What We've Heard — Oct. 30, 2023 - Biweekly Newspaper for the Diocese of Richmond %

Ending the school week with a rosary procession (above):

The students, families, and staff of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Newport News, took part in a rosary procession on Friday, Oct. 6, the day before the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Students processed from the school gym, through the parking lot, and into the church for First Friday Adoration. The group processed through the parking lot with incense, a crucifix, a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Child Jesus on a platform adorned with flowers, and – of course – rosaries. The procession included parochial vicar, Father Saúl Anleu, who said “it was good to pray with the school.”

Bishop offers Mass for Hope & Healing:

On Oct. 24, Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated the Mass for Hope & Healing at St. Paul, Richmond. Since 2021, Bishop Knestout has offered the Mass for Hope & Healing annually through the diocesan Office of Safe Environment for survivors of sexual abuse. (Photo/Deborah Cox)

Heralds of Faith, a gathering for catechists:

Heralds of Faith, an annual event led by the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, took place Saturday, Oct. 14, at St. Michael the Archangel, Glen Allen. Bishop Barry C. Knestout takes this opportunity to meet some of his catechists across the diocese, provide formation, and bless them. Heralds of Faith rotates among the three vicariates; this year, it was in the Central Vicariate and 112 catechists attended. The day included Mass, breakout sessions, and catechist witness talks. The speakers in the breakout sessions were Father Gregory Kandt, pastor of Church of St. Thérèse, Gloucester, who spoke on “Models of Eucharist”; and Joe Paprocki and Adrián Herrera, national speakers sponsored by Loyola Press, who spoke on best practices in catechetical methods (Paprocki in English and Herrera in Spanish). (Photo/Michael Mickle, Office of Christian Formation) (Photo/Michael Mickle)

Hispanic Heritage Month:

Our Catholic school communities took time to celebrate diversity during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The entrance of Catholic High School, Virginia Beach, was decorated with the flags of Latin American countries. A special display was set up featuring Latino culture and history. (Photo submitted)

Sacred Heart Catholic School, Danville, held a Loteria Night for families to mark Hispanic Heritage Month. (Photo submitted)

The students of All Saints, Richmond, dressed in traditional clothing to celebrate the vibrant Hispanic cultures in their community. (Photo submitted)

Students at Charlottesville Catholic School, Charlottesville, attend a Hispanic Heritage Month Mass which included a colorful flag parade. (Photo submitted)

Italian-American Cultural Association gala:

The Italian-American Cultural Association (IACA) of Virginia invited Bishop Barry C. Knestout to its Christopher Columbus Gala on Oct. 22 at the St. Michael the Archangel Lake House, Glen Allen. The association reached out after seeing the bishop’s column on the Columbus statue that was torn down from Richmond’s Byrd Park (Oct. 2, The Catholic Virginian).

IACA has been working to restore the Columbus statue and find a permanent home for it. The St. Gabriel Migrant Ministry, Chesterfield, tells The Catholic Virginian a member of its ministry team was instrumental in the physical restoration of the statue.

The statue was not present at the gala, but the bishop took time to offer his prayers, talk about his interest in the statue in relation to his Italian heritage, and learn more about the restoration efforts. Bishop Knestout also spoke with renowned Richmond sculptor Paul DiPasquale about the artist’s involvement in the project.