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Bishop Burbidge's Homily at Raeford Church Blessing
An overflow crowd was in attendance for a bilingual Mass at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Raeford, Sunday, August 24. The occasion was the blessing of the new 10,000 square foot facility by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge. Also present was Bishop-Emeritus F. Joseph Gossman.
The new building, located on Highway 401 South in Hoke County, replaces a smaller structure that was built in 1959, with money provided by a small group of women from Yonkers, New York. In recent years, the parish has more than doubled in size due to the growth of the Latino population, military families and retirees moving to the area. The parish numbers just under 200 families and more than 500 members. In addition to the sanctuary, the building contains classrooms, a kitchen and a social hall.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge spoke of the countless blessings bestowed upon this parish since its founding and for God’s divine assistance throughout the process of the completion of the new building.
The Bishop also noted the welcoming nature of the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary community. Speaking of how Bishop Burbidge noted the importance of a strong foundation both in the construction of a building as well as in the creation of a strong faith life. He pointed out that in our lives, Jesus is “our cornerstone, the One who sustains us and holds us up” and that he must always be at the center of our lives.
The Bishop also commended the parish community for its tradition of care and compassion for one another. “I give great thanks for your witness and your example,” the Bishop said.
In his comments, Bishop Burbidge thanked Sister Jeanne Morgan, SSJ, Pastoral Administrator of the parish since 1999, Supervising Pastor Father JaVan Saxon and Father Bill John Acosta-Escobar, the Sacramental Minister. He also acknowledged the work of Sister Dolores Glick, MHSH, and Sister Carol Loughney, IHM, both of whom were in attendance, for their past service as Pastoral Administrators of the church in the 1980s and 1990s.