MS Catholic April 7, 2023

'Pray for God's hand' over Mississippi: destructive tornado kills, injures dozens

BY MARIA-PIA NEGRO CHIN, GINA

CHRISTIAN

(OSV News) – Powerful tornadoes tore through rural Mississippi the night of Friday, March 24, killing or injuring dozens and causing widespread destruction.

By Saturday night, an update from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported the death toll had risen to 25 and dozens of others were injured; four persons reported missing are accounted for. Multiple state agencies and partners have been working together to help in response and recovery efforts. News reports said that search and recovery crews continue to dig through destroyed homes and buildings on Sunday. Updated reports have the death toll from the storms as 21.

"The loss will be felt in these towns forever," Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a Twitter post on Saturday. "Please pray for God's hand to be over all who lost family and friends."

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, ex-

tended his prayers and encouraged Catholics to support all communities affected by this tragic event. "We join in prayer for all those affected by the storms that crossed our state," he said in a statement posted on the diocesan website March 25.

During his Angelus, Pope Francis also prayed for the victims of the deadly weather and the people recovering from the loss of life and devastating destruction, according to Vatican News.

"We pray also for the victims of the terrible tornado that struck Mississippi in the United States," the pope said at the end of his Angelus prayer on March 26.

Early Sunday morning, President Joe Biden ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected, due to the major disaster in Mississippi.

According to the White House disaster declaration, funding would be available to aid people in the counties of Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey, and it can include grants for temporary houses and home repairs,

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Annual Bishop's Ball celebrates Catholic Charites 60th anniversary

BY JOE LEE

MADISON – Let this sink in: the majority of those served by Catholic Charities are not Catholic.

If that comes as a surprise, consider the organization’s mission, which is to be a visible sign of Christ’s love by helping those who are unable to help themselves; the poor and vulnerable, especially children, women and families.

As final preparations are being made for the annual Bishop’s Ball – which will celebrate Catholic Charities’ 60th anniversary – executive director Wanda Thomas and her team are hard at work assisting the many victims of the March 24 tornado, an EF-4 that was on the ground nearly an hour and took the lives of 21 people in Rolling Fork and Silver City. There’s also significant damage in Amory.

“We are responsible for responding to any individuals in need within the 65 counties covered by the Diocese of Jackson,” Thomas said. “We have outlying offices and programs within the metro Jackson area as well as Raymond, Natchez and Vardaman. We are in the process of starting a new program in Greenwood.”

Those services include adoption and therapeutic foster care, domestic violence emergency shelters, the Born Free/New Beginnings residential substance abuse treatment for mothers, unaccompanied refugee minor group homes, and community-oriented, homebased services for youth at risk of needing psychiatric residential treatment.

There’s also Healing Hearts outpatient mental health clinic, disaster services, support services for veterans and families, kinship navigation services to

prevent youth from needing foster care placement, rape crisis and sexual assault, emergency assistance, afterschool tutoring and a summer camp program.

“A lot of the work is behind the scenes, done discreetly and confidentially, but with great devotion,” said Bishop Joseph Kopacz. “This ministry is a vital part of the work and the mission of the Diocese of Jackson. It really goes to the margins, to the most vulnerable in our communities. It’s what the Gospel is all about, and what Pope Francis speaks about. We reach out to people who will never know us, and never be able to repay us.”

If you’re new to the area and haven’t attended the Bishop’s Ball before, it’s a wonderful opportunity to hear more about an organization that could definitely

use your assistance right now. The annual event is also great fun, based on a track record of many generous donors returning again and again.

“When I entered the building (for the first time), I began working on the Bishop’s Ball,” said Marsha Burton, senior engagement and major gifts officer with Catholic Charities and a new addition to the team. “The live music this year will be a jazz band to set the mood of quaint and classy. We hired a decorator who will decorate around a diamond theme; the 60th anniversary is a diamond celebration.

“The teamwork from within the agency here is outstanding. This year’s Bishop’s Ball Samaritan Award is being presented to St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Center for the compassionate patient care they provid-

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An aerial view of the aftermath of a tornado, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, U.S. March 25, 2023 in this screengrab obtained from a video. Dozens are dead or injured after a least one powerful tornado tore through rural Mississippi on March 24. (OSV News photo/SevereStudios.com, Jordan Hall via Reuters)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

FLOWOOD St. Paul, Men’s Retreat sponsored by the Knights of Columbus on May 20. For all men of St. Paul parish age 18 and up. Details: church o ce (601) 992-9547.

GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, A Prophetic Call to Thrive: Preparing for the National Black Catholic Congress and a Day of Reflection with the Diocesan Office of Intercultural Ministry, Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome. Check in at 9:30 a.m. Details: Register by April 21 by calling Sister Amelia Breton at (601) 949-6935.

METAIRIE, La. Five-day Silent Directed Retreat, June 26 – July 2 at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center (5500 Saint Mary Street, Metairie). Cost $500, includes room and board. Meet daily with a spiritual director, pray with scripture and spend the rest of the day in silence, prayer and rest. Register at franu. edu/retreat. Details: tyler.trahan@franu.edu or call (225) 526-1694.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS

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. Details: email psa.acseagles@gmail.com.

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.

St. Joseph School, Open House, Wednesday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come grow with us! Details: school o ce (662) 378-9711.

Paul and Wadel Abide Memorial Golf Classic, Friday, May 12 at the Greenville Golf and Country Club. Cost: 4-person scramble $150 per golfer, includes cart fee, drink tickets and entry to social. Non-golfers cost is $60 and includes two drink tickets and entry to social. Enjoy food, drinks, door prizes and awards after golfing. Proceeds benefit St. Joseph School Scholarship Fund. Details: school o ce (662) 378-9711.

GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Mississippi Rural Legal Services will discuss end of life documents and other important issues on April 27 at 10 a.m. Anyone 60 or older will receive free legal advice and assistance in completing necessary documents. Public invited to attend. Details: Magdalene at Locus Benedictus (662) 299-1232.

HERNANDO Cocktails and Catholicism, Second Friday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m., for adults only. Doors open at 6 p.m. Meeting space at Holy Spirit Church (545 E. Commerce Street) in the Family Life Center. On April 14, Sister Mary Lawrence Wright, OP will present: “The Resurrection: Fulfillment of God’s Promises.” Details: RSVP to Deacon Ted at Christ the King at (662) 342-1073.

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.

FEATURED PHOTO ... I spy...

HOLLY SPRINGS CSI – Catholic Service Initiative presented by Northwest Parishes of Mississippi Youth Ministry, Sunday, June 4 through Friday, June 9 at Gregory House. For students completing grades 9-12 in May. Deadline for sign-up is April 30. Cost is $50, with scholarships available upon request. Details: For more information contact Vickie at (662) 8955007.

JACKSON St. Richard, Bereavement Support Group, Thursday, April 13 at 6 p.m. in the Chichester Room. Featured speaker: Julie Levanway – Hear how Godwinks helped Julie thorugh the pain. All are welcome. Details: Nancy at (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.

St. Richard School, Flight to the Finish on April 22nd benefiting the Cardinal Men’s Club projects and St. Richard’s students in need of financial aid. Details: To register, go to https://raceroster. com/events/2023/73814/flight-tothe-finish. For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Patrick at patrickmcrews@gmail. com.

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.

JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter, Holy Hour for Healing and Mercy, Sunday, April 16 at 5 p.m. All are invited to attend and pray for healing for victims of abuse by church personnel.

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.

MADISON Luella and Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Tournament, Saturday, April 15 at Whisper Lake Country Club. For information or to register, visit https://bit. ly/DoolittleGolf2023. Details: email somerville3817@ gmail.com.

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

NATCHEZ Cathedral School, 39th annual Crawfish Countdown, Friday, May 5. Join us for a fun night of crawfish, ice-cold beverages, chance to win $5,000 and more.

St. Mary Basilica, Blood Drive, Tuesday, April 18 from 1-6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church o ce (601) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Divine Mercy Holy Hour, Sunday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Resurrection Party, Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m. Details: church o ce (662) 342-1073.

MADISON – On Friday, March 31, students at St. Anthony School raced outside to wave hello to President Joe Biden in Air Force One flying over the school on his way to visit the community of Rolling Fork after recent tornados. (Photo by Heather Heeren)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC APRIL 7, 2023

Love does such crazy things ...

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

Alleluia, Christ is risen! Palm Sunday’s Passion Narrative by St. Matthew was the bridge that led the church this year through su ering and death into the light of Christ’s resurrection. This can bring us abundant peace and comfort, yet we do not shed the chains of suffering as if the resurrection covers it over with a blanket of devotion.

The great mystery of our faith is uniquely contained in the Lord’s final words before dying on the Cross in Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Is this a cry of despair from the Lord, or an act of profound trust and love arising from the throes of suffering? In the face of unspeakable su ering that engulfs our world the Christian is impelled to walk the narrow road, and wrestle with the mysteries of su ering and evil in the light of the resurrection.

Mark, along with St. Matthew leave the world hanging with the Lord’s final words of abandonment that are actually the opening lines of Psalm 21. In the

first half of the psalm, we discover that the jaws of suffering can inflict unrelenting agony. But the believer is directed to persevere and to know that God is love and does not abandon his creation.

This is evident in the closing verses from which the following is taken. “For he has not despised or abhorred the a iction of the tormented, but has heard when they cried out ... From you comes my praise in the great congregation. Those who seek God shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! Our posterity shall serve God; the faithful shall tell of the Lord to the coming generations and proclaim God’s deliverance to a people yet unborn.” Although su ering is ever at hand, in the power of the resurrection abandonment is not the last word. Rather, it is the love of God that is as strong as death because Christ is risen!

Pope Francis, for the 400th anniversary of the death of Francis de Sales quoted from the great saint’s masterpiece, A Treatise on the Love of God in his pastoral letter, Totum amoris est (All is Love).

“In Holy Church, everything pertains to love, lives in love, is done for love and comes from love. The source of this love that attracts the heart is the life of Jesus Christ. ‘Nothing sways the human heart as much as love, and this is most evident in the fact that’ Jesus Christ died for us; he gave us life through his death. We live only because he died, and died for us, and in us.”

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 9 (ISSN 1529-1693)

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

Publisher

Communications Director

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

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

For this reason, St. Francis de Sales could eloquently describe Calvary as “the mountain of love.” For there and there alone, do we come to realize that “it is not possible to have

life without love, or love without the death of the Redeemer. Except there, everything is either eternal death or eternal love, and the whole of Christian wisdom consists in knowing how to choose well between them.”

Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement that is anchored in the love of Jesus crucified and risen, writes gracefully on the passion of Jesus as the fountain of love. Just like Jesus, who through his su ering gave humanity joy here in earth and lasting joy in the next life, we too can acquire joy by accepting the various kinds of anguish we experience for ourselves and for others.

“Love impelled him to the Cross, considered foolishness by many, but this foolishness has saved humanity and has formed the saints. Su ering teaches what you cannot learn by any other means. It teaches with the greatest authority. It is the teacher of wisdom. Therefore, let’s not be afraid if we learn that su ering awaits us.”

The Father, Jesus, Mary, us. The Father permitted that Jesus feel forsaken by him, for us. Jesus accepted being forsaken by the Father, and deprived himself of his mother, for us. Mary shared the forsakenness of Jesus and accepted being deprived of her Son, for us. We, therefore, have been put in first place. It is love that does such crazy things...

Chiara Lubich o ers her deepest desire as a disciple of the Lord. “I wish to bear witness before the world that Jesus forsaken has filled every void, illuminated every darkness, accompanied every solitude, annulled every su ering, cancelled every sin.”

Alleluia, Christ is risen! Happy Easter!

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

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

Saturday, April 22, 12 p.m. – Confirmation, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Houston

Saturday, April 22, 4:30 p.m. – Confirmation, St. James, Tupelo (including St. Helen Amory)

Sunday, April 23, 10:30 a.m. – Confirmation, Holy Cross, Philadelphia

Sunday, April 23, 5 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt

Monday, April 24, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Joseph, Greenville (includes Sacred Heart Greenville and Immaculate Conception Indianola)

Tuesday, April 25, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Wednesday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. – Blessing of Orphanage Historical Marker, Cathedral School, Natchez

Wednesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. – Confirmation, Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30 – Knights of Columbus State Convention, The Threefoot Hotel, Meridian

Tuesday, May 2, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, Annunciation, Columbus

Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Paul, Flowood

Thursday, May 4, 6 p.m. – Confirmation, St. Alphonsus, McComb

Saturday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. – Confirmation, Basilica of St. Mary, Natchez

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

Every Palm Sunday weekend, St. Joseph Seminary College hosts a “Come and See” experience for young men. This has been a very important retreat for many of our current and former seminarians because it gives them an up-close look at what seminary life is really like. One of the biggest challenges in vocation promotion is trying to overcome perceptions that we have about seminary formation. I know that before I actually went and saw the seminary, I thought it was much more like a monastery. I expected to see people quietly praying and being very serious all the time. Of course, we all hope that there is lots of prayer in seminary life, and there is, but there is also vibrant community life. This is what is highlighted most clearly at the St. Ben’s Come and See (as I’ve said before, St. Joseph is colloquially known as St. Ben’s since it is a Benedictine monastery!)

The men arrive on Friday night and have a big crawfish boil which some local Knights of Columbus Council put on. The weekend is filled with talks about seminary life, and there are lots of opportunities to play sports throughout the days on campus. The weekend is rounded off with “Emaus walks,” where current seminarians pair off with Come and See participants to give them a listening ear to process what they have seen and heard over the weekend. After this, every goes to Palm Sunday Mass at the Abbey Church on campus. This is the highlight of the weekend as huge palms are waved throughout the sanctuary and the nave of the Church. The monks of St. Joseph Abbey take great care in their Holy Week liturgies, and it is inspiring to the visitors.

I ask you to regularly pray for men discerning the priesthood. There are many obstacles that are placed in front of young men even as they make the first steps in a healthy discernment. Distractions can seem much more distracting, fears can become much more pronounced and sometimes the Lord’s voice can get drowned out by the many voices in the culture which do not prioritize the Lord. We have several young men actively discerning whether the seminary would be right for them right now, please keep them in prayer, and simply pray that God’s will be done! Satan does not want good and holy priests, and he wants to shut off the possibility of priesthood at the earliest moments, so pray a St. Michael prayer and ask the Archangel to intercede as these men consider their call and fight against distractions in their discernment.

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

– Father Nick Adam

Father Nick Adam

Choosing our own storm

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

“We only live, only suspire, consumed by either fire or fire.”

T.S. Eliot wrote those words and, with them, suggests that our choice in this life is not between calm and storm, but between two kinds of storms.

He is right, of course, but sometimes it is good to vary the metaphor: We live in this world caught between two great gods, very different from each other: chaos and order.

Chaos is the god of fire, of fertility, of risk, of creativity, of novelty, of letting go. Chaos is the god of wildness, the god who brings disorder and mess. Most artists worship at his shrine. He is also the god of sleeplessness, of restlessness, and disintegration. In fact, chaos works precisely by disintegration of what is stable. Chaos is the god more worshipped by those of a liberal temperament.

Order is the god of water, of prudence, of chastity, of common sense, of stability, of hanging on. He is the god of pragma. He likes systems, clarity and a roof that doesn’t leak. He is more worshipped by those of a conservative temperament. Few artists pay him homage, but the corporate and ecclesiastical worlds more than compensate for this. By and large, he is their God. He can also be the god of boredom, timidity and rigidity. With him, you will never disintegrate, but you might suffocate. However, while he does not generate a lot of excitement, this god keeps a lot of people sane and alive.

Chaos and order, fire and water, don’t much like each other. However, both demand the respect accorded a deity. Unfortunately, like all one-sided deities, each wants all of us, but to give that submission is dangerous.

Allegiance to either, to the exclusion of the other, not infrequently leads to a self-destruction. When chaos reigns unchecked by order, moral and emotional disintegration soon enough unleash a darkness from which there is often no recovery. That’s what it means to fall apart, to become unglued. Conversely, when order totally dispels chaos, a certain self-annihilating virtue, posturing as God, begins to drain life of delight and possibility.

It is dangerous to worship at only the shrine. Both gods are needed. The soul, the church, practical life, the structures of society and love itself need the tempering that comes from both fire and water, order and chaos. Too much fire and things just burn up, disintegrate. Too much water and nothing ever changes, petrification sets in. Too much letting go and the sublimity of love lies prostituted; too much timidity and love shrivels up like a dried prune. No, both gods are needed – in practical life, in romantic life, in ecclesiology, in morality, in business and in government. Risk and prudence, rock music and Gregorian chant, both contain some whisperings of God. It is not by blind chance that we are caught between the two.

This should not be surprising because God, the God of Jesus Christ, is the God of both – fire and water, chaos, and order, liberal and conservative, chastity and prodigal love. God is the great stillpoint and God is also the principle of novelty, freshness, and resurrection.

Thomas Aquinas once defined the human soul as made up of two principles, the principle of energy and the principle of integration. One principle keeps us alive and the other keeps us glued together. These two principles, while in tension with each other, desperately need each other. A healthy soul keeps us energized, eager for life, but a healthy soul also

keeps us solidly glued together, knowing who we are when we look at ourselves in a mirror. Our souls need to provide us with both energy and integrity, fire and glue.

God is love, and love wants and needs both order and chaos. Love wants always to build a home, to settle down, to create a calm, stable and chaste place. Something inside us wants the calm of paradise and thus love is about order. It wants to avoid emotional and moral disintegration. But love is also about chaos. There is something in love that wants to let go, that wants to be taken, that wants to surrender its boundaries, that wants the new, the foreign, and that wants to let go of its old self. That’s a fertile principle within love that has kept the human race going!

The Pope’s Corner

Our God hallows both of these gods, chaos and order, and that is why it is healthy that both be kept in a healthy tension. To be healthy, we need to bring them together within ourselves and we need to bring them together not as we would bring two parties to meet at a negotiating table, but as a high and a low-pressure system meet to produce a storm. After a storm, the weather is clear.

In the tempest there is life and there is God. In it we are initiated, initiated through immersion into the intense fires of desire and the ecstatic waters of surrender.

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

Pope Francis calls for ‘ethical and responsible’ AI development

By Justin Mclellan

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis asked tech leaders to measure the value of their innovations not in processing power or profit potential, but in their capacity to promote human dignity.

In a meeting at the Vatican March 27 with scientists, engineers, businesspeople and lawyers working across the tech industry, the pope reflected on the social and cultural impact of artificial intelligence.

The benefits of artificial intelligence and automated learning for humanity will be realized only if developers act in an “ethical and responsible way” that respects the intrinsic dignity of each person, the pope said.

But he expressed concern that such respect is missing when, for instance, artificially intelligent software is used in producing legal sentences by analyzing an individual’s criminal record and generalized data.

“An individual’s past behavior should not be used to deny him or her the opportunity to change, grow and contribute to society,” he said. “We cannot allow algorithms to limit or condition respect for human dignity, nor can we allow them to exclude compassion, mercy, forgiveness and, above all, an openness to hope for personal change.”

Technology experts fear that the data used to build algorithms in artificially intelligent legal software may amplify pre-existing biases in justice systems, further oppressing already marginalized groups.

“That data can be contaminated by prejudices and social preconceptions,” said the pope. “The fundamental value of a person cannot be measured by a set of data.”

He noted how digital technologies have increased global inequality both economically and in terms of political and social influence. Such inequality, he said, is rooted in a “false sense of meritocracy.”

“There is a risk of conceiving the economic advantage of a few as earned or merited, while the poverty of many is seen, in a certain way, as their fault,” he said.

Pope Francis invited the industry leaders to consider how their innovations may

create a more equal and inclusive society.

“Are our national and international institutions able to hold technology companies accountable for the social and cultural impact of their products? Is there are a risk that increased inequality can compromise our sense of human and social solidarity?” he asked.

The pope recalled the ethical principles in AI development agreed to by religious, government and tech industry leaders at the Vatican: transparency, inclusion, responsibility, impartiality, reliability, security and privacy.

In January, executives from Microsoft and IBM as well as representatives from the Muslim and Jewish communities met at the Vatican to sign a document calling for a human-centered approach to AI development in which the principles were agreed upon.

The document advocated for establishing “an outlook in which AI is developed with a focus not on technology, but rather for the good of humanity and of the environment.”

At the March meeting, the pope thanked the tech leaders for engaging in discussions on responsible technology use that are “open to religious values,” and said that dialogue between religious believers and non-believers on science and ethics “is a path to peacebuilding and integral human development.”

Pope Francis meets leaders from the tech industry at the Vatican March 27, 2023. The pope called for an “ethical and responsible” development of artificial intelligence. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

'... find ways to support all affected ...'

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as well as loans to cover uninsured property losses.

The National Weather Service confirmed tornado damage about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northeast of Jackson, Mississippi, with a lot of the destruction reported in Silver City and Rolling Fork, a rural town of more than 1,800 people.

Processing information from damage surveys could take days to complete, but the National Weather Service noted the Rolling Fork/Silver City tornado has a preliminary EF-4 rating, which estimates wind speeds to have been 166-200 mph. Preliminary statistics from the National Weather Service said that tornado traveled approximately 59 miles over the course of an hour and 10 minutes. The Blackhawk/Winona tornado now has a preliminary EF-3 rating, with severe wind speeds in the 136-165 mph range.

"My city is gone. But we are resilient," Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker said on CNN. Video and photos of the area showed houses reduced to rubble. On Twitter, Governor Reeves shared photos of relief efforts underway in Rolling Fork, Silver City, Amory and Winona, noting perseverance, unity and even prayer behind the response of responders and volunteers.

In an interview with OSV News, Marvin Edwards, a lay ecclesial minister of Sacred Heart Parish in Winona, shared what it was like to be in the tornado's path. He said that he and his wife – who live 20 miles away from the parish – were in bed for the night when the tornado struck.

"This is the first time a tornado hit us directly. My emergency tornado watch went off on my cell phone. That's not unusual, so I didn't pay a lot of attention. All of a sudden, I heard this loud noise as my wife and I were laying in bed. We jumped up and the roof went away. We didn't have time (to shelter); all of a sudden it (the tornado) was there," he told OSV News.

Saying it all happened quickly, Edwards said they were not injured and only saw the damage once it was morning. "The tornado had a mile-wide path, and it picked up (strength) as it moved across the lake," he said. "It took the roof off my house. I've got two cars with a big tree sitting across them; both of them are smashed."

"As far as I know, all of our parishioners (at Sacred Heart) are OK. We don't have a lot of parishioners; we're a small mission church," he said. "My immediate thought was, 'I got angels protecting me evidently.' I just thanked him (God). Something was protecting me."

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ed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To my knowledge, this is the first healthcare team to receive the award.”

Johnny Maloney and his wife, Sharon, have chaired the Bishop’s Ball in the past, and the Cowboy Maloney family have been honored with the event’s Samaritan Award.

“Besides the great food and fellowship, the Bishop’s Ball has a silent auction and a live auction,” Maloney said. “In the past, the last live auction item has been a dinner with the Bishop at his home for eight people. Attendees get groups together and bid as a party of eight, and that makes the auction fun.”

“I see Catholic Charities as an extension of our parishes,” said Rusty Haydel, who estimates that he and his wife, Yvonne, have attended fifteen Bishop’s Balls over

A local TV station reported a crisis shelter opened in Rolling Forks to provide a medical station, as well as cots, toiletries, and water. The state's emergency management agency said shelters have also been opened in Belzoni and Amory to provide shelter to those affected, which includes hundreds of people who lost their homes.

On March 25, Gov. Reeves issued a State of Emergency in all counties affected by the tornado and severe storms that occurred across Mississippi. He called on agencies to set forth the emergency responsibilities delineated in Mississippi's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

"We give thanks and pray for first responders, who are working tirelessly in affected communities trying to reach those missing, restore power and assist those surviving," Bishop Kopacz said in a statement on the Diocese of Jackson website.

A man stands amid the debris of a destroyed home in Rolling Fork, Miss., March 26, 2023, after a tornado swept through the town. At least 21 people were killed and dozens of others were injured in Mississippi as the massive storm ripped through more than a half-dozen towns late March 24. (OSV News photo/Cheney Orr, Reuters)

"I encourage all to continue to pray and find ways to support all affected communities," he added. "We will be reaching out through our Catholic Charities Disaster Response team to assist in recovery efforts."

The National Weather Service of Huntsville, Alabama, also confirmed four tornadoes touched down in their state overnight March 24-25, all of which were EF-1 or EF-2 strength. The New York Times reported Saturday morning that at least one person died in Alabama as a result of the severe storm system.

In a Saturday afternoon email, Donald Carson, the Diocese of Birmingham's communications director, noted Alabama did not experience similar levels of lives lost or destruction as the neighboring state.

"We will pray for all whose lives were lost in Mississippi and those who love them and all affected by the storms," he said.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's

Twitter and Facebook page, @MSEMA, also warned Mississippians that a large portion of the state has the potential for more severe storms Sunday evening and "tornadoes cannot be ruled out."

(Maria-Pia Chin is Spanish editor for OSV News. Follow her on Twitter @MariaPiaChin. Gina Christian is a national reporter for OSV News. Follow her on Twitter @GinaJesseReina. Megan Marley is digital editor for OSV News. Follow her on Twitter @mnmarley.)

For information on how to support the Diocese of Jackson Catholic Charities' relief efforts, visit https:// jacksondiocese.org/storm-donations

the years. “They’re doing the work that Jesus would want us to do.”

“All the Bishops hold a special place in our heart,” said Mike Crandall, “but we must say that Bishop Kopacz, through his leadership and involvement with Catholic Charities, has become our favorite. He stepped into the ministry at a crucial time, and the organization has thrived through his leadership and encouragement.

“Catholic Charites has allowed Susan and I to have an avenue to give back to society, a mission that we are passionate about. Our goal is that when our time comes and we are called home, we will leave our community in a better place. We work with a lot of nonprofits, but Catholic Charities is our favorite because it serves so many people.”

For more information on the Bishop's Ball or to sponsor or purchase tickets, visit: https://event.gives/bb2023

'... see Catholic Charities as an extension of our parishes ...'

In memoriam: New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Cheri

BY PETER FINNEY JR.

NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) – Bishop Fernand (Ferd) Joseph Cheri III, a New Orleans native who had served since 2015 as auxiliary bishop of New Orleans, died March 21 at Chateau de Notre Dame in New Orleans following a lengthy illness. He was 71.

Ordained to the episcopacy March 23, 2015, at St. Louis Cathedral, the late prelate was one of seven active African American bishops in the U.S.

A solemn vesper service took place on March 31 at Notre Dame Seminary with a funeral Mass held on April 1 at St. Louis Cathedral, for Bishop Cheri.

Bishop Cheri served most recently as administrator of St. Peter Claver Parish in New Orleans until kidney and heart problems forced him to step away from active ministry. He was born with one kidney and had been on dialysis three days a week for several months.

“He has been called home to the Lord,” New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said in a message to priests, religious and laity of the archdiocese. “We mourn his death and thank God for his life and ministry.”

The archbishop said Bishop Cheri started his vocational journey in the Archdiocese of New Orleans “as a seminarian, as a priest and as a pastor” and had directed a “very dedicated ministry.”

“And then, he heard God’s call to join the Franciscans and was a valued member of the Franciscan community,” Archbishop Aymond said. “We were delighted to receive him back into the Archdiocese of New Orleans as auxiliary bishop in 2015, and I have enjoyed working with him in sharing episcopal ministry and shepherding God’s people.”

The late bishop was ordained a New Orleans archdiocesan priest May 20, 1978, by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan. In 1992, then-Father-Cheri entered the novitiate of the Franciscans’ Sacred Heart Province. He professed solemn vows in the order Aug. 26, 1996, and served mostly in Illinois in various ministries, including as a high school chaplain, guidance counselor, choir director and campus minister. He also was pastor of a Nashville, Tennessee, parish from 1996-2002; during that time he also was a member of the provincial council for his Franciscan province (1999-2002).

In 2015, when Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop of New Orleans, he had been director of campus ministry at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, and as vicar of the Holy Cross Friary in Quincy since 2011.

“We saw him not only as a vocal advocate for African American Catholics and advocating for our needs, but also as a shepherd to the world,” said Ansel Augustine, director of the New Orleans archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministries. “When you think of bishops being shepherds, you see someone who cares about people, one on one. When you talked to him, you felt like you were the only person in the world that mattered even though he might have had eight million other things going on.”

In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd by police o cers in Minneapolis, Bishop Cheri led a peaceful march of 250 from the archdiocesan chancery building to Notre Dame Seminary. The prayer service was called “Requiem for the Black Children of God.”

In memoriam: Msgr. Joseph Clement Mercier

In a 2018 address honoring New Orleans’ tricentennial, Bishop Cheri traced the history of the Black Catholic church in New Orleans and praised the Sisters of the Holy Family, founded in 1842 by Venerable Henriette Delille, a free woman of color; the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver; the O ce of Black Catholic Ministries; and the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at

HATTIESBURG – Msgr. Joseph Clement Mercier “Father Joe,” a native of Hattiesburg, passed away on March 20, 2023 after a long and full life of priestly ministry.

Msgr. Mercier was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ella Mae McGinley; five brothers, Albert Lucien, Patrick Bernard, Adrian Gabriel, Delphins Francis & Michael James; two sisters, Agnes Therese Morgan and Mary Claire Debrow. Msgr. Mercier is survived by his brother, Damian Mercier of Hattiesburg; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and many priestly brothers and deacons.

Msgr. Mercier graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Hattiesburg, in 1944. After a brief tour in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He began his seminary training at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, Louisiana, and then completed his formation at the North American College and Gregorian University, both in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a priest at the Church of The Twelve Apostles in Rome for the Diocese of Natchez on July 17, 1955. As a priest, Msgr. Mercier served as associate pastor of St. Mary’s parish, Jackson; Nativity Cathedral, Biloxi; St. John the Evangelist parish, Gulfport; and Sacred Heart parish, Hattiesburg. He then served as pastor of Christ the King and Holy Family parishes in Jackson; Sacred Heart parish, Pascagoula; St. John the Evangelist parish, Gulfport; and Sacred Heart parish, Dedeaux.

During his nearly 68 years of priestly ministry Msgr. Mercier served the Catholic community in many roles. He served as a teacher in three Catholic high schools in Mississippi, overseeing many parishes with attached schools, he also served Catholic students at the University of Southern Mississippi as chaplain of the Newman Club on campus and acquired the land on behalf of the diocese where St. Thomas Church and the Newman Center are today. He also served on the diocesan board of consultors, clergy council, diocesan liturgical commission, personnel board, synodal examiner, parish priest consultor for the “Mississippi Register” newspaper (now “Mississippi Catholic”) for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson.

While at Sacred Heart parish, in Dedeaux, he was the priest director of the Cursillo movement of South Mississippi and lay retreats. After his retirement he spent many years assisting fellow priests by traveling to celebrate Mass, hear confessions and continued ministry with the Cursillo movement.

Msgr. Mercier spent his last years at The Claiborne assisted living facility in Hattiesburg where he continued to celebrate Mass for small groups in his room until his health prevented him from continuing.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at Sacred Heart Church for Msgr. Mercier, with interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Bonhomie Road.

Xavier University of Louisiana, founded in 1980 to explore Scripture and church teachings from both “a righteous Black consciousness and an authentic Catholic tradition.”

“These individuals and moments challenged the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to not only change the narrative of the church, but to a rm that we share common journeys together,” Bishop Cheri said.

Fernand (Ferd) Joseph Cheri III was born Jan. 28, 1952, to Fernand Jr. and Gladys Cheri. He received his high school education at St. John Vianney Preparatory Seminary in New Orleans. He went on to study at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

A lifelong singer, Bishop Cheri loved to break into song during a homily or whenever the mood struck. When he was just 3 years old, his mother recalled little Ferd, the first boy among her seven children, belting out a tune in their house on St. Anthony Street in New Orleans.

In a 2015 interview before his ordination, Bishop Cheri spoke about how he reveled in the gift of music and his vocation.

“The experience of becoming a bishop – and how people are reacting to it – I feel like I sang a solo that became the community’s prayer,” he told the Clarion Herald

(Peter Finney Jr. is executive editor of the Clarion Herald, newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC APRIL 7, 2023

PLEASE, GIVE GENEROUSLY! APRIL 29 & 30, 2023

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

"Oremos para que la mano de Dios esté sobre Mississippi"

ROLLING FORK – Un hombre se para entre los escombros de una casa destruida en Rolling Fork, Mississippi, el 26 de marzo de 2023, después de que un tornado arrasara la ciudad. Al menos 21 personas murieron y decenas más resultaron heridas en Mississippi cuando la enorme tormenta arrasó con más de media docena de ciudades a fines del 24 de marzo. (Foto OSV News/Cheney Orr, Reuters)

Por Maria-Pia negro chin, gina christian, Megan MarLeY (OSV News) – Poderosos tornados arrasaron la zona rural de Mississippi la noche del viernes 24 de marzo, causando muertes, heridos y destruyendo partes de pueblos a su paso.

El sábado en la noche, la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Mississippi (MEMA por sus siglas en inglés) informó de que el número de muertos había aumentado a 21 y que decenas de personas habían resultado heridas; cuatro personas que fueron dadas por desaparecidas fueron encontradas. Múltiples agencias estatales han estado trabajando juntos para ayudar en los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperación.

"Tal pérdida se sentirá en estos pueblos para siempre", dijo el gobernador de Mississippi, Tate Reeves, en un mensaje en Twitter el sábado. "Por favor, oremos para que la mano de Dios esté sobre todos los que perdieron familiares y amigos".

El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, de la Diócesis de Jackson, Mississippi, se unió en oración y animó a los católicos a apoyar a todas las comunidades afectadas por este trágico suceso. "En estos momentos, nos unimos en oración por todos los afectados por las tormentas que han atravesado nuestro estado", declaró el obispo Kopacz el 25 de marzo. El obispo pidió a los católicos que rezaran por el descanso de las vidas perdidas por la devastación del tornado.

Durante su Ángelus, el Papa Francisco también rezó por las víctimas y por las personas que se recuperan de la pérdida de vidas y de la devastadora destrucción, según Vatican News.

"Rezamos también por las víctimas del terrible tornado que azotó Mississippi en los Estados Unidos", dijo el Papa al final de su oración del Ángelus el 26 de marzo.

A primera hora de la mañana del domingo, el presidente Joe Biden ordenó ayuda federal para complementar los esfuerzos de recuperación estatales y locales en las zonas afectadas, debido a la gran catástrofe ocurrida en Mississippi.

Según la declaración de catástrofe de la Casa Blanca, financiación estaría disponible para ayudar a la población de los condados de Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe y Sharkey que puede incluir subvenciones para casas provisionales y reparaciones de viviendas, así como préstamos para cubrir las pérdidas de propiedades no aseguradas. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional confirmó los daños causados por el tornado a 60 millas (unos 96 kilómetros) al noreste de Jackson, Mississippi, con gran

parte de la destrucción registrada en Silver City y Rolling Fork, una localidad rural de más de 1,800 habitantes.

La revisión completa de los estudios de daños podría tardar días en completarse, pero el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional señaló que el tornado de Rolling Fork/Silver City tiene una clasificación preliminar EF-4, que estima que la velocidad del viento fue de 166-200 mph. Las estadísticas preliminares del Servicio Meteorológico

– Continúa en la pág. 2–

ROLLING FORK – Una vista aérea de las secuelas de un tornado, en Rolling Fork, Mississippi, en este screengrab obtenido de un video. Decenas de personas han muerto o han resultado heridas después de que al menos un potente tornado arrasara la zona rural de Mississippi el 24 de marzo, causando una destrucción masiva. (Foto de OSV News/SevereStudios.com, Jordan Hall via Reuters)

10 de febrero de 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

Obispo Álvarez aparece con vida en tele entrevista montada

Por DaviD agren

MEXICO CITY (OSV News) – El obispo nicaragüense Rolando Álvarez apareció inesperadamente en la televisión nicaragüense el 24 de marzo, más de seis semanas después de negarse a ser exiliado de su país y recibir una sentencia de 26 años tras las rejas.

Pálido, demacrado y vestido de azul, el obispo Álvarez se reunió con su hermano y su hermana para una comida en la prisión La Modelo, donde ha estado recluido desde que fue condenado apresuradamente en un juicio secreto por conspiración para cometer "menoscabo a la integridad nacional" y difundir información falsa.

La aparición del obispo se produjo después de semanas en las que líderes católicos y grupos de derechos humanos exigieron una prueba de vida – ya que las últimas fotos del obispo Álvarez aparecieron en un juicio que tuvo lugar el 10 de enero. Anteriormente había estado en arresto domiciliario tras ser detenido en una redada en agosto de 2022 en su sede diocesana.

Medios de comunicación afines al gobierno mostraron al obispo Álvarez comiendo con sus hermanos, y luego pasaron a una entrevista forzada. Se pidió al obispo Álvarez que confirmara que había recibido un "trato digno" – algo que confirmó, aunque otros presos políticos han descrito sus condiciones como miserables.

exiliado en Miami. "La escenografía de la dictadura ha sido repugnante y cínica y no borra su crimen. Se ha revelado la fuerza de la oración del pueblo y la presión internacional. ¡Libérenlo ya!" Monseñor Báez dijo en su homilía del 26 de marzo: "A los que han encerrado y han querido apagar la voz de Rolando, no se engañen, ustedes son los verdaderos prisioneros de la maldad y de la mentira, de la ambición y la crueldad. Quiten la piedra de la cárcel y liberen al obispo".

El abogado nicaragüense Yader Morazán dijo a OSV News que el régimen probablemente tuvo en cuenta la presión internacional al presentar al obispo, ya que los abogados de derechos humanos están investigando la desaparición forzada.

También señaló que el atuendo del obispo no coincidía con la ropa que se les da a los reclusos en las cárceles nicaragüenses.

"Podemos también ver esto como parte de la instrumentalización como parte de justicia para propaganda política, ya que han exhibido a una persona de una manera", dijo Morazán, quien huyó de Nicaragua en 2018 y recientemente fue despojado de su ciudadanía.

El obispo nicaragüense encarcelado Rolando Álvarez, vestido de azul, apareció inesperadamente en la televisión nicaragüense el 24 de marzo de 2023, más de seis semanas después de negarse a ir al exilio fuera de su país y ser condenado a pasar 26 años tras las rejas. Medios de comunicación afines al gobierno mostraron al obispo Álvarez comiendo con sus hermanos, y luego y luego mostraron una entrevista coaccionada con él. (Captura de pantalla de OSV News/Canal 4 Nicaragua)

El entrevistador dijo entonces al obispo Álvarez: "Nos alegra verlo bien", a lo que el obispo, sonriente, respondió: "¿Me ves bien? ¿Saludable? ¿La cara, cómo me la ves?".

La respuesta del obispo Álvarez desató una tormenta en las redes sociales entre los nicaragüenses – muchos de los cuales han huido del país centroamericano a medida que el régimen de Ortega se vuelve cada vez más tiránico y reprime todas las voces disidentes.

"Me he alegrado mucho al ver las fotos de mi hermano, Mons. Rolando. ¡Doy gracias a Dios que está vivo!", tuiteó el obispo auxiliar de Managua, Silvio José Báez,

Daniel Ortega y su esposa, la vicepresidenta Rosario Murillo, han tachado a los obispos católicos de "terroristas" y "golpistas", y recientemente han roto sus relaciones diplomáticas con el Vaticano.

El Vaticano cerró su embajada en Managua en marzo, y el encargado de las gestiones allá, monseñor Marcel Diouf, abandonó el país.

"Tenemos un obispo preso, un hombre muy serio y capaz. Quiso dar su testimonio y no aceptó el exilio", dijo el Papa Francisco al medio argentino Infobae justo antes de que se rompieran las relaciones con Nicaragua.

"Es una cosa que está fuera de lo que estamos viviendo, es como si fuera una dictadura comunista de 1917 o la hitleriana del 35".

Nicaragua liberó a 222 presos políticos el 9 de febrero, enviándolos a Estados Unidos y despojándolos de su ciudadanía nicaragüense. Monseñor Álvarez se negó a subir al avión y posteriormente fue declarado culpable y condenado.

(David Agren escribe desde OSV News desde Ciudad de México.)

Nacional dicen que el tornado se desplazó aproximadamente 59 millas en el transcurso de una hora y 10 minutos.

"Mi ciudad ha desaparecido. Pero somos resistentes", dijo el alcalde de Rolling Fork, Eldridge Walker, a CNN. Vídeos y fotos de la zona mostraban casas reducidas a escombros. En Twitter, el gobernador Reeves compartió fotos de los esfuerzos de socorro en curso en Rolling Fork, Silver City, Amory y Winona, señalando la perseverancia, la unidad e incluso la oración detrás de la respuesta de los socorristas y voluntarios.

En una entrevista concedida a OSV News, Marvin Edwards, ministro eclesiástico laico de la parroquia Sacred Heart de Winona, contó cómo fue encontrarse en la trayectoria del tornado. Dijo que él y su esposa – que viven a 20 millas de la parroquia – estaban dormidos cuando el tornado pasó." Se llevó el tejado de mi casa... Mi pensamiento inmediato fue: 'Evidentemente, tengo ángeles que me protegen'. Simplemente le di las gracias a Dios."

Un canal de televisión local informó de que se ha abierto un refugio de crisis en Rolling Forks para proporcionar un puesto médico, así como catres, artículos de aseo y agua. La agencia estatal de gestión de emergencias dijo que también se han abierto refugios en Belzoni y Amory para dar cobijo a los afectados.

El gobernador decretó el 25 de marzo el Estado de Emergencia en todos los condados afectados por el tornado y las fuertes tormentas. También pidió desplegar todo lo necesario en esta emergencia, como estaba definido en el Plan Integral de Gestión de Emergencias de Misisipi.

"Damos las gracias y rezamos por los socorristas, que trabajan incansablemente en las comunidades afectadas tratando de llegar hasta los desaparecidos, restablecer el suministro eléctrico y ayudar a los sobrevivientes", dijo el obispo Kopacz en su declaración.

"Animo a todos a seguir rezando y a encontrar formas de apoyar a todas las comunidades afectadas", añadió. "Nos pondremos en contacto con nuestro equipo de Catholic Charities Disaster Response para ayudar en los esfuerzos de recuperación".

"Rezaremos por todos los que perdieron la vida en Mississippi, por sus seres queridos y por todos los afectados", dijo.

ROLLING FORK– Jeremiah Stapleton, de 18 años, se sube a la ventana de la casa destruida de su abuelo en Rolling Fork, Mississippi, el 26 de marzo de 2023, después de que un tornado arrasara la ciudad el 24 de marzo. (Foto OSV News/Cheney Orr, Reuters)

'... Mi ciudad ha desaparecido, pero somos resistentes ...'

– Viene de la pág. 1 –

¡Aleluya, Cristo ha resucitado!

Por obisPo JosePh r. KoPacz, D.D. ¡Aleluya, Cristo ha resucitado!

La Narrativa de la Pasión del Domingo de Ramos de San Mateo fue el puente que condujo a la iglesia este año a través del sufrimiento y la muerte a la luz de la resurrección de Cristo. Esto puede traernos abundante paz y consuelo, pero no nos deshacemos de las cadenas del sufrimiento como si la resurrección lo cubriera con un manto de devoción. El gran misterio de nuestra fe está contenido únicamente en las últimas palabras del Señor antes de morir en la Cruz en los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos. “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?” ¿Es este un grito de desesperación del Señor, o un acto de profunda confianza y amor que surge de la agonía del sufrimiento? Ante el sufrimiento indecible que envuelve a nuestro mundo, el cristiano se ve impulsado a caminar por el camino angosto y luchar con los misterios del sufrimiento y el mal a la luz de la resurrección.

Marcos, junto con San Mateo, dejan al mundo colgando con las últimas palabras de abandono del Señor que en realidad son las primeras líneas del Salmo 21. En la primera mitad del salmo, descubrimos que las fauces del sufrimiento pueden infligir una agonía implacable. Pero el creyente está dirigido a perseverar y a saber que Dios que es amor no abandona a su creación.

Esto es evidente en los versículos finales de los cuales se toma lo siguiente. “Porque no ha despreciado ni aborrecido la aflicción de los atormentados, sino que ha oído sus gritos ... De ti viene mi alabanza en la gran congregación. ¡Los que buscan a Dios alabarán al Señor! ¡Que sus corazones vivan para siempre! Nuestra posteridad servirá a Dios; los fieles hablarán del Señor a las generaciones venideras y proclamarán la liberación de Dios a un pueblo que aún no ha nacido.”

Aunque el sufrimiento está siempre cerca, en el poder de la resurrección el abandono no es la última

palabra. Más bien, ¡es el amor de Dios que es tan fuerte como la muerte porque Cristo resucitó!

El Papa Francisco, con motivo del 400 aniversario de la muerte de Francisco de Sales, citó la obra maestra del gran santo, Tratado sobre el amor de Dios, en su carta pastoral, Totum amoris est (Todo es amor).

“En la Santa Iglesia todo pertenece al amor, se vive en el amor, se hace por amor y proviene del amor. La fuente de este amor que atrae el corazón es la vida de Jesucristo. 'Nada mueve tanto el corazón humano como el amor, y esto es más evidente en el hecho de que' Jesucristo murió por nosotros; él nos dio vida a través de su muerte. Vivimos solamente porque él murió, y murió por nosotros y en nosotros”.

Por eso, San Francisco de Sales pudo describir con elocuencia el Calvario como “la montaña del amor”. Porque allí y sólo allí nos damos cuenta de que “no es posible tener vida sin amor, ni amor sin la muerte del Redentor. Excepto allí, todo es o muerte eterna o amor eterno, y toda la sabiduría cristiana consiste en saber elegir bien entre ambas”.

Chiara Lubich, la fundadora del Movimiento de los Focolares que está anclado en el amor de Jesús crucificado y resucitado, escribe con gracia sobre la pasión de Jesús como fuente de amor. Así como Jesús, quien a través de su sufrimiento le dio a la humanidad alegría aquí en la tierra y alegría duradera en la otra vida, nosotros también podemos adquirir alegría aceptando los diversos tipos de angustia que experimentamos por nosotros mismos y por los demás.

“El amor lo impulsó a la Cruz, considerada por muchos una locura, pero esta locura ha salvado a la humanidad y ha formado a los santos. El sufrimiento enseña lo que no puedes aprender por ningún

otro medio. Enseña con la mayor autoridad. Es el maestro de la sabiduría. Por lo tanto, no tengamos miedo si nos enteramos de que nos espera el sufrimiento”.

El Padre, Jesús, María, nosotros. El Padre permitió que Jesús se sintiera abandonado por él, abandonado por nosotros. Jesús aceptó ser abandonado por el Padre, y se privó de su madre, por nosotros. María compartió el abandono de Jesús y aceptó ser privada de su Hijo, por nosotros. Nosotros, por lo tanto, hemos sido puestos en primer lugar. Es el amor el que hace cosas tan locas…

Chiara Lubich ofrece su más profundo deseo de discípula del Señor. “Quiero dar testimonio ante el mundo de que Jesús abandonado ha llenado todo vacío, iluminado toda oscuridad, ha acompañado toda soledad, anulado todo sufrimiento y ha cancelado todo pecado”.

¡Aleluya, Cristo ha resucitado! Felices Pascuas

Una copia de "El Cordero de Dios" de Mark Goodman ha sido el centro de una exhibición de Cuaresma este año en la Iglesia Católica St. James the Just en Ogden, Utah. (Foto OSV News/cortesía de Mark Goodwin)

Papa Francisco pide un desarrollo de IA 'ético y responsable'

Por Justin McLeLLan, CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – El Papa Francisco pidió a los líderes tecnológicos que midieran el valor de sus innovaciones no en el poder de procesamiento o el potencial de ganancias, sino en su capacidad para promover la dignidad humana.

En una reunión en el Vaticano el 27 de marzo con científicos, ingenieros, empresarios y abogados que trabajan en la industria tecnológica, el Papa reflexionó sobre el impacto social y cultural de la inteligencia artificial.

Los beneficios de la inteligencia artificial y el aprendizaje automatizado para la humanidad solo se realizarán si los desarrolladores actúan de una "manera ética y responsable" que respete la dignidad intrínseca de cada persona, dijo el Papa.

Pero expresó su preocupación de que falta ese respeto cuando, por ejemplo, se usa software artificialmente inteligente para producir sentencias legales mediante el análisis de los antecedentes penales de un individuo y los datos generalizados.

"El comportamiento pasado de un individuo no debe usarse para negarle la oportunidad de cambiar, crecer y contribuir a la sociedad", dijo. “No podemos permitir que los algoritmos limit-

Un robot equipado con inteligencia artificial se ve en el AI Xperience Center en Bruselas el 19 de febrero de 2020. (Foto OSV News/Yves Herman, Reuters)

en o condicionen el respeto a la dignidad humana, ni que excluyan la compasión, la misericordia, el perdón y, sobre todo, la apertura a la esperanza del cambio personal”.

Los expertos en tecnología temen que los datos utilizados para construir algoritmos en software legal artificialmente inteligente puedan amplificar los sesgos preexistentes en los sistemas de justicia, oprimiendo aún más a los grupos ya marginados.

“Esos datos pueden estar contaminados por prejuicios y preconcepciones sociales”, dijo el Papa. "El valor fundamental de una persona no se puede medir por un conjunto de datos".

"Se corre el riesgo de concebir la ventaja económica de unos pocos como ganada o merecida, mientras que la pobreza de muchos es vista, en cierto modo, como su culpa", dijo.

El Papa Francisco invitó a los líderes de la industria a considerar cómo sus innovaciones pueden crear una sociedad más igualitaria e inclusiva. En la reunión de marzo, el Papa agradeció a los líderes tecnológicos por participar en debates sobre el uso responsable de la tecnología que están "abiertos a los valores religiosos", y dijo que el diálogo entre creyentes religiosos y no creyentes sobre ciencia y ética "es un camino hacia la consolidación de la paz y desarrollo humano integral”.

Retiros ACTS en Tupelo

TUPELO – Como antesala a la Pascua, hombres y mujeres del Decanato V, realizaron en la parroquia de St James Tupelo dos retiros de ACTS y convivencias para preparar espíritu y mente. Las siglas ACTS quieren decir Adoración, Comunidad, Teología y Servicio. El primer retiro de ACTS Mujeres se realizó en St James Tupelo el 2016. En esta convivencia de marzo estuvieron todas las mujeres que han vivido los siete retiros. La convivencia de mujeres fue en marzo 11 y el de hombres del 16 al 19 de marzo. Ambos retiros estuvieron guiados por los Padres Mario Solórzano, Octavio Escobar de la Orden de la Merced y el Padre Cesar Sánchez. Los hombres tuvieron la convivencia de Pentecostés como seguimiento después del retiro. (Fotos y reporte de Raquel Thompson, Premio Kairos, Instituto Loyola y coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano)

TOME NOTA

Vírgenes y Santos

Divina Misericordia. Abril 30

Santa Catalina de Siena. Abril 29

Día de la Santísima Cruz. Mayo 3

Virgen de los Desamparados.

Nuestra Señora de Lujan. Mayo 8

Dia de las Madres. Mayo 9

Virgen de Fátima. Mayo 13

Nuestra Señora de la Evangelización. Mayo 14

San Isidro Labrador. Mayo 15

Solemnidad de la Ascensión del Señor. Mayo 18

Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org

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Para boletín. Mande un texto

MSCATHOLIC a 84576

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

JACKSON – The timing of this edition of Mississippi Catholic coincides with the week called “holy.” Throughout this week Catholics hopefully will be filling pews in churches around the world for the Sacred Triduum liturgies that culminate in the celebration of Easter.

This week we journey from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary the Tomb and finally the Resurrection. It is an immersion in Christ’s journey that brings us out of darkness and into light.

Many staff and volunteers will be preparing sanctuaries for foot washing, eucharistic processions into a symbolic Garden of Gethsemane, the Passion reading, venerating the cross, and bringing the newly blessed paschal candle into the darkness and spreading its light. A lot of details are carried out behind the scenes so that all may enter into these sacred liturgies surrounded by the rich symbols and traditions of our church.

Reflecting on all the details, I decided to take a look at our friend, Bishop Gunn’s diary to see what a Holy Week might be like for him. I found these interesting accounts from Holy Weeks of his time.

Holy Week 1913: “Holy Week kept me busy from March 18 to Easter Sunday March 23. I had to pontify on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; to preach on Friday and Sunday, wash feet on Thursday, and hear all the confessions of the Italians that gravitated ‘round the Cathedral during my stay.

“I was glad when the Alleluias were heard, and I remained quietly in Natchez to March 30 when the usual confirmation class was confirmed.”

Holy Week 1914: “From Vicksburg I returned to Chatawa for March 29 to remain there until April 4, when I went on April 5 to Natchez for Palm Sunday and its ceremonies. I remained in Natchez for the Holy Week functions and as usual the honors of carrying nearly the entire burden were gracefully assigned to me.

Holy Week adventures

“I pontified on Holy Thursday, consecrated the oils and gave a short sermon on the blessed Eucharist on Thursday night. The washing of the feet of thirteen orphans and a sermon on the Passion Friday night gave a full day’s work.

“Saturday morning, I did all that had to be done and enjoyed the Al leluias when they came somewhere near midday. On Saturday after noon I helped in the confessional and pontified on Easter Sunday and preached.”

Holy Week 1915: “On March 29 the Bishop went to Natchez [from Pass Christian] to consecrate the holy oils and to pontify at the Cathe dral on Easter Sunday.

“April – Father Horton replaced the Bishop at the Pass for Easter Sunday and he made his visit excep tionally short on account of the scan dalous conduct of some New Orleans visitors on Easter Sunday. They talk ed and laughed and giggled during his sermon to the extent that Horton left as soon as he could get away and nothing could induce him to return to the Pass ever since.

“This forced the Bishop to send on April 8, Father Burns who was as sistant at Vicksburg and he reached the Pass to take care of the church and parish and act as the Bishop’s Chancellor.”

My favorite quotes from Week 1916: “the washing of the feet came too soon after dinner.”

“Holy Saturday was like some ser mons – without any terminal facili ties. It was an endurance more than a religious test to get through the morning service, changing into every color imaginable at the Bishop’s throne, using vestments that had not been out of the moth balls for twelve months…”

I enjoy Bishop Gunn’s phrasing and descriptions. He certainly had a gift for sizing up situations and experiences.

This Holy Week I pray you

enter into the liturgies with an open heart – one that seeks to walk in procession with Jesus into the Upper Room, out into the garden to pray quietly in his presence, on to Calvary at the foot of the Cross, then carrying his light into the darkness.

Let us remember all those affected so terribly by the recent tornadoes. May they experience the light of Christ through us.

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

JACKSON – Mary Woodward works behind the scenes to prepare for Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photos courtesy of archives)

NATION

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (OSV News) – Catholic faithful turned to prayer as tornadoes tore through several U.S. states March 31, killing at least 21, injuring dozens and devastating thousands of homes, businesses and schools. Amid the loss of life and property, Catholics in hard-hit Arkansas told OSV News they see a glimpse of God’s mysterious mercies. “Any time a natural disaster hits … it brings us to our knees, and not in a cute theological sense,” Father Stephen Gadberry, pastor of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Little Rock, told OSV News. “It levels the playing field and shows we’re not the big and strong individuals we think we are. We really do need community. Literally, overnight, enemies are working together in the same yard, getting past their differences. ... We’re a pilgrim people, and we have to journey on together.” St. Teresa school principal Kristy Dunn, who lost her home to a tornado as a child, added, “The Lord is so good ... and there is so much good in humanity. Praise God I’m able to see it up close and personal now.”

HOUMA, La. (OSV News) –Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, a former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, was installed March 29 as the fifth bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana. “I put my trust in Jesus Christ because whenever he gives us a mission, he also gives us the strength and the wisdom to carry it out,” Bishop Dorsonville said as he was installed during a nearly two-hour liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. During the Mass, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, read Pope Francis’ mandate appointing Bishop Dorsonville as the bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. In the decree, Pope Francis asked

the faithful of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to welcome their new bishop “as a father to be loved and a teacher to be heeded.” Archbishop Pierre told Bishop Dorsonville that he will be made to feel at home in his new diocese “because you will find in this diocese many opportunities to continue your ministry as shepherd.”

He also urged Bishop Dorsonville to “listen to the laity who have many gifts and much love for the Church” and serve as “both a brother and a father” to his priests.

THOMASTON, Conn. (OSV News) – The Archdiocese of Hartford is investigating a possible Eucharistic miracle after Communion hosts, distributed by a lay minister, seemingly multiplied during a March 5 liturgy at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, where Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, had once served as pastor. Celebrant Father Joseph Crowley, pastor of the merged St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish of which the church is a part, described the incident in a March 12 homily livestreamed on YouTube as “one of those moments where God showed up in a very powerful, powerful way.” He added the occurrence showed St. Thomas Church “is a very special place” because of “Blessed McGivney’s life here.” At the same time, said Father Crowley, “the real miracle is the fact that we’re able to take simple bread and wine, and through the prayers of the church, through the hands of the priest, Christ is made present through transubstantiation. Our Lord then becomes the flesh and blood hidden under the mere presence of bread and wine.” David Elliott, associate director of communications for the Archdiocese of Hartford, told OSV News that the archdiocesan judicial vicar, Father George S. Mukuka, “has been looking into the possibility of a Eucharistic miracle” at the parish.

Pope Francis gives a chocolate Easter egg to a patient in the pediatric oncology ward of Rome’s Gemelli hospital March 31, 2023. The Vatican said the pope spent about half an hour on the ward the afternoon before he was scheduled to be released from Gemelli after being treated for bronchitis. (CNS photo/Holy See Press Office)

Protection of CHILDREN

The Diocese of Jackson is committed to ensuring that no one being served by the church be (is) at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all the victims, their families and others in the community is of particular concern to the church. In accordance with our policy, all victims are offered counseling and pastoral care.

Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel and has not yet reported it is encouraged to do so. Our victim assistance coordinator, Erika Rojas, a licensed social worker, is available to assist in making a report. Please contact her at (601) 326-3736.

For more information about diocesan policies and procedures and to learn what the diocese is doing to create a safe environment for everyone, please visit the diocesan website at www.jacksondiocese.org and click on “Protection of Children.”

To report an allegation of abuse or mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse by a bishop, please visit https://reportbishopabuse.org.

Following the investigation, Elliott said, the judicial vicar will prepare a report for Hartford Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, “who will make a determination from there” regarding the event’s supernatural nature.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSV News) – Officials of the Nashville Diocese called news of a morning mass shooting and loss of life at a private Christian school in the city heartbreaking and “deeply sad and shocking.” Six individuals, including three children, were fatally shot during the mid-morning hours March 27, at The Covenant School in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville. The private, Christian school educates students in preschool through sixth grade and was founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church. The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Audrey E. Hale, carried out the attack armed with two

short barrel, magazine-fed tactical-style semiautomatic weapons, and a semiautomatic handgun. Hale died upon being immediately engaged by police officers who had responded to the scene. “My heart breaks with news of the school shooting at The Covenant School this morning,” Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville said in a statement posted to social media. “Let us pray for the victims, their families and the Covenant Presbyterian community.” Bishop Spalding celebrated the 5:30 p.m. Mass March 27 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation to pray for the victims of the shooting and the school.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – “I’m still alive,” Pope Francis joked to reporters who asked how he was doing as he left Rome’s Gemelli hospital April 1. The 86-yearold pope, who had been hospitalized since March 29 for treatment of bronchitis, stopped his car and got out to greet well-wishers and reporters waiting outside the hospital. He embraced a sobbing mother, whose daughter had died the night before. He reached out to the father, too, and holding their hands, he prayed with them. The pope then traced a cross on the forehead of each of them and gave them both a kiss on the cheek. Reporters present said he also signed the cast of a boy who said he broke his arm playing soccer. Before returning to the Vatican, he stopped to pray at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a stop he makes before and after every trip abroad and a stop he also made in July 2021 after undergoing colon surgery at the Gemelli. “Pausing before the icon of Mary, ‘Salus Populi Romani,’ he prayerfully entrusted to her the children he met yesterday in the hospital’s pediatric oncology and children’s neurosurgery wards, all the sick and those suffering from illness and the loss of their loved ones,” the Vatican press office said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis has updated

– Continued on page 11 –

+JOSEPH R. KOPACZ D.D., PH.D. BISHOP OF JACKSON

Wiktoria Ulma poses for a picture with one of their children. Józef and Wiktoria Ulma secretly gave shelter to eight Jews for almost two years in German-occupied Poland, hiding them from the murderous Nazi regime during the Second World War. The Ulmas are on the path to beatification, which will take place on Sept. 10, 2023, with the Vatican declaring them martyrs Dec. 17, 2022. The Nazis killed the family and the Jews they were sheltering early in the morning March 24, 1944, right before Easter. (OSV NEWS photo/ courtesy Polish Institute of National Remembrance)

– Continued from page 10 –

the procedures for investigating allegations of sexual abuse or the cover up of abuse, specifying that the leaders of Vatican-recognized international Catholic lay associations and movements have the same responsibilities over their members that a bishop has over the priests of his diocese. The updated version of “Vos Estis Lux Mundi” (You are the light of the world), published March 25, also expanded the categories of victims covered by the regulations to include vulnerable adults. The original text spoke of the crime of “sexual acts with a minor or a vulnerable person.” The updated text read, “a crime against the Sixth Commandment of the Decalogue committed with a minor, or with a person who habitually has an imperfect use of reason, or with a vulnerable adult.” Oblate Father Andrew Small, secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, told Catholic News Service March 25, “Anything that expands the categories of those who should be protected is to be welcomed.” Father Small also pointed to the updated document’s insistence that not only must dioceses and bishops’ conferences have a “system” for reporting abuse or its cover up, they also must have “organisms or offices easily accessible to the public” to accept reports. Making the procedures “well known and publicly accessible is part of justice,” he said.

WORLD

MEXICO CITY (OSV News) – A fire in a Mexican immigration detention center has claimed the lives of at least 40 migrants, who appeared to be abandoned by guards as flames engulfed their locked cells, according to a leaked video from the facility near the U.S. border in Ciudad Juárez. The tragedy provoked sorrow and outrage from Catholic leaders and laity working on migration matters in the United States, Mexico and across Central America, along with calls for a rethinking of immigration policy which criminalizes migrants streaming

through Mexico toward the U.S. border. “The pain and suffering from abandoning their homes is already too much, and we cannot allow their transit through Mexico to become an ordeal for those who leave their family and country in search of a better life,” said a March 28 statement from the Mexican bishops’ conference.

MANAGUA (OSV News) – Imprisoned Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez appeared unexpectedly on Nicaraguan television March 24, more than six weeks after refusing to head into exile and being sentenced to 26 years behind bars. Pale, gaunt and dressed in blue, Bishop Álvarez was reunited with his brother and sister for a meal at the La Modelo prison, where he has been held since hastily being convicted in a secret trial of conspiracy for “undermining national integrity” and spreading false information. The appearance followed weeks of Catholic leaders and human rights groups demanding proof of life – with the last photos of Álvarez dating back to a Jan. 10 court date. He had previously been held under house arrest after being detained in an August 2022 raid on his diocesan headquarters.

MARKOWA, Poland (OSV News) – Kelly Lindquist was three months pregnant with their seventh child when her husband Ian was diagnosed with leukemia on March 24, 2021. That was the day when she learned about another family of seven, living in Poland at the beginning of the 20th century: Servants of God Józef and Wiktoria Ulma. They became the Lindquist family’s protectors throughout Ian’s disease. Ian Lindquist, an education scholar of Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, died of leukemia on May 5, 2022. His wife and their seven children made a trip to the Polish village of Markowa to thank the descendants of the Ulmas for prayers and the special bond the Lindquists’ felt throughout the battle for Ian’s life. “What I saw in Markowa is the Ulma family struggle, the evils that persisted around them and how they didn’t stop being good despite the evil,” Lindquist said. “And I found myself very grateful for their willingness to die for what is good.” “Kelly entrusted everything to God and for us here in Markowa it is a testimony we will never forget,” Urszula Niemczak, Wiktoria Ulma’s relative, told OSV News.

Ladies Auxiliary support Catholic Charities Born Free program through sold-out Charity tea event

By Carolyn Howard MADISON

–

St.

Joseph

Gluckstadt

Knights of Columbus Ladies’ Auxiliary were thrilled to be able to resume their annual charity event this year, aptly titled – Charity Tea.

Auxiliary members cooked, baked and prepared all of the food served at the event. They also provided their finest silver, china and crystal to add to the beauty of our event making it truly an event to behold. In addition, a special team of ladies provided and arranged all of the flowers that decorated the hall and tables.

On Saturday, March 25, more than 80 ladies at the sold-out event, who had purchased tickets in advance, filled the St. Joseph church hall, excited to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Tea guests arrived dressed in their finest, including hats, fascinators, pearls and gloves. The little ladies present were particularly excited to be included in such a grand affair. All guests were treated to a menu of savory tea sandwiches, a fresh array of baked goods, including warm buttermilk scones baked on site, and delectable, sweet delights from the desserts course.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary members were overwhelmed by the generousity and support shown by all of those who participated in the event this year. Local vendors graciously donated prizes to our raffle; and Auxiliary members donated food, talents, time, prizes and more.

In coordination with the Knights of Columbus chapter at the parish, the Ladies’ Auxiliary supports organizations dedicated to serving pregnant women in the community. This year, funds raised at the Charity Tea were presented to Catholic Charities Born Free/New Beginnings program to support the work to aid pregnant women get a fresh start and have their children born drug-free.

GLUCKSTADT – Tea guests at the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Charity Tea event listen attentively as they learn about Catholic Charities Born Free/New Beginnings program and the services they provide on Saturday, March 25 in the St. Joseph Church hall. (Photo by Carolyn Howard)

Ministry of presence

KNEADING FAITH

By Fran LaveLLe

Prior to moving to Mississippi in 1999 to serve as the campus minister at Mississippi State, I was a lay missioner with the Glenmary Sisters, headquartered in Owensboro, Kentucky. I was missioned in Providence, Kentucky from 1996-1999.

I recently found out that one of the Glenmary Sisters, Sister Kathleen Mulchrone passed away. She was born in Ireland but came to the States in the 1950s. She served in active ministry as a Glenmary Sister for 61 years and retired in 2019. She was in her 90s.

I was reflecting on my time in Kentucky and in particular the influence Sister Kathleen had on my ministry and my life. During my orientation one of the things the sisters underscored repeatedly was the importance of the ministry of presence. That is that no matter where you are or what you are doing you are called to be present to the people surrounding you and environment you are in. A good Glenmarian always came back from the post office with more than mail. Not only would they be present to the people who were in the post office, but they would pick up the news of the day from postal workers as well. This is especially effective in rural communities. More often than not they would hear of someone in the community who was sick, or someone who lost their job, and good news like the birth of a baby or engagement. The post office is not the only place where a ministry of presence can happen. It happens anywhere and everywhere. It is an intentional disposition. It is the art of listening and hearing what is happening to the people around you. Sister Kathleen was masterful at the ministry of presence.

I remember my days in youth ministry, the most challenging but privileged time during our time together was at the end of the night when the kids voiced their prayer petitions. One can learn a lot about what’s going on in the lives of the people around them when they are present and listen. In his 2016 book, The Name of God Is Mercy, Pope Francis opines, “People are looking for someone to listen to them.

Someone willing to grant them time, to listen to their dramas and difficulties. This is what I call the ‘apostolate of the ear,’ and it is important.” What we vocalize in prayer speaks of our hopes and dreams and also our grief and worries.

Listening and presence are greatly missing in the public forum today. More often than not people listen to respond or do not listen at all. We all can recall a time when someone was speaking to us and the whole time, we were having our own conversation in our head about what we needed from the grocery store. In the church, especially today, a lack of intentional listening and presence is deadly. People, especially young people want to be seen, valued and heard. For Jesus, intentional listening and a ministry of presence sum up the whole praxis of accompaniment. We have all heard the saying, “Meet people where they are.” It can be a bit slogan-ish, but in practice is the very place where meaningful ministry begins. How can we help people grow in their faith if we do not understand where they are with their faith?

Amelia Rizor is the coordinator for the Office of Young Adults and Campus Ministry for the diocese. She has put together two men’s basketball teams for a Jackson area young adult basketball league. On the occasion of the two Catholic teams competing against one another Amelia invited Bishop Kopacz and I to attend the game with her. We did. It was loads of fun. But, perhaps the most impactful part of the evening was at the end of the game a player on another team recognized Bishop Kopacz and spoke to him. In that brief encounter he told us that he was not Catholic but had been to Mass on several occasions. He also said that he has been thinking about becoming Catholic. That brief exchange was an example of the ministry of presence and why it’s so important. We cannot be present to others if we remain behind our desks or on our phones. We cannot share the apostolate of the ear if we are not in places where people need to be heard.

This Easter season I encourage you to slow your pace and look around you for opportunities to exercise the ministry of presence and the apostolate of the ear. Take in a local sporting event or go out for coffee after Mass. In listening to the needs of others, you just might discover something about yourself.

(Fran Lavelle is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Message of the Resurrection

LIGHT ONE CANDLE

By Father ed dougherty, M.M., the Christophers’ Board oF direCtors

Have you ever wondered what it was like for the Apostles and followers of Christ during the period of time we now call Eastertide, which begins with the Resurrection and concludes with Pentecost? First, they were struck by the most astounding event in human history in discovering that Christ had risen from the dead. It must have been such an extremely jubilant time, yet they were also left with the traumatizing memory of the Crucifixion and the fear of what might be done to them as news of the Resurrection spread and panic set in among those who wanted that news silenced.

Amid this mix of jubilation and fear was a lingering question about what they should do, and that question would not be fully answered until Pentecost, when they were commissioned by God to evangelize the world. The roller coaster of emotions the Apostles and followers of Christ must have experienced during that time is probably something most of us can relate to as we attempt to walk in their footsteps today.

One of the most beautiful moments that occurred after the Resurrection was when Jesus appeared to the Apostles on a beach at the Sea of Galilee. The scene points to answers for questions we all have amid our own mix of emotions over the triumphs, failures, and fears that life throws our way. The Apostles had been fishing all night and caught nothing until daybreak, when a man called to them from the beach telling them to cast their net to the other side of the boat, at which point they caught so many fish they couldn’t haul it

all in. Upon realizing the man on the beach was Jesus, Peter jumped out of the boat to hurry towards Him.

Imagine the emotions Peter must have had rushing out of the water towards Christ on that beach. It must have been a bittersweet moment of joy mixed with the sorrow he probably still carried over his three denials before the Crucifixion. Later, walking along the beach together, Christ asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter answers that he does, until finally saying the third time, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.”

We’re told that Peter felt hurt to be asked a third time, and maybe that was partly because it reminded him of his previous denials. But it seems Jesus was also providing him with an opportunity to understand the Redemption. Perhaps this was even Jesus’ way of emphasizing for Peter that He knows he loves Him despite those previous denials because He gives him the chance to answer “yes” three times, almost as though to wash away the mistakes of the past. That conversation must have lingered with Peter as a stark reminder of the love of God and the confidence we must have that opportunities will always be provided for redemption.

This then is the ultimate message of the Resurrection, that we are redeemed every time we run to Christ with a spirit of reconciliation and hope in sharing His joy. This also answers the commission the Apostles were awaiting and received at Pentecost and that we have inherited as followers of Christ. We must constantly be at work healing the wounds of others through a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, providing opportunities wherever we can to open hearts to the transformative power of God’s love and having confidence those opportunities will always find us.

(For a free copy of The Christophers’ LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS, e-mail: mail@christophers.org)

Happy Ordination Anniversary

April 10

Father Pradeep Kumar Thirumalareddy St. Mary, Batesville & St. John the Baptist, Sardis

April 12

Father Raju Macherla

St. Elizabeth, Clarksdale & Immaculate Conception, Shelby

Father Sleeva Reddy Mekala St. James, Leland & Immaculate Conception, Indianola

April 14

Father Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy St. Alphonsus, McComb & St. James, Magnolia

April 18

Father Vijaya Manohar Reddy Thanugundla St. Francis, Brookhaven

April 19

Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD

Sacred Heart, Greenville & St. Francis, Shaw

April 24

Father Arokia Stanislaus Savio St. Peter, Grenada

April 26

Father Jesuraj Xavier St. Francis, New Albany

Thank you for answering the call!

Holy Child Jesus parish celebrates Sister Thea Bowman

By Joanna Puddister King

CANTON – Faithful from around the diocese gathered to celebrate Sister Thea Bowman at her home parish of Holy Child Jesus in Canton on Sunday, March 26. Sister Thea died on March 30, 1990 in her family home in Canton from breast cancer. Parishes throughout the country celebrated Sister Thea leading up to the 33rd anniversary of her death.

“We made sure to perform some of Sister Thea’s favorites,” said Myrtle Otto of the musical selections for the event.

Otto, a student of Sister Thea’s who performed on the Holy Child Singers album “The Voice of Negro America” in 1967, said that some of the songs included in the celebration were “It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord” and “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.” Otto was featured during the celebration singing “Oh, it is Jesus,” backed up by the combined choirs of Holy Child Jesus and Sacred Heart Camden.

During Mass, Bishop Kopacz often closed his eyes to fully experience the unity of the body of Christ through song. “It was obvious that even without the music, the choir was singing fully and unsparingly, in perfect harmony. The music gave the celebration even more life,” said Bishop Kopacz, referencing the piano player being tied up at another celebration early in the Mass.

Instead of wearing his traditional vestments, Bishop Kopacz opted for a piece of history in the diocesan archives to honor Sister Thea – a vestment from Mound Bayou, one of the first African-American incorporated towns in the United States.

A lifelong friend of Sister Thea, Mamie Chinn present for the event summed up the day perfectly.

“It’s always a good day to celebrate Thea.”

CANTON – Bishop Kopacz wore a piece of diocesan history of the celebration of Sister Thea Bowman at Holy Child Jesus parish on Sunday, March 26. The vestment hails from the heart of the Delta – Mound Bayou, one of the oldest African-American communities in the United States, founded in 1887. (Photos by Joanna King)

Myrtle Otto performs “Oh, It’s Jesus” at the Sister Thea Bowman celebration at Holy Child Jesus on Sunday, March 26.

Father Guy Wilson and Mamie Chinn share a laugh after Mass. Families from as far as Greenwood came to celebrate Sister Thea.

Grandparents day at Annunciation school

COLUMBUS – The McConnell/Thomas family join hands for The Lord’s Prayer during the grandparents day Mass at Annunciation School. (Right) Annunciation students demonstrate their robotics projects to their grandparents. (Photos by Logan Waggoner)

School is 'nifty'

JACKSON – (Above) St. Richard fifth graders perform their "Fifty Nifty" program on the 50 states for students and parents on Friday, March 23. (Photo by Joanna Pudister King)

(Left) St. Richard Kindergarten teacher, Kate Morris leads her class by the Stations of the Cross on their way back to class. (Photo by Tammy Conrad)

CLARKSDALE – Father Raju and parishioners at St. Elizabeth enjoy a special St. Patrick's Day Lenten luncheon on Friday, March 17. (Photo by Catelin Britt)

Mary Magdalene is depicted with the resurrected Christ in this icon at the Haifa Melkite Cathedral in Israel. Easter, the chief feast in the liturgical calendars of all Christian churches, commemorates Christ's resurrection from the dead. Easter is celebrated April 9 this year. (OSV News artwork/Haifa Melkite Cathedral, Bridgeman Images)