By: Karol Joel, Jayan

This year, we organized a pilgrimage to visit Belmont Abbey Basilica, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and St. Matthew Catholic Church in North Carolina. The pilgrimage is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, during the day. Mr. Chris will lead this year’s pilgrimage, which has attracted many participating families, and 19 families have joined. We will travel to Belmont Abbey Basilica in our vehicles, aiming to arrive in time for the 11 a.m. Mass. Belmont Abbey Basilica has been designated as a historic site in North Carolina. On July 27, 1998, the Vatican issued a decree elevating the abbey church at Belmont to the rank of a minor basilica. The church features a baptismal font carved from a stone upon which enslaved African Americans were once sold in the North Carolina market.

After the 11 a.m. Mass, we visited a nearby grotto dedicated to Mother Mary’s devotion, where we prayed the rosary. Mr. Chris arranged a delicious lunch for us, which we enjoyed from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Haid Ballroom near the church. Following lunch, Brother Edward gave us a tour of Belmont Abbey Basilica. We learned a great deal about the Basilica, and the tour was very educational. Finally, at 3 p.m., we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the Divine Mercy rosary.

On March 17, 1938, St. Patrick’s Day, the first consecrated Catholic church in North Carolina was established. We attended an evening Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church at 5 p.m. This church serves 11,000 registered families and has over 34,000 parishioners, earning it the title of a Catholic megachurch. After Mass, we enjoyed refreshments followed by dinner at a banquet hall at St. Matthew’s.

Once the pilgrimage concluded at 6:30 p.m., we packed up and headed back home. It was a meaningful way to express our devotion to God, and everyone truly appreciated the experience. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for all to feel God’s grace.

If you want to learn more about these churches, click on the following links:

• Belmont Abbey Basilica – https://belmontabbey.org/
• St. Patrick Cathedral – https://www.stpatnc.org/
• St. Matthew Catholic Church – https://stmatthewcatholic.org/
• Belmont Abbey Tour – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PiWyxNL-IU&t=35s

RTPTCA hosted CPR training at Holy Cross Church, Durham, on Sept 9th — and what an amazing day it was! With 26 participants, the energy was high and the learning invaluable.

Why CPR Matters
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving skill that keeps blood circulating and oxygen flowing when someone’s heart stops or breathing ceases. It acts as a vital bridge until emergency medical services arrive, reducing the risk of permanent brain damage. Beyond technique, CPR training builds confidence — empowering ordinary people to step in and make a lifesaving difference during emergencies.

Our fantastic young trainers — pre-med students from UNC Chapel Hill — made the 2-hour session fun, clear, and hands-on. From CPR basics to using an AED, everyone (kids and adults alike!) gained skills and confidence to act in an emergency.

Best surprise? We discovered an AED kit right in the Narthex of Holy Cross Church — something many had never noticed before!

Huge thanks to all who joined in. Together, we’re not just learning skills — we’re preparing to save lives.