Together with Bishop Luis Zarama, Father Alex Gonzalez welcomed the centennial traveling monstrance to Holy Family Church in Elizabeth City for a holy hour.
“We rejoice today, as we enjoy the presence of our diocesan shepherd and the traveling monstrance that has been part of the Diocese of Raleigh’s 100th anniversary of its founding in 1924,” Father Alex said as he welcomed those in attendance.
Father Alex explained how the special centennial monstrance has been traveling the diocese since the Eucharistic Congress in October 2023. A liturgical vessel that holds the Eucharist, a monstrance is part of venerating the Blessed Sacrament. The special monstrance, which visited Holy Family, has been hosted by each of the diocese’s eight deaneries, or smaller, geographic regions that comprise the more than 33,000 square miles of the diocese.
During the bilingual holy hour, after exposing the Blessed Sacrament, the assembly spent time in silence, reflection, music and meditation on the Word of God.
“We gather in the presence of Christ truly present body and blood, soul and divinity, to pray for the work of the new evangelization in our diocese, the proclaiming of the Christ’s Gospel of joy to all, within our parish, our diocese, and our world,” Father Alex said. “We recognize that, through prayer and the strengthening of our personal relationship and communication with Jesus Christ, we may come to know better the Lord ourselves, in order to share his Gospel with our family, friends, and with those we meet as intentional ‘disciples on the way.’”
Following the holy hour, the parish joined with Bishop Luis for a reception, which extended the joys of the evening through food and fellowship.
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