CHARLOTTE — Nine priests, who together have 462 years of service to the Church, were honored June 21 at St. Patrick Cathedral. Bishop Peter J. Jugis served as main celebrant. He himself marks 35 years of priesthood and 15 years as the bishop of Charlotte this year.
Bishop Jugis was joined at the altar by five of those priests being recognized for jubilee anniversaries or retirement this year.
The nine priests honored at Mass include: Father Richard Benonis and Benedictine Father David Kessinger (60 years); Father James Hawker and Father Edward Sheridan (55 years); Father George Kloster (50 years); and Father Eric Kowalski and Father Carmen Malacari (25 years).
Father Wilbur Thomas (45 years of priestly ministry) and Father Carl Del Giudice (37 years of priestly ministry) are retiring.
These distinguished priests, many of whom who were asked to build new parishes, create vital ministries and initiate ecumenical outreach efforts over the past 46 years since the Diocese of Charlotte was created, are a reflection of the Body of Christ. They come from different backgrounds and cultural heritages – all of them unique shepherds called by God to serve His flock.
The Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral was part of the annual Priests' Colloquium held in Charlotte June 21-22. More than 44 priests of the diocese were at the Mass to hear the words of encouragement from their shepherd.
Drawing upon the first reading from 1 Thess 2:2b-8, Bishop Jugis gave a lighthearted interpretation of the Scripture, illustrating how the jubilarians and retirees present could use this passage as content for a letter they could pen to their parishioners:
“Dear parishioners, I drew courage from God to speak to you the Gospel of God. My exhortations over the years were not delivered from improper motives or for purpose of flattering you or manipulating you, but rather in order to please God who is the One who is going to judge me,” Bishop Jugis said.
“I was judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. I was gentle while I was with you, as a mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, I was determined to share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but my very self as well, so beloved are you to me.”
Bishop Jugis pointed out two elements that stand out from St. Paul’s writing – to speak the Gospel of God and to share one’s very self – all undergirded by affection for the people of God.
“It turns out that is really a great, concise summary of the ministry of a priest,” he explained. “To teach by word and by example those who are so beloved by the priest: his parishioners.”
Recalling the recent celebration of Father’s Day, Bishop Jugis spoke of how they had probably all been wished a happy Father’s Day by their parishioners.
“They consider you to be their spiritual father. They call you 'Father.' The faithful are formed and grow in holiness by what their spiritual father speaks to them,” he said.
In the Gospel, at the Mass, in the sacraments and by the example of their lives, Bishop Jugis said, all priests should live with a genuinely Christ-like attitude of affection for people, treating them as God's beloved.
“There is a lot of love at the foundation of the priest's ministry,” Bishop Jugis noted.
“We offer our prayers that our brothers who are celebrating special anniversaries of ordination, and our brothers who are entering retirement, will receive that love which they have given to many, many parishioners through the years,” he concluded.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
MAGGIE VALLEY — St. Margaret of Scotland Church has reason to celebrate this year: their pastor, Father Richard Benonis, is marking his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination.
Parishioners congratulated Father Benonis with a surprise party after Mass May 15.
A Pennsylvania native, Father Benonis grew up in a large family and was one of two brothers who were called to the priesthood.
In his early years of ministry, he served in several parishes, he worked with the Boy Scouts, and he planned medical ethics courses for Catholic nurses and students.
He then began his work with the Ecumenical Movement, which included a Philadelphia radio talk show with Protestant clergyman.
He also served as a U.S. Army chaplain for 20 years, with many of those years serving overseas – including Germany and two tours in Vietnam, holding an officer’s rank.
Returning stateside, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University.
While he was serving in Germany, Father Benonis became an executive team priest with Worldwide Marriage Encounter for several years before retiring from the Army.
He served again as the chaplain at the San Antonio, Texas, VA Hospital.
Upon retirement, he moved to Maggie Valley and has continued to serve the people of God as pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church.
“Father gave us his retirement to be our parish leader, bringing years of experience, knowledge and commitment to our community and St. Margaret of Scotland Church,” said parishioners Raymond and Maryellen Hoefer. “His years have not diminished his faith, energy and love for all people.”
“Father continues his service, even after retirement, because he believes we are all disciples and we must continue to spread the word of God,” they added. “We are grateful to have Father Richard Benonis in our church, community and our lives.”
— Catholic News Herald