Editor’s Note: Because of the conflict between travel schedules and print deadlines, this issue of Mississippi Catholic will focus on Pope Francis’ visit to Washington and New York. Look for coverage of the World Meeting of Families and the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia in the next issue.
By Maureen Smith
Awesome was the most popular word used to describe seeing Pope Francis address Congress. Several representatives from the Diocese of Jackson were on hand for the historic occasion including Father Joe Dyer, pastor of Forest St. Michael the Archangel, Father Ricardo Phipps, director of Catholic Charities Jackson; Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, associate executive director of the St. Dominic Health Services Foundation and Will Jemison, coordinator for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the diocese.
“The pope addressed social justice issues,” Jemison told Gannett News. “It’s one thing when lawmakers address it. It’s another thing when the pope addresses it. He’s the Holy Father.”
Jemison was there with 300 people from Mississippi. He said he felt like the address was a call to action.
“I received the word from the pope today that inspired me to make sure I am still doing what I can to make sure that social justice issues are addressed in this country, that economic issues are addressed in this country and I also feel the challenge given to me is to challenge my elected officials to work for the common good of all people,” said Jemison.
Father Phipps attended the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra and watched the congressional address.
“There was awesome energy there, just to be with all of the crowds who were there to welcome the Holy Father. I had a chance to be at the Mass at Catholic University and just the Holy Father’s celebration style he was a very loving figure- the time that he spent going around in the Popemobile just greeting people and touching and waving at the children – it was a very refreshing sight to see.

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington Sept. 24. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Father Phipps said he feels like Pope Francis is very personal, even when addressing a crowd of thousands. “In some ways it almost felt like, as I was listening to some of the things he was saying and his encouraging words I wondered ‘is he talking just to me? How does he know what I need to hear today in terms of staying focused on taking joy in where God has me planted right here and now.’ It was a great experience that I know I will never forget and then just being there in D.C.”
Sr. Dorothea Songeroth was able to be in the congressional chamber. “I’m still up in the clouds. I feel a little like Cinderella. I just thank God I was able to do this. I am so grateful to Congressman Greg Harper. Just to be there was a blessing beyond words.
“His message was absolutely inspiring and beautiful, but he did let us know that we have to live by the Golden Rule. He is a Pope for all people and a pope for this time,” she said.
Sister Sondgeroth said she is thrilled about what this pope is doing for the church. She said she has met people who have left the church and are returning. “He is bringing people back to the pews,” she said. “He invited the seminarians and novices to attend Mass inside the basilica. He recognized these young people as the hope for the church in the future- and that was heartwarming,” she added.
Father Joe Dyer was also in the gallery, thanks to a ticket from Representative Bennie Thompson, and said the response to the Holy Father was overwhelming. “There were printed instructions on proper behavior in the gallery. We were to remain seated, no applause and no vocalization or yelling. When the doors opened and he walked in everyone stood and cheered and applauded. It was very spontaneous and seemed to be heartfelt,” said Father Dyer.
“I thought his address was very clever. He addressed controversial issues in a way that was not controversial,” he went on to say.
Father Dyer is also pleased with the impact the pope’s charisma is having on the church. “It is a blessing that we are not a church of personalities. Our unity is not dependent on the personality of our leadership, but I am glad that his personality is one that attracts people. He is bringing some credibility to the church.”
One of Pope Francis’ gifts, said Father Dyer, is his ability to speak plainly. “He can say trite things and get an enthusiastic response.
“He quoted the Golden Rule. If we had done that in one of our homilies in seminary, they would have made us take it out — it’s too trite. He can say truthful things – things we have heard before – but he says them with more clarity,” said Father Dyer.
Everyone who attended was glad the pope challenged lawmakers to work for justice and everyone was delighted that he called out four famous Americans: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. “I was surprised and very much pleased (that he spoke about Civil Rights Movement),” said Father Dyer.
“It was very much like Jesuit scholarship to link those four people and he linked them many ways throughout,” he added.
All interviewed thanked the members of Congress who gave them the opportunity to hear Pope Francis and say it is an experience they will never forget.