CHARLOTTE — There’s a new beacon of hope atop historic St. Patrick Cathedral in Dilworth.
On March 17, the patronal feast of the cathedral of the diocese, Bishop Peter Jugis led a joyful countdown initiating the lighting of the Celtic cross atop the bell tower for the first time.
Prior to the countdown the cathedral’s rector, Father Christopher Roux, addressed the crowd, noting, “We have been a cathedral since 1972 (the founding of the diocese).
But there is something I have always thought was always missing.”
The illumination of the bell tower, and a sacred art laser light show held at the cathedral March 13-19, were parish events aimed at commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Over the course of seven nights, the stunning stained-glass windows of St. Patrick Cathedral were projected on the exterior of the church. The unique 3-D laser 
projection, which uses digital mapping technology, was produced by Highland Mediaworks of Asheville.
On March 17, several visitors who happened to be admiring the show were treated to an explanation of the sacred images by Bishop Peter Jugis.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. Photos by James Sarkis and César hurtado | Catholic News Herald
WATCH ONLINE:
Missed the show? Check out videos from the bell tower lighting and the sacred art laser light show:
CHARLOTTE — Veterum Sapientia Institute has a new accredited degree program: the Diploma Latinitatis Ecclesiasticae, or Diploma in Ecclesiastical Latin. This program is launched in partnership with the Pontifical Institute for Higher Latinity, a faculty of the Salesian University in Rome, which shares the Charlotte-based institute’s mission of promoting the study of ecclesiastical, or Church, Latin.
The DLE is a three-year program designed especially for clergy and religious, to give them the necessary tools to become thoroughly familiar with the “wisdom of the ancients” contained in both the ecclesiastical and secular literature of the Latin language. Students will have the option to fulfill the course requirements in non-consecutive semesters, or to take on a reduced course load per semester. The program’s first semester will be offered this fall.
For details, go to www.veterumsapientia.org.
— Veterum Sapientia Institute