On Friday evening, February 11th, a St. Valentine's Day cocktail reception and buffet dinner was held in Blessed Pope John XXIII Center to honour the Oratorians of Rock Hill. The event was attended by the Bishop of Charleston, the Very Reverend Robert Guglielmone and the Right Reverend Oscar Burnett, Abbot Emeritus of Belmont Abbey in Belmont, NC. Abbot Oscar gave an entertaining and thoughtful talk about the Oratory, its past, its traditions, and its founder, St Philip Neri, including a look back at the times when the diocese was a mission territory with few Catholics (it still is a mission territory but with a much larger Catholic population),and the Oratory's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Bishop Guglielmone offered a few remarks regarding the phenomenal growth of the diocese, after which Jon Varvel, member of All Saints Parish in Lake Wylie and the main organizer of the event, introduced the provost of the Oratory , Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O., who shared a few words.
The guitar music during the meal was played by Bob Laubinger. A wonderful Italian meal, catered by Toni Elliott, a member of All Saints, was enjoyed by all. The dining hall was transformed into a night of fantasy, with lights shining through white diaphanous material, candles, and tablecloths in black and white, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
A big thank you to Jon Varvel, and all the members of All Saints who helped to make this event a success, and to those benefactors and sponsors whose generosity made this all possible, especially including all who attended.
We Oratorians are most grateful and humbled by the love and generosity of the parishioners we serve.
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