JACKSON – This past Friday, Oct. 21, would have been the 85th birthday of Bishop Joseph Nunzio Latino of happy memory. +Joseph Nunzio was born in 1937; ordained in 1963; became a monsignor in 1983; and ordained a bishop in 2003.
Bishop Joseph Nunzio Latino
+Joseph Nunzio was a second generation American whose four grandparents emigrated to New Orleans from a small town on the central plains of Sicily known as Contessa Entellina. In New Orleans, most Sicilian heritage citizens come from Contessa.
Contessa is part of the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi, which serves the descendants of the Albanians who came to Sicily in the 1500s after holding off the Ottoman’s. The pope gave them five towns in Sicily. Albanians are Roman Rite and Byzantine Rite Catholics. +Joseph Nunzio’s father was Roman Rite, hence the name Latino; his mother’s family was Byzantine Rite (Italo-Albanesi). He had a cousin who was a Byzantine Rite priest named Papas Mateo Sciambra, who taught music in the seminary in Palermo.
In 2012, +Joseph Nunzio was finally able to visit his ancestral home and meet many Sciambra cousins in Contessa. New Orleans descendants formed the Contessa Entellina Society to celebrate their proud heritage. To our knowledge, +Joseph Nunzio was the only man to receive the Society’s Man-of-the-Year Award twice.
Since this week’s paper is a digital edition only, I thought I would share some images of him that give a small glimpse into his life of service to the Lord as a priest, bishop and faithful servant. There are far too many to share…
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
From the top, left to right to bottom: Bishops Latino and Houck look out over Sferracavallo during 2012 visit Latino’s ancestral homeland of Sicily; Chris Luke and Bishop Latino at his 80th birthday celebration at the chancery on Oct. 21, 2017; first Solemn Blessing concluding his first Mass on May 26, 1963; Father George, Bishop Latino, Bishops William Houck and Sotir Ferrara, during a visit to Italy in 2012.(Photos courtesy of archives)
(Editor’s note: This reflection is part one of a two-part series from Msgr. Michael Flannery on his trip to the Saltillo Mission this fall.) By Msgr. Michael Flannery
SALTILLO, Mex. – Recently, I had the unique pleasure to be present for the celebration of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, on Sept. 29, the patron saint of our mission in Saltillo. I spent six days at the mission. The visit to San Miguel for me was a retreat. I had the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to make new ones. I must say that the mission is thriving.
Father David Martinez the pastor, continues the good work begun by Father Patrick Quinn more than 50 years ago. The new associate pastor there is Father Antonio Medel Gonzalez. Father Elevio Casarubias who had been assisting Father David, was recently moved to another parish in Saltillo. However, he did make it to the festivities on the Feast of San Miguel.
SALTILLO, Mex. – Above, a street bears the name of Father Patrick Quinn, who served the mission in Saltillo for many years. Msgr. Michael Flannery traveled to the diocese mission in Saltillo at the end of September and wrote a reflection on the mission and the upcoming jubilee year celebration in 2023. Below is a poster for the jubilee year. (Photos by Msgr. Mike Flannery)
Transitional Deacon Adam Frey, the Diocese of Biloxi, was present this summer for his diaconal internship and was a valuable member of the parish staff for four months. He just returned to the seminary of Notre Dame, New Orleans in preparation for his priestly ordination which will take place in May 2023.
Presently, we are serving the following churches within the city of Saltillo: San Miguel, Christ the King, St. Juan Diego, the Holy Martyrs, St. William and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Added to these churches the mission serves 34 mountain villages. The most remote village takes five hours of travel to reach. All the villages receive a visit at least once a month from the priests at San Miguel. Tuesday is the preferred day for the priests to take a rest from their busy schedule. This gets interrupted if there is a funeral to attend to or someone needing the last rites of the church.
San Miguel is situated in the colony of Vista Hermosa (the beautiful view). It is high up in the mountain and at night you have a beautiful view of the city of Saltillo below. The city of Saltillo is 5,000 feet above sea level. In 2015 the population was 807,000 and now it is estimated at being over 1,000,000. When the mission began in 1968 the population was estimated at being 200,000.
The headquarters of the mission was at Perpetual Help Church and in 1998 it was moved to San Miguel following the death of Father Patrick Quinn of happy memory. Msgr. Michael Thornton of the Diocese of Biloxi was named the first pastor of San Miguel. Following him came Father Bill Cullen, Father Richard Smith and Father Benjamin Piovan of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. With the shortage of priests in Biloxi and Jackson Dioceses, a decision was made to ask the Bishop of Saltillo to appoint a local priest to San Miguel. Both dioceses would continue financial support.
Big plans are underway to celebrate the silver jubilee of San Miguel in 2023. The first building at San Miguel was built by Father Quinn as a retreat center capable of housing 100 retreatants, complete with a chapel. It was built in honor of Father Patrick Quinn’s brother, Michael, a priest in Ireland who died of a brain tumor. The next building to be added was a church to serve the local community. The present church structure was built by Father Benjamin Piovan in 2009. All of this was possible through the generosity of the people of the Diocese of Biloxi and the Diocese of Jackson.
An ad hoc committee has been formed to plan the jubilee year celebrations in 2023. A huge candle with the symbol of the jubilee year engraved upon it, will burn for every celebration that will take place at San Miguel for the whole jubilee year. A representative from each of the other churches under the jurisdiction of San Miguel is on the committee to coordinate activities in the outlining churches. The priests who have ministered in the parish will be invited to the jubilee celebration as well as the Bishop of Saltillo, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Bishop Louis Kihneman.
At every Mass, a special prayer for the jubilee year will be recited at the end of Mass. During Advent a special parish mission is planned, not only in San Miguel but also in the outline churches within its jurisdiction. The people of the 34 ranchos attached to San Miguel will also be a part of the celebration. Some minor renovations are planned such as: putting a weather sealer on the church tower and painting the buildings.
(Read more in the next Mississippi Catholic on Nov. 11.)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, “The Prison, the Warden and the Key to Freedom” event, Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured presenters: “Mercy Beaucoup” – Cindy Scardina, Ann Roshto and Lynn Mondt. All are welcome. Event is free with love offering taken. Details: sign up on facebook, eventbrite or call (662) 299-1232.
PEARL St. Jude, Join the Marian Servants of Jesus the Lamb of God as we consecrate ourselves to Jesus through the heart of Mary. Nov. 1, we begin a 33-day preparation for Marian Consecration as we meet weekly. For six weeks, we’ll individually read about and reflect on four great Marian giants: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II. They’ll teach us the secrets to drawing closer to the Heart of Jesus through the Heart of Mary. We will also pray with scriptures, share the fruits of our prayer and watch a 30-minute video by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC. You do not have to be a Marian Servant to participate. Books available for purchase for $10. We meet at St. Jude’s ‘Mary’ room in the office building on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. Details: Maureen Roberts (601) 278-0423 or email msojlog@gmail.com.
TUPELO St. James, Annual Men’s Retreat, Nov. 18-20 at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala. Retreat leader is Father Ben Cameron of the Fathers of Mercy. Retreat begins Friday evening and ends Sunday morning. Enjoy this weekend of prayer, rest and fellowship. Cost: $130 if sharing a room or $205 for a private room. Registration includes two nights of lodging, all meals and snacks. Details: David at (662) 213-3742.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS ABERDEEN St. Francis, Parish Potluck, Saturday, Nov. 5 after 4 p.m. Mass. Sign-up to bring your favorite dish. Details: church office (662) 813-2295.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Taste of Italy” Lasagna Dinner and Bake Sale, Thursday, Nov. 10 from 4:30-7 p.m. Dine-in or take-out from the Parish Center. Tickets are $15 and include lasagna, salad, bread and dessert. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Bingo Night, Friday, Nov. 11. Sponsored by the St. Paul Women’s Ministry, enjoy hotdogs and snacks at 6:30 p.m. and begin bingo at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 per card. For ages 18 and up only. BYOB. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter, Organ Series Concert, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.
JACKSON 42nd annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Country Club of Jackson. All proceeds help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Details: visit www.friendsforacause.com.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, 23rd annual Variety Show, Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Family Life Center. Tickets on sale at school or parish office. Reserved $25; adults $10; and children 13 and under $5. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Annual Cemetery Procession at Natchez City Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. Procession begins at the Old Catholic Plot 1. Participants recite rosary to honor burials prior to 1861 as they process to Catholic Hill in the rear of the cemetery. All adults and youth are invited to join. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. Dine-in or take-out. Cost: $8 per plate; max $25 per family; $2 smoked sausage; $10 quart gravy; $5 quart slaw. All are welcome! Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Queen of Peace, Card Night, Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the social hall. The Men’s club will host its semi-annual card night with dinner from 6-6:45 p.m. and cards starting at 7 p.m. All parishioners and their guests are welcome. Signup sheet in commons area. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, 1st annual Christmas Bazaar and Photos with Santa, Nov. 18 and 19. Crafters wanted: tables available for $30. Begin making your crafts or preparing for your food booth now. Details: Call Geraldine at (216) 867-8007.
TUPELO St. James, Rummage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 5 from 7:30-11 a.m. in Shelton Hall. Also, tamales for sale: Chicken with green sauce or pork with red sauce $20/doz. Order available for pick-up Thursday, Friday or Saturday of sale. Pre-orders available by calling Raquel at (662) 402-9599. Details: call Kathy at (662) 322-2556.
St. James, Trivia Night, Saturday, Nov. 5 from 7-9 p.m. in Shelton Hall. Register your team at linktr.ee/stjamestupelo – Nursery will be provided. Details: church office (662) 231-1055.
YOUTH EVENTS DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teen, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
SAVE THE DATE DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teen, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal set for Feb. 10. Call for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.
MADISON St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Friday, Dec. 9. Details: school office (601) 607-7054.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Tie Dye for Jesus, Sunday Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. All are welcome. Event begins with an appetizer/dessert potluck. Sign up in the Commons area with your name and shirt size. Donations welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Por Monseñor Michael Flannery SALTILLO, Mex. – Recientemente, tuve el singular placer de estar presente en la celebración de la Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel, el 29 de septiembre, patrón de nuestra misión en Saltillo. Pasé 6 días en la misión. La visita a San Miguel para mí fue un retiro. Tuve la oportunidad de renovar viejas amistades y hacer nuevas. Debo decir que la misión está prosperando. El Padre David Martínez, el párroco, continúa el buen trabajo iniciado, hace más de 50 años, por el Padre Quinn. El nuevo pastor asociado allí es el Padre Antonio Medel González.
El Padre Elevio Casarubias que había estado asistiendo al Padre David, fue cambiado recientemente a otra parroquia en Saltillo. Sin embargo, sí llegó para la Fiesta de San Miguel. El diácono transitorio Adam Frey, de la Diócesis de Biloxi, estuvo presente este verano para su pasantía diaconal y fue un miembro valioso del personal parroquial durante cuatro meses. El mismo, acaba de regresar al seminario de Notre Dame, Nueva Orleans en preparación para su ordenación sacerdotal que tendrá lugar en mayo de 2023.
Monseñor Flannery hace 25 años fue un testigo esencial de la separación de San Miguel de la parroquia del Perpetuo Socorro, para ser ahora una parroquia por derecho propio y el centro de los ranchos que alguna vez fueron parte de la misión del Padre Quinn. Monseñor Flannery, junto al Padre David, celebra (arriba) a una quinceañera en la iglesia de La Brecha.(debajo) Cartel conmemorativo para celebrar los 25 años de la iglesia de San Miguel dentro de la Misión de Saltillo en Mexico. Este cartel ondeará por todo el año en San Miguel. (Fotos cortesía de Monseñor Flannery)
Actualmente, estamos sirviendo a las siguientes iglesias dentro de la ciudad de Saltillo: San Miguel, Cristo Rey, San Juan Diego, Santos Mártires, San Guillermo y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Además de estas iglesias, la misión sirve a 34 pueblos de montaña. Toma hasta 5 horas de viaje para llegar al pueblo más remoto. Todos los pueblos tienen visita al menos una vez al mes de los curas de San Miguel. El martes es el día preferido por los sacerdotes para descansar de sus apretadas agendas. Esto se interrumpe si hay un funeral al que asistir o alguien necesita los últimos ritos de la iglesia.
San Miguel está situado en la colonia de Vista Hermosa. Está en lo alto de la montaña y de noche tienes abajo una hermosa vista de la ciudad de Saltillo. La ciudad de Saltillo se encuentra a 5,000 pies sobre el nivel del mar. En 2015 la población era de 807 mil y ahora se estima en más de 1.000.000. Cuando comenzó la misión en 1968, la población se estimaba en 200 mil. La sede de la misión estaba en la Iglesia del Perpetuo Socorro y en 1998 nos mudamos a San Miguel tras la muerte del Padre Patrick Quinn de feliz memoria. Monseñor Michael Thornton de la Diócesis de Biloxi fue nombrado el primer párroco de San Miguel. Siguiéndolo venía el Padre Bill Cullen, Padre Richard Smith y el Padre Benjamin Piovan de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans.
Con la escasez de sacerdotes en las diócesis de Biloxi y Jackson, se tomó la decisión de pedirle al obispo de Saltillo que nombrara un sacerdote local para San Miguel. Ambas diócesis continuarían con el apoyo financiero.
Hay grandes planes en marcha para celebrar el jubileo de plata de San Miguel en 2023. El primer edificio en San Miguel fue construido por el Padre Quinn como un centro de retiro capaz de albergar a 100 participantes, completo con una capilla. Fue construido en honor del hermano de Patrick Quinn, Padre Michael, un sacerdote en Irlanda que murió de un tumor cerebral. El siguiente edificio que se agregó fue una iglesia para servir a la comunidad local. La estructura actual de la iglesia fue construida por el P. Benjamin Piovan en 2009. Todo esto fue posible gracias a la generosidad de la gente de las Diócesis de Biloxi y de Jackson.
Se ha formado un comité ad hoc para planificar las celebraciones del año jubilar en 2023. Una gran vela con el símbolo del año jubilar grabado, arderá para cada celebración que tendrá lugar en San Miguel durante todo el año jubilar. Un representante de cada una de las otras iglesias bajo la jurisdicción de San Miguel está en el comité para coordinar las actividades en las iglesias delineadas. A la celebración del jubileo serán invitados los sacerdotes que han ministrado en la parroquia, así como el obispo de Saltillo, el obispo Joseph Kopacz y el obispo Louis Kihneman. En cada Misa, se rezará una oración especial por el año jubilar al final de la Misa. Durante el Adviento está prevista una misión parroquial especial, no solo en San Miguel sino también en las iglesias delimitadas dentro de su jurisdicción.
La gente de los 34 ranchos adjuntos a San Miguel también será parte de la celebración. Se planean algunas renovaciones menores, como: poner un sellador de clima en la torre de la iglesia y pintar los edificios.
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En su visita a la Misión de Saltillo, (Izq) una boda y cinco primeras Comuniones en Gómez Nueva fueron celebradas por Monseñor Flannery y el Padre David. (der.) Vela conmemorativa de los 25 años de la Misión de Saltillo, creada para la ocasión para que arda por un año en la iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel (Fotos cortesía de Monseñor Flannery
Durante mi visita tuve el placer de celebrar Misa en la Iglesia St. William. Había una señora allí y algo me dijo que la conocía de algún lugar. Empezamos una conversación y le pregunté de dónde era originalmente. Ella dijo que de Santa Rosa. Le pregunté cuándo nació y me dijo que en 1972. Le pregunté dónde la bautizaron y me dijo que en Santa Rosa. Resulté ser el sacerdote que la bautizó. No la había visto en 50 años. Era como un reencuentro para volver a conocerla después de tanto tiempo.
Un fenómeno nuevo en Saltillo es la construcción de columbarios en las iglesias parroquiales para la recepción de las cenizas de los feligreses fallecidos. Eso ha venido en respuesta a la creciente práctica de la cremación en México. Los precios varían de $600 a $1,000. Se ha vuelto muy popular.
Un gran impulso en el ministerio de la Misión de Saltillo es el servicio a los pueblos de montaña. Acompañé al Padre David el sábado pasado a los pueblos de montaña. Nuestra primera parada fue Gómez Nueva donde tuvimos una boda y cinco Primeras Comuniones. Después de una recepción nos trasladamos a La Brecha, que es una iglesia que fue dedicada hace tres años por el obispo Raúl Vera López, obispo emérito de Saltillo, en presencia de los obispos Kopacz y e Kihneman.
En La Brecha tuvimos una quinceañera, la celebración de los 15 años de una niña. Durante la celebración de la Misa, la joven de 15 años renueva sus promesas bautismales y se compromete nuevamente al servicio del Señor. Desde allí viajamos a otro pueblo, El Rancho Pequeño, para otra celebración de quince años. Luego regresamos a Saltillo donde el Padre David tuvo un bautismo.
Una cosa es segura, al pastor nunca le falta trabajo en San Miguel.
Por Raquel Thompson TUPELO – La Coalición ACTS de las parroquias Tupelo- Corinth realizaron el octavo retiro de ACTS para mujeres, los días del uno al cuatro del mes de septiembre, y donde participaron 37 mujeres del Decanato V.
El objetivo del retiro de ACTS es fomentar “…una vida de oración (Adoración) para crear un ambiente espiritual; (Comunidad), a través del estudio de la escritura y nuestra fe católica (Teología); y alentando a los feligreses a unirse a los diferentes ministerios existentes en la parroquia para satisfacer las necesidades pastorales de nuestros Párrocos (Servicio).”
Un poco de historia acerca de ACTS.
TUPELO – 37 Mujeres de las parroquias de Tupelo y Corinth se aprestan a tomar la foto grupal después de tres días del retiro ACTS, celebrado del primero al cuatro de septiembre, donde la oración y discernimiento tuvieron la dirección espiritual del Padre Mario Solorzano. (Foto cortesía de Raquel Thompson)
Según su página web “…La historia de ACTS no estaría completa sin hacer mención de los retiros de Cursillos de Cristiandad que iniciaron en España entre la 1a y 2da guerras mundiales.
La intención del Cursillo es, como su nombre lo indica, un curso de corta duración de la fe católica y pronto se hizo ampliamente popular por la profunda influencia en la vida espiritual de quienes lo vivían.” ACTS fue ideado y fundado por los laicos Ed Courtney y Joe Hayes de la parroquia de NSPP y Marty Sablik de la parroquia de San Lucas en San Antonio con la anuencia del arzobispo Patrick Flores, el apoyo del padre Patrick Cronin y la inspiración divina, a través de un sueño, de ”…un florista católico muy devoto,” Wallace Vaughn, a quien se le revelo el nombre que tomaría la misión, basado en Hechos de los Apóstoles, Capítulo 2, versículos 42-47.
La Iglesia de St James en Tupelo tuvo su primer retiro de ACTS en septiembre de 2016, con el apoyo del Padre Lincoln Dall, donde personas misioneras de este movimiento, de San Antonio Texas, vinieron por primera vez a realizar este retiro. Con el paso de los años fue creciendo en el Decanato V y se vio la necesidad de hacer una coalición con la colaboración de las dos parroquias de Tupelo y Corinth para ser capaz de realizar estos retiros con la preparación que se requiere.
Los Padres Tim Murphy y Mario Solorzano, de Tupelo y Corinth, respectivamente, son enormes fuentes de apoyo de este movimiento y los que, junto a Raquel Thompson, coordinadora de la comunidad hispana de Tupelo, se dieron a la tarea de organizar estos retiros, donde han participado más de 400 personas durante estos años.
Este año, al retomar el retiro ACTS, la comunidad tiene otro instrumento para alimentar la fe.
(Raquel Thompson ha recibido el Premio Kairos de la Universidad de Loyola y es líder del Ministerio Hispano de la parroquia de en St. James Tupelo)
From the Archives By Mary Woodward JACKSON – In this installment from the archives, I would like to do two commercials.
First, October is American Archives Awareness Month. Archive collections around the country feature treasures of historical documents, artifacts and visual images. More and more, digital-born images are becoming common place inhabitants of archive collections. This is creating new and challenging ways to manage our collective memory.
The Gulf South region of the United States loves its history and that is reflected in those states attention to maintaining archives. I am proud to say that the State of Mississippi has one of the finest archives in the entire country. Alabama and Louisiana have fine systems as well.
Mississippi State University is home to the papers of President and General Ulysses S. Grant; the University of Southern Mississippi has an excellent library and information science program that trains future archivists. The archives at Ole Miss house a fantastic blues collection along with the “Rowan Oaks” papers of William Faulkner and papers of many other Mississippi authors.
NEW ORLEANS – Mary Woodward served on the environment committee for the “Ars Celebrandi: Something More is Required” gathering of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) the first week of October. Pictured is the mosaic of ars celebrandi moments in liturgy featuring Region V bishops and archbishops. (Photo by Mary Woodward)
In terms of Catholic archives, our diocesan archives could be considered a national treasure because of its content dating back to Spanish Colonial times. Our documents on the Civil Rights Movement give witness to the church’s involvement in the struggle for justice during those most turbulent times.
Having visited the archives of the Archdioceses of Mobile and New Orleans, both have similar collections to ours spread throughout entire floors of buildings. The three collections put together capture the history and development of the region through the unique lens of the church dating back to the 17th century.
Archives are repositories of history, kept in a way that reveal history as it was and not as we think it was. Archives prevent us from being nostalgic and seeing the “good ole days” through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Archives are living, breathing, organic insights into the soul of a community illuminating human nature in its most honest state. I like to call it the Kingdom of Memory.
What we do not often think about is each one of us is a walking archive collection. We keep family photos, birthday cards, love letters, diaries, etc., in our collections. Some of us have drawers neatly organized with our archive while others have refrigerators covered with a collection held together by eclectic magnets. But more importantly our hearts, minds and souls are filled with recollections and even scars of a lifetime. Each moment carefully tucked away in the repository of the kingdom of memory.
The second commercial is for the Diocesan Eucharistic Revival event being held Oct. 28-29, at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt. The U.S. bishops conference has created a three-year national Eucharistic Revival journey that began this past Corpus Christi and will culminate with a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in 2024.
Our diocesan event will include prayer, adoration, opportunities for the sacrament of penance, and conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Joseph Kopacz. This Eucharistic renewal journey naturally flows out of a desire by all of us to deepen our ongoing understanding of the Eucharist. This past week, I participated in the national gathering of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, FDLC, which is a partner entity of the U.S. bishop’s conference engaged in formation of laity and clergy in fully implementing Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.
Our region hosted the gathering in New Orleans and the theme was “Ars Celebrandi: Something More is Required,” which is taken from paragraph 11 of the Constitution. Ars celebrandi is simply translated as the art of celebrating.
The full paragraph is worth noting here: But in order that the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds should be attuned to their voices, and that they should cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain. Pastors of souls must therefore realize that, when the liturgy is celebrated, something more is required than the mere observation of the laws governing valid and licit celebration; it is their duty also to ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects.
As part of the environment committee, we created a mosaic of ars celebrandi moments in liturgy featuring our region’s metropolitan archbishops and our own Bishop Kopacz. A highlight of the conference for me was to be able to serve Mass in St. Louis Cathedral as the miter bearer for Archbishop Gregory Aymond. I am grateful for this honor and will certainly file it in my kingdom of memory.
During the Mass in the cathedral, I reflected on paragraph 11 and how much more is required of all of us in understanding the great gift of the Eucharist. Do we really understand the communal nature of worship and the importance of the postures and actions of liturgy as the Body of Christ? Do we know what actually is happening in the sacred mysteries when heaven and earth meet on the altar?
Throughout the next two years in tandem with our synodal encounter journey, we will strive to offer “something more” in an effort to profoundly increase our understanding of these questions. Please join us Oct. 28-29 in Gluckstadt and if you are not able to be there physically for this inspiring event, join us through prayer.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
JACKSON – As a part of the Eucharistic Revival, developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Jackson is holding a Eucharistic Congress on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt. The event also flows out of the diocesan “Year of the Eucharist.”
The event features an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass. The featured speaker for the event is Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
“This will kick off the Eucharistic Revival’s focus on the Eucharist in parish life and the re-evangelization of parishioners through reverence for the Eucharist in their lives and connecting the Eucharist to service and how parishioners are called to be the Real Presence of Jesus Christ to others,” said Mary Woodward, chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson.
“As we move further into this focus, we will provide more opportunities for parishes to deepen their worship life and prayer life.”
GLUCKSTADT – The Diocese of Jackson is hosting a Eucharistic Congress on October 28-29 at St. Joseph parish in Gluckstadt. All are welcome to attend this evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass.
Woodward says that the Eucharistic Congress is not just about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which is a necessary, vital and profound action, but also a deeper understanding of and commitment to worshipping the Eucharist as active participants in liturgy.
“This in turn leads to an internalization of the Real Presence so that one can then reflect that Real Presence of Christ to the world that is so in need of the presence of Christ,” says Woodward.
The schedule for Friday, Oct. 28 consists of:
4 p.m – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Joseph Church and Opportunities for Sacrament of Penance
6 p.m. – a spiritual talk on the gift of the Eucharist by Father Ajani Gibson
7-8 p.m. – Adoration, night prayer and benediction
8 p.m. – Benediction/Reposition – Bishop Kopacz
On Saturday, Oct. 29:
8-10 a.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Joseph’s Church and opportunities for Sacrament of Penance
10 a.m. Morning prayer followed by spiritual talk on living the Eucharist by Father Gibson
11:30 a.m. Closing Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Fr. Ajani Gibson as homilist
For those unable to attend the Congress, look for local opportunities for adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation during event times. For more information on the national Eucharistic Revival, visit www.eucharisticrevival.org.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Director of Stewardship and Development, Rebecca Harris would like to personally thank everyone for their prayers for the annual Catholic Service Appeal and to those who made a financial commitment. This year, the diocese is excited to announce that the yearly goal has been reached.
“Each year I am amazed at the outpouring of support for our yearly appeal. Your commitment to the provides the needed funding for the ministries served by the appeal,” said Harris.
The diocese is also pleased to announce that through the Synod process they heard the need for a young adult ministry. Harris said that the diocese now has a Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office that will now receive funding from the CSA.
All are invited to visit the diocese website to see a complete list of the ministries supported by the annual Catholic Service Appeal. To see a complete list of ministries please go to csa.jacksondiocese.org or scan the QR Code.
This is an official promotional poster for the documentary “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood.” The documentary will air on ABC stations nationwide beginning Oct. 2, 2022. (CNS photo/courtesy NewGroup Media). The film can also be viewed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/SisterTheaFilm
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – A new documentary from NewGroup Media and the Diocese of Jackson, Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood, presents the riveting life of Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Catholic Franciscan Sister who used her powerful gifts to educate and challenge the church and society to grow in racial inclusivity. Her skills of preaching, music, and teaching moved many Catholics to begin to confront their own racism while she urged her African American brothers and sisters to claim their gifts and share their “fully functioning” personhood. Thea worked tirelessly to proclaim this message until her untimely death from breast cancer in 1990.
The film features interviews and commentary from her family, Sisters in community, colleagues, friends, and former students. Input from African-American scholars, clerics and bishops will speak to the ongoing issue of systemic racism in the church and country. Extensive use is made of archival media that portrays Thea in action–photographs, film, video and audio recordings recorded in locations of significance to her life.
The program title is drawn from a quotation attributed to Sojourner Truth. When Thea was asked what she wanted said at her funeral, she answered, “Just say what Sojourner Truth said: ‘I’m not going to die. I’m going home like a shooting star.’”
The film, part of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission’s fall documentary season, began airing on ABC stations nationwide on Oct. 2, 2022. As of Oct. 11, the following Mississippi stations have scheduled showings of the film: WLOX Biloxi – Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.; and WAPT Jackson – Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. Contact your local ABC affiliate station for additional dates and times.
The film can also be streamed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/SisterTheaFilm. The film is free to view, with donations requested to the Cause for Sister Thea Bowman.
The film makes a strong connection between Thea’s Gospel call for justice, love and unity and the current effort of Black Lives Matter activists and efforts to combat systemic racism. Many in the film cite Thea’s voice as an influence on their ongoing efforts to achieve social and racial justice.
Production of “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” was made possible with funding from the Catholic Communications Campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as support from various foundations and congregations of U.S. men and women religious.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth held their blessing of the pets on Thursday, Oct. 6. (Photo by Catelin Britt)
NATCHEZ – Father Aaron Williams blesses pets in the St. Mary Basilica prayer garden on Oct. 2. (Photo by Regina Mardis)
CLINTON – Greta Nalker holds Valentine the snake while Father Lincoln Dall and Hunter Yentzen pet him after Blessing of the Pets at Holy Savior. (Photo by Lacey Nalker)
SOUTHAVEN – Matthew made sure that both of his pups received a blessing from Father Timothy Gray, SCJ at Sacred Heart. (Photos by Laura Grisham)
Lucy seems more interested in posing for a picture than her blessing from Father Gray at Sacred Heart.
VICKSBURG – Father Rusty Vincent blesses Jennifer Nelson’s cat “Merle;” while Syd Johnston with his dog wait in the background at St. Paul parish.(Photo by Connie Hosemann)
