Valedictorian and Student of the Year

Michael Vante, a lector at St. Anne Chapel, was valedictorian and Student of the Year at Charlotte Amalie High School graduation on June 12. He also won Best Oralist at the Virgin Islands Moot Court competition on May 13. He will be attending the University of Miami in August.

Pentecost Celebration

The Diocesan Office of Evangelization presented a Pentecost celebration at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix on June 10–12. The theme was: “Do not conform yourself to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2).
The events began with an all-night prayer vigil on June 10. Winston Garcia from the People of Praise community in Trinidad spoke at a men’s prayer breakfast on June 11. Mr. Garcia also spoke at a men’s prayer breakfast at Light of Christ retreat Center on St. Croix on June 11, pictured right. He spoke to 37 men about their commitment to a life long covenant with their spouse.

About 200 participants from various parishes attended the annual Pentecost Rally at Light of Christ Retreat Center on St. Croix on Pentecost Sunday, June 12. Mr. Garcia encouraged the participants to allow the Holy Spirit to bring to fulfillment all that God has in store for them. He stressed a personal relationship with the Source and Giver of Life. Pictured left, Deacon Joseph Mark of St. Ann Church prayed over Mr. Garcia.

Deacon Ortiz Prepares for Ordination

His Excellency, Bishop Herbert Bevard, will ordain Deacon Eduardo Ortiz to the priesthood at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas on Saturday, July 30, at 9:30 a.m. Deacon Ortiz arrived for his summer assignment at the cathedral on June 11. Pictured above, left to right, Deacon Wilfredo Acosta, Deacon Ortiz and Bishop Bevard served together at Sunday Mass at the cathedral on June 12.

Two Priests Share Anniversaries

Father Andrzej Szorc, parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, celebrated his 25^th anniversary of priesthood at Mass on June 12. He concelebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with visiting priest Msgr. Floro Arcamo, who celebrated his 46^th anniversary of priesthood. Msgr. Arcamo was on St. Croix for his nephew’s confirmation and graduation from St. Mary School.

The Class of 1971

The Class of 1971 from Ss. Peter and Paul School on St. Thomas had its 40th anniversary reunion and posed with Bishop Herbert Bevard after Sunday Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral on June 12.

Farewell to Sister

Sister Marie Stephania, MC, is being transferred to Haiti after five years in St. Croix. She had served the homeless, elderly, homebound and religious education students at St. Joseph Church. She is pictured above with Isabel Cerni, a Lay Missionary of Charity, at Holy Cross Church on June 12.

Michael Akin, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, shows the newly renovated bathroom in the women's section at Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas. Work will begin soon on renovating the men's bathroom.