JACKSON – Four diocesan priests are celebrating significant anniversaries in 2015. Bishop Joseph Kopacz recognized the four at the Chrism Mass this year, thanking them for their sacrifice and service. The faithful are invited to pray for the men throughout the year. All have planned Masses to mark their anniversaries.
– Father Sam Messina will mark 50 
years on the very day of his ordination, Friday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Batesville St. Mary Parish. A reception will follow on the parish grounds. Father Messina is hosting a dinner for his family and brother priests before the Mass.
– Father Frank Cosgrove will celebrate 
a Mass on Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. at Meridian St. Patrick Parish. A reception will follow. He was ordained 50 years ago in June.
– Father Dan Gallagher plans to celebrate 
his 50th anniversary of ordination Friday, June 5, in St. Dominic’s chapel at the hospital at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow on the 14th floor of the hospital.
– Father Jeffrey Waldrep celebrates 25 years of 
priesthood on Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. at Pearl St. Jude Parish with a reception to follow.