Category Archives: Diocesan News

Diocese hosts event as part of National Eucharistic Revival

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By Joanna Puddister King
GLUCKSTADT – For much of the evening and morning of Oct. 28 and 29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt, the sanctuary was relatively silent with the occasional sound of movement or a cough.

Upon entering some had their heads bowed in prayer and others with their eyes fixed on the consecrated Eucharist host placed in the center of the altar. The host was contained in a monstrance from the Bishop R.O. Gerow collection and modeled off the one used for the 1932 Eucharistic Congress in New Orleans, a fitting receptacle for the Eucharistic Revival moment help by the Diocese of Jackson.

The event was held as a part of the National Eucharistic Revival, developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the diocesan “Year of the Eucharist.”

GLUCKSTADT – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Ajani Gibson administer Communion during the Eucharistic Revival moment held at St. Joseph parish in Gluckstadt. The two day event was a part of the National Eucharistic Revival featuring adoration, vespers, spiritual talks on the Eucharist, opportunities for reconciliation and Mass. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The national revival comes at a time when many Catholics don’t believe the church’s teaching that the consecrated bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus. Pew research reported in 2019, that 69% of self-described Catholics say they personally believe the bread and wine are just “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.”

The diocesan Eucharistic event held at St. Joseph included adoration, vespers, spiritual talks on the Eucharist, opportunities for reconciliation and Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz.

Selected as the featured speaker for the event was Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. A relatively new priest, only being ordained about a year and a half, Father Ajani’s passion and love for the Eucharist was evident as he focused event attendees on internalizing and externalizing the Eucharist.

In his first spiritual talk, he touched on how much COVID-19 affected us as a Body of Christ, with many not returning to Mass or continuing to view Mass virtually. Of Mass, Father Ajani said that “we come to be reminded of the beauty and the gift that is the Eucharist.”

This moment of Eucharistic Revival, says Father Ajani, is about renewing our relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. He asked in his first talk for everyone to contemplate the simple question – “Do I believe in Jesus Christ?”

“The Lord in the moment of Eucharistic renewal is drawing us to be in communion and unity with Him,” Father Ajani told those gathered at the event.

“Isn’t this what it is all ultimately about, to be drawn into eternal union with our God?”

Weaving in personal stories, on Saturday of the event Father Ajani shared about his love of grapes. Always raiding his grandmother’s refrigerator for those round globes of sweetness as a child, Father Ajani laughed about his grandmother always telling him he was going to turn into a grape.

He asked when thinking about the Eucharist to ponder the saying “we become what we eat.”

“Externalizing the Eucharist is being a part of Christ … out in the world. Is that not what the Mass prepares us for,” Father Ajani asked.

Mary Woodward, chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson, organized the event and says she hopes to organize more around the diocese as the National Eucharistic Revival continues into the next few years.
As those gathered left the event, many thanked Bishop Kopacz, Father Ajani and Woodward for their efforts in bring this to the people of the diocese.

Jo Dillon of St. Joseph parish told Father Ajani as they were leaving the event that she wanted to jump up and shout when he asked participants to internalize the question “Do I believe in Jesus Christ?”
“I wanted to jump up and shout yes, I believe!”

GLUCKSTADT – Clockwise from top: Jesse Carkhuff speaks to Bishop Kopacz after the event; Seminarians Will Foggo and Ryan Stoer lead the procession after Mass; and Father Ajani Gibson delievers a riveting homily. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

Cemeteries house archives written in stone

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From the Archives
By Mary Woodward

JACKSON – Cemeteries are fantastic, visual archives. The history of a community, a church, a family is literally written in stone. In a few short phrases, a person’s life is summed up: “Devoted Mother,” “Beloved Son,” “Christian, Southern Gentleman,” “Faithful Wife.” Often it is a favorite scripture verse such as John 3:16 or a favorite poetry line such as “horseman pass by.”

Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, asked that the words “she tried” be on her tombstone. William Faulkner has “Belove’d Go with God” on his marker. One poignant one I have seen is “In the end it all comes down to one word, Grace.” And we all have that person in our family who warrants the “I told you I was sick” epitaph. As Catholics, we like to see R.I.P. on a grave for requiescat in pace or rest in peace.

Currently, the chancellor’s office is assisting in an inventory of Catholic cemeteries in the diocese. We have a listing of all the parish connected cemeteries, but often when a chapel or mission church closed decades ago, small cemeteries can be left off of the registry. We welcome any information on these locations.

JACKSON – Mary Woodward uses a pickaxe to assist in digging a grave at Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison County. On left, Woodward left Bishop Joseph Latino’s favorite flower on his gravesite in the Bishops’ Cemetery next to the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. (Photos courtesy of Mary Woodward and Joanna Puddister King)

In our diocese, we have several Catholic cemeteries dating back to the early 1800s. Paulding St. Michael, the second oldest parish in the entire state, has a beautiful cemetery filled with founding family members. There is a forest of bamboo standing 30-feet high that surrounds much of the back of the cemetery. Not long ago, St. Michael parishioners with the advice of Mississippi State’s Extension Service invested in a barrier to keep the bamboo from spreading farther into graves. They also built a fence around the graveyard to keep the occasional nocturnal burial from occurring as can happen in small country cemeteries.

It is fitting we are doing this during the month of November. November is the month to remember the dead in our Catholic faith. It opens with the Solemnity of All Saints where we honor all those ordinary people in our lives who were saints to us. The next day is All Souls in which we honor the dead and, in many traditions, decorate graves and have picnics in cemeteries.

The Bishops’ Cemetery on the Cathedral grounds is right across the street from the Chancery. Each year we place flowers on the graves of Bishops Richard Gerow, Joseph Brunini, William Houck and Joseph Latino. This year, as we positioned the roses and sunflowers, I was able to reflect on these men and the act of assisting in burying three of the four.

Because of the location and design of the Bishops’ Cemetery, the graves are hand dug. This is a very arduous task which takes a team of gravediggers many hours to complete.

Burying the dead is a corporal work of mercy and we all have in some way participated in burying the dead by planning funerals, being present for the family, celebrating the funeral Mass, bringing food to the repast. But actually digging the grave with a shovel and pickaxe is a profound way to fully immerse oneself in the act of mercy.

Recently, I participated in two such acts. My brother is head of the gravedigger’s guild at Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison County. He invited me to join in for a dig in August and then again last week.

The cemetery at the Chapel dates back to the mid-1800s and is on a serene piece of property off Hwy 463. The congregation has never allowed equipment onto the property to dig graves. All the graves have been hand dug and the guild coordinates the digging. It is seen as a unique ministry to the family of the deceased – an act of love.

My brother had marked the grave and at 4 p.m., the top sod was removed and set aside, then the team began making its way through soil, clay, roots and the occasional brick down into the cool, damp earth. The shovel crew would give way to the pickaxe crew, who would break up a few more inches of terra firma for the shovellers to get back in and remove. Eventually there is room for only one in the grave at a time. All stand around in support waiting to relieve the current digger by pulling her/him out and the next digger goes in.

This past week, as we dug down to the target depth, the family of the deceased, along with those who had come to pay their respects at the wake service, ventured over to the dig bringing food for the guild and chairs to watch the completion of act. Family members even participated in helping to dig, climbing down into the grave of their loved one and shoveling out clay.

At the end of the dig, the grave was blessed, and libations were passed around in a shared bottle as the deceased was toasted by the team and the gathered assembly. All of this took place under God’s watchful November sky.

As we continue this journey through the month of the dead and we pray for our deceased loved ones, let us be reminded of the sacred places where we bury our family and friends. These are true archives of our communal life and of lives well-lived awaiting the resurrection of the dead – a collection of short epithets giving a permanent record of and an eternal glimpse into those lives.

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

Saltillo mission, upcoming jubilee, part II

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(Editor’s note: This reflection is part two of a two-part series from Msgr. Michael Flannery on his trip to the Saltillo Mission this fall. Part one ran in the Oct. 28 digital edition of Mississippi Catholic.)

By Msgr. Michael Flannery
SALTILLO, Mex. – During my visit to the Saltillo Mission at the end of September, I had the pleasure of celebrating Mass at St. William Church. There was a lady there that something told me I knew her from some place.

We started a conversation and I asked her where she was from originally. She said Santa Rosa. I asked her when she was born, and she said in 1972. I asked her where she was baptized, and she said in Santa Rosa.
I happened to be the priest that baptized her. I had not seen her in 50 years. It was like a reunion to get to know her again after all this time.

A new phenomenon in Saltillo is the building of columbaria at parish churches for the reception of the ashes of deceased parishioners. That has come in response to the growing practice of cremation in Mexico. Prices vary from $600 to $1,000. It has become very popular.

A big thrust in the ministry of the Saltillo Mission is the service to the mountain villages. I accompanied Father David the last Saturday of my visit to the mountain villages. Our first stop was Gomez Nueva where we had a wedding and five First Holy Communions. After a reception we moved on to La Brecha (the gap), which is a church that was dedicated three years ago by Bishop Raul Vera Lopez, Bishop Emeritus of Saltillo, in the presence of Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Bishop Louis Kihneman.

In La Brecha we had a quince años, (the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday). During the celebration of the Mass, the 15-year-old girl renews her baptismal promises and recommits herself to serving the Lord.

From there we journeyed on to another village, El Rancho Pequeño, for another quince años celebration. Then we returned to Saltillo where Father David had a baptism. One thing is for sure, the pastor is never short of work at San Miguel.

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On left, a First Communion celebration at Gomez Nueva. On right, a quince años at La Brecha. “Padre” Flannery made a trip to visit the Saltillo Mission and the end of September. (Photos courtesy of Msgr. Michael Flannery)

The following prayer will be recited at all Masses in San Miguel for the whole jubilee year.
We bless the Most Holy Trinity in your Holy Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Rafael. You have selected and called this portion of God’s people, of the Diocese of Saltillo, to form the Parish of San Miguel. We give you thanks for this jubilee year, coming together these 25 years.

You have given us an esteemed and faithful ministry in our bishops and priests, who with their lives and testimony guide your flock in the pastoral presence of Father Quinn and in all the generous priests committed in the pastoral ministry and in a laity committed to the synodal project. We ask that your Son Jesus Christ be for us, a road to journey toward you, the Truth which illuminates our hearts to the gate through which we are admitted to your kingdom.

Our God, who has given us San Miguel as our patron, give us the strength and the character to walk, being the light in the darkness of a culture of death, and in the company of Our Mother and Queen, the Most Holy Virgin, Mary of Guadalupe. Preserve us with strength as true disciples of Christ the Redeemer who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit forever and ever, Amen.

Father David Martinez gave a homily on the Feast of San Miguel, on Sept. 29, 2022, touching on the jubilee year and the aid given by the Diocese of Jackson:

“In this Eucharist on Sept. 29 we give thanks to God because he has permitted our Bishop Hilario Gonzalez Garcia, to proclaim a jubilee year to celebrate the twenty-five years since the erection of the parish of San Miguel.

“Today, full of joy, we have present with us, Msgr. Michael Flannery, who 25 years ago was an essential witness to the transaction of the separation of San Miguel from the parish of Perpetual Help and it is now a parish in its own right and the center of the ranchos which were once a part of the mission of Father Quinn.

“Bishop Francisco Villalobos of happy memory, was the one who named the community of San Miguel as a parish. Present at the Mass were Bishop Francisco Villalobos, Bishop of Saltillo, Bishop William Houck, Bishop of Jackson, Frs. Raul Ramos, Carlos Davila Fuentes, VG., Lazaro Hernandez, Placido Castro Zamora, Msgr. Michael Flannery, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jackson, and Msgr. Michael Thornton who was named the first pastor of San Miguel.

“In this celebration today, on the solemnity of San Miguel, offering to God as we progress throughout the year, that on the 29th of each month, we will come together as brothers and sisters with other parishes, living different historic semblances of our experiences, in all of the rural communities, such as the chapels attached to the parish.

“By celebrating the Eucharist and the accompanying Holy Hour, we have received from our Bishop a partial indulgence. We have the privilege of offering to God, the pastoral experience of Deacon Adam Frey, who was sent here by his Bishop Louis Kihneman of the Diocese of Biloxi, to experience and share in the mission of Father Quinn. It is our desire that sharing this experience as a legate of his diocese, that it will be part of the history of our parish and its 25 years. …

“Remembering the words of Jesus: ‘You will see much greater things than the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’ Because in these things is found the cross and the priest of Christ continues to ascend and descend the slopes in this parish of San Miguel following in the footsteps of Father Quinn, walking with joy, with the cross of the ranchos and in the company of our brothers and sisters who are poorer and more vulnerable and to whom we announce to them that the reign of God has come.

“We end by saying that we ask of God that on Sept. 29, 2023 we can meet with our brothers and sisters of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi, who have been part of our history. We thank God for all his blessings and his Mother Most Holy, the Virgin Mary for all of her maternal protection in our journey of faith.”

Spotlight on Catholic Education: Luke gives summary of year, so far

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By Karla Luke
JACKSON – Things have been very active in the Office of Catholic Education since school began in August. It hardly seems possible that the first quarter for our administrators, faculty and students has come and gone. The 2022-2023 school year is significant for us as we fully embrace our annual theme of service; the Office of Catholic Education (OCE) seeks to better serve the school community at large by providing more support for administrators, teachers and students.

For the first time since the pandemic, the Office of Catholic Education held the annual Diocesan Professional Development Day for Catholic Schools in person at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison.The event welcomed over 450 teachers, teacher assistants, staff, administrators and pastors from 19 different institutions for Mass, spiritual refreshment and reconnection.

Members of the chancery also joined us on this special day with the educators. The day began with Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrating Mass and sharing his message with all for a spirit-filled and successful school year.

MADISON – Father Tony Ricard of the Archdiocese of New Orleans speaks to educators during the Office of Education’s annual Diocesan Professional Development Day in September. (Photo by Karla Luke)

The keynote speaker for the morning was Father R. Tony Ricard, a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the campus minister and theology teacher at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans.

Father Tony spoke on the Office of Education’s theme for the year: “Serve the Lord with gladness!” As a former third grade public school teacher, Father Tony related to the difficulties educators face while uplifting them and connecting their experience with our vocation as Catholic school educators.

During the afternoon, teachers met in small groups to discuss common issues and share best practices for addressing current issues facing schools today. Some groups met with chancery employees to discuss daily practices, new policies and procedures. The feedback for the day was very positive and illustrated the importance of gathering in the community.
Another significant project that the Office of Catholic Schools is currently undertaking is strategic planning for all schools, Early Learning Centers and the Office of Catholic Education.

Since the pandemic surged worldwide in March 2020, the face of education has also undergone significant changes. The current social-emotional status of our students, the economic state of our state and country, and the rapid pace of technological development all call for a revaluation of our mission and vision to continue providing opportunities for an exceptional Catholic education in the Diocese of Jackson. The Office of Catholic Education will continue to provide updates on this initiative as they become available.

Please continue to support Catholic education in the Diocese of Jackson by supporting your local parish schools. If there is no school in your parish, please support our administrators, teachers and school families with your prayers to produce service-oriented citizens of the Gospel.

(Karla Luke is the executive director of Catholic School for the Diocese of Jackson)

Annual Catholic Foundation meeting celebrates accomplishments

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson held its annual membership meeting along with the board of directors meeting at the Country Club of Jackson.

Board president, Joe Rice, Jr. of St. Richard Jackson, led those gathered through the election and re-election of the board of directors for the Foundation. Six members rolled-off board service this year, leading to the election of Beth DeGruy of St. Richard Jackson; Joseph P. Gray of Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson; Will Jemison of Christ the King Jackson; Robert Perry of St. John Oxford; and Key Smith of St. Mary Basilica Natchez at the event.

Catholic Foundation, executive director Rebecca Harris then led members on a journey through all the Foundation accomplished over the past year.

The Foundation currently manages assets in excess of $57 million and Harris reported that the Foundation was able to mitigate some of the losses due to the market in today’s economy to be able to continue all of the good works the Foundation supports.

JACKSON – Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation, completes a “year in review” at the annual dinner and membership meeting, held at the Country Club of Jackson, on Tuesday, Oct. 25. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The Foundation manages 35 trusts that grant monies to parishes, schools and Catholic ministries in the diocese. This year, 25 grants were awarded that totaled over $69,000.

“These were grants that were for anywhere from renovating a rectory to curriculums in our Catholic Schools to Catholic Charities being able to provide women who are in dire need of work that helps them to bring their child into this world,” said Harris.

“And I think as a Catholic organization that is so important, and near and dear to all of us that there are children that are going to be born this year and that we were able to help them.”

One area that few parishes apply for grants is in senior citizen ministry, explained Harris. “I hope in the future that they do … we’ve got a lot more that we could grant.”

The Catholic Foundation has 393 trusts that they administer and boasts over 800 members that support the work of the Foundation. Through membership fees, the Foundation allows the annual distributions to go directly to the beneficiaries – schools, parishes and catholic ministries.

“These membership fees allow me to run the Catholic Foundation office, along with proceeds from the Bishop’s Cup tournament and charge no management fees to beneficiaries,” said Harris.

To those gathered, Harris also reported on the annual Bishop’s Cup golf tournament. In the 40th year for the event, the Foundation was able to raise $43,000. Harris thanked all for their support of the event saying, “we were able to keep expenses lower than they ever have been … so we have more money to help operations and to help with future grants.”

“We can’t do all the things we do without the help of our members,” said Harris. “We need you and we need many other people to understand what we do and how we do it.”

The Catholic Foundation is not competition for parishes, Harris explained. “We work with parishes to help them grow the things they can do in their parishes.”

Next year, the Catholic Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In 1973, Bishop Brunini called a group of community leaders together from across the diocese to form the foundation.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Joseph Kopacz noted that the returns on investment in general have been down, but equated the Catholic Foundation as “Joseph in Egypt.”

“During the years of plenty, [Joseph] put aside a great deal of the harvest in order to face the years of famine and was able to serve the people of Egypt and the surrounding area because of that prudent decision,” said Bishop Kopacz.

“So, the Foundation has done the same in these ‘lean’ years. … This year we still have been able to give the full distribution that has been given over the last number of years. And that is wise stewardship.”
Closing the event with prayer, Bishop Kopacz asked God for His blessing on the Foundation.
“May we continue to grow and be faithful to You and to serve the people entrusted to us.”

For more information on the Catholic Foundation visit: foundation.jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 960-8477.

Remembering Bishop Latino

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From the Archives
By Mary Woodward

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.)

more about Bishop Latino:

Bishop Latino in memoriam

Bishop Joseph Latino – farewell humble shepherd

Remembering Joseph N. Latino

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)

Saltillo mission, upcoming jubilee, part I

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(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.)

Calendar of events

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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.

Monseñor Flannery, de Vuelta a Saltillo

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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.

Retiro de Mujeres ACTS

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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)