More than a thousand people filled a Catholic church in Charlotte Tuesday to honor the life of a beloved priest.
Bishop William Curlin was a champion of the poor, comforter of the sick and a friend of Mother Teresa.
Anchor Blaine Tolison spoke to friends about his more than 60 years of ministry.
Curlin's homily brought many to tears inside St. Gabriel Catholic Church that was still full of Christmas decor.
He became the bishop of Charlotte in 1994 and retired in 2002. Throughout his life, he spread kindness and love.
Herbert Brooks drove from Virginia to pay his respects.
"He had a great deal of love in his heart and he saw God in everybody, and he treated them that way," Brooks said.
He met Curlin 60 years ago in Washington, D.C., when he was an 8-year-old in Curlin's first altar boy class.
"He's just been a very loving man,” Curlin said. “He taught me a lot.”
Curlin was also known for the little things, such as how he treated others.
"He was available to people to help them," Sister Mary said.
Curlin welcomed Mother Teresa, the Kolkata, India, nun who was named a saint in 2016, to Charlotte in 1995.
Curlin fought a long battle against cancer, praying for his own health, so he could continue helping others.
"He really felt privileged in his life to being called to serve God and being allowed to serve God for as long as he did," Charlotte Diocese David Hains said.
He ordained 28 men to the priesthood during his eight years as the bishop of Charlotte
Curlin died Dec. 23 at Carolinas Medical Center after a battle with cancer. He was 90 years old.
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