CHARLOTTE — Skipping the usual Independence Day weekend activities of gatherings and fireworks, more than 40 faithful attendees traveled to St. Patrick Cathedral to pray for an end of abortion and for the conversion of the nation back to God at the Vigil of the Two Hearts devotion on first Friday evening, July 2.
Father Jacob Mlakar, parochial vicar of St. Vincent De Paul Church in Charlotte, offered Mass, followed by a Holy Hour of Reparation led by Deacon Peter Tonon of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and then nocturnal Eucharistic Adoration.
The Vigil of the Two Hearts is offered each first Friday evening through first Saturday morning at the cathedral to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions, while praying for the end of abortion, for strength of families, and for the country’s conversion back to God.
The event is organized by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN). For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.prolifecharlotte.org/two-hearts.
— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent
HIGH POINT — Three Immaculate Heart of Mary School graduates were recognized for winning entries in the school’s annual Respect Life Essay Contest during a year-end Mass and closing ceremony June 8:
- Sofia Schnaith-Ivan won first place for her essay about protecting God’s creation
- Margaret Solka won second place for her essay about suicide
- Mahol Chom won third place for an essay about abortion
The annual essay contest is organized by the parish’s Respect Life Committee, under the guidance of Maryann Leonard, PhD, NBCT, who teaches language arts to students in grades 6-8. Sponsored by the Bishop Haley Council 4507 Knights of Columbus, the contest encourages graduating eighth-graders to give early thought to today’s important human life issues.
Pictured are (from left): Sofia Schnaight-Ivan, Mahol Chom and Margaret Sojka.
— Donald Barrett