WAYNESVILLE — Friends of Father James Cahill recently threw a birthday celebration for the priest, who turned 90 in September.
The event, held at St. John the Evangelist Church’s parish hall, was attended by around 150 well-wishers from parishes all over western North Carolina.
He is pictured blowing out the candles on the birthday cake at the celebration for his 90th birthday. He is assisted by Patti Schandevel, St. John’s parishioner, and Anne Weatherford.
Since retiring as pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva, Father Cahill has devoted his time to filling in at parishes in the area.
Eight priests who have known Father Cahill’s tireless efforts to minister to the people of North Carolina attended the celebration to express their gratitude to him.
“We are grateful for Father Cahill’s witness and service,” said Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard.
“We love the way Father Cahill shares God’s light with everyone.”
Father Cahill was ordained in 1961 by Cardinal Richard Cushing in western Massachusetts and came to St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte in 1986. In 1991, he was appointed pastor in Sylva and also served on the diocesan vocations board.
— Carol Viau
LEXINGTON — Ballet Folklorico Guadalupano, a cultural and traditional Mexican dance group from Asheboro, came to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington Sept. 1 to participate in an afternoon of fun and festivities.
It was a beautiful afternoon filled with an abundance of delicious food, vibrant music and fellowship for all ages to enjoy.
— Photos provided by Julia Fredrica Foy Michaels
