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| Archbishop José H. Gomez anoints the new altar with chrism during the centennial celebration Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in Charlotte on Aug. 23.
Jordan McMorrough | Today's Catholic |
CHARLOTTE – Two special events were observed by the faithful at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Charlotte on Aug. 23. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez was at the church to celebrate a liturgy marking the 100th anniversary of the Catholic community there, as well as to dedicate a new black marble altar for the brown brick sanctuary. Concelebrants included Father Horacio Florez, pastor; and Father Tony Vilano, a former pastor and current rector of San Fernando Cathedral.
The first church in Charlotte was built in 1909 and attended by the Claretian Fathers. Then, a new church was built and dedicated in honor of St. Mary in 1925. According to the centennial book of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, another church – a white stucco building located across the street from the current sanctuary -- was dedicated on Jan. 25, 1935, under the title of St. Rose of Lima.
“It is a moment of grace as we celebrate God’s love for us, especially in the celebration of the holy sacrifice of the Mass at this new altar,” said the archbishop. “The rite of dedication of an altar calls us to remember that the altar is a sign of Christ and at the same time that we, each one of us, is a ‘spiritual altar’ and finally that the altar is the table of the sacrifice and the Paschal meal.”
He continued, “This altar and St. Rose of Lima Church are a clear sign of God’s presence among us and of our desire to be with him.” But, in referring to the readings from the Mass, Archbishop Gomez noted that sometimes our faith is challenged by our own weaknesses.
Following his homily, the archbishop conducted the prayer of dedication and anointing. The rites of anointing, incensing, covering, and lighting the altar express invisible signs; several aspects of the invisible work that the Lord accomplishes through the church in its celebration of the divine mysteries, especially the Eucharist.
The anointing with chrism makes the altar a symbol of Christ, who, before all others, is called “the anointed one.”
Incense is then burned on the altar to signify that Christ’s sacrifice ascends to God as an odor of sweetness, and also to signify that the people’s prayers rise us pleasing and acceptable, reaching the throne of God.
The covering of the altar indicates that the Christian altar is an altar of the Eucharistic sacrifice and the table of the Lord; around its priests and people, by one and the same rite but with a difference of function, celebrate the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection and partake of his supper.
The lighting of the altar signifies that Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations;” and that his brightness shines out in the church and through it in the whole human family.
A reception was held in Father John Wagner Hall immediately after the Mass. There, a meal was served, presentations were given by parishioners of St. Rose of Lima, and a children’s dance was performed by Dancete Del Matachin.
In addition, a gallery of historical photos was displayed in the All Purpose Center.