‘A great experience’
BELMONT — Hundreds of young people from across the Diocese of Charlotte gathered at Belmont Abbey College April 9 for the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage – the first such celebration held since the pandemic.
Despite the chilly and overcast weather, participants said they were glad to back together for the day-long event designed just for young people. The teens sprawled out on the expansive lawn in front of the historic Belmont Abbey Basilica for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, music and fellowship, and inspirational talks.
“It’s a great experience. Just seeing all of the different people from all the other parishes is incredible,” said Thomas Conner, a ninth-grader who attends St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The outdoor Mass, offered by Belmont Abbey’s Abbot Placid Solari, “was beautiful,” he said. “It was amazing to be in nature.”
The Mass also wowed ninth-grader Denise Meraz from Holy Infant Parish in Reidsville. This was her first time attending the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage, and she said the experience moved her.
“When we were receiving (the Eucharist), it really got to me,” she said.
The theme of this year’s youth pilgrimage mirrored the diocese’s 50th anniversary theme – “Faith More Precious Than Gold” – and teens enjoyed waving or wearing special 50th anniversary “rally flags” handed out at the beginning of the day.
Bishop Peter Jugis reflected on the 50th anniversary theme in his homily during Eucharistic Adoration. The Scripture verse from 1 Peter 1:7 invites us all to value one’s faith over anything else, he said.
“It’s a good message for you, too,” he told the young people. “St. Peter is speaking to all of us. Celebrate joyfully your Catholic faith. Be strong in the practice of your Catholic faith. Be constant in the practice of your Catholic faith.”
Attending Mass, praying daily, going to confession, being charitable – in essence, imitating Jesus – “that is our Catholic faith, and that is what we are celebrating this year, 50 years in the Diocese of Charlotte,” he said.
Bishop Jugis also stressed the prime importance of the Eucharist to our Catholic faith.
“The Holy Eucharist brings us together as one family,” he said. “We are one family in Christ – no matter which parish we come from, which part of the diocese or the state we come from. We are all gathered here together before the Lord.”
Looking out at the hundreds of young people kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament, he remarked, “I am glad that you have come here on pilgrimage today to pray with me and with young people from across the diocese.”
“May the Lord bless you and your families, and keep you always close to His Sacred Heart.”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell, Patricia Guilfoyle and James Sarkis.
Your DSA contributions at work
The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
BOONE — Police have arrested a man they say tried to vandalize St. Elizabeth Church in Boone over the Easter weekend.
A church employee smelled gas upon arrival at the parish office Saturday morning. Checking the security cameras, the employee saw a man pouring gasoline on the sidewalk and alerted the Boone Police Department. The police investigation found gasoline poured on a doorway and sidewalk at the church’s rear entrance.
Father Brendan Buckler, pastor, said the church was not damaged.
An anonymous High Country Crime Stoppers tip led police to speak with Thomas Jon Peluso, 44, of Boone. Peluso was arrested and charged with one felonious count of aiding in the burning of a religious building. As of Tuesday, he was being held on $50,000 bond awaiting a May 24 court date.
Peluso did not attend St. Elizabeth Church.
“We are praying that God helps and delivers him from any problems and places peace in his heart,” Father Buckler said.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter