HENDERSONVILLE — Catholics and Lutherans in the Hendersonville area joined together in prayer Jan. 22 at Grace Lutheran Church to mark the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the Church.
Mirroring a similar ecumenical prayer service by Pope Francis held last fall in Sweden, the service stressed thanksgiving, repentance and our commitment to Jesus’ prayer to the Father “that they may be one as We are one.”
Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, and Rev. Greg Williams of Grace Lutheran Church presided at the service.
— Photo provided by Margaret Cavagnaro
CHARLOTTE — Close to 50 faithful Catholics with umbrellas endured pouring rain to attend the Candlelight Walk for Life in uptown Charlotte Sunday evening, Jan. 22.
The event was held to mark the actual anniversary date of Roe v. Wade, the decision legalizing abortion in the United States.
While the rain extinguished most of the candles, the fire within the souls of pro-life supporters continued unabated as the event began in front of St. Peter Church on Tryon Street and concluded with the faithful walking toward and praying at the federal courthouse on nearby West Trade Street. The faithful were also joined by Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral.
The event was organized by the Catholic Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (CPLAN) to host a local memorial event on the actual anniversary date of Roe v. Wade since the Washington, D.C., March for Life, which occurs on the anniversary date, was rescheduled to Jan. 27 due to the presidential inauguration.
For more information about C-PLAN, go to www.prolifecharlotte.og or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent, with photos provided by Andrea Hines
