March 7, 2026

At a glance

MARCH 6, 2026

VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 11

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@rcdoc.org

704-370-3333

PUBLISHER

The Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment 14-15

Contact us 2

Español 16-17

Our Diocese 4-13

Our Faith 3

Our Schools 10-11

Scripture 3

U.S. news 18-19

Viewpoints 22-23

World news 20-21

STAFF

EDITOR: Trish Stukbauer

704-370-3392, tmstukbauer@rcdoc.org

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@rcdoc.org

MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@rcdoc.org

EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@rcdoc.org Lisa Geraci 704-370-3294, lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@rcdoc.org Christina Lee Knauss 704-370-0783, clknauss@rcdoc.org Amelia Kudela 980-374-3411, arkudela@rcdoc.org Brian Segovia 704-370-3235, bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

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CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

Timely tips for blending faith & life

While St. Patrick might be the first saint who comes to mind with a March feast day, one of the most popular saints – and most important historical figures – also is celebrated this month, St. Joseph. St. Joseph’s feast day is March 19, and from the moment he consented to taking Mary as his wife after an angel appeared to him, he was known for always saying “yes” to God’s plan. Here are some ways to learn from the foster father of Jesus this Lent.

READ ABOUT HIM

There are many wonderful books about St. Joseph –including reading about him in the Bible – but one that stands out for its practicality is ”Through the Heart of St. Joseph” by Benedictine Father Boniface Hicks. Each chapter dives into one aspect of St. Joseph’s character, such as his silence, his role as a parent and his protectiveness, and each concludes with a prayer. Through it all, the author encourages readers to turn to St. Joseph in those moments of uncertainty in their own lives.

PRAY FOR HIS INTERCESSION

Aside from the Blessed Mother, it would be challenging to find a saint who has inspired more prayers than St. Joseph. He is known as the patron of a happy death, workers and families. He is frequently asked for help with housing and in desperate situations. From the 30 Days Prayer for special requests, the Litany to St. Joseph and the Memorare to Pope Francis’ modern prayer to St. Joseph that he included in his 2020 apostolic letter “Patris Corde,” there is a prayer to the saint for nearly every occasion. Find one that speaks to you on the list we assembled online.

BUILD A ST. JOSEPH ALTAR

This tradition started in Sicily in the Middle Ages, when residents pleaded to their patron saint for relief from a drought that caused a famine. After the rains came, the residents built an altar overflowing with food to thank the saint and then distributed the items to those in need. St. Joseph Altars are traditionally built in three tiers to honor the Trinity, with a statue or picture of the saint on the top tier. Flowers, fruit, cookies, candles and medals decorate all three levels, and visitors often leave prayer petitions. Sicilian immigrants brought the tradition to New Orleans, where it continues to this day with more than 40 churches listed on the archdiocese’s website as destinations for altars this year.

Diocesan calendar of events

ESPAÑOL

VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Usted o alguien cercano está buscando sanar las secuelas de un aborto anterior? Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Lorena Haynes al 828-585-0483 o lorena_haynes@yahoo.com.

EVENTS

PASSING ON THE FAITH: The Catholic Grandparents Association is launching a chapter at St. Therese Parish, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. A 10-11 a.m. kickoff meeting will follow 9 a.m. Mass on March 14.

‘SAME SEAT’: Celebrate Lent with Father Pat Cahill and friends in a series on faith lived out in unexpected ways. 9:30-11 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through March 25 at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, or on YouTube @stmatthewcatholicchurch.

— Catholic News Herald, Catholic News Agency, OSV News, New Orleans and Company

EASTER FOOD BASKETS BLESSING: Deacon James Witulski will bless food baskets in English and Polish at 1 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. . 2026 CATHOLIC CAMPOREE : Catholic Scouts gather for a weekend of faith and fellowship April 17-19 at BSA Camp Grimes, 383 Vein Mountain Road, Nebo. Call 704907-1234 or email cdcatholicscouting@gmail.com.

PRAYER SERVICES

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS Vigil begins with 8 p.m. First Friday Mass on Friday, April 3, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and concludes with 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass April 4. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, www.defendthefamily.org/two-hearts.

IGBO MASS: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 22, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. Call 336-707-3625.

will participate in the following events over the coming weeks:

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.,

Our faith

5 saintly role models to help overcome today’s struggles Church is holy because of Christ’s Presence

The Catholic Church is both a community made up of fragile and limited human beings and a divine reality, Pope Leo XIV said at his weekly general audience.

The pope continued his series on the Second Vatican Council March 4 in St. Peter’s Square, emphasizing one of its principal documents, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “Lumen Gentium,” which examines the nature and identity of the Church.

He said the Church is “a community of men and women who share the joy and struggle of being Christians, with their strengths and weaknesses, proclaiming the Gospel and becoming a sign of the presence of Christ who accompanies us on our journey through life.”

However, he added, it also has a “divine dimension.” Its divine nature “does not consist in an ideal perfection or spiritual superiority of its members, but in the fact that the Church is generated by God’s plan for humanity, realized in Christ,” he said.

As proof of this coexistence, Pope Leo pointed to the life of Jesus Christ to illustrate the two dimensions of the Church. People were moved by His humanity, the sounds of His voice, as well as His message.

“Those who decided to follow Him were moved precisely by the experience of His welcoming gaze, the touch of His blessing hands, His words of liberation and healing,” the pope said. “At the same time, however, by following that man, the disciples opened themselves to an encounter with God. Indeed, Christ’s flesh, His face, His gestures and His words visibly manifest the invisible God.”

It is through this humanity, through the struggles and fragility of the faithful that Christ’s presence is manifested, the pope said.

“This is what constitutes the holiness of the Church: the fact that Christ dwells in her and continues to give Himself through the smallness and fragility of her members,” he said.

“Let us strive to be authentic witnesses of the love of Christ so that all can recognize in us and among us the charity that characterizes true Christians and builds up the Church,” the pope said in his greetings.

TheLenten season provides us with no shortage of holy men and women to discover and model our lives after. The following five saints, whose feasts typically appear on the liturgical calendar during Lent, can help us overcome some of the greatest obstacles that we face today.

Selfishness

ST. FRANCES OF ROME

In the Gospels, Jesus tells us that how we will be judged depends on how we have tended to the needs of the poor (Mt 25: 31-46). We have countless examples of the saints doing just that, with no shortage of seemingly extreme examples of those men and women who gave away all that they had. On March 9, the Church commemorates St. Frances of Rome, a woman of wealth and means who used her privilege to care for the poor and sick throughout Rome. Her era was at times rather chaotic, not unlike our own. But are our lives like hers? In the face of division and disaster, St. Frances responded by caring for the marginalized and abandoned. With the help of God’s grace, she committed large portions of family resources to assisting the poor and the sick. She also knew great sorrow. When a plague struck Rome, Frances lost two children to the disease.

Laziness

ST. JOSEPH

We often say we would respond to God if only we could hear Him. But what are we doing to open up our ears? Among the many characteristics of St. Joseph that we have discerned throughout the Christian millenia, his silence is one that resonates from Scripture. Rather than a sign of indifference, St. Joseph’s silence was a hallmark of his obedience and action. Whenever St. Joseph heard God’s voice, he responded immediately by doing as he was asked. This makes sense when you consider that St. Joseph – celebrated by

the Church on March 19 (Read more on page 2) – was described as a “just man,” the highest compliment one could be paid in the Bible. It meant he was the epitome of virtue and a very wise and holy man. Could it be that St. Joseph was so quick to do God’s will because he had attuned himself to hearing God’s voice? How could we become men and women of action by training ourselves to hear God’s voice?

Racism

ST. KATHARINE DREXEL

What can we do to help transform the systemic problems of racism and privilege we see and experience? As Christians, we know that the Gospel leads the way forward and that holiness is the key. The Church celebrates this reality, manifested in the life of St. Katharine Drexel, who is commemorated on March 3.

Drexel was a socialite and philanthropist who turned over her life to Christ in a most radical way to serve the needs of Native and Black Americans. She balanced social activism with prayer and trust in God’s providence to overcome many obstacles in the pursuit of justice, exercising her prophetic voice to expose the sin of racism. It was a difficult task, but her missionary zeal fed her desire for justice and equality.

We, too, can be conformed to Christ in all things. Lives of virtue such as hers will help eradicate racism.

Lack of missionary zeal

ST. PATRICK

As baptized members of the Body of Christ, we are called to help all people know, practice and share the Catholic faith. In doing so, we increase our membership and intensify our bond to Christ and the Church. On March 17, a day when culturally we celebrate all

Daily Scripture readings “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, And will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt?”

— Micah 7:18‑19, part of the daily readings for Saturday, March 7

things Irish, we can turn to St. Patrick and his example of evangelical zeal to help us develop our own. The fifth-century missionary-bishop is largely credited with converting, almost single-handedly, the pagan society in Ireland that practiced Celtic polytheism.

St. Patrick was a creative and fervent missionary, motivated by a selfless and sacrificial desire to fulfill Christ’s great command to bring the Gospel to all nations. Perhaps we have something to learn from him in our own mission to bring salvation to the world.

Division in the Church

FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER

It can be a temptation to give in to the human tendency to see ourselves at the center of all things. This is true even for our faith lives. Sometimes we think we know better than what the Church teaches, and we try to outsmart our pastors or object to their sound teaching because it does not comply with our own reading of a certain situation.

The feast of the Chair of St. Peter, celebrated Feb. 22, reminds us that what we believe is communal.

Christ established the Church as a communion. Local churches are gathered into unity around their bishop. The bishops of the world are gathered into unity by their communion with the successor of St. Peter, the pope. This is the chief responsibility of the pope, ensuring unity in the Church, particularly in the arena of faith and morals.

Ultimately, this feast reminds us that we aren’t each popes, but have one who serves as the “bridge builder,” the pontifex, binding us to Christ.

Snap the QR code (right) to get the Mass readings for every day, in English or Spanish, online at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

Pope Leo XIV

St. Katharine

St. Frances

St. Joseph

St. Patrick

St. Peter

MICHAEL HEINLEIN OSV News

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Guest speaker kicks off 40 Days for Life in Charlotte and Triad

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners and pro life volunteers participating in the spring 40 Days for Life campaign received a special visit from Dr. Haywood Robinson, medical director of the national 40 Days for Life organization. Robinson, a former abortionist who lives in Texas, traveled across North Carolina to share his story of how he left the abortion industry, became a Christian and is now engaged in efforts to protect the sanctity of life.

His first stop in the diocese was Feb. 20 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, where he encouraged participants to be vigilant in their prayers and fasting. The next day, he shared his message with participants in front of the Planned Parenthood facility in Asheville.

Twice a year, 40 Days for Life participants fast and pray in an effort to end abortion. The spring campaign runs through March 29. In Charlotte, individuals can peacefully pray at Planned Parenthood on South Torrence Street and A Women’s Choice on Wendover Road. The Asheville campaign occurs in front of Planned Parenthood on McDowell Street, while the Triad area has locations in front of Planned Parenthood on Maplewood Avenue in Winston Salem and A Women’s Choice on Randleman Road in Greensboro.

To learn more, visit: www.40daysforlife.com — Mike FitzGerald

Annual Diocesan Finance Summit draws record attendance

HICKORY — More than 80 representatives from parishes, missions and schools across the Diocese of Charlotte attended the annual

Our Lady of Consolation partners with diocese to renovate church

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation Church broke into applause Feb. 22 at the joyful news that the parish and the Diocese of Charlotte have established a special partnership to invest more than $6.7 million to renovate and expand their church on Statesville Avenue.

Since 2020, Masses at the historically Black parish have been celebrated in the overcrowded Parish Life Center, since mold, electrical problems and a lack of available restrooms have kept parishioners from using their aging church building.

The news thrilled Harry Scott, who was only 3 in 1955 when his mother took him to the groundbreaking for the church. He has remained a parishioner for 70 years and serves as chairman of the parish council.

“We are ecstatic over this response to our needs,” Scott said, “and look forward to working with the team to execute these plans.”

When the parish was founded in 1955, its property included a church, school, rectory and convent. The school and convent were closed decades ago, but the parish continued to operate on the same site in northeast Charlotte, an area undergoing tremendous population growth.

Despite its strategic location and continuing growth, the parish has struggled under the financial burden imposed by its aging facilities. More than a decade ago, the parish was forced to abandon its cafeteria because of the cost to repair and maintain it was beyond its financial means. Within five years, the school suffered the same fate and abandonment of the church building followed in 2020.

“In recent years it became clear that action beyond the means of parishioners was required to avoid loss of the parish site in this critical growth area,” said Emmett Sapp, the diocese’s director of construction and real estate.

“In 2024, we began working with the parish to investigate ways the diocese and the parish could partner to address the parish’s facilities challenges and enable it to respond to the needs of the Church.”

Parishioners learned about the partnership at two town hall meetings held after morning Masses.

Representatives from the diocese

discussed funding for the building project and plans to seek an architect and contractor. They fielded questions, and audiences erupted in applause when they learned about the project’s scale.

The cost to renovate and expand the church is estimated to be $6.7 million. To fund the project, the diocese will initially grant the parish $4 million over six years.

The parish must contribute at least $1.5 million to the project from proceeds received from a capital campaign expected to launch in spring 2027. Once the parish secures its contribution through funds and pledges, the diocese will grant an additional $1.1 million. The parish must also meet its other diocesan financial obligations.

Any remaining balance will be paid by the parish through a 10-year diocesan loan. Diocesan funding commitments for the project will come from returns on investments set aside for long-term growth initiatives following the sale of a major real estate holding in 2022.

“As in all capital campaigns in the past 40 years, the development office will work closely with the parish to help conduct a successful campaign,” said diocesan development director Jim Kelley. “As part of the diocesan philanthropic initiative, the parish will conduct its capital

campaign in the spring of 2027.”

Once funding is secured, plans for the project include renovating and expanding the existing church building. Plans call for asbestos abatement and mold remediation, construction of a new narthex and restrooms, replacement of interior finishes and an increase in seating capacity from 262 to approximately 450.

On Sunday, Father Marcel Amadi, parochial administrator of Our Lady of Consolation and its mission St. Helen in Gastonia, responded to questions with words of faith.

“Be grateful to God that this is happening,” he said.

Although other buildings are not included in this project, the parish has been working to save its historic campus. In 2020, the parish launched a capital campaign and raised more than $1 million that was invested in stopping deterioration of the old school building where restrooms for the church are currently located. Future plans call for the school to be transformed into a learning center offering education programs for the parish and community.

“It’s great to have a way to get back into the church,” Scott said, “which we so desperately have wanted and need.”

Catholic Charities’ Partners in Hope fundraiser set for March 26

WINSTON-SALEM — In its effort to “strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty,” Catholic Charities of the Piedmont Triad invites parishioners and supporters to join its Partners in Hope fundraiser on Thursday, March 26, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.

The free event begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by

dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will be invited to make a gift toward the Partners in Hope goal of $360,000. All proceeds go directly to

Catholic Charities’ Piedmont Triad regional office and will be used to support a wide range of programs and services, including a food pantry, youth empowerment, refugee resettlement and mental health counseling, among other programs. For more information and to register, go online to www.ccdoc.org/pih.

— Catholic News

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Officials were on hand Feb. 22 at Our Lady of Consolation Church to answer questions about how the diocese will partner with parishioners to move forward with renovations to their existing church building, which has been closed due to myriad issues including asbestos and mold.

Venerating St. Francis of Assisi

ASSISI, Italy — Bishop Michael Martin was among a group of Franciscan friars who witnessed the historic exhumation of the relics of St. Francis of Assisi on Feb. 21. The saint’s remains were removed from their crypt in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to be displayed for public veneration in honor of the 800th anniversary of his death in 1226. St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved Catholic saint known for radical humility, deep love for Christ and joyful poverty. Bishop Martin is a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, founded by St. Francis in the early 13th century and dedicated to living the Gospel as St. Francis modeled. The Catholic Church has declared 2026 a jubilee Year of St. Francis, with special pilgrimages and celebrations in Assisi. Pilgrims will be able to venerate the saint’s remains in the basilica until March 22 – a rare and deeply revered event that is expected to draw thousands from around the world. For more about the jubilee year, go to www.charlottediocese.org

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Pennybyrn turns green with 58th annual Irish Tea Party

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

HIGH POINT— With a 7-foot leprechaun, Irish dancers and enough Irish coffee to fill a pot meant for gold, Pennybyrn hosted its 58th annual Irish Tea Party March 1, toasting to new beginnings and welcoming two of their beloved Irish sisters – Sister Lucy Hennessey and Sister Gabriella Hogan – home for a visit.

About 400 residents and friends wearing green-tinted shamrock sunglasses, Mardi Gras beads and buckled top hats traveled through four St. Patrick’s-themed spaces filled with food, spirits and music. Knights of Columbus from Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point served Irish coffee as Irish dancers leapt across the dance floor to the beat of Celtic bagpipes.

Father Patrick Hoare, experiencing the event for the first time after stepping into his role as chaplain at Pennybyrn just six weeks earlier, was already turning into a full-blown leprechaun. Sporting a green tailcoat and stovepipe hat, he greeted his new community with limericks, laughter, blessings and prayer.

“I am new here … but as you can see, I am uniquely qualified to be part of this community with my first name being Patrick,” joked Father Hoare. “We are

all connected to Pennybyrn for different reasons and in different ways … but we are all here for exactly the same reason St. Patrick went to Ireland – to make the love of God present to the people that we meet.”

Even the dancers could not distract from the main attraction: the returning Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God: Sister Lucy, who steered Pennybyrn for 50 years, and Sister Gabriella, whose smile and gentle presence warmed the community for years.

In their first visit since being recalled to their Maryfield Mother House in London last year, the sisters were eager to share an Irish toast.

“This is a celebration, a tradition that has gone on for many, many years, that started with our founding sisters … as a means of thanking everybody for what they have done,” Sister Lucy announced to applause. “It really feels good to be back. What is still ringing in my ears is ‘Welcome back and welcome home.’ Isn’t that nice? I, for one, was very excited about coming back, but when I met with Sister Gabriella, she was even more excited. So you have two very excited sisters, and we feel very welcome.”

The two sisters couldn’t make their way down the hall without stopping for hugs and friendly banter, and both agreed it was great to be back with old friends.

“I am so glad I was able to see Sister Lucy,” said Kathleen Koch, a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary. “Ireland may be her home, but so is Pennybyrn. She basically created this place,” Koch said.

Although it was the sisters’ first time working alongside Father Hoare, they already admired his humor, his love of Christ and his demonstrated passion for evangelism.

“It was nice meeting Father Pat. He is wonderful, of course, and a deeply spiritual person, too. So, that’s a plus,” Sister Lucy said.

Father Hoare had briefly met Sister Lucy before, but this was the first time they spent any length of time together.

“I never had the opportunity to sit down with Sister Lucy and Sister Gabriella, but over the last couple of days, we spent lots of time together,” Father Hoare said. “They told me great stories, and we shared a lot of laughs. They shared so much about the legacy of Pennybyrn and all the work they were able to accomplish here.”

The sisters will remain laughing and sharing their legacy with Father Hoare through St. Patrick’s Day, not missing the annual Shamrockin’ Party on March 14, which includes an Irish feast and a Celtic band. After that, the sisters may leave or stay a while longer – it is anyone’s lucky guess.

LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Sister Lucy Hennessey (second from left) returned to Pennybyrn for a visit to join Father Patrick Hoare (center) and friends for the retirement community’s annual Irish Tea Party.

Lunar New Year celebration gallops into Greensboro

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

GREENSBORO — Thousands of celebrants surged into the Meridian Convention Center in Greensboro to ring in the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse.

People came from all over the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, some traveling across the state line from Georgia and Virginia, for the Feb. 22 New Year’s Celebration hosted by Holy Family Vietnamese Mission in Greensboro.

The Fire Horse is a rare Chinese calendar combination that occurs once every 60 years. It represents intense energy and change and encourages people to take decisive action based on lessons learned in the past.

To celebrate, dancing lions bounced on the stage, hundreds of pounds of Vietnamese delicacies were eaten, and teenagers hit the catwalk – but before that, there was Mass.

Vincentian Father Michael Nguyen, formerly of St. Mary’s Parish, who often visits his old parishioners for large events, presided over the Mass alongside Father Joseph Anh Linh Nguyen, pastor of Holy Family Church, and the parish’s newest clergy member, Father Paul Phuong Van Kim Pham.

During his homily, Father Michael Nguyen reminisced about the time 30 years prior when a small community of about 60 Vietnamese Catholics gathered at St. Mary’s for a humble Lunar New Year celebration. Now, looking out over a crowd that numbered in the thousands, he welcomed his new brothers and sisters to share in a growing community of love, faith and tradition.

In keeping with the new year of the horse,

Father Michael brought up a Vietnamese saying – “When one horse is ill, the whole stable refuses to eat grass” – to highlight the importance of helping neighbors.

“This year is even bigger than last year, and Father Michael encouraged us to unite with each other to grow together as one larger faith community,” Father Joseph Nguyen said. “This year was the largest so far, and he wishes next year our community will be even bigger.”

After Holy Communion, everyone

received a small scroll containing a message of good fortune to carry with them throughout the year.

Parishioner Hue Lily Bui’s message came from the Gospel of Luke: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).

“That is my verse! God is good. I have to live humbly. Instead of yelling and screaming and being stuck up, you need to be kind to others. That is what it is saying,” Bui said. “We need to go out and reach people, love them, and care for them.”

Together the three priests formed a circle and pounded a large gong with drumsticks in a symbolic new year act of protection and connection.

After Mass, while guests consumed mounds of egg rolls, sticky rice, pork belly shish kebabs and fried chicken, giant, colorful, furry lions kept to their strict fast of green cash during the traditional Lion Dance called Múa Lân.

The dance was historically thought of as a reset to ward off bad spirits and to greet a new year filled with prosperity, good health and joy.

Using acrobatics, intricate legwork and gymnastics, three huge lions bounced on stage – dancing on all fours, turning in circles, and jumping over one another.

Under the costume, one dancer worked as the head while standing on the shoulders of the other performer, who acted as the tail’s base. During their final moments on stage, the lions stood over the enthralled audience, shaking their 11-foot-long bodies in a unique balancing act.

The lions did not dismiss themselves politely but instead weaved their long bodies through the crowded hall, finding fresh targets all around them, teasing

celebrants until they were fully appeased with envelopes filled with money for treats.

“We have a lot of young, talented parishioners who do the Lion Dance at local businesses, homes and at events – my son used to participate,” said Bui. “It is a fun way to bring in the many blessings of the new year.”

After the lions were tamed, a fashion show ensued with participants wearing Áo Dài, a long tunic worn over silk trousers. Boys and girls walked the stage like runway models, using props and striking poses while revelers seized the opportunity to practice their phone photography.

“This is my first Áo Dài, and this is my first time performing. I got this (the pink silk flowerpatterned tunic) from my mother’s friend, who shipped it here from Vietnam,” said Ana Toneh, 15. The Holy Family parishioner has been practicing her walk and pose for the past five

“I feel confident and good wearing this,” she said. The event included more performances by rising young Vietnamese singers and dancers, and Father Joseph Nguyen is excited that it brings the culture to the younger generation.

“I hope when we gather together like this, it helps to keep our traditions, especially for the youth. They do not know too much about Vietnamese culture,” he said.

“We try our best to keep traditions within the family and pray they grow up keeping the Catholic faith and the language. This

PHOTOS BY LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Holy Family Vietnamese Mission in Greensboro rang in the Lunar New Year with a fashion show (above left) Mass (above right) and a day of fun that drew thousands of people from across the region to the Meridian Convention Center in Greensboro.

Acrobats carefully positioned inside three massive lion costumes danced and twirled through the crowd during the festivities.

Feast day Masses planned at Old St. Joseph

MOUNT HOLLY — Two Masses will be celebrated at Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly, the mother church for Catholics in western North Carolina and one of the oldest Catholic churches still standing in the state.

No longer an active parish, Old St. Joseph Church is used for special occasions such at the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph, and tours are available by request through Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, which is responsible for caring for the historic property.

Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the annual St. Patrick Day Mass on March 17 pays tribute to the first Catholic families in western North Carolina and their beloved first pastor, the Irish-born Father T.J. Cronin. Prayers at Father Cronin’s graveside will be said at 10 a.m. and then the faithful will proceed inside for Mass. Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville,

will be the celebrant.

The church’s patronal feast day will be celebrated with a 12:15 p.m. Mass on March 19 offered by Father Paul Buchanan, Queen of the Apostles’ pastor.

While the diocese dates from 1972, Catholics have lived in the Carolinas since the United States was founded. In the early 1800s, Irish immigrants put down roots – mostly stonemasons and tradesmen who found work with the railroads, in construction and in mines near Charlotte, where prospectors had struck gold.

The Greek Revival-style wooden frame church was built in 1843 by Irish immigrants, who had come to search for gold along the Catawba River. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

All are welcome to attend either Mass at the church at N.C. 273 and Sandy Ford Road. — Trish Stukbauer. File photo by Aidan Creter

IN BRIEF

Diocesan Finance Summit Feb. 24 25 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.

Attendees heard from diocesan accounting, finance, legal, human resources, planning, development, construction and technology leaders. They explored topics including parish financial challenges and practical solutions, special collections, Mass stipends, lending programs, clergy remuneration guidelines, healthcare and financial reporting.

Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, gave the keynote talk at dinner, discussing how parishes live in both the civil and canonical worlds, and presenting a historical view of the Church’s legal structure.

“The Diocesan Finance Summit concluded with record attendance, drawing parish and school finance staff and lay leaders from across the diocese,” said diocesan Chief Financial Officer Matthew Ferrante. “Over two days, participants engaged in discussion on best practices, financial processes, and programs designed to support parish communities. We are grateful for the enthusiastic participation and look forward to continuing this important work at next year’s event.”

Catholic Charities’ immigration legal accreditation renewed

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has been approved to continue to provide immigration legal services for another six years by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The “renewal of recognition” was approved by the department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review Recognition and

Accreditation Program Jan. 20 and covers the agency and its authorized representatives.

“This renewal allows our Immigration Program to continue to represent clients in immigration proceedings, file forms and appear before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,” explained Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “It allows us to advocate for clients who otherwise may lack access to legal services that they can afford.”

— Catholic News Herald

March

18 deadline nears

for Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage

BELMONT — The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage gathers middle and high school youth each spring for a day of hope, fun and inspiration. The event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28, is hosted by Belmont Abbey and Belmont Abbey College and features Eucharistic Adoration, talks, confession and a Eucharistic Procession. Register by March 18 for $20 to secure lunch and a T shirt at www.goeucharist.com/ bishops youth pilgrimage. While participants can register at the event, lunch and a shirt are not guaranteed if they do so. Please note, youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate America’s 250th at Belmont Abbey College

BELMONT — Join in a free celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with music that was performed in Boston, Philadelphia and Williamsburg in colonial America. At 8 p.m. on March 23, Carolina Pro Musica performs vocal and instrumental music including marches and sonatas. Visit www.carolinapromusica.org.

— Catholic News Herald

SCAN ME

Three seminarians instituted as acolytes

ROME — Diocese of Charlotte seminarians John Harrison, Gabriel Lugo and Ronan Ostendorf were instituted as acolytes March 1, a step on their ongoing spiritual formation to the priesthood.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College, where the three men are studying.

In his homily, Archbishop Sangalli preached on the Gospel of the day from Matthew 17:1-9: “As Jesus brought the disciples to the high mountain to witness His transfiguration as a beloved Son, He has brought you to Rome to be transfigured by His glory that is revealed in you as beloved sons.”

Archbishop Sangalli encouraged the men to live out the gospel by evangelizing through the example of their lives: “Remember, that it is the Lord who has chosen you for this ministry to serve at His altar, and you are called to respond by giving of yourself completely in service of His body and blood.”

“Give of yourselves as bread to the Church as Jesus gave of Himself as bread

for the world,” he told them. “The portion that has been given to you is to be shared with others.”

As part of the rite of installation as acolytes, the archbishop placed the paten, which contains the hosts for the celebration of Mass, in the hands of each candidate and said, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church’.”

The seminarians, Harrison, from St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, Lugo, from Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City and Ostendorf, from St. Michael Parish in Gastonia, will have two more years of theological studies and spiritual formation before being considered for ordination to the priesthood.

The Pontifical North American College serves as the American seminary in Rome. Founded in 1859 by Blessed Pius IX, the college has formed more than 5,000 priests in the heart of the Church for service in dioceses around the United States and Australia.

Blessed with new threads

MOUNT HOLLY — The Knights of Columbus Council 10852 at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte stepped up to the line and gifted new uniforms to the 2025–2026 St. Joseph College Seminary Basketball Team. The team practices all year for two games - the diocesan priests vs. seminarians game and the Inter-Seminarian Tournament. “The uniforms meant a great deal to the team – they were a visible reminder that the broader Catholic community supports and believes in them,” said Head Basketball Coach Joseph M. Warwick. “I often tell them, ‘If we look good, we’ll play good,’ but more importantly, they understood that wearing those uniforms carried a sense of responsibility and unity.”

— Catholic News Herald. Photos provided by the Pontifical North American College.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fatima pilgrims return home to spread Our Lady’s message

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Mary Sample from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte, her brothers, Frank and Joseph Spicer, and Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury, are on a mission to bring the message of Our Lady of Fatima to Charlotte, one pilgrim at a time.

The three recently arrived home from Fatima, Portugal, where they traveled with a group of 47 pilgrims, primarily from their parishes and St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Gastonia.

Since 2015, Sample and Frank Spicer have organized 15 Fatima trips, which now take place twice a year. Their 13-day itinerary is filled by apparition sites, basilicas in Portugal and Spain and spiritual talks by 20 speakers.

Some pilgrims were visiting for the first time while this trip marked Frank Spicer’s 48th visit, yet all agreed it was life changing.

Sacred Heart parishioner Len Kobylus led the candlelight procession at the Chapel of Apparitions in Fatima, the site where Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children, venerable Sister Lucia, St. Jacinta, and St. Francisco. Kobylus carried a 40-pound cross through wind and rain at the outdoor chapel.

“When you are doing that, you feel like heaven has touched you,” Kobylus said. “My wife went in 2019 with Father [John] Putnam and the seminarians, and she came back fully transformed. Now I know why. This pilgrimage taught me the real message of Fatima. Before, I was just going through the motions, but now I know the reason beyond.”

Each pilgrim had a role as a lector, altar server, or rosary

leader at the churches they visited, including St. Anthony’s, the parish the shepherd children attended, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where they prayed at the tombs of Sts. Jacinta and Francisco and Venerable Sister Lucia, and the Royal Basilica of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lisbon, Portugal.

“I loved being at the church where the shepherd children were baptized, and we renewed our baptismal vows,” said Linda Harris of Sacred Heart Parish. “It is hard to imagine that you are there where they were.”

Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Agnes Maria, who visited for the first time, feels closer to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Trip highlights

n Mass at the Capelinha (apparition site) and prayer at the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta and Venerable Lucia.

n Walking the Hungarian Stations of the Cross in Valinhos, following the path the children took to the Calvary Chapel.

n The Monastery of St. Teresa, Sister Lucia’s home for 57 years, and the convent in Tuy, Spain, where the final 1929 apparition occurred.

n Pontevedra, Spain, site where Our Lady requested the First Saturday Devotion in 1925.

to the message of Fatima.

“When I was walking through that soil at the apparitions [site], I got tearful,” said Sister Agnes. “Mother Mary walked through these places. It was the greatest feeling. Each time I am saying my rosary now, I feel like I am holding on to her arms and praying.” Harris is also feeling more connected to the rosary. She admits making time for and concentrating on it were sometimes difficult. Her passion for the rosary was restored after receiving two rosaries – one that was placed on Venerable Lucia’s bed at the Carmel of St. Teresa in Coimbra, and the other that grazed the chair by St. Jacinta’s bedside at the Poor Clare Convent, where the Blessed Mother sat during a private visitation.

“Now, I want to learn to make rosaries, and I want to always have a bundle and give them out whether you are Catholic or not,” Harris said. “You have to get rosaries in people’s hands and let them touch their hearts, and the miracles will flow.”

Jaclynne Drummond, who came back to the Church six years ago, took the trip at the suggestion of her former pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, Father Paul McNulty. Drummond was not expecting the peace she would find.

“The emotional healing has been so incredibly beautiful and is still with me right now,” she said.

Drummond, just like the others, came back ready to devote herself

“In order to know the Fatima mission, you have to live it and spread it,” Sample said. “We could teach people through classes, but when they are actually physically going, that’s when we truly know we are going to be successful. That is when people start praying the rosary daily, and they start doing the first Saturdays. That is our mission.”

The First Saturday Devotion includes going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying five decades of the rosary and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the rosary, all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for five consecutive first Saturdays of the month. Sample wants to lead more people to practice the devotion and spread the message of Fatima. “Our Lady touches everyone so differently,” she said. “We’ve got to get more people over to experience it, and then come back and live it.”

Stepping into their journeys

HUNTERSVILLE — Hundreds of people across the Diocese of Charlotte are preparing to join the Catholic Church this Easter, through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

They have been discerning, with the help of their sponsors and each parish’s OCIA team, that God is calling them to receive the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation and first Holy Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. Before they can be initiated, they must be officially called to the sacraments by the bishop or someone designated by him, during the Rite of Election.

At the Rite of Election celebrated Feb. 23 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville by Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, about 425 catechumens and candidates from 21 parishes took this next step.

One simple and powerful gesture was repeated. Sponsors placed a hand on the shoulder of the catechumen or candidate beside them. The hand was a visible sign of prayer, encouragement and commitment and a reminder that no one walks the journey of faith alone.

PHOTO PROVIDED

(From left) Len Kobylus, a Sacred Heart parishioner, carries the cross during a candlelit procession at the Chapel of Apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. Father John Eckert leads a rosary at the site where the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.

Schools

Sacred Heart School receives gift for art room upgrades

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

SALISBURY — Shea Homes’ generosity has brushed the Diocese of Charlotte again in the form of a $165,613 grant for an upgraded art room at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury.

When the school was initially built in 2009, a dedicated art room was not included. The space that is currently being used for weekly art classes also hosts music and small group instruction.

To convert the space to a fully functional art room, a wall that was opened to an adjacent classroom will be sealed and soundproofed. Additional storage designed for art supplies and a sink will be incorporated, as well as upgrades to interior finishes to create an environment that promotes creativity. Existing furniture will be replaced with flexible seating that can accommodate students of varying ages.

“Providing a space that dignifies the artistic process sends a clear message to students that their creativity is valued and worth investing in,” Principal Erin Brinkley said.

Thanks to the grant, renovations are planned to take place this summer to be ready for the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic school year.

“This grant is an investment in children, in creativity, and in the mission of Catholic education,” Brinkley said. “On behalf of the students, families, faculty and parish

community, heartfelt thanks are extended to the Sheas for making this dream a reality.”

Shea Family Charities is one of the most significant philanthropic supporters of Catholic education across the country, assisting more than 400 Catholic schools with grants providing for renovations, new construction and needed expansion projects.

Over the past 30 years, the charity

has granted an estimated $11 million toward school projects in the diocese, assisting St. Ann, Holy Trinity Middle School and Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte, Immaculata in Hendersonville, St. Michael in Gastonia, Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro, Our Lady of Mercy in Winston-Salem, and now the art room at Sacred Heart. From

Model UN delegates turn the Olympics green

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

KERNERSVILLE — If you need answers to the world’s most pressing problems, skip Congress and ask the Triad’s middle-school Model United Nations (MUN) country delegates.

On Feb. 25, Bishop McGuinness High School hosted 170 students from its five feeder schools – St. Leo the Great and Our Lady of Mercy in Winston-Salem, Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point, and Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X in Greensboro – for a MUN Conference centered around making the Milan Olympics more environmentally friendly. MUN is a simulation in which students role-play as diplomats from different countries to solve global issues through research, debate and building consensus to pass resolutions.

From carpools to recyclable cups to solar panels, delegates representing countries from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Colombia argued their stance on how to transform the Olympic venue into a cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable arena – and then were thrown for a loop.

“An hour in, my guys developed a crisis – all the snow melted. They were now using artificial snow. That snow created an environmental hazard. What should be done?” history chair and MUN facilitator David Seidel said. “This is all to see how fast they are able to react with problem solving.”

The crisis introduction is a critical moment when delegates must pivot and use their research for on-the-spot strategy planning.

While the delegates hashed out whether to ship in ice from abroad or move to an indoor venue, a panel of three student leaders, called the “Dais,” mediated the organized chaos.

As senior Adam O’Connell said, “I love this because I love public speaking, monologuing and saying things dramatically. This is my last Model UN, and I’m super proud of these middle school students. This is one of the most engaging

rooms I have ever seen.”

Principal Claire Willis was impressed that her students adapted so effectively.

“We should do this more often. They are really doing such a good job with it,” Willis smiled. “Maybe let them have a little more control every once in a while and see where they take it.”

By the end of the day, Milan remained unchanged, but the teachers, administration and graduating seniors left reassured that, thanks to their Catholic education, the future looks pretty bright and green in the next generation’s hands.

the mountains to the Piedmont to the Triad, the organization has helped Catholic education thrive.

“To witness a family choose to invest so intentionally in a school that holds such significance for so many is both humbling and inspiring,” said Brinkley, who attended Sacred Heart as a child.

“Sacred Heart has been special to me for a long time, and for someone else to invest in the place that I love dearly is hard to put into words,” she said.

The art room was the first item on a list of the growing school’s proposed plans that include a preschool expansion as well as dedicated spaces for music, special education and therapy.

“This renovation was prioritized because the arts form the whole child. Academic excellence and creative expression go hand in hand,” Brinkley said.

The new layout and flexible furniture will allow students to work on projects in creative collaborative workstations. An expansion into an adjacent outdoor space will include a cement patio, outdoor furniture and shaded areas, allowing students to have easy access to be inspired by the beauty of nature.

“This will allow for simultaneous indoor and outdoor instruction, giving students opportunities to sketch from nature and experience art in a dynamic setting,” Brinkley said. “They can learn that beauty matters. Creativity is a gift from God, and they are called to use that gift well.”

CHARLOTTE — More than 20 school officials from across the region gathered in Charlotte Feb. 24-27 for the Southeast Regional Superintendents’ Summit. The annual event brings together officials to share experiences and talk through challenges. Among the topics they discussed at the Diocesan Pastoral Center and St. Patrick Family Life Center (where they were greeted by students) were principal support and development, tuition and scholarships, teacher evaluations and social media. The group made some time for fun as well, visiting iconic Queen City locations like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Amelie’s, the Billy Graham Library and the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Students at Sacred Heart display colorful artwork. Planned renovations to their existing art room will make the space more conducive to group learning and better able to accommodate materials for varied projects.

SIOBHAN WHIPP, MACS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Leading with faith, school officials meet in Charlotte

PHOTO CREDIT

Students from five Triad-area middle schools converge at Bishop McGuinness High School to learn how to work together to solve problems requiring consensus at a Model United Nations.

CMACS Honors Band hits the high notes

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

HARLOTTE — The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Honors Band took to the stage Feb. 28 for its inaugural concert at the Fine Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School.

The arena hummed with the sounds of well-greased trumpets, flutes, trombones and clarinets and thumped with the rhythmic beats of the drums and xylophones. The beautiful melody made it almost inconceivable to believe that just 24 hours prior, the band members had never played together.

The weekend ended with the concert as a grand finale, but the first-ever Honors Band had to work hard to get there.

“I’d like to think of it as a 24-hour marathon of putting all this music together,” said Ben Ranzinger, MACS instrumental music director and the architect behind the program. He collaborated with Jacob Bohan, band director of Charlotte Catholic, this academic year to launch the program.

“We have a lot of different schools that have really strong band programs, but we wanted the opportunity to be able to come together each year to perform,” said Ranzinger.

The Honors Band pulls from the finest instrumental talent in three Mecklenburg County middle schools and two high schools. All 75 musicians were nominated by their band directors due to their skill and dedication.

As St. Mark Band Director Christopher D’Allura explained, “with cramming challenging music into just two days’ time, you have to just nominate your players who can handle the rigor.”

The 35 middle-school members were chosen from Our Lady of Assumption and Holy Trinity in Charlotte and St. Mark in Huntersville, while the 41 high-school members were from Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King in Huntersville. They performed pieces

including “Barbarossa” by William Himes, “Barnburner” by Michael Story, and “Rocketship!” by Kevin Day as if they had rehearsed the songs together all year long.

Instead, they went through a grueling weekend of clinics that started after a half-day of school on Friday until 8 p.m. that night and continued on Saturday morning until the concert at 2:30 p.m.

Two clinicians stepped in for the challenge. Bohan taught the middle schoolers.

“We hope they come back on Monday totally different,”

Bohan said. “Everything they did in the last two days is what we try to spend all quarter teaching them. I think they absolutely nailed it, and now the bar is set.”

At the high school level, Cougars and Crusaders spent their

days sitting side by side, learning their new repertoires from Winthrop professor, instructor of music and assistant band director Dr. Kirstin Jeri.

“I am always looking to get out

‘Having an event like this as a recurring tradition will give something for our older band members to look forward to each and every year.’

Ben

Ranzinger

MACS instrumental music director

and work with students, whether at the middle school or at the high school level,” Jeri said. “We want to be able to support and get involved.”

Band directors from all five schools cheered on their students.

“This is a great opportunity for our kids that need a little bit more of a challenge,” said Tracy Shoff, band director of Holy Trinity.

Shoff taught many of the Charlotte Catholic band students at Holy Trinity and appreciates their progress.

“It is so nice to see them continue to love what they do, because you have to find your passion,”

Shoff said. “That is the whole key in life.”

Charlotte Catholic student Wolfgang Burger, whom Shoff taught percussion,

reflected, “I feel so blessed to do this. I have been playing percussion since 4th grade, and it has become such an important part of my life, and I love it.”

Now, Shoff teaches his brother, Otto, who is auditioning to be a tuba player in the North Carolina All-State Band next week and is also part of the Honors Band.

“They can make such great music because they have this innate ability, and when they all come together, it is just a magical thing. It is beautiful,” Shoff said.

Parents like Kortney Ficke could not be happier. Ficke thought the concert showcased her child’s potential, which he worked so hard to discover.

Marshall Ficke, a sophomore at Charlotte Catholic, has played the drums and bass guitar since third grade, starting with School of Rock lessons and then progressing to the band at Holy Trinity. He is now part of the Honors Band, the jazz band and the pit orchestra.

“It is hard to put in words what this community has meant to Marshall, and the music, and the outlet it gives him at home. He is upstairs practicing all the time,” said Ficke. “He talks about doing this through college, and just to see he found his passion … means a lot.”

The Honors Band concept is more than a one-hit wonder in Ranzinger’s eyes.

“Having an event like this as a recurring tradition will give something for our older band members to look forward to each and every year,” Ranzinger said.

Bohan agrees, “This is not only a wonderful life skill, but it is also team building. It is all these incredible things that make each one of us who we are.”

Middle and high school students from across the diocese were selected for their exemplary musical talent to participate in the first Honors Band concert.

The students had just 24 hours of practice together before they put on a concert for family and friends. The result was music to the ears.

PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The High School Honors Band was made up of 41 members from Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King in Huntersville.

STORIES BY CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL catholicnews@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE

— Thousands of fans of the groundbreaking show “The Chosen” gathered Feb. 19-21 at the Charlotte Convention Center for ChosenCon 2026 – and the Diocese of Charlotte was on hand to welcome them. It was a chance to interact with cast members and take part in panel discussions, screenings and other experiences centered around the series, which dramatizes the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Organizers said 4,500 tickets were sold for the event, which was the third gathering of its kind. Previous ChosenCons were held in Orlando and Dallas.

Launched with one episode in 2017 by creator and producer Dallas Jenkins, the show has since become the largest crowd-funded media project in history. The series was recognized in Charlotte for the second time by Guinness World Records as the mosttranslated season of a streaming series in history. The first season is now available in 125 languages.

Jenkins and members of the cast took time Feb. 20 to talk about their experiences and to inspire local fans to carry the show’s message of discipleship forward.

“When I started making The Chosen, I got rid of all my expectations,” Jenkins said. “I said, ‘I’m responsible for five loaves and two fishes.’ and I gave that to God. Seeing it grow to this level isn’t shocking, because I know God is capable of anything. I’m solely focused on watching God do the miracles, and I have a great front-row seat for it. If I had set out to accomplish something this big, God would have broken me down. Right now, I’m just being sustained by Him.”

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who is Catholic and portrays Jesus in the series, met with Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte on the “teal carpet,” where members of the cast chatted with media and fans.

“The faith that they inspire among the hearts of so many – it’s a beautiful

The

ActorGeorge Xanthis points to a bracelet of brown beads he wears on one wrist as a symbol of how he feels about his role as John the apostle in “The Chosen.”

“That’s from Patmos – that’s where John wrote the book of Revelation,” Xanthis said. “I visited there, saw the monastery built in his honor. Over time I’ve become more and more obsessed with this role. Once upon a time I would have just told you, ‘Cool, I’m playing John on a show,’ but now I’m visiting islands where this person was. I’m so proud of this character. I feel such a connection to this person. I just want to keep exploring this character for as long as possible.” Xanthis sees a lot of himself

thing, especially during this season of Lent,” Monsignor Winslow said. Roumie said his role has given him a new perspective on his faith, and the fact that ChosenCon took place in Lent offered a deep spiritual experience.

“To portray Jesus means I get to bring the fullness of my sacramental life as a Catholic to my experience portraying the origins of those sacraments,” Roumie said. “To be able to do this during Lent and talk about it during Lent is a gift. It’s beautiful.

I’m also going to have a more intense and fuller experience of this coming Holy Week because of what we went through on the show last season.”

Season five, the most recent, depicts the events of Holy Week up through the Last Supper. Season six is expected to portray Christ’s crucifixion.

“The Chosen” has been praised for the diversity of its cast and writing, which builds out the well-known New Testament characters into full-fledged human beings with distinct flaws, struggles and personality types.

The character of Matthew, the tax collector who becomes a disciple, for example, is written as a person who is on the autism spectrum. Actor Paras Patel said portraying Matthew allows him to show the disciple’s humanity.

“It feels like a gift – I feel like I was chosen for this part,” Patel said. “What

CHOSEN, SEE PAGE 13

key word is ‘surrender’

in how the character of John is written, a man who initially is nicknamed “Son of Thunder” because of his hot temper but matures into the compassionate “beloved disciple.”

That journey from anger to compassion not only resonates with Xanthis but can serve as a lesson for

viewers, he said.

“When you go into love, you learn to be more compassionate,” he said. “I think the character of John always had that compassion in him; he just didn’t know how to express it. I think the key word for John in the series is surrender. That’s the most important thing about him, and we know this from Scripture. Initially he wants to rain fire on the Samaritans, people he doesn’t know and doesn’t recognize. … He wants to control things. And Jesus is there to tell him that he’s not the one to control things. When John learns to trust his rabbi more and surrenders, he finds himself through service to others. I think John just kept surrendering and ended up where he needed to be.”

Hit show brings inspirational

We are all

“The

brilliant artistry and vision of ‘The Chosen’ reminds all of us that we are called by God. We are all chosen to become His disciples. We follow Christ now as the original disciples did then.”

Monsignor Patrick Winslow Vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte

(Above) Noah James, who plays the apostle Andrew on “The Chosen,” and other cast members took time out for photos with fans as they walked the teal carpet during ChosenCon.

inspirational message to Charlotte

‘Chosen’

CHOSEN

FROM PAGE 12

drew me to Matthew was the fact that he’s neurodivergent. There’s so much depth to the character, and portraying him this way shows neurodivergent people that there is a space for everybody – you are seen and you have worth. Sometimes we don’t know our own worth, and with Matthew’s story you see that he finds himself, his own strength and purpose.”

One of the show’s greatest strengths, which has led to its wide appeal, is its

‘A

VanessaInsights from the cast

“I get a lot of messages from people relating to Andrew’s struggles with anxiety, relinquishing control, navigating grief and loss. I’m so happy I get to be part of something that helps people even in some small way deal with their own personal feelings and see themselves reflected.”

– Noah James, Andrew

“Portraying James has connected me to both books of the Bible, the old covenant and the new covenant. It has truly changed my life. … We dare to show the apostles in their humanity. It’s important to have the grace for that … to see the saints, the apostles who are now these elevated pillars and to understand that they, too, may have struggled.”

– Abe Bueno-Jallad, Big James

message that Christ’s message is for everyone, Jenkins said.

“The goal of The Chosen is to capture the totality of Jesus’s ministry,” he said. “He welcomed all sorts of people, and that’s something we tend to forget today when we tend to say, ‘I have my tribe and I’m going to stick to that.’

The show has been an opportunity for people to be reminded that we’re all welcome at the table.”

At catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and videos

“The character of Simon the Zealot raises the importance of learning how to be vulnerable, how to go from a perspective of separation toward one of connection. Sticking together in vulnerability is true strength. It’s a beautiful lesson to apply to the world situation today, where it’s all about dividing as opposed to fundamentally reconnecting. Humanity needs connection, or otherwise it’s chaos.”

– Alaa Safi, Simon Z

“The secret sauce of ‘The Chosen’ is how human our characters are.”

– Paras Patel, Matthew

different approach to Mary’

Benavente feels she had a special connection with Jesus’s mother Mary long before she was offered the role in “The Chosen.”

Benavente, who was born in Peru, took time out of events at ChosenCon in Charlotte to recall how her grandmother and great-aunt were both devout Catholics with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

“My grandmother predicted I was going to be born a girl and born on Dec. 8 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) – and I was!”

That childhood connection to Mary drew her when she was asked to read for the role, and the series’ script sparked her interest even more.

“I was actually surprised that Mary spoke in such a normal way, and I

realized that we’re seeing Mary in a whole new light, a very different approach to Mary,” she said. “She reminds me of my grandmother and great-aunt, who were people who suffered a lot yet were ready to laugh and be merry and just live their lives. They loved life and just had so much love to give, and I felt that connection.”

Her character’s constant love for her child, the Son of God, and her ability to find happiness in life also resonates with Benavente.

“That’s something I guess I recognize as very Latina – we love to mother our children even if our children are adults,” she said. “We just love to love our children, and I recognized Mary in my family. It doesn’t mean you haven’t suffered – it means you decide to focus on life, the good instead of the bad.”

While some depictions of the Blessed Mother make her seem “fragile, pure but kind of almost made of glass,” Benavente says “The Chosen” highlights her strength and bravery.

“This is a woman who went through so much and had so much courage to take it on all by herself – she was the first one there, she followed. I think that speaks volumes to her strength, the fighter in her.”

Fans of “The Chosen” took part in a variety of events at ChosenCon, including panel discussions, screenings, a worship service and chances to meet cast members.

Arts & entertainment

Sarah Kroger’s voice melts hearts at St. Matthew Parish

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — The lyrical voice of internationally known Catholic recording artist Sarah Kroger warmed the hearts of fans on a chilly Friday night at St. Matthew Parish.

“I have been looking forward to this concert since it was announced,” said parishioner Shauna Martin. “An award-winning performer who I absolutely love coming to our parish, it’s really amazing. … Her voice melts my heart.”

Kroger, a GMA Dove Award-nominated worship leader, visited the diocese to perform at the 2024 Eucharistic Congress. She has performed at World Youth Day, the National Eucharistic Congress and the Steubenville Conference and is known for albums such as “Bloom,” “Light” and “A New Reality.”

Martin didn’t miss a beat of her favorite song, “Communion.”

“The song embodies my vision of being with Jesus in His Body and Blood,” she said.

Kroger’s set featured her most popular songs, such as “Beloved,” and an unreleased vocal called “I Will Live.” She

keyed the baby grand while she debuted the song highlighting her journey to the foot of the Cross. Guitarist Simon Dumas also performed a new song he wrote with Matt Maher, the well-known artist and friend of the band.

The free event drew more than 800 fans of all ages from across the region.

rock and just release my music and never even have to put a face to it,” Kroger said.

“But if my witness can help someone else feel that they are not crazy and that they are not the only ones who are wrestling with faith, with identity or depression, and with bullying issues ... if I can speak to it and make one person feel less alone, I feel grateful for that opportunity.”

St. Matthew parishioner Kutina Francis, 15, has Kroger’s songs on repeat on her playlist.

“I listen to her every day,” Francis said. “I got closer to God this year, and her songs have helped me in my life and my faith journey.”

Kroger often stopped to uplift the audience with words of encouragement for Lent.

“If we want to grow in awareness with God, we have to slow ourselves down.”

Kroger said. “Lent is the perfect time to do that, to still the noise as much as possible.”

Kroger weaves Catholic themes into her contemporary worship genre. She believes music, just like art, is whatever God inspires.

Please

Rev. Robert A. Gibson 1987

Rev. Francis Gorham 1981

Rev. John Huston 1976

Rev. Joseph P. Tobin, OSB 1978

“A lot of people have strong opinions about what Catholic music means. … There are a lot of traditional Catholics out there that consider (it to be) chant or liturgical-based Catholic music, and I totally understand that,” Kroger reflected. “But Catholicism is much bigger than that. I think God is much bigger than that when it comes to the labels. … Anything to me that speaks to the transcendental beauty, truth and goodness is a reflection of the Lord and can lead people to the goodness of His heart.”

Kroger said she went through a season where it was difficult to feel God’s presence. Many songs from her latest album, “A New Reality,” reflect that. But just as happens over the 40 days of Lent, the dark night has faded, and a new season is emerging.

“The despair of that season of wrestling with faith is gone,” Kroger said. “I would say I am in a new era of faith. I don’t fully understand what that looks like yet, and what this new prayer life and relationship with God look like.”

Just as many Catholics this Lent, she said, “I am excited to discover what it is, and I feel like the Lord is leading me ever closer to His heart.”

LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fans came from around the diocese and even across state lines to hear award-winning Catholic singer Sarah Kroger in concert. The artist is loved by fans because she has shared her struggles with anxiety, depression and lack of self confidence in her music, which has let them know that they are not alone.

Charlotte Catholic High School celebrates Black History Month with rousing concert

CHARLOTTE — Black History Month was marked by a special celebration Feb. 26 at Charlotte Catholic High School, where an assembly led by Our Lady of Consolation Parish’s Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir brought the community together in song and reflection. The

performance had the crowd on its feet, guiding students through moments in history with powerful musical testimony. The choir’s energy and spirit resonated throughout the gym. The annual visit is a favorite event, and one student said he will miss it when he graduates.

He encouraged his fellow students to embrace the moment. Through songs and heartfelt witness, the choir reminded students that faith can be expressed in many ways. As one classmate shared with peers, while the style of celebration may differ, the spiritual benefits remain the same.

PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Película captura reacciones de católicos hispanos en Carolina del Norte

BRIAN SEGOVIA

bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — La película Bendito Corazón, un drama católico de época sobre la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús que cuenta con la participación del sacerdote mexicano José Arturo López Cornejo, se estrenó en enero de 2026 y ha despertado interés entre comunidades católicas en México y en la diócesis de Charlotte.

Ambientada en la Nueva España del siglo XVII, la cinta entrelaza la historia de una pareja en crisis con el proceso espiritual de un hombre cuya fe en el Sagrado Corazón transforma no solo su vida, sino también la de quienes lo rodean. La producción fue filmada en ubicaciones históricas de Los Altos de Jalisco y está basada en acontecimientos relacionados con esta devoción.

La película también explora el origen histórico y espiritual del culto al Sagrado Corazón en Mexicacán, Jalisco, donde en 1788 se construyó lo que es considerado el santuario más antiguo de América dedicado a esta advocación. Según espectadores, la pelicula ha logrado conectar con públicos que rara vez asisten al cine para ver producciones de temática religiosa.

El filme se estrenó el 22 de enero en México y Latinoamérica, llegó a Estados Unidos el 6 de febrero y comenzó a proyectarse en Carolina del Norte el 21 de febrero. Actualmente se exhibe en salas del Piedmont, desde Winston-Salem hasta Charlotte.

Inspirada en la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, la película aborda temas de conversión, perdón, esperanza y amor misericordioso. Estos elementos motivaron a varios feligreses a acudir a las salas de cine.

Sergio López, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano para la Vicaría de Winston-Salem, afirmó que la respuesta en la comunidad ha sido significativa.

“He visto a muchas personas que han decidido asistir en familia o en grupos

parroquiales y que han regresado inspiradas”, dijo López.

Dora Marcela Ramírez, feligresa de la parroquia St. Philip the Apostle en Statesville, señaló que sigue desde hace años al padre Cornejo en YouTube, donde

cuenta con 3.3 millones de suscriptores y promueve el mensaje del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Ramírez explicó que su interés aumentó al conocer la participación del sacerdote en la película.

“Cuando supe que había realizado una película sobre el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús – mi devoción favorita – y que existía la posibilidad de verla en Estados Unidos, busqué el cine más cercano y comencé a organizar el plan”, afirmó.

Ella y su familia asistieron a una función en Winston-Salem. Según comentó, la película – que incluye narración del padre Cornejo – presenta la historia de la devoción con un enfoque en cómo el poder de Dios ayuda a los fieles a superar vicios y adicciones.

“Es una película apropiada para toda la familia que muestra el amor de Dios y fortalece la fe”, dijo Ramírez. “En tiempos en que la sociedad secular nos distrae con la fama y el poder, esta historia alimenta el alma y reaviva la esperanza”.

Añadió que grupos de su parroquia y de la comunidad también acudieron juntos a verla como una forma de apoyar la evangelización a través del cine. “Esta película ha formado lazos de hermandad”, expresó.

Katherine Henríquez, integrante del grupo de adultos jóvenes de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos en Thomasville, comentó que se enteró del estreno a través del canal de YouTube del padre Cornejo.

Dijo que la experiencia fue inspiradora y que le alegró ver el interés generado tanto en su comunidad como en otros países. “Nos organizamos para llenar los cines”, señaló Henríquez. “Fue impresionante el éxito de la película, no solo aquí, sino también en otros países”.

Por su parte, Margarita Murillo, de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, asistió junto a su grupo de madres.

Comentó que se encontraron con otros fieles que se sintieron identificados con la representación de la fe y los milagros mostrados en la cinta.

“Para mí es algo hermoso poder compartir nuestra fe en otro país y en nuestra lengua como lo hace esta película”, dijo Murillo. “Todo lo relacionado con la devoción al Sagrado Corazón me llena de emoción”.

Adentrándose en sus caminos

HUNTERSVILLE — Cientos de personas en toda la Diocese of Charlotte se están preparando para unirse a la Iglesia Católica en esta temporada de Pascua, a través de la Orden de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos (OCIA). Han estado discerniendo, con la ayuda de sus padrinos y del equipo de OCIA de cada parroquia, que Dios los está llamando a recibir los sacramentos de iniciación (bautismo, confirmación y primera Sagrada Eucaristía) en la Vigilia Pascual. Antes de poder ser iniciados, deben ser llamados oficialmente a los sacramentos por el obispo o por alguien designado por él,

durante el Rito de Elección. En el Rito de Elección celebrado el 23 de febrero en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville por el Monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la Diocese of Charlotte, alrededor de 425 catecúmenos y candidatos de 21 parroquias dieron este siguiente paso. Un gesto sencillo y poderoso se repitió. Los padrinos colocaron una mano sobre el hombro del catecúmeno o candidato a su lado. La mano fue un signo visible de oración, ánimo y compromiso, y un recordatorio de que nadie recorre solo el camino de la fe.

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS

Cuando Margarita Murillo fue a ver Bendito Corazón en Charlotte con otras madres de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, se encontró con fieles de toda la diócesis que también habían ido a ver la película.

AMY BURGER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

La Iglesia es santa por la presencia de Cristo

La Iglesia Católica es tanto una comunidad formada por seres humanos frágiles y limitados como una realidad divina, afirmó el Papa León XIV en su audiencia general de esta semana.

El Papa continuó su serie sobre el Concilio Vaticano II el 4 de marzo en la Plaza de San Pedro, haciendo hincapié en uno de sus documentos principales, la Constitución dogmática sobre la Iglesia, “Lumen Gentium”, que examina la naturaleza y la identidad de la Iglesia.

Dijo que la Iglesia es “una comunidad de hombres y mujeres, con sus virtudes y sus defectos, que comparten la alegría y el esfuerzo de ser cristianos que anuncian el Evangelio y se hacen signo de la presencia de Cristo que nos acompaña en el camino de la vida”.

Sin embargo, añadió, también tiene una “dimensión divina”. Su naturaleza divina “no consiste en una perfección ideal o en una superioridad espiritual de sus miembros, sino en el hecho de que la Iglesia es fruto del plan de amor de Dios por la humanidad, realizado en Cristo”, dijo.

Como prueba de esta coexistencia, el Papa León señaló la vida de Jesucristo para ilustrar las dos dimensiones de la Iglesia. La gente se sentía conmovida por su humanidad, el sonido de su voz y su mensaje.

“Quien decidía seguirlo se sentía impulsado precisamente por la experiencia de su mirada acogedora, por el toque de sus manos que bendecían, por sus palabras de liberación y sanación”, dijo el Papa.

“Al mismo tiempo, siguiendo a aquel Hombre, los discípulos se abrían al encuentro con Dios. En efecto, la carne de Cristo, su rostro, sus gestos y sus palabras manifiestan de modo visible al Dios invisible”.

Es a través de esta humanidad, a través de las luchas y la fragilidad de los fieles, que se manifiesta la presencia de Cristo, afirmó el Papa.

La santidad de la Iglesia “consiste en el hecho de que Cristo vive en ella y sigue entregándose por medio de la pequeñez y la fragilidad de sus miembros”, dijo.

El Papa León dijo que esta dicotomía es la esencia del amor de Dios, que se hace visible a través de la debilidad de su creación y sigue “manifestándose y actuando”. Los fieles están llamados a actuar a través de la comunión y la caridad entre todos.

“Esforcémonos por ser auténticos testigos del amor de Cristo, para que todos puedan reconocer en nosotros y entre nosotros la caridad que caracteriza a los verdaderos cristianos y edifica a la Iglesia”, dijo el Papa en su saludo a los angloparlantes.

Cómo los jóvenes católicos latinos están renovando la Iglesia en esta Cuaresma

VICENTE DEL REAL OSV News

Cada Cuaresma, la Iglesia nos invita a volver al Señor. Ayunamos, oramos y damos. Pero este año, cuarenta jóvenes católicos latinos también están haciendo algo sencillo y profundamente transformador: están compartiendo sus historias sobre cómo Dios está obrando en sus vidas.

En Iskali, la Cuaresma se ha convertido en un tiempo no solo de reflexión, sino también de compartir el testimonio. A través de una campaña llamada ‘40 Testimonios en 40 Días’, los jóvenes adultos están compartiendo cómo Dios está actuando en sus vidas hoy. Sus historias son reales, llenas de esperanza y profundamente arraigadas en la experiencia vivida de la fe.

Revelan una generación que no está abandonando la Iglesia, sino que busca espacios donde su fe, su cultura y sus luchas sean vistas y escuchadas. Al compartir sus historias, desean enriquecer a toda la Iglesia e inspirar a otros a reconocer cómo Dios sigue actuando en nuestras vidas, invitándonos a cada uno a renovarnos de manera especial durante este tiempo de Cuaresma.

‘RECIBIR SU GRACIA’

Para muchos, decir sí a esta invitación no es fácil. Requiere vulnerabilidad. Invita a los jóvenes a volver a visitar sus heridas, luchas y momentos de duda. Pero también es un momento donde se le abre la puerta a la gracia.

Oscar Villanueva, bombero y paramédico, decidió participar para que otros puedan encontrarse con Cristo antes en su camino.

“Elegí compartir mi testimonio para que otros jóvenes puedan ver que no tienen que esperar a experimentar el dolor y el sufrimiento como me pasó a mí cuando encontré a Cristo por primera vez”, dijo. “Cualquiera puede acudir a Él en cualquier momento de su vida y recibir su gracia”.

En su trabajo respondiendo a emergencias, Villanueva es testigo del sufrimiento todos los días. Sin embargo, también ve a Dios presente en esos momentos.

“Siento la presencia del Señor como una mano sanadora en mi trabajo”, explicó. “Tengo la oportunidad de encontrarme con los enfermos y heridos cuando más necesitan ayuda. Veo cómo Dios pone sus manos sobre los pacientes cada día. La vida no es más que un privilegio, concedido por el mismo Señor”.

Su mensaje para la Iglesia es simple, pero urgente: “Mantengan una mente abierta, un corazón abierto y ojos y oídos libres de juicio”.

LOS JÓVENES CATÓLICOS ANHELAN SER ESCUCHADOS

Este espíritu de encuentro y pertenencia está en el corazón de la campaña. Eileen Delgadillo, quien coordina el esfuerzo, cree que estos testimonios ayudan a la Iglesia a ver algo esencial. “Espero que esta campaña ayude a la Iglesia a reconocer que Dios sigue obrando continuamente en la vida de los jóvenes adultos”, dijo. “Cada uno de nosotros tiene una historia que contar. Dios siembra dones diferentes en cada persona y nos encuentra exactamente dónde estamos”.

También enfatizó que muchos jóvenes católicos hispanos desean ser escuchados. “Es importante que la Iglesia escuche las voces de los jóvenes católicos hispanos porque muchas veces nos sentimos ignorados o invisibles. Queremos seguir representando nuestra cultura y nuestras experiencias dentro de nuestra fe y comunidad católica. Nuestras historias importan. Al escucharnos, la Iglesia afirma que pertenecemos”.

DIOS SIEMPRE ESTARÁ ESPERANDO

Para Crystal Martínez, el testimonio se convirtió en un camino de sanación. Escuchar a otros compartir su fe abrió su corazón y le dio valentía.

“Lo que me llevó a decir sí fue el cambio que viví al escuchar las historias de otros”, dijo. “Me di cuenta de que no importa en qué etapa de la vida estés, Dios siempre estará esperándote”. Ahora espera que su historia haga lo mismo por otros.

VICENTE DEL REAL Y ISKALI | OSV NEWS

Crystal Martínez y Victoria Díaz están entre 40 jóvenes hispanos que comparten cómo Dios está obrando en sus vidas hoy a través de una campaña de Cuaresma llamada “40 Testimonios para 40 Días”. Sus historias son sinceras, esperanzadoras y profundamente arraigadas en sus experiencias.

“Cuando llegué a Iskali sentía que estaba demasiado dañada para ser redimida”, compartió. “Escuchar los testimonios de otros realmente me salvó de esas ideas. Mi única esperanza es que al compartir mi historia, otros sientan lo mismo”.

Victoria Díaz describe el testimonio como reconocimiento, la experiencia de ser visto. “Después de escuchar el primer testimonio, sentí que mi alma se sentía vista”, dijo. “Como cuando encuentras a alguien que habla tu idioma o tiene una historia similar. Quería que otros supieran que yo también los veo”.

Para Díaz, la fe ha transformado su manera de amar. “Dios nunca dejó de amarme a pesar de mi fragilidad”, explicó. “Vivir esto me ha ayudado a empezar a ver a los demás con sus ojos”.

Su invitación esta Cuaresma es tierna y valiente: “Dejen que Jesús los ame. Déjenlo entrar, cuéntenle todo, dejen que sea su amigo”.

CONSTRUYENDO UNA CULTURA DEL ENCUENTRO

Estas historias apuntan a algo más grande que una campaña en redes sociales. Revelan un momento pastoral profundo para la Iglesia en Estados Unidos. Los jóvenes católicos latinos están dando un paso al frente para compartir cómo Dios los invita a permitir que su gracia actúe no sólo a través de sus acciones, sino también en lo profundo de sus corazones y heridas.

A través de su testimonio y vulnerabilidad, están contribuyendo a la renovación de la Iglesia, recordándonos que el Espíritu Santo continúa invitándonos a compartir nuestros dones, y que nuestra historia es un hermoso regalo que todos llevamos y podemos compartir con los demás, trayendo esperanza, sanación y fe. A través del testimonio, estos jóvenes se forman mutuamente. Están construyendo una cultura de encuentro. La Cuaresma nos recuerda que la conversión muchas veces comienza escuchando. La Iglesia debe escuchar no solo a la Escritura y a la tradición, sino también las voces de quienes viven hoy el Evangelio.

Como reflexiona Díaz: “Dios no ha dejado de buscar el corazón de su pueblo. Sigue llamando a la nueva generación a su misión: amarnos unos a otros. Y queremos seguirlo”.

Esta Cuaresma, sus historias invitan a toda la Iglesia a hacer lo mismo. Sigue estos testimonios y déjate inspirar durante toda la temporada en el Instagram de Iskali @iskali_ y en el canal de YouTube de Iskali.

Papa León XIV

Vincente Del Real

‘Chosen’ actor honors martyrs at Bible Museum event

KATIE YODER OSV News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jonathan Roumie, the actor known for portraying Jesus Christ in the hit series “The Chosen,” is calling attention this Lent to the 21 Christian martyrs who died in Libya for their faith in Jesus 11 years ago.

“Their story helps strengthen our own resolve, especially when we are weak in areas of our life, in moments of our life where we need stronger faith,” Roumie said at an event honoring the martyrs in Washington Feb. 22., a day after he left ChosenCon in Charlotte. “We can look to them and say, ‘They died for Jesus. What am I doing to live for Him today?’”

Roumie, a Catholic, spoke at the sold-out event, “21 Martyrs: Knelt but Not Broken,” held at the Museum of the Bible.

Organized by Coptic Orphans, a nonprofit serving vulnerable children in Egypt, and the museum, the event remembered the martyrs, all but one of whom were Coptic Orthodox men from Egypt. The other, St. Matthew Ayariga, was a migrant laborer

from Ghana, and when questioned about his faith, he declared, “Their God is my God.” Their brutal beheading on a Libyan beach, captured on camera, came at the hands of Islamic State militants in 2015.

Throughout the evening, speakers recognized the martyrs – canonized by the Coptic Orthodox Church and so honored in the Catholic Church – as ordinary men of extraordinary faith.

The event opened with a walk-through exhibit exploring the history of the Coptic people, the story of the 21 martyrs, and the work of Coptic Orphans. The evening also featured remarks from political and religious leaders, a screening of “The 21” (an animated film about the martyrs executive produced by Roumie), a musical performance, and an address from the brother of one of the martyrs.

Adel Soliman remembered his brother, St. Maged Soliman, describing him as a man who expressed his faith quietly.

Adel Soliman, who is related to several of the martyrs, saw the video of the beheading on the news. Their priest walked with his community in their pain, he said.

“Every home was heaving with grief until our priest visited the families of the martyrs, one by one, and asked one question: ‘Were St. George and St. Mina not slaughtered for their faith?’” Soliman said.

“He asked, ‘And why do we ask for their

A girl holds up a poster with pictures of the 21 Coptic martyrs slain in 2015 by the Islamic State militant group in Libya. The martyrs, 20 from Egypt and one from Ghana, are recognized as saints in the Coptic Orthodox and the Catholic churches.

intercessions?’ We said, ‘Because they are martyrs,’” Soliman said. The priest replied: “Then your brothers are also martyrs. You saw them with your own eyes dying for their faith, just like St. George and St. Mina.”

At that point, silence fell over the village, Soliman said.

“We understood something very important: We did not lose our brothers,” he said. “Instead, we gained martyrs and intercessors in heaven.”’

“Today, when you remember the 21 martyrs, don’t think only of the sea stained with their blood,” he encouraged those gathered. “Remember that the martyrs did not leave this world. They simply went ahead of us to heaven – and their faith became a living message inside of us, not just a story we tell about them.”

Nermien Riad, founder and executive director of Coptic Orphans, shared her greatest hope for the event: that these 21 ordinary men unite Christianity.

“My greatest hope is that all Christians come together and agree on one thing,” she said. “It’s already started for Pope Francis to recognize them as saints in the Catholic Church, and they are saints in the Orthodox Church.”

In 2023, Pope Francis announced that the 21 martyrs would be included in the Roman Martyrology, which lists the feast days of saints and blesseds observed by the Church. Both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church celebrate their feast day Feb. 15.

Roumie called the martyrs a reminder to people of faith.

“Theirs was the ultimate sacrifice,” he said, adding that God does not call everyone to martyrdom. “It is for certain people to be able to provide us reminders of what it means to live for Christ as well as to die for Him.”

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When you make an annual contribution to the DSA, you join with thousands of our sisters and brothers in Christ throughout the diocese to do the Lord’s work – works of love and service that no one individual or parish can do alone.

Ways to give

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Mail your pledge card to your parish office or the Diocese of Charlotte 1123 South Church St. Charlotte, NC 28203 Thank you for

704-370-3302 and make your gift by phone

MUHAMMAD HAMED, REUTERS | OSV NEWS

Roumie

Professor declines research appointment amid controversy

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A professor at the University of Notre Dame has declined a research appointment at the school after weeks of outcry from students, staff and several U.S. Catholic bishops over her prominent advocacy for abortion.

Susan Ostermann, associate professor in the Keough School of Global Affairs, has “decided not to move forward” as director of that school’s Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, said Keough Dean Mary Gallagher Feb. 26. Ostermann – who specializes in the study of regulatory compliance, comparative politics and environmental regulation, with a focus on South Asia – will remain a member of the Keogh School’s faculty.

Ostermann’s appointment, announced Jan. 8, was set to take effect July 1, and quickly drew fire from faculty and staff due to her robust

public endorsement of legal abortion. She had also worked as a consultant for the Population Council, an international research and policy firm that works to advance “sexual and reproductive health, rights and choices.”

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne South Bend, Indiana, whose diocese includes the university, had issued a statement Feb. 11 expressing “strong opposition” to the university’s decision, which he said was “causing scandal to the faithful of our diocese.”

‘Christ is my … foundation,’ says U.S. women’s hockey player

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Olympic gold medal hanging from Haley Winn’s neck was a crowning touch on her rapid rise to ice hockey’s mountaintop.

Winn – a graduate of Bishop Kearney High School in the Rochester suburb of Irondequoit – and her United States women’s team struck gold Feb. 19, thanks to a 2 1 overtime win over Canada in the Olympic final in Milan, Italy. Winn played stellar defense throughout the 2026 Winter Games, helping her team score 33 goals in seven games while allowing just two goals.

“It’s crazy to think about. It’s so hard to put into words,” Winn, 22, told the Catholic Courier, newspaper of the Diocese of Rochester, in a Feb. 22 telephone interview. “There’s been so many emotions – a lot of tears of joy, disbelief.”

The gold-medal win came in Winn’s first Olympics and followed three world titles with other U.S. national teams on which she played. She asserted that her hockey success was only

made possible through two mainstays in her life: her family – her parents, Janet and Mike, and older brothers Casey, Ryan and Tommy – and her Catholic faith.

Winn said she also drew inspiration from praying with several U.S. teammates before each Olympic game. “Christ is my identity, my foundation,” she said.

New Knights of Columbus video series explores ‘dignity of work’

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A new video series from the Knights of Columbus – the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization – delves

into the dignity of work and its role in men’s lives and vocation.

“Men, in particular, are struggling to find their mission and meaning in life,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly told OSV News. “Our ‘Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work’ video series can help Catholic men understand God’s mission for them on Earth, and how work brings them closer to God and builds virtue.”

Released in February, “Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work” invites men to explore the Catholic vision of work in five 12- to 15-minute episodes. The episodes – available for free on the Knights’ website, www.kofc.org – feature interviews with Catholic leaders and figures, including Kelly, as well as personal stories of Catholic working men.

The videos tackle everything from the nature of work and its relationship with human dignity to the challenges work presents, including workaholism, the discernment of work life balance, and the rise of artificial intelligence.

“There is a crisis of masculinity in society today,” Kelly said, “and through this new ‘Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work’ series, we aim to show how work strengthens family life and improves society.”

Ostermann

DAVID W. CERNY, REUTERS | OSV NEWS

Our world

Catholic clergy call for prayer, peace after US-Israel attacks on Iran, retaliatory strikes

GINA CHRISTIAN OSV News

Catholic clergy are calling for prayer and peace following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran Feb. 28 that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as senior leaders and civilians.

“We pray that there be a return to dialogue, diplomacy, justice and peace,” said Monsignor Peter I. Vaccari, president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and the Pontifical Mission for Palestine, in a statement to OSV News.

Monsignor Vaccari said he had spoken to each of CNEWA-Pontifical Mission for Palestine’s regional directors in Jerusalem, Beirut and Amman, Jordan.

“I assured them, their families, and the families of all our staff, of our prayers at this very difficult hour,” he said, adding that the “highest immediate priority is the safety of our staff and their families.”

He described the regional teams’ works as “great and heroic,” and “extraordinary testaments” to the organization’s mission.

“Our teams throughout the region work long hours on behalf of the churches and peoples whom we are committed to serve,” he said. “Their lives and schedules are the living translation of the Gospel question, ‘Who is my neighbor?’, as they are there for everyone!”

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a March 1

statement echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square that day for de-escalation and diplomacy.

Noting Pope Leo’s plea for peace and warning of an “irreparable abyss” if the violence continues to spiral, Archbishop Coakley said, “We are faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions.”

He said, “My brother bishops and I unite our voice with our Holy Father and make the heartfelt appeal to all

parties involved for diplomacy to regain its proper role.”

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver – whose canonically required resignation at age 75 was recently accepted by Pope Leo XIV – issued a Feb. 28 statement in which he expressed “deep sorrow and grave concern over this dangerous escalation of violence.”

“While the Church recognizes that nations possess the right to legitimate self-defense under the strict moral conditions articulated in the just war tradition, she also insists that the use of force must always be a last resort, guided by moral restraint, proportionality, and a sincere commitment to protect innocent life,” wrote Archbishop Aquila, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2309). He added, “Any action that endangers civilians or fuels broader regional instability must weigh heavily on the consciences of leaders and decision-makers. The dignity of human life must always come first!”

Archbishop Aquila called on archdiocesan faithful to “pray fervently” for “an immediate de-escalation of violence,” increased charity towards one’s neighbor, and the protection of innocent civilians.

He also urged the faithful to pray that leaders in the region and around the world would be “guided by the first premise, the respect of the dignity of the human being, in pursuing peace.”

In addition, Archbishop Aquila implored intercession for people of goodwill in the Middle East and beyond, that they may not lose hope, and that their efforts for reconciliation and a just society may bear lasting fruit.”

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Emergency response teams attend the scene of a fatal Iranian strike in Beit Shemesh, Israel, March 1, after Iran launched missile barrages following attacks by the U.S. and Israel.

“The angels descend, spiraling above the crucifix reminding us of what Christ did for us and asking, with their books of the deeds, what have we done,” she said.

Lev noted that the Vatican restorers “are the finest in the world” and “keenly aware of their immense responsibility” in working on the masterpiece. The restoration work is expected to finish by Holy Week.

Pope Leo XIV schedules visits to Africa, Spain and Monaco

ROME — Pope Leo XIV will travel to six countries over the next four months, including a 10 day tour of Africa and trips to Monaco and Spain, the Vatican announced Feb. 25.

His first stop will be Monaco on March 28 –the first papal visit there in the modern era.

Then, from April 13 to 23, he’ll travel to

Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, marking his first visit to Africa as pope. The Vatican said peace and care for the poor will be key themes of the trip.

In Algeria, he hopes to visit sites linked to St. Augustine and to “continue the conversation of dialogue, of building bridges between the Christian world and the Muslim world.” In June, Pope Leo heads to Spain, where he is expected to inaugurate the tallest tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família and visit the Canary Islands.

Pope: Our Lady of Guadalupe is a model for evangelization

ROME — Pope Leo XIV has pointed to Our Lady of Guadalupe as the model of “perfect inculturation” (the adaptation of Christian teachings to indigenous cultures) as Mexico prepares for the 500th anniversary of the 1531

apparitions in 2031.

She “manifests God’s way of approaching His people,” he said in a Feb. 24 message to the Theological Pastoral Congress in Mexico City. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a guide for evangelization today, he said.

In December 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared four times to St. Juan Diego, a Mexican convert to Christianity, on Tepeyac Hill. She asked that a church be built in her honor on the site and left her image miraculously imprinted on St. Juan Diego’s tilma, or cloak, which remains on display today at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Pope Leo described the Tepeyac apparitions as “a permanent criterion for discerning the evangelizing mission of the Church, called to proclaim the True God for whom we live, without imposing Him, but also without diluting the radical newness of His saving presence.”

Judgment’

Amid restoration, historian reflects on ‘Last

ROME — Restoration work is underway on Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel.

“The cleaning of Michelangelo’s magnificent fresco has begun,” Vatican Museums Director Barbara Jatta announced Feb. 23. It’s the first major cleaning since 1994 and is funded by the Florida Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. The chapel will remain open, though scaffolding will partially block the view.

Art historian Elizabeth Lev calls the fresco “a clarion call to the cardinals of what it means to be Catholic.”

Painted amid the Protestant Reformation and political turmoil, it depicts Christ’s second coming and the final judgment of souls. Lev said Michelangelo showed “the forces of evil seeking the ruin of souls,” but focused more on martyrs.

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ViewPoints

April Parker

See the blind beggar in your own prayers

Abeggar on the street corner is not a new sight for most of us. We might look away, pity them or even say a prayer for them. Deep inside, though, aren’t we all just a little bit like beggars ourselves? Don’t we all beg throughout our everyday lives? Whether it be in prayer or just in the unceasing chaos of our own endless thoughts, each day we constantly ask God for things.

Think about what you routinely beg for: security, joy, peace, assistance, healing, promotion, gratification? These can possibly motivate us in the wrong direction. Are these wants and needs only for our own good? Are our wants terribly one-sided? In our begging, we can become blind to God’s plan and His desire for us – what He made us for. We beg for our wants, but what does God want for us?

Do we do all we do purely for selfgratification or for love of others? Here I am reminded of Solomon, who repeated the phrase “Vanity of vanities. It is all vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). What do we want the outside world to see? What do we want purely for our own comfort?

I recently experienced such a scenario when I delivered a donation to a local homeless shelter for women. Checking one thing off my long to-do list, I was so happy as I drove out of the parking lot. My thoughts were on self: “What a good Christian I am to have organized this charity and carried it out!” Yet, I never stopped to pray for the people of the shelter. I did not stop to thank God that I was able to do this act of kindness.

In his book “The Imitation of Christ,” Thomas à Kempis reminds us: “He does much who loves much. He does much who does a thing well. He does well who serves the common good rather than his own interest. Now that which seems to be charity is oftentimes really sensuality for man’s own inclination. His own will, his hope of reward, and his self-interest are motivated, seldom absent. On the contrary, he who has a true and perfect charity seeks self in nothing, but searches all things for the glory of God.”

When we align our requests to God, we ultimately live a more fulfilling life, and our eyes, the eyes of the spiritually blind, become open. We are like Paul when the scales fell away from his eyes three days after meeting Christ and being struck blind (Acts 9:18).

So this Lent, let us ask ourselves why we do what we do. Who are we seeking to please, impress or gratify? Let us transfigure our hearts and open our eyes to God’s will. Let our prayer be one of humble servitude wherever God may lead us to serve Him.

Young Latino Catholics tell their stories, renew the Church

Every Lent, the Church invites us to return to the Lord. We fast, we pray, we share our gifts. But this year, 40 young Latino Catholics are also doing something simple and deeply transformative: They are telling their stories on how God is working in their lives.

At Iskali, a nonprofit dedicated to forming and empowering young Latino leaders, Lent has become a season not only of reflection but of sharing witness through a campaign called “40 Testimonies for 40 Days.” The stories these young Catholics tell are raw, hopeful and deeply rooted in the lived experience of faith.

They reveal a generation that is not abandoning the Church but searching for spaces where their faith, culture and struggles are seen and heard. By sharing their stories, they hope to enrich the broader Church and inspire others to recognize how God continues to act in people’s lives, inviting each of us to be renewed in a special way during this Lenten season.

‘COME TO HIM … AND RECEIVE GRACE’

For many, saying yes to this invitation is not easy. It requires vulnerability. It asks young people to revisit wounds, struggles and moments of doubt. But it also opens the door for grace.

Oscar Villanueva, a firefighter and paramedic, chose to participate so that others might encounter Christ earlier in their journey.

“I chose to share my testimony so that other young people can see that you don’t have to wait to experience pain and suffering like I did when I first encountered Christ,” he said. “Instead, anyone can come to Him at any stage and receive grace.”

In his work responding to emergencies, Villanueva witnesses suffering daily. Yet he also sees God present in those moments.

“I feel the Lord’s presence as a healing hand in my line of work,” he said. “I have the opportunity to meet the sick and injured when they need help the most. I see how God lays His hands on patients every day. Life is nothing but a privilege, granted by the Lord Himself.”

His message to the Church is simple but urgent: “Keep an open mind, an open heart, and eyes and ears free of judgment.”

YOUNG CATHOLICS LONG TO BE HEARD

This spirit of encounter and belonging is at the heart of the campaign. Eileen Delgadillo, who coordinates the storytelling effort, believes these testimonies help the Church see something essential.

“I hope this campaign helps the wider Church recognize that God is continuously working in the lives of young adults,” she said. “Each of us has a story to tell. God plants different gifts within every one of us and meets us exactly where we are.”

She emphasized that many young Hispanic Catholics long to be heard.

“It is important for the Church to listen to the voices of young Hispanic Catholics, because too often we feel unheard or unseen. We want to continue representing our culture and

experiences within our Catholic faith and community. Our stories matter. By listening to us, the Church affirms that we belong.”

For Crystal Martinez, testimony itself became a path of healing. Hearing others share their faith opened her heart and gave her courage.

“What led me to say yes was the breakthrough I had hearing other people’s stories,” she said. “Realizing that no matter where you are in life, God will always be waiting for you.”

She now hopes her own story will do the same for others.

“Coming into Iskali I felt as if I was too damaged to be saved,” she said. “Hearing the testimonies of others truly saved me from those ideas. My only hope is that in sharing my story, others will feel the same.”

Victoria Diaz describes testimony as recognition, the experience of being seen. “After hearing the first testimony, I felt like my soul felt seen,” she said. “Like when you meet someone who speaks your language or has a similar story. I wanted others to know that I also see them.”

For Diaz, faith has reshaped how she loves.

“God never stopped loving me despite my brokenness,” she said. “Experiencing this has helped me start seeing people through His eyes.”

Her invitation this Lent is both tender and bold: “Let Jesus love you. Let Him in, tell Him everything, let Him be your friend.”

BUILDING A CULTURE OF ENCOUNTER

These stories point to something greater than a social media campaign. They reveal a profound pastoral moment for the Church in the United States.

Young Latino Catholics are stepping forward to share how God is inviting them to allow His grace to work not only through their actions, but deep within their hearts and wounds.

Through their witness and vulnerability they are contributing to the renewal of the Church, reminding us that the Holy Spirit continues to invite us to share our gifts, and our story is a beautiful gift we all carry, one that can bring hope, healing and faith to others.

Through testimony, these young adults are forming one another. They are building a culture of encounter. Lent reminds us that conversion often begins with listening. The Church must listen not only to Scripture and tradition, but also to the voices of how others are living the Gospel in today’s world.

As Diaz reflected, “God hasn’t stopped pursuing the hearts of His people. He is still calling the young generation to His mission: to love one another. And we want to follow.”

This Lent, their stories invite the entire Church to do the same.

Follow these testimonies and be inspired throughout the season on Iskali’s Instagram @iskali and on the Iskali YouTube channel.

VICENTE DEL REAL is the founder and CEO of Iskali. He writes from Chicago, where he leads Iskali’s mission of faith, service and community.

APRIL PARKER is a parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro and assistant principal at St. Pius X Catholic School.

Vincente Del Real

VICENTE DEL REAL AND ISKALI | OSV NEWS Crystal Martinez and Victoria Diaz are among 40 Hispanic youth sharing how God is working in their lives today through a Lenten campaign called “40 Testimonies for 40 Days.” Their stories are raw, hopeful and deeply rooted in their experiences.

Caring for creation this Lent

Lent is about changing the trajectory of our lives. We try to nudge our life toward God – toward love, kindness and generosity. In Scripture, we repeatedly see tax collectors and sinners offered the chance to repent and change their ways. There’s truth in the old saying “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, only where you’re going.” The question is not: What did I accomplish yesterday? Rather: What is the Lord asking of me today?

We can consider trajectories in society as well. We want to set the conditions in society for people to do good and avoid evil. Today, there is a lot of pessimism about the future, but I want to lift up one hopeful trajectory: We are becoming more and more conscious of the environment.

For decades, our popes watched the growing scientific consensus and spoke about the moral response to the threat of climate disruption. Well over 30 years ago, St. John Paul II asserted the greenhouse effect was becoming a crisis. Sixteen years ago, Pope Benedict XVI decried cultural indifference to climate change. Ten years ago, Pope Francis authored a landmark encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” an urgent call to care for God’s creation. And there is little doubt today of Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

We have the task of responding locally. Indeed, individuals and organizations across our country are stepping up to protect the environment.

One example: Every day, Americans are saving 30 gallons of water compared to the average American in 1980. Americans are making changes to ensure our children will have clean air, water and a safe climate. However, too often the conditions around us do not help us do right by our children and by God’s creation.

On Feb. 12, the Environmental Protection

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Agency made a major reversal that harms our ability to protect human health and the climate.

Back in 2009, the agency affirmed the scientific consensus that greenhouse gases are overheating the planet and exacerbating air pollution. This finding of the threat of climate change was the basis for many policies protecting human life and health the past 16 years. For the EPA to now revoke its scientific finding is incomprehensible.

As the EPA was signaling this action in the fall, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sharply criticized the move in uncharacteristically blunt language in a letter to the agency: “The EPA completely ignores the unambiguous plain language and congressional intent of the Clean Air Act, science evidence, and adverse health impacts of climate change.”

Pollution and greenhouse gases present an undeniable threat to our home. We were already on a precarious trajectory to prevent more extreme weather and loss of life from pollution. We need more action, not less, to address these important issues and their unacceptable impact on the vulnerable.

Like the popes and bishops speaking up to protect God’s creation, our Catholic faith calls all of us to bring our values to public life, too. You can join churches and millions of Americans in conserving resources, advocating for change and supporting initiatives to give our children a cleaner, healthier world.

The trajectory of future generations depends on us. This Lent, wouldn’t it be beautiful to put intention toward God’s creation in our prayer, our fasting and our almsgiving?

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Hikers wait in line to have their pictures taken on Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona, on Feb. 7. In Lent, Catholics are urged to take special care of creation and to make their voices heard on its preservation.