In a near-vacant cathedral in Charlotte, a prayer for peace — not fear
The bishop stepped inside Charlotte’s St. Patrick Cathedral on Palm Sunday and for the first time ever during Holy Week all the pews were empty.
Christianity’s most-celebrated time — the week of Easter — began with Bishop Peter Jugis, Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, sprinkling holy water and blessing palms outside the cathedral. Inside, there were only a few people, those members of clergy essential to assisting the service.
As Jugis spoke, his homily could be heard echoing off the walls of the cathedral, which normally seats 300 faithful. Across North Carolina, thousands watched — all ordered to skip mass gatherings, including Catholic Mass, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Jugis’ message: “Let us remember though that we may be quarantined, Jesus is not quarantined. And he desires to be with us always and everywhere and we can stay close to him.”
According to the Diocese, this Palm Sunday is the first time in history that all Catholic churches have been closed. The Diocese serves more than 400,000 people in North Carolina through 92 churches in 46 counties.
Like Sunday’s Mass, more services this week will be live-streamed on YouTube. Replays will be available.
Clergy keep distance between them while holding Mass and serving in other roles. Drive-by and walk-up confessions are offered. Priests may minister to those who are sick through phone calls or visits. According to the Diocese, priests are also performing Last Rites, while taking appropriate precautions.
“The Blessed Mother is a model for us to follow in order to stay close to Jesus during this time of crisis with the pandemic,” Jugis said Sunday. “She stayed close to Jesus, her son, during his time of torment and suffering and distress.”
“And so let us ask the blessed virgin to help us by her prayers to stay close to Jesus these days when we hear so much fearful news about the spread of the virus and sad news about deaths caused by the virus.”
In an earlier homily — in mid-March as the first cases of coronavirus were reported in Mecklenburg County — Jugis reminded listeners: “We may be anxious. We may be concerned for our own well-being and the well-being of others. Definitely our normal routines are disrupted. Now is the time to show forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit.”
“To be charitable towards others ... To keep the joy of Christ in our hearts. To bring peace into all situations. To be patient, kind and gentle in our dealings with others ...”
Upcoming services:
▪ Chrism Mass – April 7 at 10 a.m.
▪ Mass of the Lord’s Supper – April 9 at 7 p.m.
▪ Good Friday – April 10 at 3 p.m.
▪ Easter Vigil – April 11 at 8 p.m.
▪ Easter Sunday – April 12 at 10 a.m.
This story was originally published April 5, 2020 at 3:55 PM.