Author Archives: Tereza Ma

Senior Wellness Resources

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St. Catherine’s Village believes that health and wellness is promoted through a holistic approach that encompasses physical health plus emotional, social and spiritual well-being. In addition to healthy, nutritious dining options throughout the day, there are many supervised and unsupervised fitness activities available.

These include daily exercise classes including aerobics and water aerobics, a large indoor heated swimming pool, a walking path and biking trails, and an on-site fitness facility with rowing machines, elliptical, stationary bikes, treadmills, weights, and resistance bands.

“There is nice scenery as (residents) walk or ride their bikes, a nice big pond, bird houses, and geese surrounding it,” said Lakeisha Love, assistant activity coordinator for Independent Living at St. Catherine’s Village. “We also take group walks around the lake sometimes.

“A lot of residents are not confident in their abilities, so we will basically challenge them to do things they do not think they are able to do. They always thank us the next day for giving them the extra push, (and) always say they feel better physically.”

“There is not personal consultation to get residents involved in different activities,” Love said. “It is up to the individual unless we have a resident ask what they could do to strengthen a certain part of their body, and our answer is always come to stretch class, or we will give them the specific exercise that will work for them.”

There’s also an emphasis at St. Catherine’s on the heart, brain, healthy eating, chronic diseases and more, with support groups for specific illnesses, medical conditions, and caregivers.
To learn more, call (601) 856-0123 or email LaKeisha.Love@fmolhs.org.

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“Realizing that our population is an aging one, St. Dominic’s created a wellness program to meet the unique needs of mature adults,” said LeAnn Henderson, manager of New Directions for Over 55. “Built on the premise that social interaction, enrichment opportunities and wellness education help promote healthy, active lifestyles among seniors, New Directions over 55 brings all these and numerous benefits together in a membership-based program.”

The program offers chair yoga, ballroom dance, an exercise class called Be-Fit, hiking groups known as the Trailblazers, the Live Well program (which focuses on the seven aspects of wellness), and classes accessible by cellphone. Pickle ball classes are even coming soon.
To learn more, call (601) 200-6698 or email newdirections@stdom.com.

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“A lot of people are hesitant to join a facility and exercise in a group because they fear not knowing how to use the equipment,” said Amy Batson, manager of The Club at St. Dominic Hospital. “We give prospective members a tour as well as an explanation of how to use the equipment. Also, we’re on the medical fitness side, as opposed to some clubs and gyms that don’t emphasize that side of it as much, and we’re all degreed staff members when it comes to training and fitness.

“We have water aerobics classes, a Seniorcise class that combines cardio, stretching and strength training, equipment such as treadmills, bikes and weights, and a fitness instructor you’ll meet when you join who will help craft a plan that best fits your needs. We also offer a reduced membership rate for hospital employees.”

To learn more, call (601) 519-8197 or email Amy.Batson@fmolhs.org.

St. Francis of Assisi School in Greenwood closing doors permanently

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By Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province
GREENWOOD – The doors to St. Francis of Assisi School closed permanently when the academic year concluded on Friday, May 20, bringing an end to an institution that has been part of the Greenwood community for nearly three-quarters of a century. The announcement was made on May 13 by the Franklin, Wisconsin-based Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province. The Franciscan friars will continue serving St. Francis Parish in Greenwood, an association that began some 70 years ago when Assumption Province was invited by the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson to begin pastoral ministry among the African American community. The school was opened in 1951.

Assumption Province officials cited a combination of factors that led to the decision, including years of:
• Steadily declining student enrollment – which plummeted to its current level of 50 total students and was projected to drop even further in the 2022/23 academic year, with only 41 students registered to date. Three of the six grade levels have single-digit student populations – the 1st grade the lowest with two students. The 3rd grade class has the most with 13 students.

• Increasing operating budget deficits – whose gap has widened from a $35,000 shortfall in 2016/17, to the current school year deficit that’s approaching $100,000. The 2022/23 deficit was projected to be $173,950.

• Diminishing funding and financial resources – which has steadily tumbled, from $168,000 in combined donations in 2017/18 to cover tuition assistance, building operations, and educational-related costs, to $30,000 in 2021/22. Despite the support of generous donors to St. Francis of Assisi Mission, the school’s fundraising arm, donations have decreased dramatically due to death and other life-changing events among donors, predominantly an elder population.

• Deteriorating building infrastructure – which a recent independent site survey recommended addressing before the new school session with capital project upgrades, renovations and replacement to outdated electrical, plumbing, windows, parking lot, and other major systems at an estimated cost of nearly a half-million dollars.

A drop in student enrollment in 2017 – when the projection of 105 students plunged to a “crisis level” of 89, the first time in more than 50 years that its enrollment fell below 100 – prompted Assumption Province to begin a series of emergency meetings with faculty, parents, the school’s advisory board, parish leadership – including the pastoral council and finance council – diocesan officials and the Franciscan Sisters. During these meetings, which continued into 2018, the Province presented the alarming trends of declining enrollment, increasing budget deficits and other mounting financial issues – and engaged with all stakeholders in brainstorming about the school’s future. Enrollment has plummeted 60% since 2015/16, when the school had 123 students, compared to 50 today.

“We had been grappling with this decision for several years, during which we had to plan each new academic year without knowing if we would have the financial resources to actually open the school at the start of each fall semester,” said Father James Gannon, OFM, Provincial Minister of Assumption Province. “We friars are saddened and disappointed to close down an institution that has been vital to the education and faith development of thousands of students in our Greenwood community. But steadily declining enrollment and diminishing resources – coupled with growing budget deficits and deteriorating conditions of an aging physical plant – have made it abundantly clear that the long-term operational viability of St. Francis of Assisi School is no longer a sustainable reality. Our assessment to close the school was a painfully difficult, yet necessary decision.”

He added, “The support of our parent community, and the dedication and perseverance of the administration, faculty, staff, Franciscan Sisters, and friars have been nothing short of amazing during these very challenging years. Our students must also be commended for their numerous achievements during this time. It’s human nature to lay blame, but no one is at fault. This decision is the result of conditions beyond everyone’s control.”

While the school received what is considered extraordinary funding that temporarily kept the doors open – for example, monies from the pandemic-related federal Paycheck Protection Program, which mitigated a fraction of the operating deficit for a short period – Province officials likened this one-time funding assistance, although a blessing, to covering a gaping wound with a band aid. Projected budget deficits had also been mitigated through the years by funding from the Mission, the parish and Assumption Province.

“We are grateful for the prayers and support of our school and parish families, and to those who have provided financial support through the years,” said Father Joachim Studwell, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Sister LeClaire celebrates Jubilee

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By Michael O’Loughlin
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – More than three dozen School Sisters of St. Francis of the United States Province will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious in 2022. A Mass to honor the Jubilarians will be held Saturday, June 11, at Alverno College in Milwaukee.

Among those being honored is Sister Noel Le Claire, whose 75 years of consecrated life include ministry in the Diocese of Jackson.

Sister Noel LeClaire

Sister Noel was born in Escanaba, Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Alverno College; her licentiate of theology degree from Regina Mundi College in Rome; her master’s in theology from Marquette University; and her master’s in religious education from Regis College.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Noel served as a social service worker at Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Holly Springs (1992-1994) and at a Holly Springs social services agency (1994-2005).

In the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, she served in religious education and social work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Williamsburg (1970-1983). Sister worked in the Appalachian Ministry at Queen of All Saints School in Beattyville (1970-1983). In Booneville, Sister was a regional peace and justice worker (1986-1989); a diocesan peace and justice coordinator (1989-1991); and Workers of Rural Kentucky liaison (1991-1992).

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Noel served as a teacher at Our Lady of Charity School in Cicero (1951-1957).

In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Sister served as a teacher at Alverno Elementary School (1960-1961); St. Rita School in West Allis (1963-1965); Alverno College (1965-1968); and St. Therese Little Flower School in Milwaukee (1968-1970). She served as an assistant mistress at St. Joseph Convent High School in Milwaukee (1961-1963). Sister volunteered in Milwaukee at Penfield Children’s Center (2006-2008); St. Ben’s Prison Ministry (2008-2010); Clare House (2010-2012); Clare Terrace Homes (2012-2014); and in outreach (2014-2017). Sister serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Cards and donations in honor of Sister Noel’s years of service may be mailed to Sister’s attention, c/o Jubilee Committee, School Sisters of St. Francis, 1545 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.

Holy Ghost celebrates 113 years of mission

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By Dorothy Ashley
JACKSON – Holy Ghost the Comforter Catholic Church will celebrate their feast day on June 5, Pentecost Sunday, along with their 113th anniversary of mission and presence in Midtown Jackson.

Holy Ghost was founded in 1909 by Father Aloysius Heick, SVD, a German priest who traveled to America as a missionary. With the financial help of St. Mother Katherine Drexel, the foundress of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters of Philadelphia, Father Heick was given $16,000 to buy two acres of pastureland in Midtown Jackson.

JACKSON – Holy Ghost parish, located at 1151 Cloister Street, will celebrate 113 years on June 5, Pentecost Sunday. All are invited.

The mission school broke ground on June 25, 1909, and the following September, three Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters came from Techny, Illinois to serve at the two-story brick mission school dedicated in October 1909.

Holy Ghost Mission School opened the following day with an enrollment of 111. It began as a grammar school. A high school program was added and in 1918, it became the first high school for African American students in Jackson.

Holy Ghost Catholic School was instrumental in graduating many African American students with a first-rate education. A convent was built and dedicated in 1911. Two years later, old St. Peter’s Church (now Cathedral) downtown was dismantled, and the material was used to build Holy Ghost Catholic Church on what today is Cloister Street.

Since then, a new parish church was built in 1970. The original parish church was dismantled and the Father George Artis Family Life Center was erected many years later where the original church stood.
Father Heick worked 21 years at Holy Ghost. He retired in 1929 and died the following September.
In 1969, the high school merged with St. Joseph Catholic High School. The elementary school has since closed, but the building is being leased to Hinds County Project Headstart.

Holy Ghost Catholic Church continues its mission of evangelization in the heart of Midtown Jackson. All are invited to attend the Pentecost Mass at the parish on June 5 at 9 a.m.

Briefs

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NATION
WASHINGTON (CNS) – How to make sense of Americans’ attitudes toward abortion? It isn’t easy. In polls, many respondents will give answers that contradict each other. A Gallup poll in 2019 – Gallup has polled regularly on abortion since 1975 – found that 92% of Americans believed that using birth control was “morally acceptable,” but their support for abortion, by contrast, was more mixed. (The Catholic Church teaches that both are morally wrong.) But the year before, Gallup found that 65% of Americans believed abortion should generally be illegal during the second trimester of pregnancy – but in the same survey, 69% said the Supreme Court should not overturn Roe v. Wade. FiveThirtyEight, which itself analyzed abortion polls, “found that a large majority of Americans support abortion in the first trimester, but that support tends to drop in the second trimester.” In an ABC News-Washington Post poll conducted in late April, 54% of Americans want the court to uphold Roe, nearly twice as many as the 28% who want to see it struck down. Also, an ABC poll offering only a yes-or-no choice found that 57% of Americans opposed a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, while 58% opposed a ban after six weeks.

WASHINGTON (CNS) – The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace praised a May 16 statement announcing the lifting of restrictions against Cuba by the Biden administration, particularly those measures that will help family reunification. The Biden administration said it will increase consular services on the island to help with visa processing “making it possible for more Cubans to join their families in the United States via regular migration channels.” The State Department also announced plans to allow more people from the U.S. to engage with Cubans via group travel, allowing U.S. flights beyond Havana, and reinstating a remittance program for families in the U.S. to send up to $1,000 per quarter to family members on the island. The move reverses restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, which had taken a more punitive stance on Cuba. “We commend the administration’s renewed interest in restarting U.S. engagement with Cuba. Recognizing that points of contention remain between our two countries, Cuba’s punitive isolation has not produced the economic and social change that the United States has sought to effect,” said Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Illinois, who chairs the USCCB’S international policy committee.

VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Catholics of all ages are called to form strong faith communities, listen to and dialogue with others, reach out to share the Gospel and work to protect the environment, Pope Francis said in a series of speeches May 21. Still using a wheelchair because of ongoing pain in his knee, Pope Francis had a busy day, meeting four separate groups in addition to holding three private meetings. The pope’s public appointments began with an apology to several hundred adolescents preparing for confirmation in the Archdiocese of Genoa; they had gathered in the small square between the pope’s residence and St. Peter’s Basilica. “I’ve made you wait 35 minutes. I am sorry,” the pope told them. “I heard the noise but had not finished the things I had to do first.” Pope Francis pleaded with the youngsters not to make their confirmation a “farewell sacrament” from active parish life, but to treasure the grace they receive, strengthen it with prayer and share it “because in the church we are not ‘me alone,’ or just me and God; no, we are all of us, in community.”

ROME (CNS) – Celebrating the launch of the Scholas International Educational Movement and its environmental project, Pope Francis encouraged young people, especially women, to lead the charge in fighting climate change. “Defending nature means defending the poetry of creation, it means defending harmony. It is a fight for harmony. And women know more about harmony than us men,” the pope said May 19 during an event at Rome’s Pontifical Urban University. U2 frontman Bono, who joined the pope for the launch, said he had been a supporter of Scholas for the past four years and was “drawn to this idea of a ‘culture of encounter.’” Scholas began in Pope Francis’ Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, supporting education in poor neighborhoods by pairing their schools with private schools and institutions in wealthier neighborhoods. The organization has spread to other countries and supports a variety of exchange programs aimed at promoting education, encouraging creativity and teaching young people about respect, tolerance and peace.

Pope Francis greets U2 singer Bono before a meeting of Scholas Occurentes in Rome May 19, 2022. The event was for the launch of the “Laudato Si’ School,” a yearlong project of Scholas young people to develop projects to promote protection of the environment. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

WORLD
MEXICO CITY (CNS) – A Nicaraguan bishop and priest accused police of harassing them – the latest attempt by the government to impede the work of the Catholic Church. Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, started a hunger strike May 19. He said he would have only water and electrolytes until police stop the harassment – including harassment of his parents and family. In a video posted to the Facebook account of the Diocese of Matagalpa, Bishop Álvarez said police followed him all day and, when he asked to speak with the chief of police, officers entered the house where he was with his family. “I have been persecuted throughout the day by the Sandinista police, from morning until late at night, at all times, during all my movements of the day,” Bishop Álvarez said. “They came to my private, family, paternal, maternal home, putting the safety of my family at risk.” The Nicaraguan bishops’ conference issued a statement supporting Bishop Álvarez May 21. “We are experiencing difficult moments as a nation and our duty as a church is to announce the truth of the Gospel,” the statement said.

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (CNS) – Chief Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation and Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Saskatchewan, have been walking together for some time now – including through the work of ground-penetrating radar and finding 751 hits near a former Catholic-run residential school last summer. “It took the validation of unmarked graves (to) put us in this moment,” Delorme said at a recent “Walking With Your Neighbor” event in Saskatoon. He described how the discoveries of unmarked graves has led to millions of Canadians putting down their “shields” and admitting they did not know the truth about Indigenous peoples and Canada. “We are truly at a moment where all of us – Indigenous and not – must all reset our compass just a little bit – because our children and children yet unborn depend upon this moment. We could look the other way and stay with the status quo … but the status quo doesn’t work,” said Delorme. “Walking Together” is the theme of Pope Francis’ July 24-29 visit to Canada’s Indigenous peoples. In the presentation at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, Archbishop Bolen stressed the importance of finding a new way of walking together and coming to a new understanding of the truth of Canadian history. “The conversation starts to open up between the church and Indigenous peoples when we acknowledge the profound suffering, the waves of suffering that so many Indigenous peoples have experienced in the context of residential schools, and more broadly in the context of the Indian Act and colonization,” said Archbishop Bolen. “We need to acknowledge our responsibility as church for our involvement in these schools, that took away language and culture and spirituality and suppressed so many good things.”

Featured photo We need grad your photos!…

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VICKSBURG – St. Aloysius 2022 graduates have some fun! (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)
Please, share your graduation pictures with us! Mississippi Catholic will publish our annual Graduation edition soon. Please send photos in actual size and include the following: full names of those pictured by row (left to right, top to bottom) and name of photographer. Candid photos also welcome. Please email photos and information to editor@jacksondiocese.org.

Calendar of events

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PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Homecoming outdoor celebration, Saturday, June 4, Mass at 4:30 p.m., food and fellowship follow. Celebration will take place on the hill behind the church. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

FOREST St. Michael, Installation of Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas as pastor. Tri-lingual celebration with Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Friday, June 3 at Hope Welle Pointe, Hwy 1183 Hwy 13 S, in Morton. Details: church office (601) 469-1916.

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, St. Joe School Central Grocery Muffaletta Sale, pick-up June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish Hall. Muffaletta’s are $25 each. Details: Tickets are available at school office at (662) 378-9711 or church office at (662) 335-5251.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Youth Wednesday Fun Days, June 1, 15, 29 and July 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Enjoy praise and worship music, fun activities and finish up with snacks. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

St. Patrick, Knights of Peter Claver Dinner plate event, Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fried fish, grilled chicken, BBQ Rib plates and slabs of ribs available. Dinners are $12 each and slabs of ribs are $25 each. (advance purchase of slabs preferred) Plates include baked beans, coleslaw and bread. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any member of the knights or at the event. Details: call (601) 938-5757 to purchase tickets for dinners or rib slabs.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Thursday Nights at the Movies at 6:30 p.m. in the youth wing of the Family Life Center. Classic Catholic movies suitable for older children through adults will be shown. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Donations accepted with proceeds going to new Miss-Lou Pregnancy Resource Center. June 16 – The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945); June 30 – The 13th Day (2009); July 7 – Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972); July 21 – The Way (2010). Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Indoor Yard Sale, Saturday, June 4 at 8 a.m. Details: Leonard (901) 606-1959.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ St. Joseph Monastery, Spiritual Exercises for Men, June 23-26. Silent retreat for men preached on location at St. Joseph Monastery, 31 Airport Road. There will be a preaching of topics for reflection and meditation. Suggested donation for retreat, $200, includes meals and housing. Details: To register email mon.saintjoseph@ive.org or call (601) 653-0914.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, VBS 2022, Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness, June 20-24 at St. Elizabeth School. Details: Catelin at (662) 902-6478.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, VBS – Circus of Stars: Spotlight on the Father for K5 through fourth grade, June 13-15. Adult volunteers and youth helpers needed. Details: Karen at kworrellcre@hotmail.com.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness VBS, June 13-17 from 6:15-8 p.m. Look for table in the Narthex with registration forms. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, VBS, July 11-15, Evening hours. More information to be announced soon.

OLIVE BRANCH VBS for 6th-8th grades, Wednesday June 15 from 6-9 p.m.
VBS for K-5th grade, June 20-24, 9 a.m. till 12 p.m., volunteers are needed. Details: Kelly at (662) 216-9896.

PEARL St. Jude, Family Style VBS Wednesday evenings, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 starts at 6:30 p.m. following Mass. Join us family style for a picnic supper, Bible story, Saint of the week and games. All activities will be outdoors, weather permitting. Registration coming soon. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

MADISON St. Francis, VBS 2022: The Jesus Expedition, June 20-23 for all children going into Pre-K4 through fourth grades. Registration is limited to 25 per grade level. For more details and to register visit https://bit.ly/StFrancisVBS2022 before June 12. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Vacation Bible School, July 18-22. More information coming soon.

YOUTH
SEARCH RETREAT July 22-24 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Also accepting staff applications. This retreat is open to those who are just completing their sophomore, junior or senior year of high school. Graduating seniors will have priority registration. Registration deadline is June 12. Details: https://bit.ly/37wUAcA or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

JOB OPENINGS
JACKSON The Diocese Department of Faith Formation is looking for a full-time Coordinator of the Office of Young Adults and Campus Ministry. The coordinator supervises and participates in the diocesan efforts for ministry to young adults, college students, youth and the various staff and volunteers who assist with these ministries from parishes and schools. Please contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org if you have questions. Please send a cover letter and resume to by June 3 to be considered.

Líderes Hispanos reciben premio Kairos

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Por Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – Doce estudiantes del Programa del Instituto Loyola para la Extensión del Ministerio (LIMEX) recibieron el Preimo Kairos, del Instituto Loyola para el Ministerio el sábado 14 de mayo.

Cada año, en la graduación de Honores de la Facultad de Enfermería y Salud de Loyola Colegio, el Instituto otorga el premio derivado de la palabra griega Kairos y que significa un ‘…espíritu pleno, cuando las personas y circunstancias se unen de forma extraordinaria para cumplir la voluntad de Dios en el mundo.”

El alto reconocimiento ha caído este año en las manos de 12 estudiantes del grupo LIMEX en español, provenientes del decanato V de la diócesis de Jackson, por la “gran resistencia demostrada al completar el programa de sus estudios durante el tiempo del COVID.”

Todos ellos pertenecen a St. James de Tupelo, St. James de Corinth, St. Christopher de Pontotoc, St. Matthew de Ripley y St. Helen de Amory y han sido auspiciados por la oficina diocesana de Formación de Fe.

Ahora, recién graduados, encontrarán en discernimiento la mejor vía para usar sus conocimientos en sus comunidades.”

NEW ORLEANS – Yolanda Chávez; Luis Gordillo; Magaly Heredia; María de Jesús Hernández; Mariano Hernández; Maria León; Alejandro López; Eduardo Padilla; Teresa Pena; Luis Rosales; Bernardo Sorcia y Raquel Thompson posan después de recibir el premio Kairos del Instituto del Ministerio, de la Universidad Loyola acompañados por el Dr. Thomas Ryan, director of LIMEX, su coordinadora Danna Johnson, la hermana Carol Ann Prenger, SSND de Ripley, la hermana Jane Wand, SSND de Boonville y el Padre Mario Solórzano de Corinth. (Foto de Danna Johnson)

Tenemos nuevo sacerdote: Padre Andrew Bowden

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Por Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Familiares, amigos y simpatizantes se reunieron el sábado 14 de mayo en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol para la ordenación sacerdotal de Andrew Bowden, quien puso su mirada en el sacerdocio desde que era un niño en el jardín de infantes.

El padre Bowden fue el primer seminarista recibido en el programa por el obispo Joseph Kopacz en 2014 después de que Bowden se graduara de la escuela secundaria.

El obispo Kopacz dijo que hace ocho años “parece la edad de toda una vida”, algo con lo que estuvo de acuerdo el director de vocaciones, el padre Nick Adam.

JACKSON – La Misa Solemne de Ordenación contó la oración de ordenación sobre Bowden por el obispo Kopacz; investidura del Padre Matthew Simmons; la promesa de los elegidos, donde Bowden se comprometió; la unción de manos con aceite sagrado; presentación del cáliz y la patena como símbolos del oficio sacerdotal; y el beso fraterno, donde el Obispo y todos los hermanos sacerdotes presentes intercambian un signo de paz. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

En la alegre celebración, al obispo Kopacz se unieron muchos otros sacerdotes de la diócesis, seminaristas y el padre James Wehner, STD, rector del Seminario de Notre Dame en Nueva Orleans.

El obispo Kopacz dio un reconocimiento especial al padre Wehner, quien deja su puesto como rector después de un “período de servicio” de 10 años y regresa a su diócesis natal de Pittsburg.

Wehner fue una gran parte de la vida de nuestra reciente generación de sacerdotes en la diócesis. El obispo Kopacz reconoció mientras revisaba las listas de “personajes” que ingresaron al sacerdocio bajo el mandato del padre Wehner.

“Doce parece ser el número … verdaderamente hemos sido bendecidos en nuestra diócesis”, dijo el obispo Kopacz.

En su homilía, el obispo Kopacz habló sobre la tradición del sacerdocio durante 2000 años.
“Vamos de Jerusalén a Jackson. El mismo trabajo; la misma fe; la misma Santa Palabra de Dios; y este gran regalo de la presencia del Señor en medio de nosotros.”

Después de la Misa, muchos de los asistentes viajaron hasta los Dos Museos de Mississippi para una recepción en honor al Padre Bowden y recibir las primeras bendiciones sacerdotales de su parte.

La toalla: modelo de teología práctica

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Por Yolanda Chavez
TUPELO – Debo confesar que cuando entre en aquel cuarto, observándolo todo a mi alrededor, velas, toallas y agua pensé que nos iban a lavar los pies, o las manos, … !Jajajaja!!, o la cabeza, … pasaron tantas cosas en mi mente, hasta que mire el tabernáculo y me di cuenta que era una capilla; ¿qué hacía Jesús ahí?, cuando la iglesia estaba a otro lado de nosotros.

El ritual de la “Toalla de Teología Práctica” se ha usado o creado desde 1989, la base de la imagen de esta toalla fue producida y usada desde 1991, haciendo eco en las palabras de Jesús en el evangelio de Juan, capítulo 13.

NEW ORLEANS – (Arriba –Izq.) Yolanda Chavez recibe su “Toalla de Teología Práctica” de las manos de la profesora Diane Blair; (Arriba – der.) Una de las toallas que los graduados recibieron en ceremonia, antes de recibir su diploma. (Debajo) Los graduados posan orgullosamente, después de recibir sus “Toallas de Teología Práctica” de la Universidad Loyola, acompañados por el Dr. Thomas Ryan, director of LIMEX; Danna Johnson, coordinadora del curso; la hermana Carol Ann Prenger, SSND de Ripley; la hermana Jane Wand, SSND de Boonville y el Padre Mario Solórzano de Corinth.(Fotos cortesía de Yolanda Chavez y Danna Johnson)

‘Has lo que you he hecho!
Las toallas son instrumentos de servicio, sirven para limpiar, secar los trastes y cuerpos, etc. La toalla es, en esencia, sostener el significado de la indulgencia de Jesús. Como una llamada, diría yo, y ¡que llamada!, para, no solo intelectualmente sino también en unión con Él, ¡entrar en acción “has lo que yo he hecho!”

El liderazgo que Jesús modela es el liderazgo de servicio, algo en que LIMEX ha preparado a los graduados, en sumar acción y servicio. También me llamó la atención cuando dijeron que otras características de la teología práctica son inspiradas por el papa Francisco en La Alegría del Evangelio, una de sus principales obras.

“En lugar de parecer imponer nuevas obligaciones, deben aparecer como personas que desean compartir su alegría, que apuntan a un horizonte de belleza y que invitan a los demás a un delicioso banquete.”
Por último, nos despidieron con esta frase “mi esperanza es que la toalla viaje contigo, espero que te recuerde de tus estudios con Lim, una llamada a actuar, servir y asombrarte alegre y hermosamente, una transformación en curso, en el mundo y en la iglesia.”

En el evangelio de Juan 13, Jesús les hace esta pregunta: ¿Comprenden lo que he hecho con ustedes? Tal vez mis compañeros, los otros once, no se han dado cuenta de la pregunta de Jesús.

De mi parte estoy en shock, todavía digiriendo todo lo que pasamos en la universidad durante viernes y sábado. Y en particular es como cuando Jesús le dice a Pedro, “tú no puedes comprender ahora lo que estoy haciendo, lo comprenderás más tarde.”

Estas palabras me han sacudido, cuando al principio comenzaba las clases de LIMEX, me decía “qué estoy haciendo aquí, esto es más de lo que yo pensaba,” y sabía, pero en realidad no sabía nada, porque parecía que hablaban en chino, no entendía nada, y pensé: “o me esfuerzo y llevo el ritmo de los demás o dejo el lugar que alguien más quiera ocupar.”Ahora, leyendo cuatro años más tarde, es como si Jesus me lo hubiera dicho a mí, “lo comprenderás más tarde.”

Has lo que yo he hecho!!! estas palabras resuenan en mi mente y con la explicación de la teología práctica, el día de hoy puedo responderle a Jesús, sin faltarme la toalla en mi mano, para ayudar, con la toalla en mi hombro cuando alguien necesite llorar o apoyarse, tal vez amarrada en mi cabeza, cuando el cansancio y la fatiga se presenten, secarme el sudor y continuar o amarrada a mi cintura para prepararme y esforzarme cada día más, paso a paso cada día un poquito más.