MS Catholic June 13, 2025 by jacksondiocese

BY JOE LEE

Father Frank Cosgrove marks 60 years of priesthood with love, laughter and legacy

MADISON – Ed Donohoe didn’t ﬂy nearly as far as Father Frank Cosgrove’s family members from Ireland to see the beloved priest celebrate Mass and mark the 60th anniversary of his ordination, an event which took place June 2 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison.

But 1,200 miles was a long way for Donohoe to travel, and not an inexpensive trip. Why was it so important for him to join the celebration across the country?

“Because Father Frank was like family,” said Donohoe, a Colorado resident who had just reported for duty at the Meridian Naval Air Station in 2008 when they met.

Father Frank, then pastor of St. Patrick Church, would drive half an hour to the base chapel to celebrate Mass. It wasn’t long before he and Donohoe grew close.

Cosgrove family members, including Father Frank’s brother Eamonn, his sister Ruth, and great nephews who were making their first trip to the U.S., ﬂew over 4,000 miles to take part in the service and enjoy the reception. More than 50 priests from all over the Catholic Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi came to support him, and Catholics from all over Mississippi (and a surprising number of non-Catholics) packed the St. Francis sanctuary.

They heard a homily that drew from his brand-new memoir, “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going?” and touched often on unity.

“The celebration means a great deal to me,” said

– Continued on page 6 –

BY KATE SCANLON

Court rules in favor of Wisconsin Catholic agency over religious exemption

The U.S. Supreme Court on June 5 unanimously ruled in favor of the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, which had asked the high court to overturn a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court the agency argued discounted its religious identity.

The group previously appealed a ruling by

the Wisconsin Supreme Court that Catholic Charities is not exempt from paying into the state’s unemployment insurance system because its operations aren’t primarily religious under the definition in the statute requiring certain employers to do so.

Wisconsin law states religious employers in the Badger State are eligible for an exemption from paying into its unemployment benefit program if they operate primarily for religious purposes. The state argued, however, that the Catholic Charities Bureau does not meet that standard since it employs non-Catholics and does not make its service to the less fortunate contingent on Catholic religious practice, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court previously

sided with the state, drawing a distinction between its mission or purpose and its “activities.”

However, in an opinion written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously found the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling violated the First Amendment by creating a preference for some religious practices over others.

“It is fundamental to our constitutional order that the government maintain ‘neutrality between religion and religion,’” Sotomayor wrote, quoting previous Supreme Court precedent in Epperson v. Arkansas. “There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one.”

– Continued on page 6 –

MADISON – From left, Deacon John McGregor, Keith Comish, Father Frank Cosgrove, Cathy Comish, and Deacon Denzil Lobo listen to the Mass readings during the 60th anniversary celebration of Father Cosgrove’s ordination to the priesthood at St. Francis in Madison, Monday, June 2, 2025. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference “Come Holy Spirit With Your Fire” on July 25 and 26, featuring Ralph Martin as the main speaker. Details: email Jeannie at Jwade3585@ outlook.com or call Ray at 205-999-8947. Register at www.catholiccharismaticrenewal.org.

DIOCESE – Pilgrims of Hope in a Multicultural Church, June 21 at St. Francis Greenwood with speaker Deacon Ted Schreck and June 28 at St. James Tupelo with speaker Sister Carol Prenger. Programs from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a light lunch. Please register one week before events at https://bit.ly/4jFn7Mi. Details: Sister Amelia Breton at (601) 949-6935 or email amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Inner Healing Retreat – “I have called you by name,” Saturday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presenters: Dr. Sheryl Jones and Joyce Pellegrin. Details: Register via email to contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or call (662) 299-1232.

JACKSON – St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a dynamic teaching that helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children and join in a small group discussion. Register at https://bit. ly/3HvRKGE. Details: call Ti any at (601) 842-0151.

TUPELO – St. James, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II Adult Formation Course beginning July 17. Mixed format with dates in July and September of 2025 and January, April and June 2026. Course cost $650 per participant; discounts available for parishes sending more than three participants. Details: email karen@stjamestupelo.com.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS

BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, “True North” Vacation Bible School, July 13-16 from 5:30-8 p.m. Details: email o ce@stfrancisbrookhaven.org.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, “True North” Vacation Bible School for PreK-3 through third grade, June 16-18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Details: register online: www.myvbs.org/olvcleveland.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Annual Jose’ Lopez Texas Hold’em Tournament, Saturday, June 28 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Buyin is $25. Details: church o ce at (601) 992-9547.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, “True North” Vacation Bible School, June 23-27 from 5:15-8 p.m. in the parish hall. Dinner and games from 5:15-6 p.m. Open to all children entering K through sixth grade. Cost: $15 per child/$30 max per family. Details: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/stjosephgluckstadt – select one-time donation and then VBS 2025 as the fund.

JACKSON – Holy Ghost, 50th Anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Saturday, June 21 in the parish life center. Details: Please RSVP for luncheon by call or text to Sandra Lynn at (601) 505-1679.

JACKSON – Catholic Charities, 20th annual Bishop’s Ball, Saturday, July 19 at the Two Mississippi Museums. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m. with an auction at 7 p.m. Live music by the Patrick Harkins Bank. Details: call (601) 355-8634 or visit https://event.gives/bb25.

MADISON – St. Francis, Vacation Bible School, June 23-26 from 9 a.m. till noon. Students ages four through fourth grade are welcome to join the “Prayer Safari” and students in grades ﬁfth through eighth are invited to the “Creativity Kingdom” VBS Creative Arts camp. Details: email mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, “True North” Va-

The two Mississippi graduates of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, pictured from left are Liz Rooks-Barber (St. Francis of Assisi, Madison), Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology, and John Lebert Smith, Sr. (West Point, Immaculate Conception), Master of Arts in Theology with a Concentration in Sacred Scripture. They were part of the largest graduating class in the Institute’s 20-year history and the first to graduate from the new Florissant, Missouri campus on May 3, 2025. Both are dedicated parish volunteers who found joy and purpose in this labor of love. (Photo courtesy of Liz Rooks-Barber)

JUNE

cation Bible School for K through sixth grades, June 23-27 from 8 a.m. to noon in the gym, with lunch provided. Details: register at vbspro.events/p/meridian.

Now Hiring!

Assistant Stewardship & Development Director

Catholic Diocese of Jackson – Jackson, MS

Join our mission-driven team! We’re seeking a practicing Catholic with a heart for service to support fundraising and stewardship e orts, including the Annual Catholic Service Appeal is full-time role requires strong organizational and communication skills, experience in development or nonpro t work, and a commitment to the Church’s mission.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (related eld)

• 3+ years in development/fundraising

• Strong writing, Excel & relationship skills

• Practicing Catholic in good standing

Apply by August 1. Please send a cover letter and résumé to: Rebecca Harris, Diocese of Jackson PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225

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

R dgeland Cl nton

APPLIANCE AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE

cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laur el r Oxford Hat t esburg

Jackson Flowood Pearl

e Spirit speaks: From Peter to Pope Leo XIV

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

On the ﬁrst Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit raised up Peter and the 11 apostles from the midst of the other disciples including the Blessed Mother – all who were ablaze with the ﬁre of God’s love.

From the heart of the Church of the New Covenant Peter addressed the crowds assembled in Jerusalem with the ﬁrst proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, cruciﬁed and risen.

Nearly 2,000 years later on a far di erent stage, the successor of Peter – Pope Leo XIV, raised up by the Holy Spirit from the heart of the church and surrounded by many successors of the apostles, his brother cardinals and bishops, addressed the crowds not only assembled in Rome, but also the hundreds of millions throughout the world with the words of the cruciﬁed and risen Lord. “Peace be with you.”

What other Head of State has such a hope-ﬁlled impact at the outset of their public o ce?

Announcement

The next morning in the Sistine Chapel – where the Holy Spirit led cardinals had elected Leo XIV – the day-old Holy Father celebrated Mass and shared his initial reﬂections on his vision for the church, the Body of Christ. It is often out of sync with the enigma of the world’s resistance to the Good News, while at the same time straining under the weight of the irrepressible yearning for what the world cannot give.

Through the kindness of his home Diocese of Warangal and the acceptance of Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Rev. Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Madison has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson.

Editor’s note: In the May 23, 2025 issue of the Mississippi Catholic, we incorrectly stated that Rev. Albeen Vatti is a liated with the Heralds of the Good News Provincial. He is, in fact, a priest of the Diocese of Warangal. We sincerely regret the error and apologize for any confusion it may have caused.

Pope Leo preached the following in his ﬁrst homily: “In a particular way, God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2) for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church. He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill (cf. Revelation 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.

“And this, not so much through the magniﬁcence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings – like the monuments among which we ﬁnd ourselves – but rather through the holiness of her members. For we are the people whom God has chosen as his own, so that we may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into

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

Volume 71 Number 12 (ISSN 1529-1693)

Publisher Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

Communications Director Joanna Puddister King

Production Manager Tereza Ma

Contributor Madelyn Johnson

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

his marvelous light.” (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

Indeed, all of the baptized who are temples of the Holy Spirit, brothers and sister of the Lord Jesus, and children of God share in this mission.

Gazing soberly upon the world that he has profoundly loved, Pope Leo XIV further reﬂected: “There are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied. Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that a ict our society.”

Pope Leo’s words resonated throughout the Sistine Chapel on that ﬁrst morning and will continue to echo in the church and in the world during his papacy. They are caught up in the spirit of this wonderful Jubilee Year of Hope – a hope that does not disappoint because “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5)

At Pentecost and always, Pope Leo reminds us that “the more we let ourselves be convinced and transformed by the Gospel, allowing the power of the Spirit to purify our heart, to make our words straightforward, our desires honest and clear, and our actions generous – the more capable we are of proclaiming and living its message.”

May the Holy Spirit continue to surprise the church and the world with the hope and peace that the world cannot give.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. (English) and 1 p.m. (Spanish) –Mass/Misa, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Sunday, July 13, 5:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day Celebration, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Tuesday, July 15, 22 and 29, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Tuesday, July 15-17, 12:05 p.m. – Daily Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Wednesday, July 16, 7:30 a.m. – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Saturday, July 19, 4 p.m. – Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities Annual Bishop’s Ball, Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson

Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. – Mass and 75th Anniversary Celebration, St. Anne, Fayette

Tuesday, August 5-7, 12:05 p.m. – Daily Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. – Conﬁrmation, St. Joseph, Woodville

Sunday, August 10, 3 p.m. – Dedication of Chapel and Blessing of New School Buildings, St. Richard School, Jackson

Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. – Jubilee Mass for Deanery II, Basilica of St. Mary, Natchez

Sunday, August 17, 11 a.m. – Conﬁrmation, St. Francis of Assisi, New Albany

Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m. – Conﬁrmation, St. Matthew, Ripley

Tuesday, August 19, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

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

All of our seminarians have begun their summer assignments. It is always exciting to see our guys get to be in parishes and I know how much parishioners from these parishes enjoy getting to know our men. Our seminarians look forward to their summer assignments each year because they get to come out of the classroom and serve the people that they are called to serve!

This year Will Foggo and Francisco Maldonado will have a unique experience as they are assigned together at St. Elizabeth in Clarksdale. You may know that the rectory at St. Elizabeth is quite large, and so I wanted to give those two an opportunity to serve together and I am grateful to Father Raju Macherla for being willing to supervise two men. Grayson Foley is with Father Mark Shoffner in Oxford; Joshua Statham is with Father Rusty Vincent in Vicksburg; and Joe Pearson will be with Father Kent Bowlds in Cleveland after he completes the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska in early July. EJ Martin and Wilson Locke are in Mexico for the summer studying Spanish.

Before the summer Father Tristan Stovall and I met with all the pastors who will be serving as supervisors to help them prepare. It is important that our guys are guided through the summer as these assignments really help them discern whether they are called to serve as priests in our diocese. I try to give them varied experiences so they can understand what it will be like if they are called to serve in a suburban parish in the Jackson metro, in a country parish in the Delta, or in a college town.

I also have some exciting information about an upcoming ordination. Will Foggo will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Please save the date and join us! The Egg Bowl, gratefully,

is on Friday, Nov. 28, so please enjoy your time over Thanksgiving with your family and watch some good football, then come to pray for Will and support him that Saturday morning. Will’s priestly ordination will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral. The reason that Will’s ordinations are close together is because the recommendations of the U.S. Bishops recently changed with regard to when men should be ordained to the diaconate. It was suggested that dioceses wait until the candidate is completely done with their academic work so that they can be in the diocese full-time as a deacon. Will’s class was the second class to experience this trial, but after this year we are all reverting back to the old schedule, so he’s getting a unique experience for sure! I am very excited for Will, and I know that he will be a great asset to whichever parishes he gets assigned to.

Thus far we will have three new seminarians joining the fold this August. There are still a couple of applications in process, so I’ll keep you all updated as we go along. Thank you for your prayers and support for our program, they are working! Thanks to all who have given to our Spring Vocations Appeal which is really helping us continue to accompany any young man who is open to a call to the seminary.

– Father Nick Adam, vocation director

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

School Sisters of St. Francis celebrate jubilees

Sister Frances Kloewer and Sister Dorothy Hegemann are joyfully celebrating their 80th and 75th jubilees, respectively, as members of the School Sisters of St. Francis. Both have faithfully served in the Diocese of Jackson. (Photos courtesy of School Sisters of St. Francis)

BY MICHAEL O’LOUGHLIN

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On June 21, 34 School Sisters of St. Francis in the United States will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious. In addition, one lay woman in

associate relationship with the community will celebrate her 50year Jubilee, and another will celebrate 40 years. Two sisters’ ministries include service in the Diocese of Jackson.

80 Years –Sister Frances Kloewer

Sister Frances Kloewer (Mary Bennet) is celebrating 80 years of consecrated life.

Sister Frances was born in Harlan, Iowa. She has a bachelor of science degree in education from Alverno College, and a master of science degree in education from the University of Nebraska.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister

Frances served as principal and teacher at Christ the King School in Jackson (1957-1966); taught at St. Francis School in Yazoo City (1967-1970), and Holy Family School in Jackson (1970-1972). She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

75 Years – Sister Dorothy Hegemann

Sister Dorothy Hegemann (Myriam) is celebrating 75 years of consecrated life.

Sister Dorothy was born in Howells, Nebraska. She has a bachelor’s degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister taught at St. Mary School in Holly Springs (1954-1958) and St. Francis High School in Yazoo City (1958-1959). She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

Note: Cards may be mailed to sister’s name, Attn: Jubilee Committee, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters devoted to education, healthcare, and social justice ministries around the world. Founded in 1874, they continue to serve with compassion and faith. Learn more at schoolsistersosf.org.

Father Nick Adam

Scrutinizing our motives

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

The main character in T.S. Eliot’s play “Murder in the Cathedral” is Thomas Becket, a bishop, who from every outward appearance is saint. He is scrupulously honest, generous to a fault and a defender of the faith who dies as a martyr. Yet, at a certain point in his life, prior to his martyrdom, he recognizes that he might not be distinguishing between temptation and grace.

Many of us are familiar with how he famously expressed this:

The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason. … For those who serve the greater cause May make the cause serve them.

What’s the temptation here that can look like grace?

Simply put, we can be doing a lot of good for the wrong reasons. Moreover, this can be enormously subtle; not least in those of us who serve the greater cause, because, as T.S. Eliot points out, it is easy to make the cause serve us.

How can we make the cause serve us? How can we be doing good for the wrong reasons?

Here’s an example: I can be doing a lot of good things that help others and serve God’s purpose here on earth. I can be generous to the point of martyrdom. However, what if I am doing this (serving the greater cause) mainly because it makes me look good, makes me feel moral and righteous, draws respect, earns me praise and admiration, and will leave behind me a good name?

These questions probe the difference between temptation and grace. I can be doing the right things and, while not doing them for a bad reason, I can still, for the most part, be doing them for myself. I can be making the cause serve me more so than I am serving the cause.

The late Jesuit Michael J. Buckley (one of the major spiritual mentors in my life) pushes us to make a painful examination of conscience on this. Am I doing things to serve God and others or am I doing them to make myself look and feel good?

In his book “What Do You Seek? The Questions of Jesus as Challenge and Promise,” Buckley writes this: “For, in a thousand ways, those who serve the greater cause may make the cause serve them. This can be enormously subtle. Sometimes a nuance at the initial formulation of an action or of a life can work the unexpected twist, the unrealized but profound reorientation so that zeal masks a hidden but vicious ambition; it is hidden because ambition and zeal, however profoundly contradictory, can look initially so much alike. The desire to get something achieved can mix the intrinsic worth of a project with the reflected glory of the accomplishment.”

As a priest, in ministry for more than fifty years, I find this a particularly challenging prism through which to examine myself and my fifty plus years of ministry. How much have I served the greater cause and how much have I, blind to self, made it serve me? Who is the bigger winner here: God and the church or me and my good name?

Granted, motivation is tricky to discern, and this side of eternity is rarely pure. We are a bundle of mixed motivations, some which serve others and some which serve ourselves; and, as Buckley astutely points out, initially they can look very

much alike. Moreover, certain sayings of Jesus seem to suggest that sometimes explicit motivation is less important than actually doing the right thing.

For example, Jesus says that it is not necessarily those who say Lord, Lord who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but it is those who in fact do the will of the Father on earth who will enter the kingdom. (Matthew 7:21) As well, in teaching that we will ultimately be judged on the basis of how we treated the poor (whatsoever you do to the poor, you do to me), notice that neither group, those who did it right and those who did it wrong, knew explicitly what they were doing. They were rewarded or punished solely on the basis of their actions. (Matthew 25)

So, can we be doing the right things for the wrong reasons? And, indeed, if we are doing them for less

The Pope’s Corner

than purely altruistic reasons (approval, respect, a good name, good feelings about ourselves) how bad is this? Does it denigrate or destroy the good we are doing? Is the desire for respect, a good name, and good feelings about ourselves genuinely at odds with altruism? Might the two befriend each other? Is God judging us more by our motivation than by our actions?

Am I serving the greater cause or am I having it serve me? That is a critical question for self-reflection. Why? Because it is easy to be blind to our own hypocrisy, even as it is just as easy to be too hard on ourselves.

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

Remember Christ’s compassion, show compassion to others, pope says

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY

(CNS) – Being religious does not automatically mean someone is compassionate, and yet for a Christian compassion is a clear sign of following Christ, Pope Leo XIV said.

“Before being a religious matter, compassion is a question of humanity! Before being believers, we are called to be human,” the pope said May 28 as he held his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

At the end of the audience, Pope Leo again pleaded for peace in Gaza and in Ukraine.

“From the Gaza Strip there rises to heaven ever more intensely the cry of mothers and fathers who, clutching the lifeless bodies of their children, are continually forced to move in search of some food and safer shelter from the shelling,” the pope said. “To the leaders, I renew my appeal: Cease firing; free all the hostages; fully respect humanitarian law.”

And after days of Russia increasing its attacks on Ukraine, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure, the pope assured the Ukrainian people of his “closeness and my prayers for all the victims, especially the children and families.”

“I strongly renew my appeal to stop the war and support every initiative of dialogue and peace,” he said. “I ask everyone to join in prayers for peace in Ukraine and wherever people suffer because of war.”

The pope’s main talk at the audience focused on the Gospel parable of the good Samaritan, a story the pope said offered important lessons for Christians but also was a source of hope.

“The lack of hope, at times, is due to the fact that we fixate on a certain rigid and closed way of seeing things, and the parables help us to look at them from another point of view,” Pope Leo said.

The parable of the good Samaritan is an obvious lesson in being compassionate and recognizing all men and women as neighbors, he said. But it also says something about the compassion of Jesus.

“We can also see ourselves in the

man who fell into the hands of robbers, for we have all experienced the difficulties of life and the pain brought about by sin,” he said in his English summary. “In our frailty, we discover that Christ himself is the Good Samaritan who heals our wounds and restores our hope.”

“Let us turn, then, to the Sacred Heart, model of true humanity, and ask him to make our heart ever more like his,” the pope said.

The wounded man on the side of the road “represents each one of us,” he said, and remembering “all the times that Jesus stopped to take care of us will make us more capable of compassion.”

Being compassionate, he said, is not just a feeling; it means taking action.

“If you want to help someone, you cannot think of keeping your distance, you have to get involved, get dirty, perhaps be contaminated,” the pope said, noting that in the parable, the good Samaritan cleans and bandages the man’s wounds and takes him to safety.

Pope Leo XIV smiles as he talks to visitors during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican May 28, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

‘ ... You want to be a better Catholic around him ...’

Father Cosgrove is pictured with his new memoir – “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going? An Irishman’s Mission to America.”

– Continued from page 1 –

Ralph Eubanks, who has known Father Frank since he was a student at Ole Miss two generations ago, back when Father Frank pastored at St. John Church. “He was devoted to the truth, he called out the sin of racism, and he believes in bringing people together.”

“He married my parents (Ed and Cindy Hannan) 48 years ago,” said St. Francis parishioner Anabeth Hannan Duncan. “He baptized me 31 years ago and married me three years ago. We have Christmas Eve with him every single year. When I think of God, I see Father Frank, imagining him a few feet taller.”

“Father Frank and I go back to 1969, when he was associate pastor at St. Peter,” said Charlene Bearden. “He made a way for me to have an audience with Pope St. John Paul II in 1987 when he was in New Orleans. This was through the National Black Catholic Leadership. He’s touched so many lives in so many ways.”

“I’ve known him since I was a teenager when he was our parish priest at Ole Miss,” said Mary Johnson Coyle. “I’ve stayed friends with him my entire adult life. You wanted to be a better Catholic around him. He’s a lovely, great man who brings everyone together.”

“My husband John and I were charter members at St. Francis,” said Mary Kraft. “Father Frank has been wonderful to our family. Our daughter and another little girl start-

‘... At the heart of Catholic Charities is Christ’s call ...’

– Continued from page 1 –

At oral arguments in the case in March, the justices appeared to note that the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law would appear to favor religions that would limit their hiring or services to co-religionists.

Justice Elena Kagan said at that time that it might be a “matter of religious doctrine” that some religions “don’t require people to say the Lord’s Prayer with us before we give them soup.”

“I thought it was pretty fundamental that we don’t treat some religions better than other religions, and we certainly don’t do it based on the content of the religious doctrine that those religions preach,” she said.

Bishop James P. Powers of Superior celebrated the ruling in a statement.

“At the heart of Catholic Charities’ ministry is Christ’s call to care for the least of our brothers and sisters, without condition and without exception,” Bishop Powers said. “We’re grateful the Court unanimously recognized that improving the human condition by serving the poor is part of our religious exercise and has allowed us to continue serving those in need throughout our diocese and beyond.”

Eric Rassbach, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, a religious liberty law firm that represented the Catholic Charities bureau, said, “Wisconsin shouldn’t have picked this fight in the first place.”

“It was always absurd to claim that Catholic Charities wasn’t religious because it helps everyone, no matter their religion,” Rassbach said. “Today, the Court resoundingly reaffirmed a fundamental truth of our constitutional order: the First Amendment protects all religious beliefs, not just those the government favors.”

(Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.)

ed CYO at St. Francis under him. He asked us to be eucharistic ministers, but I told him we would like to be altar servers, and we were the first adult altar servers.”

At the reception in the St. Francis family life center, Father Frank made time for everyone who wanted a hug, a selfie, or a minute or two to say thanks. The celebration lasted well into the night. Father Frank, now in his mid-eighties and slowed by Parkinson’s, was still on his feet with a big smile on his face.

The memoir was a huge hit, selling almost 200 copies at the event. It’s available for $20 while supplies last at parish offices at St. Patrick in Meridian, St. John in Oxford, St. Paul in Flowood, and St. Francis of Assisi in Madison.

(Joe Lee is the Editor-in-Chief of Dogwood Press, and member of St. Francis of Assisi, Madison.)

ROME – Father Frank Cosgrove, right, stands with now-Deacon Denzil Lobo on the rooftop of the Pontifical North American College in 2002. Lobo and his wife, Gina, surprised Cosgrove with a visit while he was on sabbatical in Rome. Both attended Cosgrove’s 60th ordination anniversary celebration where they reminisced about the special trip. (Photo courtesy Gina Lobo)

Mary Kraft poses for a photo with her one time pastor Father Cosgrove.

Father Cosgrove receives a huge hug from Anabeth Hannan Duncan at his 60th anniversary celebration.

Father Frank Cosgrove receives the gifts during his 60th ordination anniversary celebration from his Irish family: Eamonn McGauran, left, and wine from his brother, Eamonn Cosgrove. (Photos by Tereza Ma) See more photos at jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.

(Above)

(Left)

By Staff RepoRtS

St. Dominic Health dedicates Jackson’s location of

St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy

JACKSON – St. Dominic Health, a

part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, joyfully hosted the blessing and dedication ceremony for the new St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, open at the St. Dominic Center Complex in Jackson on May 14.

This marks Mississippi’s third location for the pharmacy, which is licensed by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy to dispense non-controlled medication. It provides free prescriptions and wellness education to uninsured and underserved individuals. The initial collaborators are St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy and Stewpot Community Services along with individuals served at St. Dominic’s Sister Trinita Community Clinic. Other partners are welcome.

Jackson’s location of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy operates on the ground floor of St. Dominic’s Saxony building at 3820 I-55 North Frontage Road. (Photo courtesy of St. Dominic Health)

“This endeavor reflects our ongoing commitment to compassionate healthcare,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, president of St. Dominic Health and the Jackson market. “By donating the space and supporting operations, we continue and expand our commitment to serve those most in need in our community.”

The pharmacy is in the Saxony building of the St.

Dominic Center Complex at 3820 Interstate 55 North Frontage Road and operates two days a week.

Samuel Burke, St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy executive director, said, “Our doors are open from 9 a.m. until noon. Eligibility is done on

Tuesdays and walk-in services are available on Thursdays.”

A shuttle service is available from Sister Trinita Community Clinic and Stewpot Community Services to the pharmacy on Tuesdays and Thursdays during operating hours.

The pharmacy serves eligible patients referred through community clinics, charitable organizations and healthcare providers. Medications are provided to individuals with current prescriptions at no cost, sourced from unused, unopened medications donated by licensed facilities.

“Our volunteers are ready to assist with the qualification process and getting individuals the medicine they desperately need. The eligibility process usually takes about an hour,” Burke added.

Know someone in need? Share this resource at https://svdprx.org/apply-for-assistance.

For more information about the pharmacy, its services, making referrals or volunteering call (601) 3261717.

In memoriam: Sister Annette Seymour, RSM

FRONTENAC, Mo. – Sister Marie Annette Seymour, RSM, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas for 63 years, died May 20, 2025, at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac. She was 82.

Born May 14, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Edward and Ja mie Seymour.

She is survived by her sisters, Linda Foster (Steve), Connie Robert (Pete), Janice Hess (Buddy) and Luky Seymour (Gene); her brother, Sid Seymour (Liz); and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Lau ra Opperman (Fred), Jimmy Seymour and Leo Seymour (Nancy).

do Springs, Colorado. She was also certified as a Healing Touch practitioner.

Sister Annette taught at St. Joseph Parish School, St. John’s Inter-Parochial High School and Sacred Heart High School, all in Mississippi. She served in campus ministry at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Jackson, Mississippi; Maplewood Community College in New Orleans; the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg; and Radford University in Richmond, Virginia. She also served for four years as vocation minister for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Sister Annette graduated from St. Francis Xavier in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1962. She entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1962, and received the name Sister Mary Charisse. She professed her first vows in 1965 and made perpetual profession on Aug. 16, 1970. Her ring motto was “Love Conquers All.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a certificate in secondary education from Saint Louis University, a Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a certificate in spiritual direction from Mercy Center in Colora-

Later in life, she offered Healing Touch therapy at Pratt Cancer Center, Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Mercy Center in St. Louis.

Sister Annette enjoyed dancing, singing and cooking. She cherished time with family and friends, valued lifelong learning and supported the arts.

A liturgy was held Saturday, May 31 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in Frontenac. Interment was private at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Attention: Sister Christine Blair, RSM, 2039 N. Geyer Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

Cathedral SChool NatChez

CATHEDRAL SCHOOL NATCHEZ

VALEDICTORIAN:

JOSEPH BRADEN STARR

GPA: 4.40 – ACT: 34

From his speech: As we leave the familiar halls of Cathedral, we walk toward a future full of new and different expectations. We’ll face new environments, more diverse than the close-knit community we’ve grown up in. We’ll attend college, pursue careers, create families, and learn what it truly means to sacrifice. We’ll face uncertainty, opportunity, and change.

But in all of that, one thing remains constant: what we expect of ourselves – and more importantly, what God expects of us. In the busy years ahead, we may be tempted to measure our worth by success, income, or recognition. But we must remember that our true calling is deeper. We are called to live lives of compassion, selflessness, and stewardship. These are not just values taught in religion class, or values mentioned simply because this is a Catholic school; they are the foundation of a meaningful life. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus reminds us that what we are given is not meant to be buried or wasted but multiplied for good. Our gifts, our knowledge, our time –they are tools for service. So, as we leave here tonight, let us carry with us more than just a diploma. Let us carry a sense of mission. Let us strive not only to meet expectations, but to exceed them in love, integrity, and purpose. Let us live not just for ourselves, but for others – and for God.

Church: Basilica of St. Mary, Natchez

Favorite service project: National March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Plans to attend: University of Southern Mississippi

Plans to study: Biology/Biomedical Sciences

Scholarships: National Merit Finalist; USM Honors Presidential; STAR Student; Phi Theta Kappa; and Valedictorian

Awards/honors: National Merit Finalist

Activities: National Honor Society; Peer Ministry Team; and Men’s Golf Team

Favorite subject: Calculus

Yearbook quote: “Let’s be intentional about the light, imagine a future, be in it.” – Björk

SALUTATORIAN:

ELIZABETH ASHLEY GREGG

GPA: 4.40 – ACT: 33

From her speech: Class of 2025, somewhere along the way, you learned how to climb, and now you stand at the top of a mountain. In the next few years, wherever they may take you, don’t stop climbing. If you think you’ve made it, you think you’re high enough, you think maybe I’ll just stop here, don’t. Do the things that push you and force you to keep going. If these past years taught me anything, it’s that the longer, more difficult journeys make you stronger and introduce you to new opportunities you would have never encountered on the easy road. So pick the hard path and challenge yourself, because you never know when you will have the opportunity to do it again. ...

To family and friends, alumni and students, and

– Number of graduates: 45

– Number attending 4-year colleges: 29

– Number attending community colleges: 13

– Number of scholarship recipients: 27

– Largest scholarship awarded: $182,280 to Millsaps College (Liza Gregg)

– Notable next steps: Owen Bertelsen and Logan Foster – United States Marine Corps; Lehmann Novak – United States Army

– Total amount of scholarships offered: $1,835,530

– Total amount of scholarships accepted: $959,196

– Total of service hours: 8,039 over four years

– Notable service projects: National Honor Society’s Pack the Bus

– Special Honors: STAR Teacher – Ralph Loe; Jules Michel Faculty Award – Weezie Mallory; Dorothy Garrity Memorial Scholarship – Robbie Lanehart; George and Ninnette Junkin Memorial Teacher Recognition –Clint Jeffus

– Mr. and Miss Cathedral: Frederick Lane and Kinslee Young

most importantly, this year’s graduating class, when you do reach the top of a mountain, extend a hand down and help others climb up behind you. Everything you have and everything you own is temporary – but everything you are is eternal. You will live on in the memories you inspire in others; make sure to be proud of your legacy.

Don’t ever doubt it; you can and you will conquer that mountain.

Church: Basilica of St. Mary, Natchez

Favorite service project: Vidalia Brightest Stars Ball

Plans to attend: Millsaps College

Plans to study: Biology (Pre-Med Track)

Scholarships: Premier Scholarship and Softball Scholarship

Awards/honors: ACT Excellence Award; National Championship Emerald Tide Dance Team (captain); MAIS All-District Catcher; MAIS District and South State Discus Champion; and Millsaps Premier Scholar

Activities: National Honor Society; Key Club; Natchez Youth Leadership; Peer Ministry Team; St. Mary Basilica CYO; Emerald Tide Dance Team; Lady Wave Softball Team; and Varsity Track Team

Favorite subject: Chemistry

Yearbook quote: “A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.” – Dr. Seuss in “The Lorax”

– Number of graduates: 64

– Number attending 4-year colleges: 55

– Number attending community colleges: 9

– Number of scholarship recipients: 59

– Largest scholarship awarded: Will Andrews –$260,000 to University of the South (Sewanee)

– Notable next steps: Amari Alexander – Howard University; Brad Evans, Phillip Macke and Jasmine Woodard – Military

– Total scholarships offered: $3,325,000

– Total scholarships accepted: $3,202,368

– Total amount of service hours: 10,631 hours over four years

– Notable service projects: Serving at Our Daily Bread food pantry in Canton and Sacred Heart’s food pantry; and BruinTHON

– STAR Student/Teacher: Hailey Crump/Star Teacher – Jenna Murphy

– Mr. and Miss St. Joe: Connor Odom and Peggy Steckler

ST. JOSEPH MADISON

VALEDICTORIAN:

HAILEY MICHELLE CRUMP

GPA: 4.379 – ACT: 34

Church: Christ United Methodist, Jackson

Favorite service project: Working at Mississippi Horses, a horse rescue in Canton, was incredibly meaningful to me. Being able to give back to them – caring for and helping improve their lives –

felt like a natural and deeply fulfilling extension of that lifelong bond I have had with these amazing animals.

Plans to attend: University of Alabama

Plans to study: Neuroscience (PreMed Track)

Awards/honors: Star Student; Not Your Average Joe Award (2024/2025); Magna Cum Laude on National Latin Exam (2022/2023); Academic Excellence (highest average): Latin I (20212022), Latin II (2022-2023), English II Honors (2022-2023), World History Honors (2022-2023), AP United States History (2023-2024), AP Government & Poli-

St. JoSeph MadiSoN

tics (2024-2025), AP Computer Science Principle (2024-2025), AP Literature and Composition (2024-2025), and Sociology (2024); Academic Commended: Pre-Calculus Honors (2023-2024), AP Biology (2023-2024); AP English Language and Composition (2023-2024), Anthropology (2025), AP Calculus AB (2024-2025), and Art II (2024-2025)

Activities: USEF Interscholastic Equestrian Athlete; Youth Legislature (junior and senior); and Mississippi Model Security Council (senior)

Favorite subject: Biology

VALEDICTORIAN:

ELAINA CECILE PRICE

GPA: 4.379 – ACT: 34

Church: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gluckstadt

Favorite service project: Shower Power is my favorite service project because it allows me to connect with the overlooked in society and meets their basic human needs with dignity and love. I also value the time spent serving alongside my family and teammates and gaining appreciation for the blessings in my own life.

Plans to study: Biological Sciences (Pre-Med Track)

Awards/honors: MSU Luckyday Scholar; AP Scholar Award; Certificate of Achievement Award for 60+ hours of Gospel Service; The Mercy Service Award; 20 Academic Awards; Department Awards in English, Math and Science; Cum Laude National Latin Exam Award; Honor Roll; Principal’s Honor Roll; WAPT Student Athlete Recognition; Robert M. Hamil Memorial Scholarship; Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award; National Honor Society (president); Science National Honor Society (president), National Latin Honor Society; National English Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; and Rho Kappa

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University

Activities: St. Joe Varsity Girls Soccer (captain); Varsity Tennis; Varsity Swim Team; IFC Soccer Team (captain); Retreat Team Leader; Student Council (secretary); and Madison Civinettes

Favorite subject: Biology

SALUTATORIAN: JENNIFER COURSEY CROTTY

GPA: 4.2615 – ACT: 33

Church: Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, Madison

Favorite service project: One of my favorite service projects was ALIVE in You Service Camp in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I enjoyed helping organize and clean local secondhand shops

to support the community.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University

Plans to study: Kinesiology or Nutrition

Awards/ honors: Salutatorian; Not Your Average Joe Faculty Award for overall outstanding character; Homecoming Court – Queen (12th) and Maid (10th); Who’s Who – Most Kind (12th); 30+ ACT Society (11th/12th); Academic Excellence (highest average): DC English Composition I, Government, Art II, US History Honors, Environmental Science, Geometry Honors, World History, and Theology II; Academic Commended: AP Computer Science, Trigonometry Honors, and Human Anatomy and Physiology; Art/Design: ‘24 Prom Brochure and Entrance Ticket; Principal’s Honor Roll; and Honor Roll

Activities: Retreat Leader; Student Council (Parliamentarian 11th and Student Body Representative 12th; St. Joe Campus Tour Leader; Cheer Team; All Star Cheerleader (12th); Mu Alpha Theta Tutor; Mini Cheer Camp Counselor; Girls Varsity Basketball Team Manager; Tennis Team; Diamond Girl (captain); and Madison County Civinettes

Favorite subject: Science

in service to the

goods students donated to assist families for

by organizing

VICKSBURG – (Below) St. Al senior Taylor Zadrozny makes sure his PreK buddy Jack stays hydrated on the playground. (Photo by Anna Griffing)

GREENVILLE – (Above) St. Joseph seniors, Cadence McDonald, Malorie Lockett and Kimberly Holland engage

community

canned

Thanksgiving. (Below) Seniors, CJ Martinek and Jay Chow help unload

truck full of canned goods collected for St. Vincent de Paul. (Photos by Nikki Thompson)

VICKSBURG – St. Al senior girls fight to win a game of tug-of-war during field day. Pictured: Maddie Rice, Stella Buckner and Julia Tuminello. (Photo by Anna Griffing)

El padre Frank Cosgrove celebra 60 años de sacerdocio con amor, risas y un legado

Por Joe lee MADISON – Ed Donohoe

no tuvo que viajar tan lejos como los familiares del padre Frank Cosgrove, que vinieron desde Irlanda para ver al querido sacerdote celebrar la misa y conmemorar el 60.º aniversario de su ordenación, un evento que tuvo lugar el 2 de junio en la iglesia de San Francisco de Asís, en Madison.

Pero 1200 millas era un largo viaje para Donohoe, y no era un viaje barato. ¿Por qué era tan importante para él unirse a la celebración al otro lado del país?

“Porque el padre Frank era como de la familia”, dijo Donohoe, un residente de Colorado que acababa de presentarse para el servicio en la Estación Aérea Naval Meridian en 2008 cuando se conocieron. El padre Frank, entonces párroco de la iglesia de San Patricio, conducía media hora hasta la capilla de la base para celebrar la misa. No tardaron mucho en hacerse amigos.

– De izquierda a derecha, el diácono John McGregor, Keith Comish, el padre Frank Cosgrove, Cathy Comish y el diácono Denzil Lobo escuchan las lecturas de la misa durante la celebración del 60.º aniversario de la ordenación sacerdotal del padre Cosgrove en la iglesia de San Francisco, en Madison, el lunes 2 de junio de 2025. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)

Los miembros de la familia Cosgrove, entre ellos el hermano del padre Frank, Eamonn, su hermana Ruth y sus sobrinos nietos, que visitaban Estados Unidos por primera vez, volaron

más de 4000 millas para participar en la misa y disfrutar de la recepción. Más de 50 sacerdotes de todas las diócesis católicas de Jackson y Biloxi acudieron para apoyarlo, y católicos de todo Misisipi (y un número sorprendente de no católicos) abarrotaron el santuario de San Francisco.

Escucharon una homilía basada en sus nuevas memorias, “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going?” (Señor, ¿sabe adónde va?), en la que se refirió a menudo a la unidad.

“La celebración significa mucho para mí”, dijo Ralph Eubanks, quien conoce al padre Frank desde que era estudiante en Ole Miss hace dos generaciones, cuando el padre Frank era párroco de la iglesia St. John. “Era un hombre dedicado a la verdad, denunciaba el pecado del racismo y creía en unir a las personas”.

“Casó a mis padres (Ed y Cindy Hannan) hace 48 años”,

dijo Anabeth Hannan Duncan, feligresa de St. Francis. “Me bautizó hace 31 años y me casó hace tres años. Pasamos la Nochebuena con él todos los años. Cuando pienso en Dios, veo al padre Frank, imaginándolo unos centímetros más alto”.

“El padre Frank y yo nos conocemos desde 1969, cuando era vicario en St. Peter”, dijo Charlene Bearden. “Me ayudó a conseguir una audiencia con el papa San Juan Pablo II en 1987, cuando estuvo en Nueva Orleans. Lo hizo a través de la National Black Catholic Leadership. Ha influido en la vida de muchas personas de muchas maneras”.

“Lo conozco desde que era adolescente, cuando era nuestro párroco en Ole Miss”, dijo Mary Johnson Coyle. “He sido su amiga durante toda mi vida adulta. Estando con él, uno quería ser mejor católico. Es un hombre encantador y maravilloso que une a todo el mundo”.

“Mi marido John y yo fuimos miembros fundadores de St. Francis”, dijo Mary Kraft. “El padre Frank ha sido maravilloso con nuestra familia. Nuestra hija y otra niña pequeña comenzaron en la CYO en St. Francis bajo su tutela. Nos pidió que fuéramos ministros eucarísticos, pero le dije que nos gustaría ser monaguillos, y fuimos los primeros monaguillos adultos”.

En la recepción celebrada en el centro familiar St. Francis, el padre Frank dedicó tiempo a todos los que querían un abrazo, una selfie o un minuto o dos para darle las gracias. La celebración se prolongó hasta bien entrada la noche. El padre Frank, que ahora tiene más de ochenta años y está afectado por el Parkinson, seguía en pie con una gran sonrisa en el rostro.

Las memorias tuvieron un gran éxito, vendiéndose casi 200 ejemplares en el evento. Están disponibles por 20 dólares hasta agotar existencias en las oficinas parroquiales de San Patricio en Meridian, San Juan en Oxford, San Pablo en Brandon y San Francisco de Asís en Madison.

(Joe Lee es el editor jefe de Dogwood Press y miembro de la parroquia de St. Francis of Assisi, en Madison).

El padre Frank Cosgrove se prepara para cortar un pastel especial en celebración de su 60.º aniversario de ordenación, acompañado por el padre Albeen Vatti, párroco de St. Francis of Assisi en Madison, y Frances Patterson.

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

MADISON

La Corte Suprema permite a Trump poner fin a las protecciones

de deportación para 500.000 migrantes de Cuba, Haití, Nicaragua y Venezuela

Venezuelan migrants arrive on a deportation flight from the U.S. at Simon Bolivar International airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Feb. 10, 2025. The U.S. Supreme Court on May 30, allowed the Trump administration to end deportation protections for more than 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. (OSV News photo/Gaby Oraa, Reuters)

Por Kate Scanlon

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Este 30 de mayo, la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos permitió que la administración Trump pusiera fin a las protecciones de deportación para más de 500.000 inmigrantes de Cuba, Haití, Nicaragua y Venezuela – típicamente países de mayoría católica – mientras que una apelación de la orden del presidente sigue pendiente.

Anteriormente, la administración Biden concedió a algunos migrantes de esos cuatro países la posibilidad de entrar legalmente en Estados Unidos por motivos humanitarios, alegando condiciones peligrosas en sus países de origen. Tras el regreso del presidente Donald Trump a la Casa Blanca, su administración revocó ese permiso (conocido como “parole humanitario), lo que provocó un desafío legal. Un juez federal bloqueó previamente que la administración Trump pusiera fin al programa.

La orden no firmada no explicaba el razonamiento de la mayoría.

En una opinión disidente, el juez Ketanji Brown Jackson, junto con la juez Sonia Sotomayor, reprendió a la mayoría del alto tribunal en la decisión, argumentando que “claramente estropearon” su evaluación.

“No exige casi nada al Gobierno con respecto al daño irreparable”, escribió Jackson. “Y subestima las devastadoras consecuencias de permitir que el Gobierno ponga fin precipitadamente a las vidas y medios de subsistencia de casi medio millón de no ciudadanos mientras sus reclamaciones legales están pendientes”.

“Incluso si es probable que el Gobierno gane en los méritos (del caso), en nuestro sistema legal, el éxito lleva tiempo y las normas de suspensión requieren más que una victoria anticipada”, escribió Jackson.

Ya en marzo, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos calificó la terminación del programa CHNV, como se le conoce por las letras de los países de los migrantes en ese programa, de “contraproducente” para los objetivos declarados de la administración Trump de promover el respeto por el estado de derecho y reducir la presión sobre las comunidades estadounidenses.

“Instamos a la Administración a considerar el impacto adverso de esta acción sobre los ciudadanos y no ciudadanos por igual, especialmente teniendo

en cuenta las condiciones actuales en varios de los países implicados”, dijo la portavoz de la conferencia episcopal de EE.UU., Chieko Noguchi, en una declaración proporcionada a OSV News.

La doctrina social católica sobre inmigración, explicada por la la conferencia (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés), equilibra tres principios interrelacionados: el derecho de las personas a emigrar para mantener sus vidas y las de sus familias, el derecho de un país a regular sus fronteras y controlar la inmigración, y el deber de una nación de regular sus fronteras con justicia y misericordia.

J. Kevin Appleby, investigador principal de política del Centro de Estudios sobre Migración de Nueva York y ex director de política migratoria de la USCCB, dijo a OSV News: “Es particularmente preocupante que la administración se dirija a inmigrantes que fueron invitados a los Estados Unidos y entraron legalmente”.

“También provienen de países con regímenes opresivos y podrían ser objeto de persecución cuando sean devueltos”, dijo Appleby. “Muestra cierta hipocresía, ya que la administración califica a los inmigrantes de criminales pero sigue deportando a los que cumplen las normas”. Appleby dijo que los individuos de otras naciones podrían haber sido tratados de manera diferente.

“Seamos sinceros, si este programa sirviera a inmigrantes de Noruega, Suecia o a los afrikaners de Sudáfrica, la administración no estaría intentando ponerle fin”, dijo. En efecto, la decisión de la Corte Suprema significa que el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional puede revocar el estatuto de protección de estas personas mientras la Corte de Apelaciones del 1er Circuito de EE.UU. sopesa un recurso contra la propia orden.

El fallo de ese tribunal sigue pendiente.

(Kate Scanlon es una reportera nacional de OSV News que cubre Washington D.C. Síguela en X @kgscanlon.)

La Corte Suprema de Texas permite que continúe la investigación de

Paxton de la Casa de la Anunciación

Por Kate Scanlon

AUSTIN, Texas (OSV News) – El fiscal general de Texas, Ken Paxton, puede seguir investigando Annunciation House (la Casa de la Anunciación) de El Paso, una organización católica sin fines de lucro que sirve a los migrantes, dijo la Corte Suprema de Texas el 30 de mayo. Desde febrero de 2024, en presentaciones judiciales y declaraciones a la prensa, la oficina de Paxton ha tratado de cerrar Annunciation House, alegando que la organización facilita el cruce ilegal de fronteras, oculta "extranjeros presentes ilegalmente de la aplicación de la ley", y no entregó los documentos que la oficina buscaba en su investigación. Sin embargo, Annunciation House y sus abogados negaron haber cometido infracciones o conductas ilegales y afirmaron que la oficina de Paxton no siguió los procedimientos legales adecuados para solicitar documentos a la organización. En julio, un juez estatal denegó el intento de Paxton de cerrar la organización sin ánimo de lucro, al considerar que su oficina "no había establecido motivos probables" para ello, argumentando que había violado la Ley de Restauración de la Libertad Religiosa de Texas, entre otras cuestiones. Poco después, Paxton apeló directamente al más alto tribunal del estado para reactivar su iniciativa. Una decisión escrita por el juez de la Corte Suprema de Texas Evan A. Young dijo que la naturaleza de la apelación directa significa que "debe abordar esta controversia mucho antes de lo que normalmente lo haría", argumentando que inicialmente considera que un tribunal inferior fue "prematuro" en el bloqueo de la iniciativa de Paxton.

El Espíritu habla: De Pedro al Papa León XIV

Por obiSPo JoSePh r. KoPacz, D.D.

En el primer domingo de Pentecostés, el Espíritu Santo levantó a Pedro y a los 11 apóstoles de en medio de los otros discípulos, incluida la Santísima Madre, todos los cuales estaban encendidos con el fuego del amor de Dios.

Desde el corazón de la Iglesia de la Nueva Alianza, Pedro se dirigió a la multitud reunida en Jerusalén con el primer anuncio del Evangelio de Jesucristo, crucificado y resucitado.

Casi 2,000 años después, en un escenario muy diferente, el sucesor de Pedro, el Papa León XIV, levantado por el Espíritu Santo desde el corazón de la Iglesia y rodeado de muchos sucesores de los apóstoles, sus hermanos cardenales y obispos, se dirigió a la multitud y no solo los reunidos en Roma, sino también a los cientos de millones de personas en todo el mundo con las palabras del Señor crucificado y resucitado. “La paz sea con vosotros”.

¿Qué otro jefe de Estado tiene un impacto tan esperanzador al inicio de su cargo público?

A la mañana siguiente, en la Capilla Sixtina, donde el Espíritu Santo guio a los cardenales que habían elegido a León XIV, el Santo Padre celebró la Misa y compartió sus primeras reflexiones sobre su visión de la Iglesia, y el Cuerpo de Cristo. A menudo está fuera de lo habitual con la consideración a la resistencia del mundo a la Buena Noticia, mientras que al mismo tiempo se esfuerza bajo el peso y el anhelo irresistible de lo que el mundo no puede dar.

El Papa León predicó lo siguiente en su primera homilía: “De modo particular, Dios me ha llamado por tu elección para suceder al Príncipe de los Apóstoles, y me ha confiado este tesoro para que, con su ayuda, pueda ser su fiel administrador (cf. 1 Corintios 4:2) por el bien de todo el Cuerpo místico de la Iglesia. Lo ha hecho para que sea cada vez más plenamente una ciudad firme sobre una colina (cf. Apocalipsis. 21:10), un arca de salvación que navega por las aguas de la historia y una luz que ilumina las noches oscuras de este mundo.

“Y esto, no tanto a través de la magnificencia de sus estructuras o la grandeza de sus edificios -como los monumentos entre los que nos encontramos-, sino más bien a través de la santidad de sus miembros. Porque nosotros somos el pueblo que Dios ha escogido como suyo, para que contemos las maravillas de aquel que nos llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable”. (cf. 1 Pedro 2:9).

En realidad, todos los bautizados que son templos del Espíritu Santo, hermanos y hermanas del Señor Jesús e hijos de Dios participan en esta misión. Mirando con medida al mundo que ha amado profundamente, el Papa León XIV reflexionó: “Hay contextos en los que no es fácil predicar el Evangelio y dar testimonio de su verdad, donde los creyentes son burlados, opuestos, despreciados o, en el mejor de los casos, tolerados y compadecidos. Sin embargo, precisamente por esta razón, son los lugares donde se necesita desesperadamente nuestro alcance misionero. La falta de fe a menudo va acompañada trágicamente de la pérdida de sentido de la vida, del descuido de la misericordia, de las terribles violaciones de la dignidad humana, de la crisis familiar y de tantas otras heridas que afligen a nuestra sociedad”.

Las palabras del Papa León resonaron en toda la Capilla Sixtina en esa primera mañana y continuarán resonando en la Iglesia y en el mundo

durante su papado. Donde se encuentra en medio del espíritu en este maravilloso Año Jubilar de Esperanza, una esperanza que no defrauda porque “el amor de Dios ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones por el Espíritu Santo”. (Romanos 5:5)

En Pentecostés y siempre, el Papa León nos recuerda que “cuanto más nos dejemos convencer y transformar por el Evangelio, permitiendo que la fuerza del Espíritu purifique nuestro corazón, que nuestras palabras sean directas, nuestros deseos honestos y claros, y nuestras acciones generosas, más capaces seremos de proclamar y vivir su mensaje”.

Que el Espíritu Santo siga colmando la Iglesia y al mundo con la esperanza y la paz que el mundo no puede dar.

La Esquina del Papa

Recuerden la compasión de Cristo, muestren compasión a los demás, dice el Papa

cinDy WooDen

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Ser religioso no significa automáticamente que alguien sea compasivo, y sin embargo para un cristiano la compasión es un signo claro de seguir a Cristo, dijo el Papa León XIV.

“Antes que una cuestión religiosa, ¡la compasión es una cuestión de humanidad! Antes de ser creyentes, estamos llamados a ser humanos”, dijo el Papa el 28 de mayo durante su audiencia general en la Plaza de San Pedro.

Al final de la audiencia, el Papa León abogó de nuevo por la paz en Gaza y en Ucrania.

“Desde la Franja de Gaza se eleva al cielo, cada vez con mayor intensidad, el grito de madres y padres que, abrazados a los cuerpos sin vida de sus hijos, se ven obligados continuamente a desplazarse en busca de algo de comida y un refugio más seguro de los bombardeos”, dijo el Papa. “A los dirigentes, renuevo mi llamado: Cesen los disparos; liberen a todos los rehenes; respeten plenamente las leyes humanitarias”.

Y tras días en los que Rusia ha incrementado sus ataques contra Ucrania, matando civiles y destruyendo infraestructuras, el papa aseguró al pueblo ucraniano su “cercanía y mis oraciones por todas las víctimas, especialmente los niños y las familias”.

“Renuevo con fuerza mi llamamiento para detener la guerra y apoyar toda iniciativa de diálogo y de paz”, dijo. “Pido a todos que se unan a las oraciones por la paz en Ucrania y dondequiera que la gente sufra a causa de la guerra”.

La catequesis principal del Papa en la audiencia

se centró en la parábola del buen samaritano, una historia que, según el Papa, ofrece importantes lecciones para los cristianos, pero también es fuente de esperanza.

“La falta de esperanza, a veces, se debe a que nos quedamos atrapados en una cierta forma rígida y cerrada de ver las cosas, y las parábolas nos ayudan a mirarlas desde otro punto de vista”, dijo el Papa León.

La parábola del buen samaritano es una lección evidente sobre la compasión y el reconocimiento del prójimo. Pero también dice algo sobre la compasión de Jesús.

“También podemos vernos a nosotros mismos en el hombre que cayó en manos de los ladrones, porque todos hemos experimentado las dificultades de la vida y el dolor provocado por el pecado”, dijo en su resumen en inglés. “En nuestra fragilidad, descubrimos que Cristo mismo es el Buen Samaritano que cura nuestras heridas y restaura nuestra esperanza”.

El hombre herido al borde del camino “nos representa a cada uno de nosotros”, dijo, y recordar “todas las veces que Jesús se detuvo para cuidar de nosotros nos hará más capaces de compasión”. Ser compasivo, dijo, no es sólo un sentimiento; significa pasar a la acción.

La parábola, dijo el Papa León en su resumen en español, está dirigida a un alguien que, a pesar de conocer las Escrituras, considera la salvación como un derecho que le es debido. Esta parábola “le ayuda a cambiar de perspectiva, y a pasar de centrarse en sí mismo a ser capaz de acoger a los otros, sintiéndose llamado a hacerse prójimo de los demás, sin importar quienes sean, y no sólo juzgar cercanas a las personas que lo aprecian”.

“La parábola gira en torno al camino que hace cada personaje, al modo de aproximarse a los demás y a cómo se comporta cada uno cuando ve al prójimo en dificultad”, continuó el Papa. “El texto nos pide reflexionar sobre nuestra capacidad de detenernos en el camino de la vida, de poner al otro por encima de nuestra prisa, de nuestro proyecto de viaje”.

“Si quieres ayudar a alguien, no puedes pensar en mantenerte a distancia, tienes que implicarte, ensuciarte, quizás contaminarte”, dijo el Papa, señalando que, en la parábola, el buen samaritano limpia y venda las heridas del hombre y lo lleva a un lugar seguro.

El Papa León XIV comienza su audiencia general rezando con los visitantes y peregrinos reunidos en la Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano el 28 de mayo de 2025. (CNS/Lola Gomez)

13 de junio de 2025

La gente reacciona con júbilo durante una Misa en la Catedral de Santa María de Chiclayo en Perú 10 de mayo 2025, celebrando la elección del Papa León XIV 8 de mayo en el Vaticano. El nuevo Papa fue obispo de Chiclayo entre 2015 y 2023. (Foto OSV News/Sebastian Castaneda, Reuters)

NACIÓN

CIUDAD DE OKLAHOMA (OSV News) – Se insta a los católicos a asistir en gran número a los eventos de la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional, a medida que aumentan las protestas anticatólicas a lo largo de los 5.380 kilómetros de la Ruta de Santa Catalina Drexel. Los manifestantes, muchos de ellos de la Iglesia de Wells en Wells, Texas, han atacado las procesiones eucarísticas, denunciando las creencias católicas, en particular la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Hasta 50 manifestantes, entre ellos niños, se enfrentaron a los peregrinos en Oklahoma entre el 30 de mayo y el 2 de junio. Los organizadores esperan que aumenten las manifestaciones a medida que la peregrinación de 36 días avance por Texas y California. “Esto es caminar con nuestro Señor contra los ataques”, dijo Jason Shanks, presidente de National Eucharistic Congress Inc., instando a los católicos a dar testimonio con valentía pero de forma pacífica. Desaconsejó enfrentarse a los manifestantes y hizo hincapié en la oración, la humildad y la caridad. La peregrinación, que comenzó el 18 de mayo en Indianápolis, incluye paradas diarias para la misa, la adoración y el servicio. Los organizadores están vigilando la seguridad, pero no han modificado el programa. Estableciendo un paralelismo con el camino de Jesús por la Vía Dolorosa, la ruta que recorrió llevando la cruz en Jerusalén hasta su crucifixión y muerte, Shanks dijo que los peregrinos están recorriendo “el Camino de la Cruz”.

VATICANO

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Aunque el papa Francisco ya fijó el 3 de agosto como fecha para declarar la santidad del beato Pier Giorgio Frassati, el papa León XIV celebrará una reunión con los cardenales para aprobar su canonización y la de otras siete personas. La reunión, conocida como “consistorio público ordinario”, está prevista para el 13 de junio, según ha anunciado el Vaticano. Los cardenales que viven en Roma o están de visita en la ciudad están invitados a participar en el consistorio, que suele ser un servicio de oración que incluye la lectura de una breve biografía del candidato a la santidad, la solicitud del papa a los cardenales para que aprueben la canonización y, por lo general, el anuncio de la fecha de la ceremonia. Dado que la canonización del beato Carlo Acutis, prevista para el 27 de abril, se pospuso tras la muerte del papa Francis-

co, es posible que, junto con el consistorio, el Vaticano anuncie una nueva fecha para proclamarlo santo.

MUNDO

SÃO PAULO (OSV News) – Dos monjas brasileñas se han vuelto virales en todo el mundo después de que un vídeo del 28 de mayo las mostrara haciendo beatboxing y bailando hip hop en la televisión católica, lo que ha provocado comparaciones con la película “Sister Act”. Las hermanas Marizele Isabel Cassiano Rego y Marisa de Paula Neves, de las Hermanas de la Copiosa Redención, estaban promocionando un evento vocacional en la cadena Pai Eterno cuando se lanzaron a una animada actuación llena de fe. El vídeo, grabado el 20 de mayo en el estado de Goiás, llamó la atención de celebridades como Viola Davis y Whoopi Goldberg, que elogiaron su alegre testimonio en el programa “The View” de la ABC. Conocidas por utilizar la música y la danza en su ministerio con drogadictos, ambas hermanas afirman que la evangelización creativa ayuda a romper estereotipos y a conectar con los jóvenes. “La gente piensa que las monjas son rígidas”, dijo la hermana Marizele a OSV News. “Pero cuando nos ven cantar y bailar, ven quiénes somos realmente”. Su enfoque vibrante está inspirando ahora a los jóvenes a ponerse en contacto con la Iglesia.

TOME NOTA

Vírgenes y Santos

Día de la Bandera 14 de junio

Día del Padre 15 de junio

San Romualdo, abad 19 de junio

Santísimo cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo 22 de junio

Natividad de San Juan Bautista 24 de junio

Sagrado Corazón de Jesús 27 de junio

CorazónInmaculado de la Bienaventurada Virgen María 28 de junio

Santos Pedro y Pablo, Apóstoles 29 de junio

Santo Tomas, Apóstoles 3 de julio

Día de la Independencia de los Estados Unidas 4 de julio

Síganos en Facebook: @DiócesisCatólicadeJackson

Únase a lista de correos electrónicos

Mande un texto: MSCATHOLIC a 84576

ESPECIAL DE SACRAMENTOS

Mississippi Catholic publicará una edición especial de Sacramentos (Spring Sacraments) en julio. Necesitamos fotos de Primera Comunión y Confirmación. Envie fotografías grupales a Mississippi Catholic. La fecha límite final para las presentaciones es el viernes 7 de julio. editor@jacksondiocese.org

MADISON – Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, adjusts senior Bash Brown’s National Honor Society stole before he joined other Bruin graduates on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, for a group photo at the amphitheater before graduation in the school gym. (Photo courtesy of St. Joe School Madison)

VICKSBURG – (Below) St. Al seniors visit their PreK buddies during class time after the year’s first Senior Mass at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. (Photo by Anna Griffing)

MADISON – Peggy Steckler, Miss St. Joe, and Connor Odom, Mr. St. Joe, outside the Malco Renaissance Cinema Grill in the Renaissance Shopping Center in Ridgeland. St. Joe high school students chose Steckler and Odom for the honor earlier this spring. (Photo courtesy of St. Joe School Madison)

13,

St. JoSeph GreeNville

ST. JOSEPH GREENVILLE

VALEDICTORIAN:

MARY KATHRYN STRINGER

GPA: 4.2059 – ACT: 31

From her speech: My parents always said that this year would be a huge transition period for me. Early this year that scared me a lot but I am much less anxious now because the Lord has been preparing the way for me to step into who he knows I can be. I know that when I can’t see the way ahead of me he is always there to guide my steps.

Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your path.”

This verse summed up my year really nicely and I think it will probably be the first sticky note that I put on my desk in college. No matter what path my classmates and I decide to take after we leave this place, my hope for us is that we will all end up doing something that we love.

Church: Emmanuel Baptist Church, Greenville

Favorite service project: Vacation Bible School is a special way for me to give back to my church and share the joy I experienced as a kid. I love helping create a fun, meaningful space where children can get excited about learning God’s Word.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University

Plans to study: Biological Studies (Pre-Med Track)

Scholarships: Nina Bologna Scholarship; Washington County Rotary 4 Way Test Scholarship; Mississippi State Freshman Academic Excellence Schol-

– Number of graduates: 26

– Number of students attending 4-year colleges: 11

– Number of students attending community colleges: 11

– Number of scholarship recipients: 20

– Largest scholarship awarded: $92,004 to Xavier University (Cadence McDonald)

– Notable next steps: Jose Gonzalez and Quendarius Brown – Military

– Total amount of scholarships offered: $2,099,153

– Total amount of scholarships accepted: $460,137

– Total amount of service hours: 1,069.5

– Notable Service Projects: Work with St. Vincent DePaul; and Mu Alpha Theta seniors tutored elementary students

– STAR Student/Teacher: Mary Kathryn Stringer/ Star Teacher – Brian McGaugh

– Mr. and Miss St. Joe: Jose Gonzalez and Carol Jane “CJ” Martinek

arship; STAR Student Scholarship; Valedictorian Scholarship; MTAG; Imminent Scholars Scholarship; and Hodding Carter Scholarship

Awards/honors: National Honor Society; National Junior Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Honors Graduate; Mississippi Scholars; Star Student; Woodmen Life Association American History Award; Imminent Scholars Award; Greenville Rotary Club 4-Way Test Award; Mississippi Blood Services Recognition; Most Likely to Succeed; Best Actress Award; Highest Average: Honors Economics, Honors U.S. Government, AP Calculus, Zoology, and Religion (12th)

Activities: Tennis Team; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Interact Club; and Environmental Science Club

Favorite subject: History

SALUTATORIAN:

CAROL JANE MARTINEK

GPA: 4.1176 – ACT: 25

From her speech: My dear classmates, may we always keep our sense of humor, follow our hearts, and never be afraid to climb that next mountain. 2nd Timothy 1:7 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Fear can lead to feet that are frozen ... and frozen feet can’t take you anywhere – don’t get frozen!

Class of 2025, do not look at challenges with a fearful eye, but rather walk towards them with confidence, guided by the power and love of our Father.

Church: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Greenville

Favorite service project: One of my favorite service projects was visiting Camp Looking Glass with my mom to give horse rides to children with mental disabilities. It was incredibly rewarding to offer them a joyful experience they might not otherwise have.

Plans to attend: Northwest Mississippi Community College

Plans to study: Secondary Math Education

Scholarships: Mississippi Professional Educators 2025 High School Senior Scholarship; Unkel Trust Scholarship; Charles D. Taylor Endowed Scholarship; and NWCC Bouchillon Scholarship

Awards/honors: National Honor Society; National Junior Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Mississippi Scholars; Honors Graduate; HOBY Youth Leadership Representative; Girls State Representative; Greenville Knights of Columbus Award; Mississippi Blood Services Recognition; Most Athletic Award; E.J. Lueckenbach Award; Best Actress Award; Miss SJS; and Charles S. Kerg Award

Activities: Interact Club; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Cheer Team; Drama; Soccer; Softball; Student Government; Archery; and Environmental Science Club

Favorite subject: History

St. aloySiuS viCkSburG

– Number of graduates: 40

– Number of students attending 4-year colleges: 30

– Number of students attending community colleges: 10

– Number of scholarship recipients: 40

– Largest scholarship awarded: $343,540 to Wake Forest University (Teresa Wilson)

ST. ALOYSIUS VICKSBURG

VALEDICTORIAN:

JOHN CALEB STUART

GPA: 4.61 – ACT: 32

From his speech: I would also like to thank every teacher here who made this school a safe space for learning and living out our faith. I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me. They are my biggest supporters, and while I credit them and my family members with my success, I also cannot downplay the impact this school has had on me.

When I sat down to write this speech, I asked myself a simple question: “How has my education at St. Al affected me?” The answer, I soon realized, can’t be found in words, but in a thousand moments that have shaped me into who I am today.

I’ve been part of Vicksburg Catholic School from kindergarten all the way through senior year. ... Now, standing here as a graduate, I realize just how fast it all went.

While playing on the tennis team, something Coach Shields said stuck with me: “Don’t count the time – make the time count.” You often don’t realize just how important this is until the time is gone. There are moments we will never get back, but we made those moments count, and now we have memories from this school that will forever be cherished.

Favorite service project:

– Total amount of scholarships accepted: $2,000,000

– Notable next steps: Jaden Wheeldon – United States Air Force

– Total amount of service hours: 15,224

– Notable service projects: Storehouse Community Food Pantry; Blessing Box on Grove; and Senior Buddies

– Mr. and Miss St. Al: Thompson Fortenberry and Ryan Hadley Grey

Doing activities with our senior buddies because it reminds me of when I was in kindergarten.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University

Plans to study: Computer Science

Scholarships: Freshmen Academic Excellence Scholarship; and Paul A. and Mary Elgie Frederic Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Awards/honors: National Merit Scholar

Activities: Tennis Team and Quiz Bowl

Favorite subject: English

SALUTATORIAN:

SAMANTHA LIN EDWARDS

GPA: 4.60 – ACT: 34

From her speech: I want to leave you with one more thing, that is the question we’ve been asked to answer since preschool, “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” When I think back on my years spent at St. Aloysius, I think about all the people who have inspired me, teammates, coaches, classmates, and the qualities they have that I want to one day also have. I have learned that change is inevitable, but it can also be intentional. So, I ask you to think about who you want to be because now it’s up to us to decide. It’s our choice. ... We have a daunting task before us, to become who we want to be, but it’s safe to say we are off to a good start. I leave you with some encouragement from 2 Timothy 2:12: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

Church: First Baptist Church of Vicksburg

Favorite service project: Operation Christmas Child Shoebox is a favorite project of mine because it is a great way to share the Gospel.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University

Plans to study: Mechanical Engineering

Scholarships: Bagley College of Engineering Excellence Scholarship; National Merit Finalist Housing Award; National Merit Finalist Scholarship; STAR Student Scholarship; Paul A. and Mary Elgie Frederic Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Lauren Hall Female Athlete of the Year Scholarship; Carson Kurtz Memorial Scholarship; and ERDC Alumni Scholarship

Awards/honors: National Merit Finalist; Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award (11); Honors Physics Highest Grade Award (11); AP United States History Highest Grade Award (11): Spanish I Highest Grade Award (9); Geography Highest Grade Award (9); Honors Geometry Highest Grade Award (9); Honors Algebra I Highest Grade Award (8); National Honor Society; and Mu Alpha Theta (10, 11, 12)

Activities: Soccer Team (captain); Cross Country Team (captain); Track Team; FRC Robotics; Student Government Association; Concert and Marching Band; Retreat Team; and Senior/7th Grade Mentor

Favorite subject: Science

CoNGratulatioNS to the ClaSS oF 2025

St. JoSeph MadiSoN

Amari Elizabeth Alexander

Bailee Jordan Alexander*

Kaelyn Anaiyah Alexander

Robert Cole Allen*

Yosvani Arenas Alvarez

Cassie Virgie Isabella Anderson

Maris Ramon Andorfer*

William Brooke Andrews

Abigail Kate Blackwood*

Eliana Grace Bossier

Gavin Isaiah Brice

Sebastian Malouf Brown*

William Turner Brown*

Logan Louis Bruening

William Brandon Burkes

Stephanie Ann Burton

Samuel Ashley Clements*

Jonah Anthony Coco*

Sydney Claire Collins*

Jennifer Coursey Crotty*

Hailey Michelle Crump*

Maliyah Alexis Dillard*

Aaron Gilbert Emrick

Bradford Pierre Evans

Madisyn Iman Evans

Azul Jettzel Garcia

Preston Allen Garrison

Rodney Alan Garrison

Logan Hayes Gomez*

Fletcher Jett Goodwin*

Terance Isaiah Hardeman

omas Peyton Hitchcock

Lilly Marcella Hlavac*

Denley Andrew Holloway

Dashiell Atticus Xavier Klein*

Anna Kate Kosek

So a Isabella Liberto*

Sydney Kate Wink Lieb*

Phillip omas Macke*

Alexander DeShaun Mason

Annsley Marie Maynor*

Colin Charles McElwain*

Molly Margaret Moody*

Marion Paul Mooney, III*

Emma Ann O’Brien

Connor Scott Odom*

Macon Marie Ogburn

Evan Alexander Orsborn

Eli Por rio Ortiz

Lucero Pascual-Delgado

Quinton Montgomery Pope

Elaina Cecile Price*

Richard Russell Pullen Jr.

Ryan Michael Rainer*

Jackson Roth Rodgers

Ella Mamie Sandel

Nyla Ruth Simon-Johnson*

Samuel Michael Spring eld

Margaret Dale Steckler*

Ann Elizabeth Vanderloo

Tristian Aiviyan Walker

Jonathan Kelly Warnock*

Stella Mae Williams

Jasmine Kanorria Woodard

St. JoSeph GreeNville

Kennedy Simone Alexander Emily Ballon

Triston D. Beckworth

Quendarius Lamar Brown

Javeon D. Byars

James omas Chow

Kimistry Abria Collier*

Jaden Ja’Quez Easley

Joshua Benjamin Galloway

Jose Santos Gonzalez II

Maria Elizabeth Guillen

John Haggard III

Kimberly Dianne Holland*

Malorie Claire Lockett*

Carol Jane Martinek*(S)

Cadence Morgan McDonald*

Lane Michael McKay

Christopher William Moore

Ja’Quavious Ahmad Nash

Yasmin Lizbeth Ortiz*

Krishna Ketankumar Patel

Morgan Tuveria Sims

Hannah Grace Smith

Mary Kathryn Stringer*(V)

Jacoby Isaiah Watson

Jason Eli Williamson

Cathedral NatChez

John Clayton Atkins

Owen Craig Bertelsen

Brayden Douglas Blanton

Charlotte Pyper Elizabeth Book

Braxton Cole Brice

Anna Grace Britt

Bailey Rae Brown

Christopher Ja’Caryous Bufor

Brian Raymond Burgess

Nichakon Afana Chenyavanit*

Corey Alan Conn

William Peyton Covington

Lily Marie Crum*

Christopher Troy Dillon

Madelyn Glynn Fielder*

Kolemyn Grace Fisher*

Lillie Kay Floyd*

Logan Serio Foster

Landon Joseph French

Jade Qei’Nylah Goods

Elizabeth Ashley Gregg* (S) Aiden Layne Hu

Maddox Cody Je us

Ethan Earl Keith*

Landon Shain King

Lauren Jean Lambuth*

Frederick Armarion Lane

Sally Hudson Linton*

Allie Grace McGehee*

Joseph Michael Misita

Alexander Deion Monagan

Lehmann Hoge Novak

Ivy Nicole Rushing

Ella McKenzie Samrow*

Wesley Lewis Simpson*

Emma Claire Smith

Samantha Gayle Smith

Joseph Braden Starr* (V)

Sarah Grace Stewart

Elizabeth Francis Verucchi*

James Brent Murray Warren

Jackson Sao Webb*

Lacy Temple Welch*

Joshua Tate White

Erin Kinslee Young*

St. aloySiuS viCkSburG

Brody Christopher Barnett

Laken Gage Bradley

Bailey Grace Brogdon*

Stella Louise Buckner*

Will Corbin Burroughs*

Ellery Tate Connell*

Ryan Crawford Davidson*

Samantha Lin Edwards* (S)

De’Marques Lonnell Elexander Flowers*

ompson Carr Fortenberry

Ryan Hadley Grey*

Sarah Grace Griggs

Samuel Joseph Hall*

Mia Isabella Hendricks*

Clark Campbell Hobson

Joshua Patrick Kitchens*

Anna Grace Lovins

Alice Grace Luke

James Robert McCain

Anthony Dawayne McCloud, II

Julia Elizabeth Moberley

John Ellis Montgomery*

Kirill Ivanovich Pokrovskiy

Peyton Elise Rainer*

Madison Elizabeth Rice

Eli Daniel Shiers

Carson Walker Smith

Julius Tomoya Spears*

Macy Elizabeth Stauble

Lollie Rae Stevens

John Caleb Stewart* (V)

Raegan Kathryn ornell*

Maria Celeste Torres*

Olivia Angel Trcka*

Julia Elizabeth Tuminello*

Jaden Grierson Wheeldon

Teresa Ly Wilson*

Dalton John Windham

Carrie Lynn Wood*

Taylor Jack Zadrozny

As part of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City process June 1, 2025, from Christ the King Catholic Church to St. Eugene Catholic Church. Pilgrimage organizers are encouraging Catholics to turn out in strong numbers for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Eucharistic processions to counter the growing number of anti-Catholic protesters who consistently have been present at the route’s public events. (OSV News photo/Avery Holt, courtesy Archdiocese of Oklahoma City)

NATION

OKLAHOMA CITY (OSV News) – Catholics are being urged to attend National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events in large numbers as anti-Catholic protests grow along the 3,340-mile St. Katharine Drexel Route. Protesters – many from the Church of Wells in Wells, Texas – have targeted Eucharistic processions, denouncing Catholic beliefs, particularly Jesus’ real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Up to 50 protesters, including children, confronted pilgrims in Oklahoma from May 30 to June 2. Organizers expect increased demonstrations as the 36-day pilgrimage moves through Texas and into California. “This is walking with our Lord against attacks,” said Jason Shanks, president of National Eucharistic Congress Inc., urging Catholics to witness boldly but peacefully. He advised against engaging with protesters and emphasized prayer, humility and charity. The pilgrimage, which began May 18 in Indianapolis, includes daily stops for Mass, adoration and service. Organizers are monitoring security but have not altered the schedule. Drawing a parallel to Jesus’ journey on the Via Dolorosa, the route he took while carrying the cross in Jerusalem to his crucifixion and death, Shanks said pilgrims are walking “the Way of the Cross.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The U.S. Supreme Court on June 5 unanimously ruled in favor of the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, who had asked the high court to overturn a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court the agency argued discounted its religious identity. The group previously appealed a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that Catholic Charities is not exempt from paying into the state’s unemployment insurance system because its operations aren’t primarily religious under the definition in the statute requiring certain employers to do so. However, in an opinion written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously found the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling violated the First Amendment by creating a preference for some religious practices over others. In a statement celebrating the ruling, Bishop James P. Powers of Superior said, “At the heart of Catholic Charities’ ministry is Christ’s call to care for the least of our brothers and sisters, without condition and without exception. We’re grateful the Court unanimously recognized that improving the human condition by serving the poor is part of our religious exercise and has allowed us to continue serving those in need throughout our diocese and beyond.”

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Although Pope Francis already set Aug. 3 as the date to declare the sainthood of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pope Leo XIV will hold a meeting with cardinals to approve his canonization and that of seven other people. The meeting, known as an “ordinary public consistory,” is scheduled for June 13, the Vatican announced. Cardinals living in or visiting Rome are invited to participate in the consistory, which typically is a prayer service that includes the reading of a brief biography of the sainthood candidate, the pope’s solicita-

tion of the cardinals’ approval of the canonization and, usually, an announcement of the date for the ceremony. Since the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which had been scheduled for April 27, was postponed after the death of Pope Francis, it is possible that in conjunction with the consistory the Vatican would announce a new date to proclaim him a saint.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held their first telephone conversation June 4 with the pope encouraging Putin to make a gesture to show he is serious about peace with Ukraine, the Vatican press office said. “I confirm that this afternoon there was a telephone conversation between Pope Leo XIV and President Putin,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office. While they spoke of several “matters of mutual interest,” Bruni said that “special attention was paid to the situation in Ukraine and peace. The pope made an appeal for Russia to make a gesture that would promote peace, stressed the importance of dialogue for the realization of positive contacts between the parties and seeking solutions to the conflict,” Bruni said.

WORLD

SÃO PAULO (OSV News) – Two Brazilian nuns have gone viral worldwide after a May 28 video showed them beatboxing and dancing hip hop on Catholic TV – drawing comparisons to a real-life “Sister Act.” Sisters Marizele Isabel Cassiano Rego and Marisa de Paula Neves, of the Sisters of the Copious Redemption, were promoting a vocational event on the Pai Eterno network when they broke into a lively, faith-filled performance. The video, filmed May 20 in Goiás state, caught the attention of celebrities like Viola Davis and Whoopi Goldberg, who praised their joyful witness on ABC’s “The View.” Known for using music and dance in their ministry to drug addicts, both sisters say creative evangelization helps break stereotypes and connect with youth. “People think nuns are rigid,” Sister Marizele told OSV News. “But when they see us sing and dance, they see who we really are.” Their vibrant approach is now inspiring the youth to get in touch with the church.

NAMUGONGO, Uganda (OSV News) – In Uganda, ten of thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Namugongo shrine June 3 to honor the Uganda Martyrs – 45 Christians killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887. Among them, Catholic convert St. Charles Lwanga was burned alive at the very site of the annual pilgrimage. This year’s Martyrs Day marked a return to pre-COVID crowds, with the faithful trekking hundreds of miles from across East Africa, many praying for healing, peace and hope. Despite the joy, security was tight after Ugandan forces thwarted a terror attack just hours before the feast. Suspected extremists, armed with explosive vests, were killed near the Munyonyo Basilica. President Yoweri Museveni and church leaders called the 19th-century martyrs, who died at the order of the king, a symbol of resilience and a challenge to live out courageous faith. Pilgrims, carrying water from the shrine’s healing spring, left with renewed hope. As one said, “I arrived empty, but I’m leaving full – something will change.”

Bishop Gerow’s memories shed light on Roman seminary

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

While I was in the diocesan archive vault a few days ago searching for an original copy of an agreement established with one of the religious orders serving in our diocese, I came across another historical document of great interest.

The archive vault is a small room on the ground level of our chancery building. It houses most of the permanent and historic paper records of our diocese. Inside the vault is a floor safe that holds these original contracts and agreements mentioned above along with the papal bulls of appointments of our bishops and their wills.

In the safe I found the document for which I was looking, but I also discovered Bishop Richard Gerow’s (1924-1966) ordination certificate from June 5, 1909. It is a large parchment with all the information from that Saturday in June 116 years ago. He was ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome by Pietro Cardinal Respighi, whom the certificate identifies as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome.

Pictured is Bishop Richard Gerow’s ordination certificate from June 5, 1909. The document can be found in the diocesan archives among other historical documents and photos. (Photos courtesy of archives)

Bishop Gerow studied at the North American College in Rome. In his recollections about his early years, he talks about coming home to Mobile in 1904 after graduating from St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Discerning God’s call for him, he approached his bishop and spiritual father, Edward Patrick Allen, about entering the seminary.

In the recollection, Bishop Gerow states he was expecting to be sent back to “the Mount” as they called St. Mary’s, but Bishop Allen had other plans. The good bishop told young Richard he would be going to Rome to complete his seminary training.

The North American College (NAC) was founded in 1859 as a place for seminarians from the United States. At that time [and now] Rome housed seminaries from countries all over the world. One could identify the seminary by the uniform of the student. Bishop Gerow describes the NAC uniform as a black double-breasted cassock with blue buttons and blue piping off center down the right.

The idea for the NAC came from the U.S. bishops of the 1850s. They wanted to establish a seminary in Rome where students could experience all that the Eternal City had to offer – history, art, churches, spirituality, and opportunities to learn about the church from countries around the world.

The bishops approached the pope of that time, Blessed Pope Pius IX, with the idea and pledged to provide support and funding from all over the U.S. Blessed Pius agreed and procured a stately building for the endeavor in the center of Rome on the Via dell’Umilitá. Bishop William Henry Elder, our bishop in 1859, was able to raise almost $2,500 for the establishment of the seminary, which was not a small sum of money in those days.

So, 45 years later, young Richard Gerow found himself on a ship to Rome to begin his journey to the priesthood. In those days when a young man went off to the NAC, he most likely would not come home until his studies were completed. So off he went for five years. After eight days at sea, he first landed in Ireland, the birthplace of his mother, where he spent several days touring around including kissing the Blarney Stone, before making his way down through the continent to Rome.

He describes arriving at Via dell’Umilitá where he was met and carted off to the summer residence for NAC students at the Ville Santa Catarina outside Rome near Castel Gandolfo. The Villa was purchased by the American bishops in the 1890s to give seminarians a place outside of Rome to rest from their studies, nurture their vocation in quiet prayer, and develop fraternal bonds that would last a lifetime. While at the Villa, Gerow was fitted for his NAC “uniform.” He re-

ceived a hand-me-down cassock for daily use and the tailor fitted him for a new cassock to wear on special occasions.

“Alfredo, the shoemaker, was called to take my measure for a pair of shoes such as were worn by students in Rome,” Gerow writes in his reminiscence.

After his 10 days at the Villa, Gerow and the other NAC seminarians returned to Rome to settle in and begin their studies for the semester. He writes: “Soon the summer vacation at the Villa came to an end and the student body returned to the city of Rome to be ready for the opening of classes. New camaratas [cohorts] were organized and assigned to their quarters.”

“I was assigned to a camarata composed entirely of new arrivals except for the Prefect in charge and the Beadle, the assistant Prefect. Our Prefect … was Bill Farrell – one of the older seminarians who was to be to us as a father of the family. Our Beadle … was John Hardeman of Tennessee. John knew every nook and corner in Rome.”

Bishop Gerow’s story gets more and more fascinating so I will end here and pick up with more next time. Ci vediamo dopo

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

Bishop Richard Gerow is pictured in his seminarian days at the North American College in Rome.

Will the real Father Brown please stand up?

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE

By Melvin Arrington

Among the countless fictional detectives on TV and in the movies, one stands out above all the others for his rock-solid faith, his vast knowledge of the inner workings of the criminal mind, and his unyielding efforts to catch lost souls and lead them back into the fold. This detective also happens to be a priest. Of course I’m referring to Father Brown, created by Catholic convert G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) who, oddly enough, had not yet converted when Father Brown made his first appearance in a 1910 short story, “The Blue Cross.”

Chesterton based his immortal amateur sleuth on Father John O’Connor, a parish priest who would come to play a major role in his conversion to the Catholic faith. From conversations with Father O’Connor, Chesterton devised the notion of “constructing a comedy in which a priest should appear to know nothing and in fact know more about crime than the criminals.” This basic irony, which persists throughout the stories, has a startling explanation: Father Brown has intricate knowledge of criminal behavior because he has heard all the sordid details in the confessional.

Chesterton wrote more than fifty short stories scattered across five volumes about his famous crime-solving clergyman. In the first collection, “The Innocence of Father Brown” (1911), he describes his most celebrated creation as “a very short Roman Catholic priest [with] a face as round and dull as a Norfolk dumpling [and] eyes as empty as the North Sea.” He also makes reference to “his quaint blending of Essex flatness with saintly simplicity” and the “large, shabby umbrella” he carries. With this minimal description Chesterton leaves it to his readers’ imagination to fill in the details of what this man of the cloth looks like.

As a result of the lack of more specific information about the character’s appearance, the manner in which he has been portrayed has varied considerably. To date, at least ten actors have interpreted Chesterton’s mystery-solving cleric on the large and small screens. The first was an American, Walter Connolly, who starred in “Father Brown, Detective,” a movie released in 1934, during Chesterton’s lifetime.

One of the most notable performances was given by Kenneth More, who took on the role for a 1974 British TV series lasting thirteen episodes, each of which bears the title of a Chesterton story and is, generally speaking, faithful to the source material. Also worth noting is a 1979 film, “Sanctuary of Fear,” a typical made-for-TV movie of that period. Set in New York City, far removed from the fictional universe of the original stories, it stars Barnard Hughes, who gives a competent performance but, unfortunately, he bears little or no resemblance to the way Father Brown’s creator imagined him. The performer who currently plays the part, the likeable English actor Mark Williams, has starred in the long-running British TV series about the priest/detective since 2013. It’s paradoxical that Williams has been so successful because he is a large man, over six feet tall, playing a character who is, by all accounts, “very short.”

All the versions mentioned so far, except the 1934 film, are in color. A blackand-white production, however, seems more appropriate for creating the atmosphere of the shady world of crime. Although I wouldn’t brand these movies and TV episodes as film noir, it seems logical that the dramatization of detective stories, normally associated with the realm of shadows and the interplay of light and darkness, would achieve greater stylistic effect in black-and-white.

With these technical aspects in mind, let’s move on to the screen version that captures the essence of Chesterton’s creation better than any of the other adaptations: the 1954 black-and-white film “The Detective,” starring the distinguished English actor Alec Guinness as Father Brown. Guinness, by the way, would go on to receive a Best Actor Academy Award three years later for “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and gain lasting fame for his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars” cinematic franchise.

Although of average height and thus much taller than Chesterton’s extremely short priest, Guinness fits the part perfectly because on screen he strikes the viewer as a small and insignificant figure, just the type to blend into the background and be overlooked and underestimated by lawman and lawbreaker alike. Guinness takes upon himself Father Brown’s humor, charm and eccentricities to such a degree that I can’t imagine anyone else improving on his performance. The strong supporting cast includes Peter Finch as the infamous international art thief, Flambeau, and Bernard Lee as Inspector Valentine, the police detective who obstinately chases after Father Brown while

the latter stays hot on the trail of Flambeau. “The Detective,” very loosely based on “The Blue Cross,” opens with a police car racing to the scene of a crime. There, we see a man hiding in the darkness. As soon as the police enter the building, this shadowy figure manages to make his exit undetected. What the officers discover is truly shocking: a priest in front of an open safe with stacks of money in his hands. But rather than taking the money out of the safe, he was actually putting it back in. We quickly learn that when the priest had first become aware of the theft, he had convinced the real burglar to let him return the money to the safe. Later, he sets up the would-be robber in an honest job as a chauffeur to one of his parishioners. This captures the essence of Father Brown: he will go to any extreme to win over the sinner and turn him away from a life of crime.

Father Brown’s primary concern in “The Detective” involves the capture of Flambeau, but, oddly enough, he has no desire to put the thief behind bars; his only concern is for the state of his quarry’s soul. Like the “Hound of Heaven” going after His prey, the little priest is relentless in his pursuit of the famous criminal. He never gives up because, as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen says, “unless souls are saved, nothing is saved.”

Little children also have a part to play in this drama of salvation. Although on camera only briefly, their appearance speaks volumes, especially if one calls to mind the prophecy that “a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6) and the words of Jesus: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) In order not to give away the climactic scene, I’ll not say anything else on this subject.

As a postscript, it’s worth noting that while the film crew was shooting on location in France a dramatic episode occurred involving Guinness and a little child. This scene was definitely not in the script. During a break in filming, Guinness, rather than changing clothes, decided to remain in clerical attire. A little boy spotted him, grabbed him by the hand, and called out “Father, Father” in French. Although Guinness’ French was inadequate to carry on a conversation, the actor was, nevertheless, deeply moved that the child, a total stranger, felt a close attachment to him simply because the boy thought he was actually a priest. Not long after this incident, Guinness converted to Catholicism. Father Brown’s tenacity paid off. He caught another one.

You can catch “The Detective” now streaming for free on Tubi.

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

Memorial Day rememberance

MERIDIAN – Members of Knights of Columbus Council 802 gathered Monday, May 26, at St. Patrick Cemetery to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. The small, dedicated group raised the American flag before lowering it to halfstaff, shared personal stories of loved ones who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts, and reflected on the freedoms secured through their sacrifices. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt testimony from Vietnam War veteran Ken Woodward and a group rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Pictured (l-r): William Nix, John Harwell, Robert Leo, Donna Polizzi, Denise Huntley, John Bennett, Frank Polizzi and Robert Connor. (Photo by David Stephens)

Parish scholars shine: Honoring our Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Editor’s note: As another school year comes to a close, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2025. Whether you are stepping into college, a career, or new adventures, know that your parish community is proud of your achievements and prays for your continued growth in wisdom, faith and service. May the foundation you’ve built carry you confidently into the future. Well done, graduates!

BAYOU ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN: AVA COSUE

GPA: 4.483 – ACT: 30

From her speech: As I look out at my classmates tonight, I don’t just see graduates.

I see God’s handiwork. Each person designed for a special purpose that they don’t even know about yet. I see athletes, future doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders. I see people who will go out and change lives – not because of who they are on their own, but because of who they are in Christ. And I’m so proud to have been able to know each and every one of them.

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project has been the “Tutus and Dancing Shoes” project that the seniors of Leslie’s Dance Company came up with and executed. The seven of us did a donation drive for old dance costumes and shoes, and afterwards, we donated them to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. Not only did we make a donation, but we also spent time with them by hosting a dance class. This has been my favorite service project because it felt so heartwarming to see my old dance shoes –objects that held the memories of my growing love for dance – be repurposed and passed down to younger girls. I not only got to help foster the love for this art for girls who had never gotten to experience it, but most importantly, I got to make them feel special. Dance, choreographing, kids and teaching are all things I love, and this service project perfectly encompassed them all.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Double major in Biology and Psychology (Pre-Med Track)

Awards/honors: Faculty Scholar Award; 4-year Math Award; 4-year English Award; 4-year Science Award; 4-year History Award; Hall of Fame; Kossman Outstanding Junior Award; Dr. James Robinson Award; Dr. Granville Scholarship; Chamber of Commerce Finalist Award; Exchange Club Student of the Month Award; Junior Auxiliary Scholarship; Forever Colt Award; MAIS All-Star Cross Country Runner; Outstanding Senior

Happy Ordination Anniversary –

June 11

Msgr. Patrick Farrell Retired

Father Thomas Lalor Retired

June 12

Father Kent Bowlds

Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Father Frank Cosgrove Retired

Father Gerry Hurley

St. Paul, Flowood

June 13

Father Mike O’Brien Retired

Father Mario Solorzano

St. James the Less, Corinth

Leadership Cross Country Award; 2x All-American Cheerleader; Rookie of the Year Cheer Award; Most Dedicated Cheer Award; 2x Lead Soloist in local production of The Nutcracker; “StepUp” Dance Award; 11x Highest Average Award in different subjects; Eminent Scholar; and Delta Honor Graduate Activities: Community Service Club (president); Future Medical Professionals Club (vice president); Leslie’s Dance Company (captain of Elite Troupe); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (devotion leader); Internship with nonprofit organization (The RISE League); Bayou Academy Ambassador; Catholic Youth Organization; Cross Country Team; Cheerleading Squad; National Honors Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Mock Trial Team; Decorating Committee; Finance Club; Cleveland Cotillion Club; ACT 25 and Above Club; and Bolivar County Relay for Life Team

Favorite subject: Science

CLEVELAND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: RACHEL TIBBS

GPA: 4.0 – ACT: 35

From her speech: Another piece of advice I want to give you all comes from my Dad. Whenever I’m having a particularly bad day, he always leaves me with these words: “let the rough edge drag.” I never really understood exactly what he meant by this, but I always in-

June 14

Msgr. Mike Flannery Retired

Father Tom McGing Retired

Father David O’Connor Retired

June 15

Father David Szatkowski, SCJ

Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 16

Father Jeffrey Waldrep Annunciation, Columbus

June 18

Father Anthony Quyet Retired

June 26

Deacon David Gruseck Annunciation, Columbus

June 27

Father Andrew Nguyen Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenwood

Father Cesar Sanchez St. Jude, Pearl

Father Marco Sanchez, ST St. Anne, Carthage & St. Therese, Kosciusko

June 28

Father Stephen Okojie St. Stephen Magee & St. Therese Jackson

July 16

Deacon Mark Bowden St. Jude, Pearl

terpreted it as to simply go on about your life, and the difficulties of your journeys will pass on. Let your hardships run their course, and don’t spend all your time dwelling on them. Live your life day by day, and everything will come together in the end, as Romans 8:28 reads: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project is Teddy Bear Tea with the Cleveland Junior Auxiliary. I loved being able to interact with all the kids and help make their Christmas special.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Business and then advance to dental school

Awards/honors: Valedictorian; and Star Student

Activities: Working at La Michoacana; Beta Club; National Honor Society; and Mu Alpha Theta

Favorite subject: Math

Deacon Dien Hoang

Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon Wesley Lindsay

Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon John Pham St. Michael, Forest

Deacon David Rouch St. Michael, Vicksburg

Deacon Tony Schmidt St. Paul, Flowood

August 5

Msgr. Elvin Sunds Retired

August 14

Father AnthonyClaret Onyeocha St. Joseph, Woodville & Holy Family, Gloster

Class of 2025: Blessed and ready for the future

TUPELO – Graduating students from St. James Parish in Tupelo are pictured, including (front row, from left) Father Tim Murphy, Angel Perez, Emily Lira, Estrella Candanedo, Valeria Diaz, Cindy Gonzalez, Tereza Perez, Lucy Haynes and Evelyn Pickering; (second row) Landon Nelms, Dawson Arriola, Averi Coleman, Andrea Brohawn, Joselin Flores, Nancy Cruz, Vanessa Acosta and Cindy Juarez; (third row) Ethan Arriola, Bryce Vaughn, Angel Mendez, Victor Salgado, Andrew Bizon, Santiago Salgado, Cooper Hairald, Ivan Sanchez, Irvin Fernandez, Michael Gusmus and Emily Lira. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)

Diocese of Jackson Catholic Schools

Where faith meets academic excellence – and a real value.

Find your local Catholic School today https://bit.ly/CDJSchools

Cognia Accredited Score: 389/400

MERIDIAN – Graduating students were recognized during the St. Patrick Baccalaureate Mass on May 18 with Father Augustine Palimattam. Pictured are Grace Clayton, Sara Daleo, Mauricio Espino, Dominick Espinoza, Jackson Frazier, Emeline Garcia-Ayala, Jose Angel Garcia, Annilyn Hoang, Jean Karol Mayo, Luis Perez, Eduardo Ramirez, Chris Rangel and Valeria Rangel. Not pictured but also recognized were Rachel Daleo, Miranda Rigdon, Kristy Castillo, Sean Auzenne and Grace DeGeneres.

(Photo by Kasey Owen)

– St. Alphonsus Parish honored its 2025 high school seniors with special artwork celebrating their accomplishments. Pictured in the tribute are Holden Cutrer, John Michael Heroman Jr., Ann Elise Gatlin, Tatum Klug, Renee Pena and Lydia Tullos. (Image courtesy of St. Alphonsus Parish)

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph graduates were honored during the Baccalaureate Mass on May 18. Pictured with Father Augustine Palimattam are Jayden Mosley, Lily Zettler and Raven Smith. Not pictured: Zemaree Hampton. (Photo by John Harwell)

MCCOMB

CLINTON – Holy Savior Church held a senior recognition Mass on May 18. Pictured from left are Carter Rogers, Jackson Rodgers, Father Tom McGing and Greta Nalker. Nalker is a parishioner at Immaculate Conception in Raymond. (Photo by Hunter Yentzen)

VICKSBURG – St. Paul Catholic Church graduates Summer Mocknick and Peyton Rainer are pictured with Father Rusty Vincent. Not pictured is Carson Smith. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)

GRENADA – Father Joseph Ashok offers a blessing to Alexia Lynn Strong at St. Peter Parish. Strong graduated from Grenada High School on May 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of St. Peter Parish)

GREENVILLE – (Left) Youth were recently recognized during Mass at Sacred Heart Church. Pictured from left are Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD; Isai Castillo; Aaliyah Guthrie; Yoselin Frias; Christian Sorrell; and Father Tom Mullally, SVD. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart Parish)

LEXINGTON – Central Holmes Christian Academy graduate Daynie Parish was celebrated with a blessing and brunch at St. Thomas the Apostle. (Photo by Samuel Sample)

CSA feature: Prison Ministry

At a place o en de ned by steel bars and silence, a di erent kind of transformation is taking place – one built on hope, faith and the enduring light of Christ. Michael Shaw, an inmate and the rst o cially recognized “Catholic Minister” within his facility, is helping lead that transformation through his involvement in Prison Ministry alongside Father Lincoln Dall.

“I began attending Mass with Father Lincoln back in 2017,” Shaw recalled. “At the time, we were lucky to be allowed to attend twice a month. e calendar o en changed due to guard shortages, but for us, that calendar was a

icker of ame leading us out of the darkness –if only for an hour a week. What an incredible hour that was. rough our darkness shines the light of the Lord.”

e onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an even deeper understanding of what faith and community meant to Shaw and his fellow inmates. “When we were not able to have Mass, I truly understood the gravity of that darkness,” he said. “Jesus is the only light we have inside these cold and desolate walls, and Father Lincoln was the lightbulb for the true light of Jesus.”

“I no longer just attend Mass,” he shared. “We are now an o cial church. at title – St. Michael – means the world to us.”

Shaw’s ministry extends far beyond his own personal faith journey. He has mentored dozens of men through RCIA, con rmation and baptism – earning the a ectionate title of “Godfather” to many. “I o en receive random notes and letters thanking me for what I’ve done,”

he said. “ ese men have become my strength. Prison Ministry has given me a chance to help others, and that has been a gi .”

e Catholic Service Appeal (CSA) has played a vital role in supporting Shaw’s mission. Its donors help fund the programs that make these spiritual transformations possible. Shaw o ered both his gratitude and a heartfelt plea.

“To those who have given to the Catholic Service Appeal – thank you,” he said. “You have played a massive role in actively changing the lives and hearts of so many men. Because of your support, we now have over 500 men participating in Catholic-based programs. You’ve helped create opportunities for lost men to feel the love of Christ – and feel found again.”

With continued support, Shaw hopes to reach even more men with the message of hope and healing.

“ ank you for the opportunity you’ve given us,” he added. “And to anyone considering giving to the CSA – know that your gi truly brings the light of Christ into the darkest of places.”

Michael Shaw, the first officially recognized “Catholic Minister” at his correctional facility, stands with his mother in this undated photo. Shaw leads a growing Prison Ministry rooted in faith, healing and the light of Christ – made possible in part through generous support of the CSA. (Photo courtesy of Michael Shaw)