DECEMBER 22, 2023
mississippicatholic.com
Renovations ‘prepare the way of the Lord in the Delta’ BY BERTA MEXIDOR
Commending the parishioners who contributed to the renovation, Bishop GREENVILLE – Bishop Joseph KoKopacz emphasized the significance of pacz presided over a momentous Mass their collective effort – including that for the parish of St. Joseph in Greenville of Salvador Sarullo, who bequeathed a on Sunday, Dec. 10, marking the end of large portion of his estate to the parish. a seven-month renovation period. The “Today is very special … the hand of historic church, steeped in significance, the Lord has blessed us, the generosity of opened its doors to eager parishioners Salvador Sarullo, and all of those … who who had patiently awaited this joyous made this possible,” said Bishop Kopacz. occasion. Mary Lynn Powers, the parish histoPrior to the blessing Mass, a multirian, shared a brief history of St. Joseph tude of parishioners gathered in anticparish with the parishioners gathered ipation, radiating joy as they reveled in for the renovation blessing. The church, the transformed ambiance of the sacred a dream of Canon Paul Korstenbrock, place. The church, which had been closed an architect-turned priest, was erected for months, now showcases a renewed viin 1908, designed in true Dutch Gothic tality that captivated the attention of all style. The renovation retained antique who entered. features, including hand-carved altars, Parishioners and visitors alike maroriginal windows depicting the lives of veled at the renovations, noting the ensaints, and the more modern Stations of hanced brightness and vibrant colors the Cross from 2008. that adored the church. One notable Powers noted the fortuitous contrirenovation was the Stations of the Cross. butions of the estates of Joe and KathConversations around the parish buzzed erine Reilly, in addition to that of Sarulwith admiration, as parishioners remilo, which she said truly helped save the nisced about the church’s previous state and expressed gratitude for the remark- GREENVILLE – Parishioners of St. Joseph parish gathered for a special Mass church from deterioration. As the Mass concluded, Father Jose able conclusion of the renovation. on Sunday, Dec. 10 with Bishop Joseph Kopacz for the blessing of the parish de Jesus Sanchez, pastor of St. Joseph, As Bishop Kopacz delivered his blessexpressed gratitude to Bishop Kopacz ing, spanning not only the people but ev- after months of extensive renovations. (Photo by Berta Mexidor) and the supportive community. Attendery corner of the building, including the ees were then invited to the community center, where the atmosphere buzzed with Stations of the Cross, culminating in the blessing of the altar. During his homily, Bishop Kopacz drew parallels between the Gospel centered joy. Reflecting on the church’s 115-year journey, the community embraced the timeon the Holy Spirit, water symbolism and the themes of preparation and repentance. less legacy shaped by the Holy Spirit, Father Korstenbrock’s vision, parishioners’ Quoting Isaiah, he urged the congregation to “prepare the way of the Lord in the generosity, contractors’ hard work, and the prayers of past, present and future genDelta,” drawing a connection between the spiritual journey and the geographical erations in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. context.
–See photos on page 6–
Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe features celebration of culture, heritage BY BERTA MEXIDOR
featuring the image of Guadalupe, conchas (shells) and tambor (drum), performing NATCHEZ – On Monday, Dec. 11, a vibrant procession coursed through histor- various routines in honor of the Virgin Mary. A separate dance ensemble from Guerrero, Mexico, showcased the tradition of ic downtown Natchez, featuring the revered Our Lady of Guadalupe with a group of devoted Guadalupeans present for the celebration. The culminating event was Los Chinelos, a cultural heritage from Morelos, a region in Mexico. Dressed in cola Mass presided over by Father Aaron Williams, accompanied by Father Charles orful attire, the group depicted an elderly figure with a long beard, carrying the image of Guadalupe on the back of the cape. They danced joyously to regional music, Yaklin, IVE, who delivered the homily. This marked the second instance in which Hispanic Catholics from the Nat- adding a dynamic element to the festivities. chez-Vidalia area received the support of Father Williams, of – Continued on page 6 – the Basilica of St. Mary, and Father Charles, a monk INSIDE THIS WEEK hailing from St. Joseph Monastery in Natchez. Father Charles, who arrived in Natchez two years ago, has been offering Mass in Spanish to the local Catholic community. In his Spanish homily, he emphasized the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stating that her call is for everyone to draw near to Jesus. He highlighted, “She asked to build a temple, not for her glory, not for us to praise her, because she is surrounded by thousands of angels, but the message of her heart is for us to be close to her son, through the Eucharist.” The successful organization of the 12-day celebration, including Rosaries and traditional dances, is Youth 14 Gay couples blessing 7 From the archives 9 attributed to the dedicated efforts of numerous volYouth photos from schools Doctrinal Dicastery exWoodward delves into unteers, notably Lupe Valencia, of Mexican heritage. and parishes plains blessing document POWs housed in state Valencia led a group of dancers adorned in ponchos