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‘One family in Christ’

CHARLOTTE — Nearly 100 priests from across western North Carolina stood, shoulder to shoulder, inside St. Patrick Cathedral April 12 to renew their promises to the Church in a powerful sign of unity.

It was the first time in two years that they had all been able to gather in person with their bishop during Holy Week for the traditional Chrism Mass – so named because it is also when the bishop blesses the sacramental oils used in churches over the next year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced all churches to close during Holy Week in 2020, and last year’s Chrism Mass attendance was restricted.

Priests said they were happy to be back at the cathedral again. And for two of them, this year’s Chrism Mass was their first since being ordained last June.

“It is a very exciting time for me, not only because I concelebrated Mass with Bishop Jugis and renewed my promises, but also, I had the opportunity to see many priests, whom now I am proud to call brother priests,” said Father Joseph Wasswa, who serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. “It was very difficult last year due to COVID. But now, I can't hold the excitement. Thanks be to God!”

“As a priest in my first year, every event that involves celebrating and sharing my ministry with other priests is exciting and joyful,” added Father Miguel Sanchez, who serves at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. “I am so glad and honored that I have the opportunity to finally celebrate what I have prepared myself for, and to share that blessing with others.”

Father Marcel Amadi, who serves as a campus minister in the Triad area, described the Chrism Mass as “a beautiful celebration of unity under the guidance of the bishop.”

“We come from various cultures, ethnic groups and ministries,” he said. “Just like branches of a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Each time we gather, we celebrate our foundation in Christ Jesus.”

Unity in Christ was the theme of Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily to his brother priests.

“We are one family in Christ,” he told them. “There is a tremendous spirit of unity and goodwill throughout the diocese. Your presence today is a sign of that unity and goodwill.”

Jesus Christ binds them together in their ministry, he said. “Seeing all of us together is a very powerful, visible witness to the unity of the ordained priesthood. One heart, one mind with Christ and with the Church, we share in the priesthood of Christ the High Priest.”

“In our renewal of promises, we resolve to strive to be more united to the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him,” he said. “During this Mass we resolve to live profoundly the mystery of Christ with whom we are identified, and to strive in all of our words and actions to live the charity of Christ.”

Especially this year, when the diocese is celebrating its 50th anniversary, that unity of purpose is evident, the bishop noted.

“We’re celebrating this year the gift of our Catholic faith here in western North Carolina and asking the Lord to help us proclaim the Kingdom of Christ by the witness of our lives,” he said.

In a further expression of unity, all the priests stood during the consecration of the sacred chrism with their right hands extended, joining with Bishop Jugis in the prayer of consecration.

The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination of priests and consecration of churches and altars.

After Mass, deacons divided the blessed oils into smaller oil stocks that will be distributed to all 92 parishes and missions across the diocese for use in sacramental celebrations throughout the upcoming year.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. Photos by SueAnn Howell and James Sarkis.

Priest jubilarians of 2020, 2021 and 2022

Recently retired priests
Father Michael J. Buttner (2020)
Father Francis T. Cancro (2020)
Father Brian J. Cook (2020)
Father Lawrence W. Heiney (2021)