CHARLOTTE — A standing-room-only crowd packed the St. Ann’s cafeteria in Charlotte Feb. 1, to attend a talk by Father Jason Barone about the importance of Latin and the Mass.
Organized by St. Ann Parish and the Charlotte Latin Mass Community, the lecture attracted nearly 170 people from across Charlotte and even as far away as Greensboro.
The attendees learned about the importance of setting aside a sacred language solely for the worship of God. The use of a non-vernacular language like Latin connotes mystery which serves as a form of veiling that helps to reveal the importance of the relationship between God and man, Father Barone said. “The language between the bride and bridegroom in that relationship is going to be a very very special thing and ought to be protected. By acknowledging the mystery, we acknowledge we must always go deeper into that relationship," said Father Barone, who serves as assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School and priest in residence at St. Ann Church.
The program concluded with Father Barone offering a special Latin blessing for candles, as Feb. 1 was the Vigil of the ancient Feast of Candles (Candlemas or Feast of the Presentation), which has an ancient custom to bless candles in honor of Christ being the “light for the revelation of the gentiles” as declared by the prophet Simeon when Christ was presented to him at temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:32). The blessed candles can then be used to bless throats the following day, on the Feast of St. Blaise.
The Charlotte Latin Mass Community, a lay run apostolate at St. Ann’s, organizes the quarterly Latin Mass classes and plans to post the Feb. 1 talk on St. Ann's website in the weeks ahead. To learn more about Latin Mass or future events, please email Chris Lauer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.charlottelatinmass.org.
— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent. Photo by John Cosmas, correspondent
HIGH POINT — Deacon Jose Vargas has been granted faculties as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Charlotte by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, effective Jan. 25. When in residence in the diocese, he will serve at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point.
Deacon Vargas and his wife Maria are seasonal residents of High Point. They visit children and grandchildren on a regular basis and when in town he will be available to help with parish activities and assist with ministering to the Spanish-speaking community.
He was ordained on May 18, 2012, for the Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and brings with him more than four years of experience as a permanent deacon in parish assignments.
— Deacon John Martino