MS Catholic 07 17 2026

JULY 17, 2026

mississippicatholic.com

From County Cork to Mississippi: Father Gerry Hurley marks 50 years of priesthood

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

“And now I’m old.”

When Father Hurley arrived in MisFLOWOOD – Fifty years after a young sissippi in 1976, Irish-born priests made Irish priest arrived in Mississippi and beup a significant portion of the clergy gan learning that Southern English and serving throughout the diocese.

Irish English were not always the same “When I arrived in 1976, a majorilanguage. Father Gerry Hurley celebratty of our priests were from Ireland,” he ed his golden jubilee surrounded by famrecalled. “And now we have new forily, parishioners and brother priests who eign-born Indian priests. They do such a had accompanied him on the journey. great job and we are very happy ... Being The church was full June 12 as more the last of the Irish that came in a time than two dozen priests concelebrated a of transition for our Church, it is in great Mass of Thanksgiving marking the 50th hands with you brothers.” anniversary of Father Hurley’s ordinaIn many ways, the moment reflected tion to the priesthood at St. Paul Catholic the changing face of the Church Father Church in Flowood.

Hurley has witnessed throughout his Among the more than two dozen ministry: missionary priests from Ireconcelebrating priests were fellow Irishland giving way to local vocations and born clergy who had shared in Missismissionaries from around the world consippi’s long tradition of Irish missionary tinuing the work in Mississippi. priests, including retired priests from Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz reflected the Diocese of Jackson and priests servon that continuity in remarks following ing in the Diocese of Biloxi.

Mass.

Their presence served as a reminder “The Lord taught the disciples that a of the Irish missionary influence that good scribe in the kingdom can reach into shaped the Diocese of Jackson for dethe storeroom and bring out the best of cades. the old and the best of the new,” the bishMembers of Father Hurley’s family op said. “I think that describes Father traveled from Ireland for the celebraGerry in a good way.” tion, joining parishioners and friends in The bishop also praised Father Hurmarking the milestone. ley’s gift for community and his remarkThe date carried special significance. able ability to remember names.

Father Hurley was ordained June 12, “I don’t know if there are priests with 1976, at St. Patrick Church in Bandon, a better memory for names than Father County Cork, Ireland, for the Diocese of Gerry does,” Bishop Kopacz said. “He’s Natchez-Jackson, making the anniversalearned ‘Who’s your momma?’ and all of ry celebration exactly 50 years to the day that – very Southern.” from his ordination.

Father Hurley’s family offered their Today, he is the last active Irish-born own glimpse into the priest they had priest serving in the Diocese of Jackson. known long before Mississippi did, shar“I reing memories of a young boy in Ireland member going to a 50th Newly ordained Father Gerry Hurley gives his first blessing to his father who announced early in life that he inanniversary following his ordination to the priesthood June 12, 1976, in County tended to become a priest.

“He did try his hand at surgery,” one 25 years ago Cork, Ireland. Fifty years later, Father Hurley celebrated his golden jubi- sister joked during remarks after Mass. and I thought to myself, lee as the last active Irish-born priest serving in the Diocese of Jackson. “But the patient – my doll – didn’t make it. The surgery was not a success.” those guys (Photo by Father David O’Connor/Diocese of Jackson archives) His own journey began in Cork City, are old,” FaIreland, where he was born Jan. 25, 1952.

He studied at Carlow College before ther Hurley said during his homily, drawing laughter from the congregation. being ordained for the Diocese of Nat-

– Continued on page 6 –

INSIDE THIS WEEK FOLLOW US

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Metro Jackson Schools 4 Bishop pens letter on future of Metro Jackson schools

Sister Jubilees 7 Several sisters mark significant jubilees in 2026

Sacraments Special section highlights Sacraments across diocese

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

2 PARISH SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Genesis of Eve Catholic Women’s Conference, Sept. 18-20 at the Randolph Riverfront Center. Spend time with Jesus in an Adoration service, access priests for confession, shop amazing Catholic artists, authors and vendors; and hear faith-filled Catholic speakers, including Kendra Tierney Norton, Rachel Bullman, Katie Prejean McGrady and Father Brice Higgenbotham. All are welcome. Open to ages 18+. General admission cost: $295.29. Details: visit www.genesisofeve.org.

CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, “Woke in Christ” Mission Revival, Sunday, Aug. 23 at 9 a.m. and Aug. 24-25 at 7 p.m. Guest priest is Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ. Come be renewed. Encounter Christ. Live the mission. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 468-2354.

GRAND COTEAU, La. – St. Charles College, The Chosen retreat experience, Dec. 10-13. Calling all women to relax, restore and reconnect, using the hit series – The Chosen. Details: www.gcretrets.org or text Betsy at (985) 517-1019.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Catechist Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, with speaker, Dr. Tom Neal. Details: register at https://bit.ly/oxford-catechist-event-26.

MADISON – Millions of Monicas will be praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel (200 Dominican Drive), the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Millions of Monicas, Thursdays from 6:15-7:15 pm. Join with other mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and for our children’s faithful return to the Church. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Liturgical workshop in Spanish, Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 993-8832

FEATURE PHOTO:

or stmatthewcatholicchurch@ripleycable.net.

YOUNG ADULTS – Young adults are invited to join the Archdiocese of New Orleans on a Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea, August 1-10, 2027. Details: contact James Behan at (504) 836-0551 ext. 3228 or email: yam@arch-no.org.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS

BATESVILE – St. Mary, Rummage Sale, Aug. 7-8.

Details: church office at (662) 563-2273.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God” Vacation Bible School, July 27-29. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, ABIDE High School Youth Group Kickoff Event, Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7-9 p.m. in Bolton. Bring a chair and join us for food, games and fellowship. Group for 9th-12th graders. Details: Jodi at (601) 383-4720.

MERIDIAN – Catholic Youth of Meridian, Summer Retreat at Pine Lake Camp, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from 5th through 12th graders. Cost: $15 Enjoy fun summer activities, build friendships and encounter Christ. Details: Kristen at (850) 305-1771.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Indoor Yard Sale, Save the Date – Saturday, Aug. 1. Details: church office (662) 895 5007.

Queen of Peace, Family Bowling, Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at Strik Zone in Southaven. Cost: $15.50 per person (must prepay). Fee includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Invite your family and friends – we need a minimum of 30 participants. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Vacation Bible School, Saturday, July 25 for ages 14-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Details: Sister Raquel – raquelssnd@gmail.com.

FALL FAITH FORMATION DAY: Save the Date – Sept. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison. Come for a day of learning, prayer and community for catechists, faith formation leaders, and all those involved in forming disciples of all ages.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT – Registration is now open for the annual Middle School Fall Retreat. This year’s theme is “Others First” at Lake Forest Ranch, Oct. 17-18 for 7th and 8th graders. The retreat will be presented by Cooper Ray – Catholic speaker and worship leader. Cost: $75 per person with a registration deadline of Sept. 11. Contact your parish youth leader to sign up.

YOUNG ADULT PILGRIMAGE – Young adults ages 21-35 are invited on an unforgettable pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin, the site of the only Church-approved Marian apparition in the United States. This eightday pilgrimage, taking place May 15-22, 2027, includes visits to the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Ave Maria Grotto, Gethsemane Abbey, Saint Meinrad Seminary, the Basilica of Saint Louis King of France, Sister Thea Bowman’s gravesite and more.

Daily Mass, prayer and fellowship will make this a journey to remember. Registration deadline: July 31. Cost: $925, includes admission to all pilgrimage stops, transportation, lodging and donations to shrines. Excludes cost of meals. Details: amelia. rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

DIOCESE EVENTS

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026: Aug. 2830; and Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

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PEARL – Members of the Knights of Columbus worked behind the scenes preparing hot dogs and hamburgers for St. Jude’s July 5 celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Pictured are Jose Arellano, Jeff Paczak, Nat Zummo, and (back, from left) Basil Demarest, Caleb Hall and Jeff Alderman. The parish celebrated the occasion with food, fellowship and they even completed their goal of 250 hours of Eucharistic adoration honoring the anniversary. (Photo by Beth Paczak)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

Pray ‘that all may be one’

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

The excommunication promulgated by Pope Leo XIV against the ordaining and newly ordained bishops of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has garnered the attention of many within and outside of the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church.

This is a sad chapter whose story began immediately after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. At that time, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre founded the Society of St. Pius X, a group that opposed many of the changes inaugurated by the Council, especially with respect to the liturgy, ecumenism, church discipline and the authentic development of doctrine.

For the next 20 years, there was considerable engagement and fraternal dialogue with the leadership of the SSPX but to no avail. On June 30, 1988, Archbishop Lefebvre ordained four bishops without the approval of Pope St. John Paul II, who immediately responded with a decree of excommunication. The Holy Father followed with the Apostolic Letter “Ecclesia Dei” which addressed the grave matter of schism brought about by the rebellious actions of Lefebvre.

Pope St. John Paul II wrote: “In itself, this act was one of disobedience to the Roman Pontiff in a very grave matter of supreme importance for the unity of the Church, such as the ordination of bishops whereby the apostolic succession is sacramentally perpetuated. Hence, such disobedience, which implies in practice the rejection of the Roman primacy, constitutes a schismatic act.”

He also emphatically stated, “I wish to make an appeal both solemn and heartfelt, paternal and fraternal, to all those who until now have been linked in various ways to the movement of Archbishop Lefebvre, that they may fulfill the grave duty of remaining united to the Vicar of Christ in the unity of the Catholic Church, and of ceasing their support in any way for that movement. Everyone should be aware that formal adherence to the schism is a grave offense against God and carries the penalty of excommunication decreed by the Church’s law.”

Pope St. John Paul II followed up his Apostolic Letter in 1988 with a historic pastoral response to the schism with the establishment of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. This Clerical Society of Apostolic Life was created as a bridge for those who in good conscience were committed to the traditional Latin Mass, but at the same time desirous of remaining in the fold of the Catholic Church.

Happy Ordination Anniversary July 16 Dcn. Mark Bowden Dcn. Dien Hoang Dcn. Wesley Lindsay Dcn. John Pham Dcn. David Rouch Dcn. Tony Schmidt

August 5 Msgr. Elvin Sunds August 14 Fr. AnthonyClaret Onyeocha August 16 Father Joe Dyer

Thank you for answering the call!

Volume 72 Number 9 (ISSN 1529-1693)

PRESS DATE: JULY 10, 2026

P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published once per month, Mississippi Catholic mails 12 editions per year.

For address changes, corrections or to join the email list for the digital edition, email: editor@ jacksondiocese.org. Subscription rate: $20 a year in Mississippi, $21 out-of-state. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130.

Website: www.mississippicatholic.com  www.jacksondiocese.org

let there be light 3

In their own words, “we chose Saint Peter as our special patron to express the gratitude, filial love, and loyalty to the Supreme Pontiff.” In 1993, Bishop James C. Timlin of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, invited the Fraternity to establish their North American Headquarters in the diocese where they are based to this very day. The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter and the Society of St. Pius X are not to be confused as one and the same.

Pope Benedict XVI lifted the ban of excommunication against the Society of St. Pius X in 2009 Pope Leo XIV’s coat of in the hope that they could be reconciled to the arms with his episcopal Catholic Church in the manner of the Priestly motto, “In Illo uno unum,” Fraternity of St. Peter. As Cardinal Ratzinger, literally “In the One Pope Benedict had worked closely with the leadership of the Society of St. Pius X, and now as the (Christ), we are one,” is Holy Father he dearly wanted to heal the frac- seen in an image published by the Vatican Secretariat tured relationship.

However, the succeeding generation of lead- of State May 10, 2025. ership following the example of their founder, (CNS photo/Vatican MeArchbishop Lefebvre, remained a defiant body. dia) They continue to be such and nearly 40 years later Pope Leo XIV finds himself in the same schismatic waters that Pope St. John Paul II had to navigate in 1988.

In the aforementioned apostolic letter, Pope St. John Paul II expressed his grief over the failed efforts for reconciliation. “This affliction was particularly felt by the Successor of Peter to whom in the first place pertains the guardianship of the unity of the Church.”

For certain, this is the same sorrow of Pope Leo over this most recent division in the Body of Christ. Recall that his motto is In illo uno, unum, or in the one, (Christ), we are one.

Even more than most popes, Leo XIV’s particular charism is the unity of the Church. As an Augustinian, his papal crest contains a heart pierced by an arrow resting on the Bible. For certain, his heart is pierced by the schismatic decisions of the SSPX and the ensuing excommunication. Let us recall that standing under the Word of God, we hear the Lord’s timeless prayer for unity at the Last Supper, “that all may be one.” (John 17:21) This is binding for all who are faithful members of the Lord’s body, the Church.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 21 and 28, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson Saturday, July 25, 5 p.m. – Confirmation, St. James, Corinth Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. – Mass of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Diaconate Ordination of Pablo Garcia, St. Francis of Assisi, New Albany Sunday, July 26, 3 p.m. – Our Lady of Guadalupe Facility Blessing and Mass, Catholic Community of Belmont Monday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. – Mass for School Administrators Professional Development Day, Annunciation Catholic School, Columbus Tuesday, Aug. 4, 11 and 18, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson Wednesday, Aug. 5, 9 a.m. – Mass for School Administrators Professional Development Day, St. Joseph Catholic School, Madison Sunday, Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. – 60th Anniversary Mass and Celebration, Holy Savior, Clinton Thursday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. – Opening School Year Mass, St. Joseph Catholic School, Madison Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Matthew, Ripley Saturday, Aug. 22, 12 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Francis, New Albany All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

4 LET THERE BE LIGHT

Bishop Kopacz outlines future structure for Metro Jackson Catholic schools Editor’s note: The following letter was shared

by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz with the Catholic community of the Diocese of Jackson on June 23, 2026, regarding the future governance structure of Metro Jackson Catholic schools.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

ro-Jackson schools including St. Joseph Catholic School (Grades 7-12), St. Richard Catholic School (Pre-K3-6), St. Anthony Catholic School (Pre-K3-6), and Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (Pre-K3-6). A unified system will provide a seamless path for our children, from early childhood through high school. Our early learning centers are expected to join the organization after the new structure is fully operational.

Dear Friends in Christ, Just over a year ago, I wrote to you expressing my support for a comprehensive study of our four metro Jackson Catholic schools and three early learning centers. Since that time, a dedicated 23-member committee – comprised of pastors from parishes with schools, the Vicar General, the Executive Director of the Office of Catholic Education, and lay representatives from each metro parish – has prayerfully carried out this work.

The committee developed a request for proposals, selected our consultant (Partners in Mission), listened carefully to the voices of our Catholic community, and conducted a thorough assessment. They have now presented their recommendations, which I have accepted and shared with our pastors. I am grateful for their faithful service and am pleased to share with you our path forward.

Two primary recommendations will guide us:

• The organization will be structured within the Diocese of Jackson and work with the Office of Catholic Education. The metro schools will be administered through a board of directors made up of both clergy and lay faithful. This board will be entrusted with providing strategic direction, fundraising, and governance of the schools.

The board will hire and evaluate the President, establish the central administrative office, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability and mission effectiveness of the organization.

• The formation of an organization of Met-

I have authorized the formation of the new entity

and the necessary legal and canonical steps have begun. The committee will continue its work by collaborating with Diocesan legal representatives regarding formation of the organization, shaping the board, and beginning the search for a president.

We will move forward thoughtfully and faithfully, with both urgency and prudence trusting always in the Lord’s guidance.

As we take these steps, we remain rooted in what makes Catholic education a vital part of the Church’s mission: forming young people in the light of Jesus Christ, nurturing the whole person, and striving always for excellence in both faith and learning.

I am confident that these efforts will strengthen our schools and serve our families well for many years to come. Above all, it is my hope that our students will come to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ, living lives of faithful intentional discipleship.

Please join me in praying for our schools, our leaders, our teachers, and especially our students.

May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to fulfillment.

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

Spirituality 5

Naivete of the heart IN EXILE

By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI

trivialize and compensate precisely because we don’t know what we’re doing. We don’t have a conscious sense of God’s love for us. Hence, it’s easy to lose perspective, feel excluded, and do things that we would never do if we were more aware of our full dignity.

Small wonder we settle for second-best or for most anything that promises comfort and security. Jesus, no doubt, is looking at us and saying: “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do!”

But is that true? Can we really plead ignorance and innocence and say that we don’t know any better?

I say yes, though it’s not that we’re stupid or lack intelligence. This is a naivete of the heart. We are inculpably unaware of how much God loves us.

Too few of us, at any existential level, have ever heard God say to us: “I love you!” Too few of us have ever heard felt what Jesus must have felt at his baptism when he heard his Father say: “You are my beloved child; in you I take delight!”

Indeed, too few of us have ever heard another person, soul to soul, say to us, I love you unconditionally! In you I take delight! Is it a surprise then that, like Jesus’ executioners, we have an amazing capacity, in good conscience, to sometimes be blind and not true to ourselves?

Darkness is only bad because there is light. Sin can only happen if first there is love. Betrayal is only possible if first one has heard the words: “I love you.”

Jesus’ executioners acted in a darkness that came from never having heard that.

The same, I suspect, is true for many of us.

Darkness is only bad because there is light. Sin can only happen if first there is love.

Karl Rahner makes a very insightful comment about the text in the Gospels where Jesus is being crucified and says of his executioners: “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do!”

Rahner suggests that they knew exactly what they were doing. They knew they were putting an innocent man to death, that they were shedding innocent blood. So why does Jesus say what he said?

What was their innocence? What was their naivete?

Rahner’s answer: They didn’t know what they were doing because they didn’t know how much they were loved. And that can make for a naivete of the heart.

How so?

There’s a place inside us, a place of which we are rarely consciously aware, where each of us is being held unconditionally in love by God. The people who crucified Jesus didn’t know what they were doing because they weren’t aware of that. That was their blindness, their ignorance. Despite what it looks like on the surface, they didn’t know what they were doing.

This is also true for us. Far too often we crucify others and ourselves because (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a professor of spirituality at Oblate School of of this ignorance: we don’t know how much we are loved. Consequently, we’re Theology and award-winning author.) sometimes cruel in our judgments and prone to do things which compromise our dignity. We struggle not to be one The Pope’s Corner of the executioners at the crucifixion because, at the end of the day, we are acting out of ignorance. We don’t know any better, like the naivete of the child who hurts herself in ignorance.

But this isn’t a new insight.

Theology has classically drawn a distinction between culpable and incul(OSV News) – After spending the morning praying for World Cup jersey, a commemorative Freedom 250 basepable ignorance. The latter, also called migrants on the island of Lampedusa, Italy, Pope Leo XIV ball, and a homemade apple pie” from the Burch family, invincible ignorance, was seen to excelebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Dec- the post said. cuse one from sin and responsibility. laration of Independence with the U.S. Ambassador to the In a message to journalists, the Holy See Press Office Hence, there was the teaching that you Holy See and his family.

July 4 confirmed the visit, saying, “welcoming an invitacould do things that were wrong but “I am deeply honored to celebrate this special day with tion from the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, the Holy not sinful because you were acting in a fellow American and the Bishop of Rome,” Ambassador Father visited the ambassador’s residence on the evening ignorance. This was predicated on the Brian Burch said, in a post on X. of Saturday, July 4, on the occasion of the national holibelief that you could act morally and Further posts on X said that the ambassador and Pope day.” responsibly only if you actually knew Leo “discussed President Trump’s bold leadership and The post thread added that Pope Leo had confirmed what you were doing. To sin, you had American efforts to pursue peace, religious freedom, and during the visit that he is rooting for Team USA in the to act “knowingly.” Granted, that’s a the need for moral clarity and courage around the world.” World Cup. tricky caveat.

They also indicated that Pope Leo had received “a USA However, looking at our world today, I would risk saying that in a number of important moral matters, we are acting in invincible ignorance. Simply put, we don’t know any better. Only the type of ignorance that allowed sincere people to crucify Jesus can explain why we, good and sincere people, can be so massively blind, communally and individually, to the poor, to the economic and social demands made by our faith.

The real reason we can live so comfortably as the gap between the rich and the poor widens is not because we are bad and without conscience, but rather, as Rahner says, we don’t know how much we are loved.

The same holds true for our attitude towards sex. We have been able to trivialize sex, split it off from the sacredness of marriage, and turn it into an extension of dating (or simply recreational sex) only because of a certain invincible ignorance. We don’t know any better, not because we lack conscience, but because we lack any real sense of the Pope Leo XIV spends the evening of July 4, 2026, with U.S. ambassador Brian Burch and his family, where deep love of God and the dignity it gives us. they discussed peace and freedom, and the Burch family presented the pope with a U.S.A. World Cup jersey, Like Jesus’ executioners, we have a baseball and an apple pie. (OSV News photo/courtesy U.S. Embassy to the Holy See) an astounding capacity to rationalize,

Pope visits U.S. Embassy July 4 for discussion on peace and freedom, with a side of apple pie

6 DIOCESE

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

‘... May the road rise to meet you ...’

– Continued from page 1 – chez-Jackson and arriving in Mississippi later

that year.

His first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Paul in Vicksburg, where he quickly discovered that adapting to life in Mississippi involved more than a change in geography.

“One Saturday evening a senior lady came up to me after Mass and said, ‘Father, I just love hearing you talk.’ She said, ‘I can’t understand you, but I love hearing you talk,’” he recalled, drawing laughter from those gathered. “It has taken most of 50 years to learn how to speak properly again.”

Over the next five decades, Father Hurley’s ministry would take him across the Diocese of Jackson, serving at St. Joseph in Greenville, as diocesan youth director, at St. Richard in Jackson, St. Joseph in Starkville, Annunciation in Columbus, St. Jude in Pearl and finally St. Paul in Flowood, where he has served since 2010.

St. Paul has become his longest assignment – longer, he noted, than he lived anywhere growing up in Ireland.

“What a great place to spend that time,” he said. “I’m grateful to you all for your welcome and support over the years.”

For Father Hurley, the readings chosen for the Mass reflected the heart of priestly ministry and discipleship.

In the Gospel, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” before instructing him to feed his sheep.

A program commemorating Father Gerry “Jesus does not ask Peter, Hurley’s 50th anniversary of priesthood re- ‘Are you sorry?’ nor does he flects the Irish roots and Mississippi ministry ask him to never fail again,”

that have shaped his vocation.

FLOWOOD – Father Gerry Hurley celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving marking the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood June 12 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood. The church was filled with parishioners, family members and more than two dozen concelebrating priests for the golden jubilee celebration. (Photos by Matt Torres) Father Hurley said. “He asks, ‘Do you love me?’ Because for Jesus, the foundation of ministry is love of Christ and care for his people.”

After five decades of priesthood, Father Hurley remains grateful for the vocation that brought him across the Atlantic and for the people who have walked beside him.

“After 50 years, I’m grateful for all that God has given me and the abundant blessings he has bestowed on me through each of you and the many others who have gone before us,” he said.

As the celebration concluded, the congregation joined in singing “Irish Blessing,” sending the priest who came from County Cork to Mississippi 50 years ago into the next chapter of ministry with the words that have long connected both places he now calls home: “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.”

(Photos from Father Hurley’s 50th anniversary celebration can be found at jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com)

Mass of Thanksgiving for America’s 250th anniversary held at National Shrine in Washington

By Kurt Jensen

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Independence Day is a reminder that Americans’ “inalienable rights” mentioned in the Declaration of Independence – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – are gifts from God, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl said July 4 in the nation’s capital.

Cardinal Wuerl, the retired archbishop of Washington, delivered the homily at a Mass of Thanksgiving for America’s 250th anniversary held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The quietly dignified service was a cool reprise from the 100-degree heat and high humidity outside.

“We can claim to be free because we have been created free and equal by God,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

And that, he said, can be traced, in American history, all the way back to the Mayflower Compact in

New England in 1620. The compact, he reminded the congregation, only had two elements: “The law of God and the need of the common good.”

In addition, American identity “doesn’t rest on blood ties, ethnic origin or national heritage.”

“Our beginnings as a nation celebrate our freedom,” the cardinal observed, calling on the congregation to “do our part now to honor that promise for everyone.”

In 1776, “We as a people collectively started down the pathway that eventually resulted in our national independence. We claimed our freedom as a nation and our civil liberties as a people,” he said.

This event, he added, “calls for our reflection, our celebration and our prayers of thanksgiving as we renew today our appreciation of our historic heritage and focus on the present effort today to live up

to all those ideals that have so identified us as a nation and as a people.”

Thomas Jefferson, when he authored the declaration, told others that it did not contain ideas original to himself, but rather expressed “the common beliefs of people of his day,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

Jefferson would call the Declaration “an expression of the American mind and spirit, deeply rooted in the thoughts and faith of the American people,” he said.

As a result, the cardinal added, the many references of “our faith in God” should not come as a surprise to anyone.

“Even in this quintessentially civil declaration, we should not be surprised to find so many references to our faith in God,” he said.

So on the Fourth of July, “We renew our identity as a people who claim a God-given right: To life, liberty and the pursuit of hap-

piness. Our beginnings as a nation have religious roots, deep in the convictions of the people in those original 13 states and those who we refer to as our founders,” he said.

Cardinal Wuerl, a native of Pittsburgh, was archbishop of Washington from 2006 to 2018.

One of the principal concelebrants was Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

Delivering a message from Pope Leo IV, Archbishop Caccia said July 4, 1776, was “the defining moment in the history of the United States of America, and giving voice to the ideas of liberty, equality, pursuit of happiness, justice, and democratic types of government.”

Religious freedom, and the ability to practice one’s faith openly without fear, has long been central to the American promise, Archbishop Caccia said.

Lightning strikes behind the illuminated Washington Monument as people gather to watch the fireworks during the Freedom 250’s Salute to America as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in the early morning of July 5, 2026, after the celebration was delayed by bad weather.

(OSV News photo/Nathan Howard, Reuters)

2026 Sacraments Special E dition

JACKSON– This mosaic of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman was created through a collaborative effort involving students, teachers and local artists. Designed from original artwork by Brother Mickey McGrath with permission of the artist, the piece depicts Sister Thea holding the Eucharist and rosary, symbols of the faith passed from one generation to the next through the sacramental life of the Church. (Photo courtesy of Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

CANTON – First Holy Communion was celebrated at Sacred Heart parish on June 13.

Pictured with Father Mario Solorzano are Jaime P. Temaj, Albert Darleth Cruz, Evelyo Florence, Zury Villegas, Jefferson Lopez, Candelaria Alejo-Marin, Dennis Ramirez, Cindy Mariela Temas, Jenifer Lopez, Danny Alonzo, Andres Rodriguez, Jason Derer, Litzy Felix, Brandon Fuentes, Marcos Antonio Garcia, Sofia Castillo, Leandro Gael Huizar, Marcos Garcia, Alondra Villegas and Melissa Villegas. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

JACKSON – First Holy Communion was celebrated at Holy Family Church on May 10. Pictured are Jonathan Ponce, Nameetha Pucot, Stacey Santiago, Vincent Shealy and Mary Leyson. (Photo by Camila Pesántez)

CLEVELAND – First Holy Communion was celebrated at Our Lady of Victories on May 3. Pictured with Father Kent Bowlds are, front row, from left, Yllianna Manriquez, Mary Milton Burd, Mallie Dill, Drew Worsham and Camilla Tavera; and second row, from left, Mateo Hernández, Micah Hardesty, Santiago Sanchez-Flores, Saxton Greenlee and Powell Fioranelli. (Photo by William Powell Photography)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026 GREENVILLE – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Joseph Church.

Pictured are, back row, from left, Fletcher McGaugh, Father José de Jesús Sánchez, Gabriel Theunissen and Tayshun Byas; third row, from left, Luke Hunter, Easton Williams, Robert New, Henry Morris, Mary Liza Brozovich and Haziel Perez; second row, from left, Nadine Riefers, Santiago Perez, Juan Gonzalez, Amelia Pieroni and Bennett Nichols; and front row, from left, Mollie Walker Edwards, Amy Gonzalez, Liam Chisolm and Noah Ruble. (Photo by Schrie Duthu)

YAZOO CITY – James Worthy and Rosie Dew were all smiles after celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Mary Church on May 17 with Father Joseph Golamari.

(Photo by Babs McMaster)

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FLOWOOD – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Paul Church on May 3. Pictured are, back row, from left, Sofia Roman, Lori Lee, Henry Moore, Bennett Shapley, Father Gerry Hurley, John Coulter Stewart, Hazel Thrash, Carmen Claire Thrash, Rory Clark, Gavin Goodwin and Reagan Irby; middle row, from left, Axton Curro, Elijah Moore, Jackson Frier, Eli Nguyen, Ethan Nguyen, Zaine Vaughn and Sistina Patterson; and front row, from left, Farren Clark, Leona Winham, Natalie Wozniak, Riley-Francis Jordan, Charlotte Walker, Laurel Goodwin and Moon Gray. (Photo by Matt Torres)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026 CLINTON – First Holy Communion was celebrated at Holy Savior Church on May 3. Pictured are, front row, from left, Grace Babu, Ximena Mazy, Natalie Aponte, Chloe Threadgill and Liv Tyler Huff; and back row, from left, Lazarus Dillon, Bently Upp, Michael Onyirimba, Father Lincoln Dall, Aiden McDowell, Daniel Bostick, Matthew Reynolds and Ezra Alford.

(Photo by Janeth Mazy) PEARL – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Jude Church on May 9. Pictured with Father Cesar Sánchez are Maya Conely, Olivia Don, Aryanna Jaleco, Eleanor Jaroszewski, Teagan Khong, Nicholas Lemus Alavarez, Lydia Malmar, Elvis O’Bier, Jo Paczak and Kylee Yabut. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

MERIDIAN – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Joseph Church in May. Pictured with Father Augustine Palimattam are Noelle Rich, Lena Williams, Hazel-Belle Lindsey, Aubrey Jones, Amonie Laws and Max Cylkowski. Also pictured are teachers, catechists and altar servers. (Photo by John Harwell)

JACKSON – St. Richard Catholic School students Thea Saucier, Marilee Nelson and Cecilia Brown were all smiles after celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Richard Church on April 25 with Father Andrew Bowden. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

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MERIDIAN – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Patrick Church. Pictured are Jace Andy, Thyron John-Munar, Ailyn Arreola-Patino, Evelyn Ayala, Caroline Bailey, Brody Booker, Kennedy Brown, Reina Buckner-Gustafson, Cooper Chancelor, Tate Dial, Ellor Hajner, Yurani Hernandez, Arrabelle Holloway, Darcy Huntley, Hayden Huynh, Romina Malvaiz, Nick and Nolan Mascaro, Juliana McKenna, Heidy and Omar Medina-Ibarra, Milo Polichnia, Jose Flores-Abarca and Erick Urbina. Also pictured are teachers, catechists, altar servers and Father Augustine Palimattam. (Photo by John Harwell)

VICKSBURG – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Mary Church on May 10. Pictured are Jaxson Wilson, Scarlett Cooks, Father Marvin CLARKSDALE – Stone Antici, Everly Hill and Romie Roach were all smiles afGyasie, SVD, pastor, LaKaiya Slaughter, Mekhi Mims and Dr. Josephine ter celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Elizabeth Church with Father Calloway, director of religious education. (Photo by Emmanuel Maduforo) Raju Macherla and catechist Catelin Britt. (Photo courtesy of Catelin Britt)

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GRENADA – Gideon Harris, Gunner Huddleston and Lauren Felicity Wood were all smiles after celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Peter Church with Father Joseph Ashok Thumma. (Photo by Lori Arreola)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

VICKSBURG – Crosby Lyons, Redfield Kneip, Clara Ryan Gonzalez, Anderson Lawrence, Kate Ashley and Benji Corley were all smiles after celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Paul Church on May 3 with Father Rusty Vincent. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)

MADISON – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Pictured are, front row, from left, Declan Mitchell, Karlson Pham, Nelson Burns, Rita Daghmach, Jonaz Glorioso, Adalynn Lynch, Elliot Potvin, Logan D’Mello, Carson Sigler and Walker Kivlan; middle row, from left, Katherine Jenkins, Claire Kim, Charlie Brown, Sophia Urena, Everly Acklin, Holden Hood, Kendra Kolb, Garrett Naegele, Ezra Hall, Emma DeVassy, Abigail Luckhardt, Tristan Dennis, Wyatt Claire Dickerson and Mallie Harreld; back row, from left, Owen Burrage, Mary Rob Harris, Vivian Lester, Raelynn Palacios, Karol Diaz, Cameron Necaise, Khahn Dao, EJ Perolino, Lily Deery, Rhett Coffelt, Mary Frances Wright and Grayson Jones; and, in the back, Msgr. Michael Flannery and Father Albeenreddy Vatti. (Photo by Mary Catherine George)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

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GLUCKSTADT – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Joseph Church on April 25. Pictured are, front row, from left, Serah Bailey, Luke Finnegan, Charlie Lane, Elle Hartlein, Emerie Dahduh, Cooper Hasenbein, June Richmond, Asher Hinton and Sterling Sinclair; second row, from left, Thomas Campbell, Margaret Ann King, Matthew McCabe, Whitley Thompson, Penny Herr, Wilder West, James Andries and Gaines Harrison; and third row, from left, Father Matthew Simmons, Tatum Harkey, Joseph Womack, Arleth Campos, Abel Pergande, Miriana Campos, Leonardo Arellano, Molly Beers and Deacon Tony Schmidt. (Photo by Karen Worrell)

VICKSBURG – Kimberly Anne Nippes and Gabriela Victoria Gonzalez-Aquino were all smiles after celebrating their First Holy Communion at St. Michael Church with Father Robert Dore. (Photo by Amy Chaney)

BATESVILLE – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Mary Church on April 26.

Pictured are, front row, from left, Nathalia Ramirez Juarez, Grecia Servin Chavez, Finnley Grace Smith, Ariadne Torres, Diego Serna and Matteo Cabello; and back row, from left, Daisy Nunez, catechist, Kaley Guadalupe Juarez, Alexandra Juarez Hernandez, Hadley Grace Smith, Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy, Felix Elzora Roman, Cristy Ixmata Garcia and Diana Cruz, catechist. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

PEARL – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Jude Church on May 9. Pictured are Kimberly Arrioja, Abelyn Becerra, Geraldine Camiarollo, Mateo Cerrato-Rodriguez, Jefferson Cortez Gonzalez, Allison Damian Escobedo, Eva Diaz, Hannah Duarte, Alejandra Garcia, Angela Lozano, Maydelin Martinez, Francisco Martinez, Santiago Montes Martinez, Dalilah Pena, Ariana Perez, Dirlan Rojas Perez, Allyson Romero, Ana Sebastian Juan and Daniela Villa Arenas.

(Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

CORINTH – Manuel Uscanga, Carlos Morales, Miguel Hernández, Omar Berestain, Isabella Robles, Magdalena Matías Miguel and Shaneli Rodríguez were all smiles outside St. James the Less Church after Mass celebrating their First Holy Communion. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

STARKVILLE – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Joseph Church on March 24. Pictured with Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz are Ethan Alexander, Carter Basel, George Bock, Oscar Bock, Alejandro Camarena, Elijah Camba, Noah Camba, Kate Couvillion, Cole Crowson, Cambell Davis, Nate Fratesi, Brennan George, Anthony Gruidl, John Lee, Olivia Martin, Joseph Portera, Maritza Trejo and Elsa Twietmeyer. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

17 de julio de 2026

mississippicatholic.com

Sirviendo a los Católicos Hispanos de la Diócesis de Jackson desde 1997

Del Condado Cork a Misisipi: el padre Gerry Hurley celebra 50 años de sacerdocio Por JoaNNa KiNG

PUDDisTer

FLOWOOD – Cincuenta años después de que un joven sacerdote irlandés llegara a Misisipi y comenzara a darse cuenta de que el inglés del sur y el inglés irlandés no siempre eran la misma lengua, el padre Gerry Hurley celebró su jubileo de oro rodeado de su familia, feligreses y compañeros sacerdotes que lo habían acompañado en este camino.

La iglesia estaba llena el 12 de junio, cuando más de dos docenas de sacerdotes concelebraron una misa de acción de gracias para conmemorar el 50.º aniversario de la ordenación sacerdotal del padre Hurley en la iglesia católica de San Pablo, en Flowood.

Entre los más de dos docenas de sacerdotes concelebrantes se encontraban otros clérigos nacidos en Irlanda que habían formado parte de la larga tradición de sacerdotes misioneros irlandeses en Misisipi, incluidos sacerdotes jubilados de la Diócesis de Jackson y sacerdotes que prestan servicio en

FLOWOOD – El padre Gerry Hurley celebró una misa de acción de gracias con motivo del 50.º aniversario de su ordenación sacerdotal el 12 de junio en la iglesia católica de San Pablo, en Flowood. La iglesia se llenó de feligreses, familiares y más de dos docenas de sacerdotes concelebrantes para la celebración del jubileo de oro. (Foto por Tereza Ma) Vea más fotografías en jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.

la Diócesis de Biloxi.

Su presencia sirvió como un recordatorio de la influencia misionera irlandesa que dio forma a la Diócesis de Jackson durante décadas.

Miembros de la familia del padre Hurley viajaron desde Irlanda para la celebración, uniéndose a feligreses y amigos para conmemorar este hito.

La fecha tenía un significado especial. El padre Hurley fue ordenado el 12 de junio de 1976 en la iglesia de San Patricio en Bandon, condado de Cork, Irlanda, para la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson, por lo que la celebración del aniversario se realizó exactamente 50 años después de su ordenación.

Hoy en día, es el último sacerdote nacido en Irlanda que sigue en activo en la Diócesis de Jackson.

"Recuerdo haber asistido a un 50.º aniversario hace 25 años y pensé para mis adentros: “Esos tipos son viejos”", dijo el padre Hurley durante su homilía, lo que provocó las risas de la congregación. "Y aho-

– Continúa en la página 2 –

En Lampedusa para el 4 de julio, el Papa León insta a los cristianos a ofrecer refugio seguro a los migrantes Por coUrTNeY Mares

LAMPEDUSA, ITALIA (OSV News) – El Papa León XIV viajó a la pequeña isla italiana de Lampedusa el 4 de julio; allí depositó un arreglo floral en las tumbas de los migrantes que se ahogaron al intentar llegar a Europa y celebró una Misa al aire libre, en la que exhortó a los católicos a ser buenos samaritanos y ofrecer compasión a quienes sufren al emprender la peligrosa travesía por mar.

“No he venido a pronunciar discursos, sino a celebrar la Eucaristía, signo supremo de la presencia de Cristo entre nosotros. El gesto de Jesús de partir el pan para entregarse a sí mismo da sentido y fuerza a nuestros actos cotidianos de ayuda y de compartir”, dijo el Papa León a la multitud antes de celebrar la Misa en una explanada con vistas al puerto principal de Lampedusa.

“Pero los gestos, para ser humanos, requieren un corazón. Por eso nos hemos reunido aquí: para recibir de Cristo el amor que solo Él puede darnos, a fin de que el mundo de hoy y de mañana sea más humano, para todos”.

–La peligrosa travesía de los migrantes– Desde hace años, Lampedusa es una de las prin-

cipales puertas de entrada a Europa para los migrantes que cruzan el Mediterráneo desde Túnez y Libia, una travesía que se ha cobrado miles de vidas.

En abril, la Guardia Costera italiana recuperó 19 cadáveres y rescató a 58 personas tras interceptar una embarcación precaria en dificultades a unas 80 millas náuticas al sur de Lampedusa, según informó Associated Press. El pasado mes de agosto, una embarcación que transportaba a cerca de 100 migrantes volcó en aguas internacionales cerca de la isla, causando la muerte de al menos 26 personas.

Durante su homilía, el Papa León describió los mares que rodean Lampedusa como “un camino peligroso, como el que bajaba de Jerusalén a Jericó” en la parábola del Buen Samaritano, narrada en el Evangelio de Lucas.

“El mar se ha quedado con los otros, aquellos que no han conseguido llegar a donde esperaban. Sin embargo, sentimos su presencia, que nos interpela tanto como la de aquellos que han desembarcado, necesitados de atención y ayuda”.

–En recuerdo de los fallecidos– El Papa llegó a la isla, situada más cerca de la costa del norte de África que de la Italia continental,

poco antes de las 9 de la mañana. Su primera parada fue un cementerio, donde depositó flores sobre las tumbas de migrantes fallecidos en el mar. A continuación, visitó la “Porta d’Europa” (Puerta de Europa), un monumento de la isla, donde caminó de la mano de niños migrantes en aquella ventosa jornada estival.

Unos 14.000 migrantes llegaron a las costas italianas durante los primeros seis meses de 2026, según el ACNUR. Cerca del 60 % de esa cifra llegó a Lampedusa, una isla que apenas abarca unos 20 kilómetros cuadrados (unas 8 millas cuadradas).

Desde allí, el Papa se dirigió al muelle Favaloro, donde bendijo una placa que dedicaba el muelle al difunto Papa Francisco y saludó a un grupo de migrantes acompañados por la Cruz Roja, antes de celebrar la Misa ante unos 4.000 asistentes.

“He venido a agradecerles, hermanos y hermanas de Lampedusa, por la proximidad que muchos entre ustedes han decidido ejercitar”, dijo el Papa a la multitud durante la Misa. “Ha sucedido una vez más el milagro de la compasión... una revolución interior que hace brotar en nosotros el ‘sentir’ de Dios y ensancha los pensamientos, el corazón y la vida”.

17 de julio de 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

2

'... Que el camino se levante para recibirte ...'

– Viene de la página 1 – ra yo soy viejo".

Cuando el padre Hurley llegó a Misisipi en 1976, los sacerdotes nacidos en Irlanda constituían una parte significativa del clero que prestaba servicio en toda la diócesis.

"Cuando llegué en 1976, la mayoría de nuestros sacerdotes eran de Irlanda", recordó. "Y ahora contamos con nuevos sacerdotes indios nacidos en el extranjero. Hacen un trabajo magnífico y estamos muy contentos... Como último de los irlandeses que llegué en una época de transición para nuestra Iglesia, sé que está en muy buenas manos con ustedes, hermanos".

En muchos sentidos, ese momento reflejó el cambio que ha vivido la Iglesia y del que el padre Hurley ha sido testigo a lo largo de su ministerio: los sacerdotes misioneros de Irlanda dieron paso a las vocaciones locales y a misioneros de todo el mundo que continúan la labor en Misisipi.

El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz reflexionó sobre esa continuidad en sus comentarios tras la misa.

"El Señor enseñó a los discípulos que un buen escriba en el reino puede acudir al almacén y sacar lo mejor de lo antiguo y lo mejor de lo nuevo", dijo el obispo. "Creo que eso describe muy bien al padre Gerry".

El obispo también elogió el don del padre Hurley para la vida comunitaria y su extraordinaria capacidad para recordar nombres.

"No sé si hay sacerdotes con mejor memoria para los nombres que el padre Gerry", dijo el obispo Kopacz. "Ha aprendido a preguntar “¿Quién es tu mamá?” y todo eso –muy al estilo sureño".

La familia del padre Hurley ofreció su propia visión del sacerdote que habían conocido mucho antes de que Mississippi lo conociera, compartiendo recuerdos de un niño en Irlanda que anunció desde

muy temprana edad que tenía la intención de convertirse en sacerdote.

"Intentó dedicarse a la cirugía", bromeó una de sus hermanas durante sus comentarios después de la misa. "Pero la paciente –mi muñeca– no sobrevivió. La cirugía no fue un éxito".

Su propia trayectoria comenzó en la ciudad de Cork, Irlanda, donde nació el 25 de enero de 1952. Estudió en el Carlow College antes de ser ordenado para la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson y llegar a Misisipi más tarde ese mismo año.

Su primer cargo fue como vicario en la parroquia de San Pablo en Vicksburg, donde pronto descubrió que adaptarse a la vida en Misisipi implicaba algo más que un simple cambio de lugar.

"Un sábado por la noche, una señora mayor se me acercó después de la misa y me dijo: “Padre, me encanta escucharlo hablar”.

Me dijo: “No lo entiendo, pero me encanta escucharlo hablar”", recordó, provocando las risas de los presentes. "Me ha llevado casi 50 años aprender a hablar correctamente de nuevo".

Durante las siguientes cinco décadas, el ministerio del padre Hurley lo llevaría por toda la Diócesis de Jackson, prestando servicio en San José en Greenville, como director diocesano de jóvenes, en San Ricardo en Jackson, San José en Starkville, la Anunciación en Columbus, San Judas en Pearl y, finalmente, San Pablo en Flowood, donde ha prestado servicio desde 2010.

San Pablo se ha convertido en su asignación más prolongada –más larga, señaló, que cualquier lugar en el que haya vivido durante su infancia en Irlanda–.

"Qué lugar tan maravilloso para pasar ese tiempo", dijo. "Les agradezco a todos por su bienvenida y su apoyo a lo largo de los años".

Para el padre Hurley, las lecturas elegidas para la misa reflejaban la esencia del ministerio sacerdotal y el discipulado.

En el Evangelio, Jesús le pregunta a Pedro tres veces: "¿Me amas?", antes de encargarle que apaciente a sus ovejas.

"Jesús no le pregunta a Pedro: “¿Te arrepientes?”, ni le pide que nunca vuelva a fallar", dijo el padre Hurley. "Le pregunta: “¿Me amas?”. Porque para Jesús, el fundamento del ministerio es el amor a Cristo y el cuidado de su pueblo".

Tras cinco décadas de sacerdocio, el padre Hurley sigue agradecido por la vocación que lo llevó a cruzar el Atlántico y por las personas que han caminado a su lado.

"Después de 50 años, estoy agradecido por todo lo que Dios me ha dado y por las abundantes bendiciones que me ha concedido a través de cada uno de ustedes y de los muchos otros que nos han precedido", dijo.

Al concluir la celebración, la congregación se unió para cantar "Irish Blessing", despidiendo al sacerdote que llegó desde el condado de Cork a Misisipi hace 50 años hacia el siguiente capítulo de su ministerio con las palabras que desde hace mucho conectan a ambos lugares que ahora considera su hogar: "Que el camino se levante para recibirte. Que el viento siempre sople a tu favor."

' ... La verdadera libertad radica en la capacidad de amar ...'

– Viene de la página 1 – –Un momento importante para rezar– Entre los asistentes a la Misa papal se encontraba Giuseppe Capizzi, de 24 años, quien viajó durante ocho horas en un transbordador nocturno junto a unas 70 personas de su parroquia de San Francisco en Canicattì, Sicilia, para asistir a la Misa con el Papa.

“Llevaba mucho tiempo esperando este día y estoy absolutamente emocionado”, declaró Capizzi a OSV News.

El padre Mikolaj Dobosz, de Varsovia, Polonia, recorrió una distancia aún mayor para estar presente en la Misa.

El sacerdote polaco, que ha dedicado los últimos años a acoger en su parroquia a madres y niños refugiados ucranianos, expresó que consideraba este un momento importante para rezar junto al Papa por los migrantes y por las personas que sufren.

“En Polonia trabajamos mucho con migrantes, no provenientes de África o de Oriente Medio, sino principalmente de Ucrania. Trabajo con niños de Ucrania y me alegra mucho rezar con el Papa por las personas que sufren”, declaró el padre Dobosz.

Uno de los pocos estadounidenses

presentes en la Misa papal celebrada el Día de la Independencia de Estados Unidos fue el padre Daniel Groody, profesor de teología en la Universidad de Notre Dame y miembro del Dicasterio para el Servicio del Desarrollo Humano Integral del Vaticano.

“El Papa, especialmente ahora en el 4 de julio, está señalando en qué consiste la verdadera libertad. La verdadera libertad radica en la capacidad de amar”, declaró el padre Groody a OSV News.

“Creo que él continúa la tradición de la Iglesia, que siempre ha reconocido que todos somos creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios, y que realmente desea resaltar la dignidad que a menudo se ve menoscabada en la sociedad actual”.

–Siguiendo los pasos del Papa Francisco– La visita del Papa León se produce 13 años después de que el Papa Francisco visitara Lampedusa en julio de 2013, atrayendo la atención sobre la isla al elegirla como destino de su primer viaje fuera de Roma tras su elección como pontífice, en un gesto de solidaridad con los migrantes trasladados clandestinamente desde el norte de África.

La migración ha sido una preocu-

pación constante para el Papa León desde su elección en mayo de 2025. En junio, se reunió con migrantes y organizaciones de ayuda locales en las Islas Canarias, España, otro importante punto de entrada para quienes cruzan desde África, donde instó a los gobiernos a establecer vías migratorias legales y seguras y a reforzar las labores de rescate y asistencia, al tiempo que reivindicaba el “derecho a no tener que migrar”, es decir, el derecho de las personas a permanecer en sus lugares de origen libres de hambre, guerra, persecución y violencia.

“Es un gesto magnífico que el Papa León, al inicio de su pontificado, haya decidido venir aquí a Lampedusa, tal como hizo el Papa Francisco, para reconocer que la Iglesia debe estar siempre en las periferias”, afirmó el padre Groody.

“La Iglesia debe acompañar siempre a quienes luchan por llevar una vida más digna y resaltar la importancia del vínculo entre fe y justicia, un elemento verdaderamente esencial de nuestra fe”.

–'Todos tenemos en Dios un puerto seguro'– La visita del Papa León XIV a Lampedusa tuvo lugar un día después

de que pronunciara un discurso virtual ante una asamblea en el Centro Nacional de la Constitución de Filadelfia, que le otorgó la Medalla de la Libertad 2026 por su labor en la promoción de la libertad religiosa y la libertad de conciencia. En dicho discurso, habló con vehemencia sobre la importancia del “derecho a la vida” desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural.

En su homilía en Lampedusa, el Papa León XIV afirmó que la parábola del Buen Samaritano nos enseña que “el amor está siempre en la libertad y la libertad está en las decisiones”.

Añadió que “antes de cualquier otra consideración intelectual o convicción ideológica, el impacto con quien yace delante de nosotros, despojado de todo, llama a la proximidad”.

“Hay también quien elige no hacerse prójimo”, comentó el Papa, y añadió: “tiempo de reconocer y afirmar que la pertenencia religiosa no debe convertirse jamás en motivo de discriminación, como si la fe tuviera límites y no fuera, en cambio, llamada universal a la salvación”.

(Courtney Mares es editora de asuntos vaticanos para OSV News. Síguela en X en @catholicourtney.cimiento)

17 de julio de 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

Oración 'para que todos sean uno' Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Sin embargo, la siguiente generación de lidLa excomunión promulgada por el Papa León XIV contra los obispos orde- erazgo, siguió el ejemplo de su fundador, el arzonantes y recién ordenados por la asociación de San Pío X (SSPX) ha llamado la bispo Lefebvre, siguiendo, siendo un cuerpo desaatención de muchos, dentro como fuera de la jurisdic- fiante. Casi 40 años después, el papa León XIV se encuentra en las mismas aguas cismáticas que el ción de la Iglesia Católica.

Este es un capítulo triste cuya historia comenzó in- papa San Juan Pablo II tuvo que navegar en 1988.

En la mencionada carta apostólica, el Papa mediatamente después de la conclusión del Concilio Vaticano II en 1965. En ese momento, el arzobispo Marcel San Juan Pablo II expresó su pesar por los intenLefebvre fundó la Sociedad de San Pío X, un grupo que tos fallidos de reconciliación. "Esta aflicción fue se opuso a muchos de los cambios inaugurados por el especialmente sentida por el Sucesor de Pedro, Concilio, especialmente en lo que respecta a la liturgia, a quien primero que nada le pertenece la protecel ecumenismo, la disciplina eclesiástica y el Desarrollo ción de la unidad de la Iglesia."

Sin duda, este es el mismo dolor del Papa auténtico de la doctrina.

Durante los siguientes 20 años, hubo un compromi- León por esta división más reciente en el Cuerpo so considerable y diálogo fraternal con el liderazgo de la de Cristo. Recuerda que su llamado es In illo uno, SSPX, pero fue en vano. El 30 de junio de 1988, el arzobis- unum, o En Aquel que es Uno, somos uno.

El escudo de armas del Incluso más que la mayoría de los papas, el ca- papa León XIV, con su po Lefebvre ordenó a cuatro obispos sin la aprobación del Papa San Juan Pablo II, quien respondió inmediat- risma particular del papa León XIV es la unidad lema episcopal «In Illo amente con un decreto de excomunión. El Santo Padre continuó con la Carta de la Iglesia. Como agustino, su escudo papal conuno unum» —que signifiApostólica "Ecclesia Dei " que abordaba el grave asunto del cisma provocado por tiene un corazón atravesado por una flecha que reposa sobre la Biblia. Sin duda, su corazón está ca literalmente «En el Uno las acciones rebeldes de Lefebvre.

El Papa San Juan Pablo II escribió: "Este acto en sí mismo fue de desobedi- herido por las decisiones cismáticas de la SSPX y (Cristo), somos uno»—, encia al Pontífice Romano en un asunto muy grave de suma importancia para la excomunión que sigue. Recordemos que, bajo aparece en una imagen la unidad de la Iglesia, como la ordenación de obispos, por la cual la sucesión la Palabra de Dios, escuchamos la oración eterna publicada por la Secretaría apostólica se perpetúa sacramentalmente. Por lo tanto, tal desobediencia, impli- del Señor por la unidad en la Última Cena, "para de Estado del Vaticano ca en la práctica el rechazo de la primacía romana, que constituye en un acto que todos sean uno." (Juan 17:21) Esto es vincu- el 10 de mayo de 2025. lante para todos los que son miembros fieles del (Foto CNS/Vatican Media) cismático."

También declara enfáticamente: "Deseo hacer un llamamiento solemne y cuerpo del Señor, la Iglesia. sincero, paternal y fraternal, a todos aquellos que hasta ahora han estado vinculados de diversas maneras al La Esquina del Papa movimiento del arzobispo Lefebvre, para que puedan cumplir con el gran deber de permanecer unidos al Vicario de Cristo en unidad con la Iglesia Católica, y de cesar su apoyo de cualquier manera a ese movimiento. Todos deben ser conscientes que la lealtad al cisma es una grave ofensa contra Dios y (OSV News) – Tras pasar la mañana rezando por aceptar una invitación del embajador de Estados Unidos conlleva la pena de excomunión decrelos migrantes en la isla de Lampedusa, Italia, el Papa ante la Santa Sede, el Santo Padre visitó la residencia del tada por la ley de la Iglesia."

León XIV celebró el 250.º aniversario de la firma de la embajador la tarde del sábado 4 de julio, con motivo de la El Papa San Juan Pablo II siguió Declaración de Independencia de Estados Unidos junto al fiesta nacional”. su Carta Apostólica en 1988 con una embajador de EE.UU. ante la Santa Sede y su familia.

En el hilo de la publicación se añadía que el Papa respuesta pastoral e histórica al cis“Es un gran honor para mí celebrar este día tan especial León había confirmado durante la visita que anima a la ma con la creación de la Fraternidad con un compatriota estadounidense y el obispo de Roma”, selección de Estados Unidos durante este mundial.

Sacerdotal de San Pedro. Esta Socieafirmó el embajador Brian dad Clerical de la Vida Apostólica fue Burch en una publicación en creada como un puente para aquellos X. que, en buena conciencia, estaban comOtras publicaciones en X prometidos con la Misa tradicional en publicadas desde la cuenta de latín, pero al mismo tiempo deseaban la embajada estadounidense permanecer en la Iglesia Católica. En en la Santa Sede indicaban sus propias palabras, "elegimos a San que el embajador y el Papa Pedro como nuestro patrón especial León “hablaron del audaz para expresar la gratitud, el amor y liderazgo del presidente la lealtad al Sumo Pontífice." En 1993, Trump y de los esfuerzos el obispo James C. Timlin de la Dióceestadounidenses por sis de Scranton, Pensilvania, invitó a promover la paz y la libertad la Fraternidad a establecer su centro religiosa, así como de la en Norteamérica en la diócesis donde necesidad de claridad moral tienen su lugar hasta el día de hoy. La y valentía en todo el mundo”.

Fraternidad Sacerdotal de San Pedro y También señalaban que la Sociedad de San Pío X no deben conel Papa León había recibido fundirse con una sola y misma. “una camiseta de la selección El Papa Benedicto XVI levantó la de Estados Unidos para prohibición de excomunión contra la el Mundial, una pelota de sociedad de San Pío X en 2009 con la béisbol conmemorativa de esperanza de que pudieran reconciliFreedom 250 y una tarta de arse con la Iglesia Católica al estilo de manzana casera” de parte la Fraternidad Sacerdotal de San Pede la familia Burch, según la El papa León XIV pasó la noche del 4 de julio de 2026 con el embajador de Esdro. Como cardenal Ratzinger, el Papa publicación. tados Unidos, Brian Burch, y su familia, con quienes conversaron sobre la paz Benedicto había trabajado de cerca con En un mensaje dirigido y la libertad; además, la familia Burch le obsequió al papa una camiseta de la el liderazgo de la Sociedad de San Pío a los periodistas, la Oficina X, y ahora, como Santo Padre, deseaba de Prensa de la Santa Sede selección de Estados Unidos para la Copa del Mundo, una pelota de béisbol y profundamente sanar la relación fracconfirmó el 4 de julio la un pastel de manzana. (Foto de OSV News/cortesía de la Embajada de Estados turada. visita, afirmando que “tras Unidos ante la Santa Sede)

El Papa visita la embajada de EEUU el 4 de julio para hablar de paz y libertad

17 de julio de 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

Los fieles cantan himnos mientras participan en una procesión eucarística el 5 de julio de 2026 por las calles de Filadelfia, la cual marcó la conclusión de la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional de 2026 en dicha ciudad, en el marco de las celebraciones del 250.º aniversario de la nación. (Foto OSV News/Gina Christian)

NACIÓN

PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) – Al concluir la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional de 2026, en medio de la celebración del 250.º aniversario de los Estados Unidos, "el camino continúa", afirmó el arzobispo Nelson J. Pérez de Filadelfia. Y añadió: "Todos caminamos hacia un mismo lugar", y ese camino conduce al amor de Dios, "poderoso, ransformador y vivificante". El arzobispo fue el celebrante principal y pronunció la homilía en la liturgia de clausura de la peregrinación, que tuvo lugar el 5 de julio en la Catedral Basílica de San Pedro y San Pablo en Filadelfia, la penúltima parada de la ruta de la peregrinación.

Al inicio de la misa, el papa León XIV –el primer papa nacido en Estados Unidos– se dirigió a los fieles mediante un mensaje de video pregrabado, en el que señaló que la "sólida, aunque en gran parte desconocida, herencia eucarística" de la nación «debe seguir sirviendo como fuente tanto de renovación como de unidad». La peregrinación llegó a Filadelfia el 2 de julio, tras haber recorrido la mayor parte de las 13 colonias originales del país –abarcando 18 diócesis y arquidiócesis, así como dos eparquías católicas orientales– desde su inicio el 24 de mayo. A pesar de la ola de calor que se vive, los peregrinos recorrieron a pie una ruta de procesión eucarística de dos millas después de la misa del 5 de julio, dirigiéndose al Santuario Nacional de San Juan Neumann para la bendición. La "presencia perdurable" del "cuerpo, la sangre, el alma y la divinidad" de Cristo en el sacramento del altar fue ofrecida como un "regalo" que reúne a los fieles, dijo el arzobispo Pérez durante su homilía en la catedral. "Nos transforma. Nos conquista".

VATICANO

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italia (OSV News) – El papa León XIV ha llegado a la residencia papal de verano en Castel Gandolfo, donde pasará casi tres semanas descansando, rezando y leyendo antes de regresar al Vaticano el 27 de julio. Su regreso revive una tradición papal centenaria que se había interrumpido bajo el pontificado del papa Francisco, quien optó por permanecer en el Vaticano y convirtió la residencia en un museo. La finca, ubicada en la cima de una colina a unas 15 millas al sureste de Roma,

sano y salvo en su casa, cualquier comunicado que emitan es una mentira", dijo Molina en una publicación en X. Ella y otras personas también informaron que el padre Francisco Morales fue detenido y que se desconoce su paradero. El Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. condenó lo que calificó como la detención arbitraria del obispo Mata y renovó sus críticas al gobierno de Ortega-Murillo por persecución religiosa. El caso pone de relieve años de presión sobre la Iglesia de Nicaragua, que incluyen arrestos, exilio, restricciones al ministerio y ordenaciones bloqueadas. Más de 300 sacerdotes, religiosos y seminaristas, junto con cuatro obispos, viven actualmente en el exilio, según Molina.

CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (OSV News) – Mientras México organizaba el Mundial de 2026 junto con Estados Unidos y Canadá, la fe se convirtió en parte de la historia del torneo. Los aficionados llenaron la Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México vestidos con camisetas verdes, rezaron ante un Niño Jesús ataviado con la indumentaria de la selección nacional e hicieron "mandas" –o votos sagrados– pidiendo a Dios y a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el éxito futbolístico. El sueño de México terminó el 5 de julio con una derrota por 3-2 ante Inglaterra en su partido de octavos de final, pero la trayectoria del equipo desató grandes celebraciones y renovó el orgullo nacional. Los líderes de la Iglesia elogiaron la unidad y la esperanza que rodearon el torneo, al tiempo que instaron a los mexicanos a no ignorar problemas más profundos, como la violencia y la crisis de las aproximadamente 135 000 personas desaparecidas en el país. El padre jesuita Jorge Atilano dijo que el Mundial ha sido tanto una celebración como una distracción de los desafíos de México. Para muchos católicos, la imagen de un Niño Jesús con los colores de México plasmó una convicción familiar: la fe y el fútbol a menudo se unen en la misma oración.

ha servido como refugio de verano papal desde 1626, cuando el papa Urbano VIII se alojó allí por primera vez. La propiedad de Castel Gandolfo abarca más de 135 acres, incluyendo 74 acres de jardines y 62 acres de tierras de cultivo, además de tres residencias. Antes de partir de Roma, el Papa León también pidió oraciones por intercesión del recién beatificado Francisco Javier Truong Buu Diep y recordó en sus oraciones a RIPLAY – Sábado, 25 de julio, de las víctimas del terremoto y 8:30 a 12:00 Taller (en español) en St. al pueblo de Venezuela. "Sigo Matthew, para quienes estén interecordando en mis oraciones resados en la música litúrgica y, en a las víctimas del terremoto y general, en aprender sobre los servia todo el pueblo venezolano", cios de culto católicos. ¡Todo el mundijo. "Que el Señor los sostendo es bienvenido! ga en este momento de gran dificultad", agregó.

TOME NOTA

MUNDO

MANAGUA, Nicaragua (OSV News) – Según informes, otro obispo nicaragüense ha desaparecido tras ser detenido por la policía, lo que intensifica la preocupación por el trato que el gobierno dispensa a la Iglesia católica. El obispo Juan Abelardo Mata fue detenido el 29 de junio, un día después de celebrar la misa en Estelí y pedir a los fieles que oraran por la Iglesia perseguida. El Ministerio del Interior de Nicaragua afirmó en un comunicado del 4 de julio que el obispo, de 80 años, "ha regresado a su casa, donde se encuentra en perfectas condiciones". Sin embargo, observadores de la Iglesia y la abogada exiliada Martha Patricia Molina afirmaron que nadie cercano a él lo havisto. "Hasta que la dictadura no presente al obispo emérito Juan Abelardo Mata

Vírgenes, Santos y Días Festivos

San Apolinar.

Dia de la Independencia de Columbia.

20 de julio San Marcos, Evangelista.

21 de julio Santa María Magdalena.

22 de junio Santa Brigida.

23 de julio San Santiago, Apóstol.

25 de julio Natalicio de José Celsa Barbosa, Puerto Rico.

27 de julio Nuestra Señora de la Paz América Latina Dia da la Independencia de Peru.

28 de julio Santos Marta, María y Lázaro 29 de julio

La Transfiguración del Señor.

El Santo de la Salud, Puerto Rico.

Día de la Indopendencia de Bolivia.

6 de agosto Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org Síganos en Facebook: @DiócesisCatólicadeJackson Únase a lista de correos electrónicos Mande un texto: MSCATHOLIC a 84576

LÍNEA DIRECTA DE PREVENCIÓN DE FRAUDE El Departamento de Asuntos Temporales de la Diócesis de Jackson ha contratado a Lighthouse Services para proporcionar una línea directa anónima de fraude financiero, cumplimiento, ética y recursos humanos.

Esta línea directa permite un método adecuado para reportar sucesos relacionados con la administración temporal dentro de parroquias, escuelas y la oficina de cancillería.

www.lighthouse-services.com/ jacksondiocese Hispanohablante USA: 800-216-1288

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

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MADISON – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Pictured are, front row, from left, Chloe Turner, Kate Therrell, Emily Loyacono, Vivian Fugate, Hannah Kraman, Harper Schuhmann, Audrey Young, Katie Venable and Anais Garcia; second row, from left, Nick Glorioso, Charles Bergin, Simone Chandler, McKenzie Cummings, Adrian Kalichka-Paiva, Camp Hlavac and Thomas Pound; and back row, from left, Father Albeen Vatti, Father Guy Wilson, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Deacon Denzil Lobo and Msgr. Elvin Sunds. (Photo by Melissa Smalley) JACKSON — The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Pictured are, top row, from left, Father Nick Adam, Axel Peñaloza Ibarra, Gabriel Peñaloza, Johan Peñaloza, Ismael Vásquez Martínez, José Fernando Juárez García, Dominic Magaña, Sahir Fabricio Domínguez Sosa, Junia Peace Dillard, Mary Ellen Curley and Alexandra Gace Creasey; and front row, from left, Daniel Emilio Nazario, Vanessa Martínez, Judith Marie Hernández, Fátima Vaca, Dayna Fernanda Reyes Flores, Juan Pablo Román Castro, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Juan Alexander Álvarez, Allison Castillo García, Lluvia Ambriz Ibarra, Bethany Lemus and Nathan Esteven Ellesen Díaz. (Photo by Daniel Roman)

VICKSBURG – Kay Rader and MeKayla Flowers were all smiles after celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary Church on April 22 with Father Marvin Gyasie and Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

MERIDIAN – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated on May 9 for parishioners of St. Joseph and St. Patrick churches. Pictured are, from left, James Ross, Diego Espino, Kenton Meachum, Nhi Nguyen, Michelle Arreola, Amelia Cylkowski, Giselle Sanchez, Briseidy Medrano, Regina Galvan, Sophie Perez, Yareli Rangel, Ben Cylkowski and Cooper Berryhill. (Photo by John Harwell)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

VICKSBURG – Parishioners from St. Michael, St. Mary and St. Paul churches celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Paul Church on April 22 with Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz. Confirmands included Addison Bednar, Patrick Blake, Beau Bradley, Eriam Diaz-Mejias, Jack Dickerson, Ashley Flores, Dayana Gonzalez, Hanna Hadia, John Hossley, Camille Jeffers, Elle Larson, Jane Matthews, Juan Mendoza, Camden Meyer, Maria Nguyen, Cole Nolan, Stella Owen, Caroline Ponder, Michael Purdy, Tyler Roberts, Keyla Rodriguez, Anthony Streif, Graham Streif, James Tate, Megan Theriot, Sebastian Tuminello, MeKayla Flowers, Kay Rader, Marley Gibellino, Sophie Johnston, Madelyn Kavanaugh, Julia Nelson, Jackson Rainer, Carter Smithhart and Donovan Winschel. Not pictured: Maya Diaz. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

JACKSON – Between smiles, side glances and a few wandering eyes toward other cameras, confirmands at St. Richard Church paused long enough for a group photo following the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation. Pictured are Sydney Elizabeth Clayton, Emily Erwin Crongeyer, William Harris Crowder, Ollie June Davis, Morgan Kennadi Gates of Holy Child Jesus Mission in Canton, Ali Blake Haile, Annie Mae Harkins, Mae Rosemary Harkins, Mattie Elizabeth Hodges, Price Andrew Jones, Murphy Mary Moorehead, Nicholas Edward Sivak, Malia Allena Tatum, Lexie Brooks Tripoli, Alden Peets Ward, Ella Brianne Wynter and Erin Ilene Wynter. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

11 GREENVILLE – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Joseph Church on April 10 for parishioners from St. James Church in Leland, St. Joseph Church and Sacred Heart Church in Greenville, and Immaculate Conception Church in Indianola. Confirmands from St. James and St. Joseph were Susannah Samantha Swindle, Fletcher Douglas McGaugh, Charles Owen McCormack Walker, Michael Presley Columbus, Victor Curtis Baker, Nhan Truong Le, Gloria Camarena, Estrella Camarena and William Hayden Hanos with Father José de Jesús Sánchez and Father Sleeva Mekala. Confirmands from Sacred Heart were Dayanna Ramirez and Stephany Zuniga with Father Tom Mullally. Confirmands from Immaculate Conception were Aiden Alcantara, Danica Carrera, Landon Moncada, Karla Moncada, Evelyn Grace Franklin and Ansleigh Reece Franklin with Father Sleeva Mekala.

(Photo by Mary Lynn Powers)

CLINTON – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at Holy Savior Church on April 8. Pictured are, front row, from left, Jehoshabeth Vargheese, Skylar Senger, Scarlett Rodgers, Helena Zmitrovich, JT Threadgill, Karyssa Hamilton, Olivia Weisenberger, Marley Champlin, Cort Bennett, Corban Rogers, Adam Gipson, Daniel Presley and Evan Thornhill; and, in the back, their sponsors, Father Lincoln Dall and Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz.

(Photo by Mary Katherine Yentzen)

CANTON – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on May 17 with Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz and Father Mario Solorzano. Pictured are Hector Manuel Luna Guevara, Efren Bonillas Masias, Vissel Hernandez Romero, Maricza Hernandez Andres, Saul Hernandez Andres, Jemie Elizabeth Villegas Tolentino, Yandel Marin, Allison Altair Cruz, Brayan Farias Sanchez, Jasmen Guerrero Garcia, Henry Diomiso Nolasco Moralez, Jose Ruben Martinez, Sair Martinez, Pedro Mendieta Flores, Brandon Oswaldo Baltazar Felix, Kevin Lemaj Lopez, Jessica Amaro, Marizol Barrera Jax, Korina Huizar Inostros, Hector Aaron Huizac Inostros, Estefany Danela Garcia Munguia and Paula Escudero Simon. (Photo courtesy of Mario Solorzano)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

PEARL – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Jude Church on April 11. Pictured with Father Cesar Sánchez, left, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, center, and Deacon Mark Bowden, right, are José de Jesús Arellano, Ashley Arenas, Amelia Rosalyn Garcia, Nicholas Guzman, Alexander Alfredo Hernandez, Rosamarie Bicaldo Lopez, Ashley Noel Lowe, Ivanna Alexandra Lozano, Eduardo Luevano, Edwin David Martinez, Maya Olivia, Dori Ann Paczak and Christopher Alexander Rodriguez. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

FLOWOOD – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Paul Church on May 6. Pictured with Father Jeffrey Waldrep, Father Gerry Hurley, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz and Father Nick Adam are Sasha Callais, Kirtsten Childer, Kayliegh Drennan, McKinley Drennan, James Duffy, Nick Fede, Will McFadden, Kurt Mendoza, Kane Nelson, Millena Silva, Bryan Sistrunk, Shelby Smith, Maxwell Smith, Alexander Speed, Katie Torregano, Andrew Valino, Abby Welch and Conner White. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

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McCOMB – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Alphonsus Church on May 7. Pictured are, front row, from left, Angie Barrios, Lily Harrington, Elizabeth Lane, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Lexie Chauvin, Ana Montalvo, Alexis Lott and Lauren Codding; and back row, from left, Jak Gonzalez, James Tisdale, Father Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy, Josh Heroman and Luke Tullos. (Photo courtesy of parish)

GLUCKSTADT – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Joseph Church on April 19. Pictured are, back row, from left, Father Matthew Simmons, Noah Sanders, William Kraft, Crawford Kraft, Colin Didion, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz and Elek Duhon; third row, from left, Joseph Porter, John Harris, Brayden Davidson, Brooks Davidson, Walker Wasson, Everette Nelson, Michael Soucie, Tucker Rice, Graham Rafaelle and Cole Torricelli; second row, from left, Kylie Emrick, Reagan Kelly, Bailey Sylve, Madelyn Rodrigue, Katherine Dussouy, Patrick Moity, Luke Sheehan, David Robertson, Evan McCarty and Deacon Tony Schmidt; and front row, from left, James Michael Joiner, Ellie Kraft, Josie Ricotta, Jazmin Tovar-Santos, Molli Corley, Jenna Willsey, Anna Grace White, Valeria Valdez, George Greene, altar server, and Deacon Denzil Lobo. (Photo by Karen Worrell)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

VICKSBURG – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Paul Church on April 22. Pictured with Father Rusty Vincent and Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz are Carter Smithhart, Donovan Winschel, Julia Nelson, Jackson Rainer, Marley Gibellino, Madelyn Kavanaugh and Sophie Johnston. (Photo

by Connie Hosemann)

BATESVILLE – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Mary Church on May 3. Pictured are, front row, from left, Joselyn Cristina Moreno, Julissa Varela, Paloma Anyelin Vazquez, Evelyn Liliana Guzman, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Lila Ray Mabus, Delaney Anna Azar, Jennifer Arias Mendez, Ana Laura Moreno and Alina Angelic Robles; and back row, from left, Omar Garfias, Luis Serna, Miguel Angel Torres, Elijah Kerby, Javier Garcia Vazquez and Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy.

(Photo courtesy of the parish)

BROOKHAVEN – The sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Francis Church. Pictured are, front row, from left, Father Vijaya Manohar Reddy Thanugundla, Jenna Beth Townsend, Camille Calcote, Keylee Izard, Kenna Izard, Yessi Gonzalez, Melvin Hernandez and Father Kevin Slattery; and back row, from left, Lucas Phillips, Barrett Womack, Braden Allen, Parker Shann, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Joseph Anoop, Jose Dardon and Joseph Postma. (Photo by Eileen Neal)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

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GRENADA – New members of the Catholic faith who completed the OCIA process at St. Peter Church pose with Father Joseph Ashok Thumma following Easter Vigil celebrations. Pictured are David Livingston, Gabriel “Gabe” Reyna, Lily Milner, Duncan E. Dees, Karmen Dees and Maria Russell. (Photo by Lori Arreola)

MERIDIAN – Father Carlisle Beggerly baptizes St. Patrick Catholic School second grader Aubrey Jones as classmate Amonie Laws waits to receive the sacrament at St. Patrick Church on April 9. The two students were received into the Catholic faith during the ceremony. (Photo by Helen Reynolds) MAGEE – (Right) Callie Breaux celebrates entering the Catholic Church through the OCIA process at St. Stephen Church during Easter Vigil celebrations with her husband, Garrett Breaux, and children, Honey Bea Breaux and Levi Breaux.

(Photo courtesy of Callie Breaux)

OXFORD – First Holy Communion was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church. Pictured in the front row, left to right, are Henry Kordsmeier, Abe Samuels, Aerabella Batte, Maddie Gasca, Neely Clark, Emerson Clark, Isla Cortes, Mary Chapel Dixon, Rory Edwards, Allie Branton Van Devender, Winnie Holladay, Luca Harris, Maria Juarez and Alison Juarez. In the back row, left to right, are Joseph Wise, Eli Reyes-Muñoz, Nico Capomazza, Colin Yates, Father Robert Antony, Father Mark Shoffner, Andrew Whelan, Samuel Allen, Ranger Alcorn, Lucas Pomin, Duke Hill and Michael Chaney. (Photo

by Jennifer Newsom, edited by Mississippi Catholic)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17 2026

Sacramental life around our Saltillo Mission

SALTILLO, Mex. – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson and Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III of Biloxi joined Catholics in the Diocese of Saltillo during their annual mission visit to northern Mexico. The joint mission effort of the Mississippi dioceses included celebrating hundreds of confirmations and first Communions and participating in faith formation events in parishes and ranchos throughout the region. Father David Martínez Rubio of the Diocese of Saltillo coordinates ministry to mission communities in the city and surrounding ranchos, helping bring the sacraments and catechesis to Catholics across the area.

(Photos by Tereza Ma)

Sagrado Corazón, Tonque del Cerro – Confirmation celebration, Oct. 19.

Nuevo Gómez Rancho – San Francisco del Ejido – Confirmation celebration, Oct. 18.

Garambollo – First Communion celebration, Oct. 16.

Saltillo City – St. Miguel – Children from parishes across the region gather for faith formation, Oct. 17.

Saltillo – St. Juan Diego – Faith formation leaders and catechists from mission communities, Oct. 16.

Nuevo Gómez Rancho – Santa Teresa – Children participate in Confirmation celebration, Oct. 18.

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

NATION 7

School Sisters of Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa celebrate jubilees

By Tricia Buxton

SINSINAWA, Wis. – Three Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa celebrate jubileesm who served in the Diocese of Jackson.

75 Years – Sister Barbara Bartek Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Barbara Bartek, OP, will celebrate her 75 th jubilee Oct. 24, 2026. Born to Dr. Julius and Bernadette (Connor) Bartek in Omaha, Nebraska, she joined the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa in 1951 and received the religious name Sister Katharina. She earned her BA in biology from Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest, Ill., and MS in biology from St. Mary College, Winona, Minnesota.

Sister Barbara’s ministry has been dedicated to teaching, administration, pastoral ministry and health care. In Illinois, Sister Barbara taught at St. Barnabas School and St. Jarlath School in Chicago; Holy Trinity School, Bloomington; and Trinity High School, River

Forest. She then served as principal and teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in Washington, D.C. In Colorado, she served as principal and teacher at SS. Peter and Paul Grade School, Wheat Ridge, and years later as pastoral associate at St. Dominic Parish, Denver. In Wisconsin, Sister Barbara served at St. John Cathedral High School, Milwaukee, and at Dominican High School, Whitefish Bay, as teacher and as principal. She served in various ministries at Sinsinawa Mound, the Motherhouse for the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.

Elsewhere, she was prioress at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, Iowa, and then served as clinic case worker at DePorres Health Center, Marks, Mississippi.

ceived a certificate as radiology technologist from St. Catherine School of Radiology, Kenosha, Wis.; a certificate in gerontology from St. Mary of the Woods College, Ind.; a BA in social work from Carthage College, Kenosha; a certificate in CPE from Winchester House, Libertyville, Ill.; and her CPE from Emmanuel College, Boston.

Sister Mary Jane’s ministry has been dedicated to pastoral and clinical care. She was radiology tech at St. Catherine Hospital, Kenosha, and x-ray tech at Mercy Hospital, Merced, Calif.

She served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as vocation director for two years and then served in clinical pastoral care in Indiana, Illinois, and Massachusetts. She was clinic coor50 Years – Sister Mary Jane dinator at Jonestown Health Center, Quinn Marks, Mississippi. She then served Sister Mary Jane Quinn, OP, will in pastoral care at Catholic Eldercare, celebrate her 50th jubilee Oct. 24, 2026. Minneapolis; Holy Name Care Center, Born to Marie Spokane, Washington and at the Do(Magner) and minican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WisMartin Quinn consin. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she 50 Years – Sister Sal Stanaway made her proSister Selina “Sal” Stanaway, OP, will fession with the celebrate her 50th jubilee Oct. 24, 2026.

Dominican SisBorn to Agnes (Monahan) and William ters of Sinsinawa Stanaway in Butte, Montana, she made in 1976. She reprofession with the Dominican Sisters

of Sinsinawa in 1976. Sister Sal graduated with a BA in English from Carroll College, Helena, Montana; an MEd from University of Montana-Missoula; an MA in catechetics and liturgy from the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota; an MA in community service and administration from Regis College, Denver; and an MSW from the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Her ministry has been dedicated to social work. She taught theology, English, and religion at Bishop Lynch High School, Dallas, Texas. Sister Sal then served as caseworker at the Brady Center, Richardson, Texas, and DePorres Delta Ministries, Marks, Mississippi, where she also served as social services director. She served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as provincial councilor of the southern province and as social worker at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

To honor Sisters visit sinsinawa. org/donate online.

School Sisters of Notre Dame celebrate jubilees in 2026

8 COLUMNs

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

We are not alone

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE

BY MELVIN ARRINGTON

Several weeks ago the U.S. government began releasing previously classified documents concerning unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, a move that has sparked renewed interest in the question of whether there is intelligent life beyond the planet we call home.

The fact that UFOs are once again in the news takes me back to the era of Sputnik, when rocket launches and speculation on aliens from other galaxies visiting Earth triggered the imagination of children of my generation and filled our heads with dreams of future space travel.

When I was a child, I enjoyed watching TV programs about rocket ships and alien worlds. One of my favorites was the old 1930s Flash Gordon movie serials that often ran on TV in those days. And my reading material of choice was science fiction comic books. Well into adulthood I still believed and hoped that someday, someplace, our space explorations would eventually discover other planets inhabited by scientifically advanced peoples.

However, as I got older and, I hope, wiser, my childhood notions gradually developed into more mature thinking. Now, I’m fairly confident that planet Earth is the only place in the known universe capable of sustaining higher life forms. But occasionally uncertainty creeps in, as on that afternoon a few years ago when, while driving to work, I actually saw a UFO in broad daylight.

To clarify, I saw some type of thin, oblong-shaped object moving along in the sky that I couldn’t identify, a description that seems to fit the definition of a UFO. Whatever it was, I doubt it was an alien spacecraft. It was probably just a fast-moving cloud illuminated by rays of sunlight, which would explain its unusually bright and shiny glow. Or maybe not. Who knows?

The major consideration that changed my mind about life beyond our planet was my discovery of the astonishing level of fine-tuning that went into the creation of the universe. The Great Designer has fashioned everything with such amazing precision that living things not only survive on Earth but flourish.

He has arranged all the necessary elements to just the right degree and in the exact position that even the slightest variation in any one of these factors – for example, electromagnetism, the force of gravity, or the speed of light – would so disrupt this delicate balance that our planet would cease to exist.

According to Francis Collins, who headed the Human Genome Project and served as director of the National Institutes of Health, “The chance that all of these constants would take on the values necessary to result in a stable universe capable of sustaining complex life forms is almost infinitesimal. And yet those are exactly the parameters that we observe.” In other words, God made a perfect world for us to live in, the only such place throughout all the galaxies, and He created it only for us and for no one else. So, in that sense, we truly are alone in the vastness of the universe.

But just because I no longer believe in aliens traveling to Earth in UFOs doesn’t mean I think we should feel abandoned in the cosmos. God created us and placed us here to be in communion with Him and with one another. However, there are a lot of lonely elderly people who have no one to love them or even think about them. I know many nursing home residents who have been discarded by their families. In most cases, someone just dropped them off at the nursing facility the same way people leave dogs at an-

People use night vision goggles to look at the night sky during an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) tour in the desert outside Sedona, Arizona, in this Feb. 14, 2013, file photo. (CNS photo/Mike Blake, Reuters) imal shelters. To them, loneliness is the normal state of affairs, day after day, year after year.

But these precious souls are not really alone because God is never far from any of them. He is as near as a prayer or a Bible on a nightstand. And in the Eucharist He is as close to us as He can possibly be in this life.

The scriptures consistently demonstrate that God desires to be in an intimate relationship with us. Both the Old Testament and the New bear this out in verse after verse. Among the many examples are these lines from the first chapter of the Book of Joshua, where the Lord says: “I will always be with you; I will never abandon you” (v. 5), and “the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go” (v. 9). And in Psalm 23, one of the best-loved chapters in the entire Bible, we read that in our darkest moments, when all seems hopeless, God is there accompanying us in our time of trials: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me” (v. 4). Likewise, in Psalm 73 we find this simple phrase of reassurance: “I am always with you” (v. 23).

In a similar vein, Jesus, at the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel, says: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Also, in the fourteenth chapter of John’s Gospel, Our Lord promises to send the Holy Spirit: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (v. 18). Later, in His High Priestly Prayer,

Jesus prays to the Father that all who believe in Him “may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us” (John 17:21).

As we look up into the night sky and speculate on whether we are the only rational beings in the universe, whether there are any other creatures like us in this galaxy or anywhere else out there, we can be confident that we are not alone. We can take great comfort in God’s promises that He loves us, that He is always near, and that He will never abandon us.

He who knows the number of hairs on our heads, He who knows when a single sparrow falls to the ground, is surely watching over us. May we always watch over and care for each other, especially for the lonely and the cast-offs and all those who have no one to call on.

(Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of St. John Oxford.)

SUPPORT THE COLLECTION AUGUST 15 & 16, 2026

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

10 YOUTH

Summer activities at St. Jude parish

Amy Chavez of St. Jude Parish takes part in the excitement of an evening session at the 2026 Steubenville South Conference in Alexandria, Louisiana, as participants celebrate their faith through worship and fellowship.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Youth from St. Jude Parish attended the 2026 Steubenville South Conference in Alexandria, Louisiana, June 26-28. This year’s theme, “WORTHY,” encouraged participants to Walk

by Faith, Overcome Through Christ, Be Redeemed by Grace, Trust in Him, Hope in Jesus, and Yield to God. The conference brought together nearly 3,000 young people from across the South for a weekend of worship, fellowship and encounters with Christ. Pictured are Kimberly Castillo and Becky Torres during one of the conference sessions. (Photos by Ashley Arenas) PEARL – Lily and Maddie Hall play cornhole during St. Jude Parish’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 5. Parishioners gathered for an afternoon of food, games and fellowship as they celebrated the milestone anniversary. (Photo

by Beth Paczak)

The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level. The system is operated by Lighthouse Services.

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish).

PEARL – Betsy Walter leads Kamila Avila and Lydia Maynard in an activity during Vacation Bible School at St. Jude Parish. This year’s theme, “Summer Cathletics: Training to Be Champions for Christ,” invited children to grow in faith through games, lessons and activities. (Photo by Beth Paczak)

The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you consider your estate plans, please remember these faithful servants by making a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, their flocks. Let us now care for them in their retirement. Donations can be made payable to the Association of Priests and can be mailed to: Diocese of Jackson, P.O. Box 22723, Jackson, MS 39225-2723

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 17, 2026

YOUTH 11 OXFORD – Youth from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Oxford spent June 22-26 serving widows, fellow parishioners and the Oxford community during Mission 38655. Along with daily Mass and prayer, participants completed service projects including cemetery cleanup and building beds for children in need. At left, Sofia Vazquez and Flannery Hamilton help build beds for children in the community. Below, Andi Baker, Elizabeth Cauthen, Sofia Vazquez and Lynlee Cummins work in a local cemetery. (Photos by Jennifer Newsom)

SOUTHAVEN – Scarlet enjoys a slice of watermelon grown in Sacred Heart School’s own garden. In the spring, kindergarten students planted a watermelon patch, and summer camp participants are now enjoying the sweet rewards of their efforts. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

JULY 17, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

12 VATICAN

Vatican declares SSPX in schism. What does it mean?

By Paulina Guzik

VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – The Vatican has declared the Society of St. Pius X to be “in schism” after the traditionalist group consecrated four bishops without the papal mandate, marking the most serious rupture in the Church since Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s unauthorized episcopal consecrations in 1988.

In a bombshell move, the Vatican also declared sacraments of penance and marriage invalid if they proceeded within the society.

The decree also said, “Clerics and lay faithful are warned not to adhere to the schism of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, as they would ipso facto incur the penalty of latae sententiae excommunication.”

In a case of history repeating itself after the 1988 excommunication of the society’s founder along with four bishops he then consecrated without the papal mandate, the Vatican on July 2 excommunicated four SSPX bishops consecrated without the authorization of the pope at the society’s seminary in Écône, Switzerland, along with two bishops leading the liturgical celebration July 1.

“Despite the warnings addressed to the Superior General” of SSPX, Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta led the consecration liturgy on July 1, accompanied

by Bishop Bernard Fellay, and thus “committed an act of a schismatic nature through the episcopal consecration of four priests, without pontifical mandate and against the will of the Supreme Pontiff,” the Dicastery of the Doctrine of Faith said in a July 2 decree, released in Italian.

The rebel bishops, the DDF said, “have ipso facto incurred a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See,” with latae sententiae meaning “automatic,” or “by the deed itself” in Latin.

The four newly consecrated SSPX bishops – Fathers Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier – were also excommunicated, the DDF said in a document signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the DDF, Archbishop John Kennedy, secretary of the disciplinary section, and Msgr.

Armando Matteo, secretary of the doctrinal section of the dicastery.

The apostolic mandate is required to proceed with bishops’ consecrations, which the society did not have for the July 1 ceremony – a fact that they publicly acknowledged.

At the episcopal consecrations, Father Foucauld Le Roux, secretary general of the society, read the declaration in which the society “sets forth the reasons justifying these consecrations in the current circumstances of the Church,” claiming “The authorities of the Church have been animated by a spirit contrary to that of the Faith, and act against holy Tradition.”

Father Davide Pagliarani, superior

general of the society, in his homily on July 1 called the consecration an “exceptional” measure “proportionate to this necessity” and in line with “a duty to keep the faith that the Church has always taught.”

Saying that “some might consider that we are facing a dilemma,” Father Pagliarani said SSPX did not choose “between faith and the Church.”

The explanatory memorandum that followed the decree from the DDF included measures affecting both ministers of the society and lay faithful, preceded by the note that from the time of St. Paul VI “until the most recent discussions held at this Dicastery, the multiple attempts to bring the adherents of the movement initiated

by Archbishop Lefebvre back into full communion with the Catholic Church have proven futile.”

Noting that “this situation has been further aggravated by the recent episcopal consecrations celebrated without pontifical mandate, against the will of the Holy Father, in open violation of canon law,” the dicastery said that the “act constitutes the crime of schism, with canonical consequences for the sacred ministers and lay faithful involved.”

In a memorandum signed by the same group of prelates as the decree, the DDF said that “the sacred ministers belonging to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X are in schism and must therefore be considered schismatic,” citing the 1988 letter of St. John Paul II “Ecclesia Dei” and the 1996 Explanatory Note from the Pontifical Council (now Dicastery) for Legislative Texts on the excommunication for schism incurred by the adherents of the movement of Archbishop Lefebvre (19051991).

According to Canon 751, “schism is the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.”

According to point five of the 1996 Explanatory Note, the “latae sententiae excommunication for schism concerns those of the lay faithful who ‘formally adhere’ to the said schismatic movement,” noting that the “formal adherence to the schism” must “imply two complementary elements.” One is of “internal nature,” consisting in “freely and consciously sharing the substance of the schism,” that following SSPX’s founder’s path “is placed above obedience to the Pope” and the second of “external nature,” the most evident sign of which will be “the exclusive participation in the Lefebvrian ‘ecclesial’ acts, without taking part in the acts of the Catholic Church.”

According to canon lawyer Father Jan Dohnalik, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kraków, Poland, the line “exclusive participation” means that “occasional participation of the lay people does not mean automatically participating in the schism –but consciously and permanently choosing

to participate in SSPX liturgies does.

For instance if a family or friend of the bishop consecrated without the papal mandate just came to that July 1 Mass to participate, they are not automatically in schism with the Catholic Church, but if they deliberately choose to participate in SSPX liturgies in the future, ignoring the papal power of the Roman Pontiff – that’s participating in a schism.”

The long list of documents regarding SSPX spanning almost four decades prove the long process of the Vatican to try to reach an agreement with the traditionalist group.

For decades – since 1988 when St. John Paul excommunicated the society’s founder, Archbishop Lefebvre and four bishops consecrated without papal mandate in his “Ecclesia Dei” apostolic letter – the Vatican had sought several ways to reintegrate SSPX members into the life of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict lifted the excommunications of the four bishops in 2009, opening the way for more regular talks.

During the 2015-2016 Year of Mercy, Pope Francis made special provisions to validate the absolution offered by SSPX priests through the sacrament of confession. After the Holy Year ended, he extended that provision “lest anyone ever be deprived of the sacramental sign of reconciliation through the church’s pardon.”

In April 2017, the late pontiff continued pursuing initiatives aimed at a reconciliation with the SSPX by allowing their bishops to ensure the validity of marriages celebrated in the traditionalist communities.

Bishop Galarreta is an embodiment of the Vatican’s longtime mercy toward SSPX. He was consecrated as a bishop

by Archbishop Lefebvre in 1988 and was excommunicated by St. John Paul, but in 2009, Pope Benedict declared the remission of the excommunication.

And now in 2026, he has been excommunicated for the second time after leading the liturgical celebration of the bishops’ consecrations on July 1.

After the July 1 ceremony, the Vatican took measures to extend its decree to the whole society, including the laity, and said that lay faithful “who formally adhere to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X ... are to be considered schismatic and excommunicated.”

The Holy See warned that “the sacred ministers of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X are administering the sacraments illicitly,” declaring invalid the sacrament of penance and marriage administered by SSPX priests.

The celebration of the Mass and the confection of the Eucharist, because they are done by an ordained priest, are still valid, though illicit. The sacraments of penance and marriage need an authorization, or faculty, which the society lacks.

According to Canon 966, “The valid absolution of sins requires that the minister have, in addition to the power of orders, the faculty of exercising it for

the faithful to whom he imparts absolution” – a priest can be given this faculty “either by the law itself or by a grant made by the competent authority.”

According to Canon 1111, “As long as they hold office validly, the local ordinary and the pastor can delegate to priests and deacons the faculty, even a general one, of assisting at marriages within the limits of their territory” – with bishops consecrated without the papal mandate, the local authority to grant such faculty is not in place.

Father Dohnalik pointed out that the faithful of the Church must be warned that receiving the holy sacraments in the Society of St. Pius X “is associated with a real threat to the life of faith, and that such important sacraments as penance and marriage are simply invalid.”

“The Church, as a caring mother, will welcome with sincere affection and lively solicitude all those who wish to return to full communion,” the DDF prelates concluded, pointing to the apostolic nuncios as ones that “will have procedures that the Ordinaries can use in different cases.”

The canon lawyer emphasized in a conversation with OSV News that the move coming from the pontiff whose episcopal motto is “In Illo uno unum” – or literally “In the One, we are one” – was a much needed step for the unity of the Church.

“Precisely because the unity of the Church is so dear to the Holy Father’s heart, he had to announce the threat posed by this tragic step taken by the Lefebvrists,” Father Dohnalik said, adding that the pope was acting “as a good shepherd who does not shy away from danger but wants to protect his flock.”

The canonist remembered that on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Leo urged the superior of the society to retreat from the path of division and refrain from moving forward with the schismatic act “because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity.”

“Concerned for the faithful who may not understand the immense spiritual harm associated with separation from communion with the pope and the Church, the Holy Father made this sad but necessary move to declare excommunication, which merely reveals the dramatic consequences of this schismatic act,” Father Dohnalik told OSV News.

The DDF noted in the memorandum that “all the faithful are exhorted to remain steadfast in communion with the Roman Pontiff, with the Bishops in communion with him and with the whole Church” and to “abstain from participating in the celebrations and activities” promoted by SSPX. Paulina Guzik is international editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @ Guzik_Paulina