JULY 15, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Court overturns Roe – ongoing efforts to 'uphold sanctity of life' continue BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – On the evening of July 6, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization closed its doors for the final time, making it the first time in 49 years that the state of Mississippi has no operating abortion clinic. This coming after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its nearly five decades old decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion. The Court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization handed down on Friday, June 24 held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, with the authority to regulate abortion returned to the states. The Dobbs case centered around Mississippi legislation that was passed in 2018 called the Gestational Age Act, that sought to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks gestation. The Jackson abortion clinic and one of its doctors sued Mississippi officials in federal court, saying that the law was unconstitutional. The federal district court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, both ruled in favor of the clinic, blocking JACKSON – Jackson Women's Health Organization – the last abortion facility in the state – closed permanently on July 7 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. enactment of the law. In May 2021, the U.S. Supreme Wade. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
Court decided it would take up Dobbs, marking the first time since Roe that it would take up a pre-viability ban. More than 140 amici curiae briefs were filed with the Supreme Court on the Dobbs case, the very first being from the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi, stating that “the church has a vested interest in this matter – the dignity and sanctity of all human life.” While originally asking the Court to hear arguments on a viability question – whether all pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional – Mississippi changed course and argued before the Supreme Court on Dec. 1, 2021 that Roe should be completely overturned and the authority to regulate abortions be returned to the states. With Associate Justice Samuel Alito writing for a 5-4 majority he states that “we hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. ... The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.” – Continued on page 6 –
Beloved priest celebrates milestone, bids farewell for now BY MONICA WALTON
CANTON – The final chapter as a full-time pastor came to a close where the first chapter began. On June 20, 2022, on the occasion of his 50th Ordination Anniversary and retirement, Father Mike O’Brien came full circle, celebrating one of his last Masses as pastor in the very same parish where he had his first experience Father Mike O'Brien pic- as pastor of any church. He was only 35 years old tured in Feb. 1976. when he first moved to Sacred Heart in Canton in 1983. How fitting that this be the location of his final assignment in the Magnolia State. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” Father Mike reflected during his homily. “I love being a priest, and I’m very blessed to have these two worlds: Mississippi, I love ya’ll (he drawled)... and Ireland, I love my Ireland.” As he recaptured highlights of the many memories he lived during his childhood and priesthood, he noted that this
was the longest sermon he’d given in all his 50 years. But he made certain to proclaim this truth, “I always knew God was with me, especially in the hard times of our Starkville church burning, Hurricane Katrina and the ICE raids.” The beautiful, little church on Center Street was filled to the brim with the faithful from the many parishes and cities where Father Mike has served. Several who came to honor him had to watch the Mass on monitors in the Parish Center due to lack of seating, but they
didn’t mind. They were simply happy to be there to bid farewell to this priest who had touched their lives in such a special way. The evening was a beautiful blending of cultures — just as the church is meant to be — with the readings, songs, and food representing English, Spanish and, of course, Irish flair. Fifteen members of Father Mike’s family made the trip from Ireland to Mississippi for this incredibly special occasion. Four generations were represented with the youngest of the clan being present, – Continued on page 16 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Called by name Father Nick chronicles travels to Mexico
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Sacraments special insert Sacrament pictures from around the diocese
From the archives 14 Mary statue returns to Greenwood after vandalism