MOORESVILLE — Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and their families and friends recently gathered at St. Therese Church to commemorate “Ireland’s Great Hunger” (An Gorta Mor) with a special Mass.
The tragedy, which occurred between 1845 and 1850 and was mainly due to the potato blight, split the population of Ireland in half. Over 1 million Irish died of starvation, while another million emigrated to the United States and other countries.
The Mass was offered by Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Therese and also a member of the AOH, for the intention of those who had suffered during those years of hardship. Among those attending the Mass were Patrick Tracey, N.C. AOH state president, Mary Driscoll, LAOH state president and members of the AOH’s Sons of Erin and St. Brendan the Navigator divisions, and the LAOH’s Ladies of the Lough Division.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic-Irish fraternal organization that promotes friendship, unity and Christian charity, as well as fostering and perpetuating Irish history, culture and traditions.
— Dan Callaghan and Mike FitzGerald, correspondent
SALISBURY — Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart with a Mass followed by a singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary.
Later, a Eucharistic procession from the cemetery garden to the church for benediction celebrated by Father Eckert, Deacon Jim Mazur and Seminarians Darren Balkey, Joseph Wasswa and Christopher Brock.
Afterwards, the parishioners were treated to International food, music and games for the children.
This included the Dunking booth “Dunk your favorite Priest” with Father Eckert.
The day ended with a beautiful display of Fireworks ended a beautiful day for Sacred Heart parishioners.
— Photos by Bill Washington, Catholic News Herald
