MS Catholic 3/10/2023

Bishops urge state, legislative leaders to extend postpartum Medicaid as part of pro-life commitment

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – Action has been taking place since Mississippi Catholic bishops issued a letter urging statewide and legislative leaders to hear and pass legislation to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage on Friday, Feb. 24.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson and Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, III of the Diocese of Biloxi hoped their letter would drive leaders to action to extend coverage to new mothers from two months, as currently provided by Federal law, to a period of one year, by appealing to the states pro-life stance in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

“Our faith affirms the value of every human life, and we have supported the legislature’s past action to protect the lives of unborn children. However, the commitment to life must not end at birth. We believe that access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right, one that is necessary for the flourishing of families and communities,”

BY TOM HOFFARTH

LOS ANGELES (OSV News) – Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell was remembered as a man "gripped by grace" and "at ease with movers and shakers and also with the moved and shaken" as nearly 5,000 attended a funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 3.

The Mass was the conclusion of a three-day tribute to Bishop O'Connell, starting with a March 1 memorial Mass at St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights. On March 2 at the cathedral, local Catholics said farewell to Bishop O'Connell in an all-day public viewing followed by a vigil Mass.

In his homily at the funeral Mass, Msgr. Jarlath Cunnane, Bishop O'Connell's classmate and close friend from their seminary days in Ireland in 1971, called upon the phrase "Anam Cara," the Celtic concept of having a friend of the soul.

"You're blessed if you have a soul friend," said Msgr. Cunnane, the pastor of St. Cornelius Church in Long Beach. "And I was blessed to have David. ... I was better for having known David O'Connell. Many of you were too, were you not?"

The question drew a round of applause from the pews.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez presided over the Mass that not only filled the cathedral pews but had hundreds more standing in the aisles, ambulatories and seated on the outside plaza watching a livestream presentation.

Long, yellow school buses frequently pulled up to the curb outside the cathedral to drop off more mourners. Several streamed into the Cathedral Plaza as the two-hour Mass went on, using umbrellas as shade, clutching their young children, simply wanting to be present.

Three cardinals – Roger M. Mahony, Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Robert W. McElroy of San Diego –attended as well as 34 bishops and more than 50 priests at the altar.

Local dignitaries included LA Police Chief Michel Moore, former Los Angeles mayors Eric Garcetti and Jim Hahn, former LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell,

wrote the bishops in their letter.

“It is especially heartbreaking when healthcare is out of reach at the precious and vulnerable period when new life is created.”

Just two days after the bishops’ letter was delivered to every state legislator and the Governor and Lt. Governor, Governor Tate Reeves publicly reversed his stance on extending Medicaid to new mothers.

Reeves wrote on social media that if the legislature passes a law allowing for a year of postpartum Medicaid coverage, he “will sign it into law.”

He continued writing that we live in “a post-Dobbs world” and was proud that Mississippi led the charge to end Roe v. Wade, but now we need to “love” Mississippi moms providing them more support after giving birth.

“It will be worth it, as more children of God are brought into the world,” wrote Reeves.

After Reeves change of heart,

– Continued on page 6 –

O'Connell,

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, LA District Attorney George Gascón and several other civic leaders who called Bishop O'Connell a friend over the years.

Cunnane noted that Bishop O'Connell "wasn't just my good friend. Friendship is something he was good at. He has friends young and old, far and wide ... he has friends up and down the social scale, at ease in the corridors of power and with the powerless."

In calling him a man "gripped by grace," Msgr. Cunnane said Bishop O'Connell was "seized by the Lord, like Jeremiah (who) said: 'Lord, you seduced me, and I let myself be seduced; you were stronger and you triumphed.'"

– Continued on page 6 –

JACKSON

– Bishop Joseph Kopacz reads a joint letter he wrote with Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi urging leaders to pass legislation to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage on Monday, Feb. 27 on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Other faith leaders from Working Together Mississippi gathered at the press conference offering their support of the bishops and the extention of postpartum coverage for Mississippi mothers. On March 7, leg-

passed the bill and it is now heading to the governors desk. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

ousands gather at funeral Mass for LA's Bishop

recalled as 'soul friend' to all

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS

COLUMBUS Annunciation, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bank First parking lot. Sign-ups available soon.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, KC Ladies Auxiliary Charity Tea, Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. in the parish hall. Tickets on sale after Masses on March 12. Details: church o ce (601) 856-2054.

GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Mu uletta Sale, Pick up on April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets available at school or church o ce. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

JACKSON St. Richard, Men’s Prayer Breakfast with Bishop Kopacz, Monday, April 3 at 7 a.m. in Foley Hall following Mass at 6:30 a.m. Details: contact Anthony at (601) 573-8574 or eanthonythomas@gmail.com.

St. Richard, Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, March 23 from 5-7 p.m. at the Special Kids House on Lynwood. Unique artworks (ceramics, platters, “peeps,” icons, religious items, wine glasses and more) for sale. Kendra Scott will also be there with 20% of proceeds to Special Kids. Details: church o ce (601) 366-2335.

MADISON St. Joseph School, 17th annual Bruin Classic Golf Tournament, Monday, March 27. Register or sponsor a hole by visiting https://bit.ly/17thStJoeGolfTournament. Details: email danacaskey15@ gmail.com.

St. Joseph School, Egg My Yard Fundraiser, for Madison County residents only. Order your pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard the night before Easter. Book your spot today. Orders due by March 24. Cost: 30 eggs $30; 50 eggs $45; 70 eggs $60. Proceeds benefit St. Joe cheer programs. Order at https://bit.ly/StJoeEggMyYard2023. Details: email sjcheer@stjoebruins.com

FEATURED PHOTO Time

with questions.

MADISON St. Catherine’s Village, Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, meets fourth Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Campbell Cove building. Lunch provided. All are welcome. Details: call to RSVP (601) 856-0123 or email cynthia.armstrong@fmolhs.org.

RIDGELAND Catholic Charities, Sleep Safe Event, Friday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event for expectant women, couples, fathers and caregivers on awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Free giveaways and resources with guest speaker. Event at 731 S. Pear Orchard Rd, Ste. 51, Ridgeland. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/March17SleepSafeEvent or call (601) 355-8634.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Forgiveness Walk, Tuesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Walk is a silent meditative prayer journey reflecting on our own need for forgiveness and need to forgive. Opportunity to stop at nine di erent stations each with its own theme to read a short scripture passage and reflect on questions. Details: church o ce (662) 342-1073.

Christ the King, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 26 from 12-3 p.m. Sign up sheets in gathering space. Details: church o ce (662) 342-1073.

Sacred Heart School, Trivia Night and Auction, Saturday, March 25. Doors open 6 p.m; Trivia at 7 p.m. Cost $25 per player or $160 per team. Groups under eight members will be assigned to a team. Eat, drink and tease your brain. Door prizes, giveaways, split the pot ra e and more. BYOB and snacks. Details: email Allison to register abaskin@shsm.org.

SAVE THE DATE

COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Draw Down and Art Auction, Friday, April 14 at the Trotter Convention Center from 6:30-11 p.m. Adults only (21 and up). Event includes dinner and open bar.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Yard Sale, Friday, May 19-20. Start saving item donations now. Donations accepted beginning May 8. Details: church o ce (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON 17th Annual Sister Thea Bowman School Draw Down, Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the school multi-purpose building. $5,000 Grand prize. Cost $100, second chance insurance extra $20 per ticket. Details: (601) 351-5197 or stbdrawdown@gmail.com.

MADISON St. Francis, Rocky Railway VBS express, June 19-22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All pre-K4 through fourth graders are invited. Details: mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Countdown scheduled for April 21. Grandprize $5,000. Tickets on sale soon!

MERIDIAN Knights of Columbus State Convention, April 28-30 at the Threefoot Hotel. For more information visit: kofc-ms. org/convention/2023

MARCH 10, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

PEARL St. Jude, Easter Egg Hunt after Mass on April 9.

REMINDERS/NOTICES

NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS GATHERING, July 20-23 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Join with other Black Catholics and those who minister to Black Catholics for a celebration of faith and culture. Details: nbccongress.org

INDIANAPOLIS Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024. Registration is now open. See what Our Lord has in store for this next chapter for the Catholic Church in United States. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3ydav9Q. Details: EucharisticCongress.org

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m. Remember to set your clock AHEAD one hour before you go to bed. Don’t miss church!

VOCATIONS RETREAT Come and See event for men ages 16-24 at St. Joseph Seminary College, March 31 through April 2. Details: for more information or to sign-up contact nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 969-4020.

WORLD YOUTH DAY: LISBON 2023 Event for young Catholics ages 16-35, though all are welcomed to attend in Lisbon, Portugal. For more information visit: https://www.lisboa2023.org/en/

AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE

PEARL – Rhonda Bowden and members of the “kitchen crew” at St. Jude Pearl worked to cook up a feast for priests, deacons and lems present for their continuing ed gathering on Feb. 28 and March 1.

(Photo by Deacon Denzil Lobo)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 10, 2023

“Listen to Him”

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

The Transfiguration of the Lord was proclaimed from all Catholic pulpits throughout the world last weekend on the second Sunday of Lent, an event revealing God’s beloved Son as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets with the appearances of Moses and Elijah. For a brief moment Peter, James and John beheld the eternal glory of God on the Lord who was calling them out of darkness into his own marvelous light. (Matthew 17:1-9)

Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus made a bold statement during his Sermon on the Mount. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets. I have come not to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (5:17)

There was a strong prophetic component to Moses’ leadership, but generally he represents the Law in ancient Israel. As soon as Israel settled down in the promised land with a king to rule over them the prophetic ministry arose to preserve and to demand fidel-

ity to the Covenant established by God with Moses on Mount Sinai. Jesus shouldered all of this sacred history on the Cross to establish the new Covenant in his blood. From the Law, the church for nearly 2000 years has preserved the Ten Commandments as the template for the moral life of the Christian. Section three of the Catechism devotes considerable ink to this tradition.

From the prophets primarily, the church has developed its social teaching over the past 150 years with the dawn of the modern world. Its foundation is the dignity of the human person, made in the image and likeness of God. During the season of Lent the Lord and the church call us to double down on our prayer, fasting and almsgiving as obvious signs of our repentance. Jesus has taught us how to pray, fast and die to self, challenging enough, but sometimes the hidden essentials of our mission in the world is the work of social outreach and advocacy for life, justice and peace.

At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus portrayed the final judgment based on feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting the imprisoned. This was the vision of the prophets in Israel for centuries. Listen to Isaiah, first among them.

“Why, when we fasted, did You not see? When we starved our bodies, did You pay no heed, O Lord? Because on your fast day you see to your business and oppress all your laborers! Because you fast in strife and contention, and you strike with a wicked fist! Your fasting today is not

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

Volume 69 Number 7 (ISSN 1529-1693)

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

Publisher

such as to make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast I desire, a day for men to starve their bodies? Is it bowing the head like a bulrush and lying in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call that a fast, a day when God is favorable? No, this is the fast I desire: To unlock the fetters of wickedness and untie the cords of the yoke to let the oppressed go free; to break o every yoke. It is to share your bread with the hungry, and to take the wretched poor into your home; when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to ignore your own kin.”

(Isaiah 58:3-7)

For example, “not to ignore your own kin” is the impetus for the grassroots e orts to expand post-partum Medicaid for women and their newborn beyond two months of coverage up to one year. To ignore this critical need after Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is unconscionable. This is to say that the church’s pro-life and social teachings are always at work, in Mississippi, in the United States and throughout our world because the powerful voices of the prophets are part of our religious DNA.

“Let justice roll like a river, righteousness like an unfailing stream.” (Amos 5:24) “He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) This is an essential part of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets of which Jesus spoke, and that God the Father revealed on the mountain of Transfiguration. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” He is the Way and the Truth in whom we have been baptized and seek faithfully to follow in thought, word and deed.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 18, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, St. John, Oxford

Sunday, March 19, 9:30 a.m. – Mass for Feast of St. Joseph, St. Joseph, Greenville

Monday, March 27, 1 p.m. – St. Joe Bruin Classic Golf Tournament, Annandale Golf Course, Madison

Monday, March 27, 6 p.m. – Penance Service, St. Paul, Flowood

Tuesday, March 28, 6:45 a.m. – Mission Mississippi Prayer Breakfast, Catholic Charities, Ridgeland

Monday, April 3, 7 a.m. – Men’s Prayer Breakfast, St. Richard, Jackson

Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Tuesday, April 4, 11:30 a.m. – Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Thursday, April 6, 5:30 p.m. – Holy Thursday, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

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

Friday, April 7, 5:30 p.m. – Good Friday, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Saturday, April 8, 8 p.m. – Easter Vigil, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Friday, April 21, 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities Bishop’s Ball, Country Club of Jackson

All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.

We finally won the Championship! If you know me, you know that I love basketball. I love watching basketball and talking about basketball, and I most especially love playing basketball. Much of my childhood was spent on a patch grass which had been pounded down into a patch of dirt as I shot baskets either with siblings, friends, or all by my lonesome. Even today I love to shoot baskets at the end of a long day just to decompress and get my thoughts together. So yes, I love basketball.

I was filled with great joy, then, when I heard that the St. Joseph Seminary College basketball team won the national seminary basketball that they played in back in January on the campus of Mundelein Seminary near Chicago. St. Joseph, or St. Ben’s, as it is more affectionately known (since it is on the campus of a Benedictine monastery), has been playing in that tournament since way back when I was there (2012-2014). We always were at somewhat of a disadvantage because basketball isn’t life down here in the South during the winter, since it’s usually warm enough to get outside! In the Midwest, however, and the Northeast, the basketball court is one of the only spaces during the long cold winter to get some good exercise in community, and so we would always travel up to the great white north in fear and trembling! We knew that these guys had been playing day in and day out in the gym while we were enjoying the great outdoors.

In my seminary career I think I was a part of one win in basketball outside the state of Louisiana, but the boys brought back the championship trophy this year, and our own Grayson Foley was a big part of the team. Grayson played basketball at St. Joe Madison and was the starting center for the Bruins before taking his talents to St. Ben’s in 2020. At 6’6, he provided much needed height to the seminary squad, and I am so happy that those guys were able to take part in the tournament.

Every time I played, even though we lost, I always enjoyed getting to know guys from other parts of the country. We would return with great stories and great memories. I know that many folks in the diocese supported the team as they raised money to travel to and from the tournament, and I want to thank those that gave to that cause. We want our guys to have a well-rounded experience, and even though seminary basketball is not March Madness or the NBA, it means a lot to be a part of a team, and I’m really proud of Grayson and the boys for bringing home the (Seminary) National Championship! And by the way, some of those guys, including Grayson, are great athletes, which goes to show that while sports is a great way to have fun together, it is not the end all be all. I’m grateful that those great athletes followed their call to the seminary, and that they still get to use their talents together on the court.

– Father Nick Adam

For more info on vocations email: nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.

Father Nick Adam

Requiem for an older brother

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

Several weeks ago my older brother George died. His death was somewhat of a shock since he had been in relatively good health until a week before he died. His story is worth telling. No community, Mircea Eliade once said, should botch its deaths.

Although highly intelligent and motivated, George never got the chance for higher education. Our family was large and living on a small farm that could not support us. He, like other older members of our family, ended his schooling early to enter the work force to help support the family. In this, he was not unique. In the second-generation immigrant community where we grew up, a lot of his generation, both men and women, had to do the same. His story, like many others like him, was one within which he had to renounce his own dreams for the good of others.

His story is a story of dedication to faith, to family, to church and to community. For the most part, he was conscripted by circumstance. Although he was very bright, perhaps the brightest in our family, circumstances dictated that he leave school after the eighth grade to help support the family. Consequently, he never really had a chance do what he wanted in life, both in terms of a career and in terms of getting married and having a family; and for him the great sacrifice wasn’t career, but marriage.

George was never meant to be life-long bachelor, but his life and commitments never quite allowed for marriage and led instead to a life of celibacy (in much the same way as this plays out for a priest or a vowed religious). Nevertheless, as for a vowed celibate, in the end, it served him well. He ended up with a very large family, that is, with people from all over the world considering him their brother, their mentor, their trusted friend. Since his death, there has been a flood of letters, emails, texts, phone calls and messages from people everywhere expressing what George meant to them. He died celibate, but he died a loved man.

However, all of this came at a price. Those of us who were privy to his private frustrations, know the price his soul paid for his dedication. He needed, at times, simply to vent at a safe place vis-à-vis the frustrations and tensions he was carrying, times when he couldn’t fully emulate the patience and selflessness of Jesus. However, he always expressed his frustrations at a safe place, where his venting couldn’t hurt anybody. He was always bigger than his frustrations. The deepest part of him was always gracious and laced with humor. He brought laughter into every room he entered.

Moreover, he was a man of faith and of the church. The church was an integral part of what he thought of as family and he gave himself over fully, both to the little rural faith community within which he lived and to the larger church. For more than twenty years he helped lead a Lay Formation program and assisted in the youth ministry in his home diocese. The dedication and talent he brought to those programs were recognized by many. Indeed, at one point the local bishop came up to him and said, “George, I have only question for

you, do I ordain you now or do you want to go to the seminary for a few years first?” Ministry as a priest would have been a dream come true for him, but those of us who knew him also know why he turned down that invitation. He still had some commitments inside of family and community that he felt he could not abandon. That choice might be questioned; but again, it was made out of dedication and selflessness, putting the needs of others before his own.

In the Gospel of John, the author describes how, after Jesus was already dead, soldiers came and pierced his side with a lance and “immediately blood and water flowed” out of his dead body. An interesting image! Life flowing out of a dead body! After Jesus died, his followers felt themselves nourished by him in an even deeper

way than during his life. From the spirit he left behind, they sensed a rich outpouring of life and cleansing.

George also left behind that kind of a spirit. Everyone who knew him will continue to drink from his spirit – his selflessness, his sacrificing his dreams for family and church, and his willingness to carry frustration and tension for the sake of others. Not least, we will be nourished by his humor and the lightness he brought into a room, a quality that manifested both his intelligence and his zest for life.

He lived a good life. He died a loved man. He will be remembered fondly by a large family – for whom he sacrificed his own chance for marriage and having a family of his own.

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

By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Everyone must engage in politics, which is simply what it means to take part constructively in the life of a nation or society, Pope Francis said in a new book of interviews.

Even the Gospel has “a political dimension” in that it seeks to convert “the social, including religious, mindset of the people,” he said, according to a series of excerpts published by Vatican News and other outlets Feb. 26.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the pope’s election, journalists Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti will release a book-length compilation of a decade of interviews with the pope in Spanish March 1.

Titled “El Pastor” (“The Shepherd”), the book covers the “challenges, reasons and reflections” of Pope Francis over the course of his pontificate. Rubin and Ambrogetti had previously compiled two years of interviews with then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires for their 2010 book “The Jesuit,” which became a bestseller after the cardinal was elected pontiff, and retitled “Pope Francis. Conversations with Jorge Bergoglio: His Life in His Own Words.”

In “The Shepherd,” the authors pick up where they left off to cover his papacy and the path he has followed.

He said his plan has always been “to carry out what the cardinals expressed in the general congregations on the eve of the conclave,” which was to “revitalize the proclamation of the Gospel, reduce centralization in the Vatican,” eradicate the abuse of minors and fight economic corruption.

When asked what he would say to those who accuse him of “doing politics,” the pope said, “Yes, I am doing politics. Because everybody has to do politics. Christian people have to do politics. When we read what Jesus said we see that he was doing politics.”

The pope then explained what he meant by “politics,” saying it is “a way of life for the ‘polis,’ for the city.”

“What I do not do, nor should the church do, is party (or partisan) politics. But the Gospel has a political dimension, which is to transform the social, including religious, mindset of the people,” he said.

Speaking about the increasing polarization in the world, the pope said, “we are not water and oil, we are brothers and sisters.”

Humanity must rise above this “category of water and oil and move toward fraternity,” which is precisely what people have a hard time seeing when there is a conflict, that their vocation is fraternity, he said.

“When we ignore this, divisions begin and it’s like that everywhere,” he said.

When it comes to economic activity, Pope Francis said he does not “condemn” capitalism or the market economy, but that there needs to be what St. John Paul II advocated for, that is, a new “social economy of the market,” which would balance competition and social progress.

Today, the world of finance prevails, he said, and “where we can all agree is that the concentration of wealth and inequalities have increased and many people die of hunger.” If he focuses so much on the poor and those in need, “that’s because that is what Jesus did and what the Gospel says.”

Journalists Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti released a book-length compilation of interviews with Pope Francis March 1, 2023. Titled, “El Pastor” (The Shepherd), the book, whose cover is shown in this screengrab, covers the “challenges, reasons and reflections” of Pope Francis over the course of his pontificate. (CNS photo/Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Argentina)

The Pope’s Corner Everyone must take part in politics for the common good, pope says

'... prayers have been answered ...'

– Continued from page 1 –

Bishop Kopacz and a diverse coalition of faith leaders affiliated with Working Together Mississippi held a press conference on the front steps of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle within view of the State Capitol building, urging legislators and specifically Republican House Speaker Phillip Gunn to allow lawmakers to vote on giving new mothers a full year of Medicaid coverage after giving birth.

“We’re saying to the Speaker of the House, join us,” said Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Sr. of the Fellowship of International Churches and pastor of New Horizon Church International. “Let’s do this because it’s the right thing to do for Mississippi because we value and we love our mothers and our children.”

Under the leadership of Gunn, bills over

the last few years to extend postpartum coverage that are passed by the Senate have repeatedly died in the House without a full vote under his leadership.

On the evening of the press conference, Gunn publicly shifted his attitude toward postpartum Medicaid expansion stating that he would not block it from House passage. Gunn stated that his decision came after Medicaid director Drew Snyder sent him a letter in support of the extention of coverage.

On March 7, Gunn did just that with the bill passing both chambers of the legislature. After an 89-29 vote in the House, SB 2212 will head to the desk of Governor Reeves.

Now, provided that Reeves signs the law as promised, new mothers in Mississippi on Medicaid will be granted 12 months of continuous coverage postpartum.

“I'm grateful for the prayer, hard work and collaboration that brought this bill to the finish line,” said Bishop Kopacz. "One big step forward for the common good."

Left to right at the Working Together Mississippi press event: Bishop Joseph Kopacz; Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Sr. of New Horizon Church International; Heath Ferguson, chaplain at Mississippi Baptist Hospital; Bishop Glake Hill of the Church of Christ Holiness; and Rabbi Debra Kassoff of the Hebrew Union Congregation in Greenville.

an inspiration for our whole lives ...'

– Continued from page 1 –

"A mind and a wit always quick and sharp, but sometimes in earlier days, with an edge, by grace became levity and joyous humor, and (an) ability to affirm," the priest added. "He was always affirming, he found the good in people and praised it. He spoke it into them."

Msgr. Cunnane thanked Bishop O'Connell's family members present, several who came from Ireland, "for giving us the blessing of him for all these years and all this wonderful ministry here in Los Angeles."

Archbishop Gomez read a message from Pope Francis that concluded: "To those gathered for the Mass of Christian Burial and to all who mourn Bishop O'Connell's loss in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord.

The archbishop added: "As we know, Bishop Dave loved and served Jesus with all his heart and all his strength, and like Jesus, he loved his brothers and sisters ‘to the end,' with a special love for those who are often forgotten and those who live on society's margins. ... We continue to pray for his eternal repose and especially we know that he has received the eternal reward. He's in heaven. So, let's keep praying for him, for his family, and for all of us. And let's start going to his intercession for our needs."

An ensemble choir with musicians from the cathedral, several parishes and Bishop Amat High School in La Puente provided music for many still in shock about Bishop O'Connell's death at his home in Hacienda Heights on Feb. 18 at age 69.

One of the songs sung before the Mass was the traditional Irish ballad, "Danny Boy."

After Communion, the choir sang the Irish hymn "Lady of Knock," to whom Bishop O'Connell had a life-

long devotion. Among the lyrics: "Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, all my cares and troubles cease. As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace."

Various religious leaders also were present – from the Armenian Apostolic Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, Baptist Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as well as from the American Jewish Committee, the Hindu Vedanta Society, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, the California Sikh Council and the Baha'i faith.

David O'Connell, a nephew from Ireland who shared a name with his uncle, said in a reflection at the end of Mass that "for me and my family and everyone listening here, we all have an opportunity to pick up where he left off and carry on the example that he set. Help those that you can help. Lend an ear and listen to people. Respect each other. Be considerate and give others the benefit of the doubt. Have patience and give everyone a chance."

He added that his uncle "liked being a comedian, but he had a day job that seemed to be going better for him. ... Uncle Dave was an inspiration for our whole lives. He taught us if we have the capacity to help someone, you should do it. All he wanted to do was make things easier for everyone else, and never asked for a single thing in return.

"He never ended a phone call without telling me how proud he was of me. And I hope he knows how proud we are

Los

of him. Let those close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them."

Bishop O'Connell was interred in the cathedral's mausoleum following his funeral Mass.

(Tom Hoffarth and Mike Cisneros write for Angelus, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Pablo Kay is editor-in-chief of Angelus.)

'...

Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez places the Book of Gospels on the casket of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell during his funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 3, 2023. Bishop O'Connell was fatally shot at his home in Hacienda Heights Feb. 18. (OSV News photo/Sarah Yaklic, courtesy Archdiocese of Los Angeles)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 10, 2023

Lenten meals, Stations and Penance services across the diocese

LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS

BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by a light meal.

CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations every Friday at 5:30 p.m. followed by a soup supper in the parish center (no charge). All are welcome!

COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center, after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, Knights of Columbus Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Lenten dinner/Fish Fry on March 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Stations every Friday at 6 p.m. Cost: $10 per plate. Includes three strips of catfish, coleslaw, fries, hushpuppies, tea or water. Dine-in or carry out. Grilled cheese sandwiches with fries for $3

GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Cost is $12 per plate. Dine in or carry out.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Soup Supper after Stations on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Holy Spirit, Men’s Association Fish Fry on March 31 beginning at 4 p.m. – eat in or takeout.

JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Stations at 5:15 every Friday in Lent (except March 10 at 6 p.m.), followed by simple, meat-free meal in the parish center. Spanish stations at 7 p.m.

JACKSON St. Richard, Stations at 5:30 p.m on Fridays during Lent with Knights of Columbus Fish Fry in Foley Hall following. Dine-in or carry out. Cost: $12 adults; $6 children; $40 families of 5+ members.

MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday of Lent, beginning Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Cost: Catfish $12; Shrimp $12; Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled fish, call 30 minutes ahead. Details: Darren (601) 597-2890.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Soup Suppers at 5:30 p.m. March 10, 24 and 31; Knights of Columbus Fish Fry fundraiser on Friday, March 17.

OXFORD St. John, Stations in Church at 5 p.m. and Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at 5:30 in parish hall. Dine-in or take-out. Cost $10, plate includes fish, fries, hushpuppies, slaw and a drink.

PEARL St. Jude, Fish Fry following Stations every Friday at 6 p.m. Reservations required. Dinner includes catfish, fries, huspuppies, coleslaw and tea. Dine-in only. No cost, donations encouraged. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus catfish dinner after Stations in the Church at 5:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Fish Fry at 5:30 p.m. and Stations at 7 p.m. on March 17 and 31. Lenten meal served on March 10 and 24.

TUPELO St. James, Lenten Pasta Dinners, Friday March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in Shelton Hall. Dine-in or carry-out. Meatless spaghetti (choice of red or white sauce), salad, garlic bread and dessert. Cost: adults $9; kids $6.

YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Stations and Soup, Tuesdays during Lent at 5:30 p.m.

PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Reconciliation with serveral priests available, Wednesday, March 22 from 4-6:30 p.m.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, Penance Service, Monday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

MAGEE St. Stephen, Penance Service, Saturday, April 1 at 4 p.m.

RIPLEY St. Matthew, Lenten opportunity for Reconciliation/Confession, Friday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. with Father Cesar Sanchez or Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. with Father Mario Solorzano.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.

STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Penance Service, Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.

TUPELO St. James, Reconciliation Service, Thursday, March 30 from 5-7 p.m. in the Church.

VICKSBURG St. Michael, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

STATIONS ONLY

BATESVILLE St. Mary, Stations, 30 minutes before all weekend Masses and on Fridays before 11 a.m. Mass.

CANTON Holy Child Jesus, Stations at 12 p.m. on Fridays during Lent.

CHOCTAW St. Therese, Stations on Fridays during Lent at 6 p.m.

CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Stations on Fridays during Lent at 2:15 p.m. (with school students) and 5:30 p.m. rotating between St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception.

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.

CLINTON Holy Savior, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass.

FOREST St. Michael, Way of the Cross in Spanish at 7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent.

GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, Stations at 12 p.m. on Fridays.

JACKSON Christ the King, Stations at 6 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Rosary after Stations.

JACKSON Holy Ghost, Stations at 4 p.m. every Friday during Lent.

MAGEE St. Stephen, Way of the Cross, Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Bible study to follow in parish hall.

MAGNOLIA St. James, Stations at 5 p.m. every Friday during Lent.

MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Stations at 6 p.m. every Friday during Lent.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Stations, March 10 and 24 at 6 p.m. and on April 7 at 5 p.m.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Stations every Friday during Lent beginning March 3 at 5:15 p.m.

Assumption, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.

NEW ALBANY St.

Francis, Mass followed by Stations, every Friday during Lent at 8:30 a.m. (English)

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Stations every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA Holy Rosary, Stations on Fridays during Lent at 6 p.m.

PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Stations at 6 p.m. each Friday during Lent.

RIPLEY St. Matthew, Stations at 4:30 p.m. (English) every Friday during Lent; Way of the Cross (Spanish) at 6:45 p.m.

SHAW St. Francis, Stations every Friday after 6 p.m. Mass.

TUPELO St. James, Stations on Fridays following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and at 6 p.m. (English). Spanish stations following 6:30 p.m. Spanish Mass.

VICKSBURG St. Mary, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.

VICKSBURG St. Michael, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.

SPECIAL LENTEN NOTICE/DISPENSATION

Abstinence: Catholics abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; and also on Fridays during Lent; however, Bishop Joseph Kopacz has granted a dispensation from the requirement of abstaining from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023 in honor of the Feast of St. Patrick, as on this feast day various cultural dishes with meat are traditionally served. The dispensation is granted with the condition that those who take advantage of the dispensation will substitute another profound act of penance, such as prayer and alms giving to mark this day. Norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding on Catholics from age 14 onwards.

Fasting: Catholics fast (eating one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal) on Good Friday (April 7). Catholics 18-59 years old are bound by this obligation.

PEARL – Knights of Columbus “master chefs,” Bob Summers and Blackie Marales prepare a fish fry for St. Jude parishioners on Friday, April 1, 2022 after Stations of Cross. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

10 years as pope: Pushing the church to bring the Gospel to the world

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS)

– For a decade, even when discussing the internal workings of the Vatican, Pope Francis has insisted the church is not the church of Christ if it does not reach out, sharing the “joy of the Gospel” and placing the poor at the center of its attention.

Signals that his papacy would be different started the moment he stepped out on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica the evening of March 13, 2013: He was not wearing a red, ermine-trimmed cape, and he bowed as he asked the crowd to pray that God would bless him.

His decision not to live in the Apostolic Palace, his invitations to Vatican trash collectors and gardeners and other employees to join him for his daily morning Mass, his insistence on going to the Italian island of Lampedusa to celebrate Mass and pray for migrants who had drowned in the Mediterranean captivated the attention of the media.

But not everyone was pleased with the seeming ease with which he set aside pomp and protocol. And tensions within the Catholic community grew as he expressed openness to LGBTQ Catholics and to those living in what the church considers irregular marriage situations and when he said in an interview in 2013 that the church cannot talk only about abortion, gay marriage and contraception.

One kind of summary of his first 10 years as pope can be found in numbers: He has made 40 trips abroad, visiting 60 countries; in eight consistories he created 95 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave and paid tribute to 26 churchmen over the age of 80; and he has presided over the canonizations of 911 new saints, including a group of more than 800 martyrs, but also Sts. John Paul II, John XXIII and Paul VI.

In his first major document, the apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” he laid out a program for his papacy, looking inside the church and outside at the world to see what needed to be done to “encourage and guide the whole church in a new phase of evangelization, one marked by enthusiasm and vitality.”

The document included a discussion of the need to reform church institutions to highlight their missionary role; to encourage pastoral workers to listen to and stand with the people they were ministering to – his famous line about having “the smell of the sheep”; to deepen an understanding of the church as “the entire people of God” and not as an institution or, worse, a club of the elect; to integrate the poor into the church and society, rather than simply see them as objects of assistance; and to promote peace and dialogue.

For Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the agenda of Pope Francis is the original agenda of the Second Vatican Council.

Unlike St. John Paul II and the late Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis did not attend any of the council sessions. And, in fact, because he was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 13, 1969, he is the first pope to be ordained a priest after Vatican II.

“After Scripture and tradition, the council is the significant foundation, and I would say, characteristic orientation of this papacy,” the cardinal told Catholic News Service. “He has taken the council not from a collection of decrees, but from the lived experience of the council as implemented, as lived, as tested, as developed, you might say, in the church of Latin America.”

St. John XXIII launched the council with a pastoral focus on what it means to be the church in the modern world, he said. The papacies of St. John Paul and Pope Benedict, he said, “reverted to a more doctrinal

understanding of the council” with “some very good results and with some massive, unfinished business.”

While the work of Pope Francis’ predecessors was important, he said, “I don’t think it picked up the primary agenda (of the council), which was implementing a new understanding of church in the modern world, a new way of evangelizing because the world is so different from how it was, let’s say, at the end of World War II.”

Emilce Cuda, an Argentine theologian and secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, agreed that a key to understanding Pope Francis’ pontificate is knowing how Vatican II was lived in Latin America with respect for popular piety and culture, and trust in the “sensus fidei,” the notion that the baptized together have a “sense of faith” and an ability “to understand what God says to us, to his people, in every moment.”

Pope Francis was elected March 13, 2013. In the past 10 years, he has made 40 trips abroad, visiting 60 countries; in eight consistories he created 95 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave and paid tribute to 26 churchmen over the age of 80; and he has presided over the canonizations of 911 new saints, including a group of more than 800 martyrs, but also Sts. John Paul II, John XXIII and Paul VI. (CNS graphic/Frida Larios)

lived in the circumstances in which we face ourselves today. And so, to my mind, that’s sort of the capstone of what Pope Francis has been working for over the last decade.”

“There in the popular culture, in the peripheries, and in all the people of God, we can hear what God wants from us, or what God tells us to do in response to social problems and in the church in each moment,” she said. “We are in history and history is a movement, and the situation is not the same (as) in the 20th century or in the 21st century.”

As for disagreements with or even controversies about the papacy of Pope Francis, Cardinal Czerny warned against confusing “loud with representative or loud with majority. Loud doesn’t mean any of those things; it means loud.”

But, he said, “the patience of Pope Francis” leads him and encourages others to recognize that the pope’s critics “are not 100% off beam,” or off track; there usually is a grain of truth in what they say or an important value they hold dear that is being overlooked.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, told CNS he believes the first 10 years of Pope Francis’ pontificate have been preparation for “what’s happening right now, and that’s the synodal conversation.”

The Second Vatican Council called Catholics to read the “signs of the times” and respond. And, the cardinal said, “this notion that we don’t have automatically prepared prescriptions for every challenge that faces us leads us to a fundamental tenet of our belief,” which is belief “in the Holy Spirit, the lord and giver of life.”

The synod process, which began with listening to people around the globe and will move toward two assemblies mainly of bishops, is about listening to the Holy Spirit.

While the synod involves meetings, Cardinal Tobin said, “synodality is a way of being church. It’s an ancient way of being church that is being recovered and

“I’ve called synodality his long game,” the cardinal said. “He’s convinced that the changed circumstances of our world and our world going forward demand a new appreciation for the role of the Holy Spirit and a way to access that gift that is given to all of us by virtue of our baptism.”

Pope Francis has been laying the foundation for the new synod process since the beginning of his pontificate, said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago. “There’s an organic whole to all of this.”

“I just wonder if, from the very beginning, he had in his mind that this would be the trajectory of his pontificate, and the synod on synodality I think is, in some way, the opportunity for him to pull everything together,” he said. “There are people who want him to go faster, but he wants things to be held together and the church to be held together.”

Asked what he thought was the most significant aspect of Pope Francis’ pontificate, the cardinal cited his predecessor, the late Cardinal Francis E. George, who participated in the 2013 conclave, and said the best description of Pope Francis was “He’s free.”

“He’s free in the sense of wanting to listen to different voices in the life of the church,” Cardinal Cupich said. “He’s free in being imaginative, but also he has the kind of freedom that really allows him to be joyful in this ministry.”

“John Paul II told us what we should do. Benedict told us why we should do it. And Francis is saying, ‘Do it,’” the cardinal said. Pope Francis is leading by example in how he cares for the poor, sees God at work in people’s real lives and reaches out to people often overlooked by the church.

“I think history will look back on this pontificate as historic, as pivotal in the life of the church,” Cardinal Cupich said.

2023 Bishop Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire

JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Church es, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.

This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 40 adults their awards on Saturday, March 4, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.

DOROTHY ASHLEY – Holy Ghost, Jackson

Dorothy volunteers and spend her valuable time to make sure every responsibilities given to her at the parish is carried out and done smoothly. She is so well-respected that many of our parishioners have her serve as godparent to their children. – Father Nick Hien Nguyen, SVD

PAUL BROWN – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenwood

Paul has been our music director and organist since 2013, converting to Catholicism in 2016. He has done an amazing job organizing our choir and several concerts. He is always willing to volunteer his time and expertise for the good of the church.

Paul has such a cheerful and warm personality. He is a registered nurse, so he has compassion for others. He is always willing to help our parish and parishioners with anything they may come to him with. He is

multi talented and he uses those talents to better lives of people around him. – Father Andrew Nguyen

ANGELA CANIZARO – St. Paul, Vicksburg

Angela has been a faithful volunteer for decades in the church. Though she just turned 89, she continues to be involved in numerous ministries in the parish. She sets up for daily Mass at 7 a.m. each day, is responsible for the upkeep for many things around the altar, acts as lector in the church, has been a member in past on parish council and renovation projects, and still volunteers to bring communion to the home bound as well as the parish meals on wheels program. She never sees herself as “too old” for any ministry. –

Father Rusty Vincent

WENDELL AND BETTY COX – Holy Savior, Clinton Wendell and Betty have contributed in so many different ways to the life of Holy Savior parish over the past 50 years, especially in the areas of music and religious education. They are always very welcoming and exemplify the spirit of the new evangelization in the church, always bringing the message of Christ’s Good News

to others through their words and actions. They open their home up to small groups and invite parishioners over for holiday celebrations when they have nowhere else to go. They live out their faith in a very joyful spirit and have touched many different lives here at our parish. –

Father Lincoln Dall

KATHLEEN FEYEN – Christ the King, Jackson

Kathleen is a true witness of the Catholic faith in and outside the church. She is always willing to help in any circumstance, even if it is inconvenient. She is always smiling as she does the task ahead of her. She happily welcomes visitors. She keeps us with the lives of parishioners especially those who are sick or home bound. She is an invaluable resource to Christ the King and to the church at large. – Deacon Denzil Lobo

BALDEMAR TEMAJ GARCIA – St. Anne, Carthage

For more than twenty years, Baldemar has served in our community, especially among the Guatemalan community. He has participated in almost all liturgical ministies, but above all in the social part of the community helping and organizing together with the priest any way to highlight the dignity of people as children of God. –

Father Marco A. Sánchez, S.T.

PAUL AND BRENDA GRIFFIN – Sacred Heart, Camden

Paul and Brenda are true leaders in both the church and civic community. They initiate activities, events and programs to build up this community. As a married couple they support one another in all endeavors. They are able to see the needs in the community that

– Continued on page 12 –

JACKSON – Bishop Jospeh Kopacz shares a word with Marcia Prosen of Holy Cross parish in Philadelphia at the annual Bishop Chanche awards for service to the diocese. Prosen was nominated for her service over 18 years to her parish.

(Photo by Tereza Ma)

Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire

– Continued from page 11 –

they both grew up in and implement action to address them. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.

PATRICIA LORENA TEJEDA IBARRA CRUZ – St. Mary, Batesville

Patricia’s beautiful personality is what has helped our Hispanic Community grow. She does everything she possibly can for our parish and is a real example of actions speak louder than words. She encourages all the children of families she knows to attend Sunday School and Mass. She has been asked to be a godmother and Confirmation sponsor numerous times. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy

GLENN AND CHRISTINE INGRACIA – St. James, Magnolia

Glenn and Christine are a devoted Catholic family, always taking care of others. They are truly an ispiration to all in their service to others. It is a blessing to see how they invite others to join with them to serve vibrantly in our community. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy

SHERI KRAUSE – St. Francis of Assisi, Madison

Sheri has been a faithful servant and founding member of St. Francis since 1984. The many ways she has been involved in in the parish cannot be counted. Sheri has been hospitality minister and greeter at the doors of our church since joining St. Francis. Her assistance alongside the Knights of Columbus at all their events and with parish functions has been constant. However, Sheri’s most endearing quality is her humility. She insists on staying in the background and out of the spotlight. She has worked at setting up, tending to, decorating, publicizing, cooking, serving others, and cleaning up at nearly ev ery parish event since the beginning of St. Francis, yet she has never been formally acknowledged or honored, except when the KC’s named her their “KC Angel” with a t-shirt! – Father Albeenready Vatti

MICHAEL LEE – St. Michael, Vicksburg

couraging the people to be involved in church activities. They are always available to help with translations when needed. They both assist in educating the Hispanic people on every aspect of the Mass. They are always in attendance at weddings and Mass. Herlinda teaches classes for marriage and baptism. –

Janice Stansell

LINDA AND VINCE MCGRATH – St. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville

Linda and Vince exhibit a quiet leadership. They live out their vocation to marriage together. They keep up with people in the parish community and in the wider community, they pray for them and they witness their faith to them. Together they have a heart for God’s people and display a great concern, especially for those who need prayer in any way. –

Father Jason Johnston

JAIME AND HERLINDA MARTINEZ – St. Martin Mission, Hazlehurst

Dore

Mike evangelizes his faith by the way he lives inside and outside of church. He takes his role as sacristan very seriously and is reliable and consistent in being present as needed to fulfill this role. Mike is always available during Mass as well as outside of Mass times to assist with any need in the church, ranging from assisting with altar servers to setting the altar or cleaning as needed. His compassion and care for others is a true example of Christian faith. – Father Robert

Jaime and Herlinda are instrumental in getting the Hispanic population motivated to be a part of the church, rather than just attending Mass. They are always en-

ED NALKER – Immaculate Conception, Raymond

Ed is the heart and soul of this parish, being the first to get there on Sunday mornings and making sure everything is in place for the parish to function. He lives out his faith in his words and his actions. Ed always has a kind word for everyone at the parish and makes sure they feel welcome.

Immaculate Conception in Raymond is a flourishing small parish that still has a strong sense of mission and identity mainly through Ed Nalker’s love and leadership in this parish. He has really made a difference here as a spiritual leader. As the pastor, I appreciate all he does and know that it makes a big difference in our parish community. – Father Lincoln Dall

MARGOT ORMAN – St. James the Less, Corinth

Margot has been in almost every ministry in the parish with love and service for our community. She is a testimony of faith, love and service in our parish. She is like the tresure of the field, our pearl of great value. – Father Mario Solorzano

MYRTLE JEAN OTTO – Holy Child Jesus, Canton

Myrtle has been a dedicated and generous member her whole life. She has especially put her magnificent voice at the service of the parish and the wider community. She was trained by Sister Thea Bowman in what makes for good liturgy. Good Gospel music is very important in the black community. Each Sunday, her properly prepared music adds so much to the celebration. Her voice helps one to be in the presence of the Lord immediately. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.

RANDALL SCOTT OWEN AND KASEY LANE OWEN – St. Patrick, Meridian

This young couple take God seriously and live out their catholic life in an exemplary way. They have five children and have committed their lives to serve God in all ways possible. I can proudly point them out say that they are the best examples of Christian faith. How ever busy they are, they will have time for church and God. – Father Augustine

– Continued on page 13 –

Palimattam Poulose

Frank Washington accepts a certificate and medal for his service to St. Joseph parish in Meridian from Bishop Joseph Kopacz. Washington and 39 others received recognition for their service to the diocese in a special celebration and Mass on Saturday, March 4 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson.

Margot Orman of St. James the Less in Corinth is pinned with her Bishop Chanche Medal for service by Kelly McGregor of St. Jude parish in Pearl on Saturday, March 4 at the Cathedral of St. Peter. She was described as a “pearl of great value” by her pastor for her service to her parish. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

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

De Premio en Premio a la Fe

JACKSON – El obispo Joseph Kopacz entrega anualmente en ceremonia, en la Catedral de San Pedro, certificados a parejas que celebran aniversario de matrimonio y la Medalla y Diploma del Premio Obispo Chanche a la Misión. Este año el 13 de febrero y 4 de marzo, respectivamente, 26 parejas de matrimonio, 29 líderes adultos y 11 jóvenes fueron premiados. Por el premio Chanche seis Hispanos: cuatro adultos y dos jóvenes estuvieron entre elllos. (arriba) Olinsser y Nadya Villafranca, reciben su premio y medalla por la misión que llevan en la comunidad de St. Jude Pearl. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)

Por Berta Mexidor

JACKSON – En los días de febrero y principios de marzo, varios Hispanos de la Diócesis de Jackson fueron reconocidos, entre otros católicos de otras comunidades, por el Obispo Joseph Kopacz, en sendas ceremonias que marcan su agenda a inicios de año en la Catedral de San Pedro: Dia Mundial del Matrimonio y Premio Obispo Chanche.

En lo que cada año es ya tradicional, a mediados de febrero, cerca del Dia de San Valentín y día que cele-

bra el Amor y la Amistad, en la diócesis se reconoce a parejas que han mantenido su matrimonio por años, marcando un aniversario importante en sus vidas y en las de su familia. Para esto, en Misa especial se celebra el Dia Mundial del Matrimonio, en el cual parejas de toda la diócesis llegan a la Catedral de San Pedro. Esta vez 36 parejas celebraron aniversario de matrimonio el domingo 13 de febrero.

Días después, el obispo Kopacz reconoció, con el Premio a La Misión Bishop Chanche, a feligreses que

han hecho suya la misión de la Diócesis y de la iglesia en su vida personal, la de su familia y la de su comunidad. La ceremonia de entrega del Premio de la Misión del Obispo Chanche para adultos, por el obispo Kopacz fue el 4 de marzo de 2023 en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol y el Premio Chanche para la Juventud fue entregado por el obispo Kopacz en la Conferencia Anual de Jóvenes Católicos de la Diócesis de Jackson (DCYC), el domingo 5 de marzo de 2023 en el Centro de Convenciones de Vicksburg.

JACKSON

– Continúa en la pág. 4–

pasan desapercibidos a la hora de reconocer

– Los Hispanos no

la fe. (izq.) Leonel y Cristina Blanco en Misa del Día del Matrimonio, (der.) Baldemar Temaj Garcia, líder de la comunidad de Santa Ana Carthage.

10 de marzo de 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

"Una Vida para el Futuro"

Por Berta Mexidor

FLOWOOD – Celebrando la victoria de la decisión de la Corte Suprema de revertir Roe v. Wade después de años de lucha y activismo incansable, simpatizantes y amigos de Pro-Life Mississippi (PLM) hubo un evento de recaudación de fondos de primavera, el jueves 23 de febrero, donde el obispo E.W. Jackson, orador invitado, ofreció felicitaciones y agradecimientos a todos los involucrados con la organización por “salvar el futuro de la nación,” según sus palabras.

Pro-Life Mississippi presentó el evento como “Una velada con el obispo E.W. Jackson”. El obispo Jackson es un orador y presentador de programas de radio conocido a nivel nacional por su podcast ”The Awakening”(El Despertar) en American Family Radio. Es autor de varios libros y fundador y presidente de STAND (Staying True to America’s National Destiny – manteniéndose Fiel al Destino Nacional) para defender los fundamentos morales y espirituales de la Constitución.

Su predica se asienta en el fundamento bíblico de la santidad de la vida. En este evento de PLM para recaudación de fondos de primavera, el obispo Jackson inspiró a la audiencia a defender con valentía la vida en una era posterior a Roe

El obispo Jackson compartió con la audiencia el concepto de la vida sagrada creada por Dios antes de la concepción y el sacrilegio de matar a un ser humano basado en el falso concepto de no considerar a un bebé en el útero como un ser humano o una vida.

“Antes que yo te formara en el seno materno, te conocí, y antes que nacieras, te consagré.” (Jeremías 1:5)

Según reza en su página web “Pro-Life Mississippi, anteriormente Right to Life of Jackson Educational Foundation, se incorporó el 26 de abril de 1984 En su Declaración de Creencia señalan “Pro-Life Mississippi cree que toda la Biblia es la Palabra de Dios inspirada e infalible. Creemos que Dios creó al hombre a su propia imagen. (Génesis 1:26) Debido a esto, creemos que toda vida humana es sagrada y de valor inestimable en todas sus dimensiones, incluidos los bebés no nacidos, los ancianos, los discapacitados físicos o mentales y cualquier otra etapa o condición desde la fertilización hasta la muerte natural. (Sal 139) Por lo tanto, estamos llamados a defender, proteger y valorar toda vida humana." (Santiago 1:27)

En el evento, Laura Knight, presidenta de PLM explicó la nueva Misión y Visión de la organización para continuar con los esfuerzos en la creación de una cultura de Vida. Mencionó que además del cierre de la clínica abortiva, mujeres de Mississippi pueden ir a algunos estados que tienen leyes abiertas para abortar, las pastillas se venden por internet y, después de tomar la pastilla y al llegar al hospital, las pacientes pueden alegar haber tenido un aborto involuntario y recibir un tratamiento ginecológico legal. Las dos principales líneas de defensa para PLM serán promoción de la vida y la ayuda a las víctimas después de un aborto, mujeres y familiares afectados por la decisión.

FLOWOOD – La predica del obispo E. W. Jackson se basó en el fundamento bíblico de la santidad de la vida. En este evento de Pro-Vida Mississippi, el obispo Jackson inspiró a la audiencia a defender con valentía la vida en una era posterior a Roe. "Ustedes están salvando el futuro de la Nación," dijo el 23 de febrero en la Iglesia "Liberty".

se congreguen, hagan piquetes o se manifiesten a menos de 15 pies de cualquier entrada de un centro de atención médica. El grupo de PLM se comprometió a permanecer en la acera cerca del centro para rezar y compartir otras opciones con futuras madres.

Los católicos han estado al frente del movimiento Provida. En marzo del 2021, algunos católicos fueron homenajeados, dentro de un grupo de 30 personas. Estos católicos fueron reconocidos como héroes Provida por el grupo Her Plan (Red de Asistencia para el Embarazo y la Vida), entre ellos la Dra. Beverly McMillan de St. Richard Jackson, Tanya Britton de St. James Tupelo, Monica Walton de St. Paul Flowood, la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services y Charlene Bearden de Holy Family Jackson.

Al evento de primavera del PLM asistieron, además del obispo Kopacz, sacerdotes, la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services, Debbie Tubertini, coordinadora diocesana de la oficina del Ministerio Familiar y la hermana Amelia Breton, coordinadora de la oficina de Ministerio Intercultural.

Al final del acto el obispo Joseph Kopacz cerró el acto con un pasaje de Habacus: 3-17-9, que retoma la enseñanza de mantener la fe en el Señor.

El evento sirvió además para que (i-d) la hermana Amelia Breton, SBS, coordinadora de la oficina del Ministerio Intercultural de la Diócesis conociera a la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services, reconocida por su actitud Provida.

Decenas de voluntarios del PLM estuvieron presentes, entre ellos Angel Middleton y Debbie Moran, líderes del PLM en Gulf Coast y Zach Boyd, de Jackson quienes repartian materiales educativos a los partcicipantes del evento, en mesas preparadas en la que habitualmente van de pueblo en pueblo explicando la mision de PLM, atraves de todo el estado.

El caso, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, se presentó ante el tribunal en 2021. El caso se centró en una apelación de Mississippi para mantener la prohibición de los abortos después de las 15 semanas de embarazo, que fue anulada por un tribunal federal de distrito en Mississippi en 2018 y confirmada un año después por la Corte de Apelaciones de EE. UU. con sede en Nueva Orleans.

Otros grupos católicos se hicieron eco del apoyo de la USCCB, a la declaración de las dos diócesis de Mississippi, en su apoyo a la prohibición estatal del aborto después de 15 semanas.

Durante el tiempo de espera de la decisión, el Concejo Municipal de Jackson aprobó una ordenanza el martes 1 de octubre de 2021 que impedía que las personas

En un pequeño maletin, llamado La Historia Humana, se muestran, en maquetas de platico, los diferentes tamaños que tiene un bebe en el seno de su madre, desde las cortas cinco semanas a las 26 semanas de gestación. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)

MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

"Que fluya como agua la Justicia"

Por oBiSPo JoSePH r. KoPaCZ, d.d.

La Transfiguración del Señor fue proclamada desde todos los púlpitos católicos del mundo el pasado fin de semana del segundo domingo de Cuaresma, evento que revela al Hijo amado de Dios como el cumplimiento de la Ley y los Profetas con las apariciones de Moisés y Elías.

Por un breve momento, Pedro, Santiago y Juan contemplaron la gloria eterna de Dios sobre el Señor que los llamaba de las tinieblas a su propia luz admirable. (Mateo 17:1-9) Anteriormente en el Evangelio de Mateo, Jesús hizo una declaración audaz durante su Sermón del Monte. “No crean ustedes que yo he venido a suprimir la ley o los profetas; no he venido a ponerles fin, sino a darles su pleno valor.” Mateo 5:17 Hubo un fuerte componente profético en el liderazgo de Moisés, pero generalmente él representa la Ley en el antiguo Israel. Tan pronto como Israel se estableció en la tierra prometida con un rey que los gobernara, surgió el ministerio profético para preservar y exigir la fidelidad a la Alianza establecida por Dios con Moisés en el Monte Sinaí. Jesús cargó con los hombros toda esta historia sagrada en la Cruz para establecer la nueva Alianza en su sangre. De la Ley, la iglesia por casi 2000 años ha preservado los Diez Mandamientos como modelo para la vida moral del cristiano. La sección tres del Catecismo dedica mucha tinta a esta tradición.

A partir de los profetas principalmente, la iglesia ha desarrollado su enseñanza social durante los últimos 150 años con el amanecer del mundo moderno. Su fundamento es la dignidad de la persona humana, hecha a imagen y semejanza de Dios.

Durante la temporada de Cuaresma, el Señor y la iglesia nos llaman a redoblar nuestra oración, ayuno y limosna como signos evidentes de nuestro arrepentimiento. Jesús nos ha enseñado cómo orar, ayunar y morir a uno mismo, lo suficientemente desafiante, pero a veces lo esencial oculto de nuestra misión en el mundo es el trabajo de alcance social y defensa de la vida, la justicia y la paz. Al final del Evangelio de Mateo, Jesús retrata el juicio final basado en dar de comer al hambriento, dar de beber al sediento, vestir al desnudo,

cuidar a los enfermos y visitar a los encarcelados. Esta fue la visión de los profetas en Israel durante siglos.

Escuche a Isaías, primero entre ellos, “y, sin embargo, dicen: ‘¿Para qué ayunar, si Dios no lo ve?, ¿Para qué sacrificarnos, si él no se da cuenta?’ El día de ayuno lo dedican ustedes a hacer negocios y a explotar a sus trabajadores; el día de ayuno lo pasan en disputas y peleas y dando golpes criminales con los puños. Un día de ayuno así, no puede lograr que yo escuche sus oraciones. ¿Creen que el ayuno que me agrada consiste en afligirse, en agachar la cabeza como un junco y en acostarse con ásperas ropas sobre la ceniza? ¿Eso es lo que ustedes llaman “ayuno” y “día agradable al Señor”?. Pues no lo es. El ayuno que a mí me agrada consiste en esto: en que rompas las cadenas de la injusticia y desates los nudos que aprietan el yugo; en que dejes libres a los oprimidos y acabes, en fin, con toda tiranía; en que compartas tu pan con el hambriento y recibas en tu casa al pobre sin techo; en que vistas al que no tiene ropa y no dejes de socorrer a tus semejantes.” (Isaías 58:3-7)

Por ejemplo, “no dejes de socorrer a tus semejantes.” es el ímpetu de los esfuerzos de base para expandir el Medicaid posparto, para las mujeres y sus recién nacidos, más allá de los dos meses de cobertura hasta un año. Ignorar esta necesidad crítica después de Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization es inconcebible. Esto quiere decir que las enseñanzas sociales y Provida de la iglesia siempre están en acción, en Mississippi, en los Estados

El Programa “Esperanza Creciente” de Diaconado Permanente es un programa de estudio de cinco años. En el primer año, los hombres son llamados aspirantes a diáconos, luego, después del Rito de Candidatura, son candidatos a diáconos por los cuatro años restantes. Después de completar todos sus estudios, ya voluntad del obispo, son ordenados al diaconado permanente. La creciente demanda de ministros en la Iglesia hace que el trabajo del diácono sea más necesario hoy que en los últimos años.

“Prometo que seré un verdadero testigo del Evangelio en mi vida y a través de mi ministerio. Agradezco al Señor y a la diócesis de Jackson por esta oportunidad. Su donación a la Campaña del Servicio Católico hace que mi viaje sea posible.”

Unidos y en todo el mundo, porque las poderosas voces de los profetas son parte de nuestro ADN religioso.

“Pero que fluya como agua la justicia, y la honradez como un manantial inagotable”. Amós 5:24

“El Señor ya te ha dicho, oh hombre, en qué consiste lo bueno y qué es lo que él espera de ti: que hagas justicia, que seas fiel y leal y que obedezcas humildemente a tu Dios..” (Miqueas 6:8)

Esto es parte esencial del cumplimiento de la Ley y los Profetas de los que habló Jesús, y que Dios Padre reveló en el monte de la Transfiguración. “Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo complacencia; Escúchalo a él." Él es el Camino y la Verdad en quien hemos sido bautizados y buscamos seguir fielmente en pensamiento, palabra y obra.

Papa Francisco ha 'impulsado hacia adelante' relaciones judeo-católicas

Por GiNa CHriStiaN

OSV News – El Papa Francisco ha avanzado las relaciones entre judíos y católicos a través de la amistad, el compañerismo y el compromiso de combatir el antisemitismo, dijeron varios expertos interreligiosos a OSV News.

"Este papado nos ha hecho avanzar", dijo Rebecca Cohen, especialista en programas e investigación de la Secretaría de Asuntos Ecuménicos e Interreligiosos de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU.

Varios de los entrevistados por OSV News señalaron que las relaciones duraderas del Papa Francisco con líderes judíos, incluidos el Rabino Abraham Skorka y el Rabino Sergio Bergman, quienes conocieron y trabajaron con el ex cardenal Jorge Bergoglio en Argentina, son esenciales para avanzar en las interacciones judeo-católicas.

En 2014, el Papa Francisco viajó a Israel, Jordania y Palestina con el Rabino Skorka y el Jeque Omar Abboud, co-presidente del Instituto para el Diálogo Interreligioso (IDI) en Buenos Aires y ex-secretario general del Centro Islámico de Argentina. Momentos claves en las relaciones del Papa Francisco con la comunidad judía incluyeron una visita en 2016 a la Gran Sinagoga de Roma y la apertura en 2020 de los archivos del Vaticano sobre el pontificado del Papa Pío XII, cuyo papado abarcó la Segunda Guerra Mundial, durante la cual 6 millones de judíos europeos fueron asesinados sistemáticamente por la Alemania nazi en la Shoah, el término hebreo preferido para el Holocausto.

Durante la última década, el Papa Francisco se ha reunido habitualmente con líderes y organizaciones judías, incluido el Congreso Judío Mundial en noviembre de 2022. En 2017, dio la bienvenida a una delegación de rabinos europeos, estadounidenses e israelíes.

La exhortación apostólica del Papa Francisco de 2013 "Evangelii Gaudium" ("La alegría del Evangelio") ha sido una contribución crucial al tema, dijeron los entrevistados por OSV News.

(CNS graphic/Frida Larios)

“ Su donación a la CSA ayuda a los hombres que actualmente están en formación espiritual para ser ordenados diáconos en 2026.”

Fe y servicio ejemplar

– Viene de la pág. 1 –

TOME NOTA

Vírgenes y Santos

San Patricio. Marzo 17

San José. Marzo 19

Solemnidad de la Anunciación del Señor. Marzo 25

Domingo de Ramos. Abril 2

Semana Santa. Abril 2- Abril 8

Viernes Santo. Abril 7

Pascua de Resurrección. Abril 9

SERVICIO A LA LUZ DE LAS VELAS

Español en Cristo Rey y en Ingles Holy Spirit (Hernando) el domingo 2 de abril a las 7:00 pm. Este servicio consiste en rezar los salmos y la reflexión sobre las escrituras de la Pasión y Muerte de Jesús en la espera de su resurrección en la Pascua.

Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org

Síganos en Facebook @ Diócesis Católica de Jackson

Sacramento del Matrimonio para “valientes de fe”

Todas las 36 parejas celebraron fechas especiales que van desde los 20 hasta los 71 años de vida en pareja, como fue el caso del matrimonio de Bea y Al Katool de la parroquia de St. Richard Jackson.

Como es habitual cada pareja recibió un certificado y la bendición del obispo Kopacz. Debbie Tubertini, coordinadora de la Oficina del Ministerio Familiar de la Diócesis de Jackson, organizó la celebración este año del Día Mundial del Matrimonio y en la Misa el obispo fue asistido por el diácono Denzel Lobo, quien, además, junto a su esposa Gina, recibió su certificado por 25 años de casado.

El día del matrimonio es un evento mundial para honrar este sacramento y reconocer a quienes son llamados a esta vocación. Cada aniversario juntos es especial, por eso cada año se reúnen para estas fechas. El sacramento del matrimonio ha sido defendido por años y se ha convertido en controversia social y política.

Premio Obispo Chanche

El premio lleva el nombre del primer obispo católico de Mississippi. Cuando en mayo de 1841, el obispo John Joseph Chanche comenzó su misión en la recién formada diócesis de Natchez no había iglesias católicas en toda la región, solo encontró un par de sacerdotes misioneros y un rebaño a grandes distancias.

La diócesis recuerda su ejemplo de obispo misionero y entrega cada año un premio y medalla al servicio de aquellos que, individualmente, en parejas o como líderes de un grupo, tienen una misión que contribuye a la diócesis de Jackson y continúan construyendo sobre los cimientos que el Obispo Chanche fundó.

Anualmente los pastores, asociados y ministros eclesiales laicos nominan a una persona o una pareja casada de su parroquia o misión para recibir el premio. Las pautas diocesanas para los premios establecieron que “Los nominados deben ser católicos laicos que hayan demostrado un servicio ejemplar a nivel parroquial y/o diocesano en las áreas de evangelización, formación en la fe y servicio a la comunidad”. Este año, el obispo Joseph Kopacz entregó sus premios a 29 adultos y a 11 jóvenes. Dentro de los ganadores estuvieron seis Hispanos que sirven a la iglesia de hoy.

JACKSON – Hispanos recibieron el reconocimiento, a su práctica de la fe entre los 36 matrimonios y 30 Premios Chanche en la Catedral de San Pedro el 13 de febrero y 4 de marzo, respectivamente. (arriba) Mario y Conny Villaseñor celebran más de 20 años de casados. (izq.) Kimberly Salas de St. Mary, Batesville y (debajo) Jaime and Herlinda Martinez de St. Martin, Hazlehurst celebran su contribución a la Misión diocesana. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)

CAMDEN – El Padre Alexis Zuñiga, ST celebró un retiro por cuaresma el día 18 de febrero al que asistieron decenas de personas. (Fotos y reporte de la Hermana Amelia Bretón, SBS, coordinadora de la oficina del Ministerio Intercultural de la Diócesis de Jackson)

continued ... Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire

– Continued from page 12 –

MARCIA PROSEN – Holy Cross, Philadelphia

Marcia is a Catholic in her words and actions, serving our parish community over 18 years. She makes a huge difference in our parish and is a true companion to the poor, in addition to all in our parish community. –

Father Darnis Selvanayakam

JOSEPHINE PRADIA RHYMES – Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale

Being a cradle Catholic, Josephine has been exposed to the faith her entire life and it shows through her daily life and the positive impact she has on both youth and adults within the parish, the community and on the numerous committee and projects she chairs. She is definitely a standout member of the parish because she can readily make assessments that are necessary for a viable and functional parish. – Father

Raju Macherla

SAMUEL RUST – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt

As a young adult, Samuel has shown exemplary service to the parish and on the diocesan level in evangelization, faith formation and service. He is a member and officer in the Knights of Columbus council, a youth ministry volunteer and catechist, and he acts as an altar server as needed. Samuel is truly committed to his Catholic faith. He exemplifies his commitment not only in the ministries he serves, but in all aspects of his work, social and prayer life. – Father Matthew Price

Simmons

SAM AND JAMIE SAMPLE – St. Thomas the Apostle, Lexington

Sam and Jamie have been lovingly dedicated to the people of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lexington. They have invested their personal resources of time, talent and treasure. They animate the congregation and work together as a team to build up the small parish community. Sam serves as coordinator and over-

sees the temporal affairs of the church, such as, making sure that both the parish church and the parish hall (former rectory) are in good shape and are safe for the people. Jamie serves as music minister and is diligent in selecting, practicing and executing the music that is selected (she plays the guitar). They undertake this work with great love and care. – Father Joachim Studwell, OFM

MARILYN SCOTT – St. Therese, Kosciusko

Marilyn is a person committed to living her faith. A true example to her family and to the community. She has inspired our small community to live out our faith and welcome the migrant community. – Father Marco A. Sánchez, S.T.

FRANK JOHN AND RAYETTA SERIO – St. Joseph, Greenville

Without their leadership, Saint Vincent would not be where it is today. At our parish school, they serve on the school board, drive kids to games, provide meals to players and cheerleaders. When our church needs anything, whether it be our youth or anyone, they are hands on and helping. They take in every new priest and seminarian like he is their own. – Father Jose Sánchez

LOUIS AND CAROLYN SHIPP – St. Mary, Yazoo City

Louis and Carolyn are a model couple for Catholic life in Yazoo City. On the religious side, they serve as greeters, altar servers, lectors, religious instructors for children and adults RCIA Coordinators. On the charity side, both are very generous to help anybody in need. They volunteer to work in the Manna house to provide free meals for the needy. Their lives are exemplary as people see them involved in church activities regularly. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam

ANDY AND GAIL SPINNATO – St. Alphonsus, McComb

Andy and Gail are very devoted in their faith, word and deed. They are truly charitable in giving of their time, talent and treasure to the church. They are an

inspiration to all – young and old. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy

IRENE STARK – St. Peter, Grenada

Irene is such a hard worker for our church and community. At our parish, she is a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Communion. Irene also takes care of liturgical preparations and our food pantry. Over the past 25 years she has been a vital part of our community. – Father Arokia Savio

MARIA TACKETT – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Houston

Maria is an advocate for all people in need, especially Hispanics, connecting them with different resources. She is the first Hispanic person who came to the church in Houston, in 1976. Her service at the parish and to the community are exemplary. She truly lives out one of St. Francis of Assi’s quotes: “In all time, preach the Gospel, and if it is necessary, use words.” –

Danna Johnson, LEM

OLINSSER AND NADYA VILLAFRANCA – St. Jude, Pearl

Olinsser and Nadya are very active in service to the Hispanic community at St. Jude. Without their language skills and willingness to work as interpreters, as leaders at parents meetings, and as sacristans and community leaders at Mass, we would not be able to adequately communicate and minister to the that community. Their time and talents are freely given for the good of the Hispanic community without any remumeration. – Deacon John

McGregor

FRANK W. WASHINGTON – St. Joseph, Meridian

Mr. Washington is the ‘go to person’ in any circumstances. Willing to do anything for the people of God and church. He is very generous with his time and talent, serving as a link between St. Joseph and St. Patrick parishes. – Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose

JACKSON – Bishop Jospeh Kopacz and celebrating deacons give a round of applause to Bishop Chanche medal recipeints at a special Mass on Saturday, March 4 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Forty individuals were recognized for their service to the diocese. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

March 7 – eventful day in diocesan history

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

JACKSON – Twenty years ago, this past Tuesday, March 7, Msgr. Joseph Nunzio Latino was ordained and installed as the 10th Bishop of Jackson. Reflecting back through the kingdom of memory, I seem to recall it was a Lenten Friday filled with sunshine and people from throughout the region in attendance to celebrate the new bishop.

Bishop Latino often recounted the story of him looking out on the Cathedral from his room in the now defunct Marriott, which sits behind the church. We were all down below scurrying about getting chairs, vestments, chalices, servers in order and he was experiencing some trepidation in the face of his new responsibilities. But as the morning flowed on, he emerged from the hotel and off we went.

It was a blessing to be part of the liturgy planning crew. We worked for several weeks learning the rite, managing the smallest details, and creating the program for the Mass. We were in constant contact with Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, then Metropolitan Archbishop of Mobile, who would be the ordaining bishop.

Having finished the program draft about 10 days before the ceremony, we received a call from Archbishop Lipscomb, who served on Vox Clara, a translation of all things Catholic Church committee, stating he would like to use the new translation of the ordination rite. It was not in book form yet, but he was having USCCB send us a pdf copy.

This meant the program draft had to be redone due to new terminology in several locations, but it also meant Bishop Latino would be the first bishop ordained using this translation and rubrics. Quite the honor! And so, the program was redrafted to incorporate the new language and movements and sent off to the printer.

The Mass was scheduled for 12 p.m., and concelebrants, family, friends and officials started arriving in the hours before that. The papal nuncio, Archbishop

Gabriel Montalvo, arrived with the bull appointing Bishop Latino as 10th bishop. At first, he seemed rather surly, and as the Mass began this became more emphasized.

Because we were using the new translation, there was a lack of clarity among all as to when the bull would be read. The rubrics mentioned a letter being read at the very beginning of the liturgy and then as part of the rite after the Gospel.

This led to some consternation during the liturgy when a certain priest tried to retrieve the bull to read at the beginning of the Mass and the nuncio placing a death grip on it. I really thought he was going to whack the befuddled cleric in the head with it if he kept trying to grab it.

After those initial awkward moments subsided and the Holy Spirit was called down and the bull was finally read by the nuncio at the proper place, everyone began to be swept up in the joy of the sacred moment, including the nuncio, who by the end of the liturgy was beaming with a smile.

Following the liturgy, guests walked across the street to Galloway United Methodist Church for a reception complete with fabulous flowers provided by the Cathedral Flower Guild, scrumptious food for all and fine Methodist hospitality as only they can do. It was indeed an ecumenical event, and leading the Galloway hospitality team were my Methodist minister father, whose birthday was that day, and my mother.

Sometimes it seems as if it were only yesterday and other

times it seems like an eternity. But in retrospect, I still can recall all the many unique details and insightful moments that made it such a beautiful, sacred and joyful moment in the life of our diocesan church – all capsulized in the eternal memory of the universal church.

I think of the many key players involved who have gone on to the Lord – my father, Jack, hospitality team (2018); Bishop Latino, 10th bishop (2021); Msgr. Noel Foley, MC of the Mass (2003); Archbishop Lipscomb, metropolitan and principal ordaining bishop (2020); Bishop William Houck, 9th bishop (2016); and Archbishop Montalvo, guardian of the bull (2006). God rest them all.

In faith, I know they are gathered around the heavenly banquet table at the never-ending liturgy. Here in the Cathedral, I look for them in the mystical air space around the altar when heaven and earth meet in the celebration of the Eucharist on the altar designed by Bishop Latino – all present as members of the Communion of Saints. What a blessing!

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese

of Jackson.)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 10, 2023

JACKSON – Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb of Mobile lays hands on the head of Bishop Joseph Latino on March 7, 2003. This year marks 20 years since the ordination of Bishop Latino as the 10th Bishop of Jackson. (Photo from archives)

Bishop Joseph Latino on the steps of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle before being ordained the 10th Bishop of Jackson on March 7, 2003. (Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier, Bayou Catholic)

FORT WORTH, Texas (OSV News) – Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the hit streaming series “The Chosen,” spoke to OSV News about his latest role in “Jesus Revolution,” why he plans to do some “heavy fasting” this Lent, and how he hopes to “bring people together under the banner of Christ.” Playing a charismatic but troubled evangelist in his new film marks a shift for Roumie, who admits some fans “may be a little thrown” by the contrast with his former role. Yet Roumie relies on his Catholic faith to guide him both on and off screen, and cites Mass, confession, adoration and the Liturgy of the Hours among his daily devotions. The actor said over the years he has also become more comfortable in speaking about his faith. “I had committed to surrendering to God,” said Roumie. “This is what I’m feeling called to do, and I’m going to do it. God will have my back.” Most of the episodes of “The Chosen,” an international hit series, have been filmed on a sound stage created for the show outside of Fort Worth.

NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) – During the New Orleans archdiocesan celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life, Marianite Sister Suellen Tennyson, 84, made her first public comments Feb. 4 about her five months of captivity in Burkina Faso in West Africa last year. She was supervising her missionary congregation’s medical clinic in Yalgo, when she was taken in April 2022 by one band of kidnappers who later turned her over to a rival Muslim group. For some still unknown reason on Aug. 29, 2022, Sister Suellen’s captors handed her over to U.S. authorities. The first thing she wanted to know was if the wife of her great-nephew had had her baby. Her great-nephew had shared a sonogram of the unborn child with her before she was kidnapped. Iris Patricia Downing was born July 27 – nearly one month to the day before Sister Suellen’s release. The religious sister has since had several chances to hold the now-7-month-old girl in her arms.

Sister Suellen is getting stronger, looking forward “to being just me again” and reveling in the blessedness of the normal.

BALTIMORE (OSV News) – Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Robert Taylor Jr. ruled Feb. 24 that a redacted version of the Maryland Attorney General Office’s report on child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore must be released publicly. The judge ordered the attorney general’s office to redact more than 200 names from the report and submit it to the court by mid-March. Christian Kendzierski, archdiocesan spokesman, said in a written statement issued in response to Taylor’s ruling, “As we said publicly last year, we respect the court’s decisions in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the court and the Maryland attorney general’s office. The archdiocese continues to pray this report brings some measure of healing of the deep wounds caused by the scourge of child sexual abuse in the life of the church.” In a letter sent to Catholics in the archdiocese Nov. 17, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori acknowledged information in the report would be a source of renewed pain for many, “most especially those harmed by representatives of the church.” The report investigates 80 years of allegations of sexual abuse and the response by the archdiocese to those allegations.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – It is not enough to ask people who have suffered abuse for their forgiveness, Pope Francis said. They also must be offered “concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again” as well as the truth, transparency, safe spaces, psychological support and protection, the pope said in a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network March 2. In his video message, the pope said, “In response to cases of abuse, especially to those committed by members of the church, it’s not enough to ask for forgiveness.” “Their pain and their psychological wounds can begin to heal if they find answers – if there are concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again,” Pope Francis said. “The church cannot try to hide the tragedy of abuse of any kind. Nor when the abuse takes place in families, in clubs, or in other types of institutions,” he said. In fact, the church must be a model to help shine light on and remedy the problem.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

– Pope Francis will travel to Hungary April 28-30 where he will meet with government officials, refugees, academic scholars and young people in Budapest, the Vatican announced Feb. 27. The pope will arrive in Budapest April 28 and will meet with Katalin Novák, president of Hungary, and the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, as well as local bishops, priests and other members of Hungary’s Catholic community. Novák, who is Hungary’s first female head of state, invited Pope Francis to visit Hungary during her visit to the Vatican Aug. 26, 2022. The pope will

only spend one full day in the country April 29, during which he will meet privately with children from a local school, speak with refugees and people in need, address young people in Hungary and meet with the local Jesuit community. Before returning to Rome late afternoon April 30, he will celebrate Mass before the Hungarian Parliament building and meet with scholars from Budapest’s Pázmány Péter Catholic University.

WORLD

SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Ontario (OSV News) – As he marks the tenth year of his papacy, Pope Francis has made progress in healing long-damaged relations between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples, sources told OSV News. Highlights of his outreach have included pastoral visits such as his 2022 journey to Canada, during which he apologized to Indigenous nations on their land for the church’s role in the government’s residential schools and the horrifying abuses committed; the Amazon Synod; and his writings on the deep relationship between care of creation and the Indigenous peoples. “When Pope Francis visited Puerto Maldonado in Peru (in 2018), he came not to give a talk, he came to listen,” said Peru-based Maryknoll Sister Patricia Ryan, a longtime advocate for Indigenous rights. “And listen he did, to testimonies given by two spokespersons – a woman and a man – of the Indigenous Amazonian population of Peru, who gave witness to the sufferings and indignities, wisdom, commitment and just demands of their peoples and of Mother Earth,” said Sister Ryan. “Pope Francis knows the importance of listening.”

IRPIN, Ukraine (OSV News) – “We lost everything”: It’s a sentiment shared by millions of Ukrainians uprooted and displaced during a year of a war condemned by much of the world that has transformed the face of Europe, increased international tensions and caused ripples in the global economy. “We’re living a new life now. It can’t be the same as it was before the war. Life will never be the same again,” said Sister Yanuariya Isyk, a member of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great whose ministry is based in Kyiv. The new reality is one of displacement and confusion, loss and death. Hospitals, schools and neighborhoods have been targeted in brutal acts that have outraged the world. The United Nations says more than 7,000 civilians, including more than 400 children, have died because of the war, and more than 11,700 have been injured. “It will take many years to rebuild and heal this society,” Sister Isyk said. Yet Ukrainians also speak of renewed unity, solidarity and hope. In a country that has become one big conflict zone, the war has galvanized religious communities to open their doors to those who have been displaced and to lead various humanitarian missions that include providing assistance to mothers and children with various needs. “They are providing so much help,” said Habovska who, along with her infant son, fled the then-occupied city of Kherson.

MOSUL, Iraq (OSV News) – From the devastating war in 2003 to the three-year occupation of Mosul by Islamic State militants, Iraq is often portrayed as a land caught in a spiral of violence and perennially doomed to remain in a state of instability. However, for Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon, Iraq is steadily rising from the ashes of war and taking its rightful place among the community of nations. While Iraq also has faced the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of economic inflation, the Dominican priest said the country is on the path toward rebuilding a lasting foundation for the new generation. Father Poquillon is representing the Dominicans to UNESCO’s flagship program “Revive the Spirit of Mosul,” an initiative that intends to rebuild the ancient city and its historical and religious landmarks that were destroyed or heavily damaged during the devastating occupation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, commonly known as ISIL. Among the sites being rebuilt, the UNESCO program is also working toward rebuilding the Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic Church, which Pope Francis visited during his historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March 2021.

Collection Dates: March 18 & 19

CSA FAQ’s

BY REBECCA HARRIS, DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

Below are frequently asked questions about the annual diocesan Catholic Service Appeal. We hope that you find these “answers” helpful in discerning your gift to the CSA in support of 14 ministries throughout the diocese.

Question: What is the annual Catholic Service Appeal?

Answer: Since 1992, the annual Catholic Service Appeal has been a unified e ort in which all parishioners in the Diocese of Jackson are asked to provide critical financial support to fourteen diocesan ministries. We are all united in our Catholic faith and are called to charity.

Question: Why should Catholics in the Diocese of Jackson support the annual Catholic Service Appeal?

Answer: The annual Catholic Service Appeal provides funding for ministries and program resources on which parishes reply and which no one parish could fund. As you review all the ministries that are supported by the annual Catholic Service Appeal you can see these are ministries that are important to our faith and to our diocese. With your support we can ensure these ministries thrive in our diocese. It takes each and ev-

ery parishioner to accomplish this task.

Question: Does the Catholic Service Appeal support ministries outside of the Diocese of Jackson?

Answer: The donations given to the Catholic Service Appeal only supports ministries here in the Diocese of Jackson. There is a complete list of those ministries along with a brief description of what they do on the diocesan website: csa.jacksondiocese.org.

Question: Who benefits from the annual Catholic Service Appeal?

Answer: Currently we allocate monies raised by the annual Catholic Service Appeal to fourteen ministries of the Diocese of Jackson. Please go to csa.jacksondiocese.org. Scroll down and click on “Supported Ministries” to get a complete list of all fourteen ministries.

Question: Where do I go to donate to the annual Catholic Service Appeal.

Answer: We have made giving online simple and easy. Go to csa.jacksondiocese.org and click the giving button. You can always send a check to Catholic Service Appeal; PO Box 22723; Jackson, MS 39225-2273. If you have questions, you can call our o ce at (601) 9608477.

Question: Can I make a gift to the CSA using stock, a donor advised fund or a qualified IRA distribution?

Answer: Yes you can make gift through stock, donor advised funds, or a qualified IRA distribution. We ask that you go to the Jackson Diocese website to get the stock form and email it into the CSA o ce so that we know who the donor is and the gift amount. This helps us alert our brokerage company. We also ask that you let us know if you are making a gift from a brokerage account or qualified IRA distribution. Often times we get checks from brokerage companies and we do not know the name of the donor. Brokerage companies are not allowed to give us your name, so we cannot credit you or your parish for the gift.

Question: Do you send out a report showing how the money raised was allocated?

Answer: Every year in November a brochure is mailed to all donors showing how much was allocated to each of the ministries supported by the Catholic Service Appeal. The report is also on the Jackson Diocese website. (jacksondiocese.org) In February each year prior to the Catholic Service Appeal second collection the annual report is in the Mississippi Catholic showing all the ministries and the amount that was allocated to each ministry.

Question: How much of my gift actually goes to support the ministries of the appeal?

Answer: 91 percent of your gift to the Catholic Service Appeal supports the ministries in the Diocese of Jackson. That is 91 cents of every $1.

Question: Is any of the CSA money spent on lawyers or diocesan lawsuits?

Answer: No money raised through the annual Catholic Service Appeal goes to lawyers or lawsuits. Please know that all the money that is raised is only allocated to the ministries supported by the Catholic Service Appeal. To be transparent an annual report is on the website.

Question: How is the Diocesan annual goal and the individual parish goals established?

Answer: The Bishop and the Catholic Service Appeal O ce establish the annual Catholic Service Appeal goal taking into consideration the ministerial needs of our diocese. Parish goals are then calculated using the established diocesan goal. We then calculate a five-year o ertory average multiplied by 5%.

To give a gift online, review the ministries supported by the annual Catholic Service Appeal, to review the 2022 Annual Report Allocations, and to see personal testimonies of people served by the appeal please scan the QR code. You can also go to csa.jacksondiocese.org.

St. Dominic’s celebrates baby-friendly hospital designation

Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

The positive health e ects of breastfeeding are well-documented and widely recognized by health authorities throughout the world. For example, the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding stated that “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against a host of illnesses and diseases for both mothers and children.”

St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world, 602 of which are in the United States. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

“This designation is the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination across our organization, all with a goal of helping families get o to a good start,” said Scott Kashman, Market President and CEO, St. Dominic Hospital and St. Dominic Health Services. “We are proud to o er an environment that supports best practices shown to increase breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and are committed to giving moms who choose to breastfeed the best chance for success. Each new beginning is an opportunity to support a healthy future for our community and our state.”

About St. Dominic Hospital

BY MEREDITH BAILESS, ST. DOMINIC

JACKSON – St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that it has achieved the highly prestigious international Baby-Friendly designation after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for bestowing this certification in the United States.

Hospital leaders and St. Dominic’s supporters recognized the St. Dominic’s Women’s Services Team for their contributions to this significant achievement with a celebration on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Key contributors were presented with the Baby-Friendly Hospital certificate and highlights of the team’s journey were highlighted.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that St. Dominic’s adheres to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations

Saints Perpetua and Felicity

Feast day: March 7

STEWARDSHIP PATHS

BY JULIA WILLIAMS

JACKSON – Perpetua and Felicity were African Christian women, whose names we hear in the litany of the saints. They were martyred during the persecution of Septimus Severus in Carthage, early in the third century.

Perpetua was the daughter of a pagan nobleman and the mother of a still nursing infant. Felicity was a pregnant slave girl who gave birth in prison just a few days before she was put to death. The persecution of Christians was a gruesome sport in Carthage.

Perpetua and Felicity, along with three male companions who also refused to renounce their faith, were taken into the public amphitheater where the men were thrown to the lions and the women were later beheaded.

In spite of being tortured herself, Perpetua encouraged the others to “stand firm in the faith, love one another and do not be tempted to do wrong because of our su erings.”

How good a steward am I with the gift of faith? Am I willing to stand firm in the face of ridicule or criticism? What would I be willing to sacrifice for my faith?

St. Perpetua and St. Felicity, please pray for us!

Excerpts: aocstewardship.org

St. Dominic Hospital is a 571-bed tertiary care hospital located in Jackson, Mississippi, serving all of central Mississippi and employing approximately 3,000 team members including nurses, physicians and skilled caregivers. The medical sta of nearly 500 leading physicians and specialists makes St. Dominic’s one of the most comprehensive hospitals in Mississippi. Through more than seven decades, St. Dominic’s has remained true to its vision. We are a Christian healing community called to provide quality, compassionate care and an exceptional experience every time. St. Dominic’s is part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and is driven by its mission to serve all God’s people, especially those most in need. Learn more at https://www. stdom.com/services/womens-services/maternal-and-newborn/.

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensuring the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital recently received a baby-friendly hospital designation after a review process by Baby-Friendly USA. (File photo courtesy of hospital)

The Stewardship PATHS newsletter is produced monthly by the Office of Stewardship and Development. Scan QR code to subscribe. Artwork: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate, Saints Felicity and Perpetua.

Sacred reality of the Eucharist

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE

By Melvin Arrington

In observance of the National Eucharistic Revival, I offer these reflections on how I came to understand what Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen meant when he said: “The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host.”

When I was growing up in the Baptist Church, the observance of the Lord’s Supper was always a special occasion, partly because it was observed so infrequently, but also because of its solemnity. Children knew they had better not be caught whispering or passing notes during this service. Church members believed the bread and grape juice they consumed merely symbolized the Body and Blood of Christ because the service was only a remembrance rather than a re-enactment. Nevertheless, we were always warned not to partake if we knew ourselves to be unworthy.

My first exposure to the Catholic Church was in graduate school when I started attending Mass with Terry, my future wife. It quickly became obvious to me that the focal point of the Mass was always the same thing week after week: the priest would consecrate the bread and wine and repeat the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper. Then the people would come forward and receive communion.

One day, after having attended Mass several times, I asked Terry, a cradle Catholic, if she had ever gotten tired of repeating the same ritual every Sunday. She replied simply, “No.” But she said it with a slight, almost imperceptible, smile while looking off in the distance, as if contemplating something beautiful. This was more than 50 years ago, and I still remember that conversation. Needless to say, her answer made a deep and permanent impression on me. Now, as a Catholic, I can appreciate why this sacrament is the essential element of the Mass. After all, the one thing Christ asked his disciples to remember was His sacrificial death.

After we were married, we tried to focus on those doctrines baptized Christians hold in common. Unfortunately, belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist wasn’t one I shared with her. But after praying, studying and attending Mass for many years, I finally came to accept this teaching and found my way into the Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, the writings of Archbishop Sheen, and Terry’s wonderful example of faith.

During this journey I learned that the first-century Christians believed Christ was actually present in the Eucharist. This was not just a symbol for them. Jesus said when we gather to worship He is in our midst. (Matt. 18:20) So, from the very beginning when the first Christians met in homes for prayer and the “breaking of the bread,” they sincerely believed what they were receiving was the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord.

The church has maintained a firm belief in the Real Presence throughout its history. The early Church Fathers taught this, and the teaching largely remained unchallenged until the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Of course, Protestants to this day hold to a symbolic interpretation. But it’s important to keep in mind that during the church’s first 1500 years (75% of its 2000 year history), all Christians believed Christ was truly present in the Sacrament of the

Altar.

Growing up, I had learned to interpret the Lord’s Supper symbolically, but the first-century Christians didn’t understand it that way, for one reason because they were able to distinguish between literal and figurative language. For example, when Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), they realized He was speaking metaphorically because He wasn’t really a shepherd; He was a carpenter turned teacher/preacher. They knew Jesus was using this expression to show how He watched over and cared for his own.

In like manner, when Jesus told Peter and Andrew He would make them fishers of men (Matt. 4:19), He didn’t mean these two fishermen would literally be snaring people in their nets. They must have instantly grasped the metaphorical significance of His remark –that they were being called to lead men and women to follow Jesus – because upon hearing those words the two men left their boats without hesitation and went along with Him.

However, when we come to John chapter six Jesus speaks literally, leaving no room for ambiguity: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life ... For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” (vv. 54-55) How do we know that? We know because when He explained this pronouncement in greater detail and they understood He meant it literally, many left Him, claiming this teaching was too hard. Even the persecutors of the early Christians took these words at face value because one of the charges they leveled at Jesus’ followers was cannibalism.

Toward the end of this passage Jesus stated, “There are some of you who do not believe.” (John 6:64) We still have scoffers with us today. In fact, surveys show that seventy percent of Catholics in this country don’t believe in the Real Presence. Despite this sad fact, the church’s teachings have not changed. We, like those in Jesus’ day, should take His words in the “Bread of Life” discourse literally. There is no other option. What Jesus said is true because He said it, and He is Truth itself.

MARCH 10, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

As Christoph Cardinal Schönborn has commented, the people do not kneel and the priest does not genuflect “in front of a mere symbol.” He goes on to explain, “No one genuflects in front of a piece of bread. I bow down before God in person.”

The Eucharist, like other “mysteries of faith” (e.g. the Trinity), is difficult to explain, but it’s not necessary to comprehend something fully in order to believe it. Without understanding how gravity works or how light can travel at 186,000 miles per second, I still accept these things as true.

When we approach the altar with bread and wine, two of the basic elements that sustain life, we are bringing gifts that represent our own sacrificial offering. Bread and wine are most appropriate because, as Archbishop Sheen explains, “no two substances have to undergo more to become what they are than do wheat and grapes. One passes through the Gethsemane of a mill, the other through the Calvary of the winepress before they can be presented to the Beloved on the altar.”

In contemplating this “holy and living sacrifice,” I’m reminded of a weekly feature than used to run in a local entertainment paper. The feature asked selected individuals to answer a single question. One week the editors, probably thinking of celebrity sightings, asked: “When have you ever been in the presence of greatness?” One of our parishioners was among those questioned. He gave the best response imaginable: “Every Sunday.”

Like Coca-Cola’s advertising slogan of the 1970s, “It’s the Real Thing,” we, in turn, boldly proclaim that the Eucharist is really and truly the “Real Thing.” It is sacred reality – Jesus in our midst, offering us intimate participation in His Divine Life. And that’s a love story for all time.

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

GLUCKSTADT – Father Ajani Gibson, of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, looks to the Eucharist as Bishop Joseph Kopacz holds the host up during Mass at St. Joseph parish, as a part of a Eucharistic Revival event on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. Mississippi Catholic columnist, Melvin Arrington reflects on the sacred reality of the Eucharist in his column “Reflections on Life.” (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

DCYC and Bishop Chanche Youth Awards for service

YOUTH BISHOP CHANCHE RECIPIENTS

McKinley Gregory – Catholic Community of Meridian

Sarah Beth Johnston – St. Paul, Vicksburg

Rubi Marquez – Annunciation, Columbus

Allyson Glynn Moss – St. Joseph, Greenville

Dana Pena – St. Alphonsus, McComb

Claire Plaisance – St. James, Magnolia

Isabel McKinley Roberts – St. Jude, Pearl

Hannah Ryan – St. Michael, Vicksburg

Kimberly Salas – St. Mary, Batesville

Ava Kathryn Stephen – St. Richard, Jackson

Cade Tripp – Holy Savior, Clinton

POSITION AVAILABLE

Campus Minister Position

St. Joseph - Starkville

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, Mississippi, Home of Mississippi State University is seeking applications for a Campus Minister. Candidates should have the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Master’s in Theology, preferred

• Ability to uphold and cultivate Christian values, especially the moral teachings of the Church

• Experience with youth or young adult ministry/outreach

• An understanding of ministry as a calling

• Good leadership skills and excellent communication skills

• Ability to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment

• Positive attitude

The Campus Minister is a full-time salaried position. Due to the nature of Campus Ministry, evening and weekend hours are necessary.

For inquiries about the Campus Ministry position, please contact the parish office at (662) 323-2257.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023

Please submit cover letter and resume to: frjason@stjosephstarkville.org

Above, DCYC participants made blankets for the homeless as a service project. On left, youth engage in small group discussions. (Photos by Melissa Smalley)

Below: DCYC participants had a chance to play some fun games in between worship and talks. (Photo by Fran Lavelle)

(Photo by Kelly McGregor)

Around our Catholic Schools

hilarious musical

moment in

after

JACKSON – St. Richard six graders enjoy a

the spotlight

after performing the

“Hatshepsut the Queen of Denial,” directed by music teacher Mr. Dillon. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

VICKSBURG – Presenting ... the Krewe of St. Francis Xavier Elementary! Montessori, Preschool and Kindergarten students made floats for the annual Mardi Gras parade. Older elementary students and high school students caught some beads. And Father PJ Curley loved seeing all the colorful “floats!” (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)

JACKSON – St. Richard students enjoy catching beads and goodies at their annual Mardi Gras parade on Fat Tuesday. (Photo by Christiana Williams)

Featuring: Annunciation School

COLUMBUS – Riley Lasseigne, Julie Krueger and Annabelle Brislin enjoy a Mardi Gras parade at Annunciation school on Fat Tuesday.

Annunciation's seventh and eighth grade robotics team competed in the state championship on Saturday, Feb. 25 and brought home second place in the robot design category. Team: Hayden Torres, Mark Leonard, Anthony Baumann, Sophia Heinkel, Hutch Clemons, Jackson Browning and James Cancellare. (Photos by Logan Waggoner)

Annunciation students packed away allelujahs in preparation for the Lenten season. Pictured is first grader, Myers Ferguson packing away his allelujah with Father Jeffrey Waldrep.

ERDC announces new partnerships with Vicksburg Catholic School and Porter’s Chapel Academy

BY ANNETTE KIRKLIN, ERDC PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

VICKSBURG – The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently signed an educational partnership agreement with two Vicksburg, Mississippi schools – Vicksburg Catholic School (VCS) and Porter’s Chapel Academy (PCA). These agreements ensure collaboration and the exchange of ideas between ERDC and the schools.

“We really need the schools to keep doing what they’re doing,” ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said to the VCS and PCA representatives who visited ERDC on Feb. 17, 2023. “ERDC is in a great community with great schools and great people – thank you all for doing incredible work.”

Pittman also discussed the nationwide need for more scientists and engineers, encouraging school leadership to continue o ering STEM opportunities to their students.

“Our researchers get their start with you – you train them first,” Pittman said. “That strong foundation you give them in elementary and high school is so important to the people they become. You give them the first tools they need to help make our world safer and better.”

One goal of the partnerships is to encourage and enhance training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which includes relating academic skills to realistic applications for both students and sta . The agreement also allows ERDC personnel to be more involved with the schools through time spent in the classroom, providing career/academic advice, involving faculty and students in research projects, transferring surplus equipment and more.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with this worldwide, premier research and

development institution that truly impacts every aspect of our planet,” said Dr. Virgil “Buddy” Strickland, principal of VCS. “We are extremely grateful for what ERDC brings to our students.”

“I think it's great that both schools are here together because, after all, we are one community,” said Christopher Williams, principal of PCA. “I thank ERDC so much for being willing and wanting to invest in both of these schools.”

ERDC has signed 70 agreements with colleges and universities and eight agreements with K-12 institutions, including an agreement signed in 2015 with the Vicksburg-Warren School District.

Through the kindness of Most Reverend Chinnabathini Bagyaiah, Bishop of Guntur; and the acceptance of Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson; Reverend Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy, pastor of St. James the Greater Parish in Magnolia and St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson, e ective Feb. 14, 2023.

Mary Woodward, Chancellor Diocese of Jackson

March 2

Father

Henry Shelton

Retired

March 6

Father

Albeenreddy Vatti St. Francis of Assisi, Madison

Thank you for answering the call!

VICKSBURG – Christopher Williams, principal of Porter’s Chapel Academy; Dr. David Pittman, director U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC); and Dr. Virgil “Buddy” Strickland, principal of Vicksburg Catholic School; sign educational partnership agreements on Feb. 17, 2023. The agreements promote collaboration between ERDC and the schools. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Photo by Jared Eastman)