CHARLOTTE — Despite the distractions of graduations, Mother’s Day preparations and beautiful May weather, more than 60 people sacrificed their Saturday afternoon to attend a special Mass for Ireland at St. Patrick Cathedral May 12.
Father Christopher Roux, rector, offered the Mass to pray for the Irish people as they vote on whether to retain or repeal Ireland’s 8th Amendment which protects the unborn. In his homily, Father Roux encouraged the faithful to act as their brother’s keeper and show solidarity with the Irish people who face this troubling referendum May 25.
He also exhorted everyone to ask their friends and family to pray for Ireland, and especially pray the rosary daily, as recommended by Our Lady of Fatima. The Mass was organized jointly by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Catholic Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte.
— Mike FitzGerald | Catholic News Herald
CANDLER — The 2018 Knights of Columbus State Convention was held May 4-6, and it was a big weekend for St. Joan of Arc Council 15265.
First, Father Dean Cesa, pastor, was honored as the 2018 North Carolina Priest of the Year.
The Knights council also received four awards: The Charity Award for all the programs the council has conducted over the course of the 2017-’18 year; a Membership Award to commemorate the last year’s gains in membership; the Fraternal Year Record Award for the best council scrapbook in the state; and the top Youth Service program in North Carolina for the year for the council’s participation in the Living Stations of the Cross in March. Last, but not least, at the State Awards Banquet concluding the convention, St. Joan of Arc Council 15265 received the State Deputy’s Award, the most prestigious award a council can win in North Carolina.
— Photo provided by Ozzie Vargas