June 27, 2008
The Catholic News & Herald 1
www.charlottediocese.org
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Perspectives How to prepare for the upcoming Eucharistic Congress; dangers of same-sex marriages
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI June 27, 2008
Labor of love Jubilarian priests reflect on years of service in diocese by
| Pages 14-15 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
Trip to Africa provides spiritual renewal for local doctor
staff writer
by
Courtesy Photo
Dr. Matthew Harrison of Concord examines the throat of a young patient at a medical clinic in Ghana, Africa. Harrison was part of a team who went on a Helping Hands Medical Mission April 24–May 5.
Pioneers of the permanent diaconate
See MISSION, page 5
Bishop Curlin discusses healing power of Lourdes, faith by
KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent
KEVIN E. MURRAY editor
See DEACONS, page 6
CHARLOTTE — This spring, family practice physician Dr. Matthew Harrison was a man on a mission. When he set off on a 12-day trip to Ghana in West Africa he knew he would be providing medical aid for countless locals in rural parts of the country. What he didn’t know was how profoundly his faith would be deepened by the experience. Harrison was part of a team who went on a Helping Hands Medical Mission April 24–May 5. The Helping Hands Medical Mission is a Catholic nonprofit organization providing medical aid in rural areas of developing countries, according to its Web site. This was the second
Mary and the miracles
First deacons in diocese celebrate 25 years of service CHARLOTTE — A quarter of a century ago, a group of men paved the way for all those to follow in their footsteps of faith. In May, the first group
KATIE MOORE staff writer
CHARLOTTE — Eleven priests celebrating jubilee anniversaries were recognized, along with Bishop Peter J. Jugis, during a Mass at the biannual priests’ convocation in Asheville June 10. The jubilees, or special anniversaries, mark 25-, 50-, 55- and 60-year milestones of service to the priesthood. Celebrating 60 years is Jesuit Father William Lynch; 55 years are Father Joseph Kelleher, Msgr. Thomas Walsh and Benedictine Father Kenneth Geyer; 50 years are Father Richard McCue, Jesuit Father Vincent de Paul Alagia, Benedictine Father David Kissinger, Redemptorist Father Edward Gray and Franciscan Capuchin Father Jude Duffy;
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A man on a mission of mercy
KATIE MOORE
See PRIESTS, page 9
vOLUME 17
CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec
A woman refreshes herself Feb. 12 with water that comes from the spring uncovered by St. Bernadette Soubirous at the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.
HENDERSONVILLE — Two men recently spoke about their personal miracles from Our Lady of Lourdes. Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin was the guest speaker at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville June 8. Invited by Capuchin Father John Aurelia, pastor,
Bishop Curlin’s talk was in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes, France. Joining the presentation was Ron Garcia, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and a former member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America. Garcia attributes the healing of his See LOURDES, page 4
Grace-filled lives
Culture Watch
Not just for kicks
Education vicar retires; priests celebrate 10-year anniversaries
Vatican musical on Mary; music of mission churches
Teens build camaraderie through soccer camp
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