MS Catholic 11 07 2025 by jacksondiocese

Journey of Hope inspires faithful to “live God’s dream” through service and discipleship

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – Catholic Charities’ annual Journey of Hope took on a new format this year, reaching across the diocese with two gatherings that drew nearly 800 people to celebrate faith, service and hope.

More than 550 guests attended the Oct. 22 luncheon at the Country Club of Jackson, while another 250 gathered the following day at St. James Parish in Tupelo, where the focus centered on the outreach of Catholic Charities’ Vardaman office in Northeast Mississippi.

“Each event reﬂected how Catholic Charities and our programs are guided by our faith,” said Michael Thomas, development director for Catholic Charities of Jackson. “The goal is always that everyone leaves with a positive sense of what Catholic Charities is doing throughout our state to better the lives of so many.”

Featured speaker Father Burke Masters, a former Mississippi State University baseball standout, Chicago Cubs chaplain and priest of the Diocese of Joliet, told guests that discipleship requires the same commitment and discipline once demanded of him on the field.

Scouts, he said, used to rate ballplayers on six “tools”: hitting, power, running, fielding, throwing and baseball IQ. “I was good at everything but great at nothing,” he recalled with a smile. “Not all of us can become Major League ballplayers, but all of us can become better disciples of Jesus Christ.”

He offered a spiritual parallel – the six tools of a disciple: grow, give, serve, worship, imitate Jesus, and build community. “Everybody looks for meaning and purpose,” he said. “And I can’t imagine anything more meaningful or purposeful than eternal life.”

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JACKSON – Father Burke Masters speaks to a crowd of over 550 gathered at the Country Club of Jackson for Catholic Charities annual Journey of Hope event on Wednesday, Oct. 22. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

St. James Magnolia marks over 150 years of faith

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

MAGNOLIA – The small but spirited Catholic community of St. James the Greater Parish in Magnolia gathered Saturday, Oct. 5 to celebrate 153 years of faith, friendship and perseverance – a legacy that began as a rural mission and continues today as a thriving parish in southern Pike County.

Though billed as the parish’s 150th anniversary celebration, the event had been

postponed several years due to the pandemic. When parishioners finally gathered, the joy and gratitude were unmistakable.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz presided at an outdoor Mass beneath white tents set up beside the historic wooden church, which could not accommodate the large crowd that came to celebrate. Concelebrating with Bishop Kopacz were Father Suresh Thirumalareddy, pastor; Father Bill Henry, a former pastor; and Father P.J. Curley, who once served in the region.

The Mayor of Magnolia, Marvin Brumfield, joined the celebration and presented a proclamation recognizing St. James for its historic presence and contributions to the community. Parishioners and guests from across Pike County gathered for music, fellowship and a hearty Southern meal follow-

Saltillo Mission 7

Bishop’s trip to Saltillo brings joyous adventures

ing Mass. The afternoon included a silent auction, children’s face-painting, and food prepared by parishioners and friends from nearby parishes.

“It’s small, but powerful,” said parishioner Vicki Todd, who moved to Magnolia permanently nine years ago partly because of the charm of St. James. “We’ve spent months preparing for this day. People believe in St. James Parish – our little bitty church is just as beautiful as can be.”

Music minister Celena Johnson, who has led music since 2019, coordinated a combined choir of parishioners and musicians from St. James and St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, reﬂecting the deep ties between the two faith communities. “I’m so blessed

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Cognia recognition 14 Diocese named School System of Distinction

Youth 18

Photos of youth activities from around the diocese

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration Mass, Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Details: RSVP to church o ce (662) 624-4301.

DIOCESE/CLINTON – Diocesan Youth Adult Day of Reﬂection “Prepare the Way,” Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Garaway, Clinton. Register at https://bit.ly/YAReﬂection25. Deadline Nov. 19 at noon. Details: amelia.rizor@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.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS

STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church o ce (662) 323-2257.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Card Night hosted by the Men’s Club, Friday, Nov. 14 in the social hall. Dinner at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. All are invited to this fun evening of cards and fellowship. Entry fee: $20 – includes poker chips, dinner and beverages. Games: three 50-minute rounds with 10 minute intermissions. Choose from Black Jack or Texas Hold’em. Details: sign up in the Commons or contact Tracy at (901) 828-4848.

EMPLOYMENT

JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks an Assistant Stewardship and Development Director to support fundraising and stewardship, including the Annual Catholic Service Appeal; full-time. Requirements: bachelor’s (related ﬁeld), 3+ years development/fundraising, strong writing skills, Excel, relationship skills; practicing Catholic in good standing. Apply by Nov. 15: send résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris, Diocese of Jackson, PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225.

JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes and schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/ construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

POSITIONS – The Diocese of Jackson seeks qualiﬁed, faith-ﬁlled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details and applications, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

JACKSON PARENTS SHARE YOUR VOICE IN THE METRO SCHOOL SURVEY

JACKSON – Families with children from early childhood through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Jackson Catholic Schools Family Survey on Education Whether your children attend Catholic schools or not, your feedback will help us better serve families across our Catholic community. The short survey asks about your experiences and how you make schooling decisions. Take the survey today at https://tinyurl. com/JacksonCatholicEd or scan the QR code to participate.

November 10

Deacon Mark White Retired

November 19

Father Jack Kurps, SCJ Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi

November 27

Father Tim Murphy

St. James Tupelo & St. Christopher Pontotoc

PEARL – St. Jude Parish celebrated its feast day on Sunday, Oct. 26, with dancers from Danza Tonantzin, a procession, dinner and games. In front are altar servers Ximenia and Olinsser Villafranka, Ivana Lozano and Abbygale Roberts. (Photo by Lauren Roberts)

In

God’s family, “it’s a small world” a er all

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

The Wednesday papal audience regularly gathers pilgrims from around the world in St. Peter’s Square, and during this Jubilee Year the square could not contain the vast throng. The universality of the church was on full display during the nearly two-hour audience with Pope Leo XIV, which was well worth the 6 a.m. departure from our hotel.

The Holy Father’s message, delivered in eight languages, went out to all the earth with the passion of Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

Human speech echoed around the square to the delight of all physically present and to the virtual cloud of witnesses around the world.

With each audience, bishops are invited to come forward to sit near the stage, and our hearty group’s early arrival gave me an excellent vantage point to see, hear and appreciate the unpretentious yet splendid presentation surrounding Pope Leo’s message. As an added bonus, I was fortunate to sit next to the archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand, who spoke about the church’s reality in a country that is 96% Buddhist, where Catholics number around 500,000 – about 1% of the total population.

It was a relevant portrayal because, to my left, there were as many Buddhist monks at the audience as there were bishops. Pope Leo had just conducted an interfaith prayer service for peace at the Colosseum the day before with representatives from all major religious traditions.

Pope Leo XIV leads his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Oct. 29, 2025. Dozens of representatives of the world’s religions were at the audience, which was dedicated to “Nostra Aetate,” the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on relations with Judaism, Islam and other world religions. The landmark document was promulgated 60 years ago: Oct. 28, 1965. Inset shows Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson, who was among those in attendance. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

The central focus of the pope’s words at the Colosseum and the audience was prayer and a plea for peace, justice and reconciliation, inspired by the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (In Our Age), a document of the Second Vatican Council that highlighted the need for interfaith prayer, dialogue and study for God’s glory and a more just and peaceful world. The love of Jesus Christ impels us to proclaim the Gospel of salvation and peace everywhere and for all time.

At the conclusion of each audience, all bishops are welcome to form a line to personally greet the Holy Father. This procession and the entire audience are preserved on the Santa Sede Vaticano website, with the unabridged encounters of each bishop with the pope. It is a treasured moment that is stored in memory for me and preserved on social media for countless others.

What words were exchanged between us during that heartfelt greeting? I introduced myself as being from the Diocese of Jackson and the state of Mississippi, and he smiled and said, “Ah, the United States.” Pope Leo XIV is the ﬁrst successor of St. Peter to know that Mississippi is more than a river. After thanking him for his ministry in the church, I departed with a pair of rosaries – a prized gift from the Holy Father.

Immediately afterward, there was a joyful reunion with our diocesan group of pilgrims, who had advantageous seating in the square, allowing them to view the stage and capture it all on the big screen nearby. Afterwards, while walking

P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org

Volume 71 Number 19 (ISSN 1529-1693) PRESS DATE: OCT. 31, 2025

Publisher Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

Communications Director Joanna Puddister King

Production Manager Tereza Ma

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an oﬃcial publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published 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

through the square in my episcopal house cassock as everyone was spilling into the neighboring streets and passageways, there were many interactions and conversations.

I spoke to, prayed over, and took photos with pilgrims from France, Mexico, Ireland, Peru, the Philippines and Indiana. What a delight! This is where it came full circle with my recent travels. I asked the pilgrims from Mexico where exactly they live, and the ﬁrst place blurted out was Saltillo. How true it is that all roads lead to Rome.

The mission trip to Saltillo was an exceptional springboard into pilgrimage and will be the subject of another column. One of the pilgrims from Peru stated the old adage in another way: “Obispo, es un mundo pequeño.” (“Bishop, it’s a small world.”)

Verdad, peregrino, verdad! True, pilgrim, so true. The message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, cruciﬁed and risen from the dead, goes out to the ends of the earth and back again. The Wednesday audience left no doubt about this truth.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, November 9, 10:30 a.m. – Mass and Blessing of Sister Clare Hogan Hall, St. Francis, Madison

November 10-14 – USCCB Fall General Assembly, Baltimore

Thursday, November 20, 8:30 a.m. – School Mass, Annunciation School, Columbus

Wednesday, November 19, 5 p.m. – Deanery IV Jubilee Year Celebration/Adoration, St. Elizabeth, Clarksdale

Sunday, November 23, 9 a.m. – Feast of Christ the King Mass and Celebration, Christ the King, Jackson

Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m. – Mass and Re-dedication of Sanctuary/New Building, St. Paul, Flowood

Saturday, November 29, 10:30 a.m. – Diaconate Ordination of Will Foggo, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

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

By Father Nick adam

CALLED BY NAME

We are looking forward to a unique Thanksgiving weekend at the end of November. Seminarian Will Foggo will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson.

This is not the usual time for a deacon ordination. In recent years, they have typically taken place in the spring, but because of changes to the national formation plan for seminarians implemented by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Will’s class is scheduled for diaconate ordination late this fall and priestly ordination in the spring. After this year, the schedule should return to its usual rhythm.

Will’s journey is unique. He will serve as a deacon for about six months before being ordained a priest on May 16, 2026.

It will be especially meaningful for me to see Will reach this milestone. He began his seminary journey around the same time I became director of seminarians. I remember in the spring of 2020 receiving a call from Father Jason Johnston, Will’s pastor while he was a student at Mississippi State University, saying he thought Will might be contacting me soon about applying for seminary. I didn’t waste any time – I called Will myself and texted him the application that same day.

I already knew Will and his family well. They are longtime parishioners at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood, and his mother, Sheila, is a longtime teacher at St. Richard Catholic School in Jackson. Will had also attended a Come and See retreat in February 2020, so I had seen enough to know he was someone we should encourage and support.

Will entered seminary at the height of the pandemic, and I’ve

been impressed by his steadiness and maturity throughout the process. He was part of the first group of seminarians who participated in our summer Spanish immersion program and has been active in diocesan youth ministry events such as SEARCH and DCYC. He has also served as master of ceremonies at Notre Dame Seminary for several years – a demanding role that requires ensuring liturgies run smoothly day after day, often with visiting clergy and dignitaries.

Will Foggo will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. He will serve at St. Joseph Starkville until his priestly ordination on May 16, 2026.

Please plan to come and pray for Will and thank the Lord for his vocation on Nov. 29. A reception will follow the Mass in the Cathedral Center. Will is also preparing to graduate from seminary with his master’s degree in theology. That ceremony will take place Thursday, Dec. 11, at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. It seems like just yesterday we were giving Will a tour of Notre Dame Seminary during that Come and See weekend –but that was nearly six years ago. His story is a great reminder that building a culture of vocations takes time, but it is always worth the effort.

(For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)

Psalms as prayer

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

“God behaves in the psalms in ways he is not allowed to behave in systemic theology.”

That quip from Sebastian Moore might be highlighted at a time when fewer people want to use the psalms as a form of prayer because they feel offended that the psalms speak of murder, revenge, anger, violence, war-making and patriarchy.

Yet for centuries the psalms have been central to both Jewish and Christian prayer. They form the very heart of the Divine Office (the church’s prayer for the world), are sung in Vespers’ services, are prayed daily by millions of men and women, and have been chanted by monks for centuries as a central part of their prayer.

Why the objection to the psalms? Some ask: “How can I pray with words that are sometimes full of hatred, anger, violence, and speak of the glories of war and of crushing one’s enemies in the name of God?” For others, the objection is to the patriarchal nature of the psalms. For yet others, the offense is aesthetic: “They’re terrible poetry!” they say.

Perhaps the psalms aren’t great poetry and they do, undeniably, smack of violence, war, hatred of one’s enemies in the name of God, and the desire for vengeance. They’re also patriarchal in character. But does that make them poor language for prayer? No, to the contrary.

One of the classical definitions of prayer suggests that “prayer is lifting mind and heart to God.” Simple, clear, accurate. Our problem is that we too seldom actually do this when we pray. Rather than lifting to God what’s actually on our minds and in our hearts, we treat God as someone from whom we need to hide the real truth of our thoughts and feelings. Instead of pouring out mind and heart, we tell God what we think God wants to hear – not murderous thoughts, desire for vengeance, or our disappointment with him.

But expressing those feelings is the whole point. What makes the psalms so apt for prayer is that they do not hide the truth from God and they express the whole gamut of our actual feelings. They give honest voice to what’s actually going on in our minds and hearts.

Sometimes we feel good and our spontaneous impulse is to speak words of praise and gratitude. The psalms give us that voice. They speak of God’s goodness – love, friends, faith, health, food, wine, enjoyment. But we don’t always feel that way. Our lives also have their cold, lonely seasons when disappointment and bitterness smolder under the surface. The psalms then give us honest voice and we can open all those angry feelings to God.

At other times, we fill with the sense of our own inadequacy, with the fact that we cannot measure up to the trust and love that’s given us. The psalms give us voice for this, asking God to have mercy, to soften our hearts, to wash us clean, to give us a fresh start. And then still there are times when we feel disappointed with God himself and need in some way to express this. The psalms give us this voice (“Why are you so silent? Why are you so far from me?”) even as they make us aware that God is not afraid of our anger and bitterness but, like a loving parent, only wants us to come and talk about it.

The psalms are a privileged vehicle for prayer because they lift the full range of our thoughts and feelings to God.

But we tend to struggle with that. First, because our age often fails to grasp metaphor and taken literally, some of the images within the psalms are offensive. Second, we are often in denial about our true feelings. It’s hard to admit that we feel some of the things we sometimes feel: grandiosity, sexual obses-

sions, jealousies, desire for revenge, murderous thoughts. Too often our prayer belies our actual thoughts and feelings and tells God what we think God wants to hear. The psalms have more honesty.

As Kathleen Norris puts it: If you pray regularly “there is no way you can do it right. You are not always going to sit up straight, let alone think holy thoughts. You’re not going to wear your best clothes but whatever isn’t in the dirty clothes basket. You come to the Bible’s great book of praises through all the moods and conditions of life, and while you feel like hell, you sing anyway. To your surprise, you find that the psalms do not deny your true feelings but allow you to reflect them, right in front of God and everyone.”

Feel good aphorisms that express how we think we ought to feel are no substitute for the earthy realism of the psalms which express how we actually do feel at times. Anyone who would lift mind and heart to God without ever mentioning feelings of bitterness, jealousy, vengeance, hatred and war, is better suited to write greeting cards than to give out spiritual counsel.

(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a professor of spirituality at Oblate School of Theology and award-winning author.)

The Pope’s

Corner

Love, forgiveness defeat hatred, vengeance, pope tells chivalric order

By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV thanked the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for supporting the Christian communities in the Holy Land, especially during the “tragic days of war.”

“In a world where arrogance and violence seem to prevail over charity, you are called to bear witness that life conquers death, that love conquers hatred, that forgiveness conquers vengeance, and that mercy and grace conquer sin,” he told members of the ancient Catholic chivalric order.

The pope met with more than 3,000 knights and dames of the Holy Sepulchre in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 23 during their Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome. Cardinal Fernando Filoni, grand master of the order, was also present.

The order, a lay institution under the protection of the Holy See, supports the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem with prayers, financial assistance and regular pilgrimages. There are more than 30,000 members around the world.

Pope Leo thanked them for “the considerable help you give, quietly and without publicity, to the communities of the Holy Land, supporting the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in its various activities: the seminary, schools, charitable work and assistance, humanitarian and educational projects, the university, aid to churches, with special interventions in times of greatest crisis, as was the

case during COVID and the tragic days of war.”

With concrete and varied assistance, he said, “you show that safeguarding the tomb of Christ does not simply mean preserving a historical, archaeological or artistic heritage, however important, but is supporting a church made of living stones, which was born around it and still lives today as an authentic sign of Paschal hope.”

“To pause at the Lord’s tomb means, in fact, to renew one’s faith in God who keeps his promises, whose power no human force can defeat,” the pope said.

“How often, thanks to your work, a glimmer of light reappears for individuals, families and entire communities who risk being overwhelmed by terrible tragedies at every level, particularly in the places where Jesus lived,” he said.

Pope Leo encouraged the order’s members to continue with their “task of being guardians of the tomb of Christ” with “the confidence of expectation, the zeal of charity and the joyful enthusiasm of hope.”

Pope Leo XIV greets members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Oct. 23, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Inset: Father Mark Shoffner, pastor of St. John Parish in Oxford, who attended the audience, said the pope looked directly at him and waved. (Photo courtesy of Father Shoffner)

‘... Let’s live today as disciples ...’

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Father Masters urged guests to make time for daily formation. “We practiced five hours a day to be the best baseball players we could be,” he said. “How much time do you and I invest in our spiritual lives?”

He also challenged listeners to approach worship with gratitude. “You don’t have to go to church – you get to go,” he said. “You get to worship the God of the universe.”

Thomas said proceeds from the Jackson event will benefit all Catholic Charities programs, while donations from Tupelo will remain in the Vardaman regional office, supporting ministries that serve families and individuals across the northeast region. “Donors know that they have a vested interest in what is accomplished in their own communities,” he said.

This year’s events highlighted Catholic Charities’ mission to bring hope and healing statewide through more than two dozen programs, from adoption and counseling to domestic-violence intervention and outreach for immigrants and refugees.

Thomas credited widespread collaboration for the Jackson events’ success, noting leadership from St. Paul, Flowood; St. Francis of Assisi, Madison; and St. Richard, Jackson, who “led parish participation this year and set an example we hope others will follow.”

He also expressed appreciation for Christina Bach, executive director of Catholic Charities; Father Tim Murphy and the St. James staff in Tupelo; Michele Harris, board chair; and Julie Gibert, who chaired the development committee. “Everyone worked so hard to bring back our Journey of Hope and make it a success in both Jackson and Tupelo,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the dual-location format may continue in future years depending on the speaker, noting how fortunate organizers were that Father Masters could address both gatherings.

“Great things are happening with our programs,” he added. “Our Kinship Navigator Program is expanding to Greenwood and Jackson; and Born Free has a new director.”

In closing, Father Masters shared a story about receiving a replica Chicago Cubs World Series ring from seminarians while serving as vocation director. He often shows it to students, who “ooh and ahh” before he explains it is a $15 imitation. “It looks real, but it’s not,” he said, adding that his real focus is on a greater prize. “The crown of eternal glory doesn’t collect dust, it doesn’t fade away, and it lasts forever. Let’s live today as disciples preparing for that faceto-face meeting with God.”

‘... Sharing His Good News with one another and neighbors in Pike County ...’

– Parishioners and guests gathered under large white tents outside St. James the Greater Parish to celebrate the church’s long-awaited 150th anniversary, a celebration delayed several years by the pandemic. Among those attending were the School Sisters of Notre Dame – Sister Gemma Marie Dittle, Sister Sue, and Sister MarieClare Powell – who traveled from St. Anthony Gardens in Covington, Louisiana. The sisters were once a vibrant part of parish life through their ministry at St. Mary of the Pines in nearby Chatawa, which closed in 2020. The festive day also included music, food, and fellowship as parishioners and friends rejoiced in the enduring faith community of Magnolia. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

– Continued from page 1 –

to have them,” she said. “We just keep it in the family.”

From its beginnings in the 1860s, St. James has depended on that sense of family. The parish traces its roots to Father Henry Picherit, who celebrated Mass in local homes before the first church was completed in 1874 and dedicated to St. James the Greater. Priests from Osyka, McComb, and Chatawa served the mission through the decades, including Redemptorists and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose presence at nearby Chatawa formed deep spiritual ties that endure today.

Several sisters who once lived or served in Chatawa returned for the anniversary, including Sister Gemma Marie Dittle, who praised Father Suresh’s leadership.

“He’s so devoted and loves to teach and serve. It was a beautiful celebration,” she said. Sister Marie Clare Powell, 99, attended in honor of a lifelong friend – Sister Mary Clared – who played the organ for nearly 30 years. “We were classmates – she was one of the most faithful members of St. James,” she recalled.

St. James remained a mission of St. Alphonsus McComb until Nov. 1, 2019, when Bishop Kopacz elevated it to parish status, recognizing its steady

growth and service to Catholics throughout southern Pike County.

Bishop Kopacz said, “From the early days when the Redemptorists established this small mission church, you have grown into a beautiful expression of devoted, faith-filled followers of Christ sharing His Good News with one another and your neighbors in Pike County.”

For parishioners, the milestone was more than a look back – it was a renewal of their commitment to one another. “May God continue to bless you for your dedication and zeal for His church,” Bishop Kopacz, said.

TUPELO – Wayne Hereford of WTVA interviews Father Burke Masters before his Journey of Hope talk at St. James Parish. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

MAGNOLIA

Bishop Joseph Kopacz concelebrates an outdoor Mass marking St. James Parish’s 150th anniversary with Father Bill Henry, Father Suresh Thirumalareddy and Father P.J. Curley.

Faith and friendship flourish in Saltillo

By Joanna Puddister King

SALTILLO, Mexico – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi traveled together to Saltillo, Mexico, October 15–20, continuing a long tradition of friendship and shared faith between Mississippi and the Diocese of Saltillo.

The trip marked Bishop Kopacz’s eleventh visit to the mission founded by Father Patrick Quinn more than 50 years ago. Father Quinn, who served in Mississippi before being assigned to Mexico in 1969, worked tirelessly to build bridges of faith between the people of Saltillo and the faithful of Mississippi. Today, his legacy continues to thrive through the Mission of San Miguel and the many chapels that extend across the desert landscape.

During their five-day pilgrimage, the bishops celebrated the Eucharist in city parishes and rural communities, visited Father Quinn’s tomb at Parroquia del Perpetuo Socorro, and joined local families in joyful processions honoring the Holy Infant of Good Health. At San Miguel, they gathered with parishioners for Mass before walking through the streets in celebration, surrounded by color, song, and faith-filled joy.

The visit also included confirmation Masses in Garambullo and Tanque del Cerro, meals and fellowship with local priests, and time spent at small desert ranchos where the people welcomed the bishops with open

hearts. On the fourth day, rain fell over the desert for the first time in Bishop Kopacz’s eleven years of visits – a moment that filled the communities with thanksgiving and praise.

While in Saltillo, the bishops also visited Father Adolfo Suárez, a diocesan priest from St. Michael Parish in Forest and its missions, who has been serving at the Mission of San Miguel since April. Father Adolfo returned to Mexico earlier this year due to U.S. immigration limits that affect many foreign-born priests and religious serving in dioceses across the country.

Bishop Kopacz continues to raise awareness about the Religious Worker Protection Act (RWPA) – bipartisan legislation that would allow priests, sisters and other ministers like Father Adolfo to remain in the U.S. while awaiting permanent residency. “These faithful men and women serve our parishes and our people with dedication and love,” Bishop Kopacz said. “Their ministry is essential to the life of our church.”

“Every visit to Saltillo is a reminder of the universality of our church,” Bishop Kopacz added. “We may live far apart, but we share the same faith, the same hope, and the same joy in Christ.”

The Mission of Saltillo remains a living partnership between the Dioceses of Jackson and Saltillo – a bond strengthened through prayer, presence and a shared mission to serve God’s people.

SALTILLO, Mexico – Bishops Joseph Kopacz and Louis Kihneman of Biloxi celebrate the first Mass of their trip at Santos Mártires Parish on Oct. 15 with Father David Martínez Rubio and Father Adolfo Suárez Pasillas.

TONQUE DEL CERRO, Mexico – Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi and Bishop Joseph Kopacz of Jackson celebrate an outdoor Mass with confirmations at Sagrado Corazón Parish on Oct. 19. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

NUEVO GÓMEZ RANCHO, Mexico – (Above) Students celebrate Confirmation and one First Communion at Santa Teresa Parish. (Left) Bishop Joseph Kopacz checks in with his ride before joining the procession to San Francisco del Ejido.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz blesses parishioners with the cape of the Holy Infant of Good Health after a rosary and procession at San Miguel Parish. Earlier, two parishioners changed the infant’s garment, with the previous cape used in the blessing.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz concelebrates Mass at San Juan Diego Parish on Oct. 16 with Father Adolfo Suárez (right) and visiting clergy from the Diocese of Saltillo.

Blues, BBQ and blessings: Homegrown Harvest strengthens support for seminarians

By Joanna Puddister King

MADISON – The spirit of faith and generosity filled St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Saturday, Oct. 11, as nearly 300 guests gathered for the sixth annual Homegrown Harvest Festival – an evening of blues, barbecue and support for the future priests of the Diocese of Jackson.

The event raised a record $189,000, with donations still coming in. Funds from the night directly support the diocese’s 12 seminarians and the Office of Vocations’ efforts to promote priesthood.

For the first time, the event featured a live auction led by EJ Martin, who energized the crowd with a “raise your paddle” appeal. Guests pledged at various levels helping the live auction alone bring in $15,400.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said Father Nick Adam, diocesan director of vocations. “We had a record number of guests and raised a record amount for our seminarians. Every dollar supports our twelve current seminarians and our efforts to continue to promote the priesthood throughout the diocese.”

MADISON – Jo Ann Foret (center) waves with excitement as guests arrive for the Homegrown Harvest Festival at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Oct. 11. The event celebrated the diocese’s seminarians and future priests.

(Photo by Joanna King)

Father Nick noted that three additional men are currently applying for seminary next fall. “We would love to hit $200,000, which was our goal heading into the night,” he said. “If we do, that amount would help educate four of our seminarians for a year.”

The silent auction was another highlight of the evening, featuring dozens of donated items, including 12 themed baskets created by the families of each seminarian. The baskets reflected the personalities and favorite pastimes of the seminarians – from sports teams to snacks, and even a few with bottles of their favorite spirits.

“One of the greatest gifts of the evening was seeing our seminarian parents having such a great time and working together in support of our men,” said Father Nick. “They’ve really grown together over the past several months as they walk with their sons.”

Seminarian Grayson Foley, a graduate of St. Joseph School in Madison, drew laughter and applause when he shared his vocation story with the crowd. Using humor and heartfelt honesty, Foley told how God spoke to him through his love of basketball.

“I had an experience in adoration where I saw the Lord face to face,” he said. “I prayed, ‘Thy will be done,’ and for the first time I really meant it. I thought I was giving up basketball, but the Lord gave it back a hundredfold.”

Foley explained how he met then-Deacon Nick Adam on a basketball court years ago, where the two bonded over the sport that would later lead Foley to discern seminary. “Everything we do is for you,” Foley told attendees. “My life is not my own – it’s completely yours.”

Among the seminarians recognized was Will Foggo, who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Nov. 29 at Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. Foggo, the most senior of the group, will serve as a deacon at St. Joseph Parish in Starkville until his priestly ordination in May 2026.

The cost of education, room and board for each seminarian runs close to $50,000 per year, underscoring the importance of continued support from across the diocese.

“The work of calling forth more young men to consider priesthood is continuing,” said Father Nick. “We still have our goal of 33 seminarians by the year 2030. I know it sounds crazy, but with God, anything is possible.”

The night’s joyful fellowship, generous giving and laughter from stories like Foley’s showed that the seeds of that vision are already taking root.

(To support seminarian education, contact Rebecca Harris in the Office of Stewardship and Development at (601) 969-1880 or rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.)

The Catholic Foundation holds annual membership meeting

By Joanna Puddister King

JACKSON – The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson gathered members and guests on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at the Country Club of Jackson for its annual membership meeting, celebrating another year of faithful stewardship and the continued growth of endowments that sustain ministries across the diocese.

The membership approved the docket of new board members, welcoming Dennis Antici and Gretchen Ware of St. Paul Flowood, Bob Gaston of St. Francis of Assisi Madison, and Bill Morris and Chris Walters of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. Returning board members re-elected to serve additional terms represented parishes from across the diocese, reflecting the Foundation’s wide reach and collaborative mission.

Joe Rice, president of the board of directors, provided an overview of the Foundation’s financial health and ongoing growth. “Since 2006, our investment earnings – measured by income, dividends, and market appreciation – have been a little over $40 million,” said Rice. “During that same period, we’ve distributed more than $20 million and built reserves of over $7 million in anticipation of market weakness.”

Rice noted that the Foundation’s portfolio, valued at $11.3 million in 2010, now stands at $75.5 million. “Our charge is to be good stewards of the money that the faithful across the Diocese have entrusted us with,” he said. “It’s only through and by the grace of God that we’ve been able to accomplish these things and keep our finances strong.”

One of the year’s most significant developments, Rice shared, was the establishment of an endowed operational trust to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s work. “This decision allows our executive director and staff to focus on what they do best –telling the story of the Foundation and helping donors create new trusts to support the ministries they are passionate about,” he said.

Executive director Rebecca Harris expressed gratitude to members and donors who make that mission possible. She shared that the Foundation now manages 407 trusts with total assets of $75.5

million. These funds support parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, seminarian education and Catholic Charities. “I love sitting down with donors and talking about what is their passion,” Harris said. “I ask them to pray about where the Holy Spirit is calling them to give – and it’s always a blessing to see where that leads.”

Harris also celebrated the success of the annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament, which raised a record amount this year to support diocesan youth ministry. Funds will assist in sending more young people to DCYC – the diocese’s annual youth convention, helping strengthen faith among the next generation.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz concluded the evening with a reflection on the Jubilee Year of Hope. “The work of the Foundation feeds hope in the lives of many people,” he said. “We are so grateful to God for the blessings He continues to pour out on our diocese.”

Journey of Hope inspira a los fieles a "vivir el sueño de Dios" a través del servicio y el discipulado

JACKSON – El padre Burke Masters se dirige a una multitud de más de 550 personas reunidas en el Country Club de Jackson para el evento anual Journey of Hope (Viaje de esperanza) de Catholic Charities el miércoles 22 de octubre. (Foto de Joanna Puddister King)

Por JoaNNa PUDDister KiNG

JACKSON – El evento anual Journey of Hope (Viaje de esperanza) de Catholic Charities adoptó un nuevo formato este año, llegando a toda la diócesis con dos reuniones que atrajeron a casi 800 personas para celebrar la fe, el servicio y la esperanza.

Más de 550 invitados asistieron al almuerzo del 17 de octubre en el Country Club de Jackson, mientras que otros 250 se reunieron al día siguiente en la parroquia de St. James en Tupelo, donde la atención se centró en la labor de la oficina de Catholic Charities en Vardaman, en el noreste de Misisipi.

"Cada evento reﬂejó cómo Catholic Charities y nuestros programas se guían por nuestra fe", dijo Michael Thomas, director de desarrollo de Catholic Charities de Jackson. "El objetivo es siempre que todos se vayan con una sensación positiva de lo que Catholic Charities está haciendo en todo nuestro estado para mejorar la vida de tantas personas".

El ponente destacado, el padre Burke Masters, exjugador destacado de béisbol de la Universidad Estatal de Misisipi, capellán de los Chicago Cubs y sacerdote de la Diócesis de Joliet, dijo a los invitados que el discipulado requiere el mismo compromiso y disciplina que se le exigía a él en el campo.

Según explicó, los ojeadores solían calificar a los jugadores de béisbol en función de seis "herramientas": bateo, potencia, carrera, defensa, lanzamiento e inteligencia en el béisbol. "Era bueno en todo, pero excelente en nada", recordó con una sonrisa. "No todos podemos convertirnos en jugadores de las Grandes Ligas, pero todos podemos convertirnos en mejores discípulos de Jesucristo".

Ofreció un paralelo espiritual: las seis herramientas de un discípulo: crecer, dar, servir, adorar, imitar a Jesús y construir comunidad. "Todo el mundo busca un significado y un propósito", dijo. "Y no puedo imaginar nada más significativo o con más propósito que la vida eterna".

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De misión a parroquia: St. James Magnolia celebra más de 150 años de fe

Por JoaNNa PUDDister KiNG

MAGNOLIA – La pequeña pero animada comunidad católica de la parroquia St. James the Greater en Magnolia se reunió el sábado 5 de octubre para celebrar 153 años de fe, amistad y perseverancia, un legado que comenzó como una misión rural y continúa hoy en día como una próspera parroquia en el sur del condado de Pike.

Aunque se anunciaba como la celebración del 150 aniversario de la parroquia, el evento se había pospuesto varios años debido a la pandemia. Cuando los feligreses finalmente se reunieron, la alegría y la gratitud eran evidentes.

El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz presidió una misa al aire libre bajo carpas blancas instaladas junto a la histórica iglesia de madera, que no podía albergar a la gran multitud que acudió a la celebración. Concelebraron con el obispo Kopacz el padre Suresh Thirumalareddy, párroco; el padre Bill Henry, antiguo párroco; y el padre P. J. Curley, que en su día prestó servicio en la región.

El alcalde de Magnolia, Marvin Brumfield, se

unió a la celebración y presentó una proclamación en la que reconocía a St. James por su presencia histórica y sus contribuciones a la comunidad. Los feligreses y los invitados de todo el condado de Pike se reunieron para disfrutar de la música, la camaradería y una abundante comida sureña después de la misa. La tarde incluyó una subasta silenciosa, pintura facial para niños y comida preparada por feligreses y amigos de parroquias cercanas. "Es pequeña, pero poderosa", dijo la feligresa Vicki Todd, que se mudó a Magnolia de forma permanente hace nueve años por St. James. "Hemos pasado meses preparándonos para este día. La gente cree en la parroquia de St. James: nuestra pequeña iglesia es tan hermosa como puede serlo".

La ministra de música Celena Johnson, que dirige la música desde 2019, coordinó un coro mixto formado por feligreses y músicos de las parroquias de St. James y St. Alphonsus en McComb, lo que reﬂeja los profundos lazos que unen a ambas comunidades religiosas. "Me siento muy afortunada de tenerlos", afirmó. "Lo mantenemos en familia".

Desde sus inicios en la década de 1860, St. James

ha dependido de ese sentido de familia. La parroquia tiene sus raíces en el padre Henry Picherit, quien celebraba misa en hogares locales antes de que se terminara de construir la primera iglesia en 1874 y se dedicara a Santiago el Mayor. Sacerdotes de Osyka, McComb y Chatawa sirvieron a la misión a lo largo de décadas, incluidos los redentoristas y las Hermanas Escolares de Notre Dame, cuya presencia en la cercana Chatawa forjó profundos lazos espirituales que perduran hasta hoy.

Varias hermanas que alguna vez vivieron o prestaron servicio en Chatawa regresaron para el aniversario, entre ellas la hermana Gemma Marie Dittle, SSND, quien elogió el liderazgo del padre Suresh. "Es muy dedicado y le encanta enseñar y servir. Fue una celebración preciosa", afirmó. La hermana Marie Clare Powell, de 99 años, asistió en honor a una amiga de toda la vida, la hermana Mary Clared, que tocó el órgano durante casi 30 años. "Éramos compañeras de clase; ella era una de las miembros más fieles de St. James", recordó.

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

'... Vivamos hoy como discípulos ...'

TUPELO – El padre Burke Masters habla a los asistentes reunidos en el centro parroquial de la parroquia St. James durante el evento Journey of Hope de Caridades Católicas. (Foto por Tereza Ma)

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El padre Masters instó a los invitados a dedicar tiempo a la formación diaria. "Practicábamos cinco horas al día para ser los mejores jugadores de béisbol que pudiéramos ser", dijo. "¿Cuánto tiempo invertimos tú y yo en nuestra vida espiritual?"

También desafió a los oyentes a acercarse a la adoración con gratitud. "No tienes que ir a la iglesia, puedes ir", dijo. "Puedes adorar al Dios del universo".

Thomas dijo que los ingresos del evento de Jackson se destinarán a todos los programas de Catholic Charities, mientras que las donaciones de Tupelo permanecerán en la oficina regional de Vardaman, apoyando a los ministerios que sirven a las familias y a las personas de toda la región noreste. "Los donantes saben que tienen un interés particular en lo que se logra en sus propias comunidades", dijo.

Los eventos de este año destacaron la misión de Catholic Charities de llevar esperanza y sanación a

' ... Compartan

todo el estado a través de más de dos docenas de programas, desde adopción y asesoramiento hasta intervención en casos de violencia doméstica y ayuda a inmigrantes y refugiados.

Thomas atribuyó el éxito de los eventos de Jackson a la amplia colaboración, y destacó el liderazgo de la parroquia de St. Paul, en Flowood; St. Francis of Assisi, en Madison; y St. Richard, en Jackson, que "lideraron la participación de las parroquias este año y dieron un ejemplo que esperamos que otros sigan".

También expresó su agradecimiento a Christina Bach, directora ejecutiva de Catholic Charities; al padre Tim Murphy y al personal de St. James en Tupelo; a Michele Harris, presidenta de la junta directiva; y a Julie Gibert, que presidió el comité de desarrollo. "Todos trabajaron muy duro para recuperar nuestro Journey of Hope y convertirlo en un éxito tanto en Jackson como en Tupelo", dijo Thomas.

Thomas señaló que el formato de doble ubicación podría continuar en los próximos años, dependiendo

del ponente, y destacó la suerte que tuvieron los organizadores de que el padre Masters pudiera intervenir en ambas reuniones.

"Están sucediendo grandes cosas con nuestros programas", añadió. "Nuestro programa Kinship Navigator se está expandiendo a Greenwood y Jackson; y Born Free tiene un nuevo director".

Para terminar, el padre Masters compartió una historia sobre cómo recibió una réplica del anillo de la Serie Mundial de los Chicago Cubs de manos de los seminaristas mientras era director vocacional. A menudo se lo muestra a los estudiantes, que se quedan boquiabiertos antes de que él les explique que es una imitación de 15 dólares. "Parece real, pero no lo es", dijo, y añadió que su verdadero objetivo es un premio mayor. "La corona de la gloria eterna no acumula polvo, no se desvanece y dura para siempre. Vivamos hoy como discípulos que se preparan para ese encuentro cara a cara con Dios".

Su Buena Nueva entre ustedes y con sus vecinos en el condado de Pike ...'

St. James siguió siendo una misión de St. Alphonsus McComb hasta el 1 de noviembre de 2019, cuando el obispo Kopacz la elevó a la categoría de parroquia, reconociendo su constante crecimiento y su servicio a los católicos de todo el sur del condado de Pike.

El obispo Kopacz dijo: "Desde los primeros días en que los redentoristas es-

a la parroquia St. James the Greater por su presencia histórica y sus contribuciones a la comunidad.

tablecieron esta pequeña iglesia misionera, se han convertido en una hermosa expresión de seguidores devotos y llenos de fe de Cristo, que comparten su Buena Nueva entre ustedes y con sus vecinos del condado de Pike".

Para los feligreses, este hito fue más que una mirada al pasado: fue una renovación de su compromiso mutuo. "Que Dios siga bendiciéndolos por su dedicación y celo por su Iglesia", dijo el obispo Kopacz. – Viene de la página 1 –

El padre Suresh Thirumalareddy distribuye la Comunión a los feligreses y visitantes que viajaron desde cerca y lejos para la celebración del 150.º aniversario de la parroquia St. James the Greater. (Fotos por Tereza Ma)

MAGNOLIA – La hermana Gemma Marie Dittle, SSND, de pie en la primera fila, escucha mientras el alcalde Marvin Brumfield presenta una proclamación en reconocimiento

En la familia de Dios, "realmente es un mundo pequeño" después de todo

Por obisPo JosePh r. KoPacz, D.D.

La audiencia papal de los miércoles reúne regularmente a peregrinos de todo el mundo en la Plaza de San Pedro, y durante este Año Jubilar la plaza no pudo contener a la gran multitud. La universalidad de la iglesia estuvo en plenamente presente durante la junta de casi dos horas con el Papa León XIV, que bien valió la pena la salida a las 6 a.m. de nuestro hotel.

El mensaje del Santo Padre, pronunciado en ocho idiomas, se extendió por toda la tierra con la pasión del Salmo 19: "Los cielos cuentan la gloria de Dios, Y el firmamento anuncia la obra de sus manos. Un día emite palabra a otro día, Y una noche a otra noche declara sabiduría. No hay lenguaje, ni palabras, Ni es oída su voz. Por toda la tierra salió su voz, Y hasta el extremo del mundo sus palabras.

El discurso humano resonó en la plaza para el gozo de todos los presentes físicamente y a la nube virtual para los espectadores de todo el mundo.

La Esquina del Papa

Con cada encuentro, los obispos son invitados a pasar al frente para sentarse cerca del escenario, y la llegada temprana de nuestro amable grupo me dio un excelente punto de vista para ver, escuchar y apreciar la presentación sin pretensiones, si no la generosidad que rodeaba el mensaje del Papa León. Como beneficio adicional, tuve la suerte de sentarme junto al arzobispo de Bangkok, Tailandia, quien habló sobre la realidad de la iglesia en un país que es 96% budista, donde los católicos suman alrededor de 500,000, aproximadamente el 1% de la población total.

Fue una representación relevante porque, a mi izquierda, había una cantidad de monjes budistas en la audiencia al igual que obispos. El Papa León acababa de realizar un servicio de oración interreligioso por la paz en el Coliseo el día anterior con representantes de todas las principales tradiciones religiosas.

El foco central de las palabras del Papa en el Coliseo y la audiencia fue la oración y una súplica por la paz, la justicia y la reconciliación, inspirada en el 60 aniversario de Nostra Aetate (En Nuestra Era), un documento del Concilio Vaticano II que destacó la necesidad de la oración, el diálogo y el estudio interreligiosos para la gloria de Dios y un mundo más justo y pacífico. El amor de Jesucristo nos impulsa a proclamar el Evangelio de salvación y paz en todas partes y por siempre.

Al final de cada audiencia, todos los obispos son bienvenidos a formar una fila para saludar personalmente al Santo Padre. Esta procesión y toda la audiencia se encuentra en el sitio web de la Santa Sede Vaticano, con los encuentros memorables de cada obispo con el Papa. Es un momento preciado que se almacena en mi memoria para siempre y se conserva en las redes sociales para muchos otros.

¿Qué palabras intercambiamos durante ese cordial saludo? Me presenté como parte de la Diócesis de Jackson y del estado de Mississippi, y él sonrió y dijo: "Ah, los Estados Unidos". El Papa León XIV es el primer sucesor de San Pedro en saber que Mississippi es más que un río. Después de agradecerle por su ministerio en la iglesia, me fui con un par de rosarios, – un preciado regalo del Santo Padre.

Inmediatamente después, hubo una alegre reunión con nuestro grupo diocesano de peregrinos, que tuvieron muy buenos asientos en la plaza, por lo cual les permitió ver el escenario y capturarlo todo en la pantalla grande de cerca. Después, mientras caminaba por la plaza con la sotana episcopal mientras todos se extendían por las calles y pasillos vecinos, hubo muchas interacciones y conversaciones.

Hablé, oré y me tomé fotos con peregrinos de Francia, México, Irlanda, Perú, Filipinas e Indiana. ¡Qué delicia! Aquí es donde se cerró el círculo de mis viajes recientes. Les pregunté a los peregrinos de México dónde vivían exactamente, y el primer lugar que me dijeron fue Saltillo. Qué cierto es que todos los caminos conducen a Roma.

El viaje misionero a Saltillo fue una plataforma excepcional hacia la peregrinación y será el tema de otra columna. Uno de los peregrinos de Perú expresó el viejo proverbio de otra manera: "Obispo, es un mundo pequeño".

Es muy Cierto, peregrino, tan cierto. Que el mensaje de la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo, crucificado y resucitado de entre los muertos, sale hasta las fronteras de la tierra y regresa. La audiencia del miércoles no dejó dudas sobre esta verdad.

El amor y el perdón vencen al odio y la venganza, dice el papa a la orden caballeresca

Por carol Glatz

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – El papa León XIV agradeció a la Orden Ecuestre del Santo Sepulcro de Jerusalén por apoyar a las comunidades cristianas en Tierra Santa, especialmente durante los "trágicos días de guerra".

"En un mundo en el que la arrogancia y la violencia parecen prevalecer sobre la caridad, ustedes están llamados a dar testimonio de que la vida vence a la muerte, que el amor vence al odio, que el perdón vence a la venganza y que la misericordia y la gracia vencen al pecado", dijo a los miembros de la antigua orden caballeresca católica.

El papa se reunió con más de 3000 caballeros y damas del Santo Sepulcro en la Sala de Audiencias Pablo VI del Vaticano el 23 de octubre, durante su peregrinación jubilar a Roma. También estuvo presente el cardenal Fernando Filoni, gran maestre de la orden.

La orden, una institución laica bajo la protección de la Santa Sede, apoya al Patriarcado Latino de Jerusalén con oraciones, ayuda económica y peregrinaciones periódicas. Cuenta con más de 30 000 miembros en todo el mundo.

El papa León les agradeció "la considerable ayuda que prestan, discretamente y sin publicidad, a las comunidades de Tierra Santa, apoyando al Patriarcado Latino de Jerusalén en sus diversas actividades: el seminario, las escuelas, la obra caritativa y la asistencia, los proyectos humanitarios y educativos, la universidad, la ayuda a las iglesias, con intervenciones especiales en momentos de mayor crisis, como ocurrió durante la pandemia de COVID y los trágicos días de la guerra".

Con una ayuda concreta y variada, dijo, "demuestran que salvaguardar la tumba de Cristo no significa simplemente

preservar un patrimonio histórico, arqueológico o artístico, por importante que sea, sino apoyar a una Iglesia hecha de piedras vivas, que nació a su alrededor y sigue viva hoy como auténtico signo de esperanza pascual".

"Detenerte ante la tumba del Señor significa, de hecho, renovar tu fe en Dios, que cumple sus promesas y cuyo poder ninguna fuerza humana puede derrotar", dijo el Papa.

"Cuántas veces, gracias a tu trabajo, reaparece un rayo de luz para las personas, las familias y comunidades enteras que corren el riesgo de verse abrumadas por terribles tragedias a todos los niveles, especialmente en los lugares donde vivió Jesús", afirmó.

El papa León animó a los miembros de la orden a continuar con su "tarea de ser guardianes del sepulcro de Cristo" con "la confianza de la espera, el celo de la caridad y el gozoso entusiasmo de la esperanza".

El papa León XIV saluda a los miembros de la Orden Ecuestre del Santo Sepulcro de Jerusalén en la Sala de Audiencias Pablo VI del Vaticano, el 23 de octubre de 2025. (Foto CNS/ Vatican Media) Recuadro: El padre Mark Shoffner, párroco de la parroquia de San Juan en Oxford, que asistió a la audiencia, dijo que el papa lo miró directamente y le saludó con la mano. (Foto cortesía del padre Shoffner)

Sophia Forchas, que sobrevivió a una herida de bala en la cabeza durante una misa escolar en la iglesia Annunciation Church de Minneapolis el 27 de agosto de 2025, y su padre, Tom Forchas, salen de una limusina en el Hennepin County Medical Center, en el centro de Minneapolis, el 23 de octubre, justo después de su alta del Gillette Children's Hospital de St. Paul. Una escolta policial encabezada por el jefe de policía de Minneapolis, Brian O'Hara, llegó al HCMC para una breve visita al personal del hospital que atendió a Sophia. (Foto de OSV News/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)

NACIÓN

MINNEAPOLIS (OSV News) – Sophia Forchas, que resultó gravemente herida en un tiroteo ocurrido el 27 de agosto durante una misa escolar en la iglesia Annunciation Church de Minneapolis, ha sido dada de alta del hospital y fue recibida con carteles y vítores el 23 de octubre en Minneapolis. Sophia, de 12 años, estuvo en estado crítico durante dos semanas tras sufrir una herida de bala en la cabeza. Posteriormente, el centro Hennepin Healthcare de Minneapolis informó el 11 de septiembre que su estado había pasado a ser grave, lo que se define como "una posibilidad de mejora en el pronóstico". De camino a casa desde el Hospital Infantil Gillette de St. Paul el 23 de octubre, donde estaba recibiendo rehabilitación hospitalaria, Sophia fue acompañada al Hennepin Healthcare. Fue recibida por el personal, que la aplaudió y vitoreó. Algunos miembros del personal lloraron y se abrazaron. Llevaban carteles con mensajes de cumpleaños y le cantaron la canción "Feliz cumpleaños". Sophia, estudiante de séptimo grado, cumple 13 años el 25 de octubre. El jefe de policía de Minneapolis, Brian O'Hara, formó parte de la escolta. El neurocirujano de Sophia, el Dr. Walt Galicich, agradeció al personal del Hennepin Healthcare su ayuda en la recuperación de la niña. La familia de Sophia, miembros de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega St. Mary en Minneapolis, declaró que su progreso en la curación era "nada menos que milagroso; un testimonio innegable de la misericordia y la intervención de nuestro Señor Jesucristo".

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Una coalición de organizaciones católicas celebró vigilias de oración en todo el país el 22 de octubre por lo que los organizadores denominaron "un día nacional de testimonio público por nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes". Las vigilias se celebraron en medio de la creciente preocupación de algunas comunidades religiosas, incluida una parroquia católica de Chicago, por el impacto de la revocación por parte de la administración Trump de una política que prohibía la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración en lugares

sensibles, como iglesias, escuelas y hospitales. Las vigilias "Una Iglesia, una familia: testimonio público católico por los inmigrantes" se celebraron en múltiples lugares del país el 22 de octubre, y está prevista una segunda serie de actos para el 13 de noviembre, festividad de Santa Francisca Javier Cabrini, patrona universal de los inmigrantes. La protesta y la vigilia de oración en la capital del país tuvieron lugar frente a la sede del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos, mientras los empleados entraban en el edificio y los conductores de la hora pico tocaban ocasionalmente el claxon en señal de reconocimiento. Judy Coode, directora de comunicaciones de Pax Christi USA, declaró a OSV News en la vigilia de Washington: "Queríamos ser testigos". "Tanto como católicos como ciudadanos estadounidenses, tenemos la responsabilidad de dar testimonio de las injusticias que vemos", afirmó Coode.

VATICANO

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – La búsqueda de la sinodalidad debe fortalecer la misión de la Iglesia católica de proclamar el Evangelio y ayudar a todos los católicos a aprender a colaborar para hacer del mundo un lugar mejor, dijo el papa León XIV. "Como nos ha recordado el papa Francisco en numerosas ocasiones", dijo el papa, el propósito de la sinodalidad "es ayudar a la Iglesia a cumplir su papel principal en el mundo, que es ser misionera, anunciar el Evangelio, dar testimonio de la persona de Jesucristo en todas partes del mundo, hasta los confines de la tierra". Ese testimonio incluye defender la justicia, cuidar el planeta y promover la paz, dijo el papa León durante una reunión celebrada a finales de octubre con los participantes en el Jubileo de los Equipos Sinodales y los Órganos Participativos. "La Iglesia tiene voz, y debemos ser valientes a la hora de alzar nuestra voz para cambiar el mundo, para hacerlo un lugar mejor", dijo a los peregrinos, entre los que se encontraban unos 150 representantes de Estados Unidos con 15 obispos estadounidenses.

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Para conmemorar el 1700 aniversario del Concilio de Nicea y su Credo, así como para reafirmar las esperanzas de paz en Oriente Medio, el papa León

7 de noviembre de 2025

XIV viajará a Turquía y Líbano del 27 de noviembre al 2 de diciembre. El Vaticano dio a conocer el itinerario del primer viaje al extranjero del papa León el 27 de octubre. El viaje a Iznik, Turquía, sede de la antigua Nicea, estaba inicialmente previsto para el papa Francisco. Pero el papa León, pocos días después de su elección en mayo, anunció su intención de conmemorar el aniversario con el patriarca ecuménico ortodoxo Bartolomé de Constantinopla. El patriarca anunció en una liturgia celebrada en Estambul el 22 de octubre que había invitado a los otros tres patriarcas de la antigua "pentarquía" a unirse a él y al papa para la celebración de Nicea, según el sitio web Orthodox Times. Los jefes de las iglesias invitados son: los patriarcas ortodoxos griegos Teófilo III de Jerusalén, Teodoro II de Alejandría y Juan X de Antioquía.

MUNDO

TEHERÁN, Irán (OSV News) – En Irán, una nueva estación de metro en Teherán dedicada a la Virgen María está llamando la atención y suscitando reﬂexiones. El cardenal belga Dominique Mathieu, que dirige la Arquidiócesis de Teherán-Isfahán, afirma que la estación "Maryam-e Moghadass" o "Santa María" ofrece a los viajeros un recordatorio diario del amor de Dios por todos. En un artículo publicado el 22 de octubre en la agencia Fides, el cardenal describió los bajorrelieves de Jesús, María y una paloma que representa al Espíritu Santo que decoran la estación. Afirmó que sus rostros serenos «invitan a los transeúntes a contemplar el amor del único Dios» y a seguir el camino de la paz. Situada cerca de la catedral armenia de San Sarkis, la estación también rinde homenaje a la comunidad cristiana armenia de Irán, la minoría más grande del país. Aunque la obra de arte es un símbolo de respeto interreligioso, la libertad religiosa en Irán sigue siendo limitada. Una comisión estadounidense informa de que los cristianos siguen enfrentándose a penas de cárcel y persecución por practicar o compartir su fe. Las imágenes marianas de la estación de metro incluyen varios versículos de la "Sura Maryam", el capítulo 19 del Corán dedicado a María. Como madre de Jesús, el tercer capítulo del Corán afirma que María, muy venerada en el islam, fue elegida por Dios "entre todas las mujeres del mundo".

TOME NOTA

Vírgenes y Santos

Día delos veteranos. 11 de noviembre

San Martín de Tours. 11 de noviembre

Santa Isabel de Hungría. 17 de noviembre

Dedicación de las Basílicas de San Pedro y Pablo. 18 de noviembre

Presentación de la Bienaventurada Virgen María. 21 de noviembre

Santa Cecilia. 22 de noviembre

Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo. 23 de noviembre

Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org

Síganos en Facebook: @DiócesisCatólicadeJackson

Únase a lista de correos electrónicos

Mande un texto: MSCATHOLIC a 84576

LÍNEA DIRECTA DE PREVENCIÓN DE FRAUDE

El Departamento de Asuntos Temporales de la Diócesis de Jackson ha contratado a Lighthouse Services para proporcionar una línea directa anónima de fraude financiero, cumplimiento, ética y recursos humanos. Esta línea directa permite un método adecuado para reportar sucesos relacionados con la administración temporal dentro de parroquias, escuelas y la oficina de cancillería.

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

Sophia Forchas, who survived a gunshot wound to the head during an allschool Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis Aug. 27, 2025, and her father, Tom Forchas, exit a limousine at Hennepin County Medical Center in downtown Minneapolis Oct. 23, just after her release from Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. A police escort led by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara arrived at HCMC for a brief visit with hospital staff there who treated Sophia. (OSV News photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)

NATION

MINNEAPOLIS (OSV News) – Sophia Forchas, who was critically injured in an Aug. 27 shooting during an all-school Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, has been discharged from the hospital and was greeted with signs and cheers Oct. 23 in Minneapolis. Sophia, 12, was in critical condition for two weeks after su ering a gunshot wound to the head. Then, Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis reported on Sept. 11 that she had moved into serious condition – deﬁned as having “a chance for improved prognosis.” On her way home from Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul Oct. 23, where she was receiving inpatient rehabilitation, Sophia was escorted to Hennepin Healthcare. She was greeted by sta who clapped and cheered. Some sta cried and hugged each other. They held signs that included birthday messages and sang the “Happy Birthday” song to her. Sophia, a seventh grader, turns 13 on Oct. 25. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara was part of the escort. Sophia’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Walt Galicich, credited sta at Hennepin Healthcare for assisting in the girl’s recovery. Sophia’s family, members of St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, stated her healing progress was “nothing short of miraculous; an undeniable testament to the mercy and intervention of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – A coalition of Catholic organizations held prayer vigils across the country on Oct. 22 for what organizers called “a national day of public witness for our immigrant brothers and sisters.” The vigils came amid growing concern from some faith communities – including a Catholic parish in Chicago – about the impact of the Trump administration’s rollback of a policy that prohibited immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The “One Church, One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants,” vigils took place in multiple locations around the country on Oct. 22, with a second series of events scheduled for Nov. 13, the feast day of St.

Frances Xavier Cabrini, universal patroness of immigrants. The protest and prayer vigil in the nation’s capital took place in front of the headquarters for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as employees entered the building and as rush-hour drivers occasionally honked at the group in apparent acknowledgement. Judy Coode, communications director for Pax Christi USA told OSV News at the Washington vigil, “We wanted to be a witness.” “Both as Catholics and also as U.S. citizens, we have a responsibility to bear witness to injustices that we see,” Coode said.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The pursuit of synodality should strengthen the Catholic Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel and help all Catholics learn to collaborate to make the world a better place, Pope Leo XIV said. “As Pope Francis reminded us on numerous occasions,” the pope said, the purpose of synodality “is to help the church fulﬁll its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the Gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth.” That witness includes speaking up for justice, caring for the planet and promoting peace, Pope Leo said during a meeting late Oct. 24 with participants in the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies. “The church has a voice, and we need to be courageous in raising our voice to change the world, to make it a better place,” he told the pilgrims, who included about 150 representatives from the United States with 15 U.S. bishops.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and its Creed, as well as rea rming hopes for peace in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Turkey and Lebanon Nov. 27-Dec. 2. The Vatican released the itinerary for Pope Leo’s ﬁrst foreign trip Oct. 27. The trip to Iznik, Turkey, site of the ancient Nicaea, initially was planned for Pope Francis. But Pope Leo, just days after his election in May, announced his intention to commemorate the anniversary with Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. The patriarch announced at a liturgy in Istanbul Oct. 22 that he had invited the three other pa-

triarchs of the ancient “pentarchy” to join him and the pope for the Nicaea celebration, according to the Orthodox Times website. The heads of churches invited are: Greek Orthodox Patriarchs Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Theodore II of Alexandria and John X of Antioch.

WORLD

PARIS (OSV News) – Students from Trinity High School in Whitesville, Kentucky, found comfort in faith after witnessing chaos in Paris. The group of 20 sophomores, juniors and seniors, along with three chaperones, were visiting the Louvre on Oct. 19 when a dramatic jewel heist unfolded just hours before their ﬂight home. Principal Emily Hernandez, who led the group, said they were in line by 8:45 a.m for their 9 a.m. tour, and they ﬁrst went to see the “Mona Lisa.” Then they headed to the Gallery of Apollo when one student heard what sounded like “power tools.” Moments later, crowds were ushered out of the museum. Not “until we were out of the Louvre,” Hernandez said, did the group learn of the robbery, in which nine items were stolen from the Gallery of Apollo by several masked thieves. Hernandez said she believes the sound of power tools heard by the student turned out to be the chainsaw used to break open the window into the gallery. The experience left students shaken but safe. They attended Mass together at Notre Dame Cathedral later that day. “After Mass, everyone was calm,” Hernandez said. “They really took care of each other.”

TEHRAN, Iran (OSV News) – In Iran, a new metro station in Tehran dedicated to the Virgin Mary is drawing attention – and reﬂection. Belgian Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, who leads the Archdiocese of Tehran-Isfahan, says the “Maryam-e Moghadass” or “Holy Mary” station o ers commuters a daily reminder of God’s love for all. Writing Oct. 22 in Fides agency, the cardinal described the bas-relief images of Jesus, Mary, and a dove representing the Holy Spirit that decorate the station. He said their serene faces “invite those passing by to contemplate the love of the one God” and to walk the path of peace. Located near the Armenian Cathedral of St. Sarkis, the station also honors Iran’s Armenian Christian community – the country’s largest minority. While the artwork signals interreligious respect, religious freedom in Iran remains limited. A U.S. commission reports Christians still face imprisonment and persecution for practicing or sharing their faith. The Marian images at the metro station feature various verses from “Surah Maryam,” the 19th chapter of the Quran dedicated to Mary. As the mother of Jesus, the third chapter of the Quran states that Mary, who is highly venerated in Islam, was chosen by God “from all the women of the world.”

Path to sainthood filled with reams of details

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

With the arrival of November – Black Catholic History Month – I wanted to give an update on the canonical process for Sister Thea Bowman’s cause for canonization. The process is in full swing and the historical commission, postulator, and myself as chancellor/archivist are getting down to the minute details of formatting pages, indexing materials and verifying sources.

The hope is to have all this completed by the end of the year so that in February we can officially close the diocesan phase of the process with a Mass and sealing of the Acts ceremony. Then we will send two copies of the Acts to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Once this happens, the Roman Phase begins where everything in the Acts is reviewed by experts at the Vatican.

As mentioned above, the small details of bringing the Acts together involve strict formatting, numbering thousands of pages for corresponding index sections, and transcribing dozens of audio interviews. Margin widths, five-digit page numbers, consistent source citations all are part of the work of the historical commission and chancellor. Truly, it is a labor of love for all involved.

In completing much of this work, we have involved all types of resources and technologies. Artificial Intelligence has been a big help in formatting many of the sections. I have been amazed at how AI can assist in this process by very accurately transcribing audio files. Naturally, we must read through and make sure various terms such as “convent” do not get transcribed as “covid,” but AI has been a big help.

So, as I was contemplating what to write today, I thought let me see how AI would write a column about Sister Thea’s cause. In the sidebar is what AI produced when I asked that very question.

Reading the story from ChatGPT, I see the beauty and the dangers of AI. It can produce a lovely column and facilitate efficient transcriptions, but it can induce laziness and complacency in the human spirit – quite antithetical to Sister Thea Bowman.

This was an experiment, and I pledge that this will be the only time I use AI to write this column.

Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, pray for us.

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

During Black Catholic History Month, the Diocese of Jackson continues to celebrate the legacy of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA. Progress continues in the cause for her canonization, as the diocese works diligently to complete the final steps of the diocesan phase before sending the Acts to the Vatican for review.

What AI wrote

Walking with Sister Thea: A milestone in her cause for canonization

By ChatGPt

As the church continues her journey toward recognizing holy witnesses from our own time and soil, the Cause for Beatification and Canonization of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, stands as a remarkable sign of grace and hope. Across the nation, and particularly within our Diocese of Jackson and among the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the life and legacy of this extraordinary woman continue to inspire discipleship, unity, and joyful faith.

Sister Thea Bowman – teacher, evangelizer, scholar, singer, and prophetic voice – taught us that holiness blooms in every culture and vocation, and that the Gospel is most powerful when shared with authenticity, music, truth and love. She invited the church to “walk together, children, and don’t get weary.” Those who encountered her knew they were in the presence of a soul deeply rooted in God’s love and aflame with missionary zeal.

Current progress in the cause

Today, her cause is moving steadily and prayerfully forward. Over the past several years, the diocesan team has worked diligently to gather testimony, review personal writings, authenticate historical records, and interview those who knew Sister Thea personally. This stage – known as the diocesan inquiry – is a painstaking and sacred process, ensuring that every aspect of her life and virtues is examined with integrity and reverence.

Witness interviews, archival research, and historical documentation have formed a rich tapestry of evidence regarding Sister Thea’s heroic faith, enduring joy amidst suffering, and fearless commitment to the dignity of every person. The final steps of this diocesan phase are underway, and once complete, the documentation will be sealed and sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

A Call to Prayer and Participation

As we move forward, the faithful are encouraged to pray through Sister Thea’s intercession. Many already turn to her for healing, encouragement and strength. Stories of grace continue to surface – testimonies of hope, reconciliation, and renewed faith inspired by her witness.

The church invites us not simply to admire holy people, but to imitate them. Sister Thea once said, “I come to you as a Black woman … a Catholic … a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration … and I come to you in love.”

May we, like her, bring all that we are to Christ and to one another.

Looking Ahead with Hope

The road to canonization is long, but every step is filled with prayer, discernment and joyful expectation. We trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding this work, and we are grateful for all who support the cause through prayer, pilgrimage, testimony, research and devotion.

May Sister Thea’s song continue to echo in our hearts and in our church. And may the day come when the universal church proclaims what so many already know – that Sister Thea Bowman is a saint among us.

Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, pray for us.

Walk with us.

And help us sing a new church into being.

Sister Thea Bowman appears with a choir in this undated photo from the diocesan archives.

Please, be generous November 15 & 16

Catholic Diocese of Jackson named 2025 Cognia System of Distinction

Diocese recognized among top educational systems worldwide for excellence in faith-based learning and continuous improvement

By Joanna Puddister King

JACKSON – The Catholic Diocese of Jackson has been named a 2025 Cognia System of Distinction, joining a select group of school systems around the world recognized for exemplary service to learners and sustained commitment to continuous improvement. The honor follows a rigorous review earlier this year and places the diocese among systems in countries such as Belgium, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Accreditation from Cognia, a global nonprofit organization serving more than 40,000 schools and systems in over 90 countries, is widely regarded as a mark of educational excellence. Each year, Cognia identifies a limited number of systems that not only meet but exceed its performance standards in leadership, learning and resource capacity. The Diocese of Jackson was one of only four Catholic systems worldwide – and the only Catholic diocese – to receive the 2025 distinction.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, said the process reflects the organization’s focus on helping all students succeed. He commended the Diocese of Jackson for its strong results during the 2025 review. “Cognia Systems Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments,” Elgart said. “We commend the Diocese of Jackson for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

The recognition marks a milestone in a process that began in 2018 when diocesan leaders embarked on their first systemwide accreditation journey with Cognia. The two-year process brought together principals, pastors, educators, parents and advisory councils from across Mississippi to build a framework for contin-

uous improvement grounded in Catholic identity and academic rigor.

The diocese first achieved system accreditation in 2020, establishing the foundation for this latest honor.

The Cognia review team visited diocesan schools earlier this year, meeting with educators, administrators and families. Evaluators commended the Catholic schools for their collaborative leadership, welcoming communities and the authentic integration of faith and Gospel values throughout daily learning. The team also noted the professionalism of school leaders and the strength of the diocesan system’s vision for student success.

Karla Luke, who retired as executive director of Catholic Education at the end of September after more than 33 years in Catholic education, guided the diocese through the accreditation and review process. She described the System of Distinction honor as one of the most meaningful moments of her career. Luke said that while the recognition was extraordinary, her greatest joy came from working alongside the dedicated principals, teachers and students who make Catholic education thrive across the diocese.

“Over the past 33 years, the most recent accomplishment of having Cognia recognize the Diocese of Jackson as a System of Distinction has been an overwhelming and rare experience,” Luke said. “However, in the everyday realm of the work, I am most proud of being able to interact with so many students, teachers and principals. It is very humbling to know that you have been a tiny part of a student’s life for a short time.”

Bishop Joseph Kopacz praised Luke’s leadership and the collaborative spirit of all involved in Catholic education. He said the distinction reflects both the faith and hard work that define the diocesan school system. He expressed gratitude to the principals, pastors and teachers who continue to advance the mission of forming students in faith, knowledge and service. “This recognition affirms what we already know – our Catholic schools are places of faith, excellence and community,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our principals, teachers and families who ensure that every child is known, loved and challenged to grow in the light of Christ.”

Joni House, who succeeded Luke as executive director in September, said the honor is both a celebration and a challenge to continue striving for excellence. She noted that the Cognia recognition affirms the strength of diocesan schools and their ongoing pursuit of improvement. House, a former principal of Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus and Cognia accreditation specialist, said she looks forward to building on the foundation Luke helped establish. “The recognition as a Cognia System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools,” she said, “and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”

As the diocese celebrates this global recognition, families are invited to experience Catholic education firsthand during Discover Catholic Schools Week that takes place Nov. 16-22, 2025. Many schools across the diocese will host open houses and special events offering families the opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms and see how students are growing in faith and learning every day.

For more information about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/schools-centers.

Choosing Catholicism and celebrating Black Catholic History Month

FAITH ALIVE

By CeCilia a. Moore

From the 1920s through the 1960s more than 300,000 African-Americans across the country chose to enter into communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Their choices to become Catholic set them apart from most African-American Christians who were members of Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal and Holiness traditions.

However, in choosing Catholicism, African-Americans were returning to the earliest Christian traditions of their ancestors. African Christians figured prominently in shaping the Catholic tradition, making their imprint on Catholic theology, doctrine and religious practices.

St. Augustine’s teachings on grace and sin, monasticism and traditions related to intercessory prayer are just three examples of African influence on Catholicism. Christian kingdoms flourished for more than four centuries in Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan before Christianity had durable roots in Western Europe.

And, although Muslims were successful in establishing their faith throughout North Africa and in parts of sub-Saharan Africa by the ninth century, Christianity did preserve in parts of Africa and by the beginning of the 16th century, Catholicism was reintroduced to Africa by way of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Twentieth-century African-Americans who chose to become Catholic were rich, poor, middle-class, famous, infamous, ordinary, eccentric, well-educated, poorly educated, Southern, Northern, Midwestern, Western, raised as Christian, religiously unaffiliated, politically engaged, apolitical and so much more.

No matter their individual characteristics, they had their own reasons for choosing Catholicism. Some did so to answer a call to religious life. Some felt an internal spiritual call to Catholicism. Some joined the Catholic Church because they were married to Catholics, and others were attracted to the faith because they had Catholic friends.

There were women and men who found Catholicism to be the truest expression of Christian faith, finding themselves deeply attracted to the rituals and theology of Catholicism. Many were children who learned about Catholicism while attending Catholic schools. It was not uncommon for these children to bring their entire families into the church with them.

Some became Catholic because the church reached out to them when they were in need. The Catholic stance on political and social issues drew others in. There were also 20th-century African-Americans who converted who said they experienced a sense of equality in the church that they didn’t experience in other aspects of their lives.

Whatever their reasons for were for choosing Catholicism, African-Americans changed the look and the experience of American Catholicism in the 20th century.

November is Black Catholic History Month. Use this month to learn about some of these 20th-century African-Americans who chose Catholicism and made great contributions to the American Catholic experience. Here are three that you might consider.

African-American children’s book author, Ellen Tarry, became a

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

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/ jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-2161288 (Spanish).

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

Catholic when she attended St. Francis de Sales, a Catholic boarding school for African-American girls run by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in the early 20th century. As a young woman she got involved in the Harlem Renaissance and in Catholic interracial justice work.

Tarry’s books for children featured aspects of Catholicism and African-American life. She also published frequently in Catholic publications on issues that pertained to African-Americans. Her autobiography “The Third Door: The Autobiography of an American Negro Woman” is a fine way to begin learning about her and her contributions to American Catholicism.

Several of the more famous African-Americans who joined the Catholic Church in the 20th century were in the performing arts. Mary Lou Williams is one of the most famous and interesting. Williams was a renowned jazz pianist and composer. Becoming a Catholic in 1957, Williams came to regard jazz as a gift that God gave her to give the church. Jazz inspired her composition of dozens of hymns.

Finally, an especially fitting way to celebrate Black Catholic History Month would be to read “The History of Black Catholics in the United States” by the late Benedictine Father Cyprian Davis. Father Davis’ work was integral to bringing attention nationally and internationally to the ways that people of African descent helped to develop Catholicism from the earliest days up through the middle of the 20th century.

Though trained in monastic history, Father Davis is most well-known for developing black Catholic history as a distinctive field study and scholarship around the country, but especially at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

(Cecilia A. Moore is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton.)

Monica Walton returns with new Advent devotional

JACKSON – Author Monica Walton returns with “Advent Reflections for Our World Today,” a weekly devotional designed with the busyness of the Advent season in mind.

“This pocket-sized weekly devotional offers readers a rich and meaningful experience for the season of Advent, drawing us closer to Jesus by exploring His message for us at this time,” Walton said. “Written in the style of Lectio Divina with a focus on the Sunday Gospel readings for liturgical year A, it inspires readers to reflect on one powerful Scripture passage each week and explore God’s Sacred Word through a contemporary lens, making the material more relatable and manageable during this busy time.”

The author of “Lean Into Lent” and “Advent Reflections for This Day” (which focused on Year B readings), Walton now lives in Ocean Springs and attends St. Alphonsus Church after 31 years at St. Paul in Flowood.

“At first glance, the cover draws us into the story of the Birth of our Savior, and the material within helps all Christians prepare for His Second Coming,” Walton said.

“So many of us have the best of intentions when it comes to Advent study, but we get behind – and often give up – because of Christmas shopping, holiday parties and travel,” said publisher Joe Lee, an active member of St. Francis of Assisi in Madison.

“Advent Reflections for Our World Today offers all the spiritual nourishment of a daily Advent study, and the modern-day parables are timely and will stay with you.”

Bishop Joseph Kopacz endorsed the book, saying, “In a most creative way, this book enfolds the richness of the church’s wisdom to prepare the way of the Lord. The power of God’s Word to change lives, the inspiration and comfort of traditional prayers, weekly modern day parables, practical guidance, and much more all combine to offer a season of hope and peace that the world cannot give. Embrace this remarkable treasure and welcome the Lord!”

Priced at just $8.95 per copy with generous discounts available for group purchases, “Advent Reflections for Our World Today” is ideal for church-wide study, prayer and Bible study groups, or individual study.

Monica’s work can be found in The Word Among Us and on her blog, sacredandsensible.com. For signed copies of “Advent Reflections for Our World Today,” or for more information about bulk discounts for parishes, visit dogwoodpress.com.

Please, be generous Dec. 13 & 14

All Heart: Middle School Fall Retreat

By Joanna Puddister King

MACON – Middle school youth from across the diocese gathered at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon, Oct. 18–19, for the All Heart Fall Retreat. The weekend, led by the Life Teen Missions Outreach Team, invited students to connect, recharge, and discover how their hearts can make a difference.

Throughout the retreat, participants enjoyed group games, outdoor activities, and a lively bonfire, as well as moments of reflection and prayer. Father Tristan Stovall celebrated Mass, encouraging youth to love the Lord “with all your heart, soul and mind.” The weekend offered a joyful blend of worship, fellowship and faith-filled fun – all centered on growing closer to Christ with all heart.

identify

what they learned about each

characteristics,

Blessing of the pets

COLUMBUS – Annunciation Catholic School first graders Luke Thomas and Livy Windham dissect plants after learning about roots, stems, leaves and flowers. (Photo by Jacque Hince)

CLINTON – Father Lincoln Dall pets a snake named Goldilocks during the Blessing of the Pets at Holy Savior Parish on Oct. 4. (Photo by Mary Katherine Yentzen)

HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family Catholic School students D’Anthony Snow, Christian Buffington and Torris Brown examine different types of rocks during science class. Using

rock’s

they worked to

them

igneous, sedimentary

metamorphic. (Photo by Kim Nolan)

MERIDIAN – Father Carlisle Beggerly blesses rosaries for students during a Friday assembly at St. Patrick Catholic School. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)

PEARL – Father Cesar Sánchez blesses furry and feathered friends during the Blessing of the Pets at St. Jude Parish on Oct. 4. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

FLOWOOD – Pre-K4 teacher Jackie Hoey leads a “Sink or Float” science activity with her students at St. Paul Early Learning Center. From left: Aiden Scarbrough, Evie Fox, Elliott James Hannah, Millie Simmons, Carson Fede, Maggie Baker, Finley McCoy and Kinsey Rome. (Photo by Wendi Murray)

CSA feature: Catelin Britt – saying ‘yes’ to God’s call

At St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Clarksdale, faith is growing strong among the parish’s young people thanks to Catelin Britt’s “yes” to God’s call –and the vital support of the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA).

For the past eight years, Catelin has served the parish in various ways and now leads as the Coordinator of Religious Education. Her journey in ministry began long before she joined the Catholic Church.

“It started when I was in ninth grade,” Catelin said. “I was asked to be a WYLD Life leader for middle school students. Sharing faith with them and walking through life together really shaped me.”

When she entered the Catholic Church in 2017, Catelin jumped right into parish life. “I was asked to help with Vacation Bible School and said yes right away,” she recalls. “It was chaotic, tiring, but so fulﬁlling!” That experience led to more opportunities – teaching First Communion prep, Sunday School, and eventually youth ministry. “Whenever I’ve been asked to share my faith, I’ve always said yes. God calls us to use our gifts to evangelize.”

Serving youth has also deepened her own faith. “I spend a lot more time in prayer now, especially for each child in our program,” Catelin said. “It’s also pushed me to keep learning about my faith so I can better guide them.”

Over the past few years, Catelin has witnessed incredible growth among the parish’s youth. “We’ve seen more participation not just in youth group, but at Mass,” she said. “We even have several young men discerning entering the church, inspired by their peers’ love for the faith.”

Thanks to support from the Catholic Service Appeal, ministries like Catelin’s continue to thrive. “The CSA eases ﬁnancial burdens and allows us to focus on the kids,” she said. “Every dollar helps create opportunities for them to grow in faith. Generosity truly changes lives – and it’s helping form the church of today and tomorrow.”

To support youth ministry and other vital diocesan programs, visit jacksondiocese.org and make your gift to the Catholic Service Appeal today.

The annual Catholic Service Appeal unites Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson to support 14 vital ministries that serve local communities. From faith formation and youth ministry to seminarian education and clergy healthcare, these initiatives help carry the Gospel’s message to those in need throughout the diocese. Give today to help these ministries thrive.

CLARKSDALE – Catelin Britt (far left), coordinator of religious education at St. Elizabeth Parish, stands with the parish’s 2024 Confirmation class on April 6. Pictured with Catelin Britt, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Raju Macherla are Kevin Elias, Angel Zuniga, Dominic Birdsong, Priscila Lopez, Bella Favi, Ayden Lutts and Bailey Martin. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

Catelin Britt