DECEMBER 8, 2023
mississippicatholic.com
For most families with loved ones still held by Hamas, the painful wait continues BY RICK SNIZEK
paper of the Diocese of Providence. "Who are they going to tell me is dead? I don't TEL AVIV (OSV News) – It's a nightknow." mare scenario that no parent would "I was praying I don't want anyone to ever want to experience. Fifty days after die, but just not my children," she said, her children were taken hostage, Hadas crying. Kalderon did not see their names on the The day before, Kalderon had orgalist of the first three rounds of released nized a party to mark her mother's 80th hostages. birthday, complete with a festive chocoFinally on the list of the fourth round late cake adorned with two, huge glittery of the hostage release Nov. 27, she saw candles forming the digits of her mileher children, who are returning to Israel stone age atop it. from Hamas captivity. That day, she would learn from the Two weeks after five members of soldiers at her door that her mother and her family were taken captive by Hamas Noya, who was autistic, were found murmilitants on Oct. 7, two somber-faced dered in Gaza. members of the Israeli Defense Forces The last communication with her approached the home Kalderon has been children came in the form of a frantic staying at with a friend in Tel Aviv after text message from another home in the hers was destroyed in the attacks. kibbutz as the attack unfolded. She told them to go away before slow"They told me that they also have terly collapsing to the floor crying in grief. rorists inside their house, and so they She couldn't bear to hear the news. jumped from the window and were hidShortly after 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, under ing in the bush. This was the last mesthe cover of hundreds of rockets being sage I got from them," Kalderon said. launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel, At the time she was experiencing a the militants broke through the security Hadas, second from left, and Ofer Kalderon, second from right, pose in an fence separating several kibbutzim along undated family photo in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel, with their four children, from nightmare of her own. The Hamas militants, with the group the southeastern border with the Pales- left, Sahar, now 16; Rotem, 19; Erez, 12; and Gaia, 21. Sahar and Erez along being designated as a terrorist organizatinian territory. with their father were taken hostage by Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, and Hadar Over the course of the next two has received no word of their fate. They were not in any of the three groups tion by the U.S., as it rejects Israel's right hours, 29 of Kibbutz Nir Oz's 400 resi- released by Hamas Nov. 24-26. Her mother and niece have been reported to exist and has dedicated itself to the formation of a Palestinian state in the dents would be murdered, and 80 would murdered in Gaza. (OSV News photo/courtesy Hadas Kalderon) Holy land, had now raided her home as be taken captive and across the border, to well. be secreted somewhere in Gaza. Among She described them as bloodthirsty, going house to house murdering and butchthem were Laderon's two youngest children, son Erez, 12, and daughter Sahar, 16; ering residents, and even any cats or dogs they came across. their father, Ofer, 53; her mother Carmela, 80; and niece Noya, 12. "I was in a safe room, all alone for eight Recalling the IDF's visit she said: "I told them, 'Go away, I don't want to hear – Continued on page 8 – from you,'" Kalderon told a visiting reporter from the Rhode Island Catholic, news- hours, in the dark, with no electricity, no
St. Joseph Fighting Irish hold off Kirk Academy to win state championship BY DAVID W. HEALY, DELTA DEMOCRAT-TIMES
Raiders were out of the time outs, the head official restarted the clock and the final JACKSON – Of the five state football championships the St. Joseph Catholic seconds ticked off. After that, the celebration could finally begin. School football program has won over the last seven years, the one they won on “This win was all about our defense,” St. Joseph head coach John Baker said. Friday, Nov. 17 night may be the sweetest. Unlike in years past, the 2023 version of the Fighting Irish (8-5) were not a super “Our defense stepped up time after time after time. team that dominated the season from start to finish. Instead, they were a bunch of – Continued on page 6 – kids who kept fighting through adversity and got better and better as the season wore on. INSIDE THIS WEEK St. Joseph’s 6-0 victory over Kirk Academy in the MAIS Class 3A State Championship Friday, Nov. 17 at Jackson Academy was much like their season as a whole. It was a gritty victory and the Fighting Irish had to battle until the very end. Led by senior quarterback Carter Hatchcock, the Kirk Academy Raiders, who entered the title game with a perfect 12-0 record, made one last frantic drive in the final two minutes of the game. The drive ended, however, when a Kirk Academy receiver caught a pass for a first down inside the 3-yard line with three seconds left Youth 14 Achievement award 4 From the archives 9 on the clock. The game saving tackle was made by St. Joseph juYouth photos from schools Sister Trinita awarded lifeBishop Gerow's diary covnior Chris Moore. and parishes time achievement award erage of WWII But, because he could not get out of bounds and the
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
ANGUILLA – Our Mother of Mercy, Celebrating 100 years of our Catholic faith, Saturday, Jan. 27. Mass at 10:30 a.m. with reception following. Please join us! COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Mardi Gras Mambo, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Annunciation Gymnasium. Adults only. Dinner and open bar included. To attend purchase a draw down ticket for $100 or a $35 silent auction ticket at the door. Details: email psa.acseagles@gmail.com CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope and Camp Chatawa, Christmas in Chatawa, Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy a live Nativity, pancake breakfast, train rides, caroling hay ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, crafts and hot chocolate bar. Cost: $20 per person. Details: RSVP at ourladyofhopems.com. GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Mass of Thanksgiving for MLK, Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. Details: Office of Intercultural Ministry at (601) 949-6935. St. Richard, Christmas Candlelighting Celebration for Deceased Loved Ones, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP will share comments on her own experiences with lost loved ones. A brief ceremony of prayer and rememberance is included, followed by drinks and light refreshments. Details: please RSVP to Nancy at (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net. St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Save the date: Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at The South Warehouse. Details: school office (601) 366-1157. Theology on Tap, Dates for 2024: Jan. 10 with Cookie Leffler; Feb. 7 with Bishop Kopacz; March 6 with Father Lincoln Dall; April 10 – Easter celebration. Meetings are on Wednesdays at Martin’s Restaurant Downtown Jackson. World Marriage Day, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson and Sunday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at St. James Tupelo. This is a wonderful celebration of the sacrament of matriomony for those couples in the diocese celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th
or greater anniversary. Details: Office of Family Ministry (601) 960-8487. MADISON – St. Francis, Ring in Your Faith 10k/5k, Monday, Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. You are guaranteed a delicious New Year’s Day meal and fellowship after the race. Cost is $30, with proceeds to assist Knights ongoing service projects. Register at https://bit.ly/ringinyourfaith2024. Details: Joe at leslieslee@hotmail.com. St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at the Reunion Country Club. Sponsorships available. Details: www.stjoedrawdown.com. NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Lessons and Carols, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. Beautiful music program with parish Christmas party to follow in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited! Donations accepted for parish March for Life pilgrimage. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Women’s Club Bake Sale, Saturday/Sunday, Dec. 16-17 after Mass. All proceeds for SCJ Religious of Hales Corner, Wisconsin. PEARL – St. Jude, Floral Design for Churches Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $20 to cover cost of flowers and lunch. Details: RSVP at mary.woodward@jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 969-1880. SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, La Posada, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Procession with Mary and Joseph in their search for shelter. Followed by dinner, piñata and visit from Santa. Details: church office (662) 3421073.
ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Advent Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Reconciliation Service, Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. JACKSON – St. Richard, Advent Confessions, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. until Christmas. MADISON – St. Francis, Reconciliation Service, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Advent Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ – 2nd annual Believe Conference, April 19-21, 2024. Featured speakers are Anne Trufant, Catholic speaker and founder of The Mission on the Mountain; Barbara Heil, Catholic speaker and founder of From His Heart Ministries; and Joanne Moody, minister author, and founder of Agape Freedom Fighters. Cost: $100 for the weekend; $50 for students. Lunch included on Saturday. Details: visit https://www.themissiononthemountain.com. PINE MOUNTAINS, GA – The Girls Garden Retreat, April 4-7, 2024 at Callaway Resort and Gardens. Retreat is for any woman who seeks goodness of God through beauty, rest, prayer and small community. Featured speaker is Laura Huval, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, Catholic speaker, author and more. Details: for registration, information and pricing visit www. g i rl s g a rd e n re treats.com. L O U I S VILLE, KY – Save the date: National Black Catholic Women’s Gathering, July NATCHEZ – The Cathedral School Emerald Tide performs at the annual Nat26-28, 2024. Join chez Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2. (Photo by Joanna Puddister Black Catholic King) women to engage
FEATURED PHOTO
talents for becoming and forming missionary disciples. Sponsored by the National Black Sisters’ Conference. Details: nbsc@nbsc68.org. VIRTUAL – School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), Young Adult Evening Prayer, Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. CST via Zoom. Participants will experience evening prayer in the rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours interspersed with faith sharing and/or other prayer styles such as Lectio Divina, Taizé or Contemplative prayer. The online communal prayer typically lasts about an hour. More information and registration for the Zoom link is available at ssnd.org/events/12-19-23/. School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), “Joyful & Alive Conversation,” Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. CST via Zoom. Single women ages 18-45 interested in how to discover God’s invitations in their life and/or who are curious about religious life are invited to attend and bring questions. More information and registration for the Zoom link is available at ssnd.org/events/1-11-24/.
... Emerald Tide performs ...
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Jackson Flowood R dgeland Pearl Cl nton V cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laurel Oxford Hatt esburg
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
let there be light
Maranatha – longing and vision for Advent season BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.
ways free from sin and safe from all distress “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ as we await the blessed be with you,” was proclaimed on the first Sunday of Advent in the second hope and the coming of reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corour Lord, Jesus Christ.” inthians. (1:3) We can say that this is St. Paul’s When we proclaim the signature salutation when he wrote to each of the Nicene Creed after the Christian communities he helped to establish. homily, we express This is the greeting at the outset of the letters our eagerness for the to the Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Lord’s coming, “as I Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Theslook forward to the ressalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. urrection of the dead Likewise, St. Peter greets his fellow Christians in and the life of the world his two letters with the near identical greeting to come.” Amen. and goes a step further in his enthusiasm with The concluding the phrase “in abundance.” verses of the Bible inThis signature salutation was not only a fuse the Mass with esfriendly greeting from the two apostles but is the chatological hope and inspiration of the Holy Spirit across the pages graciousness, remindof the New Testament, as well as the mind and ing us that “for here we heart of Jesus Christ begun at the Last Supper have no lasting city,” and announced throughout the resurrection appearances. This salutation (Hebrews 13:14) and frames the Bible as the final inspired words of the book of Revelation. “The The celebration of Advent takes place on the four Sundays that our citizenship one who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” (Revelation 22:20-21) prior to Christmas and follows four weekly themes: hope, is in heaven and from Maranatha – come, Lord Jesus – is the longing and the vision for the peace, joy and love, and ends on Christmas Eve. (Photo by there we are expecting our savior, the Lord Jeseason of Advent. But this desire is central to our belief and hope through- Mary Woodward) sus Christ. (Philippians out the year, especially in our celebration of the Eucharist. 3:20) At regular intervals it is a gift to be able to transcend our world and circumAfter the consecration and transformation of the bread and wine into the Body stances and raise our hearts and minds to God through faith, prayer and praise. and Blood of the Lord, the congregation pronounces, “when we eat this bread and However, this is not an invitation to escape from trials, tribulations and temptadrink this cup we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.” tions. Come, Lord Jesus is also rooted in the present moment. Before the reception of holy communion following the Lord’s prayer the priest With St. Paul, we rejoice to know that the Lord is near, standing at the door and makes the following entreaty of the living God. “Deliver us, Lord, we pray from every knocking. (Revelations 3:20) Thus, our prayer for the Lord to come is intended for evil, and grant us peace in our days, that with the help of your mercy we may be althe moment at hand. The signature salutation of St. Paul and St. Peter for grace and peace in abundance from God is the gift package from God to help us reach our eternal destiny. They are intended to deliver us from every evil, to free us from sin, and to keep us safe from all distress as we await the blessed hope. Are these not among the finest of gifts? December 16 As we rightfully consider the gifts, we are purchasing for those we love, let us not leave this package of grace and peace unattended and unopened. These gifts are Father Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, ST at our disposal in daily prayer, at Mass, and in all of our acts of loving care in daily St. Anne Carthage, Sacred Heart Camden & Holy Child Jesus Canton living. Indeed, it is the package that keeps on giving forever. It is God’s abundance. Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus!
Happy Ordination Anniversary
December 18
Deacon Carlos Sola
December 27
Father Antony Chakkalakkal
St. James Tupelo
St. Dominic Hospital & Cathedral of St. Peter
December 19
Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
Father Thomas Mullally, SVD Retired
St. Patrick & St. Joseph Meridian
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Monday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. – Guadalupe Procession, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson Sunday, Dec. 17, 8:30 a.m. – Mass, St. Joseph, Meridian
Thank you for answering the call! Volume 70 Number 1 (ISSN 1529-1693)
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor 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-of-state. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130. Website: www.mississippicatholic.com www.jacksondiocese.org
Sunday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – Mass, St. Patrick, Meridian with blessing of High Altar and Columbarium following at 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. – Penance Service, St. Paul, Flowood Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson Sunday, Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m. – 4th Sunday of Advent Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson Sunday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. – Christmas Vigil Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson Sunday, Jan. 7, 9:30 a.m./12:15 p.m. – Mass/Misa, St. Jude, Pearl Sunday, Jan. 14, 3 p.m. – Mass of Thanksgiving for MLK, Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – 100th Anniversary Celebration, Our Mother of Mercy, Anguilla All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME “71% of newly ordained priests were personally invited to consider this call by their parish priest.” This is according to a 2022 study released by CARA, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University (and cited by Brendan Hodge in his Nov. 20 article on pillarcatholic.com – “On vocations, asking is key.” I know that it can be challenging to ask. It is easy to think that someone who seems like a good candidate for priesthood has already been ‘bugged about Father Nick Adam it’ by someone else. It can be tempting to think that our voice won’t make a difference, or we can fall into the trap of thinking that it won’t make a difference whether we say something or not. But 71% of newly ordained priests were personally invited to consider this call by their parish priest. I was personally invited to consider a call to the priesthood by my parish priest in Meridian. I was working full-time and attending Mass regularly. I was getting more involved in the parish, and I was seriously considering whether the Lord was calling me to be a priest, but I was terrified to say it out loud! When you are considering priesthood it can be very isolating. We don’t know what we don’t know, and so to have my pastor bring it up to me was very freeing. I was thinking privately there is no way I am good enough to be a priest! But once he affirmed that he saw
traits within me that would make for a good priest, it was very helpful. I realize now that the Lord qualifies the called, he doesn’t call the qualified. No one, after all, is worthy in themselves to minister at the altar, but the Lord doesn’t demand perfection, he demands faithfulness and perseverance. So, we need to help those who are called by calling them forth. And pastors of parishes are some of the most effective ‘callers’ in the world. When our spiritual fathers encourage us to do things that we might be fearful or doubtful about, we can receive new strength and encouragement to do what otherwise seems impossible. Please encourage your pastors to be on the lookout for men in your parish who would make excellent priests. Don’t be shy about pointing out specific folks in the pews and telling your pastor to be on the lookout and to encourage them to think about it. Remember, also, that we need men who would make excellent husbands and fathers to think about priesthood and take that possibility seriously. Diocesan priesthood is not for the faint of heart, and it is not for those who pick it as a ‘back up plan.’ The call to priesthood or religious life should be a priority for all young people in the church, and pastors of parishes can play a big role in setting that tone for their parishioners. So, please encourage your pastors to encourage the great young men in your parish to consider the priesthood.
– Father Nick Adam, vocation director
(Read about our current seminarians and their inspirational vocation stories at https://jacksondiocese.org/seminarians. Father Nick Adam can be contacted at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)
St. Dominic’s sister honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award By Meredith Bailess
JACKSON – Sister Mary Trinita Eddington, OP, MSN, RN, FNP, of St. Dominic’s was recently honored with the 2023 DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. “St. Dominic’s and our nursing team nominated Sister Trinita to honor and celebrate her remarkable contributions and leadership over many decades,” said Tracey Smithson, chief nursing officer at St. Dominic Hospital. “Her unwavering commitment and dedication have made an irreplaceable mark on our healthcare teams and community.” The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was created by the DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses across the globe who have devoted their lives to the compassionate care of others. Recipients of this award are recognized for their dedication to nursing through outstanding and transformational leadership, active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for patients and enhanced patient experience and promoting a positive image of nursing. “This recognition means so much to me because I feel like it is my cohorts, my St. Dominic’s nurses, who brought this about,” shared Sister Trinita. “That’s what makes this so special.” Carol Marie Eddington, better known to most as Sister Trinita, took her vows as a Springfield Dominican Sister when she was 18 years old. Little did she know that those vows would lead her on a journey that would
touch so many lives here in Jackson. After spending time assigned to the pharmacy, Sister Trinita began her journey to become a nurse. A little over two years later, she received her first nursing degree and started out as a staff nurse until advancing to the positions of head nurse, assistant nursing director, nursing services administrator, and eventually vice president. During that time, Sister Trinita went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in nursing and later a master’s degree in nursing administration with a minor in community health nursing. When she stepped down from her vice president role in the early 1990’s, she was just getting started. She then began her work on opening St. Dominic’s Community Health Clinic. Through close ties with Stewpot Community Services and the Central Urban Ministry Center, the St. Dominic Community Clinic was established in 1996 to serve those who cannot afford basic medical care. The clinic provides healthcare services free of charge for the medically underserved in Jackson. During that time, she was not only planning and starting the community clinic, but she was also studying to become a nurse practitioner and designing a program for a residential Alzheimer’s facility at St. Catherine’s Village. Although Sister Trinita has “semi-retired” from her nurse practitioner practice and role at the clinic, she continues serving
the St. Dominic’s ministry and Jackson community as a nurse and leader. There are not enough words to convey how thankful we are for her unwavering support of St. Dominic’s, the Jackson communities, and the nursing profession. (Meredith Bailess is the senior director of marketing and communications for St. Dominic Hospital/Franciscan Missionairies of Our Lady Health System.)
Spirituality 5
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
The pew and the academy IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
the film, “The Last Temptation of Christ.” He liked his pastor and wanted to please him by signing the petition, but felt hesitant to sign for reasons that, at that time, he couldn’t articulate. But his wife could. Before he could sign, she stepped in and said: “Artists may have other roles to play than to boycott this film.” He understood what she meant. He didn’t sign the petition. But his decision left him pondering the tension between boycotting such a movie and his role as an artist. Here’s how he puts it: “An artist is often pulled in two directions. Religiously conservative people tend to see culture as suspect at best, and when cultural statements are made to transgress the normative reality they hold dear, their default reaction is to oppose and boycott. People in the more liberal artistic community see these transgressive steps as necessary for their ‘freedom of expression.’ An artist like me, who values both religion and art, will be exiled from both. I try to hold together both of these commitments, but it is a struggle.” That’s also my struggle. The piety of my youth, of
my parents, and of that rich branch of Catholicism is real and life-giving; but so too is the critical (sometimes unsettling) iconoclastic theology of the academy. The two desperately need each other; yet someone who is trying to be loyal to both can, like Fujimura, end up feeling exiled from both. Theologians also have other roles to play than boycotting movies. The people whom I take as mentors in this area are men and women who, in my eyes, can do both: like Dorothy Day, who could be equally comfortable, leading the rosary or the peace march; like Jim Wallis, who can advocate just as passionately for radical social engagement as he can for personal intimacy with Jesus; and like Thomas Aquinas, whose intellect could intimidate intellectuals, even as he could pray with the piety of a child. Circles of piety and the academy of theology are not enemies. They need to befriend each other.
I live on both sides of a border. Not a geographical one, but one that separates the church pew from the academic halls of theology. I was raised a conservative Roman Catholic. Although my dad worked politically for the liberal party, most everything within my upbringing was conservative, particularly as this pertains to religion. I was a staunch Roman Catholic in most every way. I grew up under the papacy of Pius XII (and the (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teachfact that my youngest brother is er and award-winning author. He can be contacted named Pius will tell you how loyal through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.) our family was to that Pope’s version of things). We believed that Roman Catholicism was the one true religion and that ProtThe Pope’s Corner estants and Evangelicals needed to convert and return to the true faith. I memorized the Roman Catholic catechism and defended its every word. Moreover, beyond being faithful churchgoers, my family was given over to piety and devotions: we prayed the rosary together as a family every day; ideological currents within the church, in which peoBy Carol Glatz had statues and holy pictures around our house; VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Be courageous in caring ple end up being reduced to a figure that is flat, without wore blessed medals around our necks; prayed litfor and accompanying others, helping them to dream nuance” and without the “edges,” “shadows,” breadth anies to Mary, Joseph and the Sacred Heart during big, cultivating their unique gifts and flourishing, and depth of real individuals, he said. certain months; and practiced a warm devotion to Uniformity does not make people flourish, he said. Pope Francis told university chaplains and pastoral the saints. And it was wonderful. I will forever be “If we wisely value a person for who he or she is, we workers. grateful for that religious foundation. “The work of education is a true mission in which can make that person into a work of art.” I went from my family home to the seminary at Jesus himself “teaches us the art of caring” and individuals and situations are accepted with all their the tender age of seventeen and my early seminary lights and shadows – their shadows, too – with a kind “how to draw out the best from his creatures, by caring years reinforced what my family had given me. The for whatever is most fragile and imperfect in them,” of ‘parental’ love,” the pope said. academics were good, and we were encouraged to the pope said. “This facilitates in a unique way the growth of read great thinkers in every discipline. But this “Care for all of them, without seeking immediate those seeds that God has sown within each person,” he higher learning was still set solidly within a Rosaid Nov. 24 in an audience at the Vatican with people results, but in the sure hope that, when you accompaman Catholic ethos that honored my religious and taking part in a conference on pastoral care in Catho- ny young people and pray for them, miracles spring devotional background. My initial university studlic universities, sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture up,” he said. ies were still friends with my piety. My mind was The pope also encouraged his audience to “act couand Education. expanding, but my piety remained intact. Pope Francis told them he had “three approaches rageously” since “nurturing the joy of the Gospel in But home is where we start from. Gradually, that I consider important to your service: to appreciate the university environment is an indeed exciting yet through the years, my world has changed. Studying differences, to accompany with care and to act coura- demanding undertaking” which requires courage and at various graduate schools, teaching on graduate taking risks. geously.” faculties, being in daily contact with other expres“Where there are no risks, there are no fruits: this “Each person must be accompanied as he or she is, sions of the faith, reading contemporary novelists and that is where the dialogue, the journey and prog- is a rule,” he said. and thinkers, and having academic colleagues as He told them to do everything they can to help ress begin,” he said, explaining the importance of seecherished friends has, I confess, put some strain on ing and appreciating people’s different qualities with young people “dream and aspire to the measure of the piety of my youth. Truth be told, we don’t often Christ: to the height, breadth and depth of his love.” patience, openness and creativity. pray the rosary or litanies to Mary or the Sacred As the prophet Isaiah said, God “creates the brightHeart in graduate classrooms or at faculty gatherness of the sun, but does ings. not despise the flickering However academic classrooms and faculty light of ‘a dimly burning gatherings bring something else, something vitalwick,’” referring to acly needed in church pews and in circles of piety, cepting people’s “lights namely, a critical theological vision and princiand shadows” with love, ples to keep unbridled piety, naïve fundamentalthe pope said. ism, and misguided religious fervor within proper “Believing in the viboundaries. What I’ve learned in academic circles tality of the seeds that is also wonderful and I am forever grateful for the God sows,” he said, privilege of being in academic circles most of my means accompanying adult life. and caring “for what But, of course, that’s a formula for tension, alis silently growing beit a healthy one. Let me use someone else’s voice and coming to light in to articulate this. In his book “Silence and Beauthe, at times, confused ty,” Japanese thoughts, desires and American artist, affections of the young Makoto Fujimupeople entrusted to you.” ra, shares this “Your attitude has incident from his Wholesale and home to be more than just own life. Coming freezer service apologetic, dealing with out of church Beef – Pork – Sausage questions and answers, one Sunday, he prohibitions: do not be Pope Francis arrives for a meeting in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Nov. 109 - A Camellia Dr. was asked by his afraid to confront those 24, 2023, with university chaplains and pastoral workers who attended a conpastor to add his ference sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education. (CNS photo/ realities,” he said. name to a list of There are “certain Vatican Media) people who had agreed to boycott
God plants a seed in everyone; help it flourish, pope tells chaplains
Passbach Meats Inc.
Natchez 601-445-8743
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
8 DIOCESE
' ... You can't make war at the expense of children ...' – Continued from page 1 – phone, no information, no water, no food, no nothing. For eight hours I was holding the door because they came into my house and broke everything and tried to go inside, and also through the window," Kalderon said. "I was sure I wouldn't survive. I already prepared for my death. I said, 'I'm in a jungle, I have to survive.' I heard a lot of shouting and shooting, a lot of noise, a lot of Allahu Akbar (God is Great) and other Arabic words. It was a terrifying nightmare." She held the doorknob to the safe room as tightly as she could, because the reinforced safe rooms are designed to protect occupants from bomb attacks, not terrorist intrusions, while she prayed. "It was just me and God. I prayed. I could hear just the terrorists and the birds, nothing else; I remember that," she said. The only proof she had that Erez, her son, was still alive, at least as of the date it was filmed, was a video clip released by Hamas of him being taken into captivity. "We saw that my son was picked up by two terrorists, carried away, with a lot of shouting. His face looked terrified and helpless and so confused," she said of the video. They had been taken from their home still dressed in pajamas, as it was very early in the morning. Kalderon spends most days in Tel Aviv now joining other hostage family members in telling their stories to the media in order to keep the focus on those being held captive amid a destructive air and ground campaign being waged that has also killed thousands of
innocent Palestinians caught in the crossfire. She steadies her nerves with a cigarette as she worries about the safety of her remaining family in captivity, and how much violence they have been exposed to. The overall sentiment among Israelis is strongly in favor of removing Hamas from the power it has held in Gaza since it took control of the Strip from Fatah, the rival Palestinian political party, following a civil war in 2007, and has run it since as an autocratic state. But the families of those taken hostage are calling for a more pragmatic approach in order to protect the lives of as many as possible. "'I'm a mom, I'm not a politician, not an army girl, I just want to believe they behave wisely with good judgment, and they know what they are doing," Kalderon said of the Israeli government, which she feels should exchange whatever number of Palestinian prisoners are asked for by Hamas to secure the release of the hostages. "What I want is to save my children. It's not a game for children. You can't make war at the expense of children. They are victims. We don't know when it's going to end." Her son had already been experiencing panic attacks, the result of living under constant rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas, and she said she would sit with him for one hour each night as he fell asleep. "My girl and my boy are very sensitive children, very fragile, and I can't even imagine what they go through," she said. It is the unspoken that is Kalderon's deepest fear. "My beautiful girl, she's 16 and a teenager. Do you have children, do you have a daughter? Then try to imagine that," she said. While Kalderon moved away for 10 years from Kib-
butz Nir Oz, where she was born, she moved back there to start a family, despite the dangers of living in what's called the Gaza Envelope. The "Envelope" describes the populated areas in Israel's southern district just over 4 miles of the Gaza Strip border. Set peacefully amid agricultural land, in an area visited by the Rhode Island Catholic last December, Nir Oz offers open space for children to ride horses and bikes and to play soccer, activities that Erez, Kalderon's son, greatly enjoyed in better times. Sahar, her daughter, loved to play guitar, and to dance. She also liked to play Ping-Pong and to draw. "Who's going to calm my boy when he's hysterical," she asked. "It drives me nuts. It breaks my heart; I prefer not to think." About 1,200 people of Israeli and other nationalities were killed, and about 240 taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attacks, including about 30 children. Over a 100 Israeli service members have been killed so far during Operation Swords of Iron. Israel began its response to the Oct. 7 attacks with an air campaign to eliminate Hamas resistance to protect the lives of the ground troops who would storm the Gaza Strip three weeks to the day later. Thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed in the crossfire along with the intended targets, and Christian churches providing aid also have been damaged in the strikes. Over 14,500 Palestinians have been killed, including over 5,500 children since Oct. 7. While Kalderon's children have been released by Hamas, their father still remains in captivity in Gaza. (Rick Snizek is executive editor of Rhode Island Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Providence. He reported from the Holy Land.)
' ... This championship was our hardest to win ...' “This championship was our hardest to win, but our players came together at the right time. And that is what you want to see as a coach, them getting better and better and better every single game. The team we played out here today was undefeated and were a good football team and we rose to the occasion.” Said senior Greg Fore, “This is my last high school ever, and I could not be happier for my teammates. We were saying that we needed to keep ourselves composed because we have been here before and we knew what to do.” After a scoreless first half, St. Joseph senior Mikael Jones finally broke loss for an 80-yard touchdown run for the game’s only points with 6:24 left in the third quarter. Once Jones got through the Kirk Academy defensive, he used his speed to outrun the rest of the Raider defenders to the endzone. The St. Joseph defense made a number of timely plays in the latter part of the game. Fighting Irish senior Maurice Thorton, for example, intercepted a Kirk Academy pass in the opening moments of the fourth quarter. St. Joseph senior Alex Foster, who is committed to Baylor, then made it two turnovers in the row for the Fighting Irish when he forced and then recovered a fumble at midfield with 10:08 left in the game. “This win means a lot. It is great to win back-to-back state championships We didn’t have the record we usually have, but we still managed to come out on top. I love being a member of this team,” Foster said. Although the Irish did not score on their ensuing drive after Foster’s fumble recovery, they did manage to eat up nearly seven minutes JACKSON – The St. Joseph Fighting Irish of Greenville battled the Kirk Academy Raiders of clock thanks to some tough rushes by Quay Nash and a big first- for the MAIS Class 3A Football State Championship on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Jackson down catch by sophomore Ronnie Williams from sophomore quarterAcademy football field in Jackson. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King) back Victor Baker. Kirk’s final possession started at their own 16-yard line with 2:29 learn in life that sometimes you come up short. But, at the end of the day, they put it left in the game. A quarterback sack by Foster put the Raiders further behind the clock, but a 23-yard reception by senior Heath Mabry, and a pass interfer- all on the line and that is all that matters.” The St. Joseph football team won three consecutive state championships in 2017, ence call on the St. Joseph defense allowed Kirk to get into the redzone. 2018 and 2019. Next year, they will look to notch their second three peat as since the Kirk Academy’s Devon Hennis caught a first down pass on fourth-down-and-12 Irish are now the champions of 2022 and 2023. with 21 seconds left in the game to set up the chaotic ending.
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“Congratulations to St. Joseph. They are a great team,” Kirk Academy coach Colin Boone said. “Right now, things are a little numb. Hopefully, my players will
(Permission to reprint granted by Delta Democrat-Times)
8 de diciembre de 2023
Mississippicatholic.com
“Sirviendo a los Católicos Hispanos de la Diócesis de Jackson desde 1997”
Jesuitas atienden a los migrantes que esperan en las peligrosas ciudades fronterizas mexicanas
El Papa Francisco dirige a los miembros de la asamblea del Sínodo de los Obispos en la oración por los migrantes y refugiados frente a la estatua "Ángeles desprevenidos" en la Plaza de San Pedro el 19 de octubre de 2023. La escultura del canadiense Timothy Schmalz representa un barco con 140 figuras de migrantes de varios períodos históricos y varias naciones. (Foto CNS/Medios Vaticanos)
Por DaViD aGren
para entrar en Estados Unidos conocida como CBP One. El proceso puede ser frustrante, ya que algunas de las citas se asignan al azar, mientras que otras se dan a personas que llevan mucho tiempo en el sistema, según el padre Strassburger. Las largas esperas provocaron anteriormente que muchos migrantes cruzaran irregularmente a Estados Unidos. Pero el Servicio de Aduanas y Protección de Fronteras de Estados Unidos registró 240.988 encuentros con migrantes en la frontera suroeste de Estados Unidos en octubre, aproximadamente un 10% menos que el mes anterior. Los observadores atribuyeron este descenso a que venezolanos prefirieron esperar a ver qué pasaba en lugar de cruzar la frontera sin cita previa con el CBP One, después que el gobierno estadounidense anunciara la decisión de iniciar las deportaciones a Venezuela, país con el que Estados Unidos ha mantenido relaciones poco amistosas. Pero la espera puede resultar agotadora, especialmente con la inseguridad reinante en Matamoros y los migrantes en el punto de mira de los secuestradores. "Las personas no acuden a sus citas de CBP One porque están siendo secuestradas," dijo a OSV News la hermana Norma Pimentel, directora de Caridades Católicas del Valle del Río Grande en Brownsville. "Empecé a ver gente abandonando sus citas y cruzando el río porque tenían miedo" de permanecer en México, dijo la hermana Misionera de Jesús. Agregó que los funcionarios estadounidenses aún otorgan citas a quienes se ausentaron debido al secuestro. Los migrantes que asistieron a la Misa en Matamoros hablaron de vivir con miedo si salían del albergue para migrantes.
News/David Agren)
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gelio de Mateo, instando a los migrantes reunidos a "esperar bien" mientras aguardan por su momento, en condiciones difíciles. "Las cosas no siempre van al paso que queremos o esperamos y a veces tenemos que esperar y tenemos que esperar bien", dijo el padre Strassburger. Para esperar bien, dijo, "pedimos la sabiduría de Dios para que nos consuele y nos ayude a ser más pacientes y a confiar en Dios". Les instó a involucrarse en tareas como el mantenimiento del campamento, la formación de amistades y el aprovechamiento de las clases de catecismo impartidas por sacerdotes locales – recordando cómo los migrantes han podido bautizar y confirmar a sus hijos mientras esperaban en los albergues. "El tiempo de Dios es perfecto", dijo. "No podemos pensar que nuestro tiempo aquí es tiempo perdido". Más de 2.000 migrantes El padre jesuita Flavio Bravo ofrece una bendición a una familia migrante esperan en Matamoros, durante la Misa del 12 de noviembre de 2023, en Matamoros, México. Tres frente a Brownsville, Texjesuitas de la Diócesis de Brownsville, Texas, atienden a la población migrante as, mientras intentan conal otro lado de la frontera, donde la inseguridad está en aumento. (Foto OSV seguir citas a través de una aplicación telefónica MATAMOROS, México (OSV News) – Celebrando una Misa al aire libre en un campamento de migrantes en medio de una lluvia fría e implacable, el padre jesuita Brian Strassburger predicó sobre la paciencia. Habló de "La Parábola de las Diez Vírgenes" del Evan-
8 de diciembre de 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO
'...Verdadera tentación hacia el cruce irregular...' – Viene de la pág. 1 –
cación CBP One, que según él ha mejorado después de haber sido "probada "Muy poca gente se va de aquí por la en versión beta con migrantes" tras su inseguridad", dijo Yessica Briseño, una introducción en enero. migrante venezolana que ha pasado "Los albergues aquí estaban llenos tres meses en Matamoros con su espode personas muy desesperadas y ahora so y sus tres hijos de entre 10 y 12 años. están en Estados Unidos", dijo a los miBriseño ha intentado infructuosagrantes. "Con paciencia y fe, todos van mente obtener una cita con CBP One a recibir su cita". durante tres meses, algo que, según El padre Strassburger ha trabajado dijo, le está haciendo plantearse cruzar con migrantes varados en México desel río, sobre todo porque uno de sus hide su ordenación en 2021 y asignación jos ha sufrido dificultades emocionales para trabajar en la Diócesis de Brownsen el campamento y está siendo atendiville. do por un psicólogo voluntario. Trabajando con el padre jesuita "Existe una verdadera tentación," Flavio Bravo y el escolástico jesuita dijo sobre el cruce irregular. Joseph Nolla, el padre Strassburger Otros migrantes en el albergue decelebra Misas para los migrantes, cuscribieron a México como el país más atro días a la semana en Matamoros y difícil de transitar en la ruta hacia el Reynosa, a 50 millas (80 kilómetros) al norte a través de América Central – oeste, junto con las celebraciones en incluyendo el traicionero Tapón del el Centro de Respiro Humanitario en Darién, la espesa selva que separa CoMcAllen Texas, donde los migrantes lombia y Panamá, controlada por el crirecién llegados reciben ayuda para llemen organizado y plagada de bandidos. gar a sus destinos finales en los Esta"Los oficiales de migración se llevan dos Unidos. todo", exigiendo el pago para evitar ser A menudo les atiende en condidetenidos, agregó Eusebio Quiñones, ciones difíciles, como en un campade 38 años, un migrante de Ecuador, mento a orillas del Río Grande, donde que quería cruzar a Estados Unidos "lelos migrantes que no quieren perder El cardenal de Boston Seán P. O'Malley aparece en una fotografía de archivo de vista la frontera estadounidense esgalmente" con la aplicación CBP One. La Pastoral de Migrantes de la durante la Misa a lo largo de la valla fronteriza entre Estados Unidos y México en peran a ser citados por el CBP One o se Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano Nogales, Arizona. Los sacerdotes y feligreses de la Arquidiócesis de Boston deben quedan hasta que pagan a los contraemitió un comunicado el 15 de noviem- estar "listos y dispuestos a ayudar" a la afluencia histórica de inmigrantes entran- bandistas para cruzar el río. bre, en el que describió la estrategia de do a Massachusetts, escribió el cardenal O'Malley en una carta a las parroquias el En medio de las dificultades, él ve las autoridades migratorias mexicanas 23 de octubre de 2023. (Foto de OSV News/Samantha Sais, Reuters) inspiración en la perseverancia de los como "contención, detención, deportmigrantes. ación y militarización," al tiempo que fugiadas, en donde no se les permite tener una estancia "Me parece que los migrantes son advirtió: regular (legal), pero tampoco se les permite transitar el mejor ejemplo de cómo utilizan su fe como fuente de "No vemos una estrategia clara de coordinación hacia su destino". esperanza en medio de una situación que de otro modo entre los tres niveles de gobierno en respuesta a las La Misa en el albergue para migrantes – ubicado puede ser tan desesperante", dijo el padre Strassburgcondiciones inhumanas que viven los migrantes y re- en un hospital abandonado rodeado de tiendas de cam- er. "A menudo me inspiran". fugiados en México". paña – termina con el equipo de jesuitas proporcionaTambién expresó su alarma por el gran número ndo información sobre migración de la mejor manera (David Agren escribe para OSV News desde Ciudad de migrantes atrapados en ciudades de todo México y que entienden. de México. Viajó a Matamoros para informar sobre la advirtió que México "se está convirtiendo en una gran El padre Strassburger aconseja seguir con la apli- situación fronteriza entre Estados Unidos y México.) Estación Migratoria para las personas migrantes y re-
Miembro de las Misioneras de Cristo Resucitado consuela a un joven migrante en Tapachula, México, 11 de mayo de 2019. Sacerdotes y feligreses de la Arquidiócesis de Boston deben estar "listos y dispuestos a ayudar" a la afluencia histórica de migrantes ingresando a Massachusetts, escribió el cardenal O'Malley en una carta a las parroquias el 23 de octubre de 2023. (Foto OSV News/Andres Martinez Casares, Reuters)
El padre jesuita Brian Strassburger habla durante la misa celebrada el 12 de noviembre de 2023 en un refugio para migrantes en Matamoros, México. Instó a los inmigrantes reunidos a "esperar bien" mientras esperaban el momento oportuno en condiciones difíciles mientras esperaban ingresar a Estados Unidos legalmente. (Foto de noticias OSV/David Agren)
8 de diciembre de 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO
Maranatha – Anhelo y Visión para temporada de Adviento Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Después de la consagración y transformación del pan y del vino en el cuerpo y la “Gracia y paz a ustedes de parte de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo..,” se sangre del Señor, la congregación pronuncia: “cuando comemos este pan y bebemos proclamó el primer domingo de Adviento en la segunda lectura de la primera carta esta copa, proclamamos tu muerte, oh, Señor, hasta que vuelvas”. Antes de recibir la sagrada comunión después del Padrenuestro, el sacerdote de San Pablo a los Corintios. (1:3) Podemos decir que este es el saludo característico de San Pablo cuando escribió a cada una de las comunidades cristianas que ayudó hace la siguiente súplica al Dios vivo. “Líbranos, Señor, te pedimos de todo mal, y concédenos paz en nuestros días, para que con la ayuda de tu misericordia estemos siema establecer. Este es el saludo al comienzo de las cartas a los Roma- pre libres de pecado y a salvo de toda angustia mientras aguardamos la esperanza bienaventurada y la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo." nos, 1 y 2 Corintios, Gálatas, Cuando proclamamos el Credo de Nicea después de Efesios, Filipenses, ColosensMaranatha – ven, Señor Jesús– es el anhelo la homilía, expresamos nuestro anhelo por la venida del es, 1 y 2 Tesalonicenses, 1 y 2 Señor, “... Espero la resurrección de los muertos y la vida y la visión del tiempo de Adviento. Pero este Timoteo, Tito y Filemón. Asidel mundo futuro.” Amén. mismo, San Pedro saluda a sus deseo es fundamental para nuestra creencia y Los versículos finales de la Biblia infunden a la Misa hermanos cristianos en sus esperanza durante todo el año, especialmente esperanza y gracia escatológica, recordándonos que dos cartas con un saludo casi en la celebración de nuestra Eucaristía. “porque no tenemos aquí ciudad permanente”, (Hebreos idéntico y va un paso más allá 13:14) porque "nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos, de en su entusiasmo con la frase donde también ansiosamente esperamos a un Salvador, “en abundancia.” Este saludo característico no fue solo un saludo amis- el Señor Jesucristo. (Filipenses 3:20) A intervalos regulares, es un regalo poder trastoso de los dos apóstoles, sino que es la inspiración del cender nuestro mundo y circunstancias y elevar nuestro corazón y mente a Dios a Espíritu Santo a lo largo de las páginas del Nuevo Testa- través de la fe, la oración y la alabanza. Sin embargo, esto no es una invitación a escapar de las pruebas, tribulaciones y mento, así como la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo que comenzaron en la Última Cena y se anunciaron a lo largo de las apariciones de res- tentaciones. Ven, Señor Jesús, también está arraigado en el momento presente. Con San Pablo, nos alegramos de saber que el Señor está cerca, está a la puerta y urrección. Este saludo enmarca la Biblia como las últimas palabras inspiradas del libro de Apocalipsis. “El que da este testimonio dice: “El que testifica de estas cosas llama. (Apocalipsis 3:20) Por lo tanto, para que el Señor venga, nuestra oración está dice: «Sí, vengo pronto». Amén. Ven, Señor Jesús. La gracia del Señor Jesús sea con destinada al momento actual. El saludo característico de San Pablo y San Pedro pidiendo gracia y paz en abuntodos. Amén.” (Apocalipsis 22:20-21) Maranatha – ven, Señor Jesús– es el anhelo y la visión del tiempo de Adviento. dancia de Dios, es el paquete de regalo de Dios, para ayudarnos a alcanzar nuestro Pero este deseo es fundamental para nuestra creencia y esperanza durante todo el destino eterno. Su objetivo es librarnos de todo mal, liberarnos del pecado y mantenernos a salvo de toda angustia mientras aguardamos la bienaventurada esperanza. año, especialmente en la celebración de nuestra Eucaristía. ¿No se encuentran éste entre los mejores regalos? Al considerar legítimamente los regalos que estamos comprando para aquellos a quienes amamos, no dejemos desatendido y sin abrir este paquete de gracia y paz. Estos dones están a nuestra disposición en la oración diaria, en la Misa y en todos nuestros actos de cuidado amoroso en la vida diaria. De hecho, es éste el paquete que sigue dando por siempre. Es la abundancia de Dios. ¡Maranatha, Ven, Señor Jesús!
El Papa sugiere mantener el corazón vigilante en Adviento por medio de la caridad y la confesión Por Cindy Wooden
HOUSTON – En la iglesia Inmaculado Corazón de María, el 3 de diciembre, algunos parroquianos se reunieron para una reflexión de la Misión Parroquial de Adviento dirigida por el Padre Bill Henry con el tema: Reflexionando sobre la belleza y el amor de María y cómo ella nos llama a hacer espacio en nuestras vidas al niño recién nacido. El padre Bill ha sido sacerdote en la diócesis de Jackson durante 39 años. Se retiró hace tres años del ministerio parroquial activo y ahora sirve realizando o ayudando en retiros o organizando seminarios de vida en el espíritu en los estados del sur. En la foto, durante la Misa, los padres (i-d) Binh Nguyen y Bill Henry bendicen la Corona de adviento. (Foto de Danna Johnson, LEM)
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – La llamada a la "vigilancia" en Adviento no significa permanecer despiertos y vigilantes por miedo, sino más bien por el anhelo de la venida del Señor, escribió el Papa Francisco. A veces la gente piensa en la virtud de la vigilancia "como una actitud motivada por el miedo a un castigo inminente, como si un meteorito estuviera a punto de caer del cielo", dijo en el texto de su reflexión a la lectura del Evangelio del 3 de diciembre, el primer domingo de Adviento. “¡Pero, ciertamente, éste no es el sentido de la vigilancia cristiana!” El Papa Francisco dirigió el rezo del Ángelus desde su residencia, Domus Sanctae Marthae, pero explicó que su bronquitis, aunque está mejorando, todavía le dificulta hablar, por lo que el texto de su comentario y de sus llamamientos a la paz fueron leídos por monseñor Paolo Braida, funcionario de la Secretaría de Estado vaticana. En la lectura del Evangelio, Mc 13,3337, Jesús cuenta la parábola de los siervos que esperan el regreso de su señor. "La vigilancia de los siervos no se basa en el temor, sino en el anhelo, en la espera de ir al encuentro del amo que viene", dice el texto del Papa. "Se prepa-
ran para su regreso porque lo quieren mucho, porque esperan que, cuando llegue, encuentre una casa acogedora y ordenada". Ese tipo de vigilancia y expectación debería marcar la vigilancia de los cristianos mientras se preparan para acoger a Jesús en Navidad, para acogerlo al final de los tiempos y, añadió, para acogerlo "cuando venga a nuestro encuentro en la Eucaristía, en su Palabra, en nuestros hermanos y hermanas, especialmente en los más necesitados". El Papa Francisco animó a todos a preparar cuidadosamente el corazón con la oración y con la caridad. "Un hermoso programa para el Adviento", sugirió, sería "encontrar a Jesús que viene en cada hermano y hermana que nos necesita, y compartir con ellos lo que podamos: escucha, tiempo, ayuda concreta". El Adviento, dijo, también es un buen momento para "acercándonos a su perdón" a través del sacramento de la reconciliación y dedicar más tiempo a la oración y a la lectura de la Biblia. Permanecer vigilantes puede requerir práctica, dijo, y empieza por no dejarse distraer por "cosas inútiles" e intentar no quejarse tanto.
8 de diciembre de 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO
Alrededor Diocesano: Emaus y Jóvenes Danzantes
FLOWOOD – Miembros de Emaus Jackson y sus familias celebraron, el 21 de noviembre, una cena de Acción de Gracias organizada por Lorena Urizar y Gustavo García. (arriba izq.) García muestra los premios de una rifa para recogida de fondos y todos los presentes reciben la bendición del Padre Nick Adam (arriba, der.) Teresa Turner, St. Francis Madison, entre muchos más que participaron, da su donación a Wilmer Urizar. (Foto de Berta Mexidor) SOUTHAVEN – (der.) Danzantes de tres grupos de jóvenes, Southaven, Tupelo y Pontotoc, se reunieron el día de Cristo Rey por colaboración de Saul Triana, Roberto Becerra y Aracely Nieves. (debajo. der.) En el centro, durante la actuación, la tamborera Lily, quien junto a su padre Edgar Espiricueta, a instancias de Danna Johnson, LEM llegaron de Houston con la intención de aprender y crear un grupo. (Foto de Aracely Nieves)
TOME NOTA Vírgenes y Santos San Juan Diego. Diciembre 11 Nuestro Señora de Guadalupe. Diciembre 12 Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org Síganos en Facebook @Diócesis Católica de Jackson Visite Nuestra página web www.mississippicatholic.com/Español
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
DIOCESE 9
Pearl harbor anniversary sparks diary review tive from Montana, “In the Camp the Italian officers are separated enthe whole Congress tirely from the enlisted men and they are not allowed of the United States to mingle. I was allowed into the compound of the enhas been weld- listed men; I was told, however, that I would not be ed into one by the allowed into the compound in which the officers were events of Pearl Har- quartered. The reason for this I do not know. However, bor of yesterday. there are four Italian priests, formerly chaplains of the Even the extreme Italian army, who are prisoners in the camp, and these Isolationists and are able to take care of the spiritual needs of both offiall those who had cers and men. differed with the “Father Manon has supplied them with all things President up to now necessary for the celebration of the Mass, including are one with him vestments, altar stones, candles, etc., and he keeps in his decision that them supplied with wine and hosts.” the declaration of a These are three short snippets of Bishop Gerow’s state of war is our writings about WWII. In the next installment, we will only alternative.” look at some of the priests of our diocese who served in 1943: August 2 the war, either at home or abroad. And we will explore (Monday): the POW camp at Como a little more in depth. During “Left Greenwood his visit mentioned above Bishop Gerow addressed the this morning about captives in a chapel they had designed and decorated. 8:30 – had dinner Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterwith Father Manon ans, and visitors from all over the world come together at Oxford – and then to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and after a slight rest civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack proceeded with Fa- on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. A further 1,178 people ther Manor over to were injured in the attack, which permanently sank Bishop R.O. Gerow arries in a jeep at the Meridian Air Force Base on Sunday, Feb. Como to visit the two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the camp where there USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft. 1, 1942 to celebrate Mass. (Photos from archives) are several thouOn Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress desigsand Italian prison- nated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ers of war. Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the “A short distance outside the town of Como, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a By Mary Woodward Government has erected a camp with buildings for commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7. (From the NaJACKSON – This week we marked the anniversa- barracks, mess halls, etc., etc., similar to the build- tional Pearl harbor Remembrance website: https:// ry of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. In think- ings in the camp in which the American troops in this www.nps.gov/perl/learn/historyculture/nationing about all the wars going on in the world today, this country are quartered. The camp at Como, however, is al-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm) anniversary spurred me to check Bishop R.O. Gerow’s surrounded by a double barbed-wire fence and protectLet us pray for peace! diary for what he wrote about the Pearl Harbor attack. ed by towers erected at intervals along the enclosure, Bishop Gerow’s diary, which is in six volumes and in which soldiers of the American army manned with (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the covers 1924–1966, gives us a lot of background to local, proper weapons keep guard day and night lest the pris- Diocese of Jackson.) state, national and international events as they hap- oners escape. pened. As we begin this new liturgical year, I thought I would highlight some passages about the Dec. 7 attack, and other mentions of WWII from his diary. 1941: December 7 (Sunday): “This morning I confirmed a class of fifty-four in the Sacred Heart Church in Greenville, and then after dinner in Greenville I returned to Natchez. “In the automobile from Greenville to Natchez I was busy with many things, especially preparing some talks that I would have to give in the near future, and I did not turn on the radio. When I returned home, I was astounded to learn of the treacherous attack of the Japanese upon the American forces in Hawaii, at the very time that the Japanese representatives were in Washington discussing with the American authorities a peaceful settlement of their problems in the Pacific.” December 8 (Monday): “Today, President Roosevelt addressed Congress, telling them of the attack of the Japanese upon the Hawaiian Islands and our naval and air forces there, and asking them to declare that a state of war exists between the United States and the Japanese Empire. Under the circumstances there was nothing else that the Legislature could do. “Accordingly, both the Senate and the House unanimously declared a state of war to exist – except for one vote in the House, a woman Representative from Montana, Jeannette Rankin, the same who in 1916 voted against the entrance of the United States into the World War I. In Feburary 1942, Bishop Gerow (center) meets with Catholic Military chaplains in Natchez. “With this exception of the Representa-
FROM THE ARCHIVES
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
10 BRIEFS
NATION
HOBOKEN, N.J. (OSV News) – For the last decade, Msgr. Paul Bochicchio of St. Francis Church in Hoboken has been advising as a spiritual consultant on the upcoming film “Cabrini,” produced by Angel Studios about the life and ministry of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, set to debut in theaters in March 2024. The movie, from the studio that produced “The Chosen” and “Sound of Freedom,” gives a dramatic look into the life of Mother Cabrini, as she is best known, and the uphill battle she faced ministering to the immigrant poor of New York. Msgr. Bochicchio, a priest of 52 years, has had a lifelong devotion to the first American saint. His great-grandmother knew Mother Cabrini personally, as they were both community leaders among New York Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Noting his grandmother had an enormous influence on his vocation to the priesthood, he found that he had a calling to work with Italian immigrants due to his background and had the perfect model in the patron saint of immigrants. As one of many technical advisers on the set of “Cabrini” but also as a Catholic priest, Msgr. Bochicchio accompanied the cast and crew on work retreats, where he would celebrate Mass every day and give spiritual reflections on the saint. As a script adviser, he would receive every revision and be asked to comment on its accuracy. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (OSV News) – The late James Madison Smith Sr. and Catherine “Kitty” Smith, formerly enslaved Catholics, are being recognized as agents of the Underground Railroad. The Smiths, a freed married couple, are buried in St. Louis Cemetery in Louisville in a once-segregated section of the cemetery. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service announced in late September that the Smiths’ burial site would be included in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Its mission is to “honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight,” according to its website. During the 1850s, worsening conditions for Black people in the South led the Smiths to move from Louisville to Jennings County, Indiana. Their farm – located about 29 miles from the Ohio River – became a shelter for enslaved people fleeing for freedom, said Deacon Ned Berghausen, who led the effort to recognize the Smiths. He serves at St. Agnes Church. Years earlier, James Madison Smith had purchased his freedom and that of Catherine Smith and they were married in 1837 at St. Louis Church, now the site of the Cathedral of the Assumption. Though they left Louisville, the couple remained connected to the city’s Black Catholic community.
VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ Christmas liturgy schedule Nov. 28. It includes: – Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m., the pope will celebrate the Mass of the Nativity of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica. – Dec. 25 at noon, Pope Francis gives his message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. – Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope presides over evening prayer and the chanting of the “Te Deum” in thanksgiving to God for the year that is ending. – Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. in the basilica, the pope celebrates Mass for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day. – Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s, Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the feast of the Epiphany. – Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sistine Chapel, the pope presides over a Mass for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and baptizes several infants. TURIN, Italy (OSV News) – On Oct. 30, three days after Pope Francis lifted the statute of limitations and opened the path for a church trial and possible removal from the priesthood for former Jesuit and mosaic artist Father Marko Rupnik, a woman previously known as Anna gave the world her real name, revealing it in the Italian daily newspaper Domani. Emerging as Gloria Branciani, she openly wanted to protest church policies that put the alleged victims in more pain instead of healing. Branciani alerted church authorities about Father Rupnik’s behavior years ago, but it was a los-
ing battle, she told OSV News. In a first-ever interview by an alleged victim of Father Rupnik, published by Domani Dec. 18, 2022, she spoke about a “descent into hell” she experienced for nine years and recalled how “Father Marko at first slowly and gently infiltrated my psychological and spiritual world by appealing to my uncertainties and frailties while using my relationship with God to push me to have sexual experiences with him.” Father Rupnik was expelled from the Jesuit order June 9 because of his “stubborn refusal to observe the vow of obedience.” The artist had been accused by several women of sexual, spiritual and psychological abuses that according to media reports over a 30-year period. Branciani said she hopes that in the canonical process recently reopened against Father Rupnik will lead to the truth being recognized.
WORLD
PARIS (OSV News) – If classical literature characters could become saints, France has a perfect example. The real bishop behind Victor Hugo’s famous Les Misérables character is likely to be beatified. The French bishops, gathered in Lourdes Nov. 3-8 for their plenary assembly, voted in favor of opening the diocesan process for his beatification. Bishop Bienvenu de Miollis (1753-1843) was the Bishop of Digne from 1805 to 1838 and an inspiration for Victor Hugo’s character Bishop Myriel in the novel Les Misérables, published in 1862. Bishop Myriel was close to the poor and lived a sober life. He took in the main character, Jean Valjean, who had just been released from the penal colony. The next day, Valjean was recaptured by the police for stealing Bishop Myriel’s silverware. But the prelate pretended it was a gift, and doing so, he saved Valjean from re-arrest. This gesture of mercy marked the beginning of a profound transformation of Valjean, which continued throughout the book. He remained attached to the memory of the bishop all his life. Renowned for his kindness, Bishop de Miollis was very attentive to the poor and beggars, whom he gathered together at the Hospice of Charity, and lived very modestly himself. In 1806, Bishop de Miollis took in a freed convict by the name of Pierre Maurin, whom no-one wanted to take in, and looked for ways to help him regain his dignity – a story that inspired the author of Les Misérables. BUENOS AIRES (OSV News) – The Nicaraguan government has released a series of photos and videos of imprisoned Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa – purportedly as proof of him receiving preferential treatment – that have sparked alarm over the prelate’s emaciated appearance and indignation over his continued incarceration in one of the country’s most notorious prisons. Nicaragua’s interior ministry published the photos and videos from 10 separate occasions between March 25, 2023, and Nov. 2, 2023, as part of a 20-page press release issued Nov. 28, according to independent Nicaraguan news organization Confidencial. The
photos and videos show Bishop Álvarez greeting his brother and sister during prison visits, watching TV in an area full of snacks, and receiving medical attention. “As can be seen in the video and photographs, the conditions of confinement are preferential and the regime of medical consultations, family visits, referral and receipt of packages is strictly complied with, contrary to what slanderous campaigns would have us believe,” the ministry said in its statement. The bishop, 57, appeared emaciated in the photos, according to ecclesial colleagues on social media. An outspoken prelate, who routinely denounced the abuses of Nicaragua’s regime, Bishop Álvarez was convicted Feb. 10 on charges of conspiracy and spreading false information and sentenced to 26 years in prison after a closed trial in which he was denied a lawyer of his choosing. MARAWI, Philippines (OSV News) – A deadly bomb that exploded during a Mass Dec. 3 killed at least four people and injured dozens at a university in a predominantly Muslim city in southern Philippines. Media reports that the explosion caused panic among dozens of students and teachers in a gymnasium, where Mass was taking place, at Mindanao State University in Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur province. The explosion took place at around 7 a.m. local time. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the deadly blast, according to Reuters and The New York Times. Nearly 80% of the Philippines’ population of 114.6 million people is Catholic. About 6% of the population identifies as Muslim. After praying the Angelus, Pope Francis assured the victims of his prayers. A telegram, addressed to Bishop Edwin de la Peña of Marawi, assured the people of the Holy Father’s spiritual closeness amid this tragedy, and that he commended the souls of those who died to God’s mercy and prayed for “the divine gifts of healing and consolation upon the injured and bereaved.”
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
NATION 11
Teacher, three children from Catholic school hospitalized after Dublin street stabbing quickly. An undercover garda came running up and intervened.” The Irish prime minister, known as the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, issued a statement shortly after the alleged attack. “We are all shocked by the incident which has taken place in Parnell Square,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “A number of people have been injured, some of them children. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to them and their families,” he said. According to RTÉ, Ireland’s Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the attack in Dublin city center is “an attack on innocence itself.” McEntee said she had spoken to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and the police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the attack. McEntee said her thoughts are with the “the children, their carer, their families and the wider school community.” (Michael Kelly writes for OSV News from Dublin.)
A bus burns during a demonstration in Dublin, Nov. 23, 2023, that following a stabbing attack outside a Catholic school that left three children and a teacher injured. The stabbing happened outside an Irish language-speaking school called Cólaiste Mhuire, which means St. Mary’s College. The school falls within the parish boundaries of St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin expressed shock at the stabbing attack. (OSV News photo/Clodagh Kilcoyne, Reuters)
By Michael Kelly
DUBLIN (OSV News) – Dominican friars in Dublin say they are praying for all involved after a stabbing incident at a nearby Catholic school in the bustling city center of Ireland’s capital. An eyewitness described to state broadcaster RTÉ a scene of terror after three children and their teacher, a woman in her 30s, were stabbed near the school Nov. 23. The attack occurred shortly after 1 p.m. near Parnell Square, just off the city’s main boulevard O’Connell Street. The three children, who were lining up in front of their crèche prior to the incident, have been taken to hospital. A 5-year-old girl is in a critical condition at Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Her teacher is also in a serious condition. In total five people have been hospitalized, including a 50-year-old male suspect who has been arrested. Irish media reported the police ruled out a terror motive. The Catholic school is an Irish language-speaking school called Cólaiste Mhuire, which means St. Mary’s College. It is just 1,300 feet from the nearby Dominican priory of St. Saviour’s. Dominican Father Conor McDonough, who is based at the priory which serves as the student house of formation for the Irish province of the Order of Preachers, told OSV News of the community’s shock. “These events took place very near the Dominican church of St. Saviour’s in the north inner city. The whole community here are praying for all involved,” Father McDonough said. The eyewitness told RTÉ that the kids were out walking: “All of a sudden one of them fell to the ground, then another fell to the ground, then another falls to the ground.” “Then this guy started running past,” the eyewitness said. The alleged assailant was armed with a knife and fell to the ground whereupon “a load of people jumped on him,” the eyewitness recalled. Siobhan Kearney who was on the scene told RTÉ, “People were trying to attack the man. So me and an American lady formed a ring around him saying we’d wait on the Garda,” referring to the national police, An Garda Síochána. The witness said, “The police were on the scene pretty
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
12 Columns
Open wide the doors to Christ KNEADING FAITH By Fran Lavelle
Twenty-four years ago, the theme for Mississippi State’s Catholic Student Association Fall retreat, now known as Cowbell Catholic, was “Open Wide the Doors to Christ.” It was my first retreat with the Catholic college students at State. I was thinking about that retreat recently when I discovered the tee shirt in the bottom of a dresser drawer. It brought great comfort in remembering a cherished part of my past ministry, and it also provoked a realization that we, perhaps, more now than ever, need to open wide the doors to Christ. The statement comes from St. Pope John Paul II’s inauguration of his pontificate in October 1978. He stated, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid.” The then Pope John Paul II was asking us to put aside our differences, to let go of conventions of power, and be open to the transformational power of Christ without fear. In a similar way Pope Francis at the opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality in October implored the faithful to help build the church by first being welcoming to everyone (tutti). He used the word tutti three times in his exhortation to be an open and welcoming church. In his own way, Pope Francis is asking that we
move beyond the conventions of the world and open our doors and hearts to everyone. What would it look like if we all carried a sense of welcoming in our hearts at church and in our ordinary lives? I have been saying for over a year that we as Catholics have a real opportunity to lead this country away from dualistic, vitriolic and divisive rhetoric. This kind of change must first, however, start with our own conversion. All around the globe people are allowing fear to dominate the political and religious narrative. Fear based narrative divides people “us against them.” A house divided will not stand. St. Pope John Paul II was right in saying, “Do not be afraid.” Pope Francis is right in saying that everyone is welcome. Everyone. What do we have to fear in the Body of Christ? That one may think or pray differently? One of my favorite quotes in a homily by my former pastor and dear friend, Father Mike O’Brien was, “this is not your holy country club.” We do not have an elevated social status because we go to Mass weekly. We are not more holy, pious or all around better. We are not called to congregate within our social circle. We are called to the margins. We are called to the periphery. If faith is a gift, we are called to selflessly share it with others. It takes hard work to seek out those who are different than us to ensure that everyone is welcome. There are people who rub us the wrong way. It is easy to dismiss them as weirdos. But those so-called weirdos were made in the image and likeness of God too. Our Synod on Synodality synthesis revealed a great desire for unity and healing. Building unity and
Is Advent inconvenient? FROM THE HERMITAGE By Sister alies therese
If you are awaiting a new adventure, then now is just the time to explore. Often, we get stuck in our routines and simple paths, ministries and works of hope – things we are sure we have to do. Advent, however, is a time of awaiting something new… something that will prick our hearts and open us up for a new and deepening relationship. Perhaps it was during advent that Grandma Moses began painting? “If I didn’t start painting, I would have raised chickens!” (My Life’s Story) She began painting at an elderly age (like 91 or so) … and painted until she passed on. What did that adventure afford her? Notoriety of course, perhaps a bit of money but likely it opened her heart to beauty, to color, to a new kind of freedom. Gwendolyn Brooks, an American poet wrote her song “In The Front Yard”: “I’ve stayed in the front yard all my life. I want to peek at the back where it’s rough and untended and hungry weeds grow. A girl gets sick of a rose.” How can anyone get sick of a rose you might ask? Well, despite its beauty, there may be something in the back yard that takes us to the next level. The coming of Jesus was like that I suspect. Jewish life was such a rose. And then an adventure Mary could not have imagined, Joseph wondered about, and the rest of us have to explore in faith, perhaps a new faith. Who knew? Did every young woman dream of bearing the Messiah? Did Mary? What she was offered in the back yard was well beyond what she imagined. Yet her response to the adventurous offer was … ”I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.” (Luke 1:38) Her understanding that “nothing is impossible for God” (Luke 1:37) launched her forth … seeking out Elizabeth and being a woman of God through whom God might show Divine favor to others. Advent can also be a time of disgust, distress and discouragement. Why? Because it is in the darkness for us … a night of inconvenience. A night where there can be a lack of comfort, causing bother. (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2003) We can be filled with illness, or financial stress or even a lack of faith. How will you
advancing healing takes a lot of work. We should be willing to listen to and consider the viewpoints of those who don’t think like us even if we may disagree with them. If not, the discussion around unity is window dressing that might make us feel good but achieves little in the end. So how do we move from “I” to “we”, the bigger “we” and not the “holy country club” kind? The Pastoral Reimagining Process that all parishes and missions are undertaking right now will aid us in defining how we are engaging and transforming our communities. In this current phase parishes/missions are asked to look at what are areas of growth that may require resources or a new focus. Likewise, they are being asked to look at areas of ministry that are diminishing and discern the viability of the ministry in question. Every aspect of parish life is to be examined. It is precisely this kind of reflection and examination that fuels change. It wakes us up from the routine and presents us with an opportunity to dream, problem solve and collaborate. The work of the church is to be shared by all of its members. We all have a gift or talent that we are called to share. We take away from Mass the Word and the Eucharist to be leaven for the world in the ordinary places we work and live. Our faith is not lived out at Mass. It is fortified there. When the congregation is fed spiritually, when we open wide the doors to Christ, when everyone, everyone, everyone is welcome nothing can divide us. (Fran Lavelle is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)
replace these “D” words with some “R” words? Advent causes us to stretch to revival, replenishment and renewal. We are called beyond to relinquish, repurpose and to receive. I’m particularly fond of the call to reconciliation and restoration. The coming of the Infant in the cold night in the cave was proceeded by and advent of centuries, not just four weeks. What was this introduction to the restoration of humanity to look like? Who was it for? Who brought it to the crowds, where would they go to understand? Not only does the rose take time to flourish, but it is also bounded with thorns and often rather than appreciating it’s beauty, we are pricked and bleed. Those drops of blood disgust us and can cause distress and discouragement. However, if we are willing to learn to live in a more positive way we look to be revived and get on with it! Advent brings us back to our senses if we let it. Advent brings us back to faith, hope, peace and love … as we walk those weeks of introduction. Maybe we discover in English poet, Brian Patten’s poem “Interruption at the Opera House” (Selected Poems, page 20, 2007), just how inconvenient things can be if we are not attuned to the ‘rightful owner of the song.’ “At the very beginning of an important symphony, while the rich and famous were settling into their quietly expensive boxes, a man came crashing though the crowds, carrying in his hand a cage in which the rightful owner of the music sat, yellow and tiny and very poor; and taking onto the rostrum this rather timid bird he turned up the microphones, and it sang. ‘A very original beginning to the evening’ said the crowds, quietly glancing at the programs to find the significance of the intrusion …’” Later in the poem he will express who the song is for and who leaves the hall disinterested and disgusted. Advent can be a bit like this … inconvenient indeed to my desires to have things, and order my own life, and to listen to the songs that tickle my ears. Let’s let this Advent be one of “R” words and in a new discovery of the true song in the back yard, the one asking us to take care of each other, to invite the outcast and to allow our own lives to be furnished with a deeper union of joy. BLESSINGS. (Sister alies therese is a canonically vowed hermit with days formed around prayer and writing.)
DIOCESE 13
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
Contemplate greatness of God's love in simplicity of a crèche By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Whether simple or elaborate, the same every year or constantly changing, a Nativity scene echoes "the beauty of our faith," Pope Francis wrote. Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy, the Vatican publishing house compiled texts by Pope Francis about Nativity scenes and asked him to write a special introduction. A key message of the Nativity scene is that the mystery of Christmas "loves to hide within what is infinitely small," the pope wrote in "Christmas at the Nativity," which was released in English in the United States by New City Press. "Awe and wonder are the two feelings that move everyone, young and old, before the Nativity scene, which is like a living Gospel overflowing from the pages of Holy Scripture," he wrote. The Italian edition of the book went on sale Nov. 21, just two days before the Vatican post office was to begin selling its 2023 Christmas stamps, which also celebrate the staging of a live Nativity scene in Greccio by St. Francis in 1223. "The Incarnation of Jesus Christ remains the heart of God's revelation, although it is easily forgotten that its unfolding is so unobtrusive, to the point of going unnoticed," the pope wrote. "Littleness, in fact, is the way to encounter God." "Safeguarding the spirit of the Nativity scene becomes a healthy immersion in the presence of God manifested in the small, sometimes trivial and repetitive, everyday things," he continued. "The shepherds in the manger are those who welcome God's surprise and live in wonder at their encounter with him, adoring him: in littleness they recognize the face of God," he said. "Humanly we are all inclined to seek greatness, but it is a gift to know how to really find it: to know how to find greatness in that smallness that God so loves." On Christmas night, the angels lead the shepherds
to a baby born in a manger – "not a sign of power, he said. "Then the priest, at the manger, solemnly celself-sufficiency or pride. No. The eternal God is re- ebrated the Eucharist, showing the link between the duced to a helpless, meek, humble human being. God Incarnation of the Son of God and the Eucharist. On lowered himself so that we could walk with him and so that occasion, there were no figurines in Greccio: the that he could stand beside us, not above and far from Nativity scene was created and experienced by those us." who were present." Pope Francis' introduction to the book also included a special message to young people. (Editor's note: Columnist Ruth Powers wrote a colWhile the night sky is filled with an infinite number umn for Mississippi Catholic entitled "Thanks to St. of stars, in the Christmas story "a special star stands Francis, 800-year tradition of nativity scene born." You out, the one that prompted the Magi to leave their can read it online at https://bit.ly/3Rsubkm.) homes and begin a journey, a journey that would lead them where they did not know." "It happens the same way in our lives," the pope wrote. "At a certain moment some special 'star' invites us to make a decision, to make a choice, to begin a journey. We must forcefully ask God to show us that star that draws us toward something more than our habits, because that star will lead us to contemplate Jesus, that child who is born in Bethlehem and who wants our full happiness." Pope Francis also noted that the first Nativity scene in Greccio consisted of only a "crib with the hay, the ox and the donkey." "Before the Christmas scene, the people who Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square after leading an flocked to the place manevening prayer service on New Year's Eve at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2022. ifested an unspeakable joy, never tasted before," (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
In memoriam: Sister Loretta Picucci, SP
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By Sister Rosemary Schmalz, SP
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. – Sister Loretta Picucci, SP died on Nov. 9 in Providence Health Care. She was born on June 23, 1941 in Chicago to Joseph and Lucy Paoletti Picucci and was baptized Loretta Louise. Sister Loretta entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Sept. 12, 1964 and received the name Sister Loretta Joseph. She professed final vows Apr. 24, 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago. Of her 59 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered as a primary teacher for 14 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois and Washington DC. Committing herself to working with the poor, she served as an assistant director of a Congregation Day Nursery in Chicago for two years, an outreach minister at Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi for eight years, a family care professional in Chicago for five years and an ESL teacher in California for five years. Her last 15 years of active ministry were at Providence in the Desert in Coachella, California, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation serving a Hispanic community, many of whom were farm workers. There she continued to teach English. Retiring in 2018, she moved to the motherhouse where she committed herself totally to the ministry of prayer. All of Sister Loretta’s ministries were rooted in compassion and love. She never rushed. No matter what needed to be done, she worked from a contemplative center, living in the present, giving her full attention to the task at hand and the person she was serving. Sister Loretta is survived by a sister Josephine Mooney of Pittsburgh. She is preceded in death by a brother, Peter Picucci. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with burialin the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-ofthe-Woods, IN 47876.
@jacksondiocese 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. Based in Deerfield, Illinois, Lighthouse Services maintains ethics, safety and fraud hotlines for over 4,100 organizations between the U.S. and abroad.
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
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
14 YOUTH
Around our Catholic Schools
VICKSBURG – The second grade "Saints Celebration", with assistance from sophomores, is a wonderful tradition at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – Kindergarteners at St. Richard School performed "The Great Turkey Day Race" play for school students and families before Thanksgiving break. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)
PEARL – Nate Pearson and Jojo Roberts get ready for Christmas at the St. Jude Young Apostles youth center on Wednes- WEST POINT – Adults and youth at Immaculate Conception parish get competitive at a game of musical chairs with Father Binh Nguyen at the parish fall festival event. (Photo by Cathy Johnson) day, Nov. 15. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 8, 2023
YOUTH 15
Around the diocese WEST POINT – Two "Ninja Turtles" play some croquet at Immaculate Conception parish's annual Fall Fest. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
SOUTHAVEN – PreK three and four year old students culminated their unit on Nursery Rhymes with a Nursery Rhymes Olympic Day. Pictured: Addison Wade as one of the King's Men gives her crown to another one of the king's men to ride off and try to put Humpty dumpty back together again. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick first graders enjoys a super “Saints-giving" party. They learned about their individual saint, dressed as that saint and enjoyed a special snack. (Photo by Kasey Owen)
DECEMBER 8, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
16 Diocese
Families gather for 180th celebration of St. Michael Paulding By Tereza Ma and Joanna Puddister King
PAULDING – On Dec. 2, the faithful gathered at St. Michael in Paulding to celebrate at milestone 180th anniversary with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas. Established in 1843, the parish is the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi, behind St. Mary Natchez. Paulding was a bustling town with a thriving trade center before the Civil War. At that time, it was known as “the Queen City of the East.” However, by the 1890s as railways became crucial for trade the town turned down a proposed line that would run through town. The commercial importance of the town drastically dropped but the parish continued to thrive and was a “cradle of vocations,” according to Christ: The Living Water by Cleta Ellington. Over 20 religious came from the parish and included many Sisters of Mercy, Daughters of Charity and Brothers of the Sacred Heart. A plaque honors many of them in the back of the church building. Therese Bergin Grant remembers when the original church was destroyed by a fire in July 1942 when she was only about four years old. The church was struck by lightning, with only a few items able to be salvaged. “I will never forget those flames,” said Grant. Until a new church was built, Mass was held in a nearby school building. Grant also fondly remembered her childhood at the church, walking over three miles to celebrate Mass as a child, with the occasional ride from her first cousin on his shoulders. “It was fun," said Grant. "It’s been quite a journey through life, but I always come back to St. Michael’s.” St. Michael also is home to a Catholic cemetery dating back to the 1860s that contains burial sites for many of the founding families of the parish. Several families present at the 180th anniversary Mass had ancestors bur-
ied in the cemetery dating back to the founding of the parish – including the Harrington, Bergin and Finnegan families. Donnie Bergin was baptized in the church in the 1950s and remembers his pastor at the time – Father Gabriel – pointing you out if you made too much noise in church. He said that around that time about one-third of the church was full of Bergin’s – many of whom are buried in the cemetery today. Also present at the celebration was Paula Finnegan Phillips. She said that 99% of her family members are buried in the St. Michael cemetery. She was so touched by the Mass celebrated with Bishop Kopacz and so many families present that have been apart of the parish for generations. “It’s just very spiritual when you come to this church. It’s like you can see those who have past at Mass with you. God talks. Jesus talks. The Holy Spirit talks – when you come here. And I heard it today,” said Phillips. At present, Father Adolfo celebrates Mass at the historic St. Michael Church on the first and third Saturday of each month. Though many of the families present at the 180th celebration are members of other parishes within the Diocese of Biloxi, that borders close by, they all seem to come back to St. Michael; and feel as Therese Bergin Grant – “It’s home.”
PAULDING – Judy and Ricky McDevitt present the gifts to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during a Mass celebrating 180 years of St. Michael in Paulding on Saturday, Dec. 2. The McDevitt's aid with maintenance of the parish in preparation for Masses and special events. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
Bishop Kopacz blesses the feast following Mass in celebration of 180 years of St. Michael parish. Pictured on the far left is William Harrington, one of the decendants of Michael and Rebecca Harrington, who were one of the original families at the founding of the church in 1843.
Full pews and hearts abound at St. Michael Paulding, the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi.