MS Catholic 07 18 2025

BY MADELYN JOHNSON

Diocesan seminarians witness history in Rome

JACKSON – Grayson Foley and EJ Martin, seminarians for the Diocese of Jackson currently studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, planned their pilgrimage to Italy months in advance. What they didn’t realize was that their visit would become a once-in-alifetime experience.

The two were called to join the Pilgrimage of Hope through Rome. After booking their trip in February, they were shocked to learn that a new pope – Pope Leo –had been elected the day before their flight to Rome.

While in Rome, Grayson and EJ visited with other seminarians at the Pontifical North American College and spent time with EJ’s older brother, Sterling Foley, a seminarian with the Legionaries of Christ based at their House of Formation in Rome. The trio toured the city and visited all four major basilicas, walking through each Holy Door during this Jubilee Year.

“We went through all of the basilicas’ Holy Doors, continuously praying for the people back home in Mississippi and those who made the trip possible,” said Grayson Foley.

Shortly after their arrival, news broke that the Installation Mass for Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope – would take place on May 18. The seminarians were faced with a choice: should they stay and serve at the historic Mass? The answer was clear – yes.

Thanks to the hospitality of the Legionaries of Christ seminarians, tickets were secured for EJ, Grayson, and Grant Caillouet, a seminarian from the Diocese of Baton

– Continued on page 6 –

VATICAN CITY – Circled above, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley of the Diocese of Jackson are pictured among those who served during the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on May 18, 2025. The historic liturgy drew more than 200,000 worshipers, along with global dignitaries, clergy and pilgrims from around the world. (Photo by Julia Mineeva/ EGBN TV News/Alamy Live News/Alamy Stock Photo)

President Trump signs ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ into law July 4

BY KATE SCANLON

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – President Donald Trump on July 4 signed a reconciliation bill enacting much of his legislative agenda on taxes and immigration during an Independence Day ceremony at the White House.

“Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year. America’s winning, winning, winning like never before,”

Trump said in comments at the ceremony.

“We have officially made the Trump tax cuts permanent,” he added. “That’s the largest tax cut in the history of our country. ... After this kicks in, our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.”

Previously, the U.S. House on July 3 approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in a 218-214 vote.

The Senate earlier approved the reconciliation package on July 1, after Trump urged them to do so by July 4.

Catholic leaders have alternately praised and criticized various provisions in the legislation. But in a July 1 action alert emailed to its supporters, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ultimately said

New Archbishop 3 Mark S. Rivituso named Archbishop of Mobile

the bill “currently fails the poorest families.”

Only two Republicans – Reps. Thomas Massie, Ky., and Brian Fitzpatrick, Pa., – voted against the measure. Massie cited the bill’s projected increase to the national debt, while Fitzpatrick, who is Catholic, cited the way Medicaid cuts would impact his district.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, USCCB president and head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, said in a July 3 statement after the vote, that he and the bishops had “repeatedly and consistently” urged lawmakers to make sure the bill would help families in need and “to change course” on aspects “that fail the poor and vulnerable.”

– Continued on page 6 –

Sacraments (insert) First Communion and Con rmation photos

From the archives 7 Bishop Gerow as a seminarian in Rome

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope, A Day of Hope and Healing with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy talks by Father Patrick Gonyeau and Dr. Carol Razza, along with music, Mass, prayer, lunch and more. Details: register at www. OurLadyofHopeMS.com.

Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Annual “Speak Lord I’m Listening” Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa, July 25 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, July 27 at noon. Presenters Father Bill Henry and Jim Murphy will give techniques to pray and meditate on the scriptures. Cost: $350/person (includes all meals and private room); $275 for commuters. Details: contact Charlene at (601) 248-4310.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, St. Faustina Relic Display and Presentation, Saturday, July 26. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast followed by presentation by Jay Hastings, director of the Shrine of St. Faustine of The Divine Mercy in Memphis. He will lead prayer with first class relic of St. Faustina and speak about promises Jesus o ers along with tools and avenues of grace from the Lord. Details: church o ce (662) 624-4301.

DIOCESE – Pastoral Ministries Workshop for parish leaders, Aug. 22-24 at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville. Cost: $300/includes housing, meals and supplies. Details: email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

JACKSON – St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a dynamic teaching that helps people enter

into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children and join in a small group discussion. Register at https://bit.ly/3HvRKGE. Details: call Ti any at (601) 842-0151.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, July 27-29 from 5:15-7 p.m. in the parish hall. Event is for K3 through fifth graders. Details: register at stjosephgreenville.org or contact church o ce (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Fall Bazaar, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales, silent auction, raffles and more. Details: email julieastefanik@ gmail.com.

HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Potluck Fundraiser, Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome! Details: church o ce (662) 985-3209.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick/St. Joseph, Youth Retreat, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. Retreat is for grades fifth through seniors. Enjoy games, food, fellowship and boating. Details: email Kristen at kaugustine@stpatrickcatholicschool.org.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Taco Sunday, Aug. 10 after 10 a.m. Mass. Enjoy four tacos (carne asada or chicken) and a drink for $10. Details: church o ce (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Blood Drive, Sunday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 877-25-VITAL or visit donors.vitalant.org and use the code queenop to schedule your appointment.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Young Adults Fellowship Food and Fun Event, Tuesday, July 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the social hall. College age to mid 30s are welcome for a night of fellowship. Join us!

Christ the King, Cookie Social, Sunday, Aug. 3 after 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses. Details: church o ce (662) 342-1073.

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FEATURE PHOTOS: ... Anniversary blessings to Father Je rey Waldrep and Father Sam

on his ordination day, June 16, 1990 at Immaculate Conception parish in West Point. At right, Father Messina shares a smile during his 60th anniversary celebration at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison on June 4, 2025, joined by friends, family and fellow clergy – including longtime friend Father Waldrep. (Photos by Rhonda Bowden, center from archives)

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Messina ...

Father Jeffrey Waldrep celebrated his 35th anniversary of ordination on Sunday, June 22, surrounded by family and friends at Annunciation parish in Columbus. Pictured from left in the first photo are Archbishop Shelton Fabre (Archdiocese of Louisville), Father Waldrep, and Bishop Joseph Kopacz. At center, Father Sam Messina vests Father Waldrep

Pope accepts resignation of Mobile archbishop, names St. Louis auxiliary as successor

BY GINA CHRISTIAN MOBILE,

Ala. (OSV News) – The Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, will welcome a new shepherd, as Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mark S. Rivituso of St. Louis as his successor.

The resignation and appointment were announced in Washington July 1 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the U.S.

Archbishop Rodi, 76, had submitted his resignation to the pope in March 2024 upon reaching his 75th birthday, as required by canon law.

The archbishop, who has served in his current see for more than 17 years, will continue as apostolic administrator of the Mobile Archdiocese until the installation of now-Archbishop Rivituso.

Archbishop Rivituso’s installation Mass is set to take place Sept. 3 at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile at 11 a.m.

Archbishop Rodi hailed the appointment of his successor, saying in a July 1 statement he was “most

grateful to the Holy Father for sending us this outstanding bishop.”

“Every time I have an opportunity to truly serve others, that’s always a blessing,” Archbishop Rivituso said at a Mobile news conference about his appointment. “This is a wonderful opportunity with the Catholic faith community and other partners of goodwill. I hope to work together for the greater good, to especially be mindful of the poor, those who are marginalized, those who are su ering, those who are in need.”

“There’s been a recent precedent of welcoming Midwesterners to our universal church with Pope Leo to Chicago,” he continued. “I appreciate you are faithful to that precedent and welcoming this Midwesterner from St. Louis to be part of this archdiocese.”

“I will say I have already been won over by your Southern charm and hospitality. I feel a sense of belonging. ... I do feel at home in ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” he added, referencing a popular song.

Bishop Kopacz on appointment of Mobile’s new archbishop

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz and the Diocese of Jackson rejoice on behalf of the Archdiocese of Mobile over the appointment by Pope Leo XIV of Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso as the third Archbishop of Mobile. He is a native son of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and has served as auxiliary bishop there since 2017.

We ask the Lord Jesus’ choicest blessings upon him during this time of transition from St. Louis to Mobile. He can be assured of a hearty welcome to the Province of Mobile as the new Archbishop.

Also, our prayers of immeasurable gratitude go out to Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi for his remarkable leadership as the Archbishop of Mobile since 2009, and before then as the Bishop of Biloxi during the Katrina natural disaster. He has truly been an apostle of the Gulf as chancellor and vicar general in New Orleans, the Bishop of Biloxi, and the Archbishop of Mobile. May the Lord continue to let his face shine upon this good and faithful servant in retirement.

P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130

Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org

Publisher

Volume 71 Number 13 (ISSN 1529-1693)

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

Communications Director Joanna Puddister King

Production Manager Tereza Ma

Contributor Madelyn Johnson

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published digitally twice per month January – April and September – December; once per month June, July and August. Mississippi Catholic mails 14 editions per year – twice per month in December and January; and once per month February – November. 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-ofstate. 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

Archbishop Rivituso, 63, a St. Louis native and the sixth of eight children, has ministered extensively throughout the St. Louis Archdiocese and has served as its vicar general since 2011.

A graduate of Cardinal Glennon College and Kenrick Seminary, both in St. Louis, he earned a licentiate in canon and civil law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario.

His 1988 priestly

ordination in St. Louis foreshadowed a future connection to Mobile: The late Archbishop John L. May, who ordained him, had led the Alabama archdiocese prior to his St. Louis appointment.

He has long experience in prison and death-row ministry – an issue particularly relevant to Alabama, which carried out the first-ever nitrogen gas execution in the U.S. in 2024. Archbishop Rivituso advocated for the end of capital punishment in Missouri and has worked with Catholic Mobilizing Network in death penalty abolition e orts.

“The late Pope Francis really taught me about making sure that we’re mindful of those who are on the peripheries,” he told the St. Louis Review in an interview published July 1. “I feel like that’s always something that’s going to be important in my heart and ministry. The church is so blessed to be involved in the works of compassion, and I think that’s where we truly live what Jesus has called us to do about living his works of mercy.”

At the press conference, Archbishop Rivituso said, “I am blessed. ... I will labor with the shepherding love of Jesus for all of you because I want to love you as Christ loves. I want to do what I can to lift each other up so we live out the goodness of our life and just know that we’re here for each other.”

(Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina. Contributing to this was Rob Herbst, editor of The Catholic Week, news outlet of the Archdiocese of Mobile.)

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. – Mass and 75th Anniversary Celebration, St. Anne, Fayette

Tuesday, August 5-7, 12:05 p.m. – Daily Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Sunday, August 10, 3 p.m. – Dedication of Chapel and Blessing of New School Buildings, St. Richard School, Jackson

Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. – Jubilee Mass for Deanery II, Basilica of St. Mary, Natchez

Sunday, August 17, 11 a.m. – Confirmation, St. Francis of Assisi, New Albany

Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Matthew, Ripley

Tuesday, August 12, 19 and 26 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Sunday, September 7, 8:15 a.m. – 80th Anniversary Mass and Celebration, Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale

Wednesday, September 10, 10 a.m. – Blue Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson

All events are subject to change. Check with parishes, schools or organizations for further details.

Editor’s note: This month’s Called by Name column is written by seminarian Grayson Foley, who is stepping in for Father Nick Adam, director of vocations for the Diocese of Jackson, this month. Please continue praying for our seminarians and that others may hear and respond to God’s call.

The excitement in the air at Notre Dame Seminary wasn’t just because finals were wrapping up and everyone was ready for summer. As the May days continued, we knew it was only a matter of time before white smoke rose from the chimney in Rome. I was in my room and thought my seminarian brother was pranking me when he ran by yelling, “White smoke!” I felt like Thomas in disbelief – until I heard the bells. As I ran downstairs to see that there was a new pope, I was filled with both excitement and a small wish that the election had taken place just a bit later – only because I was flying to Rome the next day.

That next day couldn’t come fast enough. EJ Martin and I were filled with anticipation for the trip we had planned months before. God had a wonderful plan for us. A new pope had been elected just a day before our trip, and I would get to see all of my seminarian brothers studying in Rome, visit my older brother Sterling, walk the streets of the Eternal City – and see the newly elected pope.

It was my first time flying to Europe, and that alone was exciting enough. But the Lord was ready to shower me with so many more blessed opportunities.

We stayed with two different seminary communities in Rome, ate lots of gelato, walked through the Holy Doors of all four major basilicas for the Jubilee Year, drank lots of espresso, visited an incredible number of churches, went on the Scavi Tour and saw where the bones of St. Peter lie under the basilica – and in the same week, had the blessed opportunity not only to serve at the pope’s inauguration Mass but to distribute Communion for it.

Some of the brothers in my older brother’s religious order gave up their tickets so that EJ, Grant Caillouet (a seminarian for the Diocese of Baton Rouge), and I could serve at the first public Mass of the first American pope.

It was an amazing experience, but the most moving part was walking through the doors of an empty St. Peter’s Basilica during

the Creed to pick up the ciboria filled with hosts – as 20,000 Catholics behind me chanted, “Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.” (“And [I believe in] one holy, Catholic and apostolic church.”)

That moment made me feel, in the heart of my heart, that I was truly a part of the mystical body of Christ – bigger than myself –and I was completely humbled to be able to participate as a servant in that way.

As we finished our trip to Europe, I had a relatively quick turnaround to good ole Oxford, Mississippi.

Serving the people of God here in Oxford, working alongside Father Mark Shoffner, and getting to know all the parishioners and college students has been an absolute blessing. I have learned so much this summer and have grown to love the people of this diocese even more.

I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store as I continue on the path of love.

– Grayson Foley, seminarian

Grayson Foley

Does God have a sense of humor?

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

Does God have sense of humor?

This may seem a frivolous or impious question, it’s anything but that. It’s an important question and a reverent one as well. Why? Because healthy humor and playful banter help bring joy, lightness of heart, and healthy perspective into our lives. Can we imagine all that wonderful lightness of heart having no connection to God?

Does God have a sense of humor? For sure! Without doubt! Jesus teaches that God is the author of all good things. Humor, playfulness and healthy banter are good, healthy things. They can have their ultimate origin only in God.

Why are they good things? What positive role do they play in our lives?

Freud once suggested that sometimes we can understand things more clearly by looking at their opposites. What are the opposites of humor, playfulness and banter? We see their opposite in three things: over-seriousness, needless irritation and pomposity (none of which are healthy).

Consider this example: I have lived almost my entire adult life within a religious community of men, and by and large it has been positive and life-giving. But among the (literally) hundreds of men with whom I have shared community over more than fifty years, there have sometimes been confreres who were over-serious and their presence in the community room or at table could sometimes effectively rob the room of joy.

I recall one such incident at table where someone shared a rather earthy joke (spicy, though not in bad taste). Most of us responded with a hearty laugh, but as soon as the laughter died down, one of our confreres in a heavy and overly pious tone, asked: Would you tell a joke like that in front of the Blessed Sacrament? That not only ended the laughter in the room and injected a certain heaviness into our gathering, it also effectively drained the oxygen out of the room.

Over-seriousness, while not a moral deficiency, can leave us too raw before the demands of family and community to which we can never perfectly measure up. On the other hand, playfulness, humor and banter, when healthy, can provide some important “grease” for family and community life.

For example, when you join a religious congregation you take a vow to live within a community (of men, in my case) for the rest of your life. Moreover, you don’t get to choose with whom you get to live. You are simply assigned to a community, which invariably will include some members whose temperament is very different from yours and with whom you would not normally choose to live.

Well, I have lived in this type of religious community for nearly sixty years and, with very few exceptions, it has been life-giving and enjoyable; mostly because I have been blessed nearly always to live in a community where part of our very ethos has been the daily exchange of humor, playfulness and banter. Prayer and a common mission of course have been the main glue that held us together but humor, playfulness and banter have been the grease that have kept petty tensions and the occupational hazard of pomposity at bay.

It’s interesting to note that the classical Greek philosophers understood love as having six components: eros – infatuation and attraction; mania

– obsession; asteismos – playfulness and banter; storge – care; philia – friendship; and agape – altruism. When we define love, we generally make room for most of those components, except asteismos, playfulness and banter. We pay a price for that.

My oblate novice master, a wonderful French-Canadian priest, once shared with us (a group of young novices) a joke with a purpose. It runs this way: a family was planning the wedding of their daughter but were unable to afford a venue for the festivities after the church service. So, the priest made them an offer: “Why don’t you use the entrance, the foyer, of the church? There’s enough room for a reception. Bring in a cake and have your reception there.” Things were fine, until the father of the bride asked the priest if they might bring liquor to the reception.

The Pope’s Corner

The priest replied most emphatically, “Absolutely not! You may not have liquor in a church!” The father of the bride protested, “but Jesus drank wine at the wedding feast of Cana.” To which the priest replied, “But not in front of the Blessed Sacrament!”

This joke can serve as a parable, cautioning us vis-à-vis stripping God of humor and playfulness.

God has a sense of humor, a sense of playfulness, and a talent for banter far beyond that of our best comedians. How could it be otherwise? Can you imagine spending eternity in heaven without laughter and playfulness? Can you imagine a God who is perfect love, but with whom you would be afraid to joke and banter?

Is the last laugh before we die to be our last laugh forever? No. God has a sense of humor which will without doubt be for all of us a delightful surprise.

(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)

Pope at Angelus: Be a laborer in the field of mission

By Francesca Merlo (Vatican Media)

– Addressing the faithful gathered for his Sunday Angelus on July 6, Pope Leo offered a reflection on the missionary nature of the church, grounded in the Gospel of Luke.

The pope focused his reflection on Jesus’ sending out of 72 disciples, an act which, he explained, represents the universal scope of the Gospel. “The hope of the Gospel is meant for all peoples,” he said, adding that this reflects “the breadth of God’s heart and the abundance of His harvest.”

However, Pope Leo continued in quoting Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” He explained that while the world may seem overwhelmed by distractions and noise, people today still “yearn for a greater truth,” seek justice, and carry within themselves “a longing for eternal life.”

He described God as a sower who has generously gone out and sown in people’s hearts “a desire for the infinite, for a fulfilled life and for salvation that sets us free.” Despite this, there are few who are able “to distinguish, with the eyes of Jesus, the good grain that is ripe for harvesting.”

– Be a laborer of faith –

The pope warned that faith should not become “merely an external label.” What the church and the world need are not occasional participants but “laborers who are eager to work in the mission field, loving disciples who bear witness to the Kingdom of God in all places.”

He acknowledged that there may be many “intermittent Christians who occasionally act upon some religious feeling or participate in sporadic events,” but there are far fewer who are ready “on a daily basis, to labor in God’s harvest.”

Pope Leo stressed that this mission does not require “too many theoretical ideas about pastoral plans.” Instead, he said, “we need to pray to the Lord of the harvest.” Giving priority to one’s relationship with the Lord and cultivating dialogue with Him, he added, allows people to become true labourers, ready to be sent “into the field of the world to bear witness to His Kingdom.”

At the end of his Angelus address, Pope Leo greeted those from around the world who had come to St. Peter’s Square, saying “in the great heat of this time of year, your journey to pass through the Holy Doors is even more courageous and admirable!”

He also expressed his condolences and assured his prayers for those suffering through the flooding in Texas.

“I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States,” he said. “We pray for them.”

And he called for peace, requesting that all people “ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of those who govern, that the violence of weapons be replaced by the pursuit of dialogue.”

(Reprinted with permission by Vatican Media. OSV News contributed to this report.)

Rescuers paddle an inflatable boat as they search along a waterway in the aftermath of deadly flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 6, 2025. Pope Leo expressed condolences and assured his prayers for those suffering thorugh the flooding in Texas during his Angelus gathering on July 6. (OSV News photo/ Marco Bello, Reuters)

‘ ... Being so close to the installation of the first American pope was incredible ...’

– Continued from page 1 –

Rouge, to assist with the distribution of Communion during the Installation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Approximately 200,000 people were in attendance. They were seated to the right of the altar and remained there until the Creed.

“During the Creed of the Mass, we were shuffled back into the adoration chapel within St. Peter’s,” Grayson recalled. “As EJ and I walked into the gigantic empty St. Peter’s, it was the part within the Creed when the words, ‘Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam’ are chanted – which translates to ‘And (I believe in) one holy, Catholic and apostolic church.’ This amazing sight of the Church of St. Peter and how foundational that spot is for the church brought tears to my eyes, but I had to keep it together because we were about to distribute Communion.”

Each seminarian was given 100 hosts to distribute to the crowd of thousands attending the historic Mass. They moved into the crowd calling out “Corpus Christi!” as they gave the Eucharist to the faithful.

“EJ is tall with long arms and he distributed Communion to as many as he could,” said his mother, Dana Martin, who witnessed the event via livestream. “There were barriers holding people behind the pathway and EJ kept pushing through the crowd with Communion – Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi!”

After they finished distributing the hosts, the crowd separated them. Grayson found his way back inside St. Peter’s and witnessed Pope Leo greeting dignitaries from around the world, including the King and Queen of France.

EJ reflected, “Being so close to the installation of the first American pope was incredible. Praying with Jesus in my hands in an empty St. Peter’s was incredible. But the most incredible part was distributing Communion to the people. How joyful they were to receive Jesus at that Mass. These people had probably been waiting five-plus hours for this opportunity. Such a blessed experience –one I will never forget.”

EJ and Grayson were honored to be part of such a profound moment in church history and are thankful to all who supported them in making the pilgrimage possible. As they continue their formation for the priesthood with the Diocese of Jackson, they carry with them the joy of having served Christ and His church in the heart of St. Peter’s – an experience that deepened their call and strengthened their commitment to serve God’s people.

‘... The bill will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society ...’

–

Continued from page 1 –

“The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation,” Archbishop Broglio said. “The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society. As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts of pollution and extreme weather.”

The USCCB president said, “More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.” He noted the church’s own teaching on human dignity and the common good compels it “to redouble our efforts and offer concrete help to those who will be in greater need and continue to advocate for legislative efforts that will provide better possibilities in the future for those in need.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at a press conference following the vote, that Republicans “did not want to waste that opportunity” of having control of both chambers of Congress and the White House to enact Trump’s agenda.

“A lot of the estimations about what this legislation would do in a negative manner to communities in my state or any other are far overblown,” Johnson said when asked about criticism of the bill from faith groups in his state. “I

can tell you that this bill is going to be a great thing for everybody around the country, my constituents, especially. What’s good for Louisiana is good for America.”

During his eight hour and 44 minute floor speech – part of a House procedure known as the “magic minute” where members in leadership can speak for as long as they please during “one minute” speeches without subtracting the extra time from the debate, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y said, “I rise today in strong opposition to Donald Trump’s disgusting abomination.”

Jeffries said the legislation “guts Medicaid, rips food from the mouths of children, seniors and veterans, and rewards billionaires with massive tax breaks.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated nearly 12 million people will lose health coverage under the legislation.

Ingrid Delgado, national director of public policy and advocacy for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, told OSV News “such large cuts to the social safety net are really concerning, with how it’ll impact our most marginalized.”

“The Catholic Church approaches both access to food and health care as fundamental human rights,” Delgado said. “And so the people who access SNAP in our country and the people who access Medicaid are our most marginalized and poorest brothers and sisters.”

Delgado said cuts to those programs could lead to “more people who

are uninsured, who don’t have food on their tables, and more people facing the risk of homelessness.”

The legislation will significantly increase funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, and Customs and Border Patrol as the Trump administration seeks to implement its hardline immigration policies, including the mass deportation of immigrants lacking legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. It authorized about $150 billion in new spending for immigration and border enforcement. Prior to the bill’s passage, Vice President JD Vance touted immigration enforcement as the key reason he thought Congressional Republicans should approve the bill.

Others celebrated a provision in the legislation that would strip funds from Planned Parenthood for only one year – down from an original proposal of 10 years – with funding resumed thereafter.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told OSV News the day before the House vote that “this is the possible culminating point of the first year where federal taxpayers are not forced to fund Big Abortion and that would be huge.”

In a fundraising pitch on its website, Planned Parenthood said the impact of the legislation “will be immediate and devastating.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the legislation would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. national debt currently stands at $36.2

trillion, and has downstream impacts on the rest of society.

A June 26 letter to senators from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the provision that would strip funds from Planned Parenthood while opposing others that they said would raise taxes “on the working poor while simultaneously giving large tax cuts to the wealthiest.” The letter added, “Because of this, millions of poor families will not be able to afford life-saving healthcare and will struggle to buy food for their children. Some rural hospitals will likely close.” The bishops called these provisions “unconscionable and unacceptable.”

The same day 20 U.S. Catholic bishops signed onto an interfaith effort urging the Senate to reject the bill, citing cuts to nutrition assistance and Medicaid, and its impact on immigrants among other concerns, calling it “draconian” and a “moral failure.”

(Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.)

More online at Mississippi Catholic.com

Read how 20 U.S. bishops joined an interfaith effort calling the legislation a "moral failure" at: http:// bit.ly/3ImH0e2

For an in-depth analysis on how the bill’s costs could hit the poor hardest, visit: http://bit.ly/46aZHeF

From left, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley, both of the Diocese of Jackson, and Sterling Foley of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome, share a moment together in St. Peter’s Square amid the crowds. (Photo courtesy of Laura Foley)

2025 SacramentS S pecial e dition

HOLLY SPRINGS – Artwork by Holy Family student Kensley Shakayla Malik. (Photo courtesy of Holy Family School)

VICKSBURG – St. Paul parishioners (l-r) Colette Hotard, Jack Caldwell, Mary Russell Lawrence, Sophia Ravencraft, Rodney Ravencraft and David Foley received first Communion, pictured with teacher Barbara Hill and Father Rusty Vincent. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)

PEARL – St. Jude parish celebrated first Communion on Saturday, May 10. Pictured are Brendan Bokros, Dalexa Bolanos, Dante Bond, Chris Castillo, Kevin Castillo, Aaron Guzman, Scarlett O’Bier, Mia Rose and Kirby Roundtree with Father Cesar Sánchez and Kathleen Edwards. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

BATESVILLE – St. Mary parish celebrated first Communion. Front row, from left: Abbigail Almanza, Aileen Almanza, Aiden Watts and Ana Sofia Casillas. Back row, from left: Luis Serna, Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy and Sebastian Serna. (Photo courtesy of parish)

FLOWOOD – (below)

St. Paul parish celebrated first Communion. Back row, from left: Alex Rose, Ali Rose, Julia Halter, Emori Nelson, Addison Scott, Olivia Thweatt, Lily Cain, Ava von Fischer-Benzon and Andrew Valino.

Front row, from left: Corinne Gibson, Finley Stevens, Catherine Pambianchi, Jack Joseph, Foster Malone, Logan Linick, Thomas Head, Jaxon Perez, Camilla Castro, Emma Kate Withrow and Mamie Lindsey. (Photo by Sara Withrow)

BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi parish celebrated first Communion with Sophia Coleman, Thomas Lopez, Fynlee Gaudet, Gunner Smith, Camdyn Pigott, Samuel Bougere and Montze Gonzalez, pictured with Father Manohar Thanugundla. Not pictured is Cade Duplantis. (Photo by Emily Phillip)

TUPELO – (below) St. James parish celebrated first Communion with Catarina Alonzo Perez, Brianna Avina, Katherine Avina, Christian Bernal Ocampo, Matthew Bernal Ocampo, Oscar Nicolás Diaz, Ave Emplaincourt, Corinne Eschete, Santiago Escobedo, German Joel Flores, Carolyn Gan Lim, Roman Hernandez, Helen Le, Heidi Lira, Janeth Lira, Aaron Martinez, Lucas Martinez, Briana Mendoza, Alex Montoya Cabral, Manny Moralez, Maya Moreno, Alondra Ortega, Jimmy Joshua Peralta Macias, Kinleigh Poppelreiter, Daniel Quiñones, Joel Quiñones, Leandro Jireh Rangel Gayosso, Fernando Romero Garcia, Angela Triano Rodriguez, Sophia Varela Velasco, Ariadna Vazquez, Ximena Vazquez, Cameron Vincent, June Weatherford and James Wiygul, pictured with Father Octavio Escobar and first Communion catechists. (Photo courtesy of parish)

Polk received

Communion at

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph parish celebrated first Communion on April 27. Pictured are Reece Shoffner, Carolina Martinez, Father Cesar Sánchez, Savanna Azar, Sebastian Varela; front row: Brooks Vickers and Eli Logan. (Photo by Mary Lynn Powers)

MERIDIAN – First Communion was celebrated at St. Patrick Church on May 4. Pictured with Father Augustine Palimattam are Destiny Sophia Alvarado-Sanchez, Cristian Jatniel Alvarado-Sanchez, Elizabeth “McBride” Boyer, Alexa del Angel Sanchez, Amy del Angel Sanchez, Giovanni Diaz, Sofia Garcia, Eli Jimenez, Amy Le, Jadiel Medrano, Quy Nguyen, Charlie Owen, Alexa Rangel, Oscar Yahel Suarez-Gonzalez, Georgia Valko, Julissa Valle and Valeria Yepes. (Photo courtesy of parish)

CLINTON – Holy Savior parish celebrated first Communion on May 4. Front row, from left: Reece Burwell, Lucas Gonzalez-Miranda, Samantha Campos, Mary Mae Mazy, Isley Richardson and Gabriela Mazy. Middle row, from left: Romy Lacey, Cecilia Tucker, Margaret Yentzen, Avery Hayes and Wolf Frazier. Back: Father Lincoln Dall. (Photo by Janeth Mazy)

JACKSON – James “Jimmy” Hilario Villa

first

St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral, pictured with his godfather, Father Andrew Bowden. (Photo by Mara Villa Polk)

MAGEE – Father Stephen Okojie is pictured with Tyler Doiron at his baptism at St. Stephen parish. (Photo courtesy Kirby J. Rivere)

KOSCIUSKO – St. Therese parish celebrated first Communion on May 4. From left to right: Donal “Hawk” Shannon, Ella Johnson, Alex Nguyen and Camila Arvizu, with Father Marco A. Sanchez, S.T. (Photo courtesy of parish)

JACKSON – Christ the King parish celebrated first Communion with catechist Gina Lobo and Deacon Denzil Lobo. Top row, from left: Avery Johnson, Samuel Anderson and Oscar Anderson. Bottom row: Alaya Anderson, Kendrea Bass and Grace Asowata. At right is Father Joe Dyer. (Photo by Maggie Spence)

McCOMB – The following children received first Communion Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Bottom row, from left: Joseph Bonson, Brentlee Griffin, Khaleb Fuerte and Jonathan Gonzalez. Center: Marygrace Codding. Top row, from left: Father Rusty Vincent, Kylie Greer, Lidia Cliburn, Juan Gonzalez and Father Suresh Thirumalareddy. (Photo courtesy of parish)

JACKSON – Holy Ghost Catholic Church celebrated first Communion April 16, 2025. Pictured from left are Father Madanu Vijaya Bhaskar, SVD; Alexandria Barney; Cattaleya Barney; and Tristan Barney, siblings. (Photo by Dorothy Ashley)

– St. Michael parishioners received first Communion on May 4. Pictured from left to right: Elliot Dale Beasley, Abigail Grace Roach, Caden Harper Marshall, Donald Keith Rice III and Crosby Clayton Roberts, with Father Robert Dore in the back. (Photo by Amy Chaney)

– (right) St. Jude parish celebrated first Communion on Saturday, May 3. Pictured from right: Mateo Alvarado, Daniela Duran, Kelvin Espinoza, Maximiliano Gaviria, Vanessa Hernandez, Dyana Lemus-Polanco, Daleyza Lopez, Osmari Monragon, Jake Morales, Isaias Navarro, Melanie Vizcaya and Jordan Zainz. (Photo by Denisse Dunlop)

LELAND – St. James parish celebrated first Communion with Reed Mahalitc, Daniel Smythe, Lela Fratesi, Cameron Palasini, Mason McGee and Colt Palasini. (Photo by Ann Marie Smythe)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS – St. John parish celebrated first Communion May 25, 2025. Pictured are Father Kevin Slattery and Isabel Luna. (Photo by Yvette Howard)

PEARL

VICKSBURG – St. Paul RCIA candidates Caleb Bethany, Melanie Nunez and Alexander Nunez were welcomed into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil 2025, pictured with Father Rusty Vincent. (Photo courtesy of parish)

VICKSBURG

– St. John the Evangelist parish celebrated first Communion May 4. Back row, from left: Frances Whelan, Althea Schmerge, Cordie Houston, Tessie Getz and Collins Soldevila; middle row, from left: Lulu Chaney, McLaurin Wade, Forte Koury, Zoe Marascalco and Theodore Cutcliffe; front row, from left: Sophie Hudspeth, Hank Noel, Clara Allen, Mary Grace Cannon and Charlotte Stringfellow. Pictured with Father Mark Shoffner. (Photo by Antonella Rescigno)

– St. Mary Basilica celebrated first Communion on May 4. Top row, from left: Abigail Powers, Lewie Brown, Colt Atkins, Carmen Escamilla, Khloe King, Patrick Goldman, Easten Morris, Stevie Jenkins, Thomas O’Brien, Jacob Tran and Father Aaron Williams. Bottom row, from left: Neil Willard, Tommy Malloy, Lauren King, Piper Smith, Tinley Blaney, Aubrey Ryan, Ella Blase Gaude, Elin Wagner, Jewel Killen and Harrison Williams. (Photo courtesy of parish)

– St. Mary parish celebrated first Communion. Front row, from left: Sara Earnest, Evelynn Eldred and Oscar Garfias. Back row: catechist Kerri McKnatt and Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy. (Photo courtesy of parish)

OXFORD

NATCHEZ

MAGEE – (left) St. Stephen parish celebrated first Communion with Moses Lien and Isaac Do, pictured with Father Stephen Okojie. (Photo by Kirby Rivere)

BATESVILLE

CITY – St. Mary parishioners Trace Kennedy and Mary Cole McMaster made their first Communion Sunday, April 6, 2025, with Father Paneer Arockiam.

– St. Francis of Assisi parish celebrated first Communion. Front row, left to right: Beck Kenyon, Heidi Tassin, Dustin Le, Addison McCormick, Grayson Santana, Addy Jasinski, Jennie

Alex Magaña, Sophie Vaughan and Hal Venable. Second row,

to

Ellie Runnels, Sadie Baldwin, Louis Toth, Riley Walker, Silas Berlin, Gavin Bahadur, Isabel Palacios, Khloe Palacios, Frankie Brown, Lawson Griffin, Ruby Robb, Caroline Webb, Vivi-Ann Barbrey and Sadler Sims. Third row, left to

Myles Godbold, Theodore Brignac, Harper Measells, Daniel Harkins, Claire Smith, Bethel Ambe, Hannie Ambe and Akshaya Tirumalareddy. Pictured with Fathers Joseph Golamari and Albeenreddy Vatti. Also pictured are Ethan Conerly, Thomas McDaniel, Declan McCormick and Diya Tirumalareddy.

YAZOO

(Photo by Babs McMaster)

PEARL – St. Jude parish celebrated the baptism of Ariana Perez, Miya Perez, Christina Diaz and Crystal Diaz on May 23. (Photo by Kathleen Edwards)

MADISON

Jones,

left

right:

right:

(Photo by Paula Bennett)

JACKSON – St. Therese parish celebrated first Communion on May 25. Pictured are Liliana Balderas, Rodrigo Bautista, Ailin Prudencio, Genaro Flores, Joshua Balderas, Kaylee Duarte, Oscar Gaspar, Ashley Hernández and Hailey Hernández. Teachers Rosalinda Montoya, Maria Valadez and Alondra Del Rosal are also pictured with celebrant Father Stephen Okojie. (Photo by Mario Villasenor)

Seminaristas diocesanos testifican historia en Roma

Por MaDeLYn JoHnson

JACKSON – Grayson Foley y EJ Martin, seminaristas de la Diócesis de Jackson que actualmente estudian en el Seminario Notre Dame de Nueva Orleans, planificaron su peregrinación a Italia con meses de antelación. Lo que no sabían era que su visita se convertiría en una experiencia única en la vida.

Los dos fueron llamados a unirse a la Peregrinación de la Esperanza por Roma. Después de reservar su viaje en febrero, se sorprendieron al saber que un nuevo papa, el papa León, había sido elegido el día antes de su vuelo a Roma.

Durante su estancia en Roma, Grayson y EJ visitaron a otros seminaristas en el Pontificio Colegio Norteamericano y pasaron tiempo con el hermano mayor de EJ, Sterling Foley, seminarista de los Legionarios de Cristo con sede en su Casa de Formación en Roma. El trío recorrió la ciudad y visitó las cuatro basílicas principales, atravesando cada Puerta Santa durante

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO – En la imagen superior, los seminaristas EJ Martin y Grayson Foley, de la diócesis de Jackson, aparecen entre los que participaron en la misa inaugural del papa León XIV en la plaza de San Pedro, en la Ciudad del Vaticano, el 18 de mayo de 2025. La histórica liturgia atrajo a más de 200.000 fieles, además de dignatarios, clérigos y peregrinos de todo el mundo. (Foto de Julia Mineeva/EGBN TV News/Alamy Live News/ Alamy Stock Photo)

este Año Jubilar. “Atravesamos todas las Puertas Santas de las basílicas, rezando continuamente por la gente de nuestra tierra, Misisipi, y por aquellos que hicieron posible el viaje”, dijo Grayson Foley.

Poco después de su llegada, se supo que la misa de investidura del papa León, el primer papa estadounidense, tendría lugar el 18 de mayo. Los seminaristas se enfrentaron a una decisión: ¿debían quedarse y servir en la histórica misa? La respuesta era clara: sí.

Gracias a la hospitalidad de los seminaristas legionarios de Cristo, se consiguieron entradas para EJ, Grayson y Grant Caillouet, un seminarista de la diócesis de Baton Rouge, para ayudar en la distribución de la comunión durante la misa de toma de posesión en la basílica de San Pedro. Asistieron casi 20.000 personas. Se sentaron a la derecha del altar y permanecieron allí hasta el Credo. “Durante el Credo de la

El presidente Trump promulga la ‘Gran y Hermosa’ Ley el 4 de julio

Por Kate scanLon

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – El presidente Donald Trump firmó el 4 de julio un proyecto de ley de reconciliación fiscal que implementa gran parte de su agenda legislativa sobre impuestos e inmigración durante una ceremonia del Día de la Independencia en la Casa Blanca.

"Nuestro país ha tenido mucho que celebrar este Día de la Independencia al entrar en nuestro 249.º aniversario. Estados Unidos está ganando, ganando, ganando como nunca antes", declaró Trump en la ceremonia.

"Hemos declarado oficialmente permanentes los recortes de impuestos de Trump", añadió. "Es el mayor recorte de impuestos en la historia de nuestro país. ... Después de que esto entre en vigor, nuestro país será un cohete, económicamente".

Previamente, la Cámara de Representantes de EE. UU. aprobó el 3 de julio la "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (la Gran y Hermosa Ley) con una votación de 218 a 214.

El Senado aprobó previamente el paquete de reconciliación el 1 de julio, después de que Trump los instara a hacerlo antes del 4 de julio.

Los líderes católicos han elogiado y criticado alternativamente diversas disposiciones de la legislación. Sin embargo, en una alerta de acción enviada por correo electrónico a sus partidarios el 1 de julio,

la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU. finalmente declaró que el proyecto de ley "actualmente perjudica a las familias más pobres".

Solo dos republicanos – los representantes Thomas Massie, de Kentucky, y Brian Fitzpatrick, de Pensilvania – votaron en contra de la medida. Massie mencionó el aumento proyectado de la deuda nacional, mientras que Fitzpatrick, quien es católico, mencionó cómo los recortes a Medicaid afectarían a su distrito.

El arzobispo Timothy P. Broglio, presidente de la USCCB y jefe de la Arquidiócesis de EE.UU. para los Servicios Militares, declaró el 3 de julio tras la votación que él y los obispos habían instado "repetida y consistentemente" a los legisladores a garantizar que el proyecto de ley ayudara a las familias necesitadas y a "cambiar de rumbo" en aspectos "que perjudican a los pobres y vulnerables".

"La versión final del proyecto de ley incluye recortes abusivos a la atención médica y la asistencia alimentaria, recortes de impuestos que aumentan la desigualdad, disposiciones migratorias que perjudican a familias y niños, y recortes a programas que protegen la creación de Dios", declaró el arzobispo Broglio. "El proyecto de ley, tal como se aprobó, causará el mayor daño a las personas especialmente vulnerables de nuestra sociedad. Con la entrada en vigor de sus disposiciones, las personas perderán el

acceso a la atención médica y tendrán dificultades para comprar alimentos, las familias se separarán y las comunidades vulnerables estarán menos preparadas para afrontar los impactos ambientales de la contaminación y las condiciones climáticas extremas".

El presidente de la USCCB afirmó: "Se debe hacer más para prevenir estos efectos devastadores". Señaló que la propia enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la dignidad humana y el bien común la obliga a "redoblar esfuerzos y ofrecer ayuda concreta a quienes más la necesiten, así como a seguir abogando por iniciativas legislativas que brinden mejores oportunidades en el futuro para quienes la necesiten".

El presidente de la Cámara de Representantes, Mike Johnson, republicano por Louisiana, declaró en una conferencia de prensa posterior a la votación que los republicanos "no querían desperdiciar la oportunidad" de controlar ambas cámaras del Congreso y la Casa Blanca para promulgar la agenda de Trump.

"Muchas de las estimaciones sobre el impacto negativo que esta legislación tendría en las comunidades de mi estado o de cualquier otro son exageradas", declaró Johnson al ser preguntado sobre las críticas al proyecto de ley por parte de grupos religiosos de su estado. "Les puedo asegurar que este proyecto de ley

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

' ... Estar tan cerca de la toma de posesión del primer papa estadounidense fue increíble ...'

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misa, nos llevaron a la capilla de adoración dentro de San Pedro”, recordó Grayson. “Cuando EJ y yo entramos en la gigantesca y vacía basílica de San Pedro, se estaba cantando la parte del Credo en la que se dice: ‘Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam’, que se traduce como ‘Y (creo en) una Iglesia santa, católica y apostólica’. La impresionante vista de la iglesia de San Pedro y lo fundamental que es ese lugar para la Iglesia me hizo llorar, pero tuve que contenerme porque estábamos a punto de distribuir la comunión”.

A cada seminarista se le dieron 100 hostias para distribuir entre los miles de asistentes a la histórica misa. Se adentraron entre la multitud gritando “¡Corpus Christi!” mientras daban la Eucaristía a los fieles.

“EJ es alto y tiene los brazos largos, y distribuyó la comunión a tantas personas como pudo”, dijo su madre, Dana Martin, que presenció

el evento a través de la retransmisión en directo. “Había barreras que retenían a la gente detrás del pasillo y EJ seguía abriéndose paso entre la multitud con la comunión: ¡Corpus Christi! ¡Corpus Christi! ¡Corpus Christi!”.

Cuando terminaron de repartir las hostias, la multitud los separó. Grayson encontró el camino de vuelta al interior de San Pedro y fue testigo de cómo el papa León saludaba a dignatarios de todo el mundo, incluidos el rey y la reina de Francia.

EJ reflexionó: “Estar tan cerca de la toma de posesión del primer papa estadounidense fue increíble. Rezar con Jesús en mis manos en una basílica de San Pedro vacía fue increíble. Pero lo más increíble fue distribuir la comunión a la gente. Qué felices estaban de recibir a Jesús en esa misa. Probablemente, estas personas habían estado esperando más de cinco horas para tener esta oportunidad. Fue una experiencia tan bendita que nunca la olvidaré”.

Desde la izquierda, los seminaristas EJ Martin y Grayson Foley, ambos de la Diócesis de Jackson, y Sterling Foley, de los Legionarios de Cristo, comparten un momento juntos en la Plaza de San Pedro en medio de la multitud. (Foto cortesía de Laura Foley)

'... La Iglesia Católica considera el acceso a la alimentación y a la atención médica como derechos humanos fundamentales ...'

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será muy beneficioso para todos en el país, especialmente para mis electores. Lo que es bueno para Louisiana es bueno para Estados Unidos".

Durante su discurso de ocho horas y 44 minutos en el pleno – parte de un procedimiento de la Cámara conocido como el "minuto mágico", en el que los miembros del liderazgo pueden hablar todo el tiempo que deseen durante los discursos de "un minuto" sin restar tiempo extra al debate –, Jeffries dijo: "Me levanto hoy en firme oposición a la repugnante abominación de Donald Trump".

Jeffries afirmó que la legislación "destruye Medicaid, priva de comida a niños, ancianos y veteranos, y recompensa a los multimillonarios con enormes exenciones fiscales".

La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, una entidad no partidista, estimó que casi 12 millones de personas perderán su cobertura médica bajo la legislación.

Ingrid Delgado, directora nacional de políticas públicas y defensa de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl EE.UU., declaró a OSV News: "Estos grandes recortes a la red de seguridad social son realmente preocupantes, por el impacto que tendrán en los más marginados".

"La Iglesia Católica considera el acceso a la alimentación y a la atención

médica como derechos humanos fundamentales", afirmó Delgado. "Por lo tanto, quienes acceden al SNAP en nuestro país y a Medicaid son nuestros hermanos y hermanas más marginados y pobres".

Delgado añadió que los recortes a estos programas podrían llevar a "más personas (a estar) sin seguro, sin comida y en riesgo de quedarse sin hogar".

La legislación aumentará significativamente los fondos para el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE por sus siglas en inglés) y la Patrulla Fronteriza, mientras la administración Trump busca implementar sus políticas migratorias de línea dura, incluyendo la deportación masiva de inmigrantes sin autorización legal para vivir y trabajar en Estados Unidos. Autorizó cerca de 150 mil millones de dólares en nuevos gastos para inmigración y control fronterizo. Antes de la aprobación del proyecto de ley, el vicepresidente J.D. Vance promocionó el control migratorio como la razón principal por la que creía que los republicanos del Congreso debían aprobarlo.

Sin embargo, otros celebraron una disposición de la legislación que retiraría fondos a Planned Parenthood solo por un año – en comparación con la propuesta original de 10 años – y la financiación se reanudaría posteriormente.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, presidenta de Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, declaró a OSV News el día antes de la votación de la Cámara de Representantes que "este es el posible punto culminante del primer año en el que los contribuyentes federales no se ven obligados a financiar grandes abortos, y eso sería enorme".

En una campaña de recaudación de fondos en su sitio web, Planned Parenthood afirmó que el impacto de la legislación "será inmediato y devastador".

Más información en Mississippi Catholic.com

Lee cómo 20 obispos de EE.UU. se unieron a un esfuerzo interreligioso que calificó la legislación como un "fracaso moral" en: http://bit. ly/46FXEPN

Para un análisis sobre cómo la 'Gran y Hermosa Ley' podría tener un impacto "sin precedentes" en los inmigrantes, visita: http://bit. ly/3Is31bf

La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso, entidad no partidista, estimó que la legislación aumentaría el déficit en casi 3,3 billones de dólares entre 2025 y 2034. La deuda nacional de Estados Unidos asciende actualmente a 36,2 billones de dólares y tiene consecuencias para el resto de la sociedad. Una carta del 26 de junio dirigida a los senadores de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos elogió la disposición que despojaría de fondos a Planned Parenthood, a la vez

que se opuso a otras que, según ellos, aumentarían los impuestos a los trabajadores pobres y, al mismo tiempo, otorgarían grandes recortes fiscales a los más ricos. La carta añadía: "Por ello, millones de familias pobres no podrán permitirse una atención sanitaria que les salve la vida y tendrán dificultades para comprar alimentos para sus hijos. Algunos hospitales rurales probablemente cerrarán". Los obispos calificaron estas disposiciones de "inconcebibles e inaceptables".

Ese mismo día, 20 obispos católicos estadounidenses firmaron una iniciativa interreligiosa que instaba al Senado a rechazar el proyecto de ley, citando, entre otras preocupaciones, los recortes a la asistencia nutricional y a Medicaid, y su impacto en los inmigrantes, calificándolo de "draconiano" y un "fracaso moral".

(Kate Scanlon es reportera nacional de OSV News y cubre Washington. Síguela en @kgscanlon.)

Con el apoyo del Papa, el Vaticano publicará un documento sobre la fase final del Sínodo

Por Justin McLeLLan CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Casi cuatro años después de que el Papa Francisco abriera el camino de la Iglesia Católica hacia la sinodalidad – un término que muchos en la Iglesia desconocían – , su sucesor ha dado su apoyo a la última etapa del camino sinodal.

El Sínodo de los Obispos, que admitió con derecho a voto a mujeres, laicos y otros no obispos durante sus dos asambleas universales de octubre de 2023 y 2024, "conserva naturalmente su identidad institucional, al tiempo que se enriquece con los frutos madurados en esta temporada", declaró el Papa León XIV al consejo ordinario del sínodo el 26 de junio. "Y ustedes son el cuerpo encargado de recoger estos frutos y de participar en una reflexión orientada hacia el futuro".

El papa León XIV se dirige al Consejo Ordinario de la Secretaría General del Sínodo durante una reunión en el Vaticano el 26 de junio de 2025. A la izquierda del papa se encuentra el obispo Luis Marín de San Martín, subsecretario del sínodo. A la derecha están el cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general, y la hermana misionera Xavière Nathalie Becquart, subsecretaria. (Foto CNS/Vatican Media)

Durante dos días, el consejo se reunió para aprobar un documento para la etapa final de implementación del sínodo, destinado a mejorar el diálogo entre las iglesias locales y la oficina sinodal del Vaticano, según informó la Secretaría General del Sínodo de los Obispos en un comunicado el 30 de junio. El documento se publicará el 7 de julio en www. synod.va.

El consejo también analizó la labor de los grupos de estudio instituidos por el Papa Francisco para abordar temas polémicos, como la ordenación femenina y los cambios en la formación sacerdotal.

Los grupos de estudio debían presentar informes provisionales sobre sus conclusiones en junio de 2025, pero la oficina sinodal señaló que, debido al fallecimiento del papa Francisco y a la elección del papa León XIV, se han producido retrasos. De acuerdo con el Papa León XIV, la fecha límite para presentar los informes finales se extendió hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2025, y los informes provisionales se publicarán en el sitio web de la oficina sinodal a medida que se reciban, según se indicó.

Según la constitución apostólica "Universi Dominici Gregis", que rige los procedimientos cuando el papado está vacante, un concilio o Sínodo de Obispos se suspende inmediatamente cuando un papa fallece o renuncia. Todas las reuniones, decisiones y promulgaciones deben cesar hasta que un nuevo papa ordene explícitamente su continuación; de lo contrario, se considerarán nulas.

El difunto Papa inauguró la fase diocesana del proceso sinodal mundial en octubre de 2021, programada originalmente para culminar con una asamblea presencial en Roma en octubre de 2023. Tras un año de escucha, se celebró otra asamblea en octubre de 2024, y en marzo, el Papa Francisco inauguró una fase de implementación del sínodo de tres años que culminará en una asamblea eclesial en el Vaticano en octubre de 2028.

El Papa León XIII dijo al consejo ordinario del sínodo el 26 de junio: "Los animo en esta labor, rezo para que sea fructífera y desde ahora les estoy agradecido".

La Secretaría General del Sínodo de los Obispos afirmó que el documento, titulado "Pistas para la fase de implementación del Sínodo", es una guía práctica y teológica para los obispos diocesanos y los equipos sinodales en la aplicación local de las propuestas finales del sínodo.

La oficina sinodal señaló que esta fase del proceso sinodal "corresponde sobre todo a las Iglesias locales", encargadas de traducir las "propuestas autorizadas" de la asamblea sinodal en prácticas pastorales concretas en sus respectivos contextos. Al mismo tiempo, la oficina sinodal afirmó que las directrices se elaboraron para responder a las preguntas planteadas por obispos y líderes diocesanos en los últimos meses y que su objetivo es apoyar, no sustituir, el discernimiento local.

El cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general del Sínodo de los Obispos, reconoció en su discurso inaugural de la reunión del consejo que persisten "dificultades y resistencias" al proceso sinodal. Añadió que, si bien algunas diócesis ya han comenzado la fase de implementación con entusiasmo, otras esperan con inquietud las próximas directrices.

"Estas posiciones contrarias no deben pasarse por alto", afirmó. "Más bien, diría que deben interpelarnos profundamente".

El cardenal Grech propuso establecer un foro permanente, al que denominó "Mesa de la Sinodalidad", para fomentar la reflexión teológica y canónica continua sobre la sinodalidad y alentó una mayor inversión en programas de formación. También afirmó que las nuevas colaboraciones con instituciones académicas y el apoyo continuo a jóvenes teólogos contribuirían a cultivar una mentalidad sinodal en toda la Iglesia.

El obispo Kopacz sobre el nombramiento del nuevo arzobispo

JACKSON – El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz y la Diócesis de Jackson se regocijan en nombre de la Arquidiócesis de Mobile por el nombramiento por parte del papa León XIV del arzobispo Mark S. Rivituso como tercer arzobispo de Mobile. Es originario de la Arquidiócesis de St. Louis, donde ha ejercido como obispo auxiliar desde 2017.

Pedimos al Señor Jesús que le conceda sus mejores bendiciones durante este periodo de transición de San Luis a Mobile. Puede estar seguro de que recibirá una calurosa bienvenida a la provincia de Mobile como nuevo arzobispo.

Asimismo, elevamos nuestras oraciones de inmensa gratitud al arzobispo Thomas J. Rodi por su notable liderazgo como arzobispo de Mobile desde 2009 y, anteriormente, como obispo de Biloxi durante la catástrofe natural del Katrina. Ha sido verdaderamente un apóstol del Golfo como canciller y vicario general en Nueva Orleans, obispo de Biloxi y arzobispo de Mobile. Que el Señor siga haciendo brillar su rostro sobre este buen y fiel servidor en su jubilación.

El obispo auxiliar de San Luis, Mark S. Rivituso, aparece en una foto de archivo. El 1 de julio de 2025, el papa León XIV aceptó la renuncia del arzobispo Thomas J. Rodi, de Mobile, Alabama, y nombró al ahora arzobispo Rivituso como su sucesor. (Foto cortesía de Rob Herbst/Arquidiócesis de Mobile)

de Mobile

18 de julio de 2025

Manifestantes se unen a una marcha nocturna en Viotá, Colombia, el 26 de junio de 2025, con cientos de residentes portando velas y pancartas con fotos del padre Carlos Jaimes Guerrero. Durante casi tres semanas, las autoridades colombianas han estado buscando al fraile agustino de 30 años, desaparecido desde el 17 de junio, y aún no han identificado las posibles razones de su desaparición. (Foto de OSV News/página de Facebook del gobierno local)

NACIÓN

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – La Iglesia Católica "mantiene su postura de no apoyar ni oponerse a los candidatos políticos", dijo la portavoz de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU., Chieko Noguchi, a raíz de un reciente caso judicial en el que una prohibición federal de larga data contra tal actividad parecía haberse relajado parcialmente. Noguchi hizo esta declaración el 8 de julio, un día después de que el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS por sus siglas en inglés) aceptara en un juicio que una casa de culto que hable a sus fieles de política electoral en el contexto de la fe religiosa no viola la Enmienda Johnson. Dicha disposición del código tributario de EE.UU. prohíbe a las organizaciones 501(c)(3) – un tipo de organización sin ánimo de lucro exenta de impuestos según el código tributario estadounidense, y la estructura corporativa típica de las iglesias, comunidades de culto y organizaciones benéficas del país – participar en actividades de campaña política. Sin embargo, dijo Noguchi, "El IRS estaba abordando un caso específico, y no cambia la forma en que la Iglesia Católica participa en el debate público". Y añadió: "La Iglesia trata de ayudar a los católicos a formar su conciencia en el Evangelio para que puedan discernir qué candidatos y políticas promoverían el bien común".

VATICANO

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italia (CNS) – Después de más de una década sin su veraneante más famoso, la tranquila ciudad de Castel Gandolfo vuelve a contar con el Papa entre sus residentes de verano. El Papa León XIV se convirtió en el decimosexto Papa en residir en la residencia papal de verano cuando se trasladó allí el 6 de julio, tras el rezo del Ángelus en la Plaza de San Pedro. "Esta tarde me trasladaré a Castel Gandolfo, donde pienso permanecer para un breve período de descanso", dijo el Papa a los peregrinos reunidos en la plaza. "Deseo a todos que puedan disfrutar de un tiempo de vacaciones para reponer fuerzas físicas y espirituales". La tradición de que los pontífices escapen del calor veraniego de Roma para trasladarse a las más frescas colinas de Alban comenzó con el papa Urbano VIII en 1626. En 2016, el Papa Francisco convirtió la propiedad papal en un museo, abriendo la villa y los jardines al público.

MUNDO

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (OSV News) – Las autoridades colombianas continuaron la búsqueda del padre Carlos Jaimes Guerrero, un sacerdote agustino de 30 años que desapareció el 17 de junio cerca de Viotá, al suroeste de Bogotá. Su camioneta fue encontrada abandonada más tarde, con el motor en marcha, sin signos de violencia y

sin rastro alguno de él. Su familia ha pedido públicamente su liberación, y los lugareños han organizado vigilias y rezos. La búsqueda se produce en medio de la conmoción nacional por otra tragedia: el 1 de julio, las autoridades confirmaron que ocho misioneros evangélicos y protestantes, secuestrados en abril por disidentes de las FARC en Guaviare, fueron encontrados asesinados y enterrados en una fosa común. Las autoridades afirman que los guerrilleros atacaron al grupo para impedir que grupos rivales ganaran influencia. Los líderes eclesiásticos advierten que los grupos armados y los cárteles siguen aterrorizando a las comunidades y atacando especialmente a los líderes religiosos. Los agustinos piden oraciones y cooperación mientras se intensifica la investigación sobre la desaparición del padre Jaimes. «Las desapariciones siempre han formado parte de las graves violencias cometidas por los grupos armados aquí, incluidas las de personas religiosas», afirmó el teólogo Heyner Hernández Díaz. Destacó que los grupos guerrilleros y los cárteles de la droga se disputan territorios en muchas zonas de Colombia.

TOME NOTA

Vírgenes y Santos

Santa María Magdalena 22 de julio

Santiago, Apóstol 25 de julio

Santos Joaquín y Ana, padres de la bienaventurada virgen María 26 de julio

Santos Marta, María y Lázaro 6 de agosto

Santo Domingo de Guzmán 8 de agosto

Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María 15 de agosto

San Pío, papa 21 de agosto

Bienaventurada Virgen María, Reina 22 de agosto

Santa Rosa de Lima 23 de agostoo

Síganos en Facebook: @DiócesisCatólicadeJackson Únase a lista de correos electrónicos

Mande un texto: MSCATHOLIC a 84576

Envíenos las fotos y los pies de foto de los eventos de su parroquia. editor@jacksondiocese.org

HAZLEHURST – St. Martin parish celebrated first Communion on June 1. Front row, from left: Aylin Ramirez Matias, Cynthia Hernandez Martinez, Lesli Hernandez Lorenzo, Sheylin Sarayda Agustin, Rosa Perez Gomez, Beyli Hernandez Garcia, Kevin Salinas, Sulma Garcia Gabriel, Antony Romero Lopez and Fernanda Velasquez Aguilon. Back row, from left: Bernabe Zaragoza, catechist Higinia Cermeno, Father Kevin Slattery, catechist Concepcion Martinez and Eric Alejandro Reyes. (Photo by Yvette Howard)

– St. Stephen parishioners Allison Underwood, holding Lawson, and Father Stephen Okojie, holding Leah, are

with Wade Underwood. Both children were baptized together.

FLOWOOD – (above) St. Paul parish celebrated Confirmation at St. Jude in Pearl. Back row, from left: Zeke Vaughn, Cameron Clune, Deacon Tony Schmidt, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Father Gerry Hurley, Abram Eubanks, Anthony Haag and Drayden Gales. Front row, from left: Mary Lucille Gaspard, Delilah Roberts and Jordyn Sclafani. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

MAGEE

pictured

(Photo by Kirby J. Rivere)

JACKSON – (right) Youth from Holy Family parish celebrated first Communion on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Pictured from left: Jordan Resendiz, Father Leon Ngandu, SVD; Natalia Sanchez and Alejandro Sanchez. (Photo courtesy of parish)

JACKSON – St. Richard parish celebrated first Communion April 26. Back row, from left: Harry McIlwaine, Samuel Nicholas, Mary Frances Turner, Grant Comstock, Victor Griffin, Knox Hogue, Levi Eaton, William Mosley, Fraley Minton and Sophie Rogers. Middle row, from left: Mende Dillon, Sudie Markow, Ellie Bowers, Lyle Carlton, Hales Carlton, Elsie Ueltschey, Harrison Fox, Hallie Lumaghini and Aiden Jones. Bottom row, from left: Olivia Mokry, Theil Crews, Elaine Barrera, Pippa Kline, Andrew Whitfield, Aaron Jones, Ann Lavender Simmons and Greer Taylor. (Photo by Ron Blaylock)

MERIDIAN – (left) St. Joseph parish celebrated first Communion May 4. Pictured are Father Augustine Palimattam, Zorah Johnson and Robert “RJ” Quedado. (Photo by John Harwell)

CARTHAGE – St. Anne parish celebrated first Communion with Brianna Nallely Lopez Cardona, Emily Mia Sanchez Mejia, Wilbert Yaniel Rodriguez, Alondra Barron Gonzalez, Dayamy Villasenor Ramirez, Emmanuel Trinidad Garcia Lopez, Max Karim Orozco Garcia, Yaretzy Mishelle Tremaj Miranda, Stephanie Sofia Lopez Salvador, Irvin Evelio Salvador Agustin, Kenia Martinez, Irvin de Jesus Vazquez Figueroa, Dylan Jesus Salvador Perez, Jonathan Rodriguez Marroquin, Brianna Colin Barron, Alexander Barron Gonzalez and Liam Jose Vasquez Figueroa. (Photo courtesy of parish)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS – St. John parish celebrated Confirmation May 31, 2025. Front row, from left: Odalis Rodriguez, Neida Ramirez, Dania Mendez, Magali Hernandez Garcia, Uvaldo Hernandez Garcia, Chelsey Delcid Reza and Jessica Corado. Back row, from left: Father Kevin Slattery, Nancy Zarate, Melani Socon, Esteban Martinez, Bishop Kopacz, Mia Joseph, Kevin Guerrero Loaeza and Rubi Guerrero Loaeza. (Photo by Yvette Howard)

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist parish celebrated Confirmation. Back row, from left: Jack Lewis, Ayden Vazquez, Annie Perry, Cecilia Carr, Robert Jubera, Landon Hendrickson, Andrew Colby, Anthony Vasquez, George Noel and John Brents. Front row, from left: James Brents, Allison Munoz, Mackenzie Clark, Carson Hendrickson, Edward Lewis, Lawson Sanders, Campbell Soldevila and George Lewis. (Photo courtesy of parish)

COLUMBUS – Annunciation parish celebrated Confirmation on May 6. Back row, from left: Ethan Barclay, Jack Furnari, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Thompson Regimbal, Joseph Ratliff and catechist Maria Dunser. Front row, from left: Ava Alexander, Jackie Robinson, Sophia Shepherd, Ayla Meier, Abigail Maya, Isabella Padron, Jasmine Marquez, Lilly Moody, Emily Robinson, Angelle Jean-Pierre and Ashley Dominguez. (Photo courtesy of parish)

COLUMBUS – Joseph Ratliff receives the sacrament of Confirmation as Bishop Joseph Kopacz anoints him with sacred chrism at Annunciation parish. (Photo by Melissa Ratliff)

CATHOLIC JULY 18, 2025

MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi parish celebrated Confirmation May 25. Front row, from left: Kathlyn Alfonso, Eliza Rowlett, Iliana Blount, Father Albeen Vatti, Stafford Lott, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Josiah Davidson, Ania Reyna, Florentina Martinez and Lauryn Blue. Second row, from left: Ava Martin, Daniel Inman, Nicholas Kalichka-Paiva, Rodrigo Neira, Jack Williams, Rowan Buck, Brian Maldonado, Jackson Nicosia and Landry Lee. Back row, from left: Betzy Guerrero, Father Joseph Golamari, Mary Woodward (chancellor), Deacon Denzil Lobo, Alex Glass, Msgr. Elvin Sunds, Alex Lott and Julian Reyna. (Photo by Melissa Smalley)

JACKSON – Avery Leverette received the sacrament of Confirmation at Christ the King parish, pictured with sponsor Regina Adams, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Deacon Denzil Lobo. (Photo courtesy of parish)

NEW ALBANY – St. Francis of Assisi parish celebrated first Communion on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Top row, from left: Cruz Mejia, Father Jesuraja “Raj” Xavier and Carlos Enrique Nava. Second row, from left: Jesus Romero Zuniga, Jacob Contreras, Christina Nava, Kayla Marie Nava, Milan Ortega and Luis Miguel Lopez. Third row, from left: Yaretzi Navarro, Esmeralda Mendoza, Brandon Guerrero, Paulina Ramirez, Ariana Romero, Melani Romero and Valeria Chavez. Front row, from left: Valeria Noemi Huerta and Thiago Vera. (Photo by Joanna Manning)

– Our Lady of Victories parish celebrated Confirmation on May 3, 2025, with several youth from neighboring parishes. Front row, from left: Father Kent Bowlds, Rachel Tibbs, Teresa Noguez-Centeno, Colleen Gonzalez, Maggie May, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Valeria Castro (Immaculate Conception, Indianola), Kayla Zuniga (St. Francis, Greenwood), Jocelin Camacho and Zuleica Sanchez-Flores. Second row, from left: Aaden Cosue, Landon Vargas, Braden Davis, Ignacio Morales-Balderas, Anderson Short, Jose Santos Gonzalez (St. Joseph, Greenville), Pratheek Bheemashetty, Emma Ornelas, Viktor Manriquez, Netzaen Moncada and Fabian Torres. Back row, from left: Harper Morlino (St. Joseph, Greenville), William Garrett, Caine Buehring and Layton Glorioso. (Photo by Jenifer Jenkins)

the

Father

of

McCOMB – St. Alphonsus parish celebrated Confirmation on May 1. Bottom row, from left: Savannah Scariano (Confirmation coordinator), Fatima Cambron, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Amina Rozelle, Cailley Duplantis (St. Francis of Assisi, Brookhaven) and Londyn Folse. Middle row, from left: Father Suresh Thirumalareddy, Hayes Gabler, Renee Peña and Father Bill Henry. Top row, from left: Angie Barrios (Confirmation teacher), Chase Fortenberry, Dillon Rollins and Tatum Klug. (Photo courtesy of parish)

CLEVELAND

CANTON –

Guy Wilson, S.T., administers

sacrament

Confirmation to Myles Chandler at Holy Child Jesus parish. (Photo by Sister Mary Anne Poeschl)

April 19.

Morgan Purdy, Melissa Farley, Jackson Farley and Mason Farley. Second row, from left: Darcel Phillips, Derek Silva, Jonathan Farley, Steven Kelley, Benjamin Hardy, Jennifer DiFatta, Noelle Carey, Chloe Battles, Layla Farley, Emma Farley and Mary Catherine Pogue. Third row, from left: Robert Calcote, Zachary Robbins, Nathan Polichnia, Sara Daleo, Briana Polichnia, Robin Cumberland, Albree Sanders Florey and Scott Florey. Fourth row: Ken Woodward, faith formation director, Father Augustine Palimattam and Diane Daleo.

Joseph parish celebrated

on May 4. Bottom row, from

Lilly Thomas, Emily Dearman, Laura Jones, Avery Trowbridge, Abby Stringer, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Kehle Hutto, Bell McNeil, Abby Grace Gorman, Natalia Cruz, Janet Gaspar and Anna Stenmark. Middle row, from left: Deacon Denzil Lobo, Isabelle Zevallos, Anna Antici, Mary Greer Flowerday, Isabella Ainsworth, Austin Sanders, Kennedy Hutto, Ella Trowbridge, Elizabeth Yoste, Avery Leverette, Caroline Touchet, Sophie Jones, Zarin Thomas and Evans Henderson. Top row, from left: Father Matthew Simmons, Father Ray Remke (Birmingham), Charlie Ring Jr., Colby Jones, Drew Wamble, Davis Runnels, Chad Davidson, John Dean D’Antonio, Brian Bergeron and Liam Hawk. (Photo courtesy of parish)

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick parish celebrated Confirmation on

Front row, from left: Sarah Kelley,

(Photo courtesy of parish)

GLUCKSTADT – St.

Confirmation

left:

PEARL – St. Jude parish celebrated Confirmation on May 8. Front row, from left: Deacon John McGregor, Father Cesar Sanchez, Katelyn Huerta, Catherine Castillo, Allison Luevano, Kaylie Gonzalez, Mary Lynn Brannon, Mary Adeline Bokros and Deacon Mark Bowden. Second row, from left: Matthew DeOchoa, Cruz Rodriguez, Edwin Juarez, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Kevin Luevano and Ricardo Juarez. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph and St. Patrick parishes in Meridian celebrated Confirmation on April 30 at St. Patrick Church. Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the celebrant, assisted by Father Augustine Palimattam, pastor; Father Carlisle Beggerly, parochial vicar; and Deacon Denzil Lobo. Those receiving the sacrament of Confirmation included Sean Auzenne, Yuliana Ayala, Kristy Castillo, Vanessa Espino, Macarena Frias, Jose Angel Garcia, Arely Gomez-Moreno, Mary Lee Gregory, Marcos Marin, Luis Perez Jr., Miranda Rigdon and Diego Suarez-Reyes. (Photo courtesy of parish)

JACKSON – St. Therese parish celebrated first Communion on May 1. Students receiving the sacrament included William Chavez, Maximiliano Arreguín, Angelli Bolaños, Leslie Duarte, Vanessa Vaca, Charito Barrera, Roberto Jacinto-Garcia, Lino Feregrino, Melissa Doiron, Tyler Doiron, Tommy Doiron, Nelly Rosales, Maria J. Flores Pascual, Angelica Bartolome Nicolás, Javier Alexander Mejía, Clarence Ngong, Charis Ngong, Wade Underwood, Steven Trejo, Edward Maya, Alex Mora, Azul López, Alejandro Martínez, Huriel Campusano and Ashley Duarte. Also pictured are teachers Hannah Villasenor, James Villasenor, Jill Hisaw and Ingrid Piernas; Director of Religious Education Mario Villasenor; and celebrants Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Stephen Okojie. (Photo by Mario Villasenor)

BATESVILLE – Gracyn Gurley received first Communion at St. Mary parish and is pictured with Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy. (Photo courtesy of parish)

Please, give generously! August 9 & 10, 2025

Young Gerow experiences Roman studies, history

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

We left off last time with Richard Gerow, the young seminarian describing his “camarata” or cohort of classmates in Rome at the North American College.

Here is a recap: “I was assigned to a camarata composed entirely of new arrivals except for the Prefect in charge and the Beadle, the assistant Prefect. Our Prefect …was Bill Farrell – one of the older seminarians who was to be to us as a father of the family. Our Beadle … was John Hardeman of Tennessee. John knew every nook and corner in Rome.”

He goes on to identify two key classmates in the group, Samuel Stritch who would go on to become archbishop of Milwaukee and ultimately cardinal archbishop of Chicago; and James Griffin, who would become bishop of Springfield, Illinois, and a co-consecrator of Bishop Gerow in 1924 in Mobile. Members of the camarata developed lifelong friendships through the unique bond of seminary life.

In his volume of reminiscences, Bishop Gerow further chronicles his studies and daily routine as a seminarian. His room at the seminary was on the second floor overlooking the Piazza Pilotta, a smaller square in Rome, at the other end of which was the Gregorian University. Furnishings in the room included a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, basin and pitcher, and a few odds and ends. “That was all; yet, that was sufficient to supply my simple needs,” writes Gerow.

The camarata would rise at 5:30 a.m. and be in chapel for prayer and Mass by 6 a.m. A light breakfast of Italian bread, butter and coffee was next, followed by making the bed, and at the sound of the bell heading off to the Collegio Urbano de Propaganda Fide, a Catholic seminary established in 1627 by Pope Urban VIII to train missionary priests. Familiarly known then as the Propaganda College, it is now better known as the Pontifical Urban University, or simply the Urbano.

Bishop Gerow and his cohorts would walk the six to eight-minute walk taking in the various sights and sounds of early 1900s Rome. Each day they would walk past the Trevi Fountain and other locales to get to their classes. At the Propaganda, they were joined by seminarians from all over the world, each identifiable by their uniform colors – “Greeks in blue, Armenians in black.”

To back up a little: Prior to departing from Mobile, young Gerow consulted with Mobile Bishop Edward Allen on whether he should begin theology classes or take a year to acclimate by taking philosophy classes, which he had taken at Mount St. Mary College. Bishop Allen, in his wisdom, left it up to his young seminarian to decide, and Gerow chose to acclimate in philosophy.

This decision proved very smart for him, as the classes at the Propaganda were 50-minute lectures in Latin – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. “I can readily see now the advantage of my not starting off in theology because although he speaks clearly and enunciates beautifully, yet my ear being unaccustomed in the foreign language can pick up a word or a short phrase here and there, but to follow the continued line of thought is impossible. Here is where I must make up by studying from a book the matter which he treats,” Gerow remarks.

It was at the end of the class day that the camarata would venture out to fully explore the ancient and historic sites of Rome in what was dubbed the “walk period.” Each day they would have an hour-and-ahalf walk exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of the Eternal City. On free days, the walk period extended to three hours. The only requirement of the walks was that they stop in a church and spend 10 minutes praying in the Blessed Sacrament chapel.

“During my time as a student in Rome, automobiles had not yet made an appearance. ... Pedestrians and donkey carts all used the same right of way.

Here we meet a man carrying on his head an abundance of vegetables. There a donkey cart with boxes and other containers. ...

“A little further on we notice a man carrying on his head a great load of tin ware tied together with strings. While we were looking at him the main string broke and the tin ware was seen crashing and rolling in all directions. Naturally, we expect from the ebullient Italian disposition an expression of disgust with probably a few words thrown in which are not used in polite company, but no, to our utter amazement we see him pause for a moment and then we hear from him these soothing words, ‘Pazienza, Pazienza,’ [patience, patience] as he starts to gather his fleeing pots and pans.

“Soon we come to the Tiber. This river flows in three wide curves through the heart of the city. It is crossed by many bridges affording communication between the two sides. In the olden days, this river served as a means of transporting commercial goods to and from the city of Rome. Today, however, it is not.

“Now it is time for us to make our 10-minute visit before the Blessed Sacrament, so we pick a church which we are to pass on our way home and there we make our visit.”

Bishop Gerow’s Roman adventure reminds me of my time studying in Rome, except for the no cars part. What an amazing experience for him at such a time in history!

Tune in next time for some new old adventures from the archives…

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Seminarians attend a lecture at the Collegio Urbano de Propaganda Fide in Rome, where Bishop Richard Gerow studied in the early 1900s. This photo, taken by Gerow during his time at the seminary, is labeled “Checchi’s Class at the Propaganda” and preserved in his personal scrapbook.

Bishop Richard Gerow captured this photo of the Colosseum during his time studying in Rome in the early 1900s. The image comes from his personal photo scrapbook preserved in the diocesan archives. (Photos courtesy of archives)

We are sent

THINGS OLD AND NEW

By Ruth PoweRs

After Mass a little while ago, my young granddaughter asked me a question that made me stop and think. She asked, “Gran, why do we thank God that Mass is over at the end? Shouldn’t we be happy that we were here with Jesus?”

I realized I didn’t have a really good answer for her, but her question made me think and sent me into research mode.

I learned that the dismissal formula used in the current English translations of the Mass is based on formulations from various Eastern rites of the church, but you have to admit that the response “Thanks be to God” after the announcement “The Mass is ended, go in peace” can sound a little jarring.

It is one of the less felicitous translations of the Mass into English and can make it seem as if we’re saying, “Thank God that’s over.”

The direct translation from the Latin dismissal, Ite, missa est, isn’t any better: “Go, it is the dismissal.”

The Latin phrase makes more sense when one investigates its history. The phrase predates Christianity and apparently was used in the Roman military. Ite, missa est was the command spoken by an officer as he sent a soldier or soldiers off on a mission. It had the meaning, “Go, you are sent.” It was an order, not a request, with the subtext that whatever task had been given, speedy and appropriate completion was expected.

Later, the phrase became a common way to dismiss the people after a public assembly of any kind.

Recognizing the origins of the original words of dismissal for Mass presents much food for thought. We are being dismissed, but not to brunch, or to watch

the game on television, or to take a Sunday afternoon nap, or to do so many of the other things that we do after Mass.

It is not a dismissal to go about our lives as usual until the next time we meet for Eucharist. Instead, the dismissal at the end of Mass is a clarion call to us. We have been given our marching orders and are being sent out.

What are we being sent out to do? We can take our orders from Jesus in many places in the Gospels.

In Luke 10:1-24, Jesus sends out the 72 disciples with the mission to proclaim the kingdom of God throughout the region in preparation for his own visit. They shared Jesus’ message and were given the power to heal the sick and cast out demons.

We can also share the Gospel every day through word and action; and although we may not be able to literally heal or exorcise, we can make sure that we are not contributing to the spiritual woes of the world by acting with kindness and casting out Satan’s demons of divisiveness and prejudice in our interactions with others.

We can take Jesus’ commands in Matthew 25:31-46 seriously, when he tells us that in order to inherit eternal life and not be cast into hell, we must feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, take care of the sick and visit the imprisoned.

Finally, we can remember the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” We follow it by leading others to Christ by our good example.

If we understand the dismissal at the end of Mass as a sending out to follow the commands of Jesus, the response “Thanks be to God” now becomes the only appropriate response.

We have heard the Word of God, we have been strengthened for the task by the Eucharist, and we have been sent out to fulfill the mission by our Lord.

Thanks be to God.

(Ruth Powers is the program coordinator for the Basilica of St. Mary in Natchez.)

CATHOLIC JULY 18, 2025

for

NATION

SAN BERNADINO, Calif. (OSV News) – Amid concern over immigration enforcement raids in the area, the bishop of San Bernardino on July 8 issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the faithful if they fear for their well-being. The Trump administration rescinded in January long-standing restrictions on arrests at sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals. The previous policy had exceptions for public safety or national security threats. Bishop Alberto Rojas wrote in a July 8 message to the faithful that “in light of the pastoral needs of our diocese and the concerns expressed by many of our brothers and sisters regarding fears of attending Mass due to potential immigration enforcement actions by civil authorities,” he would use his authority under canon law to dispense the obligation from those “who, due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions, are unable to attend Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation.” In May, the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, reminded the faithful that those with sincerely held fear about their well-being during immigration enforcement e orts are not required to attend Sunday Mass according to the church’s own teaching and canon law, but did not issue a formal dispensation.

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The Catholic Church “maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates,” said U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spokesperson Chieko Noguchi, following a recent court case in which a longstanding federal ban against such activity appeared to have been partly relaxed. Noguchi issued the statement July 8, a day after the Internal Revenue Service agreed in a court filing that a house of worship addressing its congregation about electoral politics in the context of religious faith does not violate the Johnson Amendment. The law prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations – a type of tax-exempt nonprofit under U.S. tax code, and the typical corporate structure for churches, worship communities and charities in the nation – from engaging in political campaign activity. However, said Noguchi, “The IRS was addressing a specific case, and it doesn’t change how the Catholic Church engages in public debate.” She added, “The church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good.”

VATICAN

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) – After more than a decade without its most famous vacationer, the quiet town of Castel Gandolfo once again counts the pope among its summer residents. Pope Leo XIV became the 16th pope to reside in the papal summer residence when he moved there July 6, following the recitation of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. “This afternoon, I will travel to Castel Gandolfo, where I intend to have a short period of rest,” the pope told pilgrims gathered in the square. “I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy some vacation time in order to restore both body and spirit.” The

tradition of popes escaping the summer heat of Rome for the cooler Alban Hills began with Pope Urban VIII in 1626. In 2016, Pope Francis converted the papal property into a museum, opening the villa and gardens to the public.

WORLD

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (OSV News) – Colombian authorities continued their search for Father Carlos Jaimes Guerrero, a 30-year-old Augustinian priest who vanished June 17 near Viotá, southwest of Bogotá. His truck was later found abandoned, engine running, with no sign of violence – and no trace of him. His family has pleaded publicly for his release, and locals have held vigils and prayers. The search comes amid national shock over another tragedy: on July 1, o cials confirmed eight evangelical and Protestant missionaries, abducted in April by FARC dissidents in Guaviare, were found murdered and buried in a mass grave. Authorities say the guerrillas targeted the group to prevent rival groups from gaining influence. Church leaders warn armed groups and cartels continue to terrorize communities and especially target faith leaders. The Augustinians ask for prayers and cooperation as the investigation into Father Jaimes’ disappearance intensified. “Disappearances have always been part of the grave violences carried out by armed groups here, including those of religious people,” said theologian Heyner Hernández Díaz.

Piazza della Libertà is pictured from the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 1, 2025, as the small town prepared

Pope Leo XIV’s first official visit for his customary July retreat. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Walking the Way: Young adults nd faith and fellowship on the Camino de Santiago

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – This May, a group of young adults from the Diocese of Jackson joined pilgrims from around the world in Spain, walking nearly 75 miles on the historic Camino de Santiago. Led by Father Lincoln Dall and organized through the O ce of Young Adult and Campus Ministries, the 11-day journey invited participants into a rhythm of prayer, simplicity and deep encounter – with God, themselves and each other.

For civil engineer Samuel Rust of St. Joseph Parish in Gluckstadt, the Camino o ered “a challenging yet simple way of life. A good reset from the hustle and bustle of daily life.” Rust had dreamed of walking the Camino for more than a decade, drawn by its blend of Catholic tradition and the spirit of adventure. “I encountered God most clearly in the people we met,” he said. “Everyone, regardless of nationality or language, was so friendly. We met people from five of the seven continents.”

Among the most memorable were a group of Taiwanese women the pilgrims kept running into – first during their free day exploring Ferrol, and again unexpectedly in the square outside the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, after the pilgrimage had ended. “It felt like a perfect closing to the journey,” Rust said.

The group walked the Camino Inglés, or “English Way,” beginning in Ferrol on the northern coast of Spain. Daily Mass, simple meals, and shared conversations grounded the experience as they crossed Roman roads, cobbled paths and centuries-old villages. The physical challenge was real – “Walking on hard surfaces every day was tough on my knees,” Rust admitted – but the deeper movement was spiritual.

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Spain – Pilgrims from the Diocese of Jackson — Edgar Meyer, Amelia Rizor, Father Lincoln Dall and Samuel Rust — pause for a photo with fellow travelers from Taiwan outside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The groups crossed paths repeatedly throughout the pilgrimage and reunited one final time at the journey’s end. (Photos by Samuel Rust)

“It’s not just about reaching a destination,” said Amelia Rizor, who coordinated the pilgrimage. “It’s about what happens along the way. Everyone carried something di erent – grief, questions, transitions – but the Camino meets you where you are. You get to walk with God, in real time, step by step.”

This was Rizor’s first time walking the Camino, and she did so alongside the group she helped organize. “It was powerful watching these young adults – some Catholic, some not – experience moments of prayer and awe, and really open up to the quiet,” she said. “It was raw, it was beautiful.”

One image that stuck with her was a snail crawling slowly across the path. “It was just this perfect visual of the pace we were being called to. The Camino isn’t about rushing – it’s about slowing down enough to notice what God is showing you in the smallest things.”

Chandler Parker, a 23-year-old student at Delta State University and a Baptist, said the Camino helped him grow in his walk with Christ. “It taught me some great lessons on discipline and helped me go deeper spiritually,” he said.

Wes LeBlanc, 21, of Holy Cross Parish in Philadelphia, Mississippi, described the Camino as a glimpse into how God works across humanity. “Even though we are all driven by di erent beliefs, motives and experiences, God has laid down the path for us to follow,” he said. “All we have to do is pay attention in the silence and fol-

Father Lincoln Dall, along with fellow pilgrims, walks a wooded trail along the Camino de Santiago in May. The day’s route included lush countryside and peaceful forest paths typical of the Camino Inglés.

low the signs.”

Father Lincoln, who has walked the Camino six times, said each experience is di erent – but leading young people from the diocese was uniquely rewarding. “They found God in co ee breaks, in blisters, in spontaneous conversations with pilgrims from Taiwan. It wasn’t a rigid itinerary – it was about letting each person encounter the Camino in their own way,” he said.

Also joining the group was Edgar Meyer of St. Richard Parish in Jackson, who teaches at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Whether it was the shared meals, the aching legs, or the quiet prayers o ered in stone chapels, one thing was clear: the Camino left its mark. As Rizor put it, “They came home changed – and closer to Christ.”

Now Hiring!

Assistant Stewardship & Development Director

Catholic Diocese of Jackson – Jackson, MS

Join our mission-driven team! We’re seeking a practicing Catholic with a heart for service to support fundraising and stewardship e orts, including the Annual Catholic Service Appeal is full-time role requires strong organizational and communication skills, experience in development or nonpro t work, and a commitment to the Church’s mission.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (related eld)

• 3+ years in development/fundraising

• Strong writing, Excel & relationship skills

• Practicing Catholic in good standing

Apply by August 1.

Please send a cover letter and résumé to: Rebecca Harris, Diocese of Jackson PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225

held a Graduate Mass on May 25.

are Dajia Williams, a graduate of Mississippi State University; Father Madanu Vijaya Bhaskar, SVD; and Kameron Fox, a graduate of Jim Hill High School. Not pictured: Hugh Smith and Earnestine Powell. (Photo by Dorothy Ashley)

CARTHAGE – St. Anne Catholic Church celebrated its high school, college and university graduates on May 31.(Photo courtesy of parish)

JACKSON – Christ the King graduates Kaitlyn deVerteuil, Sydney Asowata and Yann Tche were blessed by Deacon Denzil Lobo. (Photo by Maggie Spence)

JACKSON – Holy Ghost parish

Pictured

GREENVILLE – Sacred Heart parish RCIA candidates Quentin Nelson Sr., Alana Sorrell and Christian and Ashala Sorrell, pictured with Fathers Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD, and Tom Mullally, SVD. (Photo courtesy of parish)

CSA feature: Mississippi Catholic

For Joanna King, storytelling is more than a profession – it’s a ministry. As director of communications for the Diocese of Jackson and editor of Mississippi Catholic for the past six years, Joanna has used her talents to uplift voices of faith from every corner of the diocese.

Born in Jackson, Joanna’s Catholic roots run deep in Mississippi. After moving to Natchez as a child, her formative years were spent at St. Mary Catholic Church – now Basilica – and attending Cathedral School. “I was baptized, received First Communion, graduated from high school, and even got married at St.

Mary’s,” she said.

Today, Joanna lives in Madison and attends St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood with her husband, Justin, and their son, Chris. Her journey into ministry communications grew out of her early career in the nonprofit world, where she spent 13 years serving as a director of public relations and marketing – and often much more. “With a small sta , I was also a case manager, volunteer director, store manager, event coordinator – whatever was needed,” she said. “I worked with families in crisis, often providing the most basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter and a listening ear.”

That time had a lasting impact. “I spent a lot of time simply listening to people’s stories,” Joanna shared. “Their resilience and strength stayed with me and inspired me. That desire to tell meaningful stories ultimately led me to Mississippi Catholic.”

Joanna also sees communications as a way to unify the far-reaching parishes of the diocese. “Our diocese is geographically large, but Mississippi Catholic helps us stay connected,” she said. “It’s a blessing to help bridge those distances through stories that remind us we are one family in faith.”

Her role today allows her to continue that work of compassionate listening – now within the context of the Church. “Each story reveals

how God is at work in ordinary – and extraordinary – ways across our diocese,” she said.

Since joining the diocese, Joanna has found that her ministry has deepened her own faith. “I definitely pray more,” she said. “I’m inspired every day by the faith of others across the diocese – it strengthens my relationship with God.”

One story in particular continues to move her: the tribute she wrote for Father Brian Kaskie, a beloved priest who passed away in 2021. “He was just out of seminary when he came to St. Mary’s in Natchez, and he made it seem cool to love Jesus. He was also a family friend, and re-reading that piece still makes me misty,” she said.

Joanna’s work – and the communication ministry she leads – is made possible in part by the Catholic Service Appeal. “To all who give, thank you. Your generosity makes ministry like ours possible,” she said. “If you’re considering a gift, know this: You’re helping tell the stories of our church, stories that bring people closer to Christ. That’s something truly special.”

Joanna Puddister King serves as director of communications for the Diocese of Jackson and editor of Mississippi Catholic. She lives in Madison and attends St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood with her husband, Justin, and son, Chris. Her ministry is made possible in part through generous support of the Catholic Service Appeal, which helps share stories of faith, inspire hope and connect Catholics across the diocese.