Category Archives: Parish News

Obispo de San Diego dice estar ‘asombrado’ al ser nombrado Cardenal

Posted on by
Reply

Por Catholic News Service
SAN DIEGO (CNS) – El cardenal designado Robert W. McElroy dijo a periodistas el 31 de mayo que rezó “una gran oración” cuando se enteró de que se encuentra entre los 21 nuevos cardenales que el papa francisco creará el 27 de agosto.

“Dije varias oraciones porque estaba asombrado y en shock” tras el anuncio, dijo el prelado de 68 años que dirige la diócesis de San Diego. Es el único estadounidense en el grupo que el papa anunció el 29 de mayo.

Monseñor Robert W. McElroy de San Diego conversa con participantes en una sesión de clausura del sínodo sobre jóvenes adultos de la Diócesis de San Diego en la Misión San Diego de Alcalá el 9 de noviembre de 2019. El obispo McElroy estuvo entre los 21 nuevos cardenales nombrados por el papa Francisco el 29 de mayo de 2022 (Foto CNS/David Maung, Diócesis de San Diego)

“Fue una oración en agradecimiento por mi familia y las muchas personas que me han ayudado a formarme a lo largo de los años y una acción de gracias a Dios por todos (su ayuda) en mi vida”, dijo durante una conferencia de prensa de 25 minutos fuera del centro pastoral diocesano.

Después del consistorio, estará entre los 132 cardenales menores de 80 años, que podrán votar en un cónclave. El número de los mayores de 80 años será de 97, elevando el número total de cardenales a 229.

Monseñor McElroy, originario de San Francisco, es el sexto obispo de San Diego. Fue instalado el 15 de abril de 2015. Fue ordenado sacerdote para la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco el 12 de abril de 1980, fue obispo auxiliar de la arquidiócesis desde septiembre de 2010 hasta que fue nombrado para encabezar la Diócesis de San Diego en 2015. El obispo de San Diego dijo a los periodistas que no sabía antes del anuncio del papa que sería nombrado cardenal. Se despertó esa mañana con una avalancha de llamadas, mensajes de texto y correos electrónicos felicitándolo. “Pensé ‘¿Felicidades por qué?'”, dijo.

El cardenal designado McElroy dijo que está profundamente honrado de ser nombrado miembro del Colegio Cardenalicio y también está feliz de saber que se quedará en San Diego. “Eso me encanta”, dijo.
“Había el deseo de tener un cardenal en la costa oeste, así que eso tuvo algo que ver”. Pero dijo que otra razón por la que el papa lo eligió podría ser que San Diego es una diócesis fronteriza con ministerios que reflejan la prioridad que el pontífice otorga a la iglesia y la sociedad que recibe a los inmigrantes y refugiados incondicionalmente.

Papa Francisco tiene una serie de iniciativas que él está tratando de traer a la vida de la iglesia”, dijo el cardenal designado McElroy a los periodistas el 31 de mayo. “Y he tratado de tomar esas iniciativas y sembrarlas aquí”.

Padre Adolfo queda instalado en nuevo Pueblo de Dios

Posted on by
Reply

Por Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – El obispo Joseph Kopacz en Misa de Instalación celebrada en Morton, en la tarde del viernes 3, dio el nombramiento oficial al Padre Adolfo Suárez-Pasillas, nombrado párroco de la parroquia Forest St. Michael y su misión, St. Anne en Newton; parroquia de Paulding St. Michael y administrador del Centro Católico en Morton.

La Misa de instalación fue concelebrada por el Padre Cesar Sanchez con muestras de mucha alegría por parte de los parroquianos que ya conocen el servicio del Padre Adolfo, ya que el mismo ha dirigido su misión por casi un año, desde su asignación el pasado 25 de agosto de 2021, trayendo consigo la experiencia después de servir en St. James Tupelo y St. Richard Madison.

Las misiones en Forest, Newton, Paulding y Morton sirven a muchos inmigrantes, no solo de descendencia Hispana sino también Vietnamitas entre otras nacionalidades, con una historia que viene desde 1996 cuando se inauguró el Centro Católico en Morton con un retiro espiritual dirigido por el padre Jorge Julio Mejía de Bogotá, Colombia, quien estaba de visita en Mississippi y ha ofrecido continuamente Misa dominical y servicios sociales a la creciente comunidad de hispanos residenciados en Morton y sus alrededores.

El padre Adolfo fue ordenado el 11 de mayo de 2019 y tuvo su primera Misa, el día 7 de junio del mismo año, en la parroquia Jesús de Nazaret, en su pueblo natal Jesús Maria, de Aguascalientes en México. Desde pequeño, alrededor de los seis años, el padre Adolfo recuerda querer ser sacerdote y mirar las imágenes de la Biblia de su abuela, cuando no sabía leer. Su abuela y sus tías le enseñaron el mundo de la fe y la oración.

“La primera vez que recuerdo que el sacerdocio me vino a la mente fue cuando tenía alrededor de 6 años. Era domingo, caminaba con mi prima y recuerdo haberle dicho que quería ser sacerdote, recordaba el Padre Adolfo en entrevista con Mississippi Catholic.

Todos esos anhelos de servir, de seguir a Dios y el ejemplo de muchos santos que lo inspiran, San Agustín, San Juan Bosco, San Francisco de Sales, Santa Teresa de Calcuta, San Juan María Vianney, San Francisco de Asís y San Juan Pablo II, “… por la gente, su cercanía con el pueblo de Dios y que con su cuidado causaron un gran impacto en mi vida” y con la ayuda de su devoción a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe acompañaran al Padre Adolfo en esta y nuevas asignaciones de servir al Pueblo de Dios.

MORTON – La Misa de Instalación del Padre Adolfo fue celebrada por el obispo Joseph Kopacz la tarde del viernes 3. La Misa fue concelebrada por el Padre Cesar Sanchez. Al final de la Misa multi ciltural hubo danzas mexicana y vietnamita. (Fotos de Carol Evans)

Mississippi summers provided bishop with many challenges

Posted on by
Reply

From the Archives
By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – As we begin our journey into the lovely days of summer filled with that heat and humidity we treasure so much, I thought I would share some more experiences of Bishop John Gunn’s adventures. These few entries detail his battles with travelling in July on the Gulf Coast, which was once part of our diocese until the Diocese of Biloxi was established in 1977.

The 17 counties that make up the Diocese of Biloxi would have been Deanery VII of this Diocese in Bishop Gunn’s time. It stretches up to Laurel and over to Tylertown. Bishop Gunn enjoyed being on the Gulf and spent a lot of time in Pass Christian. He attributed it to the easier access to rail and road travel from the Coast than Natchez had.

DeLISLE – The interior of Our Lady of Good Hope parish is pictured in Christmas of 1920. Bishop John Gunn takes readers on summer adventure at the parish when he visited in July of 1912. Established in 1872, the church was first destroyed by fire in 1905 and rebuilt by Father René Sorin and ultimately destroyed beyond repair by Hurricane Camille in August 1969. (Photos courtesy of archives)

The week of July 23, 1912, Bishop Gunn, who was only a few months into his tenure as bishop, spent a couple of days visiting DeLisle and its missions. Once again, the entries reflect Bishop Gunn’s dry wit and matter-of-fact demeanor. As a disclaimer, the reader needs to remember this is 110 years ago and conditions would have been different in the state of communities and parishes.

“July 23 – DeLisle and Missions: Big reception at the church – dinner in St. Joseph’s Hall. DeLisle has a long history and is connected with big men. The present Bishop of Oklahoma [Théophile Meerschaert] commenced his missionary career at DeLisle. Father [Alphonse] Ketels, now in Biloxi, followed him and Father [René] Sorin has spent nearly 20 years in the most abject poverty and isolation that it is possible to imagine a priest can have.”

“July 24 – Gave Confirmation after Mass in DeLisle. Gave a lecture at Cuevas at eight o’clock on Wednesday night and got the scare of my life in the house to which I was assigned to sleep after the lecture. It was a little bungalow, and I got the best room in the house and I think I got the concentrated heat of the entire coast.”

“I was wet and tired, and I fell asleep as soon as I could. … In the middle of the night I thought my last hour had come as something got into the bed with me and fought me like a tiger. I had nothing but a sheet covering me and in my surprise, to get the bed all to myself I rolled the sheet round the visitor and we had an unequal tussle.”

“It seems a big Scotch Collie had been accustomed to sleep in the bed and had not been notified of the change of occupants. I rolled the sheet ‘round the collie who objected to the familiarity and frightened me thoroughly before I let him loose.”

“July 25 – I gave Confirmation in Cuevas or Pineville. After the Mass and Confirmation and a sermon, I felt as if I had been pulled out of the ocean and it was then I was told that I had to see all the people.”

“I was wet – the church itself was the reception room. The Protestant idea of using the church for everything obtains unfortunately in Mississippi when actual service is not going on. For a little while, I endured the handshaking and the heat, but I begged the priest to get me somewhere where I could get rid of my wet clothes and effect a change at least in parts.”

DeLISLE – Our Lady of Good Hope parish was served by Father René Sorin, from 1896 until his death on Feb. 6, 1955.

“There was no available spot in the church nor in the sacristy, nor behind the altar – nor anywhere and I found my wet clothes now growing cold. Finally, the priest asked me if I would use a kind of closet that was in the sacristy. The closet was about three feet square and contained a barrel in which all the things the ladies of the Altar Society did not want the Bishop to see – old flowers, old candles, broken vases, etc., but I was glad to get even there to get out of my wet clothes.”

“I was progressing rapidly and quickly, when I looked at a slit in the closet and there to my horror, I saw a snake looking right into my eyes. About four or five inches of him stuck to the wall and the rest of him hissed at me.”

“I did not take long to beat a retreat and I never thought I could be such a coward. Irishmen and snakes don’t agree.”

So, I sit here in my air-conditioned office, thinking of those mid-summer days growing up without this luxury and how we managed to endure it. Then I imagine the most likely wool-suited Bishop Gunn perspiring in buckets in his missions throughout the diocese – fending off creatures in the night and slithering snakes in closets – to be shepherd to his sheep. God bless him.

As we make the slide into the heat and humidity of Mississippi’s summer through the traditional doorway of Memorial Day weekend, let us remember to offer prayers and thanks for all who have served our country and paid the ultimate price on the battlefields of the world. Bishop Gunn, who loved three things – his Catholic faith, his Irish heritage, and his American citizenship – would expect that of us. Amen.

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

Knights award Family of the Year

Posted on by
Reply
MADISON – The late Mart Bisek of Madison was not present to receive the award for Family of the Year with his wife Ginger at the Annual Knights of Columbus State Convention in Robinsonville on April 23. Mart lost his battle to cancer before the convention, but he left behind a dedicated spouse, two grown children and grandchildren, and a legacy of service and dedication to faith, family, life and community that will live on forever.

As this year’s recipients of the State Knights of Columbus Family of the Year, Mart and Ginger served the Lord in four local parishes over the years and led ministries that provided for many of the people of God.

Mart served in many leadership roles in the Knights through the years while Ginger served as officer and charter member of the KC Ladies Auxiliary and chaired the Giving Tree Ministry for many years. Together, they helped many in the community. Mart also served as CEO of Gleaners for 12 years and Ginger volunteered for 10 years at Our Daily Bread in Canton and Hope Hollow for 12 years. “The Bisek family are truly role models of how a family should use their time, talent and treasure in support of the church and the community,” said Ned Darbonne of Grand Knight Council 11934 Gluckstadt.

Pictured left to right, David Madere, Ginger Bisek and Ned Darbonne. (Photo courtesy Ned Darbonne)

Senior Wellness Resources

Posted on by
Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

****

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

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

****

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

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

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

St. Francis of Assisi School in Greenwood closing doors permanently

Posted on by
Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holy Ghost celebrates 113 years of mission

Posted on by
Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crucifix finds home, Natchez archives attempt to solve mystery of blessed nail

Posted on by
Reply

From the Archives
By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – In the last article we visited with some statues that had found new homes after being displaced. This week I would like to introduce you to a couple of crucifixes that are connected with two churches dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

First, we have the crucifix that adorned St. Mary Church in West Jackson. The parish was merged with St. Therese Parish in 2015. St. Mary Church was completed in the mid-1950s and stood regally on Claiborne Avenue for 60 years, but early on Yazoo Clay began to take a toll on the foundation of the structure. The rise of suburbia took a toll on the size of the congregation and ultimately the difficult decision was made to close St. Mary’s and merge it with St. Therese.

NATCHEZ – A crucifix was discovered by St. Mary Basilica Archives Committee in the original crypt area in the lower level of the church in early 2012. The committee attempted to locate a “blessed nail” thought to be “preserved in the Sacred Feet,” according to note from Bishop Elder dated May 3, 1869. (Photo by Mike Murphy)

We featured St. Mary’s statues previously as mentioned, but the actual dismantling of the high altar and finding a home for the crucifix that graced it was a daunting challenge. Eventually, we made contact with Father Tommy Conway of the Diocese of Biloxi, who was tasked with establishing a new parish ironically in a suburb outside of Hattiesburg.

The corpus was wooden with a long crack down the torso. It was attached to one-inch-thick green now very brittle marble. Therefore, the corpus was removed separately and mounted to a wooden frame for transport to the new parish which was dedicated to St. Fabian.

It was the last item loaded into the 18-wheeler full of crated marble, tabernacle, and candlesticks. As in Caravaggio’s Deposition, the salvage crew reverently carried the Crucified Christ to the bed of the trailer and gently laid him down on a padded cloth. The door slid down like the stone rolled before the tomb.
I have to say it was a very powerful moment for all of us working there that morning. Watching the truck pull away knowing the Lord was entombed in it brought a silence upon us and tears trickled out of the corner of eyes down cheeks.

Our second featured crucifix now hangs on the wall in the St. Mary Basilica family life center in Natchez. In early 2012, the crucifix was discovered by Basilica Archives Committee members in the original crypt area in the lower level of the church. It was mounted on a wall and showed the signs of its age and a few botched repair efforts.

One of the wonderful aspects of archives life is the people one encounters. St. Mary Basilica Archives Committee is a group of extremely dedicated individuals who have taken the reins of creating an amazing local archive, which is a shining example of love for our faith and our traditions.

Immediately the committee, led at that time by Chairman Jimmy Guercio, resolved to have the sacred object researched and restored. According to an article by Guercio on the Basilica Archives web page, there was no real documentation on the crucifix anywhere. The only mention of a large crucifix being in the church was from Bishop William Henry Elder’s note dated May 3, 1869, that a “blessed nail” was “preserved in the Sacred Feet of the large crucifix…in the Cathedral…”

JACKSON – The crucifix that adorned St. Mary parish in West Jackson found a new home outside of Hattiesburg. Great care was taken to dismantle the high altar and transport the Crucified Christ. (Photos courtesy of archives)

Coincidentally, the Conrad Schmitt design and restoration company, which had restored the Basilica in 2001, was wrapping up its renovations of the Cathedral in Jackson. Wil Kolstad, the lead artisan for the Cathedral project, was sent to Natchez to restore the crucifix.

Prior to completing the process, the mystery of the blessed nail needed to be solved. Therefore, Guercio, Kolstad and other committee members accompanied the corpus across the river to a diagnostic imaging center in Vidalia. The whole process of the patient Jesus being scanned was documented by committee photographer Mike Murphy.

Unfortunately, the scan did not reveal a nail in the feet, but it does reflect the fine dedication of the Basilica Archives Committee and its commitment to document the faith and tradition of the church of Natchez and our diocese. I hope these accounts of our sacred objects will inspire in you, the reader, a sense of Catholicity and a love for the deep and sacred spiritual traditions of our church. There is nothing else like it on this earth; it can only be heaven sent.

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