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January
Volume
8
t
8,
&
1999
Number
1
8
Serving Catholics
in
Western North Carolina
in
the Diocese of Charlotte
Inside New Year Pope begins new year with appeal for peace around the world
...Page
3
Med school students minister to
poor
9
...Page
Thousands plan to attend IVIarch for Life ...Page
13 Photo by Joann Keane
Local Sister
Six-year-old Ai Fye See stands before native foods during the Lahu New Year celebration at St. Aloysius in Hickory on Jan. 1. Blessing of the food including the hand-made rice cakes seen here is a tradition for the Lahu community.
—
News
—
ByKATHY SCHMUGGE
Mary Christine
HICKORY
Beck, RSM,dies at 83
Day, the
15
...Page
...Page
8
On New
Year's
quiet, multi-purpose parish
was transformed
Church
in
room
of tradition and ceremonial music. children,
dressed in black costumes richly embroidered in vibrant colors, streamed in with traditional foods, inviting the
community to join celebration, sometimes
parish
their ancient
called "Gin
Waw." Sixteen-year-old
fvcry Week & Columns ...Pages
4-5
Entertainment Pages 10-11
National Vocation
Awareness Week See column, page 5
Ekham
"Sabrina"
See has been actively participating in such festivities since she was a child in California. It is a tradition she wants to keep alive for future generations.
"These traditions define said
Ekham's
See.
The young
friend,
who we
Esaeng
are,"
"Christie"
teens proudly point
out that their mothers made the ornamental costumes they were wearing and were anxious to learn this treasured skill for which Lahu women are
ioners were also glad to be a part of
Michael youth from St. Aloysius, described the event as "awesome." He felt it is important for parishioners to this enriching experience.
McDonald,
a
as a sign of respect.
just
come
trying to
to our country
make
dance" around a Christmas tree, sweeping away the old year. The lighted
fir
or "tree of life"
Other non-Lahu parish-
is
With
boo pipe
in
whom
are Chris-
the ceremonial gourd-bam-
hand, the tribal leader
initi-
ated the dance with an inner circle of
men.
A
women
second
circle
"This celebration is a great way to begin a New Year," said Father Ed Sheridan, who has been close to the Lahu since his arrival to St. Aloysius this past year.
For the Lahu, who
was formed with
and children. Later women danced alone to the methodical beat of a drum accompanied by cymbals.
refer to
them-
selves as children of blessing, a highlight is the annual blessing of food and people by their priests. "As we prepare for the great millennium, let it be a time for great religious renewal, celebrating God in our words and deeds," said Bishop William G. Curlin during
the blessing.
Wearing indigenous garb made by Lahu men and women. Bishop Curlin expressed
how
the diocese
is
blessed
by the wonderful culture the Lahu people bring to the church in western North Carolina. "Their faith shines in their smiles and in their actions. It is evident that they have great love for Jesus and each other," he said.
The Lahu
an ancient
symbol dating back to the animistic beliefs once observed by the Lahu tian.
at this event.
We should
be welcoming," he said. Before the meal was served, Lahu men began the traditional "sweep
Javier Avila, a Mexican American, joined his Lahu wife, Elesa, for the fes-
couple have tried to incorporate the various customs from both cultures into their lives and enjoyed coming together as Catholics
and they are
a life here.
people, one-third of
The young
Lahu events "Many Lahu have
participate in the various
known.
tivities.
January 10-16, 1999
hosts Lahu celebration
Hickory
into a colorful
Lahu men, women and
Knights of Columbus plan
Mother Teresa award
—
hall at St. Aloysius
full
Editorials
St. Aloysius
Correspondent
the
tradition of celebrating
New Year may be rooted
in ancient
— —
said China, where early Lahu tribes celto have originated in Tibet ebrated. They are one of six major tribes found in the "Golden Triangle," hill country where China, Thailand and Laos meet.
the
Persecution
See
in
China, then later in
lahu NEW YEAR,
page
14