CHARLOTTE — As he celebrated the close of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th anniversary Jan. 12, Bishop Peter Jugis announced the new patroness for the diocese – Mary, Mother of God – and he encouraged people to carry the spirit of the anniversary into the future by the faithful witness of their lives.
The diocese’s golden anniversary year, themed “Faith More Precious Than Gold,” included a diocese-wide Marian statue pilgrimage that traversed western North Carolina, hundreds of “50 Acts of Charity” initiatives by parishes and schools, family-friendly events, and historical documentaries of the Church in western North Carolina. Parishes across the diocese also held their own Holy Hours and closing Masses – imparting similar aspirations – to recognize and close out the 50-year milestone.
During the closing Mass of the anniversary year, Bishop Jugis reflected on the impacts the anniversary celebrations have had on the people of the diocese.
“It’s been a Year of Faith, celebrating the gift of our Catholic faith which is more precious than gold,” he said during his homily in the chapel inside the Family Life Center adjacent to St. Patrick Cathedral, which is temporarily closed for renovations.
“It’s also been a Year of Thanksgiving to God for blessing the amazing growth of the diocese through the years,” Bishop Jugis added.
This past year has also been a Year of Mission, to bring the Light of Christ to others in our society, he continued, noting that it has also been a Year of Prayer and Devotion to the Spiritual Life, to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Another theme of this year is the 50 Acts of Charity, through our practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. It has been a joy to read all year long about all the Acts of Charity that have been undertaken by our parishes, our missions, our schools and diocesan institutions,” Bishop Jugis said, smiling.
“So, in this Mass we are grateful, but as we look forward, let us continue this spirit that we celebrated this past year and carry it with us in the future,” he said. And citing a Scripture passage from Hebrews 12:1-2, he encouraged the faithful, saying, “Let us persevere running the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus the leader and perfecter of faith.”
At the end of Mass, the bishop’s announcement that Mary, Mother of God had been formally approved by the Vatican was met with joy from the congregation.
The formal process to name a patron began with a diocese-wide survey conducted over a 6-week period last summer and publicized through social media, parish bulletins, the Catholic News Herald and at the Eucharistic Congress. Responses were received from more than 1,400 parishioners at 81 parishes and missions.
“Every parish, mission and school has made its own unique contribution to the history of Catholicism in North Carolina. Every parish, mission, and school has its own unique story to tell. Let us commit ourselves to proclaiming the Kingdom of Christ by the witness of our lives,” Bishop Jugis said.
— SueAnn Howell. Photos by Troy Hull
Read more
Check out the Diocese of Charlotte’s rich history and learn how parishes and the people of western North Carolina commemorated the diocese’s 50th anniversary online at www.catholicnewsherald.com/news/golden-anniversary. See all of the 50 Acts of Charity at faithmorepreciousthangold.com.
See photos for the anniversary year
Pilgrim Marian statue travels through the diocese in photos
Events for the 50th anniversary in photos
