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Homegrown seminarian, Foggo ordained transitional deacon for the diocese

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz hands the Book of the Gospels to newly ordained Deacon Will Foggo during his Nov. 29 diaconate ordination at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, entrusting him with the ministry of preaching and service. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – Surrounded by family, friends, priests, deacons, and fellow seminarians, Will Foggo was ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz ordained Foggo, marking the final stage of formation before his anticipated priestly ordination on May 16, 2026.

Foggo, a lifelong member of the Diocese of Jackson, grew up at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood and attended St. Richard School in Jackson and St. Joseph School in Madison. He later became deeply involved in Catholic Campus Ministry during his years at Mississippi State University, where he first began to sense a persistent call to priesthood.

“I never had one specific moment,” Foggo said. “It was a series of events and the work of prayer and reflection over the course of a few years that led me to enter seminary.”

During the Rite of Ordination, Father Nick Adam, Director of Vocations, presented Foggo to Bishop Kopacz and testified that he had been found worthy after inquiry among the faithful and those overseeing his formation. The bishop then formally chose Foggo for the Order of the Diaconate.

In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the foundations of faith laid by Foggo’s family, parish community, and those who walked with him in discernment. He emphasized the distinct call of the diaconate as a ministry “set apart to serve – not above, but at the heart of the church – in service to God’s Kingdom.” He also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that charity is the “burning heart” of the church’s mission, noting that the diaconate embodies this spirit in a particular way.

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Joyful homecoming: St. Paul parish returns to renewed sanctuary

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

FLOWOOD – After more than a year of construction, parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Church returned to their newly renovated sanctuary and expanded gathering space for a joyful rededication Mass on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 – the Feast of Christ the King.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant, blessing the walls of the church

as more than 450 parishioners filled the new pews, admiring the bright, welcoming space they can now enjoy before and after Mass.

Construction began in October 2024 and included new pews, flooring, paint, lighting, a redesigned sanctuary, and a new tabernacle. A major highlight was the expansion of the front entry and the creation of a true main entrance – replacing the previous side-entry layout. The parish’s façade is now illuminated at night, offering what many describe as a warm invitation to all traveling down Highway 25.

“We were one of the few churches in the diocese that didn’t have a front door,” said Father Gerry Hurley, pastor of St. Paul. “It took quite a while –

Faith Formation 7

Annual diocesan formation day brings leaders together

and as we’ve said a couple of times, God’s plan takes quite a while. Thank you for your gifts and generosity. We were able to bring it about eventually.”

In a nod to their year-long displacement during construction, he added with a smile, “We are very thankful to be back in this space after a long sojourn in the desert at the Family Life Center. Like the people of Israel, we weren’t sure we were going to get there … but we’re finally here 12 months later. I am very happy to be back in this space.”

Several priests joined the celebration in support of Father Hurley, including Father Tommy Conway of Hattiesburg, retired priest Father Bernie Farrell,

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Carmelite rst vows 8

Sister Marie Claire takes rst vows for Carmelites

Youth 18

Photos of youth activities from around the diocese

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with conﬁdence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

CANTON – Sacred Heart, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: church o ce (601) 859-3749.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Advent Confessions, Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 4-6:30 p.m. Several priests will be available.

DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; April 24-26; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2 -4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.ﬂocknote.com/signup/230073 or emaildebbie.tubertini@ jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Ladies Retreat, Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa. Open to women age 21+. Cost: $300/person, includes accommodations and all meals. Deadline to register is Jan. 16. Details: email claudiaaddison@mac.com.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church o ce (601) 693-1321.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Reg-

istration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Details: church o ce (662) 335-5251.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Christmas Bingo Night, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fun for the whole family, with prizes, concessions and more. Details: church o ce (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Carmelite Monestary, during this holiday season, they are currently taking orders for their famous Rum Cakes and Brown Breads. To order yours, please call the Gift Shop at (601) 373-1460 during store hours (Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. When you pick up your order check out the wonderful gift shop. Details: www.jacksoncarmel.com or (601) 373-1460.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school o ce (601) 898-4800.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Details: church o ce (662) 895-5007.

PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforget-

FEATURE PHOTO: ... Ribbon cut on Sister Clare Hogan hall

– Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz cuts the ribbon for Sister Clare Hogan Hall at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, marking the opening of the parish’s new facility. The building, which replaces the more than 40-year-old St. Anthony Hall, was constructed to provide additional space for the parish’s growing community and is a major milestone of the capital campaign launched in 2023. (Photo by St. Francis of Assisi Parish)

table pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and so much more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising e orts. Application packets available in the parish o ce. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 8955007.

PEARL – St. Jude, Posadas, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Details: church o ce (601) 939-3181.

EMPLOYMENT

DIOCESE – The Diocese seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes/schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/lifehealth-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese seeks qualiﬁed, faith-ﬁlled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details, visit jacksondiocese.org/ administrator-employment.

R dgeland Cl nton

MADISON

e Lord is near: Advent’s call to hope and conversion

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

“Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, grant us peace in our days that with the help of your mercy we may be free from sin and safe from all distress as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

This is the magniﬁcent intercessory prayer that the priest pronounces during the Communion Rite of each Mass throughout the year after the Lord’s Prayer and prior to the sign of peace on behalf of all the faithful, a proclamation of the fullness of faith and hope in the Lord’s promises. This is the spirituality of Advent that looks to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, all the while knowing in our hearts that he is Emmanuel, God with us already. This is the mystery of our faith that celebrates his ﬁrst coming in the Incarnation, the majestic Christmas story, and looks beyond – awake and alert – to the end of time for his second coming. This is also our hope for all who have died in the Lord and gone before us. “Arise, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (Eph. 5:14)

Meanwhile, we rejoice with Christians knowing that he is always near in the fullness of Jubilee faith “through the Holy Spirit who has been poured into our hearts,” celebrated sacramentally and recognized wherever two or three are gathered in his name in prayer and loving service.

Although Advent has a di erent aura than Lent, the call to conversion is just as real. The voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord is not merely a suggestion among di erent options. This is our faith that is proclaimed above, “that with the help of your mercy we may be free from sin.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always the gold standard to know the Lord’s mercy and peace, and during the culmination of the Jubilee Year of Hope in the heart of Advent it really shines.

We also pray “to be free of all distress” because anxiety over many of life’s un-

Happy Ordination Anniversary

December 16

Father Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, ST

December 18

Deacon Carlos Sola

December 19

Father omas Mullally, SVD

December 19

Father Octavio Escobar Rangel, OdeM

December 27

Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose

Thank you for answering the call!

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

DEC. 5, 2025

Publisher Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

Communications Director Joanna Puddister King

Production Manager Tereza Ma

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-ofstate. 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

certainties casts a long shadow over the love of God and the light of the Gospel, eclipsing the virtues of faith, hope and love. Persistent distress and anxiety are in opposition to the hope that does not disappoint. We do believe, and we ask the Lord to increase our faith to know the fullness of God’s peace during this season of joyful expectation as we await the “blessed hope and the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

An Advent wreath is depicted in a stained-glass window at Christ the King Church in Commack, N.Y. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

The Blessed Mother as the Immaculate Conception and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is the paradigm presence during our Advent longing. God prepared her from the ﬁrst moment of her conception to be the mother of the Savior, and with a pure heart and a willing spirit open to divine providence, she fulﬁlls the yearning of her people for the Messiah. “The dawn from on high broke upon the world to shine on those who dwelled in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet on the way to peace.” (Luke 1:77-79)

Her apparitions to Juan Diego nearly 500 years ago brought a people back from the brink of annihilation to the light of a new day. Yes, she is the great mother who reveals the tender compassion of our God. With the Blessed Mother and all the saints, the church in every age fulﬁlls the Lord’s commission to work for the salvation of all as a beacon of hope.

Let us rejoice because the Gospel is preached, the sacraments are celebrated, and works of charity, justice and peace abound. May we inspire one another as Advent advances to believe, hope and love. Indeed, the Lord is near! Come, Lord Jesus!

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 14, 10:15 a.m. – Blessing of New Chapel, St. Patrick Catholic School, Meridian

Tuesday, December 16 & 23, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Tuesday, December 16, 6 p.m. – Advent Penance Service, St. Paul, Flowood

Sunday, January 4, 10:30 a.m. – Mass – Closing of the Jubilee Year, Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson

Sunday, January 11-15 – Region V Bishops Retreat, Metairie, Louisiana

Friday, January 23, 5 p.m. – Pro-Life Mississippi Celebrate Life Event, Mississippi Agriculture Museum, Jackson

Sunday, January 25, 10:30 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, St. Richard Church, Jackson

Monday, January 26, 8 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, Cathedral School, Natchez

Tuesday, January 27, 9:15 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, St. Joseph School, Madison

All events are subject to change. Check with parishes, schools or organizations for further details.

BY FATHER NICK ADAM

I’m still reﬂecting with joy on the ordination of Deacon Will Foggo, and I await with great hope his priestly ordination on May 16. This ordination was especially meaningful to me as vocation director because Will is the ﬁrst seminarian I’ve had the privilege to see all the way through. Reaching this moment with him has prompted me to consider what has changed – and what has remained steady – since he began seminary in August 2020 and I began my role the month before.

One major difference, of course, is that we are no longer in the midst of a global pandemic. I called Will and Grayson Foley the “Bubble Boys” because they arrived at St. Joseph Seminary College at the height of COVID, when campus was closed to all nonessential personnel. The seminary was able to operate fairly normally, and infections stayed low, but the isolation and uncertainty of that “bubble” created real challenges. I remain proud of how they both handled those early years with faith and resilience.

Beyond that, the biggest shift in our vocation program has been the intentional expansion of ways we accompany young men discerning God’s call. We’ve strengthened our diocesan discernment groups, increased the number of seminary visits we offer each year, and become more present in schools and parishes. The addition of Father Tristan Stovall as assistant vocation director has been a tremendous blessing, and Bishop Kopacz’s steady support has helped build a culture where vocations are encouraged and nurtured throughout the diocese.

When men have a place to talk openly about their experiences of God’s call, they are far more likely to reach the point of “taking the leap” and applying to seminary. Will experienced that kind of accompaniment through Father Jason Johnston, who served as his chaplain at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison and later as his campus minister at Mississippi State. That steady, personal support helped him discern with conﬁdence. Over the past six years, more of our priests have embraced that same approach – walking with young men in their parishes, campuses and schools so they can explore God’s call in a healthy way.

I’m excited to have Will serving in Starkville as a deacon. He relates naturally to young people, and I know he will accompany anyone who approaches him with interest in the priesthood. I’m grateful for all those who walked with him to bring him to this moment, and I look forward with hope to the day he is ordained a priest for our diocese.

(For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)

the Vocation Supporters list to hear more from Father Nick Adam and happenings in the vocations o ce.

Oxford Knights of Columbus support life through ultrasound program

BY JACOB EFTINK

OXFORD – For many years, Knights of Columbus Council 10901 has faithfully supported the Oxford Pregnancy Center, a local resource that o ers compassionate, conﬁdential and high-quality care to women and families. The center provides free services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound imag-

ing and counseling – all made possible through the generosity of community donors.

Located in an area of visible need and serving a major university community, the center reaches many women in vulnerable situations. The nearest abortion facility is more than 75 miles away in Memphis, making the Oxford Pregnancy Center’s presence all the more essential.

Recognizing the importance of life-a rming care, the Oxford council partnered with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Ultrasound Program, which helps pregnancy centers obtain state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. In 2018, after a survey conducted by the Diocese of Jackson, the Oxford Pregnancy Center qualiﬁed for the program and dedicated its ﬁrst ultrasound machine that December.

By 2024, the center’s leadership identiﬁed the need for an upgraded machine to continue providing the highest level of care. Once again, Council 10901 stepped forward. Through its major fundraiser – the St. John’s Knights of Columbus Car

Parking Event – the council raised about $30,000, covering half the total cost. The Supreme Council’s Ultrasound Program matched the amount, bringing the ﬁnal purchase price to $59,243.

The collaboration among the Oxford Pregnancy Center, the Diocese of Jackson, the local council and the Supreme Council was a testament to faith in action and a shared commitment to the sanctity of life.

The new ultrasound machine was dedicated Nov. 13, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Oxford Pregnancy Center. Father Mark Sho ner o ered a blessing over the machine, and attendees included sta , board members, parishioners from St. John’s Catholic Church, and members of Council 10901.

A highlight of the celebration came when the center’s sonographer demonstrated the clarity of the new equipment, showing guests the vivid images it produces. She noted that the di erence in image quality was dramatic – and potentially life-changing.

As one Knight observed, “The ultrasound room is truly sacred space – where decisions for life are made every day.”

Through their faith, generosity and unity, the Oxford Knights of Columbus and their partners have once again brought hope, compassion and life-a rming care to their community.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 recently donated a new ultrasound machine to the Pregnancy Center of Oxford. On Nov. 13, Father Mark Shoffner blessed the machine during a small gathering. Pictured from left are Danielle Lewis, Theodore Cutcliffe, Father Mark Shoffner, Father Robert Antony, Louis Cutcliffe and Grand Knight Jim Herzog. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Newsom)

Father Nick Adam

How do we know God exists?

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

Recently I was listening to a religious talk show on the radio when a caller asked: How do we know that God exists? A good question.

The radio host answered by saying that we know it through faith. That’s not a bad answer, except what needs to be teased out is how we know this through faith.

First, what does it mean to know something? If we believe that to know something means to be able to somehow picture it, understand it, and imagine its existence, then this side of eternity, we can never know God. Why?

Because God is ineffable. That’s the first and non-negotiable truth we need to accept about God and it means that God, by definition, is beyond our imagination. God is infinite and the infinite can never be circumscribed or captured in a concept. Try imagining the highest number to which it is possible to count. God’s nature and existence can never be conceptualized or imagined. But it can be known.

Knowing isn’t always in the head, something we can explicate, own in a picture, and give words to. Sometimes, particularly with things touching the deepest mysteries in life, we know beyond our head and our heart. This knowing is in our gut, something felt as a moral imperative, a nudge, a call, an obligation, a voice which tells us what we must do to stay true. It’s there we know God, beyond any imaginative, intellectual, or even affective grasp.

The revealed truths about God in scripture, in Christian tradition, and in the witness of the lives of martyrs and saints, simply give expression to something we already know, as the mystics put it, in a dark way.

So, how might we prove the existence of God?

I wrote my doctoral thesis on exactly that question. In that thesis, I take up the classical proofs for the existence of God as we see these articulated in Western philosophy. For example, Thomas Aquinas tried to prove God’s existence in five separate arguments.

Here’s one of those arguments: Imagine walking down a road and seeing a stone and asking yourself, how did it get there? Given the brute reality of a stone, you can simply answer, it’s always been there. However, imagine walking down a road and seeing a clock still keeping time. Can you still say, it’s always been there? No, it can’t always have been there because it has an intelligent design that someone must have built into it and it is ticking away the hours, which means it cannot have been there forever.

Aquinas then asks us to apply this to our own existence and to the universe. Creation has an incredibly intelligent design and, as we know from contemporary physics, has not always existed. Something or someone with intelligence has given us and the universe a historical beginning and an intelligent design. Who?

How much weight does an argument like this carry? There was once a famous debate on BBC radio in England between Frederick Copleston, a renowned Christian philosopher, and Bertrand Russell, a brilliant agnostic thinker. After all the give and take in their debate, they agreed, as atheist and believer, on this one thing: If the world makes sense then God exists. As an atheist, Russell agreed to that, but then went on to say that ultimately the world doesn’t make sense.

Most thinking atheists accept that the world doesn’t’ make sense; but then, like Albert Camus, struggle with the question, how can it not make sense? If there isn’t a God then how can we say that is better to help a child than to abuse a child? If there isn’t a God, how can we ground rationality and morality?

At the end of my thesis, I concluded that existence

of God cannot be proven through a rational argument, a logical syllogism, or a mathematical equation, albeit all of those can give some compelling hints regarding God’s existence.

However, God is not found at the end of an argument, a syllogism, or an equation. God’s existence, life, and love are known (they are experienced) inside a certain way of living.

Simply put, if we live in a certain way, in the way all religions worthy of the name (not least Christianity) invite us to live, namely, with compassion, selflessness, forgiveness, generosity, patience, long-suffering, fidelity, and gratitude, then we will know God’s existence by participation in God’s very life – and whether or not we have an imaginative sense of God’s existence is of no importance.

Why do I believe in God? Not because I’m particularly persuaded by proofs from great philosophical minds like Aquinas, Anselm, Descartes, Leibnitz or Hartshorne. I find their proofs intellectually intriguing but existentially less persuasive.

I believe in God because I sense God’s presence at a gut level, as a silent voice, as a call, an invitation, a moral imperative which, whenever listened to and obeyed, brings community, love, peace and purpose.

That’s the real proof for the existence of God.

(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a professor of spirituality at Oblate School of Theology and award-winning author.)

The Pope’s Corner

Lebanese have what is needed to build a future of peace, pope says

By Cindy Wooden BEIRUT (CNS)

– Even in the face of difficulties and the constant threat of war, the young people of Lebanon and the country’s religious leaders have enormous resources that can build a better future for all people, Pope Leo XIV said.

“The true opposition to evil is not evil, but love, a love capable of healing one’s own wounds while also caring for the wounds of others,” he said Dec. 1 as he met thousands of young people outside the headquarters of the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch in Bkerké, overlooking Beirut.

Pope Leo met the 15,000 young people after meeting their elders – representatives of the country’s Christian, Muslim, Druze and Alawite communities – in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, which honors those who fought for Lebanon’s independence and were executed there in 1916. The martyrs came from every religious community.

At their meeting, the young people posed two questions to the pope: How to preserve one’s inner peace and hope “in a country deprived of stability, whether in terms of security or economy”; and how can people keep their families, marriages and friendships solid in a world dominated by the digital and ephemeral.

Pope Leo told them to look for good examples around them.

“Draw from the good roots of those dedicated to serving society without using it for their own interests,” he said. “Be the source of hope that the country is waiting for!”

For Christians, the pope said, Jesus is the first person to look to for help both with peace and with relationships because both require love.

“If our ego is at the center of a friendship or loving relationship, it cannot bear fruit,” he said. “Similarly, it is not true love if we only love temporarily, as long as the feeling lasts: if love has a time limit, it is not truly love.”

Love and charity express God’s presence in the world “more than anything else,” the pope told them. “Charity speaks a universal language, because it speaks to every heart.”

Pope Leo encouraged them to look at the example of their peers who have not been discouraged “by injustices and negative

examples, even those found within the church. Instead, they have tried to forge new paths in search of the kingdom of God and its justice.”

“Drawing on the strength you receive from Christ, build a better world than the one you inherited,” he told them, and make friends with people from different cultures and religions.

In a tent in the shadow of the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque in Beirut, Pope Leo told the leaders that the central role of faith in the life of Lebanon is obvious.

The pope prayed that every toll of the bell and every call to prayer would “blend into a single, soaring hymn ... to lift a heartfelt prayer for the divine gift of peace.”

Too often, he said, when people think of the Middle East, they think of ongoing conflict.

“Yet,” Pope Leo said, “in the midst of these struggles, a sense of hopefulness and encouragement can be found when we focus on what unites us: our common humanity, and our belief in a God of love and mercy.”

“In an age when coexistence can seem like a distant dream,” he said, “the people of Lebanon, while embracing different religions, stand as a powerful reminder that fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word, and that unity, reconciliation, and peace are possible.”

Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with Sheikh Ali Kaddour, head of the Alawi Islamic Council in Lebanon during an ecumenical and interreligious meeting in Martyrs’ Square in Beirut, Lebanon, Dec. 1, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

‘... Excited to ... get to better know the people I will be serving ...’

During the Litany of Saints, Will Foggo lies prostrate before the altar at his diaconate ordination on Nov. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Foggo said this moment was especially profound for him, as the whole church prays for the ordinand to give himself fully to the Lord. (Photo by Joanna King) View more photos at jacksondiocese.zenfolio.com.

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Foggo said the Litany of Saints, during which the ordinand lies prostrate before the altar, was especially profound for him. “The Litany has always been my favorite part of any ordination,” he said. “The entire church is praying for the ordinand that he may fully give of himself to the Lord and the church.”

His devotion to prayer has long been central to his discernment. He often turns to the rosary and Eucharistic adoration, describing them as powerful moments of encountering Christ. He also carries a deep affection for St. Joseph – his confirmation saint – drawn to the saint’s humility and quiet strength. Fittingly, Foggo will now return to St. Joseph parish in Starkville, where he was active during his MSU years, to serve as deacon up until his ordination to the priesthood.

“It is an honor and an act of divine providence that I am able to serve one of the communities that helped to form me,” Foggo said. “I am excited to begin preaching and the sacraments and to get to better know the people I will be serving.”

At the close of Mass, Father Nick expressed gratitude to all who supported Foggo throughout his formation. He noted the joyful presence of Foggo’s family – including his parents, John and Sheila Foggo – and shared a memory of the day Chris Diaz, who proclaimed the first reading at the ordination, brought Will to his office to receive his seminary application.

As Foggo begins his ministry as a transitional deacon, his prayer is simple: “That the Lord will give me the necessary graces to serve His people the best I can and do His will.”

Foggo will serve at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville until his priestly ordination on May 16, 2026, when he will return to the cathedral to be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Jackson.

‘... Incredible to be part of it and to rejoice with you in God’s house ...’

– Continued from page 1 –

and Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam, chaplain at St. Dominic Hospital. Also joining was Deacon Tony Schmidt.

During his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the parish’s long journey toward this day. “It is joyful to be here with Father Gerry and all the staff at St. Paul’s – all that has come into this moment. It’s incredible to be part of it and to rejoice with you in God’s house,” he said. He noted that one of his earliest visits around the diocese in 2015 included a stop at St. Paul to review building plans, drawing warm applause as he commended Father Hurley for his “incredible dedication to the parish.”

Chris Cox, who helped lead renovation efforts with a committee of other parish leaders, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It has been a real blessing to me to work in renovating the church. It has been a true blessing, an honor, and a labor of love,” he said. He thanked parishioners for their generosity to the capital campaign, which not only met but exceeded its goal. “Thanks to all who supported the project financially and spiritually.”

Though nearly everything in the physical space has been refreshed, the parish’s spirit remains unchanged. As several parishioners remarked, the building may be new, but the sense of home at St. Paul is as strong as ever.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul Catholic Church unveiled its newly renovated sanctuary and expanded front entrance during a rededication Mass on Nov. 23, 2025, celebrated by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz. Parishioners filled the new gathering space following Mass, rejoicing in the parish’s return after more than a year of construction. (Photos by Joanna King)

Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reﬂect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose.

The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry.

Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates or apologetics.

Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the keynote, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the ﬁrst time, the event also o ered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish.

Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the conﬁrmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who o ered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings.

In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path.

The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and o ers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese.

The event closed with a ﬁnal keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, en-

ergized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church.

(To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese.org/ bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)

Join Our Team! Now Hiring: Event Planning Coordinator

e Catholic Diocese of Jackson is seeking a full-time Event Planning Coordinator to support diocesan events, meetings, and hosted programs that strengthen our parishes, ministries, and communities of faith. is position is based in Jackson, Mississippi.

e coordinator will oversee the planning and execution of a wide range of diocesan events; manage logistics, timelines, and communications; and work closely with clergy, sta , donors, and volunteers. e ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, and committed to serving the people of God with professionalism and hospitality.

Quali cations:

• Minimum three years of event planning experience

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Pro ciency in Microso O ce (especially PowerPoint and Excel)

• Ability to work some evenings/weekends and travel within the Diocese

• Commitment to the Catholic faith and familiarity with Catholic traditions

A bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Nonpro t Management, or a related eld is preferred.

To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to rebecca.harris@ jacksondiocese.org. Applications accepted until position is lled.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

‘Hope does not disappoint:’ A Jubilee for the history books

By Junno Arocho EstEvEs

(OSV News) – In his papal bull proclaiming the Jubilee Year, the late Pope Francis emphasized the theme of hope, a much-needed virtue in a time of uncertainty, war and tribulation.

Yet in “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), the pope unknowingly described what many Catholics would feel in the year to come.

“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring,” he wrote.

While the intense monthly schedule of Jubilee events was worrisome, there was still the hope that the ailing pontiff would be able to participate.

However, those hopes were dashed once his health took a turn for the worse in February, and on April 21, just one day after delivering what would be his final Easter Sunday “urbi et orbi” blessing, Pope Francis died.

For Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer of the Jubilee 2025 events and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the pope’s death “created a silence that was felt in the streets of Rome and the world, as well as in every Christian community.”

In an interview via email Dec. 3, Archbishop Fisichella told OSV News that it was in those days of mourning that “the motto of the Jubilee took on a different light.”

“The faithful understood that Christian hope is

not a sentiment, but a promise,” he said. Interregnum

Despite his ill health, Pope Francis’ death still came as a shock to many and triggered a series of events that occurred only once in the Catholic Church’s history.

The last time the death of a pope and the election of his successor occurred in a Jubilee Year was in 1700 with the death of Pope Innocent XII and the election of Pope Clement XI.

Aside from the uncertainty regarding who would be the next leader of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Fisichella acknowledged that it “was useless to deny” that the interregnum period caused “a certain objective difficulty.”

Alessandro Gisotti, deputy editorial director of Vatican Media, told OSV News Nov. 11 that the Jubilee faced challenges even before the pope’s death.

“When the pope was at Gemelli Hospital, the Jubilee continued, but without the pope, it was naturally more subdued,” Gisotti said.

For both Archbishop Fisichella and Gisotti, the death of Pope Francis and the conclave and election of Pope Leo XIV did not stop the Jubilee but instead redefined it.

Carmelite community celebrates first vows of Sister Marie Claire

By JoAnnA PuddistEr King And tErEzA MA

Despite the demanding schedule, the archbishop added, “Pope Leo XIV accepted the calendar without fear and, from the beginning, chose to maintain the programmed Jubilee commitments.”

JACKSON – The small community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Jackson celebrated a milestone in their monastery on Saturday, Nov. 22, as Sister Marie Claire professed her first vows during a quiet morning ceremony in the chapel.

Originally from the Congo, Sister Marie Claire made her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before a small gathering that included members of the Carmelite Seculars and supporters from the greater Jackson community. After Mass, she greeted guests with a radiant smile, wearing a crown of flowers symbolizing her vocation as a bride of Christ and her commitment to a life of purity and devotion.

Founded in 1951, the Carmelite monastery has long served the diocese as a place of contemplation, where the nuns devote their lives to prayer, silence and simplicity in service to the People of God.

For those present, the ceremony was a moment of deep joy and inspiration.

“It was a day of great joy,” said Dorothy Ashley, a Carmelite Secular. “I praise God for her vocation and will be praying for her – and hope she’ll be praying for us too.”

For Taylor Coe, who entered the church this past Easter, witnessing his first profession of vows was especially moving. “It was a very enlightening experience,” he said. “Seeing someone commit their entire life to God was beautiful. The nuns have been such a blessing in my life, especially their prayers and their presence.”

The Carmelite community continues to welcome visitors seeking quiet, prayer and the presence of Christ – a mission they describe as sharing “an overflow of contemplation” with the world.

Sister Marie Claire and Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Nov. 22. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

A door opened, a door closed

In December 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s, marking the beginning of the Jubilee. The task of closing that door now falls to his successor, Pope Leo XIV.

For Archbishop

Fisichella, the fact that Pope Francis would not be the one to end the Jubilee of Hope is one of “profound symbolic value.”

“Let this unfinished gesture become an invitation for every believer: The mission of the church never closes,” he said.

“Crossing the Holy Door means assuming the responsibility to bring hope where it is missing,” he said.

“The ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ return to their dioceses with a stronger sense of belonging and, above all, with the awareness that daily witness is the first place of evangelization.”

(Junno Arocho Esteves writes for OSV News from Malmö, Sweden.)

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.

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (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

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Jackson prepare to enter the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, led by Bishop Joseph Kopacz in October 2025. (Photo by Abbey Schuhmann)

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

Foggo, seminarista local, ordenado diácono transitorio para la diócesis

JACKSON – El recién ordenado diácono Will Foggo es revestido durante su ordenación diaconal el 29 de noviembre en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol. Foggo servirá en la parroquia de San José en Starkville hasta su ordenación sacerdotal el 16 de mayo de 2026. (Foto de Joanna Puddister King)

Por Joanna PUDDisTer KinG

JACKSON – Rodeado de familiares, amigos, sacerdotes, diáconos y compañeros seminaristas, Will Foggo fue ordenado diácono transitorio el sábado 29 de noviembre en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol. El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz ordenó a Foggo, lo que marca la etapa final de su formación antes de su esperada ordenación sacerdotal el 16 de mayo de 2026. Foggo, miembro de toda la vida de la Diócesis de Jackson, creció en la Iglesia Católica San Pablo en Flowood y asistió a la Escuela San Ricardo en Jackson y a la Escuela San José en Madison. Más tarde se involucró profundamente en el Ministerio Católico Universitario durante sus años en la Universidad Estatal de Misisipi, donde comenzó a sentir una llamada persistente al sacerdocio.

“Nunca hubo un momento concreto”, dijo Foggo. “Fue una serie de acontecimientos y el trabajo de oración y reflexión a lo largo de varios años lo que me llevó a entrar en el seminario”.

Durante el rito de ordenación, el padre Nick Adam, director de vocaciones, presentó a Foggo al obispo Kopacz y dio testimonio de que había sido considerado digno tras consultar con los fieles y con quienes supervisaban su formación. A continuación, el obispo eligió formalmente a Foggo para la Orden del Diaconado.

En su homilía, el obispo Kopacz reflexionó sobre los fundamentos de la fe establecidos por la familia de Foggo, la comunidad parroquial y quienes le acompañaron en su discernimiento. Hizo hincapié en la vocación distintiva del diaconado como un ministerio “apartado para servir, no por encima, sino en el corazón de la Iglesia, al servicio del Reino de Dios”. También destacó la enseñanza del papa León XIV de que la caridad es el “corazón ardiente” de la misión de la Iglesia, señalando que el diaconado encarna este espíritu de una manera particular.

Foggo dijo que la Letanía de los Santos, durante la cual el ordenando yace postrado ante el altar, fue especialmente profunda para él. “La Letanía siempre ha sido mi parte favorita de cualquier ordenación”, dijo. “Toda la iglesia reza por el ordenando para que se entregue plenamente al Señor y a la iglesia”.

Su devoción por la oración ha sido durante mucho tiempo fundamental para su discernimiento. A menudo recurre al rosario y

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Día de Formación en la Fe reúne a líderes parroquiales

Por Joanna PUDDisTer KinG MADISON – Los líderes parroquiales de toda la Diócesis de Jackson se reunieron en la iglesia de San Francisco de Asís el sábado 15 de noviembre para celebrar el Día Anual de Formación en la Fe de Otoño, un taller de un día organizado cada noviembre por el Departamento de Formación en la Fe. El tema de este año, "Peregrinos de la esperanza: viajando juntos", invitó a catequistas, ministros juveniles, directores de educación religiosa y voluntarios parroquiales a reflexionar sobre su vocación de acompañar al pueblo de Dios con un propósito renovado. El ponente principal fue Robert Feduccia, un conferencista reconocido a nivel nacional que creció en Brookhaven y atribuye su propia vocación al ministerio a las experiencias formativas vividas en la Diócesis de Jackson. Inició la jornada con animadas preguntas del tipo "¿qué prefieres?", que hicieron reír, emocionar e interactuar a los participantes an-

tes de llevarlos a conversaciones más profundas sobre el corazón del ministerio.

Feduccia animó a los líderes parroquiales a verse a sí mismos no como directores de programas que simplemente gestionan la logística, sino como líderes ministeriales arraigados en la tradición de la Iglesia y atentos a la realidad vivida por sus comunidades parroquiales. Señaló que la población católica de Misisipi, aunque pequeña y diversa, se encuentra en una posición única para ofrecer un acompañamiento auténtico y un ministerio basado en las relaciones. Instó a los participantes a presentar la fe como una verdadera buena noticia, ayudando a las personas a encontrar a Cristo en lugar de centrarse únicamente en debates intelectuales o apologéticos.

La hermana Amelia Breton proporcionó traducción simultánea durante la conferencia magistral, lo que permitió a los participantes hispanohablantes participar plenamente. Por primera vez, el evento

también ofreció sesiones paralelas presentadas íntegramente en español.

A lo largo del día, los asistentes pudieron elegir entre una variedad de talleres prácticos que abordaban necesidades reales de la vida parroquial. Entre los ponentes se encontraban la hermana Amelia Breton, que habló sobre el acompañamiento a las comunidades migrantes; Rebecca Harris, que habló sobre la recaudación de fondos y la administración parroquial; Emily Moran, que exploró el camino de la confirmación con los jóvenes; Ruth Powers, que abordó la recuperación de la vida comunitaria dentro de las parroquias; Amelia Rizor, que se centró en el ministerio de grupos pequeños; y Debbie Tubertini, que ofreció ideas sobre el enriquecimiento del matrimonio. Las sesiones en español fueron dirigidas por Danna Johnson y Raquel Thompson, quienes presentaron temas sobre el desarrollo de la partici-

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'... Estoy emocionado ... por conocer mejor a las personas a las que voy a servir...'

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a la adoración eucarística, que describe como momentos poderosos de encuentro con Cristo. También siente un profundo afecto por San José, su santo de confirmación, atraído por la humildad y la fuerza tranquila del santo. Como es lógico, Foggo regresará ahora a la parroquia de San José en Starkville, donde estuvo activo durante sus años en la MSU, para servir como diácono hasta su ordenación sacerdotal.

“Es un honor y un acto de la divina providencia que pueda servir a una de las comunidades que me ayudaron a formarme”, dijo Foggo. “Estoy emocionado por empezar a predicar y administrar los sacramentos, y por conocer mejor a las personas a las que voy a servir”.

Al final de la misa, el padre Nick expresó su gratitud a todos los que apoyaron a Foggo a lo largo de su formación. Destacó la alegre presencia de la familia de Foggo, incluidos sus padres, John y Sheila Foggo, y compartió un recuerdo del día en que Chris Díaz, que proclamó la primera lectura en la ordenación, llevó a Will a su oficina para recibir su solicitud de ingreso en el seminario.

Al comenzar su ministerio como diácono transitorio, la oración de Foggo es sencilla: “Que el Señor me conceda las gracias necesarias para servir a su pueblo lo mejor que pueda y hacer su voluntad”.

Foggo prestará servicio en la iglesia católica de San José en Starkville hasta su ordenación sacerdotal el 16 de mayo de 2026, cuando regresará a la catedral para ser ordenado sacerdote de la diócesis de Jackson.

' ...

El diácono Will Foggo asiste en el altar durante su ordenación diaconal el 29 de noviembre en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol. (Foto de

El Día de Formación en la Fe de Otoño reúne a los líderes parroquiales ...'

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pación comunitaria y los grupos pequeños dentro del entorno parroquial.

El Centro Obispo Houck para la Formación de Laicos está diseñado para ayudar a los líderes laicos a crecer en la fe, el conocimiento y el servicio a través de programas basados en la educación, la evangelización y el desarrollo del liderazgo. La iniciativa se basa en el legado del obispo Houck de apoyar el ministerio laico y la evangelización, y ofrece oportunidades de formación tanto en inglés como en español para equipos parroquiales y líderes individuales de toda la diócesis. El evento concluyó con un discurso final de Feduccia, que despidió a los participantes de regreso a sus parroquias animados, llenos de energía y con el recuerdo de que Dios obra poderosamente a través de los fieles que dicen sí al servicio de su Iglesia.

(Para obtener más información sobre el Centro Obispo William R. Houck para la Formación de Laicos y las próximas oportunidades de capacitación y enriquecimiento, visite jacksondiocese. org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation).

MADISON – Robert Feduccia habla ante formadores religiosos de toda la diócesis con motivo del Día de la Formación Religiosa, celebrado el sábado 15 de noviembre. (Fotos de Joanna King)

– Robert Feduccia interactúa con los participantes durante su presentación principal en el Día de Formación en la Fe de Otoño, celebrado el 15 de noviembre en la parroquia de San Francisco de Asís. Líderes de parroquias de toda la diócesis se reunieron para una jornada de talleres, oración y formación.

MADISON

Joanna Puddister King)

El Señor está cerca: el Adviento llama a la esperanza y la conversión

Por obisPo JosePh r. KoPacz, D.D. "Líbranos, Señor, de todo mal, concédenos paz en nuestros días para que, con la ayuda de tu misericordia, estemos libres de pecado y a salvo de toda afligencia mientras esperamos la bendita esperanza y venida de nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo."

Esta es la magnífica oración de intercesión que el sacerdote pronuncia durante el Rito de Comunión de cada Misa a lo largo del año después del Padre Nuestro y antes del signo de paz en nombre de todos los fieles, una proclamación de plenitud de fe y esperanza en las promesas del Señor. Esta es la espiritualidad del Adviento que mira hacia la segunda venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, sabiendo en nuestro corazón que Él es Manuel, Dios esta con nosotros. Este es el misterio de nuestra fe que celebra su primera venida en la Encarnación, la majestuosa historia navideña, y mira más allá – despierta y alerta – hasta el fin de los tiempos para su segunda venida. Esta es también nuestra esperanza para todos los que han muerto en el Señor y han ido antes que nosotros. "Despiértate tu que duermes, Y levántate de los muertos, Y te alumbra cristo." (Efesios 5:14)

Mientras tanto, nos alegramos con los cristianos sabiendo que Él siempre está cerca en la plenitud de la fe jubilar "por el Espíritu Santo que ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones", celebrados sacramentalmente y reconociendo que dondequiera que dos o tres estén reunidos en su nombre en oración y servicio amoroso.

Aunque el Adviento tiene un aura diferente a la Cuaresma, el llamado a la conversión es igual de real. La voz de Juan el Bautista clamando en el desierto para preparar el camino del Señor no es simplemente una sugerencia entre diferentes opciones. Esta es nuestra fe la que se proclama a lo alto: "para que, con la ayuda de tu misericordia, estemos libres de pecado." El Sacramento de la Reconciliación es siempre el estándar de oro para conocer la misericordia y la paz del Señor, y durante la culminación del Año Jubilar de la Esperanza en pleno Adviento realmente brille.

También oramos "para estar libres de toda angustia" porque la ansiedad ante muchas de las incertidumbres de la vida proyecta una larga sombra sobre el amor de Dios y la luz del Evangelio, eclipsando las virtudes de la fe, la esperanza y el amor. El sufrimiento y la ansiedad persistentes se oponen a la esperanza de no decepcionar. Creemos, y pedimos al Señor que aumente nuestra fe para conocer la plenitud de la paz de Dios durante esta época de alegre expectativa mientras esperamos la "bendita esperanza y la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo."

La Santísima Virgen como la Inmaculada Concepción y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe son la presencia paradigmática durante nuestro anhelo adventista. Dios la preparó desde el primer momento de su concepción para ser la madre del Salvador y, con un corazón puro y un espíritu dispuesto y abierto a la providencia divina, Darás a conocer a su pueblo la salvación mediante el per-

La Esquina del Papa

dón de sus pecados, gracias a la entrañable misericordia de nuestro Dios. Así nos visitara desde el cielo el sol naciente para dar a luz a los que viven en tinieblas y en sombra de muerte, para guiar nuestros pasos por la senda de la paz. (Lucas 1:77-79)

Sus apariciones a Juan Diego hace casi 500 años trajeron a un pueblo de vuelta del borde de la aniquilación a la luz de un nuevo día. Es la gran madre que revela la tierna compasión de nuestro Dios. Con la Santísima Virgen y todos los santos, la iglesia en todas las épocas cumple la misión del Señor de trabajar por la salvación de todos como un faro de esperanza.

Regocijémonos porque se predica el Evangelio, se celebran los sacramentos y abundan las obras de caridad, justicia y paz. Que nos inspiremos mutuamente mientras el Adviento avanza hacia la creencia, la esperanza y el amor. ¡En efecto, el Señor está cerca! ¡Ven, Señor Jesús!

El Papa insta a los libaneses a no renunciar a la paz ni a ayudarse mutuamente

Por cinDy WooDen

BEIRUT (CNS) – Reconociendo la existencia de “circunstancias muy complejas, conflictivas e inciertas”, el Papa León XIV llegó a Líbano predicando la paz.

Apenas una semana antes de la llegada del pontífice, el 30 de noviembre, Israel había lanzado su último ataque contra el Líbano, matando a un comandante de Hezbolá y a cuatro militantes en un suburbio de Beirut.

Tras un vuelo de dos horas desde Estambul, el Papa León fue recibido en el aeropuerto de Beirut por el presidente libanés Joseph Aoun, el primer ministro Nawaf Salam y el cardenal Bechara Rai, patriarca de la Iglesia católica maronita, la más grande de las iglesias católicas del Líbano.

Tras una salva de 21 cañonazos y la interpretación de los himnos del Líbano y del Vaticano, se dirigieron al palacio presidencial de Beirut.

Cientos de personas se alinearon en las calles cercanas al palacio presidencial para ver al Papa, y muchas se quedaron incluso cuando comenzó a llover intensamente.

La lluvia tampoco impidió que un grupo de baile actuara fuera del palacio interpretando una danza tradicional llamada “dabke”.

Tras las reuniones privadas, el presidente y el Papa se dirigieron a unos 400 funcionarios gubernamentales, así como a líderes religiosos, empresariales, culturales y cívicos.

Sin mencionar a Israel por su nombre, el Papa León elogió al pueblo libanés como “un pueblo que no se rinde, sino que, ante las pruebas, siempre sabe renacer con valentía”.

“Su resiliencia es una característica imprescindible de los auténticos constructores de paz: la obra de la paz, en efecto, es un continuo recomenzar”, dijo el Santo Padre. “El compromiso y el amor por la paz no conocen el miedo ante las aparentes derrotas, no se dejan doblegar por las decepciones, sino que saben ver más allá, acogiendo y abrazando con esperanza todas las realidades”.

“Se necesita tenacidad para construir la paz”, dijo el Papa León. “Se necesita perseverancia para engendrar vida y custodiarla”.

El papa León XIV ofrece una reflexión durante un encuentro ecuménico e interreligioso en la Plaza de los Mártires de Beirut, Líbano, el 1 de diciembre de 2025. (Foto CNS/Lola Gómez)

Fátima Bosch Fernández, de México, reacciona junto a otras concursantes tras ser coronada Miss Universo 2025 durante el 74.º certamen de Miss Universo celebrado en Bangkok el 21 de noviembre. (Foto de OSV News/ Chalinee Thirasupa, Reuters)

NACIÓN

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – La mayoría de los latinos del país desaprueban las políticas económicas y migratorias de línea dura del presidente Donald Trump, y más de la mitad temen que ellos o un ser querido puedan ser deportados, incluyendo aproximadamente uno de cada tres puertorriqueños, que son ciudadanos estadounidenses por nacimiento. Además, casi tres cuartas partes (71%) de los latinos del país creen que la administración Trump está actuando de forma excesiva en sus campañas de deportación, lo que supone un aumento con respecto al 59% registrado en febrero. Los resultados fueron publicados el 24 de noviembre por el Pew Research Center en un informe basado en datos de dos encuestas bilingües realizadas en septiembre y octubre. La tendencia se observa en varios grupos demográficos, según Pew, que descubrió que el 75% de los católicos latinos y el 58 % de los protestantes latinos desaprueban la labor de Trump. En materia de inmigración, el 70% de los católicos hispanos y el 55% de los evangélicos hispanos dijeron que desaprueban las políticas

de la administración Trump. Los datos se dan a conocer pocos días después de que la Conferencia Católica de Obispos de Estados Unidos emitiera un mensaje pastoral especial sobre inmigración, respaldado por el papa León XIV, en el que se afirma "nuestra preocupación por los inmigrantes" en medio de la campaña de Trump contra la inmigración. Pew afirma en su informe que "los latinos se han vuelto pesimistas en el año transcurrido desde las elecciones presidenciales de 2024" y que "la mayoría afirma que su situación en Estados Unidos ha empeorado". La mayoría de los latinos (59%) afirma haber visto u oído hablar de detenciones o redadas del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas – que la administración Trump ha llevado a cabo en todo el país – en su comunidad durante los últimos seis meses.

VATICANO

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Una comisión creada por el Papa Francisco para estudiar la cuestión de las "mujeres diaconisas" ha votado en contra de la posibilidad de ordenar a las mujeres al diaconado, al tiempo que ha apoyado la realización de más estudios sobre el tema. También ha expresado su esperanza de que se amplíe el acceso de las mujeres a otros ministerios. El Papa Francisco creó la "Comisión de Estudio sobre el Diaconado Femenino" en 2020 como continuación de un grupo anterior que estudió la historia de las mujeres diaconisas en el Nuevo Testamento y las primeras comunidades cristianas. El Vaticano publicó la síntesis, incluidos los resultados de las votaciones que los miembros de la comisión realizaron sobre

12 de deciembre de 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATÓLICO

ocho declaraciones o "tesis" diferentes. Una proposición que dividió a los miembros exactamente por la mitad fue: "La masculinidad de Cristo, y por tanto la masculinidad de quienes reciben la ordenación, no es accidental, sino que forma parte integrante de la identidad sacramental, preservando el orden divino de la salvación en Cristo. Alterar esta realidad no sería un simple ajuste del ministerio, sino una ruptura del significado nupcial de la salvación". Cuando esta declaración se sometió a votación entre los diez miembros en febrero, recibió cinco votos a favor, lo que confirmó su forma actual, mientras que los otros cinco miembros votaron a favor de eliminarla. Una declaración que recibió seis votos en contra, dos a favor y dos abstenciones fue: "El abajo firmante está a favor de la institución en la Iglesia del diaconado femenino, entendido como el tercer grado de las órdenes sagradas".

MUNDO

BANGKOK (OSV News) – La mexicana Fátima Bosch Fernández es la nueva Miss Universo, y está acaparando titulares por algo más que su corona. La joven de 25 años, originaria de Tabasco, ganó el certamen mundial celebrado en Tailandia el 21 de noviembre, convirtiéndose en la cuarta mexicana en obtener el título. Momentos después de su victoria, Bosch se quedó sola en el escenario, llorosa y agradecida, haciendo la señal de la cruz y señalando al cielo en una expresión pública de su fe católica. Bosch ya había llamado la atención internacional al principio del concurso cuando se enfrentó a un director del certamen que la llamó "estúpida", lo que provocó una protesta de las concursantes que terminó con la destitución del director. La presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, elogió a Bosch por alzar la voz, diciendo: "Somos más guapas cuando hablamos y participamos". Bosch publicó una foto en X antes del concurso, en la que aparecían símbolos católicos: una imagen de María, un rosario rosa con una cruz rosa, una imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, patrona de México, junto con una bandera mexicana y varios aperitivos y dulces. Graduada por la Universidad Iberoamericana, dirigida por los jesuitas, Bosch suele compartir abiertamente su fe, llegando incluso a gritar "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" en un video viral. Su victoria sigue a la de otras ganadoras del título de Miss Universo que se declaran abiertamente católicas, como la ganadora de 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, de Nicaragua.

TOME NOTA

La Diócesis de Jackson se compromete a garantizar que ninguna persona a la que sirva la iglesia corra el riesgo de sufrir abuso o explotación sexual por parte del clero, los religiosos o el personal laico de la iglesia.

El bienestar espiritual de todas las víctimas, sus familias y otros miembros de la comunidad es de particular interés para la iglesia. De acuerdo con nuestra política, a todas las víctimas se les ofrece asesoramiento y atención pastoral.

Se alienta a cualquier persona que haya sido víctima de abuso o explotación por parte del clero, religioso o personal de la iglesia laica y aún no lo haya denunciado, a que lo haga. Nuestra coordinadora de asistencia a víctimas, Jenifer Jenkins una trabajadora social con licencia, está disponible para ayudar a hacer un informe. Números de contacto del Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas: (601) 326-3736; (601) 326-3760.

Para obtener más información sobre las políticas y procedimientos diocesanos y para saber qué está haciendo la diócesis para crear un entorno seguro para todos, visite el sitio web diocesano en www.jacksondiocese.org y haga clic en "Protección de Niños."

Vírgenes y Santos

Santa Lucia. 13 de diciembre

Tercer domingo de Adviento. 14 de diciembre

Cuarto domingo de Adviento. 21 de diciembre

Navidad del Señor. 25 de diciembre

San Esteban. 26 de diciembre

Para hacer una denuncia de abuso o mal manejo de denuncias de abuso sexual por parte de un obispo, visite https://reportbishopabuse.org.

+Joseph R. Kopacz D.D., Ph.D. Bishop of Jackson

San Juan, Apóstol y evangelista. 27 de diciembre

Sagrada familia de Jesús, María y José 28 de diciembre

Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org

Síganos en Facebook: @DiócesisCatólicadeJackson

Únase a lista de correos electrónicos

Mande un texto: MSCATHOLIC a 84576

LÍNEA DIRECTA DE PREVENCIÓN DE FRAUDE

El Departamento de Asuntos Temporales de la Diócesis de Jackson ha contratado a Lighthouse Services para proporcionar una línea directa anónima de fraude financiero, cumplimiento, ética y recursos humanos. Esta línea directa permite un método adecuado para reportar sucesos relacionados con la administración temporal dentro de parroquias, escuelas y la oficina de cancillería. www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese Hispanohablante USA: 800-216-1288

Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home in Dolton, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, is pictured May 9, 2025. Dolton’s board of trustees on Dec. 1 approved a motion to officially declare the house a historic landmark. Shortly after the former Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope, the board purchased the residence in July for $375,000.

NATION

DOLTON, Ill. (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home just outside of Chicago has been declared a historic landmark. The village of Dolton’s board of trustees approved a motion for the designation during a regular meeting Dec. 1 that began with a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Mayor Jason House described the property as one of the “most culturally and spiritually signiﬁcant locations in the United States,” according to ABC-7 Chicago. The modest, one-story brick residence, located at 212 E. 141st Pl., was purchased by the village’s board in July for $375,000, an amount that included all applicable realtor and auction fees. Weeks after the election of the ﬁrst U.S.-born pope, the board had moved to acquire the 75-year-old home where the former Robert Prevost and his family lived until 1969. The site immediately became a tourist attraction and even a place of pilgrimage after Pope Leo’s papal election. Speaking during the board meeting ahead of the vote, House said the move represented “a very big moment for residents” of the village, noting the “target timeline” for developing the site is spring 2027 – but adding, “Hopefully it’s faster.”

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – A commission set up by Pope Francis to study women deacons has voted against the possibility of ordaining women deacons while also supporting more study on the issue. It also expressed hope that women’s access to other ministries would be expanded. Pope Francis es-

tablished the “Study Commission on the Female Diaconate” in 2020 as a follow-up to a previous group that studied the history of women deacons in the New Testament and the early Christian communities. The Vatican published the synthesis, including the results of votes the commission members took on eight di erent statements or “theses.” One proposition that showed members split exactly down the middle was: “The masculinity of Christ, and therefore the masculinity of those who receive Holy Orders, is not accidental but is an integral part of sacramental identity, preserving the divine order of salvation in Christ. To alter this reality would not be a simple adjustment of ministry but a rupture of the nuptial meaning of salvation.” When this statement was put to a vote among 10 members in February, it received five votes in favor, confirming its current form, while the other five members voted to remove it. A statement that received six votes against, two for and two abstaining was: “The undersigned is in favor of the institution in the church of the female diaconate as understood as the third degree of holy orders.”

WORLD

ABUJA, Nigeria (OSV News) – Church leaders in West Africa are pleading for the safe return of hundreds of children and teachers kidnapped from a Catholic school in central Nigeria. The Nov. 21 attack on St. Mary’s School in Papiri left the rural community reeling, with Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Kontagora describing widespread trauma and confusion. As of Nov. 26, 265 people – including 253 children – remained in captivity, while about 50 students who escaped have been reunited with their families. Local residents say entire families were taken, and at least one parent died from the shock of learning his young children were abducted. Nigeria’s government has launched a military search-and-rescue mission, and Pope Leo XIV used his Nov. 23 Angelus address to call for the hostages’ release – as well as for the release of kidnapped clergy in Cameroon. Church leaders there warn they may shut down parishes and schools if abductions continue. “The frequent kidnapping of our priests and mission personnel has pushed us to the wall and we say that this should stop with immediate e ect,” a Nov. 23 press release signed by Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda said. “We think these people need to live in tranquility and peace,” he said.

(OSV News photo/Carlos Osorio, Reuters)

Chancery adds to architectural district

FROM THE ARCHIVES

BY MARY WOODWARD

On my drive to the Diocesan Chancery building each morning, I am fortunate not to have to use the interstate. I can drive through two historic Jackson neighborhoods, past museums and the last of some of the original Jackson business buildings to get to my o ce downtown.

Leaving my house, I pass Eudora Welty’s house, which is now a museum dedicated to her life. The small window on the second ﬂoor is where she sat and typed up her wonderful stories. Soon the famous or infamous “Jitney 14” is on my left. This is where Miss Welty shopped among a myriad of characters who would stop at Parkins pharmacy next door to have an egg salad sandwich or a burger and a milkshake.

Further down the road I pass the old White House, a former boarding house that served great Saturday lunches and is now an eclectic co ee and small batch bakery known as Urban Foxes. Two blocks later I see Carter Jewelers o to the right and the New Capitol Building, which is called new even though it is more than 100 years old because the original Capitol Building still stands.

Straight in front of me is that Old Capitol. On the way up to it on the left, I pass three amazing buildings housing the State of Mississippi’s history – the Mississippi History Museum, the Civil Rights Museum, and the William F. Winter Archives. I appreciate how the history museum and archives building are classic architecture that sandwich the unique contemporary architecture of the Civil Rights museum. The whole complex works and graces that block with its formidable presence.

Between these buildings and the Old Capitol stands the War Memorial building. Turning onto Amite Street, I can see the clock on the Lamar Life building over on Capitol Street. This is one of Jackson’s coolest buildings architecturally along with the Standard Life building further down. Complete with gargoyles on the upper ridge, the Lamar Life building is a tribute to Gothic Revival style. The Standard Life building is a masterpiece in Art Deco design. Once homes to business endeavors, both are now residential and mixed use.

Driving down Amite Street I now enter the Smith Park Architectural District, an area of downtown encompassing all these unique styles of architecture. Smith Park itself is one of the oldest continually used public parks in the country. It dates back to 1838. The area is part of the national register of historic places.

The reason I mention all these is because our diocesan cathedral, cathedral rectory, and chancery o ce are all located in and are a part of this historic district. The southwest corner of Amite and West Streets is where the cathedral rectory and the chancery sit. Across Amite on the northwest corner is the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Workers pour concrete for the second floor of the chancery building at 237 East Amite Street in January 1947.

Bishop Gerow prays on roof of the diocesan chancery building in Jackson on Dec. 12, 1948. On right, the dedication plaque for the diocesan chanery building located in the Smith Park Architectural District of Jackson.

Finished in 1900, this current building is the third St. Peter’s parish church. The ﬁrst was built in 1846 and located eight blocks to the south and burned in the Civil War. The second was ﬁnished in 1868 and sat where the rectory and chancery now sit.

Once the new brick church across the street was completed, the second woodframed church was used as a gathering center for the KCs and other parish events. In 1913, Rev. Aloysius Heick, SVD, came and loaded the second church on mule carts and took it several blocks north to become the ﬁrst Holy Ghost church.

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

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 o ered 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. We encourage any victim to contact Jenifer Jenkins, Coordinator of Victim Assistance & O ce of Protection of Children and Safe Environments at 601-960-8471.

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.

+Joseph R. Kopacz D.D., Ph.D. Bishop of Jackson

Fruitful rest

FROM THE HERMITAGE

By sister alies therese

“When the soul is willingly emptied for love in order to have Him who is all. Then it is able to receive spiritual rest.” –Julian of Norwich, d. 1416

I had finished my prayer time … in silence, surrounded by my icons … and I gazed out the window to an overcast and cold morning ... trying to allow Jesus to give me rest amidst recent anxiety and concern. It was not going to happen, and I was sure of that. I could not make it happen myself, and Jesus seemed far, far away. The middle of Advent and on into the “Os” is a fragile time. The fullness of Christmas had filled everyone else, and many had a lack of peaceful rest.

A few days later, I ran into Cardinal Zen’s “Advent Reflections” while tidying up a bookshelf. Perhaps you have read it or used it for your own reflection?

First, “Who likes darkness? Isn’t the light sure to prevail? Unfortunately, it is not necessarily so. Darkness often tempts us. In the dark, we can do shoddy things.” (p. 23) In so many of our places, the sun sets early. Darkness might be experienced, as Cardinal Zen says, “For Christians, ‘despairing of hope’ for salvation and thinking that God could not save us is indeed a sin … But what is it exactly that you doubt? … the power of God or His mercy? … He is always with us, so His plan must succeed.” (p. 19)

Another: “Because of His excessive love for us, God sent us His Son in the likeness of our sinful bodies – a fragile infant laid in a manger; only with the help of an angel, He could escape the attempt on His

life. He wanted to experience all the hardships of human existence, hoping that we might trust Him and recognize Him as one of us.” (p. 74) This reminded me of my favorite saint, Julian of Norwich … who reminds us of the extraordinary love God has for us.

Off I went exploring the nearly end of her “Revelations of Divine Love” … and I read some paragraphs as if I’d never seen them before. I lived for 20 years not some 26 miles from her cell in Norwich (England) and frequently went there to pray.

How could she experience this silence and rest when “surrounded by the Black Death, parts of the Hundred Years War, the peasants’ revolt, Edward III and Richard II, and Henry IV taking the throne”? Does any of that sound in the least like what surrounds you? Pandemics, natural disasters, crime, political intrigue, extreme consumerism … ? How could one be expected to pray in that environment? How can there be spiritual rest?

Today we expect everyone to comment on most things – politics, family, religion. What is our business? What is none of our business? In the day, Julian commented on none of it. “Instead of pointing to men’s failures to be human and Christian, Juliana focuses on the love of a living, loving, personal God, His sufferings, and her response to them. The anchorhold at Norwich might as well have been in China for all the notice she takes of current sins and scandals, local persons and events, or the ... immoralities of the failed shepherds of a spiritually starving, helpless flock … she is to observe God alone, to listen to Him and to make her response, and to transmit the experience to her fellow Christians.” (Introduction) Cardinal Zen’s reflections kept me considering this notion of “excessive love.” Fit right in with Julian. He points to the reality that God wanted from all eternity to be our God, and that we become His

Anticipation in extra-ordinary time

ORDINARY TIMES

By lucia a. silecchia

If there is ever a time when the difference in perspective between children and adults is stunningly clear, it is during the four weeks of Advent. As Advent begins, children will say, with a sigh of impatience, “Four whole weeks to Christmas.” My younger self did too.

Adults, looking at the exact same calendar, are more likely to say, with a much deeper sigh, “Only four weeks to Christmas.” My older self does too.

Cynics will say that the excited joy of children comes more from the coming of Santa than of Savior. Maybe that is true. Indeed, my younger self would acknowledge mixed motives.

Yet, there is more. There is something to be learned from the joyful, unencumbered anticipation that children have as they wait, wonder and hope.

people. How do we come to understand this? How do we know we are loved by God?

Julian explained that dread is caused by fright, pain, doubt and reverent dread. Curiously, she says, “Love and dread are brothers. They are rooted in us by the goodness of our Maker and can never be taken from us. We have the power to love from nature and from grace. We have the power to dread from nature and from grace … it is proper for us to love Him for His goodness.” (p. 217)

In considering how we learn to trust, she reminds us that love and dread take on different aspects: “In love we shall be friendly and near to God, and in dread we shall be gentle and courteous.” Advent brings us near to God either through love or dread. Advent can be a time of renewal or discovery. Cardinal Zen poses this: “How many still do not know Jesus Christ? ... How many who know Him are yet unwilling to obey? ... But it is undeniable that ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’” (p. 144)

The darkness will not prevail. Julian tells us: “All shall be well … not only the noble and great things but also the little and small, lowly and simple things … not one of the smallest things will be forgotten … He wants us to be more at ease in soul and more peaceful in love and to stop looking at all the tempests that could keep us from rejoicing in Him!” (p. 132) That is fruitful spiritual rest.

Blessings.

(sister alies therese is a canonical hermit who prays and writes.)

what is to come is closer. With special joy, a child notices that on Gaudete Sunday the rose candles offer hope that the wait is almost over.

uncomplicated excitement and the knowledge that something special and awesome – in all senses of that word –is about to happen.

I cherish the events leading up to Christmas. The traditions, celebrations, time with loved ones and special occasions fill my calendar and my heart. Yes, they also keep me busy.

Through the eyes of a child, the days of December drag on, with a slow march toward the glory of Christmas – a march filled with excitement and joyful expectation. Through the eyes of adults, however, Christmas arrives in a flash and flurry of activity, and the fleeting days of Advent can go unnoticed because they pass so quickly.

They seem, simply, to be more ready than adults. Certainly, some of that is because life’s responsibilities have not yet taken a toll. They have less to do to prepare for Christmas in a season when much adult labor is spent preparing Christmas celebrations for them. They seem less distracted and freer to anticipate all that is to come.

A child counts the days. A child notices when decorations first come out.

A child notices when a crèche goes up and rejoices when the figures in the nativity scene move closer to the manger.

A child notices when the Jesse trees in their churches start to fill up. A child counts the number of candles that are lit on the Advent wreath – not with fear that the number of days to Christmas is dwindling but with anticipation that

A child anticipating Christmas seems to understand, more than I do, what it means to wait. Yes, they enjoy the festivities leading up to Christmas. But they also have a single-minded focus on Christmas itself. To adults, so often, it can seem as though Advent is a season of events that can exhaust us before Christmas arrives, leaving us with the feeling that Christmas is over before the Christmas season has even begun.

A child longing for Christmas will never say, as I do, that last Christmas seems like it was yesterday. A child is unlikely to wonder how the year went by so fast because, in the temporal economy of childhood, time moves more slowly, and last Christmas seems like an eternity ago. Perhaps that is why each Christmas seems so special.

The children in my life teach me much about what it means to wait with joy and wait with readiness. They are not distracted by all that they think needs to be done before Christmas. Instead, they are ready to welcome the birthday of Christ with simple joy,

But this season, I hope to wait for Christmas a little bit more like my younger sisters and brothers in faith. I hope that the distractions and busyness of December do not make my heart hope that Christmas can wait until I am ready for it.

My ancestors in faith spent millennia eagerly awaiting the birth of Christ. The ancients who came before me, and the young who come after me, did not and do not spend their days hoping for delay and more time until that silent, holy night. They want no unnecessary distance between themselves and the night that brings the “thrill of hope” when “a weary world rejoices.” They know how to anticipate that extraordinary time.

(Lucia A. Silecchia is Professor of Law at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. Email her at silecchia@cua.edu.)

Youth embrace Pope Leo’s message of hope following unique digital meeting

“I just want to say I only wear white socks, and I use a different word for Wordle every day, so there’s no set starting word,” he said with a laugh. Pope Leo is well-known to be a fan of the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

McGrady told reporters the pope’s digital encounter started off a moment of connection with young people right at the beginning “when he laughed right when we got started, and then just started to ease into his answers.” She saw that the pontiff was truly being a spiritual father in the encounter.

Caty Traub, a high school student attending the event from Our Lady of Grace Parish in the Diocese of Lafayette, told OSV News that it was “really cool” to see Pope Leo on the livestream and he answered “questions that I’d been holding in my heart.”

Lane Hull and Peyton Kauzlick, also high school students at the conference coming from Our Lady of Grace Parish in the Diocese of Lafayette, reflected on the historic nature of the moment. Kauzlick told OSV News that since a pope has never had this sort of digital encounter with U.S. teens, being among the first to witness it was “pretty neat.” Hull called the encounter “really humanizing” because “you see him a lot on the news, on social media but to actually get to interact with him, that was really special.”

Even students viewing the livestream hundreds of miles away told OSV News that the pope’s digital encounter with youth was “magical.”

That was the word Maddiana Telusma and Julia Gonçalves, both sophomores at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, used to describe the event.

Fellow student Chelsea Sadowski, a senior at the school, said she was struck by Pope Leo’s emphasis on “building close friendships that are rooted in Jesus.”

By Lauretta Brown and Gina Christian

INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV encouraged American youth in a unique digital discussion Nov. 21, telling them that they were not only the “future of the church,” but “the present,” saying “your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now.”

He spoke in response to questions from students in a 45-minute virtual dialogue at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis with an estimated crowd of 16,000 young people ages 14-18.

Katie Prejean McGrady, host of the “Katie McGrady Show” on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel, moderated the discussion at Lucas Oil Stadium in which Pope Leo fielded questions from five high school students: Mia Smothers from the Archdiocese of Baltimore; Ezequiel Ponce from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Christopher Pantelakis from the Archdiocese of Las Vegas; Micah Alcisto from the Diocese of Honolulu; and Elise Wing from the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa.

The questions touched on themes of technology use, artificial intelligence, forgiveness, hope and the church’s future. The students developed them in meetings with other students and organizers and they were sent to the pope in advance.

Elise Wing, who had asked the Holy Father about the future of the church, told reporters following the event that “walking up on that stage felt like history.” Wing said it was an honor that the pope “said our names,” and she found his response to her “personable and so profound.”

“He gave us so much hope for the future and for the church and the coming ages,” she said.

Ezequiel Ponce, who asked Pope Leo for advice about perseverance in prayer amid difficult times, said he thought the pope “gave an incredible answer” like “he was speaking directly to me.” He said he was sure the pope’s response “definitely resonated” with others.

The pope told Ponce, “Jesus does not just understand our struggles from a distance. He actually wants us to hand them to him, because he loves us. And that kind of trust starts when we have a real relationship.” The Holy Father encouraged Eucharistic adoration and daily prayer, saying Jesus “often speaks to us gently in stillness.”

“Scripture says that faithful friends are like a strong shelter and a treasure,” he added, “I hope you are forming friendships like that, even during this conference, friendships rooted in faith, rooted in love for Jesus; whether it is a trusted adult or close friend, it’s important to speak honestly about what you feel, what you think, what you experience.”

Pope Leo started things off light by responding to a comment from McGrady that she had given the pope a pair of socks some time ago and also wanted to know what he used as an opening word when he played Wordle each day.

Little Flower sophomore Sophia Clark also resonated with the pope’s insights on friendship admitting, “I had a really rocky road with friendships when I was younger … and it really touched me, what he said.”

Cara Flaherty, a junior at Little Flower, pointed to Pope Leo’s reminder that “Jesus is close to the brokenhearted,” and that “even when you don’t feel him, he’s still there.”

Angela Pometto, director of the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, said the fact that the digital encounter happened said a lot about Pope Leo.

“It says that he knows the importance of investing in young people, even if it’s just the gift of his time. I’m sure his schedule in Rome is very full, but he made time to encounter the young people at NCYC in this way,” she said. “It was also beautiful how they included several young people in the process both in discerning what questions to ask the Holy Father and in asking the questions. In a very real way, that was a moment of allowing the young people to be protagonists who are playing a leading role in the story. That was a beautiful opportunity for those young people. In that process, I think that the pope is leading by example and as church leaders, we need to seek ways to make similar opportunities available to our young people.”

Pope Leo XIV listens to a question from Christopher Pantelakis from the Archdiocese of Las Vegas during a meeting livestreamed from the Vatican with 16,000 young people gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis Nov. 21, 2025. (CNS photo/ Vatican Media)

COLUMBUS – After school Mass, Father Jeffrey Waldrep joined first graders Colin Baucom, Jason Hood, Harrison Barranco, Huff Morgan and Luke Thomas for a game of four square at Annunciation Catholic School. (Photo by Jacque Hince)

– On Nov. 6, 2025, joined by Father PJ Curley, Father Mario Solórzano and Father Rusty Vincent celebrated a Spanish Mass at St. Francis Xavier Chapel for the St. Aloysius Spanish II class. Students read, responded and participated in Spanish, with several Spanish I students also taking part. (Photo by Vivian L. Velazquez)

VICKSBURG – At the Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center’s annual Balloon Parade, teachers Alexa Eb and Marisha Davis walk with one-year-old students Millie Moody, Beau Brock, Anderson Parker and Ryland Miller. James Hyland is pictured at right with his mother, Liz Hyland. (Photo by Shannon Bell)

VICKSBURG

JACKSON – During the St. Richard School Veterans Day program, veteran Bob Metzger is pictured with his grandchildren, Oliver and Hadley Metzger, who attend the school. (Photo by Gina Metzger)

SOUTHAVEN – Students at Sacred Heart School watch a livestream of the National Catholic Youth Conference, using guided questions to follow along and discuss afterward. Younger students enthusiastically called out answers during the presentation. (Photo by Bridget Martin)

CLARKSDALE – Young students at St. Elizabeth School watch as Pope Leo XIV connects with youth around the world during a live digital encounter at NCYC. Teachers noted how impressed they were by the attentiveness of even the youngest learners. (Photo courtesy of St. Elizabeth School)

MADISON – Sixth graders at St. Anthony School watch as Pope Leo XIV engages with young people during a historic live digital encounter at NCYC. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)

Diocesan Catholic Schools witness historic digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV

CSA feature: Catholic Charities – Diocese of Jackson

Catholic Charities continues its mission to serve the poor and vulnerable across all 65 counties. Interim executive eirector Christina Bach said the agency remains grounded in the national theme:

“Love Your Neighbor.”

“Our work is rooted in this call,” Bach said. “We live it out through programs such as adoption and maternity services, counseling and wraparound support, substance-abuse treatment for pregnant and parenting women, foster care for unaccompanied refugee minors, domestic violence and rape crisis services, immigration legal assistance, disaster response and parish-based ministry.”

Bach shared a recent example from the Kinship Navigator program, which helps relatives caring for children when parents cannot. The program supported a caregiver who had taken in her sister’s two children while the family was facing homelessness. “When we ﬁrst met them, they needed housing, move-in assistance, birth certiﬁcates, clothing and other essentials,” Bach said. “Kinship was able to pay the deposit and rent so they could secure a place to live.”

keeping children connected with relatives instead of entering foster care.

Bach said that poverty and unaddressed trauma continue to be the biggest challenges for many families. “Trauma also has a high cost to individuals and to the community. We work to break those cycles by giving a hand-up, building family capacity, and teaching people to advocate for themselves.”

The caregiver later told sta , “I appreciate y’all going to bat for me and the kids. I’ve been getting the runaround from others. This is a huge help.” Bach said responses like this show how vital the program is in

She emphasized that Catholic Charities aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to help families move toward long-term stability. “We want everyone we meet to be in a better situation than when we met them,” she said.

Bach believes the organization’s long history of responding to underserved needs distinguishes it from others. “We’ve often been approached by community leaders to provide programs no one else is o ering,” she said. “We take seriously the call to assist the ‘least of these,’ and we believe all of God’s children deserve love and care.”

Looking ahead, Bach said she ﬁnds hope in the new strategic direction emerging nationally. “The message for 2026–2030 is simple: ‘Love Your Neighbor,’” she said. “It is timeless, and I have hope because our community is choosing to move forward with this as our guide.”

She said the Catholic Service Appeal is essential. “The CSA allows us to put funds where they’re most needed,” Bach said. “It helps us sustain the programs doing the most good.”

Bach added one ﬁnal message: “Catholic Charities is a way for the local community to have a statewide impact.”

Christina Bach, interim executive director of Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Jackson.