Bishop Jugis celebrates Mass during parish-based Eucharistic Congress Sept. 12
CHARLOTTE — The world may be gripped by a pandemic, but “Jesus is the remedy for the most serious problem that is facing our world” – and that is sin. Jesus offers forgiveness for sin, and new life in His grace and love.
That was the message from Bishop Peter Jugis during a special livestreamed Mass Sept. 12 from St. Patrick Cathedral. Bishop Jugis offered the livestreamed Mass as a way for the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte to gather together on this Eucharistic-themed weekend, held in lieu of the large-scale Eucharistic Congress that usually takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center.
“The coronavirus may be challenging us a little bit this year, but the work of the Church continues. And nothing can put a stop to the work of the Church,” Bishop Jugis said at the start of his homily. Likewise, he said, “the Eucharistic Congress continues this year, although in a slightly altered format.”
Parishes celebrated over the weekend in their own ways, not letting the pandemic prevent them from finding ways to worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament – hosting talks and educational programs, offering additional Masses and Holy Hours of Eucharistic Adoration, and more. The bishop’s Mass at the cathedral, a votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist, was one way for people to come together united by the Eucharist, Bishop Jugis said.
“We are here to honor and worship Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, and celebrate His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist,” he said.
In his homily, Bishop Jugis described hearing a radio commentator say the COVID-19 pandemic “has really changed the world.”
“I thought to myself: Has the world really changed? Is the world really that different? Come on. The biggest problem facing our world is still with us. There is still sin, and in great abundance,” the bishop said.
What has really changed the world and really made things different is Jesus, he continued.
“Jesus is the remedy for the most serious problem that is facing our world, and that puts everything into greater perspective,” he said. “If the world would come to Jesus to receive forgiveness for sin, a new life in grace and love would begin for them – a life of holiness.”
“Be holy,” Bishop Jugis continued, quoting from the theme for this year’s Eucharistic Congress.
That was the command God first gave to the Israelites when He made them His chosen people, the bishop explained, and in his letter St. Peter also reminds people of God’s command to be holy.
Holiness is everyone’s vocation, Bishop Jugis emphasized. “He called you to be holy.”
“What is holiness? Holiness is a life oriented toward God, grounded in the gift of faith in God. Holiness is a life separated from sin, and holiness is demonstrated in our charity toward others.”
We are made holy when we are baptized, and we are called to continue living holy lives, he added. The Eucharist, the very Body and Blood of Christ, helps us to grow in holiness.
We are also inspired to holiness by the example of other holy, Christ-centered people, the bishop said – people like St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. Maximilian Kolbe. And “the two holiest people who ever lived” – the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph – inspire us to holiness by their example of dedicating their lives to following God’s will. And ultimately it is Jesus Himself, “the perfection of holiness,” who is our model.
Bishop Jugis continued, “The radio news broadcaster was partially correct: our world has changed. And we know the One who really has changed our world. He is the One who really has made things different, now through His Holy Spirit. Let us resolve to be holy – in every aspect of our conduct.”
“Though we cannot come together as usual this year for our big Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte, Jesus is still bringing us together as one diocesan family, strengthening our union with Him and our bonds of charity with each other. How? Through His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, celebrated in all the churches and missions of our diocese.
“He brings us together. Christ is living among us.”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
Your DSA contributions at work
The Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Eucharistic Congress is funded in part by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how you can contribute at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
