JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
(View photos from Bishop Chanche Medals at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
LENTEN MEALS/STATIONS
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Stations and Light Lenten Meal, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. (meal at 6 p.m. in Serio Hall); Fish Fry on Friday, March 13.
CANTON – Sacred Heart, Stations and Soup Supper, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. (Except on Friday, March 6 – Stations sponsored at Immaculate Conception with fish fry following.) St. Elizabeth Knights fish fry on Feb. 21, March 20 and 27. Lenten lunch, every Friday at 12 p.m. in McKenna Hall.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Lenten Meals, Stations and Mass every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by Lenten meal. Lenten meals follow except on March 13. Knights Fish Fry on March 20 with cost of $9 per plate. Please RSVP for meals: holysavior@att.net.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Stations and Fish Dinner, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel with dinner in Activity Center following.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent after 6 p.m. Stations. No to-go orders.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, Friday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. Stations at 6 p.m. Plates include fried catfish, fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies and beverage. Cost: $15. Grilled Cheese available for kids for $5. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, KC Fish Fry, March 20. Cost: $10/plate. Serving from 5-6:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. Cost: $15/plate. Pick-up or dine-in. Stations every Friday during Lent at 12 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by soup supper in the Family Life Center. (Adoration from 5:30-6:15 p.m.)
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish). Simple meatless meal served from 5:45 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, KC Fish Fry, March 20 and 27 from 6-7 p.m. in Foley Hall. Cost: $15 adults; $8 children; $45 families of 4+ (children ages 12 and below). Meal includes fried catfish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert. Dine-in or carry out.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Rosary at 6 p.m. followed by Stations at 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meals at 7 p.m., every Friday during Lent.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten meals, Friday, March 20, and April 3 after 6 p.m. Stations. Meals provided a nominal cost.
MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, Friday, March 13 and 27 after 6 p.m. Stations. Cost: $12/plate.
NATCHEZ – Knights Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Eat in or take out. Cost: catfish $15, shrimp $15 or combo $17. Dinner includes fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish, call 30 minutes ahead to Darren at (601) 597-2890. Stations at 5:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday at 5:30 p.m. Stations at 7 p.m.
PEARL – St. Jude, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. (after 10 a.m. Mass) and 6 p.m. (bilingual) with Soup Supper after 6 p.m. Stations.
SENATOBIA – St. Gregory, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m., followed by a Lenten meal.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Meals, served beginning at 5:30 p.m. every Friday during Lent before Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Lenten meals, March 20; Fish Fries, March 13 and 27.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent after 5:30 p.m. Stations. Cost: $12/plate or $0/family.
STATIONS ONLY
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Stations, every Tuesday and Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Stations are also hosted 35 minutes before all four weekend Masses.
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 12 p.m.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
CORINTH – St. James, Stations, every Friday during Lent after 6 p.m. Mass
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Stations, every Wednesday (Spanish) at 6 p.m. and Friday (English) at 6 p.m. during Lent.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. with Reconciliation at 6:30 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – Christ the King, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. (Rosary at 5:30 p.m.)
MAGEE – St. Stephen, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m.
NATCHEZ – Assumption, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
NEW ALBANY – St. Francis, Mass with Way of the Cross (English) following, every Friday during Lent at 8:30 a.m.
NEW ALBANY – St. Francis, Mass with Way of the Cross (Spanish) following, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. (Bilingual)
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Book Study (English) and Way of the Cross, every Friday during Lent from 10-11:30 a.m.
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Way of the Cross (Spanish), every Friday during Lent from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with a bi-lingual Mass at 7:30 p.m.
ROBINSONVILLE – Good Shepherd, Stations, every Tuesday during Lent at 12:30 p.m.; Reflection session from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays led by Sister Rose; Stations, every Friday during lent at 7 p.m.
SARDIS – St. John, Stations, every Wednesday during Lent at 4:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 5 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.; and every Thursday at 12 p.m.
TUPELO – St. James, Stations, every Friday during Lent, following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and at 6 p.m. (English). Stations in Spanish, following 6:30 p.m. Spanish Mass every Friday during Lent.
PENANCE SERVICES/Reconciliation
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Reconciliation Service, Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m.
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Reconciliation held before every weekend Mass.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Reconciliation Service, Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, March 24 at 6 p.m.
NEW ALBANY – St. Francis, Bilingual Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Reconciliation, Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m.
LENTEN MISSIONS/STUDIES
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Lenten Mission with Robert Feduccia, March 26 and 27 from 6:30-8 p.m. Meal at 6 p.m.
(More listings and Lenten reconciliation services online at jacksondiocese.org)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27 – March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
DCYC 2026, March 20-22 in Vicksburg. The conference will feature keynote talks, music, liturgy, games, small groups, Bishop Chanche Youth Awards and much more. Open to ninth through twelfth grades. Details: Contact your parish youth ministry office.
Young Adult Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood. Ages 21-35 are invited to a day of celebration and spiritual renewal. Cost: $20/includes lunch. Register at https://bit.ly/2026YASpringRetreat. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Lenten Retreat: A Journey with Jesus, Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parish hall; ends after 4 p.m. Mass in the church. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 18. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Tuesday, March 3 with Diocesan Chancellor Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten Retreat with Father Sebastian Myladil – “The Paschal Mystery: From the Cross to New Life,” March 1-3. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Sister Thea Bowman Annual Musical Celebration, Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. Details: Cherie at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, 20th annual $5,000 Draw Down, Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $120 and second chance insurance $15. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.
JACKSON AREA – Young Adult Basketball League, play March 5 – April 30. Teams for men 18-35. League registration fee: $35. Deadline: Feb. 23. Games at First Baptist Jackson Gym from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Spaghetti Luncheon, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with silent auction. Cost: $10 adults; $6 child; $35 family. Dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Registration deadline is Feb. 22, 2026. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School, Open House, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Come meet our staff and learn about our diverse, loving school community. Details: school office (662) 349-0900.
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Mass at 5:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals following 5:30 p.m. Mass, every Friday (no meal on March 13). Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. or after Mass.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Knights of Columbus, Fish Fry Dinners, Feb. 27, March 20 and March 27 from 6-7 p.m. following Stations. Dine in, carry out or order in advance at https://bit.ly/STRfish2026. Dinner includes fried fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert. Cost: adults $15; children $8; families $45. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON – St. Francis, Rosary at 6 p.m.; Stations at 6:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals at 7 p.m., Fridays during Lent.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent. Supper at 5:30 and Stations begin at 7 p.m. Last Friday of Lent will be Knights Fish Fry. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
OXFORD – St. John, Knights Fish Fry, Friday, Feb. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 234-6073.
PEARL – St. Jude, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
CHANCERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JACKSON – Event Planning Coordinator: The Diocese of Jackson is seeking a faith-filled and organized Event Planning Coordinator to assist with planning and coordinating diocesan gatherings, meetings and donor events. Applicants should have prior event planning experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and availability for occasional evenings, weekends and travel. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris at Rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org. Find more information at https://bit.ly/CDJjobs.
Coordinator of Operations: The Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson is seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Coordinator of Operations to support the day-to-day operational needs of diocesan schools and Early Learning Centers. Responsibilities include compliance tracking, recordkeeping, accreditation support, school safety coordination, systems support, and event logistics. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills, comfort with databases and office software, and experience in administration or school-related operations. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Joni House at joni.house@jacksondiocese.org.
By Staff Reports
PEARL – The St. Jude Artisan Guild, a ministry of St. Jude Catholic Church, met Saturday, Jan. 24, to prepare Comfort Kits for individuals experiencing homelessness. The kits include handmade items designed to provide warmth, dignity and practical support.
The Artisan Guild is a small group of parishioners led by Linda Tynes-Artman that uses artistic skills to support other parish ministries, primarily Feed My Sheep. Last year, the group collected used linens – including blankets, drapes and other heavy materials – with strong support from St. Jude parishioners. Guild members transformed the donated materials into ponchos and oversized tote bags, which serve as staple items in the Comfort Kits. Members also created pouches to hold feminine hygiene items for distribution.
The St. Jude Feed My Sheep Ministry distributed 39 Comfort Kits at the Opportunity Center. Each kit contained a poncho, tote bag, hat and scarf. The items were shared with guests receiving essential services such as showers, laundry, mail, computer access, and case management for housing and employment.
The donations helped provide comfort, dignity and practical assistance to individuals who rely on the Opportunity Center as a safe daytime “home base,” particularly during times of need. Shared with unhoused individuals, “these kits reflected God’s love in action and the strength of a community caring for one another,” said Tynes-Artman.
The Artisan Guild meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the old rectory and plans to begin work in February on new additions to the Comfort Kits, including sleep mats and knapsacks.
Tynes-Artman expressed appreciation on behalf of the Guild saying, “We are so grateful to parishioners for their generous donations late last year and look forward to continued collaboration in the year ahead.”
(For more information on the Artisan Guild at St. Jude parish contact (601) 939-3181.)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison. Details: email amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Feb. 3 with speaker, Ann Cook; March 3 with speaker, Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Sons” Men’s Conference, Saturday, Feb. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m in the parish hall. Event features Joe Heschmeyer, speaker for Catholic Answers and host of the Shameless Popery podcast; and Dr. Mario Sacaca, marriage counselor and host of the Always Hope podcast. Tickets $50. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238790.
St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Daughters” Women’s Conference, opening potluck on Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and conference on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event features Catholic speaker, Devanie Cooper. Cost: $35 and includes light breakfast after Mass and a catered lunch. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238779.
PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Annual Garage Sale, Saturday, Jan. 31 from 7 a.m. to noon. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Back to 80’s” $10,000 Drawdown, Saturday, Jan. 31 in the Family Life Center. Cost: $150/admits two. Details: https://bit.ly/StPaul80sDrawdown2026.
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.
JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.
MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
MADISON – St. Francis, Mexican Fiesta Parish Dinner, Wednesday, Jan. 21 starting at 5:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Youth will serve your choice of a nacho bar or hotdog and chips, plus dessert and drink. Cost: $7/person or $25 per family. Proceeds benefit the Saltillo Mission. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
NATCHEZ – Basilica of St. Mary, Rectory Open House, Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. Wear your best purple, gold and green to celebrate Mardi Gras! Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – The Carmelite community of the Diocese of Jackson celebrated the solemn profession of religious vows of Sister Maryann Wambui Koine of Jesus Crucified, OCD, during a Mass on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Carmelite monastery chapel.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant as Sister Maryann made her solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before the Discalced Carmelite nuns, members of the Carmelite Seculars, and friends from the greater Jackson community and beyond.
In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on Mount Carmel and the Carmelite tradition, emphasizing that religious profession points not only to a particular vocation, but to the baptismal call shared by all Christians. Rooted in the mystery of the Cross, he said, religious life bears witness to the hope of eternal life and calls the church to deeper fidelity to Christ.
Religious life, the bishop noted, “points toward heaven,” reminding the faithful that following Christ requires daily self-gift and transformation of heart and mind – a call lived uniquely through the vows of religious life and universally through baptism.
Sister Maryann, originally from Kenya, first entered Carmel in Savannah, Georgia, in 2015. She professed her first vows in 2018 and transferred to the Carmelite monastery in Jackson in 2024 following the closure of the Savannah community. Her solemn profession marks a lifelong commitment to the Carmelite way of contemplative prayer and simplicity.
Speaking after the Mass, Sister Maryann expressed gratitude to those who supported her vocation, thanking the priests, sisters and community members who accompanied her along the journey. “This community has been my second family,” she said. “I am grateful to be a part of it.”
She also acknowledged the presence of her mother, who traveled from Kenya to attend the profession and spent several weeks visiting her daughter at the monastery. While language barriers limited communication during the liturgy, Sister Maryann said the shared joy of the occasion transcended words.
By Galen Holley
NEW ALBANY – Seven-year-old Luis looked the part, right down to his drawn-on mustache and loose-fitting tilma, and watching him alongside his parents, one could imagine Juan Diego woofing down a cookie prior to the Mass, just as Luis did. The glory and pageantry of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was resplendent on a cold night in New Albany.
“We feel our hearts burning with gratitude to Our Lady,” said Alma Solis, who, on Dec. 12, buzzed around the sanctuary organizing the celebration. Solis, a tireless volunteer, directed altar servers, gave dancers their cues, and translated on-the-fly from English to Spanish.
“The celebration is important for Catholics and especially for Mexicans,” said Solis, whose father-in-law, Pablo Garcia, despite a language barrier, is in formation to become a deacon.
Parents in the Hispanic community had dressed their little boys as the sainted peasant, Juan Diego, the simple indigenous man to whom, in 1531, Mary, the Mother of God appeared. Our Lady visited Juan Diego on the Tepeyac Hill in what today is Mexico City. She admonished the people to turn from pagan practices and offered miraculous signs as proof of Jesus’s love. Mary, through the power of God, caused roses to bloom in winter on the Tepeyac Hill, and Catholicism thenceforth bloomed in Latin America.
Catholics built a church on the site of the apparition in the 16th century, and today it’s among the most visited destinations in all the Christian world. Still, as St. Francis’s pastor, Father Xavier Jesuraj said in his homily on Dec. 12, the basilica represents something deeper.
“The building of the church was not the most important thing for the Blessed Mother,” said Father Raj. “The Virgin was present not only as an outward sign but as a promise that she is with us in our joys and sorrows, in all moments and aspects of our lives. She encourages us to offer our daily lives as a devotion and continuation of the celebration in which we participate tonight.”
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has become the most popular symbol of faith among Mexican Catholics. The enculturated apparition of Mary, with mocha skin and dark hair, is a stark contrast to European images of the Blessed Mother, and suggests her universal character as Mother of the Church. As Father Raj put it, “She came as a sign not only for Latin America but for Europe and all the world proclaiming the love of her son, Jesus.”
The mustaches drawn onto the lips of babies at St. Francis was an adorable sign of just how much the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe means to Hispanic Catholics. The sight of the beatified Lilliputians tottering into the sanctuary, draped in their peasant’s garb, straw hats in-hand, was enough to inspire religious delight.
St. Francis Parish recently celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary, and, as on every Dec. 12, the church was packed. Little Kaitlyn Melany lovingly yet shyly placed a bouquet of flowers before the statue of Our Lady. One-year-old Ulysses Sanchez slept angelically in the arms of his mother, all gussied up in his costume of Juan Diego with red and green. Katherine and her little sister, Melanie, were both dressed as Our Lady, and they seemed to enjoy the pageantry and the energy of the congregation.
Outside, members of the dance troupe from St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ripley, including Emily Juarez, Sandy Ruiz Martinze, and Giovanni Martinez, moved in time with the thumping of the drum. The faithful sang hymns to Our Lady, giving thanks for her intercession and prayers, then they enjoyed a sumptuous meal as children scurried about with smiles and squeals of joy.
(Galen Holley is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Albany. Contact him at galenholley@gmail.com and watch his “Saint Michael Podcast” on YouTube.)
January 8
Father Bill Cullen
Retired
January 12
Father José Lopez
Retired
Thank you for answering the call!
