CHARLOTTE — The Daughters of the Virgin Mother recently marked 10 years of presence in the Diocese of Charlotte.
On May 13, 2015, with the approval of then Bishop Peter Jugis, Sister Mary Raphael started an apostolate in the diocese that aimed to serve the priesthood just as Mary served Jesus.
“Through our baptism and a life of grace, we seek to know what Our Lady knew as daughter of God, the Father,” she said.
Formed in 2015, the Daughters of the Virgin Mother tend to practical and spiritual needs of men preparing for the priesthood, as well as those already ordained. In 2023 it was recognized as a Private Association of the Christian Faithful, one step in the Church’s process of becoming a fully recognized religious community.
Members primarily serve at St. Joseph College Seminary but also work in parishes.
“I suppose these last 10 years could reflect the Annunciation and the life that was given to be nurtured and to bear fruit,” Sister Mary Raphael wrote on their anniversary.
“Thank you to eight brave women who came. On my tough days, you are my inspiration, because now you lead me, too. I see your example. I see your generosity, and it calls me higher up and further in. Thank you to the priests of our diocese who have been our fathers, who believed in this endeavor and who have helped form and spiritually guide us. It’s one thing to support a community of 10 years. It’s a very different thing to believe in them from year one.
“My prayer is that in this next decade, we’re going to live out the Mystery of the Visitation. Look at the beautiful things the Lord is doing in His sacred grace.”
— Photo provided
WINSTON-SALEM — Father Melchesideck Yumo marked his 10th anniversary of ordination April 27 with a celebration at St. Benedict the Moor Church.
After Mass, people from his parish, friends from his former parish of St. Mark in Huntersville, and friends and clergy from his native Cameroon gathered to celebrate Father Yumo’s anniversary and also his birthday.
As he said in his homily… and was written on the cake in Spanish: “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”
— Photos provided by Amy Burger
