CHARLOTTE — All are invited to attend the annual Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life to be celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Patrick Cathedral located at 1621 Dilworth Road East.
Instituted by St. John Paul II in 1997, this annual celebration in the Church is held in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles.
Similarly, consecrated men and women are called to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ through their unique witness of selfless service.
On Feb. 1, Bishop Jugis will recognize consecrated religious in the Diocese of Charlotte celebrating milestone, or “jubilee,” anniversaries.
The 2020 jubilarians to be honored include seven Sisters of Mercy from the South Central Community in Belmont. They are: Sister Maureen Dees (75 years) Sister Mary Jerome Spradley, Sister Mary Robert Williams, Sister Maria Goretti Weldon (70 years); Sister Barbara Wheeley, Sister Mary Schmuck (60 years); and Sister Mary Rose Bumpus (50 years).
Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, reiterated the importance of the witness offered by those in consecrated life: “Consecrated men and women are a special treasure in the Church who allow the love of Jesus to become tangible. By dedicating their entire lives to following
Christ, consecrated persons are particularly able to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society and bring the message of the Gospel to all those in need.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. USCCB contributed.