DECEMBER 26, 2025
mississippicatholic.com
NCEA president highlights joy, faith during school visits across the diocese BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Kindergarten students in Kate Morris’ class at St. Richard Catholic School listen as Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, reads Everybody’s Tree during his Bright Lights tour visit. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
JACKSON – Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, visited Catholic schools across the Diocese of Jackson Dec. 8–9 as part of his national “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, a campaign designed to celebrate and spotlight the mission of Catholic schools across the country. During his two-day visit, Cheeseman toured Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, St. Richard Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic School, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and St. Richard Early Learning Center in Jackson. The visit was initiated by April Moore, a fourthgrade teacher at Annunciation Catholic School, who invited Cheeseman to experience Catholic education in Mississippi firsthand. The Bright Lights tour highlights schools that embody the mission and values of Catholic education while also providing opportunities for listening and learning from local communities. “Soon after beginning this role, I embarked on an exciting initiative called the ‘Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour,’” Cheeseman said. “This nationwide campaign celebrates, learns from and shines a spotlight on the remarkable work happening in Catholic schools across the country.” The Diocese of Jackson spans a large rural region, and many of its Catholic schools serve small communities with limited resources. Despite those challenges, Cheeseman said what stood out most during his visit was the joy students clearly have for their schools. “Kids are coming in so happy and so excited to be there,” he said. “Walking in to students singing at the top of their lungs just brings tears to your eyes. There’s a tremendous joy, which gives
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Pope urges people to protect, cultivate even smallest signs of peace, hope BY CINDY WOODEN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The “confrontational” tone dominating both global and national politics is “deepening instability and unpredictability day by day,” Pope Leo XIV wrote in his message for World Peace Day. “It is no coincidence that repeated calls to increase military spending, and the choices that follow, are presented by many government leaders as a justified re-
sponse to external threats,” he wrote in the message for the Jan. 1 observance. But peace must be protected and cultivated, Pope Leo said. “Even when it is endangered within us and around us, like a small flame threatened by a storm, we must protect it.” Throughout the coming year, Pope Leo will give visiting heads of state signed copies of his message, which was released by the Vatican Dec. 18, and Vatican ambassadors will distribute it to government leaders in the countries where they serve. Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presented the message at a Vatican news conference. “In some ways we have been beaten into accept-
INSIDE THIS WEEK
ing the logic of war, the logic of armaments, the logic of enemies,” the cardinal said. Pope Leo’s message recognizes that “the first triumph of the logic of war is that we give up our hope for peace.” “I am not a soldier, I have never been a soldier,” the cardinal said, but “even a soldier can be comforted” by Pope Leo’s appeal to cultivate “peace in his heart and in his relationships and in his prayer and in his aspirations.” While the message “does not diminish in any way the horrors that we are surrounded with,” he said, “it puts an enormous part of the responsibility on ourselves.” The theme of the pope’s message, “Peace be with
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From the archives 14 Woodward recounts Sister Thea Guild pilgrimage
Carmelite vows 15 Sister Maryann’s solemn profession for Carmel
Youth 18 Photos of youth activities from around the diocese
DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
2 PARISH SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Church opens at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m; followed by Rosary. Details: church office (601) 856-2054. 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 email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison. World Marriage Day 2026, Join us Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson at 1 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 14 at St. James Tupelo at 1 p.m. for this celebration of marriage across the diocese. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th+ in 2026 this celebration is for you! Please register to join us by visiting jacksondiocese.org/family-ministry. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org. JACKSON – St. Richard, Ladies Retreat, Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Osyka. Open to women age 21+. Cost: $300/person, includes accommodations and all meals. Deadline to register is Jan. 16. Details: email claudiaaddison@mac.com. 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 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org. PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father
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Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/ tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623. JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867. JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit. ly/4pGfEAc for more info. MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800. MERIDIAN – Knights of Columbus Mash Bash Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the K of C Hall. Details: schedule through vitalant.org. PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.
... Even Bishops Believe
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
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VICKSBURG – Even bishops stop by for a visit with Santa. Bishop Joseph Kopacz visits with Santa during the annual St. Paul Christmas party with Father Rusty Vincent and some helpful elves. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025
let there be light 3
The same Christ, across the ages BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.
the Liturgy of the Hours: “Today our Savior is born; let us rejoice. Sadness should have no place on For nearly two thousand years, the Good News of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection has been proclaimed to all the nations. Now more than the birthday of life. The fear of death is swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternity. No one is shut out from this joy. Let the just rejoice, for their ever, through modern channels of communication, the reward is at hand. Let sinners be glad, for they are offered message goes out to the ends of mercy. Let pagans take courage, for they are summoned the earth for people to hear this “All the ends of the earth shall see to life. … In this mystery of the Word made flesh, a new Good News and to see the church dignity is bestowed upon human nature. O Christian, recthe salvation of our God.” in their midst serving their Lord ognize your dignity. Make a partner in the divine nature. in manifold ways. (Isaiah 52:10) Do not return by sin to your former baseness. Remember The following three excerpts who is your head and of whose body you are a member, have been chosen from different eras in the church’s history to affirm that while the and by whose blood your freedom was purchased.” – Pope St. Leo the Great In our own time, we struggle to allow the eternal light of the Word made flesh world may be continually in flux, Jesus Christ is the to shine in the darkness and shadows of our fallen world. The following is taken same yesterday, today and tomorrow. from the Focolare “Word of Life” series for December 2025, whose mission is The following is taken from the profound works of unity and whose path is love: the one who was esteemed as “golden mouth” for his “To a world like ours, where the law of the strongest, the cleverest, the most brilliant preaching: unscrupulous prevail, and where sometimes everything seems paralyzed by ma“That invisible and eternal nature has not disdained terialism and selfishness, we receive the unarmed innocence of the Christ Child, for our sakes to take to itself the infirmities of our flesh. The Son of God, who is the God of all things, is born a man in body. He permits himself to be placed in a and once again recognize God’s patient and merciful presence in human histocrib, who holds the heavens in his hands. He is confined in a manger whom the ry.” As we celebrate the culmination of the Jubilee Year of Hope this Christmas world cannot contain; he is heard in the voice of a wailing infant, at whose voice on Epiphany, we proclaim that the love of God has been poured into our hearts in the hour of his passion the whole earth trembled.” – St. John Chrysostom, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, because the love of God was Epiphany Homily This fourth-century saint was exiled three times and suffered immensely at first poured into our world on that first Christmas night nearly 2,000 years ago. May the Wise of our time continue to seek the One who is the way, the truth the hands of the Arian heretics of his day. He not only persevered; he thrived as and the life, who reveals that sacrificial love for all is the only way to fulfill our a living witness to the power of the Word made flesh. In the fifth century, Pope Leo the Great, who resisted Attila the Hun at the dreams. gates of Rome, convincing him not to sack the city, was one of the most eloquent Fathers of the early church. The following comes from a Christmas homily of his and adorns the contemporary Christmas prayer of the Catholic Church in
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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 Sunday, January 25, 10:30 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, St. Richard Church, Jackson
Volume 72 Number 2 (ISSN 1529-1693)
PRESS DATE: DEC. 19, 2025
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma 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
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. Anthony School, Madison Wednesday, January 28, 8:15 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, St. Joseph School, Madison Wednesday, January 28, 1 p.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, Sister Thea Bowman School, Jackson Thursday, January 29, 8:15 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, Vicksburg Catholic Schools Friday, January 30, 9:30 a.m. – Catholic Schools Week Mass, St. Joseph School, Greenville All events are subject to change. Check with parishes, schools or organizations for further details.
DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONs CALLED BY NAME I began working in vocation ministry officially in August 2019, when Bishop Joseph Kopacz asked me to serve as vocation promoter for the Diocese of Jackson. It is hard to believe that was more than six years ago. During that time, I have sat across from dozens of young men at various stages of discernment. Over the years, I have come to recognize that while every discernment journey is different, there are common pathways we must be prepared to help Father Nick Adam young men navigate. The truth is that the final “yes” to enter seminary comes only after many smaller “yeses.” A young man may not yet be ready to apply for seminary, but for a year or two he may need tools to help him remain engaged in the discernment process, deepen his prayer life, and receive support from other men in similar circumstances. Thankfully, over the years I have encountered many helpful resources for men in this “pre-seminary” stage of discernment. One of those resources is the High Calling Program offered by the Avila Institute. I have written about this program before. Our first discerner to use it was EJ Martin – and look at him now. High Calling is a fully online, pre-seminary program that includes about a dozen three-week modules addressing various aspects of discernment. Its faculty includes well-known and vetted seminary professors, experts in spiritual life and discernment, and vocation directors. This year, I was honored – and a little intimidated – to be invited to teach one of the modules. My topic was the role of friendship in the life of the priest. Over three Wednesday evenings, I guided about 60 students through “Spiritual Friendship” by St. Aelred of Rievaulx, a classic work of Catholic spirituality.
Teaching the text required me to read it closely, and it proved beneficial for me as well. St. Aelred encourages intentionality in developing deep, trustworthy friendships and sharing one’s life with the Lord beyond surface-level interests. This is a particularly practical topic for men considering the seminary. Priesthood is sometimes misunderstood as a vocation for those drawn primarily to solitude, but cultivating strong, healthy friendships is essential to maintaining our humanity as celibate priests. While it was daunting to face 60 men eager to learn about priestly life, the experience gave me a deeper understanding of the High Calling Program. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of these men, including two from our own diocese. I am grateful that this program is available to young men who are serious about discerning their vocation, and I hope it is helpful for readers to learn about one of the resources we are able to offer discerners because of your generous support. (For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)
Join Vocations Supporters on Flocknote for updates from the Vocations Office Visit jacksondiocese.flocknote.com and join the Vocation Supporters list to hear more from Father Nick Adam and happenings in the vocations office.
Join Our Team! Now Hiring: Event Planning Coordinator The 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. This position is based in Jackson, Mississippi. The coordinator will oversee the planning and execution of a wide range of diocesan events; manage logistics, timelines, and communications; and work closely with clergy, staff, donors, and volunteers. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-driven, and committed to serving the people of God with professionalism and hospitality. Qualifications: • Minimum three years of event planning experience • Strong communication and organizational skills • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (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, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is preferred. To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to rebecca.harris@ jacksondiocese.org. Applications accepted until position is filled.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025
Spirituality 5
Who would have thought it? IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
own lives and feeling unknown, small time, undistinguished and frustrated because our riches are unknown to others. We have so much to give to the world, but the world doesn’t know us. We yearn to do great things, important things, things that affect the world beyond the boundaries of the small towns we live in (even when we are living in large cities). What can help bring some peace is the image expressed in that painting in the Church of the Visitation, namely, that what ultimately changes the world is what we give birth to when, in the obscurity and dust of our small towns and in the frustration of lives that forever seem too small for us, we become pregnant with hope and, after a silent gestation process, one not advertised or known to the world, we bring that hope to full term. When I was teaching at Newman College in Edmonton, our president then was a Holy Cross priest who brought us some Maritime color. When surprised by something, he would exclaim: “Who would have thunk it?” Yes, two pregnant women, two thousand years ago of no status, isolated, standing in the dust, forever changing the world? Who would have thunk it?
I once had the privilege of visiting Holy Land. It’s a strangely different place. Soaked in history, in struggle, in religion, in blood. Virtually every inch of its soil has been soaked in blood, including the blood of Jesus. History leaps out at you from every stone. Ancient things come to the surface there and mix with the things of today. When you stand in its sacred spots, you begin to understand why Moses was told to take his shoes off and why, through the centuries, so many wars have been fought over this small strip of desert. Aptly named the Holy Land, I walked its ground, barefoot in soul. (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a professor of spirituality at Oblate School of Of all the things I saw there, including the tomb of Jesus, Theology and award-winning author.) few touched me as deeply as did the Church of the Visitation. It stands in sharp contrast to most of the other churches there that mark the key events in Jesus’ life. The Pope’s Corner Unlike most of the other churches, the Church of the Visitation is a very modest building. You don’t see any gold or marble. Its wooden walls and oak ceiling are plain and mostly bare. However, on the front wall, behind the altar, there is a painting that depicts the scene of the Visitation, and it was this painting that struck me deeply. It’s a picture of two peasant women, Mary and CASTEL GANDOLFO (CNS) – At the end of his in Italian sign language as well – Pope Leo spoke Elizabeth, both pregnant, greeting each other. Everyone day off each week, Pope Leo XIV went to the about the first song, a modern Italian carol, that thing about it suggests smallness, littleness, obscurilocal school in Castel Gandolfo and joined hun- recounted the angels singing the news of Jesus’ ty, dust, small town, insignificance. dreds of excited parents in watching the children’s birth. You see two plain looking women, standing in the “The most beautiful words were about ‘angels Christmas concert. dust of an unknown village. Nothing suggests that eiwho bring love,’ and you are the ones who brought After 45 minutes of songs in Italian, Latin, Enther of them, or anything they are doing or carrying, glish and Spanish, Pope Leo thanked the children love to all of us this evening,” the pope told the is out of the ordinary or of any significance. Yet, and and their teachers for “the invitation that mysteri- children. this is the genius of the painting, all that littleness, ously arrived at my house, but maybe even more St. Augustine once said, “One who loves, sings,” obscurity, seeming barrenness, and small-town insigmysterious was the response when you learned I he told them. nificance makes you automatically ask the question: “This is Christmas – God who wanted to draw had decided to come.” Who would have thought it? Who would ever have near to us, especially to the smallest,” the pope Shortly after the pope arrived Dec. 16 and school imagined that these two women, in this obscure town, staff convinced the parents to sit down, more than said, expressing his hope that “we can feel and live in this obscure place, in this obscure time, were car200 students, from the oldest to the youngest, filed this love” all year long. rying inside of them something that would radically on to risers on the stage in the gym wearing white Pope Leo also thanked the children for singing and forever change the whole world? in several languages, showing that Christmas fills sweatshirts and dark trousers. Who would have thought it? Yes. Who would have The children all begin studying English in pri- the hearts of believers everywhere with joy and thought that what these obscure peasant women were mary school, and the first piece they sang in En- peace. gestating and carrying inside of them would one day He also quoted a well-known Italian song that glish was a rousing “Joy to the World.” They also change history more than any army, philosopher, artsang “The Little Drummer Boy” with drumming says, “At Christmas you can do more.” ist, emperor, king, queen, or superstar ever would? hand motions. “It’s an invitation to all of us,” the pope said. Inside them, they were gestating Jesus and John “Let’s do more to proclaim peace, love and unity At the end of the concert, before leading the the Baptist, the Christ and the prophet who would children in the Lord’s Prayer – which one class did in the world.” announce him. These two births changed the world
Attending school Christmas concert, pope thanks children for sharing love
so radically that today we even measure time by the event of those births. We live in the year 2025 after that event. There’s a lesson here: Never underrate, in terms of world impact, someone living in obscurity who is pregnant with promise. Never underestimate the impact in history of silent, hidden gestation. How can any of us have any real significance in our world when we live in obscurity, unknown, hidden away, unable to do big acts that shape history? We can take a lesson from Mary and Elizabeth. We can become pregnant with promise, with hope, with the Holy Spirit and then, hidden from the world, gestate that into real flesh, our own. We too can reshape history. If we can grasp this, there will be more peace in our lives because some of the restless fires inside us will torment us less. In brief, there’s a perpetual dissatisfaction inside us that can only be stilled by accepting something we might term the martyrdom of obscurity, that is, the self-sacrifice of accepting a life in which we will never have adequate, satisfactory self-expression. That acceptance can help still that pressure inside us which pushes us to be known, to make a difference, to make our lives count in terms of the big picture. We all know the feeling of sitting inside of our
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with students at the Pontifical Paul VI School in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, after he attended their Christmas concert in the school gym Dec. 16, 2025. (CNS photo/ Vatican Media)
6 DIOCESE
DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
‘... Bright Lights tour ...’ – Continued from page 1 – me incredible hope for the future – not only locally, but for what these students can contribute on the national level.” Cheeseman also noted the strong faith life and parish involvement he observed throughout the diocese, describing it as a defining strength of Catholic education in Mississippi. “I love the fact that pretty much everywhere I went, pastors were involved,” he said. “You could see they weren’t just showing up because they had a visitor. They were part of the lifeblood of the school. When there’s a real connection between the parish and the school, or the pastor and the principal, it makes an incredible difference.” Joni House, executive director of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said the visit affirmed and strengthened the work already underway across diocesan schools. “Dr. Cheeseman’s visit and the Bright Lights tour affirmed the good work already taking place, provided meaningful encouragement for the journey ahead, and strengthened our shared commitment to advancing Catholic education across the dio-
cese,” House said. A key goal of the Bright Lights tour is storytelling – sharing the lived experiences of Catholic schools to inspire broader support for Catholic education nationwide. Cheeseman said his final stop at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School was especially meaningful. “I think that final stop is the one that sort of leads the story,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, I felt a tremendous welcome and pride for the schools and the students. Walking through the halls, walking in the door, it all came to a culmination of what it means to be a Catholic school student here in the Diocese of Jackson.” Through a dedicated website and social media campaign, NCEA is sharing stories from dioceses across the country to highlight innovation, faith and mission in Catholic education. “At the heart of this campaign is a simple but profound goal,” Cheeseman said. “To showcase the bright lights of Catholic education and inspire our community to continue be- JACKSON – “This Little Light of Mine” echoed through the halls as students at ing the light in a world that so desper- Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School welcomed Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, during his Bright Lights ately needs it.”
tour. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
‘... Contribute to ... a peace born of openness and evangelical humility ...’ within traditions and cultures.” The message echoed what Pope Leo had told reporters Dec. 2 after meeting Christian, Muslim and Druze leaders in Turkey and Lebanon during his first foreign trip: “The more we can promote authentic unity and understanding, respect and human relationships of friendship and dialogue in the world, the greater possibility there is that we will put aside the arms of war, that we will leave aside the distrust, the hatred, the animosity that has so often been built up and that we will find ways to come together and be able to promote authentic peace and justice throughout the world.” The first step in sowing peace, the pope wrote, is to believe that peace is Pope Leo XIV joins religious leaders at the International Meeting of Dialogue possible and that all people desire it. and Prayer for Peace near the Colosseum in Rome Oct. 28, 2025. In his mes“When we treat peace as a dissage for World Peace Day, the pope said religious leaders must refute “forms tant ideal,” he wrote, “we cease to of blasphemy that profane the holy name of God” by using religion to defend be scandalized when it is denied, or war. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) even when war is waged in its name.” “When peace is not a reality that – Continued from page 1 – “Unfortunately, it has become in- is lived, cultivated and protected, then creasingly common to drag the lan- aggression spreads into domestic and you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and dis- guage of faith into political battles, to public life,” he said. When that haparming’ peace,” begins with the first bless nationalism, and to justify vio- pens, “it could even be considered a words he said to the crowd in St. Peter’s lence and armed struggle in the name fault not to be sufficiently prepared for Square May 8, the night of his election. of religion,” the pope wrote. war, not to react to attacks, and not to Pope Leo wrote in the message that “Believers must actively refute, return violence for violence.” he and all religious leaders have an above all by the witness of their lives, Statistics show that is already hapobligation to teach and preach against these forms of blasphemy that profane pening, the pope said. “the growing temptation to weapon- the holy name of God,” Pope Leo said. Global military expenditures “inize even thoughts and words” and to What is needed instead, he said, is creased by 9.4% in 2024 compared to condemn the use of religion to justify prayer, spirituality and ecumenical the previous year, confirming the trend violence and exaggerated forms of na- and interreligious dialogue “as paths of the last ten years and reaching a totionalism. of peace and as languages of encounter
tal of $2718 billion – or 2.5% of global GDP,” he wrote, citing studies by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Pope Leo also decried a shift in education and in the media that instead of focusing on achievements in peacemaking and diplomacy since World War II and on remembering with horror just how many people died in that war, “we now see communication campaigns and educational programs – at schools, universities and in the media – that spread a perception of threats and promote only an armed notion of defense and security.” That shift becomes especially frightening given advancements in weapons technology, particularly the development of drones, robots and other automated lethal weapons systems that can be controlled by artificial intelligence. “There is even a growing tendency among political and military leaders to shirk responsibility, as decisions about life and death are increasingly ‘delegated’ to machines,” he wrote. Pope Leo called on Christians and all people of goodwill to join forces “to contribute to a disarming peace, a peace born of openness and evangelical humility.” “Goodness is disarming,” he wrote. “Perhaps this is why God became a child.” Pope Leo prayed that as the Jubilee Year draws to a close, its legacy would be a “disarmament of heart, mind and life.”
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DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
2025 spans life spectrum, from abortion and family programs to immigration and death penalty
if that’s pro-life. … Church teaching on each one of those issues is very clear.” On the same day as the pope’s remarks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval of a new generic form of mifepristone – a pill commonly used for early abortion – marking the second time a Trump administration has permitted a generic form of the drug. On Dec. 9, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life AmeriA woman holds up a pro-life sign ahead of the 52nd ca called for FDA annual March for Life rally in Washington Jan. 24, C o m m i s s i o n e r 2025. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) Marty Makary to be fired, arguing By Kimberley Heatherington that he has “slow-walked a promised (OSV News) – Life issues are pesafety study of women’s real-world exrennially critical to the robust public periences taking abortion drugs.” The witness of the Catholic Church, but 2025 nonetheless proved a particularly White House rejected that claim and eventful year across a wide spectrum the call for his firing. Pro-life groups characterized the of related concerns. move as an abandonment of pro-life The year opened with the annual principles, concerns that were reNational Prayer Vigil for Life, where inforced on Oct. 16 when President worshippers praised and thanked Trump announced a proposal to inGod “for the gift of human life in all crease access to in vitro fertilization. its forms and at every stage” and endTrump made campaign trail promed with a new coalition of more than ises to expand IVF, an action the Cath50 organizations pledging to end the olic Church and other experts warn death penalty in the United States once will fuel large-scale destruction of emand for all. bryonic human life while doing little to Remarks by Pope Leo XIV in an imincrease the nation’s overall birth rate. promptu Sept. 30 Castel Gandolfo press scrum demonstrated the expanse – and The U.S bishops expressed concern on continuity – of the life issues of con- Oct. 17, saying that while reproductive technologies such as IVF can be “well cern to the church. The pope, who shortly after being intended,” they nonetheless “strongly elected the successor to Pope Fran- reject” efforts to promote IVF. Other family life matters – such as cis reaffirmed the church’s teaching health insurance, cash support for paragainst abortion, responded to a meents and food assistance benefits, also dia question concerning the Chicago known as SNAP – also grabbed headArchdiocese’s plans to give an immilines in 2025. gration advocacy award to U.S. Sen. Affordable Care Act subsidies – Dick Durbin, D-Ill., a Catholic who which would cost an estimated $350 bilsupports keeping abortion legal, over lion over the next decade, if extended the objections of pro-lifers. – cover some 22 million Americans. Set “Someone who says, ‘I’m against to expire Dec. 31, their absence will reabortion but says I’m in favor of the sult in estimated average health insurdeath penalty’ is not really pro-life,” ance premium increases of 26%, with the pontiff remarked. “So someone a congressionally approved extension who says that ‘I’m against abortion, far from certain. but I’m in agreement with the inhuAs a result, the nonpartisan Conman treatment of immigrants who gressional Budget Office predicted 4.2 are in the United States,’ I don’t know
million more Americans will go without coverage, while critics point to enrollment fraud and the benefit to insurance companies instead of patients. The complications of substituting direct subsidies for ACA exchange assistance are a point for current debate, but the U.S. Catholic bishops addressed the need for health care reform as early as 1993 in “A Framework for Comprehensive Health Reform,” insisting “every person has a right to adequate health care.” The One Big Beautiful Bill Act – signed into law July 4 – is expected to challenge family finances in several ways. Estimated to cut $930 billion from Medicaid and $285 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, it also increases the national debt on paper by $3.4 trillion. After the bill’s passage, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services – then president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops – issued a statement citing what he described as “unconscionable cuts to health care and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation.” Twenty U.S. Catholic bishops signed onto an interfaith effort opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would enact key provisions of President Trump’s legislative agenda on taxes and immigration, calling it a “moral failure.” Families coast-to-coast are also being impacted by amplified immigration enforcement policies, including raids, arrests and deportations in multiple cities. As OSV News reported in July, three Florida immigration detention sites were accused of denying timely medical care (potentially resulting in deaths), having freezing and overcrowded cells with no bedding or hygiene access, and of carrying out degrading treatment – including beatings, shackling and isolation, with detainees being forced to eat with their hands cuffed behind their backs. “If the administration succeeds in deporting the numbers of people it says it wants to deport, it will not only change the church in America. It will change America,” Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami told OSV News on Nov. 4. On July 20, Archbishop Wenski and some 25 Knights of Columbus rode their motorcycles to pray a rosary at
the entrance of Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades. On Nov. 12, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted overwhelmingly to issue a rare group statement voicing “our concern here for immigrants” at their annual fall plenary assembly. A day later, on the feast of the patron saint of immigrants St. Frances Xavier Cabrini – and a day after the U.S. bishops issued a special pastoral message on immigration – a coalition of Catholic organizations held a wave of prayer vigils across the country Nov. 13 for what organizers called “a national day of public witness for our immigrant brothers and sisters.” Assisted suicide and the death penalty also continued to make their mark in 2025, with both the New York Assembly and Senate passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a controversial bill now awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul ‘s signature. On Dec. 12, Illinois became the 12th state, along with the District of Columbia, to legalize assisted suicide, amid outcry among the state’s Catholic bishops and other pro-life and disability advocates. Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB 1950 into law, allowing terminally ill adults who are Illinois residents to end their lives through self-administered lethal drugs prescribed by a physician. As of Dec. 15, 46 prisoners have been executed in 11 U.S. states, a sharp increase over 25 executions in 2024. According to The Death Penalty Information Center, there are two more executions scheduled for 2025. The center notes, “For every 8.2 people executed in the United States in the modern era of the death penalty, one person on death row has been exonerated.” On Dec. 3, a new coalition of more than 50 organizations launched the U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty. Laura Porter, the campaign’s director, said the coalition comes at “a critical juncture in our country’s history with the death penalty, with executions on the rise and new experimental execution methods being promoted in a handful of states despite growing opposition to the death penalty.” “It is more important than ever,” said Porter in a statement, “that we shine a light on capital punishment’s failures, and come together to show growing bipartisan support for ending executions.” (Kimberley Heatherington is an OSV News correspondent. She writes from Virginia.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025
BRIEFS 13
Audience Hall and in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Leo thanked the Costa Rican artist who created the Nativity scene for the audience hall, titled “Nacimiento Gaudium.” Created by Paula Sáenz Soto, it features a pregnant Virgin Mary and 28,000 colored ribbons, each representing a life saved from abortion thanks to the prayers and support provided to many mothers in difficulty by Catholic organizations, according to a press release by the Vatican City State’s governing office. “I thank the Costa Rican artist who, together with the message of peace at Christmas, also wanted to launch an appeal for the protection of life from the moment of conception,” Pope Leo said. “The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope,” he said to all those present. “Let the tenderness of the child Jesus illuminate our lives. Let God’s love, like the branches of an evergreen tree, remain fervent in us.” VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as archbishop of New York and named Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as his successor. The Vatican announced the decision Dec. 18. Cardinal Dolan, who The Nativity scene is unveiled and the Christmas tree is lighted in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 15, turned 75 in February, submitted his resignation as required by canon law. 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) Appointed archbishop of New York in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, he was made a cardinal three years later. Cardinal Dolan previously served as president of the BURLINGTON, Wash. (OSV News) – Several parishes and schools across U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and held several national leadership roles, Western Washington have shut down operations due to historic flooding in the including chair of pro-life and religious liberty committees. Archbishop Hicks, state. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Dec. 12 that President Donald Trump signed 58, has led the Diocese of Joliet since 2020. Born in Chicago and longtime priest the state’s request for an emergency declaration, permitting federal funds to be of the Archdiocese of Chicago, he has served as vicar general, auxiliary bishop, used as aid in 16 counties and several Tribal Nations affected by the floods. The seminary formator, and regional director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Laudato Si’ Movement-Washington State Chapter released a statement Dec. 11, Central America. He currently serves on several USCCB committees and Cathsaying, “We are working together with Archdiocese of Seattle, Catholic Commu- olic boards. nity Services, and additional collaborative agencies to prepare for and provide emergency assistance, as needed.” St. Charles Parish in Burlington, St. Catherine Mission in Concrete, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Snoqualmie, St. Joseph School in Issaquah and Immaculate Conception School in Mount Vernon PARIS (OSV News) – Fifty French Catholics killed under Nazism were beatare among the closures. The Tri-Parish Food Bank at St. Charles has also been ified Dec. 13, 2025, during a Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, recognizing shut down. In its statement, the Laudato Si’ Movement-Washington State Chaptheir witness of faith during World War II. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of ter said it “holds all those affected in prayer” and called the devastation “heartLuxembourg presided at the liturgy, as they were declared blessed, with their breaking.” Early on Dec. 15, the National Weather Service said that “a period of liturgical memorial on May 5. The martyrs – priests, seminarians and laymen very active weather will dominate the week ahead as a series of strong frontal – died in Germany between 1944 and 1945 while serving fellow French workers systems produce cascading impacts across Western Washington.” WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The Washington-based Black and Indian Mis- deported under Nazi forced labor policies. Many belonged to the Young Chrission Office is getting a boost from two new half-hour documentaries, “Trailblaz- tian Workers movement, with several also active as Catholic scouts. They volers of Faith: The Legacy of African American Catholics” and “Walking the Sa- unteered to accompany workers sent to German factories, offering pastoral care cred Path: The Story of the Black and Indian Mission Office.” Father Maurice through a clandestine mission known as the St. Paul Mission. For French Father Henry Sands, a Detroit archdiocesan priest that heads the office, hopes they’ll Bernard Ardura, former president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Scibe an aid with fundraising. Trailers of the films can be viewed on the mission of- ences, and postulator of their causes in Rome since 2018, these men are “martyrs fice’s website, https://blackandindianmission.org/films. “Trailblazers of Faith” of the apostolate.” “They went to Germany voluntarily, as Christians, and it was tells the story of how African Americans have been able to embrace the Catholic as Christians that they were arrested and died,” he told OSV News. They died in faith without abandoning their own culture. A particular focus is on the Balti- concentration camps, death marches or executions, refusing to abandon their more-based Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic order in the U.S. for faith. In his homily, Cardinal Hollerich praised their courage, calling the witness Black women, as well as Venerable Mother Henriette Delille of New Orleans, given by their lives and deaths a faithful following of Christ to the very end. SYDNEY (OSV News) – After two gunmen targeted Jewish beachgoers at an Servant of God Julia Greeley, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton and Servant event celebrating the first day of Hanukkah in terror attack at Sydney’s Bonof God Sister Thea Bowman. They are among seven Black Catholics with active sainthood causes – dubbed the “Saintly Seven.” The Black and Indian Missions di Beach, Pope Leo XIV highlighted God’s closeness to humanity and called for Office originated in 1874 as the Bureau of Catholic Missions, with wider goals prayers for those who suffer on account of war and violence, especially the vicadded in subsequent years. The office is in a brick row house that once belonged tims from the Jewish community in Australia. “Enough with these forms of anto St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955), the Philadelphia heiress who devoted her life tisemitic violence!” Pope Leo said Dec. 15, speaking with the groups that donated this year’s Vatican Christmas Tree and Nativity Scene. “We must eliminate haand her wealth to ministering to Native Americans and African Americans. tred from our hearts,” he highlighted. In a Dec. 15 statement, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney called for an end to an “atmosphere of antisemitism” in Australia. He also shared that he personally has Jewish heritage from his great-grandmother, and that as Christians “an attack on the Jews is an attack VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs on all of us.” Just hours after the shooting and an initial report of 12 dead, the of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said. “As we contemplate them in our homes, death toll rose to 15. The Guardian reported a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and two parishes and town squares, let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace Holocaust survivors were among victims. The second gunman, police confirmed, and fraternity,” he said, calling for prayers for all those who suffer because of was in custody and in critical condition. According to authorities, over 40 people war and violence. “We must eliminate hatred from our hearts.” The pope was were wounded and taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital. The attack occurred in the speaking Dec. 15 during a meeting with the government representatives, artisans early evening as hundreds were gathered at Archer Park, a grassy area in Bondi and donors responsible for providing the Christmas decorations in the Paul VI Beach.
NATION
WORLD
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DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
14 DIOCESE
Jubilee year bus pilgrimage inspires hope FROM THE ARCHIVES By Mary Woodward
We will have more details on that in January. After Mass, our group enjoyed dinner on the grounds of Prince of Peace listening to a jazz band and mingling among the parishioners and others from around Mobile then headed back to the hotel for some rest. The next morning, we made a quick visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a short walk from the hotel in Downtown Mobile. The cathedral parish was founded in 1703 and has been on that spot since then though not the original building. It is a beautiful worship space, and our pilgrims appreciated a chance to offer some prayers of thanksgiving before boarding the bus bound for Montgomery. Fortunately, the ride up to Montgomery did not involve any unexpected stops and we made it to our first stop, the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Sites, in good time. The EJI Legacy Sites include the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. If you have never been, you need to go. It is an outstanding, comprehensive, and heart-wrenching encounter documenting the Black Experience in our country. One could spend days trying to take in all the interactive exhibits, artifacts, and information. On the EJI website, Forbes Magazine describes it this way: “With each person who visits the Legacy Museum, who faces these wounds of our past and is moved to change, we move one step closer to healing.” After several hours at the Legacy Sites, we headed to the City of St. Jude Parish in Montgomery. This parish is historic for it becoming a city within the city of Montgomery offering on its grounds educational opportunities, medical and social services to the community, and refuge to Civil Rights workers and those who participated in marches in Selma and Montgomery. The afternoon program featured music and prayer and witnesses to Sister Thea’s dynamic strength and faith by those who knew her. Once
JACKSON – On a crisp November Saturday, a group of 27 pilgrims boarded a bus in front of St. Peter Cathedral bound for Mobile, Alabama to participate in the Archdiocese of Mobile’s annual Black Catholic History Month celebrations. The pilgrims were all charter members of the newly launched Sister Thea Bowman Guild. Several months ago, archdiocesan officials in Mobile had invited our diocese to participate in their annual celebrations to promote the cause for canonization of Sister Thea and invite collaborative efforts among the two dioceses going forward around The pilgrimage bus makes an unexpected stop her cause. This invitation grew into the formation of outside Seminary, Mississippi, after a mechanical the official guild for Sister Thea’s cause, which early issue delayed the group’s journey to Alabama. next year will be the main point of contact for activeRather than dampen spirits, the delay became ly supporting her cause prayerfully and financially. an opportunity for fellowship as pilgrims shared As we rolled down Highway 49, guild members grits and conversation at a nearby Ward’s, turnanticipated a first stop at historic Africatown just ing an inconvenience into a moment of commuoutside Mobile. Africatown is the site where descennity. (Photo by Mary Woodward) dants of the last ship carrying slaves entered the United States illegally in 1860. The Atlantic slave again Father Ricard shared his vibrant message of trade had been banned since 1808, but in 1860, 110 African American Catholics and Sister Thea’s legaslaves were smuggled into the Mobile Bay and parcy. tially up the Mobile River on the Clotilda, which was The parish kindly provided us with food for our burned and sunk shortly after its arrival to conceal journey home as we made our way to our bus and the any evidence of its cargo. long ride home to Jackson. Unfortunately, on the outskirts of Seminary, Reflecting on the whole weekend, we encountered our bus broke down and the pilgrimage was delayed the rich and deep faith of our church in a unique and waiting for repair. Serendipitously, we coasted into profound way. It was an honor to be a part of this the parking lot of the local Ward’s and spent the next journey of hope with such an inspiring group of peotwo hours getting to know one another over grits, bisple from our diocese. We are already thinking of fucuits, burgers and fries. Guild members came from ture adventures. Greenville Sacred Heart Parish, Vicksburg St. Mary To learn more about Sister Thea’s Cause and the Parish, Jackson Holy Ghost and Christ the King ParGuild, visit our website at: https://www.jacksondioishes along with a smattering of other locations in cese.org/thea-bowman the diocese. We even had a communications person come down from LaCrosse, Wisc., to cover the event (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for for the FSPAs, Sister Thea’s religious order. the Diocese of Jackson.) Soon enough we were back on the road, but the delay caused us to miss Africatown so that we could make it to the hotel and change for the archdiocesan event at Prince of Peace Parish. The celebration included a vibrant program of prayer, music and the sharing of stories about Sister Thea by several who knew her and whose lives were greatly influenced and inspired by her. Following the program, Archbishop Mark Rivituso of Mobile celebrated Mass with Father Tony Ricard serving as homilist. Father Ricard, a priest from New Orleans, gave an incredible witness in word and song of the journey of African American Catholics throughout history, including Sister Thea’s profound contributions to that journey. At the very end of the Mass, I was asked to share a few words on Sister Thea’s Cause and the new guild. It was a great honor to be standing before such a vibrant gathering of faith, hope, and love. I assured the congregation that Sister Thea’s cause was Members of the Sister Thea Bowman Guild from the Diocese of Jackson pose on the front steps of City of in the hands of some incredibly dynamic St. Jude Parish in Montgomery, Alabama, during their pilgrimage for Black Catholic History Month. The group scholars who were hoping to have every- visited historic sites in Mobile and Montgomery while participating in celebrations honoring the life, legacy and thing ready to send off to Rome very soon. cause for canonization of Sister Thea Bowman. (Photo courtesy of Jen Pick)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025
DIOCESE 15
St. Francis of Assisi New Albany celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe By Galen Holley
the basilica represents something deeper. “The building of the church was not the NEW ALBANY – Seven-year-old Luis most important thing for the Blessed Mother,” looked the part, right down to his drawn-on said Father Raj. “The Virgin was present not mustache and loose-fitting tilma, and watching only as an outward sign but as a promise that him alongside his parents, one could imagine she is with us in our joys and sorrows, in all Juan Diego woofing down a cookie prior to the moments and aspects of our lives. She encourMass, just as Luis did. The glory and pageantry ages us to offer our daily lives as a devotion and of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was recontinuation of the celebration in which we splendent on a cold night in New Albany. participate tonight.” “We feel our hearts burning with gratitude The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has to Our Lady,” said Alma Solis, who, on Dec. 12, become the most popular symbol of faith buzzed around the sanctuary organizing the among Mexican Catholics. The inculturated celebration. Solis, a tireless volunteer, directapparition of Mary, with mocha skin and dark ed altar servers, gave dancers their cues, and hair, is a stark contrast to European images of translated on-the-fly from English to Spanish. the Blessed Mother, and suggests her universal “The celebration is important for Catholics character as Mother of the Church. As Father and especially for Mexicans,” said Solis, whose Raj put it, “She came as a sign not only for Latfather-in-law, Pablo Garcia, despite a language in America but for Europe and all the world barrier, is in formation to become a deacon. proclaiming the love of her son, Jesus.” Parents in the Hispanic community had The mustaches drawn onto the lips of badressed their little boys as the sainted peasbies at St. Francis was an adorable sign of just ant, Juan Diego, the simple indigenous man Marta Miranda sings in the choir during the celebration of how much the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe to whom, in 1531, Mary, the Mother of God Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New means to Hispanic Catholics. The sight of the appeared. Our Lady visited Juan Diego on the beatified Lilliputians tottering into the sanctuTepeyac Hill in what today is Mexico City. She Albany on Dec. 12. (Photos by Galen Holley) ary, draped in their peasant’s garb, straw hats admonished the people to turn from pagan practices and offered miraculous signs as proof of Jesus’s love. Mary, through in-hand, was enough to inspire religious delight. St. Francis Parish recently celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary, and, as the power of God, caused roses to bloom in winter on the Tepeyac Hill, and Caon every Dec. 12, the church was packed. Little Kaitlyn Melany lovingly yet shyly tholicism thenceforth bloomed in Latin America. Catholics built a church on the site of the apparition in the 16th century, placed a bouquet of flowers before the statue of Our Lady. One-year-old Ulysses and today it’s among the most visited destinations in all the Christian world. Sanchez slept angelically in the arms of his mother, all gussied up in his costume Still, as St. Francis’s pastor, Father Xavier Jesuraj said in his homily on Dec. 12, of Juan Diego with red and green. Katherine and her little sister, Melanie, were both dressed as Our Lady, and they seemed to enjoy the pageantry and the energy of the congregation. Outside, members of the dance troupe from St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ripley, including Emily Juarez, Sandy Ruiz Martinze, and Giovanni Martinez, moved in time with the thumping of the drum. The faithful sang hymns to Our Lady, giving thanks for her intercession and mind – a call lived uniquely through the vows of By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma and prayers, then they enjoyed a sumptuous JACKSON – The Carmelite community of the Di- religious life and universally through baptism. meal as children scurried about with smiles Sister Maryann, origocese of Jackson celebratand squeals of joy. inally from Kenya, first ed the solemn profession entered Carmel in Savanof religious vows of Sister (Galen Holley is a member of St. Francis of nah, Georgia, in 2015. She Maryann Wambui Koine Assisi Parish in New Albany. Contact him at gaprofessed her first vows of Jesus Crucified, OCD, lenholley@gmail.com and watch his “Saint Miin 2018 and transferred to during a Mass on Saturchael Podcast” on YouTube.) the Carmelite monastery day, Dec. 6, at the Carmelin Jackson in 2024 followite monastery chapel. ing the closure of the SaBishop Joseph R. Kovannah community. Her pacz served as principal solemn profession marks celebrant as Sister Marya lifelong commitment ann made her solemn to the Carmelite way of vows of poverty, chasticontemplative prayer and ty and obedience before simplicity. the Discalced Carmelite Speaking after the nuns, members of the Mass, Sister Maryann Carmelite Seculars, and expressed gratitude to friends from the greater those who supported her Jackson community and vocation, thanking the beyond. In his homily, Bish- Sister Maryann Koine gives hug to her mom priests, sisters and comop Kopacz reflected on Mary Waithira who came to visit her from Ken- munity members who acMount Carmel and the ya to be part of her Solem profesion on Dec. 6. companied her along the journey. “This commuCarmelite tradition, em- (Photo by Tereza Ma) nity has been my second phasizing that religious profession points not only to a particular vocation, family,” she said. “I am grateful to be a part of it.” She also acknowledged the presence of her mothbut to the baptismal call shared by all Christians. Rooted in the mystery of the Cross, he said, religious er, who traveled from Kenya to attend the profession life bears witness to the hope of eternal life and calls and spent several weeks visiting her daughter at the One-year-old Ulysses Sanchez, dressed as monastery. While language barriers limited commuthe church to deeper fidelity to Christ. St. Juan Diego, catches a nap prior to the Religious life, the bishop noted, “points toward nication during the liturgy, Sister Maryann said the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guaheaven,” reminding the faithful that following Christ shared joy of the occasion transcended words. dalupe at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New requires daily self-gift and transformation of heart
Called to Carmel: Sister Maryann Koine makes solemn vows
Albany on Dec. 12.
DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
16 COLUMNs
Give us this day … KNEADING FAITH By Dr. Fran Lavelle, D. Min
On my recent trip to Italy, I witnessed a daily ritual every morning just outside our hotel. A small van would park across the narrow street on what was basically a wide sidewalk. Two men routinely hopped out of the van and proceeded to gather baskets of freshly baked bread, bundles of fresh herbs, and a basket of seasonal vegetables and fruit. The delivery was made around 6 a.m. And, being a lover of good bread, I was excited to note the fresh delivery every day. The scene struck me as quaint and European. It was not until I returned home for the full impact of this daily ritual to sink in. I was reading my news feed on my phone when I saw that the board of Tesla was voting later that week to give Elon Musk a trillion-dollar, performance-based stock package. The words “trillion dollars” bounced around my brain like a thousand pingpong balls being lobbed at a wall. One. Trillion. Dollars. Now before anyone thinks this is an anti–Elon Musk missive, it is not. He happens to be the subject of this particular absurdity. He, as the richest man on the planet, may be part of the problem, but he is not the primary problem. I tried to wrap my head around what a trillion dollars represented – it is actually 1,000 billion. Spending $1 million per day, it would take approximately 1,148 years for Musk to exhaust his fortune. There are 8.1 billion people in the world. An estimated 808 million people, or about 1 in 10 people worldwide, are living in extreme poverty in 2025. Imagine how many people could be lifted out of poverty with a trillion dollars. I think we can all agree that a trillion dollars is an absurd amount of money for one person to possess. For whatever reason, I saw in my mind’s eye the small delivery van and the basket of freshly baked bread. The phrase from the Our Father followed: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Our. Daily. Bread. In light of this reality, perhaps the social commentary is not about Elon Musk or even the class of multibillionaires around the globe. The question we need to focus on, especially in this age of increased poverty, is when did we lose sight of having “enough”? Daily bread. What does enough food look like? What makes a house a home? Are our basic needs being met?
I am the first to admit that in the story of the grasshopper and the ant, I am the ant. I work diligently, storing away summer’s bounty in the freezer for the winter months to ensure we can enjoy tasty oatmeal and blueberries on cold February mornings, or that we have garden-grown bell peppers in March for a heartwarming bowl of beans. But preparing for lean times and hoarding are two different things. Is the quest for more than enough just a part of who we are as humans? Jesus told us that we would always have the poor among us. Is that an outcome of our inability to share, or something else entirely? Pope Leo XIII saw similar trends and in the late 1800s formalized the modern approach to Catholic social teaching. These principles have been consistently affirmed by popes over the subsequent years. Our current Pope Leo XIV, recognizing the devastating reality of poverty, once again is shining a light on the principles of Catholic social teaching, especially regarding preferential treatment of the poor. It is no surprise, then, that care for the poor is the subject of Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te (Latin for “I have loved you”). The document was being drafted by Pope Francis at the time of his death. Thankfully, Pope Leo saw to its completion and publication. In it, the faithful are encouraged to renew our commitment to the poor by animating Christ’s love and recognizing that current global poverty goes beyond material need. Dilexi te draws from Scripture, church teaching, and the lives of saints. Together, these three form a solid basis for exploring what it means to serve the poor. As we continue our journey through Christmas, it is an excellent time to deepen our appreciation of exactly how Jesus came into the world. His humble beginnings re-
mind us to lift up the lowly, to comfort the afflicted, to see each other as God’s begotten sons and daughters. Dilexi te reminds us that Christian love calls us to go out to the margins and unite people in the love of Christ. Changing culture, economic structures, and perhaps most importantly, changing hearts will not be easy. We are being called to empty ourselves of want. We are being called to examine our needs. We are being called to care for one another. Perhaps when we are satisfied with “our daily bread,” we can begin to recognize how to share with those on the margins. (Dr. Fran Lavelle is the director of faith formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)
DECEMBER 26, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
COLUMNs 17
In praise of the light REFLECTIONS ON LIFE By Melvin Arrington
Utter darkness! The total, absolute void of space! When my wife and I toured a cave many years ago, that’s what we sensed when the tour guide led our little group into a well-lit cavern and then flipped the switch. It instantly became infinitely darker than the dim, shadowy murkiness created by any late evening power outage. This was unmitigated blackness. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face; I couldn’t see anything at all! The guide was only trying to demonstrate what the complete absence of light was like but in so doing he was, in effect, re-creating the conditions of the primordial nothingness immediately prior to the moment of Creation. When he turned the switch back on, the cavern instantly became bright and luminous again. It was like coming back to life from the dead. The stark contrast between light and darkness in the cave also suggests some other opposing pairs: good and evil; warmth and cold; intelligence and ignorance; wisdom and folly; the conscious and the unconscious; spirit and matter; positives and negatives. Also, life vs. death; that’s the one that should really grab our attention. Jesus, the Light of the World, calls us and draws us to Himself and to eternal life.
We are free to accept or reject Him. Those who choose the latter option evidently prefer to be as far from the source of illumination as possible, so they will get their wish and find themselves in outer darkness. The following words spoken by Jesus underscore one of the saddest realities in Scripture: “the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). During the last few weeks we have experienced encroaching darkness as the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, draws near. On that darkest of days, it will appear that the shadowy forces have won. But something marvelous happens around the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. By Christmas day luminosity begins to come back into the world. The days become longer and the night recedes. The old saying “it’s always darkest before the dawn” turns out to be true. So, how do we respond to the advent of the new light? By putting up bright, shiny Christmas decorations, of course. Actually, many begin the Christmas season several weeks early. Some of those dazzling outdoor displays pop up the day after Thanksgiving. Perhaps our love for lights and our efforts to illuminate the night sky represent a deep-seated desire to drive away the darkness and negativity that pervade so many aspects of everyday life. Children and adults alike have a special fascina-
Born in hardship, sung in hope: the quiet, powerful origins of ‘Silent Night’ By Katarzyna Szalajko
themes that speak to everyone.” For Father Thomas Kunnappallil, pastor of OBERNDORF, Austria (OSV News) – As Christmas nears and “Silent Night” echoes through Oberndorf’s parish since September, said that churches worldwide, its origins point to hardship for him as a priest, “Silent Night” is more than a Christmas song, leading back “to the deep mystery rather than holiday calm. The world’s most famous Christmas carol that God does not appear in the splendor and noise – “Stille Nacht” in German – was not born in a of this world, but in the silence of a child who gives peaceful, picture-book setting. There was no post- peace and hope.” card village, no soft snowfall, no glowing atmosphere. The beloved carol was first sung on Christmas Eve 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria – a town battered by war, famine and political upheaval after the Napoleonic Wars and a global climate crisis triggered by a volcanic eruption. Museum officials say the song emerged from poverty and uncertainty. Its creators, Father Joseph Mohr and schoolteacher Franz Xaver Gruber, both rose from humble beginnings thanks to mentors who recognized their musical gifts. Mohr’s lyrics speak of God entering a troubled world in quiet humility, while Gruber’s simple melody conveys warmth and hope. “The melody Silent Night Chapel, where the famed “Stille Nacht” Christmas is simple but creates a feeling carol was born is seen on an 2024 photograph in Oberndorf, of warmth and safety,” Martina Austria. The beloved carol was first sung there on Christmas Knall, a representative of the Eve 1818. Oberndorf was not a fairy-tale place back then – it Stille-Nacht-Museum, said. was battered by war, famine and political upheaval after the Na“The text speaks of rescue poleonic Wars and a global climate crisis triggered by a volcanic from distress, hope and love – eruption. (OSV News photo/courtesy Stille Nacht Museum)
tion with the brightness and radiance that characterize Christmas. We love the vivid colors of ornaments and trimmings, the glittery tinsel, and the sparkling bulbs along the winding cord. And let’s not forget the shining fixture atop the tree, reminding us of the wondrous star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem and the stable where the Christ Child was born. Forty days after the Nativity, Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple, where Simeon recognized Him as the long-awaited Savior, the One who would offer the light of salvation to the whole world. Taking the baby in his arms, Simeon spoke the words of the Nunc Dimittis, the canticle recited as part of the Night Prayer of the Church: “Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). On Feb. 2 the church commemorates this event with the feast of Candlemas. Candles have important functions in the church. Some have a prominent place on the altar while others, votive candles, can be found off to the side. There is also the large Paschal candle that glows with the new fire of Easter, and the one in the Sanctuary Lamp, signifying the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle. Each of them in some way points to a link between life and light. The secularists/materialists like to compare human life to a lighted candle. In their view, when the flame goes out, life ends and there’s nothing more. But Venerable Fulton J. Sheen says they forgot to tell us that “even when the candle has burned out, the light continues to emit itself at the rate of 186,000 miles a second, beyond the moon and stars, beyond the Pleiades, the nebulas of Andromeda, and continues to do so as long as the universe endures.” As St. Francis of Assisi reminds us, “all the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” The secularist/materialist viewpoint is in error; the soul of a person of faith, just like that candle light, lives on after death and returns to its Source. As Christians we should be beacons of hope, pointing the way to everlasting truth, goodness, and beauty: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Also, we are supposed to “live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:8-9). It also produces beauty, as in these words from the popular Advent hymn, “O Come Divine Messiah”: “Dear Savior, haste!/Come, come to earth./Dispel the night and show your face,/and bid us hail the dawn of grace.” Every time we feed the hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, or contribute to worthy causes, we are doing our part to dispel the darkness. In this great time of celebration let us carry the light with us wherever we go and try to bring some sunshine into the lives of all we meet, especially those who struggle during the holidays. May the Light of the World fill you with joy, love, hope, and peace during this Christmas season and all throughout the coming year! (Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of St. John Oxford.)
18 YOUTH
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025 JACKSON – Sixth graders at St. Richard School organized their annual Christmas Store, the “Manhattan Mall,” giving residents of Manhattan Nursing Home a festive shopping experience. Families donated gifts so residents could shop for loved ones and leave with wrapped presents for the holidays. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School student Jack B. places a holly leaf on the Advent wreath as the Pre-K 4 class learns about the meaning of the Advent season on Dec. 2, 2025. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
JACKSON – Students at St. Richard Early Learning Center listen as Joni House, executive director of Catholic education for the Diocese of Jackson, reads to them during the National Catholic Educational Association’s “Bright Lights in Catholic Education” tour on Tuesday, Dec. 9. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School students Eliel Cattenhead (PreK3) and Micaela Martinez Contreras (PreK4) share what they are learning with teacher Barbara Davis during the National Catholic Educational Association’s “Bright Lights in Catholic Education” tour, led by NCEA President Dr. Steve Cheeseman and principal Chris Payne, on Dec. 9. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
PEARL – St. Jude Parish Sunday school teacher Christina MERIDIAN – Students in grades five through eight at St. Patrick School perform “The Overton leads her Atrium III class in a lesson about the Mass. Kings of Swing” as part of their Christmas production, The Christmas Chronicles. (Photo by Helen Reynolds) (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC DECEMBER 26, 2025
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Students lead the way this Advent
MERIDIAN – Students at St. Patrick School participated in a Eucharistic procession Dec. 11, followed by adoration in St. Patrick Church. Led by Father Carlisle Beggerly, the procession began at the church and moved through the school halls, where students knelt in reverence. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
VICKSBURG – (Right) Bishop Joseph Kopacz blesses the door at St. Paul Parish on Dec. 7, assisted by Father Rusty Vincent and two altar servers. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)
PEARL – Students took part in St. Jude Parish’s second Advent Mass, led by youth. Altar server Gabe Sullivan and reader Kinzie Hall served during the liturgy. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
This is a 17th-century painting titled “The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Murillo, Bartolome Esteban. The feast of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day of obligation, is celebrated Dec. 25. (OSV News photo/Bridgeman)