Missed part of the pilgrimage? Watch a photo slideshow of the Ad limina 2012 trip.
Column: Bishop Peter Jugis: Our diocese has tremendous enthusiasm for the faith
“I was happy to write in my ad limina report that in the Diocese of Charlotte there is tremendous enthusiasm for the faith. The faithful of the diocese are eager to grow in their relationship with Christ, to increase their knowledge of the faith, and to put their faith into practice.”
Column: Father John Eckert reflects on the trip
Father John Eckert serves as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. He was one of three priests who accompanied about 40 pilgrims from the Charlotte diocese and Atlanta archdiocese to Rome during Bishop Jugis’ ad limina visit.
Seminarian Santiago Mariani sings “Ave Maria” at dinner in Rome
What did Pope Benedict XVI tell US bishops?
“It is my hope that the church’s conscientious efforts to confront this reality will help the broader community to recognize the causes, true extent and devastating consequences of sexual abuse, and to respond effectively to this scourge which affects every level of society.”
Read more about the pope’s speeches.
Cheryl Eckert bought this L’Osservatore Romano picture from the General Audience. Look just how close Fr. John Eckert is to the Holy Father!
Read more pilgrims’ thoughts about the experience: http://bit.ly/KKVw8Q
The whole trip was amazing, I learned so much…This was a profound, life-changing trip. Every single day, I said ‘Wow!’ It was even better than the day before. It was euphoric…a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Brice Griffin, Diocese of Charlotte
Read more of the pilgrims’ thoughts about the trip: http://bit.ly/KKVw8Q
Full story: Traveling priests reflect on the ad limina pilgrimage
Click the picture to read about the US’ tallest bishop
See how close the pilgrims got to Pope Benedict XVI
Around 8:00 they announce the Diocese of Charlotte and you can see SueAnn (black top) Deacon McNulty (white baseball hat) and other pilgrims in the front row: http://www.catholictv.com/Pope-General-Audience.aspx
Read the full story: bit.ly/JP1DGl
Full story: Ad limina reflections: the most blessed week ever
Full story: Bishop Jugis uses free time on ad limina to tour seminary, pray
3:15 pm - We’re home! Our 10-hour flight went well and after a bit of a wait getting through Customs we grabbed our bags and said our goodbyes. What an amazing adventure! I already miss the gelato!
10:40 am - We met a friend from St. Mark in our travels! Chris Berns is one of our wonderful flight attendants for our trip home! She is pictured with Deacon Robert Murphy and his wife Angeles, who are also St. Mark parishioners.
10:00 am - Bishop Jugis and I are pictured here waiting to catch our flight back to Charlotte. The ad limina trip has been an incredible experience! There are still more stories to share so stay tuned!
