rapidly, though Vatican

new

life

into our church,

II

and though

four decades had passed since

knew

grow-

breathed

I

was

spoke to these young men that the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. ordained,

I

as

I

2002

ments but God did not promise roses

who

to those

believe in him.

He

asked

us to take up our cross and follow him.

Times may be difficult but times when your spiritual your

it is

life

in those

becomes

security.

am pleased that I had a hand in helping the Diocese of Charlotte grow.

But I have often thought over the years: what could I have done without the help of others? I feel deeply blessed by the number of good people that I

came into my young people.

life,

especially so

many

may

not have been their natural father but they would tell

me

that

I

was

I

certainly there as a "fa-

was not only the highcompliments but also a sign that we were truly sharing our lives.

I was glad, too, that a good man like Bishop Donoghue was succeeding me. I remember offering this soon-tother" to them.

It

est of

be consecrated bishop some advice in overseeing the diocese. I told him it was a mission diocese and he would need to get accustomed to the distances in travel. I also told him to get accus-

tomed to making decisions and sticking by them even if he's criticized for it.

"Sometimes when you make decisions, you will gain a different title," I said.

And I added that there would be nights he would go to bed being concerned but that was just part of the job.

I know that not everyone can enter retirement feeling fulfilled in their ca-

reer and

Just prior to my retirement in 1984, asked a fellow bishop what to expect as a gentleman of leisure. He said I would do more than ever before. He was right. I've been fortunate to be I

succeeded by Bishop Donoghue who graciously extends many opportunities to me to serve as the bishop representative throughout the diocese.

was also told that more of my would open up to me, share more with me once I was no longer their "boss." That has been a good exI

priests

tions to the abject poverty that pre-

the emergence of lay leadership are a

know they can confide in me and share their lives with me. I have found many priests, sisters and laity ready to help me in any way they can, and I am grateful

vailed in this region of the country.

few

for that, too.

Through the work I did on CCA, I came to know Appalachian families and the struggles they faced. I was moved

There were struggles, too. I was privy to more information about people.

Sometimes it was hard to know that

by their spirit and humbled by their poor existence. I had a clearer under-

when people shared

perience for me. I'm glad to ops, religious, clergy

and lay people of

several southeastern states sought solu-

standing of the need for the church to all people but especially

reach out to the poor.

There were other highlights

in

my

years as diocesan bishop: the fight for

unions at

J.P. Stevens, the

growth of

many movements born out of Vatican II, the formation of new parishes, and I

recall.

their confidences with me, however harmful that information was to them or people they loved, it had to be retained. That was my duty, but it was also my burden. It

was

also difficult to

the priests, with priest,

know

whom

I

that

felt

some of

close as a

distanced themselves

when

I

my

age prevents me I wish to do but I've learned to adjust. I have found some grace-filled moments in the slower pace of life.

Since my retirement, I've had time I

realize that

from doing everything

on my life as priest, pastor and bishop. Looking back over this to reflect

55-year vocation, have few regrets.

I

can honestly say

Of course

I

there were

struggles, frustrations and disappoint-

life. I

realize

I

am among

the

chosen few to be graced with answering the call to serve through the priestly ministry and again serve as a bishop. I have never taken either role for granted nor have I assumed I was worthy to have them. But I accepted the plans God laid before me. Though the road was sometimes twisting and covered in fog, the journey has been exciting and fruitful. And what more could

I

ask?

Special to The Catholic

2002

February 22,

News & Herald

11

Thirty Years

Looking back helps shape the future By

JOANN

S.

KEANE

Greensboro, North Carolina."

was accomplished.

Editor

Before the formation of the Diocese

Shortly before the bishops met in Rome for the 1971 Synod, Pope Paul

of Charlotte in 1972, the late Bishop Vincent S. Waters would regularly

VI

throughout North Carolina to visit the parishes and missions in his far-flung Diocese of Raleigh.

Between the two farthest points in the state Murphy (in the westernmost corner) to Manteo (on the Outer Banks) the span is 450 miles.

With the exception of the area under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine abbot of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina was one diocese. By

smaller units, "on human scale." Pope Paul VI's desire was to make the office of the bishop more pastoral than

travel 2,400 miles

—

—

1970s, that jurisdiction of

the early

—

which had once had covered most of the state diminished to cover only Gaston County.

North and South Carolina originally were part of the Diocese of Charleston, the Benedictines

—

said

it

was

his intention to divide

the larger dioceses of the world into

administrative.

On Nov. 30, 1971, Bishop Waters wrote a letter to Catholics in North Carolina announcing, "Our Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, through the Most Reverend Apostolic Delegate, has made known to us that he has in mind very soon to erect from the territory of the Diocese of Raleigh, a new Diocese of Charlotte. He has chosen, the first bishop of the prospective Diocese of Charlotte, our own Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Begley, pastor of Our Lady of Grace parish,

There were 53 parishes and 22 mis-

The new

diocese would encompass the 46 western counties of North Carolina from Reidsville and Hamlet

Tennessee state line would also include the territory formerly under the jurisdiction of Belmont Abbey.

And so, on Jan. 12, 1972, the Diocese of Charlotte was born. Bishop Michael J. Begley was ordained as the in the east to the in the west. It

bishop for the new diocese. By coincidence, Bishop Begley was a cousin of Bishop Hafey, first bishop of Raleigh.

At the formation of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1972, statistics showed a Catholic population of 35,585 with 39 diocesan priests. 27 religious first

priests and

249

sisters,

which

in-

cluded Sacred Heart Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont.

sions.

In 2001, the Catholic population

had swelled to 128,775. Sixty-five diocesan priests, 62 religious priests, 108 sisters and 73 permanent deacons served the area. In the same time span, the diocese grew to 68 parishes and 23 missions.

Bishop Begley served the diocese until his retirement in 1984. Bishop John F. Donoghue was consecrated and installed as second bishop in 1984, serving until his elevation to archbishop of Atlanta in 1993.

Bishop William G. Curlin was installed as third bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte on April 13, 1994.

Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling

(704)

370-3336

or

e-mail

jskeane@charhttediocese.org

serving 5,000 Catholics with 17 churches

and 16

priests.

The Second

Council of

Baltimore in 1866 proposed to the Holy

See the designation of North Carolina as a vicariate.

most 60 It

It

remained a vicariate for

al-

years.

was the consecration of Will-

iam Joseph Hafey on Dec.

5,

1925, as

bishop of Raleigh that began the journey to the future of the Catholic first

Church in North Carolina. The youngest bishop in the United States at the time, Bishop Hafey served as bishop for the state until 1937, when he became the bishop of Scranton, Pa.

Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness was appointed as his successor, and served the state from 1937 until his taking over the Oklahoma-Tulsa diocese in 1944.

In 1945, Bishop

Waters was

stalled third bishop of Raleigh. It

in-

was

under his direction that the formation of a second North Carolina diocese

Pictured above: Bishop Begley during a Mass at the former Our Lady of the Hills Camp in Hendersonville.

Mary Coyne Wessling,

first assistant

editor for the

North Carolina Catholic newspaper's Charlotte office shows Bishop Begley the newspaper's computer system.

Pictured right: Bishop Begley celebrates Mass Aquinas Makin and Miriam Miller.

In this

file

photo, Bishop Begley reads to students at

All Saints School in Charlotte.

in the chapel

of the bishops' residence with Franciscan Sisters Mary

12 Special

to

The Catholic News & Herald

Behind the coat-of-arms

the needs of others:

his fellow priests, pa-

and Cuban refugees, orphaned

NANCY WEST

If loving

Guest Columnist

Hungarian

afternoon I heard the future bishop's motto was a good time and will remain a warm memory for me.

As I was making a bed for one of our

new Bishop of

He

and

still

shot back,

"I

Abbey, and motto,

I

Work and

He

was even surprised

Benedictine

continued with the details about

me

would see several

But now the bishop-elect told what his motto would be, and my heart

was

later.

said,

He

explained, 'This

is

partly because

of my connection with Catholic Social Services

and partly because of my association

with Cursillo."

But

his

being there telling

me

about

it

contained part of the reason too, for his

—

He

"sistren."

does love the brethren and For example, what reason other

than his interest in

my

writing avocation,

could he have for asking me,

Moses of

Grandma

the Typewriter, to "cover" his

"We

from St John's

have chosen a phrase

first epistle,

3rd chapter,

the great happenings and the multiple details,

he had remembered

his friend, the

The upper left quarter shows

ancestry.

The upper

right

quarter holds

photocopy

I

am

to

The animal is

band

John the

base

Evangelist.

Theophane was lobby of her convent when

In Belmont, Sister

we came in out of the rain. She took us to a guest dining room where we sat around the on her designs. Sister, a wellknown painter and art instructor at Sacred Heart College, has a disarming smile. She said she was really glad to have some outtable to feast

have never really

done anything like this. (I know just how you feel, Sister, I thought.) But you can't

rolls to signify

family's coat of

arms and also found on the

orphanage building of Nazareth, where

the bishop once served as director.

Tower of David" and Tower of Ivory."

The fourth quarter on thelowerleft holds the see city of the diocese.

lotte,

silver

marks which, according

to the

involvement in the Cursillo movement.

Across the bottom of the coat of arms is

a

scroll

upon which

his

motto appears.

Bishop Begley retains his seal. for the

A new bishop

diocese will designate his own seal at

the time of his installation.

DD

1123 South Church Street NC 28203

Charlotte,

Dear Bishop Curlin, condolences on the passing of Bishop Michael J. Begley to your entire not only lost your founding Bishop, but you have lost one of your

You have

strongest missionaries.

Bishop Begley was a true pioneer of the Catholic Church. He displayed the courage of word of the Church in North Carolina. Under his leadership and guidance, the Catholic Church is growing as a strong religious presence in

his convictions as he spread the

our State.

Throughout missionary assistance.

his fifty years of service to the Church, he served as an

- reaching out to people of all He will be remembered by all

was committed In deepest

to his faith

sympathy,

I

and

remain

to the

faith

who were

in

ecumenical

need of guidance and

as a tireless servant and a true visionary.

people he served.

of

those marks also signify his eight years of

Pastoral Center

my

Manual

Heraldry, signifies dignity. For Bishop Begley

February 14, 2002

diocese.

A band of

below the crown shows eight ermine

Easley

Please extend

The

tower also represents the Virgin Mary's titles

Governor

Curlin,

a

Catholic

The lower right quarter shows a tower

know.)

Most Reverend William G.

red

a parapet, a symbol found in the Begley

State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 F.

A

of the quarter contains

a crown that signifies the Queen City of Char-

see her sitting at her desk smiling.

Michael

the

and the

Social Services.

old

I

St.

at the

bread basket and

might use," she said, pointing to the cross and crown he'd mentioned. "Aren't you glad Sister Theophane is doing this for him? She's very talented. Oh, he is so nice."

Leaving with the copy, I looked back to

refuse him." (Yes,

Spirit;

raven, a symbol for St. Benedict;

by fierce-looking lions and unicorns.

"Here's the one the Monsignor thought Sis-

all, I

bird

a composite of three different kinds of birds:

with

"After

a

designed by Mercy Sister Theophane, who

The ornate designs were guarded

side opinion.

"We

a Celtic cross to symbolize the bishop's Irish

eagle for

waiting in the

ordination to the Bishopric? In the midst of

glad.

He

'We

have loved the brethren."

motto.

didn't mind.

Bible translation,

symbol.

silver

Now

this

is

two blue and two green, each containing a

the dove to represent the Holy

ter

In Latin, "Diligimus Fratres."

phrase

As she paused for breath, I injected, "I know just how you feel, Mrs. Kortheur.

her desk.

14th verse.

The New Ameri-

of the

have loved the brethren."

He was!

"Oh yes, the picture of the Queen's coatShe drew it out of an envelope on

The New American

can Bible translation

constructed the coat of arms.

what about

love, ser-

His motto, "Diligimus Fratres," symbolizes his love for others.

he invited me to the ceremony! I never thought I would see a bishop ordained!

anything.

days

knew who he

take to Sister Theophane?"

"This nice lady, Mrs. Kortheur, Katherine, the curator, was most helpful.

We must come up with a coat-of-arms, you know, and want to have some authentic symbol relating to Charlotte. She got out Queen Charlotte's coat-of-arms for me, and there seemed to be several possibilities in it.

I noticed a cross on a red square with a crown on top. Anyway, Mrs. Kortheur is having the Queen's photographed for me.

You could pick it up tomorrow and take it out to Sister Theophane, if you don't mind."

arms chosen by Bishop

The shield itself is divided into quarters:

And

said

I

I

of

Begley expresses his

and dedication to the people of the Dio-

years.

fluence of the bishop-elect's charisma.

Pray.'"

the insignia, which

many

was a visit to Kortheur's office in Mint Museum. The beaming little grey-haired curator was still under the in-

of-arms."

I

for

the Brothers."

the

he had just come from the Mint Museum. I listened, ready to believe

He

the

of-arms,

on the go. "Never mind," he at Belmont

am on retreat am living the

it

it,

Chapter two of the making of the coat-

college students, the doorbell

rang and there he was, our large bishopAs elect, our former pastor at St. Ann. always he radiated strength but not as always, he was definitely excited about something. I soon discovered what.

First I teased him about being on retreat

has lived

vice

J.

cese of Charlotte.

children.

Charlotte has aptly chosen

'We Have Loved

his motto.

Michael

caring about the well-being

of others and doing something about

The

homecoming

is

The coat

He remembers

perpetual aspiring writer.

rishioners, ailing housekeepers,

By

2002

February 22,

He